The New Cuban
Cubans are widely considered the be all and end all of fine cigars. My first cigar experience was with my mother, a white Russian, and a Cuban she had snuck over the Canadian boarder. At the time, I was thoroughly convinced that there was no felicity so divine as a fine Cuban. But before you make a serious investment on this famed illegal import, let me share the findings of my experience.
The Cuban owes much of its renown to its perfect balance of full-bodied flavor and that light sweetness which makes for a sensual, smoker-friendly cigar. Another part of the lure is a combination of the forbidden and the price tag. The problem I have come to find with Cubans is their inconsistency. Cubans have been among the best and worst cigars I have ever smoked. My solution is geographical. I’m a staunch supporter of Dominicans. Dominicans offer full-bodied flavor, sun-grown wrappers, and consistency. While it’s my opinion that no two cigars are the same- every smoke out of a box of Dominicans is similar to the last.
The secret to making any full-bodied cigar develop a lighter sweeter taste while still maintaining it’s flavor is found in the aging process. With age comes beauty.
My favorite cigar is a well-aged Dominican Opus X #5. Opus X cigars are elites among aficionados. They can be difficult to come by, but they are reasonably priced and their flavor can’t be beat. The #5, for whatever reason, has a milder sun grown wrapper than the other Opus X cigars tend to have. I find that if a wrapper is too spicy it leaves me holding a cup just like the boys with their chew- which is by no means attractive, especially for a lady. If your cigar is making you have to spit, but you are enjoying the strength of the flavor, try something with a milder wrapper.
When I can’t come by an Opus X #5, I smoke the Ashton Mystique. The Mystique’s light scent makes it my cigar of choice when I’m washing my troubles away in the car with good old Fiona Apple or when I’m out having a drink with friends.
The trick with cigars is that you have to find the right one for you. You might have to pay a visit to your local cigar shop and try a few before you find one you actually like. And then you may have to try a few more before you find the one you love.
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