As we venture into the ultimate spots for enjoying cigars in Hong Kong, the captivating ambiance of Top Town American Bar undoubtly caught our attention. Nestled in the city’s heart, mere steps away from Lai Kwan Fong, this American Seafood bar presents fantastic city skyline views with Manhattan-style, movie-like deluxe interior. The semi-outdoor setting offers stunning views of the city’s skyline. Beyond their extensive list of beverages, the live music every Wednesday is the perfect element to complement your cigars.  

Cigar x Cocktail Pairing Delights 

Pairing No.1: Davidoff Yamasá Robusto and the Classic Manhattan Cocktail

The timeless elegance of the Manhattan cocktail harmoniously accompanies the nuanced flavours of the Davidoff Yamasá Robusto. The combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters creates a rich and balanced profile that pairs perfectly with the earthy and spicy notes found in the cigar. Caramel undertones in the whiskey resonate with the cigar's essense, while a hint of bitterness adds intricate layers. This pairing creates a delightful interplay and provides an enjoyable experience for cigar and cocktail enthusiasts.

Pairing No.2: Davidoff Escurio Robusto and the Signature Influencer Cocktail

Influencer is one of the signature cocktails of Top Town, and it’s not hard to see why. The Akori Sakura Gin, renowned for its delicate cherry blossom notes, imparts a floral and slightly fruity essence. The Rose contributes a subtle hint of rose petals, bestowing a gentle and aromatic touch of sweetness. The cigar enriches the pairing with a burst of vibrant, fresh pepper flavours. The cocktail offers a well-balanced combination of floral, fruity, herbal, and subtlely bitter notes, creating a delightful blend of flavours that perfectly completments the pairing.

Pairing No.3: Davidoff Nicaragua Box-Pressed Toro and the Classic Martini

The clean, crisp nature of the Martini serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the robust, full-bodied flavours of the Nicaragua Box-Pressed Toro. Its freshness cools the palate accentuating the cigar's warmth. The grassy nuances in the gin complement the cigar's earthy and peppery characteristics, while the dry vermouth adds a touch of complexity, elevating the overall flavour journey. Martini’s smooth and sophisticated nature makes the cigar’s flavour shine, creating a harmonious balance. As you savour each sip of the Martini, it prepares your palate for the subsequent puff of the cigar, enhancing its enjoyment even further.

Secure your al fresco seat, and immerse yourself in the cocktail and jazz ambiance while savouring the luxurious indulgence of Davidoff Black Band cigars, all while soaking in the breathtaking views from this exquisite rooftop bar!

Top Town, American Seafood Bar

31/F, 28 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 21335769

Any true Cuban cigar connoisseurs must have savoured the inimitable flavour of a Montecristo cigar. Its distinguished and signature aroma captivates aficionados across the globe, making it the world’s most popular brand, accounting for 25% of Habanos S.A.'s sales.  We have, in particular, curated a selection of stories behind the brand, immersing yourself in their rich heritage and gaining a profound understanding of their essence.

The Origin

Montecristo was introduced in 1935 and rolled in the H. Upmann factory. The brand name pays tribute to the Count of Monte Cristo, the cigar-smoking hero of Alexandre Dumas’s novel. The Montecristo logo features a fleur-de-lis, a symbol of the French monarchy, and 6 crossed swords, representing the count in the novel.

The Productions

Montecristo cigars are produced in two countries: Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The core lines, including the Open series, Linea 1935, and Edmundo, are crafted using only the finest filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo zone, home to the world's finest tobaccos. Special lines like Montecristo AJ Fernandez and Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez are created in the Dominican Republic by AJ Fernandez, a unique collaboration between the Cuban and New World titans.

Choosing Between the Montecristo Numbered Series
Indulge in the variety of Montecristo numbered series, each offering its distinctive allure. The Montecristo No. 1 cigar, a double corona size, longer and slimmer than most cigars, elegantly fits between your fingers, promising an unforgettable experience.

Highly regarded by cigar aficionados worldwide, the Montecristo No. 2 is renowned for its ageing potential, and exquisite vitola that has even won the heart of Michael Jordon himself,  making it his favourite cigar. 

For those seeking a delightful twist, Montecristo No. 3, a corona with a similar taste profile as No. 2, offers an added kick of spiciness that adds an exciting dimension to your smoke.

