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In recent years the growing popularity of cigars with dark or “ Maduro “ wrappers has encouraged manufacturers in all the major tobacco growing countries to launch a surprisingly diverse range of brands which have become evermore popular with cigar smokers. In the current issue of Cigar Aficionado magazine no less than 25% of all cigars reviewed are Maduros and the same cigars account for a surprising quarter of the Editor’s Top 20 list for 2007.
This month Cohiba, the premium Cuban brand, will launch the first three cigars of a new Maduro range so as not to be out done. And more sizes are destined to follow in the future. Of course Cuba has already flirted with the concept of specially aged and prepared darker wrapper leaves as part of an ongoing agricultural experiment ever since they launched the first Limited Editions back in 2001 – see our review in the October 2006 issue.
The dark, luscious almost glamorous appeal of the Maduro wrapper leaf certainly enhances the look of the cigar whatever shape or form it takes. The subtle, complex flavours and taste imparted by the specially prepared wrappers give the tobacco and smoke an added dimension. Some are almost sweet to taste while others impart a distinctly toasted or caramelized flavour.
Many of my regular customers indulge in a decent Maduro cigar to refresh or revitalize their jaded palate by way of a change. The Maduro cigar can offer a subtle blend of nuts, coffee and spice rather than a predominantly tobacco experience. A change is as good as a rest but judging from some of the high ratings achieved by Maduros these cigars are here to stay.
CAO Brazilia “Gol“ – Honduras ( 5 inches / 129 mm x 56 ring gauge ) rrp £10.75
A real hybrid this one. Made in Honduras and sporting an attractive Brazilian Arapicaca wrapper from Bahia the cigar boasts both Nicaraguan binder and filler to be topped off by a band replicating the Brazilian national colours ! You can almost hear the football commentator screaming the word “ goal “ at the top of his voice. Yet despite its appearance this cigar is refreshingly different. Its white ash creates a striking contrast to the rich, dark hue of the wrapper. While the overall effect is of spices and nuts mixed with tobacco to create an almost sensual confection. Different and engaging. The perfect antidote to the jaded palate. Recommended !
Ashton Virgin Sungrown Enchantment – Dominican Republic ( 4.38 inches / mm x 60 ring gauge ) rrp £13.95
The brainchild of Carlos Fuente Jnr, Ashton’s Virgin Sun Grown range were first produced in the late 1990’s. The “Enchantment” is so potent that it carries a health warning and recommendation that you smoke this cigar sitting down ! The legendary Angel Oliva cultivates the distinctive “ Sun Grown “ wrapper in Ecuador. The leaves then undergo several subsequent fermentations until they are paired with the finest 4 to 5 year old Dominican filler and binder tobaccos at Chateau de la Fuente. The finished product is again aged a full six months to impart a rich and complex peppery almost peaty flavour. The result is a full bodied, consistently highly rated “ figurado “ cigar. Not for the novice or faint hearted !
Macanudo Diplomat - Dominican Republic ( 4.5 inches / mm x 38 x 60 x 44 ring gauge ) rrp £9.50
They say one should never judge a book by its cover. But on viewing the dark, ebony coloured Connecticut broadleaf wrapper that adorns this pocket figurado one might be forgiven for assuming that it packed a powerful punch. However, this could not be further from the truth.
The Diplomat is a mild and well mannered cigar blended from a mix of Dominican and Mexican tobaccos that suggest coffee and spice. Its smooth draw and enticing dark maduro wrapper make for an engaging short smoke. Popular Choice.
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