by | April 24, 2013 · 8:33 pm

C-Gars Ltd., Club Macanudo, the New Palio Lighter, the La Palina Maduro Toro and a Cain F Cigar

Sunday my wife and I drove up to Manhattan to meet up with our good friend Mitchell and his wife, along with some of his other friends at Club Macanudo.  We got into the city early, so we wandered around Central Park a bit, even rode the Merry Go Round, visited Tiffany’s and just enjoyed a nice spring day.  For those who don’t know, Mitchell operates  C.Gars Ltd., the mail order division of Turmeaus Tobacconists established 1817, along with  Robert Graham,  Global Whisky Shop, Agedcubans,  Humidorsonline,  Havana Samplers,  LCDH Hamburg,  Great Gifts Etc.  Mitchell is also the international distributor outside of the US for Palio, as well as several other brands that he sells in the UK and the rest of the world.  We settled into Club Macanudo to smoke some cigars and socialize.  The club is a beautiful space with a bar, private lockers and a full restaurant, serving a Sunday brunch menu until 7 pm.  Jenn and I shared a delicious french toast and fruit bowl after I finished my first cigar, a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, which Mitchell had handed me when we arrived.  This was a delicious cigar, on the milder side for a Havana, but full of flavor and perfectly constructed.  I don’t smoke many Havanas any more, as much as I enjoy that distinctive little flavor that only a fine Havana has, a twang, if you will.  I think the cigars coming from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Honduras MO_ClubMacare more interesting and superior in many ways.  This was an exemplary smoke though, very nice.  Looking at the cigar menu there was a bit startling.  New York cigar prices are already high, but the prices there were more than double NY retail prices.  I was going to joke that their prices were higher than Mitchell’s, but I try to avoid insulting my host if I can manage it!  I didn’t take detailed notes, but I recall seeing a cigar that is $6.00 here in PA being $25.  As I said, shocking.  Fortunately,  I had cigars with me, but Mitchell shoved a Partagas Serie D No. 4 in my paw so I had to smoke that.  He mentioned that it was young and possibly quite strong, but I’m a fan of the Cuban Partagas line and found this to me a nice smoke.  On the fuller side of medium with a very nice flavor.  Perhaps with five years of age this will be a stellar smoke, but it was pretty darned tasty now.  It’s always a great time hanging out with Mitchell, his lovely wife and his group of friends, and it’s nice to get a day away with my wife!

 

Palio_LighterAs if these special cigars weren’t a treat enough, Mitchell gifted me the new Palio Lighte

buy colchicine online https://nsstulsa.com/mt-content/uploads/2022/03/png/colchicine.html no prescription pharmacy

r in matte black, with “Seleccion Orchant 2013” inscribed on it. I’ve been lusting after this lighter since I spoke with Marc Aub of BOTL, LLC at the IPCPR show last August and he was showing it off (video here).  This is a substantial lighter with a large fuel capacity, a fuel window and covers over the jet, as well as the filler hole.  They’ve made it very easy to adjust the flame height with a little drop down turny thing on the adjustment screw (pardon the technical jargon).  This is a brilliant lighter which I’m proud to have in my possession.  It lights a cigar very nicely too.  I’ll use it non-stop (except when I travel) and report on how it performs, but I have no doubt it will be flawless.

 

LaPalina_Maduro_ToroThe first cigar I lit with the Palio lighter was a La Palina Maduro toro.  I fell in love with the Robusto in this line last year when it was released, although I only smoked a few samples.  Its everything I desire in a San Andreas wrapped cigar: smooth, chocolaty, and delicious.  Of course it’s well made, although the draw could have been a little bit better.    I enjoy the heck out of most of the La Palina cigars I’ve smoked, but this maduro is my favorite hands down (who among you who reads regularly is surprised?).

 

CainF_575x50Tonight I grabbed a Cain F 5.75×50 that probably came from the IPCPR show last year.  This turned out to be a poor choice for me, not because it wasn’t a great smoke, it was, but it was just too strong for me tonight. I’m tired and it kind of kicked me in the butt.  It made it more difficult to sit down and write this post! I should have

buy hydroxychloroquine online https://nsstulsa.com/mt-content/uploads/2022/03/png/hydroxychloroquine.html no prescription pharmacy

chosen something milder!  Still a nice smoke, but strong.  I think I like the tubed lancero best in this line.

