Fighting Cock Churchill

Contrary to what some of you might be thinking, we didn't include this cigar in your shipment for the sole purpose of giving you an opportunity to wise crack with your friends (for example, they ask, "whatcha enjoyin' there buddy?" and you reply "oh, just my big ol' Fighting Cock Churchill…") While it's a heck of a lot of fun to see people's reactions when this inevitably happens, this originally Philippines-produced cigar is genuinely tasty, well-worthy of being featured in our club. And its name actually comes from the Philippine national sport of cock-fighting, not some cheesy marketing ploy. Some years ago, however, production was moved to Nicaragua, where the masters at Felipe Gregorio are now responsible for their creation. Always recognized for consistency, every one that our panel members have ever smoked over the years has been very well constructed and wrapped to just the right firmness, offering a nearly perfect draw. We found the churchill to have a wonderful, medium-to-full-body, with a Habano wrapper, Indonesian binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers that will lead to a complex tobacco taste with unmistakable notes of leather. Look for a complex aroma with some strong spicy and cedar notes, pleasantly balanced by a lightly herbal finish. Consider pairing this one with a Stout.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.