“It doesn’t have to be Cuban to be good,” declares Norman Stein, owner of one of Sydney’s finest cigar shops ‘Bogart’s House of Fine Cigars’. ” Increasingly cigar makers based in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras and Brazil are producing cigars of similar, if not better quality, than those coming out of Cuba.”

Norman’s shopfront, tucked away beneath the bustle of Sydney’s Martin Place, is a welcoming place for tobacco connoisseurs, where cigars, pre-blended tobacco, cigarillos and pipes can all be found.

Over the past few years, Norman has noticed a growing trend of consumers moving away from Cuban cigars in order to try those produced with tobacco from the other dominant Caribbean and Central American regions. “Many Cuban cigars are sensational, and will continue to be for years to come, however cigars made in Central America and other Caribbean nations are consistently improving and offering a quality product.”

Those that have stuck to Cubans since discovering their cigar passion are encouraged by Norman to give a non-Cuban cigar a go, and he expects that they will be pleasantly surprised.

“Many of the cigar makers based in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras left Cuba just after Fidel’s revolution and took with them a proud family history of cigar making and started anew. Families such as the Fuentes, Padrons and Olivas have all created fantastic cigars in and around Central America.”

“These cigar makers are putting more time into ageing and are creating new and exciting blends. Just like wine, tea and coffee, regional terroir produces tobacco for such cigars with distinct flavours and characteristics. Also, due to the proud history of the family name, these cigar makers are eager to ensure the produce consistently high quality cigars.”

The Cuban cigar’s current popularity and market dominance in Australia can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, Habanos SA’s international network of authorised distributors has ensured that Cuban cigars can be found across the globe. Due to the USA’s embargo of Cuba, non-Cuban cigars enjoy market dominance in the USA and producers have predominantly focused on this market while also steadily pushing into Europe. Compounding this situation is Australia’s relatively tiny cigar loving population that makes bringing new product to our shores much hard for a manufacturer based in Esteli, Santo Domingo or Miami. But this is changing as smaller, privately-owned family operations reach distribution agreements with companies such as Swedish Match and other multi-nationals.

Norman proudly stocks a variety of Cuban and non-Cuban cigars in his shop, ensuring that those curious to try something different are catered to. A few of his favourites from the primary cigar making regions of the world include Davidoff, La Aurora and Macanudo from the Dominican Republic, while from Nicaragua, Dunhill’s Signed Range, Oliva and Padron should be sought out. The Toraño family’s Honduran creations are exemplary and Dona Flor cigars from Brazil offer an interesting taste profile.

“My favourite cigar at the moment is the Macanudo 1968,” Norman states. “The 1968 commemorates over four decades of the brand and offers a rich dark taste with hints of chocolate and sweet spice. They are a wonderful after lunch or dinner treat.” Norman also adds that Room101 Cigars are a hot new cigar brand to watch out for in 2010.

Are we facing a non-Cuban cigar revolution? Perhaps not a revolution, but an evolution, that follows Australia’s receptiveness to new lifestyle products. Cuban cigars have a strong hold in Australia and will continue to have their admirers. However, the average Aussie punter’s willingness to learn more about cigars means that interest in non-Cuban cigars will no doubt increase.

For more information about Bogart’s range of cigars, pipes and all the accessories go to cigars.bogarts.com.au or visit Norman and the Bogart’s team at Martin Place Shopping Circle (close to Martine Place Train Station).

Please email any cigar related questions to sam@inlumino.com.au

To read some of my previous editorial contributions visit www.inlumino.com.au

Inlumino Cigar News Australia can be found at http://inluminocomms.blogspot.com

It is widely known that ‘Aussie’ Guus enjoys his cigars. He is but one of many sporting identities who enjoy a cigar and is not afraid to be filmed while smoking one. In saying that, there are quite a few Australian political identities who enjoy the occasional cigar but it is unfortunate that many of these identities won’t be seen enjoying a cigar for fear of what society’s reaction will be, and more importantly, for fear of not being re-elected! This is a shame as their enjoyment of a cigar will do much to improve the humble cigar’s public perception and separate it (just slightly) from other tobacco products such as cigarettes. K Rudd et al are regularly seen attending community events such as barbeques with a beer in hand. It would be appalling if continued health pressures extended towards alcohol and pollies resisted the urge to be seen with any alcoholic drink in their hands.