 

News

I came across this in my inbox today and thought I’d pass it along since it struck me as a unique promotion that I’ve never seen before:

Rocky_LandingPage2.jpg

On Thursday, April 25th, cigar superstar Rocky Patel will be here at BestCigarPrices taking your calls!* Order any in-stock box of Rocky Patel cigars between 4-5pm ET for a chance to talk to Rocky LIVE while he personally hand-signs your box of cigars. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-41-CIGAR.

 

Sunday’s post will be a rare guest post, since I will be travelling to Nicaragua for Cigar Safari.  I’ll be touring the Drew Estate operation along with several of my blogging brethren (and some real journalists :-)).  Expect another full report akin to my last report from March of 2011.   Many thanks to the folks at Drew Estate for this opportunity!  So stay tuned, I’ll try to get something posted while I’m there, internet access willing!

 

Until the next time,

 

CigarCraig

Share

9 Comments

Filed under News, Review, Stores, Trip Report

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 21, 2013 · 8:07 am

Sunday Cigar News, a Monte Pascoal and Another Joya de Nicaragua

Today’s installment is going to be a short one.  My wife and I are heading to New York City to meet some friends at Club Macanudo this afternoon and want to get an early start. Is it unusual to drive 2½ hours just to smoke a cigar or two?  When you can manage it, it’s well worth the time to meet up with friends you only see a couple times a year. I bet it’s been ten or twelve years since I was at Club Macanudo.   I’ll select some special cigars to take along to enjoy, and we’ll have a good time in the big city.  In other news, a week from today I’ll be on my way to Nicaragua for a return visit to Drew Estate’s Cigar Safari. This may interrupt my usual posting schedule a bit, but I will endeavor to post updates along the way as time and technology allow.

 

Monte_Pascoal_MinutoTo recap a couple cigars I smoked this week, I slipped in a Monte Pascoal Minuto Thursday before going to an abysmal Flyers game which left me so disgusted that I didn’t bother stopping in the cigar bar for a post-game smoke.  These are dynamite little cigars, and this one may have had a year or so of age, which didn’t hurt it.  I enjoyed the heck out of this small Brazilian Puro.  If you don’t see these in your local shop, you can use the code “MPCGRS10” on CigarFromBrazil.com to get %10 off any purchase on the site. I’ve smoked a bunch of cigars in this line and they are tasty smokes.

 

JdN_AntanoDarkCorojo_ToroSaturday I took an afternoon walk with a Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo.  I thought I knew what this cigar was, but the size didn’t match up to any of the sizes listed on the website.  It was a 6″ x 50ish box pressed cigar, it certainly wasn’t the 54 ring gauge Poderosa. Then I remembered when I met up with Peter from ACigarSmoker.com last year he gave me a sampler of Joyas from an event they had recently had which had 4 or 5 toros, of which this cigar may have been included.  Anyway, this line is one of my favorites for flavor, although I can stand a little less power.  It also evokes some great memories of smoking one in the factory in Esteli two years ago.  Sadly, this particular example was a little tighter than I would like and it gave me a little more frustration that pleasure. I’m sure I’ll have the chance to smoke another one of these in the next  week or so.  I still love the flavors in this cigar and am never deterred by the occasional bad experience.

 

News

From Cigar Rights of America:

 

S. 772 Joins H.R. 792 – As Key to Warding off FDA Regulation of Cigars

With an historic act of political leadership for all those that have a passion for premium cigars, U.S Senator Bill Nelson, D-Florida and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, R-Florida, have again joined together in a spirit of bi-partisan leadership to send a loud and clear message to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – “Leave Our Cigars, Alone!” Early this morning, it was assigned the bill number, S. 772.

However, Senators Nelson and Rubio are not alone this year in the launch of a bill to protect premium cigars from destructive regulations by the federal government.

In another display of bi-partisan cooperation, a diverse coalition of U.S. Senators have joined S. 772 as original co-sponsors. They include Senator Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana (and Chair of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee); Senator Jon Tester, D-Montana; Senator Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, and Senator David Vitter, R-Louisiana.

