Archive for May, 2009

Perdomo2 Limited Edition 2008

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

Once again, I found myself rummaging around in the small humidor. This is where I keep cigars that are waiting to be reviewed. Being pretty backed up, I randomly chose tonight’s review, the Perdomo 2 Limited Edition 2008. I find if I pair up with decent water, this helps me during a review. So let’s get to it…

Wrapper: Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Robusto 5 x 50

Price: Around $6.00

1PerdomoLimitedEdition08

Pre-light & Construction:

The dark maduro wrapper had a slight blotchy appearance, but basically looked good. Squeezing the cigar, I found it to be right in the middle. Not too tight, not too spongy. When I sniffed the wrapper, I was reminded of poo. Yes, I mean poo. The foot smelled more peppery and earthy. The pre light draw had a similar peppery/earthy taste, and the draw was just right. the ash held for over an inch, and I did no burn corrections.

Flavor:

The first third went well. Huge clouds of white smoke billowed out of this thing. I was greeted with smooth pepper combined with coffee. There were slight earthy notes, and a hint of something sweet. Overall an enjoyable experience so far.

2PerdomoLimitedEdition08

The second third saw a slight increase of earthy notes. The coffee increased a little and remained consistent. The pepper became more of a sweet spice mixed with nuances of caramel and mocha. Add in the additional woody notes, and there you have the flavor profile of the second third.

3PerdomoLimitedEdition08

The last third went well. The cigar practically smoked itself. The coffee and woody notes increased in body, and I could hardly taste the earthy flavors anymore. The caramel and mocha battled it out, and mocha won.

4PerdomoLimitedEdition08

Conclusion:

This was a very enjoyable medium to full bodied cigar. If I had to complain about something… It seemed like this was a fast burner, taking around an hour to smoke. Overall I have to give this a thumbs up. It’s definitely something I’ll keep an eye out for.

A Song For Smoking

Friday, May 29th, 2009
Remember protest songs? They have a fine tradition that stretches back for centuries of using music as a means of dissent whenever and wherever freedom was threatened. The music of the '60s was in many ways defined by such voices as Dylan and Lennon railing against inequality, lost liberty and infringements on our rights to pursue happiness.

LaFlor Dominicana Double Ligero(Maduro)

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Otherwise known as the “Chisel.” When I saw this cigar I had to pick up a couple and give it a go. On LaFlor’s site, they warn you “Eat before you smoke-em.” I’ve been known to smoke the fullest bodied cigars on an empty stomach. Since this is pre-dinner, I can’t wait any longer. Let’s get to the review and see if I get sick. As always, I’m paired up with filtered water.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian sun grown

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Size: 54 x 6

Price:

1LFDChisel

Pre-smoke & Construction:

The wrapper looked dark, oily, and rugged. In other words, it looked potent. Squeezing the cigar revealed a couple small soft spots. Otherwise, the cigar was evenly packed. The wrapped smelled of a sweet spice, while the foot smelled like more of a peppery spice. I clipped a small amount off of the chisel end, and the draw was good, offering slight resistance. The pre-light draw had a spicy peppery taste. I only had to correct the burn a few times, and the ash was strong, holding for around an inch before I tapped it into the ashtray.

Flavor:

The first third didn’t play around. It started off in the full bodied range with a smooth pepper. As I progressed, my mouth felt coated by the smoke. It wasn’t a bad sensation, but my palate couldn’t pick up a lot of complexities. Despite this, I really enjoyed this third.

2LFDChisel

The second third continued with full pepper flavors. An interesting mocha flavor came about just as I hit this third. It wasn’t what I would call standard though. It was very dry, almost like powdered chocolate I poured into milk as a child, minus the milk. That dry chocolate would transform into a candy bar sweetness, then go back to the dry sensation again.

3LFDChisel

The last third went waaay into the upper full bodied range. That dry chocolate flavor remained, and still transformed into a candy bar at times. The pepper remained strong, but it mellowed out a bit. A touch of earthness crept in and I really had to pay attention to catch it.

4LFDChisel

Conclusion:

Despite smoking on an empty stomach, I did not get sick at all. I can’t deny a full nicotine buzz, but no nausea. I am the man. Say it. About the cigar… If FULL bodied cigars are your thing, I would have to recommend this powerhouse. There was no harshness, just a somewhat simple, powerful flavor profile. To the normal smoker out there, have this after a good meal.

