LCDH Ramone Allones

This proved to be an amazing cigar, fantastic flavor and with a little age even better

Been Away a while

Sorry Guys I've been away on some important stuff, as the fall weather hits what's your favorite cigar?

Black Lable Trading Company review

New Reviews coming including Drew Estate Shade!

The Drew Estate's Undercrown Shade could be the cigar of the summer! have you had one yet?

Crowned Heads La Imperiosa Review

La Imperiosa Nicaragua review Crowned Heads 2015 release at the RDC show with the success of the 2014 Las Calaveras line crown has had high demand for that blend the 2015 version of the loss Calaveras was fantastic but really did not have the same punch that the original 2014 version had so John Huber and his genius staff started out to create a new version of that cigar and it's here in the lot and processed this beautiful dark which oily rapper from Estilli Nicaragua is the spitting image of the original Las Calaveras.

As I open the wrapper the cellophane the smell of the cigar was fantastic rich earthy flavors with a little bit of the leather that you could smell any hints of espresso upon first light the ashes gorgeous it's a nice white rich gray the first draw flavors were fantastic just what I expected from the original Las Calaveras line little bit of pepper, little salt right off the bat with a nice earthy woody flavor the construction of the cigar from initial appearance is just beautiful not overly veiny well wrapped fantastic feel it's firm the Is exactly what you would expect from Crowned Heads it's beautiful new unusual seems or construction issues there is a smoke a cigar now for just a couple minutes I'm getting this nice kind of dry rub pepper it's not overpowering but it's just enough to make my palate kinda go while I'm getting a little bit more of that earthy flavor and itself it's very exciting.

I purchased the cigars at Tinderbox in Dublin Ohio new cigar store for me it was the first time in it and the prices were extremely extremely good the 50 that I'm smoking right now was $10.50 and the short reduce does were 895 so very competitively price.

I've been a fan of the Crowned Heads line for a number of years starting with the Four Kicks and the Jericho Hill they really blossomed into a fantastic boutique cigar manufacturer of the quality of their products is just top shelf it's what you would expect from a BMW or Mercedes or Porsche fantastic quality for the money. 

The flavors right off the bat are just fantastic that nice earthy woody flavor with a little bit of leather I'm getting it's a really nice medium to full-bodied cigar not super heavy but yet has just fantastic range to it a hint of espresso rococo and maybe even some caramel on the exhale once again I am just very very very impressed with the with the with the brand,  About an inch in of the initial light the ash is a beautiful shade of gray and getting nice continued leather and earthy taste with some cedar now little bit of pecan it's just or just a beautifully smoking cigar I mean get a little bit of maybe a raisin or fig on the back and I'm still trying to kind of make out what the flavor is paired with a root beer to help clean the pallet and enhance some of the flavors but it almost doesn't need it the cigar itself just stands alone beautifully.

I know that the initial comparison was to the Las Calaveras 2014 and that was something that crowned heads and that in the public really wanted but I actually think this cigar might be better than the 2014 Las Calaveras.

This cigar is going to be a huge hit I've said it before that I was very impressed with it but the flavor and the bouquet out of the cigar are just unbelievable. Crowned Heads has knocked this one out of the park. There's some really interesting flavors that I'm getting on the back into the cigar it's still really rich and beautiful I'm still getting that nice cedar P con mix with that hint of espresso I find that the overall burner the cigar is fantastic from a construction standpoint it's a 10 from a bouquet and flavor standpoint to give it a nine out of 10 overall the cigar is just fantastic.

At the midway point the cigar is still spot on no problems with the rapper coming apart no construction issues beautiful white gray smoke and a host of other really nice flavors the cigars opened up a little bit so the flavors are intensifying just a little still getting that nice woody earthy flavor with the leather and the espresso getting just a little bit more caramel on the back and overall just a very enjoyable cigar.

I used to punch rather than cutting the cap of the cigar try to concentrate the flavors a little bit more give me a better overall experience on the second cigar I will cut there cap  To see if it changes the draw or the flavor intensity.  The La Imperiosa is a solid 95 cigar, I really could not find any problems with this cigar it's a classic example of a boutique cigar and crowned heads knocked this one out of the ball park for sure I highly recommend you try a few.

Apology.....

While I try not to talk down about any brand, I have unintentionally blasted a brand that I have a lot of respect for, and for that I apologize, I enjoy the cigar lifestyle, and have a great respect for the company’s that support our lifestyle. 

With that said, I have removed one of my posts that was intended to start a conversation but ended up in a negative light.  

 I’m again going to apologize to the community, my readers and everyone in the lifestyle………

Flor De Gonzalez 20th anniversary Robusto Conn Version

A lot of you asked about this cigar, its a lot like the Habano version, but better in many ways, all the flavor and construction you expect, but a milder burn, I loved this cigar, rated a 93 its one you need to try and add to your humidor.

Flor De Gonzalez 20th anniversary Robusto

Flor De Gonzalez 20th anniversary Robusto with the Habana rapper,  Initial light of the cigar was fantastic with a beautiful bouquet,  very nice  oily wrapper is going make for an incredible smoke, initially I get a very nice earthy woody flavor with hints of leather there's definite signs of some raisin or possibly even fig.

