Hey everyone, Cigar Czar here today to bring you a new product review. I was originally introduced to this product through an email I had received. In it was a link to a page for a new type of cigar punch called the Cigar Spike. I took a look and was intrigued. I found it was a triangular piece of plastic that was sharpened at one end. To use, you simply push the sharpened end into the capped end of the cigar, then viola, you’re ready to begin smoking.
A little history on the Cigar Spike, when I asked Bryan, the creator, how the Cigar Spike was developed, I was told, “I've been involved in music for years and been smoking better cigars in the last few. Initially started making the Cigar Spikes out of my guitar player buddy’s old guitar picks for myself...then started buying a few extra picks to make them for my friends. Everybody seemed to like how they worked...so Cigar Spike was born.”
In a recent press release, they state, ““Try the new “Cigar Spike™” and it is worth a try. Unlike cutting or punching the “Spike” pierces a hole in the end of cigars creating the perfect opening for a smooth draw. The “Cigar Spike™” has several advantages over customary methods including; preventing loose tobacco from entering the user’s mouth, compact size fits easily on key chains or in wallets, never dulls like cutter blades, serves as a gauge allowing use with any size cigar and the price is lower than any other existing tool. The “Cigar Spike™” is now available in black or blue and the maker has plans for future spikes in a variety of colors and materials including gold…Don’t be surprised to see other “Cigar Spike™” related merchandise including shirts, gaming tokens and golf accessories.”
Bryan sent me a few to try, and I was impressed with how sharp they actually were. So I decided to take one for a test spin using an H. Upmann Petite Corona, I took my Cigar Spike and gently pushed about a half inch in. It created a nice clean hole and there was no debris, true to its press release. I did experience a bit of a hard draw, but wasn’t sure if it was due to the Cigar Spike, or the roll of the cigar. After smoking about half way, the draw had not eased up, so to confirm if it was an issue with the Cigar Spike or the roll, I took my trusty cutter, and cut the cap clean off, took several puffs, and the draw had not changed, indicating a problem with the cigar, not the Cigar Spike. The only thing I had noticed after cutting was that the flavor of the cigar had ‘opened up’ a little more, seemed less harsh, but that simply comes down to a flavor preference.
Overall my experience with the Cigar Spike was enjoyable. Right now they are also offering an introductory price as 3 Spikes for $2.99. If you want to learn more and see for yourself, the Cigar Spike, you can look at their website www.CigarSpike.com. Or contact them through their mailing address:
Cigar Spike, LLC
6668 Orchard Lake Road
Suite 206
West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Secret Components of Cigars
Cigars are comprised of surprisingly few component parts. Unlike cigarettes, which usually have filters, two different kinds and colors of paper, and filler ingredients other than tobacco, cigars are all tobacco. What makes one cigar so different from another is the type of tobacco, where it’s grown, when the leaves are picked, how the picked leaves are cured and fermented, and how the finished leaves are cut and rolled. Because cigars are made in so many parts of the world, there is a diverse range of product, as you’d expect.
Wrappers
The outermost layer of cigars is called the wrapper. It is made from the widest part of the tobacco leaves, and it has a big impact on the cigar’s flavor and aroma. Cigar wrappers vary in color, and because the wrapper color is what is most visible, cigars are often described by the wrapper color. Here is a list, from lightest to darkest:
* Double Claro: very light color (sometimes with a green tinge); color comes from leaves that are picked while still immature and cured quickly.
* Claro: light-brown or yellowish-brown color, which is the result of tobacco plants grown predominantly in shade.
* Natural: light-brown or brown.
* Colorado Claro: medium-brown; most often associated with Cuban or Dominican Republic tobacco.
* Colorado (or Rosado): reddish-brown.
* Maduro: dark-brown; very popular color among serious connoisseurs of cigars.
* Oscuro: very dark-brown to oily black; typically exudes a pungent aroma and deeper flavor.
Fillers
Cigars are composed mostly of whats known as filler tobacco. Cigars can have filler comprised of three basic types: Seco, Volado, and Ligero. Cigars with Seco filler are drier and have a lighter flavor. Volado filler produces a mid-range of flavor. Ligero is the darkest, oiliest filler, producing cigars with lots of bold flavors and aromatic smoke.
One reason to choose thicker cigars (Churchills or Double Coronas, for example) is that these cigars obviously have more room for filler tobacco. This gives the cigar maker the ability to add blends of Seco, Volado, and Ligero varieties. You will find that these bigger cigars generally produce more varied and complex flavor combinations.
Filler is either whats known as long or short. Long filler in cigars is comprised of whole tobacco leaves, whereas short filler contains a chopped mixture of leaves (sometimes just the leaves), stems, and other plant materials. In most cases, cigars with long filler are of superior quality.
Binders
Many low-end cigars only use wrappers and fillers. But the better quality cigars you'll find on the market use another component binders. Binders are an intermediate layer of more elastic tobacco leaves that help cigars hold the filler material together in a more cohesive manner. The best cigars have binders that also add another complementary flavor to enhance the overall smoking experience.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Don Richards, internationally acclaimed cigar connoisseur, knows that proper blend of fine tobacco, rolling style and most importantly, storage is key to the best taste in your cigars. Get the information you need to keep your cigars at their finest, check out Don's cigar resource center at www.CigarHumidorNews.com.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Cigar Review: Arganese ML3 Robusto
Hi all, Cigar Czar here. Last night I had the pleasures of smoking the Arganese ML3 Robusto and that's what we'll be talking about today! I met up with my buddy last night and brought him coffee as he was having a really bad day at work. We enjoyed good cups of Guatemalan coffee and I relaxed and puffed on this beauty, while surrounded by several other beauties whose company I enjoyed immensely.
