2 Cigars A Month: A Cigar Review Blog

Cigar Review: Romeo Y Julieta Short Chuchill

2011-07-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

A recent trip to Vancouver BC Canada yielded some enjoyable smokes. Most notable was this "short" churchill from Romeo Y Julieta. This stout robusto with a hefty 50 ring gauge measured nearly 5 inches. I told the shop owner of City Cigar Emporium "I've never smoked butter before, but I imagine if I had, it would be a smooth, creamy, and sweet as this cigar. (You would be hard pressed to find a shop better than, in terms of selection and price, than this amazing establishment.)

I asked if I could enjoy this cuban delight in the store, but recent regulations have put an end to that in the US and I guess Canada as well. There was however a nice park right across the street where he suggested I find a little spot above a water fall with amazing views. I found it and I was in for a treat! This Romeo Y Julieta was perfect from the lite. The only thing negative was when it burned my finger when I tried to smoke the last 1/2 inch. I could have put the rest in my mouth and just chewed on it. Almost a contradiction in terms, this "short" churchill was a perfect burn from the beginning. RYJ gets a little too mild for my tastes when they age, but this was perfect. Smoke was perfect, ash was nice and white, and the flavor was just...butter. What else can I say about this cigar except for "buy it."

I have a couple more little ones that I will review. But I need a good reason to enjoy them. So stay tuned.

Here is a little collage of the view, seat, and treat.

Cigar Review: Diesel

2010-12-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

A.J. Fernandez is gaining good acclaim from his recent creations. Really being in the scene for only 6 years his work includes Rocky Patel's Fusion, Padilla, and one of my favorite budget sticks, Sol Cubano. This stout 5 inch, but thick 56 ring belicoso is a medium to full experience cigar. I found this to be very flavorful. Lots of leather and spice fills the palette even before lit. The construction is also top notch. The burn was even throughout the 45 minutes of pleasure and the strength lets one know this is from Nicaragua. Actually coming from the Jalapa and Esteli regions, and an aging process of 3 years (plus one year in my humidor) makes me wonder why I hadn't enjoyed this sooner. This Diesel actually sports a very dark and oily Pennsylvanian broadleaf wrapper. If your tastes can handle a strong yet balanced flavor, you will not be disappointed. I found the sweet spot to be after the first half inch and the last 3 till the nub. Being a belicoso (tapered on one end) does concentrate the flavor directly to the tongue. This is my preferred shape. I can't wait for another. Good job Abdel Fernandez!

Hawaii and Cigars

2010-12-02T22:57:00.000-08:00

I am a long time fan of Hawaiian Vacations and a nice stogie. Call it a vacation within a vacation, whatever, I just love the combo. Well through an absolute blessing I have made the dream into reality. Here I write about cigars from my new home in Hawaii, BUT...I am cigarless. I found a house near the only shop I knew existed aside from downtown Honolulu only to find it was closed a few weeks after I moved here. In fact that is the trend here. To get a decent cigar, I would have to travel 1 and a half hours into town only to get a normally priced stick at $6 for $10 or $12. What a rip off. So now my goal is to find a cigar store, not a cigarette or liquor shop that also sells Black and Milds and Swisher Sweets. No offense, I just want pure tobacco, not a machine made "flavor injected"substitute. If anyone knows any in the Central Oahu area. Please let me know.

Mahalo and Keep it lit!

New Cigar Shops

2010-02-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

There is hope for this depressing economy. A new cigar shop opened up in Vallejo, Ca. It is called, "Cigars and more..." Although their selections are slim right now (They just opened and have two display cases yet to be stocked) they do have Montecristos and Oliva Serie Vs for under 10 bucks a stick. These are very good prices for a store that must compete with the on line stores that don't have to pay for rent, electricity, and staff to keep the place neat and tidy. So for any in the area, expect some good deals. But also know the "and more" involves cigarettes, hookahs, and other non-cigar items. It is definitely worth it to stop by. And if you want to have a say as to what they should carry, I know I gave them my recommendations (La Flor Dominicana, Nubs, and C.A.O. Americas). Now off to enjoy my Montecristo White Lable double corona for $9.99

Cigar Review: Oliva Cain

2009-12-18T09:09:00.001-08:00

Cain, a new creation from the mind of Sam Leccia, creator of one of my favorite cigars, Nubs. This Nicarguan Habano promotes not only the seed, and growing region, but how they care for it after it has been harvested. Using what Sam calls a “Triple Fermentation” process, the tobacco is carefully handled individually and brought up to temperature three times. Since the ligero part of the leaf is the most flavorful and the most thick, this is the emphasis of the process. Other manufactures add more ligero, i.e. Camacho and Ghurka, Sam focuses on the one and meticulously draws out its full flavor.

All this being said, one still needs to try it. After a particularly long couple weeks, I needed a cigar that would help wipe away the sorrows and woes. I was given this beast of a cigar (6” x 60 ring gauge) for my birthday and this is what I reached for. Being a fan of Nubs, I was excited to try another new concept.

Without question, Sam has another great hit! The aged ligero tobacco from Esteli, Condega, and the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua was a mouth watering mix. Having the Oliva name on it aw well, you know that the wrapper (Maduro from San Andreas Mexico) would be paid great attention to. It was dark brown with no large veins. Large ring gauged cigars usually give a great draw and this 60 gauge did not disappoint. Very smooth, especially since I smoked a Litto’s Chisel the night before, and the smoke was very plentiful. No punch, no spice, almost too mild for my liking but great cigar nonetheless. Well done Mr. Leccia. Come up with more and I’ll try them all.

Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V

2009-06-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Now here is a cigar that needs very little introduction. The Oliva Serie V from the Oliva Cigar Co. This Nicaraguan puro tastes even better than it looks. And it looks beautiful!!! Cuban seed binder grown in Esteli, Nicaragua along with long fillers and ligero fermented from the Jalapa Valley, this combination is always a hit. Just look at all the awards Oliva gets each year.

I had the pleasure of enjoying this at my friends house in Green Valley. It was a perfect night that capped off a dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Sweet fall off the bone ribs complemented with a Serie V. Yes it was a great night.

The ash was nice and white. Had it not been for the wind, I could have kept the ash for the whole time. Great construction. The wrapper was nice and chocolate brown. Mine was a little dry so I had some unraveling issues. But the perfect burn took care of the stray tobacco. It was not spicy at all. In fact, right after I smoked the cigar, there was no after taste whatsoever. A cigar should not have an after taste. Even strong ones like the Gurkha Beast, or their Triple Ligero, does not leave one. (See those reviews.) While smoking I was looking for the "kick" from the ligero. I could not find it. This was supposed to be the strongest of the Oliva line. I am a fan of the fuller bodied cigars, but I think there will always be a spoot for this guy in my humidor. Hopefully I can keep finding this 56 ring torpedo at under $10. The sweet spot did come after the first half. I could not put it down.

