JohnS' Smoking Diary 2025

[Li Bai]

4 hours ago, JohnS said:

Even though I very much enjoyed this quality smoke today, I still can't say that I readily identify with the Juan López marca. Even so, I've smoked enough Habanos cigars in my lifetime to easily identify a great cigar, and this Juan López Selección Especial was definitely very much one of those.

Exactly what my friend and I thought when we first smoked it a few weeks back 👌

I've only had one so I won't jump to conclusions but I'd like to add that the first couple inches have been very reminiscent of a Hoyo de San Juan to me (which I like a lot too), I've seen no Juan Lopez signature or whatsoever during the whole smoke but that's ok because IT IS a great cigar 👍

[JohnS]

2 hours ago, Li Bai said:

Exactly what my friend and I thought when we first smoked it a few weeks back 👌

I've only had one so I won't jump to conclusions but I'd like to add that the first couple inches have been very reminiscent of a Hoyo de San Juan to me (which I like a lot too), I've seen no Juan Lopez signature or whatsoever during the whole smoke but that's ok because IT IS a great cigar 👍

I don't think one would be too disappointed to find out that this is not a longer version of a Juan Lopez Seleccion No.1 or No.2. I'm glad I have some on hand for the future.

[JohnS]

Juan López Selección No.2 MEL Dic 2016

I acquired this box around the turn of the New Year in 2019. In six-and-a-half years since that time I've gone through two-thirds of the box (in other words, fourteen cigars smoked with three given away). In general, I haven't found them to be to my taste, otherwise, I think I would have finished the box by now! So far, I think I can confidently say that I've only had two JL2s that I was really enamoured with.

So what has been the problem with the greater majority of Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2s from this late-2016 box? In summary, most of these cigars have been dominant in toasted tobacco which didn't allow the chocolate and/or citrus characteristics to shine in those cigars. Today's cigar had some semblance of chocolate, orange citrus and Cointreau from beginning to end, but overall the cigar was underscored by a coffee and oak spine. That coffee, oak and perhaps toasted tobacco combination was therefore a tad too dominant for my preference. In terms of strength though, I was pleased with how mild this JL2 was. Now that's saying something when the box is already eight-and-a-half years old! 

I would think that the greater majority of our forum members would advocate for the Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 on account of its strength and bold flavours, though. Alas, that's not generally for me. One thing that did enhance today's JL2 was a pairing with Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, which if you aren't aware, is a highly reputable vermouth well-suited to mixing in with Manhattan and Negroni Cocktails. In this instance, I had it straight, and trust me, that noted vanilla and bitter orange taste on the palate went well with this JL2!

A few years ago, I mentioned to El Pres (our esteemed Friends of Habanos Host) that I had struggled for some time with this particular box of Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2s. He noted that the boxing date of these JL2s coincided with a stronger batch of cigars produced out of Cuba, within this marca and vitola, that were more potent in strength than normal. I felt a 'lightbulb' moment envelop me upon learning this and felt relieved in the knowledge that there was hope yet for this specific box of Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2s. 

[JohnS]

Trinidad Topes MUP Oct 2019

The Trinidad Topes was first released as a Limited Edition cigar in 2016. Three years later, in 2019, Habanos S.A commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Habanos version of the marca by releasing the excellent Esmeralda, Media Luna and Topes, this time as a regular production cigar.

The Topes has a 56 ring gauge and is 125 mm (or 4⅞ inches) in length. With a 56 ring gauge, I've learnt that one has to be weary about untwisting the pig-tail on the head as it's very easy to rip the wrapper past the shoulder. Similarly, the larger girth at the foot requires more dedication and time to light the cigar properly to guarantee an even burn.

I smoked three 2019 50th Anniversary regular production release Topes in a month when I acquired them in May 2020 and have smoked four since; the last one around four years ago. Why has it been so long since I've smoked a regular production Trinidad Topes? Quite simply, I've preferred to smoke the 2016 Limited Edition in the meantime because it has a sweeter blend, in general, and I have found that cigar very much agreeable according to my tastes!

This cigar opened up with a coffee, wood and a slightly 'Earth' flavour profile, supported by a buttered texture to the smoke which always reminds me of pastry; something akin to a croissant. My last Topes four years ago had much less salt and spice flavours in it. In contrast, this was less uniform in its flavours. In fact, I would argue it was too savoury for my preferences, the wood was dull and oak-like (especially more so in the back half) and it had very little in the way of cookie or dough flavours. 

It smoked well though over 100 minutes, aided by the outstanding construction of the cigar which maintained a consistent burn-line, ash-length easily over an inch each time and an excellent draw and smoke output. It's a shame the flavours on offer here did not enhance its smoking.

