February 8, 2010 | Posted by Barry
Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial
It’s hard to believe that I never reviewed this cigar when I picked up a box at the Miami Cigar Extravaganza back in December. With my sticks almost gone I figured I should act now as this cigar might be out of my price range when it is released in the summer of 2010. I heard, but cannot confirm that these cigars will retail near the $20.00 range.
The cigars are blended by Jaime Garcia who is the son of Jose Pepin Garcia. As far as I know this is the second cigar blended by him to go into production with the original My Father line being the first.
Cigar: Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial
Size: 6 x 56 (Toro Gordo)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium / Full
Appearance and Construction (17/20): These un-banded beauties are a site to behold. The slightly coarse wrapper is virtually vein free and rolled to perfection right down to the triple cap. The Connecticut Broadleaf is a dark dye free wrapper has a fair amount of oils showing. This cigar is above all expectations I had for a pre-release limited to a single shop. If I had one complaint it would be that it lacks any weight and feels like a piece of Styrofoam in the hand.
Flavor & Notes (27/30): The foot of the cigar offers intense mocha notes while the draw offers notes of mocha and cinnamon. A part of me doesn’t even want to light this cigar up because of how content I am at this point. Once the cigar is ignited some faint pepper along with a bitter dark chocolate begin to emerge. It isn’t long before they are joined by some leather notes as well. As we enter the second third of the cigar the pepper is gone, and what remains is leather, dark chocolate (less bitter now), and some coffee. Occasionally I got teased with some cinnamon as well. The final third of the cigar the coffee and leather remains while the pepper has returned especially through the nose which sent me into a sneezing frenzy. The cigar has a slightly bitter leather finish.
Smoking Characteristics (22/25): Once the cigar was lit it was easy for me to see why it felt so light. There were five pin holes visible in the burning tobacco. This did not effect the overall burn of the cigar, but you could see where there was room for more tobacco. The cigar had a bit of an easy draw, perhaps to easy which ties into the porous roll. The cigar smoked a little fast but burned nice and even. The dark gray ash held for long periods of time and the amount of smoke produced was enough to make me happy.
Overall (22/25): As I wrote this review I began to wonder why they didn’t make this a 54 ring cigar with a tighter roll. The cigar is a little bitter cigar in terms of flavor, so if that doesn’t fit your profile keep it in mind. I will however visit these again in fairness once it comes out to the masses. It is definitely a good cigar, but the rumour of $20.00 a stick has me worried since I would appraise it to be a $12 to $14 stick.
Rating: 88
Price: TBD (To Be Determined)
Categories: Uncategorized | 
Tags: Cigar Inn, don pepin garcia, Jaime Garcia, Reserva Especial | 
No Comments »
February 7, 2010 | Posted by Barry
Who says you can’t go home? This past week cigar smoking has come full circle for me. With my business partner out of town I have been hanging out with various friends that I normally do not get to spend much time with. One of these friends and I decided to visit The Humidor at 9212 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. For me this is where cigar smoking started, and despite being away for years I instantly fell into a comfort zone that I had not felt in years. The Humidor is not your typical cigar shop, instead it is an extension of the neighborhood and for me that is what makes this shop special.
Random Items: Despite being a Drew Brees fan I predict the Colts 42-17 over the Saints…. I have begun beta testing forums for this site with the help of some friends on twitter. If your interested in helping, drop me an email….
The Sunday Links:
Seeya next week!
Categories: B&M Reviews (Cigar Store), Cigar Reviews, Ramblings | Tags: Benji Menendez Partagas, Camacho Limited Harvest, Don Diego Playboy, Mederos, The Humidor | 2 Comments »
February 5, 2010 | Posted by Barry
Tatuage Verocu Tubos
When Tatuaje released the Black Label Tubos a lot of people glanced over these cigars on the shelves of retailers I happen to visit. The result is these limited releases are still out there for the taking in many shops. As many of you know I am a huge fan of Tatuaje and I am a self described Tatuaje whore and this cigar further solidifies that…
Cigar: Tatuaje Verocu Tubos
Size: 6 1/8 x 52 (Toredo)
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium / Full
Appearance and Construction (18/20): The Tatuaje Verocu Tubos comes packed in an aluminum tube that reminds me a lot of the Cuban Partagas Series P. The difference is these come in a soft red color, with the Tatuaje brand name in silver. The cigar itself has a beautiful toothy wrapper that has a nice amount of oils. The wrapper has a few thin veins and is a little bit rough to the touch. There are no major soft spots but these sticks do feel a little bit light in my hand.
