Cu-Avana by Fonseca

Legendary cigar maker, Manuel Quesada of Manufactura de Tobacos S.A. (MATSA), has been in the cigar business his entire life. In Cuba, the Quesada family were leaf brokers for everything from cigarette tobacco to cigars, and one of the major exporters of Cuban tobacco to the world market. When they were forced into exile in 1960, they transferred their entire business to the Dominican Republic, where they had been buying and selling tobacco for years. It didn't take long before they began manufacturing cigars. While other cigar manufacturers have been engaged in multimillion-dollar purchases or building huge new factories, Manuel Quesada of has quietly been building his business. In addition to the cigar featured this month, Manuel also manufactures several other highly regarded brands including, Licenciados, Cubita, Romeo y Julieta, Jose Benito, Royal Dominicana brands, Casa Blanca, and Credo. Note a smooth, inviting Connecticut shade wrapper in this mild Dominican beauty. Look for a dry, woody character, hints of coffee and spice that pick up as you get into the cigar. Note a very pleasant woody aroma and non-lingering dry finish. A perfect accompaniment to scotch on the rocks or a full-bodied Merlot.