In summary, this 2019 Topes was nowhere near as good as some recent Esmeralda and Media Luna I've enjoyed. Which is a shame because in the past this cigar performed much better for me. Having said that, I have noticed over the years that the regular production Trinidad Topes has not quite enjoyed the same critical acclaim amongst enthusiasts, in comparison to the Esmeralda and Media Luna. Why is that I wonder? I would venture to say that in comparison to the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Rio Seco, the Topes has to compete for attention in the Trinidad marca with the Esmeralda and Media Luna whereas the HdM de Rio Seco is distinctive from the HdM de San Juan and stands on its own a little more. You can't blame enthusiasts for spending their hard-earned money on the Trinidad version of the Cohiba Siglo VI (i.e the Esmeralda) or the Trinidad quintessential petit robusto offering (i.e the Media Luna). It stands to reason that with the current pricing of the Trinidad brand, I wouldn't blame cigar enthusiasts at the moment overlooking the Trinidad Topes and putting their hard-earned cash elsewhere. It makes sense.

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie D No.4 UEB Feb 2019

If there's one cigar that I'd vote for as the most consistent, in fact, the best overall since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I would vouch for the Partagas Serie D No.4. It seems that every time I reach for it from my humidor of late, it never fails to deliver in terms of satisfaction. Mick Jagger famously opined that he couldn't get any satisfaction in the mid-sixties. Maybe he would have changed his mind if he smoked a current Partagas Serie D No.4. Certainly this cigar has come a long way since that time.

Now, I know that I stated that I wouldn't have multiple instances of a cigar within the 2025 Smoking Blog series in my introduction this year, but I felt I had to make an exception in this case. This cigar has been and continues to be that good!

This was a another great example of a Partagas Serie D No.4. The sourdough was again like baked bread and the spice was nowhere to be found. It was so simple, yet so good...the type of cigar you could light up again as soon as you finished it. I'm confident you know what that feels like!

If I were to ever win the Habanos Man of the Year award I would select a Cohiba Lanceros annually. But my second box may just be a Partagas Serie D No.4. I suppose one could dream, couldn't they?

[JohnS]

Partagás Presidentes RSG Mar 2023

The Partagas Presidentes is a cigar that I remember steering clear from in the past on account of its reputation for strong, bold flavours. Around six years ago though, I remember smoking a Partagas Presidentes from the 2018 Xmas Sampler which I had noted had a pleasant mix of Partagas sourdough and coffee with a Fonseca-type marshmallow sweetness. It was a nice contrast from my previous forays into sampling the Partagas Presidentes which revealed a more typical 'old school' blend of Partagas Earth and Forest Floor and perhaps even leather, and I remember furthermore that at that point of my journey within this hobby that it didn't really connect with me.

This is my third RSG Mar 2023 Partagas Presidentes from this box. I smoked the first one at the end of 2023 and it was quite simply a revelation.The second RSG Mar 2023 cigar was smoked a year ago and it was also very, very good in its simplicity and approachability. As I've mentioned before within this Smoking Blog series, if there's one cigar that I would have to nominate as being the best in its flavour delivery and construction since the advent of the Covid era in early 2020, then it would have to be the Partagas Serie D No.4. The varieties that I've had of the PSD4 have been simple concoctions of Partagas sourdough, coffee and leather, intertwined in a seemingly perfect balance. Unbelievably, that Partagas Presidentes was very much like that. Yes, I couldn't fathom it. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.

This third RSG Mar 2023 Partagas Presidentes started off again being simple in its blend and approachable in its smoking. It once again had sourdough, coffee and leather but soon there were elements of forest-floor flavours, which complimented the cigar in the first two-thirds but gradually overpowered it by the final third. So maybe it wasn't in the upper echelon of performance like the first RSG Mar 2023 Partagas Presidentes from this box, but for the first two-thirds of this cigar, it wasn't that far way. By contrast, I have since acquired a SUL Jul 2023 box of Partagas Presidentes and I've smoked five cigars from that box, none of which have reached the heights of these first two RSG Mar 2023 Partagas Presidentes.

The past notion of the Partagas Presidentes, well at least in my mind, that had a dominating strength and old school flavours of Earth, Forest floor and leather are simply incomparable to what I smoked today (and this year). This Partagas Presidentes was quite good, overall. I now aspire to smoke a Partagas Presidentes from my SUL Jul 2023 that matches it!

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4 ETP Ene 2016

The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4 had been in hiatus since the first quarter of 2018. The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4 had only just recently come back into production in the first quarter of 2021, with box codes indicative of late 2020. Unfortunately, it seems that the mid-2022 update to pricing by Habanos S.A has seen stock once again diminish. 

For me personally, the prolonged hiatus of this cigar has had an affect on my smoking habits as I smoked six La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4s in 2021, only one in 2022, three in 2023 (although one was generously gifted to me), two in 2024 and this is now my first one smoked in 2025. 

The LGC Medaille d'Or No.4 has two unique characteristics as a Habanos cigar; firstly, it's one of the last truly 'long-and-skinnies' (i.e. a cigar that is less than 35 ring gauge and at around six inches in length or longer) and secondly, it has a complexity of flavours unique to its brand.

In terms of this array of contrasting flavours, these can range from savoury to sweet to spicy. This LGC No.4 had a core almond nut flavour, wood and creamy texture overall which remained throughout the cigar. There was a some fruit and herbal notes also, which manifested itself from the middle third onwards. It was simply wonderful from beginning to end!

One could say that my appraisal of this LGC4 today is influenced by my bias and continued lament of its unavailability. However, when these smoke like this one did today, the acclaim is definitely well-merited.

