A Smoke By Any Other Name Would Taste Just As Good
Cigar Society Newsletter May 2025
This month, in our Cigar Society Newsletter May 2025 we have selections that bring together two distinctive limited-edition cigars that showcase the craftsmanship and character of their respective houses: the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sun Grown and the Diesel Whiskey Row Founders Collection: Raceking. These cigars are not only difficult to find—they represent a deeper story of innovation and tradition from two of the most respected names in the cigar world.
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Sun Grown
A tribute to classic craftsmanship, the Hemingway series from Arturo Fuente helped revive the perfecto shape and redefine Dominican cigars in the premium cigar world. The Sun Grown edition takes the signature Hemingway format and gives it a deeper, richer profile.
Wrapped in an Ecuadorian sun-grown leaf over Dominican binder and filler, this cigar opens with a warm, toasty character that builds into layers of red pepper, leather, and a trace of honeyed cedar. Its balance of structure and complexity is a testament to Fuente’s ability to blend power with finesse.
What Makes It Stand Out
Each cigar is handcrafted by a single torcedor(tor-seh-dor), cigarmaker, at Tabacalera Arturo Fuente, ensuring exceptional consistency. The Sun Grown wrapper adds a dimension not found in the more common Cameroon version—slightly more strength, more spice, and a long, satisfying finish.
Recommended Pairings
- Spirit: High West Double Rye – the rye’s spice sharpens the cigar’s natural warmth, bringing focus to the cedar and pepper notes.
- Cocktail: Manhattan – the vermouth softens the rye’s edge while echoing the cigar’s underlying sweetness.
Diesel Whiskey Row Founders Collection: Raceking
This is not just a cigar—it’s a concept. Raceking is the latest in Diesel’s Founders Collection, created in partnership with Rabbit Hole Distillery to complement their Raceking Bourbon. But on top of that, it was created in honor of the Kentucky Derby, too! Diesel has always been known for boldness, and with AJ Fernandez behind the blend, this cigar leans into rich, layered intensity.
Wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano leaf and bound with Nicaraguan tobacco, the core is all Nicaraguan filler—barrel-aged and fermented with an innovative cocoa powder process that enhances depth and aroma. The result is a medium-to-full bodied experience that smokes with notes of chocolate, espresso, warm earth, and subtle spice.
What Makes It Stand Out
Barrel aging isn’t a gimmick here. It’s central to the profile. Add the cocoa fermentation technique, and you get a cigar that’s velvety yet structured. Designed specifically to pair with Rabbit Hole’s Raceking Bourbon, the blend walks the line between contemporary flavor and traditional craftsmanship.
Recommended Pairings
- Spirit: Weller 12 Year – Of course, the first pairing we would suggest is the Rabbit Hole Raceking Bourbon. However, Weller 12 is a wheated bourbon that adds a smooth, honeyed layer that complements the cigar’s earth and cocoa tones.
- Cocktail: Mayor’s Quorum Old Fashioned – a deeper, more complex version of the classic, with layered bitters and smoked citrus to mirror the cigar’s intensity.
To Be or Not To Be a Member
Here at the Vineyard Market, we make it our mission to bring people an experience, and though our club is built like any other cigar club, our people and the community we have built are what make it so special. As a cigar society member, you have access to exclusive, limited-run cigars like these—plus expert pairings, curated content, discounts, and early access to in-store events and limited or highly allocated spirits. Sign up today, and become a part of our cigar community!
Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events:
- Ladies’ Cigar Night | Wednesday, May 28th
- Cigar & Spirits Tasting | Thursday, May 29th
- Poker Night | Monday, June 2nd
Stop by our location in Ozark, MO, to pick up your May selections! Sip, Smoke, Savor friends! We’ll see you soon!
