Archive for May, 2010

Alec Bradley – Vice Press

Monday, May 31st, 2010

2010-05-29-14-48-40

Ed and I continue putting Alec Bradley cigars to the test over at The Stogie Review. The Vice Press starts off in the medium bodied range, but slowly builds into a full bodied, rich smoke. The flavors are pretty basic but have some interesting nuances. This is a cigar that requires you to set some time aside and relax.

In this 24 minute review, we pick this cigar apart while having some small talk. Overall I think Alec Bradley has another winner with the Vice Press.

MP3 Audio Only

Wish There Were Words Stronger than Thank You

Monday, May 31st, 2010

NJ IRAQ MARINE KILLEDOn 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.

I have written about JT over the past several years in my Memorial Day Blog. His parents live one street over from me, in the house JT grew up in, here in northwestern New Jersey. While the neighbors are opening their pools, attending parades, planting flowers, and getting the ribs and burgers ready for the grill, my neighbor John experiences this day with a heavy heart, as does anyone who lost a family member to the hideous reality of war.

cigar_ping6Today is the day that we in the United States have dedicated to every man and woman of our nation who has given up the ultimate sacrifice. For years I’ve always wondered how a somber day like today became associated with swimming pools, hotdogs and hamburgers. But one day I came to realize that the reason our brave soldiers go to war is so we, Joe Everyday Citizens CAN enjoy a life of freedom to do and live as we please. Our men and women who continue to fight in the sand and that soldier2oppressive heat grew up on back yard barbecues and family gatherings, and now THEY have made the conscious choice to defend the country that has given them the freedom so many of us take for granted. They are well aware of the daily risks they take and of the daunting reality that they too may become a casualty, one who is forever remembered on this last day of May. But that doesn’t stop a single one of them from serving all of us back here on Main Street, USA.

I grew up as a young boy during the Vietnam War, and remember the nightly news reports speaking of the casualties as just facts and figures. Troops were being sent home in body bags and the anti-war sentiment was mounting. I was a iraq_cigar_widewebpre-teen, but I still have vivid memories of the events of the day. My dad was in the Korean War and his uncles fought in World War 2.

But I felt that I just had to mention that the people of today’s armed forces are all volunteers. Not a one of them has been forced to defend our land, and to me, that takes a certain kind of guts and heart. Now don’t think for even a second that I am minimizing the so many who were drafted and fought – those men answered the call and with bravery gave what was asked of them – some WAY beyond what was asked. But I have a special place in my heart for today’s soldier who knows quite well of the inherent dangers of roadside explosives and the suicide bombers who believe they are sent to heaven for taking the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to be in their path. Today’s enlisted men are fighting an enemy that has no fear of death and believes he’ll be rewarded with a bounty of giggling virgins. That’s a very dangerous enemy, one our country has never fought the likes of before. To volunteer for that kind of duty is a type of bravery and dedication I will never know.

usa-memorial-daySo with a huge open heart I say thank you to everyone serving in our military, and to everyone who has served in the past. No, I really mean it – this is not just some kind of heartfelt bullshit one writes in a Memorial Day piece. I thank you all so much for keeping it possible 213memorialdayfor my wife and kids to enjoy our home and family gatherings for years to come. I hear so many of you say it’s just your job, but you can’t fool us. My job has me relegated to sucking on tobacco sticks and writing about it. Your job, is making sure that I can continue to do so, and from the very depths of my soul, you have my eternal gratitude.

So, today I will grill my three racks of baby backs, light up several of my best cigars, imbibe a whole lot… and feel safe. I simply cannot even begin to thank the men and women of the United States military enough. I know I speak for ALL the readers of this Blog that we support you all and wish you a safe tour and a happy ride home. And to JT, rest peacefully, buddy.

Humbly Yours,

Tommy Z.

JR CIGARS BLOG With the Zman

May 2010 Cigar Site of the Month – TheCigarNut.com

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Anyone who has been visiting this site knows my fondness of this month’s cigar site of the month. But first I have small rant to get out of the way…

TheCigarNut

I can’t take it anymore… All of these cigar blogs out there, and many of them turn in to crap. They come out of the gate swinging and dwindle to mediocrity. I understand life happens, so why not just end the site or let the readers know what’s up? I it see too often, a post every month or two as the site becomes smaller and smaller. Dying a slow pitiful death…

Before you haters start posting, let me say first… I’m not implying TomsCigars.com is some great model site. I’m not even implying the content here is good. If anything, the message you should get from this place is that virtually any cigar smoker can do this. Chances are quite a few readers will enjoy and learn from you, even if you have an average palate like me. But enough of my sniveling…

David, who runs The Cigar Nut, took a different approach. He found a pattern that was realistic to his lifestyle. Even if it is one or two posts a week, I can always count on consistent reviews. When life gets in the way, he let’s his readers know what happened.

So if consistent, honest reviews are important to you, go visit The Cigar Nut!

Bering Puro Nicaraguan

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

I picked up this cigar at a local shop mainly because I never heard of it before. I have absolutely no information other then the fact that it is a Nicaraguan Puro, and is a product of Altadis. As always, I paired with a glass of water for the review, and offer you my thoughts.

