|
|
|
| STARS OF THE SHOW X |
|
|
|
Page 1 of 2  Tasting and grading the newest blends from Cuban Crafters!Los Angeles, November 30, 2009 – During the Cigar Boom, a magical blend called Cupido became an oversight sensation with its rich, dark, fruit-like flavors that helped create the enthusiasm for Nicaraguan cigars that continues today. Cupido was the founding brand of what is today Cuban Crafters, with an expanding presence in both growing cigar tobacco and manufacturing cigars in Nicaragua and its headquarters – and a small rolling team – in Miami. We checked out their newest blends, introduced at last summer’s International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association trade show. Cuban Crafters Cameroon: [Nicaragua: available in 6 sizes] This is a two-act play for a blend which features a Cameroon wrapper and Nicaraguan-grown interior leaves. It’s medium-to-full in body with a toasty and spicy aroma and a very firm and dense construction. The flavor begins with a caramelized tone, easy to appreciate and even somewhat sweet on the finish. It’s smooth and measured, with an excellent draw and an even burn. By the halfway mark, a note of spice comes in on the finish as the first act ends. The final act pushes the spicy elements into the starring role. It’s never harsh, but the spiced tone continues through the end, growing in intensity at the finish. This is a quality cigar and good choice for those who enjoy both sweet and spicy elements in their cigars. All six sizes are offered in boxes of 25 and are very accessibly priced at $3.60-$5.20 each, not including local sales and tobacco taxes. Overall grade: A-: Excellent. Cuban Crafters Cubano Claro: [Nicaragua: available in 9 sizes] The Cubano Claro line was introduced in 2009 with a very light-colored wrapper grown in Ecuador. But if you’re expecting a light and mild taste, you’ll be surprised. This is a medium-to-full-bodied blend with a spicy aroma with a tingle of spice on the tongue at the start. There’s a note of sweetness in the background, just enough to make things interesting as the cigar opens up. And while the spicy elements predominate, the modest note of sweetness that comes on the finish adds a welcome smoothness to the blend. The intensity of the spiced flavor recedes a bit in the final third, a welcome respite from an intense smoke, especially in the larger sizes. If you like spicy cigars, this is a fine choice. The Cubano Claro is offered boxes of 20 for eight of the nine sizes (the Petit Corona is in 24s) and is priced at $5.50-$7.50 per cigar, not including local taxes. Overall grade: B+: Very Good. |
| < Following Column | Previous Column > |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Did you know?
“American cigar production fell to less than 1,000 factories (971 registered) by 1954 and only 477 in 1961.
