"The Connecticut Sun Grown wrapper of Vintage Especiale is indeed the rarest of the rare. That’s because most Connecticut wrapper is grown in the shade. Less than 5% of the wrapper crop can claim being grown out in the sun. Because the elements take their toll, relatively few wrapper growers chance the risks of losing their investment. They know that Connecticut shade is still one of the most sought-after wrappers in the market and that their return on their investment will be substantial. However, for those who choose to gamble with nature and win, the rewards are spectacular. Being left on their own without the protection of shade canopies, the tobacco plants that survive and flourish develop a darker color and more robust flavor. The minuscule quantity of leaves that meet the rigorous standards demanded by the world’s great manufacturers command a king’s ransom. Obviously, there is little of this fabulous leaf available, making quite limited any cigars made from it. Vintage Especiale had to be delayed until the essential tobaccos such as Corojo were available and delayed again until those tobaccos were aged for an extra two years. It’s amazing what a couple of extra years of aging will do for tobacco. But with three to five years’ aging time, tobacco will cure properly and you have the essential, mature leaf needed to make outstanding cigars. We’re talking about the stars like Avo, Ashton, and Montecristo; those super premiums sell all day at $8, $10, $12 per stick. You’ll be pleased to know that Vintage Especiale is about half the price of those super premiums. That’s the good news. The not so good news is that, like them, Vintage Especiale is in relatively short supply. Indeed, we’re expecting only a very modest flow of Vintage Especiale during the coming year. Since, however, this is a smoking experience not to be missed, we urge you to take advantage of this rare and wonderful cigar while it is available." |
