But it doesn’t really stop there, as a bass player in the cigar industry managed to secure me one at the event through a covert operation. Later on at Cigar Inn, Jose came through and hooked me up with a couple of more and Lindsay Heller a few days later managed to give me a few more. This is why I never ask for cigars, sooner or later they come in bunches. But every now and then, the urge to become a cigar weasel shows it’s ugly head.

Not much is really known on the My Father Special other then the fact that you get it at events, and it is based on the Centurion blend which is obvious due to the similarities in the band.

Cigar: My Father “S” Special
Size: 5 x 50
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Cigars Smoked For Review: 4

My Father "S" Special

Appearance and Construction: The wrapper of the cigar, which I will venture to guess is Habano has a little bit of oils visible and a couple of veins that stand out, slightly. The cigar is exquisitely rolled in typical Pepin fashion with a gorgeous triple cap. The cigar is slightly off balance with more weight at the foot which is well packed with a nice bunching. The colorful band stands out and reminds one of the Centurion as it is virtually identical except for the S.

Flavor & Notes: Before I clipped the cap of the cigar I got lost in the foot with its roasted nut aroma that was heavenly. The cold draw of the cigar has more notes of nuts and a slight earth like component to it as well. Once the cigar is lit, there is that classic Pepin pepper for the first 1/4 inch or so before it slowly fades. As we continue the first third the cigar reminds me of brown sugar, nuts, and earth. There is some major complexity going on here and trying to pick up everything is difficult to say the least. The 2nd third of the cigar has some faint cinnamon notes joining in notes of roasted nuts, The final third of the cigar continues to be much of the same, with subtle spices, roasted nuts, and earth.

Smoking Characteristics: A heavenly cigar in every sense of the word. The My Father Special has a razor sharp burn line with a solid light color ash that holds on very well. The draw was perfect for the first third and slightly loose during the last third. There was a nice volume of smoke with a nice nutty aroma filled the air.

Conclusion: I tried to get some of the blend information for this cigar, but I struck out. My guess is there is some Criollo tobacco in the mix. I base that on the fact that this is incredibly similar to the Centurion line. The only difference is that the “S” isn’t quite as smooth. While it wasn’t ruled out that this would become a regular release it doesn’t seem likely and that is a shame. The My Father Special is an amazing cigar, and if you can get some at an event I suggest you do.

Rating: 92
Price: Only available at events as a gift with purchase.

Disclaimer: I didn’t pay for any of these cigars, as they were all gifted from various sources.

Here’s the latest from Barry, who’s out in New Orleans, working the floor at IPCPR.

The IPCPR show officially kicked off yesterday, and the conversations Barry Stein, of A Cigar Smoker, had with cigar companies indicate that the crowds were a little lighter than usual. Also, the top issue on people’s minds seemed to be the recently increased New York tobacco tax, which has kept many retailers away from the show this year. Aside from De La Concha’s Ron Meledi, the New York contingent was “minimal at best.” The top players, Barry said, made strong showings, with plenty of buzz generated over new lines and line extensions.

For more information on the news from Drew Estate, La Aurora and Pepin Garcia, head over to Cigar Reader.

Miami Cigar Debuts Nestor Miranda Art Deco Cigars
New Dominican-Nicaraguan blend offered unique challenge for Pepin Garcia

MIAMI, FL — August 5, 2010 — In now another collaborative effort from the award-winning team of Nestor Miranda & Don Pepin Garcia, creators of the renowned Nestor Miranda Collection cigars, Miami Cigar & Company will officially announce their newest release, Nestor Miranda Art Deco at the IPCPR 78th Annual Convention and International Trade Show in New Orleans (August 9 – 13, 2010).

The blend consists of  60% Nicaraguan Corojo 99 and 40% Dominican San Vicente,  dual Dominican Criollo ’98/Nicaraguan Habano ’00 binder, and a dark, oily and aromatic Nicaraguan Corojo ’06 wrapper leaf affixed with a triple cap. A metallic band gives the cigars a finishing touch with a striking contrast.

