Double Happiness Nirvana

Handmade in Manila, the Philippines, The Double Happiness brand debuted in 1995. Our panel is of the belief that there are only a few Philippine cigars worth smoking including the Double Happiness line and the Fighting Cock stogies featured last month. The Philippines are gaining a reputation as one of the most reliable and high quality makers of premium cigars. An interesting and exotic blend, the Double Happiness cigars have a smooth, mild taste with an incredibly easy draw. Offering an intriguing blend of Isabela Superior Fina from the Philippines, the Double Happiness provides a full, very distinct and pronounced taste that will please many regular smokers but may overwhelm the more casual cigar lover. The Nirvana (6" x 52) sports a Connecticut shade wrapper and a Philippine binder and filler. Each is box-pressed in the traditional Cuban style, and each band is an attractive and unique replica of original Philippine art. SMOKE magazine rated Double Happiness very highly, saying "buy these in bulk - Recommended."

Immediately note an oil, smooth wrapper with some veins evident in the samples we received. We found the Nirvana to draw exceptionally easy and to offer a cool, even burn. Note a solid, very likeable and simple taste. It's clean and not overpowering. Double Happiness offers a mild smoke. We picked up hints of nuttiness and some definite earthy tones. Look for a mild, pleasant finish. Overall, a solid, very well constructed little smoke worthy of a test-drive if you've never smoked Philippine tobacco. Consider pairing it up with your favorite Pale Ale.