 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan

Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Robusto 5 x 52

Price: Around $6.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had a lot of dark blotches all over it, but it was only a cosmetic flaw. It’s odor reminded me of hay in a barn, while the foot had a faint natural tobacco smell. The pre-light draw was a little snug, and had a sweet earthy tobacco taste. The cigar was firmly packed, but I did notice quite a few hard and soft spots.

The burn required a couple big corrections, and several minor ones. The ash held for about an inch. The draw loosened up and turned out to be OK.

1BeringPuroNicaraguan

Flavor:

The first third had a slight pepper in the nose, and dominant simple earthy flavors. As I dug further in, the pepper increased in strength but remained in the medium bodied range. Woody notes crept into the flavor profile as this third came to an end.

2BeringPuroNicaraguan

The second third kept simple woody and earthy flavors. The pepper reduced in strength and became sweet. At times the sweet notes would become mocha, but would change back into an anonymous sweet flavor. This was the routine for the rest of the second third.

3BeringPuroNicaraguan

The earthiness reduced in strength, while the woody flavors stayed the same. The pepper pretty much stayed the same. Sweet mocha undertones were present through out this third. There was a tinge of bitterness that normally doesn’t bother me in a cigar, but this time I didn’t care for it.

4BeringPuroNicaraguan

Conclusion:

This was an OK medium bodied cigar. The flavors were good but it just seemed like any other random cigar. I officially rate this cigar as “OK.”

Back From the Big Smoke

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
Saturday night, Mashantucket, Connecticut, about 8 pm. I'm standing next to the Quesada Cigars booth at the Big Smoke at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, puffing on a Coronado by La Flor Double Corona and talking to Hostos Fernandez Quesada. A guy walks up to me and says hello.

Pride Cigars – Corojo

Monday, May 24th, 2010

My pal Eric was kind enough to donate a couple Pride Corojo cigars for me to review. I don’t have any background info on this cigar, or the company. I do know that whenever there has been an event in the area, they made sure I knew about it so we could meet up. Unfortunately, the drive to Tampa has prevented me from doing that just yet. Anyhow, as I always do, I paired the Pride Corojo with water and offer you my thoughts.

 

Wrapper: Corojo Dominican Republic

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Dominican Republic

Size: Robusto 5 x 50

Price: $5.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was fairly smooth with minimal bumps and veins. It did have a small crack towards the band, but I suspect that was from shipping or human error. The wrapper smelled of cedar, and the foot had an odor of cedar with a slight pepper. The pre-light draw had slight resistance and had earthy/cedary notes. I pinched the entire length of the cigar, and found it to be well packed with a couple minor soft and hard spots.

1PrideCorojo

Flavor:

The first third opened up with mild earthiness and a slight peppery spice. Nutty flavors came into the flavor profile quickly and was pleasant. Woody/cedary notes mingled with nuts for an interesting combination of flavor. Way in the background, there were notes I had trouble pinning down. It kind of fell between earthy and leathery. The smoke volume was minimal and wispy.

2PrideCorojo

The second third is where this cigar came into it’s own. It had a nutty core with cedar. Behind that were earthy notes. About half way in, a sweetness came into the picture that eventually developed into a dry cocoa. That leathery flavor I spoke of before went away. When exhaling through the nose, I picked up a smooth, sweet peppery spice that was mild to medium strength. The smoke volume increased to a level I find more enjoyable.

3PrideCorojo

Like before, the last third kept the core flavors of nuts, cedar, and wispy earthy notes. The main difference was sweet cocoa enveloped the other flavors. The sweet peppery spice increased in strength, and almost became cinnamony.

4PrideCorojo

Conclusion:

This was a good medium bodied cigar. The first third, although having good flavors, seemed a little ho-hum at first. But the further I smoked, the more enjoyable it became. This was by no means a “WOW” cigar, but I think it delivered good flavors, relaxation, and met it’s price point. My final verdict is – Give the Pride Corojo a try. And Eric – Thanks again for the samples!

Beyond Unacceptable

Monday, May 24th, 2010

As you know, I generally like to keep things happy and light-hearted on this happening little bloggy I create for your reading pleasure. Cigars are what we all have in common, and sometimes I yak about my favorite stogies and sometimes it’s about the trials and tribulations we all go through in life. But today, I’m particularly dismayed at what’s going on in the Gulf of Mexico as an ecological disaster of catastrophic proportions looms in the Cajun seas.

BPUnless you just crawled out from under a rock the size of Rosie O’donnell’s lunch box, British Petroleum has an oil-rig in the waters south of the Louisiana coastline and it won’t stop spewing thick, black toxic crude oil into the water … for 35 days. That’s right, thirty-five Gulf Oil Spill Inspectionsdays have gone by since the disaster began and BP has done jack-shit to stop it. Oh, yeah they’ve tried, blah, blah, blah, meanwhile the slick is growing by the mile and finally the coastline is in massive danger – and after that, the Florida and Texas coastlines and all sea life and water fowl in general.

How the living hell does something like this actually happen. And maybe a better question is: Why can’t they stop it?

