Archive for December, 2011

Padron Series 3000 Maduro

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

A recent post from Walt over at Stogie Review rang true to me in a way. Walt’s dilemma in 2011 was his local cigar shop closed. This limited his ability to reach to the shelf for new stuff, BS with reps, and be connected. Also there was a decline in “Perks” AKA free stuff. He is aware we are not privileged and he wasn’t complaining. It was just a combination of financial issues, priorities, and life. Not a complaint.

How does this relate to me? My issue was sort of the opposite. Walt’s post inspired me to inspect the shelves at Ed’s shop. I started to realize, I’ve reviewed a lot of stuff he carries. It seemed like I reviewed myself out of doing reviews. Obviously I did eventually find some stuff that slipped my mind. As far as the perks go, 2011 had some generous people sending me some cigars to smoke. I can’t complain, nor would any of us. As for me, I am to the cigar industry what Shaquille O’Neal is to major motion pictures. And I’m fine with that. This place is a hobby after all.

This brings me to today’s review. I used to smoke the Padron 3000’s fairly often, and I wonder how it slipped off of my radar. Once upon a time Matt and I reviewed a Padron thousand series, but the footage ended up screwy and ultimately shelved. So my last review of 2011 is below. Let’s see how revisiting this old friend went.

One last update… After these holidays are over, Ed and I will be back on the small screen reviewing something. We are going to go old school and just roam his shop until we find something that inspires us.

 

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder/Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 5.5 x 52

Price: Around $5.50 to $6.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The dark wrapper was a bit toothy looking, had minor blotches in color, but overall looked nice and shiny. The wrapper had a slight barnyard and earthy smell, and the foot was more woody and sweet. When squeezing the cigar, I found minor soft and hard spots, but nothing of concern. The pre-light draw had some resistance, but fell within my tolerance.The pre-light flavor was dark and reminded me of a bitter chocolate.

The burn required no corrections, and the ash dropped off at just under an inch.

1 Padron_3000_Maduro cigars

Flavor:

The first third started off with a flavor that reminded me of black coffee. After 5 to 10 minutes of smoking, a chocolaty flavor was picked up. It was like cooking chocolate, not what you’d get in a candy bar. Passing smoke through the sinus, there was a slight peppery spice. The smoke felt dry and smooth.

2 Padron_3000_Maduro cigars

The second third basically kept the same flavors of black coffee and dark chocolate. At times the flavors melted together. At other times one would dominate the other. It was random from draw to draw. The smoke felt smoother and thicker. It wasn’t creamy but it was similar to creaminess. During this third the overall flavor profile seemed to really come together.

3 Padron_3000_Maduro cigars

The last third saw an increase in the chocolaty flavor. It was somewhere in between dark chocolate and the standard milky chocolate you find in candy bars. Black coffee was mixed in as well. A spicy tingle was left in the mouth after exhaling.

4 Padron_3000_Maduro cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to upper medium bodied cigar. While there wasn’t any wow factor, it did provide a pleasant smoking experience. The flavors weren’t very complex, but they were good. This slow burner is definitely worth trying. I will re-visit it again for sure.

A Smoky Goodbye to 2011 by Tommy Zman

Friday, December 30th, 2011

First off, wish me a happy birthday, ya slugs! Yeah, it’s today, December 30 and I don’t smell a day over 40.

Okay, I seriously ask you guys, how can it possibly be the end of another year? I remember celebrating the new millennium like it was yesterday and now that’s a dozen years ago? This is crazy! And now we’re facing a glitch in the Mayan calendar, hoping and praying that these ancient knuckleheads simply ran out of paper.

goodbye_2011-saidaonlineA hell of a lot of crap happened during the course of 2011, way too much to talk about in detail, so I might as well just stick with the cigar happenings. First off, the good people here at JR Cigars gave Steve Nathan and I our own YouTube show where we get to entertain and spread the cigar knowledge to the world. The feeling of power is somewhat overwhelming, and gratifying all-the-same. Of course when you mix a ranting, psycho Polack with a chemically imbalanced Debbie Downer of a cigar training manager, you’re going to create a chemistry that is horribly unpleasant, yet for some unexplainable reason, you just can’t stop looking at it. I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you.

