Felipe Gregorio Dominicana

The Felipe Gregorio line of cigars is beloved the world over. Founder Philip Wynne, was born and raised in Switzerland. After graduating from college and working a number of years in the Middle East selling helicopters, he decided to start his own cigar business in 1988. Because he grew up in Europe where Cuban cigars were legal, when he decided to get into the cigar business, the haunting flavors of all the Cuban cigars smoked in his youth were still vivid on his palate. He wanted to produce cigars similar to the many Cuban brands he grew up with; in other words, strong. Made in the Dominican Republic, the Felipe Dominicana series was the first Felipe Gregorio cigar made outside of his Nicaraguan factories. Philip was led to the Dominican Republic by none other than Frank Sinatra. Mr. Harvey Chaplin, the owner of Southern Wine & Spirits, contacted Philip and told him that they had chosen Felipe Gregorio to make a cigar that would carry Frank Sinatra’s name. He was doubly honored—not only was he to make the cigar, but Sinatra himself insisted that the box read “Sinatra by Felipe Gregorio”. Frank’s people had only one, small request—that the cigar be made in the Dominican Republic. Philip explained to them that he had no factory there and they simply told him to build one. We’ve heard it was tough to say no to Frank’s “people”, and Philip wasn’t about to reject the honor and opportunity. Thus, Tabacalera Real de Felipe Gregorio was born. Rolled with Havana-seed Nicaraguan filler, Dominican Piloto Cubano binder and an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf, these cigars are mild-to-medium-bodied, with a creamy, peppery taste and wonderful aroma. Note the excellent construction—seamless and smooth with the perfect amount of oil in the wrapper. It delivers an earthy complexity with plenty of spicy coffee bean flavors and aromas with peppery, oaken notes. Very rich tasting, creamy, robust, yet extremely smooth as a result of the use of 1999 Tabacage. Expect a finish that is spicy and woody, with a subtle nuttiness. Enjoy it with a Madeira wine—we suggest Opici.