Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve Review


Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve - 6.25 X 52. Wrapper - Connecticut Broadleaf, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Spicy Earthiness.

First third - Spice, citrus, Earth and leathery notes.

Second third - Spice with tangy fruit-like citrus, Earthiness and leather on the back end.

Last third - Spiciness continues with the tangy fruitiness, Earth and now a very nice chocolate flavor emerges followed by the leather. Long finish of citrus spice & Earthiness.

Construction - Beautiful darkish-brown wrapper with no major veins. Silky sheen and smooth in texture. Triple capped. Burn was pretty much straight with a light-gray, semi solid ash that did hold on despite not being totally solid. Burn was very good with the average amount of smoke produced.

An impressive tasting cigar with excellent complexity and balance. As the cigar progresses, it builds in complexity until it reaches a crescendo of wonderful bold flavors. The chocolate flavor in the last third really was a very nice surprise. MSRP for this vitola is $12.00. Definitely a cigar for after a full meal. A must try for those looking for a very complex, balanced and full-bodied smoke.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Alec Bradley to Release “Fine & Rare” Cigar on 11-11-11


IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Alec Bradley to Release “Fine & Rare” Cigar on 11-11-11
New, very limited edition 10 leaf blend will debut this November

DANIA, FL – October 21, 2011 – No, it's not a new Broadway musical, a reality TV series, or a law office. Fine & Rare is the name of the latest and perhaps the most ambitious cigar yet from the award-winning Alec Bradley Cigars. Scheduled to arrive in cigar stores on November 11th, 2011, Fine & Rare is made in just one size, a 6” x 52 Toro format, and will be a limited edition release of only 1,111 boxes.

Known for pushing the envelope when it comes to marketing premium handmade cigars, Alec Bradley's Fine & Rare is no different. Produced at Fábrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas, the cigar boasts a shimmering Honduran Trojes wrapper leaf that conceals dual Honduran and Nicaraguan binders plus seven long-filler tobaccos which the company prefers not to disclose. To ensure the consistency of every cigar, Raíces Cubanas assigned only one team for the job which was supervised by Alex Miguel Artica. The cigars are meticulously rolled, and each vitola has been assigned a serial number which is imprinted on the band.

Alec Bradley believes this cigar is the only cigar in the world made with 10 different tobaccos; moreover, the cigars have been aging since production was completed in August of 2010. Since then, the master team has moved on to another special project that will be released in 2012.

Each of the 11,110 cigars bear the signatures of Alan Rubin (President), Ralph Montero (Vice President), Alex Miguel Artica (Supervisor), Antonia Baquedano Aluarenga (Master Roller), and Juan Miguel Rodriguez (Master Buncher).

“1000 boxes are already pre-sold for retail cigar stores, said Alan Rubin, “They sold out in 15 minutes back in July.”

100 boxes containing 10 Toros and 10 torpedos will be used at Mr. Rubin’s discretion, while another 11 boxes containing 30 cigars (10 Toros, 10 Torpedos and 10 Perfectos) will be used to raise money for Alec Bradley supported charities.

“Since we were only able to make 1,111 boxes, we thought it would be fun to release the cigars on 11-11-11,” said Alan Rubin. “I'm really excited about this cigar, too. We've done a lot of special things over the years, but this cigar is really in a class by itself. We took as much time as we needed to carefully select only the best of the best tobaccos. It's one of the reasons we could only make a limited number of boxes. As for the smoke itself, it's aromatic, full-flavored and as about complex as it gets.”

Fine & Rare will be presented in boxes of 10 cigars with an MSRP of $14.00 per cigar (pending taxation).

For more information on Alec Bradley Fine & Rare cigars, visit the www.facebook.com/alecbradleycigar
* * *
About Alec Bradley Cigars
Founded by Alan Rubin in 1997, Alec Bradley Cigars 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 Family Blend, Maxx, Tempus, Select Cabinet Reserve, Vice Press and Prensado premium cigars. Their commitment to satisfying cigar enthusiasts worldwide is demonstrated by their passion for excellence, creativity, and the highest quality standards.

Alec Bradley Cigar Co.
3400 SW 26th Terrace, Suite A-1
Dania, Florida 33312
www.alecbradley.com

Contact: Sam Phillips | Ph: 239-682-4080

Monday, October 17, 2011

Zino Platinum Z Class Series 546P "Piramides" Review


Zino Platinum Z Class Series 546P "Piramides" - 5.25 X 46. Wrapper - Dominican Republic, Binder - Peru (Pelo De Oro), Filler - Nicaragua & Honduras. Medium - full but closer to full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Peppery & woody.