The one problem I had was it did not produce a lot of smoke. I know that it was a bit dry, but it never got too hot, nor did it tunnel. The draw was a bit tight, but again I think that was due to the dryness. Or perhaps it became dry, someone before me perhaps tried to rejuvenate it by over humidifying it. I don't know. I have heard that with torpedos you need to be ready to loop off most of the torpedo if the tight draw it something you can't live with. Whatever the case, the cigar was resilient. (Many other reviewers commented on the same phenomenon of the binder ripping.) Excellent cigar. Can't wait to have another.

Cigar Review: CAO Black

2009-06-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Not being a big fan of CAO, I thought I would give the brand a chance with one of it's best. I recall CAO when I first started getting into cigars. They had a cool look, nice band, and I did enjoy their Soprano Cigar. But I found that they were bought out from another company and things started to change for CAO. (I could be wrong in my estimation, but I thought they sold out.) I liked the marketing technique of packaging sets with a DVD. It is actually a pretty good DVD. Then they began selling flavored cigars and having scantly dressed women visit shops to promote it. Cano Ozinger, please stick to cigars. That is my humble opinion.

Back to the review. This Black is their trademark brand. They built their brand off this cigar, so I decided, I might as well try it...WOW. I am not a regular fan of mild-medium bodied cigars but you can really taste the quality of the cigar here. The tight ash lets the smoker know that it is well wrapped. It's very flavorful tabacco reveals the care of selecting only the best Honduran tobacco. Great cigar from start to finish. Again, little too mild for me, but it is one that I would buy again.

Cigar Review: Litto Gomez Diez

2009-06-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

This Dominican Republic puro is smooth from first light to nub. I had the pleasure of enjoying this with my friend Skeet in Monterrey. Walking down the downtown area, I stopped by my favorite cigar shop, Hellams, and then walked to the water front. The cigar only made the experience better.

This full bodied cigar is one that you need to really enjoy slowly. Litto Gomez is famous for calling his cigars a "No more Mr. Nice Guy Cigar" and this cigar lives up to that reputation. I always hear of people saying they taste licorice, chocolate, or flowers. Although I must agree with the chocolate, or cocoa, the rest I am just dumbfounded about. When I smoke a cigar, especially this one, I taste tobacco. And that is what I wanted to taste. So if you are looking for a nice tobacco flavored cigar, you will not be disappointed. If you want licorice or flowers, go to a candy store or a florist. I am sure they can help you out there. (But to completely negate my previous comment: You will notice a peppery and spicy taste at the beginning, but that will dissipate quickly. The sweet spot for the cigar came quickly and never left. Guaranteed finger burner on this one. You'll smoke it till you burn yourself.)

Enjoy the pics I found over the internet. See all that tobacco, I am salivating just looking at it.

New Tatuaje shipment...

2009-04-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

And a work conference in a Reno resort casino; great timing!!!

Cigar Review: Gurkha Sherpa

2009-04-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

$2.50 a stick. Come on! The "Rolls Royce" of cigar world, creating $500-$1000 per cigars such as His Majesty Reserve and Black Dragon, has made a cigar for less than 3 bucks!?!

Well I took the challenge. Combining Cuban seed long leaf tobbaccos from Esteli, Nicargua and the Dominican's Cibao Valley, wrapped with an oily and dark Habano wrapper from Nicaragua, this medium bodied cigar was a suprize. There was a bit of a peanut taste, and I believe the ash was a bit dark. Some reviewers noted that it "fizzles out." Stating that the flavor that was once there in the beginning leaves either after first ashing, or halfway through the smoke. I agree that in the end, you forget you are smoking anything. There is a lack of flavor and the initial smoke and peppers diminish towards the end. Personally though, I think that this cigar is appropriately priced. Well, perhaps another quarter or dime, but overall it smokes and tastes like a sub 3 dollar cigar. That being said I will try it again. At $2.50 it can't let you down that much. It is pretty after all.

Validation

2009-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when the little foot prints you leave in the sand is recognized. This moment marks the pitter patter of my feet in the sands of cigar reviews. (Don't get all excited, its really not that big of a deal to many except to me.) I featured a cigar back in August last year. It was an excellent smoke that bears the name Casa Magna. I thoroughly enjoyed this Nicaraguan puro and have been looking to get my hands on one ever since. Well if you care to visit this link

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1312377041?bclid=1078629812&bctid=6801894001 you will find that Cigar Aficionado agrees with me. They actually found it to be the 2008 cigar of the year. Funny that it took them 8 months to realize that this cigar is something to write about. Perhaps they should have read my blog, or did they... Thanks loyal readers, and fellow aficionados. It seems our pallets and opinions are not that far removed from the so-called experts.

Keep it lit my friends.

Cigar Review: Gurkha Black Dragon Imperial Presidente

2009-04-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to enjoy a stoggie with my good friend Skeeter in the AC. It was a bit cold but the BBQ and the great cigars helped warm us up. Looking at the picture a very lucky few will recognize the cigar. Although this does bear the same name, it is not the same Black Dragon that premiered at $1150 per stick, this is part of the 2007 remake. But I wish it was!!! (I don't think I have a pallet yet that could discern a $1000 quality cigar. I don't think anyone can. But if anyone wants to donate one to me, I would not mind seeing if I am wrong...)

Anyways, back to the review. This version of the Black Dragon does not boast rare tobaccos from the four corners of the world, but it does provide an excellent blend of a Nicaraguan, Pervuvian fillers, Dominican binder, and a tasty Cameroon wrapper. Much like coffee can be categorized as rich due to its strong, not powerful coffee bean taste, the Black Dragon has a rich tobacco taste. It is not peppery or spicy, but best described as creamy. It is almost as if my tongue was swimming in fresh tobacco, ripe and ready for wrapping. As you can tell from the before and after pictures, I wanted to enjoy every centimeter of this masterpiece. (The burns my fingers suffered due to smoking it down this far was well worth the pain.) I have always loved Gurkha and I always will. This creation will not disappoint. I have read other reviews for this cigar and some say that it is not worth the price. I doubt there are many things in the $12-$15 range that will be just as rich, creamy, smooth and will last an easy one and a half to to hours. If you know of one, please let me know. I'll make a blog about that.

The smoke was plentiful, the burn we even, the ash was powdery white, and the after taste was non-existent. There is only one thing that would have made this cigar better, another Black Dragon attached to the end of it. (But the Filet Mignon wrapped in bacon you see in the picture was not a bad second choice.) Thanks Mark for giving me this for my birthday. You are a friend, a gentlemen, and a great cigar aficionado. Wish you were there to enjoy it with me.

Cigar Review: Cigar International Legends Copper Label

2009-04-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've tried a few other CI Legends, namely the yellow and blue; which I hated both and did not bother to finish. But after a friend begged I try one more, I found one that was not too bad. Honestly I perhaps would not try buy it again, but I would not refuse if I recieved it for free.