With this said, it was extremely satisfying seeing photos of Bartender’s 100^th Issue party with many of the pics showing industry members celebrating Spanton Media Group’s success with a fine stogie. Although I couldn’t make the party, it is great to see cigars were a part of the celebration.

I have already read that Guus and Chelsea are up for a fine for smoking indoors - I’m sure they’ve got enough spare coin to cover any fine, although I am awaiting public comment from various health departments around the world declaring that images of Guus enjoying a cigar set a poor health example. Hiddink’s dance moves were clearly more of an immediate health threat.

Too much of anything can make you an addict, but an occasional cigar to celebrate life’s achievements is a great pleasure and far from being an addiction. Whether it is winning the FA Cup Final or surviving a tough week, life is too short not to celebrate the good times…and if a cigar dance feels right, go for it!

We would have posted the cigar dance footage here but sadly it has been removed from youtube by Chelsea.

Please email any cigar related questions to sam@inlumino.com.au

To read some of my previous editorial contributions visit www.inlumino.com.au

Inlumino Cigar News Australia can be found at http://inluminocomms.blogspot.com

I’m a firm believer that often a cigar is a conduit to a good night rather than an end in itself. Saturday night was a perfect example of this. Despite RSVPing to a wedding, we found ourselves without a seat at the reception, and so as not to cause extra stress to the bride and groom on their day, nor waste a perfectly good night out, we slinked out and traipsed down to a bar a few streets away, grabbed a seat outside and ordered some cocktails. A calm, crisp autumn evening provided the ideal conditions to spark up this Partagas 2008 Limited Edition. It would prove to be a good addition to an evening which was shaping up as one we would look back on and laugh about.

With a 50 ring gauge and 4.3 inches in length, the petit robusto sized cigar lit and drew well, with strong tobacco and smoky peat flavours on show. Whereas the Partagas Serie D No. 4, a regular production robusto-sized cigar, is a medium to heavy-bodied smoke that is best enjoyed after a hearty meal, this light-bodied Limited Edition won’t leave a novice cigar smoker’s head reeling and is a good introduction to cigars in general. Fans of regular robusto sized cigars who find themselves short on time will also appreciate the quicker smoking time of the Serie D No. 5.

Unfortunately the cigar didn’t evolve as would be expected of a limited edition cigar. Despite great flavours as mentioned before, it remained slightly one-dimensional. The poorly made Mojitos (the bar shall remain nameless) didn’t complement the leathery taste and I would love to pair this cigar with a single malt whisky to get a better indication of its potential. Some more time in the humidor may allow it to develop more complexity. The old adage ‘time will tell’ rings true in the case of the Partagas D5 Limited Edition.

Despite some minor shortcomings, this Partagas was a formidable companion to a night of fun and conversation, albeit without the expected frivolity of a wedding.

Please email any cigar related questions to sam@inlumino.com.au

To read some of my previous editorial contributions visit www.inlumino.com.au

Inlumino Cigar News Australia can be found at http://inluminocomms.blogspot.com

Introduced relatively recently in 1996, the Cuaba marca is best described as one of Habanos SA’s niche brands. The story behind the Cuaba name is based on Cuba’s Taino Indian population and their use of tobacco leaf. Upon arrival, The Spanish learnt that ignited cuttings from the cuaba bush were the local’s preferred method of lighting their original stogies.

Cuaba’s regular production line is comprised solely of Perfecto shaped cigars (tapered at both ends) however this Limited Edition is interestingly offered in a Pyramid format (52 ring gauge x 6 inches). Most generous of Cuaba’s regular production line is the Cuaba Salomones. Back in the day when smoking indoors was commonplace, a close friend, lit one of these 7 ¼ inch monsters up at the bar.  Another patron, smoking a cigarette exclaimed “Look at the size of that thing!” to which my friend, in his best Jamaican accent, replied “I get dat all de time,” immediately capturing the attention of the bar and humouring the cigarette smoker’s female companion.

But I digress - back to the 2008 EL!

This marvel, part of Habanos SA’s 2008 Limited Edition family had a thick, leathery wrapper, which could only be compared to the oily wrapper found on a Padron 1926 80 Years Anniversary which I had the pleasure of smoking last year. The Padron family produce some excellent non-Cuban smokes out of Nicaragua, and if this Cuaba stacks up in only some aspects to the Padron, it will still be an indulgence.

