Altadis U.S.A. is bringing back a line from Aging Room, Oliveros Gran Retorno. Oliveros Gran Retorno is a small batch production that undergoes a unique aging process. The blend uses extra aged tobacco that has been aging in traditional bales for 24 months, then they rested in “reposado” in the factory Cedar Room for six months, and then the cigars themselves have been aged for at least 33 months after rolling.
This was by far my favorite new cigar from IPCPR this year and one of my favorites overall this year. This was so smooth and buttery and the flavors were always balanced and great. It had just the right amount of spice throughout. The flavor profile and aged tobacco flavors I found are usually unique to Cuban cigars. It was full flavored and complex with lots of transitions without being overly powerful. The price is a bit steep, but I will be buying a box of these, no question. I give this a personal score of 96 (Extraordinary).
"This was a fairly complex and transitional medium-bodied cigar. The flavors were well-balanced, and definitely up my alley. The only downside was the amount of attention this needed all the way through. I’d absolutely pick up another one in hopes that the burn issues I had were just a fluke. It was still an enjoyable experience even with a couple of touch-ups and a relight." -Chris M. (Chris)
Altadis U.S.A. will reintroduce Quattro, an award-winning series of premium cigars from Aging Room by Rafael Nodal. Quattro is an extension of the Aging Room family of cigars crafted by a prominent name in boutique-styled blends, Rafael Nodal. With this reimagined Quattro collection, Nodal revives the previous Quattro selections, while expanding the lineup with two new additions.
This was a very nice cigar. There were a core set of flavors that made many transitions throughout. Lots of pepper in the initial third along with cedar and cream. Some sweetness went in and out and the mineral flavor that showed up in the second half of the cigar was a welcome addition. The performance was fantastic and allowed me to just focus on the flavors. A good amount of strength along with the fuller body would make me recommend this as an evening cigar after a meal or as a second or later cigar in the day.
Altadis has announced the latest in the Aging Room Quattro line: Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata. From his early classical music studies, Rafael Nodal, Head of Product Capability for Tabacalera USA, has always been fascinated by famous sonatas. “Beethoven’s Moonlight and other sonatas from Mozart, Schubert, Chopin and Rachmaninoff among my favorites,” he says.
JR Cigar introduces the second blend of the JR Pure Origin line, Terra de Andes, available from November 1. This unique cigar, crafted with rare tobaccos, tells the story of South America's Andes Mountains.
This cigar was a great addition to the Epic line from Montecristo, maybe the best yet. I was a big fan of the Epic Craft Cured, a cigar that I thought went kind of under the radar. This is just as good as that or better. The flavors were harmonious and left me wanting more and more. I really dug the caramel sweetness combined with the on an off oak flavor. The burn and draw were perfect the whole time and just added to the great experience. I will be picking up some more of these for myself, I think you should too.
There's a new production of Puccini's famous La Bohéme, but it won't be playing in any opera house—it will be found in tobacconists. Boutique Blends president Rafael Nodal, has named his newest cigar brand in honor of his favorite opera.
"Loved it, perfect way to wind down after a day of screaming kids and dealing with broken cars. I don't drink much so I compare flavors to what would pair well with my drink of choice which is coffee, and let me tell you, this was a perfect match. Only issue I had was, I wanted another. Great smoke, great experience." -Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)