Cigar Rights of America commends the leadership of these Senators for our cause of Cigar Liberty from the tyranny of federal regulation. To have such legislation filed two years in a row, is a testament to the perseverance of all that share in the camaraderie of a great cigar. It is recognition by these members of Congress that by the FDA even contemplating the regulation of cigars, the agency is going beyond their legislative intent.

 

H.R. 792 Climbs to 61 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives!

This month’s new co-sponsors of H.R. 792 include: Dan Benishek (Michigan); Tim Huelskamp (Kansas); Steve Chabot (Ohio); Trey Radel (Florida): Bill Huizenga (Michigan); Todd Rokita (Indiana); Dina Titus (Nevada); Andy Barr (Kentucky); Glenn Thompson (Pennsylvania); Howard Coble (North Carolina); Chris Collins (New York); Lee Terry (Nebraska); Robert Whitman (Virginia); Kurt Schrader (Oregon); William Owens (New York); Frederica Wilson (Florida); Patrick McHenry (North Carolina); Wm. Lacy Clay (Missouri); Bill Shuster (Pennsylvania); and Kerry Bentivolio (Michigan).

Please call their offices and commend their leadership for Cigar Liberty. Go to the full co-sponsor list, and if your member of Congress is not on it, call them and say “SIGN ONTO H.R. 792 and S. 772! Or…you’ll remember on Election Day.”

 

NEW PETITION DRIVE FOR THIS CRITICAL FEDERAL LEGISLATION

“Operation Cigar Liberty” needs you. In the spirit of H.R. 792, let’s put 792 (at least!) petitions from each Congressional District in America, into the U.S. Congress. That’s 344,520 petitions. All you need to do is fill in the blanks, and we take care of the rest. Starting today when you fill this out, it will automatically go to both of your U.S. Senators, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives. ACT, TODAY!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITON AS SEND A MESSAGE TO CONGRESS!

 

And on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue…

It’s official. The Obama Administration is proposing a fresh new round of tax increases (to the tune of 93%!), and this time on your cigars! President Obama wants new cigar taxes to go for education programs. SCHIP just wasn’t enough. Fortunately, that’s why there are three branches of government, and such a proposal should meet with strong resistance in the House of Representatives, and hopefully the Senate, as well.

Call The White House at 202-456-1111 and say “NO NEW TAXES, ON MY CIGARS!”

 

TAKE ACTION: Help Exempt Premium Cigars From FDA Regulation!

H.R. 792 / S. 772 – Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act

Between April 26, 2010 and December 21, 2012 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration publicly posted their intent to deem cigars as subject to federal regulation. Therefore, it’s incumbent upon the cigar enthusiasts of the United States to voice their opposition to any proposed new regulation of premium/traditional cigars by the United States Government.

Some of the measures FDA could consider, as we believe they are, include:

  • Ban on walk-in humidors, self serve cigar displays, and mail-order cigar sales;
  • Ban on all flavored cigars, that are enjoyed by legal-age adults;
  • Deface ornate, decorative cigar boxes, often considered an art form with grotesque images;
  • Ban on cigar events where free cigars (samples) could be available to legal-age adults;
  • Limits on cigar marketing and advertising;
  • Imposition of new ‘user fees’ [tax] on cigars, to finance regulations;
  • Limits on special release and small-batch cigars, due to mandates that cigar blends be submitted to FDA for pre-approval before release;
  • Limits on nicotine levels on cigars to near zero, severely impacting the flavor of cigars;
  • Ban on marketing cigar merchandise.

 

We urge you to easily take action now by clicking the button below!

 

 

It’s very important to write to your elected officials and implore them to co-sponsor these pieces of legislation!  Our ability to enjoy premium cigars and all the great things associated with it depends on it!  I promised I’d dig up some info on the New Jersey Cigar Festival, which, by the way, would not be possible under FDA regulation of premium cigars!  See how important this is?

 

This year’s NJ Cigar Festival will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 11am – 4pm at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ.

We hope you’ll be able to join us for what promises to be the New Jersey Cigar Event of the year!

As an attendee, you’ll have direct access to some of the most famous names in the industry, including Jon Drew, Jose Blanco, George Sosa, Arielle Ditkowich, Maria Martin, Antonio Lam and Willy Herrera. (Willy is even bringing a new, as-yet-unreleased blend with him, just for Festival attendees.) And My Father Cigars will be joining us, as well!