Don Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia, renowned for his creativity with Nicaraguan tobacco, has also chosen a Dominican San Vicente leaf, which comprises more than a third of the blend’s core leaves. Another Dominican-Nicaraguan combination is used for the binders. When capped with the Nicaraguan Corojo ’06 wrapper, the cigar offers a dark, rich-tasting smoke that provides a unique balance of aroma, flavor and strength.

“We wanted to get Pepin out of his comfort zone, which is using Nicaraguan tobacco,” said Nestor Miranda. “He accepted the challenge and came out with an amazing blend using 40% Dominican tobacco.”

In lieu of the traditional wood boxes, Nestor Miranda Art Deco is presented in a handsome, metallic art-deco designed tins of 21 cigars, in three popular sizes:

Coffee Break / 4.5 x 50
Robusto Grande / 5.5 x 54
Gran Toro / 6 x 60

For more information on Nestor Miranda Art Deco contact Miami Cigar at 1.800.643.7209 or online at www.miamicigarandcompany.com.

How does the Sumatra compare vs the review of the Habano? This is my take and I encourage you to give these cigars a try to formulate your own opinion and let us know what you think.

Cigar: La Reloba Sumatra
Size: 5 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium/Full

Appearance and Construction: The band of these cigars actually feature an orange background in the area that it states Sumatra, for some odd reason I couldn’t get it to photograph that way. The Sumatra wrapper of the La Reloba has a silky feel to it on the fingers and a nice amount of oils. The cigar is rolled very well and there are no soft spots. Looking at the foot you can tell there are different types of Nicaraguan tobacco used in the filler due to the marble like appearance.

Flavor & Notes: Prior to lighting up the cigar the foot served up some nice sweet tobacco notes while the draw served up some mocha notes. As we got into the cigar the first third the one thing that catches me off guard was the pepper notes which aren’t as refined as most Pepin cigars. The pepper hit me in the back of the throat and the roof of my mouth and clung there for some time despite drinking some seltzer. Just before the first third of the cigar was over I picked up some notes of coffee and a subtle chocolate. When we enter the second third the pepper notes are almost faded into nothingness but are fighting to hang out in the background. The cigar really begins to develop into a tasty stick at this point serving up notes of cinnamon, coffee, leather and wood. The final third teased with some licorice notes at the beginning before giving way to some more cinnamon and leather notes as the pepper slowly crept back into play.

Smoking Characteristics: Many of my La Reloba cigars started off with a lopsided burn but the construction really shines as the cigar self corrected every time to a perfect burn. The cigars seem to lack the age of a regular release from My Father cigars especially noted by the larger carbon line along the burn. The medium color ash held on very well despite some flake in the initial third. There was a nice volume of smoke present with a delightful aroma.

Conclusion: I really love the fact that many cigar companies are coming out with “cheaper” cigars especial since I live in NYC where the tobacco tax is about to hit 75%. This cigar is a very much a My Father cigar although it comes off as a little more raw then what you would come to expect from the cigar kingpin. Definitely worth the price and it fills the need for a Pepin fix when it hits which is often. Originally I was a bigger fan of the Habano but this cigar has become the one I find myself reaching for more, lately.

Rating: 89
Price: $5.60 MSRP

The cigar is available in two wrappers with one being a Rosado and the other being an Oscuro. This review is based solely upon the Oscuro wrapper.

To read more on the cigar check out the Press Release on the 1989.

Cigar: Nestor Miranda 1989
Size: 6 x 52
Wrapper: Nicarguan Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli & Jalapa)
Strength: Mild/Medium
Twitter: @miamicigar

Nestor Miranda 1989

Appearance and Construction: The first thing I noticed on these cigars was the over-sized large band that reminded me of a festival or celebration and I guess that fits the bill here since 1989 is the year Nestor Miranda founded Miami Cigar Co. After that when one looks at the cigar they see that there an abundance of veins as well as a slightly porous roll. There is some tooth present and this light weight cigar has a loosely packed foot.

