Guayacan Toro by Noel Rojas
The Guayacan by Noel Rojas has been out on the market for a bit over a year now. They made a good appearance at the 2012 Chatanooga Tweet-up. Noel Rojas has a deep history in the cigar business. Born in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, he started working in the tobacco fields at the age of 13. After his mandatory military service, he went back to making cigars in which the Cuban Government shut him down for one reason or another. Then, he became an artist and made wooden sculptures from the Guayacan tree. Although he had a license to be an artist, he didn’t have a license to collect the Guayacan wood. Apparently, you need a license to many things in Cuba. After that bust, he left Cuba and headed to the United States to restart his cigar career.
Cigar Stats
Size: 6 1/8 x 52
Vitola: Toro
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo ’98
Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo ’98
Sizes Available:
Robusto: 5×50. Toro: 6×52. Torpedo: 6 1/8 x 52 Box Pressed Churchill: 7×50
“Smoked Up” No.41
The last few weeks have been very busy around the house. I took a week long vacation for a yearly hunting and camping trip with my buddies. The fresh air felt great in the lungs and was good to get away from the city life and enjoy nature. I packed a slew of cigars to smoke while there, but only smoked one; which really surprised me! Last year, I pretty much always had a cigar in my mouth while up there, but this year was different in many ways. For one, our buddy “Uncle Bob”(RIP) didn’t make it on the trip, the squirrels were lesser (or better hiders) this year and had less people make the 700 mile round trip. All and all, it was a nice trip and really enjoyed myself.
I got back to “civilization” on Monday and went shopping for new shoes. Next thing I know, I am buying my daughter shoes and clothes and not the first pair of shoes for me! I think it was due to the friendly sales girl in the kid’s shoe store and the unfriendly sales people in the adult shoe stores. That’s why I will go back to buying my shoes online; poor customer service!
Next thing I know, I am looking around in BestBuy and walk out with a new laptop. The old laptop my girlfriend let me use, finally gave up the ghost a few months back. That is a main reason why I didn’t get out a lot of reviews and such in the last few months. I got a new “basic” laptop and it seems to be good enough for my likings. A new laptop will help me greatly getting out more reviews, more often. Lets just see how long it takes for me to christen it with cigar ashes!!Â
Cigar Views
Flor De Gonzalez 90 Miles “1980 Edition”: I also wondered into the local Tinder Box to see what they had in new on Monday. That small shop is always getting new and interesting cigars in. That shop amazes me of how many cigars they have in two small humidors. I found this cigar there and remembered I did like the original 90Miles and the owner told me the 1980 was just as good, yet somewhat stronger. He was dead on the money too. It was a nice bit stronger. Had a light pepper note with and even lighter hint of vanilla that didn’t linger long on the pallet. There was also a nice coffee flavor I got here and there that I really liked. The ashes were tight and long with no flakes. The draw was a bit past milkshake thick and was borderline unfavorable for me. Overall, it was a pretty good smoke that would have been better if the draw was easier.Â
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Delaware Cigars and Cigar Federation Announce Joint Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Gary Griffith of Delaware Cigars along with Kyle Hoover and Chris Kelly of Cigar Federation announce a new joint partnership.
Cigar Federation will become the exclusive online retail outlet for the 30 Delaware Cigars retail locations.
“There are many folks who don’t live close by a great cigar shop†Griffith noted, “We need to find a way to serve them as well.â€
Beginning October 17th, the store will be live on at Store.CigarFederation.com. New products will continue to be added over the next few weeks. The site is managed by Logan Lawler and Rob Rasmussen.
“We are boutique cigar guys through and through. Our goal in this partnership with Delaware Cigars is to make hard-to-find cigars, rare cigars, and really special cigars available in the store.†noted Kelly, “Gary has a warehouse of amazing smokes some of which I haven’t seen on the market for years.â€
“We have some tricks up our sleeve. The cigars that Gary is making available on the Cigar Federation Store will astound everybody. Top shelf stuff all the way!†added Hoover.
For more information and to join the Cigar Fed community visit CigarFederation.com. To visit the store page go to Store.CigarFederation.com.
“Smoked Up” No.40
The threat of Hurricane/Tropical storm/ Tropical depression/ rain shower Karen has come and gone. At one point, my hometown was in the bull’s eye of her path. Later on the path drifted to the east, the next thing I know, its about a 2hour hard rain shower. So much for that! The good thing is a cold front moved in and it has been absolutely beautiful weather here the last few days. Mid to high 70s in the day and upper 60s lower 50s at night. Cooler weather for me means, more outdoor time, hunting, football, and more cigar time!