There will be plenty of product to buy at special prices, which you can enjoy while indulging in a buffet lunch featuring the delicious food that Park Avenue Club has become known for through New Jersey. And, of course, there will be free massages and hot towel shaves.

You can purchase tickets here, or visit Barrister Cigars (2565 Route 22 West in Union, NJ) and buy your ticket(s) in person using cash or a check and get a free cigar.

 

Looks like a great event featuring a great bunch of people!

 

That’s it for today!  Until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig

Share

2 Comments

Filed under News, Review

Tagged as , , , , , ,

by | April 17, 2013 · 6:57 pm

Breaking News, A couple Cigars From Joya De Nicaragua and a Room 101

Last night I was, once again, at the Flyers game, which ended in the Flyer’s fa

vor, they played a great game against the Rangers. Afterwards we repaired to the cigar bar once again, and this time I ran into my friend Mark, who is the area Rocky Patel rep. Mark was there with enjoying the newest cigar in the BSB No.1 line-up, the “HOF-84” Box Pressed Torpedo. Of course, HOF stands for the hockey Hall Of Fame, in which Bernie was inducted in 1984. Last month Cigar Aficianado broke the news of the new sizes (http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/16982, actually I mentioned it here first!), but I have updated information, a “scoop” if you will. Apparently the “Between the Pipes” which was initially a 6½ x 56 toro (CA reported it would be box pressed which was incorrect, it was to be round, like a pipe on a hockey goal). Instead of the “Between the Pipes” coming out next month with the “HOF-84”, they are releasing the “Crossbar”, a 5½x56 robusto, again in the round as opposed to box pressed. The “Between the Pipes” will be a 6″x 60 and will be released at a later time. As far as I know, all of these will sport bands featuring Bernie’s crest, which highlights his Hall of Fame induction as well as his two Stanley Cup wins. I shot a little Keek video with Bernie when I saw him last night. Bernie’s a heck of nice guy, and he loves his cigars! I’m awfully glad I ran into Mark (he’s a Ranger’s fan, but still a good guy :-))and got to hang out with him and Bernie again, it’s always a hoot. There you have it, you heard this news here first!

 

CuencaYBlanco_ToroRewind to Sunday. The weather was stunning. Except for the occasional cool breeze, temps were in the 60s and I managed to get a slight sunburn from relaxing outside with a cigar after lunch. I chose a Cuenca y Blanco toro, one that was a sample from the IPCPR show, and had the old band as opposed to the new CyB band.  This is a cigar that I really want to love.  I

know the players involved and have been to the factory, so I know it’s an exceptional cigar.  I enjoy smoking the cigar, and I’m not put off by it, it just doesn’t “wow” me.  There’s something in the flavor profile that just isn’t what I’m looking for in a cigar.  I still get a great smoking experience from the cigar, which is weird, isn’t it?  I’m saying I don’t like the cigar, but I still enjoy it, right?  I can say the same about a lot of cigars in the La Aurora line too, there’s something in the flavor that just isn’t my cup of tea (and the common thread isn’t lost on me).  I want to like them, there’

buy cialis soft online https://petlosshelp.net/eblog/images/gif/cialis-soft.html no prescription pharmacy

s something I really enjoy about them, but the flavor isn’t it. This is a strange thing that I need to ponder repeatedly over as many cigars as necessary.

 

MUWAT_6x60Later in the day, after a nap and dinner, I decided to smoke a relative of the CyB, the My Uzi Weighs a Ton 6″ x 60.  Much the same as the CyB, this is another cigar that’s made in the Joya de Nicaragua factory, another cigar that I know the people behind, and another cigar that I enjoy, but don’t love.  I should love it, I just don’t.  The Digital Son 6 size was a winner for me, I’ve yet to try the Bait Fish, but the 60 ring gauge versions don’t excite me.  Great construction, great smoking experience, but the flavors don’t do it for me.  Go figure.  I love so many cigars that come out of the JdN factory, from the nice, mild Cabinetta to the heavy duty Antaño Dark Corojo, the Joya De Nicaragua cigars are among my favorites, but this, along with the CyB aren’t up there.  Still, a relaxing and satisfying hour and a half or so.  It’s not like I want to put the cigars down and get something else, I enjoy them, I just don’t get it.

