Highland Park Introduces “London Edition” in Single Cask Series

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Orkney-based distillery, Highland Park, has announced the addition of the “London Edition” to its Single Cask Series. The whisky will be available in the UK starting from 11th September, priced at an RRP of £390 with an ABV of 58.5%.

The 18-year-old London Edition was distilled in 2002 and bottled in 2021. It matured in a refill sherry-seasoned European oak cask. The specific cask, labelled as #4627, was selected by Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion.

Those familiar with Highland Park’s profile can expect earthy and smoky tones in this new release. The aroma includes elements of vanilla sponge, oak, and nutmeg. In terms of taste, it has notes of pears, aniseed, and cedar wood, with a peaty touch and a hint of sweet spice at the end.

Highland Park sources sherry-seasoned casks from Spanish bodegas. Because sherry has a low alcohol content, it interacts less with the cask, allowing the whisky to gain more flavour during maturation.

Gordon Motion noted the importance of refill casks in their selection process. With whiskies aged 18 years and more, the selection narrows down, aiming to present the distinct character of Highland Park casks.

Whiskies at Highland Park are typically filled at 63.5%. Over time, some alcohol and water are lost to evaporation, known as the “Angels’ Share.” However, Motion points out that the flavours tend to concentrate over this period. He suggests that enthusiasts can adjust the whisky with water or ice to reach their preferred drinking strength.

For more information on Highland Park, visit: www.highlandparkwhisky.com

Highland Park Single Cask #4627 18-Year-Old London Edition Details:

  • RRP: £390
  • ABV: 58.8%
  • Total production: 642 bottles
  • On sale date: 11th September 2023
  • Appearance: Light golden colour
  • Tasting notes: Aromas of vanilla sponge, fresh Galia melon, oak, and nutmeg. Flavours include pears, aniseed, and cedar wood, with a peaty note and a sweet spice finish.

Drew Estate Unveils “Liga Privada 10 Selección de Mercado” Exclusively for Overseas Connoisseurs

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Drew Estate, a prominent name in the cigar industry, is gearing up to release an exclusive new variant of Liga Privada 10. This distinct expression is scheduled to be unveiled at the Intertabac Show in Dortmund, Germany, on September 14, 2023.

The “Liga Privada 10 Selección de Mercado,” which translates to “Market Selection,” pays homage to the time-honored practice of selecting wrapper leaves based on color for specific national markets. Sized at 6 x 52 (Toro), the cigar stands out due to its Connecticut Criollo capa leaf. Notably, this leaf, known for its unique characteristics, is cultivated solely for Drew Estate by a single farmer in the renowned Connecticut River Valley. To enhance the luxury quotient, only the finest rosado Connecticut Criollo leaves are chosen for the Selección de Mercado.

Jonathan Drew, the Founder and President of Drew Estate, emphasizes the global nature of this product launch. “Liga Privada is renowned for its intense, full-bodied, and earthy flavor, synonymous with the Connecticut River Valley’s terroir. However, Selección de Mercado is conceived differently, aiming to offer an unprecedented Liga Privada experience tailored for the international palate. The uniqueness of the blend can be summarized as an authentic non-Cuban cigar that encapsulates similar flavor depths,” states Drew.

Despite its robust flavor profile, the Selección de Mercado is crafted to be medium-bodied. The featured rosado capa is paired with a mix of Mexican capote and tripa tobaccos sourced from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania. This intricate combination produces a cigar that is not only richly balanced but also possesses refined espresso undertones, harmonizing with the earthy notes from the Connecticut Criollo. In terms of design, the cigar exhibits an unfinished foot and a distinct Cola de Pescado (fishtail) head, a touch by the craftsmen responsible for the Liga Privada 10 Aniversario. Connoisseurs can expect the Selección de Mercado to be available in boxes containing ten pieces.

Blind Review: Davidoff Signature No.1 Limited Edition

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When Davidoff announced they were rereleasing the discontinued Davidoff Signature number one I was anxiously awaiting to try it. The lancero format is one of my favorite sizes as I feel you get a nice taste of the wrapper and with the concentrated tobaccos in the filler you can really pickup nuanced flavors. That’s not to say all lanceros are the best as it still needs the skill of a blender to be able to use the right components to have this vitola shine through. Regardless whenever I see a lancero I am eager to try them and with this blind tasting I couldn’t wait to light up

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Davidoff Signature No.1 Limited Edition
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut 
  • Binder: Ecuadorian
  • Filler: Dominican 
  • Size: 7” ½ x 39 (Lancero)

Appearance and Construction

The lancero is a claro wrapper that’s a bit pale and veiny. As I squeeze the cigar it is noticeably soft in several places. The pigtail stands out with a coil truly that of a pig. The foot brings cedar, barely wine and pepper that tingles my sinus. The roll on this cigar flows nicely in hand and is a good looking light cigar. 

Tasting and Smoke Characteristics

The cut slices the pigtail cap easily and the draw is perfect. With a puff there is leather, hay and some salinity to it. With my single flame Xikar I light up and the first flavors are sweet sandalwood, caramel and toast. The body of the cigar is more intense than I assumed from the wrapper and is in the medium to full range. A retrohale has oak and walnut with wheat flowing through. A flaky dark grayish ash begins to form with subtle smoke emanating at this point. There’s a floral note which brings about a tart fruitiness that finishes long. The burn is a bit fast.

