Expert: James Yee - 5/6/2011

Question
QUESTION: Thanks James for the last recipe but I have none of those growing for this year and I live in Wisconsin which means it is to late for me to start:( next year the Partagas 898 will be growing in my garden:) DO you have any suggestions for me to blend Florida Sumatra, Glessnor, Havana 142, and Havana long Red Leaf, my Conn. Shade leaf died this year and I have no idea why it was doing so well:( Any suggestions will be great:) Your awesome thanks!

Vince

ANSWER: Hi Vince,

When thoroughly aged, the Havana red leaf has a really earthy and spicy flavour very similar to Cuban Ramon Allones cigars so this tobacco would be excellent for making medium-to-full bodied Cuban-esque cigars.  Remember: All Cuban cigars are "puros" so when using your tobacco to create a Cuban-style flavour, keep it simple and don't combine different seeds or strains from different regions.  

Havana 142 should also create a beautiful flavour when thoroughly aged.  Use the same Habanos guidelines I mentioned in the last email for these tobaccos.

The Sumatra has a rich flavour and would also be good but it creates a more distinct, non-Cuban flavour.  It's still really fantastic tobacco!  (You have a nice assortment of tobacco! My mouth is watering right now... lol)

I hope this helps!

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well I will be sure to send you a couple from each variety when they are done! How long would you age these 1yr a 1 1/2yrs?

Answer
Hi Vince,

1 1/2 years to 2 years age time will make your cigars taste great!  Be sure to fully ferment the tobacco for the specified amount of time to draw out all the tobacco impurities.  This will create richer, full bodied flavours.

Regards,
James