Consummate Connoisseur: Summer Cigars

A collection of warm summer choices, best paired with a single malt scotch

TATUAJE COJONU 2012 TORO

Nicaragua

The Cojonu 2012 is a box-pressed, full-bodied beauty with an oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Blended by the man behind many award-winning cigars, Pepin Garcia, Tatuaje represents the powerful Nicaraguan wave that is sweeping the cigar industry. The Cojonu 2012 unleashes rich notes of chocolate, coffee, and a peppery spice. This may be a powerful smoke, but the flavors are balanced and expertly blended.

Size 6.5 X 52
Wrapper Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder ­Nicaragua
Filler Nicaragua
Overall A rich, full-bodied ­experience
MSRP $15.75


Oliva series v melanio churchill

Nicaragua

A highly rated box-pressed cigar from a family that has been growing tobacco for generations, it took five years to get the blend in this cigar just right. Melanio Oliva began growing tobacco during the 1800s in Cuba and his name is honored in this creation. The Oliva family chose some of their most prized aged tobacco for the blend, resulting in full flavors of cocoa, toast, and rich cedar. This blend has appeared on many top cigar lists, and for good reason: it is carefully crafted to deliver full flavors through smooth draws of smoke.

Size 7 X 50
Wrapper ­Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder ­Nicaragua
Filler Nicaragua
Overall A ­flagship blend with ­refined, full flavors
MSRP $15.25


Montecristo white toro

Dominican Republic

Montecristo White is a creamy, smooth favorite of aficionados who appreciate a complex smoke without an overwhelming boldness. Medium-bodied with a copious amount of smoke, it produces a creamy texture that is soft on the palate with a rather crisp, moderate finish. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and Dominican long leaf make this cigar complex yet not overbearing, a flavor combination that has long attracted all types of cigar enthusiasts to the Montecristo White Series.

Size 6 x 54
Wrapper ­Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder ­Nicaraguan
Filler Dominican and Nicaraguan
Overall One of the best mild cigars available on the market today
MSRP $12.50


Arturu Fuente don carloes #2

Dominican Republic

Balanced, rare, and flavorful, this satisfying masterpiece bears the name of the late Carlos Fuente Sr., whose company in many ways defines Dominican cigars. Draped beneath a flawless and savory Cameroon wrapper are expertly aged tobaccos from the Fuente farm. These limited production smokes are full of sweet, nutty, and earthy flavors that cap off any special occasion. The Don Carlos belongs in your humidor, and you may want to keep one or two for your good friends, too.

Size 6 x 54
Wrapper ­Cameroon
Binder ­Dominican ­Republic
Filler Dominican Republic
Overall ­Consistent, ­timeless, and sought ­after for good reason
MSRP $14.85