CA Report: Top New Cigars (July 22 2019)
Ah, the heart of summer. Long, warm days, icy cold brews in the cooler, and more importantly, flavorful cigars that percolate the surrounding vicinity with decadent aromas. There’s no question that this is the best season for smoking, but what if your cigars just aren’t hitting the mark anymore? If not, it’s time to venture out into the sea of new releases, and in this edition of Top New Cigars, we have six sticks that are ready to work their way into your regular rotation. Crowned Heads, Montecristo, and Alec Bradley start things off, followed by a mid-section of boutique flavors from Espinosa and Crux, with a Dominican finale from Amos de Santiago. Join me on an adventure to find the most up and coming tobacco guilty pleasures…
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Mule Kick LE 2019
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
It sure seems like Crowned Heads is producing their fill of limited-edition cigars these days, but then again, we’re not complaining. For this year’s offering of Four Kicks Mule Kick Limited Edition, you’re given a taste of exotic Sumatra wrapper leaves that imbue a complex medley of spice, pepper, and sweetness with a long, tasty finish. And who said that rarities had to be expensive when you can get one of these gems for less than 10 bills a pop?
Montecristo Espada Oscuro
Wrapper: Nicaragua Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
I don’t think there’s anyone among us who watched a great sword fight in a film as a kid without dreaming of having those skills. Montecristo Espada Oscuro embraces that theme – even Espada itself is Spanish for sword – allowing you to live vicariously through some beautiful box and band art, and an even better smoke. Rich notes of chocolate essence duel with hearty spices and a creamy smoothness to extend a full-bodied welcome to your palate. For what it’s worth, this is one of my personal favorite newcomers right now. En garde!
Alec Bradley Project 40
Wrapper: Nicaragua Colorado
Binder: Brazilian Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Among the groceries, bills, repairs, and drudgeries of your 9-5, few things take you away from it all like a well-made cigar. Basing his concept on the popular Project 40 initiative that assists people in harnessing their happiness, Alan Rubin aimed to channel some of that feel good-ery with Alec Bradley Project 40. The diverse blend used for this creation is complex and balanced, and it’s a sure-fire way to get centered after a long day. But even with its medium-bodied sweetness and spice, what will likely relax you most is its sub-$6 price tag.
Espinosa Hush Money
Wrapper: Varies
Binder: Varies
Filler: Varies
Like surprises? If so, you’re gonna love Espinosa Hush Money. While each envelope is filled with the same cigar, it’s impossible to say which blend you’ll get, because, well…because Erik Espinosa won’t tell us! One thing is certain, though – you’re guaranteed to get a great blend (in your choice of a natural wrapper Toro or Maduro Churchill sizes) made by one of the top boutique blenders out there, and you’ll get it on the serious cheap. Just do us a favor and don’t keep the envelope in your car unless you want a random vehicle search.
Crux Epicure Maduro
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Some of us prefer the epicurean lifestyle. We don’t want boxed wine or base-model cars, but sadly, most of our bank accounts don’t mesh with our high-priced dreams. With Crux Epicure Maduro, you can live lavishly for less. Its nuanced flavors of cocoa, caramel, roasted coffee, and spices are rolled by none other than AJ Fernandez for a sweet and spicy appeal that only he can craft. And with prices under $10 apiece, you can at least still afford that Ferrari keychain.
Amos de Santiago Special Selection
Wrapper: Corojo/Habano
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
It’s 8:00 p.m. on a Friday night. The kids are in bed and your wife has just settled in on the couch to zone out for a while. Now, it’s your turn. Take this perfect opportunity to head outside to your patio and light up a delicious cigar. You haven’t tried anything new (or in this case, new to Famous) lately, so why not kill two birds with Amos de Santiago Special Selection? In your choice of a sweet Corojo (Canada Figurado, shown above) or spicy Habano (John #2 Toro) wrapper, these stylish sticks are brimming with full-bodied Dominican tobaccos that offer a flavorful and memorable ending to a long week.
What’s your best find this year? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll see you in two weeks for another edition of Top New Cigars!