Humo Jaguar

Often times I look into the humidor and find cigars that are a mystery.  They have been sent by friends, manufacturers and obtained at events.  Who knows what wonders lurk in the humidor.

I recently went looking for something to smoke and came up with a beauty, Humo Jaguar.  Unfortunately, I knew nothing about this cigar.  But, a little research turned up some intriguing facts.  Humo Jaguar is a festival held in Copan, Honduras as a competition for cigar makers.  Each maker could enter a cigar to be judged.  Over 200 entered with many varieties and spectacular cigars.

This cigar, by Nestor Placencia, won best in show and he named it after the festival itself.  The blend is available in three sizes, Corona Gorda, Gigante, and Robusto.  I smoked the Robusto.

Unwrapping this cigar revealed a rich looking, oily oscuro cigar.  It was completely free of blemish and had a shiny look.  This was complimented by the understated band that simple states the name of the cigar.  I always quickly pass a newly opened cigar under my nose to get a first anticipation of what to expect.  This is the first time in over 40 years of cigars that I have smelled apples.  What a delightful aroma.

Lighting the cigar was easy.  It is well made and burns evenly with a tight edge and long ash.  The first flavors were of chocolate and caramel.  Years ago I had a cup of hot chocolate at a gifted choclatier in Italy name Sliti.  I had to use a spoon it was so thick.  This cigar reminded me of that chocolate – rich, thick, and heavenly.

As I continued to smoke the flavors became more complex.  At times there was a hint of vanilla, sometime a creaminess, and sometime a nuttiness.  Even though I would consider this a full bodied cigar there was no sharp edge to it.  Many people think of spice as body.  To me the richness of fullness of flavor is a much better indicator of strength.

I didn’t want this cigar to end.  The flavor never quit and the cigar never smoked hot.  That is until I almost burned my fingers because I smoked it down so low.  This cigar is a must smoke, and my advice is to get as many as you can.  Michelin describes there 3 star restaurants as a place worthy of going out of your way.  I’d travel quite a distance for one of these.