“Smoked Up” No.35
As I sit here and type this out, I realize I really didn’t accomplish much of anything this week or weekend! I had planned on doing a few reviews, but that fell off to the wayside when my daughter decided to cling to my side pretty much all weekend. I did our cigar shop’s fantasy football draft this weekend. Its almost sad to say, that was the highlight of my whole week. Work was work. Labor Day was another day at work. The previous week was not much better, just plain out blah.
I am not sure if it was the heat, the humidity, the family life or what. But I didn’t smoke many cigars in the past week. Which is kind of odd, this time last year, I was smoking two or so each day and three or so on my days off… I don’t think I am burned out on cigars, just maybe not having as many each day will help my palate develop more.
Cigar Views
Valeroso Regalo (Robusto Extra): I had did a review of the Animoso a while back and quite frankly, I liked the cigar from this fairly new company. When I tried the Regalo, it seemed to be a bit more to my likings at the time. It was well rounded and smoother than I remember the Animoso being. Regardless, they had along the same flavor profiles, good burn and great draw. Not a WOW smoke, but a good smoke to enjoy when you want a “classic” style cigar. Not too powerful, yet not lacking in body with nice woody notes with ample black pepper.
Quesada Q D’Etat Dagar: Quesada has become more of a cigar company you’d expect to see in my humidor. From the Tribute to the 6×60 Octoberfest; they make some real good cigars, both quality and tastes. Although, a few are a little pricey ($12+), they are still a great smoke for the price paid. The Q’ D’Etat was no different. I figured it to be a more bolder smoke like the Octoberfest, but it was a nice med-full smoke. I did enjoy it with a Rouge Double Chocolate Stout that at 9% abv, it could have mellowed off the body of the cigar. Either way, it was an unexpectedly great pairing that I enjoyed.
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September Contest
It has been a while since I have done a contest and figured “why not do one now?” This contest will pretty simple. No need to be on twitter or facebook to enter this contest; just enter on this page.
The IPCPR Trade Show ended last month and there was a fairly good amount of new cigar blends, line extensions, sizes etc… I want to know what new cigar or cigars are you looking forward to trying that were released during the show (or around the time of the show). Or what have you already tried that you liked or disliked. Also, a few words as to why you want to try them or why you liked (or disliked) it.
Rules
- One entry per person.
- Must be over 18 and live in the continuous United States
- Contest lasts one week, ends on 9-10-13 @ 11:59am cst.
- Put your entry in the comments of this post.
- Lets keep this peaceful, please no company or name bashing in the comments.
Prize
I have a 5pk of premium hand rolled cigars (no swisher sweets or anything like that). Two of them are brand new from the IPCPR Trade Show and the others are favorites of mine. I won’t list what they are, only due to them being new. I really want to see what you guys and gals are looking forward to trying or already tried, without the thought of the prize on your mind and your thoughts of them.
Good Luck!
And remember…. “Nothing beats a nice tight ash”
This Contest is Closed
Thanks to all who entered!
“Smoked Up” No.34
Its Tuesday and time for another issue of “Smoked Up”. The last week was a very challenging one for me personally. Rewind to three weeks ago when I was at my buddy (who had a major stroke in December) “Uncle Bob’s” house that’s pretty much out in the sticks. Well, low and behold, I get bit by a darn tick on my wrist of all places. I pulled it off and didn’t think much of it, until a week or so later (last week) and I started feeling pretty ill. My whole body hurt, but mainly my head and upper body. I had to take multiple medications to be able to go to sleep at night. My head hurt so bad at times it made my eyes water. That lasted for about four days, good for two, then back again for a few days. It was not fun at all trying to go to work with the pain. My co-workers told me to “go home!” but I didn’t want to loose my sick time nor get “in trouble” for me missing work. (Yeh, they are on some dumb time and attendance kick at work this month.) Needless to say, many days I was pretty medicated to the point of almost not being able to drive home from work!
I had about came to the conclusion that I had gotten Lyme Disease from that darn tick! I did some research before I ran off to the doctor’s office. I had a few symptoms of it, but not enough of the major symptoms for me to head to the doctor. Well, time took its course and I think I am finally over it. The bruise/mark from the tick bite has lessened drastically. Drawing salve and some homemade salve the girlfriend made seemed to bring it down quickly. Its been three days since I had bad pains and am glad they are easing off; I was running out of “stockpiled” pain meds!
The pain and headaches caused me to stay on the couch mainly and watch reruns of Andy Griffith and Cops. I didn’t get to really enjoy too many cigars this week, nor did I get out a review I had lined up for this weekend. But, if things stay on track with my health, I’ll try to get one out Friday and possibly another on Sunday.