Flavor & Notes (29/30): Prior to lighting up I put this cigar through the pre-light ritual. The foot revealed some nice cedar and a slight spice while the draw offered a creamy coffee note. Like most Pepin produced cigars this one starts of with some spice, especially through the nose. As the first third is smoked notes of earth and leather are overtaken by coffee. As we enter the second third the spice remains only through the nose while coffee continues to be dominant here. Every now and then some cocoa/chocolate notes emerge teasing the senses. The final third of this complex smoke features some licorice and chocolate that tease as the spice returns with a nice leather finish.
Smoking Characteristics (24/25): Having just renamed this scoring category I figured it would allow me to go into some greater detail. The draw is perfect producing a decent amount of smoke. The cigar had no problems staying lit and burned perfectly never needing to be touched up. The gray colored ash held on strong with a minimal amount of flake. The one problem I had was the cigar got a little bit soft once I reached the band but it wasn’t too soft where it became annoying.
Overall (23/25): As great as the Tatuaje Black is, I find myself leaning more toward the Verocu. The cigars are totally different and it probably isn’t fair to compare them but with them coming out at the same time it is only natural to do such. These are definitely worthy of a box purchase and I can’t wait to see how they age.
Rating: 94
Price: $110.00 a box at Famous-Smoke.com
Categories: Cigar Reviews | Tags: pete johnson, Red Tube, Tatuaje Verocu Tubos | 5 Comments »
February 3, 2010 | Posted by Barry
Griffin's XXIII 2007
On Wednesday’s Davidoff on Madison in NYC has an event from 4pm to 7pm called Spiff Wednesday and I picked up today’s review at one of those events. If you purchase $25.00 or more you are entitled to a free manicure and a shoe shine. I was a bit hesitant to get a manicure because to me it doesn’t seem to manly but I relented and decided to go for it. It made me realize that it is important to treat yourself well, and only then can you enjoy the good life. To find out about events at Davidoff be sure to check out General Manager Michael Herklot’s website.
The Griffin’s was created in 1984 by Swiss nightclub impresario Bernard H. Grobet, who owned and operated the Griffin’s Club. Word spread throughout Switzerland about the quality of his house cigar and it was introduced in the U.S. in 1989. The filler includes three different Cibao Valley tobaccos combined with a Dominican binder and Connecticut-seed wrapper to give it a mildly spicy, flavorful taste.
Cigar: The Griffin’s XXIII 2007
Size: 5.38 x 52 (Tubo)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian sun-grown Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano, San Vicente Ligero & Seco
Strength: Full
Appearance and Construction (18/20): The Griffin’s XXIII comes in a a tube and the cigar inside features a gorgeous looking golden brown Connecticut seed wrapper grown in Ecuador. Upon close inspection there are a few thin veins that are scatted about and the cap is slightly sloppy. The cigar has a great weight to it and there are no soft spots. A dual band system is used with the top one denoting The Griffins and the one beneath states special edition XXIII.
Flavor & Notes (27/30): Prior to sparking this cigar up the foot reveals some wood notes intertwined with some hay. The prelight draw is very typical of a cigar blended by Henke Kelnar. Once lit the cigar continues with that Kelnar profile. There are some notes of wood, and earth that are joined by some spice as well making this an intriguing cigar for those used to the mild nature of a Griffin. As we breach the 2nd third of the cigar the wood and earth are joined by some coffee. The final third of the cigar has notes of earth, coffee with wood on the enjoyable finish.
Burn/Ash/Draw (23/25): The cigars light colored gray ash held on well despite the uneven burn. I sadly had to touch up the cigar during the first half. The draw appeared to be a little loose before lighting, but once lit the burn was ideal.
Overall (23/25): When I first started smoking, Griffin was one of my favorites. Since then I have grown out of mild cigars so I was happy when this cigar turned out to be a medium bodied cigar. This cigar was incredibly smooth and is the perfect smoke to pair with a cup of coffee.
Rating: 91
Price: $15.00
Categories: Cigar Reviews | Tags: davidoff, Griffin, limited edition, xxiii | 2 Comments »
February 1, 2010 | Posted by Barry
Carlos Torano 50 Years
According to the Torano website, The Exodus 1959 – 50 Years is dressed in a captivating Brazilian Arapiraca sun-grown wrapper. This wrapper – highly regarded for its bold, spicy flavor – combines perfectly with the natural sweetness of the Nicaraguan filler tobaccos from the regions of Esteli and Pueblo Nuevo. The result is a unique and luxurious flavor profile which is intense and rich, yet rounded and balanced. Sweet, creamy notes dominate the palate with subtle hints of spice, dark chocolate, and raisins adding further complexity to this senatorial experience. The finish is long and lingering with a distinct leathery note.
