Cigar

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

 

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

 

Davidoff Escurio

 

Davidoff EscurioDavidoff Escurio was initially released at the 2015 ICPCR being their second cigar to don the black label band. Inspired by the intense atmosphere of Rio, Brazil they deserved the name by combining Escuro and Rio to end up with Escurio. “A cigar kissed by the rains and born by the Bay of Todos Los Santos in Brazil. The climate gives Escurio its distinctive sweet original taste and rich aroma. This blend is crafted with Cubra and Matafina tobaccos from the Bay of Todos os Santos in Brazil, along with tobacco from Dominican Republic and Ecuador. The climate gives Escurio cigars their original taste and rich aroma.” For this article I chose the Corona Gorda.

The cigar is a dark chocolate brown with noticeable veining and gleaming oily sheen. It feels full between the fingers but but slightly lumpy. The smell is floral and sweet with some cedar and a hint of caramel. The cap cuts fine with no damage to the construction. From the pre-light draw I pick up sweet flavors, a hint of spice and of course tobacco, the draw is a bit on the tough side it is workable.

The first half is decadent with its sweet and salty flavors and a touch of red pepper on the finish. It has excellent medium weighted smoke production and clean burn although it did require a touch up. The ash holds for about 1/4″ at a time until falling off.

Once reaching the second half the flavors become more earthy and espresso like with the saltiness still present on the roof of the mouth but the pepper backing off quite a bit. This flavor stays for the duration. The smoke production continues at the same pace and the burn after the touch up has remained even for the rest of the cigar.

In all the well balanced flavors of this cigar make it easily smoked by anyone. While the price point removes this from being an everyday smoke it’s something you’ll want to have around for special occasions or when you just feel like being a bit extravagant for the day. I would say it’s worth picking up a couple when you see them and have them on hand when you feel like having a fancy day for yourself.

Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano

Binder – Brazilian Cubra

Filler – Brazilian (Cubra and Mata Fina), Dominican (San Vicente, Piloto and Olor/Piloto Seco)

Price: Starting at $17.00 a stick.

Website: us.davidoffgeneva.com

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 pints