Unable to keep up with all the new releases (I leave that to Tony), I am sticking with the same format for my top 10 list as in past years. The only criteria I have is that I had to of reviewed the cigar during the last calendar year. 2015 marked one of the best years in my 10 years of smoking. Everything from the budget friendly cigar to the super-premium, cigars are performing better and tasting better than ever before making it a little harder this year identifying the very best, in my opinion. And as Tony said in his Top 10 List, “Here at Casas Fumando we don’t claim to be the best in the business, nor do we take ourselves very serious. We’re just a couple of guys who like to smoke cigars, so our very subjective lists reflect that”. Now onto the good stuff.

# 10 VegaFina Nicaragua

Vitola: Gran Toro | Size: 6 by 52 | Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano 2000 | Binder: Nicaraguan Seco | Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero, Nicaraguan Viso, Nicaraguan Seco

Once again, a manufacturing giant has made its way into my top 10 list and for good reason. It is hard to beat a cigar around $6 that highlights natural tobacco sweetness, woodsy notes, black pepper spice, an underlying citrus, and toasted bread. This medium flavored, low to medium strength cigar performs exceptionally.

Review HERE.

#9 MoyaRuiz Cigars – La Jugada Nunchuck

Vitola: Churchill | Size: 7 by 54 | Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

Inspired by Cigar Dojo, Danny Moya and Nelson Ruiz launched the La Jugada Nunchuck in 2014. The Nunchuck features dark flavors of black pepper, coffee, earth, and cocoa rounded out by a sugarcane sweetness, hazelnut richness, and creamy cedar. Complex, balanced, and spicy, this is one gimmicky yet awesome cigar. MoyaRuiz’s La Jugada Prieto landed the #3 spot on my 2013 list.

Full review HERE.

#8 Global Premium Cigars – 1502 Nicaragua

Vitola: Robusto | Size: 5 by 50 | Wrapper: Nicaraguan | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

Unless you have been living under a rock, you are aware of the significant changes that took place in House of Emilio after the retirement of Gary Griffith this past year, but that did not seem to phase 1502 Cigars which seems to be gaining a solid footing in the industry. Enrique Sanchez has released several cigars in the last few years, but this Nicaraguan puro out performs them all. On the upper end in terms of strength and flavors, the 1502 Nicaragua shows off what Nicaraguan tobacco is all about. This is another very reasonably priced cigar coming in at $6.50.

Full review HERE.

# 7 Bombay Tobak – MBombay KeSara Vintage Reserve Nikka

Vitola: Grand Corona | Vitola: 6 1/2 by 46 | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut | Binder: Ecuadorian | Filler: Dominican and Peruvian

#6 United Cigar Group – Garofalo

Vitola: Robusto | Size: 5 by 50 | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

The Garofalo has become the standard by which I gauge all other Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapped cigars. While 2015 may be the year of Connecticut Shade cigars (Padron Damaso and Undercrown Shade), the Garofalo stands with the best of the them and even beats out most of them when you take the price of under $7 into consideration. What made this blend so enjoyable was the play between the light, creamy, sweet woodsy notes from the wrapper and the heavier spice flavors delivered by the Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. You can find these over at Two Guys Smoke Shop’s online store (2guyscigars.com).

Full review HERE.

# 5 Perdomo Cigars – Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro

Vitola: Robusto | Size: 5 by 56 | Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

Perdomo has found 2 spots on this year’s top 10 list (Garofalo is made by Perdomo), something that was completely unexpected. The Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Maduro delivers dark, heavy, rich flavors that are balanced and satisfying. There is also no lack of complexity in this stick. Perdomo has flown under the radar for several years for me, but it has become a company I will be keeping my eyes on going forward as I believe they have a lot going for them.

Full review HERE.