In the second half I take a slow draw as to not to have the cigar move too quickly and miss some of its flavors. There are some more floral tastes which surprisingly bring in white pepper for an added change in the profile. The cigar continues to deliver a heartier strength than I had perceived and the ash is really beginning to flake off. The retrohale has walnut and a creamy finish that lingers which reminds me of an aged “Cubanesque” profile. The white pepper that was initially there is now black pepper that covers the sides of my mouth with a zippy acidity. 

Despite the cigar burning faster than I enjoy, the flavors have turned to a creamier mix with toffee and nuts on the long finish. Cedar returns along with the barley wine smell from the foot with a leather that leaves the drying sensation as the smoke is exhaled. I get sweetness from the wrapper along with a mustiness that at times has a mushroom/earthy quality to it. Another retrohale gives off more earth, pencil lead and pepper which gets a bit muddled at its end. The burn is sharp even with the ash not holding on well and the strength settles into a medium body. Coffee and wood return with a shorter sharper finish than I’ve experienced before. A final puff initiates a waft of smoke with some sweetness and an herbaceous note that elongates its finish.

Conclusion

This was a well-constructed lancero with a slightly fuller body than the wrapper would indicate. This proves that the appearance of a cigar whether darker or lighter, does not necessarily give a clue as to how strong a cigar will be. The sweetness, wood and pepper that seemed to permeate throughout the cigar was pleasing as well as the long finishes. The change in the last third gave a more earthy profile ending in a sweeter finish. Finding out this was a Davidoff No.1 was quite pleased they brought these back as even though it’s not the most complex cigar the flavors are there if you smoke it slow. I would certainly recommend picking a few up. 

Final Score: 90

Maker’s Mark Introduces “Cellar Aged” Bourbon in a Challenge to Traditional Whisky Aging

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Maker’s Mark, a notable name in the whisky industry, has announced the release of a new product, the Cellar Aged Bourbon. This release is set to challenge the prevalent notion in whisky production that emphasizes age as the primary quality marker.

The company’s 8th generation whisky maker, Rob Samuels, highlighted that Maker’s Mark has traditionally not aged its whisky for more than a decade, emphasizing flavor over age. This new product, however, is an endeavor to merge an extended aging process without sacrificing the brand’s taste values.

The Cellar Aged Bourbon’s maturation process is distinct. Initially, the barrels are stored for six years in conventional Kentucky warehouses, where they experience the region’s varied climate. Following this phase, they are relocated to a limestone whisky cellar located in the Kentucky hills for an additional five to six years. The cool, consistent temperature of this cellar is said to mitigate the tannic effects often seen in longer-aged whiskies, resulting in a smoother final product with a richer flavor profile.

The inaugural batch is a blend of bourbons aged 11 and 12 years, with the latter constituting 87% of the final product. With a cask strength of 115.7 proof, this bourbon aims to combine depth and complexity, making it the oldest release from Maker’s Mark to date.

Historically, Maker’s Mark has often ventured outside industry norms. The brand’s founders, Bill and Margie Samuels, replaced rye with red winter wheat in their mashbill for a smoother outcome. Additionally, the company pioneered the use of wood-stave finishing techniques with Maker’s Mark 46 and launched the industry’s inaugural custom barrel program with Maker’s Mark Private Selection in 2016.

The Cellar Aged Bourbon is set for a phased global release. It will be available in the U.S. market in September 2023 at $150. Subsequent releases are planned for London, Munich, Tokyo, and Singapore, among other locations.

For those interested in further information on this release, Maker’s Mark directs inquiries to their official website, www.MakersMark.com.

Introducing Shiah Goldberg: Our Newest Fine Tobacco NYC Blind Review Panelist

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Every few years, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to introduce a new member to our blind review panel. In this instance, I’m thrilled to introduce Shiah Goldberg as our newest member. Shiah’s addition to our team marks an exciting new chapter, and I would like to share some insights into his background, perspective, and what he’ll bring to the community. 

Shiah’s connection with cigars spans over two decades, rooted in his upbringing near Ybor City. With roles in industry giants such as Davidoff Cigars and Empire Social Lounge, his experience is both broad and deep. Shiah’s philosophy revolves around guiding individuals passionately and patiently toward their ideal taste experiences, a value that aligns closely with our mission.  

Shiah’s alignment with Fine Tobacco NYC goes beyond mere professional interest; he sees it as an extension of his love for cigars and his desire to “add value wherever I can.” Shiah’s thoughts on blind review resonate with our core values. He describes it as the “most raw, hands in soil, salt of the earth approach to enjoying a cigar.” By focusing solely on the senses and the product itself, Shiah believes that blind review offers a pure, unfiltered experience. He also sees blind review as a way to challenge himself, stating, “It also gives me an opportunity to check myself, find weaknesses in my own knowledge and expertise, and to really engage in the art of blending with tunnel vision.” This perspective aligns well with our dedication to the authenticity and integrity of the review process.

Shiah’s vision for his reviews is clear and aligns with our community’s values. He hopes to bring his extensive knowledge and experience in an “approachable, relatable, and entertaining way.” As he puts it, “I hope to be able to share my knowledge and experience, to bring value and integrity to the audience and for us all to have a blast while doing it.”

Shiah Goldberg’s addition to the Fine Tobacco NYC Blind Review Panel is a significant step in our continued journey to explore and celebrate the world of fine cigars. His experience, philosophy, and insights will undoubtedly enhance our panel and community.

Welcome to the team, Shiah!

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