INCH Series by E.P. Carrillo No. 64 Natural Review

INCH Series by E.P. Carrillo No. 64 Natural - 6 1/8 X 64. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - 3 leaves from Dominican Republic (a mix of Dominican Piloto Cubano, Corojo and Criollo '98 and some Nicaraguan viso. The inspiration for the name and the antique ruler styled band comes from the 64 ring gauge which measures one inch in diameter. Full bodied.

 Initial lighting taste - Dry wood and spice.

 First third - Oily leather followed by spice and a fruity, plum flavor.

Second third - Oily leather continues along with spice and plum fruit. Extremely smooth flavors.

Last third - Oily leather, spiciness and plum fruitiness. Long wonderful finish of spice and leather.

Construction - Attractive looking, light-brown colored wrapper with some small veins visible, a silky texture and a triple cap head. Very nice.

Burn - Straight burn with a dark gray, slightly flaky ash. The ash did hold on until tapped off.

Draw - Very good draw with tons of smoke.

Loved this cigar - I was amazed at how tasty this cigar was for such a big ring gauge. Complexity was very good but the balance and smoothness of this smoke is what really stands out. MSRP for this vitola is a very consumer friendly $10.00 which is a bargain for a 2 hour plus smoke. The INCH Series will be a regular production line, but due to the limited availability of filler leaves in the blend, only 100,000-125,000 cigars will be produced in 2012 and come in both Natural (Ecuadorian Sumatra) and Maduro (Connecticut Broadleaf) in the following sizes:

No. 60 - 5 7/8 X 60 (Box of 24) $210/$8.75

No. 62 - 5 X 62 (Box of 24) $186/$7.75
No. 64 - 6 1/8 X 64 (Box of 24) $240/$10.00

Highly recommended.

Aging Room Havao Connecticut "Impromptu" Robusto Review

Aging Room Havao Connecticut "Impromptu" Robusto - 5 X 48. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Connecticut, Binder - Dominican Havano Criollo, Filler -Dominican Havano Criollo. Between mild and medium bodied.

Initial taste - Cedar and pepper.

First third - A nice breadiness with cedar and a peppery spice. A tangy citrus begins to emerge.

Second third - Citrus is now the dominant flavor followed by spice, bread and cedar. Nicely balanced.

Last third - Tangy citrus, spice, breadiness and cedar. Long finish of tangy spice that lingers on the palate.

Construction - Beautiful light-brown wrapper with a silky oil texture. No major veins and a very well constructed triple cap head.

Burn - Sharp burn line producing a light-gray, solid ash that holds on.

Draw - Perfect draw with plenty of smoke exhaled.

A wonderful cigar with the most unique flavor profile that I have tasted in a Connecticut with the tangy citrus flavor. Very good complexity and balance. I bit fuller than other Connecticut cigars that I have smoked. MSRP for this size is $5.50. A perfect cigar for early in the day but can also be enjoyed later on even after a big meal. Highly recommended.

Torano Master Habano Maduro Robusto Review

Torano Master Habano Maduro Robusto - Wrapper - Nicaraguan Habano Maduro, Binder - Ecuadorian Habano, Filler - Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. Full bodied.

Initial taste - Peppery spice and cedar.

First third - Pepper, Earth some leather and cedar with some sweetness emerging toward the end of the first third.

Second third - The pepper settles down to a steady spice followed by a wonderful caramel sweetness, Earth and cedar notes. The leather flavor is now gone. Very nice balance.

Last third - Spiciness continues along with the sweet caramel Earthiness and cedar notes. Long wonderful finish of sweet Earthiness and spice.

Construction - Beautiful dark-brown, oily wrapper with no major veins and a nicely constructed cap.

Burn - Fairly straight burn with a salt & pepper colored ash that was a bit flakey but held on.

Draw - Very nice draw producing a generous amount of smoke.

A fantastic cigar with a great flavor profile that had both bold flavor and smooth balance. The complexity was very good as well. At first this cigar was a spice bomb but settles down and smoothes out to create a wonderful smoking experience. MSRP for the Robusto is $7.00 which is a great price point for such a good smoke. This is a cigar I could smoke all day, every day - highly recommended.