This Copper label is made by Legends Drew Estate. Drew Estate has entrigued smokers with innovative blends that include infused, gourmet blended and (of course) traditional handmades. They also are known for their Acid cigars. I have only tried it once and I did not enjoy it one bit. I must admit though that this was when I first experimented with smoking and it was so long ago that I should reserve further judgement. Nicaraguan long-fillers is complemented by Dominican Piloto, then carefully influenced infused with nuances of amaretto and hazelnut. Thus an almost sugar tipped taste. An Ecuadorian wrapper completes the cigar. Creamy throughout, this beautiful handmade delivers ample flavor. One of the most thick, billowing clouds exit the foot with each puff. Medium bodied, with enjoyable hints of pepper and hazelnut.

Thanks F Lo, for the company and the root beer. It was a great way to keep cool and the sassafras mingled well with the tobacco.

Cigar Review: Tatuaje Habano VI

2009-04-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

I usually buy new cigars in pairs. That way if I like the cigar I have another one to enojy again, or one to give to a less discerning aficionado. This cigar was not the latter. I wish I had bought the whole box!

Blended by newcomer Pete Johnson and the icon Pepin Garcia, this 2003 creation was originally produced in Don Pepin's Miami factory. With the high demand of this cigar, the production of this Nicaraguan puro, (Habano seed, 1999 Corojo wrapper,) was moved to Esteli Nicaragua. This is the cigar that orginally launched Pepin into the spotlight as a master blender. There are many other lines of Tatuaje. Note this one is the Havana VI. There are Tatuaje Miami, La Riqueza, Cabaiguan, and the Tatuaje Exclusivo Verocu which Pete himself calls a Havana VI on steriods.

This cigars burn was even from first lite. A pleasingly thic smoke was consistent with the experience, and was on the medium side of the medium to full spectrum. If you find yourself enjoying this triple seem capped beauty, I am sure you will not be dissapointed. (Perhaps I should mention that Hellam's owner noted this cigar as an after dinner smoke, my tastes are a bit stronger, so I mentioned to him that this was my pre dinner appetizer. So know that about my reviews. But not to be out done, the owner says I don't know strong unless I've tried a triple maduro Camacho...I'll take the dare.)

Xikar Cherrywood Cutter

2009-04-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

I had a cutter that my wife gave me as a gift. But after coming home from Hawaii I could not find it. I've heard of people "losing" items through the baggage claim and I perhaps was a victim of it. So for a replacement I visited Amazon and found this beauty for only $40. Can't wait to use it.

Hellam's Tobacco in Monterey Ca

2009-04-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Worth the 3 hour drive!!!

Hellam's is one of the best cigar shops I've ever visited. What they lack in terms of amenities such as leather couches, and flat screen tv's, they more than make up for in friendliness, knowledge of cigars, and selections at a very reasonable price. When I went there for a weekend getaway, it was packed with aficionados that were local, (this speaks volumes for a local shop that competes with internet prices). But also in the shop were patrons as far away as the East Coast, and one lucky guy had having his very first cigar ever. After being carded, the whole staff and the crowd assisted and applauded his excellent choice of a sophisticated adult entertainment. I could easily see why this place has been in business since 1873. It is a classy, and excellent place to frequent whenever you are in Monterey, Ca. You will not be dissapointed.

Spring has sprung and so has the lid on my humidor

2009-03-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well after some winter hibernation, Spring beckons with nicer weather and new segars to try out. I can't say the winter months have been good for my habit, but I did manage to bare the elements and enjoy a couple of old favorites. {With the weather being as bad as it was, it was not time to be adventurous. If I was going to risk hypothermia, I needed to make sure I did it with some tried and true smokes. So Nubs, Rockey Patels, Cohibas, and some Cuban ones as well. Don't worry, I have dual citizenship so I am free to enjoy cuban delights.) However, I did manage to sneak away to better weather in the islands. Below are some pics of notable smokes.
I also am trying to discover how to pair cigars with spirits. Comment if you have suggestions. In Hawaii, I tried a local Hawaiian cigar, it is grown in Kauai, but fermented and wrapped in Nicaragua. I could not say the smoke was great...okay it was absolutely terrible. Plus the price tag of 20 bucks for a corona size. No aloha with that!
But my best discovery is the 5 Vegas series 5 Miama Knuckle. Wow!!! In the cold you want a short smoke so that you and your cigar does not become an popcicle. These Knuckles are the best. A Nicaraguan gem. It is a puro from the same country (wrapper, filler, ligero, etc.). 4.5 inches, 60 ring guage, and smokes for about an hour, 45 minutes for me. It begins with a powerful kick that most beginners cannot bounce back from, but once you get over the pepper and spice beginning, the rest of the cigar rewards the few brave enough to stick it out. I must say this cigar is turning out to be one of my all time favorites. Try it and let me know.

Thousand Apologies

2008-12-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Fellow Aficionado, I must ask your forgiveness for not posting reviews. Let me put your fears aside and say that my wife did not win, I still have my 2 a month ration. There was a moment there though that I feared all would be lost. But persistence prevailed!!!

Look back soon as I will review, the Knuckle, a Triple Ligero, a shorty, AVO, and other ones that I have had the pleasure of enjoying. I have a two week vacation coming up so I plan on making up for lost smoke.

Hit up my comments section to further encourage me. Thanks everyone.

Keep it lit!

Cigar Review: Graycliff Professionale and Casa Magna

2008-08-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing opportunity to vacation in a multi-million dollar vacation home at Sea Ranch. As you can see from this picture I was able to get some great fishing too. Well there is only one thing on my mind to complement a vacation and fishing...a great cigar. Unfortunately one of the two was not. (Can you spot me on the cliff?)

This a medium-bodied cigar with a unique blend of Brazilian, Dominican, and Nicaraguan filler. Interestingly enough this cigar is the creation of
resort owner Enrico Garzaroli and cigar legend Avelino Lara who is credited with founding the Cuban Cohiba that I just smoked a couple nights ago. Enrico opened the Caribbean’s very first 5 star restaurant and is considered by many to have the most discriminating palate in the world. Enrico’s expertise in blending and Avelino’s knowledge of tobacco, makes the pair unmatched in making the worlds finest cigars. Unfortunately I do not agree. As I do with any cigar that I do not like, I stop and do not force myself to take anymore. I believe cigar smoking to be a pleasurable experience and when it is not, I stop. Too bad, another dud.

The next cigar was not a dud at all. It was enjoyed while I caught my first fish ever. Casa Magna is a new cigar from the creative minds of Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plasencia. It is a Nicaraguan puro. The surprising aspect of this cigar is its taste, which has a unique, clean sweetness. Let me try to explain. There’s a hint of caramel, and the smoke is perfect. The draw was a bit tough though, but from reading reviews they all come like that. It did not hinder the flavor, just the enjoyment a bit. Although it did help in the sense that I did not run through the cigar as I usually do.

