Oktoberfest, in Munich, actually cranks up in September. The great German celebration has become synonymous with Bavarian culture and beer. Quesada mixes a mighty cigar into that already awesome equation. Thanks to Manuel and Company my Oktoberfest observation started in July.

This all-Dominican beauty is a big (6 ½ x 56) cigar. It’s big, dark, oily and exceedingly well constructed. As large and firmly built as she is, the draw is exceedingly easy and smooth. The body is solidly medium. Perhaps something about the smooth, easy-going nature of the smoke made me want to say it was even on the lighter side of medium (for me, for me). Admittedly, that thought is surprising given the look of the stick. It looks as strong as it is attractive but ends up having very good table manners. Another thought is that many might consider what I find “solidly” medium to be a little fuller than most. I’ll leave it at medium. If one likes anything between purely mild and super heavy, this experience will not disappoint.

The burn was even and clean. A long, pale gray ash held on for up to two inches before the obligatory tapping. If you’re looking for an ash contest entry, this is one to consider.

Not surprising for the size was the abundance of smoke, hearty in volume and in flavor. As I noted, it’s an all Dominican affair – wrapper (Cibao), binder, and filler (Criollo, Viso, and Ligero, all long).

The flavors were full and complex but were well synthesized rather than a hodge-podge. They were also remarkably consistent throughout the long smoking. Underlying everything were generous notes of light earth, gentle cedar, and a little mild leather – all to be expected from the D.R. resume. This is not a “spicy” cigar per se though spice notes did develop and hold on, mixed with splashes of coffee and cocoa. The menu was uniform from start to finish, ending dry, happy, and still very smooth.

Like the festival after which it is named this cigar might, just might, be best in a slightly cooler clime. Of course, air conditioning will suffice to bring in autumn all year round. I got lucky as a freak and breezy evening thunderstorm lowered the temperature to an almost unnatural fall-like level.

Regardless of the weather, this stick was expressly made to be paired with beer. I took mine with a good brown ale. I know from experience that it goes well with many of the traditional, explicitly named Oktoberfest brews as well as with many fall and holiday-season special brews. It even excels when complimenting something a little crazy like Samuel Adams’s Fat Jack pumpkin ale (all 8.5% ABV of it). If one is feeling particularly strong and adventurous, then a bout of Stone’s Imperial Russian or something similar might even be in order.

This is making me thirsty … now I almost long for cooler temps. Luckily, one doesn’t have to wait for crisp fall evenings. Quesada’s Oktoberfest is smooth enough for warmer times and I imagine it would nicely accompany most beers of lighter or milder quality.

All this German excitement doesn’t require a travel agent or any great effort to enjoy. Simply click over to the great folks at Cigars City and order up your Oktoberfest today.

**Note: Beers are not included.**