CigarsLover Magazine No.7 E D

Lover
Cigars
Magazine
- No. 7 -
BLIND TASTING: TOROS
News Cuba
2014
Cohiba Robustos Supremos
Bolivar Super Coronas

Partagas Seleccin Privada
H.d.M. Le Hoyo de San Juan
Por Larraaga Picadores
Davidoff
Oro Blanco
The 500$ cigar
Ambasciator
Italico
The italian cigar
Seorial
Interview with Jos Blanco
Pairing
Kilchoman Makir Bay
Soil!
Its influence
Jars
Unconventional humidors!
editorial
The Team
Editor:
Luca Cominelli
Editorial
In this issue:
We have come to the final issue of 2014, a year that saw CigarsLover
Magazine growing and achieving some important milestones, including
the english language version of the magazine and the addition of many
headings and insights related to all that orbits around the world of cigars.
Rating
This issue is launched with a redesigned graphic to make the reading clearer and at the same time more enjoyable.
Authors:
Michel Arlia
Didier Houvenaghel
Giuseppe Mitolo
Heiko Blumentritt
Giovanni Bolzonella
Graphic designer:
Mario Amelio
Collaborators:
Aaron Reddy, Alessandro Bonisoli,
Ander Morlando, Kaarel Kluge,
Mirko Fabbian, Roberto Canzi,
Chris Glenn
Translations:
Rachelle Mauleon
Jacopo Bettello
Index
CigarsLoverMagazine | No.7
An important collaboration with a leading figure in the world of tobacco

is born: Didier Houvenaghen will be collaborating with us starting from
now. We are confident that he will give a significant contribution, making
it possible to tackle issues in a more specific and detailed way, analyzing
not only the theory but also the practice of a producer who lives directly
our passion for the cigar.
How to read our rating system ...........

...................................................... 4
Reviews ..................................... 25
Partagas: the book

Interview with the author Amir
Saarony ..................................... 51
Soil!
Its influence ................................... 5
Davidoff Oro Blanco

The top qualit from Dominican
Republic ........................................ 7
Kilchoman
The pairing with Machir Bay ..... 33
Blind Tasting ...................... 35
The blind tasting that we launched from the last issue was much appreciated, so we decided to continue on this road, moreover we increased the
number of cigars tested: 20 this time!
Since our publication is directly at cigarslover.com, we want to thank the
high number of readers who have voiced out their appreciation for the
complete redesign of the website. We are very pleased to know that the
development of our project has been able to improve the organization
and the content layout.
Cuban news 2014
Davidoff
Chteau Haut-Brion .................. 55
Jars
Tatuaje Monster
Unconventional humidors! ............. 9
The Halloween success ............... 57
Seorial
John F. Kennedy
Las cumbres tabaco .................... 13
Under H. Upmann sign ............ 59
The 2014 is ending, a year in which our passion has been translated into
contents. For the next year we aim not just to confirm, but we want to
offer an always renewed magazine, introducing innovations and imporvements, an aspect that has always let us distinguish.
ANS
Smoking in Wrrstadt ............... 61
A warm thanks to all of our readers.
Taste
The passion moves us.
The main sense in the degustation .....

................................................... 19
Inter-tabac 2014
The biggest european cigar fair ..........
................................................... 21
La Mthode de J. Puisais
The lightning science ................... 23
Xikar Allume
The new lighter line is born .............
................................................... 43
Ambasciator italico
The italian cigar .......................... 46
Analcoholic pairing
The Roy Rogers made for the cigars ....
................................................... 49
Vocabulary
The meaning of the words we use .....
................................................... 63
Sections
The arguments you can find on CsL
Magazine ................................... 64
info
Rating
how to read scale of evaluation

The reviewed cigars are presented in a evaluation in hundredths. This is to give an accurate evaluation to every cigar, so they can be located inside of a large scale of value. The points that are given to the
cigars are the average results that are taken both from the smoked examples and the different smokers.
BEADS
The best WAY OF humidification
95-100:
excellent smoke. The cigar has all the components that distinguish a remarkable
smoke: intensity of the aromas, balance, complexity, finesse, evolution, quality
of construction, post-smoke persistence and a constancy of the production.
90-94:
great smoke. The cigar shows numerous qualities of excellence, but not quite
showing them to the maximum. Its nonetheless a cigar that proposes
a high level of satisfaction.
85-89:
good smoke. The cigar has considerable qualities of a high level, also having
some slight flaw in the parameters of the evaluation. Its nonetheless a recommended cigar with a high rate of satisfaction.
80-84:
decent smoke. The cigar convinces in parts, shows both quality and
flaws inherent to the different parameters of the evaluation. Its nonetheless
a cigar to smoke with appreciable continuity.
75-79:
mediocre smoke. The cigar shows more flaws than are bearable for
a satisfying smoke. The parameters of the evaluation are leaning more to a
lower level and the smoke is generally not recommended.
70-74:
meager smoke. The cigar proposes numerous flaws throughout the arc of the
parameters of the evaluation. The merits are not eligible if not in a ludicrous way
and marginally, the smoke is classified as absolutely not recommended.
Available on CigarsLover.com
cigars with really good quality/price ratio. We defenitely recommend the purchase.
slow attitude
Soil!
its influence
just give good chances to! Even if

they are absolutely required, the
soil qualities alone are not enough
to produce enjoyable cigars. Other
fundamental elements must be
considered.
by Didier Houvenaghel
Introduction Is the soil really so

essential for the cigar production?
Many aficionados discuss the relation between the cigar ashes and
the soil composition. But is the
ashes color only connected to the
quality of the soil? Or reversely
have the grounds minerals only an
influence on the quality of combustion? Of course it is not so simple
and lets try to understand a little bit
more about this.
The agri concept Thought their
roots the plants absorb the soil
water and mineral elements to produce crude sap, the basic nutrient
of the vegetal. As for all living
beings including humans the
quality and good diversity of available nutrients is a key factor to the
optimal development of the black
tobacco. But the nutrient accessibility for the plant is imperative during
its complete development cycle.
Sometimes, the mineral elements
are present but not absorbable by
the plant. Also and to perpetuate

the optimal production of black
tobacco leaves, the regeneration of
impoverished soils after each crop
is also fundamental.
Thus to insure the good balanced
growth of the plants the soil has
to be considered a multifaceted
and dynamic system: a progressive
chemical, physical and biological
complex. To maintain its long term
quality, the soil must definitely be
respected. A variety of treatments
must be applied to preserve the
soil with the goal of regenerating
its chemical contents, physical
properties and biological diversity.
Before (soil analysis and preparation), during (hoeing, fertilization,
and hilling) and after cultivation
(fallow land and cultures rotation),

wise management must be given to
the lands.
The production goal The genetics of the planted black tobacco
varieties will interact with the
environment the terroir (land,
climate, etc.) and the expertise
and will finally express a variety of
coded characteristics. The production will be measured in quantity
and quality of the harvest in function of the final objectives of the
grower. As a result, the experts
will choose the plant varieties and
design the different necessary
attentions consistently with the
production goal. Plantations with
ligero leaves or wrapper leaves
objectives will not be handled the
same way. Hence a diversified and
balanced soil is essential for the
production of enjoyable cigars, but
it is far from being the only factor!
The soil assessment cannot be decorrelated from the plant variety,
the other environmental factors
and the grower expertise.For example a careful eye must be drawn at
the climate rains, winds, temperature, etc. as it has a direct and

significant influence on the soil and
the plants.
From the field to the lips of the
amateur To be rolled into fine
cigars, the green leaves must progress optimally through the rest
of the demanding production
process. Before becoming cigars,
the green leaves to preserve and
improve their agricultural qualities must go through essential
and sensitive transformations (like
drying, fermentations, and aging)

and operations (like classification,
mid-rip stripping, blending, rolling,
packing and conservation). After
the soil has lost all influence, the
production process remains indeed
very long and simple mistakes can
unfortunately ruin the final quality
of a leave.
Take a good soil the first vital

step and then add a good plant
variety, an important dose of
know-how, and shake into a
good environment and a great
climate. After collection then add
a part of fine drying, a piece of
sensational classification, and a
measurement of terrific fermentations before applying a dose of nice
aging. Finalize with an important
amount of unique blending and
great rolling topped with some
excellent conservation. Light up
with emotion.
Thus Growing black tobacco on

excellent soils is therefore essential
for the production of fine tobacco
leaves but it will never be an insurance to produce great cigars. It will
This cocktail takes years long

experience to perceive, understand,
reproduce and develop!
We produce with passion, taste
with love!
smokes from the world
Davidoff
Oro
Blanco
the top quality from dominican republic
By Luca Cominelli
The Oro Blanco is the newest

arrival for Davidoff, and it is the
most prestigious cigar to ever be
produced , by this renowned brand
established by Zino Davidoff. It is
limited edition, and all the tabacco
leaves have been handled and cultivated in the Dominican Republic.
It is now available in the Davidoff
Lounges, and it has called the attention of the market for two reasons:
its sale price and the quality of the
raw material used.
Starting from the price, the Oro
Blanco is sold for $500 each. It is
available in a hardwood package
with a single cigar, or in a hardwood
box counting 10 pieces ($5,000).
The quality of the packaging deserves a positive remark; a maximum
attention to details has been used
for the construction of this remarkable packages. A metal insert is
also set in the wood, with the name
of the cigar and its history written

in it. The anilla presents a distinctive trait: instead of the classic
davidoff anilla (golden sign on a
white background), the one used
for this super-premium cigar shows

silver signs (from the name Oro
Blanco), and it is also present the
signature on Eladio Diaz, Director
of Quality for the brand.
This is the most expensive cigar

