I have always enjoyed the idea/premise of the chef's editions. Everyone loves a good cigar pairing be it a pairing with bourbon, whiskey, beer, or even my favorite. Coffee. One thing we do not get a chance to do is pair cigars with food as it's not easily done in today's world. I was excited to see the chef's for this year's edition as it has Masa Takayama on the panel who by all rights is very much a true cigar smoker. You can't google his name without stumbling across him with a cigar. I have had the pleasure of smoking the chef's editions the last few years and this hands down is the best yet.
"This cigar was simply phenomenal. An incredibly unique flavor profile that maintained a perfect balance throughout and was supported by a flawlessly constructed cigar and perfect draw. The flavor transitions were massive in the first third and, although the evolution showed down the further it smoked, the flavors of honey, green apple, buttered toffee, and cream were bright, crisp, and balanced. I would absolutely seek this cigar to smoke again." -Vance T. (Vance)
This cigar performed like a champ. No touch ups required during the entire experience and I got tons of flavor. I have smoked this cigar in other sizes and hands down the Churchill is my favorite. I do find the Toro to have a bit more pepper but overall I can smoke these over and over. Recommend this cigar to anyone.
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsChurchillDunbarton Tobacco & TrustFeaturedMaduroMexican San AndresNicaraguaSteve Saka
·"Such an extraordinary cigar to start the new year off on. Bold flavors, amped up strength, flavor transitions, perfect burn, this is definitely a cigar I'd try again. Very anxious to see what this is so I can find some more. As always, thanks for the chance to try this. " -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsChurchillConnecticutFeaturedGrupo de MaestrosHondurasNaturalRomeo y Julieta (DR)
·"This cigar was one of my favorite “larger/longer” formats I have had in a while. Plenty of mild/medium profiles in the beginning and a medium/fuller profile along the backend gave great diversity in the many facets this cigar gave me. Coupled with an impeccable draw, burn, and construction, made this cigar better than the average bear. Foundational notes of cedar, leather, peppery earth, and cream cemented themselves throughout the session in one form or another and was accented with visiting flavors that helped keep this an interesting stick. I truly believe this is a stick that you would enjoy more so than most others for the given profile. Enjoy!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
"Looking at this cigar I would have never expected the smoking experience I got. This is a fine example of not judging a book by its cover. This beauty had body and depth that has to be experienced. Bright and direct shifts in profile is welcomed for such a large cigar. There was never a moment when I wanted it to end. I will be on the look out for this cigar when I find out what it is and so should you." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
When I was looking through the humidor of my local shop the H. Upmann 175th stood out like a shining star. I am always a sucker for Churchill sized cigars and while I rarely find time to fully enjoy one but when I do it's always a treat. The cigar was well constructed and required no touch ups through the entire 1 hour and 45 minutes of smoking time. The ash held on in large chunks throughout the cigar. The second third hands down was my favorite as I was getting those cream soda notes which I usually don't experience. Hands down would buy a box of these.
Alejandro Martinez CuencaAllBlind Cigar ReviewsChurchillConnecticutFeaturedJoya De NicaraguaJuan MartinezNaturalNicaragua
·"This cigar is my gig. Nice mild-medium bodied profile flavors of oak, vanilla, cream, custard, sweet milk caramels and the slightest bit of pepper to give this cigar great character. With unmatched smoothness, this is a cigar I could enjoy time after time after time. If this cigar remains consistent across multiple samples, I would definitely recommend buying these buy the box as it was truly a fantastic smoking experience!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsChurchillDaveDominican RepublicFeaturedIPCPRJohn A.La Flor DominicanaLitto GomezMatt H.Ryan H.Steve
·"Phew, after smoking this I need a nap... it was strong! Quite a bit of flavors going on at the start but this mellows out into a standard flavor profile as the pure strength of this smoke overwhelmed what other complexities there could have been. If you want a full full full flavored and nic buzz, hey try this out would ya? I enjoyed it, but not something I could smoke quite often!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
"This cigar was a most excellent after dinner cigar. It embodied almost exactly what you'd want from a dessert cigar. No I'm not talking about that artificial sweetness you get from flavored cigars, but instead I'm talking about the richness and perfect body that hits just right. On top of that, it is so well made that I found myself admiring it while smoking it. Definitely the highlight of my day and would not be opposed to picking up more." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)