Balmoral Royal Selection EMS

The Balmoral line is manufactured by the Agio Caribbean Tobacco Company Ltd., located in San Pedro de Macoris, in the south eastern corner of the Dominican Republic in between the country's capital Santo Domingo and the village of La Romana. The line has been in production for just over 100 years for distribution in Europe, however has just recently been introduced to the US market in February of 1998. In addition to the shapes you’ll sample this month, the line is also available in a Churchill, Corona, Lonsdale, Panatela and Robusto and available in EMS, Sumatran and Maduro wrappers. The only cigar in the line to have been rated by Cigar Aficionado was the EMS robusto in the Winter 1998 issue in which the cigar was rated an 85, the same rating as Arturo Fuentes’ Rothchild. The Royal Selection EMS torpedo filler and binder tobaccos are a selection of premium tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Brazil and the ever important wrapper leaf is Connecticut Seed, Ecuadorian Shade grown. The binder is made of Dominican Olor. The fuller, richer maduro wrapper tobacco is grown in Brazil. We found the line to be well balanced, smooth, mild-to-medium-bodied and rich with flavor. Our panel favored the Torpedoes sampled and that’s why you’ll have the opportunity to taste two of the three torpedoes offered in the line this month. For more information about the Balmoral Cigar line, call them at (888)-867-2446.

Immediately note a smooth, even colored, aesthetically inviting wrapper. We found the draw easy and the construction excellent. Firm in the hand and holds its ash very well. Look for a spicy, pleasing aroma up front in this medium-bodied Dominican. Note a classic Dominican spiciness with wonderful cedar tones emerging as you get into the cigar and plenty of smoke volume. We’d liken it to either the Dunhill or Ashton brands. Note a creamy, spicy finish. Overall, volumes of easy drawing smoke with great cedar and spice flavors throughout. Consider pairing it with your favorite Single Malt Scotch.