Blanco, age 61, is a cigar expert held in high esteem throughout the industry who is known for being simultaneously outspoken and gregarious. Cigars and tobacco have always been part of his life. As a youth he was tasked with sorting tobacco from his father’s farm and began regularly smoking cigars at the age of 16. He was hired by Empresa León Jimenes CxA in 1982 and spent 18 years in its core beer and cigarette divisions. In 1999, due to his passion for cigars, he was promoted into their historic cigar company, La Aurora S.A. Utilizing tobaccos from many nations, he was instrumental in the development of new products such as the 100 Años, Aurora 107 and 1495 Series. He also served as the public representative for the company and is heralded for his tobacco blending and tasting seminars until his retirement from the company in June 2011. Guillermo León, the owner of La Aurora, credited Blanco for being a big part of the company’s success in a statement to Cigar Aficionado.

In comment to why he decided to accept the position at JDN, Blanco states, “Joining Joya De Nicaragua allows me to do what I love and feel passionate for: working with tobacco. It is a choice that I feel very happy about and makes me look into the future with great enthusiasm. Joya De Nicaragua is in my opinion an honorable company with strong tradition and history, which I value highly. Furthermore, it will be a great honor to work with my dear friend Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca. In this company I  visualize growth, creativity and overall great potential.”

Of Blanco says Dr. Martinez Cuenca, “Welcoming Jose Blanco as Senior VP of Joya de Nicaragua is a profound honor and pleasure for me. Jose will bring new blood and  fresh ideas to our legendary company that will allow us to expand our lines of production. His experience in blending and marketing will complement our own efforts and
will undoubtedly result in a great contribution to the development and growth of Joya de Nicaragua in both the US and worldwide markets.”

“I have always respected Jose,” states Steve Saka, President of Drew Estate, “He is one of the few guys in our business that will tell you what he really thinks. I like that in an  individual, plus he is as crazy about cigars and tobacco as I am. He is a total cigar geek so I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to work with him to grow the love for Joya de Nicaragua. He is going to be a great fit.”

Jonathan Drew, Owner and Co-Founder of Drew Estate added this comment via an iPhone video, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure he knows all about cigars, but the thing I like best about Blanco is his accent. Sometimes it is Dominican, sometimes it is Bronx, but it is never one of those Dominican-Bronx accents.”

About JOYA DE NICARAGUA S.A.
JOYA DE NICARAGUA S.A., is a family owned, Nicaragua-based cigar factory that handcrafts traditional cigars for
the premium luxury cigar market. First opened in 1968, it is Nicaragua’s eldest factory in operation and home to
the legendary JOYA DE NICARAGUA® brand of cigars. JdN is regarded by many as the patriarch crafter of robust,
unique puro blends of locally grown black tobaccos. For more info, please visit www.joyadenicaragua.com.ni.
® JOYA DE NICARAGUA is a registered trademark of Joya de Nicaragua S.A. and/or affiliated companies.

1) I guess the big question is, why? What made 2011 the year of your retirement?

After almost 30 years I felt it was time first of all to take a break, to also address some personal matters, and evaluate what the future holds for me. But one thing you can be sure is that tobacco runs through my veins and I will always be supportive of the industry and the rights that people have to smoke, so we will run into each other for sure within the industry. To begin with I will be present at the IPCPR in Las Vegas this Summer and do my blending seminar.

2) What moment of your career would you consider to be the top highlight?

For the celebration of the 100th anniversary of La Aurora Guillermo entrusted me to work with the blends of this important project for the company. For more than a year and after 40 blends we picked the one that we liked the most, and I remember that one afternoon Jose Padron called Guillermo to inform him that the 100 Anos Belicoso had been chosen as the number 2 cigar on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25. That will be a day I will never forget.

3) You were around when Cuban Cigars were still legal in the USA. Yet a lot of people still call the current time, the Golden Age of Tobacco… How has the cigar industry changed in your eyes over the years?

In my years of experience I can say that Cuba has had its ups and downs, and the Cuban cigars of the 70′s and the 80′s were much better than those of the 90′s and part of the 2000′s. However, the industry has changed because today Dominican Republic is the largest of premium cigars in the world; Nicaragua and Honduras have also had great advancements. In the last 5 or 6 years cigars have become more complex, better made, more balanced, just overall better smokes from all the tobacco-producing countries.

4) With a growing movement to ban smoking, and the beginnings of what some people consider to be prohibition 2.0 where do you see cigar industry in the next 10 years?

