Feb
14
2009
By Janelle Schweinfurth Copyright 2009
It seems our earliest encounters of cigar smoking can be traced to the native people of the island we now call Cuba. While on this island, Rodrigo de Jerez and Luis de Torres, two Spaniards sailing under the directions of Christoper Columbus in 1492, succumbed to peer pressure and took their first puffs. The cigars they smoked were tobacco wrapped in plantain leaves, dried palm leaves or corn husks. It is believed that the tobacco plant originated in South America and made it’s way through the neighboring islands.
The first tobacco plantations in Cuba were planted along the Alemandares River in the early 1600’s. For one year during the British occupation of Cuba in 1763 tobacco took over Coffee as the number one cash crop of the island. This one year was just enough time for the tobacco to open up an absolutely lucrative European market for itself. Cigar making, having been established in Europe, spread to Spain. It is Spain that is attributed with the construction of the cigars we now smoke and are familiar with to this day. It wasn’t until the mid 19th century that cigar making came into it’s own in the United States and then later in that century different brands started to emerge.
Cuba became the most popular producer of cigars although cigars were being produced in many countries through South America as well. It took the Cuban embargo by US President Kennedy in 1961 to allow these other South American countries to tap into the excellence of the Cuban skills of cigar making. This came about because the cigar makers of Cuba, knowing their way of life was threatened by Castro and his regime, left their island and took their craft and seeds with them to continue their fine art elsewhere. Promising countries for growing tobacco and continuing their trade included Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Even Brazil and Mexico would come to play supporting roles in the tobaco industry. Exquisite wrappers also began being produced in countries such as Ecuador, Camaroon, Sumatra and even the state of Connecticut in the United States. Of course Cuba is still known for it’s fine cigars; legends do not die quickly. But there are signs that this may be changing; the future of cigars looks promising!
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Jan
7
2009
smooth, mild and even cigar. The last third is as enjoyable as the first. To be smoked slowly and enjoyed to the fullest. – Fred B.
Smooth, mild, with hints of cream, cedar, and notes of dry wood and leather. Peppery finish. The natural and the maduro are by far the best. Excellent with a good scotch. – Mark
Rated 85. This cigar has a good looking wrapper and it burs wiht a flaky ash. The draw is firm. It is a little creamy and dry, with notes of sandalwood and touches of cocoa and coffee. Medium to full bodied. – Cigar Aficionado, December 2006
This is a great smoke. The stubby size is a fooler,the 4.5 inch smoke still lasts about 35 minuets or more without burning out. Nothing worse than a cigar that wont stay lit if not puffed every few seconds. These are great for the money as well. Smooth with a meaty finish.Thick blue smoke with a lite smell for others. Try one. – Prince of Peace
Double Chateau Fuente add your review
Wonderful. 91 in my book. Silky smooth wrapper. Tasty complex flavor with bold cedar notes and a solid peppery spice through the nose. Woodsy undertones. The smoke produces a euphoric sensation in the frontal lobe and a satisfaction only common in Fuente Cigars. – Tyler C.
This is one of favorites in the Fuente line.This well constructed beauty is a sight to behold. Taking it from it’s, your sense’s are treated to the wonderful aroma of well aged tobacco sheathed in cedar, wow what a combination! This smooth tasting, medium bodied cigar has a wonderful tobacco and spice flavor with a wonderful aroma. A great way to treat yourself to a wonderful and relaxing hour! – Joe Mazloom
Rated 88. This well made cigar has a smooth even draw and a fine burn. It is creamy, rich and nutty, with notes of light wood and a touch of pepper. Mild to medium bodied. – Cigar Aficionado, February 2007
The Gran Reserva line is the flagship of the brand coming in a variety of sizes and spanning several popular wrappers. The cedar wrapped line combines a smooth Connecticut wrapper over a Dominican filler and binder making it a mild masterpiece. The Cameroon sizes take advantage of a Central African wrapper that builds a medium body over a Dominican binder and filler. This wrapper has a tangy more flavorful aroma on the palate. In addition to the natural and Cameroon wrappers, Fuente makes their popular cigars in a sweet and dark maduro wrapper that that has a more robust flavor. CLICK HERE TO ORDER.
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