When it comes to premium cigars, few brands command as much respect and admiration as Diamond Crown. A masterpiece born from the collaboration between the J.C. Newman Cigar Company and the legendary Fuente family, Diamond Crown cigars are a symbol of luxury, innovation, and craftsmanship. Every Diamond Crown cigar is more than just a smoke, it’s a celebration of tradition, precision, and artistry.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these cigars have redefined what it means to experience luxury in cigar form. Let’s dive into the rich history and impeccable craftsmanship behind Diamond Crown cigars, and discover why they’re revered as some of the finest cigars in the world.
A Legacy of Excellence: The History of Diamond Crown
The story of Diamond Crown cigars is one of vision, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The brand’s origins trace back to the early 20th century, when it was initially produced in Pennsylvania. The original Diamond Crown label featured Queen Victoria and members of the royal family, signifying its premium status even in its early days. J.C. Newman acquired the brand, envisioning its potential to become a cornerstone of luxury cigars.
In 1995, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, Stanford Newman partnered with Carlos Fuente, Sr. to reintroduce Diamond Crown as a super-premium cigar brand. This reintroduction marked a significant milestone, with the aim of creating the best cigar in the world, regardless of the time and cost involved. The result was a series of cigars that quickly gained acclaim for their exceptional quality and unique flavor profiles.
Craftsmanship and Innovation: The Making of Diamond Crown Cigars
The production of Diamond Crown cigars is a testament to the art of cigar-making. Handmade in the Dominican Republic at Tabacalera A. Fuente, these cigars are crafted by the most skilled master rollers in the industry. The meticulous process involves several key steps to ensure each cigar meets the highest standards of quality.
The Role of the 54-Ring Gauge
One of the innovative aspects of Diamond Crown cigars is the use of a 54-ring gauge, which was considered exceptionally large at the time of its introduction. Stanford Newman insisted on this size, believing it allowed for a richer and more consistent flavor by enabling cigar rollers to blend six to seven individual tobacco leaves. Despite initial skepticism, the 54-ring gauge became a hallmark of Diamond Crown cigars, setting them apart from others in the market.
Quality Control and Aging
Each Diamond Crown cigar undergoes rigorous quality control measures, including three inspections to ensure perfection. The cigars are aged in cedar curing rooms for a minimum of twelve months, allowing the tobaccos to mature and develop their full flavor potential. This aging process is crucial for achieving the smooth, rich, and consistent taste that Diamond Crown cigars are known for.
Signature Blends: The Diamond Crown Portfolio
The Diamond Crown line features several distinguished blends, each offering a unique smoking experience while maintaining the brand’s signature quality.
Diamond Crown Classic
- Profile: Medium-bodied
- Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
- Tobaccos: Dominican long-filler
- Flavors: Cashew, cedar, nutmeg, pepper
- Diamond Crown Classic is a testament to luxury and craftsmanship, featuring a golden-blond Connecticut Shade wrapper and creamy notes of cashew, cedar, nutmeg, and pepper. This medium-bodied cigar offers a smooth and elegant smoking experience, rated 92 points by Cigar Aficionado.
Diamond Crown Maduro
- Profile: Medium to full-bodied
- Wrapper: Broadleaf Maduro
- Tobaccos: Dominican
- Flavors: Rich cocoa, earth, spice
- Diamond Crown Maduro provides a fuller-bodied experience with a Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, offering rich notes of cocoa, earth, and spice. It caters to those who prefer a robust and flavorful smoke.
Diamond Crown Maximus
- Profile: Full-bodied
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown
- Tobaccos: Dominican
- Flavors: Old-world spice, cedar, leather
- Diamond Crown Maximus is known for its fuller body and robust flavor, featuring an Ecuadorian Sungrown wrapper. With notes of old-world spice, cedar, and leather, it’s perfect for veteran cigar smokers seeking a rich and intense smoke.
Diamond Crown Julius Caeser
- Profile: Medium-bodied
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Havana-seed
- Tobaccos: Dominican
- Flavors: Cocoa, sweet spice, nut
- Diamond Crown Julius Caeser honors the company’s founder with a medium-bodied profile and a sweeter Ecuadorian wrapper. It delivers notes of cocoa, sweet spice, and nuts, making it a consistently great cigar for a refined palate.
Diamond Crown Black Diamond
- Profile: Full-bodied
- Wrapper: Connecticut Havana-seed
- Tobaccos: Dominican
- Flavors: Rich, earthy, complex
- Diamond Crown Black Diamond is the newest addition, featuring a rich and earthy profile with a Connecticut Havana-seed wrapper. This full-bodied cigar is a luxurious experience, maintaining the high standards of the Diamond Crown family.
The Art of Fermentation: The Connecticut Fermented Wrapper
A distinctive feature of Diamond Crown cigars is the Connecticut Fermented Wrapper (CFW). Unlike most tobacco wrappers that undergo a single fermentation, Diamond Crown wrappers are conditioned and graded for a second fermentation. This additional curing process evens out the Rosado color of the tobacco and eliminates any potential rawness, resulting in a sweet, smooth, and richer flavor. This meticulous fermentation process is a key factor in the exceptional taste of Diamond Crown cigars.
Expansion and Recognition
Since its reintroduction, Diamond Crown has expanded beyond cigars to include a range of cigar accessories and merchandise, as well as the Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge, which offers a luxurious smoking experience. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a place among the elite in the cigar industry.
The Diamond Crown Experience
Smoking a Diamond Crown cigar is more than just an indulgence; it’s an experience that embodies luxury, craftsmanship, and history. From the meticulous blending and aging processes to the rich, complex flavors of each blend, Diamond Crown cigars offer a smoking experience like no other. Whether you’re enjoying the creamy notes of the Classic, the robust flavors of the Maduro, or the rich complexity of the Black Diamond, each Diamond Crown cigar is a journey through the art of cigar-making.
Diamond Crown cigars stand as a beacon of excellence in the world of premium cigars. The collaboration between the Newman and Fuente families has resulted in a brand that consistently delivers exceptional quality and flavor. Each blend, from the Classic to the Black Diamond, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that define Diamond Crown. For those seeking an unparalleled smoking experience, Diamond Crown offers a range of cigars that cater to both seasoned aficionados and those new to the world of fine cigars.