If at the federal state and city level they continue to impose smoking bans and high taxation definitely there will be a decrease in consumption, but in time the States will realize how much revenue they are losing and might reverse some of the bans even though I believe that taxes will always be an effect. In this order I am a firm believer of the rights of people to smoke so consumers should join and support organizations that are fighting for the rights of people to smoke. I would also like to talk about the consolidation of the big cigar companies, these companies will continue to acquire smaller companies with good brand awareness and quality to increase each of their market share. Also, today and naturally in the future the consumers are more demanding and knowledgeable. So I believe that those who will continue producing quality cigars and innovation will survive.

5) Lastly, what are some of the best cigars you have ever smoked?

100 Anos Corona; R&J Petit Belicoso 1999 Cuban; Padron 45th Anniversary; Opus X Lancero Maduro;  Partagas D Reserva 2004 Cuban; Guillermo Leon Corona Gorda; Ashton VSG; Litto Gomez Oscuro Especiales; Pete Johnson La Riqueza Corona Gorda; Pepin Garcia Limited Edition 2010; Benji Menendez Partagas; Davidoff Millenium Robusto; Jose Seijas Original Toro; Drew Estate Liga Privada; Illusione 888; Fonseca Limited Edition 2003 Belicoso (Ed. Thanks to Michael Herklots of Nat Sherman for Year Confirmation);  Rocky Patel 92 Original; Avo 22; Camacho 11/18; La Aurora Preferido Cameroon Robusto; Nestor Miranda Collection; Alec Bradley; Joya De Nicaragua. I have so much respect for all the manufactures and to name my favorite cigars is very difficult. Like I tell everyone at my seminars, the best cigar is the one that you enjoy.

Jose, once again, we thank you for all you have done for acigarsmoker.com and myself over the years. We will see you soon, even if not in Las Vegas.

Last week on Thursday, acigarsmoker.com was at Nat Sherman, hanging out with Dr. Alejandro Martinez-Cuenca – the president of Joya de Nicaragua (JDN) cigars. When I got to the Nat Sherman Flagship, Pat Felitti (the Master of Hospitality) greeted and escorted me to their exclusive Johnson Club – where I briefly met up with Michael Herklots (now in charge of Nat Sherman’s brand).

The Johnson Club had an awesome Latino flare that night. There were an eclectic collection of fashion(Bloginity), latino interest(Hombre magazine), and other bloggers.

Once there, Dr. Martinez-Cuenca talked briefly to me about his new line extension in their Cabinetta series. Set to be released at this summer’s IPCPR, JDN’s Cabinetta series will now feature an exciting lancero size.

More interestingly, Dr. Martinez-Cuenca talked about his collaboration with Drew Estates. About 45% of JDN cigars are sold in the U.S. 55% go to the worldwide market. And the JDN cigars in the United States are currently distributed through Drew Estates. However, just recently, JDN stepped up their game and got more involved with Drew Estates with their collaboration, My Uzi Weighs a Ton, which are now produced in the JDN factories.

Over the course of last year, Dr. Martinez-Cuenca set out to personally visit roughly 10% of all his cigar accounts to personally talk to his customers. After personally visiting over 157 of his accounts in the United States, Dr. Martinez-Cuenca gathered first-hand feedback from his customers, which he used to craft his most recent releases.

I was definitely excited for Dr. Martinez-Cuenca because of his new cigar releases and new collaboration with Drew Estates. I was also excited for Nat Sherman’s flagship store and brand because this event hints at the Brand’s direction and attitude towards different cigar brands.

Via Fernanda Zapata (thanks for a great evening)

Like their rap predecessors Drew Estate has had a similar effect on the social climate of the cigar world and their innovative approach is not matched by anyone in the business, but what do you expect from a couple of kids from Brooklyn?

According to Drew Estate,

“The Collaboration: “My UZI Weighs a Ton” by Subculture Studios and JDN is the first formal cigar blending collaboration between Drew Estate Tobacco  Company and Joya de Nicaragua.”

“The 411: The UZI story began on the very first final consumer blending session at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in late 2010 during a Cigar Safari tour with the B.O.T.L. group. After conducting blending sessions for the previous 3 years at the Drew Estate factory, we were amped up to extend the concept to JDN.  While the B.O.T.L. group crafted their blends, I worked with the JDN team utilizing DE tobaccos, including a San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Binder and hearty Brazilian Mata Fina Filler, coupled with Nicaraguan fillers provided by JDN. The blend proved to be rich and earthy, with a bright, sweet undertone.”