#4 Davidoff – Millennium Blend Tubo Robusto

Vitola: Robusto | Size: 5 1/4 by 50 |  Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown | Binder: Dominican | filler: Dominican

Davidoff has never been a company to grab my interest. As stated in the review, the price tag has caused me to stay clear of them, but thanks to our good friend at Famous Smoke Shop I was able to smoke through several Davidoff Millennium Blend in the Robusto vitola this year. Out of all the cigars on this list, the Millennium Blend is the one I was choose to light up to on a special occasion. This is not a new cigar by any means, but it still a darn good cigar worthy of making my top 10 list.

Full review HERE.

#3 Tatuaje – Limited Lancero Collection

Vitola: Lancero | Size: 7 1/2 by 38 | Wrapper: Varies | Binder: Varies | Filler: Varies

If someone is interested in getting to know Tatuaje cigars, this is the first place I refer them. At a reasonable price of $95 for the sampler, you get to smoke 10 of the best cigars on the market. Unable to pick just one cigar, I decided to throw in the whole sampler into the top 10 list (I may be breaking the rules, but who cares!!!). Reviews below:

• Tatuaje (Brown Label)
• Tatuaje Havana VI
• Cabaiguan Guapo
• La Riqueza
• El Triunfador
• La Casita Criolla
• Fausto

#2 Mel Caribbean Corp. – Bella Dominicana

Vitola: “M” | Size: 4 7/8 by 46 | Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra | Binder: Dominican | Filler: Dominican Seco, Dominican Viso Criollo 98 and Nicaraguan Viso

Bella Dominicana is probably the least known cigar on this list, but a cigar that is sure to make waves once it enters the U.S. market. Armando Diaz of Mel Caribeean Corp. teamed up with Jochy Blanco of Tabacalera Palma to create this exceptional cigar that delivers mainly medium flavors alongside a medium strength profile. Sweet, rich woodsy notes make up the core of the flavors with the appearance of some very intriguing flavors throughout. I have been able to share this cigar with several friends, ranging from beginner to veteran smokers, and they all shared very positive feedback on the Bella Dominicana. I cannot wait to see this enter the U.S market so I can smoke through the other vitolas.

Full review HERE.

#1 Crowned Heads – Yellow Rose

Vitola: Box-Pressed Torpedo | Size: 6 by 54 | Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

Since 2012, Crowned Heads has landed several spots on our annual top 10 lists, even a #1 spot in 2013 with their J.D. Howard Reserve. Well, this year they have reclaimed the #1 spot with their Yellow Rose, exclusive to Texas retail stores. After reviewing the Yellow Rose in May, it is a cigar I have been unable to get out of my mind. While I haven’t had the cigar budget to grab a box, each quarter when I am in Texas for work I make sure to stop by the local shop and grab a few to hold me over until my next visit. The rustic Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper delivers the common tartness and cocoa which matches up well with the Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos that add some strength and spice to the mix. I am absolutely in love with this blend and hope to see it around for years to come.

Full review HERE.

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The 1502 Nicaragua pays tribute to  the home country of Enrique Sanchez, Founder and CEO of Global Premium Cigars, in both name and blend. This Nicaraguan puro utilizes tobaccos from the four main tobacco growing regions of Nicaragua – Esteli, Condega, Jalapa, and Ometepe. Produced at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Nicaragua is available in a single robusto (5 by 50) vitola and sold in boxes of 30. Distribution of the 1502 brand is manged by the House of Emilio led by the one and only Gary Griffith, who handles distribution for well know “boutique” companies such as Ezra Zion and Nomad Cigar Co.

The Facts

Samples Provided by House of Emilio
Price: $6.50
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 5 by 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The 1502 Nicaragua is draped in a medium tan leaf that is full of character and has a reddish or rust-like hue. Small veins are webbed all over the leaf, a few medium veins, and some bumps are easily seen. However, to the touch, the wrapper feels velvety smooth. A medium aroma is found on the wrapper with a natural tobacco sweetness and muskiness. The “cigar lock” foot shows off notes of chocolate and wet earth.

