Lash Ash Newsletter April
- infothelastash
- Apr 4
- 8 min read
The Last Ash Newsletter
April 2025
Welcome to the April edition of The Last Ash Cigar Newsletter! As the chill of winter fades and spring takes hold, there’s no better time to refresh your humidor with some exceptional cigars that capture the season’s energy. This month, we explore bold new releases, perfect pairings for warmer evenings, and expert tips to refine your smoking ritual. Whether you're enjoying a slow-burning Maduro on the patio or a creamy Connecticut with your morning coffee, April is about savoring every draw with renewed appreciation.
In this issue, we take a deep dive into some of the hottest blends hitting the market, including limited-edition sticks that are worth hunting down. Plus, our featured pairing of the month brings together a complex Nicaraguan gem with a smooth, single-barrel bourbon. And for those looking to elevate their smoking experience, we’re sharing insider advice on maintaining your humidor through seasonal shifts. Light up, sit back, and let’s welcome spring the right way—one great cigar at a time.
Cigar Companion: The Best Gadgets for Every Smoker
Colibri Rally Humidor
The Colibri Rally Humidor is a sleek and modern storage solution designed for cigar aficionados who appreciate both style and functionality. With a capacity to hold up to 50 cigars, this humidor is crafted with a carbon fiber-inspired exterior, giving it a bold and contemporary look. The interior is lined with premium Spanish cedar, ensuring optimal humidity retention and enhancing the aging process of your cigars. Equipped with an easy-to-read digital hydro meter and a built-in humidification system, the Colibri Rally ensures precise humidity control, preserving the freshness and flavor of your prized cigars. The matte black finish and streamlined design make it a standout addition to any cigar lounge or personal collection.
Beyond its aesthetics, the Colibri Rally Humidor is built with the durability and innovation that the Colibri brand is known for. The tight-sealing lid and magnetic closure system ensure a secure environment, keeping cigars fresh for extended periods. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, this humidor offers a balance of sophistication and practicality. Its compact size makes it ideal for those who want a high-quality storage solution without taking up excessive space. With the Colibri Rally, cigar lovers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their collection is stored in a stylish and reliable humidor that upholds the integrity of their smokes.
El Casco Cigar Cutter
The El Casco Cigar Cutter is the epitome of precision and luxury in the world of cigar accessories. Manufactured in Spain, this meticulously crafted cutter is a testament to El Casco’s heritage of producing fine, high-quality metal work. Unlike typical cigar cutters, El Casco’s design is both a functional tool and a statement piece, featuring a sleek, mirror-polished finish in chrome, gold, or black lacquer. The guillotine-style mechanism ensures a razor-sharp, clean cut every time, preventing unraveling and preserving the integrity of even the most delicate cigars. Built from solid steel and hand-assembled with numbered components, this cutter offers an heirloom-level durability that serious cigar connoisseurs will appreciate.
What truly sets the El Casco Cigar Cutter apart is its blend of engineering and artistry. The craftsmanship mirrors the brand’s background in fine office accessories, delivering an accessory that belongs in a luxury cigar lounge or atop an executive’s desk. Its weighty, ergonomic feel provides a sense of authority with every use, turning a simple cigar-cutting ritual into an experience of indulgence. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or gifted to a discerning aficionado, the El Casco Cigar Cutter embodies both functionality and refined elegance, making it one of the most prestigious cigar accessories available today.
Maxijet Lacquered Lighter Dragon
The Maxijet Lacquered Lighter Dragon by S.T .Dupont is an exquisite fusion of art, luxury, and precision engineering. Designed for aficionados who appreciate both performance and aesthetics, this lighter features a sleek, ergonomic body adorned with an intricate dragon motif. The lacquered finish adds a layer of sophistication, reflecting S.T. Dupont’s mastery in crafting timeless smoking accessories. Equipped with a powerful torch flame, the Maxijet ensures a wind-resistant, precise light, making it an ideal companion for cigars, whether indoors or in breezy outdoor settings.
What truly sets this Dragon Edition apart is the symbolism and artistry behind its design. The dragon, often representing power, wisdom, and good fortune, is meticulously engraved, giving the lighter a regal presence. The lacquered body feels smooth yet durable, exuding both style and functionality. Beyond aesthetics, the single-action ignition system provides effortless lighting with a reliable flame for an even toast. Whether it’s for personal indulgence or a collector’s piece, the Maxijet Lacquered Lighter Dragon stands as a testament to S.T. Dupont’s legacy of elegance and craftsmanship in the world of fine cigar accessories.
Cigar of the Month
Oliva Serie V Melanio
For cigar aficionados seeking a refined and complex smoke, the Oliva Serie V Melanio is a must-try, earning its spot as our Cigar of the Month. This Nicaraguan masterpiece, named after Melanio Oliva, a pioneer in the Oliva family’s tobacco-growing tradition, is crafted with an Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper over a blend of Nicaraguan ligero long-fillers. The result is a rich, full-bodied experience brimming with notes of dark chocolate, cedar, and caramelized spice, balanced by a smooth, elegant finish. Its box-pressed construction not only enhances the draw but also ensures a consistently even burn, making each puff a luxurious experience.
What makes the OlivaSerie V Melanio truly stand out is its ability to cater to both seasoned smokers and those looking to explore a more complex profile. Whether paired with a bold espresso, a fine bourbon, or a well-aged rum, this cigar offers a harmonious fusion of strength and sophistication. Having garnered multiple 90+ratings, including recognition as Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 Cigar of the Year in2014, the Melanio remains a favorite among connoisseurs. If you’re looking to elevate your smoking experience this month, the Oliva Serie V Melanio is a worthy choice, delivering luxury, legacy, and a flavor profile that lingers long after the final draw.
