Dalay Istanbul
The Dalay Istanbul brings a groundbreaking expression of Turkish heritage and modern cigar artistry, the result of over a decade of collaboration between Luciano Cigars and Salih Dalay of Dalay Zigarren. Celebrating Salih Dalay’s roots and his family’s enduring passion for tobacco, this limited edition cigar features authentic Turkish tobacco masterfully woven into a unique blend, setting it apart from traditional Dominican and Nicaraguan profiles with an exotic, sweetly spiced character.
- Rare blend including high-grade Turkish leaf for smoky exotic spices and distinctive pipe-like appeal
- Original miniature ring art by Turkish artist Hasan Kale (“Turkish Microangelo”), with family calligraphy—making each cigar an artistic presentation piece
- Handmade at Zauberberg factory with blending input from the Dalay family for true legacy craftsmanship
- Limited PCA release: only 1,000 boxes produced for US—immediate collector status
- Complex profile with crème brûlée sweetness, exotic spices, and a gentle undercurrent of cocoa and coffee
- Premium Ecuadorian Corojo ’99 wrapper, Pennsylvania Broadleaf binder, Dominican and Turkish fillers
Dalay Istanbul stands out for its combination of Turkish tobacco—providing a savory smoky spice, gently aromatic and lightly sweetened with fruit and crème brûlée notes—alongside refined cocoa and soft coffee undertones. The experience is layered, never overpowering, and brings a pipe-like quality unusual in the handmade cigar world. Each ring is adorned with delicate miniature art by Hasan Kale, with original calligraphy from Salih’s daughter and blend contributions from his son, making every cigar a family collaboration and true work of cultural heritage.
This limited PCA exclusive, with just 1,000 boxes for the US market, rewards both collectors and adventurous smokers. Perfect for anyone seeking a step outside the ordinary or looking for a gift rich in both flavor and story.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Strength | Medium-Full Bodied |
| Country | Nicaragua |
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Corojo ’99 |
| Binder | Pennsylvania Broadleaf |
| Filler | Dominican with Turkish tobacco |
| Production | Limited to 1,000 boxes (PCA Exclusive) |
Summary
- Box Count: 10
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Binder: Pennsylvania Broadleaf
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo ’99
- Filler: Dominican with Turkish tobacco
What makes the Turkish tobacco component special?
Genuine Turkish leaf provides exotic smoky spices, crème brûlée sweetness, and a pipe-like aromatic impression, making this blend a rare departure from standard profiles.
How limited is the Dalay Istanbul?
Just 1,000 boxes for the American market—an instant collector’s item and a showpiece for any humidor.
What’s the significance of the artwork?
The ring displays original miniature art by Hasan Kale and calligraphy from Salih Dalay’s daughter—the entire project is a family, art, and tobacco craft collaboration.
How does it differ from traditional Dominican or Nicaraguan blends?
The Turkish tobacco and unique processing add savory, sweet, and fruity flavors atypical for other premium cigars, with a distinctively smooth, non-overpowering delivery.
What’s the expected burn and construction?
Despite its compact format, Dalay Istanbul delivers significant burn time (about an hour) with abundant smoke and exceptional handmade quality from the Zauberberg factory.
Who will appreciate this cigar most?
Collectors, fans of artistic or cultural collaborations, and adventurous cigar lovers searching for rare blends and new flavor experiences.
Is this an everyday or special-occasion smoke?
The depth of complexity, backstory, and rarity make this an ideal choice for memorable occasions, special gifts, or thoughtful contemplation.
| Selection | Box – Principe 4 1/2 x 46, 5 Pack – Principe 4 1/2 x 46, Single – Principe 4 1/2 x 46, Box – Robusto 5 x 50, 5 Pack – Robusto 5 x 50, Single – Robusto 5 x 50, Box – Toro 5 1/2 x 54, 5 Pack – Toro 5 1/2 x 54, Single – Toro 5 1/2 x 54 |
|---|
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enea.ndrenika (verified owner) –
Exotic name, exotic band and exotic smoke. The combination of leaves from different parts of the world is becoming more appreciated by cigar enthusiasts. Coffee with rich sweetness like burnt sugar with power which came and went and came again with each puff. Small cigar in hand but its character was immense. Unfortunately its very limited release so I would buy 2 or 3 and age them 1 to 2 years. The profile should change over time.
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Daniel O’Connell (verified owner) –
A shame that these were both limited release and not available in great numbers – I will start by stating that if you do not want to try a cigar that is certainly unusual in flavour, then I would avoid these. This cigar is full of exotic smoky spices (the Turkish tobacco) that gives an impression more of a pipe (unsurprisingly) than a cigar. There’s a creme brulee (burnt caramel) sweetness that lasts most of the cigar, and plentiful smoke production. Cocoa and coffee are the undertones, but not in the ‘dark’ sense you would typically find in a Nicaraguan cigar – the notes here are far gentler in nature. Despite the small size, I found the burn time to be quite significant as well, lasting me most of an hour.
It’s a comment I’ve used before, but I would call this a European breakfast cigar, and given who it was rolled for (the owner of a German cigar shop that I’ve visited several times), I am not surprised. I just wish I could get more of these – these cigars were clearly blended with the intent of creating something truly unique, and not just a slightly different take on yet another Dominican or Nicaraguan blend.
Buy this if you want something truly unique; skip it if unorthodox cigar flavours aren’t your thing.
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Alexander S (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed this one. The Dalay Istanbul is the first time I have enjoyed a cigar with Turkish tobacco in it. It had a distinct sweetness to it that differentiates from any other sweet tobacco I have had before. The sweetness was more of a fruity sweetness. Plan to get more of these.
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Lou Cross (verified owner) –
The DALAY Istanbul cigar, while not without its merits, left me yearning for more. The initial draw promised a promising blend, yet it failed to deliver the complexity I anticipated. The flavor profile leaned towards a milder spectrum, lacking the depth and nuance I typically seek in a cigar.
Construction-wise, the burn was somewhat uneven in the last half, requiring occasional touch-ups to maintain a steady ember. Additionally, the ash tended to flake after the first inch or so, which can be a minor inconvenience.
While the Istanbul cigar may find its audience among those favoring a milder smoke, it left me wanting a bit more intensity and character. It’s a serviceable choice for a casual smoke, but for those seeking a more robust and intricate experience, there may be better options available. They can’t all be winners… 😃
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