What happens when you combine Nicaraguan Ligero and Seco leaves from the Dominican Republic and Pennsylvania? Well, if you encase it with a nutty Ecuadorian binder and top it off with a gorgeous sun-grown Cameroon wrapper, then you have a delicious cigar called the Sam Leccia White. 

For those who regularly follow my blog, you are ready familiar with Mr. Leccia. For those who are not in the know, Sam Leccia is a master blender who is responsible for many great cigars including the Oliva Nubs and Cain lines. After leaving Oliva and striking out on his own, the Leccia Black was rated number 5 in our list of top cigars of 2013.

This cigar is nothing like the Black as far as flavor goes, but this one is a gem in its own right. Unlike the Black, the White doesn't contain any Dark Fire tobacco.

If complexity is what you seek in a cigar, then this is a stick for you. Sam did an excellent job of getting all these tobaccos to come together without one completely overpowering the others. There is a nice nuttiness, some coffee notes, and of course plenty of black pepper spice.

I would classify the strength of this cigar to be a solid medium. There's enough Nicaraguan Ligero, some Esteli I suspect, to give it just enough pepper and nicotine to make it a very relaxing, after dinner cigar. But there isn't so much as to make it a Super Nica power stick.

The pepper really shows itself on the retro hale, but there is also some coffee notes blended with a little black licorice. Yes, there is a little sweetness in there too, but it blends well with the other flavors.

I didn't pair this cigar with anything, but a glass of blended scotch, maybe some Johnnie Walker Gold, would be a nice companion. For the beer folks there are several choices. For those fortunate enough to snag some Bell's Hopslam, save one to go along with this cigar.

Whatever you choose to have with this cigar, I am certain that you will not be disappointed. The Sam Leccia White is a must have in any humidor.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.