Villiger 125th Habano Churchill

Villiger Sons Limited was founded by Jean Villiger in 1888 in the small Swiss town of Pfeffikon where their headquarters remain to this day – we think it’s safe to say that after 133 years, they know a few things about crafting high-quality cigars. Villiger cigars may not be a household name here in the United States, but throughout the world they are incredibly popular. Although Villiger is mostly known for their machine-made cigars, trust us when we say their handmades are a force to be reckoned with, some with high ratings and some even making Cigar of the Year lists. The 125th Habano is also one for the books. Hailing from Nicaragua, this smoke features Nicaraguan long-fillers and a Nicaraguan binder, and is topped with an Ecuadorian 2009 Habano wrapper leaf. Medium to full in body, you’ll find notes of rich earth, slight spice, and hints of pepper. Complex and interesting, pair this smoke with a Flor de Caña Centenario 18.

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.