ever launched on the market,
except for the Gurkha Majestic
Reserve, which is a flavored cigar,
not realized with 100% of natural tobacco, so it does not count.
This is the first Davidoff cigar
rolled with leaves coming from
one only harvest: the 2002, which
is supposed to be the most refined crop of the new millenium,
as reports Davidoff, itself. This
tobacco comes up straight from
private plantations of Davidoff.
Beyond the certified superior quality of this harvest, a meticulous
selection has been made, in order
to use only the very best leaves,
which have also been aged for 12
years ! In the year 2014 they have
all been utilized for the Oro Blanco.
Aesthetically the cigar is very elegant, the contrast between the
color of the anilla and the one of
the wrapper, puts the emphasis
on the Davidoff signature, which
immediately bounches to the eye.
The wrapper does not show any
track of imperfections, it is oily,
silky of a colorado maduro shade.
It is perfectly rolled and the filler is
perfectly filled, with no excess nor
defect.
At the nose are perceivable notes
of chestnut and walnut honey, with
hints of spices. The scent is extremely tempting.
The format is the Gran Toro:
54x152mm (6 inches). This dimensions make the cigar majestic and
well-proportioned.
Jars
slow attitude
unconventional humidors!
By Giuseppe Mitolo
In the last few years many aficionados decided to keep cigars in the
jars, either glass or ceramic ones.
The trend is likely fueled both by the
latest caribbean productions (Cuba
in particular) and by the choice of
its national importers. It is easy to
see that if this type of packaging
is used for the sale, especially for
the special or commemorative editions, probably suggests that the
cigars will benefit from this type of
storage, which is an almost century
old tradition (the first Partagas jars
were produced in the 20s of the
last century).
Leaving aside the historical

aspect, we intend to dwell
on the conservation
in a jar as a type of storage,
even when not specifically
proposed by manufacturers
or importers.
Lets start by saying that with these
new systems you can get a very
good humidification, whether the
intention is to storage (ready for the
smoke) or to age (in the long-term).
There are few smokers who use the
jars as humidor low cost, perhaps
to test their cigar passion before
investing money in a traditional
humidor. Other smokers, however,
although possessing efficient conservation systems, choose to store
some cigars in retold containers of
glass or ceramic.
simple rules. The glass is transparent, unlike the ceramic. That means
that the light passing through it can
change the color of the cigar wrapper and it can bring to biochemical
internal environment distortions.
We are not talking about the greenhouse effect, but the principle
is roughly the same: the light penetrates in an airtight, heats the air,
raises the internal humidity and air
tightness continues to hold it inside
the humidification system. This is
why the advice, if you opted for a
sealed glass jar (like those used in
the kitchen to store pasta or other
ingredients) is to shield it from
light. Systems can be different, from
the cheap silver foil, to the strips of
cedar wood from the cigar boxes,
properly shaped and placed inside
the jar.
and dimensions (considerations

prior to purchase: how many and
what cigars youre going to store),
you must take care of the humidification system, keeping in mind that
we are going to act on an airtight
humidor, even more of the best on
the market. This is why putting in
our low cost humidor cigars properly humidified, wont need to add
anything else. However, just wanting to make an anonymous glass
jar or ceramic our desired casket for
the everyday smokes, exposes it
to the need to open and close it
several times, which means that it
will be significant swings in humidity. Enter the classic sponge with
a solution of water and propylene
glycol can be very risky: if you do
not check the amount of water
drops that you put, youll have
serious risk to over-humidify the
environment (with the classic problems that entails). The optimal

solution are control humidification
systems such as the Beads or
Boveda: they take up little space,
they need little attention and they
are self-regulating and long-lasting
(the first are almost eternal, the latter last for a few months).
scents of a cigar, in particular for

the Cubans, usually packed in boxes
and wooden cabinets without the
use of cellophane. This close contact means that the majority of
Cuban cigars, in smoke, gives off
marked aromas of wood. Well, if
you choose to store them in a jar,
after a few months the cigars will
lose this characteristic aroma and,
incredibly, they will develop new
flavors, sometimes even more
delicate, which was hidden by the
woody perceptions.
These devices, however, do not

exclude the use of a digital hygrometer, which helps the verification
of the moisture. It is important to
place it in a well seen place, in order
to control the humidity without The predominant characteristic
opening the cover. That said, it still that makes peculiar the conservation in the jar is the reduced oxygen
remains something to know.
exchange. Notoriously, the cigar is
Why choosing this way for storing/ a live product that continues to
aging our cigars? First of all, remo- improve and refine after several
ving the cigars from their original decades, if well kept. In view of
packaging changes the aromatic the long-life or of the aging, the
Hence the first question: glass or ceramic?

Excluding propensities
of satisfaction and
strictly subjective
equal tightness,
the choice is irrelevant, as long
as you keep in To choose the jar you need to take
m i n d s o m e into account the preferred materials
10
slow attitude
different interaction of the cigar
with the air can slow down or speed
up the aging process of the product
in the long run. The more the cigar
lives the seasons (for example, in
a static humidor), the more it ages
fast, net of certain variables such
as, first of all, that the quality of
the tobaccos used. Conversely, the

more the air exchange will be reduced, the longer will be the time to
maturing/aging.
The principle is the same technique of wrapping the box in a
plastic wrap (usually used by collectors all over the world), or again,
the answer to why some cigars are

packed in painted cabinets.
For this reason, it is not unusual
that those who possess advanced
preservation tools opts for storing
full box in a jar, in order to let it
mature for a longer time. In the
latter case, the use of a humidifier
element becomes less necessary (be
careful, not useless!), just because it
is not needed to open the jar often.
However, also in this case, although
such systems do not require special
care, the care of the smoker who
intends to keep for a long time
remains essential element for an
excellent smoke in the future.
Available on Cadenheads Whisky Bar - Milan
Regarding the humidity rates we,

should distinguished them depending on whether one opts for
storage or aging; always keep in
mind the golden rule of sealing the
jar. First, we advice you to follow
your taste to smoke: the humidity
you would keep in your humidor
will go for the jar as well (relative
humidity between 65% and 72%).
If you want to experience a longterm aging instead (significant
results not sooner than five years
old, in the opinion of this writer,
even decades, according to international collectors!) it would be good
to keep the humidity rates relatively
low, preferably not more than 65%.
Paradoxically, in the process of
aging in a jar, the temperature of
conservation is not so important
(just do not leave it in place with
really high or low temperatures),
but the low humidity, low oxygen
supply, good sealing and control
time to time are.
11
12
interview
Seorial
blender of La Aurora in that

period, and there was a contract
between the companies which we
were working for. Part of her job
was to sell La Aurora in Eastern
Europe. She often came to Santiago
for seminars or for ProCigar
Festival or visiting the factory with
its customers.
las cumbres tabaco

By Michel Arlia
13
Corojo) planted by the cousin

of Jos, Jochi Blanco, in his own
farms. All these leaves are also
aged for four years and have been
selected by Jochi.
Jos loves blends developing complex smoke and well combined
aromas. To him, the blend must be
enjoyable and full of taste, but also
well balanced. The cigar needs to
be creamy and smooth.
interview with
Jos Blanco
How did you and Emma

meet?
Emma worked for the Swedish

Match company (a large cigars filler of General Cigar) from 2005
to 2010. She occupied the place of
Marketing Manager to Long Fillers
East Europe, with the supervision
of 10 countries. I knew his father,
We interviewed Jos, asking him to who has played an important role
tell us how this project came about in Swedish Match from 1987 until
and how it developed, without 2010, when he retired.
omitting the technical details on the
composition of his new cigars.
I was the director of sales and
The image that can be seen by

opening the box is an oil painting,
made by his Bulgarian stepmother.
The painting depicts an old way of

Colonial area of Santo Domingo.
Albert Montserrat, the Spanish
owner of Cigar Rings, created the
design in the painting. Albert and
Emma have worked side by side on
the entire design, trying to make
it in the traditional way but at the
W hat does Seorial
same time with a little something
means for you two?
extra. I think they definitely succeeIt was Emma who decided the ded in their aim.
name Seorial. Emma has wor Emma also took deciked with a lot of passion and
sions on the blend or the
without limit on everything to do
size of the cigars in the
with the marketing aspects of our
line?
company, our whole front line. We
decided that the brand should portray the history, culture, people and Emma is learning more and more
tradition, in short all those feelings about the blend, but up to now,
that relate to my story in the world has not had a direct impact on
of cigars, from my great-grandfa- this. However, she always said her
ther to the present. She has found opinion about it, and I have taken
the term Seorial searching and into account some of her ideas
translating the Spanish words from about the types of leaves to be
different languages. Seorial used. To be honest she has always
means noble, literally manorial been a source of inspiration for
but this name is synonymous with me. Her idea of how the entire
experience, years in the field, cha- product line should be as it is has
always been clear: she wanted the
racter, culture.
cigars Seorial had a high quality both in terms of the tobaccos
Emma has created the
used and for the construction, and
entire design, including
this was made, since all the cigars
the images. Is there a story
were made in the company of my
behind all this?
family, Tabacalera Palma. Another
In 2010, during the merger between
Swedish Match and STG, although
it had been assured that her place
would have been confirmed, she
decided to quit and choose to join
me, to carry out a new project.
The Seorial is a premium cigar

line, produced in the Dominican
Republic by the well-known master
blender Jos Blanco and Emma
Viktorsson. This line was released
a few months ago and currently
consists of five cigars. The name
Senorial stands for manorial,
noble. For the composition of
this line, the wrapper has been
selected is the Habano Ecuador;
Jose is a big fan of this type of leaf,
that gives complexity and smooth
aromas. The binder leaves are from
Esteli, Nicaragua. This helps the
cigar keeping a good ring of fire
and offers a touch of spices, typical
of Nicaragua (though the mixture
gives off a spicy component already) .The filler is completely made
by leaves from the the Dominican
Republic (Piloto Cubano and
Emma wanted to represent the

Dominican Republic because Im
Dominican and my cigars are made
in this country, which has a rich
history of premium cigars.
desired characteristic to add the flavors, which is the most important

thing, but it must be supported
by a system of adequate strength,
without that this would be excessively marked. I agreed with this
cigar profile, and then I started the
blend. Emma was also a member
of the panel to select which blend
should be chosen. She has a very
good palate, very elegant and this
has meant that it could give some
important opinions. So, in a few
words, I was definitely influenced.
We decided together which sizes to
start with and we wanted to make a
cigar with a ring gauge smaller than
the corona gorda, but in the end
we thought that these 5 sizes were
enough to support the front line.
From the left to the right:

