Meerapfel La Estancia Édition Exclusiva 50

The Estancia Édition Exclusiva is, above all, a family story. Jeremiah Meerapfel pays tribute to his grandfather Heller, one of the leading Cuban tobacco merchants of the post-revolution era, and seeks to revive an aromatic profile that disappeared from the market in 1991, a creamy, cappuccino-like signature that remained etched in his childhood memory. The challenge: to recreate it using tobaccos that had themselves ceased to exist as early as 1992. Hand-rolled in Honduras using tobaccos from the Meerapfel family’s stock, this cigar is then aged in Belgium, in a cedar cabinet, in keeping with Cuban tradition.

Tasting menu

As soon as it is lit, the cigar opens with a hint of pepper, which quickly gives way to woody notes. The first third then develops a floral note, before rounding off with a sweet, nougat-like finish.

This Robusto delivers on the brand’s promise: a generous, dense smoke from start to finish, built on a interplay of contrasts between sweetness and wood. It features the creamy, smooth character described by Meerapfel, enhanced by a hint of bitterness reminiscent of hazelnut skin and a few bursts of black pepper that punctuate the tasting experience.

In the second half of the cigar, a subtle contrast emerges: hints of pepper appear here and there, discreetly cutting through the sweetness, whilst the body becomes warmer without ever becoming harsh. The smoke, meanwhile, remains dense and generous throughout.

Agreement

With its cream and nougat notes and a hint of hazelnut, this cigar naturally calls for a strong coffee or a cappuccino – a lovely nod to the blend’s inspiration. It’s also worth trying with an amber rum or a hazelnut liqueur to extend that same flavour profile.