The Mezemiso Cigar Collection Handmade cigars occupy a small sector at the top of the global cigar market. They are most often made using full length leaves for their filler. There are known as long filler, hand made cigars. Long filler, handmade cigars are made in several countries, the most predominant being Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua. One country insists that all its handmade cigars are made exclusively using tobacco grown within its territory. It is the country that founded the handmade cigar industry nearly two centuries ago and towers above all others for the prestige of its products. CIGAR & SHISHA MENU The country is Cuba and its products are known throughout the world as Habanos (Havana cigars in the UK). Light Light to Medium Medium Medium to Full Full Body Montecristo Cohiba Montecristo is the best known and probably the Cohiba is the flagship brand of Habanos and is most loved brand of Habanos throughout the named after an ancient Taino Indian word for world. It forms the benchmark for many Habanos bunches of tobacco leaves that Columbus first saw smokers against which other brands are judged. being smoked by original inhabitants of Cuba – The name comes from the hero of Alexander the earliest known form of the cigar. Today it is one Dumas famous novel “The Count of Montecristo “, of the best selling brands in the world and consid- which was firm favourite when read to the cigar ered by many to be the most prestigious hand – rollers at the factory where it was founded in 1935. made cigars money can buy, the reason for which Montecristo’s perfectly balance blend of filler is may be partly explained by looking back at created exclusively with selected leaves from brands illustrious origins. It was created in 1966 for Vuelta Abajo region. Its distinctive medium to full President Fidel Castro himself and was made at flavour and distinguished aroma is unmistakeable. the top secret but now world famous El Laguito factory. At first, it was only seen outside Cuba as Puritos (5 Pack) £15 5-10 mins gifts for heads of state and visiting diplomats. The No IV £23 30 mins leaves then, as they still are today, were the No II £42 45 mins “selection of the selection” from the five finest tobacco plantations in Vuelta Abajo region in Open Eagle £44 60 mins Cuba. The finest leaves deserve the finest treat- Dantes (2016) £52 45 mins ment and so the best torcedors (cigar rollers) Special Edition £200 60 mins Cuba had to offer were recruited to work their magic and produce the exquisite Cohiba range. La Linea 1492 range, launched in 1992, offer a Romeo y Julieta medium flavour and are the lightest cigars within Romeo y Julieta is named after William Shake- brand. speare’s tragic lovers. The origins Romeo y Julieta as a Habano date back to 1875. The brand rose to Siglo £42 75 mins international fame during the early years of 20th Maduro £65 45 mins century under the direction of Don “Pepin” Fernan- dez, a talented promoter, who was amongst the Club (10 pack) £27 5-10 mins first recognise the bower of the cigar band. Siglo IV £45 40 mins Wide Churchill £42 45 mins Petit Royal £22 20 mins Partagas Capuleto £53 60 mins If there is one particularly famous cigar factory in Havana, its Partagas, which lies in the heart of Punch Havana city. The factory was opened in 1845 by Don Punch is one of the very oldest Habano brands. Jamie Partagas and it has been making cigars that Don Manuel Lopez of Juan Valle & Co founded it in bear his name ever since. Now the oldest cigar the mid 19th century with an eye to the booming factory in the world, a Partagas is immediately British market where a humorous magazine of the recognisable by its deep earthy flavour. same name was much in vogue. A contented Mr Punch, the clown who personified the magazine, Series P No 2 £40 60 mins is still featured in every box. Series D No 4 £65 45 mins Regios De Punch 2017 £36 35 mins Hoyo De Monterrey Hoyo de Monterrey owes its origin to the town of San Juan Martinez, which lies at the heart of the The Mezemiso Shisha Collection Vuelta Abajo region, Pinar del Rio. Here the Hoyo de Monterrey plantation, one of the great Vegas Al Fakher Flavours Finas de Primera, can be reached through a gate on the town’s main square inscribed “Hoyo de Grape £50 Monterrey, Jose Gener 1860”. Jose Gener, a Cata- lan, first used the name of his “vega” on a brand of Citrus Mint £50 Habanos in 1865. The flavour of the blend found in Hoyo makes it an attractive choice for those who seek a delicate yet aromatic Habano that is lighter Mint £50 (Refreshing & Ice) to the taste, a great choice after lunch for the connoisseur and less regular smoker alike. Double Apple £50 (Apple Aroma) Petit Robustos £26 20 mins Serie Le Hoyo £45 60 mins Mezemiso Special £75 Epicure No.2 £32 32 mins (Mix of Peach, Sweet Melon, Kiwi and Mint) H. Upmann H. Upmann was a banker from Germany who so Starbuzz Flavours loved Cuban cigars that he moved to Havana in 1844 and set up as both banker and cigar maker. Blue Mist £50 His bank closed in early 1920’s but his cigars live (Bluberry & Mint) on as a fine example of an elegant light to medium flavoured Habano. Gold medals in no Pink £50 less than eleven international exhibitions during (Tropical & Cranberries) the 19th century adorn the boxes - as does Herr Upmann’s personal signature. The brand today comprises a wide range of sizes which are a firm favourite amongst cigar enthusiasts around the Specials world. Fresh Pineapple £125 Half Corona £17 15 mins Anejados £60 45 mins Served with Beluga Vodka or Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Whisky £150 Bolivar Bolivar is among the strongest, most full bodied of all Habanos. It boosts an unrivalled richness of flavour in its blend of Vuelta Abajo filler and binder Smoking Time tobaccos that makes it one of the most sought after 1 hour marques amongst experienced smokers. Super Corona £41 35 mins.