Corona Gorda No.5 - 46x140mm
Paco Robusto - 52x133mm
Toro Bravo - 54x152mm
Le Grand - 60x152mm
Belicoso No.2 - 52x158mm
14
interview
smokes from the world
What pushed you to start

with Las Cumbres Tabaco?
It was that long ago that I wanted
to create my own brand, but leaving
La Aurora was not easy. I worked
with them for a long time and for
thirty years with Leon Jimenes. In
2011, however, I decided that the
time had come. When Alejandro
Martinez Cuenca offered me the
opportunity to take the role of
senior vice president of Joya de
Nicaragua, I necessarily had to
accept it. I love the Nicaraguan
tobacco in my blend and being able
to work it means to acquire greater
experience. I decided that I would
have worked for a single contract
and then I would have returned to
the Dominican Republic to start
my new adventure.
Seorial
work a lot but in the end it was fun

and exciting.
What are the objectives
and the future projects for
Seorial?
How was the process that

has seen an idea turn into
a product?
It needed 3-4 years to delineate
it, project has not come suddenly.
When it came the time to turn the
idea into a something possible, in
my mind was all clear. Everything
was already outlined as Emma was
preparing the programs and I was
working on the the blend. The process was not that easy, we had to
We are working on it. Until the

second half of 2015 were trying
to draft our plans for the future
and understand what we want to
achieve.
That said, we want Las Cumbres
Tabaco continue to produce high
quality cigars, both in the field of
raw materials and construction.
The Seorial is a cigar built for
the aficionados niche, so this means
that not everybody will like it . The
future line will have their specific profile, so we can satisfy more
tastes.
Corona Gorda No.5

r. dominicana
Format: Corona Gorda

Size: cepo 46 x 140 mm (5,5 )
EUR: - | USD: 7 $
Box: 24 pz
Year: 2014
The construction of the Corona Gorda is impeccable: the filling is generous, homogenous and the cigar results compact. The Wrapper is oily and
presents a colorado tonality.
- pre lighting The cold draw develops notes of barnyard and it is slightly spicy.
- first third Once lit, the first puffs reveal notes of wood, leather and spices. The first
third is rich: wood, hazelnut and roasted notes of coffee are followed by
fine spices (white pepper) in the background. In some puffs there are
peaks of anice. The strength is medium (3/5).
- second third It continues on with the aromas of wood and hazelnut. Aromas of leather
and earth come to the palate in alternate way. The spices become more
present, as well as the strength (4/5).
- third third The last part sees the spices (black pepper) come upfront, followed by
piquant notes. The anice gets more pronounced, while the strength stays
constant. The finale is fulfilling.
- conclusions A very balanced cigars, with an ample aroma palatte and a good evolution.
The persistence is remarkable. The smoke produced is ample and results
dry to the palate.
pairings
Jos e Emma
15
Alcoholic: aged rum

Analcoholic: italian coffee
91
16
Smokes from the world
Seorial
Paco Robusto
r. dominicana
Format: Robusto Gordo

Size: cepo 46 x 140 mm (5,5 )
EUR: - | USD: 8 $
Box: 24 pz
Year: 2014
It has an oily, silky and colorado maduro shade wrapper. The tobacco veins
are really small. To the touch is well constructed and filled homogeneously.
- pre lighting Notes of barnyard.
- first third The opening brings to the palate liquorice and green pepper notes. Going
on, it develops ginger and anice aromas. In the after taste the the green
pepper is omnipresent and some hints of leather are perceivable. The
strength is medium (3/5) and the background is sweet.
- second third It develops cedar wood notes and it gets really spicy. The strength increases (3,5/5).
- third third There are leather, cedar wood and spices (green pepper). The strength
now is medium high (4/5).
- conclusions The Paco Robusto is creamy and it develops an aromatic palette definitely
elegant and particular. The balance is always perfect and the strength is
under control from the first to the last puff.
pairings
Alcoholic: daiquiri
Analcoholic: green tea
17
89
Al Pacino - Scarface, 1983
18
slow attitude
The taste
the main sense in tasting
By Givanni Bolzonella
scientific thesis have disproved this

map, also in light of the new sensations discovered together with
its receptors. There should exist
specific receptors, sensitive to the
liberated molecules of what enters
the mouth cavity, that are similar
The sensitive receptors for the to small cells. This cells are spread
taste, the taste buds, are made up along the whole taste buds, not only
from 50 to 150 cell, disposed in a
pear shape. This cells have a lifespan of 10 - 14 days, but they have
a high renewal rate. The signals of
the taste buds are reflected through
a connection up to the postcentral
somatosensory cerebral cortex.
Tongue and mouth cavity includes
also nerve endings, which influence
a lot the perception of taste.
Every sense has an importance in a
cigar examination: smell and taste
are the main senses that come in to
play when we have to establish if
and how a cigar, a distillate, a wine
or another product is for our taste.
Traditionally, when we reflect on

the perception of taste, we think
of a notion present in us since
primary school: we can perceive
bitterness on the rear end of the
tongue, sweetness on the tip, the
salty and sourness on the sides of
it. The famous Tongue Map has
been ulteriorly enlarged, in recent
times, with the introduction of the
so called Umami (from the japanese tasty) and grease being
the most recent one. A lot of recent
19
in the ones shown in the Tongue

Map. Obviously in some areas
those receptors could be more or
less dense and could inform faster
the molecules which characterize
certain sensations. When we think
of the taste in its biggest function,
the tasting, we have to consider
also the phase of identification of
the aromas. What is this phase? We

can confirm that this has importance either in the personal fruition
and in the act of the transmission
of personal experiences to other
people.
The first image that comes to the
mind is a sommelier in front of
a glass of vine who describes the
organoleptic characteristics, first
to the nose, then to the mouth. To
transmit its sensations or guide us
in what he is perceiving, he describes his sensations (tannic, sweet,
bitter, sour, etc.) with aromas that
his palate recognizes.
The taste of apricot in a specific
Cartizze, or the pineapple in another; the red fruits in a particular
red wine which identifies a certain
type of grapes, the similar sensations of pepper we notice when
we smoke certain cigars. These are
generated because of a process of
sublimation of the information
stored in our memory, which are
reassumed through the connection
of the taste and/or smell and the
cerebral cortex.
Some people tend to use some ironic and funny words to describe
their sensations; in this case the
satire become almost obligatory
and even constructive, suggesting
that who guides the fruition has
to use comparisons that can help
other people to understand what
he is trying to explain.
Returning to us and our tasting
of the oral cavity, once the cap is
cut and the foot is lighted up, we
should be able to identify some

sensations, which remind us some
familiar tastes. You could ask
yourself what is going on when
you are smoking and it seems that
you are chewing a piece of bread, a
coffee bean or a pepper berry. This
is exactly what I was writing before:
your memory has attributed to the
signals transmitted to the cerebral
cortex, and parts of your taste
buds, a direct experience.
depending on its density, it is possible to connect more or less

intensively the memory to a similar
established molecular experience,
which through taste and smell are
stored in our Hard Drive.
Giving to this experience a concrete name, declaring it through

the words is a fact of philosophy
of the language or psycholinguistic, which essentially depend on
the culture everyone of us belongs
Why is that? When a plant grows, to: diet, materials we use and our
it inevitably absorbs the substances habits.
in the ground, like the mineral salts.
Some of them are transformed, like This becomes evident confronting
in other organisms. Also the process the data sheets which we commonly
which the leaves are going through use for a tasting guide in Europe
is an explanation. The molecules with the ones coming from smokers
developed are similar to the ones in from another countries. But even if
other plants and organisms which we use different word to describe
we use, like food or materials for a cigar, there are some aspect that
general use (leather for example). are the same for everyone, like the
When this molecules that are pre- balance, the harmony and all the
sent inside these leaves of tobacco general aspect that are taken in concome in contact with our receptors, sideration while valuing a cigar.
20
events
Inter-tabac
2014
the biggest european cigar fair
By Michel Arlia
This years Inter-Tabac fair took There were local and international
place from the 19 to the 21 producers present at the fair like
September in Dortmund, Germany. Padron, Tatuaje, Davidoff, Drew
Estate, Villiger, Maya Selva, Joya de
This fair is exclusively for the peo- Nicaragua, ect. Just to name a few.
ple from the tobacco or accessories The cubans were represented by
the official Habanos importer 5th
sector.
Avenue, importer for the german
Comparing it to 2013 Inter-Tabac, and austrian market.
the space dedicated to the fair was
larger: the stands increased from It wasnt the event of the big news
401 to 499 and the total number or surprises. Matter of fact, there
of persons who visited the fair was werent presented new cigars or
products, but it goes without saying
around 10.000.
21
that this event is always interesting,

for the simple matter of the things
shown and the personalities that
always participate at the largest
european tobacco and accessories
event.
22
slow attitude
La
Mthode
de
J.
Puisais
the lightning science
aroma (cedar) plays the main role,

followed by coffee and leather.
- third third -
By Heiko Bumentritt
jetflame lighter). One of the cigars

have been cut after the lightening,
blowing through it before to make
the first puff. The other cigar have
been cut and lighted up after heating its foot until the brazier was
Jacques Puisais is a renowned cha- even (the first puff have been taken
racter who made a big effort in the without blowing through the cigar).
Taste field research. Many experienced smokers, in the field of The question now is: is there any
food & wine, with well educated difference between the two cigars?
taste buds, are committed supporters of this theory, so this pushed As far as Im concerned the answer
is yes, especially for the first third.
me to have a try.
The cedar and leather notes increase

in intensity. Every puff develops
also toasted aromas. The two cigars
show some slight differences. While
cigar1 is still really creamy and pleasant, cigar2 is the first one to rest in
the ashtray. Since we smoked both
of them with the same rythim, we
exclude that this happened beacuse
of an overheating.
recommendation is to light up the

cigar without cutting it before, and
to blow on its foot before starting
to smoke it, so that the impurities
arisen with the heat can be expelled.
Jacques Puisais
Smoking could be only a mere pleasure, but sometimes it could also
be a scientific experience, pursuant
to La Mthod de Jacques Puisais,
otherwise The Method of Jacques
Puisias.
Mr. Puisais, the director of the
French Institute of Taste, developed his personal theory about the
lighting of the cigar. The flame
emits a relevant heat, which creates a temperatures gap between the
head and the foot of the cigar; for
this reason if you light up a cigar
after having cut or punched its
head, part of the smoke ends up in
the middle of the cigar. This phenomenon obviously leads to some
negative aspects and it influences
the taste in a significant way. His
23
One possible explanation is the