Cigar Views
Ernesto P Carrillo New Wave Brillantes: I think almost all of my friends like this blend in this size and it shows. The boxes of them empty fairly quickly at The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS. They recently brought in the EPC line and have had great results with them. The EPC line-up has a nice set of facings and most the cigars are priced under $10. I think this was a tad over $6 and well worth the price. The New Wave Connecticut has a bit more body and flavor than many of your “typical” Connecticut cigars these days. I have enjoyed many of these at the first of the day with coffee or at the end of the day with coffee. I think the New Wave pairs well with a Sumatra coffee, due to they are both not too bold enough to overpower each other any.
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Ezra Zion & CigarFederation Co-Owner, Kyle Hoover launches Cigar Themed Christian Ministry: Blessed Leaf
8/27/13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Kyle Hoover, co-owner of Ezra Zion Cigar Company and CigarFederation.com,
announces the launch of a new cigar-themed Christian ministry, Blessed Leaf.
“Blessed Leaf is a unique idea, something that has never been done before. It’s a faith
community–or in more basic terms–an “online church†for cigar smokers.†noted
Hoover.
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On BlessedLeaf.com, aficionados can create a profile page to join the Blessed Leaf
community. Members can post content, access media, read faith-based articles and
cigar reviews designed to strengthen them in their Christian walk.
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“I know two things: The Bible and cigars. This is the culmination of a dream to bring
those two passions together. My prayer is that this is a catalyst for cigar enthusiasts to
become closer to Jesus, whether they have a relationship with Him now or not.†Hoover
continued.
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Beginning September 4th at 6pm CST, “Blessed Leaf LIVE!†will air on the
BlessedLeaf.com homepage. This hour long show serves as the weekly service and will
air every Wednesday evening. It will be hosted by Kyle Hoover and Chris Kelly. Guests
will include believers from all around the cigar industry.
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“A major part of this vision is the Featured Contributors. I want to create a platform
where these guys can share their testimonies and teachings that will bless and
encourage the members of Blessed Leaf. These are BOTL that either work
professionally in the cigar industry or are avid cigar smokers in full-time pastoral
ministry. Guys like Brian Berman, Kip Fisher, Nate McIntyre, The Don Fonseca, and my
pastor Niles Holsinger will be posting some life-changing stuff.â€
.
For more information visit BlessedLeaf.com.
Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @Blessed_Leaf
“Smoked Up” No.33
Another hot and humid week is in my rear view mirror here in the deep south. We had a “tropical depression” come through this weekend. All it did was dump a good amount of rain and some wind; no damage on the homefront. I went to a RoMaCraft event at The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS on Saturday. Michael Rosales was there with great deals on singles and boxes of RoMaCraft Cigars. With each ticket bought, you got a free “Mode 5” size of the Cromagnon line. This will be available soon for purchase and is a really good smoke! Also, there was 80# of boiled shrimp and 40# of boiled potatoes, corn and mushrooms. That was a no-brainer, sit under my carport and smoke in the wind/rain or go to the event and get some good grub and cigars?
Photo via Ben Lee’s FaceBook page
Cigar Views
Davidoff Nicaraguan Short Corona: This is Davidoff’s first try at a Nicaraguan cigar and I was looking forward to trying it. Great draw, burn & somewhat flaky ashes. Awesome flavors of leather, wood & an ample spice to keep you on your toes. This tastes like a Nicaraguan cigar that has been aged for a handful of years. Its bold, but not too bold. Spicy, but not too spicy. It all seems to mesh well for their first try at Nicaraguan tobacco. $10 is a little steep for a short corona, but I think it was well worth it! Definitely worth a 5er or box worthy if you can afford it. Looking forward to trying the other sizes.
Tres Reynas Robusto: I had one of these a few weeks ago. I forgot I had bought two, and I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I found this cigar in the humidor. A awesome cigar. This is a nice collaboration between the Quesada and Garcia families. Great draw & burn from a pretty rough looking cigar. Dark leathery notes with hints of spice every now & then. Towards the end, I got faint hints of a black cherry flavor on the back half of the smoke. Definitely box worthy at about $8.00/ea.
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“Smoked Up” No.32
This past week has been pretty laid back and well awaited. Work has settled back to a normal pace and so has the home life. No big news here, except if you count dropping $575 on two tires for my truck, That surely put a dent on my cigar, rum & bourbon spending. Either way, I needed them, the old ones were getting pretty worn down and not real safe to be driving on.
Had a few new cigars this week during a trip out of the heat to a local B&M. I tried out the EPC Cardinal Maduro 52, Davidoff Royal Robusto & Crowned Heads JD Howard Reserve. All were nice smokes and worth trying. The Davidoff was a gift from Paul B. from The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS. He picked some up while he and Ben Lee were at a Davidoff event they were invited to last month. That cigar was the most expensive cigar I have ever smoked at about $31. It was definitely a treat and I am very thankful for Paul for giving me it.
Cigar Views
262 Paridigm Lancero: Had a slightly thick draw, which is infamous for many lanceros. But had an even burn & tight ashes. Notes of an easy black pepper with hints of salted caramel. The back half of smoke I got a flavor similar to peanut butter (yeh, I know peanut butter!) At half way, the pepper started creeping up in strength, but never got overbearing; still flavorful. Over all a pretty good smoke, but still prefer the Box Press Toro that seems to be more fuller & darker flavor wise.
