The nights are drawing in, the mercury is dropping, and the year has turned again. The warm days of summer are past and, to some, the thought of smoking Havanas alfresco is less enticing once more.
However, there are several attractive options on the shelves of UK Havana Cigar Specialists, ideally suited to colder climes, if one knows where to look.
This collection of Havana cigars, undoubtedly delicious all year round, really come into their own at this time of year. None larger than 4 3/8 inches long and none requiring more than 20 minutes or so to enjoy.
All made with long filler tobacco leaf and totally handmade, these cigars are perfectly tailored for the cold winter months. When celerity is called for but quality must not be compromised these diminutive Havanas provide the perfect solution.
After all, as the famous cigar smoker, Mark Twain once said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Cohiba Siglo I
4” (102mm) x 40 ring gauge
The smallest of the Línea 1492, the Siglo I is a delightful cigar full of rich, nuanced flavours and exceptional balance. An excellent introduction into the style and quality that has made Cohiba the most prestigious and acclaimed cigar brand in the world (medium bodied).
Montecristo No.5
4” (102mm) x 40 ring gauge
A cigar which showcases the classic flavours that make Montecristo the world’s most popular Cuban cigar house. Its diminutive format contains a blend packed full of spice, black pepper and cedar, making it clear why the brand is considered a benchmark against which all others can be measured (medium to full).
Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robustos
4 (102mm) x 50 ring gauge
Due to its subtle yet rewarding character this light bodied brand is as popular with novice cigar smokers as it is with aficionados. Although short it has a heavy ring gauge that is is an ideal format for Hoyo’s floral and easy-going blend, delivering an abundance of flavour throughout the 20 minutes or so smoking time (light).
Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales
3 ¾” (95mm) x 47 ring gauge
Romeo y Julieta is one of Cuba’s most popular cigar houses and the Petit Royale is a fine example of the blend. In the factories of Cuba this shaped cigar is called a “Caprichos”, from the Spanish word meaning “whims” and, at just under 4 inches long, it is a whim that can be indulged even in the coldest days of winter (medium).
Partagás Serie D No.6
3 ½” (90mm) x 50 ring gauge
The all-conquering Serie D. No.4’s little brother, the D.6 is rich, full flavoured and bursting with Partagás earthiness. It has a character that belies its petit appearance and is ideally suited to enjoy with a warming glass of scotch whisky or aged Cuban rum (full).
Trinidad Reyes
4 3/8” (110mm) x 40 ring gauge
Despite being the smallest of Trinidad’s portfolio, the Reyes happily maintains the exceptionally high standards set by the Fundadores (the original size) upon its 1998 release. Blended to be accessible and aromatic, the Reyes stands as an exemplary example of the modern Habano.
