Gift Guide: The Must Have Smokes And Accessories For Cigar Aficionados

When you think of the French brand S.T. Dupont, you primarily think about their prized lighters, particularly the timelessly elegant Ligne 2 series. What you may not think about is S.T. Dupont’s vast range of high-end yet contemporary cigar accessories.
 

First, there are, of course, lighters but with a futurist torch. Next are their cigar cutters with two heavy blades for more stability and precision when cutting. And finally, their cigar cases for carrying 1, 2, or 3 cigars are quite distinctive with their polished stainless steel and removable fine-leather tops. They are as airtight as they are chic.

Within the ranks of Team Watchonista and its friends, you’ll find real cigar connoisseurs with solid taste and expertise. As we often discuss our favorite smokes and recent reviews of new issues, we wanted, as the year comes to an end, to give you our picks for the best smokes of 2020.   
 

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure De Luxe LCDH

We have the privilege to start with Luana Cabezas @l.u.a.n.a_cabezas who is a frequent cigar smoker to tell us about that specific vitola of 52 gauge and 115 mm in length.

“On the first draws, I got earthy light taste and some pepper notes. Sometimes hint of sweetness like caramel notes mixed with earthy flavors. Spicy notes are becoming more present on the second third. Flavor-wise it stayed very consistent all the way through. Construction-wise it is excellent and has a very creamy and silky finish."
 

“It doesn’t bother you at all, and the herbal tastes are still there. The last third, the sweetness faded out but they are still coming back lingering on your tongue and palate. Wonderful smoke!” Exclaimed Luana Cabezas.

H.Upmann Connoisseur B LCDH 

Our friend from Madrid @scaramanga__ is a longtime cigar and watch aficionado. He especially recommends a tremendous 54-gauge vitola 150 mm in length.

Scaramanga told us: “I must admit few cigars have surprised me more in recent years than the H.Upmann Connoisseur B. An exclusive edition made for Casa del Habano and unfortunately can only be found there.
 

“I admit, I have always appreciated H.Upmann, starting with their Churchill from over two decades ago. This Connoisseur B is without a doubt amongst my five best recommendations to be still purchased today. Full of flavor yet not aggressive in its taste or overwhelmingly offensive to others in its smoke.

“My favorite traits of this H.Upmann are the hints of muscat and nuts that are so hard to find these days. An absolute joy of a smoke to be savored with good Jazz, preferably Coltrane or Brubeck.”

Trinidad Fundadores 

Our fellow Watchonista Board Member and friend @orangewatchcollector proposed a legendary smoke that we had the privilege of discovering together earlier this year. The one and only: Trinidad Fundadores.

“With the current trend going toward wider gauge cigars, the Fundadores from first glance gives you the desire to sample something different, from start to finish it is evident exactly what you have been missing."
 

“It is said that the Fundadores was originally produced only for Fidel Castro as it was one of the hardest cigars to roll with its long and slim viola (40-gauge/192 mm long) together with its prominent pigtail on the top. The quality of the construction and roll is evident in hand even before you light it.   

“From cutting and lighting, the whole cigar takes you on a journey of discovery until the very last draw. The first third is very light fresh wood with a creamy and sweet, almost vanilla aftertaste, coupled with plenty of beautiful velvet smoke. This then develops into a more earthy and medium-bodied smoke at the mid-point of the cigar, but it still retains that smooth sweetness on the palate. Then it finally changes to a very enjoyable strong and spicy cedar profile towards the end of this amazing 90-minute journey."

Montecristo Supremos Edición Limitada 2019 

While working from home during Switzerland’s lockdown, I had the chance to try a tremendous number of cigars. But the Montecristo Supremos Edición Limitada 2019 is still for me the most remarkable smoke in 2020.
 

Presented in a magical “galera” style yellow vitola of 25, the Supremos is a Montesco, a size never used before by Montecristo (cepo of 55 and measuring 130 mm long).

Once you start smoking this well-balanced cigar, you immediately understand how extraordinary the leaves are and how big the “garde” potential is. Beginning with a delicately spiced first third, it evolves into a consistent roasted coffee and torrefied chocolate flavor. The experience is only elevated with a snifter of LOUIS XIII.
 

Like a fragrance, the LOUIS XIII Miniature is a 5cl version of the mythical crystal decanter crowned with a fleur-de-lys stopper.
 

Delivered in a special case reminiscent of a jewelry box, this precious gem is the perfect gift to share the LOUIS XIII experience at every special occasion.

Join the LOUIS XIII Experience by contacting the dedicated LOUIS XIII Team 
louisxiiiswitzerland@louisxiii-cognac.com