The ritual
How to enjoy a Palace cigar
New to premium cigars? Four steps, and a little patience, is all it takes.
Cut
Take a clean cut just above the cap's shoulder. Cut too deep and the wrapper unravels; too shallow and the draw closes up.
Light
Toast the foot with a soft flame, holding it just off the tobacco, until the edge glows evenly. Never rush this part.
Draw
Slowly, roughly once a minute, and never into the lungs. Let the smoke rest in the mouth so the flavour has time to arrive.
Rest
Set it down between draws and let the ash build. Put it down for good when the flavour turns hot rather than complex.
The ritual
Keeping them well
Store at roughly 18 to 21°C and 65 to 70% relative humidity. A cigar that dries out loses its oils and will not recover; one kept too damp will refuse to draw.
On pairing
Match weight with weight. A medium cigar sits well with coffee or a lighter spirit; a full-strength Commander 81 wants something with backbone. When in doubt, drink water alongside and let the cigar lead.
Aged rum
Flat white
Dark chocolate, 80% and above
The collection
Which cigar should I start with?
Armoura. At 40 ring gauge and around forty-five minutes it is the most approachable of the three, and it still carries the house character. Limitada 58 is the flagship; Commander 81 is the full-strength one.