CUBAN HIGHLIGHT
TREASURES RESTOCKED
We've restocked our Cuban Vault with a collection of the finest Cuban cigars,
including the rare and highly-sought after Cohiba releases and the Limited Editions by Partagás and Ramón Allones.
RAMÓN ALLONES SPECIALLY SELECTED SERIE SEVILLA JAR
Handrolled in a Robusto format, with flavours of leather, spice, and wood with a charred oak barrel finish.
Housed in a perfectly glazed ceramic jar with delicate floral prints. The ultimate gift for the collector.
PARTAGAS SERIE NO. 1 EDICIÓN LIMITADA 2017
Aromatic from the start that’s bound with a bready and nutty sweetness following through to denser flavours of black pepper and earth.
Rounding off with vibrant notes of doughy-sweetness and leather. A wonderful gift for the collector.
«DAVIDOFF MADURO»
LIMITED RELEASE
Davidoff launches the new Davidoff Maduro, a successor to the initial limited release from 2008 with an adapted blend.
This new Maduro pushes the boundaries of what a Maduro can be. The meticulous ageing
process unlocks a depth of flavour that elevates your smoking experience.
DAVIDOFF THE MONOLITH HUMIDOR
Made from a single piece of stone, the timeless material shaped by the hands of nature.
This extraordinary Davidoff Monolith Humidor is of unparalleled elegance and durability.
DAVIDOFF GRAND CRU LINE
Total sophistication. The Grand Cru series brings you a depth and character second to
none – an enchanting mild to medium-body experience.
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Cigar culture is more than just a puff and a sigh. It's a living history, woven into the fabric of different eras. The humidor, often seen as a modern accessory, boasts a rich heritage, its story echoing with the whispers of cigar aficionados past. Unveiling its history allows us to appreciate how these iconic wooden boxes have safeguarded the art of cigar smoking for generations.
From Basements to Innovation: The Early Days (1907)
Believe it or not, the first humidor wasn't a fancy box. In 1907, Alfred Dunhill, a cigar aficionado, built a giant humidor in his store. It was basically a cabinet with thick walls and a water tank inside, a clever invention that didn't quite catch on. Why? Back then, people used their naturally cool and damp basements to store cigars – a readily available "humidor" in most homes.
The Rise of the First Humidor (1930)
Innovation has always been at the heart of Davidoff's humidor history. In 1930, Zino Davidoff, a true visionary, invented the first walk-in humidor which sparked a revolution in humidor design, a path the brand continues to walk today.
Fast forward to 1957, during a trip to Cuba, he encountered a revelation – the local cigars boasted a depth of flavour and aroma far superior to their European counterparts. The secret? Simple wooden boxes lined with damp cloths, a practice that Davidoff immediately recognized as ingenious. Upon his return, he introduced similar desktop humidors, and these elegant creations quickly captured the hearts (and palates) of cigar aficionados everywhere.
Learn how to season your first humidor.
Humidors were originally made of solid wood and tins
Early humidor designs were all about function over form. Think sturdy wooden boxes, built with simple nails and secured with a hinged door – a far cry from the sleek designs we see today. While some prioritised aesthetics, opting for ornate tins to showcase their wealth, these tins offered little in the way of proper cigar preservation. It wasn't until later that the focus shifted to materials like Spanish cedar, which not only looked beautiful but also played a crucial role in maintaining optimal humidity for the cigars.
Humidors as Collectibles
Today, antique humidors transcend mere function – they are coveted collector's items. These exquisitely crafted pieces, often boasting intricate details and rich wood tones, represent a bygone era of artistry. For collectors, it's the confluence of history and utility that holds such allure. They appreciate not only the craftsmanship but also the stories these humidors hold, having been treasured possessions passed down through generations.
The Modern Humidor
High-tech humidors now come equipped with built-in systems, using fans and digital hygrometers to automatically maintain the ideal environment for your cigars. These beauties are available in a variety of sizes to suit your collection, and many even boast sleek designs with glass fronts or acrylic allowing you to admire your stogies in style.
Of course, for some, the charm lies in the control. Traditional humidors are still very much in vogue, offering the satisfaction of personally managing your cigar's preservation.