As far as cigars go, JR went completely bonkers bringing in a plethora of new brands to the company, the brands you’ve been asking for, ie; Rocky Patel, My Father, Don Pepin, Jaime Garcia, NUB, La Flor Dominicana, Alec Bradley, Oliva, VegaFina, EP Carillo, CAO OSA Sol, Macanudo Cru Royale! Yeah, the list is long and deep and I personally couldn’t be happier. I am definitely gonna celebrate the new year in JR style with more smokes than I could have ever imagined enjoying. Sweet!

cra-logo-colorNow, while the good stuff was certainly good, the bad stuff was incredibly annoying. The Food and Drug Administration decided they wanted to regulate the cigar industry, treating our precious smokes in the same way that they scrutinize cigarettes. If these politico nightmares get their way, an entire industry that employs some 85,000 people will be in for the fight of their lives – so it’s up to us to fight these clueless numbskulls with every last ounce of smoke that we’ve got! January 19 is now the date that the FDA will stop taking feedback from the public on this matter and it’s up to us to make as much noise as we possibly can until then!

And now you’ve got these stooges on the Orange Bowl committee who have been bamboozled by the ancient and out of touch Frank Louseyburg of NJ and his smoke Nazi cronies. Our good friends at Camacho Cigars had a 3-year deal with the Orange Bowl to be an official sponsor of the game which included outdoor smoking lounges at the event. But three holier than thou senators stirred up a bunch of health organizations and bullied the Orange Bowl Committee and the NCAA, getting Camacho tossed out as a sponsor! Of course the Bowl organizers used the lame and shameless excuse of what a poor message a cigar company would send to kids, but somehow it’s okay for collegiate sports to advertise alcohol, fast food, and the pill that makes you call the doctor after 4 hours. From what I understand, a rum company is an official sponsor of the game, which is a hypocrisy that has us all shaking our heads. What kind of message does consuming alcohol send to our children? The message is simple: when enjoyed responsibly by adults in moderation, all of these grown-up products should be allowed to do business under the name of freedom in these here United States of America.

So what’s up for 2012? Well this FDA thing is looming and we need to educate, get the word out, and fight these fascist legislators with everything we’ve got. And while the crap keeps hitting the proverbial fan with new anti-smoking laws and continual tax hikes on our cigars, new brands will continue to come out this year as our industry will stick together like never before.

So, that’s it from the great state of Jersey, guys. You and I will be talking again next year for sure!

TZ.Sig.2

JR Cigars Blog with the Zman

Orange Bowled Over by Frank Seltzer

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

A couple of weeks ago, Camacho cigars announced that if you were going to the Orange Bowl, you would be able to light up. Now, not so much.

Camacho Cigars signed a three-year deal as a corporate sponsor of the Miami based bowl game. There were plans for there to be on-site Camacho lounges where you could smoke. According to the company’s release,

At the Orange Bowl Game Day Fan Zone, the Orange Bowl’s largest pre-game event, guests can relax before kickoff in a beautifully appointed Camacho Club Lounge. There will also be two cigar lounges located in the designated smoking areas of the stadium on the Club Level for attendees of the Orange Bowl VIP pre-game party.

Dylan Austin—the head of marketing for Camacho—said since Camacho’s roots are in south Florida it was an honor to be partnered with such a class operation. Well maybe the honor ain’t so hot and certainly not a lot of class.

Late last week, a bunch of health groups (including Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and the American Cancer Society) started pressuring the Orange Bowl to drop the sponsorship. (It is for the kids don’t you know.)

On Thursday, three Democratic Senators jumped on the bandwagon (Lautenberg of NJ, Durbin of IL and Blumenthal of CT). They wrote to both the Orange Bowl and the NCAA saying the sponsorship should be dropped. By Friday, the bowl officials and NCAA responded to the congressional pressure and kicked Camacho out. (Wonder who will reimburse Camacho ?)

Durbin, btw, is the one who exempted menthol from “flavored” cigarettes that are banned and tobacco control advocate Michael Siegel calls this more hypocracy. In the articles it was noted that while cigarettes and smokeless tobacco sponsorships are banned for sporting events under the 2009 law which turned tobacco over to the FDA, cigars are not. Read YET. If you have not done so get behind the Cigar Rights of America or the IPCPR to pass H.R. 1639 / S. 1461. They are not going to stop until they control cigars.

