Discover the Alluring Taste of Mango Cigars - The Newest Trend for Tobacco Aficionados

The Sweet Allure of Mango Cigars

The heady aroma of sweet, delicious mangoes mingling with the rich, earthy scent of fine cigars is enough to make any aficionado's mouth water. Mango-flavored cigars have become increasingly popular in recent years among cigar lovers looking to add a touch of fruitiness to their usual smokey, spicy sticks. With their exotic blend of flavors, mango cigars offer a smooth, creamy taste profile with just a hint of tropical essence.

The Origin of Mango Cigars

Mango cigars first started gaining attention back in the 90s, but have exploded in popularity over the last decade. As premium cigar culture continued expanding, smokers began seeking out unique flavor infusions like fruit and sweet liqueurs. By combining rich Dominican ligero or Nicaraguan fillers with longer-fermented wrappers, then finishing them off with sweet mango or mango liqueur concentrates, manufacturers were able to create a beautifully balanced smoking experience.

The mango adds subtle fruity sweetness that perfectly compliments the nutty, earthy flavors of the tobacco. It became readily apparent that there was a huge market for these tropical-inspired creations. From large brands like Gurkha's Ghost and Torano's Virtuoso to small batch blends by boutique companies, mango cigars can now be readily found at most cigar shops and online retailers.

Flavor Profile of Mango Cigars

Every mango infusion brings its own unique blend of aromas and flavors to the table. But in general, most mango cigars share some common tasting notes that set them apart from non-infused sticks:

• Sweet mango aroma on the foot and wrapper
• Hints of mango fruitiness on the first few puffs
• Creamy, smooth texture with fruity undertones
• Well-balanced with tobacco still at the forefront
• Pleasant lingering sweetness on the finish

By using prime long-filler tobaccos as their base and carefully applying mango extracts, the best mango cigars allow the tobacco flavor to still take center stage. The fruit infusion remains subtle, adding sweetness and a touch of tropical flair without overpowering the rich earthiness of the cigar.

Pairing Mango Cigars

Finding a complementary pairing for mango cigars is half the fun. Their fruity edge calls for refreshing beverages that won't clash with the mango’s flavor. Aged rums, fruit ciders, tropical IPAs, mojitos and even some rosé wines make fine companions for these infused smokes. The sweeter profile also stands up well to sweeter drinking options like port, madeira or sauternes wines. If enjoying an after dinner mango cigar, try pairing it with a snifter of aged rum or brandy to bring out the infusion's natural flavors.

Storing Mango Cigars Properly

Like any premium handmade cigar, proper storage and humidity control is vital for both short term storage and long term aging of mango infused sticks. Left at inconsistent temperatures or humidity, they risk drying out or developing mold and beetle damage. Here are some key tips for keeping your mango cigars smoking flawlessly over time:

• Store them at 65-70°F temperature
• Maintain 68-72% relative humidity
• Keep them in an airtight cigar humidor
• Use humidification beads/gel/packs to regulate RH
• Allow them to rest in the humidor for 2+ weeks before smoking

Using a digital hygrometer inside the humidor makes monitoring temperature and RH a breeze. New cigars may need some time for the mango aroma to permeate through the wrapper so don't be afraid to let them nap a bit once you get them home.

Popular Mango Cigar Options

From giant industry names to small batch blenders, it seems like everyone is getting in on the mango cigar trend. While personal taste preferences may vary, here are 5 of the most popular infused mango cigars widely available:

Gurkha Ghost

One of the most acclaimed is Gurkha’s ‘Ghost’ line, first introduced in their ‘Cellar Reserve’ series then expanded to several renditions after gaining a cult following. Blending a 5-year aged Dominican binder and Nicaraguan long-fillers with a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, it’s medium-bodied with pronounced mango aroma and flavor. Each cigar is carefully infused with 8-year aged mango cognac for a refined, elegant smoking experience.

Torano Virtuoso

Another highly-rated mango infusion comes from Torano Cigars, makers of the popular ‘Virtuoso’ blend. They start with a complex core of Dominican long-fillers in the center, Jamastran binder leaves and finally finished with a silky Cameroon wrapper treated with sweet mango liqueur. Reviewers praise it’s perfect balance of tropical sweetness while still retaining full-bodied tobacco character.

Drew Estate Tabak Especial

The Drew Estate ‘Tabak Especial’ sticks offer an even bolder take on mango cigars. Utilizing two types of Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers plus a Honduran binder and Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, it captures the full flavor that Drew Estate is known for. A heavy concentration of mango fruit concentrate imparts sugary sweetness from the inside out.

La Perla Habana Black Pearl

In a sea of Nicaraguan and Dominican blends, La Perla Habana puts their own spin using exclusively Honduran tobaccos for their ‘Black Pearl’ mango cigar. A mix of tobacco leaves from 3 regions of Honduras make the filler, bound with a Honduran binder and dark, oily Honduran wrapper. The mango fruit infusions tames the Honduran’s natural potency for a balance of strength and sweetness.

Cuba Aliados Anniversary Perfecto

Boutique brand Cuba Aliados cigars uses a well-aged Ecuadorian Habano wrapper surrounding a Nicaraguan binder and long-filler combo for a medium to full-bodied base on their anniversary ‘Perfecto’ size. For added intrigue, they infuse premium Brazilian mango flesh into the mix. The result is a unique interplay of woody, peppery and tropical flavors. Each tapered perfecto finishes with pronounced mango aroma and backnotes of spice.

Whether you prefer mild and creamy or bold and fruity, there’s a mango-infused cigar out there for every palate. It’s worth sampling a variety to discover your favorite. The growing popularity ensures mango cigars are here to stay in the premium handmade market. So kick back with a tropical mojito in one hand and a sweet, mango-laced stogie in the other for a little taste of island life!