Simply Cigars

Hopefully while travelling this summer you may find cigars that have yet to be discovered by the majority of smokers and represent a welcome opportunity to sample something out of the ordinary. I acquired the following three cigars in the Bahamas, Paris and Brussels. None of them are as yet available to buy in London. Each cigar proved to be quite different and represented a welcome change from the more familiar brands that are readily available.

This slender panatela with its discreet pigtail cap is from an intriguing range of cigars produced in a small factory attached to the famous Graycliff hotel and resort in Nassau, in the Bahamas. Here is a small cottage industry producing a surprising variety of cigars, with white, green and purple bands, which never fail to draw comment from the well-heeled visitors that visit the famous establishment created by Enrico Garzaroli back in 1973.

As an enthusiastic cigar aficionado, who dreamed of producing truly top-class cigars that would be compatible with the fine wine and cuisine that his restaurant and hotel were noted for, Garzaroli enlisted the help of Cuban cigar legend Avelino Lara – director of the famous El Laguito factory in Havana from 1969 to 1994, where Cohibas were first rolled – to create Graycliff's high-end, limited production cigars.

The Graycliff Profesionale or the blue label, as it is known, comes in nine sizes. With an easy draw and mild demeanour the cigar is hard to fault. The perfect partner for a glass of rum punch!

I picked this mysterious robusto with the Colorado maduro wrapper and an unusual “fallen head” cap on a trip to Paris. The cigar is apparently independently produced in Costa Rica using a blend of “Cuban” tobaccos. There are three distinct variations all containing copious amounts of ligero leaf and sporting three different coloured bands: white, red/black and black. The cigar certainly looks formidable, but a rather inconsistent draw and dry taste in the early stages marred its appeal for me.

Finally, a full-bodied 100% Nicaraguan robusto that is sure to turn a few heads! Named after the ancient Nicaraguan Indian chieftain, Nicarao (pronounced Nik-a-ra-oh), this impressive cigar features 1999 Cuban seed Corojo tobaccos grown exclusively in Jalapa and Estelí. Beautifully constructed with a smooth, slow burn and nigh near perfect ash, the cigar was a revelation. Why can’t all Cuban smokes match this quality? Great value and highly recommended.

Byeline
Adrian Lesley is proprietor of CigarsUnlimited, south-west London's leading cigar specialists and Habanos Gold Medal retailers.