Indholdsfortegnelse for May - June 2015 i Cigar Aficionado

An intriguing mix of old and new brands led the categories in our most recent blind tasting, where we assess the quality of cigars without knowing brand name, price, country of origin or any other identifying quality. Newer names including Sublimes (making its first appearance in CIGAR AFICIONADO, and a very good one), HR (the brainchild of Cuban tobacco grower Hirochi Robaina) and Psyko Seven (an edgy initiative from Ventura Cigar Co.) ranked with such legends of the business as Bolivar and Montecristo, which are both Cuban classics, as well as Fuente and Padrón. The rankings here are yet more evidence that the global cigar market is brimming with top-quality smokes. TOP CHURCHILL HAMMER + SICKLE TRADICION SERIE CHURCHILL This floral, elegant and sweet smoke tied with the well-known Bolivar…

It’s been said that the Margarita is the traditional drink of Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican version of Independence Day. But forget that noise. First of all, the fifth of May marks a victory over the French and not the Spanish colonists. And, second, the battle was fought far too early (1862) for anyone to have toasted with Margaritas. If you want a date-specific cocktail, mix a Mint Julep three days before on this year’s running of the Kentucky Derby. But the time to have a Margarita is any time the heat is on. Its cooling yet sultry and tart allure in a salt-rimmed sombrero glass will make you a climate-change believer. The date of birth of this sublime mixture of Mexico’s national spirit (Tequila), lime juice and triple sec…

Outside of Miami and the New York metro area—and maybe Cuba—it’s not easy to get great Cuban food. No matter. Every year, I have a whole hog (lechon asado) party in my southern California backyard. For those who don’t eat pork, I offer the other signature dish on virtually every Cuban menu, ropa vieja. Literally translated as “old clothes,” it is shredded beef stew. Ever since Nitza Villapol, the “Julia Child of Cuba,” wrote a recipe in 1956 using Accent seasoning and flank steak, that’s the beef that’s been used, stewed or boiled before shredding. In this “gourmet” version, thanks to influences from countless Cuban cooks and experimentations, ropa vieja goes to a whole other level. Cuban food is not spicy. It’s comida criolla, a creole blending of the cuisines…

Changes in American law have made U.S.-backed credit cards legal in Cuba—but will they work? Legal is one thing, functional is another, and the bitter truth is that most venues in Cuba just aren’t ready for plastic—American or otherwise. In addition, the change in law is so new that many cards aren’t geared to work in Cuba just yet. We reached out to the major credit card companies to see what would happen if you try to use American-backed plastic in Havana. MASTERCARD American MasterCards began working in Cuba on March 1. The company “removed its network block on U.S.-issued card transactions in Cuba as of March 1, 2015,” says MasterCard’s Jennifer Stalzer. “Since that announcement, we’ve worked with our U.S. issuers to support their Cuba-related activities and decisions.” Despite…

Roast chicken as good as L’Ami Louis in France. A lasagna de papaya as creative as any dish you could find in Barcelona. A barbecue pork rib as succulent and tender as you could order in Memphis. A tuna sashimi platter as fresh as you could eat in Tokyo. A décor as striking and chic as you could lay eyes on in South Beach. With high praise like that, you would think this story was about New York or London or Paris or Los Angeles. But Havana? No way. Yes, we’re serious. Havana’s restaurant scene is changing, and getting better. Much better. It’s not just new restaurants raising the standards, but some old favorites are improving, either from new investments in their buildings, or from the competition that is forcing…

FLIP YOUR BOXES All Cuban cigar boxes are stamped with a date, and much of the shelf space will be taken up by recent smokes. In February, the lion’s share of cigars were from 2014. But patience is rewarded. Things can linger in Cuba, and a little searching can pay dividends. It’s typically easy to find something with four or five years of age, and sometimes if you check lesser-known brands and sizes you can find something even older. SHOP AROUND Just because one shop is out of your favorite smoke doesn’t mean another won’t have it. While prices are the same from shop to shop, you won’t necessarily find the same cigars in every shop. Keep foraging. OPEN THE BOX You won’t buy a car without a test drive,…