La Aroma de Cuba Monarch

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
As much as it has ever been, a visit from the stork is still a moment properly celebrated with a good smoke and a glass of the finest cognac. No, I’m not talking about myself, but a good friend of mine whose family has been enlarged this week. I realize that I have not been [...]

Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
What a great weekend. I swam, I fished, I barbecued and I had an extremely relaxing time. I think I spent all of ten minutes inside. The highlight was Sunday. It began with the Memorial Day parade, where our little town puts on a big show. My wife, little boy and I walked into town just before the start of the parade, taking our spots in front of the local market.

Remembering

Monday, May 25th, 2009

This morning was simply one of those spectacular weather days you would typically associate with the Memorial Day holiday – sunny, blue sky, and around 70 degrees at 9:30 am. It is the perfect day for a barbecue, a ball game, or time just spent with friends and loved ones.

NJ IRAQ MARINE KILLEDI was on my way home this morning from the deli where I picked up a few bacon egg and cheese sandwiches for the family. I’ll save my cooking for later on tonight on the Weber, thank you. While sipping my coffee I looked ahead to see my neighbor, John Wroblewski, Sr., washing his truck in the driveway as his wife Shawn was cleaning up in their garage. I just felt it was my duty to stop by and say hello for a moment.

I don’t know them very well, but we’ve talked before, and John greeted me with a warm smile and a hello.

“Hey John. I know this is a tough day for you guys,” I said as my voice shook a little, “But I just wanted to say hello and tell you that your son is in my thoughts and heart today.”

John stood motionless as he stared into my eyes.

1 WARDAD O'BOYLEOn April 6, 2004, in an ambush firefight in Ramadi, Iraq, JT Wroblewski, Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, lost his life while attempting to save the lives of his troops he served with. JT, the 25 year-old son of John and Shawn, was the first Marine from the state of New Jersey to make the ultimate sacrifice during the Iraq war.

“Hey Tom, you don’t know how much that means to me,” John said.

Now, while I truly have NO idea how the man feels inside - I mean, how could I - but, I certainly do know what my stopping by meant to him.

“My family is so very proud of your son and we are so grateful for the service he gave.”

“Thank you so much, Tom. I really needed to hear that right about now.” John said. I’m not sure who’s eyes were glassier, but as I first said, I felt it was my duty to stop and pay my respects.

A couple of years ago, the road that enters our development was renamed after JT, and every day we are reminded of his sacrifice when we drive past the street sign. But on a day like today, it really hits home what it means to live in this neighborhood. A gathering took place on the day of the unveiling of the new street sign, as people from the community and Vietnam, Korean War, and WW2 veterans came to honor a hero.

On that somber day in April, 12 Marines lost their lives, including JT in that battle half way around the world. Since then, thousands of other sons and daughters have fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before that, the troops of Desert Storm were the first to deal with the oppressive heat and sand. And while the Middle East may be a new kind of fighting for our GI’s, it is still war, just the same. Over the centuries, so many American parents have had to endure the news that their boy would be coming home, but not of his own power.

mem-day-parade-grandyle1954Today there are parades a plenty all across small town USA. Little League Teams, Girl Scout Troops, and local politicians will be marching along side with Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tiny flags will be waved and people will stand and cheer. (And may I say there is no better place to enjoy a great cigar than a parade such as this!) Many will spend the day with good company (even though I will be shoveling mulch for the third day in a row.) And of course we’ll grill up a storm as the burgers, dogs, ribs, steaks, and chicken will be slathered and charred.

Today we honor those who served and gave it all. Every man and woman who is now gone, fought so we could be free… free to have barbecues. picnics, parades, ball games and gatherings. I feel that we truly honor our heroes by enjoying our freedom and celebrating life as an American citizen.

Being an American is the greatest freedom we can know, but it has always come with a price. Today we remember those sons and daughters, fathers and mothers who served when called upon. Today we are grateful to John Thomas Wroblewski and every person who has worn a uniform and made the country we live in, the greatest in the world.

Today we thank them and honor them all.