The double-cap gets the job done. A very shallow cut opens up a perfect soft draw bringing forth thick notes of graham cracker, chocolate, cedar, and cherry. While I did not pick up much spice in terms of flavor, my lips are left with a tingle and a slight itch is felt in the back of my throat.

First Third

Putting a soft flame to the foot of the cigar, tons of oils begin to seep out of the leaf. Full, rich flavors are first to greet my palate. After a few minutes, the richness tones down allowing cedar and toasted notes through. A natural tobacco sweetness is providing a nice balance to the flavors. The smoke is thick in the mouth coating all surfaces. I am not finding as much spice as expected, but a black pepper flavor lingers on the palate, while cedar and pepper are showcased on the retrohale. Even with the a couple touch-ups during the first third and a flaky looking ash, the ash still held well.

Middle Third

Transitioning into the second third of the 1502 Nicaragua, the rich cedar is carrying the cigar along with a creamy mouth feel. Earthy/leather notes have arrived and the pepper spice is picking up in terms of flavor and heat. Smoke production is rocking, but the burn continues to struggle. So far the strength is sitting in the medium range, but, as I retrohale the smoke more often, I am beginning to feel a slight nicotine kick. In the middle of the cigar, a newly found dusty cocoa has join in, but mainly on the finish.

Final Third

As the cigars winds down, I am finding more toasted notes and pepper. The smoke continues to be rich and a small sip of water is necessary to reset the palate every few puff. The natural tobacco sweetness has diminished and a vanilla bean flavor surprises me just before I am about to put the cigar to rest. The vanilla flavors is similar to that which you might find on the nose of a spiced rum.

Wrap-up

The soft box-press on the 1502 Nicaragua robusto made this cigar seem smaller than it actually is. And being a fan of small ring gauge cigars, that is not a bad thing. The performance of the first sample I smoked was below par, requiring several touch-ups in each third and completely extinguishing at one point. However, I easily looked beyond the performance because of the exceptional flavors the 1502 Nicaragua delivered. And I am happy to report the same burn issues were not experienced in the second sample. Between the rich cedar, complimented by a medium spice and natural tobacco sweetness, full flavors, full body, and medium-high strength, this cigar hit my palate just right. For a price of $6.50, the 1502 Nicaragua is one of my favorite smokes this year!

The post Global Premium Cigars – 1502 Nicaragua appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Today, I will be taking a look at the 1502 Ruby.  The 1502 brand derives it names from the year Christopher Columbus “discovered” Nicaragua and the cigars are produced by Global PremiumCigars noted by the “GPC” on the back of the band.   Since I don’t know much about Global Premium Cigars, and the 1502 brand, I decided to do a little research (is the word research now interchangeable with googling?). GPC’s site has this to say:

“Global Premium Cigars is a tobacco company Proudly Nicaraguan, which owns the most renown and prestigious brand 1502. Truly a Nicaraguan treasure.

In our Premium brand 1502, you will find three tobacco lines with the highest quality, where the sowing process, harvest, curing, aging and selection of each tobacco leaf is our major concern. It takes more than five years from the time of its sowing until the time you can enjoy one of our fine cigars; this is why patience is one of our greatest virtues in the art of tobacco production.

In our brand 1502, you will find three lines totally different from each other, being 1502 Emerald the “Fina Fuerte” (Fine Strong), 1502 Ruby of medium strength and 1502 Black Gold with strongest character. Three spectacular bindings that exclaim the Nicaraguan flavor, which will delight at all times and will make an unforgettable experience.”

On September 24, 2012 it was announced that Emilio Cigars would be handling the distribution of 1502 Cigars.  Emilio Cigars has not only  made a footprint in the cigar industry by the excellent cigars they have put on the market but also through the distribution of several boutique brands. Emilio Cigars manages the distribution for Ezra Zion (Tony’s review here), Epicurean, Rodrigo, Herederos de Robaina, and Guayacan.  Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars, has such a passion for the industry that bleeds through in all he does. Here is quote from Gary in a recent press release:

“I am fully dedicated to the mission of bringing an array of quality boutique cigars to a broader market, whether under the Emilio Cigars mark, or the mark of other equally dedicated and passionate manufacturers.”