Chimneystack effect inside the
cigar, as claims Puisais. The lighting of a cigar gives off a strong
heat and the smoke emitted looks
for a way out. With the head cut,
For this test, two cigars of the part of the smoke goes through the
same type have been lighted up body of the cigar, releasing several
at the same time (using a non impurities on the tobacco leaves.
I have been using this method for
4-5 years, and I tried it with various
cigars. The test for this article
has been led with a Bolivar Petit
Coronas and a Montecristo No.4.
The part near the foot is the most Puisais Method and cigar 2 has been
affected one by this phenomenon, cut before lighting it up.
and this could be a possible reason
why the first third is the most nega- first third tively influenced part.
Cigar 1: the opening is really creamy,
A consideration on this explanation with rich notes of cocoa and delihas to contemplate the fact that the cate aromas of coffee, with hints of
smoke regularly passes through the chocolate and milk. The aromas are
cigar during its fruition. So why the well combined.
problem only comes up during the
lighting? Probably it is because the Cigar 2: the opening is sour, notes
temperature of the lighters flame of coffee and spices (black pepper)
is much higher than the one kept are highlighted.
by the cigar when it is lit. This theory finds its validation in the fact
that smoking very fast involves an
overheating and, what is important,
makes the cigar extremely bitter and
unpleasant.
This is obviously only theory, but
it is convenient to test it with the
practice. In order to figure it out,
the only thing we can do is smoking
- second third two cigars in parallel, simultaneously. That is exactly what we Both the cigars develop the same
did, and the following is our report, aromatic palette, and no differenwhere cigar 1 is the one lit with the ces have been noticed. The woody
- conclusion The cigar 1 lasted 65 minutes, without

any combustion issue. I had to put
it down to not burn my fingers.
The cigar 2 lasted around 50 minutes
and some correction to the brazier
were necessary, to make it burn
evenly. The cigar ended because it
got bitter in the last third.
With this article we dont want to
say that Puisais Method is the correct and the traditional lightning
is not. We just want to make you
curious about it and make you try
it, before to think that it wont work.
24
Cuban news 2014

all the reviews
By Luca Cominelli, Michael Arlia e Heiko Bumentritt
Hoyo de Monterrey
Le Hoyo de San Juan
CUBA
Format: Geniales
Size: cepo 54 x 150 mm (5,9 )
EUR: 14 | USD: -
Box: 10 pz (SLB) e 25 pz (SLB)
Year: 2014
The Hoyo de San Juan line is dressed up with a new band, which other
than reporting the brand name, has also the name of the line on it. The
wrappers of this cigars have a colorado claro shade, and they are silky to
the touch. The filling is generous and homogeneous.
- pre lighting The cold draw releases inklings of fine wood.
- first third It opens up with a particular aromatic palette: fine wood, spices (white
pepper) and acacia honey. In some puffs, there are some piquant peaks
perceptible. The base is sweet and the smoke is very refined. The strength
is slightly under the medium (2.5/5).
- second third The sweetness gets more pronounced and the cigar releases notes of
caramel and panbrioches. Hints of vanilla and fine wood emerge in some
puffs, while the white pepper is present in the aftertaste. Strength is
medium (3/5).
- third third It develops earthy aromas. In Some puffs there is a slightly ammoniac
note perceptible. The strength grows in the finale (4/5), giving place to a
rewarding end.
- conclusions The Hoyo de San Juan develops a very refined aromatic palette on a sweet
base. The balance and the complexity are excellent. A cigar which reflects
the brand and results to be very interesting.
pairings
Alcoholic: champane
Analcoholic: white tea
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CUBA
Por Larraaga
Bolivar
Picadores
Super Coronas EL 2014

CUBA
Format: Hermoso No.4

Size: cepo 48 x 127 mm (5 )
EUR: 7,6 | USD: -
Box: 25 pz (Dress Box)
Year: 2014

The new Por Larraaga band is not entirely in gold color but its white, red
and gold. The wrapper of the Picador is oily and has a colorado maduro
tonality. To the touch is slightly rustic. The filling is not very homogenous.
Format: Hermoso No.3

Size: cepo 48 x 140 mm (5,5 )
EUR: 11,4 | USD: -
Box: 25 pz (SBN)
Year: 2014
The wrapper is dark, oily, and a little bit rustic to the touch.
- pre lighting A good smell of honey and the Bolivaresque earthiness.
- pre lighting -
- first third -
There are tastes of earth and spices (black pepper).
- first third In the first puff it develops notes of earth and cocoa. Going on, it turns
to vegetal aromas, with the spices (black pepper) in the aftertaste. In some
puffs there are peaks of nutmeg perceptible. The strength is medium
(3/5).
- second third It goes back to cocoa notes, which where perceptible in the opening, and
are supported by nutmeg and herbs. The strength stays constant (3/5).
- third third It alternates the aromas of earth and cocoa. The black pepper is perceptible again and the smoke becomes even more masculine: the strength
increases in a fast way and in some puff the cigars results spiky and not
too balanced.
- conclusions The Picadores develops a rustic smoke, but aromatically very rich. The
cigar is still young and the last part of the smoke confirms all this. They
present an interesting price/quality ratio and with some months of slumber, they will be ready to give its best.
pairings
Alcoholic: aged whisky

Analcoholic: italian coffee
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87
It starts with a big bang: intensive notes of roasted coffee. Theres a hint
of earthy aromas but at the moment theyre in the background and not
coming up to intensively. In the aftertaste there are spices (white pepper).
The strength is slightly over medium (3,5/5).
- second third The intensity is still rising. The earthy notes are still present, paired by
some dark chocolate, leather and cedar wood. The aromas are rich and
the smoke is very creamy, you can almost chew it.
- third third The leather and earth aromas carry over to the last third where a spicy
note (black papper) hits the palate, theres also a touch of polished wood.
A decent bitterness joins now, but it doesnt feel unpleasant at all. The
strength is high (5/5).
- conclusions The verdict of this cigar is very positive and promising. Its a cigar with
the typical flavor profile of the Bolivar brand. Its a great cigar with a very
good aging potential. If you feel unsure about them be confident that this
cigar is worth buying.
pairings
Alcoholic: aged rum

Analcoholic: columbian coffee
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28
Cohiba
Robustos Supremos
CUBA
Format: Magnificos
EUR: 32 | USD: -
Box: 10 pz (Varnished SLD Box)
Year: 2014

The wrapper is colorado maduro and it is a little bit rough at the touch.
Some cigars are not homogeneously filled.
- pre lighting The cold draw releases chestnut honey.
- first third The smoke is very creamy, with notes of pan brioches and white pepper.
The background is quite sweet. In some puffs, leather notes are well perceivable, then it turns to cocoa, hazelnut and white pepper in aftertaste.
The strenght is mild to medium (2,5/5).
- second third The main notes are honey and cedar wood, with the white pepper going
alongside in every single puff. The strenght is now medium (3/5).
- third third The spicies get stronger, with some hot hints. The strenght increases, but
it remains fully under control (3.5/5). In the final some bitter notes are
revealed.
- conclusions The aromatic bouquet is elegant, and the strenght is always under control.
The aroma is not very complex though, and in the last third the bitter
notes show that this cigar is not completely ready yet.
pairings
Alcoholic: champagne
Analcoholic: white tea
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30
Partags
Seleccin Privada EL 2014
CUBA
Format: Geniales
Size: cepo 50 x 160 mm (6,3 )
EUR: 7,6 | USD: -
Box: 10 pz (Dress Box)
Year: 2014
This cigar holds the same name as the same Partagas seleccion priva No.1
discontinued in the year 2002. On the aesthetic level, those two cigars have
somme common characters, starting from the packaging. Both the cigars
are bounded in a yellow band. The format is pretty similar, the EL2014
is a little bit bigger. The wrapper is very oily, in a colorado maduro shade.
- pre lighting The first sensation, smelling the cigar are kind of spicy.
- first third The first notes are very spicy (black pepper), with some hot hints. . Some
notes of cedar wood and earth are perceivable too. In the last part of the
third, grassy notes are added.
- second third The main notes are earth and spices, the strength doesnt increase?
- third third Some leather-notes make their appearance. The final gives out a slightly
bitter vein. The strength is now at (3.5/5).
- conclusions This cigar tends to reflect the traditional bouquet of this brand. It is generally well balanced, but still the last third reveals its youth.
*We tried many Seleccin Privada and the ones described in this review are the ones
with SEP14 in the box code. The AGO14 are completely different: they are not rich
in flavors and the strength is mild. We recommend to buy the SEP14 ones.
pairings
Alcoholic: aged Port wine

Analcoholic: brazilian coffee
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Pairings
Kilchoman
machir bay
1. Partagas serie D No.4 (Cuba) 6. La aroma del Caribe Belicoso 8.

The cigar that gave more satisfaction. The spices developed by the
D4 intertwine with the peaty notes
of the Machir Bay, resulting in
an assonance combination. The
woody and vegetal notes of the
second third are well-accompanied
by ripe fruit from the whiskey. In
the finale, the earthy aroma and
the strength of the Partagas are
balanced by the sweet and honeyed
aromas of the Machir Bay.
By Heiko Bumentritt
O l i va S e r i e V M e l a n i o
(Nicaragua)
Robusto (Nicaragua)
The sweetness of this cigar goes The Machir Bay enhances the toahand in hand with the notes of sted notes of the cigar, intensifying
honey of the whiskey. The spices all the nuances of this cigar.
are refined and the matching is for
assonance.
9. Romeo y Julieta Cazadores
(Cuba)
7. NUB 460 M. (Nicaragua)
The rustic notes and the strength
Assonance pairing that enhances of the cigar are well balanced by the
the sweet and honey notes of both sweetness of the whiskey, which is
products, creating a riot of spices able to dampen the edges of the
Cazador.
that are set off with each other.
2. Bolivar Belicoso Fino (Cuba)

The aromatic palette of this cigar
creates a contrast pairing with the
Machir Bay. Cocoa, coffee, leather
and spices from the cigar are opposed by the sweet notes of vanilla
from the whiskey, while spices are
intertwined.
The combination spirit-cigar has
always been the most traditional
and widely spread way to look at
the world of cigars. To make it
work, however, you should be able
to find the right balance, make sure
to avoid that one of the two pleasures overwhelms the other. Flavors
and aromas should be mixed in a
perfect way, creating a combination
that can enhance the features of
both the cigar and the spirit. To do
that, a perfect acquaintance of both
the cigar and the spirit is required.
You can play for similarity or contrast, but in both cases, the balance
is the most important aspect.
The Kilchoman Machir Bay is the
whiskey we chose for the pairing.
Kilchoman is a distillery which
produces whisky since 2005 and
its founded inside the farm which
33
brings the same name. It is the first filtration and without any additive
one built in Islay island since 124 which would affect aroma, flavor
years. Part of the barley used for and color.
the production is grown in the farm
and malted in the distillery.
kilchoman machir bay
tasting
Kilchoman is one of the smallest

distilleries in Scotland, with a production of 100,000 liters of alcohol
per year. Machir Bay is one of the
most beautiful beaches on Islay and
is located less than a kilometer away
from the distillery. Hence the name
of this single malt whiskey.
Machir Bay is the result of assembling ex-bourbon and sherry casks
with different aging. Every year
the oldest malt is added, creating
a work in progress that let the
aficionados enjoy the evolution of
the product, edition after edition.
It is bottled to 46%, without cold
To the nose it gives off notes of

fruit (citrus). On the palate are
perceptible notes of ripe fruit and
vanilla. It is very smoky and peaty
which is the most common aspect
of Islay whiskeys. The persistence
is long-lasting.
pairings
Considering the tasting notes of

this whiskey, we tried the pairing
with many cigars; some of them
were particularly suitable for realizing a pairing that is definitely
pleasant and advisable.
3.
C amacho T riple M aduro