Alec Bradley American Sun Grown Blend Robusto Review

Alec Bradley American Sun Grown Blend Robusto - Wrapper - Nicaragua Habano (Jalapa), Binder - Nicaragua (Jalapa), Filler - Nicaragua (Esteli & Condega). Medium bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Cedar and spice.

First third - Spice followed by cedar, leather and a slight bitter, mineral taste.

Second third - In this third of the cigar, the flavors settle down and smooth out - spice, cedar, leather and a nice citrus flavor emerges.

Last third - Spice continues along with leather, tangy citrus and cedar. Long finish of spicy citrus and leather.

Construction - Attractive dark brown wrapper with no soft spots or major veins. There was a nice oil sheen to the cigar as well as a good looking cap.

Burn - Straight burn with a solid white colored ash that holds on.

Draw - The draw was very good providing ample amounts of smoke.

Although this cigar started off slow for me in the first third, it really picked up in nice complex and balanced flavors - this is a cigar that builds as you smoke it with a very nice last third. It also tends to smoke hot so you have to take your time smoking this cigar. MSRP for this vitola is $4.75 which is a very consumer friendly price point and a great value for what you get in this cigar. I would recommend trying this cigar.

East India Trading Company to release "Red Witch"

The East India Trading Company, a subsidiary of the Gurkha Cigar Group, Inc are proud to announce the upcoming launch of the ‘Red Witch’, which will ‘set sail’ at this year’s IPCPR trade show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL on August 2-6th.

Red Witch is the second cigar release under the East India Trading Company, with the first being the enormously successful ‘Wicked Indie’ last fall. Named after a trading ship from the British rule during the 1800’s, Red Witch is a medium to full bodied cigar featuring a silky Ecuadorian, Rosado wrapper, paired with a carefully selected Dominican binder and 3–year aged filler from the mountainous region of Jalapa, Nicaragua.

The Red Witch is an attractive, box-pressed cigar offering tasting notes of spice, earth and sweet delicate undertones with a long and smooth finish. Housed in rustic 50-count boxes, Red Witch will be available in three vitola’s: 5 x 52 robusto, 6 x 54 rothchild, and a 6 x 60 XO with an MSRP: $4.99-$6.39. These cigars will be on display at the 2012 International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers convention, booth numbers: #1067-1374.

“We are very excited about the launch of Red Witch, which fits in well with the overall theme and heritage of the East India Trading Company,” said Kaizad Hansotia, Chairman of Gurkha Cigar Group. “Trading ships were a vital part to the importing and exporting of goods during this era, where tobacco was one of the earliest traded goods.”

Martin Family of Cigars Maduro Torpedo Review

Martin Family of Cigars Maduro Torpedo - 6.25 X 52. Wrapper - Mexican Maduro, Binder - Nicaraguan Maduro, Filler - Corojo. Medium bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Earth and wood.

First third - Spice, Earth with a sweet floral taste and cedar notes.

Second third - Spice continues along with a sweet floral Earthiness and cedar notes.

Last third - Spice, sweet floral and a rich Earthiness. Cedar flavor fades out at this point. Long finish of a spicy, sweet Earthiness.

Construction - A somewhat bumpy dark brown wrapper with a nice oily sheen.

Burn - Straight burn with a white colored ash that was both solid and holds on for an inch plus at a time.

Draw - Very good draw producing plenty of smoke.

Another winner from Martin Family of Cigars that was very complex and balanced perfectly. I found the sweet floral flavor very unique and enjoyable. MSRP for this vitola is $7.50 which I feel this cigar is more than worth. Best enjoyed from middle of the day on. I recommend trying this cigar for a very good medium bodied smoke.

Alec Bradley to Release "American Sun Grown Blend" Selection

New addition to “American Classic Blend” offers a fuller-bodied smoke at an attractive price

DANIA, FL – June 15XX, 2012 – Little more than a year after Alec Bradley Cigars debuted their “American Classic Blend,” the critically-acclaimed company has extended the Classic selection with the release of their “American Sungrown Blend.” Scheduled to arrive at retail cigar stores on or about [July 4th. 2012]need date], the American Sungrown Blend cigars provide a fuller-bodied smoke with a little more spice. The cigars are blended with the same EsteliEstelí & Condega-grown long-fillers and Jalapa binder used in the American Classic Blend, but are finished with an attractive sungrown Jalapa Habano wrapper. The addition of this all-Nicaraguan leaf blend will also offer premium cigar smokers a medium-strength cigar in the “value” price range of $43.2095 to $5.7550 per cigar. Additionally, the shapes and suggested retail prices for both the American Classic and American Sungrown Blends are identical (higher tobacco taxation states excluded).