Now this cigar is real unique, similar to the soon-to-be-released Cain cigar from NUb, this cigar is an all Ligero cigar, which is the top part of the leaf which receives the most sunlight, also making this the strongest part of the leaf, hence the name ML3, Maduro Ligero "times three". The wrapper is Brazilian Maduro Ligero and the binder and long filler are all Domincan Ligero. Looking at this cigar was a real treat by itself. It had a very mottled dark, chocolate brown color, looking oily in some parts, and more like suede in others. The wrap was even and nice, although the cap was a bit on the sloppy side, but it cut clean with my cutter. you could see quite a bit of vein in the wrapper as well. The draw on this was a bit hard, but not enough to really make it not enjoyable. As it burned the ash was a very light gray with little areas of black and clung quite impressively. And though it burned pretty even there was a moment or two where touch-ups wouldn't have been a bad thing.
Pre-light flavor was a real robust, spiced nutty flavor. After it met flame, the nutty flavor subdued a little bit to the spicy, and a little bit of chocolate came through. At the 1/3 mark the chocolate subdued and became a bit more smoked wood flavor. This flavor was something I found remained throughout the rest of the cigar. But about halfway through the cigar, there came a bitter spiced pepper, with some earth in there as well. This also prompted some of the girls around me to inform, the cigar stopped smelling good, one even described it as smelling like cat litter. Crossing into the 2/3 mark and beyond this smoke turned incredibly bitter, lots of earth and the wood flavor was still evident.
Overall an enjoyable cigar, but the end kind of took some of the luster out. This is a medium to full cigar, so I recommend that you have some food in your stomach before smoking as this will give you a little bit of a buzz.
Now this cigar is real unique, similar to the soon-to-be-released Cain cigar from NUb, this cigar is an all Ligero cigar, which is the top part of the leaf which receives the most sunlight, also making this the strongest part of the leaf, hence the name ML3, Maduro Ligero "times three". The wrapper is Brazilian Maduro Ligero and the binder and long filler are all Domincan Ligero. Looking at this cigar was a real treat by itself. It had a very mottled dark, chocolate brown color, looking oily in some parts, and more like suede in others. The wrap was even and nice, although the cap was a bit on the sloppy side, but it cut clean with my cutter. you could see quite a bit of vein in the wrapper as well. The draw on this was a bit hard, but not enough to really make it not enjoyable. As it burned the ash was a very light gray with little areas of black and clung quite impressively. And though it burned pretty even there was a moment or two where touch-ups wouldn't have been a bad thing.
Pre-light flavor was a real robust, spiced nutty flavor. After it met flame, the nutty flavor subdued a little bit to the spicy, and a little bit of chocolate came through. At the 1/3 mark the chocolate subdued and became a bit more smoked wood flavor. This flavor was something I found remained throughout the rest of the cigar. But about halfway through the cigar, there came a bitter spiced pepper, with some earth in there as well. This also prompted some of the girls around me to inform, the cigar stopped smelling good, one even described it as smelling like cat litter. Crossing into the 2/3 mark and beyond this smoke turned incredibly bitter, lots of earth and the wood flavor was still evident.
Overall an enjoyable cigar, but the end kind of took some of the luster out. This is a medium to full cigar, so I recommend that you have some food in your stomach before smoking as this will give you a little bit of a buzz.
An Introduction to Cigars Today
Despite their similarities to cigarettes, cigars have long possessed a much more sophisticated persona. Though they have often been portrayed as accessories of the rich and powerful in years past, cigars have seen a much broader degree of mainstream popularity recently. Magazines like Cigar Aficionado extol the joys of cigar smoking, and the whole array of elegant humidors (used for storage,) boxes, lighters and other related products available to cigar smokers exude a distinctive style or persona.
The humidor, the most well known cigar accessory, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges. In addition, one can find many other boxes, display cases, lighters, cutters and cigar-related gifts available at local stores or online retailers. Websites like Cigarworld can direct you to a local outlet that will serve all your needs.
Despite a remaining stigma regarding their legality, Cuban cigars still count themselves among the most highly regarded and sought after brands. Due to their superior taste and quality, and also because of the geographical obstacles to obtaining them, they have traditionally been difficult to buy and very expensive once located. Fortunately, recent relaxations of various U.S. sanctions regarding the importation of Cuban Cigars has made their availability to American buyers much more common.
The increased availability of discount prices on premium brand cigars has also contributed to the rise in popularity of cigars and cigar smoking. Online merchants such as Payless-cigars offer many high quality brands at prices much lower than those found in traditional stores. Plus, they can be shipped to your doorstep quickly, cheaply and anonymously.
With all the other cigar accessories available for purchase, cigars have become big business in the States in recent years. In fact, since the early 1990s sales for cigars and cigar products have risen to heights previously unseen. Due in part to their popularity among celebrities, cigar smoking has taken on a hip, youthful image that elevates smoking cigars from a simple recreational hobby, to an integral part of a luxurious lifestyle.
Cigars Info provides comprehensive information on cigar smoking, Cuban cigars, discount cigars, humidors, lighters, boxes, and more. Cigars Info is the sister site of Humidors Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
Thursday, August 20, 2009
How to Keep Your Cigar in Perfect Condition
For people who smoke cigars, it can become something of an obsession. Over time, cigar smokers often develop precise rituals that they adhere to every time they smoke a cigar, and can be quite pedantic about how they store their cigars. If you're not privy to this obsession of smoking the 'perfect' cigar, then you also probably don't understand the need for a cigar humidor.
The basic purpose of a cigar humidor is to both store and protect cigars. Many cigar enthusiasts believe that cigars need to be stored at a precise temperature in order to maintain their peak flavor. That's exactly what the cigar humidor does - maintains a constant temperature. Opinions vary, but it's generally believed that the range between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect for cigars. The humidity also needs to be controlled, and kept at a level around 70-72% humidity.
Cigar aficionados have long debated about the ideal temperature required for the storing of cigars. Some insist that even a slight fluctuation in temperature can prove detrimental to the flavor of their cigars, and insist on a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Others are a little more flexible and allow a slight amount of temperature fluctuation. Generally they all agree that the lower the temperature, the quicker the cigar will age, which will then cause a reduction in flavor. If you want to maintain the flavor, integrity and color of your favorite cigars, then a cigar humidor is essential.