And finally, the Montecristo No. 4, the most popular and best-selling Cuban cigar for years delivers a smooth, mellow, rich, and creamy smoke, with flavours of leather, coffee, and earth reminiscent of classic Havana.

Whether you're a seasoned Montecristo enthusiast or a curious newcomer, exploring the depths of this iconic brand will undoubtedly enrich your cigar journey. Embark on this flavor-filled expedition with us and unlock the enigmatic world of Montecristo.

Designed for the discerning cigar connoisseur who enjoys indulging in exquisite cigars while on the go, Davidoff cigar cases offer both sophistication and functionality. Lightweight and durable, a cigar case makes it effortless to protect cigars, keeping them in optimal condition while on a short trip.

Material Matters

The material of a cigar case is paramount to the ultimate cigar experience. A case crafted from premium leather is an impeccable choice. The leather can contribute to creating an unrivalled sensory experience. The leather allows the cigars to breathe, ensuring ideal humidity for several days. Moreover, the enduring material can safeguard the cigars.

Carbon fibre cigar cases are also preferred among aficionados who are always on the move. The material is renowned for its super lightweight and durability, making it perfect for fitting into your carry-on. In addition, carbon fibre is water-resistant and ideal for preserving your cigars. The modern and sleek design tightly seals the interior, maintaining the perfect humidity level for your cigars.

Interior Matters

The interior material of a cigar case is of utmost importance in preserving the flavour of the cigars. A case lined with cedarwood is the most common option. If your cigar case lacks a cedarwood lining, you could add a cedar sheet to it. Cedarwood acts as a natural humidifier controller, absorbing excess moisture and ensuring your cigars remain in perfect humidity. Moreover, cedarwood can improve and elevate the flavour of your cigars over time, enhancing the overall experience.

Add a humidification pack to your cigar case to maintain your cigars’ optimal humidity level. This can preserve the ideal humidity level for up to a month, ensuring they remain fresh and flavourful.

Travel with confidence and sophistication. Choose the perfect cigar case from our collection, and enjoy the pleasure of indulging in your favorite cigars wherever your journey takes you.

Cuban cigars are renowned worldwide for their unique and distinct flavour profile. However, those premium cigars’ price has been rising rapidly. While not all of us have money to burn, several New World cigars offer a flavour profile similar to Cuban. For Cuban cigar lovers, why not broaden your horizon by trying these affordable, high-quality New World cigars?

For mild-bodied Cuban cigar lovers

Camacho Criollo 

The Camacho Criollo is a spin on the taste profile of modern-day Cuban cigars. The Honduran-grown wrapper is packed with a unique, peppery flavour. Dominican-grown Piloto Cubano fillers ignite the sweetness receptors, giving you that smooth yet noticeable taste in every draw. Delivers a powerful burst of signature Camacho taste. 

Oliva Serie V Melanio 

Oliva cigars are a great alternative to Cuban cigars. The founder, Gilberto Oliva, travelled from country to country in search of the conditions to recreate that distinctive Cuban taste. Today the family are Nicaragua’s second largest grower of Cuban-seed tobacco. This cigar is made in Nicaragua with an Ecuador wrapper, which provides a sweet and spicy flavour similar to Cuban cigars. 

For medium-bodied Cuban cigar lovers 

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Serie

A unique blend consisting of aged Dominican filler tobaccos, bound with a Dominican binder and dressed in a delicate West African Cameroon wrapper, results in a sweet flavour and a slight spice reminiscent of Cuban cigars. The Hemingway is also known for its excellent construction, perfecting your cigar journey with even burn and a smooth draw.

Plasencia Alma del Campo

One of the best Cuban cigar alternatives due to its medium-plus strength and rich flavour. Introduced in 2017, Alma del Campo is a Nicaraguan puro incorporating tobacco exclusively sourced from Plasencia’s fields. This series of cigars drastically improves with age - best to age for the finest enjoyment. 

For full-bodied Cuban cigar lovers

Davidoff Late Hour 

With tobacco aged for six months in the finest Scotch single malt whisky casks, a feat no one has attempted before. As a result, the Davidoff Late Hour’s robust and complex flavour has successfully won the heart of global aficionados. 

Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG)

Launched in 1999, this premium cigar line lives up to its price. Most formats featured in this series are presented in the box-pressed method to deliver a robust and condensed flavor, with dark and stunning Ecuadoran Sumatra-seed wrapper leaf aged at least 4 years. Surrounded by sweet cedar and nutmeg flavours, with surging strength and remarkable complexity backing it all up.

