CA Report: Top New Cigars (May 2, 2022)
More of the Freshest New Cigars in the Famous Humidor…
…and a side of Random Cigar Thoughts.
So, why cigars?
As an answer to this question—I’m not sure. The easy reply is that it’s my job. For example, to try new cigars and act as sort of a canary in a coal mine for enthusiasts. But there’s more to it than that.
For me, cigars give me access. To relaxation. To time spent alone, thinking. To moments of joy or to conversation and friendship. They provide this and more.
Cigars have been my companion for 30 years now. Employed to mark moments both consequential and mundane—like the birth of my sons or any random sunny Sunday afternoon. And to me, they’re all good. Boutiques and heritage brands. Boxed and bundled. Limited edition and every day. They all have a place in my humidors and in my rotation. Cigars like the new Partagas Anejo, the Southern Draw 300 Hands Connecticut Famous exclusive Lancero vitola, and the Plasencia Cosecha 149 in this edition of Top New Cigars.
Have you enjoyed a new cigar that you think should be on our must-smoke list? We’d love to hear from you! Please give us the details in the comments below!
Partagas Anejo Barber Pole
Wrapper: 1998 Cameroon/2013 US Connecticut Shade
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic, Mexican
Anejo—Spanish for aged—contains some of the most aged tobaccos Partagas has ever used and is the first time the brand has employed a barber pole wrapper. The wrapper includes 2 vintage leaves—a 24-year-old African Cameroon and a US Connecticut Shade from 2013—with the blend being completed with choice long fillers from Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Partagas Anejo begins on a mellow note and progresses to a well-rounded medium bodied profile. Expect rich and sumptuous flavors that highlight the versatility of the deeply aged tobaccos including wood, earth, and leather. Anejo remains balanced and lush throughout and is a cigar worth savoring.
Southern Draw 300 Hands Connecticut Lancero (New Size!)
Wrapper: US Connecticut
Binder: Peru
Filler: Nicaragua
I’ve written previously about my fondness for Lanceros, and I couldn’t wait to put the Southern Draw 300 Hands Connecticut through its paces. I was predisposed to like this cigar before I fired it up because it’s a cigar with a purpose—Southern Draw hopes to share 25% of profits from the 300 Hands line with the people of Nicaragua. The blend is comprised of a US grown Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Peruvian binder and Nicaraguan long fillers and begins with some pepper before mellowing. Overall, 300 Hands Connecticut is medium bodied and loaded with flavors including black pepper, nuts, and citrus fruit with a creamy and chewy finish. A great cigar, at a great price, with a great purpose—300 Hands Connecticut is a winner all around.
Plasencia Cosecha 149
Wrapper: Olancho, Honduras
Binder: Jamastran Valley, Honduras
Filler: Olancho, Jamastran Valley, Talanga, Honduras
The first Plasencia cigar to use all Honduran tobaccos—Cosecha (meaning harvest) uses leaves from the family’s 149th harvest in 2014 from the Jamastran Valley, Olancho, and Talanga. A follow-up to Cosecha 146, this full-bodied Honduran puro exhibits a deep, well-fermented character that only comes with aged tobaccos. With each puff, every inch of your palate will be coated with flavors including coffee, black pepper, gingerbread, cedar, dark chocolate, and cream. Perfectly balanced, rich, and with a telltale punchiness—Plasencia Cosecha 149 is an impeccable example of the versatility of vintage Honduran tobaccos.