Jason Sez

Extremely Rare Top of the Line Super Premium Special Anniversary Edition

By Jason Shepherd

Do I have your attention? Good, now what does this all mean? You have been in your local tobacconist perusing the cigar selections and come across a box with these words in bold flashy letters engaging you with stories of cigars made with rare tobaccos blessed by the pope, or maybe rolled on the thighs of young virgins. So how do we sort through all of these cigars claiming to be the pinnacle of cigar perfection?  Answer, one stick at a time. Now of course I have not had every special edition cigar on the market, but I have made it my business to sample some of the best cigars available on the open market today. I am focusing on three very special cigars in this review based on quality, consistency, market share, and overall reputation. I have paired these special cigars with some equally special bourbon for you to enjoy.

Quesada 35th Anniversary

Size: 6 x 49 box-pressed
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Dominican Republic/Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador

Professional Standpoint: Covered in an almost seamlessly perfect vein free wrapper, this box pressed cigar grabs you from the very first draw. While beginning with a firm draw at first light, it progresses into a smooth effortless burn. Rich cocoa and leather notes with a touch of spice build with each draw, while increasing in strength through the bottom third of the cigar, but never quite crossing over to a bitter finish. 

Between the Lines: From the creators of the classic Fonseca brand and Casa Magna, the 2008 cigar of the year.

This cigar was truly a family blend as each of the six family members of the 5th generation Quesada’s were involved in creating this specially blended cigar featuring an Ecuadorian Arapiraca wrapper, Dominican Criollo binder and filler of a mix of Nicaraguan and Dominican ligero.

Priced at around $12.00 

Bourbon Pairing:  Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Seasoned Oak Finish -100 proof

First of all this bourbon pairs well with many a cigar due to its nutty oak and cedar notes  that dominate throughout this interestingly rich mahogany colored creation. The tobacco undertones in this bourbon along with black pepper and slight clove taste really pairs well with the spice and richness found in the Quesada 35th anniversary. Together or separate, these two should definitely be on your to try list. 

La Flor Dominica Salomon Limited Release

Size: 7 x 64 Perfecto
Filler: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Nicaragua 

Professional Standpoint: This mammoth cigar is covered in an extremely oily sun grown Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. Full bodied yet not overly spicy, this cigar transitions nicely from a rich leather and sweet cocoa flavor into a smooth black cherry and coffee finish with a subtle hint of anise on the palate. Though mostly consistent, the burn does tend to fluctuate from time to time. Priced at around $23.00 - $28.00

Between the Lines: Litto Gomez has created many a small batch cigars that have been worth their wait. This cigar is no exception; in fact even at a hefty twenty three dollars this cigar is definitely worth its weight. This mighty hog leg of a cigar will carry you through the front nine and a good share of the back nine on any golf course. Allot yourself some time, sit back with nice bourbon, and make sure you have a good meal on your stomach before you tackle this one.

Priced at around   $23.00 - $28.00 

Bourbon Pairing: W.L. Weller Centennial 10 Year Old – 100 proof

Just like the cigar, this bourbon has a smooth entry into a full bodied character of sweetness and spice. The floral aroma along with the nutmeg and charred oak taste in this bourbon complements the flavors that develop and change at the same time throughout this cigar. Both bourbon and cigar develop nicely into a very long finish.

Padron 45th Anniversary

Size: 6 x 50 Toro
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua

Professional Standpoint: Stronger and more intense than your typical Padron. This beautiful box-pressed Toro produces an intense and hearty smoke full of rich coffee notes and cocoa on the palate. This cigar grabs you from the start and maintains its flavor and burn until it starts turn burn your fingertips.

Between the Lines: The Padron family holds the record for the most highly rated cigars on the market year after year, and this cigar is no different. Their dedication to producing the finest quality cigars reminiscent of the Cuban heyday is only reinforced in this wonderful Toro containing tobacco aged as long as 10 years. These rare leaves are normally reserved for private blends only for the Pardon family. I am glad they decided to share this treasure with the rest of the world.

Priced at around $25.00 - $30.00

Bourbon Pairing: Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 year – 90 proof

How do you match such a wonderful cigar with bourbon? Easy, find bourbon that is equally  as crafted and  blended as the cigar. This bourbon has a slight citrus quality that transition into a silky smooth finish of caramel and vanilla. The smooth creaminess of this bourbon is the perfect complement  to this bold full bodied cigar.