Featured Cigars - December 2016

Legendary brands often come with unrealistic expectations but this one shouldn’t disappoint on any level. Note the stout, solid construction and tight fitting cap. It’s not particularly soft, nor is it overly firm. As Goldilocks might say, the craftsmanship is “just right.” The Cameroon wrapper smells sweet and wonderful. Expect this stick to light easily and produce delicious smoke—with notes of pepper and spice—right out of the gate. Midway...

Starting out as an entertainment lawyer and slowly making the transition into cigar maker, Rocky Patel not only made it through the cigar boom of the 1990s but has settled into being one of the most renowned cigar makers around. The Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 is the third installment of the unparalleled success of the Vintage line, and has ratings of 90+. Unlike its counterparts from the same line, the ’99 Vintage isn’t boxed pressed and...

Ave Maria is known for its exquisite label art and packaging and the Ave Maria Reconquista you have in your shipment is a prime example. The first thing you will notice is the box or ‘coffin’ (as it’s commonly known in the cigar industry) which is made of cedar. When you open the coffin a little piece of wood is attached to the top that raises the cigar up just enough to be able to pick it up. The cigar itself is just as stunning as the...

Since its creation, the Padilla brand has continued to earn high ratings, receive top honors, and wow enthusiasts at the same time. Created by brothers Ernesto and Carlos Padilla, they are dedicated to perfection and use what they refer to as “lost or forgotten” old-Cuban traditions in order to create an outstanding premium handmade cigar. To them, attention to detail is paramount, so Ernesto and Carlos personally observe each cigar as it...

The substantial Siglos received a sterling 92 point rating from Cigar Aficionado when it was unveiled in 2006. Originally known as ‘Three Siglos’, Gran Habano changed the name in 2009 to ‘3 SLS’ due to a trademark dispute. Its filler contains three types of ligero from three different countries—Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Columbia. The binder is...

Expertly crafted, you don’t have to roll the dice on this cigar or place any bets because it’s already a jackpot! Debuting at the 2013 IPCPR show, the Casino Gold HRS was created in Honduras by the legendary cigar master blenders Nestor Plasencia Sr. & Jr. Just by looking at it, you can see the excellent construction with its impeccable single cap and the gorgeous Nicaraguan Jalapa wrapper that secures a Honduran cameroon binder and Honduran...

Diamond Crown Maximus which, like its counterpart, has received numerous 90+ ratings. The Maximus starts with a unique and gorgeous chocolate brown Ecuadorian El Bajo Sungrown wrapper from the Oliva family’s farm which secures a Dominican binder and expertly aged Dominican long-fillers. Full flavored and bold, expect medium to full-bodied notes of cedar, espresso, and earth with a sweet finish. Pair this stogie with a single malt...

One of his strongest cigars to date, the Nat Sherman 1930 has received a very well deserved 90-rating from Cigar Aficionado. Handmade in the Dominican Republic by cigar master Manuel Quesada, this one of a kind stogie starts with a zesty chestnut brown wrapper, followed by a bold Dominican binder and a rich blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers. Medium to full bodied, this handmade has notes of spice, cocoa, and pepper with a smooth...

When Eduardo Fernandez purchased Tropical Tobacco from legendary cigar master blender Pedro Martin, he changed the name to Tabacalera Tropical, moved locations, and then started Casa Fernandez to rave reviews and critical acclaim. After receiving a 92-point rating and being named the #11 cigar of the year in 2011 for his debut, Casa Fernandez Miami, Eduardo decided to make a bolder, darker, and richer counterpart, the Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva...