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THE BEST IN FULL-BODIED CIGARS, part I |
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 More than 100 brands in tasting yield 30 recommendations
Los Angeles, October 15 – Remember these John Sebastian lines from the Lovin’ Spoonful’s 1966 hit “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind”?
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Pick up on one and leave the other behind
It’s not often easy and not often kind
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
That’s how I felt working on our tasting and ranking of full-bodied cigars.
I thought we’d be finished shortly after returning from the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America convention and trade show in Las Vegas during the summer. But the sheer volume of new introductions and new blends of existing brands led us to sample more than 100 brands before finally deciding on 30 selections, incorporating both full-bodied and medium-to-full-bodied cigars.
Many were great and we could easily provide a list of up to 50 brands we liked. But we limited it to 30 (with some ties) and will present it to you over the next week, in reverse order, all the way to number one:
No. 30: Partagas Black Label (Dom. Rep.)
Only introduced in 2001, the dark Connecticut wrapper exudes power, but the blend offers subtle flavors of dark caramel and fruit, with a toasty finish. With its light aroma, its flavors grow on you as you smoke it. Its only drawback: the ultra-large 54 ring gauge on most shapes can be intimidating (and a challenge to cut without resorting to a meat cleaver).
No. 29: tie, La Flor Dominicana and Litto Gomez Diez (Dom. Rep.)
Both of these are made by the much-respected Litto Gomez and are examples of perfect construction, with an easy draw. Of the La Flor Dominicana types we tried, we liked the 2000 series best, with its pleasant and flavorful start – tinged with a suggestion of butter – followed with notes of spice on the palate and in the aroma. This is an excellent, elegant cigar to complement any meal.
The new Litto Gomez Diez, celebrating 10 years since he first introduced the “Los Libertadores” line, offers an easy draw and a balanced taste. The mix of pepper at the start and the caramelized taste you reach a little later are the stars of this blend. The control shown in the presentation of these tastes marks the brand as one of high quality and skill in creation. The beautiful, red band is also noteworthy and exudes the same class shown in the cigar itself.
No. 28: tie, Sosa (Dom.Rep.) and La Perla Habana Black Pearl (Nicaragua)
Juan Sosa has been recognized as one of the world’s outstanding cigar makers for decades, saluted in print way back in 1990 in Paul Garmirian’s The Gourmet Guide to Cigars. Sosa’s namesake line fairly bursts with happy, sweet and fruit-like flavors, with a mild aroma. It’s a little more subtle in mid-course, with a toasty finish and a calmer flavor, but an excellent value and a cigar to be sure and try.
Doug Wood’s La Perla Habana Black Pearl, on the other hand, is tightly packed and burns very slowly, allowing the savvy smoker to enjoy a toasty flavor and caramelized, near-fruity finish. There is considerably subtlety in this cigar, a little like Doug himself! You will be rewarded most if you take the time to appreciate what this blend has to offer.
No. 27: Carlos Torano Tribute (Dom. Rep.)
“Tribute” is the right word for Carlos Torano, who not only offers his own lines of outstanding cigars (his Exodus 1959 line was ranked in our medium-bodied tasting), but makes many other excellent brands for sale by others. But the new Tribute line is one of his best. It welcomes you with a toasty flavor on top and a smooth, woody tone underneath. A cigar that comforts you, it is friendly and best enjoyed slowly.
No. 26: Trinidad (Dom. Rep.)
Introduced with much fanfare by Altadis USA, Trinidad is earning a reputation for quality, flavor and class to go with its Cuban heritage. It offers a wonderfully rich, full but understated taste that fills the mouth and is very satisfying without being heavy and pronounced, a considerable achievement in blending. Smooth and accessible, it has a roasted, toasted flavor that is relaxing and luxurious. A perfect complement to complete a lighter lunch or dinner, or with a late-night cocktail.
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Say yes to one and let the other one ride
There’s so many changes and tears you must hide
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Coming Monday: Full-bodied rankings from 25 to 21, plus steals and deals from our CigarWire street price spreadsheet updates.
~ Rich Perelman
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