“We had this beautiful sungrown Habano wrapper leaf from Jalapa,” said Alec Bradley Cigars Ppresident, Alan Rubin. “After curing, the leaf acquired a great color, burned well, and had a very rich flavor and aroma. By adding it to the filler and binder we're using in the American Classic Blend, the Sungrown offers the same excellent balance while directing more spice flavors to the palate.”

Alec Bradley American Sungrown Blend cigars will be presented in boxes of 20 cigars in the following six shapes and sizes:

Corona (5½” x 42)
Robusto (5” x 50)
Toro (6” x 50 x 6)
Churchill (7” x 48)
Torpedo (6 1/8” x 52)
Gordo (6” x 60)

“We did our homework,” said Alec Bradley Marketing VP, Sam Phillips, “and found there was room in the marketplace for an affordably-priced cigar with a tad more spice and depth. Likewise, positioning the American Sungrown Blend as a personalized choice for cigar smokers made it a natural as a line extension.”

Gurkha Assassin Robusto Review

Gurkha Assassin Robusto - 4.75 X 50. Wrapper - Brazilian Mata Fina, Binder - Dominican Republic, Filler - Peru and Nicaragua. Full Bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Leather and wood.

First third - Spice followed by leather and cocoa notes.

Second third - Spice, chewy leather, cocoa and some citrus notes.

Last third - Continuation of the spice, chewy leather, cocoa and citrus notes. Long finish of spice and chocolaty leather.

Construction - A nice looking, medium-brown colored wrapper with a silky sheen. No major veins or soft spots. Simple looking cap.

Burn - Straight burn with a semi-solid, salt & pepper colored ash that held on.

Draw - Very good draw with plenty of smoke produced.

A wonderful cigar with plenty of complexity to keep it interesting and great balance to accompany the flavors. The chewy leather was a nice treat as was the cocoa and citrus notes. MSRP for this vitola is $8.90 which I feel this cigar is worth. Another great line from Gurkha which is rapidly becoming one of my favorite cigar companies - definite recommend to try.

La Aurora Puro Vintage 2004 Salomon Review

La Aurora Puro Vintage 2004 Salomon - 6.25 X 52 (Double Tapered). Wrapper - Ecuadorian Corojo, Binder - Dominican Republic, Filler - Dominican Republic. All of the tobacco used for this cigar was culled from a 2004 harvest. This is the second release of the Puro Vintage since the 2003 edition hit the market in 2009. The 2004 edition, comes packaged in boxes of 8 cigars and only 1,000 boxes were produced. Medium bodied.

Initial Lighting taste - Toasted cedar and spice.

First third - Toasty cinnamon and spice followed by leather and wood.

Second third - Toasted cinnamon, spice, leather and wood. Very smooth.

Last third - Continuation of the toasty cinnamon, spice, leather and woody notes. Very nice long finish of cinnamon spice and leather.

Construction - Attractive light-brown wrapper with a couple of minor veins visible and no soft spots. Nicely constructed.
Burn - Straight burn with a dark-gray colored ash that is solid and holds on until tapped off after about an inch and a half.
Draw - The draw was perfect as I have come to expect from all La Aurora products. Plenty of smoke was produced.

I absolutely enjoyed this cigar. I found the flavor profile to be somewhat unique with the toastiness and the cinnamon being the predominant flavors followed by the spice and leather - this is not the usual order of flavors I get from most cigars I smoke. Excellent complexity and balance make this cigar a great smoke. MSRP for this cigar is $18.70 which makes this cigar a special occasion smoke for most, but one that will truly honor that special occasion. A definite recommend to try.

Punch Rare Corojo Rothschild Review

Punch Rare Corojo Rothschild - 4.5 X 50. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Binder - Connecticut Broadleaf, Filler - Honduras, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic (Piloto Cubano). Medium to full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Spicy leather and wood.

