Diamond Crown Classic
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Diamond Crown Classic
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The Cigar:
The Diamond Crown Classic from J.C. Newman shows off a silky Connecticut shade wrapper that lays over a Dominican binder, housing five different fillers from the Caribbean and Central America. The cigar is rolled at Tabacalera A. Fuente and is available in eight sizes including the 4 1/2 x 54 No. 5 vitola pictured here.
The Flavors:
The cigar performs in one of my favorite ways, in that it is mild in intensity, yet full of flavor. The dominate tasting notes are cedar and cream with subtle spices and toasted vanilla in the background. The five year aging process has played a large role in marrying the flavors together with a smooth finish.
The Bottle:
Boylan Ginger Ale
The Boylan company started in 1891 in Paterson, NJ. Their take on ginger ale stands apart from others with its use of cane sugar for sweetness, citrus oils adding hints of lemon and lime, and the classic green glass bottling.
The Pairing:
We hear a lot about the warm creamy pairings of Connecticut cigars with coffees, but it’s worth noting that the clean smoke of a premium Connecticut cigar can be a refreshing experience when paired with a beverage such as a ginger ale. The Boylan Ginger Ale is smooth, not overly carbonated, leaving room for the delicate notes of the Diamond Crown cigar. The mutual sweet flavors are enhanced when enjoyed together, and the finish is crisp and clean.
The Story:
The Diamond Crown series was introduced in 1995 to commemorate J.C. Newman’s 100th Anniversary. The cigar itself was one of the first to utilize a large 54 ring gauge in order to accommodate the six to seven individual tobacco leaves used to achieve the complex blend. Only the most skilled cigar makers at Tabacalera A. Fuente have the distinction of crafting Diamond Crown cigars.
Crowned Heads Four Kicks
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Crowned Heads Four Kicks
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The Cigar:
The Four Kicks from Crowned Heads is produced at EP Carillo’s Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic. It is crafted from Nicaragua fillers and binder underneath an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. This cigar was released in November 2011, and has been available in six regular production sizes including the 5x50 Robusto vitola pictured here.
The Flavors:
One of the most enjoyable qualities a cigar can have is showcasing flavors that are bigger than its strength, and this cigar is an excellent example of that. The sweet and spicy profile seems to lay over a bed of cedar and leather tones culminating with a pepper finish. While the strength is medium, the flavor is full.
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Crowned Heads Four Kicks
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The Bottle:
Austin Eastciders
Made with apple juice concentrate from Europe, these East Austin made ciders are not sweet, because they aren’t supposed to be. The Texas Brut Light Cider is 4.2% ABV, with notes of dry apple, champagne, and citrus.
The Pairing:
I’ve previously described the Crowned Heads Four Kicks as “the any time of day cigar”. It seems to naturally pair well with a wide range of beverage options and settings. In the case of the dry cider, it can be envisioned as a mid-day, summertime enjoyment. The mutual sharp flavors work well together, while the mutual mild sweet tones and carbonated mouthfeel refresh the palate and satisfy the mind.
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Crowned Heads Four Kicks
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The Story:
The Four Kicks was the very first cigar released from Crowned Heads. Its name comes from the title of a Kings of Leon song. Owner of Crowned Heads, Jon Huber, wrote “The song, Four Kicks, really spoke to me. It was filled anger, rebellion, confidence, and determination. These were the feelings that inspired us to forge together and create what would later become Crowned Heads LLC.”
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Crowned Heads Four Kicks
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The Cigar:
The Four Kicks from Crowned Heads is produced at EP Carillo’s Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic. It is crafted from Nicaragua fillers and binder underneath an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. This cigar was released in November 2011, and has been available in six regular production sizes including the 5x50 Robusto vitola pictured here.
The Flavors:
One of the most enjoyable qualities a cigar can have is showcasing flavors that are bigger than its strength, and this cigar is an excellent example of that. The sweet and spicy profile seems to lay over a bed of cedar and leather tones culminating with a pepper finish. While the strength is medium, the flavor is full.