“As months of blending passed, I felt this blend was most noble in the 6×60 format and began calling this cigar “The Uzi.” We all had a good laugh at the name, but when I went back to their factory to pick up the round of 50 sticks, I said, “Damn, My UZI’s Weigh a Ton!” – and the brand was officially born. The initial sizes are 5×60, 6×60, and 7×60 – with the infamous “Bait Shop” (4×44) to follow.” – Jonathan Drew

Cigar: My Uzi Weighs A Ton
Size: 7 x 60
Wrapper: San Andres Maduro
Binder: Connecticut Valley Broadleaf
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina Oscuro, Nicaraguan Seco Jalapa, Nicaraguan Viso Condega and Nicaraguan Esteli Ligero.
Strength: Starts out Medium, Ends Full
Number Smoked: 2 (1 – 5 x 60 & 1 – 7 x 60)

My Uzi Weighs A Ton - Pre-Release

Appearance and Construction: The Mexican wrapper has only a minimal amount of veins and is a rich medium brown with a nice amount of oils visible. In the hand the cigar feels a bit rough, like a light grade of sand paper and under close inspection there is a fine tooth. It also feels like it, weighs a ton. This might be one of the heaviest cigars I’ve ever held and smoked in terms of weight. The samples sent to me from Jonathan Drew don’t have bands on them, and I am not sure to be honest if they will have them when they are officially released in July. will have a band on them when officially released at IPCPR.

My Uzi Weighs A Ton - The Foot

Flavors & Notes: The foot of the cigar has a raw musky note and a hint of sweetness that borders on molasses. The draw reminds me of maple syrup with slight notes of earth. As I smoke the first third of the cigar I am rather surprised given the name, the cigar is packed, but I wouldn’t say it is fully loaded. Medium strength at this point the cigar has a nice subtle spice to it with hints of black cherry and apricots over a canvas of cinnamon and fine leather. In the second third of the cigar the spice begins to kick it up a notch making this on the heavier side of medium at best. Along with the spice is some notes of chocolate but not much else. I’m not saying it is a bad thing, but I kind of expected more complexity. The last third of this marathon smoke serves up notes of leather and chocolate with some lingering spice. The last third of the cigar regains some of that sweetness experienced in the first third.

My Uzi Weighs A Ton - First Third

Smoking Characteristics: The cigar burns slow, lasting about 3 hours. It never went out on me which surprised me considering the size. I’ve had bad experiences with a lot of larger ring cigars having burn or draw issues at some point and that wasn’t the case with my samples. The light color ash held on about 1-1.5″ at a time, and the cigar produced a decent amount of smoke. The aroma was pleasant adding the to notes of the cigar.

My Uzi Weighs A Ton - Second Third

Conclusion: I need a nap. That is my first though when finished with this mammoth cigar. Kudos to JD thinking of me and asking for my mailing address especially considering I do not care for large ring gauge cigars. But over the course of the 3 hours I adapted to smoking this. But like Patrick over at Smoking Stogie, I too something was missing in this cigar. But since I enjoyed the 7 x 60 more then the 5 x 60, I’ll give it another shot when the regular release comes out but for now this Uzi wasn’t fully loaded. Maybe this will come out in a small ring gauge in the future where I think this cigar could really blow things up.

My Uzi Weighs A Ton - Last Third

Rating: 88
Price: $10.95

Footnote: I guess I am showing my age, because there is also a song called Carry It which Patrick pointed out on his review over at Smoking Stogie. The song features the lyric “My Uzi Weighs A Ton”. Eh, Give me the PE song any day, at least Chuck D had some skills. Although, Tom Morello can definite shred with the best of them.

Once inside the event had more of a Bazaar feel to it, with manufactures set up around the concourse of the stadium as well as local shops. The one thing that made this event special was the fact that you were able to buy cigars at 25% less than MSRP and that’s a good deal, but it makes for an expensive day on top of the ticket price.

As the day progressed the manufactures discussed their products from atop the dugout as we enjoyed them and dined on ballpark fare. All and all it was an enjoyable day and with some added manufactures, live entertainment and perhaps a coalition of NJ Tobacconists behind it the New Jersey Cigar Festival has laid the ground work for an event with tremendous potential.

The following manufacturers took part: The Guayabera Lady, The Martin Family of Cigars, Reinado, Maraya, Rocky Patel, Joya De Nicaragua, Drew Estate, Alec Bradley, Miami Cigar & Company, and Los Blancos Cigars. Also on hand was the Cigar Rights of America.

