Commentary: Keeping Up with Cigar Friends
19 Sep 2012
Cigars, like friends, have different personalities. Some are boisterous back-slappers. Others are quiet and contemplative. Occasionally, a newcomer will fit right in at first meeting, while a long-time buddy is always welcome.
Here’s a look at five cigars I think of as friends and what makes each one special to me.
Fausto Avion 11 Perfecto Grande. This tasty, peppery Tatuaje cigar with Nicaraguan filler and a Habano Ecuadorian wrapper is a delight. But what makes it stand out for me is the thick, white smoke the Avion produces in extraordinary volume. Few sticks can go head-to-head with it in this category.
Illusione Epernay Le Matin. A rich treasure trove. When I want to just sit back and luxuriate in the cigar smoking experience and all it has to offer, this is the one for me. It’s a cornucopia of flavors woven together as smoothly as a boatswain’s whistle knot.
Double Chateau Fuente Sun Grown. This Arturo Fuente cigar is like the long-time friend who can accompany you anywhere, from an afternoon ballgame to an evening ball. The cedar sleeve and black band at the foot accent a fine presentation, while the cigar itself is second to none in price, quality, and enjoyment.
Paul Garmirian Symphony 20th Connoisseur. Think about who you want with you when celebrating life’s great moments. That’s how I think of this exquisite, high-dollar smoke. If memorable is the goal, Symphony 20th is the path to get you there.
Punch Champion. Like some old friends, I recently realized I haven’t seen this one for some time. Perhaps all the new Punch line extensions have pushed it from retailers’ shelves. Whatever the reason, it’s a shame. This little pig-in-a-python cigar—I prefer the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over the maduro—is fun, pleasing, and a good companion.
There you have it. Let’s hear about some of your friends in the comments below.
photo credit: N/A
Great list! I'd have to say my best cigar friends right now are the Drew Estate T52, PDR Natural, and Tat La Verite 2009. But my oldest friends are the PG 15th Anni, Hemmingway Short Story, and the Don Kiki Brown Label.
You may want to correct the assumed typo "black-slappers" to "back-slappers".
Thanks. It was a typo and it has been corrected.