Tuesday, November 22 2011
Q: I'm fairly new to cigars. I bought the Artisan Nicaraguan Test Flight in order to sample some
cigars. My evaluation of the cigars was: the Connecticut was OK, I loved the
Maduro, but I hated the
Habano. Does this mean I will hate all Habano-wrapped) cigars, even in other brands? Or, should I continue sampling other brands of cigars with Habano Wrappers, hoping their Habano will have a different flavor than the Artisan? I guess I'm thinking that all Habano wrapped cigars, no matter which brand, will contain the same flavor I disliked in the Artisan.
- Curt M. in Belleville, IL
A: The
Artisan Nicaraguan cigars are well made and good buys, but the answer to your question is "
No." There are many fine cigars that use "Habano"
wrapper. All it really means is the leaf is grown from genuine "
Havana" or "Cuban" seed.
Perdomo.
Don Pepin,
Gran Habano, and
Oliva make some excellent Habano wrapper cigars. Plus there are several variations of Habano wrapper. A lot has to do with the soil, curing process, aging, quality of the harvest,
blend recipe, etc. Though the wrapper can add a significant amount of flavor to a cigar, the filler and
binder play a big role, as well. Perhaps the filler & binder in the Artisan Nicaraguan Habano just didn't mix well on your palate with the Habano wrapper.
That said, since you're still new to cigars, keep experimenting! I guarantee you'll find some Habano wrapper cigars you really love.