The cigar burn is beautiful a gorgeous white gray ash with nice soft gray smoke, the construction is fantastic it's box pressed and a 49 to 50 ring built in Nicaragua I'm a huge fan of the Flor De Gonzales line the 1980 series, its one of my favorite weekly smokes, but this is absolutely light years beyond that cigar.  There are some nice subtleties to the cigar the earth the woody flavor is not dominant it's  very smooth and almost understated at times you do get a nice leathery burn and I'm getting hints of pecan and cedar I'm also getting some nice spice with a pepper and a little bit of salt the burn is remaining fantastic this cigar is absolutely fantastic full-bodied a lot of complexity absolutely a score for Flor De Gonzalez.

A nice bourbon would complement the cigar and probably bring out even more of the flavor. The dark earthy tones are just beautiful, The ash remains absolutely white which signifies a strong magnesium content in the ground during growth, the tobacco is burning beautifully there are no cracks in the wrapper at this point is it's just fantastic smoking cigar. Flor De Gonzales has a monster hit on their hands with the cigar.

The cigar his mellowed a little bit from the first initial light but I'm getting beautiful earthy tones some nice cedar, the first the first third cigar has been absolute fantastic, reminds me a lot of the 1926 Padron same flavor complexities, on the exhale there's some nice notes of coffee with still a nice salty pepper combination the cedar. I'm not getting nearly the leather I was getting initially but the cedar and earth the notes remain.

The draw has been consistent all the way through exactly what you would expect from this particular cigar manufacturer they do an excellent job and they don't skimp on the blende or the build definitely, its be a top 20 cigar for this year.

The Nicaraguan tobacco crop the last few years is produced some absolutely amazing cigars this is definitely one of them I'm enjoying it immensely. The Construction is a traditional Nicaraguan I used to punch rather than straight cut, I'll cut the second one to see if it changes the overall flavor signature. About 40 minutes into the cigar, the cigar has opened it is just fantastic it's still medium to full with some great notes I'm still getting a nice coffee espresso taste with just a little bit of cocoa now at this point still that nice earthy leathery complexity, the pepper consistency stayed throughout the entire cigar.

The overall burn on the 20th anniversary for the Gonzales cigar has been phenomenal I would say that it burns better than some of the higher dollar sticks out there right now, I'm a huge fan of the box pressed cigars they give you that nice hour to hour and twenty minute smoke, I think the rich earthy news throughout the cigar is what I'm finding I'm enjoying the most the beautiful gray ash the construction all lead to an absolute fantastic smoking experience.  Now we're always expected when reviewing a cigar to point out negatives at this point I haven't come across any which is a rarity, I think that this cigar in a Toro and in a torpedo size would be huge hits the Flor De Gonzalez rooster.

Construction rating I'm going rate it nine out of 10

Bouquet in aroma is 9 1/2 out of 10 

it's just fantastic, overall smoking enjoyment I'm in a give this a 9 out of 10

The last third of the cigar has been fantastic the ash stayed consistent the construction draw have been beautiful overall it's a very enjoyable cigar that I highly recommend you try when it appears at your local smoke shop. 

Overall final ranking the Florida Gonzales 20th anniversary Robusto in the Habana rapper is a 94. This is a must try cigar!

New from Flor De Gonzalez

Crown Heads releases statement over Beetles

Cigar News: Cubanacan Addresses Robaina Move, HR Line, and Factory Questions

Last Friday, news broke that Hirochi Robaina told Cigar Aficionado that he was leaving Cubanacan Cigars.  Robaina . This was followed up by a report that La Corona factory in Esteli had broken ties with Cubanacan.  Today Cubanacan commented on Robaina’s decision, stated that the HR brand is remains a part of Cubanacan, and confirmed they have not lost, nor ever have lost its factory operation.
This response follows announcements earlier this morning of Cubanacan’s plans for the 2015 IPCPR Trade Show.  These plans include a full launch of its Mederos brand of cigars as well adding a toro line extension across its the three blends in the Cubanacan brand.
The following is a copy of the response we received from Cubanacan Cigars:

