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CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Plasencia Alma del Fuego Concepción"

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About Plasencia Alma del Fuego The Plasencia Alma del Fuego Concepción is part of the renowned Alma series by Plasencia Cigars, a company with a rich history dating back to 1865. The Plasencia family began their journey in the tobacco industry in Cuba before relocating to Nicaragua and Honduras following the Cuban Revolution. Over the years, Plasencia has become one of the largest tobacco growers in the world, supplying high-quality tobacco to many prominent cigar brands. The "Alma del Fuego," which translates to "Soul of Fire," is a tribute to the volcanic soils of Nicaragua, particularly the island of Ometepe, where the tobaccos are grown. This unique region, with its nutrient-rich volcanic soil, imparts distinctive flavors and strength to the tobacco. The Alma del Fuego line is celebrated for its bold flavors and complexity, a testament to the rich heritage and expertise of the Plasencia family. Each cigar in the Alma series reflects a deep connection to the eart...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Oliva Serie V Lancero"

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About Oliva Serie V Lancero Oliva Cigar Co., founded by the Oliva family with roots in Cuba, has grown to be one of Nicaragua's most respected cigar manufacturers. The family's journey in tobacco started in 1886 in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and continued in Nicaragua after the Cuban Revolution. By 1995, Oliva Cigar Co. was established, becoming known for its high-quality and innovative cigars. In 2006, Oliva introduced the Serie V line, which quickly became a cornerstone of their portfolio due to its robust and complex flavors. The Oliva Serie V Lancero, a notable vitola in this line, features a Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Jalapa Valley ligero fillers. This slender 7 x 38 format emphasizes the rich characteristics of the wrapper, delivering a full-bodied, complex smoking experience. CigarPursuits Review Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The Oliva Serie V Lancero is a slender 7 x 38 cigar with a smooth and attractive Habano Sun Grown wr...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Gérard My Twenty Minutes Time"

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About  Gérard My Twenty Minutes Time Gérard Cigars, founded in 2003, has quickly established itself as a luxury brand renowned for its innovative approach and high-quality offerings. The brand's flagship line, "My Twenty Minutes Time," is celebrated for introducing the Half Robusto format, a cigar that delivers a rich and satisfying experience within a short smoking duration. Produced in the Dominican Republic, these cigars use premium tobacco blends, ensuring consistency and excellence in every smoke. Gérard Cigars emphasize comfort and craftsmanship, making their products ideal for both seasoned aficionados and casual smokers seeking brief indulgence. CigarPursuits Review Gérard My Twenty Minutes Time Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The cigar boasts excellent construction with a flawless finish and no soft spots. Its appearance is visually appealing, characterized by a smooth, well-constructed wrapper. However, one minor issue is the difficulty in remov...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro"

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About the Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro The Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro is a celebrated cigar that has made a significant mark in the cigar industry since its release. Crafted by Rocky Patel, a brand known for its dedication to quality and consistency, the Olde World Reserve Maduro is a testament to traditional cigar-making techniques with a modern twist. The cigar features a rich, Costa Rican Maduro wrapper that encases a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers. This combination promises a full-bodied smoking experience with complex flavors. The Olde World Reserve line was reintroduced in 2018 after a brief hiatus, much to the delight of aficionados who appreciate its robust character and sophisticated profile. CigarPursuits Review Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro presents a very smooth construction with well-executed finishes. While the wrapper isn't oily, it still provides a refined look, indicativ...

CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "BIN Cigar Gran Cigarro"

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About   BIN Cigar Gran Cigarro BIN Cigar, officially known as PT Boss Image Nusantara, was established in 2013 and is based in Jember, East Java, Indonesia. The brand specializes in producing high-quality cigars using tobacco grown from Havana Cuban seeds, which have been cultivated in Jember for over 20 years. These seeds are now licensed by the Indonesian government and are supported by experts with over 50 years of experience in tobacco cultivation. This combination of high-quality ingredients and expert knowledge ensures that BIN Cigar produces cigars with rich flavors and a taste reminiscent of traditional Cuban cigars. CigarPursuits Review BIN Cigar Gran Cigarro Appearance & Construction: 15/15 The Gran Cigarro has a very smooth wrapper with excellent construction. Both ends of the cigar are well-made, indicating careful craftsmanship. Aroma: 13/15 The aroma from the wrapper presents grass and woody notes. The cold draw reveals peppery notes, hinting at the fl...

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...