Cuvee Blanc Robusto

You're probably familiar with the term "cuvee" from the wine industry. We note it mostly (though not often) on champagne bottles, but you'll occasionally see "cuvee" on wine bottles, as well. Note the label on this cigar, with its gold star and trim, is similar in style to labels often seen on champagne bottles. The word is used to indicate a vintage blend—one made from only the finest grapes. "Cuvee" on a label means it's a high-quality wine or champagne. Cuvee Blanc Robustos are produced with a very limited super-premium tobacco that undergoes a painstaking blending and quality control process. Thus the name. The cigar's blend consists of aged Honduran and Dominican long-filler leaves that have been hand selected and represent the top ten percent of the crop. The wrapper is a toothy USA-grown Connecticut Shade. Note its beautiful oily sheen. Toast the foot and smell cedar and spice. Panelists found the first few draws loaded with flavor. Look for large volumes of smoke, a firm ash, an excellent draw, and an even burn. At the start, we noted a distinct floral flavor, but it fades a bit around the half-inch mark. The Cuvee Blanc then settles in to the creamy and luxurious smoke it is. A slight spiciness adds character to the overall experience. It's not by any means a full-bodied cigar, but it is a solid medium-bodied smoke that unquestionably delivers lots of flavor. This is a great after-dinner cigar and worthy of a V.S.O.P. cognac.