The late afternoon light was fading, turning the tiny stairwell into a dim climbing adventure toward the apartment of Mabel Poblet Pujol, a young female Cuban artist. Even though she knew guests were arriving, the doorbell had gone unanswered three times until a quick phone call—‘‘we’re downstairs”—triggered the entry buzz. After the slightly dicey climb on the decrepit staircase, the door opened into a room full of people. Inside the humble studio/gallery/office, all rolled into one room, a group from New York was seated on every available chair as well as shoulder to shoulder on the couch. The men and women watched fixated as Poblet, 28, ran through images of her work on a 60-inch flat-screen TV. “Is that for sale?” one woman with a Prada bag on her lap…

CUBA RING GAUGE: 42 LENGTH: 5 5/8" FILLER: CUBA BINDER: CUBA WRAPPER: CUBA BOX DATE: MAY 2012 BOLIVAR TUBOS NO. 1 A skinny corona that layers the palate with strong, earthy smoke full of spice and bold oakiness. A cashew note also comes through. U.S.: N/A U.K.: £14.41 93 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RING GAUGE: 43 LENGTH: 5 5/8" FILLER: DOM. REP. BINDER: DOM. REP. WRAPPER: ECUADOR DAVIDOFF GRAND CRU NO. 2 A lightly hued corona that starts with a damp, earthy note that becomes floral and sweet with hints of espresso and carob. Balanced and clean. U.S.: $15.50 U.K.: N/A 90 CUBA RING GAUGE: 42 LENGTH: 5 5/8" FILLER: CUBA BINDER: CUBA WRAPPER: CUBA BOX DATE: SEPTEMBER 2012 MONTECRISTO NO. 3 The dense, lush smoke of this corona leaves notably precise…

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RING GAUGE: 60 LENGTH: 6" FILLER: NICARAGUA, HONDURAS, DOM. REP., PERU, U.S.A./PENN. BROADLEAF BINDER: ECUADOR WRAPPER: MEXICO PSYKO SEVEN GORDO MADURO A heavy-ring-gauge cigar with a creamy milk chocolate sweetness that’s balanced by salty, leathery notes and a briny finish. U.S.: $7.99 U.K.: N/A 90 NICARAGUA RING GAUGE: 60 LENGTH: 6" FILLER: COLOMBIA, BRAZIL BINDER: CAMEROON WRAPPER: NICARAGUA CAO COLOMBIA BOGOTA A nutty, citrus-like smoke with hints of orange peel and almonds. The finish is pleasantly toasty. U.S.: $7.75 U.K.: N/A 89 NICARAGUA RING GAUGE: 60 LENGTH: 6" FILLER: NICARAGUA BINDER: NICARAGUA WRAPPER: HONDURAS COHIBA NICARAGUA N60 Fat and plump, the cigar starts charry and oily before settling down to develop a walnut liqueur quality and toasted coconut finish. U.S.: $14.99 U.K.: N/A 89 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RING GAUGE:…

1492 (1992) This cigar is simply a fantasy of cedar, light cocoa bean and coffee bean notes, with a touch of burnt caramel. The finish is light, woody and earthy, with flavor that doesn’t stop on the palate. You want to savor every puff, and not rush it. A mouthwatering cigar. Unbelievable. This is still one of the greatest cigars that you can smoke. —Gordon Mott 99 ROMEO Y JULIETA CHURCHILL TUBO (1994) Straight from the tube, this long, gorgeous smoke promised to deliver with flavor, and it did. It begins with notes of rum cake with slivered almonds, and about halfway in it develops brilliant notes of roasted coffee bean. A truly delicious, rich and full-flavored cigar that’s still brimming with life. —David Savona 97 TRINIDAD FUNDADORE (1998) A…

1 FOR TALL—TED BAKER LONDON Shopping the big & tall men’s stores usually presents some sizable compromises. Style and quality takes a back seat, and many times the fitting focus is on “big.” So if you’re just “tall” (6' 3" to 6' 6") and looking for trousers that drape right or shirts that show a little linen, you end up with blousy, unfashionable stuff. The T for Tall collection from Ted Baker makes up for those shortcomings. The garments include trousers, vests, blazers, shorts, swimwear, etc., and, of course, their signature detailed shirts, all made for the longer, but not necessarily larger, man. tedbaker.com 2 A BUFFER BODY—BELLECORE As the name suggests, aesthetic benefits were the original intention when a team of doctors, engineers and a supermodel developed BelleCore’s bodybuffers.…