We at Cubanacan Cigars were surprised to find out from Greg Mottola of Cigar Aficionado that Friday afternoon, a week before our annual IPCPR tradeshow, that Hirochi Robaina and associates have new plans. We are very grateful to have had Hirochi Robaina grace us with his visits to the U.S and see firsthand the growth of an amazing project that our team has worked so hard to develop and honor his family legacy by presenting to U.S. cigar aficionado the opportunity to appreciate and fall in love with the HR brand.
Though we are all still in shock about Mr. Robaina’s decision, we are not surprised. Patience is a virtue and not simply the ability to wait, it’s how we behave while we’re waiting. Do not mistake our initial silence for acquiescence. We are deeply saddened that we even have to respond to actions that speak louder than words in the court of public opinion, and these actions do seem to be well planned and executed, having caused irreparable damage to our company.
While relations with the USA and Cuba have improved, let us not forget that an embargo is in place not just in goods and services but also for a US entity to employ or have any shared ownership with a Cuban national. We remained firm on this issue to never bend to any unreasonable demands. We have a substantial invested interest in the HR brand, a brand that we’ve manufactured and distributed to retailers across the nation and will continue to do so.
We are a small family run business with a great core group in sales and management who are enduring countless inquiries from all over. They are our rocks that maintain open dialogue with the hundreds of accounts they serve.
In the last day we have read statements given by the Gonzalez Aleman group about how they claim we have no factory and they have always made our cigars. Contrary to initial reports, history bears witness and no one will re-write our history as a company. We have been in factory operations since 2009, a full five years in operation before the Gonzalez Aléman family arrived and to insist that a new factory La Corona which was born not as such but as a expansion project we began in hopes to obtain a free zone status in late 2014. This project was based on the projections of company growth, and all of the paperwork for the process in Nicaragua was ENTRUSTED under the Gonzalez Aleman name to facilitate the process and later consolidate the raw material tobacco and relocate Cubanacan Cigars Factory S.A under one roof.
This process was completed in March 2015, and soon after some production of the Cubanacan brands, Soneros and HR was moved over while Cubanacan Cigars Factory S.A remained intact manufacturing the Mederos brand and some of the Cubanacan Lines along with the rest of our secondary production business. In April 2015 some of our production that was moved over to the new location, we discovered, was being held hostage in an attempt to leverage the success of HR, thus explaining the difficulty we encountered maintaining domestic inventory for retailers. This was also done to make unbelievable demands of ownership over both our businesses in the U.S and Nicaragua.
Trusting in a family that we believed had similar goals in a long term relationship was our flaw in this matter. Our kindness was taken for weakness. Our processes and production have stood firm and constant since we first opened our doors in 2009. In mid 2013, we welcomed and opened our doors to Omar Gonzalez Aléman to supervise our production and to utilize his expertise. In this arrangement we agreed to distribute his brand Soneros.
We hold dear the freedom of speech this nation grants us to have a voice, but along with it there are also consequences and we feel in this case these actions will have to be resolved not on the grounds of perception, confusion and internet fiction but on the grounds of facts presented through due process in a court of law. On behalf of the Mederos Family and Cubanacan Cigars we thank you all for the support received these past couple of days and look forward to seeing you soon at the IPCPR New Orleans

Sorry I have been away!

Cigaraholics, sorry I'm not neglecting you, just a lot going on, how has the summer been treating you? and What new cigars have you been smoking?

What's Happening Cigaraholics?

What's going on? with the release of the Las Calaveras, everybody is buzzing, I'm waiting to see how they are.. Looking to get an order in this week yet, have you had one? let me know what you think...

Las Calaveras 2015 by Crowned Heads

Las Calaveras, or “The Skull”, is a special, limited release from Crowned Heads that gathers inspiration from the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). As with many Crowned Heads releases, there is much meaning and substance behind the cigar, from its design, and even the way the cigars are packaged!
Las Calaveras – Edición Limitada 2015 is the successor to the ever-popular 2014 release, sporting a new Ecuador Habano Rosado wrapper for 2015. The cigars are intended to be an annual release, with a new or tweaked blend for each year. As last year’s blend, the 1st in this audacious series, became one of the most sought-after cigars in 2014, this year’s edition is sure to follow a similar pattern. Cigars have sold to retailers in record time for Crowned Heads, and if history is any indicator, the cigars will not last long on store shelves.
This special cigar, blended at the famous My Father Cigars factory, will most certainly be one of the most-celebrated releases for 2015 - be sure to secure your order before they’re gone for another year!

Two Former Drew Estate Tobacco Gurus Ready for New Phase

Two Former Drew Estate Tobacco Gurus Ready for New Phase

4 Jun 2015

Despite the fact the FDA could rule before the end of the year that cigars introduced now cannot be sold or marketed without the FDA’s approval, cigar companies continue to churn out new cigars.

And with the annual IPCPR Trade Show less than two months out, more and more new cigars are being announced. (As we have seven out of the past eight years, StogieGuys.com will be covering the IPCPR from the show floor, which this year is in humid New Orleans in late July.)

Melillo Announces Foundation Cigar Co.

In addition to the many new cigars, two former key figures at Drew Estate are expected to announce their next phase in the cigar industry. Nicholas Melillo, who left Drew Estate roughly 13 months ago, was the first to announce his future plans.

On Tuesday Melillo, who had been executive vice president of international operations at Drew Estate before his departure, announced the formation of Foundation Cigar Company. The company, which will be headquartered in Connecticut, is preparing to introduce its first blend at the IPCPR Trade Show.

While exact details of the blend are not yet known, in a press release Melillo, who goes by “Nick R. Agua” online, said he will be making his first cigar at the TABSA (Tobaccos Valle de Jalapa) factory in Nicaragua, using Aganorsa tobacco, which is also extensively used in Drew Estate blends. The first cigars are scheduled to arrive in cigar shops in September, and reportedly will retail for around $10.

Melillo described his new partnership in a distributed statement: “I have known and been purchasing tobacco from Eduardo Fernandez and his team since 2003. It’s great to work with guys who really know their tobacco. They have welcomed me in with open arms and have given me access to their special cuartos anejamiento, or ‘aging rooms.’ I have personally selected some very special vintage tobaccos which possess some amazing flavors and complex characteristics. The variety of Nicaraguan tobaccos they have in the warehouse is incredible and some of the blends I have worked up are, well, let’s just say we are all very excited about them. The tough part in working up a few nice blends is deciding which cigar you like the best.”

