Secret Treasures Nican William Kidd 5 x 50

William Kidd, also known as Captain Kidd, was born around 1645 in Greenock, Scotland, and is one of the best-known and most controversial pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. His life and exploits have inspired many legends, although his career as a pirate was relatively short and his end was tragic.

Early life and career

William Kidd began his maritime career as a privateer, a legal buccaneer who attacked enemy ships on behalf of the British Crown. He moved to New York, where he married a wealthy widow and thereby acquired a certain social status. Kidd became a respectable citizen and was commissioned by influential figures to take action against French ships and pirates.

Expedition to Madagascar

In 1695, Kidd received a letter of marque from the English authorities, authorising him to hunt down enemy ships and pirates in the Indian Ocean. With a ship he had financed, the ‘Adventure Galley’, Kidd set sail for Madagascar, a well-known pirate stronghold. However, the expedition got off to a bad start, and Kidd’s crew mutinied against him because he was not securing enough booty.

Turn to piracy

Under severe pressure and facing financial difficulties, Kidd began to attack ships himself. The turning point came in 1698, when he captured the Armenian ship “Quedagh Merchant” near India. The ship, which was sailing under the French flag, had valuable goods on board. This act was regarded as piracy and led to Kidd being branded a pirate by the British government.

Return and Arrest

After losing the “Adventure Galley”, Kidd returned to New York in the hope of proving his innocence. However, he was betrayed and sent to England to stand trial. Kidd’s trial was controversial, as he claimed to have attacked only ships within the scope of his letter of marque. Nevertheless, he was found guilty of murder and piracy in 1701 and executed in London.

Legacy and Legends

William Kidd’s story ended tragically, but his name lives on in numerous legends. One of the best known is that of his buried treasure. Rumour has it that Kidd hid part of his booty on an island before his arrest. These stories have inspired many treasure hunters and led to numerous search expeditions, although the treasure has never been found.
Kidd’s life and his abrupt end shed light on the fine line between legal privateering and illegal piracy in the 17th century. He remains a fascinating figure in the history of seafaring and piracy, a man whose fate was determined by a combination of circumstances, political intrigue and personal choices.

Secret Treasures Henry Morgan

Unlike William Kidd, this cigar does not meet a tragic end; it is harmonious from start to finish. One thing they have in common, however, is that this cigar, just like his treasure, lay hidden away. During this time, the cigar was able to mature and refine its flavours. Fortunately, it was rediscovered!

Secret Treasures – rediscovered treasures

‘Secret Treasures’ literally means ‘hidden treasures’. The cigars under 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 years and 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: Fine wrapper with a slight sheen.
Cigar interior: Medium rolling, good construction.
Smoke: Sweet with a hint of cream and a medium smoke volume.
Flavour: Wood , fruit, pepper
Burn: Good burn