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Serie

Finally, the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series is often compared to Cuban cigars. Handmade in Nicaragua and features a blend of Nicaraguan fillers and a Maduro wrapper. The dark brown wrapper provides a rich, complex flavour similar to Cuban. This series is always on the bestseller list. 

Long weekends and holidays are right on our doorsteps. Time to get dressed, stretch our bodies and bathe in the sunshine. Never journey without your favourite smoke! Bringing your prized cigars on business trips, outings, meetings, or vacations is simple if done correctly.

Selection and Quantity

When deciding the number of cigars to pack for travelling, check the restricted amount for your onboarding city first. Some countries measure by sticks, some by weight. If you are facing strict restrictions, why not leave your premium cigar at home and discover the fantastic local cigar lounge or store?

Pack the number of cigars according to your planned schedule, and don’t just pack for yourself. Pack for your friends or even strangers in the bar! No harm in bringing extra sticks to share your cigars with others. It is best to take cigars stored in a humidor for some time, as they will have stabilised at the perfect humidity. Make sure you bring only enough cigars for the excursion.

The storage

After deciding the number to bring on travel, you must get the storage device. We suggest choosing the proper storage device base on the travel duration.

If you are not a regular traveller and planning for a short trip for less than a week, a simple leather cigar holder or zip-lock bag is your ideal storage device. An airtight zip-lock bag with two bags of Boveda will keep your sticks fresh for at least a week. Then, add extra protection for the cigars; wrap some clothes around your zip-lock bag to avoid the cigars getting crushed during the flight.

If you are travelling for more than a week or are keen to travel, invest in a specially designed travel humidor that protects and humidifies your cigars for a long time.

Sharp changes in temperature and humidity are the biggest enemy of cigars. So keep your cigars in the carry-on to prevent the hump and bump in the baggage. And the temperature is more regulated in the cabin. Also, avoid direct sunlight and harsh environment on the trip. 

Cutter & Lighter

Best to put your cutter and lighter in your checked luggage to avoid customs confiscating your deluxe accessory. If you wish to enjoy your last smoke before onboarding, we suggest you bring a cheap punch cut and torch lighter for quick enjoyment. Be aware that matches are banned on most flights in your carry-on.

“Alma del Campo” means “soul of the field”.Plasencia successfully captures the essence of the Nicaragua tobacco field to global connoisseurs. This series contains 5 formats of Nicaraguan puro, highly rated by several International Cigar magazines.

Dressed in milk chocolate brown wrappers and decorated with 3 ring bands. The cigars have a chocolate and earthy aroma and a light sweetness. The previous edition of Plasencia included a lid as an ashtray. But we can see that the current production has already removed this feature. 

Format: Robusto Gordo

Size: 5½" x 54 RG

Enjoyment Time: 80-100 mins

TASTING EXPERIENCE 

We have aged this box of cigars for half year before tasting, as all Plasencia cigars tend to improve and reduce the nicotine content after a few months of patience. 

This cigar shows good construction with even burn. This medium to strong cigar has a very smooth and creamy draw, featuring a lingering finish. Beautiful to pair with single malt whisky to bring out the yeastiness. Or pair it with an Ice Americano to harmonise with the coffee aroma throughout the cigar enjoyment. 

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS CIGAR?

This cigar’s size and complex aroma might be a bit overwhelming for novices. But for seasoned aficionados, this huge cigar would fill your evening with its rich, complex character. This is an excellent daily cigar with an ideal price. All of our team agreed would be coming back for more. 

SHOP NOW

This month Davidoff invited us to the tour of "Viaje Al Origen" to the Dominican Republic, which means the journey to the origin. As the official partner of Davidoff Asia, this fantastic journey allows us to experience Davidoff's “Crop to Shop” philosophy by participating in the processes from planting to selling.

Here’s a wrap to our week-long trip led by those legendary aficionados.

On the first day, we visited the greenhouse and experienced Davidoff’s Swiss precision with seeding.

From 225,000 seeds per plant, only 10% of seeds make it through quality control. Follow by the pollination is done by hand with a small brush. Davidoff even imports Canadian earth just for seedlings. Because the soil is easier to grow in, which gives the plant consistency and more flavour. 

Davidoff has 15 different cultivation terroirs in the Dominican Republic. On the second day, we took a trip to one of the tobacco fields and enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the middle of the field (served with cigars, of course). We were then given a tour to experience how to plant and harvest tobacco ourselves and that tobacco would be used for future production.

