 Adrian Lesley samples some diminutive delights
With the impending ban on smoking in England scheduled to take effect in July and similar legislation already affecting millions of cigar lovers throughout the rest of Europe, I felt it was time to review a selection of small cigars that deliver an engaging, albeit brief, smoke. Already this year, Habanos has announced that it intends to launch an exciting new range of dark Cohibas called Maduro 5, which thus far comprises three relatively short, small cigars. The recent arrival of the Petit Edmundo from Montecristo also confirms the latent fashion for more compact sizes. The three figurados reviewed above, all just 4 inches in length, provide a contrasting variety of short smokes that last approximately half an hour and underline the saying “all good things come in small parcels”. Adrian Lesley is the proprietor of CigarsUnlimited, south-west London’s leading cigar specialist and Habanos Gold Medal retailer. Tel: +44 (0)20 7386 9000, www.cigarsunlimited.co.uk
HUMIDOR
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Cuaba Divinos
(101 mm x 43 ring gauge) Reminiscent of the style of cigars produced at the turn of the 20th century and launched in autumn 1996, the Divinos, like the rest of the Cuaba range, is produced in the Romeo Y Julieta factory. Woody, vegetal overtones and effortless combustion due to its tapered shape underpin a gentle cigar with a discreet but pleasing aroma. A popular and approachable cigar that does not require lengthy maturation. | |
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Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
(101 mm x 48 ring gauge) With a dark maduro wrapper and unmistakable shape, this pocket perfecto has a unique character and effect. It smokes like a much larger cigar, its flavour and aroma developing with every draw. Slow-burning and pungent, the pleasing effect of its complexity belies its size. Recommended.
| | € Davidoff Zino Platinum Scepter Bullet
(101 mm x 48 ring gauge) This small zeppelin of a cigar is made with a Connecticut seed wrapper grown in Ecuador, a Connecticut binder and a filler comprised of four-year-old Dominican and Peruvian tobaccos. The subtle yet deliberate blend of tobaccos has been finely balanced to create a medium-strength cigar with hints of spice and Armagnac. Elegant and surprisingly refined, the Bullet never fails to hit the mark. | 
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