More in Connoisseur's Corner
Por Larrañaga Magnifico Exclusivo Reino Unido

Connoisseur’s Corner: Por Larrañaga Magnifico Exclusivo Reino Unido (2007)

U.K. Cuban cigar importer Hunters & Frankau took inspiration from the discontinued Por Larrañaga Magnum and created this cigar in its image. A period piece of sorts, this is one of the earlier Regional Edition cigars. Time has mellowed the Magnifico to a smoke of cedar and …
Partagás Lusitania

Connoisseur’s Corner: Partagás Lusitania (1995)

The cigar looks like a slab of chocolate, with a dark and oily wrapper that has texture like silk. With more than 27 years of age, it starts off dry, a bit earthy, almost gravelly, then warms and opens up, becoming ever richer. The draw requires just a bit of work, but the burn …
Davidoff Dom Perignon

Connoisseur’s Corner: Davidoff Dom Perignon (circa 1988)

What a fantastic cigar. I’m so impressed at how much oil the wrapper of this long-discontinued Cuban Dom Perignon has retained over the decades. And it’s just as rich in flavor as it is in appearance. The draw is flawless, finessing the palate with unmistakable impressions of …
1492

Connoisseur’s Corner: 1492 (1992)

This is a 30-year-old marvel. It’s the second one I have smoked, the second 1492 I have scored 99 points, and this one somehow seems even better than the first. The brownish-red wrapper is laced with dark swirls of oil. The performance is perfect, with a solid draw and even …
Flor Del Punto Dunhill Selección No. 305

Connoisseur’s Corner: Flor Del Punto Dunhill Selección No. 305 (Circa 1970s)

Like Dunhill Selección Don Candidos and Don Alfredos, the Flor del Punto line was discontinued in the 1980s after the Dunhill brand was created. It’s really amazing how much refined, nutty character has developed in this large, toro-sized cigar, which bursts with rich layers of …
Punch Double Corona

Connoisseur’s Corner: Punch Double Corona (1994)

It’s not surprising that nearly 30 years in a wooden 50-count cabinet has made the first puffs of this cigar quite cedary, but the heavy woodiness dissipates for a smoke that begins floral before taking a distinctly fruity turn, showing lots of dried cherry and stewed raspberry. …
Punch Serie D’Oro No. 2 Edición Limitada

Connoisseur’s Corner: Punch Serie D’Oro No. 2 Edición Limitada

This rich, dark and perfectly crafted pirámide was a powerhouse when it hit the market, and eight years of age have done nothing to temper its intensity. Soon after its fat foot glows red from the lighter, it delivers big opening notes of wet leather, black peppercorns and Earl …
Cohiba Robusto

Connoisseur’s Corner: Cohiba Robusto

This well-aged robusto has near-perfect construction, and a wrapper that eagerly takes the flame and begins delivering serious flavor. The taste is smooth and well rounded after so many years in the humidor. It’s medium in body and extremely rich, with a considerably nutty …
Bolivar Belicoso Fino

Connoisseur’s Corner: Bolivar Belicoso Fino

The silky, dark wrapper on this old Bolivar captivated me, from its supple feel to the markings left by 26 years of being crammed in a dress box next to other Belicosos just like it. The cigar swallowed the flame from my wooden match, showing a mellow, earthy character that …
Romeo y Julieta Cedros De Luxe No. 2 Dunhill Seleccion Suprema

Connoisseur’s Corner: Romeo y Julieta Cedros De Luxe No. 2 Dunhill Seleccion Suprema

When I lit up this cigar I felt spoiled. It burned perfectly, with an easy draw, and despite being only a modest corona size, it had an elegant, balanced profile that made me not want to put it down. It showed just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg character, not too …