 

Room_101_SA_305Monday, wanting a sure thing, I grabbed a Room 101 San Andreas 305 Robusto from my humidor and took it for a walk.  I love this cigar.  It gives me the chocolate/cocoa/coffee flavors I love.  There are a growing handful of San Andreas wrapped cigars  that I gravitate towards lately (one is the Chateau real Maduro, which is sadly discontinued, of which one in the Small Club Corona vitola was enjoyed at the aforementioned post Flyers Game cigar bar visit).  This one is a winner, I enjoy many of the cigars in Matt Booth’s Room 101 line, but this one is tops in my book.  Well done, sir!

 

More News

Renowned artist bringing work to Midwest Smoke Out

HutcHSome people might consider colorblindness a limitation, but Richard “HutcH” Hutchings has transformed that challenge into a skill.

As an artist who is colorblind, Hutchings directed his talent toward professional pen and ink drawing 40 years ago, taking advantage of his ability to shade and illustrate in great detail.

In 1994, he added another distinct genre to his repertoire – scrimshaw, the art of engraving or carving an image into bone or ivory. The carved lines are then filled in with ink to make the image stand out.

Hutchings will exhibit his work during the Midwest Smoke Out cigar show on April 25 at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.

“I was primarily a wildlife pen and ink artist, so I had accumulated a large collection of wildlife art,” he said. “When scrimshaw presented itself as an art form, I was more than ready to take it on.”

According to historical accounts, scrimshaw originated on whaling ships out of New England during the 18th century.

HutcH Cigar Cutter 5“Scrimshaw is the only art form that was made in America,” Hutchings said. “Out of boredom (sailors) would scratch designs in whale teeth.”

The scrimshaw work done by Hutchings includes handcrafted XIKAR-brand cigar cutters, custom jewelry and knife handles, much of which is carved from 10,000-year-old mammoth ivory that is delivered to his Louisville, Ky., studio from Siberia and Alaska.

He attaches his fossil ivory handles exclusively to XIKAR Xi3 cutter bodies, which he said have garnered a dedicated following. His products have also been showcased in several movies.

Hutchings has collaborated with renowned knife-maker Gil Hibben for a variety of film projects during the past 16 years. He did scrimshaw artwork on the handles of knives featured in the blockbuster “The Expendables,” and also made the cigar cutter used by Sylvester Stallone in “The Expendables 2.”

For the past several years, he has also displayed and sold his scrimshaw artwork at cigar trade shows all over the U.S., including theInternational Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association Convention and International Trade Show in Las Vegas.

Hutchings said the Midwest Smoke Out would be an exciting new experience. He explained he was looking forward to the event because it will mark the first show where he can interact with individual customers rather than smoke shops and cigar companies.

“I will be demonstrating scrimshaw while there and everything I bring to the show will be for sale,” he said. “I’m excited to (participate in Midwest Smoke Out) because I get to talk directly with the customer.”

Among the cigar cutters Hutchings will offer at Midwest Smoke Out will be illustrations ofUlysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee for Civil War buffs, a Winston Churchill set, and the skull design that was used in The Expendables 2. His display will also include a new John F. Kennedy cutter, which will be offered for the first time at Midwest Smoke Out.

He added that he will be offering special discounts at the event. All cutters will 25 percent off, he said, and mammoth ivory cuff links and earrings will be 50 percent off.

Hutchings explained that he is proud of the enthusiasm he has garnered for his work since he began selling his products in 2002.

“That was over 2,000 cutters ago,” he said. “I have worked the custom cutters into a niche market so much so that in 2004 Cigar Aficionado called the mammoth ivory cutter the premium gift for the man or woman who has everything.”

For more information about Hutchings and his products, visit his website,www.scrimbyhutch.com.

The Midwest Smoke Out will feature premium boutique cigars from around the world, along with fine wine, spirits and craft beer, gourmet food, table games, luxury cars and more. For tickets, visit www.MidwestSmokeOut.com, or call 219-226-0300.

About Midwest Smoke Out

Midwest Smoke Out was launched in 2010 due to a need in the Chicago area for an event that allowed cigar lovers to light up and mingle. People are able to enjoy premium cigars from some of the best manufacturers in the world, along with tastings of fine wine, spirits, craft beer and gourmet food. The event also features live music, luxury cars, table games and a variety of surprises along the way.

