Boutique Cigars

Platinum Nova Batch Toro

Nova Cigars Platinum Batch

As a new cigar company, Nova Cigars made a large impression at the most recent PCA show in Las Vegas. While the family who owns Nova Cigars chooses to remain anonymous, both the “Leo” Leonor Abzaradel and Brand President “Ari” Aurelio Riego are well known and active members of the cigar community. “The brand is comprised of 17 cigars presented in three series and two special editions. What is remarkable, and unique to Nova, is that each cigar is its own distinctive blend. There is no repetition of wrapper/binder/filler combinations in any of the cigars. Every cigar has its own unique strength and flavor profile, affording the adventurous smoker a wide range of experiences within one brand.” Since every cigar they make has a different blend there is plenty in there line up to explore, for this article in particular I chose the Platinum Batch Toro.

The wrapper is a lovely dark chocolate color with a bit of tooth to it. There is some light veining and the seams are tight and discrete. The cigar has an appropriate amount of give when pressure is applied to it between the fingers. The smell is quite fragrant, with notes of leather, cedar and a floral touch making for a delicate scent. The cap cuts easily causing no damage to the body. The cold draw is easy in resistance and I pick up flavors of hay, cinnamon and tobacco.

The first half is earthy with touches of leather and spice. The burn is sharp and the ash holds tight for 1/2″ – 3/4″ before I chicken out and knock it free. Smoke production is plentiful and weighs nicely on the tongue while the room is left with an earthy, creamy aroma.

In the second half the flavors become fuller the earth and leather are still there but joined by a ginger spice that is present until reaching the end of the cigar. The burn stayed even the entire time never needing a touch up or relight. The amount of smoke was always full and the ash only feel off when tapped free.

At the moment Nova Cigars might be tough to find at your local B&M as they are just starting out but they are growing fast. You can however, purchase either full boxes or single sticks directly from their website and if you have questions about the lines they are always happy to answer if you contact them. Even though they are a “high end luxury cigar” they have plenty to choose from that will not break the bank. With so many great cigars in their catalog I would recommend getting a diverse selection to really see what they have to offer.

Wrapper – Mexican San Andres

Binder – Dominican

Filler – HVA-Dominicano

Price: $9.00

Website: Novacigar.com

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 pints

 

Protocol Pool Party Year 1 Cigar

Protocol Pool Party

Protocol Cigars announces a special limited edition release cigar called the Protocol Pool Party Year 1. The cigars were produced at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Protocol Pool Party Year 1 is offered in a Corona Gordo: 5 5/8 X 46 vitola. They are presented in a 10 count paper bundle. Only 100 Bundles have been produced. The packaging is symbolic of fun summer time pool parties. This cigar is wrapped in a Mexican San Andreas Maduro Leaf, Connecticut Shade Binder, and Nicaraguan Corojo from Esteli and Condega filler. The Protocol Pool Party Year 1 is a solid medium to medium plus with spicy rich flavors and a long sweet creamy finish. 

The Protocol Pool Party will not be for sale. These limited edition cigars will instead be given to the first 100 attendees to the Protocol Pool Party on Saturday, August 1st, 2020. This is a ticketed event in Neptune, NJ.  The event is not the first of its kind. In the past the Protocol Pool Party was held at the home of co-owner Kevin Keithan. The event has steadily outgrown that location. The company has decided to make the party a yearly ticketed event. This event is 100% outdoor and on a 7 acre picnic ground with an Olympic size pool. This event is 100% compliant with all NJ State Covid Rules and Regulations. The company has implemented several levels of protection to all attendees.  “We wanted to do something special for our supporters, especially since everyone has been locked at home for the last several months. The demand to attend and numbers have grown exponentially for this event and needed move to a bigger venue. We have implemented safety precautions to ensure everyone’s wellbeing. The health of our supporters is of the utmost importance to us.  With that said everyone will be safe and a phenomenal time will be had by all!” Juan Cancel, co-owner Protocol Cigars. For more detailed event information visit the company’s website at ProtocolCigars.com or their social media platforms. 

Anemoi Eurus From La Galera Cigars

La Galera Anemoi Eurus

The La Galera Anemoi derives its name from the greeks, it is their name for all of the gods of wind combined. Following this idea they have named four of the five vitolas after the directions of the wind and are distributing them to those regions only and the fifth size simply named Anemoi in regular distribution. Discussing their idea La Galera said this, “Each wind’s direction gave the Greeks an idea of whether to expect a good crop or to brace for a bad season. We considered paying our respects to these ubiquitous forces, appropriate. The Dominican Republic is no exception to the influence of these winds. We researched the Boreas, Notus, Eurus, and Zephyrus in the natural habitat of our tobacco.”

When looking the Eurus the first thought that comes to mind is rustic. This is a veiny, dark brown wrapper with loads of reddish brown mottling throughout and a slight oil gloss to it. When you pick it up it feels dense and solid, there is hardly any give to it when pressure is applied. When checking the from top to bottom no dead spots could be found. The smell reminds me of leather, cedar, wet earth and sweat dried fruit. The cold draw is firm and I notice the dried fruit flavor matching the scent and a bit of spice.

In the first half the taste is earthy and chocolate with some spice on the finish. The smoke production was more than satisfactory and the burn line held sharp.

Through the second half the earth and chocolate flavors begin to fall to the back and the spice moves forward the primary flavors never disappear however. This is the profile at which the cigar remained until finished. Smoke production continued to be ample and the burn line never wavered.

At no point did I want to put this cigar down. Regardless of the outward “ugly” appearance, the combined ingredients make this a great tasting cigar. Rich in flavor and smooth in smoke this cigar could be enjoyed any time of the day and by any pallet. While the different vitolas were sent to the different regions look for your areas “wind direction” in your B&M shops and when you see them grab some. Of course if you don’t see any make sure to let the shop know you’d like them to have them.

Wrapper – Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder – Dominican, Jacagua

Filler – Dominican, Criollo 98 & Piloto Cubano La Canela

Price: $9.00 – $11.00 a stick depending on vitola.

Website: Lagaleracigars.com

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 pints