The New Cigars Of 2007

ear 2007, like any year, will receive a mixed review2007 also saw the debut of Ashton's version of the
from historians. War, genocide, epidemic andSan Cristobal de la Habana cigar - a Cuban cigar long
environmental destruction continued apace, as didunavailable in the United States, but now remade by
public apathy and political ineffectiveness. In America,Jose "Don Pepin" Garcia using Nicaraguan tobacco and
infrastructure deterioration hit the headlines in Augustwrappers for those of us who must live in countries
with the Minneapolis bridge collapse, while socialthat have trade embargos against Cuba. Even some
deterioration was well-attested by the Virginia Techsmokers who love the San Cristobal de la Habanas of
shootings, the continued erosion of habeas corpus,Cuba were impressed with the quality of this
and the continued popularity of Britney Spears. Inmade-for-America cigar.
sports, we saw Michael Vick and Larry Craig disgraceThe sweet Isla del Sol, by Drew Estate, features
themselves and their games.filler leaves infused with delicious Sumatran Mandheling
In the world of arts, culture, and leisure, meanwhile,Bean Coffee, making it a good choice for those cigar
things weren't so bad. The year closed with somesmokers who enjoy a cup of joe when they open
much-anticipated masterpieces - new albums bytheir humidors. With its sweet aroma, it's also a
veterans Radiohead and Kanye West, movies like Noperfect choice for new smokers or those who don't
Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood,think they like cigars, but are willing to be proven
acclaimed novels by Denis Johnson and Junot Diaz -wrong.
but it wasn't such an auspicious year for passionateFor experienced smokers who love a little spice, by
smokers. In July, the UK became the final country incontrast, there was La Aurora Preferidos Ecuador -
the UK to impose a smoking ban on its pubs andhailed by Korb as "a bold, complex cigar," with its
restaurants. Still, the news for cigar aficionados"diverse blend" of aged Dominican, Brazilian and
wasn't all bad - 2007 cigar-company trade-showCameroon long-fill tobacco, all wrapped up in an
circuit saw a number of exciting, successful debuts.Edcuadorian wrapper. This cigar comes to you from
As we wind down the year in which the Retailall over the world, and finishes with just a flutter of
Tobacco Dealers of America changed their name tocayenne pepper.
the International Premium Cigar and Pipe RetailersThe Oliva Serie V won some almost-unprecedented
Association, here is a look back at some of the mostraves from Cigar Insider - including a 94 for the
successful new cigars of 2007.Torpedo model. Using premium Nicaraguan longfillers,
From Don Jose Pepin Garcia, also known among cigarbinder and wrapper, this cigar was hailed most of all
fans as "Mr. Popularity," we got 601 Green Label,for its balance of body, complexity and smoothness.
described by Cigar Advisor's Gary Korb as "a juicyThese cigars may well be a must-try for dedicated
well-balanced, and very robust cigar." This new cigarsmokers.
blends Nicaraguan longfiller leaves with a HabanoThese are just a few of the cigars that figured
Obscuro wrapper leaf.prominently in trade-show and year-end wrap-ups
CAO America wrapped together fillers fromfrom Cigar Advisor, the expert's blog The Smoking
Nicauraga, the Dominican Republic and Italy in aLounge, Cigars International, Cigar Aficionado, and
Double Connecticut wrapper to bring you the CAOother sources. Serious smokers, of course, will want
America cigar. This slightly leathery, nutty cigarto find their own way through the bold new tastes
(according to Cigar Review) debuted at the Retailof this rewarding year for cigar smokers. Such
Tobacco Dealers of America trade show with greatsmokers may well decide to create to create their
hype and, for the most part, great reviews.own sampler package of 2007's best smokes.