Smoking bans worldwide

If you think it is tough here, pity poor Jose Blanco over at Joya de Nicaragua. He was touring Eastern Europe and wanted to do his famous blending session for about 50 cigar smokers just before Christmas. In the U-S, Jose usually does them at cigar shops…in Eastern Europe he had to use the Slovakian Embassy because he could not find another place to allow smoking. Diplomatic immunity does have its perks.

But there is good news in the Netherlands where it is getting easier to smoke. Last year, the country eased restrictions against tobacco and now it is planning on cutting anti-smoking advertising, funding programs for people to stop smoking (i.e. sell more stop smoking drugs) and stop funding its national center on tobacco control. The Netherlands seemingly is one country not to be bullied. Of course it is making the anti’s crazy.

Another Factory Gone

Red Lion's cigar band

Red Lion's cigar band

Red Lion, Pennsylvania, used to be one of the biggest manufacturers of cigars in the United States making over 400-million cigars a year in the early 20th century or about 20 percent of all the cigars made in the U-S. In 1900 the town was home to 30 cigar factories and over 160 home based operations. Cigars were so much a part of the town that every New Year’s Eve it welcomes the new year by raising a cigar. Alas, this year when the cigar goes up it will do so in a town now without any cigar factories.

Van Slyke Cigar Factory

Van Slyke Cigar Factory

Many of the factories made cigars of which you have never heard. Maud Muller, Southern Club, Sun Maid were some of the brands. But Harry and David Wolf called Red Lion home and began making cigars there around 1898. Most of their brands have faded into obscurity, but the Wolf Brothers Rum Soaked Crooks –their hit– it still sold today.

Van Slyke and Horton, the town’s last remaining factory, closed earlier this year. Said the chairman of the Red Lion New Year’s Even Committee, it is a shame. Too true.

Bye Hitch

Christopher Hitchens is dead. Hitchens was an essayist and class A skeptic. He wrote about ignorance and folly. Many know him for his political works and for his latest best seller against religion, God is Not Great. But Hitchens also was a life-long smoker and for that people will most likely attribute his cancer. He never saw it that way. But he was very much opposed to the smoking bans and the idiocy of them. In 2004, Hitch gave a speech on Bloomberg’s Nanny state.

When the complete ban on smoking in all public places was enacted in California, I called up the assemblyman who wrote the legislation and I said: “I’ve just discovered that bars are not going to be able to turn themselves into a club for the evening and charge a buck for admission for people who want to have a cigarette. You won’t be able to have a private club. You won’t even be able to have a smoke-easy, if you will, in California.”

And he said, “That’s right.”

I said, “Well, how can you possibly justify that?”

And he said, “Well, it’s to protect the staff. It’s labor protection legislation. We don’t want someone who doesn’t want to smoke, who doesn’t like it, having to work in a smoky bar.”

And I said, “You don’t think that if there were bars that allowed it and bars that forbade it, that, sooner or later people would apply for the jobs they preferred, and it would sort of shake out?”

He replied, “No. We could not make that assumption.”

So we have to postulate the existence, if you will, of a nonexistent person in a nonexistent dilemma: the person who can find only one job, and that job is as barkeep in a smoking bar. This person must be held to exist, though he or she is notional. But everyone who actually does exist must act as if this person is real.

My editor, Graydon Carter, the splendid editor of Vanity Fair, and I were having a cigarette in his office. And someone on our staff—it’s not very nice to think about it—was kind enough to drop a dime on us. And round the guys came. “You’re busted!” These people are paid by the city, which evidently has no better use for its police.

I think that’s bad enough. But then Graydon went on holiday, and I went back to Washington. And his office was empty. But they came round again and they issued him another ticket because he had on his desk an object that could have been used as an ashtray. In his absence. With no one smoking. But there are officials who have time enough to come round and do that.

His clarity will be greatly missed.

Have a Happy New Year.