The pre-light draw revealed a subtle cocoa flavour coming through the cigar. Upon lighting, the first third of the cigar provided strong pepper notes with lashings of dark chocolate. After the first few minutes of lighting up a cigar, you can usually judge the overall character of a cigar. Some are characterised as lazy Sunday mornings, others are tempestuous summer evenings. This was a ’sit down and buckle up’ cigar enjoyed on a warm March afternoon.

The stick’s intensity lifted in the second third with the pepper and chocolate notes continuing. However, a bold coffee flavour began to infuse itself with that of the chocolate. The cigar slowly evolved over a twenty minute period, moving from the already mentioned intense, in-your-face flavour to a more enjoyable full-bodied smoothness.

The cigar’s final stages continued to demonstrate its coffee and cocoa flavours. These Cuaba’s are good now, but a few years rest in the humidor will further develop an intriguing cigar!

Cigar courtesy of Pacific Cigar Company.

The Cuaba 2008 Limited Edition is available from all reputable cigar retailers.

Please email any cigar related questions to sam@inlumino.com.au

To read some of my previous editorial contributions visit www.inlumino.com.au

Inlumino Cigar News Australia can be found at http://inluminocomms.blogspot.com

I’m sure many of 4Bars readers are asking themselves this question when they come across my cigar segment here on 4Bars, so I thought I’d introduce myself to the Australian bartending community.

My wife knows about the affair I have been having with cigars for the past 9 years.

Like any affair it began with a casual dalliance before morphing into a full-blown affair that involves writing and speaking about my liaison!

Since my early 20s, I have been a keen cigar aficionado, however I soon realised that I wanted to engage further in cigar culture and contribute to its development. After a visit to Cuba in 2003, I began writing for an online cigar magazine and in 2006 began contributing to Europe’s leading cigar magazine European Cigar Cult Journal. Later that year I filled a niche within the Australian cigar industry by launching my blog Inlumino Cigar News Australia.

So how did I end up on this bartending website I hear you ask! Last Year, Bartender Magazine Publisher David Spanton, who shares a love of fine cigars, looked me up and together we collaborated on a cigar and cocktail matching session which some of you may remember (Australian Bartender, Issue 91, June 2008). I was then invited to be a part of the Cigar Theatre panel at BarShow08 and now take the reins as the Cigar Correspondent for 4bars.

My contributions to 4Bars will aim to inform and entertain about premium hand-made cigars. Cigars are extremely subjective. I don’t profess to be an expert, nor do I have all the answers. Like the products adorning your bars, cigars have a unique story, rich in history. In Australia, predominantly due to the anti-tobacco push and smoking bans, cigars have been maligned – unfairly lumped into the same category as cigarettes. Yes, both contain tobacco, but I can imagine your dismay if Richard Hennessy or other top shelf tipple received the same negative connotations as Passion Pop.

It’s time to give the humble cigar its due recognition.

Cheers, Sam

Please email any cigar related questions to sam@inlumino.com.au

To read some of my previous editorial contributions visit www.inlumino.com.au

Inlumino Cigar News Australia can be found at http://inluminocomms.blogspot.com

By Samuel Spurr

Tale of the Tape

Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Vintage 2000

Filler: Dominican Republic, Mexico

Binder: Mexican San Andrean

Produced: General Cigar Factory Dominican Republic

Length: 6 Inches, Ring Gauge: 54.

Each leaf used to create this cigar was cultivated in 2000, hence the name Vintage 2000. This cigar’s wrapper was immaculate. It would have to be if it proclaims to be using 9 year-old wrapper leaf.

The Macanudo begins with uber-smooth honey and roasted nut flavours and light smoke slowly tempts the palate. The strength of the cigar picks up slightly in the second third, with continued hints of roasted nuts. Pepper notes introduce themselves and give the cigar more strength through the middle. The final third picks up dramatically and moves from being a light-bodied smoke to medium-bodied. The smooth pepper and roasted nut flavours continue unabated. With the age of the leaves used, this cigar was always going to exemplify subtle flavour changes.

Considering the age of the leaves, The Vintage 2000 was never going to be a knock-your-head-off cigar; its sleek flavours slowly creep up on you, while a perfect draw makes for an enjoyable early-afternoon smoke.

Cigar Courtesy of Swedish Match.