The Bottle:
Austin Eastciders
Made with apple juice concentrate from Europe, these East Austin made ciders are not sweet, because they aren’t supposed to be. The Texas Brut Light Cider is 4.2% ABV, with notes of dry apple, champagne, and citrus.
The Pairing:
I’ve previously described the Crowned Heads Four Kicks as “the any time of day cigar”. It seems to naturally pair well with a wide range of beverage options and settings. In the case of the dry cider, it can be envisioned as a mid-day, summertime enjoyment. The mutual sharp flavors work well together, while the mutual mild sweet tones and carbonated mouthfeel refresh the palate and satisfy the mind.
The Story:
The Four Kicks was the very first cigar released from Crowned Heads. Its name comes from the title of a Kings of Leon song. Owner of Crowned Heads, Jon Huber, wrote “The song, Four Kicks, really spoke to me. It was filled anger, rebellion, confidence, and determination. These were the feelings that inspired us to forge together and create what would later become Crowned Heads LLC.”
Perdomo Champagne
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Perdomo Champagne
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The Cigar:
PERDOMO Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne is blended using tobaccos that have been carefully hand-selected and aged for a minimum of six years. The PERDOMO Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne was where the technique of bourbon barrel-aging wrapper tobaccos started for Pelrdomo. This special aging process was a Perdomo family secret for years and Nicholas Perdomo, Sr. aptly named the beautifully bourbon barrel-aged wrappers, the “Champagne” of wrappers.
The Flavors:
The beautiful, butterscotch colored Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper imparts sweet hints of cream and honey. The Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binder and filler leaves offer a rich spiciness with oaky undertones. The combination of the wrapper, binder, and fillers in this blend offers elegant flavors with rich complex aromas and a silky, smooth finish.
The Bottle:
Amaro Montenegro was Created in 1885 and originally Named Elister Lungavita. They Changed the name to honor the Princess of Montenegro after her wedding. It is created by a three step process of Boiling, Maceration, Distillation of all 40 different herbs and botanicals that fill up the recipe. Secret Ingredient - Premio - Secret blend of Botanicals, Essential for the flavor - 1 Liter for 15,000 bottles. One Drop of this ingredient is in every bottle.
The Pairing:
Amaro back at it again, this pairing is so delicious, I keep coming back. The brightness of the amaro orange peel shines through the softs price of the cigar. This is a pretty mellow pairing that actually makes the amaro the star because of a deep and complex flavor profile. The cigar keeps the experience steady and consistent while you enjoy the craziness of this bottle.
The Story:
The PERDOMO Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne was where the technique of bourbon barrel-aging wrapper tobaccos started for Perdomo. This special aging process was a Perdomo family secret for years and Nicholas Perdomo, Sr. aptly named the beautifully bourbon barrel-aged wrappers, the “Champagne” of wrappers.
The Man:
Nick Perdomo Jr. Is the founder and CEO of Perdomo Cigars. He relocated with his family to Miami from Washington, D.C. in 1976. Nick’s first career was centered around aviation. After serving in the US Navy, he continued on as an air traffic controller at the Miami International Airport.
Nick had grown up while his father and grandfather were cigar makers in Cuba. He decided to follow in their footsteps and further his passion of cigars by opening his own cigar company. Through hard work and determination, he has turned his home garage business into a 2,000+ employee company, producing millions of premium cigars each year.
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Perdomo Champagne
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The Cigar:
PERDOMO Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne is blended using tobaccos that have been carefully hand-selected and aged for a minimum of six years. The PERDOMO Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne was where the technique of bourbon barrel-aging wrapper tobaccos started for Pelrdomo. This special aging process was a Perdomo family secret for years and Nicholas Perdomo, Sr. aptly named the beautifully bourbon barrel-aged wrappers, the “Champagne” of wrappers.