Having been told by Lindsay from The Holy Trinity these were among her favorite cigars I decided to buy a 5 pack to see if they live up to the hype.
Cigar: Carlos Torano 1959 Exodus 50 Years
Size: 5 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Sun-Grown
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Esteli & Pueblo Nuevo, Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Appearance and Construction (17/20): The Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 – 50 Years features a nice looking wrapper that reminds me of chocolate. There are some thin veins on this toothy stick. Masterfully rolled right down to the perfectly placed cap this cigar has no soft spots and and a nice weight to it. The dual band is black and bronze with the larger one denoting the Exodus 1959 and 50 Years on the the smaller.
Flavor & Notes (28/30): The foot of the cigar reveals pre-light notes of spices and chocolate while the draw offers some cocoa and leather notes. As we smoke the first third the leather and chocolate continue with a slight spice through the nose. The second third is where the 50 Years really begins to shine. The leather fades some revealing a wonderful dark chocolate, raisins and wheat. As we get to the final third the cigar gets even better. The notes take on a creamy sweetness that compliments the dark chocolate which has kicked up a notch. Some spice remains through the nose and the cigar has a nice subtle leather finish.
Burn/Ash/Draw (25/25): The cigar burns incredibly slow with a perfect burn. There was the thinnest of burn lines which slowly revealed a nice medium gray ash that was incredibly tight and strong. I managed to finish the cigar having to ash only twice. The draw was ideal which added to the experience of this wonderful stick.
Overall (23/25): When I first started this website I was a huge Carlos Torano fan which had a lot to do with the local sales rep (Steve) from CAO. I even had the chance to hang with Charlie Torano who was a great guy. With such a focus on boutique cigars I managed to lose sight of the Torano brand and I waited all too long to pick up another cigar from them. After smoking this cigar I remember why I like them so much and I regret that I have waited so long to pick one up. This cigar is outstanding and worthy of multiple box purchases.
Rating: 93
Price: $138.99 a box of 20 at Famous
Categories: Cigar Reviews | Tags: 50 Years, CAO, carlos torano | 2 Comments »
January 31, 2010 | Posted by Barry
The other day on Twitter I went on a little bit of a rant I wanted to extend on here. Lately there seems to be a lot of cigar review websites popping up. Some of them are really good sites that I love to give props to here on the Sunday Links. However, there are some sites popping up where the sole purpose is to solicit free cigars from manufacturers. I find this to be ethically wrong on many levels. I have never and will never ask for free sticks for review, but if offered I have taken them. Due to this site my cigar budget has gone through the roof, but I enjoy bringing reviews to my fellow Brothers & Sisters of the Leaf. It really pisses me off that certain cigar sites steal ideas from established pages and it angers me even more that these reviewers beg and ask for free cigars for review.
What keeps me going is the recognition from my peers like Walt in PA who happens to be one of the forces behind StogieReview.com. Also kudos from StogieGuys.com and StogieFresh.com help as well. However, the one thing that stands out above all else is the recognition I get from the readers either in comments or if we should happen to cross paths. This my friends is the driving force behind acigarsmoker.com.
The Sunday Links…
- Casas Fumando has a review of the H. Upmann Maduro which I personally feel is a stick that often goes overlooked.
- Toasted Foot has a review of the Pinar Del Rio Clasico Exclusivo.
- The Holy Trinity has a nice article on some tobacco that is used as wrappers.
- Tom’s Cigar Reviews has a review of the Don Lino Africa Duma which is something I used to smoke on a regular basis.
Til next time, smoke em if you got em!
Categories: Cigar Ramblings, Cigar Reviews | Tags: Don Lino Africa Duma, H. Upmann Maduro, Pinar Del Rio Classico Exclusivo, Tobacco Wrappers | 12 Comments »
January 29, 2010 | Posted by Barry
New York’s Professional Tobacconists Organize to Battle Local and State Legislation
Cigar Rights of America Facilitates Formation of New York’s First State Tobacconist Association
New York City, New York – In an historic gathering of statewide professional tobacconists, a group of over two dozen retail tobacconists gathered at the Grand Havana Room in New York City to launch the New York Tobacconist Association (NYTA).
With the onslaught of anti-tobacco ordinances and legislation, the coalition of traditional competitors are coming together to combat further intrusion into their businesses, to oppose measures that can impact the product choices of their patrons, to address the cost of both doing business in New York, and the cost of goods to their customers.