Steve Saka Non-Compete Ending Soon; Announcement to Follow?

Melillo’s new cigar is certainly highly anticipated, but maybe not as much as an expected announcement from former Drew Estate president and CEO Steve Saka. During the time when Saka and Melillo were at Drew Estate, the two played a critical role in growing the company from an operation known mostly for its unorthodox infused cigars to a Nicaraguan juggernaut that made some of the most sought-after non-infused cigars, including Liga Privada.

Saka left Drew Estate in July 2013 and reportedly has a two-year non-compete agreement that will expire only a week prior to the IPCPR Trade Show. In a series of recent Facebook posts, Saka has been sharing photos from Nicaragua where he has been spending time sampling tobacco in Nicaragua, which many have interpreted as preparation for his next cigar venture.

If, as many expect, an announcement about his future plans in the cigar industry comes soon, Saka would be one of many who has “retired” from one company only to reemerge in the industry after a contractually obligated hiatus. The cycle of cigar makers gaining expertise, experience, and capital at one company only to strike out on their own later is one of the aspects of the industry that drives innovation and competition to the great benefit of consumers.

New FDA Regulations could wipe out every cigar introduced in the last eight years

February 15, 2007 could turn out to be the most important date in the history of the premium cigar industry. Why, you ask? Because every cigar introduced after that date could soon be made illegal by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

While the so-called Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTC)—the bill giving the FDA the power to regulate cigars—didn’t pass until June 2009, the legislation sets February 15, 2007 as the cutoff date for tobacco products to be grandfathered in as exempt from needing FDA approval before being sold or marketed in the United States.

Tobacco products introduced after that date (which comes from the text of the legislation and probably cannot be altered by the FDA, even if the agency wanted to) must receive the FDA’s approval before they can be marketed for sale. For a period from passage of the FSPTC until March 22, 2011, new tobacco products could be marketed while an application was pending but, as the FDA reiterated recently, any new product that didn’t have an application submitted by that date cannot be marketed until the FDA takes action to approve it. This would apply to cigars when they are subject to FDA regulation, despite the fact the FDA hadn’t even taken the first step towards regulating cigars in March 2011, and so no cigar applications would have been submitted.

Theoretically, new cigars should get approved as “substantially equivalent” to products that were already on the market in 2007 since the basic components of handmade cigars haven’t changed in at least a century. But the process is surprisingly complicated, likely very expensive, and includes an “Environmental Assessment” and a “Health Information Summary” along with a requirement for scientific studies about how the product would be used in comparison to the product it is being claimed as substantially equivalent to. In other words, you’d probably need deep pockets, lawyers, and scientists to have a chance.

Plus, so far the FDA hasn’t shown any ability to handle existing applications. As we observed when the Deeming Rule was first proposed, only a few dozen of the 4,000 pending applications were ruled on as of April last year, with just 17 being approved over the period of multiple years. As of now, the FDA site says it has approved only 132 products as “Substantially Equivalent” since 2011, while an untold amount remain waiting for a ruling.

The FDA did propose in its rules one option for an exemption for premium cigars with a retail price of $10 or more, but even if the agency adopts that option it would leave the vast majority of cigars (85%, according to one analysis) to be banished from the market and forced to wait for an approval that may be nearly impossible to get.

February 15, 2007 is a long time ago, so allow me to set the stage: On that date we published a Quick Smoke of the Gispert Lonsdale (remember that cigar?), and you couldn’t yet buy an Apple iPhone because the first one didn’t go on sale until later that summer.

As far as cigars go, here are just a few introduced in 2007, but after the February cutoff date: Oliva Serie V, San Cristobal, Padrón Serie 1926 80 Years, CAO America, Te-Amo World Selection Series, Santa Rosa (an Altadis cigar I forgot ever existed), Rocky Patel Sumatra Edge, Cabaiguan Guapo, La Aurora Corojo Oscuro Barrel Aged, and the Cuban Cohiba Maduro (which, if the embargo ever ends, would also be subject to the regulations).

To say the industry has changed since then would be a gross understatement, as evidenced by the fact that multiple cigars listed above are no longer being made. For most cigar smokers I talk with, the vast majority of cigars they smoke were introduced well after 2007.

Cigar rights groups are now looking to push legislation that would amend the date for new cigars to be grandfathered in. This seems extremely reasonable. After all, how can cigars have complied with a regulation two years before passage of the bill authorizing the FDA to regulate cigars, and five years before the agency took any steps towards exercising its power to regulate cigars?

The problem is that reasonable doesn’t buy you much when it comes to passing federal laws. And considering the difficulty in getting support for the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act in Congress, there isn’t much indication that there are majorities in Congress that want to treat cigars reasonably, nor that President Obama would sign such legislation if it somehow made it to his desk.