First third - Strong spice and leather with a tangy citrus flavor and coriander emerging.

Second third - Spice continues, chewy leather, citrus and coriander spice.

Last third - Spice, leather, citrus and coriander. Long delicious finish of spice and tangy leather.

Construction - Nice looking, reddish-brown wrapper with a silk sheen and no major veins or soft spots. Good cap as well.

Burn - Pretty sharp burn with a solid salt & pepper colored ash. The ash would hold on for over an inch at a time until tapped off.

Draw - Draw was very good and produced plenty of billowy smoke.

This cigar was as good as I remember it being years ago when I first began smoking them. Great flavors balanced very nicely and great complexity and smoothness. I really like the coriander and citrus and of course spice. The wrapper is grown in very limited quantities in the mountains in Ecuador which give it it's extra rich, reddish qualities. MSRP is an amazing $3.59 for this size which makes this an incredible value. I recommended it very highly years ago and I will continue to do so now.

C&C Cigars Corojo Robusto

C&C Cigars Corojo Robusto - 5 X 50. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Corojo, Binder - Dominican Republic, Filler - Dominican Republic. Medium - Full bodied. Debuted in 2011 and owned by Joe Chiusano (former president of Cusano Cigars).

Initial lighting taste - Toasted breadiness and spice.

First third - Spice followed by a creamy breadiness and tangy citrus.

Second third - The citrus becomes more prominent along with the spice and now the creamy breadiness takes on a sweetness. Cinnamon notes are also detected.

Last third - Tangy citrus spice, sweet creamy bread and cinnamon notes. Nice long finish of citrus spice and bread.

Construction - A nice looking wrapper with a slight oil sheen and a somewhat bumpy texture. Not soft spots and triple capped.

Burn - Sharp burn with a light gray colored solid ash that held on for over an inch before being tapped off.

Draw - Very good draw and plenty of smoke produced.

I really enjoyed this cigar. The combination of the spicy citrus and sweet breadiness is a flavor profile that I do taste from time to time in other cigars but not too often - It was a pleasant surprise. Excellent complexity and balance. I like the way the cigar's flavors intensity changed from the first third to the second third - made for an interesting experience. MSRP for this vitola is a very consumer friendly $5.00. The line comes in 3 sizes:

Robusto 5 X 50
Toro 6 X 50
Churchill 7 X 50

A great bang for your buck and I would definitely recommend especially if you are on a budget and want a complex and balanced smoke for everyday.

Berger & Argenti Entubar V32 "Khilla Korona" Review

Berger & Argenti Entubar V32 "Khilla Korona" - 4 7/8 X 50. Wrapper - Nicaraguan Maduro (Jalapa Valley), Binder - Nicaraguan (Esteli, Condega, Jalapa & Jinotega), Filler - Nicaraguan (Esteli, Condega, Jalapa & Jinotega). Medium - Full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Pepper and cedar.

First third - Peppery spice followed by a rich Earthiness with notes of citrus and fruit.

Second third - Now this cigar really begins to settle down and smooth out - Pepper spice up front and now a sweet caramel emerges right along with the Earthiness. Fruit-like notes were also detected.

Last third - Pepper spice, Caramel, Earth and fruity notes continue. Long wonderful finish of Pepper and Earth,

Construction - Attractive, dark-brown wrapper with a nice silky sheen and a somewhat bumpy texture. No soft spots or any major veins.

Burn - A very nice, sharp burn with a salt & pepper colored ash that was solid and held on before being tapped off.

Draw - Perfect draw and just the correct amount of smoke produced with it.

A fantastic cigar from Berger & Argenti - my favorite line from them by far. After the first third, the cigar really allowed you taste all of the complex flavors more distinctly and with better balance. Loved the sweet caramel flavor and the pepper spice. MSRP is $10.99 for this size which is a bit on the pricey side but well worth the money. Only 80,000 cigars were produced on a limited run. The line comes in 4 unique sizes:

"Khilla Korona" - 4 7/8 X 50

"Rogue Rothschild" - 5 5/8 X 54
"Tremendo Toro" - 6 1/4 X 56
"Bruto Belicoso" - 6 3/8 X 60

A definite recommend!

