Everyone seems to be posting their Top cigars for the year, so I decided to post mine. I can only list cigars and the sizes that I have actually smoked. This year was extremley difficult to choose the Top 10 because of so many good cigars that were released. Here it is:
10. Guillermo Leon Signature Corona Gorda
9. CAO La Traviata Maduro Divino
8. Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Antano El Martillo
7. Canimao Churchill
6. PDR 1878 Cubano Especial Capa Madura Robusto
5. A.J. Fernandez Diesel Unholy Cocktail
4. Rocky Patel Fifteenth Anniversary Churchill
3. Augusto Reyes Sixth Generation Robusto
2. Nestor Miranda Dominicana Rosado Robusto
1. Cigar of the Year - Three-way tie: Quesada Tributo Julio (Robusto), La Aurora 107 Corona and the Davidoff Puro D'Oro Robusto.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
New Jersey Cigar Festival - Sunday April 3, 2011 Noon - 6pm
Tickets for the Sunday April 3, 2011 Festival went on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium 450 Broad Street, Newark, NJ.
General Admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $175. For further information about what your ticket includes, please visit their Tickets page.
You can meet the makers of your favorite sticks at the manufacturers’ booths and learn more about their cigars straight from the source. In fact, some of the manufacturers will be holding open seminars throughout the day. (Presenters and times TBD.)
The NJ Cigar Festival is proud to include some of the Heaviest Hitters in the industry. Just go to their website: www.njcigarfestival.com/appearing
to see who is scheduled to attend.
If you want to purchase cigars, you can do that, too – and at prices lower than those in PA! Just want to sit and have a smoke? No problem. Smoking is allowed in all areas of the festival. And “ball park fare” is included in the cost of your ticket.
A timeline of the day’s presentations will be published in the New Year, and they will be posting new info regularly to their site, including any updates on the Cigar All*Stars that will be attending. For more infomation, call: 908-964-3000 or email info@njcigarfestival.com.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
PDR 1878 Reserva Dominicana Capa Oscura Robusto Review
PDR 1878 Reserva Dominicana Capa Oscura Robusto - 5 X 52. Wrapper - Habano/Oscura Dominican, Binder - Habano Dominican, Filler - Corojo/Habano/Criollo '98 Dominican. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial Taste - Dry wood and cinnamon.
First Third - Cedar, spice and cinnamon. Nicely balanced.
Second Third - Woodiness continues but now the cinnamon increases followed by the spice.
Last Third - The cigar continues to progress with flavors of cedar, nuts, spice and some slight sweetness emerging. Nicely balanced. Long finish of spice and cinnamon.
Construction, burn and draw was good. No veins on the wrapper.
This cigar had good balance and complexity but it did tend to smoke a bit hot. 2,000 boxes are being pre-released for Christmas , full release at IPCPR 2011. MSRP is $5.55 for this size which is a great value. Recommend fully.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Perdomo Cigar Tasting Event Thursday Dec. 9, 2010 6pm - Close
Sanji's Smoke Shop
419 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ
Please join Perdomo Cigars Rep. Sharon for a night of great Perdomo cigars.
Time: 6pm until close
419 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ
Please join Perdomo Cigars Rep. Sharon for a night of great Perdomo cigars.
Time: 6pm until close
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Changes at Miami Cigar & Co.
Miami, FL, 6 December: In the first of a series of important changes, Rene J. Castaneda, Vice President of Miami Cigar & Company, announced that he is turning over the National Sales Management portfolio to Hector Paz effective 1 January 2011.
Paz joined MC&C in 1999, succeeding Castaneda as Operations Manager. Several years later, Paz went ‘on the road’ in Florida selling the lines of Miami Cigar. Most recently, Hector has served as Regional Sales Director for Florida.
With the passing of the baton to Paz, Castaneda will devote himself to International Sales and product development.
According to Nestor Miranda, “…this is the first of several important announcements we will make in the early part of 2011.”
Miami Cigar & Company has seen enormous growth since the 2008 introduction of the Nestor Miranda Collection Special Selection, which was followed by the NMC Dominicano and now the Art Deco. The company’s Tatiana flavoured cigars have a 43% market share among the flavoured cigar segment.
The success of the recently released La Aurora 107 and the Guillermo León have contributed significantly to the growth of Miami Cigar & Company.
“We expect the growth to continue with increased sales of existing lines as well as the introduction of new, exciting cigars like our recently released, La Sirena, our most full bodied cigar to date, and, I expect Hector Paz to continue to make a significant contribution to our growth, in his new role,” said Castaneda.
Paz joined MC&C in 1999, succeeding Castaneda as Operations Manager. Several years later, Paz went ‘on the road’ in Florida selling the lines of Miami Cigar. Most recently, Hector has served as Regional Sales Director for Florida.
With the passing of the baton to Paz, Castaneda will devote himself to International Sales and product development.
According to Nestor Miranda, “…this is the first of several important announcements we will make in the early part of 2011.”
Miami Cigar & Company has seen enormous growth since the 2008 introduction of the Nestor Miranda Collection Special Selection, which was followed by the NMC Dominicano and now the Art Deco. The company’s Tatiana flavoured cigars have a 43% market share among the flavoured cigar segment.
The success of the recently released La Aurora 107 and the Guillermo León have contributed significantly to the growth of Miami Cigar & Company.
“We expect the growth to continue with increased sales of existing lines as well as the introduction of new, exciting cigars like our recently released, La Sirena, our most full bodied cigar to date, and, I expect Hector Paz to continue to make a significant contribution to our growth, in his new role,” said Castaneda.
Monday, November 29, 2010
La Aurora 107 Lancero Review
La Aurora 107 Lancero - 7 X 40. Wrapper - Ecuador, Binder - Dominican, Filler - Nicaragua & Dominican. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial taste of spice and wood.
First Third - Spice, rum, wood and leather. A caramel-like sweetness emerges as well.
Second third - Caramel-like sweetness becomes more prevalent along with spice, rum and leather. Underlying wood flavor. Very well balanced.
Last third - Continued caramel, spice, rum, leather and underlying wood. Some notes of nuts as well. Long tasty finish of rum and spicy leather.
Construction, burn and draw were spot-on.
This is an excellent cigar, I love the flavor profile, the balance and the complexity. The Lancero and the corona are my absolute favorite sizes in this line. If I had to compare this to the corona, I would say that the Lancero is a bit more fuller bodied in that it is spicier and has a slightly stronger rum taste. MSRP on this vitola is $7.00 which I feel is a very good price point. I highly recommend trying.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
MACANUDO CRU ROYALE 10K GIVEAWAY PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 22, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
MACANUDO CRU ROYALE
Richmond, VA General Cigar Co. Inc. announced that on Thursday, November 18, 2010, the company awarded Old Allegheny Shoppe of Pittsburgh, PA with $10,000 as part of a national event series created to celebrate the debut of Macanudo Cru Royale ® at tobacco retail stores. The company also awarded a matching $10,000 prize at random to one of its patrons, Marty Giegerich, a Pittsburgh resident who is a frequent customer of the store.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo commented, “We set out to generate great excitement for the debut of Macanudo Cru Royale at retail and we’re satisfied that we’ve accomplished that in spades. We’re pleased that Lady Luck chose our event to smile on a cigar smoker who will surely put his winnings to good use.”
A total of just 50 cigar stores nationwide were selected to host Macanudo Cru Royale launch parties during the month of November, and each received a limited edition Macanudo Cru Royale humidor. To guarantee a winner at every event, a $1,000 consumer prize was contained in 49 of the humidors, and just one contained the coveted $10,000.
Customers who were in the Allegheny Shoppe last Thursday evening for the new cigar tasting event each received an envelope containing a key. Marty Giegerich held the only golden key and was awarded a check for $10,000. Store Owner Steve Boroch received a credit for $10,000 in General Cigar product right on the spot.
After learning that he won the $10,000 prize, Marty Giegerich exclaimed, “I have never won anything before. You have no idea that this $10,000 means to me and my family. Macanudo just made our Christmas!”
Steve Boroch who owns Allegheny Shoppe along with his parents Kathy and Dave noted, “We would have been happy with having any one of our customers win $10,000 but we can’t think of anyone more deserving than Marty. We’re thrilled that he won the money, especially so close to Christmas.”
Old Allegheny Shoppe is a family-run establishment that has been in the business of selling tobacco products for more than 35 years. It is the second oldest cigar store in Pittsburgh.
About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.cigarworld.com/" www.cigarworld.com .
® Macanudo, Cohiba, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
November 22, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
MACANUDO CRU ROYALE
Richmond, VA General Cigar Co. Inc. announced that on Thursday, November 18, 2010, the company awarded Old Allegheny Shoppe of Pittsburgh, PA with $10,000 as part of a national event series created to celebrate the debut of Macanudo Cru Royale ® at tobacco retail stores. The company also awarded a matching $10,000 prize at random to one of its patrons, Marty Giegerich, a Pittsburgh resident who is a frequent customer of the store.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo commented, “We set out to generate great excitement for the debut of Macanudo Cru Royale at retail and we’re satisfied that we’ve accomplished that in spades. We’re pleased that Lady Luck chose our event to smile on a cigar smoker who will surely put his winnings to good use.”
A total of just 50 cigar stores nationwide were selected to host Macanudo Cru Royale launch parties during the month of November, and each received a limited edition Macanudo Cru Royale humidor. To guarantee a winner at every event, a $1,000 consumer prize was contained in 49 of the humidors, and just one contained the coveted $10,000.
Customers who were in the Allegheny Shoppe last Thursday evening for the new cigar tasting event each received an envelope containing a key. Marty Giegerich held the only golden key and was awarded a check for $10,000. Store Owner Steve Boroch received a credit for $10,000 in General Cigar product right on the spot.
After learning that he won the $10,000 prize, Marty Giegerich exclaimed, “I have never won anything before. You have no idea that this $10,000 means to me and my family. Macanudo just made our Christmas!”
Steve Boroch who owns Allegheny Shoppe along with his parents Kathy and Dave noted, “We would have been happy with having any one of our customers win $10,000 but we can’t think of anyone more deserving than Marty. We’re thrilled that he won the money, especially so close to Christmas.”
Old Allegheny Shoppe is a family-run establishment that has been in the business of selling tobacco products for more than 35 years. It is the second oldest cigar store in Pittsburgh.
About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.cigarworld.com/" www.cigarworld.com .
® Macanudo, Cohiba, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
TIM OZGENER DEPARTS PREMIUM CIGAR BUSINESS
For Immediate Release
November 9, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
TIM OZGENER DEPARTS PREMIUM CIGAR BUSINESS
Richmond, VA—General Cigar announces that CAO President Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business.
Ozgener, son of company founder Cano A Ozgener, joined the original family business in 1994 and has since been instrumental in building one of the most renowned and respected brands in the premium cigar category.
Dan Carr, president of General Cigar said, “We remain committed to CAO and are grateful to Tim for his contributions, not only to the brand but also for sharing his knowledge with the people who will continue his legacy. While we will miss Tim’s insight and passion, we respect his choice and wish him well.”
Gary Hyams, chairman of CAO International commented, “It has been a privilege to work with Tim over the last three and a half years and to have had the opportunity to share in his passion for CAO. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Ozgener commented, “It is with a heavy heart that I leave CAO. I look back at my 16-year career with the company with great pride and I will miss the friendships that I have made over the years in the premium cigar industry. I am confident that the team at General Cigar will carry the CAO brand to new heights and I wish them the utmost continued success.”
Tim Ozgener was named president of CAO in 2006. He is largely credited with bringing innovative packaging, new flavor profiles and unique marketing concepts to the brand which has continued to thrive since the company’s inception during the cigar boom.
About Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Scandinavian Tobacco Group which purchased CAO in 2007 has recently completed a global merger with Swedish Match AB, combining all the tobacco business of Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S with the cigars and pipe tobacco business of Swedish Match AB (with the exception of its US mass market cigars). This new company, which has retained the name Scandinavian Tobacco Group, is now the second largest cigar company in the world, holding more than 30% of the U.S. premium cigar market and producing more than 2.5 billion cigars and 1,650 tons of pipe tobacco annually at the Group’s factories in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Central America. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.st-group.com" www.st-group.com .
About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.cigarworld.com/" www.cigarworld.com .
® Macanudo, Cohiba, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
November 9, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
TIM OZGENER DEPARTS PREMIUM CIGAR BUSINESS
Richmond, VA—General Cigar announces that CAO President Tim Ozgener has decided to pursue personal business interests in his hometown of Nashville, TN, thus moving on from his 16-year career in the premium cigar business.
Ozgener, son of company founder Cano A Ozgener, joined the original family business in 1994 and has since been instrumental in building one of the most renowned and respected brands in the premium cigar category.
Dan Carr, president of General Cigar said, “We remain committed to CAO and are grateful to Tim for his contributions, not only to the brand but also for sharing his knowledge with the people who will continue his legacy. While we will miss Tim’s insight and passion, we respect his choice and wish him well.”
Gary Hyams, chairman of CAO International commented, “It has been a privilege to work with Tim over the last three and a half years and to have had the opportunity to share in his passion for CAO. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Ozgener commented, “It is with a heavy heart that I leave CAO. I look back at my 16-year career with the company with great pride and I will miss the friendships that I have made over the years in the premium cigar industry. I am confident that the team at General Cigar will carry the CAO brand to new heights and I wish them the utmost continued success.”
Tim Ozgener was named president of CAO in 2006. He is largely credited with bringing innovative packaging, new flavor profiles and unique marketing concepts to the brand which has continued to thrive since the company’s inception during the cigar boom.
About Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Scandinavian Tobacco Group which purchased CAO in 2007 has recently completed a global merger with Swedish Match AB, combining all the tobacco business of Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S with the cigars and pipe tobacco business of Swedish Match AB (with the exception of its US mass market cigars). This new company, which has retained the name Scandinavian Tobacco Group, is now the second largest cigar company in the world, holding more than 30% of the U.S. premium cigar market and producing more than 2.5 billion cigars and 1,650 tons of pipe tobacco annually at the Group’s factories in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Central America. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.st-group.com" www.st-group.com .
About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.cigarworld.com/" www.cigarworld.com .
® Macanudo, Cohiba, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
MACANUDO MILLIONAIRE CONTEST WINNERS TO VIE FOR $2,000,000 PRIZES AT PLAYBOY CLUB IN VEGAS
MACANUDO MILLIONAIRE CONTEST WINNERS TO VIE FOR $2,000,000 PRIZES AT PLAYBOY CLUB IN VEGAS
Richmond, VA— HYPERLINK "http://www.macanudomillionaire.com/about-macanudo.php" Macanudo ®, America’s number-one-selling brand of premium cigars announces the winners of the second annual HYPERLINK "http://www.macanudomillionaire.com/" Macanudo Millionaire contest. Dan Newman, of Liberty Township, Ohio is the national essay contest winner. He will be joined in Las Vegas by these lucky winners who were selected by national cigar catalog retailers: Kerry Rold, Redlands, CA (JR Cigar); Terry Greenlee, Ripon, CA (Cigars International); Thomas Knuesel, Duluth, MN (Mike’s Cigars) and Dana Purdy, New Meadows, ID (Thompson Cigars).
