Gispert Churchill

Prior to 1950, Gispert commanded a substantial market share among Cuba's finest and was consistently among the top five most highly rated Cuban cigar brands. But with Castro's rise to power and the subsequent trade embargos, business was hit hard, and Gispert was one of those fine sticks that suffered considerably. In the hands of the state-run tobacco industry, brand quality diminished and its popularity waned, leading to a near death experience for the former giant. Several years ago Altadis, makers of Saint Luis Rey and a host of other top-notch brands, decided to bring Gispert back to its original grandeur. Revamped, repackaged and revived, the Gispert Churchill can rightly claim its proud heritage. Combining the great Cuban-seed tobaccos grown in Honduras and Nicaragua with Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Gispert in its renaissance is a cut above the original blend. Not surprisingly, it made Cigar Aficionado magazine's "Top 20 cigars for 2006" list. For the few surviving folks who remember the original pre-Castro Gispert, the new incarnation brings back the nostalgia of days gone by. We found it to be flawlessly constructed, with a smooth, oily appearance and the sleek commanding presence we've come to know and love in a premium Churchill. Expect a creamy, mild-to-medium-bodied smoke with hints of sweetness and cedar throughout. An overall mellow cigar, the draw and burn were perfect. Enjoy this gentle giant with your favorite cup of java (or two) and the Sunday morning paper.