El Septimo Vartan the Dragon – Premium Non-Cuban Cigar in Hong Kong

This cigar is named after two notable figures: one a historical figure and the other a contemporary tobacco enthusiast. It pays tribute to Vartan (or Vardan) Mamikonian, an ancient Armenian general renowned for leading a rebellion against the Sassanian Empire in the 5th century. He is venerated as a martyr and saint in the Armenian Church. The other namesake is Vartan Seferian, owner of Ambassador Boutique Cigars in Phoenix, Arizona, who collaborated with El Septimo to create this cigar. Although the cigar features a red band and dragon-themed design as part of its "Year of the Dragon" edition, El Septimo Chairman and CEO Zaya Younan clarified that the name "Vartan" is not directly tied to the Lunar New Year or the Chinese zodiac. evertheless, the allure of the dragon remains timeless. The Vartan Dragon cigar comes in a Presidente size, measuring 6 3/4 inches in length with a 58 ring gauge. It features tobacco sourced from five countries, including a specially aged wrapper, a Dominican binder, and fillers from Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Each tobacco leaf has been meticulously aged for 15 years, resulting in a medium-to-full-bodied cigar with rich, layered complexity. This cigar combines premium tobaccos from various regions to deliver a bold and multi-dimensional experience. It pairs exceptionally well with single malt Scotch whisky, where the whisky’s peaty smokiness, dried fruit, and oak notes harmonize with the cigar’s spices, espresso, and cocoa flavors. This pairing creates an intense yet refined enjoyment, elevating the ritual of cigar smoking.