Habanos Appoints New Co-President

Habanos Appoints New Co-President

Gordon Mott
Posted: February 19, 2015

Inocente Núñez Blanco has been named the new co-president of Habanos S.A., replacing Walfrido Hernandez Mesa, who had been in charge since November, 2012. Núñez Blanco will share the responsibilities for running Cuba's premium cigar company with Luis Sanchez-Harguindey Pardo de Vera. Sanchez Harguindey has held his position since December 2012.
Habanos is currently a company that is jointly owned by the Cuban government, and by Imperial Tobacco PLC of the United Kingdom. The co-presidents are selected by their respective institutions, and approved by the board of directors of Habanos S.A.
Núñez Blanco will be the third Cuban co-president since 2011. He comes to Habanos after a long career in the tobacco and agriculture industries in Cuba. His most recent position was head of human resources in the Brascuba Cigarrillos S.A.

Habanos S.A. Predicts Big U.S. Sales, Shows 2015 Cigars

Habanos S.A. Predicts Big U.S. Sales, Shows 2015 Cigars

Gordon Mott
Posted: February 24, 2015

Cuban cigar sales in the United States could reach between 70 and 90 million cigars a year if the 53-year-old trade embargo between the two nations is lifted, according to two executives of Habanos S.A., the Cuban tobacco monopoly.
The sales projection would represent a market share of between 25 to 30 percent of the U.S market, said Jorge Luis Fernandez Maique, the commercial vice president of Habanos S.A. His Spanish counterpart, Javier Terrés de Ercilla, the vice president of development of Habanos S.A., added that Habanos' long-term goal is to attain the same level of sales that it has in the rest of the world where, according to its own statistics, it maintains a 70 percent market share.
"But the consumer will be the final judge of that," said Fernandez Maique. Terrés added that it could take 10 to 15 years or more before the market for Cuban cigars in the U.S. attains the same level as in the rest of the world.
The announcement of projected U.S. sales came at the opening press conference of the Festival de Habanos 2015, the 17th year that the festival has been held in Havana, Cuba. The festival is expected to draw more than 1,650 participants from 61 countries and 220 accredited journalists from 25 nations. The five-day event features a trade fair with 67 exhibitors from seven countries, including Italy, Canada, Germany, Spain, Brazil, China and Cuba.
Habanos experienced a 1 percent decline in revenues in 2014 versus 2013, to $439 million, the result of crisis in various parts of the world, including the Middle East and Russia, according to Fernandez Maique. He added that the world premium cigar market is estimated at 450 million cigars, of which Habanos has a 70 percent share in units, and an 80 percent share in terms of revenues. He said that there are currently 147 La Casas del Habanos around the world, and an additional 700 Habanos cigar specialists and 1,600 cigar outlets that carry the company's brands.
Spain remains the largest market for Cuban cigars, followed by France, China, Germany and then Swizterland. Cohiba is the country's largest selling brand, followed by Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta and Partagás. In terms of regional sales, Europe is its largest market by far, representing more than half of the company's sales.
The two executives said that they viewed the announcement in December by U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro to begin normalizing relations between the two nations as "a positive move." But Terrés Ercilla added that it was still too early to tell whether or not there would be an immediate impact on the sales of Cuban cigars.
"U.S. tourists can only bring back $100 worth of cigars, so that's not a lot," added Fernandez Maique.
When asked if the opening of the U.S. market would represent a challenge for the Cuban cigar industry to maintain quality while increasing production, Fernandez Maique said the industry would never compromise quality. He said the Cuban cigar industry had gone through a "difficult period" around the year 2000, and that it had learned a lesson never to compromise on quality again.
"We believe we are now a leader when it comes to quality. ... and we will protect that jealously," said Fernandez Maique.
Fernandez Maique also acknowledged several recent harvests had been difficult and presented some real challenges to the Cuban cigar industry. He said those difficulties explained the slow release in 2014 of some of the Edición Limitadas, including the Cohiba Robusto Supremo, which did not reach world markets until November or December.

But he said that in 2015, Habanos was planning to release three new cigars, which will be presented during the Festival: the Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill Gran Reserva Cosecha 2009, the Montecristo 80th Aniversario and the La Gloria Cubana Edición Especial Casa del Habano. The Romeo y Julieta measures 5 1/8 inches by 55 ring gauge and will be sold in boxes of 15. The Montecristo 80th Aniversario (6 1/2 inch by 55) will have a production of 30,000 boxes. The La Gloria Cubana Edición Especial La Casa del Habano, which honors the retail chain's 25th anniversary, comes in boxes of 30 with 15 Pirámides (6 1/8 by 52) and 15 Robustos Extras (6 3/4 by 48).
The executives also highlighted the new Añejado line, which has been blended with tobaccos that have between five and eight years of age. The two cigars are the Romeo y Julieta Pirámides (6 1/8 by 52) and the Montecristo Churchill (7 by 47). Each cigar is sold in boxes of 25, and each has a special Añejado band.