Home Collections
Cigar enthusiasts are elevating their passion to new heights. Similar to high-end wine and spirits collectors, everyday aficionados are increasingly investing in premium cigars, building impressive personal collections. To ensure these prized smokes are perfectly preserved, the investment extends beyond the cigars themselves. High-quality humidors, including cabinet humidors and even walk-in havens, are becoming increasingly common. It's no surprise that these cigar connoisseurs are creating their own private sanctuaries for indulging in the art of smoking.
No matter your preference, there's a perfect humidor waiting to elevate your cigar experience.
From Humble Box to Flavour Guardian: The Untold Story of the Humidor
Cigars aren't just about different shapes and sizes. The impressive spectrum of wrapper colours and their unique flavours are the result of a fascinating interplay between factors like fermentation, sunlight exposure, and the origin of the tobacco leaf itself. This guide delves into the world of cigar wrappers, explaining the most common colour variations and the processes that create them, along with the flavour profiles you can expect.
A Spectrum of Colours and Flavours
Cigar aficionados might distinguish dozens of subtle nuances, but most wrappers fall into seven main categories, each offering a distinct taste experience:
Candela/Double Claro: A rare sight today, this wrapper boasts a unique matte green hue and mild flavour profile with little aroma. Like the Rocky Patel Edge Candela Toro , with soft and smooth aromas of green tea and grassy notes.
Claro: Light brown with yellowish tones, offering a delicate and smooth taste.
Colorado Claro: A touch darker than Claro, with a light brown colour and slightly more pronounced flavours. The Quai d'Orsay No. 50 showcases this shade very well, offering an elegant bouquet of dried flowers.
Colorado/Rosado: Featuring a reddish tinge alongside its light brown colour, this wrapper presents a richer taste profile. A popular example would be the Davidoff Nicaragua Series , featuring a spicy sweet enjoyment.
Colorado Maduro: Medium brown in colour, offering a balanced blend of sweetness and earthiness.
Maduro: A deep, intense dark brown wrapper known for its robust, sweet flavours with notes of coffee, cocoa, and dried fruit. The Davidoff Maduro offers a true Maduro experience with 16 months of fermentation and 2 years of ageing, resulting in a balanced creamy sweetness.
Oscuro/Double Maduro: The darkest category, appearing almost black, Oscuro wrappers deliver the most intense and full-bodied flavours, often with hints of espresso, dark chocolate, and spices. The Drew Estate Liga Privada No. 9 Toro Oscuro , draped in a dark oily stalk-cut Connecticut broad-leaf wrapper would be the perfect example.
The Art of Fermentation
The key factor influencing both the colour and flavour of a wrapper is fermentation. This controlled process involves dried leaves undergoing microbial changes. The duration and temperature of fermentation play a crucial role, along with the inherent characteristics of the tobacco leaf itself.
Candela wrappers stand out for their unusual green colour. These undergo an accelerated drying process that traps chlorophyll within the leaves, creating the green hue. This method produces medium-strength leaves with a mild aroma.
Shade-grown wrappers typically experience shorter fermentation due to thinner leaves, resulting in lighter colour and milder flavours. Conversely, sun-grown tobacco, especially leaves from the top half of the plant or Broadleaf varieties, have a longer fermentation period. This process can take weeks to a year.
Maduro wrappers are the product of long, hot fermentation. The thicker leaves used for Maduros can withstand this intense process, resulting in the characteristic rich brown-black colour and robust, sweet flavours. Oscuro wrappers take things a step further. They require a meticulously controlled fermentation process lasting up to a year, with high humidity and moderate heat.
The Terroir Effect: How Growing Regions Shape Flavour
Similar to how wine connoisseurs value the impact of "terroir" (land characteristics), cigar aficionados appreciate how the growing region influences wrapper flavour. Here's a glimpse into some popular regions and their signature offerings:
Cuban Wrappers: Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, Cuban cigars boast wrapper leaves (primarily from the Vuelta Abajo region) that deliver a rich, earthy taste with notes of cedar, leather, and spice.