Robusto (Honduras)
If you search for a mixed bomb
of spices, this is the perfect match,
able surprise even the strongest
palates.
4.
Davidoff Nicaragua Short

Corona (R. Dominicana)
Assonance pairing. The aromatic palette of the Davidoff is well
intertwined with the Machir bay
one, creating an elegant pairing.
5.
Drew Estate Liga Privada

No.9 Robusto (Nicaragua)
The cocoa notes developed by
the cigar are accompanied by the
sweet notes of the whiskey, while
the spices of the Liga Privada are
sustained by the whisky ones, resulting in a stunning persistence.
34
blind tasting
blind tasting:
toro size
The Blind tasting sees 20 Toro size cigars, or with similar measures, coming from different countries of
production and compairing each other. The Blind is accomplished with removing the bands of each cigar,
and re-dressing them with a simple and numbered band. This makes sure that the reviewers dont know what
they are smoking and makes a more objective evaluation, for each cigar.
Blind tasting reviewers:

Luca Cominelli (Italia)

Michel Arlia (Svizzera)

Roberto Canzi (Italia)

Giuseppe Mitolo (Italia)
Aaron Reddy (U.S.A.)

Giovanni Bolzonella (Italia)
Alessandro Bonisoli (Italia)
Kaarel Kluge (Estonia)
Jeremy Lu (Canada)
Cohiba Siglo VI - Cuba

Size: cepo 52 x 150 mm (6) - EUR: 25,20 | USD: - $
Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba
Medium bodied. Elegant and creamy. The balance and the complexity are stunning. It is
definitely one of the best Cuban cigars.
The pre-lighting is woody. The opening gives out notes of wood and spices in aftertaste (pink pepper). In the first third notes of mature fruit are added on
a sweet background. The last third adds hazelnut notes. In the second
third citrus and earthy notes are well perceivable, with hints of honey and
spices. The strenght is always under control.
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Ashton VSG Eclipse tubos - Dominican R.

Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6) - EUR: 15 | USD: 15 $
Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.
Medium to high bodied. This cigar shows a rich bouquet, with an high intensity and a
marked evolution. Well balanced and fulfilling.
In the pre lighting barnyard notes are perceivable. The opening gives off notes of hay.
The first third is earthy, woody, and spicy (piquant peaks) on a sweet
background. The second third adds almond notes. The spices are always
present in the aftertaste. The last third turns to earthy notes and aromatic
herbs.
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35
36
My father Toro - Nicaragua
Quesada 40th Anniversary Toro - Dominican R.

Wrapper: Habano-Rosado | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Mexico (S. Andres) | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dom. R. & Nicaragua
Medium to full bodied. Excellent evolution and outstandig bouquet.

The pre-lighting develops notes of citrus, spices and wood. The first third gives out notes
of panbrioches, on a sweet background that shows some enjoyable acidulus peak, with
delicate spices (white pepper) in the aftertaste. The second third adds
wood and aromatic herbs, with hints of vanilla. The last third turns on
toasted notes (coffee), wood and aromatic herbs.
91
Pre-lighting: earth and spices. The opening develops cocoa notes and
the first third adds woods and spices (white pepper). The background is
sweet. In the second third notes of nuts are added. The last third adds
aromatic herbs, too.
Drew Estate Nica Rustica El Brujito - Nicaragua
Davidoff Nicaragua Toro - Dominican R.
Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6) - EUR: - | USD: 7 $

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Mexico (San Andres) | Filler: Nicaragua
Size: cepo 54 x 140 mm (5,5) - EUR: 18 | USD: 16 $

Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
90
Medium to full bodied, with an excellent evolution and an intense aromatic bouquet. The
persistence is remarkable.
Medium to full bodied (3,5/5). Creamy and well balanced, with a complex bouquet and
good evolution.
The pre-lighting gives off cocoa and spices. The opening is woody and hearty, with hints
of black pepper. The first third gives off a high quality fresh aromatic
herbs note. The second third is concentrated on notes of cocoa and
almonds. The background is sweet and the aftertaste is peppery. The last
third closes with honey, wood and aromatic herbs, with a spicy aftertaste.
Pre-lighting: leather and spices. The opening is spicy. The first third gives off notes of
cocoa, wood, hoeny and spices. The second third turns on balsamic notes
and hints of toasted coffee. The last third adds leather and earthy notes.
The base is delicately sweet.
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89
Arturo Fuente Rosado S.M.R. V54 - Dominican R.
Partagas Serie E No.2 - Cuba
Size: cepo 54 x 165 mm (6,5) - EUR: 13 | USD: 6,75 $

Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.
Size: cepo 54 x 140 mm (5,5) - EUR: 12,8 | USD: - $

Medium bodied. The prelighting is woody and spicy.
Medium bodied, a really satysfying and creamy smoke. The evolution is not wide though.
Pre-lighting: wood and spices. The first puffs are sweet with notes of mature fruit and
white pepper. In the first third there is still white pepper, with wood and aromatic herbs.
In the second third the sweetness increases, with wood and spices alternating each other. The last third gives off toasted notes and dried fruits.
The-pre lighting develops herbs and spices. The opening is vegetal and the first third gives
off wood, earth and cofee aromas. The second thirds adds herbs and black pepper. The
third third is creamy and brings to the palate piquant notes. The strength
increases during the whole smoke. The finale is satisfying
90
37
Medium bodied. The evolution is not outstanding, but this aspects is not so important,
since the aromatic bouquet is incredibly complex. Extremely well balanced with a high
intensity.
89
38
Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 - Honduras
Davidoff Puro DOro Eminentes - Dominican R.
Size: cepo 50 x 165 mm (6,5) - EUR: 14 | USD: 12 $

Wrapper: Ecuador (Sumatra) | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R. e Nicaragua
Size: cepo 50 x 159 mm (6,25) - EUR: 18,5 | USD: 16 $

Wrapper: Dominican R. | Binder: Dominican R. | Filler: Dominican R.
Medium bodied. Complex and with a good evolution. The only imperfection is the last
third, with a marked bitterness.
The cold draw gives out floral notes and dried fruit. After a sour opening, the cigar offers
an earthy and spicy first third. The second third develops mineral notes,
still with intense spicy notes. The last part is earthy and slightly bitter.
88
Seorial Toro - Dominican R.

Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano) | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Dominican R.
Medium to full bodied. The bouquet is not deep, but the notes developed are rich and
complex. The smoke is refined, creamy and well balanced, with an excellent persistence.
The cold draw gives out notes of hay. The first third is spicy (green pepper) and vegetal,
with hints of aromatic herbs giving some freshness to the palate. The
second third is very spicy, with a strong echoes of liquerice. The last third
alternates herbs and spices.
88
The opening is all about wood, earth and spicy (green pepper). The first third gives out
refined notes of wood and chestnut honey, with a sweet background. The second third
introduces notes of liquerice. The last part is earthy.
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Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial - Cuba

Size: cepo 50 x 141 mm (5,5) - EUR: 12 | USD: - $
Medium to light strenght. The smoke is creamy and the bouquet is good and well-balanced.
The prelighting is planty. The first third gives out notes of walnut and light spices. In the
first part notes of cocoa are leading, with spices in the aftertaste. The second third turns
to earth and wood with hints of spiciness. The last third adds notes of
leather and herbs.
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Tatuaje Regios Reserva - Nicaragua
Alec Bradley Tempus Medius 6 - Honduras
Size: cepo 50 x 140 mm (5,5) - EUR: 13 | USD: 6,75 $

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6) - EUR: 8 | USD: - $

Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Medium to high bodied. The bouquet is rustic, but it gives a satisfying smoke with a rich
aroma. The persistence is good too.
Medium to high bodied. The aroma is rich, with a marked persistence, even if the bouquet
is not that rich.
Cold draw: some cocoa notes are well recognizable. The opening gives out notes of earth
and wood. The first third is hearthy with scents of underbrush. Some
hot notes are perceivable. The second third adds planty notes and coffee.
The last third gives aromatic herbs and hot red pepper.
The cold draw is nutty. The first third is vegetal, earthy, with light spices (green pepper).
The second part reveals toasted notes, with a rich espresso aroma. The
last third gives out notes of earth and coffee, with hints of balsamic
herbs.
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39
Mild cigar, with a contained intensity, but its soul is incredibly refined and pleasing.
86
40
CAO OSA LOT54 - Honduras

Wrapper: Mexico (S. Agustin) | Binder: C. Broadleaf | Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Size: cepo 52 x 159 mm (6,25) - EUR: 8,5 | USD: - $

Wrapper: Ecuador (Sumatra) | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
Medium to full bodied. The aromatic palette is not too wide, but the aromas are intense
and the smoke is satysfying. The last third is bitter.
Medium bodied. Good balance and evolution. This is not a demandying smoke but it is
gratifying. The bitter notes in the final disadvantage the final rating.
The pre lightning is floral. The first sector gives out eathy aromas and cocoa, with piquant
notes. In the second third the cocoa intertwines with the green pepper.
The finish is bitter, with toasted notes of coffee. The spices are well
recognizable.
The pre lighting is leathery. The first third gives off caramel and spices in a sweet
background. In the second third a citrus aroma pulls alongside the spices.
Some balsamic notes are perceivable too. In the third third notes of walnut, coffee and leather are perceivable too. A bitter vein it is perceivable.
86
Lempira Puros Lempa Toro - Honduras
86
Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 652 - Nicaragua

Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Honduras | Filler: Honduras
Size: cepo 52 x 152 mm (6) - EUR: 8,5 | USD: 9 $