Introducing Partagas 1845 Heritage Rewrapped

Richmond, VA—General Cigar is proud to introduce Partagas 1845, a new, four-cigar collection which embodies 167 years of heritage and expert cigar making. This exciting new take on the venerable brand is a departure from the traditional Cameroon-wrapped expressions of Partagas®, and is set to make its retail debut on April 9, 2012.

Alan Willner, vice president of marketing for General Cigar explains, “Partagas 1845 is uniquely positioned. This new collection celebrates Partagas’ rich heritage while ushering in a new taste spectrum for the brand. As such, it will appeal to the premium cigar smoker who favors the quality and consistency of classic brands, while also sparking the interest of discriminating smokers who constantly seek exciting new tastes.”

Partagas 1845 is full-flavored with a medium-bodied taste profile and bears hints of coffee and cocoa. This unique smoking experience sits firmly between the mild and aromatic flavor of Partagas (yellow box) and the strong and sweet taste of Partagas Black Label.

Jhonys Diaz (vice president of operations) led blend development, collaborating with rising stars from General Cigar Dominicana including Francisco Rodriguez (general manager of operations) and Yuri Guillen (production manager).  In creating Partagas 1845, Jhonys and his team started out with more than 50 different blends from the company’s vast tobacco library. Together with guidance from Benji Menendez, and with input from supervisors from General Cigar’s Dominican and Honduran factories, the blends were continuously test smoked and tweaked until the final blend was chosen by General Cigar’s innovation team.

The legendary Benji Menendez served as an advisor on blend development. In this, his 60^th year in the premium cigar

business, Benji exalts Partagas 1845 as “one of the most significant blends I have ever been involved in developing.”

“Partagas is a brand that is part of my soul and part of my heritage in the business. It is very sentimental for me, so coming out with the next Partagas collection to follow up on the Master Series was a project that I cared very much about. This is a dream come true for me, to help the next generation of cigar masters create new cigars and grow in the business. If I can plant a seed in their minds so they can grow a tree, I am happy,” he reflects.

To achieve the characteristic, full flavor of Partagas 1845, Dominican Piloto Cubano is blended with Nicaraguan tobacco from three separate growing areas. Some of the filler tobaccos are aged in Dominican rum barrels, a process which enhances their flavor, and is exclusive to General Cigar.

The Connecticut Habano binder is unique unto itself, for it was developed as a result of General Cigar’s dedicated research and development initiative and as such, is proprietary. Bearing the distinction of having taken nine years to develop, the binder offsets the blend with a touch of sweetness.

The blend culminates in a lustrous Ecuadoran Habano Viso wrapper which dresses Partagas 1845 in a unique color and hearty texture.

The collection will debut with these four frontmarks, each protected in boxes containing 20 cigars: Corona Extra (4.5” x 46), SRP per cigar $5.99; Robusto (5.5” x 49), SRP per cigar $6.49; Gigante (6” x 60), SRP per cigar $6.99; and Double Corona (7.25” x 54), SPR per cigar $7.49.

The trade dress pays homage to the brand’s rich history, by interpreting elements of a turn-of-the-century Partagas band (circa 1900). The band imagery is rotated for optimal presentation, whether on the shelf, in an ashtray, in hand, or when smoked, and is further highlighted by advanced printing techniques that command attention.

Partagas 1845 is housed in one of the most innovative cigar boxes ever seen in the premium cigar category. Additional details about this industry-first packaging will be released prior to the launch of Partagas 1845 on April 9.

About Partagas Cigars

Partagas 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, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana®, CAO 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.

® Partagas, Macanudo, Cohiba, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur, La Gloria Cubana and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Company.

Canimao Limited Edition Corona Review

Canimao Limited Edition Corona - 6.5 X 42. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Binder - Ecuadorian Sumatra, Filler - Dominican Republic & Nicaragua. Medium - Full bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Cedar & spice.

First third - A good amount of spiciness, citrus, leather and some raisin notes.

Second third - Spice, tangy citrus, leather and the raisin notes. Very nice flavor profile.

Last third - Spice, tangy citrus, leather and raisin notes. Long enjoyable finish of tangy, leathery spice.

