Cigar Chatter: Dunhill & Regius

- The Arbuturian

Cigar Chatter: Dunhill & Regius
By Nick Hammond
December 24, 2013

Stepping away from St James and into Shepherd Market for my usual snuffle around the humidor at Alfie Turmeau's, my eyes settled on a distinguished robusto, made especially for owner Mitchell Orchant by Regius Cigars (see my story on Regius and their £40,000 cigar here).

Not wanting to waste the opportunity to try the stick, I descended into the den - or sampling room, if we must be precise - and fired it up immediately accompanied by an espresso.

I was floored. This is Nicaraguan, blended at Nestor Plasencia's factory, but I can vouch it will hold its own against a Havana any day of the week. Smooth, medium bodied and flavourful throughout, it was a delightful morning smoke - and I haven't even told you the best bit yet.

Almost incredibly in our uber-expensive, tax burdened cigar market, Mitchell Orchant and Akhil Kapacee at Regius have created a truly delicious, long-filler, hand-rolled cigar - for less than £8. I maintain you would have to spend at least another fiver to find anything this good. If you can find 'em, buy 'em because they're disappearing off the shelves fast. The good news is Kapacee tells me the tobacco for the next year's blend is already ageing at the factory.

The collaboration goes further, with a little Culebra (three cigars intertwined in traditional style) made for Orchant by Regius. I am hoping to give these a go in 2014 and will report back.

So, we finally arrive at the festive frolics. I have re-stocked the Liebherr humidor I currently have on test, have replenished the whisky bar and am typing my final article of 2013. It's been a great 12 months, with the London cigar scene in particular going from strength to strength. Enjoy your smokes and I'll see you ready for a fresh one in the New Year.

- The Arbuturian
Read the full article here