Wrapper: Ecuadoian Habano Oscuro | Binder: Nicaragua | Filler: Nicaragua
Medium bodied, well balanced and perfectly constructed. The after smoke persistence and
the evolution are both good.
Medium bodied with a limited bouquet. From the half of the smoke the intensity
decreases.
The pre lightning is floral. The opening brings to the palate spicy notes. The first third
is floral, spicy (green pepper) and woody. In the second third the spices
disappear and the aromatic herbs start playing the main role. In the third
sector, white pepper and leather make their appearence.
Pre lighting cocoa. Opening earthy. The first third is vegetal.The background is sweet
with hints of almonds. The second third is earthy with hints of aromatic
herbs. In the final third no variation has been perceived.
86
Montecristo Double Edmundo - Cuba
85
Camacho Connecticut Toro - Honduras
Size: cepo 50 x 155 mm (6,1) - EUR: 14,7 | USD: Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Filler: Cuba
Size: cepo 50 x 152 mm (6) - EUR: 9,4 | USD: 12 $

Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut) | Binder: Corojo | Filler: Honduras
Medium bodied, creamy and well balanced. The aromatic bouquet and the evolution are
though limited.
Medium bodied. Well balanced, creamy and with a long lasting persistence at the palate.
It lacks in complexity and the aromatic palette is limited.
The pre lighting smell is nutty. The opening is grassy. The first third is spicy with hints of
nuts. The second third turns to young wood and mature fruit. The last
third is hearthy and toasted (coffee).
Before the lightning the smell is woody. It opens with cedar and spices, black pepper. The
base tends to be sweet. In the seconds part hints of vanilla are added.
The final third develops wood and cellulose aromas.
86
41
Paradiso Revelation Legend - Nicaragua
84
42
tools
XiKar Allume
the new line of jetflame lighter is born

By Luca Cominelli
Allume lighters are made with an all-metal body and are available in three variants:
Allume, Dual and TableTop
In detail, each lighter features different portability, together with an ignition system which varies in each variant.
However, which unites each and all products of the line is the all-metal body, the presence of a ring nut for
adjusting the flame at the bottom of the lighter and a flap for protection / the nozzles (to open automatically
in the ignition phase).
Allume
Thickness: 11 mm
Width: 33 mm
Height: 5.5 mm
Weight: 60g
Dual
Thickness: 15 mm
Width: 40 mm
Height: 680 mm
Weight: 84gr
They are equipped with a single

fire Jetflame (windproof) and with
a window in the back to control the
quantity of residual gas in the tank.
Extremely compact and with a very
powerful flame..
Double fire Jetflame. On the side Triple flame windproof, extremely

there is a window to check the powerful.
amount of gas remained. Standard
size.
43
TableTop
Thickness: 20 mm
Width: 60 mm
Height: 590 mm
Weight: 182gr
44
made in italy
Ambasciator italico
the italian cigar par excellence
By Giuseppe Mitolo
In the past few months, a new

product has been launched on the
market without huge advertising
proclamations. We are talking about
the Ambasciator Italiaco (literal
translation: Italian Ambassador).
This particular cigar is 100% made
in Italy, as reports the producing
company, the Moderno Opificio
del sigaro italiano, a company
located in Orsago (a locality in
Treviso, near Venice), born from
the partnership with the multinational corps Grand River Enterprises,
canadian leader in the tobacco
industy.
The Ambasciator italico arose
after serveral blending attempts, to
ensure a perfect taste, and a perfect
expression of the italian cigar con- of this new product. The company
cept. The distribution in the italian aims at a specific aficionados category: the kentucky lovers, those
market started in June, 2014
smokers who follow the italian traFor a series of reasons, this cigar dition, closely bound to this rough,
has been associated to the renow- tough tobacco.
ned Toscanello. First of all it comes
in the same shape. Then it makes On the other hand, it has been desiuse of the same tobacco seed gned for the modern cigar smoker,
(Kentucky). But dont try to call who seeks for new a new, italianit Toscanello, cause the company taste products, with a tolerable
claims the particular uniqueness price.
of this cigar, setting apart from all
As we already said, for this cigar,
other products in the market.
We had the occasion to test those only Kentucky tobacco has been
cigars and to analyze the philosophy used: Northamerican for the
wrapper (this peculiar leaves guarantee a perfect flexibility, and and

an excellent burn) and a blend from
Veneto, Campania and Toscana,
very disposed areas for the plantation of this tobacco tipology
throughout history.
Even though at a glance it looks like
an average cheap product, the peculiar production of the Ambasciator
Italico deserves particular attention. The tobacco leaves used are
well-aged: from 2 to 4 years for the
wrapper and 1-2 years for the filler. This variability depends on the
46
made in italy
peculiarity of each harvest, so its
very important to follow the required time for a perfect aging.
At the moment this cigar is
machine-made but its not excluded
the possibility to have a hand-made
Ambasciator Italico in the future.
After the production phase, another 4 to 6 months aging period is
added to this cigar, depending on
the humidity level and at discretion
of several tests carried out from the
own company.
flavored versions Ammazzacaff

and Liquirizia too. This cigar is
bound in a bright tunic colored
wrapper. In the pre-lighting, nuts
(dominant), coffee and woody
notes are detected.
leaves a heavy and long-lasting persistence that sometimes can last for
more than one day. Its up to our
readers to judge if this is a point of
strenght or a weakness.
During the fruition the cigar tends
to blow out, but even though this
is universally considered as a lack,
we are likely to judge it in a positive
way, because it is proably the signal
that no additives have been used to
ease the combustion.
The taste is clearly bitter, but it tends

to flag. The few aromas are simple,
but intense and well-recognizable:
bark (3), earth (2), pepper (1) and
nuts (1). These notes accompany
the consumer until the end. Since
this cigar is a short filler, its quite
Behind all of these choices is worthless to seek for complexity In conclusion, this is a product
with his own precise character,
Domenico Napoletano, a ten years and evolution.
which stands out for its robust
experienced master-blender in the
italian cigar world (previously in The strenght is on a high level, simplicity and that doesnt aim to
the Toscano, later on with the but it never turns to be brutal, and imitate any rival model. It points to
Consorzio Tabacchicoltori del what is important, is that it never the young smokers who seeks for
Grappa, author of the well known hides the flavours like in some cases new products, but to the old school
Doge cigar). His presence clarify could happen with Kentucky cigars. too. We would like to add, that the
italian market is by now monopowhy so much attention is put on the
Another element of surprise is the lized from the Toscano company,
realization of this product.
short-lasting persistence. As a mat- therefore the Ambasciator Italico
Coming to the tasting notes, ter of fact, after just a few hours candidates itself for being a valid
w e d e c i d e d t o r e v i e w t h e every persistence track vanishes. alternative, trying to capture the
Classico, though we tried the Sometimes this particular tobacco smokers attention.
47
drinks
Match with non-alcoholic

the roy rogers designed for cigar
By Chris Glenn
The combination cigar - drink does

not have to be with spirits or with
something alcoholic. For this reason we suggest alternative taste that
goes well and match to our beloved
cigars.
The cocktail in question is composed of ingredients that refresh
and cleanse the palate, so it can
make us appreciate each puff in the
best way. This is the famous Roy
Rogers but with a twist that makes
it perfect to be joined to a smoke.
ingredients
Ginger Ale 4oz

Lime juice 2oz
Lemon grass
Ginger (non pi grosso di un
pollice)
Orange peel
preparation
Cut the lemon grass and ginger

into thin slices and put everything
in a glass tumbler. Peel the orange
and add the peel, together with
the lime juice. Now finish the
construction of the cocktail with
plenty of ice and ginger ale, of
course until the brim of the glass.
If you really cannot do without

alcohol in your cocktails, alcoholic
version can be made quickly: you
can add 4 cl Tanqueray Rangpur
Gin and you already have what you
are looking for!
49
50
Interview
Partagas: the book

interview with the author: amir saarony
By Luca Cominelli
Amir Saarony
Partagas el Libro is written by
Amir Saarony, a big aficionado and
collector of Cuban memorabilia
who decided to realize a publication definitely interesting. The
information written in this book
are detailed and the images fascinating, many of them are even
unpublished. The book is available
in four languages (English, Spanish,
french and german) and talks
about everything happened from
the Partagas factory foundation
made by Jaime Partagas since our
days. Its described Jaime murderand there are also some anecdotes
about the historical Calle de La
Industria manufactory. Many are
the information reported and the
51
events described about one of the the first war of independence

most beloved Cuban brand. Lets of 1895-8 was greatly achieved
through donations of torcedores.
talk about the book with Amir.
It is not just the history of cigars,
it is the history of a nation and its
Why did you choose
culture.
Partags brand for the
book? Cuban brands are
You collaborated with
many and there are even
the Museo del Tabaco
some which are more
de la Habana (Habana
f a m o u s: Mo n t e c r i st o ,
tobacco museum) and
Hoyo de Monterrey and
with its director: Zoe
Cohiba, just to mention a
Nocedo Primo. This was
few.
really important to complete the book in a detailed
I see this book as the first of a
way. Part of the book proseries. Partags is not only a well
fit will go to the reborn of
known brand but has an intriguing
this museum, which is not
history populated by interesting
subsidized by the Cuban
characters. It is also a brand with
authorities
a lot of incorrect information floating around as gospel. I chose it
because I thought there would be Zoe has been a dear friend for many
many interested in the story and it years. To aid the museum was one
would create interest in the series. of the goals of this project from
Cigar makers in Cuba influenced the start. Ironically, the day before
many aspected of Cuban history I launched the book at the Habanos
and Culture. Not only was it a Festival in Havana, Zoe was notimajor contributor to the economic fied that the Partags factory was
development of the nation, but the going to become the new home of
education of the masses, banking, an expanded Museum of tobacco.
shipping and railroads were greatly The museum has been sitting in
affected by the cigar industry. The temporary facilities for almost
efforts of Jos Marti, to finance 20 years. Without true exhibition
space or the proper resources to

fulfill its goals of research and promotion. Hopefully now, with a real
museum on the horizon and promotion through myself and others,
the glorious history of tobacco in
Cuba can soon be on the must
do list for visitors to Havana. With
Zoe supporting the project a lot of
doors opened up for research. Not
only the collection of the museum
(which had just received the archives from the Partags factory) but
also the archives of Cuba, Habanos
and the private collections around
the world. Zoe has always been
supportive and enthusiastic about
promoting the history of Cuban
tobacco. This project could not be
what it developed into without her.
You told us you wrote
this book for the aficionados. Which are the aspects
you paid more attention
in and why? What are the
differences from your book
and the other publications
that have been released in
the past years?
There have been some wonderful