Flavor & Notes : I was still eager to try this slightly oily stick despite the appearance not being all that. There is a saying that is beauty is only skin deep so I clipped the cap and began the pre-light ritual. Both the draw and the foot offered the same notes of tobacco and a slight earth. Simple, but pleasant. Once lit the cigar was consistent all the way through. The 1st, 2nd and final 3rd of the cigar offered notes of nuts, coffee and earth. The finish offered some slight spice as well. The notes never really over-powering but they were there.

Smoking Characteristics: The cigar had a very loose draw with a fairly even burn. At times it did seem like it might get out of hand but it corrected itself. The Nestor Miranda 1989 had a dark ash that did not hold as long as one would like and I wound up with a lap full  on a few occasions. The cigar did produce a nice volume of smoke but the experience ended quickly as this was a fast smoking stick.

Conclusion: This cigar was like some women I know, fast & loose. But sometimes we want that quick fix and the Nestor Miranda 1989 left me satisfied. However, I would love to see these rolled a little tighter so they would be more packed. The cigar had a 52 ring gauge but I felt like there was only enough tobacco for a 48 to 50. Despite this if I was on a budget (and I should be!) I would smoke the Nestor Miranda 1989 Oscuro again for sure.

Price: $5.00
Score: 88

Miami, FL…29 Apr…Honouring Miami Cigar & Company’s founding in 1989, the Nestor Miranda Collection presents, 1989.

A beautifully blended combination of Nicaraguan tobaccos, the cigar was blended and is being manufactured by My Father Cigar Corp. It was inspired by Nestor Miranda who described to Pepin Garcia the particular flavour and body he was looking for “…that can be sold at a very reasonable price point, in deference to the prevailing economic conditions.” The cigars will sell for $5.00.

“While we do not have any cigars in the Nestor Miranda Collection that are expensive, we wanted to offer an excellent smoke at a very reasonable price point. It has become obvious that smokers, like everyone else, these days, are seeking to restrain their spending,” Rene J. Castaneda, Miami Cigar & Company Vice President said. With the continued success of the Special Selection; the recent introduction of the Dominicano and now the 1989 more or less completes the Nestor Miranda Collection. With a cigar for every smoker’s preference and pocketbook.

A satifying blend of rich, aromatic and flavour filled Nicarauguan tobaccos, from Estelí and Jalapa, the Nestor Miranda Collection 1989 comes in three (3) sizes:

Robusto 5 x 50
Toro 6 x 50
Torpedo 6-1/8 x 52

The Nestor Miranda Collection 1989, like all other cigars in the Collection is made with two distinct wrappers. A Rosado, for those preferring a medium bodied smoke, and Oscuro to satisfy the taste of those seeking a medium to full bodied cigar.

The 1989 will make its appearance in tobacco shops starting 1 May.

END

Miami Cigar & Company Tatians, the Nestor Miranda Collection as La Aurora©, Leon Jimenes©, Ducados© which are trademarks of other companies.

MIAMI, FLORIDA

MARCH, 3, 2010

The long anticipated Nestor Miranda Collection Dominicano has arrived!

A new line under the Nestor Miranda Collection label from Miami Cigar & Company brings to fruition a collaboration that began almost nine months ago, between Nestor Miranda, Pepin Garcia and his My Father Cigar Company and Guillermo Leon’s La Aurora S. A.

It was Miranda’s desire that the next cigar in the very successful line pay tribute to the tobacco and cigar heritage of the Dominican Republic. The collaboration brought together the tobacco growing expertise of La Aurora, the blending and manufacturing talents of Garcia and the unequalled marketing talents of Miranda and his associate Rene J. Castaneda.

The result is a cigar of elegance, complexity and nuance capable of carrying the NMC banner alongside the already respected Special Selection line.

The launch of the Dominicano will take place with three significant in-store events. The first will be held in San Diego, CA, and is, actually, two consecutive events. It begins with a dinner, on Thursday, 11 March, from 6 to 10 PM, at The 94th Aero Squadron (8885 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 – Contact Greg Stenzel at 619.822.0167 or smokeclub@rocketmail.com) followed by a store event on Friday, 12 March, from 2 – 6 PM at Racine & Laramie (2737 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA – 619.291.7883). It is worth noting that Racine & Laramie, located in Old Town San Diego Historic State Park has been in business since 1869.

