THE MAYFAIR LUXURY CIGAR GUIDE: BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAUTTER OF MOUNT STREET
Faced with a wall of fine cigars, which should you choose? It’s a dilemma, similar to the panic some feel when broaching a vast collection of wine; I don’t know enough; I’m afraid to ask; I’ll look stupid; I don’t know how much to spend; HELP!
Never fear. Your neighbourhood cigar merchant is here. Sautter of Mount Street are the experts in fine, handrolled Cuban cigars and have compiled a handy list of some of the brightest and best to satisfy your shopping needs, whether for yourself or a friend.
1.) Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2
This is a beautiful cigar; light, delicate, full of flavour and yet with a gossamer touch. It’s made – as all these top-end Cuban cigars are – from the very finest longfiller tobacco the island produces, and it’s the perfect post-lunch or afternoon cigar or introduction for a beginner.
2.) Trinidad Vigia
A stunning looking, silky cigar, with a blend to match, this creamy stick may be hard to find because it sells like hot cakes. Sautter keeps a healthy stock, so shop here first.
3.) Cohiba Piramides Extra
If you’re looking to impress, this one is pulling out the big guns. Cohiba was a brand originally founded to provide the very best smokes for Fidel Castro only. Now you too can taste the smooth, sexy rumble of power – it’s the cigar equivalent to an Aston Martin.
4.) Partagas Serie D No.4
A home run of a cigar this one, which never lets you down. It can be strong – like a good dash of Tabasco – so not for beginners, but it smells amazing and provides a rich, lasting, satisfying smoke.
5.) H Upmann Half Corona
A snack size cigar for when time is of the essence. This is a wee smoke with all the flavour and blend integrity of its larger cousins. Perfect to slip in the jacket pocket ‘just in case’.
6.) Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill
Even non-cigar smokers know about this famous old brand, with it’s beautiful box artwork depicting the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s greatest love story. It’s not as long as its ‘father figure’ the classic Churchill (incidentally named thus because the great leader used to love the size and brand) but is a fat cigar allowing cool, spicy smoke to mingle and delight.
7.) Partagas Serie E No. 2
This is not a cigar for the faint hearted; it’s big, it’s bold, it’s beefy and it’s bouncy. And as Sautter owner Laurence Davis is fond of saying, ‘you have to grin to get it in.’ It’s a beast of a stick, powerful too, but if you’re looking for a true old-style, unapologetic Cuban smoke, this is it.
8.) Hoyo de Monterrey San Juan
Couldn’t leave out this cracker from the Hoyo stable, which is generally known for its light and aromatic cigars. The San Juan follows this as a rule, but has so much rich complexity that you’d be forgiven for being confused as to its strength. A circus on your palate.
9.) Diplomaticos No.2
We’re letting you into a bit of a secret here. The Diplomaticos brand is little-known and under-loved. Just not by Sautter. It’s a cracking cigar full of pepper, nuts and leather and as an added bonus, it’s a tad cheaper than other cigars of identical size. Don’t know why, don’t care; it’s a keeper.
10.) Montecristo Edmundo
Last, but by no means least, comes the Montecristo Edmundo. Another famous old brand and they hit a home run when they came up with this delightful, moreish blend. It has a tang and a woodsy, playful flavour that keeps you coming back for more.
That should keep you occupied. All these are available as single sticks as well as boxes. And remember, if you need advice, the experts at Sautter are ready, willing and more than able.
Sautter Cigars | +44 (0) 20 7499 4866 | 106 Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K 2TW