Although the cooler weather was a plus for the week, I have sad news to relay to you. Our friend “Uncle Bob” passed away Tuesday evening. We all knew it was coming soon, but it still hit us hard. I guess it was better that it came sooner than later. His quality of life was dismal and I hate to see anybody in that shape, let alone a great friend. We gathered up new and old friends on Friday evening and had a “Memorial Bonfire” in “Uncle Bob’s” honor. That’s the way he would have wanted it to be. There was beer, shine, cigars, jokes, stories and lies at the bonfire…. all the manly stuff we enjoyed together. Bob wasn’t there physically, but he was there with us laughing at and telling jokes all night. He will be missed deeply.
Robert McGrath
“Uncle Bob”
12/7/1936 – 10/1/2013
Cigar Views
Rodrigo La Fortaleza “Forte”: This cigar had a smooth & leathery flavor profile. There was some nice salted caramel notes as well. Had a thicker draw than I usually like. A good burn let loose some flaky ashes. About half to three-quarters into it, the cigar turned on me. I am not sure if the high humidity and heat from TS Karen had started to effect it, or what. I wasn’t in the mood to be fighting with a cigar flavor wise, so I laid it to rest there. But the first half or so wasn’t all that bad. Nothing fancy smancy, but something I will try again.
Quesada Heisenburg Project Corona: I have found a fondness for many Quesada Cigars. This one is one of them and is in my top 5 Quesadas. I had this at “Uncle Bob’s Memorial Bonfire” with a healthy dosage of “adult beverages”. I didn’t pay much attention to the flavors, but I smoked it to a nub. For being a corona and the activities I was involved it during the night, it held one heck of an ash! Worth the $5.50 price, most definitely! I will be adding a 5pk to my cigar short list. Luckily, the local B&M is getting them in soon, and I can’t wait to get more of these and the Octoberfest in my humidor.
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Ventura Cigar Project 805R
The Ventura Cigar Company has been around for a good amount of time. They have numerous lines of cigars from the affordable “Cuban Rejects” up to their new line “Project 805”. I was contacted them in regards to doing a review on the new line “Project 805” recently and gladly accepted. I did a little research and found out the Andulo tobacco they use in the 805 blend is not derived from the way the tobacco is processed. Yet, its a natural form of tobacco. I was sent a sample leaf of the Andulo tobacco and it smells amazing!! It reminds me a lot like some darker musty (perique) pipe tobacco. I am actually contemplating trying to smoke the leaf in a mix and alone in my pipe.
With the recent releases of the Leccia Black followed by the MUWAT Fire Cured with fire cured tobacco, the 805 fits in well with new forms of tobacco being used. Finding “new” tobacco or “new” ways of processing tobacco will keep companies one or two steps ahead of their competition.
Cigar Stats
Size: 5×50
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper: Corojo Shade
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Blend & Andullo
Country: Dominican Republic
Factory: La Aurora
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Outland Cigars Joins House of Emilio Master Retailer Family
Charlotte, NC
October 3, 2013
Outland Cigars Joins House of Emilio Master Retailer Family
Nathan McIntyre announced today the addition of Outland Cigars, Charlotte, NC as a House of Emilio Master Retailer.
“Tom, Mark, and the staff at Outland supported us early on,” says McIntyre. “They’ve been dear friends and great supporters, and as House of Emilio grew, they grew with us. It’s an honor to have them in this special group.”
“Outland Cigars is thrilled to be recognized as one of a handful of retailers nationwide to be awarded Emilio’s distinguished “Master Retailer” program,” says Mark Boley, Outland Cigars Manager. “House of Emilio is one of the most prominent boutique lines in the U.S. They are one of THE companies to watch in the coming years. Great cigars, great people!!”
For more information, find Outland Cigars at 14185 Ballantyne Village Way, Charlotte, NC 28277 or 4625 Piedmont Row Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210. Interested customers may also call (704)369-5500.
Nathan McIntyre
Director of Sales, House of Emilio
Gary A. Griffith
KUUTS, LLC TO RELEASE MIRO SPECIAL EDITION LANCERO
MIAMI FL, OCTOBER 2, 2013 – Kuuts, LLC is set to release a Special Edition Lancero under the Miró Brand mid-4th Quarter 2013 just in time for the holiday season. This Special Edition production is limited to 500 – 10 count boxes nationwide with an MSRP of $10.00 per Lancero. This will be a US only release being that the Miró brand is distributed worldwide.
The Miró Lancero will keep the same basic characteristics of the original blend with more emphasis on flavor for the true traditionalists that enjoy this vitola. Comprised of an Ecuadorian Sumatra Wrapper, Nicaraguan Binder and Nicaraguan and Honduran Blend for the Filler.
John Gonzalez, VP of Kuuts says “What started out as a private smoke for our Operations Manager Gabriel Alvarez, turned out to be a future project. After traveling throughout the US, the obvious demand for a quality Lancero still exists. I thought it was time to release it as a Special Edition with the possibility of a full release in the future.”