Diplomaticos Bushido Comes To Asia Pacific Region

Diplomaticos Bushido Comes To Asia Pacific Region

Gregory Mottola
Posted: April 7, 2015

Bushido. It's the samurai code of honorable conduct. It's the way of the warrior. But it's also the name of the new Cuban Regional Edition Diplomaticos launching this week through Pacific Cigar Ltd., the distributor of Cuban cigars for the Asia Pacific territory that includes Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Known as a No. 109 in Cuban cigar factories, the Diplomaticos Bushido measures 7 1/4 inches by 50. But what makes the size distinct is its tapered, blunted belicoso head. A long discontinued vitola in the regular-production Cuban portfolio, the 109 is rarely seen and only released intermittently by Habanos S.A. for special projects such as this one.
But the Bushido is also a commemorative cigar of sorts. Pacific Cigar told Cigar Insider that it was created to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the very first Japanese citizen to visit Cuba. During the Keicho mission, samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga stopped in Cuba (then part of New Spain) on his way to the Vatican in Rome. (The Diplomaticos Bushido was originally intended for a 2014 release.)
Pacific Cigar celebrates the spirit of diplomacy and the code of the samurai with these Diplomaticos Bushidos, which come packaged in a decorative black outer shell designed with an eye-catching samurai motif. But they won't come cheap.

Roberto P. Duran Hires Cristano “Santo” Cardenas as Master Blender

Great news for RP Duran cigars

http://halfwheel.com/roberto-p-duran-hires-cristano-santo-cardenas-as-master-blender/86465?utm_content=buffer14e9c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Crown Heads making the news

Great report on Crown Heads

http://wkrn.com/2015/05/27/video-nashville-based-company-crafts-artisanal-cigars/

Been super busy

Sorry for the lack of posts, been super busy with reviews and enjoy beautiful cigars!

Memorial Day

Take a moment and enjoy a good cigar, and at the same time remember the men and women that dies to protect our way of life, gone but never forgotten!

Identifying Counterfeit Cuban Cigars

Identifying Counterfeit Cuban Cigars
While traveling abroad, it can be difficult for the American cigar aficionado (or even the novice) to resist the temptation of smoking a real Cuban cigar.
After all, Cuban cigars are one of life’s most indulgent luxuries, with production each year falling far short of worldwide demand.
The problem for the consumer is that this dynamic demand has created a substantial market for cigar counterfeiters. And in today’s world of laser printers and computer generated graphics, the counterfeiters can easily convert a cheap bundled cigar into a $20 Cuban Cohiba.
Caveat Emptor
The counterfeiters are driven by the rather lax penalties for being caught. In many cases, the penalties are non-existent and unlike the illicit drug trade, the cigar counterfeiter faces a relatively low risk of getting shot by an irate buyer.
However, the consumers largely are responsible for allowing this black market to flourish in that most people cannot discern between a real Cuban cigar and a fake one.
The Devil in the Detail
The good news is that there are a number of rules one could follow to identify a counterfeit Cuban cigar. All it takes is a little attention to the details on the exterior of the box to the interior of the box and cigar itself.
The following is an abbreviated list of details one could check to help ID the real thing.

A box of Cohiba Cuban cigars

The Exterior

1. Check for the Warranty Seal— Every box of Cuban cigars since 1912 has received a Cuban tax stamp, which generally is affixed to the left front edge. Since Cuban cigars are in high demand, the seal should be newly updated have a good registration of print.
2. Check for the Habanos Chevron—The Chevron is a label featuring a black silhouette of a tobacco leaf. This seal will be on all boxes of Havana cigars exported since 1994.
3. Look for the Hallmarks—The hallmarks are not ink stamps. They are burned-in marks that identify the exporter, and announce that the cigar was made in Cuba by hand. The Hallmarks include:
   1. Habanos s.a.—This the name of the Cuban company which exports Havanas.
   2. Hecho En Cuba—This words were added in 1960
   3. Totalmente a mano—This branding, meaning “totally by hand,” was added in 1989.
4. Look for the factory and date stamp—Habanos places a date stamp on each box.
5. Look for the import stamp—For instance, boxes from Canada should have a white and purple “duty paid” sticker. Since duties are charged worldwide on luxury items, these import stamps should be on almost every box purchased outside of Cuba.
6. Look for “Surgeon General’s warning”—Many nations generally require that all tobacco products carry a general health warning. If this warning appears on other tobacco products, then it should also appear on any imported box of Cubans.
7. Look for wear and tear—Various Cuban brands and sizes are packaged in specific boxes. Rather than replicate these boxes, counterfeiters often recycle used boxes.

The Interior

1. Look for the parchment with the Habanos logo—Inside the box there will be a rectangular piece of parchment with the Habanos logo and storage recommendations. These instructions should appear in four languages: Spanish, English, French and German.
2. Avoid cigars in cellophane—Except in the smaller, multi cigar Petacas style packages, the handmade Cuban cigars are never wrapped in cellophane.
3. Look for the cedar separator—All the dress boxes and cabinet boxes should have a plain cedar separator between the levels of the cigars. Cabinet cigars will also have a top sheet featuring the brand’s logo.
4. Look for the paper flap—The dress boxes, except those with tubos, will also have a paper flap attached to the front typically featuring a second brand logo.
5. Look for symmetry—All the bands should be in a near perfect line and the color and registration of each ring should be consistent.
6. Look for the yellow ribbon—The cigars in the cabinets with sliding lids should be tied with a yellow ribbon imprinted with the brand and name.
7. Avoid any hint of ammonia—If you notice an ammonia order, the cigars are fake.