What features should you look for when purchasing a cigar humidor? The one essential feature is that it must be completely closed once the lid is shut. If the lid isn't snug and secure, then it's possible that the temperature or humidity inside will fluctuate. A lid that's tight also prevents any other outside elements contaminating the cigars, and prevents any moisture exchange. It's helpful if the inside of the cigar humidor is smooth and seamless, to prevent snagging of cigars (or fingers!). It's also useful to have fittings inside the humidor to assist in the storing of the cigars.
You can choose from a variety of interior linings, but cedar is generally preferred. The best is Spanish cedar. Finally, make sure you know the exact size of your favorite cigars before you go shopping for a cigar humidor. Otherwise you might get home and find you can't fit them in! This is very important, because both cigars and humidors come in a wide variety of sizes. As soon as you get your cigar humidor home, start using it, so that your cigars will have a long life, minimal aging and the best flavor possible.
Steve Dolan enjoys the finer things in life, like a good bottle of wine, an excellent port and a fine cigar. Click Cigar Humidors to find out more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Dolan
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Cigar Review: A. Fuente Hemingway Best Seller
Hi all, Cigar Czar, today is a review I did a few days back on the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Best Seller. I actually smoked this the same night as the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon, but decided I was not done enjoying myself at the lounge, and grabbed another cigar. The reason I grabbed this little puppy, is because it was little. It was late in the night and I didn't really want to dedicate myself to another hour and a half, especially since Edwards was closing soon.
The most interesting part about this cigar is without a doubt its shape. Its a perfecto which is a rare type of cigar due to its incredibly difficult wrap. According to Carlos Fuente Jr., on their Cigar Family site, "These cigars are extremely difficult to make so our production is very small. We accumulate the limited production of these cigars in the aging rooms and usually release them around the holidays, something special for our fellow cigar smokers to enjoy." And I must say, looking at them, I can see why. A very smooth wrap for something with so many curves in it, a small nipple at the end that rounds out to a wide curve and then going into a longer, taper towards the label. I'm sure if I were to attempt something like this, it would look more like something Jay and Silent Bob would roll.
The wrapper on this is a beautiful Cameroon leaf that was very smooth with little vein and had a nutty brown color, wrapped over a Dominican binder and long filler. I used my guillotine cutter which had no problem and there was little to no debris. The burn in the beginning was very interesting as the perfecto did not burn right, there was a large gap missing tobacco so it needed constant attention, if I stopped smoking even for a little bit, it would go out. Once past that gap however, she burned true to her name, perfect. The ash, which was a light gray color, had clung for a good length of the cigar.
The cigars pre-light flavor was a bit spicy, with just a hint of cedar. Upon lighting there was a distinct flavor of either a robust nut, possibly coffee laced with the aforementioned cedar. Because of the design, your mostly smoking the Cameroon wrapper at first which is where I think that lovely spiced wood was coming from. As the cigar widened up, you get more of the Dominican long filler which had a flavor of nut and a hint of cashew, mixed with the now easing cedar. Towards the end, as it tapers back, the flavors become a little more developed and the coffee more complex.
Overall the design of this cigar is a brilliant way to contrast different portions of the leaf against one another while smoking. The way the flavors mature and gain and lose character is really fun. I can see why Carlos Fuente Jr. was eager to bring this near dead form of rolling back from oblivion.
The most interesting part about this cigar is without a doubt its shape. Its a perfecto which is a rare type of cigar due to its incredibly difficult wrap. According to Carlos Fuente Jr., on their Cigar Family site, "These cigars are extremely difficult to make so our production is very small. We accumulate the limited production of these cigars in the aging rooms and usually release them around the holidays, something special for our fellow cigar smokers to enjoy." And I must say, looking at them, I can see why. A very smooth wrap for something with so many curves in it, a small nipple at the end that rounds out to a wide curve and then going into a longer, taper towards the label. I'm sure if I were to attempt something like this, it would look more like something Jay and Silent Bob would roll.
The wrapper on this is a beautiful Cameroon leaf that was very smooth with little vein and had a nutty brown color, wrapped over a Dominican binder and long filler. I used my guillotine cutter which had no problem and there was little to no debris. The burn in the beginning was very interesting as the perfecto did not burn right, there was a large gap missing tobacco so it needed constant attention, if I stopped smoking even for a little bit, it would go out. Once past that gap however, she burned true to her name, perfect. The ash, which was a light gray color, had clung for a good length of the cigar.
The cigars pre-light flavor was a bit spicy, with just a hint of cedar. Upon lighting there was a distinct flavor of either a robust nut, possibly coffee laced with the aforementioned cedar. Because of the design, your mostly smoking the Cameroon wrapper at first which is where I think that lovely spiced wood was coming from. As the cigar widened up, you get more of the Dominican long filler which had a flavor of nut and a hint of cashew, mixed with the now easing cedar. Towards the end, as it tapers back, the flavors become a little more developed and the coffee more complex.
Overall the design of this cigar is a brilliant way to contrast different portions of the leaf against one another while smoking. The way the flavors mature and gain and lose character is really fun. I can see why Carlos Fuente Jr. was eager to bring this near dead form of rolling back from oblivion.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Cigar Review: NUb Habano 460
Hey all, the Cigar Czar here to talk about the NUb Habano 460. I recently learned about this company and a little history behind them. Sam Leccia started his career originally as an alcohol entrepreneur, working with big names as Jack Daniels and Bacardi, even being a partner in a successful, award winning vodka. He had been a long time cigar smoker and after a trip to Honduras and touring a cigar factory, he was amazed at the dedication and manpower needed to produce some of our favorite relaxing cigars. He decided it was something he wanted to be involved in. Working for the Oliva family as a sales rep, he was able to prove his new product idea was worth investing and the Oliva Family was on board. The idea was to create the complex and matured flavors of cigar, without the wait of smoking halfway through the stick. The end result was the larger ring gauge, shorter cigar dubbed the NUb. NUbs come with four wrappers being Habano, Connecticut, Cameroon and their newly released Maduro.
