Meet the Best Cigar Releases of 2016
Every year ushers in a slew of unforgettable cigar releases, & 2016 was no exception. Last year aficionados were blessed with multiple lines of great cigars. These are highlighted every year at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR). This convention & international trade show unites retailers, manufacturers & cigar lovers in one vibrant venue. This potent mix sets the stage for the best new releases to be presented to the cigar smoking community. As the industry scrambles to come up with better products, the real winner is the consumer.
In order to stay current, it’s essential to keep an eye on new cigar releases. These give aficionados a preview of where the industry is going. In a market that’s regularly forced to adapt to fluctuating regulation, innovation is key. This is often seen in epic debuts, & 2016 was full of ground breaking releases. We compiled a list of the best new cigars of 2016. Prepare to be united with your next favorite cigar!
Best Cigar Releases of 2016
New Cigar #1: Cohiba Macassar – Out of all the ultra-premium cigar producers, none have been more active in the last decade than Cohiba. This has helped maintain their status as one of the most treasured cigar brands in the world. Last year they stunned critics with a wild new release, the Cohiba Macassar. This innovative release was inspired by Macassar wood, an exotic ebony tree that’s nestled inside the Indonesian rainforest. This rare type of wood is renowned for being so gorgeous that it looks like a work of art.
Cohiba decided to pay homage to this natural masterpiece with an equally exceptional line of cigars. Their Macassar line consists of premium hand selected tobaccos that have been aged for 4 years. These blends are aged for an additional year in Dominican rum barrels. All this is wrapped with a 6-year aged Connecticut Havano wrapper that was designed specifically for this blend.
To top it off, a 6-year aged Connecticut Broadleaf binder gives each cigar a smooth burn. Each one features delightfully complex notes of wood & spice, along with a sweet aftertaste. This release is unapologetically exotic, which is what we have grown to love about Cohiba!
New Release #2: Davidoff Yamasa – Another big-name company that has been driving cigar lovers wild is Davidoff. This daring brand has already stolen the show with recent releases Nicaragua & Escurio. Even though these offerings were game changers, they pale in comparison to the Yamasa. This exotic blend is the product of over 20 years of engineering by Davidoff’s expert team of tobacco growers. The group is led by master blender Henke Keiner, & after two decades of research they created this masterpiece.
This new release showcases the potent tobacco grown in the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic. Each stick features complex peppery flavors that compliment hints of wood & spice. These flavors are brought to life by Condega & Esteli grown Nicaraguan long fillers. It doesn’t get more complex than this cigar, it’s literally bursting at the seams with flavor!
New Release #3: Montecristo Politico – This line up was released at the perfect time, since it debuted right before a slew of controversial political elections. Even though many may attribute this name to current events, Politico actually refers to an extremely rare strain of tobacco. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Politico tobacco is one of the hardest types of tobacco to grow. The seeds came from Cuba, so it demands a specific micro climate to flourish. They are extremely susceptible to blue mold, which makes the strain almost impossible to grow without incident.
Starting in the 90’s, Montecristo was finally able to source this rare tobacco from master growers Jose Mendez & Co. Due to its glorious taste, this tobacco is considered a treat by any respectable cigar smoker. It features a strong flavor profile that’s dominated by nuts & leather. Many people fell head over heels for its sweet aftertaste, which is helping revive this long-lost strain!
Are you a fitness boutique owner? Check out our new venture, Mindbody Consultant!