Newman and three guests, along with Rold, Greenlee, Knuesel and Purdy, each with a guest, will jet to Las Vegas for an all expense paid, three-day, two-night trip to the HYPERLINK "http://www.palms.com/" Palms Hotel and Casino where they will be accompanied by three Playboy Playmates for a VIP evening at the legendary HYPERLINK "http://www.palms.com/playboy" Playboy Club .
While in Sin City, on Saturday November 13, Newman and his guests, along with the Macanudo Millionaire retail grand prize winner and his guest, will each be dealt a hand of poker. If either the contest winner or their guests receive a straight flush, they will win the $2,000,000 prize, courtesy of Macanudo. This year’s Macanudo Millionaire promotion ups the stakes from last year’s promotion – doubling the prize money from $1,000,000 to a cool $2,000,000.
Updates about the Macanudo Millionaire contest will be posted to the contest’s dedicated Facebook accounts throughout the weekend of November 13. Video footage and photos chronicling the weekend and the VIP evening at the Playboy Club will be featured on the Macanudo Millionaire website following the weekend of November 13.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo, comments, “We were incredibly excited by the buzz generated by this year’s Macanudo Millionaire promotion. Together with the team at Playboy, we are gearing up for another, even more exciting weekend in Vegas and look forward to sharing the results with the media and consumers who have actively followed the contest since its kick off in September. Maybe this year, we’ll celebrate crowning a Macanudo Multi-Millionaire.”
About Macanudo Cigars
Since their introduction in 1968, Macanudo cigars have been a favorite among premium cigar connoisseurs. The brand continues to be the best selling premium cigar brand in the U.S. and also sells in more than 90 countries worldwide. In addition to the base brand of Macanudo cigars, the brand also features these collections: Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Robust, Macanudo Gold Label, Macanudo Vintage and Macanudo 1968.
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.cigarworld.com/" www.cigarworld.com .
® Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur, La Gloria Cubana and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Playboy, Playboy Club, PLAYMATES and Miss April are trademarks of Playboy and used with permission by General Cigar Co. Inc. Playboy is not a sponsor of this contest.
Richmond, VA— HYPERLINK "http://www.macanudomillionaire.com/about-macanudo.php" Macanudo ®, America’s number-one-selling brand of premium cigars announces the winners of the second annual HYPERLINK "http://www.macanudomillionaire.com/" Macanudo Millionaire contest. Dan Newman, of Liberty Township, Ohio is the national essay contest winner. He will be joined in Las Vegas by these lucky winners who were selected by national cigar catalog retailers: Kerry Rold, Redlands, CA (JR Cigar); Terry Greenlee, Ripon, CA (Cigars International); Thomas Knuesel, Duluth, MN (Mike’s Cigars) and Dana Purdy, New Meadows, ID (Thompson Cigars).
Newman and three guests, along with Rold, Greenlee, Knuesel and Purdy, each with a guest, will jet to Las Vegas for an all expense paid, three-day, two-night trip to the HYPERLINK "http://www.palms.com/" Palms Hotel and Casino where they will be accompanied by three Playboy Playmates for a VIP evening at the legendary HYPERLINK "http://www.palms.com/playboy" Playboy Club .
While in Sin City, on Saturday November 13, Newman and his guests, along with the Macanudo Millionaire retail grand prize winner and his guest, will each be dealt a hand of poker. If either the contest winner or their guests receive a straight flush, they will win the $2,000,000 prize, courtesy of Macanudo. This year’s Macanudo Millionaire promotion ups the stakes from last year’s promotion – doubling the prize money from $1,000,000 to a cool $2,000,000.
Updates about the Macanudo Millionaire contest will be posted to the contest’s dedicated Facebook accounts throughout the weekend of November 13. Video footage and photos chronicling the weekend and the VIP evening at the Playboy Club will be featured on the Macanudo Millionaire website following the weekend of November 13.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo, comments, “We were incredibly excited by the buzz generated by this year’s Macanudo Millionaire promotion. Together with the team at Playboy, we are gearing up for another, even more exciting weekend in Vegas and look forward to sharing the results with the media and consumers who have actively followed the contest since its kick off in September. Maybe this year, we’ll celebrate crowning a Macanudo Multi-Millionaire.”
About Macanudo Cigars
Since their introduction in 1968, Macanudo cigars have been a favorite among premium cigar connoisseurs. The brand continues to be the best selling premium cigar brand in the U.S. and also sells in more than 90 countries worldwide. In addition to the base brand of Macanudo cigars, the brand also features these collections: Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Robust, Macanudo Gold Label, Macanudo Vintage and Macanudo 1968.
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.cigarworld.com/" www.cigarworld.com .
® Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur, La Gloria Cubana and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Playboy, Playboy Club, PLAYMATES and Miss April are trademarks of Playboy and used with permission by General Cigar Co. Inc. Playboy is not a sponsor of this contest.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Nestor Miranda Art Deco Robusto Grande Review
Nestor Miranda Art Deco Robusto Grande - 5.5 X 54. Wrapper - Nicaragua Corojo '96, Dual Binder - Dominican Criollo '98, Nicaragua Habano '00. Filler - Dominican & Nicaragua. Medium bodied.
Initial taste - A cedar wood and some spice.
First Third - Peppery spice, wood, cinnamon and some coffee notes.
Second Third - A creamy coffee sweetness develops, along with the pepper and notes of cinnamon and wood. Very nice balance.
Last Third - Creamy sweet coffee flavor continues with the tingly pepper spice, faint woodiness and a clove flavor emerges which gets stronger until the end of the cigar. Long finish of creamy sweetness and pepper spice.
Construction, burn and draw were excellent.
My favorite part of this cigar was the second third with the creamy sweetness and coffee flavor, along with the pepper. The last third I also enjoyed until the clove taste emerged. I know many like this particular flavor but it has never been one that I could enjoy. All in all a good cigar with a very nice MSRP on this vitola - $7.50. Give it a try.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Current cigar wish list as of October 2010.
Here is a list of cigars that I am looking forward to trying (in no particular order).
La Aurora 107 Lancero
El Primer Mundo Liga Miami
La Aurora Corojo
Alec Bradley Tempus Maduro
Casa Magna Lancero
T-52 Flying Pig
Nestor Miranda Art Deco
La Aurora 107 Lancero
El Primer Mundo Liga Miami
La Aurora Corojo
Alec Bradley Tempus Maduro
Casa Magna Lancero
T-52 Flying Pig
Nestor Miranda Art Deco
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
CAO La Traviata Maduro Divino Review
CAO La Traviata Maduro Divino - 5 X 50. Medium - Full. Wrapper - Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Binder - Cameroon, Filler - Nicaragua & Domincian.
Initial Taste - Dry wood/cedar.
First third - Leather, spice, cedar and cinnamon. There was also a slight sweetness emerging.
Second Third - Flavors remained - pretty much the same - leather, spice, cedar, cinnamon. Sweetness increases.
Last third - This is where this cigar really gets good for me - now I get a sweet, tangy leather, strong spice, nuts and cinnamon. Very enjoyable. Long tasty finish of sweet leather and spice.
Construction, burn and draw were very good.
CAO has another winner on their hands. This cigar is as good if not better than the regular La Traviata. I really liked this cigar. In particular the last third where I tasted the tangy, citrus leather, sweetness and the nuttiness. Balance was good as well. This is among my favorite flavor profiles. MSRP on this vitola is $6.00 which makes this a great value. If you liked the natural La Traviata, I highly recommend trying the maduro version.
Initial Taste - Dry wood/cedar.
First third - Leather, spice, cedar and cinnamon. There was also a slight sweetness emerging.
Second Third - Flavors remained - pretty much the same - leather, spice, cedar, cinnamon. Sweetness increases.
Last third - This is where this cigar really gets good for me - now I get a sweet, tangy leather, strong spice, nuts and cinnamon. Very enjoyable. Long tasty finish of sweet leather and spice.
Construction, burn and draw were very good.
CAO has another winner on their hands. This cigar is as good if not better than the regular La Traviata. I really liked this cigar. In particular the last third where I tasted the tangy, citrus leather, sweetness and the nuttiness. Balance was good as well. This is among my favorite flavor profiles. MSRP on this vitola is $6.00 which makes this a great value. If you liked the natural La Traviata, I highly recommend trying the maduro version.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S is now the world’s second larg-est cigar company
Announcement/Press release
Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S is now the world’s second larg-est cigar company
After having received the necessary approvals from the relevant competition author-ities, Skandinavisk Holding A/S and Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S on 1 October 2010 closed the transaction with Swedish Match AB which creates the world’s second largest cigar company and an even stronger world leader in pipe tobacco.
On 26 April 2010 it was announced that the parties had signed an agreement to form a new company by combining all the tobacco business of Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) with the cigars and pipe tobacco business of Swedish Match AB (SM) (with the ex-ception of its US mass market cigars). After having obtained the required approvals from a number of national competition authorities, the transaction has now been completed with effect from 1 October 2010.
The new company carries the name Scandinavian Tobacco Group and has an annual turn-over of approximately MEUR 690 and an EBITDA of approximately MEUR 140 (based on 2009 results). Annually more than 2.5 billion cigars and 1,650 tons of pipe tobacco will leave the Group’s factories in Europe, Asia and Central America. The joint company has approximately 9,700 employees. The new company, which has sales companies in 15 countries, is market leader in a num-ber of countries in Europe within cigars and pipe tobacco and holds more than 30% of the US premium cigar market. The company’s leading cigar brands include Café Crème, La Paz, Henri Wintermans, Colts, Mercator, Macanudo, CAO, Partagas (US), Cohiba (US) and Punch (US). Leading pipe tobacco brands are Erinmore, Borkum Riff, Clan, Half&Half, and W.Ø. Larsen.
Skandinavisk Holding A/S (SH) holds 51% of the shares in the new Scandinavian Tobacco Group, with the remaining 49% of the shares being held by Swedish Match AB (SM). Jørgen Tandrup, Chairman of SH and the former Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), is Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Conny Karlsson, Chairman of SM, holds the role as Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Anders Colding Friis, CEO of the former STG, is CEO of the new Scandinavian Tobacco Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. “After months of preparations we are very pleased now to be able to start the integration of the two businesses. The new Scandinavian Tobacco Group is a truly global company and we have an excellent basis in the combined brand portfolio to grow even further and
Skandinavisk Holding A/S Sydmarken 42 DK-2860 Søborg Telefon 3955 6200 CVR. nr. 21431516
increase profitability,” says Anders Colding Friis. In Australia and New Zealand the competition authorities have given their approval to the transaction on the condition that the new company divests part of its business in those countries. The divestment will take place post closing and will not materially affect the operation or financial performance of the new joint business.
For further information, please contact: Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S CEO Anders Colding Friis (+45) 39 55 62 00
Further information about the new Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S is also available at www.st-group.com . Background information Skandinavisk Holding (SH) has contributed Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) – formerly named Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni – with all its tobacco business (cigars, pipe tobacco and fine cut tobacco) in more than 100 countries around the world, including brands and approximately 3,400 employees. In 2009 the turnover of the group was MDKK 2,400. Swedish Match (SM) has contributed all its cigar business (with the exception of its US mass mar-ket cigars and a minority stake in the German company Arnold André), as well as its pipe tobacco and accessories business. In selected markets the combined entity will also distribute lighters and matches for Swedish Match.
SH will compensate SM MEUR 30 to account for the majority shareholding and the relative differ-ences in enterprise values on a cash and debt free basis.
Besides its stake in Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Skandinavisk Holding (SH) owns a majority share of the daily goods wholesaler Dagrofa a.s. and all of the shares of furniture business Fritz Hansen A/S. Together with Augustinus Fonden, SH also holds a majority interest in the Copenha-gen amusement park Tivoli. The foundations Augustinus Fonden (65%) and Det Obelske Familie-fond (35%) are the ultimate shareholders of SH.
Swedish Match (SM) is a listed company on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm. SM will continue its fo-cus on smoke-free products, US mass-market cigars and chewing tobacco, lighters and matches. SM’s global operations generated sales of MSEK 14,204 in 2009.
Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S is now the world’s second larg-est cigar company
After having received the necessary approvals from the relevant competition author-ities, Skandinavisk Holding A/S and Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S on 1 October 2010 closed the transaction with Swedish Match AB which creates the world’s second largest cigar company and an even stronger world leader in pipe tobacco.
On 26 April 2010 it was announced that the parties had signed an agreement to form a new company by combining all the tobacco business of Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) with the cigars and pipe tobacco business of Swedish Match AB (SM) (with the ex-ception of its US mass market cigars). After having obtained the required approvals from a number of national competition authorities, the transaction has now been completed with effect from 1 October 2010.
The new company carries the name Scandinavian Tobacco Group and has an annual turn-over of approximately MEUR 690 and an EBITDA of approximately MEUR 140 (based on 2009 results). Annually more than 2.5 billion cigars and 1,650 tons of pipe tobacco will leave the Group’s factories in Europe, Asia and Central America. The joint company has approximately 9,700 employees. The new company, which has sales companies in 15 countries, is market leader in a num-ber of countries in Europe within cigars and pipe tobacco and holds more than 30% of the US premium cigar market. The company’s leading cigar brands include Café Crème, La Paz, Henri Wintermans, Colts, Mercator, Macanudo, CAO, Partagas (US), Cohiba (US) and Punch (US). Leading pipe tobacco brands are Erinmore, Borkum Riff, Clan, Half&Half, and W.Ø. Larsen.
Skandinavisk Holding A/S (SH) holds 51% of the shares in the new Scandinavian Tobacco Group, with the remaining 49% of the shares being held by Swedish Match AB (SM). Jørgen Tandrup, Chairman of SH and the former Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), is Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Conny Karlsson, Chairman of SM, holds the role as Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Anders Colding Friis, CEO of the former STG, is CEO of the new Scandinavian Tobacco Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. “After months of preparations we are very pleased now to be able to start the integration of the two businesses. The new Scandinavian Tobacco Group is a truly global company and we have an excellent basis in the combined brand portfolio to grow even further and
Skandinavisk Holding A/S Sydmarken 42 DK-2860 Søborg Telefon 3955 6200 CVR. nr. 21431516
increase profitability,” says Anders Colding Friis. In Australia and New Zealand the competition authorities have given their approval to the transaction on the condition that the new company divests part of its business in those countries. The divestment will take place post closing and will not materially affect the operation or financial performance of the new joint business.
For further information, please contact: Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S CEO Anders Colding Friis (+45) 39 55 62 00
Further information about the new Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S is also available at www.st-group.com . Background information Skandinavisk Holding (SH) has contributed Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) – formerly named Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni – with all its tobacco business (cigars, pipe tobacco and fine cut tobacco) in more than 100 countries around the world, including brands and approximately 3,400 employees. In 2009 the turnover of the group was MDKK 2,400. Swedish Match (SM) has contributed all its cigar business (with the exception of its US mass mar-ket cigars and a minority stake in the German company Arnold André), as well as its pipe tobacco and accessories business. In selected markets the combined entity will also distribute lighters and matches for Swedish Match.