[JohnS]

Bolívar Tubos No.1 ULA Jun 2015

The Bolivar Tubos No.1 was a medium-full Corona cigar discontinued in 2017. It was one of the last Coronas, a 42 ring gauge, 142 mm (or 5⅝ inches) in length cigar that was packaged in aluminum tubes in larger-than-average 25-count dress boxes. In case you are wondering what other Coronas we have left in regular production to this day, there are indeed only three; the Montecristo No.3, the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro and the Romeo y Julieta Cedros De Luxe No.2.

After having this box in storage for approximately five years, I've smoked three to four Bolivar Tubos No.1s a year for the last three years, and so I've now gone through just over three-quarters of the box. In general, my other Bolivar Tubos No.1s smoked were mainly all chewy, soft caramel-marshmallow with some Bolivar Earth and leather and a touch of spiciness on the edges. 

I had two superlative examples of Bolivar Tubos No.1 in a row about a two years ago. They were perhaps my best examples of Bolivar cigars I have ever smoked, and I say that without exaggeration! 

This cigar began ideally in that it was soft and chewy on the palate, it had some sweet caramel and floral notes, with and underlying light mushroom core. I also got some Bolivar flavours of leather, Earth and forest floor 'funk'. If you smoke Bolivar cigars regularly (or even perhaps on a semi-regular basis) I'm confident you'll know what I mean by this colloquially-named 'funk'. For me, according to my tastes, this suggests that there's still plenty of developmental life in this box of cigars yet. Overall though, this example of an aged Bolivar Tubos No.1 was quite satisfying!

With ten years down I must say it was certainly easy to smoke down. In fact, I think I finished it in around an hour. I now have just five left, and as we know, it's not like I can replace them once I've finished them all. So, in saying that, I think it would be prudent to smoke one or two Bolivar Tubos No.1s a year from hereon in. I owe this box the chance to age further, in my opinion.

[JohnS]

Cuaba APAC 2020 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico LTO Mar 2021

Pacific Cigar Company (or its more common abbreviation, PCC) brought out the 2020 Cuaba APAC in mid-2021 as an Cuaba Asia-Pacifico Regional Edition, the very first Regional Edition since the program was conceived in 2005. 

The Cuaba APAC is packaged in a 10-count box, with PCC distributing a run of 8888 boxes. The cigar is a Tacos vitola, a 47 ring gauge x 158 mm (or 6¼ inches) in length Perfecto, the same size as the LCDH Hoyo de Monterrey Elegantes, 2020 Mexican Regional Edition Ramon Allones Perfecto and the regular production Partagas Presidentes. The Tacos vitola differs a little from regular production Cuaba Perfectos in the shape of the head, which in the case of the APAC, is more conical (or streamlined/straighter at the head and foot) than your standard Cuaba.

This is my eighth Cuaba APAC, I've had my last three in the last sixteen months after I smoked two in 2022 and three in 2021, which I found quite impressive. Those cigars shared a typical Cuaba peanut and orange Cointreau citrus profile with a smooth, mild and refined strength and body. They also had a quality cedar aspect to them together with some quintessential Cuaba toasted tobacco and even vegetal flavour on the edges. For Cuaba, these flavours are complex and I have admired that about this cigar, thus far.

My last Cuaba APAC was uniformly excellent. It had a core Cuaba peanut and orange Cointreau citrus, together with a herbal and toasted tobacco note which made it very different to a Cuaba Distinguidos, for example. I finished the cigar after close to two hours quite satisfied. This one was less herbal due to age, and it had nowhere near the amount of toasted tobacco. It did thankfully shine again with its orange Cointreau citrus.

If there's one thing I could change about this cigar, it would have been its rather ordinary construction. The ash was flaky throughout, but the excellent flavour and balance within the blend more than compensated for this, in my view.

I do wish I had a few more in my humidor as I recognise now that these won't be easy to locate. Even so, if I do find them available, I know it will be costly, as aged Regional and Special Editions traditionally are. The Cuaba APAC is a solid cigar, that there is no doubt, but if I had a choice I would put my disposable income into acquiring other cigars, most probably regular production.

[JohnS]

H.Upmann Petit Coronas MEG Oct 2015

The H.Upmann Petit Coronas was last manufactured in 2016. The last of these 25-count dress boxes were last seen in 2017. They were never a popular seller, both in relation to other marevas-sized cigars and within the H.Upmann marca. I would speculate the reason for why the H.Upmann Petit Coronas never developed a following would be because it was the type of cigar that took a long time to 'peak' or develop and when young it was known for being quite dominant in strength, espresso coffee and toasted tobacco.

What then did the H.Upmann Petit Coronas have in terms of appeal for its adherents? Simply put, with significant time down it was known for having a combination of that other-worldly H.Upmann shortbread and sweet cream texture. When you get this in an aged H.Upmann cigar I promise you that there is nothing finer. 

This particular H.Upmann Petit Coronas, being nearly ten years of age, is the third cigar I've had from this box. It was beautifully cream-textured, balanced in its cedar and leather and had minimal Upmann pepper, especially in the back half/last third. If you are familiar with aged H.Upmann Petit Coronas, this is exactly how you want them.

