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CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "New World AJ Fernandez Puro Especial"

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About  AJ Fernandez Puro Especial The AJ Fernandez New World Puro Especial is crafted by the renowned cigar maker AJ Fernandez. This blend was developed in collaboration with his father, Ismael Fernandez, and serves as a tribute to the discovery of tobacco in the New World. The Puro Especial is a Nicaraguan puro, meaning it is made entirely from Nicaraguan tobacco. Each leaf is carefully selected from Fernandez's own farms in Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa, ensuring top-notch quality and consistency. CigarPursuits Review New World AJ Fernandez Puro Especial Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The AJF New World Puro Especial features a Maduro wrapper that is smooth to the touch. The construction is firm, indicative of precise craftsmanship. The wrapper's rich, dark brown color adds to its robust appearance. Aroma: 14/15 Before lighting, the cigar emits a sweet woody aroma from the wrapper. On the cold draw, there are peppery and sweet notes. Flavors: 29/35 Upon lig...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Macanudo Gran Reserva Churchill"

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About   Macanudo Gran Reserva Churchill Macanudo is a distinguished brand with roots dating back to 1968. Originating as a Jamaican brand, it was later acquired by the General Cigar Company and production moved to the Dominican Republic. Known for its commitment to quality and consistency, Macanudo has become one of the best-selling premium cigar brands in the United States. The brand's hallmark is its mild and smooth cigars, making them accessible to both beginners and aficionados. CigarPursuits Review Macanudo Gran Reserva Churchill Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The Macanudo Gran Reserva Churchill boasts an impeccable construction with a sleek and smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. The cigar displays an oily sheen with small veins and no soft spots, indicating a high level of craftsmanship. Aroma: 14/15 Before lighting, the cigar releases a captivating aroma characterized by rich coffee  notes from the wrapper. The cold draw presents pepper and c...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Horacio SLED Edición Especial 2019"

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About  SLED Edición Especial 2019 The Horacio brand, known for its premium cigars, was established in 2008 by three cigar aficionados in Costa Rica. Their passion for fine tobacco led them to create a brand that emphasizes quality and innovation. The production eventually moved to Nicaragua, a country celebrated for its excellent climate and conditions ideal for tobacco cultivation, allowing Horacio to develop cigars with intricate and delicate blends. The Horacio SLED Edición Especial 2019 is a premium cigar produced in honor of Pierre Sled,  an esteemed French sports journalist and broadcaster. He gained prominence for his work in sports broadcasting, becoming a well-known figure in the French media landscape. His contributions to sports journalism are recognized and celebrated, which likely inspired the creation of the Horacio SLED Edición Especial 2019 as a tribute to his influence and legacy in sports media.  Originating from Nicaragua, this cigar features a distinct...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Vegueros Centrofinos"

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About  Vegueros Centrofinos Celebrating Cuba's esteemed tobacco farming traditions, the Vegueros Centrofinos emerges as a modern homage, crafted in the heart of Pinar del Río at the Francisco Donatién Factory. This robusto-sized cigar, launched in 2018, showcases the artistry and rich heritage of generations of Cuban tobacco producers.   It features a purely Cuban blend, meticulously hand-rolled with long fillers, encapsulating the authenticity and spirit of Cuban craftsmanship. The Centrofinos is presented in distinctive metal tins of 16, reflecting its contemporary appeal while honoring traditional values. CigarPursuits Review Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The cigar is well-made, with a smooth wrapper and solid construction from head to foot. There are no soft spots, which suggests a consistent, quality roll. Aroma: 12/15 Before lighting, the cigar’s wrapper emits earthy notes, and there’s a slight peppery scent on the cold draw, but nothing overwhelming. ...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "El Septimo Paris"

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About   El Septimo Paris El Septimo Cigars was founded in the early 2000s in France and later relocated its headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland. Under the leadership of Zaya S. Younan, who acquired El Septimo in 2019, the company expanded its vision to redefine luxury in the cigar industry. The El Septimo Paris is part of the Travel Time Collection and pays homage to iconic cities around the world, with Paris being a highlight. This medium-strength cigar is crafted using a blend of long-filler leaves that are aged for seven years, resulting in a robust flavor profile. CigarPursuits Review Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The El Septimo Paris cigar is well-constructed, firm to the touch, and finished well, reflecting the high standards expected from the brand. Aroma: 14/15 The cigar's aroma is woody and chocolatey . The cold draw brings out spicy and peppery flavors, indicating a robust profile. Flavors: 29/35 The initial flavor is spicy , with notes of cayenne ...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "C.A.O Amazon Basin"

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About   C.A.O Amazon Basin The CAO Amazon Basin is a fascinating cigar, renowned for its unique origins and rare tobacco blend. Introduced by General Cigar Co . at the 2014 IPCPR Convention, this cigar uses Bragança tobacco, grown in the Amazon rainforest and harvested only every three years. This rare tobacco undergoes a natural fermentation process for six months and is traditionally rolled into tubes called " carottes " before making its journey from the forest to the factory​. The CAO Amazon Basin is crafted with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and fillers from Brazil (Bragança), Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, creating a medium to full-bodied profile. The cigar has a 6 X 52 Toro size and features an artisanal touch with a rope-like band made from twisted tobacco leaf, which reflects its natural and rustic origins​. CigarPursuits Review C.A.O Amazon Basin Appearance & Construction: 14/15 The cigar generally presents good construc...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos"

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About   E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the founder of E.P. Carrillo Cigar Company, is a celebrated figure in the cigar industry, bringing a rich heritage and extensive experience to his craft. Born into a family deeply rooted in the cigar business, Ernesto’s journey began in Cuba where his father owned and operated a cigar factory. After migrating to the United States, Ernesto took over his father's operations in Miami, eventually launching the renowned La Gloria Cubana brand, which gained significant acclaim under his leadership. In 2009, Ernesto decided to establish his own brand, E.P. Carrillo, aiming to encapsulate his personal approach to cigar making and to continue his family’s legacy. His company quickly made its mark with innovative blends and exceptional craftsmanship, earning Ernesto further recognition and numerous awards in the industry. The E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut is a testament to his ability to blend traditional methods with in...