SH will compensate SM MEUR 30 to account for the majority shareholding and the relative differ-ences in enterprise values on a cash and debt free basis.
Besides its stake in Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S, Skandinavisk Holding (SH) owns a majority share of the daily goods wholesaler Dagrofa a.s. and all of the shares of furniture business Fritz Hansen A/S. Together with Augustinus Fonden, SH also holds a majority interest in the Copenha-gen amusement park Tivoli. The foundations Augustinus Fonden (65%) and Det Obelske Familie-fond (35%) are the ultimate shareholders of SH.
Swedish Match (SM) is a listed company on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm. SM will continue its fo-cus on smoke-free products, US mass-market cigars and chewing tobacco, lighters and matches. SM’s global operations generated sales of MSEK 14,204 in 2009.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Entubar Quad Maduro Robusto Review
Entubar Quad Maduro Robusto - 5 3/8 X 54. Wrapper - Nicaragua Cuban-Seed Maduro, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua, Dominican Republic. Medium - full bodied.
Initial taste - Earthy wood.
First third - Spice, wood, earthiness, clove and a slight sweetness.
Second third - Now the cigar really gets good for me - spice, a very nice earthy leather and a faint black cherry sweetness.
Final third - Sweet earthy leather, spice. Hints of black cherry and nuts. Nicely balanced. Long finish of spicey, earthy leather.
Construction was very good - beautiful oily brown wrapper, burn and draw were good as well.
The first third of this cigar was good but the rest was more my flavor profile and I found it very enjoyable. Enough complexity and balance made for a very pleasurable smoking experience. I particularly enjoyed the hints of nuts and black cherry. MSRP on this vitola is $10.99.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Guillermo Leon Signature Corona Gorda Review
Guillermo Leon Signature Corona Gorda - 6 X 47. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Habano (Vuelta Arriba), Binder - Cameroon & Dominican Corojo, Filler - Peru, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Nicaragua. Medium - Full bodied but closer to Full.
Initial taste - Dry cedar wood.
First third - Spice, dry wood, cinnamon and leather. A subtle sweetness emerges near the end of the first third along with a citrus flavor.
Second Third - Tangy, Citrus leather & spice really pick up and take the forefront along with woodiness, cinnamon and notes of a fruity sweetness. Very complex.
Last Third - Tangy leather continues, strong spiciness, wood, cinnamon and the fruity/raisin sweetness - very enjoyable. Very long finish of spice and tangy leather.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect were perfect. Beautiful chocolate brown wrapper and a nice solid light-gray ash that held on.
This cigar had incredible complexity which is in large part to the fact that there is a double binder of Cameroon and Dominican Corojo. The flavor profile was terrific and the balance was very good. I feel that this cigar also has excellent aging potential. MSRP on this size is $8.50 which is a good value for this caliber of cigar. Definite recommend if you are looking for a very complex and balanced cigar with this type of flavor profile.
Initial taste - Dry cedar wood.
First third - Spice, dry wood, cinnamon and leather. A subtle sweetness emerges near the end of the first third along with a citrus flavor.
Second Third - Tangy, Citrus leather & spice really pick up and take the forefront along with woodiness, cinnamon and notes of a fruity sweetness. Very complex.
Last Third - Tangy leather continues, strong spiciness, wood, cinnamon and the fruity/raisin sweetness - very enjoyable. Very long finish of spice and tangy leather.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect were perfect. Beautiful chocolate brown wrapper and a nice solid light-gray ash that held on.
This cigar had incredible complexity which is in large part to the fact that there is a double binder of Cameroon and Dominican Corojo. The flavor profile was terrific and the balance was very good. I feel that this cigar also has excellent aging potential. MSRP on this size is $8.50 which is a good value for this caliber of cigar. Definite recommend if you are looking for a very complex and balanced cigar with this type of flavor profile.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Limited Release La Aurora 107 Lancero ordering information
Only 300 boxes made, to order please contact Jason Wood at Miami Cigar Company at 1-305-599-3395, email jwood@mccusa.net or tweet him at: http://twitter.com/MiamiCigar
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Canimao Robusto Review
Canimao Robusto - 5 X 50. Wrapper - Brazilian Arapiraca, Binder - Ecuador, Filler - Dominican & Nicaragua. Medium - Full, closer to Full bodied.
Initial taste - A very pleasant coffee and wood flavor.
First third - Earth, wood, spice and some coffee bean notes. Balance is very good.
Second third - Now the cigar is really starting to evolve. A nice sweetness emerges with the earthiness along with a wonderful leather flavor. Spice is getting a bit stronger but still balanced quite nicely with the other flavors. I did get some notes of cinnamon during this part of the cigar.
Last third - A continuation of the sweet earthy leather and spice. Notes of coffee bean returns. Long finish of sweet earth, spice and leather - very enjoyable.
Construction burn and draw were perfect as has been the case with all of the Canimao cigars I have reviewed.
Once again, this is another line of Canimao cigars that has great balance and complexity and a flavor profile that I really like. MSRP on this vitola/line is $3.00 which makes this an amazing value. I highly recommend.
Initial taste - A very pleasant coffee and wood flavor.
First third - Earth, wood, spice and some coffee bean notes. Balance is very good.
Second third - Now the cigar is really starting to evolve. A nice sweetness emerges with the earthiness along with a wonderful leather flavor. Spice is getting a bit stronger but still balanced quite nicely with the other flavors. I did get some notes of cinnamon during this part of the cigar.
Last third - A continuation of the sweet earthy leather and spice. Notes of coffee bean returns. Long finish of sweet earth, spice and leather - very enjoyable.
Construction burn and draw were perfect as has been the case with all of the Canimao cigars I have reviewed.
Once again, this is another line of Canimao cigars that has great balance and complexity and a flavor profile that I really like. MSRP on this vitola/line is $3.00 which makes this an amazing value. I highly recommend.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Flor De Gonzalez 90 Miles Robusto Review
Flor De Gonzalez 90 Miles Robusto 5.5 X 50. Wrapper - Ecuador (Habano Rosado), Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Medium bodied.
Initial taste - Woody with some spice.
First Third - Oak, spice and notes of cinnamon. Nicely balanced.
Second Third - Oak wood, spice, and now some delightful leather & coffee flavor emerges as well as some cocoa. Very smooth.
Last third - Now the cigar has progressed into a woody leather & coffee taste with the underlying spice and the very enjoyable cocoa flavor. Long finish of woody leather and spice.
Construction, burn and draw was very good.
This is a very good cigar for any time of the day. It had a very enjoyable flavor profile with excellent complexity and balance. MSRP for this size is $5.50 which makes it a very good value. I recommend trying especially if you are looking for a cigar that can be enjoyed in the morning as your first cigar of the day, or even after a substantial meal in the evening.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
La Gloria Cubana Serie N JSB Review
La Gloria Cubana Serie N JSB - 5.5 X 54. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial taste - Earthy sweetness.
First Third - Earthy, fruity sweetness, hint of black cherry, light spice. Very nice flavor combination.
Second Third - Continuation of the earthy, fruity/ black cherry sweetness. Spice is picking up now and a nice leather flavor is emerging.
Last third - Spice really kicked up and it is now in the forefront followed by earthiness, black cherry and leather. Very nicely balanced. Very enjoyable long finish of earth, leather and spice.
Construction was perfect - dark chocolate color, burn was good and draw was excellent.
This is a very tasty, complex and very well balanced cigar. I really like this flavor profile and I also liked the way it started off as a medium cigar and kept building to a more full bodied cigar. I smoked this right down to the nub and it left me wishing there was more to smoke. MSRP for this vitola is $6.30 which makes this a great value for such a flavorful cigar. Highly recommended.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
7-20-4 "Dog Walker" Review
7-20-4 "Dog Walker". 4 1/4 X 40. Wrapper - Brazilian Mata Fina, Binder - Costa Rica, Filler - Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexican & Colombian. Medium bodied.
Because this is a small cigar, I decided to break it down in halves instead of thirds.
Initial taste - Nice blast of black pepper & cedar.
First Half - Black pepper, cedar, leather and a nice hint of cocoa. Very good balance.
Second Half - The black pepper now becomes more of a spice along with leather, cedar and a very pleasant and interesting floral flavor. Marvellous complexity. Very nice long finish of spice & leather.
Construction, burn and draw were excellent - nice tight light-gray ash that held on.
I was very impressed with this cigar - it had excellent balance and complexity. Plenty of flavor. A fantastic little cigar for a short smoke or for...well... walking your dog. MSRP on this vitola is $5.50 which makes this cigar a great value in my opinion. Absolutely recommend.
www.7-20-4.com
Because this is a small cigar, I decided to break it down in halves instead of thirds.
Initial taste - Nice blast of black pepper & cedar.
First Half - Black pepper, cedar, leather and a nice hint of cocoa. Very good balance.
Second Half - The black pepper now becomes more of a spice along with leather, cedar and a very pleasant and interesting floral flavor. Marvellous complexity. Very nice long finish of spice & leather.
Construction, burn and draw were excellent - nice tight light-gray ash that held on.
I was very impressed with this cigar - it had excellent balance and complexity. Plenty of flavor. A fantastic little cigar for a short smoke or for...well... walking your dog. MSRP on this vitola is $5.50 which makes this cigar a great value in my opinion. Absolutely recommend.
www.7-20-4.com
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Canimao Robusto Extra Maduro Review
Canimao Robusto Extra Maduro - 6 X 52. Wrapper - Brazilian Arapiraca (aged 3 years), Binder - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Filler - Nicaragua & Dominican. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial taste - Dry woody and coffee.
First third - Woody, earthy coffee flavor, spice and hints of cinnamon and a pleasant sweetness.
Second third - Now the cigar takes on a more predominate earthy sweetness, coffee flavor with nuts, spice and cinnamon. Very nicely balanced.
Last third - Earthy sweetness and dark coffee flavor with spice increasing and hints of cocoa and nuts. Strength is really increasing. Smooth and complex. Very long finish of sweet dark coffee and spice.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect as is the case with all of the Canimao cigars that I have smoked. Nice light gray ash that held on.
This is yet another Canimao cigar line that I really enjoyed. Complex and smooth with very good flavors. The cigar definitely increases in strength during the last third which I really like as well. MSRP on this vitola is $4.58 which is a great value for a cigar of this caliber. Fantastic cigar. Highly recommended. http://www.canimaocigars.com/
Initial taste - Dry woody and coffee.
First third - Woody, earthy coffee flavor, spice and hints of cinnamon and a pleasant sweetness.
Second third - Now the cigar takes on a more predominate earthy sweetness, coffee flavor with nuts, spice and cinnamon. Very nicely balanced.
Last third - Earthy sweetness and dark coffee flavor with spice increasing and hints of cocoa and nuts. Strength is really increasing. Smooth and complex. Very long finish of sweet dark coffee and spice.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect as is the case with all of the Canimao cigars that I have smoked. Nice light gray ash that held on.
This is yet another Canimao cigar line that I really enjoyed. Complex and smooth with very good flavors. The cigar definitely increases in strength during the last third which I really like as well. MSRP on this vitola is $4.58 which is a great value for a cigar of this caliber. Fantastic cigar. Highly recommended. http://www.canimaocigars.com/
Monday, August 16, 2010
Montana Azul Torpedo Review
Montana Azul (Las Cenizas del Mombacho) Torpedo - 6 1/8 X 52. Wrapper - Nicaragua (Connecticut Oscuro), Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Mild - Medium bodied.
Initial taste - Dry cedar/wood.
First Third - Creamy cedar, some spice, hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Very nicely balanced.
Second Third - Continuation of the smooth, creamy cedar, mild spice, hints of vanilla and now also some orange peel replacing the cinnamon.
Last third - Creamy cedar, cinnamon is back, light spice, notes of vanilla and nuts at the end. Nice long finish of creaminess, cedar and cinnamon.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect.
This is a very good cigar for the morning that would go very well with your coffee or as your first cigar of the day. Lots of nice complex flavors blended smoothly together. Very enjoyable. MSRP on this vitola is $5.60 which is a good value. Definite recommend to try.
Initial taste - Dry cedar/wood.
First Third - Creamy cedar, some spice, hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Very nicely balanced.
Second Third - Continuation of the smooth, creamy cedar, mild spice, hints of vanilla and now also some orange peel replacing the cinnamon.
Last third - Creamy cedar, cinnamon is back, light spice, notes of vanilla and nuts at the end. Nice long finish of creaminess, cedar and cinnamon.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect.
This is a very good cigar for the morning that would go very well with your coffee or as your first cigar of the day. Lots of nice complex flavors blended smoothly together. Very enjoyable. MSRP on this vitola is $5.60 which is a good value. Definite recommend to try.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Reinado Cigars Robusto Review
Reinado Cigars Robusto - 5.5 X 50. Wrapper - Nicaragua, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Medium bodied.
Initial taste - Toasty, bready cedar.
First third - Spicy cinnamon, bready/woody leather. Near the end of the first third a slight sweetness emerges.
Second third - Spicy woody leather, & sweet cinnamon continues with some notes of nuts.
Final third - Now there is a sweet, creamy and woody leather flavor (bordering on a creamy, coffee flavor), continued spiciness and hints of cinnamon. Very nice balance. Long finish of spice, leather and wood.
Burn on this cigar was razor sharp producing a light gray ash that held on for an inch at a time. Draw was perfect producing a good amount of smoke. Construction was good although the wrapper was delicate.
This was a very nicely balanced cigar with a lot of complexity. I really enjoyed this cigar and I would definitely have it in my regular rotation. MSRP is $8.00 for this size. Definite recommend. For more information take a look at their web site: www.reindocigars.com.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Canimao Churchill Review
Canimao Churchill - 7 X 48. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Binder - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Filler - Dominican & Nicaragua. Just to the right side of Medium bodied.
Initial lighting flavors were that of cedar, leather and spice.
First third - Spice, leather and nutmeg. A creamy sweetness emerges with the cedar taste fading.
Second third - Flavors are continuing to build and evolve - tangy, citrus spice, leather and a very enjoyable creamy sweet cocoa taste.
Last third - The spice is even stronger now with more of a fruity orange peel citrus taste. The leather now gives way to a coffee flavor along with the creamy, sweet cocoa. Very enjoyable. Long tasty finish of tangy spice, sweet cream and coffee.
Construction, burn and draw were excellent.
This was a very good, well balanced and complex cigar that I smoked down to the nub. Ecuadorian Sumatra is one of my favorite wrappers on a cigar and this cigar is exactly my flavor profile. MSRP on this vitola is $6.56 which is a great value in my opinion for what this cigar delivers. Highly recommended.
Initial lighting flavors were that of cedar, leather and spice.
First third - Spice, leather and nutmeg. A creamy sweetness emerges with the cedar taste fading.
