A: The finish of a cigar is the residual flavor sensed by the palate and olfactory gland immediately after all of the smoke has been pushed out of the mouth. The perceived length of a cigar’s finish is primarily dependent on body. Generally speaking, a mild cigar will have a shorter finish than a full-bodied cigar; however, there are exceptions to this rule. A fuller bodied cigar will also typically have a denser, more distinct (and sometimes quite complex) set of flavors on the finish. This term should not be confused with aftertaste, which is the flavor remaining on the palate long after the cigar has been finished.

• Bolivar Corona Extra
• Cuaba Tradicionales
• Fonseca No. 1
• Hoyo de Monterrey Churchill
• La Gloria Cubana Tainos
• Punch Petit Corona
• El Rey del Mundo Petit Corona
• Romeo y Julieta Corona
• Romeo y Julieta Petit Princess
• Sancho Panza Molinos
• Trinidad Robusto T
• Trinidad Robusto Extra
• Vegas Robaina Clasicos
• Vegas Robaina Familiar

The most tragic entries in this list are the Bolivar Corona Extra, which was the standout of the Bolivar marca; Trinidad Robusto T, which may well have priced itself out of favor; and the Vegar Robaina Familiar, which has found itself lost in the “fat cigar” fad.

I was meeting a fellow cigar aficionado for the sole purpose of having a cigar in fine company and discussing current industry trends. After arriving early I opened my leather cigar case and removed a Bolivar Corona Extra from 2005. The wrapper was slightly dry from years in the humidor, but the cigar possessed a captivating musty aroma. Just as I began to question whether or not I had the self-control to wait for my acquaintance he walked up from behind and sat at the table. Mellowed by seven years of aging, the Bolivar descended on my palate softly but with unsurpassed beauty. It was sharing with me the finesse and charm that only comes when the slow but unyielding hands of time are not rushed. I tried in vain to remember what I was doing seven years ago, but it did not matter. For the better part of two hours I was in paradise…

Q: I purchased a few three and five packs of cigars that are housed in a cardboard container. Should I put the entire container in my humidor?

A: Some aficionados place the entire cardboard container in their humidor as they would a cedar box. I recommend removal of the cardboard packaging before storage for a few reasons. First, cardboard is an organic material like Spanish cedar; however, cardboard differs in the sense that it does not have any natural anti-fungal properties. Damp cardboard is an ideal breeding ground for potential mold spores. Secondly, dyes used in decorating the container may bleed onto the humidor’s lining or the wrappers of unprotected cigars over time.

photograph by martemadrid

The top five cigars of 2011 as rated by Cigar Aficionado are:

1. Alec Bradley Prensado Churchill
2. La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Belicoso
3. Illusione Epernay Le Taureau
4. Partagás Serie P No. 2
5. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo Maduro

I personally would have swapped the first and second place cigars; however, I feel each of the top five cigars are deserving of mention.

Size: 6 1/8″ x 42

Vitola: Lonsdale

Box Date: March 2008

Price: £14.00

The Cohiba brand is immediately familiar to those with an affinity for Cuban cigars. This legendary marca utilizes some of the finest tobacco available in Cuba and rarely fails to dissappoint. Cohibas are almost always pricy; however, the prices are completely justified given the tobacco quality and extremely rigid quality control standards.

The chocolate brown wrapper on the Siglo III is completely free of blemishes, and the construction is impeccable from the perfectly applied triple cap to the squarely cut foot. The cigar emits a tantalizing prelight aroma of sweet tobacco and cedar.

A perfect draw allows the palate to become enveloped with a dense creamy smoke that is rich in flavors of burnt vanilla, leather, Christmas spices, and chocolate. The finish is sweet with spiced wood but doesn’t linger very long. This cigar is smooth, round, and harmonious.

Appearance/Structure – 14/15

Smoking Characteristics – 23/25

Flavor – 24/25

Overall Impression – 33/35

Total – 94 points

 photograph by  publikaccion.es

• The interior should be lined with unfinished Spanish cedar having a thickness measuring no less than 3/8″. Most budget humidors only have a veneer of Spanish cedar measuring a few milimeters. This is not enough wood to aid the humidification device in retaining a moist environment. Additionally, the corners of the humidor should be mitered, dovetailed, or splined.

• Test the integrity of the seal. Lift the lid a few inches and abruptly drop it. A well sealing lid will ride a cushion of air and softly close. Lids with an inferior fit will slam shut. Now, shut the lid on a strip of paper. The paper should not pull free easily. Be sure to test all four sides of the humidor in this manner.

• Shoppers often overlook the bottom of the humidor. During the dry winter months a considerable amount of moisture can be lost through a humidor’s thin bottom. Check for this possibility by tilting the humidor to one side and assertively tapping the bottom with a finger. Your ear should be greeted with a reassuring thud. Pass on any humidor that makes a hollow sound.

• Lastly, consider the size. It is unlikely that you will be able to cram as many cigars in a humidor as claimed by the manufacturer. If you plan on storing two boxes you will need a humidor rated for close to 100 cigars, not 50.

 photograph by  valde_