The Miró line is currently available in 4 vitolas, Robusto, Toro, Torpedo and Toro Gordo. With the Robusto just receiving a rating of 91 in the latest issue of Cigar Snob Magazine we are sure that the Lancero will have a grand welcoming in today’s market.
Pre-Sales will start on November 1, 2013.
For Ordering info please contact our office at 305-254-2211 or e-mail: sales@kuuts.com
“Smoked Up” No.39
As I sit here on my patio, enjoying an Intemperance EC, enjoying the cooler fall-like weather, I realize the next few weeks are going to be enjoyable, but not. Enjoyable due to the fact that in a week and some days, we (friends & I) depart on a week long hunting/camping trip. But not so much fun due to the fact that our buddy “Uncle Bob” won’t be with us this year. His condition has gone from bad to worse. Congestive Heart Failure has sat in. They have moved him out of the care facility to his daughter’s home to pass. We spent a good bit of time with Bob last night in New Orleans, possibly the last time we get to see him alive. No other way to put it, but the whole situation “Sucks!”
Enough bad news, I made it to the Ortega event on Friday held by The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS. It was a great time! The event was fairly low-key but, Eddie and rep Jeff are two great guys who were very hospitable to everyone who stopped buy. They gave away lots of free cigars, ashtrays & shirts as well as the food & drink brought in by “The Shop”. If you ever have the chance to meet either of these men, do so.
I had asked Eddie a few questions while there:
Shawn: Do you plan on keeping the Wild Bunch series going in 2014?
Eddie: Yes, those lines of cigars have done well for themselves. Everybody has their own favorite.
Shawn: Besides your own blends, what other cigars do you smoke?
Eddie: Everybody’s! (with a big smile) I like to keep my options open and like to see what everybody comes up with.
Cigar Views
Viaje Late Harvest 646: When these first came out, I was in a full blown Vuaje kick. A week didn’t go by where I didn’t have a Late Harvest. But, supplies dwindled, new cigars came out & I eventually got away from them. I found this 646 (original release) about halfway in the humidity. I toasted it up and it brought back pretty good memories from years prior. Those memories didn’t last long as the burn got way off, had to delight & touch it up so many times that the flavors didn’t sink in to my head as I was fighting to keep it going. None the less, it was a good smoke considering the issues I had with it. I got a few left to smoke, next time I will dry box them before I smoke another one.
Black Crown: A new (to me) cigar that I have heard mixed results of. I figured why not try it as the price was reasonable. The draw was fairly thick, wavy burn & some soft spots in the cigar. Had flavors that reminded me of what burning pine straw smells like. A but of a salted caramel added to the flavors & was a nice flavor, yet it wasn’t strong enough for my likings. Thus cigar didn’t do much for me as I was not impressed with it at all. It was a bit overpriced, but with some age it may be worth the price. But for now, not something I will smoke fresh.
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La Aurora Celebrates Their 110th Anniversary With a Contest
Celebrating La Aurora’s 110th Anniversary, they are hosting “National 107 Day”. On 10/7/2013 smoke a La Aurora 107 and share your pictures of it on social media with the hashtag “#LaAurora107”. You could win an all inclusive trip to the La Aurora Cigar factory in Santiage, Dominican Republic! That’s all you have to do, smoke a great cigar, show off your pictures and you could win a once in a lifetime experience.
House of Burgess Cigars Announces Launch
For Immediate Release:
September 30th, 2013. Cleveland, Ohio.- Cleveland, Ohio native Joe Baker and Florida based company, Palomino Cigars and Imports are proud to announce the partnership and launch of House of Burgess Cigars Ltd.
Silvio Palomino is a long time importer and distributor of premium Dominican cigars and owner of Palomino Imports. Silvio has been selling and providing private brand cigars (to cigar brand owners) across the U.S since 1990. Joe is an entrepreneur and the former publisher of, Cigars In Review Magazine.
When asked about the newly formed partnership with Silvio Palomino and Palomino Imports, Joe had this to say:
“I’m very excited about this venture. Silvio brings years of knowledge and experience to the table and that is something I value highly. He’s also a good friend and I couldn’t’t ask for a better partner.â€
Joe goes on to state,“Importing and distribution is going to be based in West Palm Beach, Florida while the company headquarters will be based in Cleveland, Ohio. The partnership includes several brands already in existence, La Renia, Santa Ana, Palomino, and Boca del Monte. For the Christmas season, we will be releasing the flag ship cigar line that will feature the House of Burgess name and logo. It will be released in a Connecticut, Maduro, and Corojo wrappers. At first, they will be available in a double robusto, Toro, and Torpedo shapes with other sizes to be released early next year.
