Ah, summer. Always keenly anticipated, often all too fleeting (growing up in Scotland, at least), and surely the best season of all in which to enjoy Cuban cigars. Warm mornings in the early-rising sun; long, leisurely lunches by the beach; evening relaxation that becomes late-night revelry – the summer months provide a wealth of opportunities to indulge in our favourite pastime. The link between sunshine and happiness is scientifically proven; the role played in this partnership by Havana cigars is something more abstract, but that aficionados will swear to.
Part of the reason for this intrinsic link between cigars and sunshine must surely be that they are born in the sunshine. It is the power of the sun over Cuba which gives life to her tobacco fields, and the image of relaxing on a tropical beach with a cigar in one hand and an ice-cold rum cocktail in the other is a vivid and popular one. Just as a fine Scotch whisky is best suited to warming up a night as cold as the Scottish winter in which it was first distilled, a fine Cuban cigar is best enjoyed in weather as temperate and nourishing as that which accompanied its creation.
To celebrate this connection, and the impending arrival of the summer months to Europe, the experts at here at EGM Cigars have curated a fine collection of cigars particularly suited to the summer months. This is a line-up which will take you right through a summer’s day; from an al-fresco breakfast in the soothing warmth of the morning to the late, late parts of the evening when “just one more drink” by the smouldering ash of the barbecue seems like the greatest idea you ever had. The past couple of years have left us more in need of a joyful summer than we have been for a long time – this Summer Smokes Collection will help make sure you have just that.
The Quai d'Orsay No 50 is a perfect summer breakfast smoke
Breakfast Smokes
A breakfast cigar is a true luxury, as it is not often we have the time to start our day with a smoke nor the necessary temperature to sit outside long enough to enjoy it. Summer is the rare occasion these will combine, as we book our well-deserved holidays, turn on our Out Of Office email reply and prepare for at least a couple of weeks when every moment of the day is our own. Lighter is better for the morning – go too heavy, too soon and you may overwhelm your palette ahead of a long day of smoking – so something with gentle body and flavours that will pair with your coffee, tea, or maybe even champagne is what to reach for first. The Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo du Depute has a light body but with more of a fruity character to the taste, and is the ideal size for a quick morning smoke. More seasoned smokers who may wish to start their day with a bit more ‘oomph’ can step up the power a little with a rich espresso alongside the magnificent Cohiba Siglo I.
The Romeo y Julieta Linea de Oro will fit any time of summer's day.
Afternoon and Evening Moments
Days in summer are best spent in a sort of relaxed haze, the hours floating gently by as we recharge our body and soul in the warmth of the sun. Afternoon can easily become evening without us really noticing, but the time will not feel wasted if passed with a longer and stronger cigar. A long corona from a classic brand, like the Hoyo Epicure Especial, will easily fill an hour if not more, but we would do well to take advantage of our abundance of time to sample brands we may be less familiar with. The Punch Punch is another corona-sized smoke, but from a marca that does not receive as much attention as some others, and its leather, cedar and floral notes will sit well alongside a fruity summer cocktail full of ice.
The San Cristobal de La Habana La Cabaña is a perfect treat for hot summer days.
Cigars to Spoil Yourself
As prolonged periods of such freely available smoking time are rare, so too may be the cigars we choose to enjoy. Summer holidays are the perfect time to savour special sticks like the Hoyo Escogidos LCDH Edition – 2 full hours of caramel, honey and deep oak wood. An equally fine choice for the warmer months is the Romeo y Julieta Linea de Oro, three sumptuous cigars in a range of sizes which will last between 1 and 2 hours depending on which is chosen. Such was the pent-up demand for this line since it was announced, the boxes made available to the market have become instantly collectable, and the cigars themselves already a special treat thanks to their rarity. Perhaps the most fitting smoke to enjoy in the summer, however, is a Regional Edition made for Havana itself. The San Cristobal de La Habana La Cabaña is a fine Double Robusto, already sporting 5 years of age and the perfect taste of Cuba for wherever you are in the world.
Summer never feels as long as it should, and always takes its time to come back round again. It is imperative, then, that we ensure our smokes are of the highest standard to make the most of every last second. This collection will allow you to do just that.