Made in Nicaragua by My Father Cigars for Ashton Distributors, the San Cristobal has begun to ship to stores after it’s debut at IPCPR in Las Vegas last month. The cigar comes in 5 sizes and will retail for under $7.00 before local taxes. The cigar is being released as a Churchill (7 x 50 / $6.85); Corona (5.5 x 46 / $5.95; Imperial (6 x 52 / $6.75); Pyramid (6.25 x 52 / $6.90) and Robust (5 x 50 / $6.40).

Cigar: San Cristobal Elegancia
Size:6 x 52 (Imperial)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Mild/Medium
Cigars Smoked For Review: 3

San Cristobal Elegacia

Appearance and Construction: The San Cristobal Elegancia features a gorgeous looking Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that is as flawless as they come. There is a fair amount of oils visible to the eye on the wrapper that feels like velvet to the fingers. There are no soft spots under the fingers and the foot has a slight sponginess to it. One knock could be that the Connecticut wrapper seems to be ultra thin and a little bit brittle and will have to be watched closely while burning. There is a dual band system in place. The first is a variation on the San Cristobal parrot on shades of green. The second band states the name, Elegancia.

San Cristobal Elegacia Foot

Flavor & Notes: The foot of the cigar reminds of the clean salt air at the ocean which is mixed with some Nicaraguan spices. The cold draw of the cigar reminds me of cashews and grass/hay thrown into the mix as well. Before the cigar is lit you can tell this is going to be milder then the regular line as if you had doubts from the wrapper. We carefully toasted the foot of the cigar so as not to burn the delicate wrapper which is important on a Connecticut smoke. Once the cigar is lit there is some spices which is to be expected from My Father, but they are definitely less than what we have come to expect from them. The first note is a slight vanilla oak as we work our way into the first 1/4 inch of the smoke. As the first third of the cigar is smoked, notes of earth, cedar and a slight nuttiness. The retrohale (through the nose) had a nice pepper to it that complimented the smoke. The second third of the cigar is as smooth as they come and becomes very creamy. For a minute I picked up some vegetal notes, but the focal her is a subtle wood and nuts. The last third of the cigar is more medium then the mild of the first two-thirds and the notes remain creamy, with some earth, nuts, and a slight spice especially through the nose.

San Cristobal Elegacia 1st Third

Smoking Characteristics: The Elegancia had a nice burn with a solid white ash that held on for a quarter of the time, but when it dropped, it dropped hot so watch those shirts when smoking them. I think I own more shirts with little burn holes then not in my wardrobe. Ah, the tell-tale sign of a clumsy cigar smoker such as my self. The draw was perfect, and the wrapper held up well except for in the last 1.5″ or so when it began to split some. There was a nice woodsy aroma that compliment the smoke.

San Cristobal Elegacia 2nd Third

Conclusion: There have been a few great Connecticut releases this year, and sadly while a good cigar this one does not compare. In a way the Elgancia has fallen victim to a really high bar set by a few other companies. The cigar was enjoyable, and it is a good morning smoke or for when the mood strikes and you don’t want to be overwhelmed with complexity. Sadly, though there isn’t much to make this one memorable.

San Cristobal Elegacia Last Third

Rating: 87
Price: $6.75 each

Cigar: Tatuaje 7th Capa Especial
Size: 5 5/8 x 46
Wrapper: Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Number Smoked: 4

Tatuaje Capa Especial

Appearance and Construction: The cigar sports a flawless looking dark Sumatra wrapper that is sweating oils that are easily detected by the naked eye. The cigar is well rolled right down to the Cuban style triple cap out of the My Father Factory in Nicaragua. Under the fingers the wrapper is as smooth as silk. There are no soft spots, but there is a lightness to cigar in terms of weight. There is a dual band system in place, the first being the classic brown and white and a secondary band denoting Capa Especial in white and gold.

Tatuaje Capa Especial, Foot

Flavors & Notes: Once I clipped the cap with my Palio cutter (yes Charlie, I own more then one cutter and don’t always bite the cap off) I was treated to a cold draw of that nice Nicaraguan zing, and a touch of leather on the cold draw. The nose of foot was similar with maybe a slight hint of mocha present. Once the cigar is lit there is that classic spice that the Garcia’s are famous for. As we work into the first third the cigar has notes of pepper, mocha and leather with some cinnamon on the finish. As we breach the second third of the cigar the sweetness begins to develop some more, but the focal point here is leather and nuts. The final third of the cigar picks up significantly in strength. The spice remains with a strong but tasty pepper note. Joining the mix is notes of nuts and a a continued leather.