So, in summary, kudos to you if you have these in your humidor and you have the opportunity to smoke cigars like this. The cream-texture at this stage of its development means that they offer a unique blend for a Petit Coronas, which I'm quite grateful for.

[Perla]

15 hours ago, JohnS said:

H.Upmann Petit Coronas MEG Oct 2015

The H.Upmann Petit Coronas was last manufactured in 2016. The last of these 25-count dress boxes were last seen in 2017. They were never a popular seller, both in relation to other marevas-sized cigars and within the H.Upmann marca. I would speculate the reason for why the H.Upmann Petit Coronas never developed a following would be because it was the type of cigar that took a long time to 'peak' or develop and when young it was known for being quite dominant in strength, espresso coffee and toasted tobacco.

What then did the H.Upmann Petit Coronas have in terms of appeal for its adherents? Simply put, with significant time down it was known for having a combination of that other-worldly H.Upmann shortbread and sweet cream texture. When you get this in an aged H.Upmann cigar I promise you that there is nothing finer. 

This particular H.Upmann Petit Coronas, being nearly ten years of age, is the third cigar I've had from this box. It was beautifully cream-textured, balanced in its cedar and leather and had minimal Upmann pepper, especially in the back half/last third. If you are familiar with aged H.Upmann Petit Coronas, this is exactly how you want them.

So, in summary, kudos to you if you have these in your humidor and you have the opportunity to smoke cigars like this. The cream-texture at this stage of its development means that they offer a unique blend for a Petit Coronas, which I'm quite grateful for.

Somehow I got the chance to buy two boxes of them in 2020. 2022/2023 my favourite smoke was the PC. A box of pleasure. Now a box of treasure. Something I never expected, something I never hoped for. 

It’s your last year that you will do these reviews? I will miss them a lot. 

[JohnS]

Thanks @Perla. I concur that whoever has a box of H.Upmann Petit Coronas currently, with boxes aged around the ten-year mark, is very fortunate to be able to smoke these right now.

And thank you kindly for enjoying these reviews. Yes, it is my last year updating this blog series. I plan to say more (about it) at the end of the year.

[JohnS]

San Cristóbal de la Habana El Príncipe AME Nov 2012

First off, I know I have done a lot of reviews on this iconic minuto-sized cigar but this one was warranted on account of the fact that it was gifted to me by @loose_axle (thank you, dear friend!) and it had a late 2012 box code. Any chance that it had expired and reached its peak? Not in the slightest, I can guarantee you that!

This cigar was smoked at a time when the weather in my part of the world for that month was quite ordinary (i.e. cold and wet) and it had just cleared up to be a fine, sunny day. While I prepared a barbecue for my extended family to celebrate my daughter's 25th birthday, I lit up this glorious wonder! So what was so exceptional about it?

From the very first puff, this San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe was all pancake-textured. As I smoked it down, the one characteristic that endeared me to it was the transformation of that quintessential cocoa into quite something else. After twelve-and-a-half years, that 'something else' had become a luscious, sweet milk chocolate that was akin to sipping Lindt hot chocolate with every puff on the cigar. It was all quite incredible. I can add further that the Lanson champagne that was in the refrigerator for the party went down well to compliment it. However, the bottle didn't last long because my wife and my sister-in-law delightfully gave themselves generous portions. Thankfully I finished this SCdLH El Principe with a small refill of the Lanson.

I guess that the benefit of aging is quite subjective. For me, this meant that this cigar was exquisitely good. You might like your San Cristobal de La Habana El Principes with some more 'bite' to them, but I'd take them like this anytime!

[JohnS]

Saint Luis Rey La Cuna 2021 - Edición Regional Italia EBP Feb 2024

The Saint Luis Rey La Cuna is a 2021 Italian Regional Edition cigar that was delayed to market until mid-2024. I suppose that fact is nothing out of the ordinary for special Habanos cigar releases nowadays, but this particular cigar has a unique distinction in that it represents the first Saint Luis Rey specifically made for the Italian market. It is a Dalia-sized 43 ring gauge x 170 mm (or 6¾ inches) in length, with 10000 numbered varnished semi boîte nature box of 10 cigars produced.

The name "La Cuna' means 'the cradle' in Spanish. Exactly what the significance of this name represents is a mystery, but an educated guess could suggest that it is an homage to the traditional roots of either the Italian love for fine Habanos cigars or the love of the Saint Luis Rey marca itself. Perhaps it's a combination of both?

Speaking of the Saint Luis Rey marca, it's a shame that only the Hermosos No.4-sized Regios is left in regular production. And I can assert that the flavour profile of that cigar is more 'bread-y' and 'apple citrus' than the more complex, but sadly discontinued Corona Gorda Serie A. (My goodness, it has been over ten years since the Serie A was no longer in production! How incredible is that?) And try not to even think about the Saint Luis Rey Double Coronas, which was discontinued in 2013 and only came in 50 cabs. That cigar was different still in that it was never as complex as the Serie A, but while it was around it was difficult to 'move' or sell for retailers. These days, they command a hefty premium, if you can find them!

