TheCaldwell Long Live the Queen Ace of Hearts is one of those cigars whose reputation changed its future. Originally created as the limited-production, box-pressed expression of Long Live the Queen, demand was strong enough that Caldwell brought it back as a regular-production cigar. The blend is equally distinctive: a genuineCameroon wrapper over an Indonesian Sumatra binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. It's an elegant combination that gives the cigar richness without relying on sheer strength.
The6" x 52 box-pressed Toro is particularly well suited to Cameroon. The wrapper brings its characteristic aromatic spice and natural sweetness, layered over coffee, leather and roasted tobacco from the core. Almond, caramel and chocolate-like sweetness emerge as the cigar develops, giving Ace of Hearts the kind of complexity that rewards a slower smoking pace. Cigar Aficionado was equally impressed, awarding the Ace of Hearts94 points and naming it the No. 14 Cigar of 2023.
If you appreciate Cameroon tobacco, Ace of Hearts belongs on your short list. The 52-ring box press gives the wrapper a meaningful role while allowing the Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos underneath to provide depth and structure.Pick up several—this is a Caldwell worth smoking carefully, revisiting, and keeping in the humidor.
