Onyx Reserve Mini

Just about perfect—that’s our take on this pulchritudinous gem of a cigar. Another square-pressed black stallion of a stogie, the Onyx Reserve line is as flavorful as it is dark. Rated a stunning ‘94’ by Cigar Aficionado, this is a rich, full-bodied cigar wrapped with a blackened Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper encasing a combination of Dominican, Nicaraguan and exotic Peruvian long-leaf fillers, all tethered together by a Nicaraguan binder. Produced by Altadis USA, owner of many an enviable cigar line, this cigar is another one to add to their must have list of smokes. This giant sells over two billion cigars each year and holds nearly 40% of the market share in the US. They currently employ more than 5,500 people. Their production facilities form a global network and can be found everywhere from Honduras, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil and Holland. Leaf supplies are obtained from growers in every part of the world. The company also grows some of its own tobacco in Honduras and Connecticut. Yet unlike some of the corporate giants we’ve grown to dislike in the gourmet trade industry, Altadis continues to deliver hand-crafted super premium cigars. Case-in-point: Onyx. Note the fine crystals on the wrapper—a sign of extensive aging. Look for earthy notes, mild spiciness and a moderate pepperiness at the back of the throat. Undeniably aged in cedar, woodsy flavors are unmistakable. Aniversario Pampero rum, a robust porter or dry stout will each suit this cigar nicely in their own unique fashions. Cheers!