No matter, left's stop reminiscing and return to this Saint Luis Rey La Cuna, shall we? What was it like? In simple terms, it had a wonderful complexity to it that reminded me of the Serie A, only it was a lot smoother (and milder from memory) due to its thin ring gauge and length, in my view. It opened with an amazing orange-almond creaminess which complimented the cedar and hay aspects to the cigar. In the middle third, I could detect some pekoe tea (which I've noticed in Serie A's I've smoked in the past), some toasted hazelnut and spiced cocoa. In the last third, the cigar had white pepper, espresso coffee, wood and a hint of floral notes which made me marvel how it had developed through its transitions. It was amazing, really.

Italian Regional Editions are well-noted amongst cigar enthusiasts for being reputable and as such, they attract an elevated demand. I am grateful to @loose_axle for gifting me this cigar to enjoy and review. After smoking it today, I can affirm that the prestigious reputation of Italian Regional Edition cigars is well warranted.

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Royal Series 2022 - La Casa del Habano Exclusivo SUL Nov 2023

The El Rey del Mundo brand, meaning "The King of the World", was established in 1882. By the 1940s and 50s, it had become a premium luxury brand (alongside its sister brand, Rafael Gonzalez, believe it or not) which steadily declined in reputation when brands like Montecristo in the 1970s and Cohiba in the 1980s became more popular. These days, the marca is only represented by the Choix Supreme and Demi Tasse and is nowhere near as ubiquitous as it once was.

The brand's latest release, the El Rey del Mundo Royal Series, is a noteworthy addition to its regular production catalogue. It is a Dobles vitola, measuring 155 mm in length with a 50-ring gauge, and is exclusive to La Casa del Habano (LCDH) and Habanos Specialist stores worldwide, with the El Rey del Mundo Royal Series marking the brand's debut as a La Casa del Habano-exclusive cigar. 

According to Habanos S.A.'s press release, "the Royal Series cigars are presented in elegantly lacquered boxes of 20, each meticulously crafted "Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga" (entirely by hand with long filler) using the finest tobacco leaves sourced from the renowned Vuelta Abajo plantations in Cuba's Pinar del Río region. With a generous length of 155 mm and a 50-ring gauge, the Royal Series pays homage to its royal heritage, promising a rich and enduring smoking experience. Packaged in glossy, enameled white boxes, these cigars are designed to captivate both visually and in terms of taste quality."

Again, I am thankful to @loose_axle for the opportunity to smoke this cigar. The El Rey del Mundo Royal Series was announced in 2022 and launched at an event in Cyprus in late 2023. In my view, it is unlike both the ERdM Choix Supreme and Demi Tasse. Its vitola dimensions make that distinction quite evident, but its smoking did too.

Upon lighting, it was obvious that this was a cigar that was manufactured to be rich and dense in its favour profile. It opened with a burnt almond, wood and herbal profile and this core flavour blend increased in intensity throughout the thirds. Along the way, the cigar became more spicy, and more so in the last third. This spiciness remained on the palate long after I finished the cigar.

Upon its completion I reflected upon the thought that the Royal Series was an attempt at making the Cohiba Siglo VI for the El Rey del Mundo marca, only more amplified. I guess it reminded me of the Bolivar Libertador, another rich, strong La Casa del Habanos release. It's a simple cigar in its blend, but it has a rich quality to it too. If you happen to have picked up a cabinet of 20 I would recommend to lay it down for awhile, just to see how it develops as it ages. I would hazard to guess that even after ten years this cigar will have some 'oomph' to it and still be rich in its smoking!

[JohnS]

Montecristo Especial SOR Dic 2020

I've mentioned in previous reviews on this cigar that along with the Cohiba Lanceros and Trinidad Fundadores, the Montecristo Especial is the epitome of the 'long-and-skinny', a Laguito No.1 with a slender 38 ring gauge by 192 mm (or 7.6 inches) in length. I would like to thank @loose_axle for making this review possible. 

Alongside the Laguito No.2-sized Montecristo Especiales No.2 (i.e. 38 ring gauge x 152 mm or 6 inches in length), the Montecristo Especial shares a potentiality of aging in the long-term which makes it unique in comparison to other Montecristo vitolas. The thing is, I keep smoking these Monte Especials under the five-year mark. What can I say? They're a nice smoke in the interim too!

This cigar opened with a cocoa and citrus twang in the first third, which is something I've noticed in my 2021 Montecristo Especials too. That citrus twang was quite appealing.

In the middle third of the cigar, that cocoa and citrus twang was again supplemented by a distinct Cointreau-like, ginger sweetness which I consider quite desirable and commendable in a Montecristo cigar. This time, it did not continue into the last third, with a bitter chocolate coming to the fore towards the end the end of the middle third and continuing into the last third.

So, in conclusion, I again enjoyed those ginger elements of this cigar and it was quite fine to smoke at this stage of its development. However, as the Monte Especial is well-known for having 'long legs' (i.e. aging potential over many, many years), this cigar reminded me of the possibility of that ginger and Cointreau-like sweetness developing further as it hits the ten-year mark and longer. Therefore, I really owe it to myself to let my Montecristo Especial stock rest.