Construction - A beautiful, silky-smooth, brown wrapper with no major veins visible or soft spots. Triple capped in the old Cuban style tradition.

Burn - Sharp burn with a white colored, solid ash that held on an inch plus at a time.

Draw - Draw was very good - not too tight and not too loose. A good amount of smoke is produced with this draw.

This is now my favorite line from Canimao Cigars - it is the fullest bodied and has one of my favorite flavor profiles which I am a big fan of - citrus spice, leather and the raisin notes. For my liking, I would put the Limited Edition first followed by the Jibaro and then the Churchill as my top 3 from Canimao Cigars. MSRP is an amazing $6.00 for this vitola which I would gladly pay for a quality cigar such as this one. A cigar best enjoyed after a moderate but substantial meal. I have to give this cigar a "highly recommended" rating.

TORAÑO INVOLVED IN 8TH ANNUAL BOXING EVENT TO BENEFIT THE CHARLEY FOUNDATION

(Miami, Fl.)March 19, 2012 – Toraño Family Cigar Co. was honored to be chosen to participate in the Charley Foundation’s 8th Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids on Friday, March 2, 2012 at Liberty Hall, in The Factory at Franklin. The Charley Foundationis a Nashville-based non-profit organization that provides support to charitable agencies addressing the critical needs of children. This year’s black-tie boxing event was emceed by Storme Warren, host of GAC’s Headline Country and Music Row Happy Hour on Sirius/XM Highway 16 Radio. Tom Baldrica, president of Nashville music label Average Joe’s Entertainment, served as ring announcer.

Toraño Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bruce Lewis and Toraño Territory Manager Andrea Hummel proudly represented Toraño Family Cigar Co. as they hosted guests at the Toraño cigar lounge located on the second level overlooking the boxing ring and stage. Guests who included celebrities and NFL Alumni enjoyed some of Toraño’s finest handmade cigars while taking in a spectacular night of professional boxing, live music performances, and live auction.

Event guests started the evening with gourmet dining and were entertained with musical performances by 80’s pop sensation Tiffany, Country artists Bridgette Tatum, James Otto, and Ira Dean. Once the music died down, the action revved up as four professional boxing bouts were sanctioned by the Tennessee Athletic Commission for the evenings main event. The Toraño lounge was in full swing at this point, as boxing and smoking premium cigars are a perfect match. Bruce Lewis was on hand to educate and share Toraño family history as event guests were able to choose award-winning Toraño cigars from custom made cigar menus created for the event. 

New Vitola: La Aurora 107 Salomon

March 14, 2012 (Miami, FL) – The 107 is getting a line extension, albeit in a limited edition.

Miami Cigar & Company today announced the cigar that helped re-invent the oldest cigar
factory in the Dominican Republic would be released in a salomon. The La Aurora 107 Salomon
will be 7.25 x 52 which was the same size that was used for the Puro Vintage 2003.

Originally released 2 years ago on the 107th Anniversary of La Aurora the 107 consists of a
Ecuadorian Sun Grown Wrapper with Dominican binder over filler consisting of Dominican and
Nicaraguan tobacco.

The cigar will be available to limited accounts nationwide. According to Hector Paz, National
Sales Manager for Miami Cigar & Company, "We would like to use this limited edition to thank
those retailers who have supported the 107 line since the beginning.”

The cigars which come in boxes of 8 will have a MSRP of $12.00 and are expected to ship to
retailers in Mid-June, 2012.

About Miami Cigar & Company Miami Cigar & Company, founded in 1989, is the exclusive US distributor of La Aurora brands which include Guillermo Leon & Leon Jimenes. They are also the worldwide distributor of Tatiana, Don Lino, La Sirena and Nestor Miranda line of cigars.

Quesada Q'Detat Molotov Review

Quesada Q'Detat Molotov - 5 x 44/58/38. Wrapper - Dominican Republic, Binder - Dominican Republic, Filler - Dominican Republic. Full Bodied.

Initial lighting taste - Oak wood.

First third - Earthiness, lemon citrus and spice. Very smooth flavors.

Second third - A little reshuffling of the flavors - Lemony citrus first, followed by the spice and then the Earthiness.

