Xikar HC Connecticut

Until recently, Xikar was only known for their lifetime guaranteed high-end cigar accessories. Then, a few short years ago, Xikar started making its own premium cigar line that over the last few years has had 90+ ratings! The band on the cigar features palm trees that are meant to represent the El Corojo farm in Cuba where the style of the tobacco used in this cigar was developed. Part of the HC (Havana Collection) line, the Xikar HC Connecticut handmade is five-years in the making and features a gorgeous Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Underneath is a zesty Sumatra binder that ties together a bouquet of Costa Rican, Mexican, and Nicaraguan aged long leafs. The result is a stunning and complex mild to medium bodied profile of cedar, cashews, cream and hints of sweetness. As spring is in full swing, enjoy it on the patio with your favorite wheat beer.

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.