My 10 Favorite Cigars Smoked During IPCPR

A total of 73 cigars were smoked from the time I left for Orlando to the time I pulled back onto my street. Seventy three cigars in seven days, thats a record for me. There was definitely some fantastic smokes throughout, some new, some old favorites. I thought this weeks Ten List should be a reflection of the great time I had driving to IPCPR, attending the events and returning home. Not all will be cigars released during the show, but I just wanted to pick 10 of the cigars I smoked and give a mini-review!

In no particular order: La Aurora Preferidos Diamond Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Binder: Dominican Maduro Filler: Dominican

Thoughts: From the moment I lit up this cigar, my eyes rolled back into my head, it was THAT good. It was rich and earthy with notes of cocoa, raisins and leather. It had a wonderful blend of spice like cayenne and white pepper. Even the smoke was spicy and rich. This was such a treat to light up. If I had to pick a favorite from the show, this would be it. I liked it so much that I nubbed it and literally burned my fingers, I have a blister to prove it. Thank you Barry for giving me the chance to smoke this cigar.

Tarazona 305

Wrapper: Costa Rican Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Thoughts: This cigar was perfect for the drive home and until then I had never actually smoked anything from Tarazona before, which I regretted almost instantly upon lighting this cigar I posted a photo on twitter with the description “Great stick! Rich, earthy, fantastic spice, a real palate pleaser!”. It was a wonderful and dynamic stick with a lot of great flavors I will definitely be searching these out and adding a box or two to my humidor very very soon. I just can’t say enough good things about this blend, it was truly wonderful. Thank you Eddie for brining Tarazona into my cigar rotation.

Room 101 Daruma Lancero

Wrapper: Ecuadoran Habano

Binder: Brazillian

Filler: Honduran and Dominican

Thoughts: This was actually the first cigar I smoked of the actual tradeshow. I honestly do not think I could have started it better. To say the Daruma is full of flavor would be an understatement. It made my palate get on its knees and beg for mercy. It was complex with notes of wood, coffee, loads of spice with a smooth, creamy finish. The aroma from the smoke was sublime. I will be anxiously awaiting the release of these!

My Father Cigars Flor De Las Antillas Robusto

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Thoughts: This cigar is just beautiful to look at, from the band to the wrapper. It had a wonderful complexity as well while remaining medium to full in strength. I experienced notes of oak, espresso, pepper and hints of sweet cocoa. Toasted almond crept in the middle third of the cigar as well. The burn and draw were perfection, which is to be expected coming from My Father Cigars. This would be a great afternoon smoke with a rich espresso.

Sentidos Corojo

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99

Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99

Filler: Nicaraguan

Thoughts: This was a unexpected treat during an afternoon at Corona’s before the show started. It has a great balance of rich earthy notes, nuts, wood, cinnamon and pepper. The smoke had an incredible spicy aroma as well. This was another cigar that I nubbed almost to the point of burning my fingers Thank you Michael for giving me the opportunity to try this cigar!

AKA Solace

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Honduran Criollo

Filler: Dominican and Honduran

Thoughts: Rich earth, dark roasted coffee, bittersweet cocoa, spice and a creamy finish make this a wonderful and complex cigar. It is very smooth and balanced but full of flavors, none overpowering the palate. I think this is something any cigar smoker could enjoy. It is milder in strength which makes it a great morning cigar with a cup of coffee, yet it has subtle dimensions in complexity that a more seasoned palate can appreciate. AKA has another winner on their hands!

Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2012

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Thoughts: I fell very fortunate to have been able to try this cigar in Orlando. This years release of the Grand Reserve is a flavorful powerhouse due to the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro Wrapper and ligero added into the filler It takes the palate through waves of incredible notes from rich cocoa, smooth wood, savory earth and tastebud tingling spice. These will be limited in production to 1500 boxes of 10 so get them while you can Thank you Nestor for sharing this great cigar with me!

Joya de Nicaragua Cuenca y Blanco

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Nicaraguan and Peru

Thoughts: Always a fan of the Habano leaf, this was one of the cigar I was most looking forward to trying at IPCPR and it did not disappoint. From the beautiful, skilled construction to the complex flavor. this cigar is simply a masterpiece from two of the most influential minds of the industry. Since the show I have smoked several and it is one of the most consistent so far and full both in strength and complexity. I highly recommend giving this one a try. I would love to include this in my daily rotation.

Partagas “SHHHHH Don’t Tell”

Need I say more, really????

Illusione Ultra No 1

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Thoughts: As the last cigar of the trip, one might think that my palate would be completely shot. Not so much. From start to finish, the Ultra had the swagger to bring my journey to an excellent finish. It has it all. Stremgth. Complexity. Flavor. All with a perfect burn and draw. Thank you Lawrence for gifting me with the Ultra. The trip was fantastic and you make an excellent copilot!!

There ya have it! My most memorable smokes from IPCPR 2012. Not all were show releases, but every one of them brought something special to the insane, week long journey. Now excuse me while I bust open my piggy bank, I have some boxes to purchase!!