More in Connoisseur's Corner
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 …
Fuente Fuente OpusX Fuente Fuente

Connoisseur’s Corner: Fuente Fuente OpusX Fuente Fuente

From the first production run of the OpusX line, and it’s amazing how much oil continues to seep through the wrapper, which is still silky and supple after 26 years. Equally amazing is the amount of flavor left in this cigar. It starts slow and cedary, and stays that way for …
Bolivar Coronas Extra

Connoisseur’s Corner: Bolivar Coronas Extra

Cuba has many forgotten sizes in its vast portfolio of brands, among them this glorious Bolivar. Just shy of six inches long, it’s a slim, elegant size with a 44 ring gauge. This version, taken from a cabinet of 50, is wonderfully nutty and earthy, the flavors building ever so …
Cohiba Esplendido

Connoisseur’s Corner: Cohiba Esplendido

This big cigar is perfect—they don’t get any better. It’s as good as any post-Castro cigar I have ever smoked. The draw and flavor are both dreamlike, with complex notes that include nutmeg and chestnuts. A Cuban star. If you have a box of these in your humidor, you are a lucky …
Cohiba Behike BHK 52

Connoisseur’s Corner: Cohiba Behike BHK 52

A decade ago, when Cuba’s BHK 52 first came out and was named Cigar of the Year, we predicted that it would improve with age. We were correct. While first puffs linger in the medium-bodied realm of cedar, herbs and wheat, the cigar shifts to a surprisingly powerful core of …