Gran Robustos

As fashions change so do cigar styles. In the 1990s the robusto held sway. Yuppies craved a short fat cigar that offered a big effect without taking an age to smoke. But with the new millennium we entered a new era of the Gran Robusto. Previously we have reviewed such cigars as the Cohiba Sublimes, Trinidad Robusto Extra and Por Larranaga Magnifico, all of them super robustos. This month we look at the cigars which cemented the popularity of this format, plus an intriguing newcomer.

RAMON ALLONES
GRAN ROBUSTO (REGIONAL SPECIALITY
FOR THE BENELUX 2007) ORIGIN: CUBA
SIZE: 155MM X 50 RING GAUGE) PRICE: €23

A fan of the Ramon Allones marque, I was disappointed by this cigar made for the Benelux market in 2007. I half expected an experience akin to the worthy Belicosos. But this is too meek and mild. The effect was not helped by indifferent construction. More intriguing is the forthcoming Gloriosos (152mm x 50 ring gauge) from La Gloria Cubana. Yet another Gran Robusto in fancy varnished boxes of 10 cigars which are destined to become collectors’ items.

PARTAGAS SERIE D2
LIMITED EDITION 2003
ORIGIN: CUBA SIZE: 167MM X
48 RING GAUGE PRICE: €28.50

Released in the same year this Edicion Limitada maduro provides a stark contrast. Now five years aged this dark, rich and complex cigar is beginning to develop into a classic for those who love Partagas. I have a hunch that this will go on evolving for another ten or 15 years. One senses that it is still too young to fully appreciate. The potential is clearly there for this cigar to become one of the greats. Smoke the Siglo VI now but save the D2’s for a glorious future occasion.

THE COHIBA SIGLO VI
ORIGIN: CUBA
SIZE: 147MM X 52 RING GAUGE
PRICE:€30.50

Arguably the best cigar to have come out of Cuba since the millennium the Cohiba Siglo VI has a unique size or vitola known as the ‘canonaza’ or canon. Awesome. Stronger than a regular Siglo series, with a peppery overtone, the flavour and strength impart a tremendous sense of luxury. One is savouring Cuban tobacco at its very best with all the subtle taste and aroma for which Havanas are famous. Worthevery penny of the ‘canonaza’-sized price.

Adrian Lesley is proprietor of CigarsUnlimited, SW London cigar specialists and Habanos Gold Medal retailers.www.cigarsunlimited.co.uk +44 (0)207 386 9000