Cigar Industry News and Events
Celebrating a Decade: Foundation 10-Year Aniversario Cigar
Few cigar brands have made as much of an impact in a single decade as Foundation Cigar Company. Founded by Nicholas Melillo in 2015, Foundation quickly earned a reputation for producing high-quality, Nicaraguan-forward blends steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. To celebrate this milestone, the company has released the Foundation 10-Year Aniversario, a cigar that embodies a decade of passion, expertise, and innovation. This limited-edition smoke is a tribute to the brand’s journey and the aficionados who have supported it along the way.
The 10-Year Aniversario features a meticulously selected blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos sourced from Aganorsa’s renowned farms, wrapped in a stunning Corojo ’99 leaf that delivers depth and complexity. From the first draw, it presents a bold yet balanced profile—expect rich notes of espresso, cedar, and baking spices, complemented by a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate. The medium-to-full-bodied strength ensures a satisfying experience for seasoned smokers, while its smooth construction and even burn highlight the brand’s dedication to quality.
More than just an anniversary release, this cigar is a statement—a testament to how far Foundation has come and a glimpse into its future. With only a limited number of boxes available, the 10-YearAniversario is a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike. Whether you're a longtime fan of Foundation or just discovering the brand, this celebratory smoke is one to savor. If you can get your hands on one, light up, raise a glass, and toast to a decade of excellence in the cigar world.
Drew Estate Barn Smoker: A Tobacco Lover’s Dream Event
The Drew Estate Barn Smoker is not just an event—it’s an experience that immerses cigar lovers into the heart of American tobacco culture. Hosted by Drew Estate, this annual gathering takes place on working tobacco farms across the U.S., including Connecticut, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Louisiana. The event offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cultivation, curing, and fermentation processes that go into crafting some of Drew Estate’s most beloved cigars, such as Liga Privada, Undercrown, and Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented. Guests have the rare opportunity to walk through the fields, step inside curing barns, and learn directly from Jonathan Drew and the Drew Estate team about what makes their tobaccos unique. The educational aspect is complemented by event-exclusive cigars, live demonstrations, and firsthand insight into the artistry of premium cigar making.
Beyond the farm tour and tobacco education, the Barn Smoker is a full-blown celebration of cigar culture. Attendees enjoy live music, BBQ feasts, bourbon pairings, and interactive blending sessions, where they can even roll their own cigars. The energy of the event is electric, filled with camaraderie among fellow cigar lovers, industry insiders, and the passionate Drew Estate crew. Each stop in the Barn Smoker series offers unique elements tied to the region’s tobacco heritage, making every experience one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just getting into premium cigars, the Drew Estate Barn Smoker is an unforgettable journey into the craftsmanship, community, and culture of cigar smoking.
From Barrel to Ash: Exploring Whiskey, Rum, and More
Brugal Maestro Reserva
Maestro Reserva is a premium aged rum crafted with precision and artistry, delivering a refined sipping experience for discerning palates. This exceptional rum is meticulously blended from hand-selected reserves, aged in oak barrels to develop its rich, complex profile. With deep notes of caramel, toasted vanilla, dark chocolate, and warm spices, Maestro Reserva offers a velvety smooth mouthfeel, making it an ideal companion for a fine cigar. Its subtle hints of dried fruit, roasted nuts, and a touch of oak smokiness create a layered, lingering finish that evolves with every sip.
As a luxury rum, Maestro Reserva is designed for slow enjoyment, best savored neat or with a single ice cube to enhance its nuanced flavors. It pairs beautifully with full-bodied cigars like a Padron1926 Maduro or Davidoff Nicaragua, as its richness complements the deep, earthy, and peppery notes of a well-aged smoke. Whether enjoyed in a relaxed lounge setting or during a special occasion, Maestro Reserva embodies the sophistication and craftsmanship of true premium rum-making, offering a luxurious drinking experience that stands among the finest in the world.
Pairs Well With:
Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua – Rich and complex with bold cocoa and espresso notes.
Tatuaje Black Label – Cuban-esque richness with notes of earth, leather, and coffee, perfect for sipping Maestro Reserva.
H. Upmann 175th Anniversary – Toasted almonds, cream, and cedar to highlight the oak-aged character of Maestro Reserva.
Glenmorangie Lasanta 15
Glenmorangie Lasanta 15 Years Old is a rich and indulgent single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its deep complexity and smooth texture. Aged for 15 years in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, it strikes a perfect balance between the vibrant, fruity character of Glenmorangie's signature spirit and the darker, spicier notes imparted by the sherry wood. The result is a whisky with a beautiful amber color and a nose full of warm, inviting aromas of dried fruit, honey, and subtle hints of dark chocolate, complemented by a touch of spice from the wood.
On the palate, Glenmorangie Lasanta is smooth and rich, with flavors of sweet orange zest, sultanas, and soft caramel that give way to deeper, more complex layers of spiced fruitcake, nuts, and a delicate sherry influence. The finish is long and warming, with a gentle sweetness that lingers, accompanied by a faintly oaky, spicy edge. Its luxurious mouthfeel and balanced flavor profile make it a versatile whisky, perfect for sipping neat or enjoying with a drop of water to release even more of its intricate flavors.
Pairs Well With:
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story– A well-balanced Dominican cigar with a medium body, offering flavors of cedar, coffee, and a touch of sweetness that harmonize with the whisky's sherry cask influence.
Davidoff Nicaragua Toro – A medium to full-bodied cigar with notes of spice, leather, and wood, which complement the whisky’s rich oak and dried fruit flavors.
Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill – A rich, well-rounded Cuban cigar with flavors of leather, spice, and earthy undertones that complement the smooth and fruity profile of Glenmorangie Lasanta.
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