601 White Connecticut
Churchill
Nicaragua 7.0” x 502 Medium 93-Rated
One word comes to mind when I hold this cigar: beautiful. The chestnut-hued Ecuador Connecticut wrapper is flawless and fitted with a triple-cap, in true Cuban form. The cigar is perfectly rolled, solid from head to toe and sits heavy in the hand. Then there’s the flavor, a rich bevy of wood and cream, complemented by nuts and a touch of sweetness from the wrapper. The Churchill burns slow and cool, offering a buttery-smooth bouquet from start to finish.
Bugatti Ambassador
Toro
Dominican Republic 6.0” x 54 Medium 91-Rated
An oily Habano wrapper from Ecuador blankets this Toro from Bugatti, hugging a 4-country blend of tobaccos from the Dominican, Nicaragua, Brazil and the United States (Pennsylvania). The superior balance in flavor leads me to believe each leaf has been aged significantly, followed by an extensive post-roll nap. The smoke is thick and creamy, imparting a rich core of flavors. I get sweet oak and cashew, just before a pleasant spice lingers after each puff
Henry Clay Limited Edition 2018
Perfecto
Honduras 5.75” x 52 Medium-Full 93-Rated
Disclaimer: This is not your grandaddy’s Henry Clay. Not by a longshot. The Perfecto shape is perfectly sculpted, exhibiting a complex yet balanced flavor and profile throughout. The Habano 2000 wrapper offers a rustic, earthy nuance reminiscent of Cuban cigars, just before its long-leaf mix of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos coat the palate with roasted espresso bean, toasted cedar and sweet cream. I’d consider this cigar medium in body, but many will find it to be medium to full.
Hoyo La Amistad Silver
Pancho
Nicaragua 5.5” x 52 Full 94-Rated
This cigar had me at AJ Fernandez. I personally love his cigars, and Hoyo La Amistad Silver is no different. I’ve had about a dozen since it arrived, and find the Pancho to be my favorite vitola. The Ecuador wrapper is rich and hearty. The Nicaraguan blend of long-fillers is equally rich – Esteli leaves imparting a dense core of cocoa, coffee and spice, and Condega leaves offering a gentle sweetness and wonderful aroma. Lots of flavor, with a full-bodied profile to match.
RoMa Craft CroMagnon Aquitaine
EMH Robusto Extra
Nicaragua 5.0” x 56 Full 92-Rated
Easily the most complex cigar in the bunch, this 56-ring Robusto dishes out a hefty dose of spice throughout the burn thanks to a bold ligero wrapper grown from Habano seeds. Underneath, a Cameroon wrapper offers a slight nutty influence, while securing 3 different Nicaraguan long-fillers. During the burn, the cigar gradually grows stronger, hitting the full-bodied range while dishing out notable hints of white pepper, earth, leather and sweet cedar. Satisfying.