Tatuaje Capa Especial, First Third

Smoking Characteristics: One thing about the sticks that come out of the My Father factory in Nicaragua, you know the draw, burn and ash will be impeccable. That is the case here as for the most part the burn is razor sharp with an ultra thin carbon line. The ash is sold, and medium to dark gray in color with no flake. The draw is perfect and the aroma is slightly spicy.

Tatuaje Capa Especial, Second Third

Conclusion: I’ll be honest, as much as I love Tatuaje cigars recently I haven’t been thrilled with some of the stuff to come out. I look forward to the stuff to be released at IPCPR as the La Casita Criolla is a grand slam. But this cigar has allowed me to reconnect with a brand that I love so much, and I am thankful for that.

Tatuaje Capa Especial, Last Third

Rating: 92
Price: $9.00

My journey started at 4am on Sunday with a flight from La Guardia to Houston where I had an hour layover. The uneventful flights concluded in Albuquerque where I rented a car and made the 1 hour drive 40 minute drive on the open highways where the speedometer hit 106mph.

Once I arrived in Santa Fe and a quick check in at my hotel I headed over the the grand opening in store event which featured giveaways and specials from My Father Cigars, EP Carrillo and Torano Cigars to name a few. A big thank you goes out to Robert Kasperek, Ernie and Ernesto Carrillo and Brian McGee for making the event a success. We enjoyed some food, music from Mariachi Encanto and of course great smokes.

The second night of the trip featured a dinner at El Farol with cigars from Miami Cigar & Company. Guests smoked La Sirena and Art Deco while enjoying some good Spanish music, wines, and paella as well as great deserts.

I wish my friends much success and below is some pictures and a video. For more photos be sure to check out the Primo Cigar Shop website.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1RTDKmszG4

So despite dreading smoking this size, I am to say the least curious. Are they as good as Danny says or will my jaw hurt from the size. Thankfully, the cigar is made with in a belicoso tip/cap.

Cigar: Jaime Garcia Super Gordo
Size: 5.75 x 66
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium/Full
Cigars Smoked For Review: 2

Jaime Garcia Super Gordo

Appearance and Construction: Looking at this cigar the size just makes you scratch your head. Thankfully, the cigar is rolled into a belicoso shape so it will make it a bit easier to smoke. One thing that caught me off guard is the fact that the tip is pre-cut. I am not really sure to the thought process of this, but I wound up cutting it about another 1/8th of an inch. The Connecticut Broadleaf Jaime Garcia Super Gordo wrapper has some veins, but none that are really obscene. Upon close look of the wrapper there are some shade differentials but does that really mean anything? Despite the amount of tobacco used in this stick, it feels relatively light in the hand and is extremely well balanced in the hand. There are no soft spots and the cigar is rolled very well.

Flavor & Notes: The foot of the cigar has some of the most powerful notes to the nose I have ever experienced. With the slightest sniff notes of mocha fill the passages with a faint pepper that makes my nose twitch. The draw offers up some more of the mocha with a touch of caramel and cedar as well. Once the cigar is lit the spices are the focal point, but they do not overpower. As we work our way into the first third the cigar develops notes of leather and cocoa with some subtle spices.  The second third of the cigar becomes reliant on the pepper there are some notes of leather while some sweetness tries to hold on. The 2nd third of the cigar seems to have fizzled slightly, and doesn’t have the same richness as in the beginning. As we approach the final third of the cigar it becomes smooth unlike the first two thirds. Suggesting the cigars are still a little young and need time to consummate the marriage. Here the sweetness returns and the cocoa becomes more of a rich chocolate with some subtle caramel and leather notes while spices remain through the nose.

Smoking Characteristics: Like the cigar there was two tales going on in the burn process. On both my review sticks the burn line was incredibly crisp in the first third before become very jagged in the second third. I never bothered to touch up the cigar and in the final third it became razor sharp again. The same can be said about the ash, the first and final third had a smooth flake free ash, while the middle section was incredibly flaky. The draw was perfect when I clipped the additional 1/8th of a inch of the cigar. To no surprise, the cigar produced a wonderful volume of smoke with a nice aroma that filled the air.