On 19 March the Dominicano will be launched in New York City at The Grand Havana Room (666 Fifth Avenue, New York City 10019 – 212.245.1600).

The New York City event is a ticketed dinner arranged by Boris Grossman of Matador Cigars (38 Lincoln Avenue, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 – 561.626.4966 – www.matadorcigars.com). On a visit to Matador by Miranda and Castaneda, Grossman volunteered to organize the event as soon as he heard about the much awaited release of the Dominicano. According to Grossman, “The event was sold out within four days of it being announced.”

The last of the events will take place on Nestor’s home turf on 20 March at Sabor Havana (2600 N.W. 87th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172 – 305.436.8860 – www.saborhavana.com).

The cigar is being packaged in boxes of 20 and produced in 5 vitolas:

Lancero 7.5 X 40
Coffee Break 4.5 X 50
Robusto Grande 5.5 X 54
Belicoso 6-1/8 X 52
Ruky 5-5/8 X 48 X 52

Like the rest of the Nestor Miranda Collection they will be available in both a Rosado and Oscuro wrapper.

The Nestor Miranda Collection is only available at brick and mortar tobacconists.

We will have a full reviews of both wrappers next week…

My Father Le Bijou 1922

Today’s cigar is a release I have been waiting for since it was announced. Le Bijou is French for “the jewel,” and 1922 refers to the year Jose “Pepin” Garcia’s father was born. The original My Father was created in secret by Pepin’s son Jaime, who conceived of the cigar as a tribute to his father. This new creation is Pepin’s way of honoring his own father.

The new cigars have an all-Nicaraguan blend. The wrapper is dark, called Habano Oscuro by the company. The original My Father has Nicaraguan filler and binder leaves, but an Ecuadoran wrapper grown from Habano seed. The sizes of My Father Le Bijou 1922 are Churchill (7 x 50), Petit Robusto (4.5 x 50), and a Toro (6 x 52). The cigars have a MSRP of $7 to $12 dollars.

The photo comes courtesy of ShowMeYourAsh.com since my camera is acting up.

Cigar: My Father Le Bijou 1922
Size: 4.5 x 50 (Short Robusto)
Wrapper: Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full

Appearance and Construction (18/20): This short robusto features a wrapper that is chocolate in color with some veins. It is exquisitely rolled with a well placed triple cap. The cigar has a solid weight to it with no soft spots however, the foot of the cigar reveals some stems which was a little disappointing. The band of the cigar is among the best in the industry and despite being a little busy it works. The Le Bijou 1922 features a secondary band letting the consumer know it is such. Prior to sparking it up, there are some visible oils on this stick that I hope are a sign of good things to come.

Flavor & Notes (27/30): Prior to lighting up the cigar the notes were of a sweet tobacco. There was some spices present but very faint. Upon sparking up the cigar I was surprised that this cigar lacked the typical Pepin wake up call of pepper. The stick starts off very smooth with some rich mocha notes and some subtle spices which ease you into the smoke. As we continue the first third of the smoke it slowly picks up in strength and the trademark Pepin pepper is there especially through the nose. The second third of the cigar the spices really begin to pick up. There is a slight mint here, and I have mixed feelings about the note. It’s interesting, but I think it would prevent me from smoking these on a regular basis.

Burn/Ash/Draw (22/25): The cigar burned with a slight waviness to it from start to finish. It never got out of hand, but I did make note of it. The ash had a brindle effect to it, and it held on for half the cigar with only the slightest bit of flake. The draw was perfect and the stems noted in the appearance section never really came into play.

Overall (23/25): This complex cigar was very enjoyable and despite the mint note it is definitely worth a re-visit. I plan to age the rest of the smokes that I have and revisit this cigar in 6 months. It is a nice addition to the My Father line of smokes.

Rating: 90
Price: $7.00

La Aroma De Cuba New Blend

I was in Philadelphia this week on business and decided to stop by Holts on Walnut. While I am not a fan of a big corporate place such as Holts, I truly enjoy my experience in the shop since I’m always greeted by name by Lee and Anthony which impresses me since I’m only there every 3-4 weeks at best. Because of the treatment I get there it has a mom and pop feel to it that keeps me coming back. And if you read my site on a regular basis I am a fan of privately own shops.

