Cuban cigars are highly sought after for several key reasons:
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Cuba’s climate and soil are optimal for growing tobacco, particularly in regions like Pinar del Río. The natural environment contributes to a unique flavor profile that is hard to replicate.
- Rich Tradition and Expertise: Cuban cigar making is steeped in tradition and craftsmanship passed down through generations. This expertise ensures a high level of quality and consistency in cigar production.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Cuban cigars are renowned for their distinctive flavor, which is often described as rich, smooth, and complex. This unique taste is a result of the combination of Cuban climate, soil, and tobacco varieties.
- Limited Availability and Exclusivity: Due to trade embargoes and limited production, Cuban cigars are not widely available, which adds to their allure and perception as a luxury item.
- Historical Prestige: The reputation of Cuban cigars has been built over centuries, making them synonymous with luxury and sophistication. This historical prestige adds to their desirability among aficionados.
- Variety and Quality: Cuba offers a wide range of cigar brands and styles, catering to diverse preferences. The consistent quality control in Cuban cigar factories further ensures that each cigar meets high standards.
The Cigar Guys collectively decided on which cuban cigars they seemed to be the best based on the flavor and overall smoking experience.
Montecristo No. 2
The Montecristo No. 2, an iconic name in the world of Cuban cigars, stands as a testament to the art of cigar-making. This legendary cigar has earned its place as a favorite among seasoned aficionados and newcomers, making it a symbol of Cuban cigar craftsmanship.
Iconic Status: The Montecristo No. 2 is considered one of the most iconic Cuban cigars in the world. It represents the epitome of the traditional, medium-bodied Cuban cigar and is widely recognized and appreciated by cigar enthusiasts globally.
Flavor Profile: This cigar is celebrated for its rich flavor profile, which includes deep coffee notes and earthiness, balanced beautifully with significant floral and cedar notes. This blend of flavors provides a smoking experience that is both complex and satisfying.
Unique Shape: As a Pyramid vitola, often referred to as a Torpedo, the Montecristo No. 2 belongs to the Figurado family of cigars. Its tapered head makes it easy to hold and savor, contributing to its distinctive smoking experience.
Quality and Consistency: Despite some challenges with uniformity in the past, the Montecristo No. 2 has maintained a reputation for quality. Its silky wrapper and meticulous construction contribute to a smooth and enjoyable smoke.
Historical Legacy: The Montecristo brand was launched in 1935 in Cuba. The name, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Count of Monte Cristo,” adds a touch of literary charm to the brand’s rich history.
Global Recognition: Named the best cigar of the year in 2013, despite being over 80 years old, the Montecristo No. 2 has demonstrated remarkable consistency and enduring appeal over the years.
Affordability and Accessibility: While the Montecristo No. 2 commands a premium, it remains accessible to a wide range of cigar enthusiasts, offering excellent value for its quality.
The Montecristo No. 2 is more than just a cigar; it’s a piece of smoking history. Its blend of tradition, flavor, and craftsmanship makes it a must-try for anyone seeking the quintessential Cuban cigar experience. Whether for a special occasion or a regular indulgence, the Montecristo No. 2 is a choice that never disappoints.
Partagas Serie D No. 4
The Partagas Serie D No. 4, a classic Robusto vitola from the renowned Partagas brand, stands out as one of the most exceptional Cuban cigars. Its popularity among aficionados and its reputation as a high-quality cigar makes it a standout choice in the world of premium cigars.
History and Legacy:
Partagas, one of the oldest cigar brands, was founded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas y Ravelo. Over the years, Partagas has established itself as a premier manufacturer of Cuban cigars. The Serie D No. 4ained a reputation for its flavorful, medium to full-bodied profile, becoming one of the best-selling Cuban cigars globally.
Unique Blend and Flavor Profile:
The Partagas Serie D No. 4 is hand-rolled using finely aged tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba, known for producing some of the best tobacco in the world. This cigar is celebrated for its complex flavor profile, featuring spice, wood, cocoa, and cedar notes. The blend of these flavors results in a rich and satisfying cigar.
Construction and Experience:
The construction of the Partagas Serie D No. 4 is impeccable. Reviewers have noted its sharp burn and consistent quality, with the cigar delivering a smooth, creamy smoking experience from start to finish. The cigar’s body is described as medium in the first half, with the strength increasing to medium-full in the latter half.
Aging Potential and Pairing:
The Partagas Serie D No. 4 is also known for its aging potential. With time, nutmeg and clove flavors join the existing profile, enhancing the cigar’s complexity. Pairing this cigar with a glass of champagne is recommended for a truly luxurious experience.
The Partagas Serie D No. 4 sets a high standard for Robusto cigars. Its rich flavors, impeccable construction, and historical legacy make it a favorite among cigar enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed as a regular indulgence or reserved for special occasions, the Partagas Serie D No. 4 promises a memorable smoking experience.
The Hoyo De Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo Rio Seco
The Hoyo De Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo Rio Seco represents a significant addition to the Cuban cigar world, offering a unique experience that stands out. This cigar has garnered attention for its distinct characteristics, making it a favorite among many enthusiasts.
Unique Characteristics:
As part of the Hoyo De Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo Rio Seco brand, the Hoyo de Monterrey brand is known for its lighter to medium strength. It has a substantial 56-ring gauge compared to its 5½” length, a feature that has been increasingly popular in recent cigar trends. This Robusto Extra vitola allows the cigar to deliver its full flavor potential within a reasonable smoking time.
