CA Report: Top New Cigars (April 12 2021)
And just like that…spring kicks into high gear! I’ve got my firepit primed, my coolers out of storage, and my sweaters packed away. It’s short sleeves and sunglasses from here on out because this time of year is damn near perfect. Low humidity. Warm days. Comfortable nights. It’s something we talk about a lot in the spring months, because in normal times when we aren’t cooped-up in quarantine, we’re already champing at the bit to get out and about. After a 2020 winter…let’s just say I’m gonna need the strongest, longest cigar you’ve got times two…
In the humidor this week is a trio of new cigars from three big names – Montecristo, Punch, and Gran Habano. Follow me for a quick review of each and discover if one – or all of them – are destined for a spot in your humidor.
Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua
Wrapper: Proprietary Nicaragua
Binder: Proprietary Nicaragua
Filler: Proprietary Nicaragua
Most anniversary sticks commemorate a year, but Montecristo 1935 Anniversary emulates the original blend from Monte’s first cigars in 1935. How’d they get it done? With intense scrutiny, the Grupo de Maestros – a crack team of super blenders – in collaboration with Rafael Nodal, Head of Product Capability at Tabacalera USA. The all-Nicaraguan blend they selected was grown on AJ Fernandez’ farms and is kept under lock and key; no one’s spilling the beans. I’ve never had a cigar from 1935 – but I do know what this one tastes like: full-bodied, and nicely balanced with sweet spices, earth, and a splash of wood and black coffee. It burned extraordinarily well next to the fire in my yard, and I’m sure it would do as well in yours.
Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona (New Size!)
Wrapper: U.S. Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Gran Habano Blue In Green brings back good memories. It was my first panel review and it led to me finding a companion Connecticut that I’ve kept stock in my humidor ever since. For smaller-ringed cigar fans like me, the addition of Gran Habano Blue in Green Corona is exciting. Like its larger ring siblings, Blue In Green Corona (6” x 44) is medium bodied with layers of citrus, earth, cedar and light sweetness. You get more flavor from the wrapper this time around, so it’s definitely creamier, more vibrant, and comes with a small – yet satisfying boost in spiciness. Most people say cigars are for breakfast or dinner…but Blue In Green Corona has lunch written all over it.
Punch Diablo Gusto Tubes (New Size!)
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra Oscuro
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras Ligero
They say the Devil is in the details, but in the case of Punch Diablo’s new Gusto Tubes, it’s still in the name and the tobaccos. With no need to fix what wasn’t broken, the factory whizzes at AJ Fernandez have kept the blend the same. You’ll still find that bold profile of dark earth, wood, pepper, coffee, and leather. What has changed? The size and packaging. Most of the original Diablo vitolas leaned on the big ring side – the smallest measuring a 54. The Gusto is a 5” x 52, putting it in the Robusto category. Additionally, the tube conveniently keeps the cigar protected whether it’s in your humidor, or your pocket on the way to the next smoking session.