ANTONIO'S MONTHLY CIGAR PICKS - AUGUST 2022

We are now about a month and a half into the price increase announced by Habanos.  However, we won’t see the full scope of what the prices will be like for at least a few more months, as many shops are still running on older stock that was purchased at the previous lower prices.

With all that in mind, the cigar community is, in general, looking outside the Cuban selections for cigars that offer good value vs price.  After all, the Cuban cigars did not get better, or offer us more.  They are simply more expensive.   And so, this month, 2 out of the 4 cigars are from the New World.

CUBAN

Diplomaticos “No. 2”

Size: 52 x 6 1/8

FACTORY NAME:  Piramides

Along with Cohiba, Diplomaticos as a brand was established in 1966.  For the first 10 years, their portfolio consisted of mirrors of the Montecristo No. 1 to 5 series.  With time, more sizes were added, but always with the same sizes as Montecristo.  Diplomaticos were in fact originally conceived as a less expensive Montecristo.  A little fun fact about the brand, they have had several Regional Edition cigars, but never a Limited Edition cigar.

The No. 2 from Diplomaticos often passes off the radar after the same size available from Partagas and Montecristo (both also called No. 2).  I personally gravitate towards the Diplomaticos piramide.  It is not as strong as the Partagas, and more consistent than the Montecristo, probably just based on popularity and production volumes being way lower.

The cigar is no nonsense.  It will not give you a million different stages of evolution, but it is solid, tasty and in a box of 25, you will be happy to find the majority are very enjoyable.

Flavor and strength profile:  Medium to full bodied cigar.  Very earthy and woody flavors.

NEW WORLD CIGAR

Zino Cigars “Toro”

Size:  50 x 6

FACTORY NAME:  Toro

Wrapper: Ecuador – Connecticut

Binder: Nicaragua – Semilla 56 Seco

Filler: Nicaragua -Ometepe Visus

Honduras – Olancho Visus / Jamastran Visus

Dominican Republic – San Vicente Seco / San Vicente Mejorado Seco

Country Of Origin: Nicaragua

In 2021, the Davidoff empire revamped and rebranded their Zino Cigars division.  Their idea was to offer the quality we expect from the brand, but at a lower price point.  There is no doubt that the Zino Cigars are not at the same level as Davidoff, however, they are interesting, tasty and good cigars to throw into the rotation.  With the attractive pricing, why not pick up a box and dive into it slowly over time to see how they age?  Can be a fun experiment.

There are 3 different sizes since the re-launch, and the Toro was the one that stuck out from the trio.  Having been accustomed to Cuban cigars, it is interesting to try cigars with fillers from 3 different countries.

Flavor and strength profile:  Medium to Full bodied cigar.  Some spices are noticeable, along with woody and light espresso.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH CIGAR

Calixto Lopez “Nobles Extrafino”

Size: 50 x 6 1/2

FACTORY NAME:  Dobles*

Country Of Origin: Philippines

As some of our readers have come to know, our team of writers enjoy cigars from the Philippines.  They have a rich tobacco history and are continuously producing fine cigars.  For a brief history of Philippines cigars, visit an earlier article written by our colleague Steve Chioda SEE ARTICLE.

The first time I tried the Nobles Extrafino, it was a wonderful little surprise.  Each time afterwards, the cigar did not disappoint, and while it is not a complex cigar, the flavor is pleasant and the construction is good.

It should be noted that this is a relatively low-priced cigar.  In Canada, it retails for $10.  The quality vs value is hard to beat.  With some lower priced cigars, the ash burns weird falls off often, and the construction is not to be desired.  However, the Calixto Lopez lineup differentiates itself from the bunch and offers up a delightful surprise.

* The factory name comes from a Cuban Montecristo “Double Edmundo” which measures 50 x 6 1/8.  There isn’t much information from Calixto Lopez on their factory sizes and so this was the closest that we can use as a reference.

Flavor and strength profile:  Mild cigar.

SPECIAL CELEBRATORY CIGAR

Sancho Panza “Gran Quixote” BELUX Regional Edition

In 1848, the same gentleman who created El Rey Del Mundo, established the Sancho Panza brand.  It has always been one of my favorite brands; their cigars include unusual sizes, and in this day and age, the simplicity and old school look of their cigar bands is comforting.  At the moment, there is only one regular production Sancho Panza – the Belicosos.

The Gran Quixote was highly sought after when it was released back in 2018.  The perfecto shaped cigar is interesting, in both size and flavor.  Cuaba has a cigar called the Distinguidos that shares the size, and that is a fantastic cigar.  Think of the Gran Quixote as a slightly stronger and more chocolatey version of the Distinguidos.

As with all perfecto cigars, the initial experience should be puffed slowly to avoid over burning and causing a bitterness and unnecessary harshness to the cigar.  Once we’re past that delightful intro, the cigar develops into something delicious.

Country Of Origin: CUBA

Size:  52 x 6 3/8

 FACTORY NAME:  Romeo

 Flavor and strength profile:  Medium bodied cigar.  Very interesting notes of milk chocolate, and followed by nuts and espresso towards the end.  What a treat!

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 Some of our favorite cigar shops:

 Whisky Café & Cigars in Montreal.  CIGAR MENU

 La Casa del Habano Teddington.  www.Havahavana.com