El Rico Habana Corona Suprema

If your first thought was, “La Gloria Cubana,” you’d have been close. The El Rico Habano by La Gloria Habano is the lesser known, but even fuller-flavored, stronger blend made by Ernesto Carillo of La Gloria Cubana fame. Made in Santiago, Dominican Republic, this line of cigars is among the most robust premiums on the market and closely resembles those Cuban-made beauties in appearance and flavor. The secret is the full-bodied blend of Nicaraguan long-leaf fillers and binder. This toro is wrapped in a Connecticut grown, reddish-brown, Colorado-hued wrapper, which helps provide this smoke with its full, yet surprisingly smooth, flavor. We found this cigar to offer rich, earthy flavors and hints of leather and wood. Rated an ‘89’ by Cigar Aficionado’s Insider, we truly enjoyed this cigar, and know you will too (but best wait until you’ve filled your belly with a good meal before sitting down to this one). Great with a serious Barley wine; might we suggest three of our favorites? The Stone Brewing Company’s Old Guardian Barley Wine, Great Divide B.C.’s Old Ruffian, or Victory B.C.’s Old Horizontal. All greats in their own right, they’re only enhanced when enjoyed with a cigar of this caliber.