Second third - Flavors are continuing to build and evolve - tangy, citrus spice, leather and a very enjoyable creamy sweet cocoa taste.
Last third - The spice is even stronger now with more of a fruity orange peel citrus taste. The leather now gives way to a coffee flavor along with the creamy, sweet cocoa. Very enjoyable. Long tasty finish of tangy spice, sweet cream and coffee.
Construction, burn and draw were excellent.
This was a very good, well balanced and complex cigar that I smoked down to the nub. Ecuadorian Sumatra is one of my favorite wrappers on a cigar and this cigar is exactly my flavor profile. MSRP on this vitola is $6.56 which is a great value in my opinion for what this cigar delivers. Highly recommended.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Perdomo Patriarch Corojo Churchill Review
Perdomo Patriarch Corojo Churchill - 7 X 48. Wrapper - Nicaraguan Corojo, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua (3 regions - Esteli, Jalapa & Condega). Full bodied.
Initial taste of pepper, cinnamon and oak wood.
First third - Strong flavor of spicy oak wood and cinnamon. Near the end of the first third, a tangy sweetness that I typically get from Corojo wrapped cigars emerges.
Second third - Spice, sweet citrus and leather now present. Hints of cinnamon and oak wood.
Last third - The cigar takes on more of a creamy sweet citrus leather taste, along with spice and a nice nutty flavor. I still am getting hints of cinnamon and oak. Very well balanced. Long finish of spice, sweet citrus and leather.
Construction, burn and draw was perfect. I really enjoyed this cigar and the complexity made this cigar interesting. Balance was very good as well. MSRP for this vitola is $7.99 which makes this a very good value. Highly recommended.
Monday, July 19, 2010
GENERAL CIGAR TO CELEBRATE ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY!
For Immediate Release
July 19, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
vmckee@gcigar.com
GENERAL CIGAR TO CELEBRATE ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
National Cigar Event Series to Kick Off in July
Richmond, VA—General Cigar will commemorate its golden anniversary with a ten-city tour that will hit chic, cigar-friendly venues across the U.S. beginning on July 27 at Chicago’s swanky Vertigo Lounge in the Dana Hotel, and ending on November 11 at the legendary Foundation Room in Las Vegas. The complete
At each event, General Cigar will welcome tenured cigar enthusiasts and fellow connoisseurs drawn to the lure of handcrafted cigars to celebrate the company’s past 50 years of artistry in cultivating venerable brands such as Macanudo®, Punch®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey® and La Gloria Cubana®.
Benji Menendez , the legendary cigar master who recently celebrated his 58th year in the premium cigar business will be on hand to regale event attendees with glorious stories spanning five decades of tobacco cultivation across Latin America, South America, the Caribbean and the U.S. Emerging cigar masters Rick Rodriguez and other key General Cigar staff will also be present to pair a selection of the company’s new and critically-acclaimed cigars with fine wines, spirits and hors d’oeuvres.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar comments, “At General Cigar, we take great pride in our heritage and our unparalleled tobacco expertise. We developed this event series to celebrate the people whose passion and mastery have made General Cigar one of the world’s foremost producers of premium cigars. Invited guests will not only have a chance to experience the premium cigar lifestyle in a connoisseur’s setting, but will also have a rare opportunity to learn about tobacco cultivation and blending from Benji Menendez, our cigar sage, and from the emerging cigar masters who will take our company into the next half century.”
General Cigar Co. Inc. manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar also produces Macanudo, Cohiba®, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide. For more information, please visit
® Macanudo, Punch, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana, Cohiba, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
July 19, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
vmckee@gcigar.com
GENERAL CIGAR TO CELEBRATE ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
National Cigar Event Series to Kick Off in July
Richmond, VA—General Cigar will commemorate its golden anniversary with a ten-city tour that will hit chic, cigar-friendly venues across the U.S. beginning on July 27 at Chicago’s swanky Vertigo Lounge in the Dana Hotel, and ending on November 11 at the legendary Foundation Room in Las Vegas. The complete
At each event, General Cigar will welcome tenured cigar enthusiasts and fellow connoisseurs drawn to the lure of handcrafted cigars to celebrate the company’s past 50 years of artistry in cultivating venerable brands such as Macanudo®, Punch®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey® and La Gloria Cubana®.
Benji Menendez , the legendary cigar master who recently celebrated his 58th year in the premium cigar business will be on hand to regale event attendees with glorious stories spanning five decades of tobacco cultivation across Latin America, South America, the Caribbean and the U.S. Emerging cigar masters Rick Rodriguez and other key General Cigar staff will also be present to pair a selection of the company’s new and critically-acclaimed cigars with fine wines, spirits and hors d’oeuvres.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar comments, “At General Cigar, we take great pride in our heritage and our unparalleled tobacco expertise. We developed this event series to celebrate the people whose passion and mastery have made General Cigar one of the world’s foremost producers of premium cigars. Invited guests will not only have a chance to experience the premium cigar lifestyle in a connoisseur’s setting, but will also have a rare opportunity to learn about tobacco cultivation and blending from Benji Menendez, our cigar sage, and from the emerging cigar masters who will take our company into the next half century.”
General Cigar Co. Inc. manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar also produces Macanudo, Cohiba®, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide. For more information, please visit
® Macanudo, Punch, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana, Cohiba, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Alec Bradley Family Blend VR1 Review
Alec Bradley Family Blend VR1 - 5.5 X 50. Wrapper - Honduras, Binder - Indonesia, Filler - Honduras & Nicaragua. Medium bodied.
Initial taste of cedar wood which quickly becomes very nicely balanced flavors of leather, wood and spice.
Second third of the cigar reveals more creamy leather, cedar wood and an increase in the spiciness.
The Last third continues with the creamy leather, spice and underlying woodiness. Hints of nuts as well. Nice long finish of creamy leather and spice.
Construction, burn and draw was perfect - very nice oily brown wrapper with a pigtail cap. Nice light gray ash that holds on.
This cigar was very good and I really enjoyed it. It is my flavor profile and although not overly complex, the flavors were more than enough to keep me interested and happy. MSRP on this vitola is $6.50 which makes this a good value. A definite recommend to try.
Initial taste of cedar wood which quickly becomes very nicely balanced flavors of leather, wood and spice.
Second third of the cigar reveals more creamy leather, cedar wood and an increase in the spiciness.
The Last third continues with the creamy leather, spice and underlying woodiness. Hints of nuts as well. Nice long finish of creamy leather and spice.
Construction, burn and draw was perfect - very nice oily brown wrapper with a pigtail cap. Nice light gray ash that holds on.
This cigar was very good and I really enjoyed it. It is my flavor profile and although not overly complex, the flavors were more than enough to keep me interested and happy. MSRP on this vitola is $6.50 which makes this a good value. A definite recommend to try.
TORAÑO FAMILY, ARMED WITH A NEW LOOK, IS BACK IN CONTROL OF ITS OWN DISTRIBUTION
TORAÑO FAMILY, ARMED WITH A NEW LOOK, IS BACK IN CONTROL OF ITS OWN DISTRIBUTION
The Toraño Family, makers of some of the finest cigars in the world, is proud to announce that effective August 1st the family will distribute its own brands. To add to this exciting news, Toraño launches a new company name, a new logo and two retail exclusive cigar brands.
The company name is changing from Toraño Cigars to Toraño Family Cigar Company to truly capture the family legacy and emphasize that this is a family-owned company. The taking over of its distribution is the result of the family’s decision to enhance its personal relationships with the trade and consumers.
“We are energized and excited to be announcing these positive changes,” said Charlie Toraño, the company’s president.
The new logo, which combines a contemporary, yet classic look, is symbolic of the company’s new direction, one which will focus on the introduction of innovative cigar brands, unique blends and building a strong Toraño Family Cigar community.
“We recognize the value of building communication,” Charlie said. “There’s no better way to reach cigar smokers and the trade than through social media, the Internet, the use of viral campaigns and the personal touch and interactions at cigar events that only the family can provide.”
The IPCPR in New Orleans will be the platform for the unveiling of Master by Carlos Toraño and Single Region, two retail exclusive brands. The company is also offering a value priced bundle cigar named Brigade.
“I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming annual trade show and personally showing all of the changes which are taking place,” Charlie said.
A leader in the cigar industry, Toraño Family Cigar Company is a four-generation company currently based in Miami, Florida. It enjoys a rich heritage and history in tobacco growing and cigar manufacturing.
The Toraño Family, makers of some of the finest cigars in the world, is proud to announce that effective August 1st the family will distribute its own brands. To add to this exciting news, Toraño launches a new company name, a new logo and two retail exclusive cigar brands.
The company name is changing from Toraño Cigars to Toraño Family Cigar Company to truly capture the family legacy and emphasize that this is a family-owned company. The taking over of its distribution is the result of the family’s decision to enhance its personal relationships with the trade and consumers.
“We are energized and excited to be announcing these positive changes,” said Charlie Toraño, the company’s president.
The new logo, which combines a contemporary, yet classic look, is symbolic of the company’s new direction, one which will focus on the introduction of innovative cigar brands, unique blends and building a strong Toraño Family Cigar community.
“We recognize the value of building communication,” Charlie said. “There’s no better way to reach cigar smokers and the trade than through social media, the Internet, the use of viral campaigns and the personal touch and interactions at cigar events that only the family can provide.”
The IPCPR in New Orleans will be the platform for the unveiling of Master by Carlos Toraño and Single Region, two retail exclusive brands. The company is also offering a value priced bundle cigar named Brigade.
“I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming annual trade show and personally showing all of the changes which are taking place,” Charlie said.
A leader in the cigar industry, Toraño Family Cigar Company is a four-generation company currently based in Miami, Florida. It enjoys a rich heritage and history in tobacco growing and cigar manufacturing.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Rocky Patel Fifteenth Anniversary Robusto Review
Rocky Patel Fifteenth Anniversary Robusto - 5 X 50. Wrapper - Habano Ecuador, Binder - Jalapa, Filler - Nicaraguan. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial taste of toasty bread which then became a toasty coffee flavor with cinnamon and an underlying spice.
Second third of the cigar had a very enjoyable vanilla sweetness emerging along with the coffee flavor, spice and hints of cinnamon. Very tasty.
The last third of the cigar had the coffee flavor but now it is more of a dark coffee taste, along with a toasty sweet vanilla. Spice picks up now and there are notes of cinnamon. Very well balanced. Very enjoyable long finish of sweet creamy coffee and spice.
Construction and burn were absolutely perfect - beautiful brown wrapper without any veins and a razor sharp burn that produced a nice light gray ash that held on for 2 inches before falling. Draw was excellent as well.
This is a very good cigar that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had excellent balance and very enjoyable flavors. MSRP for this vitola is $9.50. Rocky has another winner with this cigar - definite recommend to try.
Friday, July 9, 2010
La Aurora 107 Corona Review
La Aurora 107 Corona - 5.5 X 43. Wrapper - Ecuador, Binder - Dominican, Filler - Nicaragua & Dominican. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial taste of Rum and wood. Soon after, spice begins to pick up with flavors of rum, wood, leather nuts and a slight sweetness emerging.
The Second third of this cigar has the sweet leather and spice in the forefront followed closely by the rum, nuts and hints of wood. Very well balanced.
The last third was a continuation of the sweet leather and spice, rum and nutty wood flavors. Long tasty finish of sweet leather, spice and rum.
Construction was excellent - beautiful oily brown wrapper, draw was perfect and the burn was razor sharp and did not have to be corrected or relit.
A fantastic cigar that had tons of flavor, balanced perfectly. I really enjoyed this cigar. MSRP on this vitola is $6.30 which is a very good price for a cigar packed with this much flavor. I highly recommend trying.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Augusto Reyes Signature Robusto Review
Augusto Reyes Signature Robusto - 5 X 50. Wrapper - Dominican, Binder - Dominican, Filler - Dominican.
Initial draw is of dry wood and cinnamon spice which quickly becomes a nice balance of wood, cinnamon, spice with a slight tartness and a slight sweetness.
Near the halfway point, the wood, spice and cinnamon remain and now there is a sweet citrus taste.
The last third of the cigar was an increase in spice, cinnamon, wood and an emerging creamy sweet coffee flavor. Long finish of wood and a creamy sweetness.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect. Very well balanced and very enjoyable. MSRP on this vitola is $6.60 which is a good value. I recommend trying.
Initial draw is of dry wood and cinnamon spice which quickly becomes a nice balance of wood, cinnamon, spice with a slight tartness and a slight sweetness.
Near the halfway point, the wood, spice and cinnamon remain and now there is a sweet citrus taste.
The last third of the cigar was an increase in spice, cinnamon, wood and an emerging creamy sweet coffee flavor. Long finish of wood and a creamy sweetness.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect. Very well balanced and very enjoyable. MSRP on this vitola is $6.60 which is a good value. I recommend trying.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Litto Gomez Event
Last night I attended the Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana event at Tobacco Plaza in Great Neck, NY. When Litto is in town, I make it a point to go down and see him. Being in New York, I don't get to see Litto as much as I would like to so I was looking forward to the event. Getting to the event was another story, we had a bad storm blow through the area just prior to the event. Trees were knocked down and power was out all around Long Island but luckily the shop had electricity. A good crowd was on hand to see Litto and there was a great selection of La Flor Dominicana products available for sale. I chose to try the "Air Bender" which I had heard many good comments about. I was not to be disappointed, I found it to be medium to full bodied with a nice leathery, somewhat sweet spice. Very enjoyable. Perfect draw and burn as well. Litto will be at the Famous Smoke Shop Cigar Expo on Saturday June 26, 2010 and I will be there as well. I am looking forward to attending this event which is held outdoors and the weather promises to be warm and nice. I will have a recap of the event after it is over. Until then, happy smoking!
Scott Smyth
Scott Smyth
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Augusto Reyes Sixth Generation Robusto
Augusto Reyes Sixth Generation Robusto - 5 X 50. Wrapper - Nicaraguan, Binder - Dominican, Filler - Dominican, Nicaraguan. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial draw - Dry cedar wood and spice.
First third of the cigar reveals the dry wood continuing with the spice increasing and an interesting leathery malt taste as well. A sweetness begins to emerge as I approached the halfway point.
At around the halfway point, the sweetness that I detected in the beginning became a chocolaty sweet leather flavor, peppery spice and notes of the cedar in the background. Nicely balanced thus far.
The last third continued with the sweet chocolate leather, spice and underlying cedar. Balance continues to be very good and a nice long finish of leather, spice and the sweet chocolate.
Construction was excellent, burn was razor sharp with a nice light-colored gray ash, and draw was perfect with lots of smoke.
I really was impressed with this cigar as it had very good complexity and balance. The long finish was quite enjoyable as you could savor the flavors after each draw. MSRP on this vitola is $5.80 which makes this cigar a good value in my opinion. Highly recommended.
Initial draw - Dry cedar wood and spice.