The Flavors:
The beautiful, butterscotch colored Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper imparts sweet hints of cream and honey. The Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binder and filler leaves offer a rich spiciness with oaky undertones. The combination of the wrapper, binder, and fillers in this blend offers elegant flavors with rich complex aromas and a silky, smooth finish.
The Bottle:
Amaro Montenegro was Created in 1885 and originally Named Elister Lungavita. They Changed the name to honor the Princess of Montenegro after her wedding. It is created by a three step process of Boiling, Maceration, Distillation of all 40 different herbs and botanicals that fill up the recipe. Secret Ingredient - Premio - Secret blend of Botanicals, Essential for the flavor - 1 Liter for 15,000 bottles. One Drop of this ingredient is in every bottle.
The Pairing:
Amaro back at it again, this pairing is so delicious, I keep coming back. The brightness of the amaro orange peel shines through the softs price of the cigar. This is a pretty mellow pairing that actually makes the amaro the star because of a deep and complex flavor profile. The cigar keeps the experience steady and consistent while you enjoy the craziness of this bottle.
The Story:
The PERDOMO Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne was where the technique of bourbon barrel-aging wrapper tobaccos started for Perdomo. This special aging process was a Perdomo family secret for years and Nicholas Perdomo, Sr. aptly named the beautifully bourbon barrel-aged wrappers, the “Champagne” of wrappers.
The Man:
Nick Perdomo Jr. Is the founder and CEO of Perdomo Cigars. He relocated with his family to Miami from Washington, D.C. in 1976. Nick’s first career was centered around aviation. After serving in the US Navy, he continued on as an air traffic controller at the Miami International Airport.
Nick had grown up while his father and grandfather were cigar makers in Cuba. He decided to follow in their footsteps and further his passion of cigars by opening his own cigar company. Through hard work and determination, he has turned his home garage business into a 2,000+ employee company, producing millions of premium cigars each year.
Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dar
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo
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The Cigar:
The Joya Antano Dark Corojo cigar is a Nicaraguan puro that showcases a dark, oily Corojo Oscuro wrapper. The cigar is rolled at Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A, and is available in six sizes including the Poderoso torpedo vitola pictured here.
The Flavors:
The cigar is spicy and robust, yet smooth with cedar-wood tones, and rich earth. The sweetness is that of the subtle kind you might taste in bread, and the finish is long with a line of pepper that lies on the back of the palate.
The Bottle:
Zacapa No. 23 Guatemalan Rum is a blend of rums aged 6-23 years, aged in both whiskey and wine casks from America. It is slow aged at 2300 meters above sea level. There is butterscotch on the nose, and a complex tasting experience of dried fruit, nutmeg, vanilla, and ginger spice. This virgin sugar cane rum is an approachable 40% ABV.
The Pairing:
Don’t let the smooth flavor qualities of the Dark Corojo cigar fool you, as it is filled with plenty of power and strength for even the seasoned enthusiast. It is always a pleasant experience when a spirit doesn’t overpower the cigar, and in this case, none of the flavors of the tobacco are absorbed by the Zacapa Rum. Instead, the combined spices stand in line with each other, with a newly welcomed base layer of sweetness.
The Story:
The Dark Corojo blend was created ten years after the original Antano line, utilizing three year aged tobaccos. Each vitola has been appropriately named, and the Poderoso (meaning “Powerful”) is no exception. Joya de Nicaraguan’s slogan is “The Most Nicaraguan Cigar.”
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo
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The Cigar:
The Joya Antano Dark Corojo cigar is a Nicaraguan puro that showcases a dark, oily Corojo Oscuro wrapper. The cigar is rolled at Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua, S.A, and is available in six sizes including the Poderoso torpedo vitola pictured here.
The Flavors:
The cigar is spicy and robust, yet smooth with cedar-wood tones, and rich earth. The sweetness is that of the subtle kind you might taste in bread, and the finish is long with a line of pepper that lies on the back of the palate.
