The building is enormous, but, because the street is narrow and densely built-up, at first glance it appears humbler than it really is. The factory, located at Calle Amistad No. 407 and 409, between Calle Dragones and Calle Barcelona, is rather nondescript and can be hard to find.
Surprising: Blaauwklippen Potstilled Brandy
The surprise from South Africa. This delicate brandy produces a nose of dried apricots, apricot jam, acacia honey and hints of spice and wood. It goes excellently with an El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme, whose mild and spicy, creamy, slightly sweet texture boosts the spirit’s fruity notes.
Global Gathering: The 5th Cigar Smoking World Championship in Split
Nick Hammond gladly swaps the leaden skies of London to witness the 5th Cigar Smoking World Championship in Split. Under a sunsplashed Dalmatian sky, cigar smokers from across the planet gather as one. They came for the competition and they are here to celebrate the brotherhood surrounding the hand-rolled cigar.
Cigar Trophy Awards 2014: These are the Winners
There was a lot to celebrate in Dortmund in September: the award for the best Cuban cigar and brand for 2014, Cigar Journal’s 20th-year anniversary, and the successes of the industry during a promising year.
El PanteĂłn: The former La Corona Factory
El pantéon – hall of fame or cemetery – depending on the translation – was what the torcedores called the La Corona factory. Built by the American Tobacco Company, later under the name of Tabacalera Cubana, the factory operated a total of 91 brands.
Cut, Punch, Bite, Rip – The many Ways to Open a Cigar
There are many ways to open a cigar. Some are elegant, others more rustic. But all of them have one objective: to prepare the cigar for enjoyment.
Distinguished: Glenfiddich
Probably the most well-known and distinguished single malt worldwide. Combined with a Torpedo from the Balmoral Royal Selection Anejo 18 aromas of candied apples.
The Tobacco Beetle. How to Protect the Passionado’s Inventory.
The tobacco beetle is viewed as the most fatal infestation of the passionado’s smoking inventory. Before allowing new cigars into the humidor, examine them for round holes or tunnels – quick action may be necessary to prevent an outbreak.
Habanos from the Supermarket: Premium Cigars Ltd.
The highest exclusivity in every detail: Wojciech Jaroszewicz’s Casa del Habano in Poland offers excellent Puros from Cuba as well as selected spirits.
Sport in Front of the Lense … Smoke behind it
Photographer Peter Heeger lights his Montecristo No. 5 and is delighted with the spectacular images that he has captured with his lens once again in his hometown.
Nothing or Everything: Cigars Worth Collecting
It seems that, today, every cigar-maker is trying to create cigars worth collecting. But is any of this stuff going to be worth remembering? As with game-playing, when collecting it’s also about luck.
Rafael Nodal: From Asylum Seeker to Master of Boutique Blends
Boutique Blends Cigars is not only the company name under which Rafael Nodal manufactures his cigars. The name is a concept: Small batches – that’s their philosophy.