Last third - A continuation of the flavor order in the second third - Lemon citrus, spice and Earth. Very long smooth finish of citrus and spice.

Construction - A very attractive, oily, dark-brown wrapper with minimal veins and not soft spots.
Burn - Razor sharp, dark-gray colored ash this is solid and holds on.
Draw - Perfect draw - not too loose, not too tight. Plenty of smoke produced.

A fantastic little powerhouse of a cigar - very good complexity and great balance. I was impressed at how smooth this cigar was while being so strong. Flavors were very enjoyable, especially the lemon citrus and spice. MSRP for this cigar is $7.95 which is a great price point for this cigar and one that allows you to enjoy them on a regular basis. A cigar best smoked after a hearty meal or at least later in the day. Definite recommend.

Flor De Gonzalez "Qban" Belicoso Review

Flor De Gonzalez "Qban" Belicoso - 6 X 52. Wrapper - Ecuadorian Maduro Habano, Binder - Nicaragua, Filler - Nicaragua. Full bodied.


Initial lighting taste - Dry cedar and spice.

First third - Strong spice, sweet molasses, Earth and cinnamon.

Second third - Strong spiciness continues, molasses, Earthiness and cinnamon.

Last third - Spice, sweet molasses, Earth and cinnamon. Very nice long finish of spice, Earth and cinnamon.

Construction - Beautiful dark-brown wrapper with no major veins and a smooth, oily texture. No soft spots. Burn was razor sharp producing a solid white colored ash that would not fall off. Draw was perfect with just the right amount of smoke.

A fantastic full bodied cigar with plenty of complexity and excellent balance. Tons of flavor and a long finish that coats the palate. I loved the sweet molasses flavor offset by the strong spiciness and Earthiness. Definitely a cigar best enjoyed after a full meal. MSRP for this size is $7.50 which this cigar is more than worth. Very highly recommended.

Wicked Indie Toro Review

Wicked Indie Toro - 6 X 54. Wrapper - Nicaraguan Habano, Binder - Nicaragua (Aged 3 years), Filler - Nicaragua (Aged 3 years). Medium bodied. Made by The East India Trading Company which is a subsidiary of the Beach Cigar Group (Gurkha), and was created to release creative and exciting new brands that did not necessarily fall under the Gurkha image and branding.


Initial lighting taste - Dry cedar and pepper.

First third - A breadiness, pepper, cedar and some sweet notes.

Second third - Breadiness, pepper and a sweet nougat now is becoming more dominant with some woody notes.

Last third - A bready creaminess, sweet nougat, pepper and cedar notes. Long finish of a sweet creaminess and spice.

Construction - Nice looking, light-brown wrapper with some small veins and a slight oily sheen. No soft spots. Burn was straight with a grayish-black colored solid ash that held on. Draw was very good and produced a good amount of smoke.

This was a very impressive cigar that had great complexity and balance.  I particularly liked the way the sweet nougat flavor kept building as I progressed through the cigar.  The bready creaminess was very enjoyable as well.  MSRP is $5.00 for this size which I would smoke everyday at that price.   An excellent choice for a smoke anytime after lunch or a medium-sized meal.  I would definitely recommend for those who enjoy a creamy sweet cigar with pepper spice.    

Punch Rare Corojo Returns to Retail Annual Release Includes 10th Anniversary Blend

General Cigar announces that Punch Rare Corojo will be offered for a limited time, starting today and ending on May 31, 2012, while supplies last. Seven frontmarks will be available, ranging in price from $3.59 to $6.49 per cigar (SRP).

A very limited supply of the Punch Rare Corojo 10th Anniversary edition (5” x 50, SRP $6.99 per cigar) will also be available for sale during the same period, or until the limited quantity is depleted.

Both Punch Rare Corojo and the 10th Anniversary edition are filled with a blend of Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos, and are bound with Connecticut Broadleaf; however, each has a unique wrapper.

Punch Rare Corojo cigars are made with a special, extra rich, dark Sumatra wrapper cultivated in the mountains of Ecuador. Grown only in limited quantity, these rare, reddish leaves give Punch Rare Corojo its uniquely smooth taste.

The 10th Anniversary blend was released in 2011 and features a rare Connecticut Corojo wrapper.