Cigars for all Tastes

Some small, some large and some NEW.

This was my overall impression when I skimmed through the latest list of Cuban cigars available to you all – spoilt for choice one might say. Let’s take a look at some offerings.

Some small – hand rolled, long filler cigars for when time is short.

Le Hoyo De Député (110x38)
The smallest of the 3 Le Hoyo cigars launched in the 1940s, in slide top cabinets of 25.
This cigar is not to be taken lightly, it punches way above its size. Probably brought back to fill a gap in the demand for a powerful smaller size cigar, but not with a 50 plus ringsize.

Rafael Gonzales Perlas (102x40)
Perla is the Vitola de Galera (factory name) for the size and shape commonly known as Half Corona.
Reputed to have been launched as a new Cuban Vitola in 1992.
Names aside, under the R.G.brand this is bound to be of a good quality but may need to be laid down for a while before smoking.
Probably worth more than its price – you decide.

Romeo y Julieta Petit Julieta (102x30)
We haven’t seen these for some time. They will surely be welcomed back by the Romeos and some Julietas in need of a gentle, handmade, senorita-size smoke in their favourite brand.
The late Theo Rudman described it as possibly the best made cigar of this size.
Good reviews all round.

Cuaba Divinos (101x43)
Launched in 1996 the Cuaba range of Perfecto Figurado cigars heralded the revival of one of Cubas original shapes, pointed at both ends. This shape was so complicated to roll that it had virtually become extinct by the 1940’s
The relaunch in 1996 was limited to the UK market, then, as the production increased, the cigars were offered worldwide.
The smoking experience is quite unique. Starting as very mild through the combination at first of only the binders and wrappers, the taste blossoms as the filler comes into play, and as it it burns up to the thickest point and then on down to the end. An extraordinary cigar.

Jose L Piedra Petit Cazadores (105x43)
Always known as a budget, value brand – the cigars are100% hand-made, with short filler tobaccos from the Remedios area. Over the years the quality has steadily improved to be accepted for what it is.
Nothing pretentious - ideal for casual smoking, especially outdoors.

Some large when you have time to settle down and really appreciate the cigar.  

Partagas Lusitania (194x49)
Revived - this classic Double Corona is making a comeback following the demand for a bigger cigar in this popular brand.
Schedule a good 2 hours to enjoy it; don’t short change yourself by rushing it.

Some new – always something different to try.

Armorosos is the factory name of a new large vitola in the Habanos formal range, a robusto extra.
It was launched during the 20th annual Festival del Habanos in Lebanon, September 2018, in the Le Hoyo range as:
Le Hoyo Rio Seco (140x56)
Its size allows for a very complex blend – the blender’s dream, and the smoker’s appreciation.
Now available worldwide it should appeal to those who enjoy the Epicure No 2, but would like a little more.

Quai D’ Orsay – two new vitolas
No.50 (110x50) Vitola de Galera (factory name) Alma
No.54 (133x54) Vitola de Galera (factory name) Gourmet
Named after the famous bridge in the City of Bridges, Quai d’Orsay was launched in Paris in 1970 (at the request of the French President), for France only.
The call was for a light, mild blend ideally suited, for an “anytime” smoke. Now only the Corona Claro remains.
However the cigars in the 2017 launch (appropriately in Paris) have a darker leaf and, especially the two larger vitolas, are likely to have more body.
It is said that the brand smokes better with a clean palate, not after a hearty full meal.
These criteria and comments might well apply to the original, smaller ringsize cigars in the brand, but the new blend and sizes are likely to be different.
The pricing may tempt you to find out for yourself.

As well as these highlights there are many favourites available,
Click here for a pricelist.

I repeat “spoilt for choice”

Whichever cigar you choose, remember the rule about lighting – hold the cigar at an angle above (not in) the flame, taking care not to char (braai) the foot of the cigar.
Although a Turbo is useful outdoors in inclement weather, a normal gas flame is best, and easiest to control.
Relatively new to the market is a neat, slim, metal flint gas lighter from Clipper – the angled flame makes it easy to “hold the cigar at an angle”.
Suitable for cigars and pipe (good for those who enjoy the pleasures of both).
No troubles with the lighters at all so far, and the price won’t trouble you either.

We’re always looking to add to your smoking pleasure

Colin Wesley

No.448 March 14 - 27, 2019

You can read previous articles from “Across the Counter” in The Archives Library.

TRAVELLING TIME – (CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, BUS)
Many places where normal smoking is not allowed also restrict the use of e-cigs.

“Snus” is the answer

The question is - What is Snus?

Note:
By law, no South African citizen, living in South Africa can buy a tobacco product via the internet or postal system.  In fact, you may not receive a tobacco product through the post.
In addition we may not receive payment through the internet for tobacco products.
We may only supply tobacco products within the trade – not to private individuals. The fine is substantial
Contact us for help in getting tobacco to your area.

PS If you can’t visit a Wesley’s Bricks and Mortar, remember that
if you’re not completely happy with your mailsale choice, you can always return it for a full refund.

   4      Prohibitions in respect of tobacco products

(5) (a)  No person shall sell, offer to sell, supply, distribute or buy any tobacco product through the postal services, the internet or any other electronic media.
      (b) The prohibition contained in paragraph (a) does not apply to any commercial communication between a tobacco manufacturer or importer and its trade partners, business partners, employees and shareholders.

Until we have obtained clarity on these points we have removed the “BUY NOW” option from all pure tobacco products on the website.
If this affects you, please contact us regarding a stockist of these tobacco products in your area.

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