The finer things

Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Gran Reserva 2013 cgarsltd.co.uk; price on application

Feeling flush? The Hoyo Double Corona is an all-time favourite of mine. The Gran Reserva, however, is on another level. With a few single sticks possibly left to snap up, the

Tim Birkhead’s book claims to explain “what it’s like to be a bird” and — as a wildfowler — I enjoyed it very much. In seven interesting chapters, Birkhead assesses how majority are under lock and key in carefully controlled humidors. It is an investment cigar and one that is only increasing in value by the day.

At a little over 7½in and 49 ring gauge, this is for the most special of occasions. The leaves were aged for at least five years before rolling and packed into lacquered boxes of 15, limited to 5,000 boxes worldwide. birds use their senses to experience the world.

The five senses we would expect form the bulk of the book, but two extra chapters particularly stood out for me: magnetic sense and emotional sense. In discussing these areas, Birkhead sheds light on two subjects that never fail to enthral regarding birds: migration and courtship. A really engaging book.