Flavours Of Sophistication

Kishore Iyengar touches base at some of mumbai’s happening ‘cigar’ bars to unravel the chemistry of ‘those aromatic long tubes of thrilling taste’...

The ancient Mayan Indians called them ‘Sikar’. Later, a Spanish sailor-duo Rodrigo Xerez and Luis De Torres, a Spanish sailor-duo were witness to Cuban Indians puffing away at thickly rolled tobacco leaves. In modern times, some of the ‘Who’s Who’ who have endorsed cigars include Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Walter Raleigh, Fidel Castro, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone.

Cigars tastes splendid after a great fine dining experience. In fact they are a distinguished encore to eclectic enjoyment. Matched with the singular flavours of the finest Single Malts from Scotland, the experience embodies an elegant pursuit of individual class and good living. For connoisseurs of these distinct flavours, nothing is quite like smoking a finely rolled Cohiba Siglo 1 complemented by a shot of Scotland’s gentle Northern Highland Single Malt, Dalwhinnie and some nerve stilling notes of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony.

Suave, stylish and contemporarily uppercrust, the neo-colonial ambience of The Cigar Diwan and Lounge Bar at Le Royal Meridien, Mumbai is a prelude to the very elitist offerings the place is reputed for. Amber tones, diffused earthy reflections, pastel browns and beiges, svelte veneered panels and a well designed humidor housing some of the very finest cigars in Mumbai alongwith the choicest of Single Malts. While the piano hums up some caressing jazz tunes to enliven the discreet moments, try smoking a well-nipped Monte Cristo No 4, helped by expert hands. Allow the exhilarating aromas to envelop your palate (never inhale). Sip a famed Speyside Malt, a Craganmore with its smoky finish or a Macallan 12 Year Old with full-bodied honey and cherry notes.

At the other end of Mumbai , the Bayview Bar, the swank and happening speciality outlet at The Oberoi, Mumbai, is another hotspot for cigar lovers. The sweeping grand views of the Queen’s Necklace are heightened from the wide windows of Bayview. As guests enjoy the soft beats of the trombone and sax, your well-chosen Glenmorangie arrives with inviting ease. The light flavours of this fine Single Malt are appropriately paired with a Romeo Y Julieta Churchills or perhaps a Fonseca No1. As you roll the smoke around the mouth, letting the superlative flavours win you over, exhale the vapours, the whisky takes over, igniting your innards with the glow of crystal streams and Spey brooks.

At The Club Lounge of the J W Marriott in Mumbai, period lithographs smile down on you with aplomb, while brass and bronze elements set around large seating sofas invite you with unspoken verve. The Club Lounge boasts a fine collection of great Single Malts and aromatic cigars. Ensconced comfortably within plush divans and sofa layers around rich teakwood shuttered French windows and columns, you unwind with easy repose twirling a delightful Partagas No 4 (or even maybe a fine H Upmann Corona major) between your fingers, while the amber rim of the stout Laphroaig 10 year old Single Malt waits expectantly for your urging. A dark brown bitter chocolate does exceedingly well to top up the delectable flavours. Outside the imposing columns stand guard with their dancing leitmotif flames, the waters of the pond below reflecting the excitement of smoke and spirits.

At Starboard, the signature bar and `happening place’ at The Taj Towers and Palace Hotel in Mumbai, the mood is visibly upswing – the dance floor waiting to waltz and sashay, the drums revving up to razzmatazz. At this cheery address, the sensuality of Single malts and Cigars linger on. Approaching the wee hours of the starry night, make your moments magical with a glowing Glenkinchie, or a Miltonduff. Single Malts with grand palates and soft smoke aromas, singing all the way. Fire the inherent chemistry of uppercrust excellence with a fine Hoyo De Monterrey. You could well choose a Bolivar Coronas…either way both cigar varieties bring out the magic of seasoned and tempered tobacco with unmistakable smoothness. When you have enjoyed the individual flavours of both, and felt like a King , you have arrived. From the tropical tobacco fields of the verdant Carribean islands of Cuba, from the highland crags and rivers of ruggedly handsome Scotland, the flavours of the earth enjoin for a few chosen moments to create that superlative feel, cherished and nurtured through the ages.