###

 

The Midwest smokeout looks to be a great event, another great event I won’t be able

buy avana online https://warren-yazoo.org/wymhsorg/images/gif/avana.html no prescription pharmacy

to make.  I have some info on a New Jersey festival someplace, I

buy deltasone online h

ttps://warren-yazoo.org/wymhsorg/images/gif/deltasone.html no prescription pharmacy

‘ll try to scrounge it up for Sunday’s post.

 

That’s it for now, I need to take the dog for a walk, which means I have to find a suitable cigar for a beautiful spring evening!  Until the next time,

 

CigarCraig

 

Share

2 Comments

Filed under News, Review

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 14, 2013 · 10:59 am

An Inka, a Four Kicks, Italian Cigars, News and a Recluse Contest Winner!

Inka_Rojo_FiguradoAfter yet another disappointing Flyers loss Thursday night, we stopped into the cigar bar and I lit up a little box pressed torpedo that Mitchell Orchant of C.Gars Ltd gave me to try at the IPCPR show last year.  This was the Inka Secret Blend Rojo Figurado, which is a 4″ x 52 little torpedo that is a Peruvian Puro. I gave this cigar a clip with the V-cutter, which is a little weird on a torpedo, but it works.  This is an incredible little smoke, it’s a medium to full bodied cigar with a terrific flavor akin to something with a Habano wrapper.  I wasn’t too surprised, knowing that Mitchell had a hand in the blend, and that he survives on a steady diet of Havana cigars.  I’ve enjoyed the heck out of the Inkas I’ve smoked, and am looking forward to trying something in the Azul line too.  It’s unfortunate that these have UK pricing, I would happily drop $4 or $5 on this little guy, but $8 is a bit steep. Great smokes that are worth trying if you have the chance!

 

FourKicks_CoronaGordaFriday evening’s walk featured a Four Kicks Corona Gorda that I had purchased a few months ago when I visited a shop, and I cannot remember which shop it was.  I’m late to the party on this one, I admit, I figured it was time to give it a go and see what the hubbub was all about.  I trust most readers are familiar with this initial release from Crowned Heads, made up of the folks formerly of CAO, and blended by Ernesto Carillo in his factory in the DR.  This is one of my favorite cigar sizes, 5-5/8” x 46, and I have to admit that my expectations were high.  It was a nice smoke, very enjoyable, but didn’t blow me away.  Maybe it’s just not my particular cup of tea from the start, but as it progressed it grew on me and by the time I was done I was pretty pleased (with the smoke, not that I was done!).  I was recently gifted a robusto by  Alex the StogieCop, so I look forward to sampling that size, and I think I still have a Headley Grange with about 9 months of humidor time on it that will be interesting to revisit.  Gotta give the guys at Crowned Heads credit for getting back in the game with some good smokes.

 

Saturday I decided would be Italian day, and I’ll tell you why.  I’ve been hearing about fire cured K

buy aurogra online http://comdistec.com/oscommerce1/images/icons/gif/aurogra.html no prescription pharmacy

entucky leaf here and there.  It’s apparently featuring prominently in one of Sam Leccia‘s new blends, as well as a new My Uzi Weighs a Ton from Joya De Nicaragua/Subculture Studios.  When I hear fire cured Kentucky tobacco my first thought is the Italian Toscano style cigars (that sounds odd, but it’s true).   Back in 2000 my wife t

buy tirzepatide online https://resmedfoundation.org/testing/php/tirzepatide.html no prescription pharmacy

ravelled to Italy and brought me back some Antico Toscano cigars that I enjoyed. These cheroots can be cut in

buy trazodone online http://comdistec.com/oscommerce1/images/icons/gif/trazodone.html no prescription pharmacy