I picked the NUb Habano 460. Construction of this cigar was very nice. The wrapper is a Cuban seed leaf that is an even brown that only shows the occasional deep vein, otherwise providing an even and smooth wrap. The larger ring gauge was almost tricky for my guillotine cutter, but managed to cut with no incident and no debris. The draw was fantastic and the roll was packed just the right amount! As it burned it would start even, and as it hit the deeper veins in the wrapper would smoke really uneven, almost as far as an inch and a half, which on this cigar is a lot of real estate, but would almost immediately correct itself within a few puffs. I also noticed that this cigar when burning idly, would produce a blue smoke very similar to a cigarettes smoke. Living up to the hype on their website nubcigar.com, the ash on this is amazing. Even with a negligent bump causing some ash to come lose after smoking, this ash clung like a bad hangnail all the way to the nub! Although as it burned the ash would start out very white, but about an inch later would turn a tannish color. Both the blue smoke and the tanned ash led me to wonder if their was any chemical enhancement to the tobacco, which was not alleviated by their website. The only thing I was able to find was the wrappers. I had to find the binder and filler through a fellow reviewer, The Smoking Hot Cigar Chick at smokinghotcigarchick.com, the binder and long filler are Nicaraguan.
The flavor the was something that really intrigued me. Upon lighting I found that it was very chocolaty and then deepened through the first inch as a very dark chocolate flavor which combined with a bit of cedar and nut, puffing into the halfway mark the flavor started to become salty, and somewhat peaty like that of good aged Scotch, and as I smoked, removing the label as to smoke into the nub, the salty and peaty flavor become almost creamy, to the point that it almost seemed creamy on your tongue. I found this to be fantastic and really quite enjoyable! Were I to pair this with a beverage I would definitely recommend something of the Scotch variety, I am usually a fan of the 15 Year French Oak from Glenlivet, or a 12 year Double Wood from Belvenie.
I picked the NUb Habano 460. Construction of this cigar was very nice. The wrapper is a Cuban seed leaf that is an even brown that only shows the occasional deep vein, otherwise providing an even and smooth wrap. The larger ring gauge was almost tricky for my guillotine cutter, but managed to cut with no incident and no debris. The draw was fantastic and the roll was packed just the right amount! As it burned it would start even, and as it hit the deeper veins in the wrapper would smoke really uneven, almost as far as an inch and a half, which on this cigar is a lot of real estate, but would almost immediately correct itself within a few puffs. I also noticed that this cigar when burning idly, would produce a blue smoke very similar to a cigarettes smoke. Living up to the hype on their website nubcigar.com, the ash on this is amazing. Even with a negligent bump causing some ash to come lose after smoking, this ash clung like a bad hangnail all the way to the nub! Although as it burned the ash would start out very white, but about an inch later would turn a tannish color. Both the blue smoke and the tanned ash led me to wonder if their was any chemical enhancement to the tobacco, which was not alleviated by their website. The only thing I was able to find was the wrappers. I had to find the binder and filler through a fellow reviewer, The Smoking Hot Cigar Chick at smokinghotcigarchick.com, the binder and long filler are Nicaraguan.
The flavor the was something that really intrigued me. Upon lighting I found that it was very chocolaty and then deepened through the first inch as a very dark chocolate flavor which combined with a bit of cedar and nut, puffing into the halfway mark the flavor started to become salty, and somewhat peaty like that of good aged Scotch, and as I smoked, removing the label as to smoke into the nub, the salty and peaty flavor become almost creamy, to the point that it almost seemed creamy on your tongue. I found this to be fantastic and really quite enjoyable! Were I to pair this with a beverage I would definitely recommend something of the Scotch variety, I am usually a fan of the 15 Year French Oak from Glenlivet, or a 12 year Double Wood from Belvenie.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Cigar Review: H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Belicoso
Hey everyone, the Cigar Czar here, today we will be discussing the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Belicoso. As we all know, H. Upmann is one of my favorite cigar brands and so this, for me, was to be a real treat! The Vintage Cameroon has a rare African wrapper from Cameroon over a Dominican binder and a Peruvian/Nicaraguan long filler blend. This puppy comes packaged quite elegantly in a Spanish ceder sheath bearing the 'Vintage Cameroon' title. Slip this off and you are welcomed to a wonderful and spicy bouquet.
The construction of this cigar was a bit tricky. I actually had to go through two of these, because having smoked about an 1/8 of an inch, the wrapper on the first one split from the lit end, quite extensively, to about halfway up the cigar. Grabbing the second one, it remained intact after lighting, but still had a very hard draw, indicating this batch was probably rolled a bit too tight. The draw did not become easier and more enjoyable until probably around the 2/3 mark. However, upon visual inspection the Cameroon wrapper had a beautiful even blond/brown color and was very smooth, nor did it reveal too much vein within its leaf. The ash on this cigar was a near perfect even white that clung for dear life, almost going halfway up this stick and the burn was unwaveringly even! Although not a big producer on smoke in the beginning, as the draw eased up the smoke became much more robust and aromatic.
Upon lighting, to be quite honest, it was really hard to discern much flavor in the beginning due to its very hard draw, if anything it had a pleasant charred wood flavor. Once about halfway through, I started pulling mild flavors of nut and earth. As it progressed to the 2/3 mark where the draw really eased up and I could get a good pull, a wonderful nutty flavor with a hint of anise came through and just a bit of earth in there as well. After removing the label and smoking more of this into the nub, the nutty flavor was joined by a bit of coffee with anise still stirred in and a sprinkling of pepper.
Overall the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Belicoso was good even after dealing with the split stick and the hard draw of the second one. The flavors were amazingly complex and fun and this cigar also lasted for close to an hour and a half. As far as the poor construction notes on draw and the split of the first cigar, I would not put too much stock in those issues as I have smoked these before without incident.
