Smokeasy's top 4 memorable smokes for the month of February
Pictured clockwise: Intemperance BA XXI (RoMa Craft Tobac), Florida Sun Grown “FSG” (Drew Estate), La Imperiosa (Crowned Heads), and Fratello Navetta (Fratello Cigars). All images are courtesy of the respective cigar manufacturers.
Intemperance BA XXI (RoMa Craft Tobac)
Intemperance was RoMa Craft's first cigar release produced in their Esteli, Nicaragua factory (Fabrica de Tobacco NicaSueno), Intemperance is presented in two capa varietals: the Intemperance EC XVIII (Ecuador Connecticut) and Intemperance BA XXI (Brazil Arapiraca). The BA XXI Ambition is my go-to stick in this particular line. Interestingly, the branding for this line was inspired by the history of prohibition, featuring a logo inspired by a famous artifact of the temperance movement, which lead to prohibition of alcohol in the US, and is still reflected in current anti-smoking campaigns and tobacco control. This line was created to spark a modern intemperance movement. Intemperance BA XXI is a truly phenomenal smoke.
Country of origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazil Arapiraca
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Nicaragua; Dominican Republic
Vitolas (5): The Intrigue (4" x 46 Petito); The Avarice (4½" x 52 Short Robusto); The Envy (5" x 50 Short Perfecto); The Breach of the Peace (5" x 56 Gran Robusto); The Ambition (5½" x 54 Belicoso)
Medium-full bodied | Medium strength
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Florida Sun Grown "FSG" (Drew Estate) Drew Estate added the FSG to their portfolio in 2016, featuring tobacco grown just outside of Orlando, Florida. Drew Estate partnered with Jeff Borysiewicz, owner and proprietor of the renowned Corona Cigar Co. The Florida sun grown tobacco in the filler is primarily used as "accent" tobacco to add nuance and depth to the blend. Drew Estate Master Blender Willy Herrera worked tirelessly with Jeff Borysiewicz over two years with this project, as growing tobacco in Florida was extremely challenging. Very flavorful cigar that really produces a great deal of smoke!
Country of origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazil Arapiraca
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua; Florida Corojo ’99 ligero
Vitolas (4): Robusto (5" x 54); Toro (6" x 52); Belicoso (6½" x 54); Sixty (6" x 60)
Medium-full bodied | Medium strength
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La Imperiosa (Crowned Heads)
In 2014, Crowned Heads released a limited edition blend, Las Calaveras 2014, which made a huge impact on the industry and garnered significant love from cigar enthusiasts. In response, Crowned Heads resurrected the blend into a regular production cigar, naming it La Imperiosa, which translates to ‘the imperative,’ or, “..that which is absolutely necessary or required.” Originally a Cuban brand from the early 1900’s, the artwork and band were inspired by the original Cuban vista and band of years gone by. This cigar is manufactured at the My Father Cigars factory in Nicaragua. The JD Howard Reserve was once my favorite Crowned Heads blend - the La Imperiosa has become a co-favorite...and stays in regular humidor rotation.
Country of origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas (4): Magicos (4½" x 52); Dukes (5½" x 54); Corona Gorda (5¾" x 46); Double Robusto (6⅜" x 50)
Full bodied | Medium-full strength
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Fratello Navetta (Fratello Cigars)
I think by now, everyone knows the story of Fratello Cigars, founded, owned, and operated by Omar de Frias, a former National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) employee. He launched the company in 2013 and hasn't looked back. After entering the industry with the inaugural Fratello blend, Omar has successfully launched 4 additional blends, the latest is Fratello Navetta. This blend is his tribute to NASA, commemorating the ultimate celebratory feeling of the men and women of the space program after a successful mission, what he calls the "ultimate feeling of innovation, duty, honor and success." Hands down, this is my favorite of all Fratello blends, and strangely reminds of the Drew Estate Liga Privada lines - can't say either the T52 or the No. 9...need to go back to those and make a comparison! The Navetta is boxworthy...
Country of origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Oscuro
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitolas (4): Discovery (5" x 50); Endeavor (6¼" x 54); Enterprise (6" x 60); Atlantis (6¼" x 52)
Medium-full bodied | Medium-Full strength
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