Fear not those who mourn the demise of the Defiance (which may be news to most). Xikar is squashing the Defiance cigar but at the same time is unveiling a new line: the HC Series.
HC Series by Xikar
Jesus Fuego
The Havana Collection Series cigar will pair up with a massive roll out of other HC Series themed cigar accessories from cutters and ashtrays to coasters and Cuban Jazz CDs!
The line is all blended by Jesus Fuego in one of Nestor Plasencia’s factories in Nicaragua. Here’s the line from Xikar’s site:The XIKAR HC Series will offer consumers a choice of three distinct blends and wrappers: Connecticut Shade, Criollo and Habano Colorado.
Made from the tobaccos of five countries and rolled at the Nestor Plasencia owned Tabacos de Oriente factory in Honduras and Segovia Cigars in Nicaragua, each line will offer Robusto, Belicoso, Lonsdale and Toro sizes. The Habano Colorado line will offer two additional sizes: Churchill and Petit Corona.
Jesus Fuego, a 5th generation Cuban cigar maker, former instructor of post-harvest tobacco at the University of Pinar Del Rio (Cuba), and rising star in the cigar industry, remarks about the complete variation of tastes and strengths in the 14-total cigar collection, “No matter your time, mood or your preference, the HC Series has the perfect blend for every cigar lover’s palate. More importantly, each smoke is consistent and full of flavor from start to finish. You always know you are getting a truly satisfying and relaxing smoking experience with a HC Series.”
I spoke to the Xikar rep at my local last night and was given the Criollo and the Habano Colorado in the robusto size to try. The Habano Colorado was my favorite of the two, it is smooth and creamy, the finish is chewy and leathery and there are cocoa notes throughout.
HC Series Habano Colorado
The Criollo is the Defiance blend. Even though this is billed as the medium cigar, this has the most upfront spice.
HC Series Criollo
I did not try the Connecticut Shade but I was told that it is slightly more spicy than most CS cigars.
HC Series Connecticut Shade
They are available now, so check them out of you see them around!
PS – for those wondering why it is called the HC Series instead of the Havana Collection series, it’s because Habanos, S.A. is suing everyone they can with Havana, Habana, or Habano in the name of the cigar.