First third of the cigar reveals the dry wood continuing with the spice increasing and an interesting leathery malt taste as well. A sweetness begins to emerge as I approached the halfway point.
At around the halfway point, the sweetness that I detected in the beginning became a chocolaty sweet leather flavor, peppery spice and notes of the cedar in the background. Nicely balanced thus far.
The last third continued with the sweet chocolate leather, spice and underlying cedar. Balance continues to be very good and a nice long finish of leather, spice and the sweet chocolate.
Construction was excellent, burn was razor sharp with a nice light-colored gray ash, and draw was perfect with lots of smoke.
I really was impressed with this cigar as it had very good complexity and balance. The long finish was quite enjoyable as you could savor the flavors after each draw. MSRP on this vitola is $5.80 which makes this cigar a good value in my opinion. Highly recommended.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
What to drink with your cigar?
I know many people pair scotches and beers with their cigars but to be honest, I usually drink cold seltzer water when I smoke. I find that it really refreshes my palate and allows me to enjoy the cigar I am smoking that much more. It is especially good when reviewing a cigar. It is the only thing I will drink when I do a cigar review.
I have begun to drink rum more often when I smoke. Some of my favorite rums are Ron Barcelo Imperial, Babencourt, which is a Haitian Rum, Havana Club 7 (if you can find it), Barcardi and Ron Zacapa. I know that there are many other rums out there to try but these are what I have had so far.
As far as scotches go, I really haven't tried too many scotches - Johnnie Black, Chivas Regal, Makers Mark (which I really liked) - that's about it. Cognacs, I really have to learn more about as I know there is much to learn and try - Courvoisier, Remy Martin, Hennessey, Martell etc. I will update more as I venture into the world of cognacs.
Until next time, happy smoking!
Scott
I have begun to drink rum more often when I smoke. Some of my favorite rums are Ron Barcelo Imperial, Babencourt, which is a Haitian Rum, Havana Club 7 (if you can find it), Barcardi and Ron Zacapa. I know that there are many other rums out there to try but these are what I have had so far.
As far as scotches go, I really haven't tried too many scotches - Johnnie Black, Chivas Regal, Makers Mark (which I really liked) - that's about it. Cognacs, I really have to learn more about as I know there is much to learn and try - Courvoisier, Remy Martin, Hennessey, Martell etc. I will update more as I venture into the world of cognacs.
Until next time, happy smoking!
Scott
Cigar Lounge locker rentals - are they really worth it?
A few weeks ago, I ran a poll on my cigar blog asking if consumers rented lockers at their local cigar shops/lounges and the majority of people that responded - 82%, indicated that they did not. This percentage did not surprise me as I myself do not rent a locker because I don't see the purpose of doing so.
Most lounge's policy is to charge a yearly fee for the cigar smoker to rent a locker to store cigars in. In most cases the lounge requires that you can only store cigars that are purchased in that particular lounge. I feel that is just wasting money as you are just buying cigars and putting them in a locker and paying a yearly fee to do that. The cigars in your local lounge are already stored in a humidor (usually a walk-in one) and you can go and select whatever cigar you want and just pay for what you will smoke. Now if I could store overflow stock of my own cigars in a rented locker, then that would be a benefit to me. I would have extra storage and I could have cigars in the locker that maybe the shop doesn't carry. I do understand the lounge's point of view not to allow this because renters could just purchase cigars elsewhere - like online and store them in the locker and smoke those cigars ;instead of purchasing cigars from the shop/lounge itself. In that case, I would charge a higher rental fee and make a one cigar minimum purchase for each visit. Perhaps if the lounge is a membership-only and the locker price is factored into the membership for the lounge, then I think that this policy would have a better chance of working.
This of course is my own personal humble opinion, but as the poll on my blog indicated, I am not the only one that feels that renting a locker is not really worth the extra money.
Most lounge's policy is to charge a yearly fee for the cigar smoker to rent a locker to store cigars in. In most cases the lounge requires that you can only store cigars that are purchased in that particular lounge. I feel that is just wasting money as you are just buying cigars and putting them in a locker and paying a yearly fee to do that. The cigars in your local lounge are already stored in a humidor (usually a walk-in one) and you can go and select whatever cigar you want and just pay for what you will smoke. Now if I could store overflow stock of my own cigars in a rented locker, then that would be a benefit to me. I would have extra storage and I could have cigars in the locker that maybe the shop doesn't carry. I do understand the lounge's point of view not to allow this because renters could just purchase cigars elsewhere - like online and store them in the locker and smoke those cigars ;instead of purchasing cigars from the shop/lounge itself. In that case, I would charge a higher rental fee and make a one cigar minimum purchase for each visit. Perhaps if the lounge is a membership-only and the locker price is factored into the membership for the lounge, then I think that this policy would have a better chance of working.
This of course is my own personal humble opinion, but as the poll on my blog indicated, I am not the only one that feels that renting a locker is not really worth the extra money.
Scott's picks for some underrated cigars
People have asked me to talk about some cigars that I feel are good but maybe do not get much mention, or are too new to the market, so I have decided to talk about cigars that some may or may not have heard of, and that I feel are good or even very good cigars.
In no particular order, Alec Bradley has a newer line called Family Blend which I really have been enjoying lately. Leathery and spicy this cigar has a good price point and is very consistent. Pinar Del Rio has some really good cigars but their PDR 1878 Cubano Especial Madura Capa is a fantastic smoke. Very good msrp as well. AJ Fernandez is the latest up-and-coming cigar blender. His cigars are sold through Internet only and include some really nice cigars - Diesel which is a tasty complex cigar for about $3.33 ea. La Cuna is another good line of his as well as the Sol Cubano Cabinet Selection. All of these are either medium to full bodied. Cuban Crafters has a couple of very tasty cigars in the Cubano Claro and the Cupido Tuxedo. Nestor Miranda 1989 is an excellent cigar with a very good msrp. Blended and made by non other than Don Pepin this cigar is a premium tasting cigar at economical prices. Matasa has a line of cigars that is very underrated in my opinion with the Viso Fuerte. I really like this line as it is full bodied and very tasty. Very good price point as well on these.
If you really want to get economical, Famous Smoke Shop online has the Nicaraguan Maduro and the Habano. Both are very good cigars at very low prices. You can sometimes find them on auction at the Famous website.
These are just some of my personal choices. I have more to mention in future postings. Until then, happy smoking!
Scott
In no particular order, Alec Bradley has a newer line called Family Blend which I really have been enjoying lately. Leathery and spicy this cigar has a good price point and is very consistent. Pinar Del Rio has some really good cigars but their PDR 1878 Cubano Especial Madura Capa is a fantastic smoke. Very good msrp as well. AJ Fernandez is the latest up-and-coming cigar blender. His cigars are sold through Internet only and include some really nice cigars - Diesel which is a tasty complex cigar for about $3.33 ea. La Cuna is another good line of his as well as the Sol Cubano Cabinet Selection. All of these are either medium to full bodied. Cuban Crafters has a couple of very tasty cigars in the Cubano Claro and the Cupido Tuxedo. Nestor Miranda 1989 is an excellent cigar with a very good msrp. Blended and made by non other than Don Pepin this cigar is a premium tasting cigar at economical prices. Matasa has a line of cigars that is very underrated in my opinion with the Viso Fuerte. I really like this line as it is full bodied and very tasty. Very good price point as well on these.
If you really want to get economical, Famous Smoke Shop online has the Nicaraguan Maduro and the Habano. Both are very good cigars at very low prices. You can sometimes find them on auction at the Famous website.
These are just some of my personal choices. I have more to mention in future postings. Until then, happy smoking!
Scott
Cigar Wishlist
Scott's Current Cigar Wishlist: (in no particular order)
AVO LE10
La Rebola (especially the Sumatra wrapper)
La Flor Dominicana Air Bender
Jaime Garcia
EP Carillo Short Run
La Traviata Maduro
Avalona Juke Red Lancero
Padron Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro
Cubao Maduro
Murcielago
AVO LE10
La Rebola (especially the Sumatra wrapper)
La Flor Dominicana Air Bender
Jaime Garcia
EP Carillo Short Run
La Traviata Maduro
Avalona Juke Red Lancero
Padron Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro
Cubao Maduro
Murcielago
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Calibre 58 Review
Calibre 58 - Nestor Miranda. 4 X 58. Wrapper - Nicaraguan Rosado, Binder -Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial taste - Strong wood and spice.
First third of the cigar reveals flavors of spice, cedar and leather in order of dominance. Very enjoyable.
At the halfway point, some changes in the flavor profile began to take place. The spice was still in the forefront, but the leather really began to pick up but it also took on a tangy almost citrus aspect to it. There was also an emergence of a sweet caramel flavor that I often get with Rosado wrapped cigars. The cedar was now more of an underlying flavor at this point.
The last third of this cigar had an orange peel, tangy leathery taste along with spice and the sweet caramel which is a combination that I really enjoy. Cedar was still in the background. Long finish of sweet leather and spice.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect. Nice light-gray ash with a razor sharp burn.
Calibre 58 is available in both Robusto and Torpedo vitolas (4 X 58), and in two wrappers - Rosado and Oscuro. I was very impressed with this cigar's flavor profile and complexity and with an MSRP of $4.60, It is an excellent value in my opinion. I would definitely have this cigar in my daily rotation. Highly recommended.
Initial taste - Strong wood and spice.
First third of the cigar reveals flavors of spice, cedar and leather in order of dominance. Very enjoyable.
At the halfway point, some changes in the flavor profile began to take place. The spice was still in the forefront, but the leather really began to pick up but it also took on a tangy almost citrus aspect to it. There was also an emergence of a sweet caramel flavor that I often get with Rosado wrapped cigars. The cedar was now more of an underlying flavor at this point.
The last third of this cigar had an orange peel, tangy leathery taste along with spice and the sweet caramel which is a combination that I really enjoy. Cedar was still in the background. Long finish of sweet leather and spice.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect. Nice light-gray ash with a razor sharp burn.
Calibre 58 is available in both Robusto and Torpedo vitolas (4 X 58), and in two wrappers - Rosado and Oscuro. I was very impressed with this cigar's flavor profile and complexity and with an MSRP of $4.60, It is an excellent value in my opinion. I would definitely have this cigar in my daily rotation. Highly recommended.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Quesada Tributo "Julio" Robusto Review
Quesada Tributo Julio (Robusto) 5 X 50. Wrapper - The wrapper is a hybrid that is made of Habano 2000, Corojo, Habano Vuelta Arriba and Sumatra grown in Ecuador, Binder - Honduras (Jamastran region), Filler - Dominican and Nicaraguan ligeros. Full Bodied.
Initial lighting is a blast of pepper, leather and wood which quickly settles down to smooth enjoyable flavors of sweet nougat, tangy leather, spice and wood.
By the halfway point of this cigar, there is a kaleidoscope of complex flavors. The sweet nougat continues along with the tangy/citrus leather, spice, wood and now I began to get a nutty flavor as well. All balanced very well together and very smooth.
The last third reveals more of the same flavors - nougat/caramel sweetness, tangy leather, spiciness, woody, nutty and now there is a cinnamon taste emerging. Very enjoyable and again super smooth. Long tasty finish of sweet, citrus leather and spice.
Construction was perfect - a gorgeous, oily chocolate brown wrapper without any veins. Excellent burn - a dark gray ash that held on for two inches before falling off. Perfect draw with lots of billowy smoke. MSRP on this vitola is $6.50.
This is an excellent cigar that delivers a full bodied, complexity of very enjoyable and well balanced flavors. The cigar never got hot or harsh. I smoked it right down to the nub when I had to stop before burning my fingers. What I like about what the Quesadas are doing, is that they are raising the bar and really thinking outside the box with different and unique wrappers on their cigars that offer the cigar smoker a variety of different flavors at affordable prices. I highly recommend trying.
Monday, June 7, 2010
MACANUDO CONTEST OFFERS A CHANCE TO WIN $2,000,000!
For Immediate Release
June 7, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
vmckee@gcigar.com
MACANUDO CONTEST OFFERS A CHANCE TO WIN $2,000,000
Richmond, VA—What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, unless you win the $2,000,000 prize in the second annual www.macanudomillionaire.com/mm2010" Macanudo® Millionaire contest.
Macanudo®, America’s number-one-selling premium cigar brand is once again teaming up with (www.playboy.com/world-of-playboy/in-the-magazine/usa) Playboy to award two lucky consumers and their guests with the grand prize in the Macanudo Millionaire promotion, an all-expense paid, three-day, two night trip to the (www.palms.com)Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. While in Sin City, they will be treated to a VIP evening at the (www.palms.com/playboy)Playboy Club , where they will be accompanied by three Playboy Playmates who will stand in for Lady Luck when the contestants and their guests are dealt a hand of poker. If either the contestants or their guests receive a straight flush, they will win the $2,000,000 prize.
Alison Waite, Playboy’s Miss May 2006, is featured in the contest’s website www.macanudomillionaire.com enticing Macanudo smokers with the lure of Las Vegas and the chance to win a cool two million dollars. Flanked by two fellow Playboy Playmates in her call to entry , Alison encourages consumers of legal smoking age to visit their favorite U.S. tobacco shop between June 7 and August 31, 2010 to purchase a specially-marked four-pack containing Macanudo Café, Maduro, Robust and Gold Label cigars. On the pack, consumers will find details about how they can enter the contest via brief essays expressing their desire to win the trip to the strip and the chance at the $2,000,000 prize.
Consumers can also enter the promotion by visiting macanudomillionaire.com or by purchasing cigars through participating online cigar retailers. No purchase necessary. For official rules, visit http://bit.ly/bzbN3Z .
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo comments, “The Macanudo Millionaire contest generated tremendous buzz and excitement last year. It was only fitting that we decided to run it again, this time ‘upping the ante’ to $2,000,000. A weekend in Las Vegas, complete with a VIP evening at the Playboy Club epitomizes the brand’s connection to socializing with friends. The $2,000,000 prize speaks for itself.”
The winners of the Macanudo Millionaire contest will be selected on or before September 14, 2010 and will be dealt a hand of cards for the chance to win the $2,000,000 at the Palms Hotel and Casino on November 13, 2010. Additional details about the Macanudo Millionaire weekend in Vegas will be posted on the HYPERLINK "http://www.macanudomillionaire.com/mm2010" official contest website .
Updates about Macanudo Millionaire will be posted to the contest’s dedicated Facebook (http://bit.ly/cn8Wfs) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/macanudocigars) accounts.
About Macanudo Cigars
Since their introduction in 1968, Macanudo cigars have been a favorite among premium cigar connoisseurs. The brand continues to be the best selling premium cigar brand in the U.S. and also sells in more than 90 countries worldwide. In addition to the base brand of Macanudo cigars, the brand also features these collections: Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Robust, Macanudo Gold Label, Macanudo Vintage and Macanudo 1968.
Macanudo cigars are produced by General Cigar Co. Inc., which manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar also produces Macanudo, Cohiba®, Partagas® Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana® and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com .
