Words: Jonathan Wells
There’s nothing quite so sophisticated as a well-timed cigar. Admittedly, there is a time and a place to enjoy a stogie – with a whisky on a bar terrace, or after a large dinner – but the ritual of cutting, lighting and smoking a cigar is one enjoyed around the world.
But, as a discerning gentleman, what are the best cigars you can readily buy?
A dependable and sensible Robusto – a cigar size experiencing soaring popularity of late – the Churchill has become one of Romeo Y Julieta’s most famous and frequently-smoked stogie since its initial release in 2006.
Medium bodied, yet delightfully cool, the cigar boasts base notes of cedar and earth in similar measure, with an aftertaste of wholesome brown toast. And, to cater for those who like their tobacco a little spicier, the end comes with a faint kick.
The most widely-sold Cuban cigar in the world, hundreds of thousands of smokers can’t be wrong. The Montecristo No.4 is not only diverse, and therefore a safe bet, but its quality and taste is one of the best on the market – despite how underrated it is by some of the snootier aficionados.
With tonnes of flavour – full in body, spicy and peppery throughout – the No.4 manages not to overwhelm, and still has a certain sharpness to it that is incredibly appealing alongside a glass of sweet rum. A classic smoke – and one well worth investing in.
Measuring almost 8 inches, this is one big cigar. With a minimum smoking time of over an hour, there’s plenty of time to enjoy this stogie, and that’s a good thing – as it is quite often cited as the best cigar currently in production.
Touted as ‘the ultimate Havana experience’, the Lusitanias is full-bodied, resigned and provides one of the most staggering flavour profiles you’re likely to find in a Habanas. The smoke begins with traces of cedar and minerals, which compliment its earth base, before moving through spice and leather notes, hints of tannins and brown toast, and then burning out with a pleasantly calming musty quality.
The most expensive cigar on this list, the relatively short Maduro 5 is thick, has a smoking time of around half an hour and bears the name of one of the most respected cigar manufacturers in the world: Cohiba.
Similar to the iconic brand’s signature Robusto, the Maduro 5 is noticeably sweeter – and immerses you immediately into the deep end of cigar smoking. Cool and complex to begin with, this is a cigar that tempts you to smoke it continuously right to the end. But, for all the full, sweet coffee and spice notes that this stick packs, we’d suggest you set it down for a moment to enjoy some equally sweet rum.
Known as a pyramid, or torpedo cigar, these stogies are most difficult to craft than the average shape – but have their benefits. If you’re looking to shake up your shape, we’d suggest plumping for an H. Upmann – the 6-inch No.2 giving you up to an hour of smoking time and a lovely alternative to your usual Robusto.
Fresh tannin and salted cedar are the most notable flavours when you first light up, before the first notes of ash drop and the cigar begins to descend into the earthier hints of space and leather. But, for all this depth of flavour, you still get a cool, long finish – a great after-party piece.
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