As I’ve progressed from being a cigar novice to an enthusiast, I’ve always been keen to try as many different cigar brands as possible. While I’m familiar with several renowned UK cigar specialist shops that produce and offer their own branded cigars, I have recently noticed a small increase in the number of independent UK cigar folk creating and distributing their own cigars.

Two UK-based cigar brands come to mind: Rebellion Cigars, established in 2020, aims to disrupt the UK cigar market by offering more affordable options, challenging the trend of rising cigar prices. Trident Military Cigars born from a passion project since 2019, pays tribute to both the art of cigar making and the esteemed history of the Armed Forces.

The UK is not traditionally known for cigar production due to its unsuitable climate and conditions for growing tobacco. These independent brands typically use imported tobacco from established cigar-producing countries such as Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, and have them rolled abroad to their specifications. In contrast, the US seems to have many independent cigar brands, some of which are more involved in the production process than others.

Say hello to Number 11 – a new premium cigar and spirit brand that has just been launched in the UK.

Background

The concept of Number 11 originated from a chance encounter between two Brits, Tony and Matt, in Morocco.

Following extensive discussions and sampling various premium spirits and cigars during their travels around the world, they decided to create their own brand. Their vision was to craft specific drink and cigar pairings that would enhance each item’s flavor profile.

Thus, Number 11 Premium Artisano was born. The name was inspired by their “11 o’clock challenge,” a ritual where Tony or Matt would select a different spirit to sample at 11 o’clock each day while traveling. Fast forward 10 years, and their wild idea has become a reality. Number 11 has now launched three vitolas of cigars made with pure Costa Rican tobacco: the Toro (Maduro wrapper), the Robusto (Connecticut wrapper), and the Torpedo (Connecticut wrapper). All three cigars are light to medium in strength and have been expertly blended to produce a smooth and fragrant smoke that develops throughout the cigar.

Number 11 Artisan Cigar – Toro (Maduro)

Vitola: Toro (Maduro)
Country of origin: Costa Rica , Strength: Medium
Size: 6.3 x 54 ring Guage: 54
Wrapper: Connecticut , binder: costa rica , Filler: Costa Rica

Number 11 Artisan Cigar – Torpedo

Vitola: Torpedo
Country of origin: Costa Rica , Strength Medium
Size: 6.3 x 54 ring Guage: 54
Wrapper: Connecticut , Binder: costa rica , Filler: Costa Rica
Box size: Singles

Number 11 Artisan Cigar – Premium Robusto

Vitola: Robusto
Country of origin: Costa Rica, Strength light
Size: 4.8 x 50 ring Guage: 50
Wrapper: Connecticut , binder: costa rica , Filler: Costa Rica

As well as single cigars you can also buy these as a box of cigars.

Number 11 Artisan Cigar – Premium Robusto Box of 11

In addition to their cigars, Number 11 has crafted an elegant rum aged for a minimum of two years in the Caribbean and imported into the UK. At the blending house, this spirit undergoes a second distillation with Number 11’s unique blend of entirely natural ingredients sourced from around the world to enhance the rum’s flavor. A further two months of aging ensures that all the flavors marry together in perfect harmony.

Number 11 Artisan Rum & Cigar Gift Pack

Number 11’s motto is “Where spirit and artistry unite.”

My experience

I had the privilege of meeting Tony – an amazing guy, who co-founded Number 11. Originally from Essex, just like myself. We met at a fantastic private members’ club with a cigar lounge in London. This place blew my mind! The club also included some wonderful rooms (wow-factor style) with food and drink on offer. I haven’t been to many of these private members clubs before, so this felt like a really special experience – something I of course would LOVE to delve deeper into.

I got to sample one of these cigars. The cigar boxes they are part of have a sophisticated, modern, and colorful design, and each box contains 11 cigars to align with the brand.

I smoked the Number 11 Robusto cigar and found it to be super smooth. The first third offered a sweet, peppery spice that later transitioned into a more floral flavour profile in the second and final thirds. I was chatting the whole time whilst sampling this cigar, and I have another one I plan to smoke later. When I’m smoking alone, just me and the cigar, I find I can pick up on better flavour notes. I’m not exactly sure why, but I think it’s because my full focus isn’t on the cigar when I’m herfing with others. I’ll post a further update to this page when I smoke the second cigar.

My rating: 6.75 out of 10

This is a fantastic and affordable addition to any cigar collection, and I’m glad I tried a cigar blended from a country I wasn’t familiar with from a cigar perspective. Definitely keen to try that second cigar and would love to try pairing it with that rum!

Interested in trying a Number 11 cigar?

Check out their website at number-11.co.uk, and if you sign up to their mailing list you can get an 11% discount on any purchases.