Cigars – A Taste of the Good Life
Although hand rolled cigars are typically more expensive than those produced by machines, they are worth the higher price – just ask Altadis, the world’s largest cigar company and makers of some of the finest cigars on the market.
Whether you are just starting out with your first taste of a cigar or are an aficionado, Altadis offers something for every level of smoking. Novices might start with a mild flavor corona shaped cigar, which is available in three general flavor levels – mild, medium, and strong or full bodied.
Altadis was founded in 1918 when Julius Lichtenstein, president of American Sumatra Tobacco Co., brought together six independent cigar manufacturers. The six were originally competing for sales in local markets with regional brands. Three years later, the Consolidated Cigar Corporation, Altadis’ predecessor, was officially formed.
Today, Altadis operates production facilities in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama and Florida. The company also has production affiliations in Mexico, Brazil and Holland.
The company’s list of hand-made brands include A. Turrent, Don Diego, Don Melo, Gispert, Havana Sweets, H. Upmann, Henry Clay, Juan Lopez, Maria Guerrero, Montecristo, Onyx Reserve, Playboy by Don Diego, Quintero, Quintessa, Romeo y Julieta, Royal Jamaica Gold, Saint Luis Rey, Santa Damiana, Seijas Signature, Te-Amo and Trinidad. Domestic and premium machine made-brands include AyC, Backwoods, Black & Blue, Dutch Masters, El Producto, Erik, Hav-A-Tampa, Muriel, Phillies, Roi Tan and others.
Most of the tobacco in hand rolled cigars sold in the United States is imported from other countries, including the Dominican Republic. While individual cigar smokers have their own unique tastes, Altadis is sure to offer something to everyone.
H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon – Belicoso size:
The H.Upmann Vintage Cameroon is a top-notch hand made cigar with cedar taste that complements its finish. The Vintage Cameroon is a new blend with the aged Cameroon leaf that offers today’s cigar aficionado a smooth and rich medium body smoke. H. Upmann has designed this cigar around its distinguished quality and the fine flavor of old Havana. This cigar offers a perfect burn from beginning to end.
Romeo y Julieta 1875 Cigars – Exhibicion #1 size
This brand became known in 1875 when founders Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia exposed the cigar and won several awards for its distinctive taste between 1885 and 1900. Shortly after its acquisition in 1903 by Jose Rodriguez Fernandez, the brand was named for the William Shakespeare tragedy. Even though Fernandez died at age 88 in 1954, his Romeo y Julieta brand remains one of the most widely known cigars today. The 1875 cigars burn offer a smooth, mellow taste with medium body.
Trinidad Cigars – Lonsdale size
Trinidad Cigars were once exclusively produced for Fidel Castro but later became available in Canada and Mexico. Today, Altadis offers a select Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper surrounding a rich broadleaf binder and a blend of Nicaraguan, Dominican and Peruvian long fillers. Named after one of Cuba’s most beautiful cities, the Trinidad is a classically rich smoke.
Saint Luis Rey -Rothchilde size
The Saint Luis Rey full flavored cigar is hand made in Honduras. The initial draw is the perfect combination of cedar and coffee. The cigars achieve their renowned full flavor and aroma through a unique blend of Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian long filler tobaccos, a Nicaraguan binder and a dark, rich Nicaraguan or San Andrés Morrón wrapper.
Playboy Cigar – Churchill size
Be sure to check out the latest cigar featuring the famous Playboy bunny logo. The filler is a Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian with a Connecticut broadleaf binder. The easy draw is smooth yet robust and offers an even burn.
Cigar consumption really took off during the mid 1990’s as they were often considered stylish and portrayed by celebrities along with the media. Today, cigar smoking is still considered by many to be an affordable luxury. Stronger tasting cigars are now becoming more and more popular, especially over the past few years, as manufacturers are now focusing on potency of the tobacco due to higher demand.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or wedding or just are along to enjoy the ride, Altadis offers a wide variety of great tasting handmade cigars that are moderately priced and available in different sizes. So sit back, relax and enjoy a great smoke.
Original Article appeared on upscalelivingmagazine