First third - Tingly spice, citrus & Earthy leather.

Second third - Pepper spice with tangy citrus, Earth and leather. Very nice balance.

Last third - The tingly spice continues with the citrus and Earthy leather. Nice long finish of spice and tangy leather.

Construction - a somewhat bumpy, light-brown wrapper with a couple of moderate sized veins. Burn was good with a salt & pepper colored ash that was solid and held on. Draw was slightly tight but otherwise good overall with a good amount of smoke.

An excellent cigar with the type of flavor profile that I really enjoy - spicy, lemony leather with the added bonus of the Earthiness. Very good complexity and balance. Draw could have been a bit looser but did not really affect the smoking experience. MSRP on this size is $8.00 which is pretty good considering it is a Zino and they tend to be on the pricey side. Definitely a cigar for after a heavy meal. By far the best and most fullest bodied Zino I have tried.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Alec Bradley Black Market Robusto Review


Alec Bradley Black Market Robusto - 5.25 X 54. Wrapper - Nicaragua, Binder - Sumatra, Filler - Panama, Honduras. Medium-full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Earth & wood.

First third - Spice, Earth, woodiness, leather with some bitterness and a chocolaty sweetness emerging about halfway through the first third.

Second third - Spice, bittersweet chocolate Earthiness and leather. The woodiness has now diminished during this part of the cigar. Smooth with nice balance.

Last third - Spice, bittersweet chocolate earthiness and leather. Nice long finish of spicy Earthiness.

Construction - Beautiful silky sheen, dark-brown wrapper with no major veins. Burn was decent with a darkish-gray colored ash that held on and was solid. Draw was good with a good amount of smoke.

When I first learned that this cigar has Panamanian tobacco in it, I was a bit concerned as to how it would affect the cigar as it is a leaf that if not blended correctly, can really make the cigar profile taste bitter. I did experience this in the first half inch of this cigar, but then the balance kicked in and really gave this cigar great smoothness. Excellent complexity as well - I really liked the spiciness blended with the bittersweet chocolate. The Earthiness (from the Panamanian tobacco) was deep and rich and really worked very well with the other flavors. MSRP for this size is $8.00 which is pretty much the price point you would expect from an Alec Bradley Cigar. I would put this cigar near the top of their portfolio as one of my favorites right beside the Tempus Maduro. Definite recommend.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale -"Club" Review


La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale -"Club" - 5.75 X 47. Wrapper - Honduras Connecticut Seed, Double Binder - Nicaragua & Mexican, Filler - Nicaragua & Dominican Ligero and proprietary leaf. Medium bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Dry cedar wood.

First third - Spice and cedar with sweet creamy notes.

Second third - Spice, and now the sweet maple creaminess increases with underlying cedar. Excellent balance.

Last third - Spice, maple-sweet cream and cedar wood. Medium finish of spice and sweet cream.

Construction - Light-brown wrapper with three major veins visible. Very slight sheen. Burn was uneven producing a very dark gray (almost black) colored ash that was loose and flaky. Draw was perfect with good amounts of smoke.

I am usually not a big fan of Connecticut wrapped cigars but this cigar is definitely among the best that I have tried. It is actually a very good cigar - tasty, with good complexity and great balance. I really enjoyed the creamy maple sweetness balanced with the spiciness. I could see this cigar becoming part of my regular rotation and with an MSRP of $7.00 for this size, it makes even more sense to stock up on these cigars. With it being just about medium in body, this cigar can be smoked anytime of the day from morning with your coffee, to after a substantial dinner. Wether you are normally a Connecticut cigar smoker or not, I think that this is a cigar that would appeal to many different smokers.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Quesada Oktoberfest Bavarian Review


Quesada Oktoberfest Bavarian - 5.5 X 52. Wrapper - Dominican Cibao, Binder - Dominican Republic, Filler - Dominican Republic. Full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Black coffee and pepper.

First third - Peppery, Earthy leather with sweet fruity notes.

Second third - Pepper with a Earthy, sweet fruitiness and chewy leather. Very nicely balanced.

Last third - Peppery spice continues along with the Earthiness, sweet fruitiness and thick leather. Very nice long finish of spice and sweet Earthiness.

Construction - One of the best in the business when it comes to beautiful and strong wrappers - oily and dark brown in color with no major veins. Straight burn with a dark gray solid ash that holds on. Draw was very good as well with the perfect amount of smoke produced.

