Cuba in a Day Cigar Sampler

Cuba in a Day.

Morning - San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe (4 3/8 x 42) San Cristobal de la Habana was the name given to the city of Havana in 1519, so Habanos tribute to the long history of the city was to launch this brand just before the turn of the millennium in 1999. The profile of this brand is light to medium, making their cigars a great option to start to start your day. It’s a somewhat uncomplicated, mild cigar with a generally savoury profile. Principally, its flavour comprises of a cool earthy base with a gentle coffee note joining the fray toward its sensible end. It is a pleasant way to start your day.

Lunch – Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1 (5 5/8’’ x 46) The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1 is one of the classic Habanos cigars, yet perhaps remains underrated due to the popularity and excellence of the Epicure No.2. The “Epi 1” comes off remarkably cool for a relatively slim ring gauge cigar, and because of this the wrapper notes are more apparent, providing the profile with a sweeter quality to complement its savoury base of brown toast, coffee and cedar. We sense some leather notes during the smoke to add an extra dimension to the flavour. This is a light-to-medium flavour cigar but has the more complex flavours to accompany a lunch of Fish on the menu and a dry Pinot Grigio. Excellent smoke.

Aperitif – Montecristo No.4 (5 1/8’’ x 42) Now, for some cigar enthusiasts smoking before dinner might not be something as of a requisite, but it does build an appetite. In fact with a light-bodied sherry like a fino or Manzanilla, it is a great way to start the evening ahead of dinner. The “Monte 4” is a cigar with amazing flavour, without being full in body. Noticeable spice and peppery throughout but at no point overwhelming, and reasonable strength with not an ounce of sharpness about it. It is the best-selling Habanos cigar in the world, and it’s not difficult to understand why.

After Dinner – Bolivar Belicoso Finos A favourite of James J Fox – in particular for our resident Master of Habanos Connoisseur Nic Barker, watch his review here – the Bolivar Belicoso Finos. It is a favourite of many cigar enthusiasts because despite being a full-bodied cigar the flavours and the smoothness of the cigar is standout Rich leather notes from the wrapper with earth and cedar in equal measure from the filler give this cigar a profound depth of flavour, and one which works well with a strong digestif. The profile of this cigar evolves quickly, coming to a rich spicy finish, accompanied by light coffee notes, and a touch of minerality. It is a classic Habanos cigar for after dinner.

Late Night Rum / End of the Day – El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse The end of the day is approaching, and time is limited at this point after a day of enjoyment, food and indulgence. So it’s always good to have a small Habanos on hand to finish the evening. 15 minutes and under would be a great way to put a countdown on your last, rum, cognac, whisky, tequila or whatever else you might be enjoying. We’ve gone for the smallest Habanos, El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse, a flavoursome little cigar.