Flavor Profile:
Upon lighting, the Hoyo De Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo Rio Seco reveals a complex array of flavors. The initial third offers hints of mahogany and damp cedar, accompanied by green herb aromas like cilantro and parsley. Sweet spices join the blend as the smoke progresses, and the intensity ramps up, notably with roast almonds. These flavors develop elegantly, providing a medium bordering on full experience suitable for experienced smokers.
Construction and Burn:
The cigar’s construction is noteworthy, featuring an almost seamless Colorado Claro wrapper with minimal veining and a delicate oily sheen, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Despite its size, it lights up well and maintains consistent combustion, providing an even and satisfying smoke.
Value and Aging Potential:
The Hoyo De Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo Rio Seco is a cigar that benefits from aging. With time, its herbal notes mature, preventing them from being too grassy and allowing for a more refined smoking experience. This makes it a pleasure to smoke and a valuable addition to any humidor.
The Hoyo De Monterrey Serie Le Hoyo Rio Seco offers everything cigar enthusiasts love about the Hoyo de Monterrey brand but in a larger format. Its flavor profile and construction make it a fantastic choice for those looking for a Cuban cigar that is both traditional and innovative. Whether enjoyed at a backyard cookout or as a gift to a fellow cigar aficionado, the Le Hoyo de Río Seco is a cigar that promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
H. Upmann Magnum 50
Introduction:
The H. Upmann Magnum 50, a cigar with class and quality, has solidified its position as one of the finest Cuban cigars. Launched as a regular production in 2008, after its initial limited edition release in 2005, the Magnum 50 has captivated cigar enthusiasts with its exceptional characteristics.
Distinctive Features:
The Magnum 50 is a Double Robusto Vitola, measuring 160mm long with a ring gauge of 50, providing a substantial and satisfying smoking experience. Its size allows for a complex and evolving flavor profile, making each puff a journey through different taste sensations.
Flavor Profile:
The Magnum 50 starts with a light to medium profile, exuding aromas of graham cracker, which then evolve to include warm flavors of vanilla and cinnamon, accompanied by rustic leather. As the smoke progresses, the strength and body increase to a full medium, introducing fruity notes of apricot, peaches, and prominent almond flavors.
Construction and Smoking Experience:
Reviewers have praised the Magnum 50 for its perfect draw, producing voluminous puffs of smoke rich in complexity and smooth transitions. The construction is consistently praised, indicative of the expert craftsmanship behind this cigar.
Pairing and Occasions:
The Magnum 50 is recommended to be enjoyed after a lavish meal, particularly with red meat, and paired with a full-bodied red wine. The smoking duration, typically around 90 minutes, makes it an ideal choice for a relaxed and indulgent smoking session.
The H. Upmann Magnum 50 is not just a cigar; it’s an experience. With its impeccable blend, construction, and flavor profile, it stands as a testament to the artistry of Cuban cigar making. The Magnum 50 is a cigar that promises a luxurious and memorable smoking experience, whether for a special occasion or a regular indulgence.
Cohiba Behike
The Cohiba Behike stands at the pinnacle of Cuban cigar craftsmanship. Introduced as a high-end product of the prestigious Cohiba brand, it has captured the attention of cigar connoisseurs worldwide.
The Legacy of Cohiba:
Cohiba, an iconic name in premium cigars, originated in Cuba in the 1960s. Initially produced exclusively for high-ranking officials and as diplomatic gifts, it was only in 1982 that Cohiba cigars became available to the public. Since then, the brand has symbolized luxury and refinement.
The Emergence of Cohiba Behike:
The Cohiba Behike line, introduced in 2010, was a breakthrough in the cigar industry. It was a limited release, and the original line, consisting of only 4,000 cigars, was quickly sold out. This line was noteworthy for including medio tiempo tobaccos – rare leaves from the top of the tobacco plant, receiving the most sunlight and, therefore, stronger and more flavorful.
Unique Blend and Construction:
The blend of the Cohiba Behike, which includes medio tiempo leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region, is rare and offers an exceptional flavor profile. These cigars’ rich, earthy, sweet, and uniquely spicy flavors are medium to full-bodied. The construction of the Behike is impeccable, featuring an almost seamless wrapper, minimal veining, and a well-applied triple cap, giving it an elegant appearance.
Flavor Profile:
The Cohiba Behike starts rich and spicy, transitioning to sweet spice, vanilla, and cedar notes. The complex flavor profile is a testament to the skill of the Cuban cigar makers and the quality of the tobacco used.
Prestige and Price:
With its introduction, the Behike immediately gained a reputation for being one of the most desirable and prestigious cigars. The blend’s rarity and quality and the Cohiba brand’s reputation have made it a collector’s item and a symbol of cigar-smoking luxury.
The Cohiba Behike represents the height of Cuban cigar-making artistry. Its unique blend, exquisite construction, and complex flavor profile make it not just a cigar but a luxurious experience. For cigar enthusiasts, the Cohiba Behike is more than a smoke – it’s a journey into Cuban cigars’ rich history and tradition.
71. United Cigars Returns! | The Cigar Guys Podcast – The Cigar Guys Podcast
The Cigar Guys 