NON CUBAN CIGARS
Price aside, there are three major components to judging the quality of a cigar. One, flavor, is purely subjective. Flavor is the most important characteristic in determining which cigar you like. then comes the construction and consistency.
Tobacco’s flavor is derived from the soil and the climate of a particular location before it is harvested. Some Caribbean and Central American countries have soils very similar to Cuba’s, and although not exactly the same, they can produce tobaccos that are equally rich in flavor, strength and depth. But to be clear, because the soil imparts the flavor, nothing tastes like a Cuban cigar other than a Cuban cigar, just as nothing tastes like a Nicaraguan cigar except a Nicaraguan cigar. If you really think they’re better, it’s likely because you love and can discern the distinctive flavor the Cuban soil transfers to the tobacco. The soils of the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico and Ecuador each have their own characteristics. This is the beauty of cigars today. The soil in Nicaragua is also distinctive, though it’s worth noting that the late maestro José Orlando Padron called Nicaragua ‘the second Cuba’ when he first examined the soil for growing cigar tobacco. And all these great tobaccos can be masterfully blended to create a variety of flavor profiles. More significantly, the cigar industry outside of Cuba is very strong when it comes to investment, competition and talent handed down from father to son to grandson. There is great pride among cigar-makers who put the family name on the boxes.
MEDIUM TO FULL
With over 100 years of experience beginning in Cuba back in 1912, the Arturo Fuente cigar company remains one of the most respected names in the industry, and for good reason. Now handmade in the Dominican Republic, the legendary Arturo Fuente cigars have become the pinnacle of cigar excellence, boasting flawless consistency and unerring rich taste in a variety of premium cigar blends.
in 1912, the Arturo Fuente cigar brand was born in Ybor City, which is within Tampa Florida. Production was stopped due to a fire in 1924 however, a new factory opened in 1930. The Fuente cigar was made with Cuban tobacco untill the 1960's due to the embargo with Cuba. The relationship ceased and from then on the cigars have been made with Dominican tobacco.
MEDIUM
Brick House Cigars comes from one of the oldest cigar companies on the market today. Brick House Cigars are a delectable Nicaraguan puro that screams of quality and flavor. They use a rare and special Havana Subido wrapper that gives the cigar a rich and well balanced approach to the flavor profile. The Havana Subido wrapper is aged to perfection giving the wrapper a reddish-brown tint to it. Brick House Cigars are known for having a rich and hardy flavor profile of spices, leather, coffee, and pepper while keeping a well balanced and rich aroma. Named one of the top 25 cigars in the world, Brick House Cigars are sure to meet all of your expectations and then some.
MEDIUM TO FULL
The connection between the Oliva family and growing tobacco extends for generations. First cultivating tobacco in their native Cuba, the Olivas eventually left and created farms in many different countries in search of the perfect region to recreate the flavor of the tobacco grown in their homeland. Oliva cigars found a home in Nicaragua where they are currently the second largest grower of Cuban seed tobacco. Oliva has created many highly praised blends that have placed in the Top 25 Cigars list from Cigar Aficionado many times and have won the Oliva brand a huge following.
MEDIUM TO FULL
Rocky Patel Premium cigars has distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious premium cigar boutiques in the world. The Rocky Patel Vintage Series, known for premium quality aged tobaccos, is one of the most popular lines. Rocky Patel Vintage cigars have consistently cracked the 90-rating barrier in Cigar Aficionado.
MEDIUM TO FULL
First established in 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Manin Garcia, the brand was named after the Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. During its initial inception, the brand won several awards for taste testing events that were held between the period of 1885 to 1900. This accolade is now represented by the gold medals in the logo of famous cigars like the Romeo Y Julieta No.2. The Romeo Y Julieta collection boasts a rich, full-bodied flavour alongside earthy undertones, all with the convenience of a smoking time ranging between 20 to 60+ minutes. The Romeo Y Julieta range is also ideal for the novice cigar smoker, thanks to its light to medium strength and toke.
One of the brand’s most arguably famous cigars is the Churchill Tubos, which was named after Winston Churchill.