Casa Magna Jalapa Claro is another successful collaboration between Master Blenders Manny Quesada and Nestor Plasencia Sr. featuring the same Nicaraguan binder and filler as the original cigar that won Cigar of the Year in 2008.
The big difference here is the wrapper has been replaced with a light claro leaf from Nicaragua’s Jalapa Valley. The result is now a smooth smoking medium to full bodied cigar with sweet woody flavors encompassing hickory, mesquite to maple and oak.
Without reservation, Cigar Aficionado rated it a very respectable score of 90. Their description is spot on. ” This tawny cigar is softly pressed with an even burn and superb draw. Light touches of wood and tea gain intensity, exhibiting leather, coffee bean and just the right amount of earthiness.”
No doubt this Casa Magna is another one to try if you haven’t already!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
See all the Casa Magna cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
Herrera Esteli Norteno is another very highly rated creation from famed cigar maker Willie Herrera. In fact, this full bodied, Maduro expression is the first blend released from the Drew Estate factory since Herrera was named Master Blender in June, 2014.
The Norteno blend showcases extensively aged tobaccos from the Esteli, and Jalapa growing regions of Nicaragua, coupled with a spicy Honduran Binder, and a rich Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper in the 5 core vitolas.
When rated at 94 by Cigar Aficionado Magazine, their description was spot on.”Each cigar in the box has a lush, substantial draw that layers the palate with copious amounts of dense smoke. The combustion and performance are exemplary.”
What more can we say? Herrera Esteli Norteno is a winner!
Crowned Heads Headley Grange is another collaboration between Jon Huber and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. at his Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
Headley Grange contains very select Nicaraguan filler and binder leaves from Ernesto’s farm. Encasing this vintage blend is a beautiful Ecuadorian grown Sumatran wrapper.
Cigar Aficionado rates it a 91 naming it a top 25 cigar of the year in 2013. They exclaim, “The cigar is medium to full in body, with rich coffee flavors as well as notes of almond and spice”. Add this to Halfwheel’s score of 92. They continue the accolades. “A wonderful blend with a few somewhat unique flavors, perfect construction and excellent balance.”
I think it’s safe to assume you’ll be impressed as well. Grab Headley Grange when they’re around.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
See all the Crowned Heads Cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
This edition is yet another accomplishment of Casa Fernandez’s unique ability to continue crafting intricate blends appealing to every smokers desires and specific taste preferences. This Maduro is medium to full bodied and loaded with rich flavors of espresso, cocoa and light pepper. There’s also a bit of a cherry like sweetness throughout as well, if you can believe it!
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
Filler: Nicaraguan Aganorsa
Leaf by Oscar Barber Pole is of this company’s most unique entries.
With attention to detail, this Barber Pole utilizes a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper combined with a green candela wrapper. It’s also important to note it also uses a box-pressed format normally not found with this style of cigar. The cap is also unique in that it also features a maduro cap surrounded by a candela ring. To say this cigar is masterfully made is an understatement.
The results of this craftsmanship speak for themselves. The overall medium to full body combines with an array of flavors producing rich tasting aromatic smoke. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Halfwheel rates it @ 90, KATMAN @91, Cigar Coop @ 91 and Blind Man’s Puff @92. If you’ve never tried a Barber Pole, this is the one to get!
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés, Candela (Undisclosed Origin)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co
Blender: Oscar Valladares
See all of Oscar’s cigars available at The Cigar Thief HERE
You’re probably wondering why a machine made, short filler, domestic cigar would be so popular with Premium Smokers. Every now and again, a product comes along that serves its purpose and completes its mission. When J.C. Newman created Trader Jacks Classic “Kickin” bagged and jarred editions many years ago, it took awhile to get noticed. As they found their way into humidors across the country, curiosity got the better of many folks that opened the containers and took a sniff. And that was that! The intoxicating aroma these sticks gave off led to a try which then led to buying the whole container. Without getting too involved, Trader Jacks by JC Newman is mellow to slightly medium bodied. They’re all infused resulting in a smooth, sweet, rum like flavor that’s thoroughly enjoyable any time of the day. They keep fresh in their containers and have a totally guilt free price offering any smoker a great diversion.
WRAPPER: Ecuador Havana Seed
FILLER: Dominican and Nicaraguan
FACTORY: J.C. Newman El Reloj/USA
Don’t get me wrong. This is a terrific medium to full bodied bodied smoke with a great draw that produces a huge volume of aromatic smoke that maintains consistency to the finish. Each box contains two different styles. Half is box pressed and other half is traditional round cigars. The issue I have is the entry price. Hopefully, we can offer these in five packs down the line, but the problem with that is how would they be split up size wise. Of course you can add a star or two if you’re a fan.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Honduran
Binder – Honduran-Corojo
Wrapper Type – San Andres Maduro
While I’ve never even tried to smoke an 8×80 (Yikes!) sized cigar, the popularity of this edition doesn’t surprise me. This medium bodied Nicaraguan puro owes much of its complex and enjoyable taste to the twin wrappers. The Maduro and Claro coats encasing a tamer blend have made this stick a favorite. It’s also nice to have more conventional sizes available as well.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Habano