books written about the history
of cigars. Most of them lack the
history of the people, which to
me is the most interesting aspect.
These were wealthy, powerful men
who helped shape the history of
Cuba, an island I love. I wanted to
personalize the history. To flesh out
the stories of the people who gave
shape to the cigars we love so much.
I think the wine world has done a
wonderful job of using its history
as a marketing tool. We idolize the
name of Partags without really
knowing much of about the man
who bore the name. Aside from the
fact that most of what we thought
we knew turned out to be folklore
rather than fact. I tried to format
the book to appeal to the casual
smoker. It is not an academic work.
It is factual entertainment. It was
designed with short chapters that
one can read and then read the following chapter a while later without
having to recall the details opt the
previous. There is no exam at the
end (NOTE: he smiles). Hopefully
this will help ignite further interest
in the History of Cuban cigars.
In the book is reported

the publication edited by
Partags to celebrate the
centenary of the foundation (1845-1945). There are
pictures and the full text.
This is really interesting.
What brought you to write
every single detail about
this? Can you give us some
more information?
Thank you. As a collector of ephemera relating to the history of
Cuban cigars, this is one of the
pieces in my collection I truly love.
It was published by the companys
marketing department in celebration of their centenary. Right
before the end of World War 2. It
is interesting to see how the company saw its own history. Marketers
can be some of the great revisionists of history. It certainly would
do nothing to help sell cigars by
celebrating a company born on the
production of counterfeit cigars.
Would it? It is a grand occasion
when a brand reaches 100 years old.
It was celebrated by the company in
many ways I wanted to expose the
event to todays smokers.
There are many pictures
in the book, which give
an exact idea of what is
described on the pages,
leaving few things to the
imagination. How did
you find all these amazing
images?
Zoe Nocedo Primo
It was really a process of editing.

Thanks to the generosity of many
52
interview
institutions and many collectors I
had enough photographs to make
it a 500 page book but that would
be a logistical nightmare. I wanted to give examples of various
objects that might peak interest
of the casual smoker. The overall
goal is to increase interest in the
history behind the cigars we love.
Of course we all like to look at interesting pictures. I tried to choose
pictures that many would have not
seen previously.
like to believe modern cigars are as

good if not better, maybe because
that is what I have the most opportunity to enjoy.
The biggest cigar ever
produced by Partags was
the Visibile Immenso, a
cigar with a 56 ring gauge
and a length of 533mm!
What can you tell us about
it?
Rumors have it that they were originally produced for King Farouk
In the Partagss history
of Egypt. The assumption is other
a fundamental role is
clients of importance saw them
represented by the various
and asked for them. As they were
familiess properties that
available beyond King Farouks
come through in the brand
abdication in 1952 they obviously
control. In your opinion
found another limited market.
what was the heyday of
Aside from their size, they were a
trademark Calle de La
terribly expensive cigar to produce.
Industria in ter ms of
They were packaged in a large glass
quality and why?
tube and then an individual coffin.
Quality of historical cigars is a dif- The last person I heard of smoking
ficult subject to broach. We did one recently took over 8 hours to
not have the opportunity to try the complete it.
cigars produced years ago as new
The Cuban revolution
cigars. Occasionally we are lucky
changed in a big way the
enough to try a cigar from the 50s
cigar production in Cuba.
or so, but we are not smoking them
What happened influenced
as they were meant to be smoked.
many aspect of the cigar
When they were on the market. We
industry. What is your opialso cannot compare them to curnion about this and what is
rent or newer cigars because, as we
the idea you now have after
say in English, that is comparing
your researches?
apples to oranges. I do not know
if the cigars were better. Tobacco
has changed over the decades while Well the biggest change was that
the art of rolling a cigar by hand the companies were no longer
has continued. I know they made competing with each other for
and sold more cigars in the past market share but were now all
then today, I think that is due to the owned by one governement corchanging market demand. I would poration. Aside from the obvious,
53
I cannot really comment on the

small changes as I did not witness
it. I do think we lost the benefits
of a competitive market (and the
loss of the U.S. market which was
the largest for Cuban cigars). The
drive for profitability urged higher
quality control and inventiveness.
As one who has lived in the marketing world for years I believe the
marketing of Cuban cigars before
the revolution was inspired. The
fact that you have so many competitors, some literally next door,
made all the companies try harder.
Today I do not think there is the
distinct brand equity that existed
before. But this is all about public
conception. In the end, all what
really matters are the cigars.
A classic aficionado question: which is the box you
dream of ? The one you
would always have to make
an amazing and unforgettable smoke?
Now that is a difficult question to
answer, and tomorrow I may come
up with a completely different
answer. The answer at the moment
is a 50 count box of Trinidad
Fundadores from Oct 1997. The
original release. I still think this is
one of the outstanding cigars of
all time, especially when well aged.
I enjoy the complexity of these
cigars and the fact that they can be
enjoyable as a morning to late night
smoke and anything in between. If
I had to choose a Partags, I would
select a Sobrasaliente or a series du
connoisseur #2. I am really going
to miss those cigars when I run out.
vintage
Davidoff
Chteau Haut-Brion
Country: Cuba
Format: Perlas
Size: cepo 40 x 102 mm (4)
EUR: 50 (estimated) | USD: - $
Year: 80s
CUBA
The Chateau Haut-Brion was produced until 1991. It was the smallest
cigar of the Chateau line and is
the hardest to find at the moment.
This is because of the price this
cigars had during their selling
period: considering the high price
for this Perlas, a lot of the smoker
opted to buy cigars with larger

dimensions, with a better price/
quality report. Because of this the
Haut-Brion were produced in inferior numbers to the other formats
(especially the cabinets of 50).
This cigars, until the end of the
70s, where commercialized without
bands. Then starting from 1980

they were dressed with the classic
Davidoff band: white background
with golden lettering.
Aesthetically the wrapper ha a claro
shade. The veins are minimal andto
the touch the filling is homogeneous, without excesses or flaws.
- pre lighting -
strength rises further, giving rise to

There are notes of fine wood per- a rewarding finale.
ceptible in the cold draw.
- first third The beginning is acidulous and

brings woody notes to the palate.
Going on, it develops rich spices
(white pepper) and spicy peaks.
From the get go the smoke is
intense. Progressing, spices, aged
wood and balsamic notes alternate.
The strength is medium high (4/5).
- second third It is a tribute of spices, which pass

strongly to the foreground. In the
background the wood remain per- conclusions ceptible. The smoke is rich and the
strength stays on the medium high The Chateau Haut-Brion develops a rich and masculine smoke.
level.
The strength is emphasized for the
whole smoking duration and it is
- third third It develops herbal and balmy aro- owned by the spices. The aromas
mas, which refresh the palate. The are well outlined and the post- puff
spices decrease slowly but the and smoke persistency is very long.
pairings
Alcoholic: aged rum

Analcoholic: colombian coffee
55
91
56
slow attitude
Tatuaje Monster
a rustic capa and gives place to a

decisively stronger smoke!
Pete has confirmed the continued
rise in numbers of this monsters,
but he would also like to underline
the fact that he doesnt want to
the halloween success

By Michel Arlia
increase the production by much:

to try and always guaranty the quality of this product. To the question
Pete, what is the secret behind
the Monsters he answered with
a smile: i think that the success
of this line is due to the fact that

the Monsters give place to notable
smoking period. Its always difficult
to go above and beyond, when you
have an excellent smoke in front of
you.
Jekyll No.7 - Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador - Binder & Filler: Nicaragua
EUR: 11 | USD: 14 $
Scatola: 13 e 10 pz
Anno: 2014
The wrapper is smooth to the touch and the cigars is perfectly filled. The
marble head finish adds a touch of elegance to the cigar.
At Halloween starts the Tatuaje

Monster period, a Line which is
growing every year. We talked
about it directly with the founder:
Pete Johnson.
This particular idea of his was born
through a friend form Boston, who
ignited Petes fantasy.
In 2008 this new line gets launched,
which is getting more success and
rising numbers of boxes produced
57
year by year. The first Monster was

the Frank, released in 2008 in a production of 666 dress boxes (a little
under 9000 cigars), while the latest
release, the JV 13, was produced
for 666 dress boxes and 4500 plain
boxes (for a total of 53000 cigars).
Pete told us that every cigar of this
line is born with a different blend,
its wasnt created to give place to
a characteristic smoke which a line
has in common: every Monster is
a cigar in itself. This line is cyclical: for two years in a row there will
be Old Monsters released ( the
classic ones) and then there will be
one New Monster (modern). For
this year and 2015 the scheduled
respectively the Jekyll and Hyde.
To not spoil the anticipation of
those who now this characters, The
Jekyll has a more refined look and a
controlled strength. The Hyde, on
the other hand, will be dressed in
The cold draw brings notes of wood, leather and pepper to the palate.
The first third starts with woody notes, leather and nuts. There is also a
white pepper flavor in the aftertaste. The strength is medium (3/5).
From the second third on the smoke gets creamier and sweeter. The pepper notes move to the front and join the wood, nuts, leather and earth.
The last third continues with the woody, earthy and leathery notes. There
are also notes of coffee and nuts in there, which make it a very enjoyable
smoke.The pepper note is still very present in the aftertaste. The strength
doesnt change in this final third (3/5).
On paper the Jekyll makes the impression of being a very strong cigar,
but surprisingly the strength stays on a medium level throughout. Which
makes for a very well balanced, creamy and smooth cigar, with a great
flavor profile and evolution. The construction is impeccable.
58
famous smokers
John F. Kennedy
sotto il segno di h. upmann
By Mirko Fabian
Kennedy became the spokesman of some of the most

common problems of Americans
at that time; including poverty and
unemployment, as well as racial
discrimination: JFK was a strong
supporter of equality among individuals, relying on the wife of
imprisoned Martin Luther King Jr.
and obtaining the approval and the
support of the Black Population.
According to the testimony of

