It’s a jewel of an issue, both literally and figuratively. Cigarmakers Rocky Patel and Rafael Nodal have each released a new cigar line inspired by not one but two blue gemstones: Rocky Patel Sapphire and Aging Room Blue Amber. To underscore its precious nature, Sapphire is produced with extra-aged Nicaraguan tobacco from Patel’s inventory, some of which dates back more than a decade ago. Blue Amber features Dominican leaves grown in the same area where the actual gemstone is mined. Both brands are made in Nicaragua, but which gem will shine brightest? Tim Ozgener of OZ Family Cigars used the FIFA World Cup as inspiration for his latest regular-production release, Maracana, which is named after the famous Brazilian soccer stadium. It’s made in Honduras at the new My Father Cigars factory in El Paraiso. We also reviewed the new Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Luís from Cuba. The cigar is part of the Le Hoyo series (called Serie Le Hoyo), which used to feature mostly thin sizes. In 2014, Habanos S.A. fattened up the line with the Le Hoyo de San Juan size (54 ring gauge), then followed it up with Le Hoyo de Río Seco (56 ring gauge). The new San Luís is an entirely new format referred to as fragrancias in Cuban cigar factories. Don’t forget to scroll below the tastings to see what’s going on in the cigar world.