More Reviews By Bella

The Robusto vitola in this blend is my favorite: it’s a bit bolder than the other sizes, and its flavor profile reminds me of a snickerdoodle cookie. Some may claim it’s medium to full-bodied, but I’d argue it’s medium, and therefore suitable for all enthusiasts. Pair with Four Roses Small Batch by the fire for a fine evening.

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve never met a La Aroma de Cuba I didn’t love, and Noblesse is no exception. I have fond memories of the original LE release a decade ago; I’m happy to say the switch to a San Andrés wrapper was a great choice. This is a must-have, and I highly recommend the Coronation (Toro).

After Terence Reilly offered employees an Aganorsa brand training, I began to deliberately seek out their cigars to put what I learned to the test. While there are tell-tale tastes to Aganorsa tobacco, with Made Man it feels more like a blending of styles to create the ultimate puro. Enjoy alongside a Glenfarclas and Ginger Beer on a warm night. 

If I could describe the Aladino Corojo in one word, it’s balance. Construction is top-notch, the flavor profile is rich and complex, but none of the notes overpower one another. I prefer the Toro size after a good meal with some bourbon as a nightcap. If you can retrohale, there are floral notes which become more present – delightful!

For me personally, I enjoy spice but in a tempered way. Punch Golden Era is refined, and after I smoked one Churchill with water, I wanted to amplify the underlying cinnamon note, so I grabbed another cigar and some Sazerac Rye. The candied spice note in my whiskey harmonized perfectly with this blend!

There’s something wonderful about a blend which can be appreciated by enthusiasts of all levels – it’s also a rare occurrence in today’s market. Someone more experienced will pick up on its complexity that firmly remains balanced, while a lesser-experienced individual will revel in its profile, appearance, and burn. Mil Días grabs your attention and never lets go.

You can't beat a combo like H. Upmann and AJ Fernandez. This hearty long-filler blend of Criollo 98 and Piloto Cubano tobaccos gets finished with smooth Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper provides notes of roasted nuts, spice, and cocoa. Very Cuban-esque, it's easy to see why this one has a '90' rating. Pair it with an Old-Fashioned and see why this legendary brand is so well respected.

With a patriotic foot band, there’s no mistaking the importance of U.S.-grown tobacco to this blend. Formerly called the “Double Connecticut,” its wrapper is Shade and the binder Broadleaf. Mellow but never boring, its notes of baking spice, white pepper, cedar, and hops allow for pairings with a crisp beer or even a nice tea.

CAO has consistently been one of my favorite brands for a long time now. But one cigar in their portfolio that always seems to be overlooked is the ‘91’ rated CAO Nicaragua. Made with long-fillers from three of Nicaragua’s prime growing regions and covered with a dark Jamastran wrapper, this premium possesses a beautiful balance of strength and flavor. A complex profile offers notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, roasted nuts, and a dried fruit sweetness.

One of Gurkha’s most limited releases, Yakuza never fails to impress. A hefty helping of Ligero tobaccos makes for a potent base that gets finished with dark, oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. This full-bodied treat definitely hits the spot after a stressful day. But even with Yakuza’s power, there’s a subtle balance that makes for a smooth, rich finish. Pour yourself a glass of single malt and kick back with this limited release!