Tatuaje La Casita Criolla

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

I picked up this cigar at Ed’s shop. Being a Tatuaje fan, I had to try it. After looking at the stats, it peaked my curiosity more. All Connecticut broadleaf cigar? Who has heard of such a thing? Not me… I was expecting something pretty mild and predictable. Let’s see how it went…

 

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder/Filler: Connecticut Broadleaf

Size: Short Churchill 6.5 x 48

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The dark wrapper was very rugged looking with a blotchy appearance and decent sized veins. This isn’t a bad thing in my opinion. The wrapper had a dark earthy smell, and the foot was more woody. The cigar had some give when squeezed, and had one tight spot around the middle. The pre-light draw had some resistance, but fell within my tolerances. The pre-light flavor was woody, earthy and a bit sweet.

The burn required no corrections, and the ash held for about an inch before flaking off.

1 Tatuaje La_Casita_Criolla cigars

Flavor:

The first third started out with a dominant coffee flavor. There was a slight pepper when passing smoke through the sinus. A spice developed that had a small sweet tingle on the lips and tongue. After about 2 inches in, it was a mixture of coffee, a slight bitter chocolate, spice, and notes of earthiness and sweet spice on the aftertaste. The smoke feel was fairly thick.

2 Tatuaje La_Casita_Criolla cigars

The second third had a thicker smoke feel, creamy even. It had coffee with sweetness added. There was also that bitter component you’d get from dark chocolate. The sweet tingly spice increased in strength a bit but remained smooth. The aftertaste had all these components, but had an interesting, almost floral note to it. There may have been a nutty component as well. This third became very complex and hard to nail down for me.

3 Tatuaje La_Casita_Criolla cigars

The last third basically kept the same pace with the second third. It was complex and full of flavor. The strength may have crept into the full range. A very enjoyable experience.

4 Tatuaje La_Casita_Criolla cigars

Conclusion:

As you’ve gathered, I really liked this medium to full bodied cigar. The stigma that anything Connecticut will be mild and predictable is gone. It packed in the flavors, was pretty complex, and had me stumped most of the time. At the same time it was easy to smoke and relax. I can see this appealing to a large audience of smokers. If I were you I’d try it asap.

A Smoky Christmas to All & to All a Good Night by Tommy Zman

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

It’s two days ‘til Christmas and I hope all you boys and girls have been good this year, because Santa wants to bring you a lot of cigars from various tobacco producing nations that hail from beneath the equator. You know, you actually never hear about it, but Santa is indeed one hell of a Brother of the Leaf, a ten-a-day stogiephile with a prolific collection of gars that would round out an elf’s ears!

Picture 5We all know that it wouldn’t be politically correct to spread the word that Santa loves his hand rolled happy sticks, but it’s true that the old dude is an aficionado from way back. The guy loves dark, full-bodied sticks, with an affinity towards, JR Alternative Edicion Limitada Behike, Frank Llaneza 1961, La Finca, and any El rey del Mundo Maduro. Remember when you used to see pictures of Saint Nick smoking a pipe? Well, that’s all his public relations spinsters wanted people to see at the time, but now the image of Santa enjoying tobacco of any kind is one hell of a no-no, and the U.S government has made sure that the tubby s.o.b. is always seen tobacco free.

The jolly old soul is basically a freak for a good smoke and it has been said on Christmas Eve alone, that Mr. Kringle has consumed more than a thousand premium sticks between take off and return to the North Pole. Sure, it’s a feat that would likely kill you and I, but hey, we’re talking about the man of magic, here, a guy who can visit 3.7 billion homes within 24 hours, land a giant sled pulled by reindeer on every roof top, slide his bulbous body down a thin chimney when a fire is lit, leave a crap load of presents (claiming that his elves made them), then gets the fug out santa_cutoutt1and move on to the next abode. Of course it’s all very believable and it’s not only a wonder, but a damned shame that children ever stop believing. Hey, the story makes perfect sense to me and I’m sure it does to you too.

Now don’t any of you believe in that cookies and milk b.s. It’s a little known fact, but Santa is lactose intolerant and his cholesterol and triglycerides have been a friggin mess for years, as you might imagine. But there’s nothing that obese bastid loves more than finding a Nicaraguan puro by the fire place with a pour of single malt to keep him warm for his journey through Scandinavia and the Russian Front. And for you people in the U.S. southeast, a belt of your best bourbon will keep the man’s cheeks rosy thru fifteen states.