Examining the cigars

1. The cigars should be of uniform color
2. The cigars should be the length specified by the vitola (or type), including the ring size.
3. The cigars should be well made with solid bunching.
4. The cigars should have very fine veins, if at all. Cuban Corojo wrappers rarely show veins.
5. The foot should have a clean cut with no chipping
6. The cap should be a triple cap. In other words, you should be able to see three fine rings around the cap from where the wrapper was rolled to the tip and then trimmed to be wound back in the same direction down the cigar.

But most importantly, the number one rule is to be cautious. Many fakes are sold in reputable establishments and often without the knowledge of the store owner. As a result, the best safeguard is to remain on guard.

spotting fake Cuban Cigars

Cuban Cigars

Great article from Clubs of America

Cuban cigars are widely accepted as the pinnacle of quality when it comes to cigars. There are many reasons that is so, including the weather, pH level in the soil, and the history and knowledge Cubans have with tobacco. However, do you know if the box you recently purchased is a fake? The infographic below explores why Cuban cigars are so renowned, and gives you a crash course on how to make sure you're not getting scammed when making a purchase.


 <a title="All About Cuban Cigars | Cigar of the Month Club" href="http://www.greatclubs.com/cigarofthemonthclub/cuban-cigars-why-they-are-best-spot-a-fake.asp"><img src="http://www.greatclubs.com/images/new/cigar/cigarvirallarge.jpg" border="0" alt=""All About Cuban Cigars  | Cigar of the Month Club" width="100%"</a>

Biolivar Regional a Beautiful cigar

Cigar bid

Have you checked out cigarbid yet? its a cigar smokers heaven, check them out at:

http://www.cigarbid.com/?

What's going on this weekend?

Cigaraholics, what's happening this weekend? whatcha smoking, drop us a line!

New Stuff

Lots going on, working on the plans for a new store, and also several new lines of cigars, keep your eyes posted for some very cool new things!

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills

Origin: Cuba Manufactured: Hand Made Gauge: Thick Length: 4.5 Format: Short Churchill Ring: 50 Score: 92 Presentation: Box of 25 The Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill is a very popular cigar. It was released in 2006 and ever since has been a huge seller. One of the reasons is up until this release Romeo y Julieta has never had a regular production Robusto. The only cigar coming close to that size was the Exhibición No.4 which is technically a Corona Extra. In 2001 Romeo y Julieta had an Edición Limitada Robusto which wasn’t commercially available till 2002. There was also a Robusto available in 2003 in the Selection Robusto series sampler. In 2009 Romeo y Julieta Released another Robusto called the Wide Churchill, a much larger format but still technically a Robusto coming in at 55 x 5.1 inches.

U.S. Imported 310 Million Premium Cigars in 2014

U.S. Imported 310 Million Premium Cigars in 2014

Gregory Mottola
Posted: May 7, 2015 

The United States imported 310 million premium cigars in 2014, 1.2 percent less than 2013. The slim decrease is not statistically significant, making 2014 an essentially flat year.
According to the yearly report from the Cigar Association of America, the Dominican Republic remains the largest supplier of premium cigars to the United States, followed by Nicaragua. The difference is a mere 8.6 million cigars between the two countries. Although Nicaragua experienced a dramatic spike in exports from 2012 to 2013, it stayed relatively even from 2013 to 2014.

"Dominican cigars remain the leader in the United States because the U.S. cigar smoker has embraced their variety and complexity," said Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO of Davidoff of Geneva Inc., which makes its Davidoff, Avo and Zino cigars in the Dominican Republic. "The American cigar smoker has grown used to the Dominican taste and in particular the constant newness of blends that focus more on aroma and taste than on strength."

The Dominican Republic continued its decades-long lead in the premium sector, making such big brands as Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, Macanudo and Montecristo. It remained in the No. 1 spot for 2014 with exports of 126.5 million units.

Nicaragua ranked second, with shipments of 117.9 million cigars, and Honduras ranked third with 63.8 million. Unlike the Dominican Republic or Nicaragua, Honduras saw a slight increase in exports in 2014, with shipments increasing by roughly 500,000 units, or less than 1 percent. Nicaragua, known for such brands as My Father, Oliva, Padrón and many Rocky Patel brands, posted virtually unchanged growth for the year.

Nicaraguan premium cigar shipments decreased by 0.8 percent in 2014, making it the first year in a decade the nation posted a reduction in cigar shipments. Before 2014, Nicaragua was showing precipitous growth, and appeared poised to take over the lead spot in the premium cigar industry. In 1996, Nicaraguan cigar shipments were only 16 million units, putting it in third place by a narrow margin, not far ahead of Jamaica (15.5 million at the time) and Mexico (14.5 million).

Nicaraguan cigar exports have grown dramatically over the years. Shipments from Nicaragua increased by 18.7 percent in 2011, 1 percent in 2012 and 15.1 percent in 2013. The upward trajectory leveled off and Nicaragua still remains in the No. 2 spot.

The annual import numbers were well below 300 million cigars from 1999 to 2011, with spikes in 2004 and 2005 (286.5 million units and 297.8 million units, respectively). Imports returned to the 300 million mark in 2012 when 304.7 million premium cigars were shipped to the United States.
These figures are shipments, and not sales, but they are a positive indicator of the strength in the American premium cigar market, which has consistently imported more than 300 million premium cigars since 2012.
For even more on 2014 imports, see the May 5, 2015 issue of Cigar Insider.

