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| Cairo |
Cairo is a wonderfully complex mixture of red, orange and bright
Virginia tobaccos, exotic oriental leaf, and just a whisper of Perique.
The flavor is naturally sweet, slightly nutty, delicately spicy and
rich. Subtle citrus-like notes harmoniously support the more robust
flavors of the darker Virginias. Cairo is a medium bodied but very
satisfying tobacco with a delicate aroma that will be enjoyed by Virginia
lovers and the connoisseur of oriental mixtures alike. |
| Robusto |
For years, I've been intrigued by the
idea of cigar leaf blends, but with one notable exception, nothing has
really hit the mark for me, and the one that did, the celebrated Sobranie
Virginia #10, has long been out of production. In mid-2000, I began
flirting with different ideas, experimenting with different leaf,
concocting prototypes, and quickly tiring of them, until, finally, I was
shown samples of some exquisite maduro wrapper leaf that stimulated a new
interest in finding my perfect cigar leaf blend. After months' worth of
experimental recipes, I zeroed in on the blend I'd been searching for, and
Robusto was finally born.
The cigar leaf would make an overly bold statement
if blended with a heavy hand, but in just the right amounts, it provides
an alluring spice, a suggestion of the richness of a great cigar, and a
creamy texture to the smoke. Cyprian Latakia rounds out the flavors, and
smoothes the edges. Ripe, red Virginias provides a modest sweetness while
giving the blend structure. Oriental tobaccos fill in the gaps, and make
Robusto a complex, full flavored and spicy mixture that is still gentle on
the tongue. It's perfect with the afternoon coffee, as a delicious finish
to a wonderful meal, or as a stout companion throughout the day.
And, it ages
beautifully! |
| Samarra |
Samarra is a rich and complex mixture, without being heavy. Matured red
Virginia provides the basic structure and a delicate sweetness. A generous
portion of Cyprian Latakia is added for its smoky richness, and exotic,
fragrant oriental leaf provides fullness to the flavor. Finally, just a
hint of lemon Virginia adds bit of brightness to the smoke, and a touch of
Perique adds its own unique piquancy. |
| Cumberland |
Robust and possessing a subdued sweetness, Cumberland is a delightfully
orchestrated suite of American tobaccos. Featuring a rare and exquisite
mahogany Kentucky aged in bales for 20 years. Red and matured Virginias
establish a theme; the Kentucky and a pianissimo of Perique create the
variations. Pure natural tobacco flavors are harmonized by delicate
arpeggios and underscored by deep resonant tones. The coda is lovely and
lingering — a perfect finish to a rich performance. Best savored slowly.
|
| Abingdon |
Abingdon is the fullest
Balkan style blend in the range. It is rich and robust, powerful and
forthright, yet still possessing subtlety and finesse. Dark flavors of
wood and leather mingle with delicate undercurrents of sweetness, and deep
earthy notes, while the oriental tobaccos provide hints of their verdant,
sometimes herbaceous character. A big Balkan blend, reminding us once more
of what these blends used to be.
|
| Charing
Cross |
Charing Cross is a traditional Balkan
style blend of fine Virginia leaf, richly seasoned with smoky Cyprian
Latakia, and spiced with the exquisite and exotic tobaccos of the orient.
This is one for Latakia lovers. Hints of roasted cocoa beans, orange zest,
green pepper and campfires. Charing Cross is fuller than Blackpoint, and a
little less sweet.
|
| Kensington |
Kensington is a Balkan style
blend with restraint. Bright and red Virginias are combined with richly
flavoured leaf from the orient and Cyprian Latakia in perfect measure for
a wonderfully balanced smoke. Slightly sweeter than Charing Cross, and not
quite as full due to a more delicate hand with the Latakia. Spicy, with an
occasional suggestion of orange blossom. Complex, but never ponderous. A
slightly lighter variant of a classic style.
|
| Stratford |
Stratford is an enticing blend of
delicately sweet brights and rich, ripe, red Virginia tobaccos, seasoned
with just the right measure of fine Louisiana Perique. The wonderfully
nuanced interplay of sugar and spice is sure to delight the lover of this
time honored combination. The room note is soft and subtle, the taste
zesty and piquant. This is the one for the Virginia/Perique fans.
|
| Montgomery |
Virginias, Virginias, Virginias! Several grades of
wonderful flue-cured leaf, from soft yellow to deep red, are combined with
just a touch of dark-fired Kentucky for a little added richness. A special
process, recovered from ancient archives, provides the finishing touch to
this wonderful blend. Naturally sweet, and possessing subtle complexity,
Montgomery presents delightful new dimensions for the lover of
sophisticated Virginia blends. |
| Telegraph
Hill |
A sturdy foundation of Virginia
tobaccos, each chosen for its particular character, is enhanced with
fine flakes of Perique for a refined smoking experience. Telegraph Hill
is rich and flavorful, with a satisfying, lingering finish. Each sip
builds upon the last, creating a marvelous edifice of taste and aroma.
You won't worry about earthquakes if your pipe is filled with this
wonderful blend. |
| Lombard |
Named for the famed winding,
twisting street in San Francisco, Lombard starts with a base of red
and bright Virginias. It is then enhanced with American
“condimental” leaf, including an angel's share of Perique. The
twist in this Lombard? A delicate breath of Cyprus Latakia is added
for a whisper of smokiness and a slightly deeper flavor. A gentle
introduction to Latakia for the Virginia smoker, or just a delightful
change of pace. |
| Ashbury |
An alluring assortment of exotic
oriental tobaccos is generously blended with bright and red Virginia leaf.
Finally, just enough Cyprus Latakia is added to provide an alluring
smokiness, resulting in a tobacco that can best be described as a
light-medium Balkan mixture. This is the blend for gentlemen with a
Bohemian spirit and a sense of adventure. |
| Fillmore |
A thick-sliced broken flake in the
Scottish tradition. Ripe red Virginia tobaccos are combined with a
generous measure of fine Louisiana perique, and then pressed to marry the
components and deepen the flavors. The cakes are sliced and gently broken
before tinning. Fillmore presents an elegant sweetness and delightful
piquancy, enhanced by a creamy richness that develops throughout the bowl.
Sit back, and enjoy a lovely, leisurely smoke. |
| Laurel
Heights |
Rich, ripe, red leaf forms the base of
this wonderful Virginia blend. The flavours are deep and round, with a
smooth, natural sweetness, and subtle notes of orange peel, roasted oats,
leather and peat. The smoke develops richness as it progresses, delivering
a long, clean finish that is never cloying or syrupy, with hints of malt
and grapefruit. For lovers of darker, natural, unstoved Virginias. |
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