The construction of this cigar was a bit tricky. I actually had to go through two of these, because having smoked about an 1/8 of an inch, the wrapper on the first one split from the lit end, quite extensively, to about halfway up the cigar. Grabbing the second one, it remained intact after lighting, but still had a very hard draw, indicating this batch was probably rolled a bit too tight. The draw did not become easier and more enjoyable until probably around the 2/3 mark. However, upon visual inspection the Cameroon wrapper had a beautiful even blond/brown color and was very smooth, nor did it reveal too much vein within its leaf. The ash on this cigar was a near perfect even white that clung for dear life, almost going halfway up this stick and the burn was unwaveringly even! Although not a big producer on smoke in the beginning, as the draw eased up the smoke became much more robust and aromatic.
Upon lighting, to be quite honest, it was really hard to discern much flavor in the beginning due to its very hard draw, if anything it had a pleasant charred wood flavor. Once about halfway through, I started pulling mild flavors of nut and earth. As it progressed to the 2/3 mark where the draw really eased up and I could get a good pull, a wonderful nutty flavor with a hint of anise came through and just a bit of earth in there as well. After removing the label and smoking more of this into the nub, the nutty flavor was joined by a bit of coffee with anise still stirred in and a sprinkling of pepper.
Overall the H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Belicoso was good even after dealing with the split stick and the hard draw of the second one. The flavors were amazingly complex and fun and this cigar also lasted for close to an hour and a half. As far as the poor construction notes on draw and the split of the first cigar, I would not put too much stock in those issues as I have smoked these before without incident.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cigar Review: Tatuaje Serie P2
Hello all, well yesterday was a bit of a stressful day so after a hard days work, I headed down to Edwards Pipe and Tobacco in wonderful Fort Collins, and after a long decision making period, hard to do with only a $5 bill and a bunch of change to total $6.40, options are kinda small on a good, de-stressing smoke. So, I finally decided on a Tatuaje Serie P2 cigar, they were out of P3's, the toro being my favorite size.
Now, I know my previous blog regarding the Tatuaje Red Label Havana VI, was not sterling, but I figured since now the "hub-bub" regarding Tatuaje seems to be escalating, I figure I'd investigate a little more. Boy was I glad I did! The construction on this cigar was flawless! Beautiful lines, wonderful reddish-brown color, with a hint of vein in a wrapper that held the wonders inside! It was the perfect amount of tension of wrapper and binder over the filler creating a very nice draw. Not too firm and not too airy. Cutter cut clean with no debris and the wrapper stayed quite nicely. As the cigar burned it started to go a bit 'wonky', but then evened out just before the first 1/4 mark. The ash however was an unremarkable color and would not cling long, the longest I was able to get the ash to cling was just about one inch. The only bad note I'd have to say regarding construction was within the last inch and a half, the wrapper began to unravel and the stub became very squishy to hold.
Now, the real treat came when lighting it. As soon as flame met cigar my tongue was inundated with a wonderful sweet, spiced peppers flavor! I mean this was fantastic! This flavor remained almost throughout the whole cigar. About halfway through the spice bit a little more and the sweetness mellowed out and a third flavor gave character, but I could not say with certainty what it was. I want to say almost like a chocolaty coffee, but not quite. Towards the end the spice picked up a touch more and became a bit bitter, but that may have to do with the previous sweetness of the cigar not being as strong now. After all was said and done, this did not leave a foul flavor in my mouth and my overall experience with this cigar, has shown me why Tatuaje was just ranked the most popular and sought after brand by Cigar Aficionado.
Now, I know my previous blog regarding the Tatuaje Red Label Havana VI, was not sterling, but I figured since now the "hub-bub" regarding Tatuaje seems to be escalating, I figure I'd investigate a little more. Boy was I glad I did! The construction on this cigar was flawless! Beautiful lines, wonderful reddish-brown color, with a hint of vein in a wrapper that held the wonders inside! It was the perfect amount of tension of wrapper and binder over the filler creating a very nice draw. Not too firm and not too airy. Cutter cut clean with no debris and the wrapper stayed quite nicely. As the cigar burned it started to go a bit 'wonky', but then evened out just before the first 1/4 mark. The ash however was an unremarkable color and would not cling long, the longest I was able to get the ash to cling was just about one inch. The only bad note I'd have to say regarding construction was within the last inch and a half, the wrapper began to unravel and the stub became very squishy to hold.
Now, the real treat came when lighting it. As soon as flame met cigar my tongue was inundated with a wonderful sweet, spiced peppers flavor! I mean this was fantastic! This flavor remained almost throughout the whole cigar. About halfway through the spice bit a little more and the sweetness mellowed out and a third flavor gave character, but I could not say with certainty what it was. I want to say almost like a chocolaty coffee, but not quite. Towards the end the spice picked up a touch more and became a bit bitter, but that may have to do with the previous sweetness of the cigar not being as strong now. After all was said and done, this did not leave a foul flavor in my mouth and my overall experience with this cigar, has shown me why Tatuaje was just ranked the most popular and sought after brand by Cigar Aficionado.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Cigar Review: Sancho Panza Valiente Natural
Hi all, so we had First Friday here the other day in beautiful Downtown Fort Collins, when I felt that something was missing, so I popped into Al's News and grabbed a Sancho Panza Valiente Natural from their small humidor. Sancho Panza for me has been a long time favorite simply because they are a cheap, reliable cigar. I typically keep a box or so of the Double Maduro in my humidor and use as my staple cigar, so my expectations were higher than with a blind critique. Sancho Panza, owned and made by El Rey del Mundo, was to have started from German business man Emilio Ohmstedt in 1848. In 1882, Spanish business man Antonio Allones took over the company, which translated into English means King of the World, and brought it to its world-wide prestige. El Rey del Mundo and Sancho Panza, were once regarded as the most expensive and highly prestigious cigars until tastes started turning towards more stronger cigars. Today they are still enjoyed for their lighter, complex flavors.
A few notes on construction, the cigar itself looked very smooth, with an even brown wrapper with a hint of red, and the leaf only showed a little bit of its vein. It had a firm feel without being too hard, while still feeling supple to the fingertips. The cap came off very easy during cutting and not a lot of debris afterward. It had a fairly nice draw, a bit hard, but not hard enough to really have a negative effect on the smoking experience. Through its burn it had a nice zebra striped ash that was able to cling for almost half the stick, and remained a fairly even burn most of the way through the smoke, only once it got past the halfway mark did it really need a touch up light to even it back out.