The one that I smoked was a 6-inch by 56-ring Gran Toro beast. It had a smooth, oily, medium brown wrapper with minimal veining. The initial taste was indeed rich and smooth, with a moderate lingering sweetness. Hitting the sweet spot, the caramel-like notes enhanced into a richer, toffee-type of taste. The salt/pepper ash held well, requiring little attention. Manuel Quesada has delivered a rich, full-flavored cigar that should be very competitive with the Nicaraguan puros market. Coming from the famous Esteli factory, it does not disappoint.

Cigar Review: Cohiba Churchill (Cuban)

2008-08-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse, I was treated to a cigar that rivaled the all you can eat top sirloin, filet mignon, skirt steak, parmesean pork loins, (should I go on?) The cigar was better than all that. So of course you knew it had to be cuban.

This cigar boasted the signature peppery taste, amooth flavor of tobacco, even draw, and excellent construction. Not much else can be said about this superb specimen. Great cigar, great dinner, great company. Thanks everyone for sharing that night with us. We should do it again.

Cigar Review: Camacho Corojo

2008-08-27T21:26:00.001-07:00

Not being able to go to Hawaii this summer, I decided to have Hawaii come to me. Well, not really, but putting a hold on my two-a-month limit has been a very good consolation prize. I have always wanted to try a Camacho after reading reviews. Now, either I am really a lighter weight than I thought when it comes to cigars, or I just didn't appreciate the blend.

With a smirk on my face I read that the Camacho Corojo is one of the strongest cigars in the world. It has a blend of rich tobaccos grown in Honduras from a rare seed smuggled out of Cuba after the embargo. Now I have tried Litto Gomez's Double Ligero, Ghurkas Beast, and Rockey Patels Sun Grown cigars. These are particularly strong, yet perfectly balanced. I did not find Camacho to be like this. I would be a sport and say I will give this cigar another try in the future, but as July comes to a close, the 2 cigar limit will be back into effect. Therefore I aqcuiese to trying this particular cigar anymore. Sorry Eiroa family, I may be missing out, I may be too light weight, or I may be a good judge of a cigar. I guess I will never know.

Cigar Review: Nub Cameroon

2008-07-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

I RETRACT I RETRACT. Full apologise to Sam Leccia and the Oliva family. I guess this month has been full of mistakes on my part. I was very hesitant to try this cigar. I once foolishly called it a publicity stunt, a ploy. Saying that only the gullible would part money with this joke. I WAS WRONG. I AM THE GULLIBLE FOOL THAT WILL PART WITH MONEY AGAIN FOR THIS CIGAR.

Now it is not a cuban, or Davidoff, but the "sweet spot" theory is true!!! From the moment that I lit this Nicaraguan delight, wrapped in a complimenting cameroon wrapper, it was sweet. Now the end was not sweet and I must say that with purchasing a torpedo is a waste as when you get to the end of the cigar you run out of room to hold it. (A problem easily fixed with purchasing the robusto size the next day.)

This cigar was excellently made. Even burn, great construction, and wonderful draw. That enormus ring size helped keep the temperature down but more notably, the flavor of the tobacco was mouth watering. This cigar is a must try, and a new favorite. One word of caution for quick smokers like me, TAKE YOUR TIME. Although it boasts that it will burn just as long as a regular stick, you will quickly start smelling your fingers burning as you are ending your experience with this wonderful creation. Great cigar!!!

Cigar Review: Davidoff Aniversario No. 3

2008-07-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Now this is a cigar that I do not frequent too often, but I was a proud recipient of this specimen from co-workers that gave it to me as a gift for the hard work I had given throughout the year. It was a real treat to see that my hard work was recognized, but more importantly, recognized with a fine cigar.

Any day of the weak I will compare a Davidoff to a Cuban. It is the first cigar I ever smoked and the owner of the store was right. I walked in never having the pleasure of a cigar before and I asked the owner, give me a cigar that will make me hooked. We walked out of the humidor, he directed me to a special cabinet where only Davidoffs are kept and he grabbed a $30 stick. I thought for sure he just wanted to make a sale, I mean, what could the difference be with a product going up in smoke? Needless to say, after a few more cigars, a blog, and my wife putting a limit to my new hobby, I was hooked.

This Davidoff Aniversario No. 3 like all Davidoffs are just superbly made. No flaws, no inconsistent burns. The draw is always smooth and easy. But the flavor/smell/taste/even feel before lighting, is just as pleasing till you start burning your fingers at the end. I don't know what it is but Davidoffs always give a little buzz towards the middle that you have to fight a bit. Not a bad thing, but don't try to drive while enhoying one of these beauties. You get a little light headed and just brace yourself to continue because it is so good. This Dominican treat is always a good stand by, if you can call a 15-20 dollar minimum cigar a stand by. Oh in the picture you can see a twin bed in the reflection. I was in a UCLA dorm room when I took the pic. Glad to know that our fine college insitutions are smoke friendly at 1am in the morning.

Cigar Review: Cusano Corojo 1997

2008-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

My family and a couple friends (30) to be exact went to Mendocino County to do a little camping. It was great. There is no better way to get away from work than to go to a place that has no cell phone coverage. Plus we escaped 100+ degree weather by going to Mendocino that boasted 76 degrees at the warmest part of the day. Well, there was one thing that made it better. The Cusano Corojo 1997. This full-bodied cigar features a nearly 10 year old Corojo wrapper and is one of the best values in cigars.

I have been a little hesitant to try this cigar bacause of its cheesy design and $5.00 price tag. But after scoring a 91 from Cigar Insider I thought I would give it a try. My buddy and I went into town to check email and sit on the cliffs overlooking the pacific. IT WAS GREAT. Oh the views were good too.

This cigar made its debut in 2004. A dark and smooth blend of wrapper, binder and filler makes this cigar a must try. Cuban seed grown in Ecuador, a Sumatra binder, and Dominican fillers. I also had bias before trying this cigar. I originally thought have so many different tobaccos was due to the maker not having enough or just putting any available/on sale tobacco together. Boy was I wrong. The Cusano Corojo is dark, yet smooth and spicy with a full-body and robust flavor. It has a wet and somewhat sweet finish. Superb Mr. Mike Cusano, superb!

Cigar Review: Oliva Serie O Maduro Perfecto and La Aroma de Cuba Churchill

2008-07-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Cigar.com calls this Nicaraguan puro the finest maduro on the market. I must agree. I had this to celebrate as today is officially the beginning of my summer vacation.

This perfecto was wrapped in a maduro wrapper, a process that ages and extends the fermentation process, so a natural sweetness is drawn out of the tobacco leaf. I could taste caramel notes. This blended with medium fillers, makes this cigar a sweet complement to the filet minon wrapped in bacon and a cup of 100% pure kona coffee. It was a great night. The perfecto shape is a personal favorite. Due to the complexity of wrapping this style, it of course comes with a heftier price tag. But at $5.75, it was worth every penny. I most note that this size and shape is unique to Cigar.com, so if you want one you'll have to order from them. But as everyone who reads this blog knows, they are my first choice to buy cigars. Cheap, high quality, quick and friendly service, plus a SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!!! I never had to use the guarantee, and I hope to never use it, but my friend did and they not only gave him a replacement, but more cigars to boot. Cigar.com, you guys rock!