[JohnS]

San Cristóbal de la Habana Torreon 2012 - Especialista en Habanos y La Casa del Habano Exclusivo LGR Jul 2019

Do you recall the first release of the Habanos Specialist Exclusive program? You may think that it was the 2013 H.Upmann Connossieur A but it was in fact the San Cristobal de la Habana Torreon announced in 2012 and released the year after. We've since had the 2014 Por Larranaga Picadores, 2016 Punch 48, 2017 H.Upmann Connossieur B, 2018 San Cristobal de la Habana Prado, 2019 Cohiba Novedosos, 2020 Montecristo Herederos, 2021 Partagas Aliados, 2022 Romeo y Julieta Cupidos and 2025 soon-to-be-released (at the time of writing this review) Trinidad Villa join this program but I'd argue that that the initial SCdLH Torreon is the most elusive. The reason is due to the unique packaging. 

The packaging comes in the form of a ceramic jar, of course. The peculiarity of this jar is that it is shaped like a castle tower. It contains an ashtray which crowns the jar with crenellations shaped-like dips. Every cigar in the San Cristobal de La Habana line-up is named after fortresses of La Habana, and the Torreon (or the Turret in English) is the name of the watchtower of El Morro fortress that watches over the port of La Habana. Each jar contains a humidifier system that keeps the cigar fresh and each jar is numbered. Only 2000 were produced back in 2012, and only for the Habanos Specialist shops and La Casa Del Habanos stores.

The Torreon is a 54 ring gauge x 150 mm (or 5⅞ inches) in length Geniales. The first regular production cigar to have these dimension was the 2009 Montecristo Eagle and it was joined by the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan in 2014. The 2017 Habanos Specialist Exclusive H.Upmann Connossieur B also has these dimensions as do thirteen other Regional Editions in the meantime.

I'd like to thank @loose_axle for gifting me this fine San Cristobal cigar. My initial draw highlighted its sweet pancake texture, floral notes and honey with a medium-mild strength in the first half of the cigar. This Torreon had the hallmarks of a San Cristobal cigar with sweet cocoa, coffee and molasses at its core. The texture was very much pancake-like, especially in the first half. It remained this way for the first half until I picked up some walnut and Earth flavours midway which intensified into the last third. There was also a touch of spice and woodiness towards the end of the cigar.

I nubbed this after 125 minutes. I'm very, very glad to have had the opportunity to smoke this wonderful cigar today, and that too because it's not often one has a Habanos cigar like this.

[JohnS]

Partagás Lusitanias UEB Jun 2018

The Double Coronas is a vitola with a 49 ring gauge and 194 mm or 7⅝ inches length. It typically takes a long time to smoke, somewhere in the vicinity of two-and-a-half hours or more. Of the Double Coronas in regular production in the current Habanos catalogue, I would believe that the Partagas Lusitanias is rated the highest among our members. 

It wasn't that long ago that the Partagas Lusitanias was seemingly unavailable for the greater majority of 2022 and 2023. Fortunately, alongside the other Double Coronas in regular production; namely, the Ramon Allones Gigantes, the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas and the Punch Double Coronas, these have all been made available again, albeit in select quantities and at select times.

I last smoked a 'Lusi' from this UEB Jun 2018 box code about a year and nine months ago. At the time, the flavours I had listed were sourdough, milk coffee and leather. Any paprika spice to be had in that cigar was after the first third, and it was much less than the two previous UEB Jun 2018 Lusis I had prior to that one. Also, it was quite light on any caramel-like sweetness (what El Pres lists as nougat). For me, that suggests that the cigar is settling within its current phase of development. 

Construction-wise, all my UEB Jun 2018 Partagas Lusitanias have struggled to maintain a one-inch ash, but this one 'bucked the trend' in how well it ashed, by contrast. Overall I consider this UEB Jun 2018 cigar better than my last one, but I consider my last three or four UEB Abr 2019 Lusis were all better by comparison, though.

So, when was the last time you smoked a Double Coronas and if you have some in your humidor, are you reticent to smoke your stock given the current state of things? (I.e. especially with the increase in pricing and issues in regards to availability.) I sometimes wonder when will be the next time that I reach for a Double Coronas myself, but invariably of recent times, say the last twelve to eighteen months, I seem to be fortunate enough to find one to smoke!

[JohnS]

Vegas Robaina Unicos Sevilla Jar 2016 593

According to an article dating back two years from Cigar Journal, Serie Sevilla is the name of a collection, exclusive to the Spanish market, of Habanos cigars presented in English earthenware jars. The jars, made by “La Cartuja de Sevilla”, are a replica of those made by the same firm in the middle of the last century for the Partagas and Ramon Allones brands, which are now genuine museum pieces. The first edition of Serie Sevilla, produced in 2016, featured Montecristo No.3, followed in 2017 by Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial, H. Upmann Magnum 50 in 2018, Partagas Serie P No.2 in 2019, Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills in 2020 and Ramón Allones Allones Specially Selected in 2021.

The 7th edition consists of 1,000 numbered pieces. Each of them contains 21 Unicos, the brand’s Piramides (156 mm in length and 52 filler), entirely hand-rolled and preserved in the best conditions. It is priced at €25 per cigar and €525 per box.