half for 2 short smokes, or smoked all at once.  I received a 5 pack of Toscano Classico and a 5 pack of Toscanello Aroma Caffé from the folks at Italiansmokes.com, along with a discount code for you guys to use on their site (CIGCRAIG10).  I lit up a Toscanello after running some errands, and was outside vacuuming out the car.  I was surprised by this little cigar, I expected an overpowering and cloying coffee flavor, but it was very subtle. These are strong, but very pleasant little smokes that are certainly quite durable.  I probably spent 45 minutes with this little guy.  I can see keeping these around for a nice, short smoke.  After a nap (during another losing Flyers game), I took a walk with a Toscano Classico.  I chose the Intero method of smoking this, which is smoking it all at once instead of cutting it in half.  Again, I was very surprised by the flavor of this cigar. It’s a distinctive flavor that one doesn’t get in a premium, Caribbean/Central American cigar.  I would say these are strong, but not harsh.  Certainly cutting one of these in half and either sharing it or saving half for later is an option that is perfectly acceptable and may even make a bit of difference in the flavor.  An added benefit to this style of cigar is that you will look cool smoking them, like Clint Eastwood in a spaghetti western!  Thanks to Cedric at ItalianSmokes.com for sending these along.

 

Contest!

This contest has been a bit longer than usual, but I think it’s worth it.  The prize is spectacular in my opinion and someone is going to be very pleased I’m sure.  Once again, my thanks go to Scott at Iconic Leaf, along with his wife Kelly and JR Dominguez and everyone involved.  They are making excellent boutique smokes and I can’t express enough how much I enjoy them.  They have a bunch of neat sizes and shapes and are magnificently constructed.  Thanks to everyone for entering and answering the question “What do you know about Recluse Cigars?” and thanks to Scott for jumping in and answering some of the questions along the way.  I’m still waiting for an answer about 2 Guys shipping to CA, so sit tight.  Once again I’ve numbered all of the entries, taking out my comments as well as Scott’s and any duplicates and consulted the Random Number Generator at Random.org.  I entered  the number 47 and it returned number  20, which corresponds to Steven Miller, who needs to send me his address so I can ship this lovely box to him!  Stay tuned for next month’s contest which may have something  to do with Drew Estate since I’ll be visiting there in the next few weeks.

 

One more thing:

This comes from Matt Pera regarding the Midwest Smokeout:

You can expect one of the biggest and best cigar shows in the U.S. People travel from all over the world to attend this event. We expect nearly every state to be represented, along with at least four foreign countries. We will have legends from the cigar industry in attendance, including Carlito Fuentes, Tony Gomez, Lou Rodriguez, Victor Vitale and Clay Roberts. A ticket to the Midwest Smoke Out includes 14 of the world’s finest cigars, premium tastings of first-class wine, beer and spirits, gourmet food, live entertainment, and a few surprises along the way.

The event is not just for smokers. We have found that people who do not partake in cigars still want to attend the Midwest Smoke Out to get in on fun. For these people, we are offering a $95 ticket that does not include the 14 premium cigars.

We launched the Midwest Smoke Out in 2010 because we saw a glaring need in the Chicago area for an event that allowed cigar lovers to light up and mingle. Anti-smoking legislation in Chicago has made it more difficult to find places where you can enjoy a good cigar and good company. Our event fills that void and has really become an occasion that people look forward to all year.

Every year we add new features to improve on our success. We have new cigars, new spirits, and fresh entertainment. We are also really engaging people via social media this year. During this final month leading up to the Midwest Smoke Out, we are offering weekly contests on Facebook and Twitter that give people a chance to win free tickets to the event.

When you walk into the Midwest Smoke Out, you know that you are attending a lavish affair. The sweet smell of cigar smoke hangs in the air, live music plays in the background, friends are sharing laughs while enjoying top-shelf drinks – whiskey, gin, craft beer, vodka, tequila, wine, you name it – and mingling with some of the most beautiful women in the Midwest. Booths are set up throughout The Venue at Hor

buy zyban online https://resmedfoundation.org/testing/php/zyban.html no prescription pharmacy

seshoe Casino, where vendors offer gourmet food, premium cigars, fine cocktails and more. Luxury cars are situated at various sites on the event floor to be admired. This is a place where people are encouraged to relax. It is a time to unwind, forget the stress of daily life, and just have fun.

While cigars are a highlight of the night, we are very proud to offer a variety of fantastic items for people to enjoy. That includes the best in wine, liquor and beer, mouthwatering gourmet food, the chance to meet some of the most influential people working in the cigar business, exceptional entertainment and much more. We work hard to make sure people who attend the Midwest Smoke Out are spoiled from start to finish.

Visit www.MidwestSmokeOut.com for all the details and let me know if you go and how it is. I’d be happy to post a  guest review of the event here.

