If ever a cigar needed a re-branding, it's this one. Temple Hall Estates was sort of Macanudo's redheaded stepchild in the General Cigar family for years and years. Like Macanudo, it was once made in Jamaica before production shifted to the Domincan Republic.
Due to either limited distribution or limited retailer/consumer interest, Temple Hall Estates lived in the shadow if its big brother Mac—despite being a slightly better smoke, and at a noticeably lower price. It was a treat to find a box of these back in the day.
Due to either limited distribution or limited retailer/consumer interest, Temple Hall Estates lived in the shadow if its big brother Mac—despite being a slightly better smoke, and at a noticeably lower price. It was a treat to find a box of these back in the day.
On paper, it's basically the same cigar as the old one. Temple Hall still sports a Connecticut Shade wrapper that's a little darker and slightly rougher than Macanudos. A Mexican binder hugs a blend of mostly Dominican filler, though it seems a teeny bit of Mexican tobacco now replaces the teeny bit of Jamaican tobacco in the old blend, which was there mostly for old time's sake anyway.
Packaging is attractive and up to date. Since this was basically a forgotten niche brand to begin with, most folks will probably think it's entirely new. Branding aside, it doesn't look that much different than the old line either. However, construction is a little sloppier than what we've seen in the publicity photos. Check out that cap in the photo above...sure it does it's job, but oy vey is it slapped on without much finesse.
The sizes have been tweaked to better match today's tastes. They also don't have names, at least not yet. There's a 5.5x49 robusto, 6x50 toro, 5.5x54 toro extra and a nice traditional 7.5x49 double corona that should interest fans of the Macanudo Prince Phillip. Unfortunately, these cigars are no longer bargains, coming in just a nickle or dime less than their Macanudo counterparts at between $6.99-$8.49 each. Oh well.
Packaging is attractive and up to date. Since this was basically a forgotten niche brand to begin with, most folks will probably think it's entirely new. Branding aside, it doesn't look that much different than the old line either. However, construction is a little sloppier than what we've seen in the publicity photos. Check out that cap in the photo above...sure it does it's job, but oy vey is it slapped on without much finesse.
The sizes have been tweaked to better match today's tastes. They also don't have names, at least not yet. There's a 5.5x49 robusto, 6x50 toro, 5.5x54 toro extra and a nice traditional 7.5x49 double corona that should interest fans of the Macanudo Prince Phillip. Unfortunately, these cigars are no longer bargains, coming in just a nickle or dime less than their Macanudo counterparts at between $6.99-$8.49 each. Oh well.
As for the cigar itself...it's nice. We didn't see much point in comparing the old version to the new, but going strictly from memory, the new blend seems just a teeny bit zingier, earthier and sweeter. This is basically just another rendition of a classic formula called The Standard Mild Cigar. Whether it's an Ashton or a Macanudo or a Royal Jamaica or Dunhill or whatever, it's been around since the 1960s and it's still kicking today because it's laid back, easygoing, smooth and, for occasional smokers or those lacking adventurous palettes, satisfying.
Here's all you need to know. The pre-light aroma is mostly hay. The cigar fires up easily and burns very well requiring little in the way of touch ups. There's just a quick hint of muted zest up front but it immediately settles down to a woody, creamy, buttery smoothness with a slight hint of nuts and a little bit of earth. It's on the mild side of medium, and it's the perfect next step for those looking to baby step from Macanudo to something just a bit more interesting. A bit. If you want something in the same ballpark for 1/3rd the price, try these. If you want to spend twice as much, hit up your local Davidoff store.
As mild cigars go, this is a nice one. Little wonder. General Cigar invented the formula decades ago and is still applying it well to this day. This is a pleasant new take on a classic, if neglected, old brand that has been brought right up to date under the auspices of General's Foundry umbrella.
Here's all you need to know. The pre-light aroma is mostly hay. The cigar fires up easily and burns very well requiring little in the way of touch ups. There's just a quick hint of muted zest up front but it immediately settles down to a woody, creamy, buttery smoothness with a slight hint of nuts and a little bit of earth. It's on the mild side of medium, and it's the perfect next step for those looking to baby step from Macanudo to something just a bit more interesting. A bit. If you want something in the same ballpark for 1/3rd the price, try these. If you want to spend twice as much, hit up your local Davidoff store.
As mild cigars go, this is a nice one. Little wonder. General Cigar invented the formula decades ago and is still applying it well to this day. This is a pleasant new take on a classic, if neglected, old brand that has been brought right up to date under the auspices of General's Foundry umbrella.
THE DETAILS 5.5"x49 Dominican Republic W: Connecticut Shade B: Mexico F: DR, Mexico $6.99 | THE HIGHLIGHTS A very good example of the classic mild, Dominican, Connecticut Shade cigar. A little bumpy and lumpy in appearance but pleasant for the beginner. | THE VERDICT CLASSIC EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD ---------------------- SMOKE/HOLD |
RSS Feed
