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For this issue I have chosen to review three Robustos, one each from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua to demonstrate just how different and yet equally good cigars in this
increasingly popular size have become. Robustos now account for over 15% of all cigar sales. Since the mid 1990’s it has grown to become the second most poular size or vitola in production.
We have entered the era of the big, short smoke. Gone are the days when one could afford to take two hours, following a business lunch, to consume a Double Corona. A new generation of younger cigar smokers have embraced shorter, fatter cigars to quench their appetite. The effect of a larger ring gauge in a smaller format has won over busy executives who seek the more immediate effect of the Robusto format.
Such is the demand for cigars in this category that larger Robustos have subsequently evolved in the form of the awesome Cohiba Siglo V1, Trindad Robusto Extra and Montecristo Edmundo. Big is here to stay and manufacturers are now looking at even smaller, fatter cigars that can be consumed in a fraction of the time when the spatial restraints presented by various “Bans on Smoking” limit ones opportunity to light up in public across Europe.
Juan Lopez Selection No.2 Robusto, Cuba ( 4.78 inches / 124 mm x 50 ring gauge ). rrp £12.95
Given the quality of recent production here is a cigar to rival the classic Epicure No.2 or Series D4. Available in cabinets of 25 this subtle Cuban cigar offers a pleasing confection of taste and aroma without being overtly strong or overpowering. Fabulously fragrant with floral, woody overtones, its mellow leathery / earthy character offers just the right amount of strength and complexity to perk and satisfy the senses. Has become a personal favourite. Recommended !
Arturo Fuente, Fuente Fuente Opus X Robusto, Dominican Republic ( 5.25 inches / 140 mm x 50 ring gauge ). rrp £21.50
This doyen of Dominican cigars has many devotees but can be hard to find outside of the USA. The product of assiduous aging and rigid quality control within the Fuente factory. The cigar is noticeably slow to burn and develops in a measured way gaining strength and character in the final phase. An attractive ash and appealing taste, quite unlike other Dominican cigars, combine with exemplary combustion to make this an intriguing, unique, smoking experience. Pricey but worth every penny !
La Flor de NIcaragua Robusto, Nicaragua ( 5 inches / 129 mm x 50 ring gauge ) rrp £7.75
A reprise of a flavourful, medium strength blend of tobaccos first produced and cultivated over a generation ago. This cigar represents just how good Nicaraguan cigars have now become since the 1970’s. Faultless construction and an appealing dark wrapper hint at the quality of this cigar. Once smoked its white ash and pungent, rich aroma envelope ones senses. A surprisingly complex and engaging smoke that wins hands down as the best value Robusto on the market.
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