Spending time with the family around the holidays can be both fun and stressful. In any case, whether you’re spending time with your in-laws, your spouse’s in-laws, taking time to enjoy a cigar, to relax, recover, or reflect, is needed.
Here is a list of cigars that you can enjoy, including a couple that you can share with your friend, brother, or brother-in-law, who may not appreciate the nuances of fine cigars, but nonetheless enjoys the occasional celebration smoke. Each of the cigars listed should be available, if requiring some sleuthing to track down, and all are sure to offer you an enjoyable smoking experience fit for the holidays.
Aged and available:
H. Upmann 175th Anniversary
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Vitola: 7×50 Churchill
Released: August, 2019
Released to much critical acclaim, scoring highly on Top 25 lists that year, the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary is decadent smoke, is relatively easy to find, and most importantly, is smoking very well at this time.
This cigar is known for featuring a medio tiempo wrapper, that was fermented using a unique process developed by A.J Fernandez in which the wrapper leaves were stacked between broadleaf tobacco leaves throughout the process. Rich, complex, and full bodied, this cigar is a perfect choice to celebrate any occasion and especially a good choice during the holidays.
Readily Available:
La Aroma de Cuba; Mi Amor Reserva
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A
Wrapper: Cuban Seed, Mexican Oscuro
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Vitola: 6 7/8 x 50 Churchill
Dark, rich notes and thick buttery smoke pour off this cigar. Cocoa, espresso, earth, caramel, and cedar reward the smoker of the Mi Amor Reserva. As expected from cigars out of the My Father Factory construction of this cigar is on point. A perfect pairing with a mid-winter pour while fighting off the chill of the season.
Casa Cuba, Divine Inspiration
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente
Wrapper: n/a (sungrown)
Filler: n/a
Binder: n/a
Vitola: 6 1/8 x 47 Corona Gorda
The Divine Inspiration name alone begs to smoked during the Christmas season and if the name isn’t enough to convince you, look to the high ratings this cigar receives with each critical review it’s subjected to. I’ve said before, and still maintain, that this cigar is the hidden gem of Fuente’s incredible portfolio. The last cigar blended by Carlos Fuente Sr. this cigar lives up to the incredible legacy he began. Notes of wood, spice, chocolate, leather and earth are highlighted by a persistent and bright blueberry, cinnamon bread note that makes slowly burning this cigar a challenge that if done successfully will grant the smoker one of the most flavorful smokes available from a storied brand.
Guardian of the Farm, Cerberus
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: TABSA
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corjo 2012
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: 6 ¼ x 52 Toro
The Guardian of the Farm Cerberus is the first cigar to feature Aganorsa’s new Corojo varietal, the Corojo 2012 as a wrapper. Combined with the use of medio tiempo tobaccos the Cerberus delivers rich, complex flavors and a great smoking experience. Notes of peanuts, toasted bread, fruit, and earth delight throughout this dynamic smoke, which punches way above its price point.
Illusione Singulare Seven Horns
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: TABSA
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: 6 ¾ x 52 Diadama
Illusione always delivers on flavor, construction and smoking experience and the Sungulare Seven Horns is no different. Sweetness, rich earth, wood, spice a delicious fruity finish abound in this beautiful vitola. Sure to add a great experience to your holiday smoking the Singulare is a great smoke to enjoy during the festive season.
Foundation Olmec Claro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Undisclosed
Vitola: 6×52 Toro
Nick Mellilo doesn’t often introduce new cigars so when he does, the industry takes note, the Olmec Claro is no exception. Distinct notes of graham cracker, chocolate, wood and caramel make the Olmec a great cigar to enjoy with your favorite seasonal pairing. While good in every vitola, and in Maduro, the Claro, in toro is the recommended way to go. Toro the size that Nick blends all of his cigars in, and the Claro isn’t as full strength as the Maduro so it’s more approachable for the average smoker without sacrificing anything in the choice.
Cigars to share with family and friends:
Cult Fuerte
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tacasa S.A
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: 6×50 Toro
The Cult Fuerte has a place in every humidor. While linear, it is flavorful, well-constructed, and ages well. Perhaps it’s greatest quality is it’s availability for a great price for the judicious shopper. Available for around under $5 it’s a cigar that offers a ton of value, and a great smoke to offer up the cigar smoking brother-in-law who brings you back obviously fake Cuban’s after taking his kids to Cancun for spring break.
Gilberto Oliva Reserva
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A.
Wrapper: Indonesian Sumatra
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: 5×50 Robusto
The most international of all the blends the Gilberto Oliva Reserva offers an approachable smoke for smokers new and old. With earth, white petter and coffee, highlighted by a citrus zest and wood note that make themselves apparent throughout, the Gilberto Oliva offers value for a daily smoker while being a great option to share.
The holidays offer us a time to enjoy the finer things in life. Time with friends and family, taking an inventory of, and sharing, our blessings with those who mean the most to us. A cigar lends itself naturally to this environment, encouraging comradery, closeness and open minded discussion. Whether chosen from the above list, suggested by your local tobacconist, or even chosen blindly, try to set aside the time and make an effort to slow down, and enjoy a cigar with your ponderances.
Happy Holidays, may you find and enjoy Crumbs Of Cigar Knowledge.