June 7, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
vmckee@gcigar.com
MACANUDO CONTEST OFFERS A CHANCE TO WIN $2,000,000
Richmond, VA—What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, unless you win the $2,000,000 prize in the second annual www.macanudomillionaire.com/mm2010" Macanudo® Millionaire contest.
Macanudo®, America’s number-one-selling premium cigar brand is once again teaming up with (www.playboy.com/world-of-playboy/in-the-magazine/usa) Playboy to award two lucky consumers and their guests with the grand prize in the Macanudo Millionaire promotion, an all-expense paid, three-day, two night trip to the (www.palms.com)Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. While in Sin City, they will be treated to a VIP evening at the (www.palms.com/playboy)Playboy Club , where they will be accompanied by three Playboy Playmates who will stand in for Lady Luck when the contestants and their guests are dealt a hand of poker. If either the contestants or their guests receive a straight flush, they will win the $2,000,000 prize.
Alison Waite, Playboy’s Miss May 2006, is featured in the contest’s website www.macanudomillionaire.com enticing Macanudo smokers with the lure of Las Vegas and the chance to win a cool two million dollars. Flanked by two fellow Playboy Playmates in her call to entry , Alison encourages consumers of legal smoking age to visit their favorite U.S. tobacco shop between June 7 and August 31, 2010 to purchase a specially-marked four-pack containing Macanudo Café, Maduro, Robust and Gold Label cigars. On the pack, consumers will find details about how they can enter the contest via brief essays expressing their desire to win the trip to the strip and the chance at the $2,000,000 prize.
Consumers can also enter the promotion by visiting macanudomillionaire.com or by purchasing cigars through participating online cigar retailers. No purchase necessary. For official rules, visit http://bit.ly/bzbN3Z .
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo comments, “The Macanudo Millionaire contest generated tremendous buzz and excitement last year. It was only fitting that we decided to run it again, this time ‘upping the ante’ to $2,000,000. A weekend in Las Vegas, complete with a VIP evening at the Playboy Club epitomizes the brand’s connection to socializing with friends. The $2,000,000 prize speaks for itself.”
The winners of the Macanudo Millionaire contest will be selected on or before September 14, 2010 and will be dealt a hand of cards for the chance to win the $2,000,000 at the Palms Hotel and Casino on November 13, 2010. Additional details about the Macanudo Millionaire weekend in Vegas will be posted on the HYPERLINK "http://www.macanudomillionaire.com/mm2010" official contest website .
Updates about Macanudo Millionaire will be posted to the contest’s dedicated Facebook (http://bit.ly/cn8Wfs) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/macanudocigars) accounts.
About Macanudo Cigars
Since their introduction in 1968, Macanudo cigars have been a favorite among premium cigar connoisseurs. The brand continues to be the best selling premium cigar brand in the U.S. and also sells in more than 90 countries worldwide. In addition to the base brand of Macanudo cigars, the brand also features these collections: Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Robust, Macanudo Gold Label, Macanudo Vintage and Macanudo 1968.
Macanudo cigars are produced by General Cigar Co. Inc., which manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar also produces Macanudo, Cohiba®, Partagas® Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana® and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com .
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Joya De Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie Toro Review
Joya De Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie Toro. 6 X 52. Wrapper - Ecuadorian shade grown (for 3/4 of the cigar) Nicaraguan Criollo (for the last 1/4), Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Mild-Medium bodied.
For this particular cigar, I decided to break-down the review into quarters instead of thirds because the cigar has a very unique wrapper which is 3/4 Ecuadorian Connecticut and 1/4 Nicaraguan Criollo.
Initial taste when first lit, was that of spice and cedar. Smoking into the first quarter of the cigar, the spice picks up along with the cedar and a creamy/bready flavor as well.
The halfway point of the cigar was interesting. The spice began to diminish to become more of an underlying taste. Creamy cedar and bread were still predominate, but now a pleasant, sweet wine-like flavor emerged.
The third quarter which was the last part of this Ecuadorian shade grown wrapper was still the creamy cedar, not as bready; with the sweet wine taste becomming more prevalent but not overpowering. Slight spiceiness still present. Up until this point, the finish was long with cream, cedar, spice and sweet wine.
The last quarter of this cigar was the Nicaraguan Criollo wrapper which really changed the flavor profile of this cigar. Flavors of an earthy leather with a strong presence of spice and a very enjoyable sweet molasses taste. These flavors remained for the last quarter of the cigar. Long finish of leather, spice and molasses.
Construction was good - it did begin to unravel a little bit in the third quarter of the cigar. Burn was crooked with a flakey ash. Draw was perfect with copius amounts of smoke. Price point on this vitola is $6.05.
I am not a big Connecticut wrapper fan, I really have to be in the mood for one but I did enjoy this cigar, especially the last quarter with the criollo wrapper. I do recommend this cigar if you smoke a fair amount of connecticut wrapped cigars and like a nice change of pace at the end.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Diesel "Unholy Cocktail" Review
Diesel "Unholy Cocktail" 5 X 56. Wrapper - Pennyslvania Broadleaf, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Jalapa, Condega, and Esteli. Made by Abdel "AJ" Fernandez. Full bodied.
Inital taste apon lighting was leather, wood and spice which quickly became a predominate spicey leather & wood flavor along with cinnamon.
When I got to the halfway point, I noticed the spiceiness picking up with the wood flavor - leather and cinammon was still present.
The last third of the cigar is where it got intersting - a sweetness emerged along with a creamy coffee flavor that became the dominate flavors. The leather taste was still noted but was more of a secondary flavor and the spice became more underlying than earlier in the cigar.
The finish of this cigar was also intersting in that it changed from the beginning to the end. The finish of the first half of the cigar was long with flavors of spice and leather. The second half was a long finish of a creamy sweet coffee flavor. Very enjoyable.
Construction, burn and draw was perfect. Nice light grey ash that held on for an inch and a half before falling off. Beautiful chocolate brown, oily wrapper. Very nice complexity and balance. I really enjoyed the change of flavor profile in the last third of the cigar - it really took me by surprise and made this experience even more interesting. MSRP on this vitola is $99.95 for a box of 30 ($3.33 per stick) which makes this cigar an excellent value. I highly recommend.
Inital taste apon lighting was leather, wood and spice which quickly became a predominate spicey leather & wood flavor along with cinnamon.
When I got to the halfway point, I noticed the spiceiness picking up with the wood flavor - leather and cinammon was still present.
The last third of the cigar is where it got intersting - a sweetness emerged along with a creamy coffee flavor that became the dominate flavors. The leather taste was still noted but was more of a secondary flavor and the spice became more underlying than earlier in the cigar.
The finish of this cigar was also intersting in that it changed from the beginning to the end. The finish of the first half of the cigar was long with flavors of spice and leather. The second half was a long finish of a creamy sweet coffee flavor. Very enjoyable.
Construction, burn and draw was perfect. Nice light grey ash that held on for an inch and a half before falling off. Beautiful chocolate brown, oily wrapper. Very nice complexity and balance. I really enjoyed the change of flavor profile in the last third of the cigar - it really took me by surprise and made this experience even more interesting. MSRP on this vitola is $99.95 for a box of 30 ($3.33 per stick) which makes this cigar an excellent value. I highly recommend.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Malfetano Belicoso Review
Malfetano Belicoso - 6 X 52. Wrapper - Honduran Criollo '98 Trojes Viso, Binder - Honduran Criollo '98 Trojes Seco, Filler - Honduran Trojes, Nicaraguan Halapa. Medium bodied.
Initial taste after lighting is that of spice and wood. Continuing on, flavors of wood, leather and spice were noted balanced nicely.
Around the halfway point, there was predominate flavors of cedar and leather with and underlying spiceiness. I also detected some orange peel flavors as well.
The last third, there was some changes with the flavors. The cedar was no longer present but the strong taste of leather and the spice remained along with the orange peel. It was in this last third of the cigar, that I noticed an earthiness underlying the other flavors.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect. Ash was a black and white color. I enjoyed this cigar's flavor profile and it had good complexity and nice balance. MSRP on this particular vitola is $8.30. I suggest giving this cigar a try, I think that you will enjoy it.
Initial taste after lighting is that of spice and wood. Continuing on, flavors of wood, leather and spice were noted balanced nicely.
Around the halfway point, there was predominate flavors of cedar and leather with and underlying spiceiness. I also detected some orange peel flavors as well.
The last third, there was some changes with the flavors. The cedar was no longer present but the strong taste of leather and the spice remained along with the orange peel. It was in this last third of the cigar, that I noticed an earthiness underlying the other flavors.
Construction, burn and draw were perfect. Ash was a black and white color. I enjoyed this cigar's flavor profile and it had good complexity and nice balance. MSRP on this particular vitola is $8.30. I suggest giving this cigar a try, I think that you will enjoy it.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Cugine Nicaraguan Robusto Review
Cugine Nicaraguan Robusto - 5 X 50. Wrapper - Nicaraguan Rosado, Binder - Nicaraguan, Filler - Dominican, Nicaragua & Costa Rican. Medium Bodied. Made by Alec Bradley Cigars.
Initial taste of dry woody spice. Within a short time, the flavors noted in the first third of this cigar are that of spice, dark coffee and a subtle sweetness that increases as the cigar progresses.
Halfway point reveals the spice picking up slightly, dark coffee with a slight leather taste emerging along with a caramel sweetness and cedar all balancing nicely together.
Last third of the cigar is pretty much the same flavors - the strong presence of the spice, caramel sweetness, dark coffee and cedar. Nice long finish of caramel, spice and dark coffee.
Construction, burn and draw were spot-on as with all Alec Bradley made products. This cigar had very good balance and complexity. I enjoyed this cigar very much. MSRP on this vitola is $8.25. I do recommend trying the Cugine Nicaraguan.
Initial taste of dry woody spice. Within a short time, the flavors noted in the first third of this cigar are that of spice, dark coffee and a subtle sweetness that increases as the cigar progresses.
Halfway point reveals the spice picking up slightly, dark coffee with a slight leather taste emerging along with a caramel sweetness and cedar all balancing nicely together.
Last third of the cigar is pretty much the same flavors - the strong presence of the spice, caramel sweetness, dark coffee and cedar. Nice long finish of caramel, spice and dark coffee.
Construction, burn and draw were spot-on as with all Alec Bradley made products. This cigar had very good balance and complexity. I enjoyed this cigar very much. MSRP on this vitola is $8.25. I do recommend trying the Cugine Nicaraguan.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Press Release - El Primer Mundo Company, LLC.
Atlanta, GA — May 17, 2010 — Primer Mundo Cigar Company’s agreement with Los Blancos Cigar Company to sell and distribute Primer Mundo’s line of premium boutique cigars will expire on June 27th of this year. Primer Mundo Cigar Company is preparing to market, sell and distribute their current and future offerings independently to retailers throughout the country.
Primer Mundo has enjoyed a solid relationship with Los Blancos over the last few years and looks forward to continuing with a solid working relationship going forward. Primer Mundo Cigar Company’s current line of cigars will continue to be produced at Nestor Plasencia’s Segovia Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua through our current arrangement with Los Blancos Cigar Company.
Primer Mundo cigars have been on the market for four years in limited distribution and as the line expands its reach and offerings it is imperative that we continue to build and strengthen our brand identity. This requires a more hands on approach to our sales and distribution model as well as other initiatives. In this current cigar market driven by informed, discerning, and active consumers Primer Mundo Cigar Company is committed to providing the best cigar smoking experience possible. To do this we will continue to engage with our consumers at the grass roots level while providing solid support to our retailers.
Primer Mundo Cigar Company currently offers three lines: Black Label(Rosado Oscuro), Red Label(Criollo Maduro), and Blue Label(Connecticut Shade). We are looking forward to the release of a new line in the next few months and new lancero vitolas for our Black and Red Labels.
Please feel free to contact Sean Williams directly at 404-542-6914 with any questions. We appreciate your interest in the Primer Mundo line and we look forward to communicating with you in the future.
Primer Mundo has enjoyed a solid relationship with Los Blancos over the last few years and looks forward to continuing with a solid working relationship going forward. Primer Mundo Cigar Company’s current line of cigars will continue to be produced at Nestor Plasencia’s Segovia Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua through our current arrangement with Los Blancos Cigar Company.
Primer Mundo cigars have been on the market for four years in limited distribution and as the line expands its reach and offerings it is imperative that we continue to build and strengthen our brand identity. This requires a more hands on approach to our sales and distribution model as well as other initiatives. In this current cigar market driven by informed, discerning, and active consumers Primer Mundo Cigar Company is committed to providing the best cigar smoking experience possible. To do this we will continue to engage with our consumers at the grass roots level while providing solid support to our retailers.
Primer Mundo Cigar Company currently offers three lines: Black Label(Rosado Oscuro), Red Label(Criollo Maduro), and Blue Label(Connecticut Shade). We are looking forward to the release of a new line in the next few months and new lancero vitolas for our Black and Red Labels.
Please feel free to contact Sean Williams directly at 404-542-6914 with any questions. We appreciate your interest in the Primer Mundo line and we look forward to communicating with you in the future.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
1989 by Nestor Miranda Torpedo Review
1989 by Nestor Miranda Torpedo - 6 1/8 X 52. Wrapper - Nicaraguan Oscuro, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua (Esteli & Jalapa). Just to the right side of Medium bodied.
Initial taste of dry woodiness which quickly changes to a very pleasant leather, wood and some light spice profile.
Continuing into the halfway point, leather wood and spice continues with the spice becomming a bit stronger but not overpowering. Hint of nuts was also noted. Very nice balance.
The last third of the cigar reveals a slight creamy sweetness and Cinnamon emerging along with the leather, wood and underlying spice. Very enjoyable long finish of leather, sweet Cinammon and some spice.
Construction burn and draw were perfect - sharp light grey ash that held on for a couple of inches before falling off. I enjoyed this cigar very much as it had a good complexity of flavors that I really like along with excellent balance. MSRP for this vitola is $5.50 which makes a cigar of this quality a great value and a no-brainer for a definte recommendation. It is nice to see that Nestor Miranda is aware of the economic climate and is continuing to offer very good cigars at very affordable prices.
Initial taste of dry woodiness which quickly changes to a very pleasant leather, wood and some light spice profile.
Continuing into the halfway point, leather wood and spice continues with the spice becomming a bit stronger but not overpowering. Hint of nuts was also noted. Very nice balance.
The last third of the cigar reveals a slight creamy sweetness and Cinnamon emerging along with the leather, wood and underlying spice. Very enjoyable long finish of leather, sweet Cinammon and some spice.
Construction burn and draw were perfect - sharp light grey ash that held on for a couple of inches before falling off. I enjoyed this cigar very much as it had a good complexity of flavors that I really like along with excellent balance. MSRP for this vitola is $5.50 which makes a cigar of this quality a great value and a no-brainer for a definte recommendation. It is nice to see that Nestor Miranda is aware of the economic climate and is continuing to offer very good cigars at very affordable prices.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
PDR 1878 Cubano Especial Capa Madura Robusto Review
PDR 1878 Cubano Especial Capa Madura Robusto. 5 X 52. Wrapper - Brazillian Arapirca, Binder - 1998 Dominican Criollo, Filler - 1998 Nicraguan & Dominican Criollo. Full bodied.