A fantastic cigar that takes you on a wonderful journey of complex, rich and bold flavors. The balance was excellent as well. The pepper along with the Earthy, fruity sweetness and leather made for a very enjoyable profile that coats your palate with lingering tasty flavors. MSRP for this size is $7.95 which is a great price point for a cigar with super premium taste. Best enjoyed after a full meal accompanied of course by a hearty ale. I absolutely recommend.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

J. C. Newman Brick house Robusto Review


J. C. Newman Brick house Robusto - 5 X 54. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Medium - Full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Oak wood & spice.

First third - Spice, oak with a black coffee & Earthy flavor.

Second third - Spice, but now the Earthiness is more pronounced with a slight sweetness and the oak in the background. Nicely balanced.

Last third - Spice continues with the Earthy sweetness and the underlying oak wood. Nice long finish of Earth and spice.

Construction - A good looking, oily, dark brown wrapper with several moderately sized veins. Straight burn with a gray colored ash that was pretty much solid and did hold on an inch or so at a time. Draw was very good with the correct amount of smoke produced.

The Brick house line has been a favorite regular rotation cigar for me since it first came out a couple of years ago. I enjoy the spicy, sweet earth flavor profile, along with a very consumer friendly MSRP of $5.00 for this particular size. If you are looking for a tasty inexpensive cigar that can be enjoyed on a regular basis, I recommend giving this line a try.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale


La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale

Continuing its tradition of innovation, Team La Gloria is proud to introduce La Gloria Cubana® Artesanos Retro Especiale, a collection that spent eight years in the making.

Inspired by an antique humidor found at the El Credito® Cigar Factory, Michael Giannini and Team La Gloria toiled for nearly a decade to replicate the antique humidor. Inclusive of a two-year process that encompassed cultivating a new wrapper, the development of the blend for Artesanos Retro Especiale was approached with an equal amount of creativity and commitment.

According to Michael Giannini, director of marketing for La Gloria Cubana, “It gives me great pleasure to debut La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale. We set out to create a product that was as unique in its packaging as it is in its taste and I believe we’ve delivered that in spades. I stand with Team La Gloria, fully confident that this collection will be a welcome addition to the smoking repertoires of today’s most discriminating premium cigar smokers.”

Team La Gloria set out to break the mold with the blend by cross-breeding a Connecticut seed, which was then cultivated in Honduras. The maiden crop yielded a hearty, golden wrapper as noteworthy for its color as it is for allowing each of the cigar’s components to enjoy equal bearing on the overall taste of the cigar.

Despite the golden appearance of the wrapper, the blend is brash in its full flavor and engages the entire palate. The double binder of bold Nicaraguan and Mexican leaf is further enhanced not only by Nicaraguan and Dominican ligero but also through an additional peppering of proprietary Nicaraguan and Dominican leaf.

Each of the four frontmarks is uniquely packaged in a 25-count box with a different design and bears a classic name that hearkens back to the early days of La Gloria Cubana. Taino (7” x 52) will be available for a suggested retail price of $7.50 per cigar, or $187.50 per box. Habanero (6” x 52) will sell for an SRP of $7.25 per cigar, or $181.25 per box. Cubano (6 1/2” x 58) will carry an SRP of $8.15 per cigar, or $203.75 per box and Club (5 ¾” x 47) will sell for $7.00 apiece, or $175.00 per box.

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale will debut in mid-August, with private tastings to be held throughout the country. The product will ultimately ship in late September.

About La Gloria Cubana
La Gloria Cubana cigars are produced by General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, which 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 www.cigarworld.com.

® La Gloria Cubana, El Credito, Macanudo, Cohiba, Punch, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.

DiFazio Cigars Barroco "Inmenso" Review


DiFazio Cigars Barroco "Inmenso" - 6 X 60. Wrapper - Nicaragua (Habano Claro), Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Medium bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Cedar spice.

First third - Spice with cedar wood and an Earthy quality emerging.

Second third - Spice continues with cedar and Earthiness. Smooth and very well balanced.
Last third - Spice, cedar and the Earthiness, some cinnamon notes as well. Long finish of spice and Earthiness.

Construction - Beautiful chocolate brown wrapper with a silky smooth texture. No major veins were visible. Burn was razor sharp with a solid, white-colored ash that held on inches at a time. Draw was very good with a good amount of smoke produced.

