Winter may not be out, but it’s certainly being handed its hat. We smokers can rejoice as warmer days will be upon us soon; so consider taking a break from cleaning out the shed to take a sneak peek of what’s new (and new to you) in the world of cigars. In addition to AJ Fernandez’ newest “re-imagining” of a classic, we’re heavy on boutiques this time around: Illusione and Warped are here, along with a couple of picks that are REAL deep in the weeds. Here are a half dozen greenhorns that are ripe for the picking…
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua
It’s 7:30 on a Saturday morning and your neighbor thought it was a good time for the maiden voyage of his newfangled turbocharged lawnmower. This every weekend? Yikes! It’s a good thing that you have cigars to turn to, and San Isidro is one that you should give a try! Dashes of caramel, cedar, and red pepper are sure to turn that annoyance into bliss. Considering that it costs less than a 10-spot, you can invest in some noise-canceling headphones, too.
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo ‘99 Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Criollo ’98 and Corojo ‘99
It’s been a long week at work, but the hands have finally made their way around the clock and it’s quitting time. For the first time since October, the weather is warm enough to smoke out on the deck. You rush home and crack open a brew – but for this first outdoor smoke of the season, you’re going to want something epic. Warped Gran Reserve 1988 is worthy: rich notes of cream, leather, and spices will have you forgetting about that hellish week in seconds, and at $10/stick, you’re getting a top-shelf cigar at middle-shelf prices. Win-win.
Wrapper: U.S. Connecticut Shade Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua
Jazzophiles may instantly recognize the nod to George Rico of Gran Habano’s favorite Miles Davis song in the name of Gran Habano Blue in Green. These stout-yet-smooth cigars offer much more in the way of flavor than the traditional natural-wrapped fare. When we smoked it, we found a medium-bodied groove with pinches of earth, leather, citrus, sweetness, and cream; expect that these delicious smokes will allow you to discover bolder Connecticut flavors, but at a friendly price.
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Criollo and Corojo
While there’s nothing wrong with the big names in the industry, smokers often forget that you can find cigars that are just as great, and sometimes even better, from boutique manufacturers. There are few examples that illustrate this point better than Illusione Haut 10. Slow burning and exuding notes of pepper, almonds, and caramel, this medium-bodied super-premium was purebred with Nicaragua tobaccos to be the quintessential answer when one asks for an exquisite cigar to enjoy on special occasions.
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo ‘99 Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Criollo ’98 and Corojo ‘99
You’re out for the first round of golf with the boys, and just like last year, Jimmy seems to have the sole purpose of launching divots. You do your best to curb the snickering, but you know it’s going to be a long day. Fairways call for mellow cigars, and Illusione Fume D’Amour might be one of the best out there to help pass the time. Taking the #3 cigar honors for 2014, This new-to-Famous Smoke Shop blend marries nutty hints of sweet cream, nougat, and cocoa to deliver an experience you won’t soon forget. Considering that prices start at $8/stick, you can even chip in to get good ol’ Jimbo some lessons, too.
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano Medio Tiempo Oscuro Binder: Nicaragua Corojo ’99 Filler: Nicaragua Criollo ’98, Condega, Corojo ’99 Jalapa, and Hybrid Esteli/Pueblo Nuevo
You’ve just finished completing everything on the to-do list your wife gave you. Before you report back to her – where you’re sure to get a fresh list – make your way to the back porch with a Ramon Allones by AJ Fernandez. Its complex blend of tobaccos imparts full-bodied flavors that include cocoa, sweet tobacco, espresso, leather, and spice. You’ll be so relaxed by the time you’ve finished, you’ll be more than ready for any project that your better half throws your way.
Did we miss any new cigars that you think should be mentioned? Have you smoked one of these and have something to add? Let us know in the comments below! More new cigars are on the way, so as always, be ready for the next edition of Top New Cigars!
Features Editor, Jared Gulick, is a Certified Tobacconist, nerd of all things science, musician and serial abuser of the Oxford comma. He made his way to the Famous Smoke Shop retail store in 2018 and joined the Advisors when it was discovered that he could locate the shift key. Prior to his work in the cigar industry, he was a recording studio engineer, songwriter, and a journalism major at Northampton Community College.
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The Foundation, Tabernacle Toro.