Nicaraguan Wrappers: Volcanic soil and an ideal climate have positioned Nicaragua as a powerhouse in the cigar industry. Their wrappers are known for robust flavours, often featuring a combination of earthiness, pepper, and rich spices. Regions like Jalapa, Esteli, and Ometepe showcase the diversity of Nicaraguan wrappers.
Dominican Wrappers: The Dominican Republic is a haven for sought-after wrapper leaves. The fertile soil and favourable climate produce mild to medium-bodied wrappers with notes of cedar, nuts, and subtle sweetness. Wrapper leaves from the Cibao Valley and the Yaque region are particularly esteemed.
A World of Flavour Awaits
The world of cigar wrappers is a fascinating one, offering a diverse tapestry of flavours. From the subtle nuances of natural wrappers to the rich sweetness of Maduros and the intense boldness of Oscuros, each type promises a unique journey for your palate. So, explore the different options, discover your favourites, and elevate your cigar smoking experience!
Unwrap the Flavour: Your Guide to Cigar Wrappers
Cigar critics, enthusiasts and aficionados’ hearts raced as the XXIV Edition of the Habano Festival ignited Havana from February 26th to March 1st, 2024. The Caribbean capital once again hosted this prestigious annual event, captivating participants from around the globe with its international flair and exclusive atmosphere.
Over 110 countries were represented, fostering a global community of passionate aficionados. The excitement culminated with the unveiling of captivating novelties by Habanos, S.A., offering a glimpse into the future of these cherished smokes. Stay tuned to see these in our store!
This year's 24th Edition is not only a celebration of the event itself, but also a time to raise a toast to three significant milestones: the 30th anniversary of Habanos S.A., and the Golden (50th) and Emerald (55th) Anniversaries of the Quai d’Orsay and Trinidad brands, respectively.
The festival kicked off with a grand opening of the Trade Fair, a bustling hub where 85 companies from 11 countries had connected. The world's foremost specialists, distributors, and aficionados came together to enjoy unparalleled experiences.
Quai D'Orsay took centre stage at the Mid-week Evening held at the Cubanacán Protocol Lounge in El Laguito, commemorating the brand's 50th Anniversary where they unveiled a special “vitola”, Quai d'orsay Especial d'Orsay. Whilst Trinidad launched Trinidad Cabildos Edición Limitada 2024, and brought back the popular Trinidad Robusto Extra as a regular production in celebration for their 55th Anniversary at the opening of the Gala Dinner on the last day.
These special releases doesn’t end there, Romeo y Julieta are due to release another Reserva Cosecha, and other brands a series of Edición Limitada, Colección Habanos and numbered humidors. These exceptional releases mark a noteworthy year, stay tuned to see some of these in our store!
The festival finished on a grand finale with the Gala evening at Pabexpo, a magical night offering an unforgettable experience. One of the main highlights of the event was the Habanos Awards Ceremony, honouring excellence in the industry.
From trade to tastings, awards to auctions, Habanos, S.A. has yet again meticulously crafted an unforgettable experience, exceeding the expectations of aficionados with their signature dedication to excellence. While the 2024 edition may have concluded, the memories and inspiration linger, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this legendary festival's story.
The Thrill of the Habano Festival: A Look Back at the 2024 Edition
Ditching the typical travel influencer scene, this January nextCIGAR has embarked on a unique adventure - a "Viaje Al Origen" tour with Davidoff to the heart of the Dominican Republic. As an official Davidoff Asia partner, we were embracing their "Crop to Shop" philosophy, immersing ourselves in every step, from humble seed to polished final product.
Passion ignited from the start. Our guides, Hamlet Espinal (the Head of Global Production), Carlos Alcantara (the Agronomist), Pedro Pablo Perez (the Brand Master Blender), and Sam Reuter (Davidoff's Global Brand Ambassador), weren't just experts; they were passionate storytellers, weaving a captivating narrative of meticulous craftsmanship.
Day 1: Swiss precision meets Dominican soil.
We visited the greenhouse where Davidoff experts nurture the seeding process. With 225,000 seeds per plant, each meticulously hand-pollinated and nurtured in specially imported Canadian soil. Only 10% make the cut, a testament to Davidoff's relentless pursuit of excellence.