The Facts

Price: Samples provided by Emilio Cigars
Format: Box Pressed Torpedo
Size: 6 by 50
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Pairing: Water
Smoke Time: Approx. 1 hour and 25 minutes

Pre-Light

As I do my pre-light inspection, I notice a few prevalent and minor veins running the throughout  the cigar.  However, I have never been one to worry about the impact of veins on the overall smoking experience  The Ruby sports a maroon band, with the trim, the words “1502” and “Ruby”, and center emblem all in gold.  The emblem is similar to the Crusaders’ cross.  The wrapper has minimal oils and is velvety  to the touch. When squeezed, the cigar feels somewhat spongy.  The wrapper hangs over the foot of the cigar, but not as drastic as other shaggy foot (I feel like I should use the word “feet” instead) cigars.  The wrapper is mostly uniform in color with slight imperfections and water spots letting me know this cigar has not been artificially colored.   The foot appears under filled.  As I bring the cigar to my nose, I note sweet earth and barnyard on the wrapper, while the foot reveals a bourbon like sweetness.  The head clips easily as I prepare to light up the cigar.

First Third

I am loving the free draw and amount of smoke that fills my mouth which each small puff.  Pepper and spice are in the forefront.  Beautiful dark, heavy flavors of espresso and earth are in the flavor make up, and a peppery sting is on the retrohale. The spice lingers in the back of my throat for a good amount of time.  The burn line is quite wavy but I’m going to wait it out and see if it will correct itself before doing any touchups. The ash is extremely flaky but holding on as I smoke in a cool afternoon breeze.  I don’t think I would like to smoke this through one of El Paso’s windstorms but I really don’t ever feel like smoking in windstorms unless I am settled in at the local lounge.   As expected, the 1502 Ruby has begun to tunnel but it has not taken away from the flavor department.  Flavors are very much full, with strength on the low side of medium.

Middle Third

After a minor touch up, I am into the second third of the 1502 Ruby.  Spice in the back of the throat resides, or maybe I am just numb to the burn, but the pepper holds strong.  The earth notes become much more prevalent, while a toasty, nuttiness hits the edge of the palette. I am starting to hope for a little sweetness to balance out the profile. The draw and the amount of smoke this cigar is producing is just awesome.  The flavors are still delivering at the same level, while the strength has crept up. The strength has been picking up since the start of the 1502 Ruby.  I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.  On the first sample I smoked, the cigar became extremely spongy about 1.5 to 2 inches from the burn line but the smoke never became too hot to enjoy.  That issue was not encountered on this cigar.

Final Third

The flavors remain consistent with the first and second third but the Ruby is now leaving a bite on the tongue.  The smoke is also drying out my mouth in the same fashion a walnut does.  A small sip of water and my palette quickly restores itself.  Some cocoa notes enter into the mix but fade just as quick as they arrive.  I would have loved for the cocoa to stick around a little longer.  The strength did move up to the high-end of medium, and the burn remained wavy till the very end.

Wrap-Up

The draw and the copious amount of smoke the 1502 Ruby produced was exceptional.  While I did come across a few construction issues, none them took away from the overall smoking experience.  The same construction issues (burn, sponginess and tunneling) were encountered in both samples.  The flavors were rather consistent in its entirety with only a view variations.  I found myself craving more complexity, and, at the least, some sweetness in the profile.  Also, I paired this cigar with water.  A drink that provides some sweetness would be a nice compliment to this profile, such as a big Red Zinfadel.  A local winery has an excellent Red Zin that I could see fitting this cigar perfectly.  I know I will be revisiting this cigar and try pairing it with the 2010 “Rising Star” Red Zinfandel from Zin Valle Vineyards which is located just outside of El Paso.  If you stumble across the 1502 Ruby or can find them online, grab a couple and give it a whirl.

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