So, this Vegas Robaina Unicos is from Jar 593 and these cigars were produced in 2016. I'd like to thank @loose_axle for making it possible to review this cigar!

I must admit, in writing this review, that I've had many more Vegas Robaina Famosos and even Don Alejandros than I've had Unicos. In surmising as to why, I think the reason for this is because, at least for me, Vegas Robaina represents a change-of-pace marca. In other words, a brand that I turn to every now and then to freshen my palate, so-to-speak, otherwise I'd be smoking solely Cohiba and Quai d'Orsay cigars, at the present time! 

Despite my relative inexperience with the Vegas Robaina Unicos, I have smoked more than enough cigars to know that this cigar, at nine years of age, was a quality specimen of its ilk. At this stage of its development, it didn't much in the way of quality chocolate, but it did have a subtle herbal quality to it, together with a raisin/dates/prunes fruitiness to it that made it effortless to smoke. Needless to say, I very much enjoyed smoking it!

I have around eight Vegas Robaina Unicos cigars in my inventory. After smoking this example from the seventh edition of the Spanish Seville series, I am inclined to let them rest awhile. Maybe it won't be five years until I have the next one from the box, but nonetheless, I'm in no hurry.

[JohnS]

Punch 48 2016 - Especialista en Habanos y La Casa del Habano Exclusivo TOS Dic 2016

When I first tried the LCdH Punch 48 (when it was first released) I noted the roasted nut profile in it was so dominant. At around the 18 months mark the peanut profile was still there; albeit, not as roasted. A Hermosos No.3, at 48 ring gauge x 140 mm (or 5½ inches), the size now seems more akin to a coronas, especially since the Robustos (50 ring gauge) and Petit Robustos is now the average-sized Habanos vitola these days. 

Incredibly, this is only the third Punch 48 that I've had in the last four-and-a-half years! I must thank @Luca for gifting me this cigar to review. With that passage of time, I can assuredly say that the profile upon lighting this cigar demonstrated that 'roasted nuts' was no longer an adequate adjective to use in profiling it, after eight-and-a-half years that is.

Around four years ago I noted that there was a gorgeous sour citrus twang intermingled with a similarly gorgeous light cream and cedar note. Today, I wouldn't say that the sour citrus twang was as evident, but there was certainly remnants of it. Furthermore, much like last time I smoked this cigar there was some cedar, light cream and nuts (just not roasted) too. 

I got a copious amount of smoke per puff and this no doubt contributed to the one hour and forty-five minute smoking time.

In summary, this was quite a fine cigar. At eight-and-a-half years of age, these are coming along just nicely. I expect them to continue to improve in the long-term as the blend melds even more.

[JohnS]

I would like to take the opportunity to thank @loose_axle for gifting me the cigars aforementioned above because I have to admit that these cigars were all unique to this Blog Series in some way, and they extended this year's Series too. A special thanks to @Luca for the Punch 48 also.

Initially, I had intended to end this year's Series here at this point, but my ventures in France in October this year resulted in some incredible generosity on behalf of some dear friends towards me and thus, we will extend the Series a little. The final five cigars will be published before the end of the month. See you then!

John.

[loose_axle]

18 hours ago, JohnS said:

I would like to take the opportunity to thank @loose_axle for gifting me the cigars aforementioned above because I have to admit that these cigars were all unique to this Blog Series in some way, and they extended this year's Series too. A special thanks to @Luca for the Punch 48 also.

Initially, I had intended to end this year's Series here at this point, but my ventures in France in October this year resulted in some incredible generosity on behalf of some dear friends towards me and thus, we will extend the Series a little. The final five cigars will be published before the end of the month. See you then!

John.

A pleasure my friend, and but a mild return for you generous hospitality and wonderful conversation! 

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie D No.3 2001 - Edición Limitada Circa 2001

The Partagas Serie D No.3 was a part of the 2001 Limited Edition releases, but it did not come to market until 2002. It didn't hinder its critical rating amongst cigar enthusiasts at the time, as it quickly became synonymous with being amongst the best Limited Editions even years later. So much so, that the cigar was re-released as a Limited Edition in 2006!

In those days, four or five Limited Editions were released annually since the program started in 2000 on the behest of Habanos S.A.'s business partner (at the time), Altidis. It wasn't until 2005 that the program settled upon its usual three releases annually.

In 2001, the Partagas Serie D No.3 had an almost oscuro maduro wrapper which inserted a chocolate flavour upon the cigar, as well as other flavours such as cedar, leather, honey and black pepper. It was known for being wonderfully complex. It goes without saying that after twenty-four years the cigar has somewhat settled. But has it entered its 'expiry' period? (In other words, that stage of a cigar's development whereby it not only has peaked, but it is no longer flavoursome.)

I must acknowledge the generosity of an anonymous benefactor who gifted me this cigar during my travels to France in late 2025. Upon lighting the cigar, I can tell you that in fact it had not reached its 'expiry' period. Not only that, it actually had an evident Partagas DNA to it. There was some sourdough, leather and very light cocoa during the first half of the cigar, which was supplemented by some Partagas pepper in the back half. This somewhat surprised me, as the cigar still had a semblance of complexity to it, even after it was approaching its twenty-fifth year of aging.

