The feature cigar for this month is the Don Juan Urquijo. This is the legendary cigar from the Philippines, made from Cuban seeds, orignally brought from Cuba in 1521 by Magellan. One of the world's top cigars, the Don Juan Urquijo is a premium blend cigar made in honor of La Flor de la Isabela's late Chairman.
Unique to this stick is the unusual, smooth-textured wrapper that introduces mellow, sweet flavors early on. The solid construction of the Don Juan provides one of the smoothest draws among cigars, and you will note a medium-bodied cedar and spice character, as you fill the air with a wonderful easy-going aroma. This is a mild, mellow smoke with no harshness - one that finishes surprisingly well, with just a dash of pepper.
A Distinguished History
Towards the end of the 17th Century, the Spanish galleon "San Clemente" brought to the Philippines 200 ounces of Cuban tobacco seeds. These exquisite seeds found their way into the hands of the Spanish friars who took it upon themselves to cultivate the tobacco seeds in Cagayan Valley, Isabela, a fertile region of North Manila, named after Queen Isabela.
With land as rich, and climate as favorable as that of Cuba's, tobacco-growing soon flourished and gave birth to a burgeoining cigar-making industry in the Philippines.
In 1881, the entire cigar manufacturing industry in Manila was united to establish "Compania General de Tobacos del Filipinas". This eventually evolved into what is known today as "La Flor de la Isabela" (The Flower of Isabela), in honor of the province where the first Cuban seeds were first cultivated and where the Philippine cigar industry blossomed.
Cigar Aficianado says:
"An easygoing cigar that will please those who like light cigars. A very smooth, mild/kmedium bodied cigar. Traces of toast and coffee beans on the palate. Excellent draw until finish."
Rated: 88/100
