WEEKEND REVIEW (and personal story): Cuesta Rey Churchill (kind of) and Sir Winnie (kind of)

[shaffer22]

Thank you for indulging in a particularly special story of mine.

While I’ve received many cigars as gifts over the years, there is one cigar that stands above all others as my most prized gift. It’s not Cuban, and it’s not a cigar that most experienced cigar smokers would reach for. But it is priceless to me. The cigar is a Cuesta Rey churchill in a unique glass tube. 

My dad served as a Colonel in the United States Army, and during the most recent war in Iraq, he was stationed far away from home on a military base. He bought this Cuesta Rey for me while he was stationed there, and gave it to me when he made it back home for good in 2008. As you can see, the tube has a special sticker on it identifying it as an “Operation Iraqi Freedom” cigar.

For whatever reason, I decided to hold on to the cigar and not smoke it. I’m glad I did. About seven years after he gave this to me, my father died—far too young—after a battle with cancer. So what was an interesting cigar became the most important cigar in my collection, and the best gifted cigar I have. I doubt I’ll ever smoke it.

But this wouldn’t be a review without putting a cigar to flame, so I’ll be reviewing the next-best substitute that I can think of. My father’s favorite figure of history was Winston Churchill. And it’s fitting that the cigar that my father gave to me was also a churchill. So to me there was only one choice for this review: the Sir Winnie (this one from JUN 16).

Now on to the review.

The cigar is a medium-to-light brown, and the wrapper is free of any major veins. The wrapper has a slight toothiness, and the cigar feels well-packed but not too hard. It feels great in the hand (I love this viola—see my profile photo) and cuts easily. Aroma at cold is subtle, but I’m getting a light cedar and the faintest hint of dried fruit. The draw is absolutely perfect. Again more cedar, and there’s a hint of white pepper on the tongue. I can’t wait to get started.

I lit it up with a cedar splint, careful to take my time with this one. The first few puffs give me plenty of rich, creamy smoke. There’s more cedar, toasted tobacco, and a gentle sweetness rounding things out. I also get a slight white pepper note, and the finish is long and satisfying. Body and strength are mild-to-medium to start.

The cigar boasts impeccable construction and a perfect draw. And the burn was razor sharp. Core flavors are coffee with cream, shortbread, toasted tobacco, some nuttiness, and a delightful white pepper that balances things off. Body and strength start on the light side of medium during the first third, but slowly increase to solid medium. There’s a richness (but a refined richness) to the smoke. The room aroma actually reminds me of milk chocolate. Other interesting flavors that made appearances were a bell pepper-like vegetal note, some savory spices, earthiness at times, and even some cinnamon and nutmeg. The cream, nuts, and shortbread anchored everything throughout.

The only knock was a very (very) slight bitterness that came in and out every so often (mostly in the first third). I have to imagine that these are the remnants of youth still hanging around. I’m sure they will fade with a bit more time in the humidor.

What a classy, refined cigar. Two hours of bliss. This is one you want to sip and savor, all while you hope that it never ends. It lives up to its name, and it makes a worthy substitution for my most prized cigar. My dad never smoked a Sir Winnie, but I think he would have loved it as much as I did. 

[Sean3]

Thanks for sharing the story about your father, it is quite moving.  The damn cancer takes far too many loved ones from us.  I enjoyed the review as well.  Cheers

[shaffer22]

16 minutes ago, Sean3 said:

Thanks for sharing the story about your father, it is quite moving.  The damn cancer takes far too many loved ones from us.  I enjoyed the review as well.  Cheers

Thank you for reading! I’m glad you enjoyed the review, and I appreciate you taking the time to hear my story. All the best.  

[Auspaul]

That was a good read nice looking cigar thank you for posting cancer is a  terrible thing have been there and beaten it

[shaffer22]

3 minutes ago, Auspaul said:

That was a good read nice looking cigar hank you for posting cancer is a  terrible thing have been there and beaten it

Cancer is indeed a terrible thing, but I’m glad to hear that you’ve shown cancer who’s boss. Thanks for reading.  

[Danimalia]

Great review, and a moving story. I am sorry for the loss of your father.

[shaffer22]

8 hours ago, Danimalia said:

Great review, and a moving story. I am sorry for the loss of your father.

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the review!

[PigFish]

Thanks for sharing mate. Cheers! -R

[shaffer22]

4 minutes ago, PigFish said:

Thanks for sharing mate. Cheers! -R

Thanks, buddy! Have a great Sunday. 

[RassLover]

Thanks for the review and story.