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