Arielle Ditkowich, Brand Manage of La Sirena lights her cigar...

Barry Blonder of Alec Bradley Cigars

Martin Family Cigars featuring Maria Martin

A sign up for the Cigar Rights of America

David Mallow (center) & The Drew Estate Team

We will have some more from the festival from Edward Chin later this week and a video announcement from Reinado Cigars.

If you use Twitter you can follow Drew Estate via @DrewEstateCigar

Cigar: Joya De Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie
Size: 6 x 52 (Toro)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Shade & Nicaraguan Criollo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium

Appearance and Construction (17/20): When these cigars are sitting in the humidor you almost have to do a double take because of the difference in colors from the head and foot of the cigar. At first you think there is a sleeve of some sorts but once you realize there is not you think, “wow this is a pretty cool looking stogie”. The shade grown wrapper has a nice appearance to it with some visible oils and is blemish free. The Criollo wrapper reveals a faint tooth and the almost flat cap is perfectly placed. There are so no soft spots here. The band has a slightly unfinished look, and almost looks like a prototype instead of a finished product.

Flavor & Notes (27/30): The prelight process is something I feel is necessary to allow one to open up the taste buds. I do this with every cigar, so in turn my reviews have a familiar feel. The foot of the cigar offers notes of spice and smoked wood.The draw has a subtle sweetness to it. Once the cigar is lit I am surprised by how creamy this cigar is. The notes are amazing from the get go. The primary note is cinnamon along with some nice wood notes. The second third of the cigar becomes a power struggle between the wood and cinnamon while some leather sneaks into the background. The final third has a nice change once you hit the criollo wrapper. There is some coffee notes on the finish.

Smoking Characteristics (23/25): Looking at the cigar I was worried it would fall apart on me at wrapper change or even split. That has not happened on any of my samples. This burned pretty even from start to finish. The ash was a little weak and I wound up with a pile of ash under where I was sitting.  The draw was ideal and I never needed to relight.

Overall (23/25): This was an interesting smoke and it kept my interest from start to finish and it is definitely a conversation piece. I was never a fan of cigars like Acid but I was able to understand why people smoked them and how it helped our community grow. I personally am happy to see Drew Estate have so many sticks coming out that are so enjoyable. I highly recommend this cigar.

Rating: 90
Price: $6.05 MSRP before local taxes.

Joya De Nicaragua Antano 1970

As the winter approaches my smoking habits begin to change. I smoke a little less often and I tend to smoke cigars that are stronger then the ones I smoke in the summer. I am not really sure why I do this, but perhaps subconsciously I hope a stronger cigar will warm me up as I smoke. You see I never smoke in my house, and I shy away from doing reviews in a crowded smoke shop when other people smoking can contaminate what I am smoking.

Today’s cigar has a distinct history as it is the first cigar ever produced in Nicaragua. In 1964 when the first cigar factory opened in Nicaragua this cigar hit the market. In 1970 the cigar began to gain popularity in the United States and it was smoked by many politicians.

However as the region became unstable the production of the Joya De Nicaragua ground to a halt. It disappeared from the market until 2002 when the cigar was resurrected. Todays Joya De Nicaragua Anatno 1970 is a tribute to that original cigar which put Nicaragua on the cigar making map.

Cigar: Joya De Nicaragua Antano 1970
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 4.75 x 60 (Gran Consul)
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full

Pre-Smoke: While the Joya comes in many sizes the cigar I smoked has a huge ring gauge but its tapered tip allows you to cut it to a ring gauge of your preference. With my idiot proof cutter back in hand I cut the cigar which had some sweet molasses notes on the foot. The cigar itself is a very oily sticky with some toothy characteristics. The pre-light draw offered a lot of spice.

Smoke: While I normally break down a cigar in thirds this cigar has two distinct regions. The first half of the cigar has a lot of leather and spice in the notes. The leather notes can be overpowering at first but as you smoke the cigar it smooths out some. In the second half while the notes of leather and spice remain it is offset by notes of nuts which help ease the strength some.

Overall: This is one knock you on your ass cigar. The flavor of the cigar though makes it an enjoyable full bodied smoke that I visit from time to time, especially in the winter months as stated above.However its leathery finish requires you keep water handy when smoking this stick.

Rating: 87
Price: $7.00

In my previous blog entry one of the readers asked me to show what the package I received from Smoke magazine looked like. Below is the package I received from smoke magazine. They want my reviews of the smokes (5 cigars, 3 of each to sample) by November 15th.

Cigars from Cigar Magazine to Review for Publication