Highclere Castle is globally recognized as the iconic face of the award-winning television drama, Downton Abbey. Highclere Castle is now producing a cigar reminiscent of those enjoyed at Highclere Castle during the 19th and early 20th centuries. To create and produce the cigar, Highclere Castle Cigar Company has partnered with world-renowned cigar producer Nicholas Melillo of Foundation Cigar Company. George Carnarvon, the current 8th Earl of Carnarvon, owner of Highclere Castle and farmer of the 5,000-acre estate, is an active partner in the endeavor. According to Melillo, “Having had the opportunity to visit Nicaragua and tour the tobacco fields and factories where our cigars are made, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the passion and skill that goes into making a super-premium cigar. The cigar itself is an excellent representation of that, and I think my ancestors would be proud it bears the Highclere badge.”
Cigar Review: Highclere Castle Victorian
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Fillers: Nicaragua
Size: 5.5 x 46
Vitola: Corona
The Look: Packaged in 20 count boxes, the Highclere Caste Victorian features a ban utilizing red, gold and black colors. The Habano wrapper grown in Ecuador has a subtle amount of oils along with some visible vein structure. In the hand the cigar is fairly light but well packed. The foot of the cigar reveals some darker tobacco from a higher priming tobacco.
The Notes: The cold draw reveals a touch of fig along with some roasted nuts. The aroma from the foot is subtle but there is some cedar present. After we light up the cigar there are notes of of roasted nuts, cedar and a saltiness to it that is quite enjoyable. As the cigar progresses the saltiness fades and cedar is joined by nuts, chocolate and a dense coffee component.
The Finish: It feels at times as if Highclere Castle is a forgotten line in the Foundation Cigar portfolio. It’s a unique cigar with a lot of complexity. This cigar is a great smoke to pair with a strong cup of coffee. It might not have the strength as some of Nick’s other lines, but it is unique due to the Brazilian Mata Fina which is easily identifiable.
Score: 91
Price: $13.69 / $242.99
Highclere Castle Victorian
Highclere Castle Victorian Foot
Highclere Castle Victorian Burn