After harvest, tobacco leaves are hand-sewn onto a bamboo stick (called the “cuje”). This allows them to dry evenly without touching each other.

Then the tobacco would be hanging in a temperature and humidity-regulated environment. This process is called “Curing”. It allows the chemical composition of the leaves to change. The leaves change their colour from green to yellow to brown. And start to develop flavour and aroma.

We headed to the Davidoff Estate on day 3. Here we witnessed cigar production, from ageing to sorting to rolling.

Davidoff sorts tobacco leaves in 50 different colour options, sizes and textures. The detailed sorting procedure guarantees the perfect consistency in intensity and appearance for our favourite blends, which sets them apart from competitors.

Time is the finest ingredient in Davidoff cigars. Davidoff ages the tobacco two times. The second ageing refines the tobacco and adds to its complexity in taste and aroma. The average White Band cigar is aged for a minimum of 4.5 to let the aromas mingle for a perfect taste sensation. 

Davidoff requests torcedores to have 10 years of experience to roll a Davidoff cigar. The roller supervisor and the inspector would then check the cigar. The diameter and weight of the cigars are strictly under control. We are deeply impressed by the commitment of Davidoff, which results in perfect taste, combustion and draw. We have tried to roll our own cigars, trust me, that is not easy.

The quality which we can taste in Davidoff cigars begins at birth. 

Every stage is carefully monitored, from cultivation in the greenhouse to the presentation in the store. In-depth knowledge, detailed consideration and commitment are the essence that made Davidoff cigars fill our time beautifully. 

It is how Davidoff put them together that set them apart.

Experience Davidoff White Band Collection

Not every day you feel like or could go to a cigar lounge to enjoy quality cigar time. Sometimes you need to enjoy your cigar at home. The cigar smells like heaven to us, but sometimes not to your non-smoking partner. It is best to enjoy your cigar outside of the house so it won’t irritate your partner. Such as on the rooftop or balcony. Put out your camping table and chair, and lay down to enjoy the breeze and smoke. But there are always days with bad weather; you might need to sneak inside the house for the smoke. So how do you secretly enjoy a cigar at home without upsetting your wife or significant other?  We’re here to help.

1. Be aware of your clothing

Most of the smell comes from your clothing. Clothing is porous. It will smell like whatever it’s exposed to. Therefore, try to remove your coat and sweater before your enjoyment. Or wear thin and light clothing such as a linen polo, cotton t-shirt or sports attire. These kinds of natural materials are more odour resistant. But if you have to wear formal wear, go with silk material as it won’t absorb much smell. 

Remember to take a bath and wash your hair & beard afterwards (we know they absorb lots of smell). Most importantly, change your clothes and throw them into the washing machine before entering the bedroom. Also, wash your clothes separately from your family members’ ones. 

2. Remove all the fabric inside the room

Choose a room with furniture that has hard surfaces, such as leather sofas, venetian blinds and glass tables. These kinds of materials won’t hold onto smells. And remember to remove pillows and carpets before you smoke! Avoid dropping ashes on your wife’s favourite pillows could save your life! 

3. Air purifiers and fans

Opening up all the windows in the room and turning on the fans and air purifier could increase the room’s ventilation, which reduces the smoke and improves the air quality. However, close the door before you light up. This could stop the smell from travelling to the rest of your home.

4. Spray, spray, spray

Spray the air freshener & deodoriser after the smoke, and add an extra scent to the room to cover the trait. If you don’t have one, go to the kitchen to grab some vinegar and mix it with water. Then, spray this natural deodorise on your furniture and carpet. This could help to reduce the smell.

5. Watch your breath! 

Drinking a carbonated beverage, such as Cola or sparkling water, could help to cleanse your palate during the smoke. Using mouthwash and having gums after smoke could help erase the smell. Remember to drink plenty of water to wash down the scent throughout the day. 

Cuban cigar price increases, again

That’s not a surprise to most of us. Apart from Covid-19 and the rising demand for cigars, Cuba is also facing trauma from several disasters. Two massive fires were reported in early 2022 in the Cuba tobacco warehouse. A total of 31.5 tons of tobacco leaves were lost during the accident.  From this, we may foresee that the supply of Cuban cigars will also be under tight control in the coming years. 