My friend came over and I offered him a La Aroma de Cuba, churchill. He loved it. La Aroma is a rejuvenated brand from Ashton. They take Cuban seeds and replant them in Honduras. It once received a 93 from cigar aficionado. (In case you are wondering, I did smoke this cigar till my fingers burned.)

Cigar Review: Gurkha Crest

2008-06-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

My friends that know me knows that I love my cigars with a kick. Smoothness is always a factor and so is the after taste the next day. Call me a light weight, novice, or what have you, but I do not want to experience my cigar in the morning when I wake up from bed. Gurkha has never failed me, and after a night in Bodega Bay, Gurkha are still batting a 100.

I was a bit leary though. I have been on a Cuban cigar fix so I knew that my next cigar had to be one of my all time favorites. It is like doing karaoke after Michael Buble, the next singer better be good or everyone will notice. Well this Gurkha was not bad as I said. It was a bit on the lighter side though (typical of a Connecticut wrapper). What was not typical was the binder and filler both came from Nicaragua (these regions typically produce stronger, yet blanaced cigars). I would have to say this was a bit unbalanced as it was too light for me. Good nonetheless. However, my particular stick was a bit dry and therefore it burned very unevenly. I actually had to sell my humidor so I have placing a couple smokes in bags. I guess having the Spanish Cedar really helps to give that flavor. I have a couple travel and small humis. I could just use those so I don't damage them before I get a new one. I am picky about my humidors so I am taking my time. The "bad" part is that I have to smoke all of my old stash soon and buy more when I get a new humi. (What a hard life I live...) Enjoy, and if you think that I am off on this commentary, please let me know. I wouldn't mind buying another Gurkha, the Rolls Royce of Cigars.

Cigar Review: Romeo and Julietta Habano Limited Edition

2008-06-18T09:52:00.001-07:00

Last night was a good night. Barbecued ribeye steaks and asparagus. Garden salad with seseme seed oil dressing. Strawberry pound cake, and champagne. Topped off with a fine Cuban pinar. The only thing that could have made the night better was my Lakers to win and push a game seven! My hat goes off to the Celtics. They were the better team. Danny Ainge pulled off a late in the season miracle with acquiring KG and Allen. That alone brought 32 years of experience to a team that won less than 30 games last season. Plus getting PJ Brown, Cassell, and Posey, that added another 30 years of experience. Don't get me wrong, they won very convincingly. They wanted it more. But with a team stacked like that no wonder they had the best record and beat the "new" Lakers. Kobe, although he is somewhat of a veteran, is only 29. Pao, 27, and everyone else is younger than them. Including a big piece that we went without for the post season, Andrew Bynum. So Laker fans all over the world, rest at ease. We did win! We gain experience and we have youth on our side. Our Laker Dynasty will be revived once again. Plus, aren't we Western Conference Champs!?! Hold your head up, it was a great season. Even better next year!

Ok, sorry. Back to more important things. This cigar of course was cuban so all the cuban characteristics were there. Triple seemed cap, excellent construction, intoxicating smell, and just a hint of cuban spice balanced with a smooth draw and finish. Unfortunately the cigar was a bit wet. My friend is still getting used to properly aging and storing a cigar. Due to the high moisture it was hard to keep the stick lit, and the draw could have been more easier. It was no fault of the cigar though, so I am sure the rest of the beauties are just waiting to be ripened perfectly. The ash was very dark, and there was a bit of tunneling. But the taste was great, and the flavor it left on the pallet was spicy smooth. The after taste the next day, even right after was very minimal too. Had we waited to smoke these beauties it would have been up there on my favorite list. But with steaks, champagne, a game, and beautiful wives, we had to cap it off with a cuban.

A Special Thanks to our Soldiers

2008-06-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

A soldier from Iraq just commented on my blog and I wanted to let him and everyone that is fighting for the freedom that we are enjoying know that I appreciate you and the risk you are taking for this great country. From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of my family, my wife, and children, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY, WE THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM!

Cigar Review: Cohiba Limited Edition Habano

2008-06-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am really not a band wangon smoker. I tried for years to stay away from Cohiba for that reason. Ask any newbie smoker and they will just name the first cigar brand that comes to mind...Cohiba. That and since Cohibas are the most imitated cigar, led to me stay away from this brand. Until...My good friend and fellow cigar aficionado just came back from Jamaica. He recounted his visit to an Indian owned cigar shop. As he walked through and was smellign and pinching the cigars the owner came up to him and said these are for real. Then he did the unbelieveable. He reached into a box, took a cigar, cut it and lit it and said, "Here you go, I stand by my products." Not being a sucker for free99, my friend proceeded to smoke the Cuban Churchill, Romeo and Julietta in 10 minutes. He said it was the smoothest cigar that he ever had in his life. My all time favortie was the same brand, and size from Cuba. See an earlier posting for that. So I had to come over and see for myself.

My friend was kind enough to give me a Cohiba, Limited Edition, Cuban! It was hands down the BEST CIGAR I HAD IN MY LIFE!!! If I could cuss I would, it was so great! The draw was perfect from this double corona size. This pinar was Cuban built so you expected that. I did taste it in my mouth for a bit before lighting and it was a dream. If I could I would have just chewed on it like it was gum. The really incredible thing was that after I lit it, it was just as smooth. I could not tell the difference in taste, heat, or flavor. Usually when you lite a cigar, the flavor changes a bit to when it is not lit. Not this Cuban master piece. The smoke was nice and white and the ash would not fall off. It was so smooth and creamy that I really took my time for the first time. Here is my analogy, you know you are experiencing a great meal when half way through the meal you are already thinking about the next day when you can eat this dish again. I was like this with this cigar!!! From the moment I lit it I was already thinking about the next time. Fortunately that next time is TOMORROW! I will let you know how that goes.I smoked it till my fingers got burned.

2nd Largest Cigar Store in the US

2008-06-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

I recently came back from Oregon, home of the largest humidor in the western states and 2nd largest in the whole nation...With that introdution let me just say that it was a disappointment. I mean the selection was top notch but the prices were terrible. All very over priced. It was an experience, that I chose not to have because there are great places like cigar.com that also has a great selection and they are cheaper. Plus they deliever to your door. It sounds like a no brainer.

