There are limited editions, and then there are projects that attempt to tell a story. The Don Emmanuel Sun & Moon Collection falls into the latter category. Conceived by Brazilian Master Cigar Sommelier Don Emmanuel in collaboration with legendary master blender Eladio Díaz, the project explores two distinctly different smoking experiences packaged together in a single presentation. The Sun blend was created to represent brightness, vitality, and daytime enjoyment, while the Moon blend embraces a richer, more contemplative profile intended for the evening smoker.
Both cigars are handcrafted at Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera in the Dominican Republic using tobaccos aged for up to ten years, with select leaves finished in rum barrels to enhance aroma and complexity. The Moon is designed as the bolder expression of the pair, promising increased richness while maintaining refinement and balance.
The full blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Mexican
- Filler: Dominican Republic
The collection is packaged in individually numbered boxes containing fourteen cigars—seven Sun and seven Moon—with worldwide production limited to just 777 boxes. Carrying an MSRP of $25 per cigar or $350 per box, the Don Emmanuel Sun & Moon Collection firmly occupies the ultra-premium segment.
Pre-Light Examination
The Don Emmanuel Moon immediately projects the premium character one would expect from a limited-edition release. The Moon is cloaked in a dark brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper displaying attractive marbling throughout the leaf. The wrapper is smooth to the touch with only minimal vein structure visible, while a subtle oily sheen catches the light and enhances its inviting appearance. In hand, the cigar feels firmly packed from head to foot with no discernible soft spots.
The cigar is adorned with a single band that reinforces the celestial theme of the Sun & Moon Collection. The band features the Don Emmanuel crest accented in rich gold against a deep, dark backdrop and proudly identifies the cigar as the Moon blend, completing the sophisticated presentation.
Bringing the cigar to the nose reveals a rich barnyard aroma along the barrel that is both earthy and inviting without becoming overpowering. The foot provides a pleasant contrast, offering notes of sweet hay accented by a gentle touch of pepper that adds another layer of anticipation.
After opening the cap with my CigarMedics Baller Cutter, the cold draw reveals an ideal amount of resistance, offering just the right restriction. Initial flavors introduce a growing black pepper note balanced by a touch of cream, suggesting a profile that should balance richness with finesse.
Cigar Review Notes
Using my dual-flame torch, I gently warmed the foot before taking the first draws. The cigar opens with a pleasant combination of sweet woody notes that establish an inviting foundation. A light gray ash forms quickly atop a thick, slightly wavy char line. An early mild off burn develops and required a touch up.
As the burn progresses, the profile develops a slight bite accompanied by mildly tannic and leathery characteristics. The leather component is perhaps unsurprising considering the cigars had been resting in a leather travel case before smoking. Throughout this early stage, one characteristic stands out immediately—an abundance of thick smoke that continues for the duration of the experience.
Moving into the second third, the cigar begins to settle into itself as the individual flavors become more cohesive. Tangy fruit notes brighten the profile while subtle hints of chocolate repeatedly attempt to emerge from beneath the surface without ever fully dominating the experience. Between draws, a pleasant nutty aroma drifts from the foot, adding another layer of enjoyment beyond the palate alone.
The ash proves somewhat flaky before dropping away in a solid chunk, exposing a slightly off-centered burn cone. Another mild off burn eventually develops, requiring a touch-up deep into the final third. Fortunately, the Don Emmanuel Moon burns deliberately slowly, rewarding patience with an extended smoking session.
As the second third progresses, the fruit notes become less tangy yet continue to linger in the background while the spice steadily builds. The profile then takes an intriguing turn as licorice joins the mix, becoming especially noticeable on the retrohale and lingering pleasantly on the finish. Simultaneously, the strength steadily increases, transitioning from medium-bodied beginnings toward a decidedly fuller experience.
Deeper into the second third, the overall profile mellows slightly while maintaining a consistent spice element that serves as the backbone of the cigar.
By the final third, that spice confidently takes center stage. The cigar begins to burn a touch hot during the closing moments, but the exceptional volume of smoke never wavers. The Don Emmanuel Moon reaches full strength, concluding with the bold evening character its creators intended.
Final Analysis
The Don Emmanuel Moon succeeds in presenting an evolving smoking experience that rewards those who enjoy complexity over linearity. Rather than relying on a single dominant flavor, it continually shifts between sweet wood, tangy fruit, spice, chocolate, leather, and an especially memorable licorice note that distinguishes the latter half of the journey. The exceptional smoke production and deliberate burn rate further contribute to an engaging smoking experience.
Construction, while generally solid, wasn’t flawless. A pair of off burns, a somewhat flaky ash, an off-centered burn cone, and a required touch-up late in the cigar prevent it from reaching its full potential. Likewise, the final third burned a bit hotter than ideal. Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 45 minutes.
At $25 per cigar, expectations naturally rise, and while the Don Emmanuel Moon largely delivers on flavor and presentation, the construction inconsistencies keep it just shy of elite territory. Even so, the unique progression, refined concept, and premium presentation make it a worthy experience for enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary—particularly those who appreciate an evening cigar that gradually builds in both flavor and strength.
