Happy New Year everyone! a belated one at that… well, you can’t live in Spain and not make good use of the holidays by traveling around. I went way South to the Mediterranean coast, stopped over in Cadiz on the way back—picking up some prized sherry while there, of course—and passed through Granada before finally coming home. One thing is for sure, I’ve had way too many cigars while on vacation, but oh well… life is good.

Even as I drove back, though, I was thinking of the cigar I would review next: the Cumpay Piramide that had been in my humidor since last spring. I have tried other vitolas of the Cumpay brand, like the Robusto, and found them to be quite good. The Piramide did not turn out to be very special after all, though I wouldn’t call it bad; perhaps only a bit one dimensional.

The shape is naturally interesting. I would have expected a good progression of aromas because of it, but in the end it was rather linear, which was a bit surprising. The cigar is very well made. A good bunch, solid feel, and a very nice wrapper were among the stick’s strengths. The pre-light draw was light, grassy, with just the slightest hint of spice and white pepper.

Once lit, the smoke was characteristically Honduran: very creamy in texture, medium bodied, with an initial burst of roasted almonds. For a cigar of such an unusual shape, I’d say that it didn’t burn terribly, though I have to coach it along at times to avoid what I knew would turn into ruined cigar down the line.

After about one third, the notes become more grilled and dark. Though it was not incredibly complex, I got some roasted coffee notes and a steady creamy texture. As far as the progression, the only thing I’d mention is a very welcome increase in smoke volume when it went past the half way mark.

All in all the Cumpay Piramide is a solid cigar with an intriguing shape and consistent notes of roasted coffee beans and creamy nuts throughout.

Now, I know I’m going to get a barrage of emails asking where the Cumpay line can be found. Well, if you don’t mind paying for the delivery charges, I’d recommend checking out an online German shop called Zigarren Bugge. They actually have a rating system for the cigars they sell (which, though I admit having often disagreed with, can still be helpful when deciding to try a new cigar) and even have an option for English. I’ve done business with them in the past and can say they have great service.

The only other Brandi to truly compete with Cognac when it comes to name recognition is Armagnac, from the French region which contributes to its name. In essence, it is basically the same product, and even made from the same grapes. With a different distilling technique, however, Armagnac differs, if ever so delicately, from its Champagne cousin.

As you can imagine, the alliance of cigars with the finest Armagnacs is as classic as that of Port or Sherry; and even so far as to drive some Chateaux to gear their distillation master pieces toward the realm of fine cigars.

A recent discovery of mine, which exemplifies this, is Chateau Tariquet, located in the Bas-Armagnac region. I had the chance to sample their “Le Legendaire”, and it was fantastic. They recommend that this be paired with a Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas but I had it with an Epicure No. 1 for what was a delightful alliance.

I can describe the “Legendaire” as lightly woody and spicy on the nose with some delicate vanilla and apricot notes. It is very well rounded and smooth on the palate going from initially sweet spicy notes toward more fruity notes—caramelized apples come to mind. It’s delicate balance of oak and fruit come together with sweet pepper notes toward the end for a very fine and elegant finish—it was a real treat folks.

Man, I just love the holidays. I can’t help but be amazed at how retailers go nuts competing for our hard earned cash.

Well, with Christmas comes the J.L. Salazar Toro deal. This cigar is probably the best stick Cuban Crafters has to offer. It’s a full bodied stallion of a cigar for sure, but one that is extremely well balanced.

I just saw the deal of 64.99 for a box of 25. These normally run for 130 bucks so it’s really the time to stock up. Just click on the image to be referred to the special deal page. Enjoy!

Though I am definitely a full-bodied cigar kind of guy, I’ve always felt there is a time and a place for a milder cigar. Usually when it’s late at night, when in a crowded restaurant or just when I feel like having a cigar that I don’t have to think too much about—like if I’m watching an interesting football game—I’ll reach for a lighter companion that will set a relaxed tone by virtue of its creamy and nutty character.

One thing I’ve realized over the years is that a light bodied cigar doesn’t have to smoke like a roll of burning cardboard, though I’ve had the misfortune of smoking quite a few of those. The Don Diego Aniversario No.3 is definitely not in the former category.

Here’s a cigar that is so well made it exudes finesse and relaxation even before lighting. For those that think of milder cigars as duds, this cigar has a thing or two it can teach you. Back in the days when cigar advertisements used words like “smooth” and “creamy”, a premium cigar was a complex smoke of sweet spicy notes delivered in a thick cloud of moist chewy smoke that was absolutely satisfying; this is what I appreciate in the Don Diego Aniversarios.

A very oily wrapper, with some light colored veins, emits a light tobacco scent on a cigar that feels well bunched. The head is interesting in this cigar; it appears solid and the cap extends well beyond the usual mark. One thing’s for sure: the razor sharp Palio blade comes in handy, since in order to allow enough air through, a good cut should be made of about six to eight millimeters.

A pre-light draw reveals a bit of hay and other grassy notes reminiscent of chili or bell peppers. A quick light later I’m enjoying a very creamy and chewy smoke with subtle notes of walnuts and sweet spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon. It doesn’t feel like a slacker; the complexity of the smoke really keeps me drawing and drawing. It’s undoubtedly mild and appetizing.

The burn is impeccable on this smoke, which means you can forget about it. Let it burn on while the ash piles up and the Sunday night game moves right along—I was a little disappointed that N.Y. couldn’t do better vs. Jacksonville. I mean, they nearly beat Indianapolis last week… but what the heck.

A bit past the half way mark I get a bit of coffee with some dryer woody notes, while the creamy texture subsides a bit. It begins to remind me of the Starbucks Americanos I used to drink back in the U.S. These notes continue on right through the end before settling into a darker espresso note before the finish.