Tag: Beirut

Smoking the Izambar Swindon cigar at a Lebanese wedding

Have a Cigar: Izambar Swindon Extra Robusto

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Izambar Swindon Extra Robusto
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Robusto Extra (6 1/4 inches x 54)
Strength: Medium

Overall, this is a smooth, good-looking cigar that can please most smokers I know. It has a solid draw, burns evenly, and offers a nice bouquet of notes. It’s a medium-bodied woody and peppery Nicaraguan that pairs nicely with aged rum and blended Scotch. Although it’s not the type that I would add to my smoking repertoire, it’s definitely a stick worth revisiting every now and then.

Smoking the Oliva Serie V Melanio 2025 Robusto at a wedding in Lebanon

Have a Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2025

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Oliva Serie V Melanio Limited Edition 2025 Robusto Extra
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Robusto Extra (5 inches x 54)
Strength: Full

A full-bodied, powerful cigar that produces thick, creamy smoke. It reminds us why the Figurado once won Cigar Aficionado‘s Cigar of the Year title. It’s built masterfully. It’s so well-constructed and so well-balanced that I had to make an effort to find weaknesses, and I couldn’t find any.

I paired it with a 12-year-old Scotch, and it kept me company for two beautiful hours.

I’d love to smoke more of these and keep a few sticks in my humidor. So, maybe that’s what I’ll do.

A review of the E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos cigar

Have a Cigar: E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos
Country: Dominican Republic
Shape: Parejo
Size: Double Toro (6 inches x 60)
Strength: Full

I paired the first third with sparkling water and espresso, the rest with bourbon. The E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos is a big, well-constructed cigar with a great draw… a perfect lounge cigar, one that can easily keep you company for two or more hours. Smoke it slowly. Take your time with it. Blow out the smoke, have a sip of something strong, say something deep. Expect notes of cocoa, coffee, cedar, and earth.