Every city comes with a story, revealed by its ‘must-see’ places.

What is often omitted from the cities brochure are the cigar shops and lounges, which are certainly on my ‘must-see’ list for any place.

In this instance, during my stay in Amsterdam, I picked up a number of cigars at Cigaragua Cigars (4.8/5 stars with 447 reviews… an obligatory investigation).

Walking through the double doors you enter an open space, with cigar accessories galore.

Greeted by a man who has certainly smoked more cigars than most (not merely judged by the grey beard that crawled up towards his eyes - it suited him well), I was welcomed into one of their two humidors.

The selection was extensive, I wanted something I had not tried before; so upon the recommendation of my new friend, I left with a limited edition Casa Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary Cigar. I also left with an Arturo Fuente Hemingway Maduro for good measure.

Once I had returned to my sanctuary in the city, I lit the rather beautifully decorated cigar that is the Casa Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary Cigar.

It was not what I expected, as it holds 8 filler tobaccos, I was expecting to be hit by a bomb (so to speak). Alas, it felt slightly disjointed in taste, as if the 8 tobaccos were fighting for the limelight as opposed to dancing in harmony together - they were seemingly jealous of each other.

That being said, it burned rather perfectly, they all ran at the same pace.

Overall?

It was one of the better looking cigars I’ve had the pleasure of seeing.

Will I remember it in years to come? Probably.

Would I go for it again? I think once was enough, though I might buy another just to gaze upon it.

Am I glad I tried it? Certainly, as I can’t live with ‘what ifs’.

Would I recommend it as a smoke? I would.

As we know, palettes differ, and so the Casa Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary Cigar may well be the love of someone’s life - just not mine. Nevertheless, it will live in my memory as an overseas experience that was fun whilst it lasted.

Yours truly,

The Cigar Lover

Cigar Letters
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