As noted by Ron Melendi, General Manager of De La Concha tobacconists of New York City, “It’s time for our voices to be heard. For too long, we have let our representatives pass laws that adversely affect our businesses, and the ability of our customers to enjoy a perfectly legal array of products. It’s time to say enough is enough.” Melendi was named the founding chairman of the NYTA.
The New York effort is being assisted by Cigar Rights of America (CRA) as a national consumer-based organization for cigar enthusiasts. CRA Executive Director J. Glynn Loope was present at the organizational meeting, stating “Each of these shops represent thousands of customers. Now, they are voters for the cause. We will educate them about how their representatives vote, about the legislation they introduce, and work to halt this Prohibition Era style of policies flowing from New York City to Albany.”
With the recently adopted flavored tobacco ban central to the group’s concern, there will be a comprehensive agenda of issues to be addressed. In addition to the flavored tobacco issue, the group will address fees and taxation, regulatory matters, and any further indoor or outdoor smoking restrictions.
The New York Tobacconist Association elected a charter board of directors, adopted by-laws, and heard a presentation from the firm Gotham Government Relations on lobbying on local and state issues.
The group initiated an ‘open door’ policy that any premium licensed tobacconist in New York can join the group, with a plan for statewide recruitment underway for consumer members joining Cigar Rights of America, and retail tobacconists joining the NYTA.
About Cigar Rights of America
Cigar Rights of America (CRA) was founded on the principle of fighting for the freedom to enjoy premium cigars. A consumer-based, non-profit public advocacy organization that works with local, state and federal governments to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts, CRA works with its constituency of members including manufacturers, retailers and cigar enthusiasts to focus on opposing restrictive smoking bans and increased taxation of cigars. www.CigarRights.org
Categories: NYC Cigar Smoking, Press Release | Tags: Cigar Rights, New York Tobacconists Association, NYTA | No Comments »
January 27, 2010 | Posted by Barry
Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Antano
The Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Antano is a stick that is getting a nice buzz in the cigar community. Over the past week or so they have slowly made it into shops, but the cigar still is difficult to find. I was lucky enough to have some sent to The Holy Trinity and myself by Chief Hava. The cigars he sent were the El Martillo (Toro) and the Poderoso (Torpedo). I’ll be honest with you, the El Martillo had a number of issues and after speaking to the East Coast Regional Manager of Drew Estate, David “Larger Than Life” Lafferty (seriously, that’s what his business card said!) some of it made sense. Lindsay from The Holy Trinity and I were informed the cigar was 75% ligero, which means there is very little in terms of combustible tobacco. My suggestion is to dry age them before smoking.
Cigar: Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Anatano
Size: 6 x 54 (Poderoso/Torpedo)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Appearance and Construction (16/20): The first samples I smoked had too many oils going on that I decided to dry age the one I am using for review for a week. The result is a cigar that looks less oily, and hopefully this should translate into something more enjoyable. The wrapper has a lot of tooth to it and minimal veins. This heavy stick has a few soft spots, and a loosely packed foot. The dual band system utilizes colors of black & gold. The top band denote Dark Corojo Antano and the bottom band states, “Doble Fuerte”.
Flavor & Notes (27/30): The notes of figs and molasses off the foot are simply incredible and the draw prior to lighting up are of hickory and molasses. Once lit the cigar is a completely different experience. There are some toast notes long with some leather and spice during the first third. The second third offers some nice notes of coffee and bitter chocolate with continued spices. The final third of the cigar the spices begins to fade some, and we are left with some hickory and dark chocolate.
Burn/Ash/Draw (22/25): Burn issues were a problem on my prior samples, but it seems that dry aging this cigar solved that problem. While the cigar burned crooked I didn’t have to perform any touch-ups. The dark color ash was very flaky, which means you wind up wearing a lot of the ash. The draw started off a little bit tough but it opened up after an inch or so.
Overall (21/25): My biggest issue with the Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Antano is how different the cigar was between the two sizes. The Podorosa (Torpedo) was very different then the El Martillo (Toro). I honestly felt like I was smoking a two different brands. Granted the dry aging played into this, but it should not of been this different. I enjoyed the Podorosa to the point where I will smoke it again but I don’t see it becoming a regular in my cigar rotation.
Rating: 86
Price: $9.00
Categories: Cigar Reviews | Tags: Chief Hava, Drew Estate, Joya De Nicaragua Dark Corojo Antano, Lindsay Heller, The Holy Trinity | 6 Comments »
January 25, 2010 | Posted by Barry
Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum
The first time I came across the Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum was at Cigar Inn in NYC. This cigar flew in under the radar for me so I was eager to try it because I knew absolutely nothing about it. It turned out to be a decent cigar so I grabbed a lot more and I am now at the point to review them.