Starting on the flavor, upon lighting the cigar it had a bit of a bite, just enough to tease the back of my tongue. It started with a distinct coffee flavor, a hint of wood and a bit of cashew and pepper as well. Getting to the midway point of the cigar was enjoyable, the coffee flavor got sweetened a bit and creamier, almost as if it started black, then someone had added cream and sugar. The wood had gone away and the cashew was JUST noticeable. The last third of the cigar, the coffee started to go away and was replaced with more of a peppered, nutty flavor. The smoke throughout this was nice, billowed and smooth. Overall this cigar lived up to my expectations that I have come to appreciate from those folks at Sancho Panza. I paired this up with an organic, fair trade coffee I had discovered that same night in a store called Ten Thousand Villages.
A few notes on construction, the cigar itself looked very smooth, with an even brown wrapper with a hint of red, and the leaf only showed a little bit of its vein. It had a firm feel without being too hard, while still feeling supple to the fingertips. The cap came off very easy during cutting and not a lot of debris afterward. It had a fairly nice draw, a bit hard, but not hard enough to really have a negative effect on the smoking experience. Through its burn it had a nice zebra striped ash that was able to cling for almost half the stick, and remained a fairly even burn most of the way through the smoke, only once it got past the halfway mark did it really need a touch up light to even it back out.
Starting on the flavor, upon lighting the cigar it had a bit of a bite, just enough to tease the back of my tongue. It started with a distinct coffee flavor, a hint of wood and a bit of cashew and pepper as well. Getting to the midway point of the cigar was enjoyable, the coffee flavor got sweetened a bit and creamier, almost as if it started black, then someone had added cream and sugar. The wood had gone away and the cashew was JUST noticeable. The last third of the cigar, the coffee started to go away and was replaced with more of a peppered, nutty flavor. The smoke throughout this was nice, billowed and smooth. Overall this cigar lived up to my expectations that I have come to appreciate from those folks at Sancho Panza. I paired this up with an organic, fair trade coffee I had discovered that same night in a store called Ten Thousand Villages.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Habano Authenticity Tests
Hello all,
This comes from the great folks at the Valencia Cigar Lounge, located in beautiful Valencia California. They are an up and coming Cigar Lounge so folks in the area be on the look out and share some positivity and a stog with those fine folks. To visit their website go to www.ValenciaCigarLounge.com.
Here, they have imparted some great tips on separating genuine article Habanos versus their cheap counterfeit knock-offs. Enjoy!
SMOKE:
- The #1 test for a real Habano is the taste after lighting. If you feel you have lit a chocolate bar and are being carried off to heaven on its smoke, you are most likely smoking the genuine article.
- Even non-smokers (like me), are able to feel the absolute pleasure of breathing in a smidgen of a Habano's sweet 2nd hand smoke through their nose. (Domestics generally burn ones nostrils!)
- You can take 3-5 sweet long, consecutive puffs with no negative effects. (The 2nd or 3rd puffs of a domestic begin to hurt.)
- People will flock around to compliment your 2nd hand smoke. Although domestics smell great too, Tarzan himself could not herd the flock like a Habano. (Best 2nd hand smoke: Bolivar Churchill)
- Habanos are meant to be smoked to the nub. In fact, unlike domestics are often discarded at the nub, the best taste of most Habanos start at the final 1/5 of the cigar. I myself smoke my Habanos till my finger tips burn and I have to throw the cigar to the ground - if anyone invents a cigar roach, I'll buy one.
VISUAL:
- The genuine article will likely be a dark, oily cigar. With limited exceptions, Habano wrappers are almost never light or blond - aka Connecticut. The only exceptions I've found are the Montecristo #2 ESPECIALES (thinner yet slightly longer than the M2) and the Trinidad Lanceros, both of which have rare and wonderful Connecticut wrappers.
- It will be rolled perfectly, and will be nearly indestructible. However, keep in mind that "street Habanos", sold mostly ON the Island itself, are often very vainny or slightly crooked (although they taste just as perfect).
- It will have a triple head, allowing for an easy "cut" with your teeth. (Habanos are not made to be razor cut, but bitten.) A triple head means it will have 3 distinct small pieces of leaf covering the head of the cigar, the top head intended to pop off with a cutting bite with your teeth.
- It will not be over packed nor firm, but spongy and soft.
- Its band will look aesthetically pleasing, perfectly designed and colored, and will likely have raised letters or art. (Watch out for Cohibas with flat, un-raised letters, or with an orange, not yellow band.)
- It will almost never come in a tube - at least I've never seen a genuine one in a tube.
- It will almost never have more than one band or label. (Watch out for 2nd bands reading "Edicion Limitados" or the like! These taste aweful.)
PRE-LIGHT TASTE:
- The wrapper and open tip will smell sweet, and not tobacco'e or chemically.
- As you bite the cigar's head (aka, cutting), you will feel no chemical taste in your mouth.
- You will also not feel any chemical taste or burn on your tongue or lips as you hold the cigar in your mouth.
- Your pre-light draw will be open and sweet, again, with no chemical taste.
BURN:
- Most Habanos will burn perfectly, and stay lit even when unattended. (However, some sticks, like the Bolivar Churchill or most Salomones need extra lighter attention.)
- The ash length of most Habanos are legendary. I have gotten half length with no trouble.
- As Habanos are not packed tight, they are usually a quicker burn.
POST-SMOKE:
- Perhaps the most significance difference between top shelf domestic cigars and Habanos is the lingering effects on your body after you have smoked. With domestics, you may feel tired, heavy, tight, with a bad taste in your mouth. With Habanos, however, the only after effect is a wonderful scent of sweet chocolaty smoke on your face and shirt - no heaviness; no tiredness; no tightness in your chest; and definitely, no bad taste in your mouth.
- You will also be able to smoke 2-3 Habanos in a row with no lingering burn, bad taste, or discomfort in your mouth or body. On the other hand, 1 or 2 domestics and your tongue begins to fight back!
