“Picking that Perfect Smoke” – Smoke Magazine
Two cigars in this latest edition of Smoke Magazine’s cigar review are from Emilio Cigars, a small craft cigar company that works with several different factories in creating its cigars. Company owner Gary Griffith explains that each factory he works with has its own expertise and access to different tobaccos. His goal is to showcase the very best of what each partner is capable of producing. Judging by the consistently positive feedback from panelists, that approach appears to be inspired.
First up is La Musa, a limited production cigar from Esteli, Nicaragua; its Musa toro size snagged an average 93 rating and unanimous excitement among reviewers. Griffin says the medium-bodied, complex smoke was blended for refined palates that appreciate subtle nuances.
His Emilio Series H Sumatra, meanwhile, is made in Danli, Honduras, tapping tobaccos from Costa Rica and Jamastran, Honduras for a rich taste and aroma, mellowed with a Honduran Connecticut binder, and finished with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper that adds a little spice. Two of the panelists were enamored of the flavors of the sampled robusto, while the third found it a bit strong. In the end, though, it captured an impressive average score of 94.
Another interesting selection includes the Kenbano Gran Toro from Black Patch Cigar Company of Pikeville, Kentucky. Founder Eric McAnallen has been growing a proprietary variety of Kentucky broadleaf ligero called Kenbano 2007 in the state’s Black Patch region. He incorporates the leaf into his Dominican-made (and Dominican-dominated blend). Kentucky is a big producer of tobacco, but very little of it is destined for use in premium cigars, earning this blend the right to truly call itself unique.
Piloto Cubano ligero and Criollo 98 Bonao round out the filler blend, paired with a Criollo 98 wrapper and choice Havana Vuelta Abajo wrapper from Navarrete. Panelists noted the blend’s woody, spicy flavors in its collective 91 rating.
Currently, McAnallen is working with two prominent growers in the Dominican Republic who are managing trial plantings of two different broadleaf varieties; early results are quite positive, and McAnallen is excited about future cigar projects down the road that will be incorporating these tobaccos.
Kenbano Gran Toro Review Notes
Country: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Black Patch Cigar Co.
Size: 6 x 54
Filler: USA, Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Panelist Reviews
Panelist #1 – 91 Excellent
“The spice and good draw kept me interested. I would definitely smoke this one again. Enjoy this after a meal.”
Panelist #2 – 93 Excellent
“The samples were consistent. A nice cigar to have after dinner or with a drink.”
Panelist #3 – 90 Very Good
“Decent-tasting cigar, with good complexity and balance. An enjoyable flavor profile. A good midday smoke.”