Cu-Avana

Manuel Quesada of Manufactura de Tobacos S.A. (MATSA) is the legendary cigar maker behind Cu-Avana and numerous other renowned brands. Seasoned veterans of the tobacco industry, the Quesada family entered the business in Cuba as leaf brokers for everything from cigarette tobacco to cigars, becoming one of the major exporters of Cuban tobacco. They also had a presence in the Dominican Republic where they had been trading tobacco for years. In 1960 they were forced into exile, and capitalized on their relationships in the Dominican Republic by transferring their entire business there. Soon, they expanded to cigar manufacture and today they're well known the world over for their premium offerings and uncompromising commitment to consistency in construction and flavor. Note the smooth, golden Connecticut shade wrapper draping this mild-to-medium-bodied Dominican beauty. Long-fillers from the lush Cibao Valley region of the Dominican Republic provide a dry, woody character to this smoke, with hints of coffee and creamy spiciness that pick up as you get about 2 inches in. Note a very pleasant woody aroma and non-lingering, clean finish with a unique lemon-like herbal quality developing late. It is this last note that makes this a good partner to a gin & tonic.