Conclusion: Where do I begin. First off, both samples came from the same box. I try to buy samples from separate boxes, or separate stores but that was not an option here. Tobacco Plaza sold out of these by the time I got to the store, and Danny was nice enough to give me two from his personal box. When I smoke I like to keep the cigar resting between my lips drawing as needed. Much like a pipe smoker. With the size of the Super Gordo this was hard to do. I found myself biting the belicoso cap to keep it in my mouth and it became extremely wet in my first sample. So the second sample, the one used to write this review was smoked a little bit different then I am accustomed. Finally, the size. While the cigar was flavorful and enjoyable I was not comfortable at all with the massive ring gauge and being they already have a 60 ring gauge on the market I am not sure why they went this route. But then again, I am not the expert the Garcia family is. I am sure the size will sell well, but for me personally it left me a little less fulfilled then other vitolas in the line.

Rating: 87
Price: $8.50 a stick at Uptown Cigar (1-877-238-1172)

Disclaimer: None.

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.

AL East: Boston Red Sox
AL Central: Minnesota Twins
AL West: Oakland Athletics
Wildcard: New York Yankees

NL East: Philadelphia Phillies
NL Central: Cincinnati Reds
NL West: San Diego Padres
Wildcard: San Francisco Giants

World Series Champions: Boston Red Sox

Of course I reserve the right to make a change if the Yankees manage to go out and get a starting pitcher before opening days.

The Sunday Links:

• Toasted Foot has a great3 part interview with Jon Huber, who launched Crown Heads this past week.
• Stogie Guys give a quick smoke review of the Nestor Miranda 20th Anniversary Danno.
• Stogie Review has a review of the My Father Le Bijou.

Til next time..

After some Zafra rum and Presidente was consumed at Tobacco Plaza a cast of 100 people headed over to OEVO Restaurant where we smoked, drank, ate and laughed while enjoying some great cigars that consisted of the Leon Jimenes #4, Guillermo Leon Signature, 1495 Connecticut, 107 Robusto and of course La Sirena.

The cigars should start to appear soon in treasure chest shaped boxes of 20 nationwide. The cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper, Nicaragua Binder and Filler.

** Added 19:50 on 11/01/09 **

More information can be found at Cigar Law.

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

My Father

I decided to do a little impromptu review tonight while chatting with some cigar bloggers on stickam. It’s amazing how the love of a good smoke can bring people from across the USA together. Joining me tonight was Justin from lasvegASHtv.com, Tom from TomsCigars, Stew from The World According to Stew, Mike aka Agent 6 from TheCigarSpy as well as some StogieReview regulars. We chatted about cigars, music, and general nonsense as I smoked my My Father Lancero.

Cigar: My Father #4
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 7.5 x 38 (Lancero)
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Appearance & Construction (20/20): The one thing that struck me odd about this cigar is no matter how hard I looked I could not find the roll lines. There were no seams on this cigar other than at the triple cap. I actually spent 15 minutes looking for the seams and I was totally dumbfounded. The cigar had some veins but nothing out of the ordinary and the oils were plentiful. The cigar had a small pigtail at the cap as well which was a nice touch, and for those that care about the band when these first came out the pink left me undecided but the smaller size on the lancero it looked pleasing to the eye.

Flavor & Notes (23/30): Compared to the #2 which I reviewed earlier in the year, this cigar was short on flavor. The smoke was very mild and despite offering mocha on the pre-light it was almost non existent for the duration of the smoke. The 1st third offered some slight notes of sweet spice. In the 2nd third it was more defined but still short. The notes of caramel were joined by some pepper, and we closed out the cigar with some pepper with a trace of mocha and cinnamon that disappeared rather quickly.

Burn/Ash/Draw (23/25): I rarely smoke in the house, so I had the fan on exhaust in my room. The burn line was slightly jagged but I will attribute that to the fan. It was never out of hand, but it was noticeable enough to be slightly annoying. The ash was full of ridges and a tad flaky but it held on rather well considering the gauge of the smoke. The burn was a bit too lose which shocked me considering it was 7.5 inches long.

Overall (18/25): I was really disappointed from this smoke as I expected more in terms of flavor and strength. I am very glad this was not my first venture into the stick as it could of been a huge turnoff to the brand. Add into the equation I am not a huge fan of lancero smokes. Thankfully I had some good company while smoking this cigar and some great tunes from knac.com

Rating: 84
Price: 9.00