The Bottle:
Zacapa No. 23 Guatemalan Rum is a blend of rums aged 6-23 years, aged in both whiskey and wine casks from America. It is slow aged at 2300 meters above sea level. There is butterscotch on the nose, and a complex tasting experience of dried fruit, nutmeg, vanilla, and ginger spice. This virgin sugar cane rum is an approachable 40% ABV.
The Pairing:
Don’t let the smooth flavor qualities of the Dark Corojo cigar fool you, as it is filled with plenty of power and strength for even the seasoned enthusiast. It is always a pleasant experience when a spirit doesn’t overpower the cigar, and in this case, none of the flavors of the tobacco are absorbed by the Zacapa Rum. Instead, the combined spices stand in line with each other, with a newly welcomed base layer of sweetness.
The Story:
The Dark Corojo blend was created ten years after the original Antano line, utilizing three year aged tobaccos. Each vitola has been appropriately named, and the Poderoso (meaning “Powerful”) is no exception. Joya de Nicaraguan’s slogan is “The Most Nicaraguan Cigar.”
Davidoff Grand Cru
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Davidoff Grand Cru
The Cigar:
The Davidoff Grand Cru is the successor of Davidoff’s Chateau Series. A golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper covers the binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic. The cigar was released in five vitolas including the 52 x 5 1/4 Robusto size pictured here.
The Flavors:
Round notes of wood and earth start off, giving way to nutty and floral flavors before ending with a mild spice. The smoke is creamy, while stimulating the entire palate, all while remaining mild in intensity.
The Bottle:
This particular London Dry Gin was expertly blended for Marks & Spencer by the Langley Distillery in Oldury, England. The 37.5% ABV fine grain spirit is crafted with seven botanicals. The full ingredient list consists of demineralized water, alcohol, angelica, cassia, coriander seeds, grapefruit oil, juniper berries, dried licorice, and orris root.
The Pairing:
We skipped the tonic for this smooth gin, used a big rock, and added twist of lemon. The citrus really rounds off some of the botanicals and brightens up the muskiness that comes with some of the Olor tobacco in the cigar’s filler. The beverage is reminiscent of a Sprite minus carbonation, evoking the refreshing experience but leaving out the bubbles that would usually scrape the palate clean of the Grand Cru’s full flavor profile.
The Story:
The Grand Cru was first inspired in 1946 as the Chateau Series cigar. It was named to make the analogy between the soil effects and growing process of both cigars and wine. In addition, the quality of the cigars was inspired by that of high end Bordeaux wines.
Today’s Featured Cigar:
Davidoff Grand Cru
The Cigar:
The Davidoff Grand Cru is the successor of Davidoff’s Chateau Series. A golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper covers the binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic. The cigar was released in five vitolas including the 52 x 5 1/4 Robusto size pictured here.
The Flavors:
Round notes of wood and earth start off, giving way to nutty and floral flavors before ending with a mild spice. The smoke is creamy, while stimulating the entire palate, all while remaining mild in intensity.
The Bottle:
This particular London Dry Gin was expertly blended for Marks & Spencer by the Langley Distillery in Oldury, England. The 37.5% ABV fine grain spirit is crafted with seven botanicals. The full ingredient list consists of demineralized water, alcohol, angelica, cassia, coriander seeds, grapefruit oil, juniper berries, dried licorice, and orris root.
The Pairing:
We skipped the tonic for this smooth gin, used a big rock, and added twist of lemon. The citrus really rounds off some of the botanicals and brightens up the muskiness that comes with some of the Olor tobacco in the cigar’s filler. The beverage is reminiscent of a Sprite minus carbonation, evoking the refreshing experience but leaving out the bubbles that would usually scrape the palate clean of the Grand Cru’s full flavor profile.
The Story:
The Grand Cru was first inspired in 1946 as the Chateau Series cigar. It was named to make the analogy between the soil effects and growing process of both cigars and wine. In addition, the quality of the cigars was inspired by that of high end Bordeaux wines.