Let me be the judge of that!
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The Leaf
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Cuban music vibes this morning
The sun is out and past 8:58 Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8-5-8 Maduro
Boisdale of Canary Wharf
The Leaf
A Review of El Habano Moderno: Second Edition by Alexander Groom
For the serious cigar aficionado, collector or industry professional, separating myth from fact in the world of Cuban cigars is a lifelong pursuit. With constantly shifting regional editions, limited releases, and ever-evolving factory codes, keeping up is nearly impossible. Enter Alexander Groom’s El Habano Moderno: Second Edition, a book that doesn’t just try to catch up with the modern Cuban cigar industry, it defines it.
Trade Show
InterTabac
Organised by InterTabac
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 — Thu, Sep 17, 2026
Messe Dortmund, Dortmund
Event
The Summertime Smoke – Festival of Cigars 2026
Organised by Havana House
Sat, Aug 1, 2026• 12pm
EJ Churchill Shooting Ground, High Wycombe
Smoking a My Father Cigars La Promesa Robusto Grande at Boisdale of Canary Wharfwith Steve (@ldncigarsmoker)
Cigar Review
Figurado
Oliva • Serie V Melanio
Smoking Date
Mar 14, 2026
Duration
60 minutes
Location
Boisdale of Canary Wharf
Pairing
Macallan 12Y
Cut Method
Straight Cut
Lighting Method
Matches
Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is a difficult vitola to roll, but Oliva executes it flawlessly. The wrapper is a dark, oily Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf with almost no prominent veins. The triple cap is seamless. The cigar feels dense but not overpacked, with a consistent give. Pre-light draw reveals a perfect resistance and notes of sweet cocoa and barnyard.
Smell (Aroma)
The cold draw (unlit) offers a rich scent of raisins (fruity), dark chocolate, and cedar. Once lit, the room aroma is elegant, baking spices and sweet wood rather than harsh smoke.
Burn (Combustion) & Draw (Resistance)
Burn: Incredibly even. The box-pressed shape and figurado tip can sometimes cause wobble, but this burned like a laser, requiring no touch-ups. The ash held on for two inches before dropping in solid white chunks.
Draw: Perfectly dialed in. The tapered head focuses the smoke, providing a slight resistance (ideal for a figurado), which allows you to retrohale effortlessly.
Smoke Volume (4.5/5) Copious, thick, and silky. For a figurado, it produces far more smoke than a standard robusto. The smoke has a heavy, oily texture that coats the palate.
Taste & Strength
Strength: Medium-Full. This is not a nicotine bomb, but it has serious presence. It will satisfy seasoned smokers without making beginners dizzy.
Taste Profile: The star of the show. The first third is all pepper and wood, but by the second third, it transforms into a creamy, coffee-laced masterpiece. The finish is long and clean.
The Figurado shape adds complexity to the blend that the standard robusto lacks.
Final Score: 94/100 Recommendation: Buy a box when they go on sale. Let them rest for 30 days. You will not find a better medium-full cigar for the money.
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Trade Show
IGNITE 2026
Organised by AITS
Fri, May 15, 2026 — Sun, May 17, 2026
Whittlebury Park, Towcester