Today’s smoke is the La Aroma De Cuba which recently went through a blend change by Don Pepin. These cigars are not to be confused with the Edicion Especial however as they are totally different. They did however replace the original blend and should start showing up soon along with the new blend of the San Cristobal. The new blend of the La Aroma De Cuba comes in Churchill (7 x 50), Monarch (6 x 52), Belicoso (5.5 x 52), Robusto (5 x 50) and Immensa (5.5 x 60).

Cigar: La Aroma De Cuba
Size: 6 x 52 (Toro/Monarch)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full

Appearance and Construction (15/20): Spotting the difference between the new blend and old blend is easy as the new wrapper is significantly darker. This chocolate color wrapper has quite a few veins and there is some disappointment with a few small stems visible once the cap is cut. The new blend label has some added white to the color of the label but less than the Edicion Especial. There is also a red ribbon at the foot. The cigar is well packed with no major soft spots.

Flavor & Notes (27/30): Wow. That was my initial thought on this baby. Prior to lighting this up the notes of spices and a a chocolate/mocha are easily detectable. Once the cigar is lit I am pleasantly surprise by how smooth it is on the start. There is some spice to the lips of this cigar that takes an inch or so to develop on the palette. The first third also has some wood and coffee notes. The second third the spice picks up occasionally becoming a bit much but enjoyable none the less. The coffee notes remain here and grow with an occasional sweetness that help cut the spices. The final third of the cigar offers pretty much the same as the first two with notes of spices and coffee and the occasional mocha/chocolate sweetness.

Burn/Ash/Draw (23/25): The burn of the cigar is fairly even and did not need to be touched up. The white ash is slightly flaky but holds on strong while the draw offers only the slightest of resistance.

Overall (22/25): This cigar smokes much smoother then the original blend and it has some nice flavors. It does however lack the complexity I enjoy in a smoke. The price range of the cigar is great and because of this I will smoke it again. The re-blending remains true to the original cigar but I somehow expected more.

Rating: 87
Price: $6.00

Tatuaje Especiales

This past week I went on a lancero kick. Luckily the owner of Fume in Montclair, NJ is a fan of of the vitola, so there was plenty to choose from. The first cigar for review is today’s smoke and Monday will be a Greycliff lancero. On a side note, the Cigar Rights of America has a special promotion going on where if you join now you get 2 free cigars. The CRA is a good organization to get behind and with this special promotion you should jump on it.

Cigar: Tatuaje
Size: 7.5 x 38 (Especiales/Lancero)
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo 99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium

Appearance and Construction (20/20): This gorgeous looking lancero from Tatuaje is exquisitely rolled. The cigar has no seams and the triple cap has a pigtail, The cigar has a tremendous amount of oils on it, and while slightly spongy there are no soft spots to be found. The simple brown and white band from Tatuaje finishes out the classic look of this outstanding lancero.

Flavor & Notes (27/30): The prelight draw on the cigar is pretty uneventful, while the cigar itself has a sweet spice to the nose. On first light there is an onslaught of pepper that quickly blends into the rest of the smoke. The cigar has a nice notes of a sweet spice with a touch of leather in the first third. As the cigar enters the second third the leather really takes hold with some pepper through the nose. The final third had a touch of mocha before given in to leather on the finish.

Burn/Ash/Draw (25/25): This cigar burns remarkably slow and straight through out the cigar. The ash is very light in color and holds on better then most cigars in this size. The draw might be the best of any lancero I have smoke. There is a slight resistance and it is a pleasure to smoke. This was the first lancero I have smoked that I did not have to relight.

Overall (24/25): Of all the cabinet Tatuaje cigars, this brown label lancero is the best I have smoked in the line. The flavors were incredible and the smoke was outstanding. This cigar is now on my list of all time favorite smoke. I think before the day is up I will order a box.

Rating: 96
Price: $225.00 a box of 25 at Famous