Day 2: Field to fork (and humidor).
After breakfast amidst lush tobacco fields (cigars included, naturally!), we got our hands dirty, planting and harvesting the very leaves that would be used in future Davidoff blends. Each leaf is then hand-sewn onto bamboo sticks (named the “cuje”) ensuring even drying. These then undergo a transformation called “Curing” which allows the chemical composition of the leaves to change within a controlled temperature and humidity-regulated environment, unlocking complex aromas and flavours.
Day 3: Where artistry meets science.
The Davidoff Estate unveiled the magic behind production. Fifty shades of tobacco awaited, meticulously sorted by colour, size, and texture. This granular attention to detail is what sets Davidoff apart, guaranteeing consistency and that iconic smooth draw.
Time, the secret ingredient. Did you know Davidoff ages their tobacco twice? This meticulous process refines the leaves, adding layers of complexity to the final smoke. And speaking of "final smoke," only rollers with 10+ years of experience get to craft a Davidoff. Their skill, combined with strict diameter and weight controls, translates to the flawless combustion and draw we all love.
We even tried rolling our own (let's just say it wasn't pretty!). Witnessing the dedication at every stage solidified our appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each Davidoff cigar. The quality isn't just born, it's nurtured, from seed to shelf. It's the passion, the precision, and the unwavering commitment to quality that truly sets Davidoff apart. So next time you light up a White Band, remember the journey it took to get there, and savour every meticulously crafted puff.
This journey to the source truly showcased the power of dedication and expertise. In a world of mass production, Davidoff reminds us that true quality comes from a deep understanding and respect for the process, from the very beginning.
Journey from Seed to Shelf Unveiling the Magic Behind Davidoff Cigars
Seeking the ultimate harmony
Cigar pairings have evolved into a pivotal aspect of the cigar culture, with aficionados consistently seeking ways to elevate their enjoyment. The most common cigar pairings often involve whisky, rum and coffee, given that individuals often enjoy a drink alongside their cigar, finding the ideal complement becomes a logical pursuit. However, cigar pairings should continue with more than just drinks, what about various types of food or hosting the perfect cigar dinner? Let’s dive into the flavour explorations!
With millions of different blends worldwide ranging from bold earthy smokes from Cuba to the sweeter spicier flavours of the New World, pairing possibilities are endless! There are three primary pairing approaches: complimentary, contrasting, and cutting. Similar flavour profiles are harmoniously matched in complementary pairings, creating a synergy between them. Contrasting pairings, on the other hand, involve seeking opposing aromas and flavours, such as combining sweet and sour elements. Additionally, cutting takes this concept to the extreme, where a flavour or aroma sharply contrasts with another, reminiscent of pairing a rich, creamy cheese with tart fruit. Here are 4 excellent complimentary food and cigar pairings you could try out the next time you’re enjoying a cigar or perhaps for hosting a cigar dinner:
1. Seafood, a rich and creamy Caviar / Light & mild smokes (Davidoff Signature 2000)
Seafood has a rich and creamy flavour profile which is more light and fragrant than a steak. So milder cigars with a delicate yet earthy taste experience like the Davidoff Signature 2000 would be a perfect match, especially with a rich and intense caviar like the Beluga Caviar.
2. Charcuterie, salami / Earthy & savoury smokes (Davidoff Escurio Robusto)
The salty and savoury notes of cured meats like prosciutto and salami provide a harmonious balance with the complexity of earthy cigars. The slight fatty and salty notes meld well with the Davidoff Escurio Robusto with its creamy and savoury profile. Elevate this with a refreshing long drink such as a whisky or a rum sour!
3. Barbequed meats, steak/lamb / Bolder & robust smokes (Bolivar Belicoso Finos)
The smokey and robust flavours of grilled or barbequed meats create an excellent pairing with many intense cigars especially blends with an oily Maduro wrapper with its dark, roasted and sweet notes. Smokes like the Bolivar Belicoso Finos with its strong and earthy flavours fold in harmoniously with the charred and caramelised notes of the meats, which enhances the richness of the cigar, creating a satisfying combination.