It’s hard for me to recall when I actually stopped asking for a pony and a bike and started asking for Punch Grand Cru #2 and LA Gloria Cubana Serie R, but I’m damned glad that my tastes changed upon growing up. I’m still undecided on what to smoke on Christmas Eve and day, but something tells me that there can’t be a wrong choice. Months ago I emailed the big man, asking for a plethora of tobacco laden goodies, and if I get even half my list, it’s gonna be a great start to the new year.

I know I speak for everyone here at JR CIGARS when I wish you a terrific holiday with family and friends, with hopes that Mr. Claus leaves a leafy bounty under your tree. So, a big-ash Merry Christmas from the Zman… and if you happened to be of the Hebrew faith, well, enjoy the movies and Chinese food this Sunday!

Ho, Ho, Ho, and Smoke ‘em Cuz ya Gottem,

TZ.Sig.2

JR Cigars Blog with the Zman


Nestor Miranda Special Selection Oscuro

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

I picked up this cigar at random. What appealed to me was the size, look, and the fact that they call this size the “Coffee break.” I like coffee breaks, I like cigars… Why not give it a try. This cigar can be had in an Ocsuro wrapper or Rosado. You can read more about this cigar at their website. As always, I paired this cigar with water.

 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican

Size: Coffee break 4.5 x 50

Price: Around $6.50

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The chocolaty looking wrapper had a smooth appearance, with minimal flaws and veins. The smell of the wrapper and foot was a mild, almost undetectable earthiness. The cigar was well packed, with a couple minor soft spots, but nothing of concern. The pre-light draw had slight resistance. The pre-light flavor was a dark bitterness that reminded me of coffee.

The burn required two minor corrections, and the ash held for around an inch.

1 Nestor_Miranda Special_Edition Oscuro cigars

Flavor:

The first third had nice dominant coffee and woody flavors. When passing smoke through the nose, there was an easy peppery spice that had a pinch of sweetness. As this third came to a close, subtle, dry chocolaty notes made an appearance.

2 Nestor_Miranda Special_Edition Oscuro cigars

The second third had an increase in sweetness. The dominant flavor was similar to a dark chocolate, not like a Hershey bar. The spice peppery spice didn’t go anywhere, but it did take on a sweetness that made the nose and mouth tingle. The wood and coffee was more noticeable on the aftertaste. Towards the end of this third, the chocolaty and woody flavors (combined with coffee) would trade places as the dominant flavor.

3 Nestor_Miranda Special_Edition Oscuro cigars

The last third took on a dominant woody and coffee-ish flavor. Chocolate was always there, but in the background. Like before, the pepper spice remained, and had a but of a zing. There was a slight earthiness in the background, but spice, coffee and wood overshadowed it.

4 Nestor_Miranda Special_Edition Oscuro cigars

Conclusion:

This was a solid medium to maybe lower full bodied cigar. The flavors switched up, and it had a good balance of body and power. I could see this going well with a mid day coffee. For a seasoned smoker, even early in the morning would work. This versatile little cigar could do pretty well at almost any time of the day, it just depends on the smoker. I liked it.

Holiday Time and Long Ashes by Frank Seltzer

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

While everyone is looking to the holidays, the government is still trying to take stuff away from you….grinches that they are.

I am from the Government and here to help

You no doubt have heard of the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendation last week for banning all cell phone use while driving. Fortunately, the board has no real power but no matter states will probably consider the report. What does this have to do with cigars? Well in reality it is the same kind of science.

Radley Balko of Reason magazine writes the reason for stuff like this is TOBAL-itis (There Ought To Be A Law). With Congress, many state legislatures and city councils meeting year round, they feel there is a need to pass laws even if the law is not needed. The cell phone ban is stupid on its face. Usage of cell phones has gone up 8 times since 1995, yet the number of traffic fatalities has dropped. Hmmm. And like smoking, there are even studies that discredit the “cell phones cause accidents” myth but those studies are ignored.

But much like second hand smoke, this will probably gain some traction around the country. Why? Because localities can fine you for using the phone and that makes them money.