THE BOX: (Stay tuned...)
- Try not to buy unopened boxes, but if you must...
- No paper on the box will be coming unglued or unraveled. However, some boxes may get crushed or misshapen in shipping, and that's OK.
- All labeling will be beautiful, and glued perfectly.
- A small Red "Habanos" label will be across the top, back, right corner.
- A Green "Republica de Cuba" sticker will be across the top, left, front, extending under the box.
- Manufacturer's label on the top, front, center.
- A ..... will be burned on the bottom middle.
- A circular blue .... stamp will be on the bottom, touching the under side of the "Republica de Cuba" label.
- A golden nail will be in the top, front, center.
- Inside, there will be a paper flap, with the manufacturer's label, that is fastened/secured to the inside front of the box, and extends out toward you.
- Under the flap will be a lose, 2x3", "rice paper" ticket with Spanish writing.
- Under the ticket will be your fabulous cigars.
- Under the cigars will be a wooden sheet, to separate the cigar levels (sometimes broken up to be used as the perfect cigar lighting stick).
- The bottom level cigars will have one rectangular solid wood box to take the space of one cigar.
- There will be 25 cigars in your box, except for Trinidads, which only have 24 per box.
- Strictly wood box cigars, like the Cohiba Siglo VI or Trinidad Robustos, will not have a " paper flap that extends toward you" but the cigars will be bundle wrapped with a 1" silken band and/or inside of a sheet of rice paper.
PURCHASING:
When purchasing a Habano, keep the following in mind:
- All of the above!!!
- Try to smoke (taste test) a variety before buying bulk from the same retailer.
- Be skeptical of Habanos that cost less than $10 each, or $200 for a box.
- Try not to buy an unopened box.
- Try not to buy a Cohiba or Montecristo, as they are the most counterfeited - unless you are an expert.
- Try not to buy a Habano with a blond/light wrapper.
- Try not to buy a Habano that smells either chemically or bland (usually blond).
- Try not to buy a Habano that unwraps or crinkles when squeezed. (Habano wrappers are almost indestructible, even if ill-humidified.)
- Do not buy a so called "Habano" in a TUBE!
- Do not buy Habanos with 2 or more bands or labels.
- Do not buy Habanos without the triple (bite off) heads.
This comes from the great folks at the Valencia Cigar Lounge, located in beautiful Valencia California. They are an up and coming Cigar Lounge so folks in the area be on the look out and share some positivity and a stog with those fine folks. To visit their website go to www.ValenciaCigarLounge.com.
Here, they have imparted some great tips on separating genuine article Habanos versus their cheap counterfeit knock-offs. Enjoy!
SMOKE:
- The #1 test for a real Habano is the taste after lighting. If you feel you have lit a chocolate bar and are being carried off to heaven on its smoke, you are most likely smoking the genuine article.
- Even non-smokers (like me), are able to feel the absolute pleasure of breathing in a smidgen of a Habano's sweet 2nd hand smoke through their nose. (Domestics generally burn ones nostrils!)
- You can take 3-5 sweet long, consecutive puffs with no negative effects. (The 2nd or 3rd puffs of a domestic begin to hurt.)
- People will flock around to compliment your 2nd hand smoke. Although domestics smell great too, Tarzan himself could not herd the flock like a Habano. (Best 2nd hand smoke: Bolivar Churchill)
- Habanos are meant to be smoked to the nub. In fact, unlike domestics are often discarded at the nub, the best taste of most Habanos start at the final 1/5 of the cigar. I myself smoke my Habanos till my finger tips burn and I have to throw the cigar to the ground - if anyone invents a cigar roach, I'll buy one.
VISUAL:
- The genuine article will likely be a dark, oily cigar. With limited exceptions, Habano wrappers are almost never light or blond - aka Connecticut. The only exceptions I've found are the Montecristo #2 ESPECIALES (thinner yet slightly longer than the M2) and the Trinidad Lanceros, both of which have rare and wonderful Connecticut wrappers.
- It will be rolled perfectly, and will be nearly indestructible. However, keep in mind that "street Habanos", sold mostly ON the Island itself, are often very vainny or slightly crooked (although they taste just as perfect).
- It will have a triple head, allowing for an easy "cut" with your teeth. (Habanos are not made to be razor cut, but bitten.) A triple head means it will have 3 distinct small pieces of leaf covering the head of the cigar, the top head intended to pop off with a cutting bite with your teeth.
- It will not be over packed nor firm, but spongy and soft.
- Its band will look aesthetically pleasing, perfectly designed and colored, and will likely have raised letters or art. (Watch out for Cohibas with flat, un-raised letters, or with an orange, not yellow band.)
- It will almost never come in a tube - at least I've never seen a genuine one in a tube.
- It will almost never have more than one band or label. (Watch out for 2nd bands reading "Edicion Limitados" or the like! These taste aweful.)
PRE-LIGHT TASTE:
- The wrapper and open tip will smell sweet, and not tobacco'e or chemically.
- As you bite the cigar's head (aka, cutting), you will feel no chemical taste in your mouth.
- You will also not feel any chemical taste or burn on your tongue or lips as you hold the cigar in your mouth.
- Your pre-light draw will be open and sweet, again, with no chemical taste.
BURN:
- Most Habanos will burn perfectly, and stay lit even when unattended. (However, some sticks, like the Bolivar Churchill or most Salomones need extra lighter attention.)
- The ash length of most Habanos are legendary. I have gotten half length with no trouble.
- As Habanos are not packed tight, they are usually a quicker burn.
POST-SMOKE:
- Perhaps the most significance difference between top shelf domestic cigars and Habanos is the lingering effects on your body after you have smoked. With domestics, you may feel tired, heavy, tight, with a bad taste in your mouth. With Habanos, however, the only after effect is a wonderful scent of sweet chocolaty smoke on your face and shirt - no heaviness; no tiredness; no tightness in your chest; and definitely, no bad taste in your mouth.