The fact that most men now prefer their watch on their wrist—and not tucked away—has military origin. In 1880, German Kaiser Wilhelm I ordered 2,000 wristwatches from Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux for German naval officers. At the time, wristwatches were for women, while men kept their timepieces where they belonged, linked to chains in their pockets. Decades later, however, with the turning of the 20th century, the invention of airplanes, and two world wars, military personnel around the globe switched to wristwatches for practicality, and watches often became essential tools. Many well-known brands have a service record. Bulova, Elgin and Hamilton made military watches in America. During World War II, Britain commissioned watches from Eterna, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Longines and Omega, among others. German soldiers wore watches by Hanhart, Tutima, IWC and…

PORK RIBS, CASA GRANDE From the aroma wafting from the grill, to the size of the ribs when they land on the table, you would be hard-pressed to find a better rendition of pork ribs. Maybe it is the unexpected surprise of finding them in Cuba, but who cares. They are great. The lime-soy marinade is inspired. LASAGNA DE PAPAYA, LA GUARIDA This has been one of my favorite dishes in Havana for years now. It is creative. It has the right balance of sweetness and acidity. And it qualifies for this list because it is just downright creative. ENSALADA DE PULPO, CORTE DEL PRINCIPE The thinly sliced pieces of octopus are delightfully tender but then they are tossed with small cubes of warm potatoes and dressed in olive oil…

Montecristo No. 2 CIGAR AFICIONADO’S Cigar of the Year for 2013 remains in plentiful supply in just about every top-tier Havana cigar store. If you see boxes stamped with early 2013 dates (April 2013 in particular) grab them. Rating: 96 points Price: 9.65 CUC ($11.09) How many you can buy with $100: 9 Bolivar Super Corona Edición Limitada 2014 Most of Cuba’s newer cigars are quite fat, but this 5 1/2 by 48 Bolivar is dialed down in thickness. It’s a robust smoke with clove, earth and bittersweet chocolate notes—classic Bolivar flavor in a classic Bolivar size. Rating: 90 points Price: 9.25 CUC ($10.63) How many you can buy with $100: 9 Cohiba Esplendido The Churchill-sized member of the core Cohiba line, stronger than the Siglo series, is smoking better…

BOOK EARLY Havana is hotter than ever, and despite having many hotels there are times when you can’t find a good room in the city. Be sure to reserve well in advance, particularly during busy times. Be sure to bring your reservation documentation with you to prove payment. ELUSIVE WI-FI Wi-Fi is a luxury in Cuban hotels, not an expected amenity. Internet service is often slow, usually limited to the lobbies, and sometimes requires the purchase of a card, which generally costs about 8 CUC per hour of use. HUNTING FOR HOT WATER Even in the best hotels, you might have to wait for hot water on occasion. CHANGING CASH All good hotels in Cuba offer money changing services to turn euros or dollars into Cuban convertible pesos, which you’ll…

It’s true. We tend to focus on rum, and nothing but rum, when we are in Havana. The lineup of great Cuban rums has expanded in the last 10 years, and it’s easy to work your way through a Havana Club Selección de Maestros to a Santiago 11-year-old (two of our favorites), and that doesn’t even touch on the great new Havana Club Unión, released in late February. But I’m here to tell you that if you just drink rum in Cuba, you’re missing out on one of the great secrets in the world. Bartenders in Havana, to be certified, have to go through an extensive training program, and need to be able to mix 100 cocktails from memory. Try it next time. Just ask for your favorite cocktail, and…

One hundred years ago, the baddest man on the planet was Jack Johnson. And for a fleeting moment in April of 1915, he would make Havana, Cuba, the center of the sports world. Not only was Johnson the reigning world heavyweight-boxing champion, but as the first African-American to hold that title he was also a perceived threat to much of white America. Such was the enmity for this man that when it was announced he would defend his crown against Jess Willard, the last of the “Great White Hopes” on the island nation 90 miles south of Key West, the boxing world came to him. Just as Muhammad Ali brought global attention to Kinshasa, Zaire (the Rumble in the Jungle), and Manila, Philippines (the Thrilla in Manila) Jack Johnson drew…