When I got home that first night after smoking I saw online these sticks were limited to 300 stores but I have yet to been able to confirm that. Further research has revealed that these wrappers were grown 8-10 years ago by John Oliva when Fuente first created the sungrown line. The difference between the original line and this one is that the Rosado Sungrown Magnum wrapper comes from a lower priming and results in a milder smoke.
These cigars were rolled over one year ago and have been aging ever since. They are available in three sizes, 52 (5 x 52), the 54 (6.25 x 54) and the 56 (5.5 x 56).
Cigar: Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum
Size: 5 x 52 (R 52/Robusto)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Strength: Mild/Medium
Appearance and Construction (18/20): When I first caught these on the shelf out of the corner of my eye the one thing that threw me off was the label as it is different then most. The Fuente crest is present but the surrounding area has a new design and states, “A. Fuente Rosado Gran Reserve”. The cigar itself has a beautiful looking wrapper that is almost vein free. The cap had a Cuban feel to it as it was flat and spotting the seams on this flawless roll was damn near impossible. The one negative here appears to be a glue issue as some cigars that I have smoked have had residue on the stick beneath the band.
Flavor & Notes (26/30): Prior to lighting up I went through my usual ritual. Off the foot I got some subtle spices while the draw revealed cloves. The first third offers some subtle spices of which clove stands out and cedar. The second third continues with subtle spices and cedar remain but I also find some notes of nuts along for the ride. The final third of the cigar began to change for me as the spices kicked up notch and the primary note reminded me of a smokey single malt scotch. But what really got me on the final third was the strong licorice notes on the finish that were outstanding.
Burn/Ash/Draw (25/25): A nice slow burning stick that was even from start to finish with thinnest of carbon lines. If only all cigars burned like this one did. The ash was incredibly tight and a light gray color. It held remarkably well, and I didn’t loose it til the mid way point. The draw once the cigar was cut seemed to be a little tight but once lit it was ideal.
Overall (21/25): I have mixed feelings about this cigar. The first two thirds of the cigar did just enough to keep me interested and the cigar is better suited not to be broken down. It is a nice mellow relaxing cigar that is mild to medium. The final third of the cigar it becomes closer to full bodied and the notes become more defined that make you want to smoke it again. I rated this cigar a 90, but the majority of the smoke is an 88, while the finish is more of a 92. It was a nice change of pace from what a regular Fuente has to offer.
Rating: 90
Price: $8.50 (NYC Price)
Categories: Cigar Reviews | Tags: arturo fuente, Cigar Inn, Rosado Sungrown | 11 Comments »
January 23, 2010 | Posted by Barry
A reader of the site posed some interesting questions. I asked him if it would be OK to post here, and he graciously agreed. I’ll weigh in with my two cents in a few days and I am curious to see what kind of comments this generates…
Jeff Writes,
I am only 3 months into this cigar smoking hobby/obsession. I want to raise some concerns as regards cigar ratings, and would be interested in what you and your readers think about it.
(1) I’m concerned that these ratings affect sales a lot more than they should. It seems the ratings have too much influence.
(2) I’m concerned that the advertisers and cigar retailers misrepresent the ratings of a given cigar by referring to a rating that is so old that no one knows what has happened to the quality in the subsequent years.
(3) I’m concerned that some retailers imply a cigar has a high rating when it was another size entirely that received the high rating, and not the one they are talking about.
(4) I’m concerned that most of the cigars being offered have ratings that are older than 2-3 years, and are suspect.
(5) Is it good for the industry that one publication in particular has so much influence?
The wine industry has 2 separate competing catalog-length ratings publications* that rate many thousands of wines, but we’re lucky if a cigar is rated once every 5 or 10 years. I’m not talking about the very small subset of the most popular premium cigars that are rated every few years.
There are very few current comparable cigar publications. Most of the cigar books date from the 1990’s, and there are no current comprehensive annual publications that rate cigars. By comprehensive I mean covering say 5000 current cigars, and by current I mean published either every year, or every other year.
This leaves us cigar smokers in the dark. We have no current comprehensive authoritative set of publications to guide us.
What do you and your readers feel about the concerns I have raised? (If this is not the best forum to use to raise these questions, what forums do you recommend?)
Yours truly,
Jeff Cohen
Categories: Cigar Ramblings | Tags: | 11 Comments »
Recent Comments