None the less, many Cuban families began to cultivate their fields and make their mark in this trade as far back as the mid 18th century.
These are the stories that draw me in, much like a good cigar draws you in. One such story is that of the Salazar family. Since 1810 when the Salazar family settled in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, they have been growing some of the worlds best tobacco and handcrafting fine Cuban cigars.
At 12 noon every day, the 4 Salazar brothers would meet in the porch of elder brother Mario's house. Mario would open his burlap bag which contained the finest tobacco leaves of the farm's harvest. The cured leaves were perfect in appearance and taste. They were envied by all the farmers in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba's prime tobacco growing region.
I had the privilege recently to take part in this tradition when I lit up a J.L. Salazar Hermanos Reserva Especial Maduro Torpedo I purchased at The Cuban Crafters store. It was so obvious to me as I walked around the humidor that this was going to be an incredible cigar, and I was not disappointed.
You know you're in for a treat when the look and feel of a cigar is enough to tell you about the quality of it's craftsmanship. The cigar had a nice spice when I first put it in my mouth, and just lit up like a Christmas tree, ready to shine and sparkle for all to see.
The cigar is no longer made in Cuba of course, but the filler is sun-grown Cuban Seed Habano from Tabacalera Esteli, cigar factory in Nicaragua, and the brain trust of another industry legend Henry Kiki Berger, or 'Don Kiki' as everyone calls him.
The binder is a Cuban Seed Habano leaf and the wrapper is a smooth, silky, oily Maduro Cuban-seed leaf. This triple threat Cuban delivers on every level, and has made me a true fan for life! Their website says the leaves are aged for over 4 years through 4 hanging fermentations. They claim it's the same curing process that the Salazar brothers brought over from Cuba and what makes the cigar so special.
No argument here, as I and everyone else lucky enough to get their hands on these will be quick to attest. This is the type of premium cigar that could easily retail for top dollar, but in fact, the cigar is moderately priced and just makes it the icing on the cake.
If you're a fan of maduro cigars, medium to full-bodied, earthy and peppery tones - grab this one up quick. They are made in limited quantities and you don't want to be left out. Thank you Salazar brothers for continuing such an awesome tradition and giving the cigar industry another top quality smoke.
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