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June 2008
Tobacco
Lasting Impressions
Enjoy a Corona Gorda this month with your dram of whisky
This month, Adrian Lesley enjoys his favourite Coronas Gordas cigars while Ian Wisniewski savours some very special whiskys
CIGARS: BIGGER IS BETTER
Coronas Gordas or “fat” coronas are a size of cigar to which one often graduates
when a petit corona or indeed corona no longer satisfies the desire for an
altogether more serious smoke. Here is a format that allows the character of a
given blend of tobaccos to fully express itself, offering a little more in terms
of smoking satisfaction. I found that my interest in cigars developed in direct
proportion to their size and the Corona Gorda size became a favourite, with its
wide choice in almost every brand.
1. PUNCH PUNCH
ORIGIN: CUBA
SIZE: 143MM X 46 RING GAUGE
COST: £12.60 (€15.80)
The Punch Punch is a classic and benchmark for the Corona Gorda size.
It has a near perfect balance in terms of flavour, strength and aroma that makes
it possibly the most popular and approachable cigar within this particular
brand. Soon to be launched later this year in smart new tubes in packs of three
cigars, which will undoubtedly increase its popularity even further.
2. JUAN LOPEZ SELECTION NO.1
ORIGIN: CUBA
SIZE: 143MM X 46 RING GAUGE
COST: £13.50 (€17)
Not so easy to source but well worth trying. The Selection No.1 comes
in cabinet selections of 25 cigars and retains all the character of this
increasingly popular secondstring Cuban brand. A floral, almost vegetal, aroma
and medium strength underline its appeal. Possibly more refined than the
Selection No.2 Robusto, but good value in compared to other cigars in this
format.
3. TRINIDAD COLONIALES
ORIGIN: CUBA
SIZE: 132MM X 44 RING GAUGE
COST: £12.00 (€15)
It is five years since the Trinidad brand was created by master blender
Rául Valladares and first launched worldwide. Given the benefit of ageing we can
now begin to gauge the true nature of this unique blend of Cuban tobaccos. While
the Coloniales, with its distinctive “pig tail” cap, is marginally shorter and
thinner than standard vitolas it nevertheless offers an intriguing complexity
that represents excellent value. Available in packs of five in addition to the
standard cabinet of 24.
WHISKY
THE BALVENIE
€37, www. thebalvenie.com
There are various ways to celebrate a long and illustrious career. Throwing a
big party for all to enjoy is one; another, is to create something special for
those partygoers to sip and enjoy, long after the balloons have come down. This
is what David Stewart, malt master of the Balvenie Distillery in Scotland, has
done to mark his 45th year in the whisky industry. Called The Balvenie Signature, this special release is a 12-year-old malt whisky.
The palate delivers rich, honeyed sweetness, with fresh citrus fruitiness,
followed by a hint of vanilla, and more honey and cinnamon sweetness.
HIGHLAND PARK
€79, www. highlandpark.co.uk
Among the benefits of travelling are seeing new things, meeting new people, and being able to buy something that you can’t get at home. This includes a particular malt whisky, Highland Park 21-year-old, which is available exclusively in travel retail. Highland Park was established in 1798 and as well as being one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, it has also remained one of the most traditional. Offering dried fruit sweetness with a waft of background smoke, the palate becomes indulgently luscious, balanced by dry oak. An impressive rich-dry finish lingers, to remind you how good it is.
BALBLAIR 1975
€190, www.balblair.com
Although distilled over 30 years ago, time is of the essence if you want to buy some of the vintage malt whisky Balblair 1975, as only 3,000 bottles have been released. Matured exclusively in Sherry casks, which are renowned for contributing richness and complexity, this vintage was bottled in 2007. Lemon and toffee provide focal points within the aroma, which also indicates what flavours to expect from the elegant palate. This delivers a light creaminess, followed by subtle oak and gentle spices, while light dryness provides a rounded finish.
Adrian Lesley is proprietor of CigarsUnlimited, SW London cigar specialists and Habanos Gold Medal retailers. www.cigarsunlimited.co.uk +44 (0)20 7386 9000
Sectors:
Tobacco
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