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February is International Friendship Month, and what better way to celebrate than by hanging out with your crew and smoking a couple of stogies? Think about it, what would life be without your friends? With whom would you smoke? What would you do in your free time?
Think of all the shenanigans you’ve gotten into with your buddies at the bar, on the golf course, playing cards, or whatever activities you do. How much of that would have happened without friends? Friends make the best smoking companions. A night at the lounge with the guys or girls is a great way to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and have great conversations.
Not only are nights like that great for reminiscing on the good old days, but they are also great for discussing your favorite smokes, hearing about potential new blends, and talking about pairings. As we’ve discussed in previous newsletters, the cigar lifestyle is what you make it, so enjoy it in your own way. The beauty of it is that everyone appreciates it a little bit differently. Those nights hanging out at your favorite spot are great for picking up ideas on new blends to try, different ways of cutting or lighting your cigar, or getting new pairing ideas.
Cigar Tour can be a great conversation starter seeing as you get a brand-new selection each month with all the information you could possibly need. Share this month’s selection with your crew and see what they think, don’t let them sway your opinions, but have that conversation to see what everyone thinks of the selection. To get you started, this month’s selection includes a heavy hitter in the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo along with Last Call Habano by AJ Fernandez, Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Sun Grown, Montecristo Platinum Casino, and 5 Vegas Gold Anniversary. This selection gives you profile options from across the spectrum allowing you to find the perfect smoke for your next hangout.
February’s Cigar Tour quickly goes from 0 to 60 when it comes to strength, but what exactly are we talking about when we say strength or body? We are referencing the nicotine content, which can be characterized as smooth, medium, full, or somewhere in between. Every smoker handles nicotine differently, so what may feel like a full-bodied smoke to a new smoker, may feel like a medium to a veteran. With that said, a novice may want to stick to Connecticut wrappers for a smoother smoke while connoisseurs may look to Oscuro or other dark wrappers. It is important to note however, that a dark wrapper does not always mean a strong cigar. Maduro wrappers can be dark but can still encase a medium-bodied blend while delivering a subtle sweetness.
In the case of the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo, the oily Corojo Oscuro wrapper is indicative of the strength of the cigar at hand. Joya de Nicaragua describes the blend as “the embodiment of the Nicaraguan ‘power’ cigar.” Labeling it as “extra full-bodied,” the company gives the strength a six out of five with a spicy yet robust flavor profile. Some of that strength comes from the 3-year-aged, super-premium Nicaraguan long-fillers. Overall, this stick boasts earth, cedar, pepper, and cocoa notes. Keep the cigar’s strength in mind when pairing; you do not want to overpower your drink, which is possible with this robust blend
Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Sun Grown is a medium to full-bodied Nicaraguan puro made up of 6-year aged Cuban-seed binders and long-fillers. These are tucked away inside a spicy, light-brown sun grown wrapper that is also aged for 6 years, plus another 10 months in bourbon barrels. The result builds upon the success of the Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne line to create a rich, earthy smoke that retains the elegant complexity of the original. The blend finishes with hints of oak and almonds and pairs beautifully with a red wine.
Rolled by hand in Nicaragua, Last Call Habano by AJ Fernandez is a bold, mouth-watering cigar blended by the reigning king of tobacco. Everywhere you look in the industry you see AJ doing great things. Originally produced as a small batch cigar that AJ enjoyed with guests during the fourth quarter of late-night NFL games, it is now available to the masses. This tasty medium to full-bodied blend is made with Nicaraguan long-fillers and binders under a beautiful Ecuador Habano wrapper. Notes of spice, roasted nuts, cedar, and a hint of sweetness will envelop your palate.
The Montecristo Platinum Casino series is made special for Thompson Cigar and sets new standards for handmade luxury cigars. Crafted with a gorgeous Cuban-seed San Andrés wrapper, carefully aged and hand-rolled with a tri-nation blend of Cuban-seed long-fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Peru. This medium-bodied blend delivers a deep, complex, and unforgettable smoking experience with a flavor profile of dried fruit, earth, pepper, and a leathery finish. This is a cigar for both the aspiring aficionado and daily smoker and makes a great pair for a scotch.
The 5 Vegas brand has a blend for everybody, from beginner to veteran. Those new to the cigars can bank on 5 Vegas Gold Anniversary being a great place to start. This brainchild of Nick Perdomo features a lovely Ecuador Connecticut wrapper over a delicate blend of Cuban-seed long-fillers and binder grown in Nicaragua. The blend offers a rich, yet smooth flavor profile featuring notes of sweet cream, cedar, and molasses along with hints of pepper. Smooth to medium in body, 5 Vegas Gold Anniversary goes great with your favorite scotch or bourbon.
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