A MESSAGE FROM COACHES CIGAR LOUNGE
WATCH BEFORE YOU LIGHT UP.
COACHES CIGAR LOUNGE
JULY 2026 CIGAR LOCKER
CRAFTSMANSHIP • EXPLORATION • STRENGTH
Three cigars. Three different stories. Three different smoking experiences.
Welcome to your July Cigar Locker.
This month, we are going to experience three distinct expressions of premium cigar craftsmanship. You will learn what you are smoking, understand the story behind each cigar, discover flavors to look for, and receive Coach's recommended pairings.
SMOKE THEM IN ORDER. TAKE YOUR TIME. TRUST YOUR PALATE.
DON'T JUST SMOKE THE CIGAR. LEARN THE CIGAR.
CIGAR #1 • THE FOUNDATION
ARTURO FUENTE EMPERADOR
SMOKE THIS FIRST
SIZE: 7" × 52
ORIGIN: Dominican Republic
STRENGTH: Mild-Medium to Medium
SMOKING TIME: Approximately 90–120 Minutes
WHY IT'S IN YOUR CIGAR LOCKER
This cigar represents the foundation of premium cigar craftsmanship: balance, consistency, and execution. The Arturo Fuente Emperador delivers a traditional Dominican smoking experience without relying on overwhelming strength.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Cedar • Cream • Toasted Nuts • Sweet Tobacco • Baking Spice • Gentle Pepper
COACH'S CHALLENGE
Pay attention to the transition. Where does the creamy sweetness of the opening begin to give way to deeper wood, toast, and spice?
COACH'S PAIRING
Bourbon: Maker's Mark 46
Cognac: Rémy Martin 1738
Coffee: Café au lait
Non-Alcoholic: Cream Soda
COACH'S TAKE
Fundamentals win football games—and they matter in cigars too. Nothing gimmicky. Nothing excessive. Just craftsmanship, consistency, and execution.
CIGAR #2 • THE EXPERIENCE
MACANUDO EMISSARY FRANCE
SMOKE THIS SECOND
SIZE: Churchill — 7" × 48
ORIGIN: Honduras
STRENGTH: Medium to Medium-Full
SMOKING TIME: Approximately 90–120 Minutes
WHY IT'S IN YOUR CIGAR LOCKER
This is the educational centerpiece of your July Cigar Locker. The Emissary France brings together tobaccos from multiple countries, including rare French-grown tobacco from the Mugron region. This cigar gives you the opportunity to explore terroir—how soil, climate, geography, and growing conditions can influence the flavor of tobacco.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Cocoa • Cedar • Espresso • Roasted Nuts • Dark Fruit • Baking Spice • Mineral Notes
COACH'S CHALLENGE
Before reading more about the blend, smoke the first third and write down three flavors you notice.
Then ask yourself: Did learning the story behind the tobacco change what you tasted?
COACH'S PAIRING
Cognac: Hennessy VSOP
Wine: Bordeaux
Whisky: Port-Finished Whisky
Coffee: Ethiopian Medium Roast
Non-Alcoholic: Black Cherry Sparkling Water
COACH'S TAKE
This is the cigar that should make you slow down, pay attention, and think.
Great cigar experiences are not only about strength. They are about complexity, transitions, aroma, and discovering flavors you did not expect.
CAN YOU TASTE TERROIR?
CIGAR #3 • THE FINISH
COHIBA RIVIERA ROBUSTO
SMOKE THIS LAST
SIZE: Robusto — 5" × 52
ORIGIN: Nicaragua
STRENGTH: Medium to Medium-Full
SMOKING TIME: Approximately 45–75 Minutes
WHY IT'S IN YOUR CIGAR LOCKER
The Cohiba Riviera closes this month's experience with a darker, richer flavor profile. Its Mexican San Andrés wrapper and box-pressed shape create a smoking experience that emphasizes deep flavors while maintaining balance and complexity.
After beginning with traditional Dominican craftsmanship and exploring the unusual French tobacco of the Macanudo Emissary, this cigar gives you an opportunity to experience the influence of a darker wrapper leaf.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Dark Chocolate • Espresso • Oak • Leather • Earth • Red Pepper • Natural Sweetness
COACH'S CHALLENGE
Pay attention to the natural sweetness of the cigar.
Where do you find it?
Dark chocolate? Molasses? Roasted coffee? Caramelized sugar? Something else entirely?
There is no wrong answer. Trust your palate.
COACH'S PAIRING
Bourbon: Old Forester 1910
Rum: Zacapa 23
Coffee: Espresso
Dessert: Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Cake
Non-Alcoholic: Dr Pepper
COACH'S TAKE
This cigar is about finishing the experience with depth.
The Robusto size provides enough time for the cigar to develop while keeping the Mexican San Andrés wrapper influential throughout the smoke.
Do not rush it. Pay attention to how the sweetness, earth, coffee, and pepper move throughout the cigar.
FINISH STRONG. TRUST YOUR PALATE.
MEMBER SCORECARD
RATE YOUR JULY CIGAR PACK
Your feedback helps our Coaches build better Cigar Pack experiences and select future cigars based on what our members actually enjoy.
SMOKE. RATE. LEARN. REPEAT.