NICARAGUA RING GAUGE: 52 LENGTH: 6" FILLER: NICARAGUA BINDER: NICARAGUA WRAPPER: ECUADOR HR TORO A full, lush draw imparts a nutty smoke that becomes bright and cedary with plenty of leather and sweet raisin intonations. It’s dark and oily with an uncut foot. U.S.: $20.99 U.K.: N/A 92 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RING GAUGE: 52 LENGTH: 6 1/8" FILLER: DOM. REP. BINDER: DOM. REP. WRAPPER: ECUADOR AGING ROOM BIN NO. 1 B MINOR Strong, spicy first puffs mellow out to show a meaty, leathery smoke with touches of ground peppercorn and a hint of graham cracker. Hearty and bold. U.S.: $12.60 U.K.: N/A 91 NICARAGUA RING GAUGE: 52 LENGTH: 6 1/2" FILLER: NICARAGUA BINDER: BRAZIL WRAPPER: MEXICO ROCKY PATEL PROHIBITION SAN ANDRÉS TORO A toasty, bready smoke whose notes of cloves, black…

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RING GAUGE: 50 LENGTH: 5" FILLER: DOM. REP., U.S.A., NICARAGUA BINDER: DOM. REP. WRAPPER: DOM. REP. ARTURO FUENTE GRAN ANIVERXARIO DESTINO AL SIGLO DE AMISTAD Clear impressions of cocoa powder, cashew and cinnamon resonate on the palate, as do orange peel and creamy cappuccino notes. Balanced and elegant. U.S.: $14.50 U.K.: N/A 93 CUBA RING GAUGE: 52 LENGTH: 5 3/8" FILLER: CUBA BINDER: CUBA WRAPPER: CUBA BOX DATE: JANUARY 2014 MONTECRISTO EDMUNDO A rich combination of cocoa powder, nutmeg and salty earth all harmonize on the palate with each puff. The draw is full and luxurious. U.S.: N/A U.K.: £19.40 93 NICARAGUA RING GAUGE: 52 LENGTH: 5 1/4" FILLER: NICARAGUA BINDER: HONDURAS WRAPPER: ECUADOR SUBLIMES ROBUSTO EXTRA Toasty and floral with big vanilla bean notes and hints of…

Dear Marvin, I have lived in the Miami, Florida, area for almost 30 years off and on and have Cuban relatives by marriage. I have seen the bitter fights of the Cuban embargo being ensnarled with the hatred of the Castro brothers, and all that was lost when they left Cuba or were forced out. For the last 50 years the Cuban-American population starting over in the United States has benefitted from the opportunities. They have made many contributions to the American community in culture, government and the private business sector, which has built a beautiful present-day Miami. The other side of the coin is that all two million Cubans in the United States have been well housed, fed and educated. They have prospered with the opportuni-ties that are available…

Possessing the ability to hit a calculated fade or draw and control the shape of a golf ball’s east-west trajectory is a dream that many weekend warriors share. Suddenly that imposing dogleg-right—the one with the large sand trap at the corner that your ball always seems to find—could be managed if you had a left-to-right power fade. Shaping shots like a professional is difficult, though, and requires a lot of practice and—what’s that other thing? Oh right— athletic talent. As it is, most of us are simply trying to keep the damn ball straight to avoid buying the first round of drinks at the 19th hole. But what if there were a club that would not only compensate for your errant swings, but could also grant you the capacity to…

The 12 Categories There are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens which now fall under general license, meaning you no longer need specific permission, but simply have to sign an affidavit stating that you are complying with the rules. The categories include those with family members in Cuba, journalists, people on official government business or scheduled for a public performance and visits based upon educational, religious and humanitarian projects. The list can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/. People-To-People Visits Normal travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens remains prohibited, but one of the dozen categories is the people-to-people visit. These are trips led by licensed organizations (such as Insight Cuba, Academic Travel Abroad, Road Scholar and Globus) who handle all aspects of your visit and manage your itinerary,…