Don’t bother with facts my mind is made up

Maybe I do not understand research. I thought the idea was to go out and collect the data and then let that determine what the results are. Guess not. Well I shouldn’t be surprised, most research on smoking “proves” tobacco is evil. But now the CDC Foundation is stepping up the game.

The CDC Foundation was set up by Congress to help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tap into private money for implementing its agenda. So it is no real surprise that the CDC Foundation recently announced a new study to be funded by pharmaceutical maker Pfizer to look into the economic impact of smoking band. From the release:

“While the health benefits of smoke-free policies are clear, the perception that they might negatively affect restaurant and bar business can pose a barrier to the broader introduction and acceptance of these policies.”

Yeah perception…we can look at the facts and see there are definite impacts on the economy from smoking bans, JonathanTomlin wrote in Forbes two years ago about most of the “studies”

But there is one major problem. Upon further inspection, previous studies do not, on the whole, demonstrate that smoking bans don’t harm bars and restaurants. In fact, appropriately done studies and basic economic logic demonstrate that they often do.

Tomlin goes on to talk about his study of India and its smoking ban. He notes

“To be sure, it is also a possibility that any ban will lower smoking patrons’ demand for the services of bars, restaurants and gaming establishments where smoking is not permitted. Basic economic theory maintains that such lower demand could lower the profits of any bar or restaurant subject to such a ban.”

But have no fear, the new CDC report will be an independent study and the data will give us the answers. Not so much. While Pfizer promises an objective study, the CDC’s comment in the release gives away the game.

“Making worksites, restaurants, and bars smoke-free saves lives, increases productivity, reduces health care costs, and doesn’t hurt business,” said CDC director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.

Doesn’t hurt business…then why do the study? By the way if you don’t know Pfizer makes Chantix a drug designed to help stop smoking. No conflict of interest there right? I am sure the Pfizer study will be objective and not designed to help sell more of their drug.

This announcement is even too much for tobacco control advocate Dr. Michael Siegel who agrees the CDC has the answer before doing the study.

Do it for the kids

Speaking of don’t let the facts get in the way of more restrictions… on Thursday 5 Senators wrote to the FDA saying it needs to regulate cigars, specifically flavored cigars now. These nannys say more than 13 million Americans smoke cigars (well then we should get about 13 million people on our petitions right?) and that number includes an estimated 1.8 million high schoolers and 475,000 middle school students.

They go onto say:

“Cigar smoking is linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat and esophagus.”

Yup it sure is, but then again so is HPV…are they for banning sex too? I tell ya they just won’t stop until the control everything and going after flavored cigars is the first step.

The folks over at the Libertarian Reason’s Hit and Run blog have noticed the efforts being put into Capitol Hill by the C-R-A and the IPCPR.

As Jacob Sullum notes the FDA control could even ban mail ordered cigars! The rationale he says is:

“The FDA also could ban online sales of cigars in the name of preventing minors from buying them—about as plausible a scenario as teenagers getting drunk on boutique Cabernet they order from an out-of-state winery.”

Be sure you get involved either through the Cigar Rights of America or the IPCPR websites. Let your Senators and Representatives know you smoke AND vote.

Longest Ash

Cigar Aficionado and H. Upmann are holding a contest for the longest ash. Details are found here. The deal is smoke an H Upmann and see how long your ash can get take a photo and submit it.

My suggestion would be to get the longest H Upmann you can find. Like the Chairman’s Reserve double corona which measures 7×50. Or you could go with the Connoisseur Cabinet at 7 x 52.

If you are a little daring, there is the |Upmann sungrown lancero which is 7.5 inches x 40.

The winner gets a box of H. Upmann, a year’s subscription to CA, may be featured in an H. Upmann ad and gets 2 tickets to the Big Smoke in either Vegas or NYC. The contest ends January 25, 2012,  Good luck.

La Aroma De Cuba–Mi Amor

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

The Mi-Amor is a collaboration between Ashton and the Garcia Family. It is claimed to be rich, complex, and very well balanced. I picked some up at Ed’s shop recently, as he commented to me that he liked it. I figured I’d give them a try. I paired the cigar with water as always.

