If you or anyone you know even remotely like boutique brands, you’ve probably heard the name “Caldwell” about 1,000 times in the last year. I’m not sure a small batch company has had a bigger hype train behind them, ever. And if we’re being honest, most of the time hype only ends in derailing and disappointment. Luckily, Caldwell breaks the trend, and actually earns every good word that’s said about them. This is one brand that’s well worth digging into.

And there’s no better place to start than Eastern Standard. A smooth, medium-bodied cigar, Eastern Standard features a silky-smooth hybrid leaf of Connecticut Ecuadorian wrapper. It’s expertly applied, and adds an unforgettable lemony brightness to the slight spice and grass notes of the Dominican and Nicaraguan filler.

Good news, Eastern Standard has received an impressive 91-point rating, noting: “Topped with a pigtail cap, this Churchill delivers a dense, chewy smoke that layers the palate with distinct notes of leather and black pepper. Touches of chocolate malt also come through.”​