Initial taste was a blast of pepper that smacks you in the face along with wood and coffee. Smoking into the first third of this cigar, flavors of a tangy sweet citrus and black coffee emerge with the pepper becomming more of a spiceiness accompanied by a nice woodiness.
The halfway point is where things get even more interesting. The sweet citrus leather picks up along with the spice and now I am also getting a bittersweet chocolate flavor as well. Woodiness is still present but it is more of a background component at this point.
The last third of this cigar still has the wonderful sweet leathery citrus, spice, and a more bittersweet chocolate presence. There is also an earthy quality noted as well as some hints of wood. Very long finish of bittersweet chocolate, spice and leather.
Construction, burn and draw was absolutley perfect with a nice dark grey ash and a razor sharp burn. Beautiful dark brown wrapper. This cigar is a powerhouse full of complex flavors balanced perfectly. It is exactly my type of flavor profile. MSRP on this vitola for the first year is an amazing $4.55 which makes this an excellent value for a full flavored complex cigar that delivers so much enjoyment. A definte recommend by me to try.
Initial taste was a blast of pepper that smacks you in the face along with wood and coffee. Smoking into the first third of this cigar, flavors of a tangy sweet citrus and black coffee emerge with the pepper becomming more of a spiceiness accompanied by a nice woodiness.
The halfway point is where things get even more interesting. The sweet citrus leather picks up along with the spice and now I am also getting a bittersweet chocolate flavor as well. Woodiness is still present but it is more of a background component at this point.
The last third of this cigar still has the wonderful sweet leathery citrus, spice, and a more bittersweet chocolate presence. There is also an earthy quality noted as well as some hints of wood. Very long finish of bittersweet chocolate, spice and leather.
Construction, burn and draw was absolutley perfect with a nice dark grey ash and a razor sharp burn. Beautiful dark brown wrapper. This cigar is a powerhouse full of complex flavors balanced perfectly. It is exactly my type of flavor profile. MSRP on this vitola for the first year is an amazing $4.55 which makes this an excellent value for a full flavored complex cigar that delivers so much enjoyment. A definte recommend by me to try.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Gurkha "The Pinker" 6 X 60 Review
Gurkha "The Pinker" 6 X 60. Wrapper - Dominican (Cuban seed Habano), Binder - Dominican, Filler - Dominican. Medium - full bodied. Special blend made for radio host Geoff Pinkus.
Initial taste was a dry woody taste which quickly turned into flavors of Leather, wood and some spice.
A little before the halfway point, this cigar begins to build with the leathery flavor picking-up, spicieness increasing and the woodiness in the background.
The last third of this cigar continues to build in flavor with the leather becomming more of a tangy citrus leather taste with the spice balanced nicely along with the woodiness. I also got some slight note of a sweetness that was very enjoyable.
Construction burn and draw were perfect. Beautiful oily brown wrapper on this cigar. The cigar never got hot or bitter and had good complexity for a cigar with such a big ring guage. Long finish of leather and spice. MSRP on this vitola is $10.00. I recommend trying The Pinker!
Initial taste was a dry woody taste which quickly turned into flavors of Leather, wood and some spice.
A little before the halfway point, this cigar begins to build with the leathery flavor picking-up, spicieness increasing and the woodiness in the background.
The last third of this cigar continues to build in flavor with the leather becomming more of a tangy citrus leather taste with the spice balanced nicely along with the woodiness. I also got some slight note of a sweetness that was very enjoyable.
Construction burn and draw were perfect. Beautiful oily brown wrapper on this cigar. The cigar never got hot or bitter and had good complexity for a cigar with such a big ring guage. Long finish of leather and spice. MSRP on this vitola is $10.00. I recommend trying The Pinker!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Antano El Martillo Review
Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Antano El Martillo 5.5 X 54. Wrapper -Nicaraguan Corojo (Jalapa region), Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Full bodied.
Initial lighting taste was woody with some leather. Into the first third of this cigar, spice picks up right away with leather, wood and notes of cinnamon. Towards the end of the first third, a sweetness begins to emerge as well.
At the halfway point, the sweetness really picks up - a syrupy sweetness that coats the palate along with a strong flavor of spicey leather and cedar and the notes of cinnamon as well.
Final third of the cigar reveals the same flavors as the halfway point with the sweet spicey leather dominating the profile. The cinnamon picks up to become a constant flavor. I did not taste the cedar anymore at this point. Long tasty finish of syrupy sweet leather filling the palate.
Construction was good but the wrapper was very delicate. Burn and Draw were perfect - razor sharp burn with a light gray ash. A strong full-bodied complex cigar that had nice balance as well. I enjoyed this cigar very much. MSRP on this vitola is $7.75 which I believe this cigar is worthy of, and I recommend it for an experienced smoker who enjoys a full bodied, full flavored cigar.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Cigar Fest 2010 in the books!
This past weekend was Cigar Fest 2010 and marked the first time my wife Carmen and I attended this big event. We went to help Miami Cigar & Comapny with their three booths - La Aurora, Nestor Miranda and Tatiana.
We drove the day of the event with little traffic and got there by about 9:30am, just about 2.5 hours. There was already a line of the VIH (Very Important Herfers) that are allowed in by 11am. Once we got inside, we quickly began to help setup and work the booths and by 11:00am, the place was busy! Lots of fellow cigar smokers all smoking and having a great time. All three booths were very busy handing out very good cigars. It was nice to see our friends again - Nestor Miranda, Jose Blanco, Don Pepin, Jaime & Janny Garcia, Pete Johnson, Eddie Ortega, Nick Perdomo, Pachy & Raquel Quesada, Terence Reilly, Jose Oliva Jr., Dave Wagner and many more, and to finally meet Nestor's daughter Tatiana as well as Jason Wood. Being in New York, we don't get to spend nearly as much time with these good people as we would like to. My buddy Michael Dove, along with partners Walt and Trey were there as well promoting the new website that I will be involved with - www.CarBarsandCigars.com. More on this site soon but I am really excited to be a part of it - I think it will be a groundbreaking site and I am sure everyone will really like it.
Everybody was in great spirits smoking, drinking, talking, and taking pictures. Cigars were everywhere - 40 vendor booths! It did get very hot in the building and I was told that this year was the first time it was so hot, but all in all a great time was had by all. It was a busy day for us but we can't wait for Cigar Fest 2011!
Friday, April 30, 2010
NY Launch of the La Aurora 107
On Wednesday April 28, 2010 at Tobacco Plaza (Great Neck, NY) in the United States first official La Aurora Lounge, the highly anticipated 107 was officially launched. Of course a debut of this magnitude commands the precense of some of the big names in the industry such as Guillermo Leon, Nestor Miranda and Jose Blanco.
First let me say that Danny and the boys do a fantastic job with their events, food was outstanding (shredded pork Hawaiian style, BBQ chicken breasts, Hamburgers, Hotdogs and homemade potato salad). Ice cold Presidente beer was plentiful and of course the smooth Ron Barcelo Rum. The event started off with the tasting seminar conducted by Jose Blanco to a packed lounge. I have been to one of Jose's seminars last year and it really is quite an interesting and educational experience. After the seminar, everybody was enjoying the food and trying the new 107. I was asking around what all who attended thought of the new cigar and the feedback was excellent.
It was great to see Guillermo again as I have only met him once before and of course Nestor Miranda, whom by the way has some very interesting new projects coming out soon whose pricepoints are very consumer friendly - Nestor Miranda 1989 and the Caliber 58. I will have more information on these two lines (tease) in the near future but suffice it to say that I have tried one of them and it is a very good cigar and I think that you will enjoy it very much.
As for new projects from La Aurora, you will have to wait and see when I come back from the Dominican Republic in a few weeks. I will be giving them feedback on some new prototypes that they are working on as well as touring the factory, fields and their operations. Well that is all for now, next stop Cigar Fest 2010!
First let me say that Danny and the boys do a fantastic job with their events, food was outstanding (shredded pork Hawaiian style, BBQ chicken breasts, Hamburgers, Hotdogs and homemade potato salad). Ice cold Presidente beer was plentiful and of course the smooth Ron Barcelo Rum. The event started off with the tasting seminar conducted by Jose Blanco to a packed lounge. I have been to one of Jose's seminars last year and it really is quite an interesting and educational experience. After the seminar, everybody was enjoying the food and trying the new 107. I was asking around what all who attended thought of the new cigar and the feedback was excellent.
It was great to see Guillermo again as I have only met him once before and of course Nestor Miranda, whom by the way has some very interesting new projects coming out soon whose pricepoints are very consumer friendly - Nestor Miranda 1989 and the Caliber 58. I will have more information on these two lines (tease) in the near future but suffice it to say that I have tried one of them and it is a very good cigar and I think that you will enjoy it very much.
As for new projects from La Aurora, you will have to wait and see when I come back from the Dominican Republic in a few weeks. I will be giving them feedback on some new prototypes that they are working on as well as touring the factory, fields and their operations. Well that is all for now, next stop Cigar Fest 2010!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Gurkha Evil Robusto Review
Gurkha Evil Robusto 5 X 50. Wrapper - Brazil, Binder - Dominican, Filler -Nicaragua. Medium - Full bodied.
Once lit, initial taste of dry wood and pepper. Smoking into the first third of this cigar, flavors of wood, cinnamon and leather with a peppery spice background were present.
At the halfway point, predominate flavors of leathery cinnamon and spice with a nice sweetness coming in as well. I also noted some hints of nuttiness as well.
The last third revealed the sweet spice taste picking up in intensity along with the continuted cinnamon and leather. Again there were hints of nuts coming in and out every so often. The woodiness was pretty much gone. Full bodied smoke at this point. Long finish of Cinnamon, leather and sweet spiceiness on the palate.
Construction was just average as the wrapper split on me at the halfway point - not enough to adversely affect the cigar. Draw was so-so, I had to draw on the cigar a couple of times to get a decent amount of smoke. Burn was uneven and had to be corrected a couple of times.
A good complex and well balanced cigar that I enjoyed. MSRP on this vitola is $8.00 which makes this a somewhat expensive value in my opinion. All in all a good, enjoyable cigar but somewhat pricey. I recommend trying as long as price isn't a major factor in your decision.
Once lit, initial taste of dry wood and pepper. Smoking into the first third of this cigar, flavors of wood, cinnamon and leather with a peppery spice background were present.
At the halfway point, predominate flavors of leathery cinnamon and spice with a nice sweetness coming in as well. I also noted some hints of nuttiness as well.
The last third revealed the sweet spice taste picking up in intensity along with the continuted cinnamon and leather. Again there were hints of nuts coming in and out every so often. The woodiness was pretty much gone. Full bodied smoke at this point. Long finish of Cinnamon, leather and sweet spiceiness on the palate.
Construction was just average as the wrapper split on me at the halfway point - not enough to adversely affect the cigar. Draw was so-so, I had to draw on the cigar a couple of times to get a decent amount of smoke. Burn was uneven and had to be corrected a couple of times.
A good complex and well balanced cigar that I enjoyed. MSRP on this vitola is $8.00 which makes this a somewhat expensive value in my opinion. All in all a good, enjoyable cigar but somewhat pricey. I recommend trying as long as price isn't a major factor in your decision.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Perdomo Lot 23 Punta Gorda Maduro Review
Perdomo Lot 23 Punta Gorda Maduro 5 X 60. New size. Wrapper - Nicaraguan Maduro, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Medium - Full bodied.
Initial taste of cedar and dark coffee quickly turning into a sweet cedar, leather and spice combination. Smoking through this cigar, chewy flavors of sweet molasses, tangy leather, cedar with an underlying spiceiness are present. Flavors are rich and very well balanced. Long finish of sweet molasses, tangy leather and some spice which coated the palate very nicely.
A complex cigar that is balanced to the very end. No bitterness as the cigar never got hot. Construction was excellent, burn and draw were perfect with a razor sharp dark grey ash that held on for about the first 2.5 inches before falling off. MSRP on this vitola is $4.90 which makes this a very good value. A fantastic cigar that I give a definite recommendation to try.
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rediscover La Aurora with the 107
La Aurora 107 Nationwide Giveaway
Miami Cigar & Company, the exclusive distributor for La Aurora brands in the ...United States, announces the release of the La Aurora Serie 107 Anniversario to mark the company’s 107th year of operation in ...the Dominican Republic. As part of a year-long campaign to Rediscover La Aurora, 107 retailers across the U-S will be giving away 107 robustos on April 30th
Miami Cigar president Nestor Miranda says, “We have represented La Aurora for over 20 years and feel this is one of the best cigars they have made so far. We believe so much in the 107 that we are giving cigar smokers the chance to try it for free. All anyone has to do is buy a cigar, any cigar, at one of the participating retailers on April 30 and we’ll give you a free 107.”
La Aurora vice president Guillermo Léon adds, “We realize that while our family has been making fine handcrafted cigars for more than a century, some cigar smokers still have not tried our products and others remember when we only made cigars in the mild range. La Aurora has been developing medium to full bodied cigars with full flavor and we want to let people know how we have changed. The Rediscover La Aurora is part of our outreach to those smokers.” The 107, which uses a Sun Grown Ecuador wrapper over 6 year old fillers and binder from Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, will come in boxes of 21 with a suggested retail price between $6 to $8, plus any local taxes.
There will be 3 sizes: Robusto (4.5x50); Toro (5.5x54); and a Belicoso (6.25 x 52). The 107 will only be available at brick and mortar tobacconists
Miami Cigar & Company, the exclusive distributor for La Aurora brands in the ...United States, announces the release of the La Aurora Serie 107 Anniversario to mark the company’s 107th year of operation in ...the Dominican Republic. As part of a year-long campaign to Rediscover La Aurora, 107 retailers across the U-S will be giving away 107 robustos on April 30th
Miami Cigar president Nestor Miranda says, “We have represented La Aurora for over 20 years and feel this is one of the best cigars they have made so far. We believe so much in the 107 that we are giving cigar smokers the chance to try it for free. All anyone has to do is buy a cigar, any cigar, at one of the participating retailers on April 30 and we’ll give you a free 107.”
La Aurora vice president Guillermo Léon adds, “We realize that while our family has been making fine handcrafted cigars for more than a century, some cigar smokers still have not tried our products and others remember when we only made cigars in the mild range. La Aurora has been developing medium to full bodied cigars with full flavor and we want to let people know how we have changed. The Rediscover La Aurora is part of our outreach to those smokers.” The 107, which uses a Sun Grown Ecuador wrapper over 6 year old fillers and binder from Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, will come in boxes of 21 with a suggested retail price between $6 to $8, plus any local taxes.