 

 

 

Indiana Law Permits New Cigar Bars

 Indiana Law Permits New Cigar Bars

Andrew Nagy
Posted: May 11, 2015 

Once again it's legal to open a new cigar bar in Indiana.

On Thursday, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed Senate Bill 463, a new law that amends the state's Clean Indoor Air Act, which went into effect in 2012, by removing the moratorium on the establishment of new cigar bars as long as the business conforms to the following rules:

• No persons under the age of 21 will be allowed entry.
• The owner of the business holds a wine, beer or liquor retailer's permit.
• The business limits patrons to cigar smoking only.
• At least 10 percent of sales is from cigars or the rental of on-site humidors.
• Signs are posted explaining that cigarettes and e-cigarettes are not permitted.

Additionally, the new law permits retail tobacco shops to serve food and beverages as long as the items don't require a food handler's certificate.

According to the Cigar Association of America, the national trade organization of cigar manufacturers, importers and distributors as well as major suppliers to the industry, the association was approached by Rep. Edward Clere of District 72. Clere sought to help a constituent of his who wanted to open a new cigar bar, but could not legally do so. Working with the CAA, Clere, a sponsor of SB 463, revised the final language of the bill in the final few weeks of the 2015 Indiana legislative session.

 

Cigar Pole

There are some regular production Habano's I can smoke daily to name a few : Vegas Robaina Unico's and Partagas PSD4 .Others like Monte #2 can't do daily .
What are some regular production Habano's you can can smoke daily and never get bored of ?

RP Duran Neya Cigar

Got to hang out with Miguel from RP Duran cigars last night, he's such a classy guy and had the chance to try the Neya cigar, let me tell you this is an impressive cigar, they have two different styles, a typical Cuban style, and an American style, I loved the Cuban style, and I've not yet tried out the American, it's a big barrel size, 54 ring, so it's a monster, as I'm not a huge fan of anything over 52 ring I'll need a good drink when I smoke it

Specifications

• Wrapper: Habana Ecuador
• Blinder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua

Vitolas

• Robusto: 4 7/8 x 50
• Petit Corona: 5 1/8 x 42
• Cañonazo: 6 x 52

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Cigar Details

The Neya brand comes in five Vitolas. The first three comes in classic sizes of Petit Corona, Robusto and Cañonazo with a medium to strong flavor EPF experience. The bigger size symbol as they sizes carry a F8 symbol as they are fully body flavors, truly strong product of a very well fermented Nicaraguan ligero leaf added to the bend. Neya is a premium brand which comes in a cedar 20-count cabinet. The filler and Binder are both Nicaraguan while the wrapper is a Habano Ecuador.

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Cigar Details

The Neya brand comes in five Vitolas. The first three comes in classic sizes of Petit Corona, Robusto and Cañonazo with a medium to strong flavor EPF experience. The bigger size symbol as they sizes carry a F8 symbol as they are fully body flavors, truly strong product of a very well fermented Nicaraguan ligero leaf added to the bend. Neya is a premium brand which comes in a cedar 20-count cabinet. The filler and Binder are both Nicaraguan while the wrapper is a Habano Ecuador.

Spotting Fake Cohibas

There are so many fake cigars out there, here's a great guide for spotting Fake Cohiba's they are the most faked of all the Cuban Cigars out there!

H Hupman Magnum 46

		Origin:	Cuba	Manufactured: Hand Made
		Gauge:	Thick	Length:	143
		Format:	Corona Gorda	Ring:	46
		Weight:	11,41 gr.	Score:	92
		Presentation: Slide-lid box of 25

H. Upmann Magnum 46 has definitely sealed its place in my Humidor.  A perfect spice hits the back of the tongue and throat with the smoke itself a good medium body. Tastes of a rich, dark coffee came through with cocoa, earth, and a very nice woodiness. There was also a delicious sweetness in the smoke that was fantastic. The finish was incredibly good, long and lasting on the palate.

The burn was sharp with a strong medium gray ash that held until ashed about every inch or so. Smoke flowed effortlessly from the perfect draw, continuing to be a good medium body with a spot on spice and excellent, rich flavors. The finish was simply fantastic.

Partagas Lusitanias

The Partagas Lusitanias is a 2+ hour smoke containing everything possible in a cigar. Beautifully balanced with wonderful body and flavor. We have never had one that wasn't rolled beautifully and smoked amazingly. This beautiful double corona is 194mm with a 49 ring gauge. The wrapper leaf is very soft to the touch, and has a very nice chocolate brown color that varies in color according to the batch...
The final third is once again incredibly rich. The mixture of spices and bitterness is still incredibly there, with notes of Asian spices and bitter chocolate. Herbal touches also start appearing towards the end, and all that makes a cigar that is hard to put down. This gem delivers it until the nub.
In summary, many aficionados claim this is the best cigar in the world, right up there with the Hoyo De Monterrey double corona.

Origin:

Cuba

Manufactured: Hand Made

Gauge:

Thick

Length:

194

Format:

Prominente

Ring:

49

Weight:

17,86 gr.

Score:

98

Presentation: 2 Layers in a Box of 25