Fittipaldi Vintage Maduro

As you might have guessed, The Fittipaldi line is owned by the world-renowned Brazilian Formula 1 driver, Emerson Fittipaldi – the winner of the Indy 500 in 1989 and 1993 and two Formula 1 world championships in 1972 and 1974. Emerson teamed up with the legendary cigar makers Augusto Reyes and Tom Sullivan to produce a cigar brand worthy of his name and reputation. His first line of cigars, the Vintage Cameroon, a great smoke in its own right, was first offered back in 1993. But our panel really favored the Vintage Maduro this month, which was introduced at the 1999 RTDA show. This toro is a Dominican puro, offering a flavor-packed blend of Dominican binder and filler tobaccos as well as a handsome Dominican broadleaf maduro wrapper. Immediately note an oily, rich, dark maduro wrapper on this box pressed cigar. Look for a complex flavor, including hints of pepper, an herbal earthiness, and coffee followed up with a dry, woody aftertaste. Overall, an excellent smoke offering a complex flavor profile! Consider pairing this one up with a full-bodied Merlot.