Cigar Aficionado

Connoisseur’s Corner: Romeo y Julieta Churchill (1991)

Iconic is not a word we use lightly, but it’s appropriate in this case. The Romeo y Julieta Churchill is one of Cuba’s most iconic cigars, and it’s named in honor of perhaps the most iconic cigar smoker in history—Winston Churchill. These Churchills have spent more than three …

Connoisseur’s Corner: Davidoff Château Latour (circa 1988)

There’s historical importance to this cigar. In the 1940s, Swiss retailer Zino Davidoff started the Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey Château Series, which leveraged the names of the most prestigious Bordeaux wines. By the 1960s, Davidoff was granted permission to use his name, so the …

Connoisseur’s Corner: La Palina Senator (Circa 1920)

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I lit up this little figurado, a La Palina rolled well before the outbreak of World War II. Bill Paley, who owns the brand, told me it was at least 100 years old, and it was almost certainly made with some Cuban tobacco but without the use of a …

Connoisseur’s Corner: Cohiba Siglo IV (1994)

You often hear that Cohibas used to be much stronger. Perhaps that’s so, as Cuba’s tobacco varietals have changed over the years—and we’ve certainly had some old Cohibas that refused to let go of their power. But something beautifully transformative happened with these Cohiba …

Connoisseur’s Corner: H. Upmann Dunhill Selección Suprema No. 222 (circa 1963)

Pudgy, pressed and absolutely gorgeous, one look at this 55-ring-gauge cigar and you know why it’s better known as the Flying Pig. This Cuban perfecto was fat for its time and has retained considerable power over the decades. It’s quite minty at first, with lots of dark, chewy …

Connoisseur’s Corner: Don Candido Dunhill Selección No. 506 (circa 1960s)

These cigars were discontinued in the 1980s, and decades later, they’re beyond marvelous. This lovely corona gorda blossoms with flavor about half an inch after being lit. Earthy notes on the outset are joined by warm, sweet and rich flavors of marzipan, hazelnut and German …

Connoisseur’s Corner: Davidoff 80 Aniversario (1986)

What a piece of history. This cigar was released in celebration of Zino Davidoff’s 80th birthday back when Davidoffs were still made in Cuba. You’ll notice a second band under the Davidoff label. That was put there by the retailer from Luxembourg who sold the box. While two …

Connoisseur’s Corner: Montecristo No. 2 (2000)

This striking pirámide is probably the most iconic Cuban cigar in existence. Produced for decades, it never went out of style, and for good reason—the smoke continues to be a blockbuster. This particular No. 2 is 23 years old and is still full of life with a rich core of nutmeg …

Connoisseur’s Corner: La Gloria Cubana Medaille D’Or No. 2 (1993)

A slim, well-aged smoke that has a smooth and fine draw. It’s elegant—both in shape and in flavor—with mild-bodied, tasty notes that include wood, nutmeg, cinnamon and chestnuts. Delicious.

Connoisseur’s Corner: Por Larrañaga Magnifico Exclusivo Reino Unido (2007)

U.K. Cuban cigar importer Hunters & Frankau took inspiration from the discontinued Por Larrañaga Magnum and created this cigar in its image. A period piece of sorts, this is one of the earlier Regional Edition cigars. Time has mellowed the Magnifico to a smoke of cedar and …