Then, in late September, Hurricane Ian severely hit the Cuban tobacco fields. The flooding brutally damaged Pinar del Rio, the rural tobacco province that held 65% of Cuban tobacco crops, leaving 3.2 million citizens affected and countless fields destroyed. 

Not only facing the loss of existing stocks and the entire growing season, Cuba also had to devote extra energy and resources to rebuild the damage from the several accidents, which left the cigar industry falling further behind in the following years. 

Cohiba price will increase by 50%

Allied Cigar Corp.(ACC), a Hong Kong-based investment group, investing in Habanos, decided to unite the price of the Cuban cigar over the globe with Hong Kong’s price. Hong Kong is not only the benchmark for luxury products but also one of the city with the highest tobacco tax (with about 63% of the retail price). 

The most notable increase will be the Cohiba. There will be a 50% increment for the Behike line and about 15% for other products. Remember back in the good old days (just four years ago), the selling price of the Cohiba Media Siglo per stick was $33, and now it is $60 and above. So whoever got the stock of Cohiba, hold tight and wait for good fortune. 

With New World following Cuban footsteps…

Since the Cuban price soared with limited supply these few years, cigar smokers have no choice but to extend their hands to New World cigars. As predicted in our past article, with the dramatically increased demand for New World cigars, several brands have also announced there will be a price increase. 

Alec Bradley, Arturo Fuente, Drew Estate and E.P. Carillo have already announced the price adjustment percentage. One significate price increase would be Davidoff. With an average 7% price increase and a 20% increase in the Winston Churchill Late Hour series.  The Late Hour series is well-known for its strong and robust flavour, a similar substitution for Cuban cigars. Even with such price increment,  The Late Hour series is still very popular among aficionados. 

Lastly, let’s have some good news! 

On the bright side, Habanos S.A. is bringing back the Habanos Festival after two years of suspension! The Habanos Festival is held yearly but has been forced to stop due to the global pandemic. Nevertheless, the festival is the biggest moment to open up the normally closed Cuban cigar factories and tobacco farms to tourists and foreigners. 

As has been already announced the 23rd Habano Festival will take place from February 26th to March 3rd, 2023. If you haven’t planned your holiday, now is the time to explore the country of the finest cigars, with a total price of US$3,250 to access all activities, including field trips, dinners and auctions. We can expect nothing but numerous exciting events and releases to surprise us!

The festive season is around the corner! Christmas, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day… Time to celebrate countless memorable moments with the perfect gifts. 

Wait…you’d like to surprise your loved one but unsure about their favourite cigars? Sit back and read on to this ultimate gift guide. We're here to guide you through a solid list of gift recommendations for cigar lovers this holiday season. 

It’s simple to pick a gift for your loved one, even if you have never tried a stick! 

1. Find the perfect sticks according to their eating habits

The taste of cigars is often described as the food aroma and taste. For example, spicy, coffee, caramel etc. If you know your loved one’s eating and drinking habits, you may choose a smoke catering to their tastes. 

If they prefer spicy food, you might want to pick a strong, robust cigar with a spicy and pepper aroma. Davidoff Yamasa Robusto may pair perfectly with their dinner.  Do they prefer an espresso for a relaxing afternoon? They will probably enjoy a Montecristo Edmundos. And our pick would be Oliva Serie V Melanio Torpedo for the aficionados with a sweet tooth.

2. Simplest way: Go for the assortments!

Cigar merchants know your struggle deep well. They have been prepared for this situation with different cigar assortments. The gift assortment makes perfect gifts for any occasion, they includes various sizes and styles. Brands such as Habanos, Davidoff, and Plascencia are well known for their excellent quality and flavours. Maybe your loved one would love to explore and find their new favourite stick in their assortment. 

3. Looking for something other than cigars? Cigar accessories.

Accessories are always a great choice when you are in doubt, whether it is a humidor, ashtray or lighter. You can add a personal touch by customising the memorable date or the short form of their name on the accessories to make the pieces one of a kind in the world. Make sure to go for the highest quality available; if you are uncertain, you could consider purchasing from renowned cigar accessories manufacturers, such as Elie Bleu, S.T. Dupont, Fallon etc. 

4. Think about the pairing and environment

Another great option would be to consider their smoking habits and preferred environment. 

If your loved one would like to enjoy a stick while playing golf, consider getting him a cigar case and whisky flask. Or they prefer to enjoy the cigar indoors. A classy record player would add music and vibe to the whole smoking experience. 

No matter what you pick, your loved one will be grateful for that perfect gift.