4. Spicy foods, Sichuan cuisine / Intense & spicy smokes (E.P. Carrillo Inch Nicaragua No. 60)
A medium-bodied cigar would be the perfect choice to balance the heat with spicy cuisine. The added strength of the cigar will help stand up to the spice whilst the flavours complement the spices in the food. The E.P. Carillo Inch Nicaragua No.60 would be a great choice with its strong peppery character and the prominent creamy caramel sweetness to balance the spiciness.
5. Chocolate or caramel-based treats / Sweet & well-aged smokes (Confidenciaal FIFTYSEVEN)
The marriage of chocolates and cigars is a match made in heaven with each enhancing the other’s flavours and creating a decadent experience. The rich complexity of dark chocolates intertwines seamlessly with the nutty creaminess and essences of rich cocoa and toffee of the Confidenciaal FIFTYFOUR and FIFTYTWO. The ultimate indulgence to finish a cigar dinner.
The Mastery of Pairing Food with Cigars
As we venture into the ultimate spots for enjoying cigars in Hong Kong, the captivating ambiance of Top Town American Bar undoubtly caught our attention. Nestled in the city’s heart, mere steps away from Lai Kwan Fong, this American Seafood bar presents fantastic city skyline views with Manhattan-style, movie-like deluxe interior. The semi-outdoor setting offers stunning views of the city’s skyline. Beyond their extensive list of beverages, the live music every Wednesday is the perfect element to complement your cigars.
Cigar x Cocktail Pairing Delights
Pairing No.1: Davidoff Yamasá Robusto and the Classic Manhattan Cocktail
The timeless elegance of the Manhattan cocktail harmoniously accompanies the nuanced flavours of the Davidoff Yamasá Robusto. The combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters creates a rich and balanced profile that pairs perfectly with the earthy and spicy notes found in the cigar. Caramel undertones in the whiskey resonate with the cigar's essense, while a hint of bitterness adds intricate layers. This pairing creates a delightful interplay and provides an enjoyable experience for cigar and cocktail enthusiasts.
Pairing No.2: Davidoff Escurio Robusto and the Signature Influencer Cocktail
Influencer is one of the signature cocktails of Top Town, and it’s not hard to see why. The Akori Sakura Gin, renowned for its delicate cherry blossom notes, imparts a floral and slightly fruity essence. The Rose contributes a subtle hint of rose petals, bestowing a gentle and aromatic touch of sweetness. The cigar enriches the pairing with a burst of vibrant, fresh pepper flavours. The cocktail offers a well-balanced combination of floral, fruity, herbal, and subtlely bitter notes, creating a delightful blend of flavours that perfectly completments the pairing.
Pairing No.3: Davidoff Nicaragua Box-Pressed Toro and the Classic Martini
The clean, crisp nature of the Martini serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the robust, full-bodied flavours of the Nicaragua Box-Pressed Toro. Its freshness cools the palate accentuating the cigar's warmth. The grassy nuances in the gin complement the cigar's earthy and peppery characteristics, while the dry vermouth adds a touch of complexity, elevating the overall flavour journey. Martini’s smooth and sophisticated nature makes the cigar’s flavour shine, creating a harmonious balance. As you savour each sip of the Martini, it prepares your palate for the subsequent puff of the cigar, enhancing its enjoyment even further.
Secure your al fresco seat, and immerse yourself in the cocktail and jazz ambiance while savouring the luxurious indulgence of Davidoff Black Band cigars, all while soaking in the breathtaking views from this exquisite rooftop bar!
Top Town, American Seafood Bar
31/F, 28 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 21335769
Unwind in Style: Discover Davidoff Black Band Cigar Pairings at Top Town American Bar
Any true Cuban cigar connoisseurs must have savoured the inimitable flavour of a Montecristo cigar. Its distinguished and signature aroma captivates aficionados across the globe, making it the world’s most popular brand, accounting for 25% of Habanos S.A.'s sales. We have, in particular, curated a selection of stories behind the brand, immersing yourself in their rich heritage and gaining a profound understanding of their essence.