In summary, this was a brilliant example of a well-aged cigar. If you've had the opportunity to smoke cigars aged over twenty years of age, then you'd know that you're unlikely to get a complex 'feel' to the cigar as the blend would have well and truly melded by then. This Partagas Serie D No.3 still had some complexity to it. And that is saying something indeed!

[JohnS]

Montecristo C 2003 - Edición Limitada Circa 2003

The Montecristo C is a Limited Edition released in 2003. It garnered mixed reviews upon its release. On the one hand, some cigar enthusiasts acclaimed it as a great cigar, on the other hand, a great deal of others within the cigar community lamented that it was not worthy of being part of the Limited Edition program.

Like the Partagas Serie D No.3 that I smoked before this cigar, the Montecristo C is a Corona Gorda-sized cigar with a 46 ring gauge and 143 millimetre length (or 5⅝ inches). It's hard to conceive that nowadays a Limited Edition cigar would be released in this vitola. How times have changed!

After a period of five years or so there was a re-evaluation of the Montecristo C which lauded its complexity amongst some cigar reviewers. Perhaps the cigar was unbalanced at the time of its release and this initial period of aging allowed it to settle? The flavours were invariably a mix of cocoa, roasted nut and coffee and earth. Doesn't exactly sound like a quintessential Montecristo cigar, does it? What about after twenty-two years of age? Has the Montecristo C turned into a 'beautiful swan' after been criticised as a 'ugly duckling' upon release?

Again, I must acknowledge the generosity of an anonymous benefactor who gifted me this cigar during my recent travels to France in late 2025. Upon lighting the cigar, there was little evidence of any cocoa or earthiness. Instead, I did get one note that is common with well-aged cigars...baking spice. Now, this is something I actively look for in a cigar that is well-rested and in fact it's something I quite like. However, with this came evidence of the cigar having reached it 'expiry' period; that being, a chalkiness and soft nuttiness which dominated the blend. When Montecristo cigars display flavours like this, you just know that it has gone well past its peak period. I can't say that there was much more to this Montecristo C for the rest of the time that I smoked it as it was veritably bland, in general.

Still, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have experienced this cigar for myself. I wonder how many cigar enthusiasts still have this cigar in their humidor?

[JohnS]

 

Cohiba Coronas Especiales 2003 - Reserva Selección Circa 2003

This Cohiba Coronas Especiales came from a 30-cigar humidor 2003 Reserva Seleccion release. This was the first release in the Reserva Seleccion series and thus far the only one to include a multitude of vitolas rather than just the usual one. 

The original Habanos S.A press release below...

This humidified box contains a selection of 30 cigars:

    6 Coronas Especiales
    4 Espléndidos
    6 Robustos
    8 Pirámides
    6 Medias Coronas

“Cohiba Selección Reserva” has been elaborated with tobacco coming from the best vegas of San Luis and San Juan y Martínez, in the Vuelta Abajo producing region. The tobacco filler leaves have been aged for over 3 years time before rolling the cigars. This specially aged tobacco liberates even more progressively the unique Cohiba’s flavour and aroma.

This production incorporates the Reserva band, accompanying the main Cohiba band, which in this occasion incorporates the name of the brand in golden letters. All of it so as to brighten the presentation of the Selección Reserva.

Due to the exclusivity of this Cohiba Selección Reserva, which contains the Habanos’ most outstanding brand, and also because of the meticulous selection of the best Cuban tobacco leaves from Vuelta Abajo finest vegas, specially aged for this occasion, Cohiba Selección Reserva is bound to be a noteworthy event in the world of cigars.

As mentioned in the press release above, the Coronas Especiales was a 38 ring gauge x 152 mm or 6 inches vitola which was the first lot of cigars to officially include medio tiempo leaves. According to Habanos S.A, medio tiempo is a rare leaf used very occasionally to bring extra intensity to the taste. It has a strength rating of four, in contrast volado has a strength rating of one, seco is two and ligero leaf is three. Medio tiempo is best suited for larger cigars because of the fullness of flavour it brings to the blend of a cigar. This is the reason why the smallest ring gauge in the Cohiba Behike Linea series is 52 and it is also why the Media Coronas, a special release included here, at 38 ring gauge, was not re-introduced as a regular production vitola afterwards (unlike the Cohiba Piramides Extra, for example).

I've been fortunate enough to have sampled the Media Coronas, Pirámides and Espléndidos from this Reserva Seleccion release and they were all exemplary. This Coronas Especiales was similar in its noteworthy excellence. Again, I must credit an anonymous benefactor for gifting me this cigar during my recent travels to France.  

Like the Media Coronas, Pirámides and Espléndidos, this Coronas Especiales had quality cedar, honey sweetness, quality grass/hay, vanilla bean underlying core flavour which made it really resonate with me. Even after this cigar has reached well past its twentieth year, it didn't lack in any way in terms of flavour. Quite simply, this is how the very best aged Cohiba cigars should smoke.

I guess I can count myself fortunate to have sampled another cigar from this initial and highly reputable 2003 Cohiba Reserva Seleccion humidor. They are still great cigars, even after all this time!