Connoisseur’s Corner: A Churchill For Sir Winston
This Churchill-sized cigar is named for Sir Winston Churchill himself. At seven inches long by 47 ring, it’s the same size as a Romeo y Julieta Churchill, but far harder to find. Its packaging is distinctive, with a dark green box. The smoke itself, medium-brown in color and 23 years old, has a perfect draw, delivering smooth and spicy flavors hinting of sweet cinnamon and nutmeg. There are earthy tones as well, with a pleasant hint of vanilla.
—Marvin R. Shanken
This Lusitania is made in its original style—a Conde 109 shape, which is a double corona with a pointed head. It is a virtually perfect smoke. The good draw and burn deliver smoke with a delicate combination of white pepper and cinnamon on the palate, with a hint of cedar on the long finish. A cigar with 46 years in the box—and a lot of life left in it. —Gordon Mott
Le Hoyo cigars have intrigued me since I first saw one in a shop in Havana back in 1996. The des Dieux is just over six inches long, with a slim 42 ring gauge, and this well-aged example is exceptionally woody from the first puff. The draw and burn are near perfect, and the wood is soon ed by notes of walnut and English breakfast tea. It’s a medium-bodied smoke with a pleasantly sweet almond paste finish. —David Savona
The cellophane wrapper from this well-rolled cigar has developed a nice shade of yellow. Big chocolate notes on the start segue into a cadre of baking spices: cinnamon, clove and cardamom. The wood note from the original tasting is more nuanced now, showing hints of roasted vanilla and a distinct coffee bean note. Salted leather comes in on the end. Still strong overall, but much more refined. —Andrew Nagy
