Imagine a car enthusiast having an opportunity to tour the Ferrari factory in Maranello, or someone who is a collector of fine watches going to visit Patek Philippe in Geneva. The chance to actually see your favorite products being constructed by hand can be a real treat for the senses, and it can also give a heightened respect for the work that goes into creating these items that we love so much. For premium cigar lovers the products that we consume are some of the most artfully and painstakingly crafted products in the world. Still, so many cigar lovers still don't have the first-hand experience of seeing what goes into growing fine tobacco and crafting great cigars. During Puro Sabor 2018 I was able to visit a number of cigar factories, large and small. In this second article of the series about the festival I will take you through these factories in the same order that I visited them.
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·Crowned Heads will release La Coalición at IPCPR this year, a collaboration with Drew Estate. The companies have collaborated previously on All Out Kings.
The Drew Estate and Crowned Heads collaboration known as“La Coalicion” was first shown off at IPCPR 2019. It is now shipping nationwide. La Coalicion is rolled at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate and sold by Crowned Heads. It comes in four sizes: Corona Gorda (5” x 46) MSRP $219.00/box of 20, Gordito (5 1/2” x 50) MSRP $245.00/box of 20, Siglo (6” x 52) MSRP $270.00/box of 20, Sublime (6 1/2” x 54) MSRP $299.00/box of 20
"Any experienced cigar smokers should be on the lookout for this cigar. For me, this was a fine specimen in appearance, and was a supreme way to spend 90 minutes of my busy life. I could gladly make this a regular part of my smoking rotation." -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
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·"As noted in my tasting notes, each flavor was just as I expected . Dark chocolate and coffee with a slight earthiness all creating a notable smoking experience . I'd easily give this a 95. Great cigar that is box worthy for sure. " -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
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·"This was a thoroughly enjoyable smoke that I could recommend to anyone that enjoys medium bodied and flavorful cigars. The flavor profile of light brown sugar, spices, and figs were very enjoyable as they each took turns highlighting themselves. Definitely a box where the smoke that I would buy multiples of!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
Drew Estate has announced some new additions to their ACID Regional Accent series, a group of cigars exclusive to one region of the US. Joining now are California, Chicago area, Georgia and Texas. These two join the Jay St. Posse for the NYC Area and the B-More 410 for Maryland. The first two were shown off at IPCPR this year.
For the second year in a row, Crowned Heads is partnering with Drew Estate for their annual "Paniolo Especiale" Limited Edition cigar. This is an exclusive to the state of Hawaii. Paniolo Especiale 2020 is rolled at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Esteli, Nicaragua and is a corona gorda measuring 5 3/4 x 46. The blend is similar to last years using a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and filers from Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic, but this year features tobacco from Brazil. The Paniolo Especiale 2020 comes in boxes of 10 and have the same price of $9.80. Production is smaller this year at 5,000 cigars compared to 4,000 in 2019.
"I feel the only downside to this cigar was the draw but because of how much flavor I got off cigar, it ended up not bothering me that much. I felt the second third was the best part of this cigar. Although it smoked fast, the flavor of slight pepper, salted pretzels and caramel was enjoyable. For a mild to medium cigar I though this was very flavorful. For me this would be a perfect cigar for a golf course." -Jake P. (Jake P.)
"This is a cigar for an experienced smoker... lots of flavor, but it really packs a punch! I’m certain that I’ll buy these once I know what it is, and I’ll certainly recommend it to my friends who like a strong cigar. For me, this hit the spot!" -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)