The Origin
Montecristo was introduced in 1935 and rolled in the H. Upmann factory. The brand name pays tribute to the Count of Monte Cristo, the cigar-smoking hero of Alexandre Dumas’s novel. The Montecristo logo features a fleur-de-lis, a symbol of the French monarchy, and 6 crossed swords, representing the count in the novel.
The Productions
Montecristo cigars are produced in two countries: Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The core lines, including the Open series, Linea 1935, and Edmundo, are crafted using only the finest filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo zone, home to the world's finest tobaccos. Special lines like Montecristo AJ Fernandez and Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez are created in the Dominican Republic by AJ Fernandez, a unique collaboration between the Cuban and New World titans.
Choosing Between the Montecristo Numbered Series
Indulge in the variety of Montecristo numbered series, each offering its distinctive allure. The Montecristo No. 1 cigar, a double corona size, longer and slimmer than most cigars, elegantly fits between your fingers, promising an unforgettable experience.
Highly regarded by cigar aficionados worldwide, the Montecristo No. 2 is renowned for its ageing potential, and exquisite vitola that has even won the heart of Michael Jordon himself, making it his favourite cigar.
For those seeking a delightful twist, Montecristo No. 3, a corona with a similar taste profile as No. 2, offers an added kick of spiciness that adds an exciting dimension to your smoke.
And finally, the Montecristo No. 4, the most popular and best-selling Cuban cigar for years delivers a smooth, mellow, rich, and creamy smoke, with flavours of leather, coffee, and earth reminiscent of classic Havana.
Whether you're a seasoned Montecristo enthusiast or a curious newcomer, exploring the depths of this iconic brand will undoubtedly enrich your cigar journey. Embark on this flavor-filled expedition with us and unlock the enigmatic world of Montecristo.
Unravelling Montecristo: Fascinating Facts You Should Know
Designed for the discerning cigar connoisseur who enjoys indulging in exquisite cigars while on the go, Davidoff cigar cases offer both sophistication and functionality. Lightweight and durable, a cigar case makes it effortless to protect cigars, keeping them in optimal condition while on a short trip.
Material Matters
The material of a cigar case is paramount to the ultimate cigar experience. A case crafted from premium leather is an impeccable choice. The leather can contribute to creating an unrivalled sensory experience. The leather allows the cigars to breathe, ensuring ideal humidity for several days. Moreover, the enduring material can safeguard the cigars.
Carbon fibre cigar cases are also preferred among aficionados who are always on the move. The material is renowned for its super lightweight and durability, making it perfect for fitting into your carry-on. In addition, carbon fibre is water-resistant and ideal for preserving your cigars. The modern and sleek design tightly seals the interior, maintaining the perfect humidity level for your cigars.
Interior Matters
The interior material of a cigar case is of utmost importance in preserving the flavour of the cigars. A case lined with cedarwood is the most common option. If your cigar case lacks a cedarwood lining, you could add a cedar sheet to it. Cedarwood acts as a natural humidifier controller, absorbing excess moisture and ensuring your cigars remain in perfect humidity. Moreover, cedarwood can improve and elevate the flavour of your cigars over time, enhancing the overall experience.
Add a humidification pack to your cigar case to maintain your cigars’ optimal humidity level. This can preserve the ideal humidity level for up to a month, ensuring they remain fresh and flavourful.
Travel with confidence and sophistication. Choose the perfect cigar case from our collection, and enjoy the pleasure of indulging in your favorite cigars wherever your journey takes you.
Travel Essentials | The ideal cigar case
Cuban cigars are renowned worldwide for their unique and distinct flavour profile. However, those premium cigars’ price has been rising rapidly. While not all of us have money to burn, several New World cigars offer a flavour profile similar to Cuban. For Cuban cigar lovers, why not broaden your horizon by trying these affordable, high-quality New World cigars?
For mild-bodied Cuban cigar lovers
Camacho Criollo
The Camacho Criollo is a spin on the taste profile of modern-day Cuban cigars. The Honduran-grown wrapper is packed with a unique, peppery flavour. Dominican-grown Piloto Cubano fillers ignite the sweetness receptors, giving you that smooth yet noticeable taste in every draw. Delivers a powerful burst of signature Camacho taste.
