Recognizing how well Cognac pairs with cigars, the makers of the original El Sublimado (www.texascigarbrothers.com) created a process for infusing tobacco leafs with Hardy Noces d’Or Grande Champagne Cognac. The cigars debuted in 1993, but they vanished from the market when the company that made them dissolved. A few years ago, some 10,000 to 12,000 of these cigars were found still aging in the Honduran factory where they were rolled, together with enough of the original tobacco to roll about 5,000 more. The cigars now are available only through Texas Cigar Brothers. The Ecuadoran-grown wrapper, Indonesian binder, and Dominican filler emit a mild and mellow flavor accented with a layer of spice and a touch of sweet fruit from the Cognac. The cigars are priced from $17 to $19 each and come in four sizes.