You pull open the glass door of the cigar shop, your eyes drawn to the dark wood of the walls, the array of picturesque cigar boxes and the small, circular bar, where a server in a bow tie stands ready before a lineup of aged rums. The aroma of rich cigar smoke rises into the air as you head toward the humidor, filled with boxes of cedar bearing some of the most famous names in the cigar world: Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta. Time to buy a cigar. If you’re a cigar aficionado, your bucket list has to include buying a Cuban cigar in Havana. Cuba’s capital city is brimming with fine cigar shops, and the best not only have superb selections, talented staff and lockers to store cigars meant…

The Cuban government tightly controls hotel prices in Havana. That usually means that you will not be surprised by the room rates. They are priced as either single or double rooms, with separate categories for junior suites. Rates also are divided into low and high seasons, although some five-star hotels have begun to post a category of “Extremely High” season, which is understandably in the middle of the North American and European winters. The prices below are the general range, and should be considered only as a guide, not an absolute price. Rumors predict a significant price increase in the next few months, and we don’t want anyone to be surprised at any particular hotel. Ask in advance if you are planning on paying out of your pocket. The low…

CUBA RING GAUGE: 47 LENGTH: 7" FILLER: CUBA BINDER: CUBA WRAPPER: CUBA BOX DATE: MAY 2014 BOLIVAR CORONA GIGANTE Sweet dried-fruit notes and dense almond paste combine for a rich cappuccino finish. Interesting and delicious. U.S.: N/A U.K.: £21.23 93 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RING GAUGE: 48 LENGTH: 7" FILLER: DOM. REP. BINDER: DOM. REP. WRAPPER: ECUADOR HAMMER + SICKLE TRADICION SERIE CHURCHILL The draw and burn of this gorgeous Churchill are perfect and even. Each puff is chewy and balanced with floral notes, wheatiness and a sophisticated marzipan finish. Elegant and sweet. U.S.: $8.99 U.K.: N/A 93 HONDURAS RING GAUGE: 50 LENGTH: 7" FILLER: HONDURAS, NICARAGUA BINDER: HONDURAS WRAPPER: HONDURAS ALEC BRADLEY NEW YORK LIBERTY CHURCHILL A large, dark Churchill with sweet hickory and vanilla notes underscored by earthy intonations and…

U.S.A. RING GAUGE: 54 LENGTH: 6 1/2" FILLER: NICARAGUA BINDER: ECUADOR WRAPPER: ECUADOR PADILLA MIAMI 8&11 TORPEDO The draw of this torpedo imparts copious amounts of smoke that layers the palate with notes of leather and almond, balanced by honey and a touch of citrus. U.S.: $14.30 U.K.: N/A 92 NICARAGUA RING GAUGE: 52 LENGTH: 6 7/8" FILLER: NICARAGUA BINDER: NICARAGUA WRAPPER: NICARAGUA PADRÓN 1964 ANNIVERSARY SERIES PIRAMIDE A bugle-shaped cigar that’s tapered at the head and flares out at the foot. The draw is even, offering thick smoke that leaves rich leather, nougat and floral impressions on the palate. U.S.: $14.70 U.K.: N/A 92 NICARAGUA RING GAUGE: 52 LENGTH: 5 1/2" FILLER: NICARAGUA BINDER: NICARAGUA WRAPPER: NICARAGUA PADRÓN 6000 A box-pressed pyramid whose sweet, cocoa powder character is balanced…

RATING SUMMARY BLIND TASTE TEST NO. 126 CIGAR AFICIONADO’S 100-POINT SCALE Classic 95–100 Outstanding 90–94 Very good to excellent 80–89 Average to good commercial quality 70–79 Don’t waste your money 0-70 Not available n/a Note: all prices are manufacturers’ suggested retail, before taxes. CUBA 93 Bolivar Corona Gigante 93 Bolivar Tubos No. 1 93 Montecristo Edmundo 91 Ramon Allones Perfecto Exclusivo Suiza 90 Montecristo No. 3 90 Romeo y Julieta Churchill 90 Vegueros Mañanita 89 Cohiba Robusto (Tubo) 88 Partagás De Luxe (Tubo) 88 Romeo y Julieta Romeo No. 1 (Tubo) 87 H. Upmann Magnum 50 87 Partagás Serie E No. 2 87 Vegas Robaina Famoso DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 93 Arturo Fuente Gran AniverXario Destino Al Siglo de Amistad 93 Hammer + Sickle Tradicion Serie Churchill 91 Aging Room Bin No.…