Cigar Review: Gran Habano Connecticut #1 and Cohiba Extra Vigoroso

2008-05-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

I went over to my buddy’s house this Saturday and we had a great night. De La Hoya fight, NBA playoffs, pasta, jokes, and cigars…did I say it was a great night. He gave me a Gran Habano Connecticut #1. I was a bit weary at first since the only Gran Habano I recall smoking was the 3 Siglos. (See that review.) I was not impressed with 3 Siglos, but I was surprisingly impressed with the #1. Granted, it is not the strong, flavorful ones that I usually smoke, so I could not help feel throughout the smoke though that something was missing. There was an excellent sweet spot towards the very end when the flavor was intensifying, but it was unfortunately short lived. The cigar war wrapped in a beautiful golden Ecuadorian Connecticut shade grown leaf. It has Nicaraguan binders and fillers. The burn was even, and the ash was nice and white. The aftertaste the morning after lingered more than I thought this mild cigar would produce. But still a good overall cigar. I would try another one just to round out my opinion of this brand.

It was also a good to try and convert a Black and Mild smoker to a real cigar. He got a Philippine brand cigar from my friend and was moderately impressed. Then I gave him my Cohiba Extra Vigoroso, red dot. He could not stop talking about how great it was. I will not say I fully made him see the light, or smoke I should say. But I think that my friend and I gave him all the tools and knowledge to make that transition. The Cohiba Extra Vigoroso is an excellent cigar that is a bit more flavor than the original red dot. It features a dark, almost black Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, fillers from Nicaraguan and Dominican ligeros, bound in a three year aged connecticut leaf. It was a great cigar that I did not mind parting with for such a great cause. Hope you enjoyed it.

Ridiculous marketing strategy. Buyer Beware!

2008-05-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

There is a new fad going around. Cigar manufactures are pushing a new kind of cigar, based on the premise that the initial part and the last part of a cigar are not as good as the middle part. They are calling it, "Nub." A joint effort between Sam Leccia and the famous Olivia Cigars. It is a short cigar, around 4 inches long, but it has a huge ring gauge of 50-60. The "sweet spot" concept I must agree with. There is that special range where the cigar is at its prime. I can just taste it now. The sweet aroma of tobacco fills the pallet. It is not too hot, nor is it over powering. Just a mouthwatering powerpacked cornucopia of cedar, leaf, spice, and at times coffee taste. With each puff the favor intensifies, but the power sustains. Unfortunately the enjoyment is going to come to an abrupt halt. Aside from the veteran aficionado, few are aware what befalls. You get to the point that either you puff too frequently, and get tongue burn, or you get to the point that the flavor dissipates and the power intensifies. Thus the concept of nub. Sam and Olivia claim they have mastered a technique of making the first lite till your fingers burn, that a cigar will have this sweet spot for the duration of the entire cigar. To me it seems like cigar manufactures just have a shortage of tobacco to complete an entire box of 5-8 inch sticks. So they make them smaller, thus making more boxes and making more money with less material. Every companies dream! So readers, do not succumb to this diabolical ploy. It is a scam! However, if you have an extra, I would love to try one...Please.

I LOVE CRAIGSLIST!!!

2008-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Just sold my humi on craigslist. I loved that thing, but tough times calls for tough measures. With a 100 capacity, and my shrinking wallet, I could not keep enough sticks in the humidor to keep it at the right humidity. It is the "age old problem" I smoke more than I store. So I need to downgrade. If any readers out there are in need of letting a humidor go, free99 or close to it, I would love to assist you. So for now, goodbye my humi, you have made me proud. Make your new owner just as, if not more happy than me....

Cigar Review: Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet

2008-04-29T20:51:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while. I quickly met my quota, and then some, while in Hawaii. But getting back, a couple friends came over and we had a bit of a cigar aficionado reunion. I was even able to trade a stick that I had just recently for this months review. I had the Cuban Cabinet, made by Sol Cubano. It was a great time.

The Cuban Cabinet variety of Sol Cubano hails from the Tabacalera Fernandez factory of Esteli, Nicaragua. Home of Rocky Patel Fusion (which I don't really care for) and the RP Double Maduro. The smoke is beautiful in appearance, boasting a dark Habano Ecuador wrapper that’s thick, leathery, and oily to the touch. Inside, a Cuban-seed mixture of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos unites, resulting in an eventful medium to full-bodied smoke. Layers of spices, strong pepper and earthy undertones greet the palate with each puff, leaving behind dry notes of leather and wood. The finish is strong and robust, completing a fantastic cigar worthy of the finest occasion.

I must admit that at first light I was very tempted to put it away. That peppery taste was very over powering. But time did wonders, and further down the cigar it became more balanced. I hastily made the decision that I would not buy this cigar, but now I must recant that statement.

What could make this situation better? Being in Hawaii!!!

2008-04-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have two Gurkhas, a La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel, two Monte Cristos, and I am in Hawaii!!! I could slap someone. The Monte cristo is what I had tonight. I had the brown label, the original. By no means was this a poor cigar, Monte Cristos are my new favorite, but I have to say that it was almost like I was smoking nothing. The flavor lacked, but all else was present. The draw, the burn, the smoke, the construction, even the aroma was GREAT, but the flavor lacked. Flavor = (my definition) it has an immediate cedary taste due to it aging well in a spanish cedar lined humidor, then the taste of the wrapper after cutting it you can taste the tobacco. It is nice and...like tobacco leaves. Then after lighting it you get the initial taste of all the fillers mixed with the wrapper. WOW!!! This one really lacked. I guess I need a more flavorful cigar.This Friday I hope to try another Philippine pinar. I hope that it aged a bit more now (See previous blog on PI cigar). If not my Spurs loving friend will owe me big time. I hope to add some fine Jamaican Rum to the equation too.

Cigar Review: Gurkha Beast (Ahhhhh, that spells vacation)

2008-04-03T12:22:00.001-07:00

The Gurkha Beast is a massive 6.5inches at 58 ring size. This allowed me almost two hours of smoking time. Also with such a large ring gauge it ensures the cigar will never burn too hot. Medium to full-bodied and full-flavored, the Beast draws much of its flavor from the aged Costa Rican Maduro wrapper that covers the cigar. This wrapper is accentuated by fillers from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Columbia. I had reservations from the multiple fillers because it seemed to me they just put leftovers, but it was actually balanced well. Now it is not a Gurkha Beauty, but I would smoke this again. But not at its retail $25-28.00.

The scenery and lounge chair was nice. Hearing the ocean and having an occassional mist was great. What I wouldn't give to be there right now as I write this review two weeks later.

Scene of the crime

2008-04-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

This was the seats my good friend and I wore out during our island trip. Boy was it a great time. the view from these seats were not a factor as we enjoyed our pinars at night. But nonetheless, great seats, great weather, great location, great view (if it was day time) and at least most of the cigars wre great.