Miami Cigar Anoranzas: This was one of the cigars I grabbed on vacation due to I can’t get locally. I am once again kicking myself in the pants for not grabbing more! This collaboration with Miami Cigar and Eddie Ortega is one of Miami Cigar’s finest smokes I have had. Not the best, but top five for sure! I smoked it to past the nub and used my Cigar Clip to finish it off! I didn’t jot down any flavors I tasted, but I can tell you this, it is a must try if you like Miami Cigars or Ortega Cigars. I would say box worthy or at least split one with a friend.
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Tabacalera Artista Exactus Habano Robusto
Tabacalera Artista has been in the cigar industry since 1956 and mainly produces cigars for private labels. They produce about 6million cigars every year. As well as rolling cigars, they also wholesale tobacco to many companies each year. They have about 950 acres of tobacco grown on their farm each year. Recently, they decided to make a few blends to call their own: Exactus – “The most valuable reserve of Tabacalera El Artista.” The Exactus lines come in three different blends, the Classico, Maduro & Habano. I received a cigar of each blend from El Artista and am going to try out the Habano line.
Cigar Breakdown
Size: 5×54
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper:Â Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Dominican wine fermented Criollo 98
Filler: Dominican Criollo 98
Cost: $3.20 (via box price from Cigarstix.com)*
“Smoked Up” No.31
Another week is past us in 2013 and another issue of “Smoked Up” is here. Nothing too much to report in my neck of the woods. Finished up a 4day @ 12hours/day work week which left me whooped. I didn’t enjoy too many cigars last week due to the long hours of work. When I got home, I showered, ate dinner, spent time with my daughter and went to sleep. All to do it over again the next day. I am so glad that is over this week.
The cigar news has slowed down to a mere snail’s pace. Like I had mentioned last week, I figured it would do so with the ending of the IPCPR show. Most companies are shipping out product, relaxing, etc…
Cigar Views
JM’s Dominican Corojo Torpedo*: Had a great draw & pretty good burn. A milder smoke than I usually go for. A decent flavored smoke that had light pepper & butter. A woody note peeked in & out periodically that blended nicely. Over all a decent entry level corojo cigar. This would make a great “knock around” cigar. Nothing too fancy or too pricey; they range about $2.75/ea. Or they would make a great entry level cigar for someone who wants to start enjoying cigars. Its no-where near as strong as some Corojo cigars are.
Viaje Exclusivo Robusto: Another hard to find Viaje (imagine that) thats been sitting a while. I was gifted this by a good buddy, Mike P. This Viaje had a slightly thick draw & an off burn. These are good when they were fresh & aged. Unlike most Viaje LEs, which need a good bit of age to peek. This one had great full flavors of an oaky wood flavor with hints of a white pepper. The burn go so far off, I had to touch-up and relight the cigar a few times. The humidity was off the charts that night, so I am sure that was a major reason as to why.
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“Smoked Up” No.30
The last week has had its ups and downs. Ups and downs in weather, life etc… The heat is here to stay, the rain is not sure, but will be glad when it lets up for more than a few days. I got a three day weekend, but it was followed by working 12hour days for inventory. I really, really dislike doing inventory. But, I go in, get it done and go home.
Went to a little get together a local shop had. They grilled burgers, sausage, boudin and even some shark steaks. They had a buy 4 get one free on all cigars special in which I made out pretty good on. Nothing too fancy, but did meet a few new cigar people and enjoyed friends’ company and being able to smoke inside out of the heat.
The Cigar News area is pretty blight this week. After IPCPR Show, I imagine companies are focused on getting orders filled and shipped. Then, I suspect there will be a few vacations being taken.
Cigar Views
EP Carrillo Inch Maduro 62: Very, very rarely do I smoke any cigar over a 54rg, let alone a 62rg. This is one of those and I have really found a liking for them. I got my first one as a gift and liked it enough to buy another. Great flavors, burn and draw. But, it still is tough for me to get over the large ring gauge, it just don’t feel right. I guess the 62rg is not “large” any more with 7x70s coming out more and more….. I just don’t understand it. But there are a few cigars in a “large” ring gauge that work for me, and this is one of them.
El Puros Perfecto House Cigar “100% Ligero” This was gifted to me at the event by the shop owner. I have never been fond of powerhouse, full ligero, knock you on your arse cigars. So I figured, “yeh, I’ll smoke it…. one day.” Well, that cigar didn’t last too long in the humidor. I lit it up and actually liked it a good bit! It reminded me of a smaller ring gauge CAIN Daytona, yet in a larger ring gauge. The smoke was flavorful and had a strong body to it, but not too powerful that it overpowered the flavors. At $6.75, its a pretty good smoke seeing a similar smoke is around the same price in a smaller format. Slap a band on it, and the CAIN Daytona may have a competitor.
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