There will be 3 sizes: Robusto (4.5x50); Toro (5.5x54); and a Belicoso (6.25 x 52). The 107 will only be available at brick and mortar tobacconists
Monday, April 12, 2010
Nestor Miranda Selection Dominicano Oscuro Robusto Grande Review
Nestor Miranda Selection Dominicano Oscuro Robusto Grande - 5.5 X 54. Wrapper - Dominican Oscuro, Binder - Nicargua, Filler - Nicaragua. This is a very well balanced and complex cigar that is slightly to the right of medium bodied.
Initial taste of dry oak & leather which quickly becomes a sweet cream, leather, oak and an underlying spice.
As I continued through the cigar, flavors of sweet cream, leather, spice and oak remained but now I was getting some notes of nuts as well.
The last third revealed even more complexity. In addtion to the sweet cream, leather, oak & the underlying spice, I also noticed a consistent earthiness and some notes of vanilla every now and then. Slight hint of rum flavor as well. Long finish after each draw of sweet cream and leather.
Construction & burn were good - the wrapper did get a slight crack towards the end and the burn had to be corrected twice, but that was it. The draw however, was perfect. Price point on this vitola is approx. $7.50. I have to say that this is another fantastic, complex and well balanced Nestor Miranda cigar that I once again have to recommend trying.
Initial taste of dry oak & leather which quickly becomes a sweet cream, leather, oak and an underlying spice.
As I continued through the cigar, flavors of sweet cream, leather, spice and oak remained but now I was getting some notes of nuts as well.
The last third revealed even more complexity. In addtion to the sweet cream, leather, oak & the underlying spice, I also noticed a consistent earthiness and some notes of vanilla every now and then. Slight hint of rum flavor as well. Long finish after each draw of sweet cream and leather.
Construction & burn were good - the wrapper did get a slight crack towards the end and the burn had to be corrected twice, but that was it. The draw however, was perfect. Price point on this vitola is approx. $7.50. I have to say that this is another fantastic, complex and well balanced Nestor Miranda cigar that I once again have to recommend trying.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Giralda Tablado (Robusto) Natural Review
Giralda Tablado (Robusto) Natural - 5 X 50. Wrapper - Ecuador, Binder - Nicaragua & Honduras, Filler - Nicaragua. Between Medium and Full bodied. Blended and made by Don Pepin.
Initial taste is a blast of pepper and cedar which quickly becomes a creamy sweet caramel flavor with cedar, coffee and an underlying spice. Very balanced. As the cigar progressed, the smooth flavors of sweet caramel, coffee, cedar and spice continued with all of the flavors balancing together very nicely.
Somewhere during the last third of the cigar, I began to feel the strength picking up along with the spice. Coffee and cedar increased a bit as well, along with the creamy caramel still present. Very long finish of caramel, spice and coffee coating the palate.
This was a very good, balanced and complex cigar that delivered nice distinct flavors. Construction, burn and draw were perfect. MSRP on this vitola is $6.05 which makes a cigar of this caliber a very good value. A definite recommendation to try.
Initial taste is a blast of pepper and cedar which quickly becomes a creamy sweet caramel flavor with cedar, coffee and an underlying spice. Very balanced. As the cigar progressed, the smooth flavors of sweet caramel, coffee, cedar and spice continued with all of the flavors balancing together very nicely.
Somewhere during the last third of the cigar, I began to feel the strength picking up along with the spice. Coffee and cedar increased a bit as well, along with the creamy caramel still present. Very long finish of caramel, spice and coffee coating the palate.
This was a very good, balanced and complex cigar that delivered nice distinct flavors. Construction, burn and draw were perfect. MSRP on this vitola is $6.05 which makes a cigar of this caliber a very good value. A definite recommendation to try.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Alec Bradley Press Release 4/5/10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Alec Bradley Family Blend Delivers Quadruplets
Expanded selection will now be offered in five frontmarks
Summary: Alec Bradley Cigars have expanded their critically-acclaimed Family Blend selection to five frontmarks. Recently, the Family Blend VR1 Robusto was the second Alec Bradley cigar in as many years to be included in Cigar Aficionado's "Top 25 Cigars" of the year. Family Blend is produced at Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas in Honduras with a full-flavored, three-nation blend rolled in specially aged Trojes wrapper leaves. The cigars are presented in boxes of 20 that are also signed by the fathers of Alec Bradley's three principle partners. SRP will range from $5.95 to $7.25 a cigar.
DANIA, FL -- April 2, 2010 -- Alec Bradley Cigars, makers of the highly-acclaimed Tempus and new Prensado premium cigar selections, have been handing out cigars to celebrate the newest arrivals to their family. The Alec Bradley Family Blend selection VR1 Robusto, the second Alec Bradley cigar to make Cigar Aficionado magazine's coveted "Top 25 Cigars" of the year, now has four new siblings.
Alec Bradley Family Blend debuted last year in honor of the fathers of Alec Bradley's three principal executives, Alan Rubin (President), Ralph Montero (Vice President), and George Sosa (Director Of Sales).
Blended at Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas in Honduras, the factory that also produces Alec Bradley Tempus, Family Blend consists of specially selected Honduran and Nicaraguan longfillers, plus an Indonesian binder, seamlessly rolled in a very carefully aged Honduran Trojes wrapper leaf. Cigar smokers can expect a medium-bodied smoke with a rich, dark tobacco flavor and subtle earthy undertones.
Following are the names of all the cigars in the expanded series and their suggested list prices:
D3 - 41⁄2" x 58 @ $5.95 SRP/cigar VR1 - 51⁄2" x 50 @ $6.50 SRP/cigar BX2 - 6" x 54 @ $6.95 SRP/cigar M23 - 7" x 50 @ $7.25 SRP/cigar T11 - 6 1/8" x 52 @ $7.25 SRP/cigar
If the names appear unusual, it shouldn't be so surprising. Many premium cigar manufacturers use numbers and letters for some of their releases. But since the inspiration for this line came from three different families, there's more to the cigars' names than meets the eye. According to George Sosa, the letters and numbers for each vitola refer to names and dates that are significant to certain family members. "We've become so fond of this line, we thought it would be interesting to add a 'family secret' kind of element to the cigars," said Sosa.
Presented in boxes of 20 cigars, all of the new sizes in the Alec Bradley Family Blend selection will feature a pigtail cap, with the exception of the T11 Torpedo. The boxes and trays will also bear the signatures of David Rubin, Miguel Montero and Reinaldo Sosa.
About Alec Bradley Cigars
Founded by Alan Rubin in 1997, Alec Bradley Cigars (www.AlecBradley.com) has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading producers of fine, handmade premium cigars. Alec Bradley has received the cigar industry's highest critical acclaim for its Occidental Reserve, Trilogy, Maxx, and Tempus cigar selections. Their commitment to satisfying cigar enthusiasts worldwide is demonstrated by their passion for excellence, creativity, and high quality standards.
Alec Bradley Family Blend Delivers Quadruplets
Expanded selection will now be offered in five frontmarks
Summary: Alec Bradley Cigars have expanded their critically-acclaimed Family Blend selection to five frontmarks. Recently, the Family Blend VR1 Robusto was the second Alec Bradley cigar in as many years to be included in Cigar Aficionado's "Top 25 Cigars" of the year. Family Blend is produced at Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas in Honduras with a full-flavored, three-nation blend rolled in specially aged Trojes wrapper leaves. The cigars are presented in boxes of 20 that are also signed by the fathers of Alec Bradley's three principle partners. SRP will range from $5.95 to $7.25 a cigar.
DANIA, FL -- April 2, 2010 -- Alec Bradley Cigars, makers of the highly-acclaimed Tempus and new Prensado premium cigar selections, have been handing out cigars to celebrate the newest arrivals to their family. The Alec Bradley Family Blend selection VR1 Robusto, the second Alec Bradley cigar to make Cigar Aficionado magazine's coveted "Top 25 Cigars" of the year, now has four new siblings.
Alec Bradley Family Blend debuted last year in honor of the fathers of Alec Bradley's three principal executives, Alan Rubin (President), Ralph Montero (Vice President), and George Sosa (Director Of Sales).
Blended at Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas in Honduras, the factory that also produces Alec Bradley Tempus, Family Blend consists of specially selected Honduran and Nicaraguan longfillers, plus an Indonesian binder, seamlessly rolled in a very carefully aged Honduran Trojes wrapper leaf. Cigar smokers can expect a medium-bodied smoke with a rich, dark tobacco flavor and subtle earthy undertones.
Following are the names of all the cigars in the expanded series and their suggested list prices:
D3 - 41⁄2" x 58 @ $5.95 SRP/cigar VR1 - 51⁄2" x 50 @ $6.50 SRP/cigar BX2 - 6" x 54 @ $6.95 SRP/cigar M23 - 7" x 50 @ $7.25 SRP/cigar T11 - 6 1/8" x 52 @ $7.25 SRP/cigar
If the names appear unusual, it shouldn't be so surprising. Many premium cigar manufacturers use numbers and letters for some of their releases. But since the inspiration for this line came from three different families, there's more to the cigars' names than meets the eye. According to George Sosa, the letters and numbers for each vitola refer to names and dates that are significant to certain family members. "We've become so fond of this line, we thought it would be interesting to add a 'family secret' kind of element to the cigars," said Sosa.
Presented in boxes of 20 cigars, all of the new sizes in the Alec Bradley Family Blend selection will feature a pigtail cap, with the exception of the T11 Torpedo. The boxes and trays will also bear the signatures of David Rubin, Miguel Montero and Reinaldo Sosa.
About Alec Bradley Cigars
Founded by Alan Rubin in 1997, Alec Bradley Cigars (www.AlecBradley.com) has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading producers of fine, handmade premium cigars. Alec Bradley has received the cigar industry's highest critical acclaim for its Occidental Reserve, Trilogy, Maxx, and Tempus cigar selections. Their commitment to satisfying cigar enthusiasts worldwide is demonstrated by their passion for excellence, creativity, and high quality standards.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Cuban Stock Royal Selection Corona Review
Cuban Stock Royal Selection Corona - 5.5 X 44. Wrapper - Ecuador, Binder -Dominican, Filler - Dominican.. Medium - Full.
Initial taste of of dry oak and espresso coffee which quickly turned into flavors of earthy, dark coffee with a wine-like sweetness and an underlying spiceiness.
At about the halfway point of this cigar, the red wine sweetness took on some notes of chocolate flavor along with the coffee and now some leather coming into play along with the spicy undertone.
The last third of this cigar had a tangy, leathery taste dominating, spiceiness still present and the continued wine-like sweetness. Long finish of spicy, tangy leather.
Construction was good, burn was razor sharp with a light grey ash and the draw was perfect. Pricepoint is $6.50. I was a bit surprised at the amount of complexity given that it is a cigar with a 44 ring guage. A very enjoyable cigar and I do recommend giving this cigar a try.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Press Release: Perdomo Cigars lowering their prices
April 2, 2010
Dear Cigar Lovers,
At this very same time last year, we were all hit with the punitive SCHIP, a 700% tax increase on premium cigars.
Our company, Tabacalera Perdomo, made a courageous decision and absorbed this ridiculous tax on more than 70% of our brands and also reduced the price of our famous Perdomo Reserve line, by $25.00 to $37.50 a box! When manufacturers were again raising prices in these tough times, we went completely against the industry trend and lowered our price points last April. As we approach the completion of the first year since that dreadful “cigar tax day,”
I am proud to say that the huge risk we took paid off as you spread the word and supported Perdomo Cigars.
With today’s poor economy and the continued attacks of taxation and smoking bans, I spend most of my days asking: What can I do to ensure you will have the opportunity to enjoy Perdomo cigars every day? My solution is complex and difficult, but it’s simply the right thing to do. This year, as you continue to experience numerous price increases again – in addition to last year’s outrageous taxes - I ask myself, “Aren’t we in this together?” My answer is an unequivocal “Yes!” That’s why, starting in April, we will reduce the prices on even more of our most popular brands, including our Perdomo Lot 23, Perdomo Grand Cru, Perdomo 2 (Squared) L.E. 2008!
As we roll back our prices on Perdomo cigars to levels not seen since 2007, you may ask yourself: “Why is Nick doing this again?” My answer is quite simple: I trust that cigar smokers are smart with their hard earned dollars and will recognize Tabacalera Perdomo’s efforts to provide premium quality cigars at very affordable prices.
A year ago, when we reduced our prices, many of you called or emailed to thank me. Our sales team also received numerous handshakes and compliments. I sincerely thank you and I will always remember your kind words. As one of the few remaining family owned and operated American cigar companies, we control every aspect of the agricultural, manufacturing, and distribution of our brands. Efficiency and total quality control continue to be our top priorities, and this will not change, I assure you!
On behalf of the “Perdomo family” in Miami, Nicaragua, and across the United States, we want to thank you for your loyalty and support. We look forward to many more years of offering you outstanding Perdomo cigars at affordable prices!
Sincerely,
Nick Perdomo, Jr.
President, CEO
Tabacalera Perdomo
http://www.perdomocigars.com
Dear Cigar Lovers,
At this very same time last year, we were all hit with the punitive SCHIP, a 700% tax increase on premium cigars.
Our company, Tabacalera Perdomo, made a courageous decision and absorbed this ridiculous tax on more than 70% of our brands and also reduced the price of our famous Perdomo Reserve line, by $25.00 to $37.50 a box! When manufacturers were again raising prices in these tough times, we went completely against the industry trend and lowered our price points last April. As we approach the completion of the first year since that dreadful “cigar tax day,”
I am proud to say that the huge risk we took paid off as you spread the word and supported Perdomo Cigars.
With today’s poor economy and the continued attacks of taxation and smoking bans, I spend most of my days asking: What can I do to ensure you will have the opportunity to enjoy Perdomo cigars every day? My solution is complex and difficult, but it’s simply the right thing to do. This year, as you continue to experience numerous price increases again – in addition to last year’s outrageous taxes - I ask myself, “Aren’t we in this together?” My answer is an unequivocal “Yes!” That’s why, starting in April, we will reduce the prices on even more of our most popular brands, including our Perdomo Lot 23, Perdomo Grand Cru, Perdomo 2 (Squared) L.E. 2008!
As we roll back our prices on Perdomo cigars to levels not seen since 2007, you may ask yourself: “Why is Nick doing this again?” My answer is quite simple: I trust that cigar smokers are smart with their hard earned dollars and will recognize Tabacalera Perdomo’s efforts to provide premium quality cigars at very affordable prices.
A year ago, when we reduced our prices, many of you called or emailed to thank me. Our sales team also received numerous handshakes and compliments. I sincerely thank you and I will always remember your kind words. As one of the few remaining family owned and operated American cigar companies, we control every aspect of the agricultural, manufacturing, and distribution of our brands. Efficiency and total quality control continue to be our top priorities, and this will not change, I assure you!
On behalf of the “Perdomo family” in Miami, Nicaragua, and across the United States, we want to thank you for your loyalty and support. We look forward to many more years of offering you outstanding Perdomo cigars at affordable prices!
Sincerely,
Nick Perdomo, Jr.
President, CEO
Tabacalera Perdomo
http://www.perdomocigars.com
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