
Hammer + Sickle Tradición Serie Churchill
Rank: 11
Rating: 94
Price: $8.99
Factory Location: Dominican Republic
Dimensions: 7" by 48 ring gauge
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Strength: Mild-Medium
The Top 25 list is often a combination of classic cigar sizes and more experimental shapes. As the brand name indicates, Hammer + Sickle has opted for tradition over trend with its Tradición Serie Churchill. It isn't a scaled up, modern interpretation of a Churchill, as others have created, but stays within traditional parameters. Eric Hanson, who released his first Hammer + Sickle brand in 2010, has adopted the symbol of Russia as the cigar's logo. He points out that the hammer and sickle does not represent the Soviet Union (which incorporated a star), but symbolizes Russia's industrial north and agrarian south. For him, it's a heritage symbol and not political. The Churchill is tasty, but understated with a floral quality, touches of nutmeg and a sweet, earthy aftertaste.