Wood smoke and whisky: new cigars that are shaking things up

Four newcomers to the cigar market all have one thing in common: an extra production step designed to naturally enhance their profile with new flavor. Kentucky Fire Cured cigars are filled with a blend of leaves cured over wood fires while the leaves in Davidoff Late Hours are aged six months in Scotch whisky barrels… We have tested them for you!

 

Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour

Robusto

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Mexico

Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua

Robusto

125 mm × 52 (21 mm)

€19

 

Appearance: Magnificent smooth and shiny maduro wrapper. Beautifully filled. Soft to the touch.

Flavors before lighting: White pepper and mild leather. Perfect draw.

Flavors after lighting:

First third: A gentle opening features notes of mocha, fresh mushroom and tilled soil. This overall smooth and mellow smoke is peppered with dashes of spice. Well-balanced strength.

Second third: The strength gradually steps up but knows when to stop. Meanwhile, the flavor profile layers on precious wood, tanned leather and licorice. Good draw, nice burn.

Final third: The profile remains much the same, still fine and flavorful (green pepper, roasted coffee). The finish is creamy and smooth, leaving pleasant tastes on the palette.

Comments from the panel: “Subtle flavor, elegant and upbeat”; “Excellent character”; “A pleasant smoke despite an overall lack of density”.

When to smoke it: After dinner.

The IADC’s verdict: This handsome robusto serves a smorgasbord of smoothness, pleasure and comfort. Not luxuriant, but luxurious: well worth a try.

Flavor: 7/10

Strength: 7/10

Aftertaste: 6/10

4/5

 

 

Kentucky Fire Cured

Chunky

Wrapper: Mexico

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua, USA (Kentucky and Virginia Fire Cured)

Corona gorda

102 mm × 46 (18.26 mm)

€7

 

Appearance: Slightly dull but very smooth oscuro wrapper. Well-filled. Soft to the touch.

Flavors before lighting: Dry vegetal (hemp) and charred wood notes. Easy draw.

Flavors after lighting:

First third: A strong, steady opening. The cigar serves up very distinctive charred wood and smoky notes along with fresh mushroom. Good character.

Second third: The strength is still there but levels out. The solid woody overtones are joined by dashes of coffee and pepper. Smooth, slightly spicy smoke.

Final third: The flavor is more of the same (wood, tanned leather, coffee). Persistent spiciness still allows for a pleasant, almost hearty, finish.

Comments from the panel: “Simply amazing, a totally new taste!”; “Strong stuff, perfect for an outdoor barbecue”; “Disconcerting, yes, but not really all that complex”.

When to smoke it: Lunch al fresco.

The IADC’s verdict: This atypical, highly original cigar seems to cater mainly to American tastes. One-dimensional yet robust and harmonious, it’s full of surprises.

Flavor: 6/10

Strength: 8/10

Aftertaste: 7/10

3 (4) / 5

 

Kentucky Fire Cured

Fat Molly

Wrapper: Mexico

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua, USA (Kentucky and Virginia Fire Cured)

Gros robusto

127 mm × 56 (22.22 mm)

€9.70

 

Appearance: Dark wrapper, a bit on the dry side. Firm to the touch. Well-filled.

Flavors before lighting: Wood fire notes, spicy hints. Easy draw.

Flavors after lighting:

First third: After a fast, straightforward opening, fresh spices liven up balsamic and wet earth notes. The smoke adds on smoky aromas. Good draw.

Second third: Stronger by the minute. Spice-enhanced notes of wood fire and smoke are tangible but not intoxicating. Good structure and excellent burn.

Final third: The harmonious finish is dominated by aromas of grilled meat. Sharp, medium-strength smoke. The last puffs are nice and smooth.

Comments from the panel: “Well-made, consistent and easygoing”; “Particularly distinctive. The strength is spot-on”; “Monotonous”.

When to smoke it: Lunch al fresco.

The IADC’s verdict: Like the Chunky, the tobacco used in Fat Molly is flavored by curing over wood fires before rolling. For barbecue lovers?

Flavor: 6/10

Strength: 6/10

Aftertaste: 7/10

3/5

 

 

Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour

Churchill

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Mexico

Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua

Churchill

178 mm × 48 (19 mm)

€22.50

 

Appearance: Dark wrapper, veined and silky. Soft to the touch. Excellently filled.

Flavors before lighting: Spices, earth, oak moss. Very good draw.

Flavors after lighting:

First third: Starts off slightly astringent before puffing out fresh cocoa, oak moss, green pepper and humus notes. Moderate strength.

Second third: Strength steps up half a notch. The profile opens up to embrace nutmeg, peat, humus and red cedar. Its elegance and flavor, alas, cannot hide its lack of energy.

Final third: The cigar offers more floral hints but bides its time, content to be pleasant and well-balanced. The last puffs flex their muscles with earthier flavors.

Comments from the panel: “Precision engineering with moderation and balance”; “The first two thirds are very well done”; “Lack of intensity and strength”.

When to smoke it: In the evening.

The IADC’s verdict: This superb Churchill is elegant, perfectly rolled and never catches you off guard. It needs a little more complexity and strength to attain true excellence.

Flavor: 7/10

Strength: 5/10

Aftertaste: 6/10

3 (4) /5