Salinger in an interview in 1992,
JFK signed the decree which ratified the Cuban embargo only after
having his personal supply of
Cigars.
The Petit Upmann, currently of

production, however, still can be
found. The format corresponds
to the current Coronas Junior,
(from the house of H. Upmann),
The career of JFK is kind of rela- but of course, the liga has deeply
ted to a private passion for the changed in the last decades.
world of Cigar. The 35th American
President has been invloved in a Salinger believes that a box of
fun and unusual story by the so- cigars belonged to the President
called Cold War: it seems that is now in the hands of the owners
Kennedy has asked his assistant, of the Pawn Stars in Las Vegas,
Pierre Salinger to procure the gre- a famous show in America, who
atest possible number of Cuban bought it for only $60,000.
Cigars before declaring the Cuban
Embargo, at the time aligned with The character of JFK has marked
the history of the United States: its
Soviet blocking.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was
born in Brookline, Massachusetts,
on 1917. He was an exponent of
the Democratic Party. He won the
election in the year 1960, against
the candidate of the Reppublicans,
Richard Nixon, assuming the office
of the President of the United
States on January 20, 1961. The
campaign was seen for the first time
on live television, showing the duel
between the two candidates.
The beginning of the series of
fierce battle fought by Kennedy
during his presidency took place in
front of the camera.
By winning the election, he replaced Eisenhower and he remained in
the office until his famous murder,
59
on November 22, 1963 in Dallas

committed by Lee Harvey Oswald
( arrested few hours later in a movie
theater not far from the place of
the attack and died two days later
without undergoing the process).
Oswald, as known, was considered
by many analyst as the only one
involved in the murder that believed to be the result of a conspiracy
at the highest political level.
Trained at Harvard in 1941, John
was inlisted as a volunteer even if
he was already suffering from osteoporosis. He managed however
to enter later in the United States
Navy, where he attained the rank of
Lieutenant and participated in some
missions and even getting Major
American Awards. The Navy and
Marine Corps Medal, (to which

were added subsequently with three
more medal of valor) : for acts of
courage and heroism shown during
a dangerous attack by a Japanese
plane.
decisions and its politicals gestures,

as well as its tragical end, are still in
the minds of the Americans.
Many people think that, it was
also the responsible of the narrow escape from the nuclear
conflict (the reference is the socalled Crisis of the Caribbean,
which took 13 days) but for Cuban
Aficionados, he is remembered for
his passion for the H. Upmann.
Only few people know the place
where the remaining cigars of the
President of America are storaged.
Maybe sooner or later some boxes
(whatever the historical value) will
finish in the hands of someone
who can really appreciate it.
60
events
ANS: Apotheken-Notdienst-Smoke
smoking signs in Wrrstadt
By Michel Arlia
new aficionados to get to know.

On the Saturday evening was the
CigarCultClub-Summerfest. This
years theme was big, bigger,
Texas : starting from the BBQ to
the dress-code and passing a particular cigar, an Alec Bradley Texas
Lancero (a cigar of really generous
dimensions!).
After some delicious food the night
got capped off at the local Irish
Pub, where smoking is welcomed.
The weekend came to a particular
end: a hearty brunch and the last
cigars of the three day event.
If you ever have find yourself
around those parts of Germany,
drop by and light a cigar at this
meeting, where every aficionado is
welcomed.
For a weekend in mid august there Pharmacy-Emergency-Service- still held nowadays and it became
the legendary ANS. Everybody
is a gathering of cigar aficionados Smoke.
brings something to drink, eat and
from all over the world, in a town
Andreas, the pharmacist, started lot of cigars to smoke. This procalled Wrrstadt.
it more than 10 years ago. He has ceeds until the wee hours of the
This small town is located in the Night Duty every 13 days and, night.
Germany, and has a long tradition given that those evenings tended
in wine growing, which gives this to get quite boring and calm, so This meeting is not a club activity
he decided to smoke a cigar in his or anything, its a pure meeting of
place a provincial French feeling.
office with a couple of friends, friends from all-over the world,
T h i s g a t h e r i n g s t a r - Nino and Bernhard. Word got who want to share, talk and have a
ted on a Friday night at the around and the meeting grew and good time. Its like a family reunion,
infamous ANS: Apotheken- grew to the point that they had to with 50 to 60 people which stay for
N o t d i e n s t - S m o k e , m e a n i n g switch to the laboratory, where it is the weekend. Every time there are
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info
Vocabulary
Sections
meaning of the terminologies used
what you can find on CigarsLover Magazine
Anilla: papier band on the cigar, which is used to identify the brand.
Calibre (cepo or ring gauge): diameter of the cigar.
Capa (wrapper): the leaves used to wrap the Tripa and the Capote.
Capote (binder): the leaves used to wrap the Tripa.
Catadores: from the factory assigned employees, which try the cigars on a daily bases, to verify the quality.
Cepo: ring gauge.
Claro: tonality of the light brown color of the wrapper.
Colorado: tonality of the chestnut brown color of the wrapper.
Colorado clark: tonality of the interim brown color of the wrapper.
Colorado maduro: tonality of the dark brown color of the wrapper.
Figurado: a cigar which presents a pointed end.
Fortaleza: the sensation of the strength, which the smoke provokes in the throat of the smoker with every

puff.
Galera: a place where the cigars are prepared.
I.S.: International Shape.
Largo: length of the cigar.
Liga: the mixture of the leaves used, which characterizes the cigar.
Ligero: leaves that are harvested in the higher part of the tobacco plants and that give the strength to the

cigar.
Maduro: tonality of the mahogany-dark brown color of the wrapper.
Medio tempo: leaves that are harvested in the top part of the tobacco plants.
Puro: a cigar, which is exclusively prepared with leaves from the resulting country.
Seco: leaves that are harvested in the interim part of the tobacco plants and give aroma to the cigar.
SLD: short for Slide Lid Box.
Tercio: ball of untreated tobacco.
Thirds (first, second and third): parts in which the cigar gets divided.
Torcedore: employee who rolls the cigars.
Tripa (filler): leaves which compose the filling of the cigar.
Tripa corta: a filling which is composed of the cuts, pieces and damaged leaves.
Tripa larga: a filling with whole leaves.
Vitola: module or format of the cigar with an established diameter and length.
Vitola de galera: unique name which is attributed to distinguish the different formats, independent of the

name hich is will be given to the cigar. (Marevas, Prominentes, etc)
Vitola de salida: name attributed to the commercial end. And changes from each marca. (Siglo VI, Serie D

no. 4, etc...)
Volado: leaves which are harvested at the bottom of the tobacco plants Fundamental for the combustion of

the cigar
RUMORS
DRINKS
The best drinks in combination with cigars. When Market trends, the latest arrivals and all that is a
the pairing is a source of absolute pleasure. bit gossip in the cigar world.
63
SLOW ATTITUDE
DUELS
There will be horizontal reviews, which means Te ch n i c a l a r t i c l e s f o r a b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n reviews of differnt cigars that shares the same vitola. ding of the product cigar secrets and insights
of use for both beginners and aficionados.
EVENTS
Italian or international events of particular impor- SMOKES FROM THE WORLD
tance. Of course, the photographic record will be To understand completely cigars, its important
to experience all the terroir of reference: Cuba,
carefully made.
Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican R. and more. The
smoke around the world are increasingly comFAMOUS SMOKERS
Biographies and curiosity of celebrities, Italian and mon and source of more and more satisfaction.
foreign, living or dead, with an unbridled passion in
common: the art of slow smoking and in parti- THOUGHTS
Deepen the topics covered in all the other categocular for cigars.
ries is a symptom of completeness. Here we try to
go further, seek solutions and propose interpretaINTERVIEW
Stories of passions narrated directly by the pro- tions of everything that happens in the cigars world.
tagonists: interviews with insiders, tobacconists,
importers, collectors, and so on and so forth. TOBACCO HISTORY
Stories from the tobacco world: the big brands, the
crops, the manufacturers of the past, and the city
MADE IN ITALY
Reviews, discussions and insights regarding the grew on the tobacco business. Because to undercigars made in Italy. The tradition of Tuscani, stand the cigar you have to understand its origins.
the novelty of Nostrano del Brenta and more!
TOOLS
Accessories are an essential element for the modern smoPAIRINGS
Alcoholic and Analcoholic reviews, with the target to ker: tools for cutting, humidors, lighters, cigar holders,
make the best pairing possible with our be loved cigars. furnishing accessories. Every detail has its importance.
PREMIUM STICKS
Reviews of Caribbean cigars of great importance
and prestige: Reserva and Gran Reserva editions and other limited and rare releases, fine
cigars and hard to find even in the packaging.
VINTAGE
The world of collecting: cigars aged for decades, the
great classics of the past and rarest cubans. The charm
and the extreme quality of the impossible.
64
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Lover

BLIND TASTING: TOROS

Bolivar Super Coronas

The 500$ cigar

Interview with Jos Blanco

Kilchoman Makir Bay

An important collaboration with a leading figure in the world of tobacco

How to read our rating system ...........

Partagas: the book

Its influence ................................... 5

Davidoff Oro Blanco

The pairing with Machir Bay ..... 33

Blind Tasting ...................... 35

Cuban news 2014

Chteau Haut-Brion .................. 55

Unconventional humidors! ............. 9

The Halloween success ............... 57

Las cumbres tabaco .................... 13

Under H. Upmann sign ............ 59

Smoking in Wrrstadt ............... 61

A warm thanks to all of our readers.

The passion moves us.

The main sense in the degustation .....

The italian cigar .......................... 46

how to read scale of evaluation

The best WAY OF humidification

just give good chances to! Even if

Introduction Is the soil really so

the plant. Also and to perpetuate

(fallow land and cultures rotation),

the climate rains, winds, temperature, etc. as it has a direct and

drying, fermentations, and aging)

Take a good soil the first vital

Thus Growing black tobacco on

This cocktail takes years long

smokes from the world

The Oro Blanco is the newest

of the cigar and its history written

for this super-premium cigar shows

This is the most expensive cigar

Leaving aside the historical

and dimensions (considerations

environment (with the classic problems that entails). The optimal

scents of a cigar, in particular for

These devices, however, do not

Hence the first question: glass or ceramic?

the tobaccos used. Conversely, the

the answer to why some cigars are

Available on Cadenheads Whisky Bar - Milan

Regarding the humidity rates we,

blender of La Aurora in that

las cumbres tabaco

Corojo) planted by the cousin

How did you and Emma

Emma worked for the Swedish

The image that can be seen by

The painting depicts an old way of

The Seorial is a premium cigar

Emma wanted to represent the

desired characteristic to add the flavors, which is the most important

From the left to the right:

smokes from the world

What pushed you to start

work a lot but in the end it was fun