 

Wrapper: Cuban seed grown in Mexico

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Magnifico 6 x 52

Price: $8.20

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The box pressed cigar had a nice appearance. The wrapper velvety smooth with a few sparkles when held to a light. It had an earthy smell. The cigar was solidly packed, and had a minor soft spot or two, but nothing major. The pre-light draw had slight resistance, and had a sweet flavor. It was almost like a mild dark chocolate.

The burn required no corrections. The ash was flaky at first, but became solid after the first tap on the ashtray. It held for just under an inch.

1 La_Aroma_de_Cuba Mi_Amor cigars

Flavor:

The first third had a mellow start. There was a slight peppery spice combined with woody notes. After a little while I picked up a smooth sweet flavor that eventually developed into something chocolaty. All the flavors were pretty even in strength, nothing stood out over the other.

2 La_Aroma_de_Cuba Mi_Amor cigars

The second third saw a calming of the pepper, not that it was real strong to begin with. The woody and chocolaty flavors combined nicely and had almost a floral aftertaste with a bitter note. It sounds strange but I liked it. There were coffee notes in the mix as well, at least that mild bitter aftertaste you can get from a good black coffee. As the second third came to a close, the smoke left a tingle on the lips.

3 La_Aroma_de_Cuba Mi_Amor cigars

The last third stayed the same as the second third for the most part. The strength increased a little, and chocolate increased a bit in strength. The pepper made a slight return but remained easy to pass through the sinus.

4 La_Aroma_de_Cuba Mi_Amor cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to full bodied cigar. The flavors were interesting, and there were enough complexities to keep things interesting. Construction was good and the burn was slow. I could see myself smoking more of these from time to time.

JR Jingle Bells by Tommy Zman

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Okay my Holiday Herfing Buddies, today’s Zman Blog is sung to the tune of Jingle Bells… so start singing if ya know whats good for ya…

grinch-1Jingle Bells, my Romeo smells, so damned good today,
the luscious scent of cedar went and made my freakin day…
Jingle Bells, hey what the hell, where’d my Montes go?
That box of cheer was sitting here, only a moment a go.

Someone stole my stash, some Grinch just went and came,
my humidor was filled, with Oliva Nubs and Cain,
Who went and scoffed my smokes, no clue who it could be,
Hoyos, La Fincas, Gurkhas gone, and Ashton VSG!

Oh, Jingle Bells, I’m gonna kill whoever pulled this ruse,
My Trinidads, oh I’ve been had, there’s no more Montecruz,
All my cigars, the Bolivars, My mind has now been blown,
Where’s my El Rey, Now what the hey? And H. Upmann Sun Grown!

E.P Carillo Core, Pepin Garcia Blue,
they swiped my Rocky Edge, all the Fuentes too,
Now who could be so cruel, to pilfer all my Punch,
Avo Domaine, I’m not insane, I think I have a hunch!

Jingles Bells, My Fathers? Hell!, Trust me, this ain’t no fun,
CAO Brazillas and Llaneza ‘61’s,
Oh Jingle Bells, this whole thing smells, goodbye my Parta-gas,
If I find out, I’ll scream and shout, and kick your freakin’ ass,

It’s starting to make sense, I think I’ve got it down,
Who heisted Henry Clay, and my Diamond Crown,
Just who could be so sly, and who could be so slick?
So shut the door, I’m pretty sure, it’s jolly Old Saint Nick!

Ohhhhhhhhh…
Jingle Bells, hey what the hell, the man in the red suit,
He’s the one, who weighs a ton, and high-jacked all my loot,
But I asked him if he’d herf with me, and poured some single malt,
So we sat down by the fire, and we smoked some JR Alts…
While we smooooked some JRRRRRRRRRR Aaaaaaaaaalts!

Ho, ho ho,

TZ.Sig.2

Tommy Z . JR Cigars Blog With the Zman

On smoking my first pipe — just when I thought I couldn’t spend any more!

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
I suppose it was only a matter of time before someone convinced me to put down my cigar long enough to give pipe tobacco an honest shot. Well, that time came recently during Monday night football. I must say I had been intrigued by the different process that pipe tobacco goes through, such that when [...]

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