Quesada 40th anniversary

The Quesada 40th Anniversary celebrates forty years of expertise within a company whose reputation is well established. Patricia Quesada’s return to Quesada Cigars brings a fresh dynamic: with extensive experience in tobacco cultivation, blend development and brand strategy, she embodies the balance between tradition and innovation. “The 40th Anniversary cigar is an opportunity for us to cherish my father’s achievements, whilst continuing to add chapters to a story that began long ago,” she said. This philosophy is fully evident in the tasting experience.

Tasting notes

Made in the Dominican Republic at the family-run factory, the Quesada 40th combines Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos wrapped in a magnificent Mexican San Andrés wrapper—dark, rich and perfectly taut. At first glance, one can make out the characteristic speckles that promise a rich aromatic experience.

The foot of the cigar protrudes slightly beyond the wrapper; it is therefore advisable to light it whilst holding it in your mouth so that you can immediately enjoy the intense chocolatey notes imparted by this long-aged wrapper. As the draw is naturally quite tight, a straight cut is recommended: V-shaped or cross-shaped cuts tend to compress the aromas and reduce their intensity.

From the very first puffs, the impression is almost that of a glass of amaretto: roundness, depth and a hint of sweetness. On the palate, the flavours develop quickly, dominated by dark chocolate and toasted almonds, with an elegant smoothness that accompanies the cigar throughout. The San Andrés wrapper, known for its richness and indulgent nuances, provides a velvety texture and perfectly controlled intensity.

The cigar changes little overall, though a few spicier notes (black pepper) emerge in the final third.

The pairing becomes even more harmonious when this cigar is enjoyed with a fruity black tea, particularly one with apricot notes. The balance between the tea’s bitterness and the cigar’s chocolatey, sweet notes works a treat, with every sip highlighting both the depth of the blend and the delicacy of its sweet notes.

A cigar-related anecdote

“The 40th anniversary cigar is an opportunity for us to celebrate my father’s achievements, whilst continuing to add chapters to a story that began a long time ago.” Patricia Quesada