SEPTEMBER 2002

Presidente

7.75" x 50

The Felipe Gregorio line of cigars has come a long way since its rocky beginnings. The owner of this line, Philip Wynne, was born and raised in Switzerland and is the son of an American Foreign Service officer. Because he grew up in an area where Cuban cigars were legal, when he decided to get into the cigar business, he wanted to produce cigars similar to the many Cuban brands he grew up with…strong. At that time, Americans weren't used to strong cigars and so his first brand, Petrus, did not sell well in the States, but did do well in Europe and the Middle East. Wynne then decided it would be better to introduce a line of cigars that weren't quite so full bodied and that's when he saw his US sales take off! He now sells nearly 10 million cigars in the United States and there's a reason for it. They're damn fine smokes. The Presidente featured this month is a true Honduran puro; the wrapper, the filler, and the binder are all from Honduras. We found it medium to full bodied, starting with a slight woody flavor, hints of coffee bean and toasty flavors. Look for stronger, spicier notes around mid-smoke. And consider pairing it up with a full-bodied merlot or cabernet sauvignon.

Strenth:  6.5
Panel Rating:  91

Torpedo

6" x 52

The Havana Sunrise Cigar Company made its debut back in March of 1996 and has quickly advanced into the tops ranks of the premium cigar category. It's no surprise that they climbed to the top as quickly as they did when you note the true craftsmanship that goes into each cigar. Their entire product line is manufactured at their new factory in the heart of Little Havana, in Miami, Florida. Each cigar is crafted from a unique blend of Cuban seed tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Ecuador. They are then aged in Spanish cedar in the traditional Cuban fashion. We found the Havana Sunrise Torpedo to be a medium bodied cigar, offering both a rich flavor and aroma. Look for hints of coffee bean, hazelnut, and a peppery spiciness, culminating in a wonderful creaminess. We also picked up a little cedar woodiness. Overall, a complex cigar that would pair up nicely with a single malt scotch or an XO cognac.

Strenth:  5.5
Panel Rating:  89

Corona Gorda

6" x 58

The Indian Tabac Cigar Company, owned by Rocky Patel and Phil Zanghi, continually impresses us with their newest lines of cigars and that's why you've seen them appear more than once in the club. They deservedly received high praise from the folks at Cigar Aficionado, SMOKE magazine, and elsewhere. This Dominican Corona Gorda is wrapped in a handsome Cameroon wrapper which complements the Dominican-grown Olor and strong Cubano Ligero leaves nicely. The blend delivers the characteristically strong, full-bodied flavor that the Indian Tabac Cigar Company is known for in a big way. We found this fat little beauty to be loaded with leather and cedar notes and offering slight hints of coffee. What more can we tell ya? It's a hugely satisfying smoke that would pair up nicely with a dark stout or a barley-wine style ale.

Strenth:  7
Panel Rating:  92

Corona

6" x 44

The Thomas Hinds brand has a large and loyal following. We found it medium to full bodied, definitely to be enjoyed by those preferring full flavor and also a great introduction to complex and fuller bodied blends for those just feeling their way around the world of tobacco. Thomas Hinds' Honduran selection is made up of a unique blend of six different Honduran tobaccos, all encased in a spicy Ecuadorian wrapper. We found the aroma to be toasty and a bit sweet, with notes of leather, cinnamon, and orange peel. Look for a complex, but smooth flavor with not a harsh note to be found. Look for a core of woody flavors and some herbal notes, along with a substantial spiciness in its finish. Consider pairing it with a dry Chardonnay.

Strenth:  7
Panel Rating:  93

Lonsdale

6.6" x 44

When Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas, he also discovered tobacco as well as cigars. The Mayan Indians of Central America were the first to smoke cigars and it just seems appropriate that there should be a brand to commemorate this little known fact. The Maya brand is hand made by none other than Nestor Plasencia, a true legend in the industry. Nestor produces them in Honduras using a Connecticut-seed, Ecuadorian grown wrapper, a unique blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos and a Havana seed binder. We found it to have a light floral aroma which carried into the flavor as well. Look for hints of an earthy woodiness on the palate. It's a medium bodied smoke offering a dry spice and slightly salty character. Consider smoking this Lonsdale with your favorite single malt scotch or brandy.

Strenth:  5
Panel Rating:  90