Cigar Review: Gurkha Titan and Big Kahuna (Hawaiian Cigar)

2008-04-03T12:19:00.001-07:00

The Gurkha Titan is a great smoke. The draw is always perfect, and the construction top notch. It burned a bit uneven at the start, but tapped nice and even. One of the biggest selling point of this cigar, and a couple others are the packaging when you buy a box. This particular comes in a cool airplane aluminum metal. I cannot afford more than one at a time so my review will be limited to just the cigar itself. Which is what it should be anyways. The Titan uses aged tobaccos including a Costa Rican wrapper from 1996, a five-year old Nicaraguan binder, and a filler of five-year old Honduran, Dominican, and Colombian tobaccos. The Titan uses more ligero tobacco in the filler (tobacco comes from the top of the plant and is darker and more flavorful). It was a good smoke, but not the best I have had from Gurkha, and especially at $27.00 retail for each stick!!!

The Big Kuhuna was a Big Disappointment. Sir Wilfred had a great story of coming to the islands and starting up a business with cigars since the competition was absent. He had little success and added coffee to his business and that supported him. Unfortunately this Honduran filled and Connecticut wrapper bound cigar burned uneven, there was no pleasing taste, and the smoke was not even pleasant to look at.

Cigar Review: Gurkha Shaggy and La Flor Double Ligero Chisel Maduro

2008-04-03T12:16:00.001-07:00

Gurkha Shaggy. This cigar is just as good as I remembered it. The frist time that I smoked this was in San Diego. It was smooth, very flavorful, and a breeze to light. I can't get over how eventhough you have strong (flavorful) cigar, you can smoke it till your fingers get burned. I enjoyed this cigar on a bench in Marin, overlooking the Golden Gate. It was a great night, the cigar, the scencery, not being at work, hotel is all paid for...the only thing that could make this better is...another cigar.

La Flor Dominicana. This is my all time standby. I love the draw. Since it is a chisel the tappered end fits just right in the mouth. One would think that it would hinder the draw, but it does the opposite. One thing to note though is if you have a firm grip, it could get a bit sunken in where you are holding it. I usually rotate a cigar so that I am not holding the same place too long, but with a chisel you one get to turn it over. But that is a small price to pay for a cigar that cost $6.00 but smokes like a $15 cigar. The smoke is always great with this one. The flavor is just right for my pallet, but I guess too strong for some. Being "double ligero" means that you not only have one spine of the leaf in the cigar, but you have two. Coincidentally, Gurkha sells one with a triple! I dare not try that one. Enjoy, and if you smoke one of these beautys let me know and give a review.

Ring Gauge

2008-03-10T00:06:00.000-07:00

Cigars come in many different shapes and sizes. The diameter of a cigar is measured in increments of 64ths on an inch which is termed its "ring gauge." Therefore a 44 gauge Corona is 44/64th inches in diameter. The change in your pocket (assuming you are in the United States) can be used as quick and dirty ring gauges.

44 Ring Gauge
Commonly used in:
Lonsdale
Long Corona
Corona
Petit Corona

46 Ring Gauge
Commonly used in:
Corona Extra
Grand Corona

48 Ring Gauge
Commonly used in:
Robusto
Toro
Churchill
Corona Extra

54 Ring Gauge
Commonly used in:
Robusto
Rochschild
Toro
Churchill
Double Corona
Giante

There are others. I have a couple 58-60 ringers in my humidor, but the above is just to get you up to speed with most of the more popular sizes.

Cigar Review February: Gran Habano 3 Siglos and Don Juan Urquijo

2008-03-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Against better judgement I tried a new cigar that I had a funny feeling about. I am not usually right, but I like not to waste my rations. Gran Habano 3 Siglos is one of those cigar makers that tauts an expensive cigar in the hopes that one would be foolish enough to equate cost with quality. I was said fool this month. Visiting Sacramento for a conference, I stopped by a local cigar shop. You know, pay those ridiculous prices so that I could help out a local cigar retailer. Well the cigar turned out to be as much of a disappointment as the owner!!! This Honduran disaster was terrible from the first inch, to the last. (Actually, I did make the first inch the last. This is "loop hole" to the 2 a month edict.) The draw was tight, not due to it being moist, but because of poor construction. The ash was very dark almost as if the cigar was not aged well. Once again proving that price IS NOT AN INDICATOR FOR QUALITY. Lesson learned...again.

However, I did have a pleasant suprise as a fellow cigar brother came back from the mother land (Philippines) and got me a national delight. Don Juan Urquijo is a cigar that is totally made in the PI from PI leaves. My friend told me to be honest so I will not pull any punches. (I would apologise in advance but what do you expect from a Spurs fan...) Seriously, although the cigar was harsh from beginning to end, it did shock me that there was no accompanying after taste. The morning after was proof positive of the excellent balance of strength and smoothness. It was no Montecristo, or La Flor, but it is definately worth trying again. The draw was easy indicating that the construction was not bad at all. Ash was very dark, perhaps a bit on the wet side. But I could not really draw a taste from it. It was not earthy, or spicy at all. Definately no sweetness. It just seemed to lack flavor. If it would have been wrapped with a maduro leaf (meaning getting the leaf at a more of a "ripe" stage, this process matures all of the natural oils and sugars from the leaf), perhaps that sweetness would have made a nice balance to the strength of the cigar. Hopefully someone like Don Pepin, expert blender from Cuba, can explore possibilities there in the islands and take PI cigars to another level. Overall, I will give my people props for delivering.
So there it is. We close February and welcome March. (See bro, that review wasn't too bad huh?) Shortly after writing this I read a review that not only confirmed my experience but made me think if these cigars were babies? If you ever get a fresh cigar, fight all urges to smoke them right away. Cigars need to age to get all of the residual moisture out of the stems and veins and then undergo that fermentation process. This coupled with using Spanish Cedar will give the cigars that oaky, cedar smell and taste. So if my generous friend is out there, let these babies age for 4-5 months. And if I didn't burn any bridges, I hope to burn another cigar with you.

Cigar Review February: Montecristo Original

2008-02-20T14:03:00.001-08:00

This months selection was an absolute beaut. I have always read reviews that used adjectives such as "creamy" and "mouth-watering," now I love cigars as much as the next guy, perhaps more as my wife would say, but I never would use these terms to describe a cigar...until now. The Montecristo Original, is a "mouth-watering "cigar named after the tale of the Count of Montecristo. It is wrapped in a "creamy" Conneticutt seed, shade-grown wrapper, and filled with Dominican tobacco. I really must give this cigar one of the highest ratings ever.
It was a cold, cold, day but that did not hinder the enjoyment of this fine specimen of a cigar. In fact, the cigar "tunneled" a bit and actually went out at the end, but it was so good, I tried to relight and got another inch or so from it. I believe this happened due to high humidity, as I was next to the ocean, but more so due to the extremely cold weather. I will be having another one of these very soon.

Self Portrait

2008-02-11T21:28:00.001-08:00

A couple have asked "Who is this Mr. Eyeluv Seagars?" Well he is just a law abiding American citizen that knows how to enjoy some of the finer pleasures in life. Here is a picture someone took of me at work. So please no more emails that I am chicken for not showing my real identity. Cheers.

