Cigar of the Year: BG Meyer Standard Issue

In  process that started back in January of last year The Cigar Authority began the process of picking Cigar of the Year. As new cigars arrived we began the process of smoking them and watching the sales at Two Guys Smoke Shop. In a sense the Cigar of the Year picked here is the most accurate of all the cigar blogs. Because we take consumers and retail into the equation.

Narrowed down to 7 cigars; La Flor Dominicana 1994, Illusione “R”, Debonaire Maduro, Fratello, Tattoo, Azan Burgundy and BG Meyer we were all in agreement of which should become cigar of the year. However, would the numbers match our personal opinion, and the answer was a resounding Yes.

The Cigar of the Year by unanimous decision was BG Meyer Standard Issue, specifically the Toro.

The BG Meyer Standard Issue is the latest in partnerships between Davidoff, Camacho and a celebrity. Following in the footsteps of Matt Booth and Mike Ditka is Hollywood director, producer and writer Rob Weiss. Perhaps best known for his screenwriting in Entrourage, Mr. Weiss was also co-producer of the movie American Psycho.

Cigar: BG Meyer
Size: Toro (6 x 50)
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Corojo ’99,  Nicaragua (Esteli and Ometepe)
Strength: Medium Plus
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop

The Look: From the rustic boxes to the paper sheath that covers the cigar from band to foot this is a cigar that stands out on the shelves. To quote another retailer, “I’m amazed how well these sell. Considering that NO ONE except industry insiders knows who the hell BG Meyer is and that Camacho make these. For some reason, the box just attracts people.” But the cigar is more than just another pretty face, as people keep coming back to them time and time again. The cigar itself features a dark Habano wrapper with a band at the foot as well as a primary one. The colors of black, gold and white stand out and the foot of the cigar reveal some darker swirls of tobacco. In the hand the cigar is firm, with no soft spots and a hefty weight.

The Notes: Prior to lighting up the cigar is sweet with hints of cinnamon while the aroma off the foot is earthy. Taking a second pull off the cold draw the cinnamon is compliment by some subtle spices.

After properly toasting the foot of the cigar the first third delivers notes of wood that borders on hickory with a bit of earth thrown into the mix as well. As we smoke further into the first third of the cigar the hickory notes begin to take hold and the subtle spice is welcomed on the retrohale as it doesn’t overpower. As the first third comes to a close a subtle cocoa is thrown into the mix

The second third of the cigar loses its earthy component as the cigar develops a richer hickory note that merges with some cedar making this a very woodsy smoke, but it also throws some charred barbecue notes as well. As the second third comes to a close there is a defined meaty taste to the cigar with some sweet spices that remind me of summer instead of the snow that is falling outside.

The last third of the cigar mellows out some bringing this experience to a medium bodied finish. The cigar becomes a little bit sweeter with the introduction of a vanilla bean note and some coffee on the finish which is moderate in length.

The Burn: The draw of the cigar offered the slightly resistance which is perfect in my book as I do not like a cigar with an overly loose draw. The thin carbon line on the burn was incredibly crisp and showcased the aging of the tobacco used in this cigar. The ash was firm and light in color and the cigar remained light from first light to last puff.

The Finish: During the course of 2014 the BG Meyer might not have had the highest score at the time of review but it was a cigar that we reached for time and time again throughout the course of the year. A cigar can wow you once, but to wow you each time you light one up is quite the feat and the BG Meyer achieves this. Incredibly complex, rich and enjoyable this is a cigar that is truly worthy of Cigar Of The Year.

Score: 95
Price: $8.69 / $152.99