Peace,
Tommy Z.
JR Cigars, Blog With the Zman

Oliva Connecticut Reserve

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Mornings are usually when I’ll spark up a Connecticut wrapped cigar. This was one of those mornings, so I sat down with some coffee and the Oliva Connecticut Reserve. I switched it up a bit and paired up with coffee.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Churchill 7 x 50

Price: Around $7.00

1OliveConn 

Pre-smoke & Construction:

The tan wrapper had a few mid sized veins and a couple blemishes, but overall looked decent. There were no soft spots on this firmly packed cigar. Sniffing the wrapper and foot gave off a woody scent, while the pre-light draw had a sweet, slightly earthy taste. Speaking of the draw, it was great, with a slight resistance. I didn’t have to do any burn corrections, and the ash held strong for over an inch. It took effort to tap it off into the ashtray. Construction overall was good.

 

Flavor:

The first third was simple enough… I got buttery notes combined with a toast. When passing through the sinus I noticed a faint pepper that was quite nice. As things progressed, the smoke became really thick and creamy.

2OliveConn 

The second third carried on with a simple flavor profile. Toasty, buttery flavors dominated, and the pepper decreased a bit. The creamy, thick smoke continued and overall everything went well.

3OliveConn

On to the last third… The creaminess took over. Mixed with buttery, toasty notes, combined with a slight nutty flavor to round thing up. The smoke remained thick and plentiful right up to the end.

4OliveConn

Conclusion:

Although many aspects of this cigar screamed “Another Connecticut wrapped cigar,” this was a good light to medium bodied smoke. It was a very refined, smooth and easy smoke. I could easily put this into my morning cigar rotation, and I probably will.

Heartfelt Industries Coupon Code Expires the 26th!

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

heartfelt

I’m sure you are growing tired of me pimping Heartfelt Industries stuff, but I do it for a reason. David offers plenty of reasonably priced cigar accessories, and of course, humidity control beads. So I’ll get right to the point…

The coupon code “TomsCigars” will save you 10 percent on your purchase, and it expires May 26th. If you plan on getting some beads or other accessories, you better place your order now!

Sometimes They Get it Right

Friday, May 22nd, 2009
I hung out with a cigar buddy of mine in Chicago last week when I was in the Windy City for Wine Spectator¹s Grand Tour, a super wine tasting event with more than 240 excellent wines on pour. So I sneaked in a smoke after lunch on the day of the evening tasting.

DaVinci

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Up for review today is the DaVinci. A strange concept for a cigar, but for the price I figured it was worth a try. The few details I could find are… The wrapper is grown by the Oliva Family, and is a brand owned by Altadis. Per my normal routine, I am pairing up with PUR filtered water. With that, I give to you the review.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Exhibition E (50 x 5)

Price: Around $3.00

1DaVinci 

Pre-smoke & Construction:

Overall, the length of the cigar was a bit spongy feeling, but consistent. Speaking of the wrapper, it had mid sized vein’s running throughout, and looked a little toothy (bumpy or rugged). Sniffing the wrapper and foot revealed wood and earthy smells. The pre-light draw was a little tight, and tasted a little sweet. Overall, the cigar looked nice. The ash held for about an inch, and the burn required a few touchups. The draw loosened up a bit as I smoked, and I forgot about the initial tight draw.

 

Flavor:

The first few puffs were a simple earthy taste. After getting about an inch in, the flavor opened up a bit. I noticed a sweet spice through the nose as well as other sweet notes. A somewhat nutty flavor developed as well as I finished up the first third.

2DaVinci 

The second third started off with the smoke taking on a creamy feel. The spice calmed down a bit and the earthy notes mellowed out. Nuts were the primary flavor in this third.

3DaVinci

The last third began with an increase of the earthy flavor, but it dropped back again. The creaminess increased and became lip smacking, if that makes sense. The sweet spice I mentioned earlier remained, but was overtaken by the creaminess. That nutty flavor remained dominant until it was time to put the cigar down. Not bad!

4DaVinci

Conclusion:

Price aside, this was a good medium to full bodied cigar. The flavor profile kept me from getting bored. I will admit the price added to the enjoyment though. For a $3.00 stick, I can’t complain. Although it is a gimmicky name and presentation, at least it delivered a decent smoking experience. I say give these a try and see for yourself. Not a bad budget cigar.

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