Cigar Review February: Carlos Torano 1916 and Cigar.com Cuban House Blend

2008-02-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

HORRIBLE!!! I will not count these two sorry excuses for a cigar towards my two a month limit. I only lit the Torano and smoked only an inch and a half of the Cuban House Blend. Regardless, I will give their review just in case I got a "bad" stick. Please comment if you feel otherwise.

The Carlos Torano 1916, I have heard, are a wonderful smoke. They are wrapped with an African leaf, and filled with Honduran fillers. I prepared my palate for a smooth, medium-bodied smoke, with that noticeable taste only a Cameroon leaf can give, but only experienced a dry, uneven burning, very bittery, and even ashy taste. I usually pair my cigars with a strong coffee, and even that did not help my experience with the Torano blend. To their credit, I will concede that perhaps mine was dried, or that it was a bad cigar. Unfortunately it will be a long while before I try them again. But I will. If you look at the picture, you can see a very dark grey smoke coming from the cigar. Not good.

Cigar.com, like many other cigar retailers, market their own "House Blend/Private Stock." They typically do not make it themselves, but make deals with factories in Nicaragua, the Dominican, and Honduras etc. to manufacture extra cigars that they inturn add their label to. Many of these cigars you will find are similar to big name brand cigars such as Pragtas, Macunudo, etc. because they are made from the same factories, same rollers, and even same tobacco. Yet I think that the secret is they use the lesser grade tobacco or tobacco that did not make the cut for whatever reason. As was the case with this Cuban House Blend. I recall an interview I saw with Jorge and Orlando Padron. They mentioned that the term "spicy" was never a good thing with describing cigars. I would agree. Cigar.com markets this Cuban blend made from Domincan tobbacos as "spicy." Again, I agree under the Padron's understanding of the term. I may try this again in the distant future to confirm.

Cigar Review Janurary: Cool Cat LSD and 5 Vegas Miami

2008-01-27T22:53:00.000-08:00

My two choices for the first month of the year are a Ligero Sumatran Dominican from Cool Cat and a 5 Miami from Pepin Garcia. I have already spoken on the Cool Cat cigar (see below), so I will now just focus on the 5 Miami. This cigar is advertised as a full bodied smoke. I don't know if my passion for La Flor Dominicanas skewed my pallate, but I found 5 Miami to be mild. This being said I wish not to take any credit away from this amazing cigar built in the El Rey de los Habanos factory in Nicaragua. At first light one can tell that this is a Nicaraguan. It's seeds are taken from Cuba and carefully grown in Nicaragua. Pepin oversees these puros to be expertly balanced with long ligero fillers with a dark corojo wrapper. All this combined to make it a slight spicy, and somewhat peppery, but absolutely smooth and memorable experience. The longer you enjoy this cigar, the more smooth it will get. Discerning aficionados will not be disappointed with this cigar. If you find a box of these, buy them before I do.

Cigar Review December: Gurkha Beauty

2008-01-27T22:29:00.000-08:00

The last smoke of the year was an absolute winner. A Gurkha Black Beauty! At 25 bucks a stick this cigars features a Honduran filler aged at least 5 years and a creamy Connecticut wrapper aged 7 years. This 6 and a half inch cigar with a 58 ring gauge was smooth and silky. The aroma was just mouth watering. I am salivating as I write this. I cannot say enough about Gurkhas. I had originally stayed away from this brand as it was beyond my budget and I was always weary about high price equalling high quality. However, I got a sampler of Gurkhas as a birthday gift and now I am a believer!!! I will save the rest of the sampler for another day. Only 2 a month the wifey says. Forgot to take a pic of the cigar before i lit it up so here's a pic I found on the web.

Cigar Geeks - Random Quotes

2008-01-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.cigargeeks.com/community/random-quotes/view-random-quotes.asp

Really cool quotes from famous people. Good to know we rub elbows with some pretty good company in our cigar hobby.

Beating the Monday Blues

2008-01-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

I took an early lunch at 10am and returned to work the next day. This is one way to beat the Monday blues. It was a friends birthday so I picked him up some Honduran pinars. Of course I got some LSD (Ligero Sumatran Domenico) cigars for myself.

Review: LSD cigars are full bodied smokes. It starts off a bit spicy, but it quickly smoothes out. Burns a bit uneven, but gives a nice white ash. Not much after taste. They are similar to Gurkhas, Rockey Patels and La Flors. Of course seasoned smokers can tell the difference, but at 6-8 bucks for a double robusto with a ring gauge of 58, that was worth my 150 mile drive for lunch. That and the weather was almost 70 degrees in the afternoon!

San Diego

2008-01-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

In San Diego I stumbled onto the Cuban Cigar Factory. I just want to publicly thank the owners there for suggesting I try La Flor Dominicana, Double Ligero Chisel. Ever since I smoked that, I fell in love with all that Litto Gomez makes and I always make sure that I have La Flors in the humidor. Coincidentally, I went to SD for business, and just wanted a way to spend a 45 minute lunch. Needless to say after a 6.5 inch cigar with a 50 ring gauge, I was 2.5 hours late from lunch. Well worth it!!!

Monterey Ca

2008-01-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

If you ever find yourself in Monterey California. It would behoove you to stop by Cool Cat Cigars. They only sell their brands but you will find they rival some of the best popular cigars in the market today. I enjoy a strong cigar, yet it much smoke very smoothly without leaving an after taste. My tastes always makes me come back to La Flor Dominicana, Gurkha, and Rocky Patel Sun Grown. Cool Cat has a similar cigar called LSD. Try it and tell me what you think. Plus at half the price of the others I named, it was a good change for me and my wallet.

Cigars + Drinks + Balcony overlooking pool and ocean = Vacation

2008-01-13T15:44:00.000-08:00

Me enjoying a Mexican cigar (Te Amo) in Mazatlan, Mexico. Memorable vacation, not cigar. I enjoyed the cuban Cuaba, Cohibas and Romeo and Julietta much more. Wish I took pics of me enjoying those. Guess I'll have to go back and make sure I do that.

If you ever find yourself there. Grab one of these...
and go to one of these.

BUT WATCH OUT FOR KNOCK OFFS. The best thing to do is buy a box or pack that has not been opened yet and then try one in the store before you leave. If you don't you will fall prey to fake cubans. Not a very pleasant smoke at all. You can always tell a cuban because of the triple seam cap, cool burn, white even ash, and most importantly, very smooth. I am no expert but I believe what makes a cigar cuban is that not just because the tobacco was grown in Cuba, but also because it was also rolled by an expert Cuban roller. If I am wrong, I just had the best fake cubans I ever had in my life!!! May I never get the real ones.

Welcome!!!

2008-01-12T23:13:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. I wanted to start a cigar blog for the fine pinars that I smoke. Unfortunately my wife has limited my new hobby to just twice a month, hence the name. I will be busy posting pics, reviews of memorable stogies, favorite shops, and web pages. Tune back soon. Sea-ya!