Louisiana+Governor+Bobby+Jindal+Speaks+Washington+AxM2hv8NisclLouisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal is in Defcon 5 freak mode, and who can blame the guy. He’s ordering sandbag walls to be built along the entire coast of his state and I think if he meets up with any BP executives, there’s gonna be a good old Cajun ass-kickin’ the likes of the world has never seen.

I listened to an exec from BP on several morning shows today and when asked what his confidence is that they will have this under control, on a one thru ten scale, his answer was a six or a seven. Holy oil covered pelicans – that is NOT the answer the world wanted/needed to hear. If this slick spreads as predicted, a great number of industries 853-19_OILSPILL_8_MCT.embedded.prod_affiliate.56will be decimated to the tune of billions of dollars. Fishing, shrimping, vacation and tourism will be the harrowing victims of this gaping sludge monster. And who knows how long the poisons effects will wreak havoc on an ecosystem spanning a possible thousands of miles wide.

Another thing Governor Jindal is pissed at is: Where the hell is help from President Obama? We’re talking 35 days man. What the hell is talking so damned long to act? Our government needs to be way up British Petroleum’s bum and taking heads along the way. How could more than a month go by without any type of reasonable solution?

1.Head.up.ass copyNow people are asking why there wasn’t some sort of emergency disaster plan put in place in case a meltdown like this were to ever occur? BP isn’t giving any answers and the worst-case scenario is that they don’t have any to give.

Like I said, this isn’t my usual type of piece here on the blog, but the trickle down effect of this event will effect all of us greatly and sometimes you just have to shake your noggin in massive disbelief at the grotesque and careless stupidity that resides in this world we cohabitate in.

Okay  we’re all terribly pissed off and the ramifications are staggering. If there isn’t anything you can directly do to help, I say light up your favorite cigar, try to relax and thank your maker for everything you have. I still say that it’s a damned good world we live in – when others don’t f@#k it up for us.

Peace, out.

Tommy Z.

JR CIGARS BLOG with the Zman

Road Trip – Bonita Smoke Shop

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

You’ve probably read my rants on how bad some cigar shops can be. Anyone who has been visiting here for awhile also knows how I rave about Ed’s great cigar shop. This brings us to today’s post…bonita198

Matt, Reg, and I took a little trip to Bonita Springs to visit the Bonita Smoke Shop. This is about a two hour drive from my house. Just as we suspected, we were greeted with a spectacular staff and a great selection of cigars and accessories.

An added bonus was Luis J. Falto, President of the La Garita Cigar Company was there as well. He was very helpful and knowledgeable about cigars and his brand. I had never heard of this boutique brand before. The cigars were very good, and I’ll be looking out for more.

Do yourself a favor and visit the Bonita Smoke Shop. It is a perfect example of how a great cigar shop is ran. If you are too far away to visit, then go online. I have found their prices to be very competitive.

This short 3 minute video is a walk through. It was filmed right after the shop closed. The vast selection of cigars can’t really be conveyed in this video, but you’ll get the idea.

Bonita smoke Shop Event! Sat. May 22nd

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Join us Saturday, May 22nd, 12PM to 4PM at Bonita Smoke Shop!

bonita198

Meet Luis Falto of La Garita Cigars! Enter to win a free humidor. There will be refreshments, door prizes, and good times!

Matt, Reg, and I will be hitting the road Saturday the 22nd to attend this event. It should be good times, so see you there.

 

3300 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 104. Bonita Springs, FL.

JFR Corojo

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

I picked up this cigar at a local shop near where I work. What caught my eye was the non-flashy packaging, weird looking foot (see pic below), and the nice pigtail cap. I figured it at least deserved a review. From what I’ve read on the Internet, JFR stands for “Just for retailers.” As always I paired with a glass of water and offer you my thoughts.

 

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder/Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 5.5 x 50

Price: Around $4.00

1JFRCorojo 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had some medium to small veins and some bumps, but overall looked good. The foot and wrapper had almost no odor, perhaps a slight cedar. The cigar was fairly solidly packed, with a few soft spots here and there. The pre-light draw was free, and had a earthy, woody flavor.

The ash held for about an inch, and the burn required a couple touch-up’s.

2JFRCorojo 

flavor:

The first third began with woody flavors accompanied by pepper. The pepper lingered for a pleasant aftertaste. Simple but decent.

3JFRCorojo

The second third continued with dominant woody flavors. The pepper became smoother but kept a small bite when exhaled through the nose. I could be off base, but I could have sworn there were background notes of a slight leather. This is an uncommon flavor for me to detect in most cigars. The aftertaste lingered for a little while, and made me salivate. Overall pleasant.

4JFRCorojo

Like before, woody flavors were up front in the flavor profile. The pepper took on a sweet note which I found very enjoyable. I had a hard time picking up leather at this point. The smoke became thick and somewhat creamy with a toasty feel.

5JFRCorojo

Conclusion:

This was a good medium bodied cigar. Although somewhat one dimensional, the flavors were nice. I can’t really think of anything bad to say about this cigar. If a simple medium bodied cigar is for you, I’d say try the JFR Corojo. I liked it!

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