Connoisseur’s Corner: The First Cigar of the Year
This Padrón was the first Cigar of the Year ever bestowed by this magazine, and came from one of the original painted boxes. Fourteen years later, the cigar is still full of life, nuance and character. Every puff has subtle, yet delicious notes of nutmeg and chestnuts with hints of licorice. The wrapper is pristine and the cigar has maintained its box-pressed shape perfectly. A memorable smoke.
—Marvin R. Shanken
Large Punch cigars age extremely well. Most that I’ve sampled have come from cabinets, but this has been resting in a dress box for 27 years. It’s rich and refined, still brimming with flavor and with plenty of power. Along with hearty notes of coffee bean and honeyed wood, there’s a bit of pencil lead and a wisp of leather. A sublime smoke that still has plenty of life remaining. —David Savona
More than 10 years on, this 9-inch “A” is a powerhouse that is rounding into a perfectly balanced smoke, but with years of life left. It has a perfect draw and burn. The earthy profile is filled with coffee bean and dark chocolate flavors. The finish has a pleasant mineral overtone with a sweet, dark berry note which goes on and on. A great cigar full of vibrant tobacco that’s aging very well. —Gordon Mott
A solid Cuban corona in a cedar sleeve with no soft spots. Oils seep through the wrapper, which is medio-claro. The draw is substantial, and the burn is perfect—even, cool and slow. It’s dry and woody at first, but warms to show a creamy, nutty character of almonds and hazelnuts. Touches of chocolate malt sweeten the finish, but the smoke maintains its creamy mouthfeel the entire time. —Greg Mottola
