Secret Treasures Dominican Stede Bonnet 5x50

Stede Bonnet, also known as the ‘Gentleman Pirate’, was an unusual and remarkable figure in the history of piracy. Born around 1688 in Barbados, Bonnet was no ordinary pirate from a poor background, nor was he a sailor forced into piracy by circumstances. Instead, he came from a wealthy family and was a well-to-do plantation owner. His transition to piracy is unique in that he appears to have decided, out of a certain personal unease or a mid-life crisis, to swap his respectable life for the dangerous and lawless existence of a pirate captain.

Early life

Bonnet was born into a wealthy family in Barbados and, following his father’s death, inherited a large sugar cane plantation. He enjoyed a privileged upbringing and was a member of the island’s high society. Bonnet married and led a seemingly normal life as a plantation owner and family man. However, reports suggest that he was unhappy, possibly due to tensions in his marriage or a general dissatisfaction with his life. This inner turmoil may ultimately have led him to take his unexpected step into piracy.

The transition to piracy

In 1717, with no maritime experience whatsoever, Bonnet resolved to become a pirate – a decision that was highly unusual for a man of his standing. Normally, pirate captains were elected by their crews and had years of experience as sailors or soldiers. Bonnet, on the other hand, had a ship built, which he named the ‘Revenge’, and paid his crew rather than recruiting them, which made him an outsider amongst experienced seafarers. He began his career by raiding merchant ships along the American east coast and in the Caribbean. Despite his lack of experience and poor health, he achieved some success. Yet his tactics and decisions as a captain were often clumsy, and it seemed as though Bonnet was never entirely cut out for the harsh life of a pirate.

Encounter with Blackbeard

Bonnet had the good fortune (or misfortune) to soon encounter the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Edward Teach). Blackbeard quickly recognised Bonnet’s lack of experience and persuaded him to hand over control of the Revenge, whilst Bonnet remained on board as a guest. For some time, Bonnet operated alongside Blackbeard, who commanded both men’s ships. Blackbeard treated Bonnet like a protégé, but also as a sort of puppet, as Bonnet did not really have control over his crew. In the summer of 1718, Bonnet sought the amnesty that Governor Charles Eden of North Carolina was offering to pirates who submitted to the law. He was granted this amnesty, but soon returned to piracy, which earned him the nickname ‘the Gentleman Pirate’ – a man of good breeding who could not quite give up the lawless life.

Return to piracy and downfall

After being betrayed by Blackbeard, who double-crossed him and seized control of his booty and ships, Bonnet attempted to rebuild his pirate career. He resumed using the name ‘Captain Thomas’ and began raiding merchant ships along the east coast. However, this second phase of his pirate career was marked by bad luck and setbacks. In September 1718, Bonnet was captured by the British authorities, led by Colonel William Rhett, in a bay on the Cape Fear River in South Carolina. After a brief skirmish, Bonnet and his crew surrendered. He was taken to Charleston, where he was put on trial.

Trial and execution

Stede Bonnet was brought to trial in November 1718 and found guilty of piracy. Despite his attempts to secure a pardon, he was sentenced to death. On 10 December 1718, he was hanged in Charleston. This marked the end of the unusual and tragic life of a man who, on a whim, became one of the most peculiar pirate captains in history.

Legend

Stede Bonnet remains a fascinating figure in pirate history, not only because of his unusual background, but also because of his attempt to survive in a world for which he possessed neither the skills nor the temperament. His story stands out from other pirate legends in that he was not driven to piracy by necessity or a thirst for adventure, but rather as an escape from a life that left him dissatisfied. The figure of the ‘gentleman pirate’ has survived the centuries through books, films and stories, and remains a fascinating example of the unpredictable paths some people take in life.

Secret Treasures Dominican Stede Bonnet

Stede Bonnet blurred the line between lawlessness and gentlemanliness. With the Secret Treasures Dominican Stede Bonnet, you can immerse yourself in his world puff by puff and leave everyday life behind for around 50 minutes.
The Secret Treasures Dominican Stede Bonnet is a full-bodied Maduro cigar with a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, which covers an Indonesian binder with filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic. The Secret Treasures Dominican Stede Bonnet is not only powerful but also highly complex, wonderfully balanced and exceptionally smooth on the palate. Rich, full-bodied notes of earth, aniseed, espresso and spices are combined with a natural tobacco sweetness, both in flavour and in its captivating aroma.

Secret Treasures – rediscovered treasures

‘Secret Treasures’ literally means ‘hidden treasures’. Cigars bearing the ‘Secret Treasures’ label have usually spent many years in a cigar factory’s ageing humidor. Under the Secret Treasures label, they finally emerge from the ageing humidors after many years to offer a premium smoking experience. Runs are strictly limited, ranging from 500 to 5,000 cigars per batch. Each blend is unique, and once a line has sold out, it cannot be reordered.

Tasting notes

Cigar exterior: Dark , robust wrapper.
Cigar interior: Tight roll.
Smoke: Slight sweetness with a medium smoke volume.
Flavour: Earth , aniseed, espresso and spices.
Burn: Good burn