CA Report: Top New Cigars (Jan 20 2020)
It’s colder than a tin toilet seat in Tibet out there. But nothing thaws your frozen soul like a burning tobacco treat. And wouldn’t you know it…we’ve got five new cigars for your smoking pleasure. You’re welcome!
Don Lino’s Africa makes a stunning comeback – and we’ve got more on the way from Romeo y Julieta, Crowned Heads, and Balmoral. Crank up the thermostat and prepare to defrost in the most flavorful way possible.
And if you happen to be smoking something that didn’t make our list, let us know about it in the comments below!
CIGAR SPOTLIGHT: OUR MUST-SMOKE CIGAR OF THE WEEK
Don Lino Africa
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano 2000
Binder: African Cameroon
Filler: Piloto Dominicano and Nicaraguan Ometepe, Jalapa, and Esteli
We bless the seeds out of Africa… After nearly a decade-long hiatus, Don Lino Africa is back, and with a contemporary edge, thanks to AJ Fernandez. Sweet, savory, complex, spicy, and smooth…this cigar has a little bit of everything. And that’s not surprising given Africa’s ensemble of six diverse, full-flavored tobaccos. It may be an overdue treat, but it’s clearly been worth the wait. Just don’t blame us when Toto begins playing mysteriously in the background.
Romeo y Julieta 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Connecticut Shade
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Getting out of bed is tough. Getting out of bed amid the late January freeze is near impossible…until now. RyJ’s 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua gives you a creamy, a.m. smoke to help wake you up. It’s creamy, nuanced, and overflowing with cedar, earth, butter, and gentle spices. And that silky Connecticut Shade wrapper? It’s been aged to perfection over three long years. You might have been seeing your breath as you shivered down the hall each morning, but now, you’ll just be seeing delicious smoke.
Balmoral Paso Doble
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican Republic
It’s just about game time. Before the big kickoff, you’re going to need a cigar strong and flavorful enough to smoke in celebration…or maybe to stave off the tears. Balmoral Paso Doble is full-bodied with poignant peppers, nuts, earth, and spices – yet smooth to the core. This blend brings the goods no matter which team you’re cheering. And they’ll be WAY better than that overhyped J-Lo halftime show. Guaranteed.
Balmoral Añejo XO Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Brazilian Habano
Filler: Dominican Olor, Nicaragua Esteli, Brazilian Mata Norte
That August vacation is still seven plus months away. That’s far too long to wait. Why not live vicariously with Balmoral Añejo XO Nicaragua right now? Tobaccos from Nicaragua, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic deliver all the full-flavored tropical appeal you can get without hopping on a plane. Sweet spices, pepper, nuts, earth, and fruit are all there for your enjoyment. If you can’t get to the beach yet, bring the beach life to you.
Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Full Court Press
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
March Madness will be upon us before we know it, and no cigar will get you pumped like Full Court Press. Fans of the original Court Reserve XVIII will find the same blend they know and love, now in a box-pressed format. Bold swaths of raisins, coffee, earth, nuts, and even a hint of cream work in tandem to deliver the goods. Kick back and enjoy one while watching your favorite team. Even if they don’t win your heart, chances are this cigar will!
Want more? Check out our Top New Cigars summary video here: