"Though it smoked tighter than I like, the flavors were very enjoyable. It is a nice after-dinner Maduro with heavy chocolate, molasses, and toffee notes. The addition of increasing spices throughout the blend hit my palate well but I could see it putting off some who would just enjoy the sweetness of the cigar." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
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·"Even though there were some minor burn issues and the cigar started out with a bit of a tight draw, it was absolutely great to smoke. The flavors were simply outstanding. Perfectly melded together, with nice subtle transitions in the profile every couple of inches into the smoke. I'm ready to see the reveal on this one so I can go out and buy a box!" -Dave (mdwest)
The 2018 Paniolo Especial is being produced at My Father Cigars S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua. It is a 5.5 x 48 Super Corona, a vitola that was inspired by the Bolivar Super Coronas EL 2014 (Cuba). The Paniolo Especial 2018 features binder and filler leaves from Nicaragua and a San Andres wrapper leaf from Mexico. The cigar will be priced at $8.90 per cigar and available in 12-count boxes. Production is limited to 500 boxes, total.
In the midst of celebrating their 50th Anniversary, Davidoff will launch an additional Chefs Edition in collaboration with five of the best chefs of the world. Among these top chefs are Thomas Keller from The French Laundry in Yountville, USA, Alvin Leung from Bo Innovation in Hong Kong, Klaus Erfort from his eponymous Gästehaus in Saarbrücken, Germany, Heiko Nieder from The Restaurant in Zurich and Shaun Rankin from Ormer Mayfair in London. There are 12 Michelin stars represented among all of these culinary stars. The common thread in each of these chefs is one passion and one mission to fill people’s time beautifully with their culinary creations. These chefs seek out the finest ingredients in the same way that Davidoff selects fine tobaccos for their cigars.
Gurkha Cigars have announced a cigar that will exclusively be made for Gurkha Lounges and for retailers with more than 25 Gurkha facings. This new Lounge Exclusive will be available with a Maduro or Habano wrapper. The cigar will be made available to the seven exclusive Gurkha Lounges and any retailers that carry more than 25 Gurkha facings and that are not within a 25-mile radius of the official Gurkha lounges.
"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)
"Plenty of joy was had smoking this wonderful cigar. You can be assured that a box purchase would definitely be worth the coin. If you don't mind a little firm draw." -Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
"Overall this was a good cigar. Very consistent, flavorful, not terribly complex, but still delicious. Nothing stood out like a beacon for me, it was just easy going and well constructed with enough flavor. An easy recommendation if an affordable stick." -John A. (Bostoneo)
"Overall I enjoyed this cigar. The transition from dry and earth to bakers spice and bread notes was a pleasant surprise. The lemon zest on the finish definitely added to the overall experience " -Kevin A. (Kevin A.)
Tony Bellatto will soon release The third core line for La Barba Cigars, a company he launched in partnership with Caldwell Cigars back in 2012. The new line will be called Primitivo, and incidentally will also be the first maduro cigar from La Barba. The Primitivo is meant to be a full-bodied blend.