A superb cigar with good complexity and excellent balance. I found the cedar along with the earthiness to be a very nice combination in a flavor profile that I do not experience too often. MSRP is $11.00 for this vitola. A perfect cigar for anytime in the day - especially a crisp fall afternoon or evening.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

TORAÑO FAMILY CIGAR CO. TO GIVE AWAY 25 WINE REFRIGERATORS AND A GRAND PRIZE TRIP TO ARRINGTON VINEYARDS IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE


TORAÑO FAMILY CIGAR CO. TO GIVE AWAY 25 WINE REFRIGERATORS AND A GRAND PRIZE TRIP TO ARRINGTON VINEYARDS IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

(Miami, FL) October 4, 2011—Toraño Family Cigar Co. has partnered with Arrington Vineyards for a spectacular contest that combines two of the finer things in life: premium handmade cigars and award winning wine. This contest awards 25 lucky winners a stainless steel wine refrigerator that holds twenty-four bottles of wine and qualifies them for a Grand Prize trip to Arrington Vineyards in Nashville, Tennessee.

The idea for this exciting collaboration sprung from the personal relationship between Bruce Lewis, Toraño’s VP of Sales and Marketing, and Kip Summers, the winemaker and one of Arrington Vineyards’ partners with Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn fame). Lewis and Summers have had a mutual admiration for each other’s respective industry for a very long time. The scenic beauty of the vineyards, coupled with an array of incredible wines, has led to many cigar smoking occasions at Arrington. Toraño Family Cigar Co. wanted to share this special experience with one of its consumers.

Toraño Family Cigar Co. is ready to award 25 Toraño branded wine refrigerators in a raffle at select stores around the country. The wine fridge promotion will last for thirty days at each store and will culminate in an end of the month grand event to award the wine refrigerator. Toraño will offer unique merchandise and specials at each store during the month long promo. The most unique item is a bottle of Arrington Vineyards-Toraño Antebellum private barrel reserve wine. This Toraño private label wine was created by Arrington Vineyards and was made specifically to compliment the fine cigars created by the Toraño family. This distinctive wine has been aged for 16 months in oak wine barrels then aged a further 6 months in Tennessee whiskey barrels. The pairing of Toraño cigars with the Arrington Antebellum can be experienced only at select tobacconists.

The grand prize trip to Nashville, Tennessee will be an all-expense paid weekend experience that will feature a grand tour of the Arrington Vineyards facility complete with a tasting of their exquisite wines. The contest winner will be treated to a gourmet lunch on the outdoor bistro tables overlooking 75 acres of sheer beauty. The contest winner will enjoy some of Toraño’s finest cigars as they are joined by Charlie Toraño himself. The experience of smoking some of the finest cigars, while sipping on award winning wines, will surely be a treat for a true cigar & wine enthusiast.

Charlie Toraño is proud to share his Toraño -Arrington private label wine as he knows the value of “making time to burn” with a great cigar while being able relax with a fine bottle of wine. He looks forward to being able to award 25 lucky winners a stainless steel wine refrigerator and is excited to make his way to Arrington Vineyard with the grand prize winner.

For more information on the 25 participating stores, prizes, and Toraño -Arrington in store specials please go to www.Torano.com. Also, for more information on Arrington Vineyards, please go to www.Arringtonvineyards.com

A leader in the cigar industry, Toraño Family Cigar Company is a four generation company currently based in Miami, FL. It enjoys a rich heritage and history in tobacco growing and manufacturing. For more information: www.Toraño.com. Please also follow Toraño on Face book: Toraño A family Cigar Company or on Twitter: @TORAÑO FAMCIGARS.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

CAO La Traviata Intrepido Review


CAO La Traviata Intrepido - 7 X 54. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Habano, Binder - Cameroon, Filler - Nicaragua & Dominican Republic. Medium - Full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Dry cedar wood.

First third - Spice, sweetness, cedar and leather.

Second Third - Spice continues with a nice cedar sweetness, leather and some notes of nuttiness.

Last third - More of the same - spice, sweet cedar, leather and nutty notes. Long tasty finish of spicy cedar and leather.

Construction - Good looking, light-brown wrapper with a couple of moderate size veins visible. Dry texture. Burn was good with a salt & pepper colored solid ash that holds on. Draw was perfect as has been my experience with this line.

Once again I find this cigar line to be a wonderful, tasty smoke. Plenty of complexity and the balance is always spot-on. The only difference that I found with this size as compared to the smaller ring gauges is that the cedar flavor seems to be a bit more dominant than the leather. MSRP is a very affordable $5.75 which is especially good for a cigar this big. If you like to smoke outside as much as I do, I would recommend this particular size from springtime until fall while the weather is still nice as it is a long smoke. Otherwise, I would go with the robusto or the Animados size ( 5 5/8 X 46) for when the days get colder.