Oliva Serie V Melanio
Oliva cigars are a great alternative to Cuban cigars. The founder, Gilberto Oliva, travelled from country to country in search of the conditions to recreate that distinctive Cuban taste. Today the family are Nicaragua’s second largest grower of Cuban-seed tobacco. This cigar is made in Nicaragua with an Ecuador wrapper, which provides a sweet and spicy flavour similar to Cuban cigars.
For medium-bodied Cuban cigar lovers
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Serie
A unique blend consisting of aged Dominican filler tobaccos, bound with a Dominican binder and dressed in a delicate West African Cameroon wrapper, results in a sweet flavour and a slight spice reminiscent of Cuban cigars. The Hemingway is also known for its excellent construction, perfecting your cigar journey with even burn and a smooth draw.
Plasencia Alma del Campo
One of the best Cuban cigar alternatives due to its medium-plus strength and rich flavour. Introduced in 2017, Alma del Campo is a Nicaraguan puro incorporating tobacco exclusively sourced from Plasencia’s fields. This series of cigars drastically improves with age - best to age for the finest enjoyment.
For full-bodied Cuban cigar lovers
Davidoff Late Hour
With tobacco aged for six months in the finest Scotch single malt whisky casks, a feat no one has attempted before. As a result, the Davidoff Late Hour’s robust and complex flavour has successfully won the heart of global aficionados.
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG)
Launched in 1999, this premium cigar line lives up to its price. Most formats featured in this series are presented in the box-pressed method to deliver a robust and condensed flavor, with dark and stunning Ecuadoran Sumatra-seed wrapper leaf aged at least 4 years. Surrounded by sweet cedar and nutmeg flavours, with surging strength and remarkable complexity backing it all up.
Padrón 1964 Anniversary Serie
Finally, the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series is often compared to Cuban cigars. Handmade in Nicaragua and features a blend of Nicaraguan fillers and a Maduro wrapper. The dark brown wrapper provides a rich, complex flavour similar to Cuban. This series is always on the bestseller list.
Beat the Habanos Price Rise – Cuban cigar alternatives
Long weekends and holidays are right on our doorsteps. Time to get dressed, stretch our bodies and bathe in the sunshine. Never journey without your favourite smoke! Bringing your prized cigars on business trips, outings, meetings, or vacations is simple if done correctly.
Selection and Quantity
When deciding the number of cigars to pack for travelling, check the restricted amount for your onboarding city first. Some countries measure by sticks, some by weight. If you are facing strict restrictions, why not leave your premium cigar at home and discover the fantastic local cigar lounge or store?
Pack the number of cigars according to your planned schedule, and don’t just pack for yourself. Pack for your friends or even strangers in the bar! No harm in bringing extra sticks to share your cigars with others. It is best to take cigars stored in a humidor for some time, as they will have stabilised at the perfect humidity. Make sure you bring only enough cigars for the excursion.
The storage
After deciding the number to bring on travel, you must get the storage device. We suggest choosing the proper storage device base on the travel duration.
If you are not a regular traveller and planning for a short trip for less than a week, a simple leather cigar holder or zip-lock bag is your ideal storage device. An airtight zip-lock bag with two bags of Boveda will keep your sticks fresh for at least a week. Then, add extra protection for the cigars; wrap some clothes around your zip-lock bag to avoid the cigars getting crushed during the flight.
If you are travelling for more than a week or are keen to travel, invest in a specially designed travel humidor that protects and humidifies your cigars for a long time.
Sharp changes in temperature and humidity are the biggest enemy of cigars. So keep your cigars in the carry-on to prevent the hump and bump in the baggage. And the temperature is more regulated in the cabin. Also, avoid direct sunlight and harsh environment on the trip.
Cutter & Lighter
Best to put your cutter and lighter in your checked luggage to avoid customs confiscating your deluxe accessory. If you wish to enjoy your last smoke before onboarding, we suggest you bring a cheap punch cut and torch lighter for quick enjoyment. Be aware that matches are banned on most flights in your carry-on.
Cigar 101 | Top tips for traveling with cigars
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