- You will also be able to smoke 2-3 Habanos in a row with no lingering burn, bad taste, or discomfort in your mouth or body. On the other hand, 1 or 2 domestics and your tongue begins to fight back!
THE BOX: (Stay tuned...)
- Try not to buy unopened boxes, but if you must...
- No paper on the box will be coming unglued or unraveled. However, some boxes may get crushed or misshapen in shipping, and that's OK.
- All labeling will be beautiful, and glued perfectly.
- A small Red "Habanos" label will be across the top, back, right corner.
- A Green "Republica de Cuba" sticker will be across the top, left, front, extending under the box.
- Manufacturer's label on the top, front, center.
- A ..... will be burned on the bottom middle.
- A circular blue .... stamp will be on the bottom, touching the under side of the "Republica de Cuba" label.
- A golden nail will be in the top, front, center.
- Inside, there will be a paper flap, with the manufacturer's label, that is fastened/secured to the inside front of the box, and extends out toward you.
- Under the flap will be a lose, 2x3", "rice paper" ticket with Spanish writing.
- Under the ticket will be your fabulous cigars.
- Under the cigars will be a wooden sheet, to separate the cigar levels (sometimes broken up to be used as the perfect cigar lighting stick).
- The bottom level cigars will have one rectangular solid wood box to take the space of one cigar.
- There will be 25 cigars in your box, except for Trinidads, which only have 24 per box.
- Strictly wood box cigars, like the Cohiba Siglo VI or Trinidad Robustos, will not have a " paper flap that extends toward you" but the cigars will be bundle wrapped with a 1" silken band and/or inside of a sheet of rice paper.
PURCHASING:
When purchasing a Habano, keep the following in mind:
- All of the above!!!
- Try to smoke (taste test) a variety before buying bulk from the same retailer.
- Be skeptical of Habanos that cost less than $10 each, or $200 for a box.
- Try not to buy an unopened box.
- Try not to buy a Cohiba or Montecristo, as they are the most counterfeited - unless you are an expert.
- Try not to buy a Habano with a blond/light wrapper.
- Try not to buy a Habano that smells either chemically or bland (usually blond).
- Try not to buy a Habano that unwraps or crinkles when squeezed. (Habano wrappers are almost indestructible, even if ill-humidified.)
- Do not buy a so called "Habano" in a TUBE!
- Do not buy Habanos with 2 or more bands or labels.
- Do not buy Habanos without the triple (bite off) heads.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Inexpensive Humidor Solution
Hi everyone. I know its been a while since I've been back on here. But I'm happy to be back. Today I'm going to be talking about cheap and effective solutions to not having a humidor. Using my Facebook profile Cigar Czar, I've seen a trend lately where people were having a problem procuring a good humidor. This led me to creating today's blog. This will also be helpful for those who are trying to start smoking and keeping cigars of there own.
What you need to do first is go to your local tobacconist's and ask if they have any high quality cigar boxes they can either part with free, or at a low cost. When I started I managed to get a very elegant looking Monte Cristo cigar box with a painted mural of a city on the lid, the rest of the box was silver and black, which conveniently matched my furnishing in that room. When they offer you some of these cigar boxes, make sure that they are large enough to house all your cigars, with enough circulation and enough space for the humidifier and the gauge. You will also need to make sure that when you get the cigar box, that it has a good, tight seal. This is very important for obvious reasons.
Once that's done and you've taken your make-shift humidor home, you will then need to 'prime' the humidor. The way you do that is take a clean cotton cloth and apply a small amount of distilled water to the cloth and wipe the entire inside of the make-shift humidor. this will help the wood absorb the moisture without waiting a long time with just the humidifier alone. But make sure not to use too much water as this can warp the humidor and cause an improper seal or a potential for mold.
This kind of humidor will require a bit more upkeep than a standard humidor, as it is a cigar box, and not a true humidor. However the upkeep is still relatively simple, make sure if you use a silica style tube humidifier (which is what I recommend for this kind of humidor) the silica is always moist, never let it dry out, and keep your levels at that perfect 70%. Another means to keep them moist was discovered by a friend of mine. He took the silica beads you find occasionally in clothes (in those little bags they tell you not to eat), found a retailer who sold the beads bulk and applies an ample amount into a flat bowl and just adds water occasionally. This to my experience for personal humidors has been the most reliable and stable form of keeping a humidor at an even 70%. However this method is best applied in larger humidors given the space needed for the bowl. Hope this helps and happy smoking!
What you need to do first is go to your local tobacconist's and ask if they have any high quality cigar boxes they can either part with free, or at a low cost. When I started I managed to get a very elegant looking Monte Cristo cigar box with a painted mural of a city on the lid, the rest of the box was silver and black, which conveniently matched my furnishing in that room. When they offer you some of these cigar boxes, make sure that they are large enough to house all your cigars, with enough circulation and enough space for the humidifier and the gauge. You will also need to make sure that when you get the cigar box, that it has a good, tight seal. This is very important for obvious reasons.
Once that's done and you've taken your make-shift humidor home, you will then need to 'prime' the humidor. The way you do that is take a clean cotton cloth and apply a small amount of distilled water to the cloth and wipe the entire inside of the make-shift humidor. this will help the wood absorb the moisture without waiting a long time with just the humidifier alone. But make sure not to use too much water as this can warp the humidor and cause an improper seal or a potential for mold.
This kind of humidor will require a bit more upkeep than a standard humidor, as it is a cigar box, and not a true humidor. However the upkeep is still relatively simple, make sure if you use a silica style tube humidifier (which is what I recommend for this kind of humidor) the silica is always moist, never let it dry out, and keep your levels at that perfect 70%. Another means to keep them moist was discovered by a friend of mine. He took the silica beads you find occasionally in clothes (in those little bags they tell you not to eat), found a retailer who sold the beads bulk and applies an ample amount into a flat bowl and just adds water occasionally. This to my experience for personal humidors has been the most reliable and stable form of keeping a humidor at an even 70%. However this method is best applied in larger humidors given the space needed for the bowl. Hope this helps and happy smoking!
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