 

Until the next time,

CigarCraig

Share

3 Comments

Filed under Contest, Events, Review

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 10, 2013 · 8:22 pm

Leaving New Jersey, an Illusione, a Reinado, a Liga UF-13 and a Recluse Cigar

Sunday was my last day in New Jersey, so I decided to seek out one more cigar shop to check out, one in Nutley NJ.  I arrived at 12:15 to a closed store with signs all over the glass saying they were open at noon every day.  I waited around until 12:30 when I decided that there was a perfectly good shop five minutes away that I knew would be open.  I made my way back to Cigar Emporium, the scene of Saturday’s terrific herf.  I once again perused the generously stocked humidor and decided it was about time I tried my first Illusione cigar, and, having heard good things about the Epernay, I opened my wallet and picked one out.  I should mention that at the time I was suffering from another migraine, and  took an Imitrex upon arrival.  These things whack me out pretty good, so I want to be someplace comfortable when I take one.  The Epernay was a nice cigar, it burned pretty well considering it came right out of the store walk-in.  It was quite tasty and smoked for nearly two hours.  If you find yourself in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, hunt this place down. It’s a friendly and well appointed store and lounge.  The clientele and staff were friendly and accomodating and  I had as nice a time there Sunday as I did the day before.

 

ReinadoGER_ToroMonday evening I selected a cigar that Antonio Lam stuck in my hand, a prototype of a Reinado Grand Empire Reserve box pres

buy symbicort online https://stmu.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/png/symbicort.html no prescription pharmacy

sed toro.  This is a new line extension to the Grand Empire Reserve line which had only come in a 5×55 Robusto.  This cigar has the same Habano Maduro wrapper, and is a beauty.  We are getting warmer weather here and it was a nice cigar for a long walk in the neighborhood.  The toro size just provides more of a good thing, since the Grand Empire Reserve is a spectacular cigar.  Rich and loaded with flavor, Antonio has another winner on his hands, and I look forward to seeing this size appear on the shelves.  I belive he also had a 6″x 60 he was waving around.  Good stuff from the Empire of Reinado!

 

LigaPrivada_Serie Unico_UF13Tuesday brought another nice evening for an after dinner walk, so I grabbed the Liga Privada Serie Unico UF-13 Dark that the folks at Drew Estate sent my way a few weeks ago.  I’m sure you’ve read other reviews by now, and the few I’ve read have been positive.  I loved the cigar, even if it was a bit strong out of the gate.  It mellowed out some and gave me a very satisfying smoking experience.  You have to love the care and attention to detail that goes into these, although the nice little flagged pigtail on this example broke off in transit.  Still, one does not smoke that part, and the part I did smoke was pretty stellar.  It will be very interesting to see what they have up their sleeves in a few weeks when I, once again, visit the promised land which is  Esteli and the Drew Estate Compound.  Have I had a Liga Privada I didn’t like?  I doubt it.

 

Recluse_ToroAs I started writing this post I was sitting on the back deck enjoying the heck out of a Recluse Toro, the last one I had in my humidor.  I still have a double corona, and a couple of the cool Kanu No. 1 perfectos, but this Toro is a thing of beauty.  It’s another maduro cigar, and is smooth as silk and tasty as all get out.  It’s burned perfectly, besides the Entubar method of construction it’s been resting in my humidor since last August.  Anyway, a storm rolled in and I had to pack up the PC and move into the garage so I could finish this great smoke and this post.  Come to think of it, we’re in the final days of a week and a half long contest here where someone is going to win a box of the Reclu

buy zydena online https://stmu.edu.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/png/zydena.html no prescription pharmacy

se Kanu No.1!  Get on back to the contest post and leave a comment for a chance to win.  Many thinks to Scott and the gang at Iconic Leaf Cigar Co. for sponsoring this contest.  This prize is on a par with anything I’ve given away, trust me.  Once again I will be jealous of the winner!! Tune in Sunday to see if you won.

 

That’s it for now.  I have to wait for this storm to pass so I can go try to get my son’s car to the shop since it died while he was going to work. It’ll be an adventure, I’m sure.  Good thing I’m having a nice, relaxing smoke to settle my nerves!  Until the next time,

 

CigarCraig

 

Share

5 Comments

Filed under Review, Stores, Take a Cigar For a Walk

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,