Gurkha's Castle Hall Robusto

It's sad to think about all the great Cuban cigar brands went the way of the dinosaur after Castro's regime nationalized the industry. Extinction befell many a solid smoke, including the venerable Castle Hall brand. But, thanks to Gurkha's K. Hansotia and some 'creative genetics' a-la-Jurassic Park-style, these gentle giants have been brought back to roam the Earth once again! We just love seeing these old Cuban brands restored to their former glory. Between Hansotia's masterful blending and the attractive, embossed and vibrantly-colored label--typical of anything bearing his name--it's a memorable revival indeed. We found the blend medium-bodied with bold, heady flavors that run from sweet clove-like notes to leathery earthiness, and it tends to grow in strength as it burns. Its thick, patiently aged Grade 'A' Honduran wrapper burns slow and cool. Look for soothing, creamy notes on the palate with flourishes of roasted nuts lingering after each puff. A little time in the humidity and these smokes will be even more impressive. This stogie pairs well with a pungent peaty single malt such as Lagavulin or Laphroaig.

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.