PCA Magazine Fall 2019

PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019 | PCA The Magazine 21 T H E R E V I E W T H E B L E N D Highclere Connecticut Shade Corona  Wrapper: Connecticut Shade  Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina  Filler: Nicaragua (Criollo and Corojo)  5 1/2 x 46 available for $13–$15  retail, single;  $260 MSRP  for a 20-count box  Manufactured in Nicaragua by Foundation Cigar Company or fans of history or Downton Abbey,  the thought of smoking a cigar made in conjunction with the castle featured in the show, and a place filled with the rich history of cigar smoking, fills one with excitement. I received samples of these mild- bodied cigars to smoke in 2018, however, they ended up aging in my humidor for well over a year, as I just couldn’t bring myself to smoke these cigars without a special occasion in which to do so. Turns out, that special occasion was for a review, but I’m pleased to report these cigars were well worth the wait. The smooth, hay- colored Connecticut shade wrapper is wonderful to look at and features few visible veins or seams—a very well-constructed cigar. The pre- light aromas are that of oak and a bit of wheat. The pre-light draw has a perfect amount of resistance.  The light-up is effortless, the burn line is flawless and (spoiler alert) I never touch a flame to this cigar again. Initially, the cigar exhibits notes of pepper, fireplace and leather, with a tiny bit of grass inching its way in. The mouthfeel is creamy, and there is lots of pepper in the retrohale.  As I smoke, I can only dream of joining Lord Carnarvon in Highclere Castle smoking this cigar. Imagine the delightful smells of 15 of these cigars filling a room. The scent of heaven? I should think so.   Thirty minutes in, I start to get a bit of cinnamon flavor, as well as more citrus. The room notes are getting spicier. Additionally, the cigar is exhibiting a little bit of bitterness, but it isn’t overpowering. The light peppery ash holds for well over an inch. This cigar is smoking like a charm and features an absolutely pristine burn line. And like I noted earlier, I haven’t had to touch it up at all. I pair this cigar with the Highclere Castle Gin, and, quite predictably, this cigar pairs beautifully with it. This gin is produced in England’s oldest F gin distillery and is made using botanicals grown on the Highclere estate. It’s a special gin for a special cigar.   This cigar needs to be mulled over, talked over; maybe contemplate life with a friend while enjoying one. Is it worth the $13–$15 price tag? I would say so. The flavors and aromas are very pleasant, nothing to write home about, but nonetheless, it’s a special cigar that is excellent for special occasions. You instantly feel a kinship with the Lords of Highclere while smoking it. If nothing else, that’s as good a reason as any to try one.