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PERFECT HARMONY
– CIGARS AND CAPE BRANDIES –
The range comprises four, very diffe rent formats that are
hand-rolled: a Short Corona; a Robusto Extra; a Torpedo;
and a highly unusual Figurado Short Salomon Bicolore.
These are well-made cigars that are easy to light and burn
THE DON RODRIGO RANGE
consistently, making them the perfect choice for beginners
as well as regular enthusiasts. The purpose here is not so
much to seek out a powerful or complex cigar, but to
enjoy a genuine smoke.
– OUR RANKING –
1. Torpedo - 2. Robusto Extra - 3. Figurado Short Salomon Bicolore - 4. Short Corona
– OUR PAIRINGS –
We decided to organise the improbable encounter between northern Hemisphere cigars and South African Cape
brandies. These exotic brandies, created in 1672 by the Dutch, just like Cognac, show the same transgressive spirit as
Don Rodrigo. The two are a match made in heaven!
Torpedo
Despite its impressive size, it in fact proved
to be a very docile cigar – easy to light, with
gentle smoke and initial notes of hazelnut
flowing into roasted peanuts. Very delicate
with beautifully consistent aromas and
the last third more powerful yet balanced.
A post-prandial style. €17
Cape Brandies (Distell)
96/100 – Richelieu Vintage Brandy
Notes of hazelnut, smoke, fresh fruit and
curry. Soft and elegant on the palate with a
finish of roasted coffee. Gentle and refined.
An excellent classic. €18 approx.
The pairing
A real fusion of aromas
Robusto Extra
Also a very regular draw as soon as it is lit,
the smoke is powerful with no pungency.
Soft, mellow characters rapidly establish
themselves with quite elegant, heady,
toasted, earthy aromas. In the heart of the
cigar, savoury peppery notes emerge. This
is a harmonious cigar for the start of the
evening. €17
Joseph Barry distillers
92/100 – Muscat Cape Brandy
Nose of grape, peach and apricot. The
palate is fruit-forward, soft and elegant,
with a more powerful finish offering up
lifted Muscat-like aromas. €30 approx.
The pairing
A harmonious interaction
showing composure
Figurado Short Salomon Bicolore
An unusual shape and two-tone wrapper,
Ecuador and Connecticut. On lighting, notes
of herbs and eucalyptus. Fairly slow start,
gradually becoming slightly more powerful
after the first third with notes of coffee,
roasted coffee and cacao. Balanced, but
quite linear. Leaves you wanting more! €18
Tokara
91/100 – XO Potstill
Compelling nose of dried fruits and apricot
with tropical notes of lychee and pineapple.
Elegant and refined with a gentle finish.
€80 approx.
The pairing
Exotic aromas in unison
Short Corona
Proves to be very co-operative with a
regular and quite fast temperature build-up.
The smoke is pleasant and regular and the
ash is very consistent. The earthy, toast
aromas are augmented by spicy notes on
the finish. This is an afternoon cigar offering
some great relaxation. €14
Backsberg
88/100 – Sydney Back 15-Year Brandy
Nose of nutmeg and sweet spices. Elegant
and gentle on the palate with a persistent
after-taste of dried fruits on the finish.
€48 approx.
The pairing
Very soothing, shared simplicity
Don Rodrigo Cigars are distributed in Switzerland
WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE 9