One of rock’s greatest ballads and clocking in at almost nine minutes, November Rain (1992) is an epic downpour of pure emotion, sumptuous orchestration, heartfelt piano, and soaring guitar. Ironically, the song’s video is just as (if not more) famous than the music itself.
At the time, it was considered the most expensive video ever made, costing around $1.5 million to create. It portrayed the depressing tale of a rock star grieving over the death of his girlfriend, who had committed suicide.
A bombastic cascade of excess, decadence, shock, and intrigue, it has everything from wailing guitar solos on the edge of a cliff to a man diving into a wedding cake. With moments like those, it’s no wonder it still captivates viewers today.
In 2018, it became the first video made before YouTube was created to reach the billion-view milestone on the video-sharing platform. In early 2023, this tally doubled, making it the first hard rock video to hit 2 billion views.
But who was the band behind this grand masterpiece?
Who wrote the song November Rain?
American hard rock band Guns ‘N’ Roses (GNR) released November Rain in February 1992. It was the third single and the standout moment of their Use Your Illusion I (1991) album.
Written by the band’s lead vocalist Axel Rose, this piano-led magnum opus was in the works even before the band formed, and years before their groundbreaking debut LP Appetite For Destruction (1987).
It’s unlike anything else in the band’s repertoire. GNR burst onto the scene with their take-no-prisoners hard rock sound that blared with sleaze and swagger, but this tear-jerking odyssey unleashes the group’s and especially Axel’s sensitive side.
The video also sees guitarist Slash rip one of the most cherished of his guitar solos in his trademark leather jacket while smoking a cigarette. However, it’s the track’s architect Rose who is known to enjoy something much more luxurious — a cigar.
He passionately reminds us that ‘everybody needs some time on their own.’ What better way to spend time on your own than with a premium handmade stogie and a dramatic, thought-provoking piece of music? Consider splashing out on one of our cigar suggestions the next time you are caught in the November rain.
My Father Flor De Las Antillas Toro
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Sun Grown (Nicaragua)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6
Ring: 52
Strength: Medium-Full
Smoke Time: 50 minutes
A former cigar of the year, the My Father De Las Antillas is a Nicaraguan puro line. It translates to “Flower of the Antilles,” one of the many endearing nicknames to honor Cuba — the home of the cigar.
Beautifully constructed in a cinnamon-brown Sun Grown Nicaraguan wrapper, it has a divine aroma of aged tobacco and earth. Once lit, it will transport you to a paradise city of flavors with a rich flavor profile consisting of cocoa, leather, and nutmeg while a little blast of white pepper comes back and forth.
Oliva Master Blends 3 Churchill
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Broadleaf Sungrown
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero
Length: 7
Ring: 50
Strength: Full
Smoke Time: 95 minutes
If you crave something heartwarming and toasty while the ‘cold November rain’ is pouring outside, the Oliva Masters Blends 3 Churchill will keep you snug for well over an hour. However, other sizes are available if you’re short on time.
It houses a spectacular blend of well-aged Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos wrapped in a gleaming deep brown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.
Treating the palate on every puff, it has a woody core with layered notes of cedar, coffee beans, dark chocolate, and earth accompanied by a light citrus finish.
Alec Bradley Black Market Esteli Churchill
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduas / Nicaragua
Length: 7
Ring: 50
Strength: Medium-Full
Smoke Time: 45 minutes
There’s no denying November Rain was a bold move for GNR, and we’ve gone bold with our final choice. Cloaked in a dark espresso-hued wrapper that’s rich with oils and potency, the Alec Bradley Black Market Esteli Churchill is a complex cigar that is both sweet and savory.
This impressive 7 x 50 slow-burner is loaded with blistering hits of dark chocolate, peppery spice, roasted coffee, and salted peanuts. These notes balance beautifully with the sweet, nutty wrapper — perfect for experienced smokers seeking a little kick during the fall.
If you’ve got the appetite for cigars or have suddenly started singing check out our impressive selection at cigars.com.
