La Aurora 107 Maduro Robusto
La Aurora Cigars from Miami Cigar Company has always been a staple in my humidor for as long as I can remember. Their blends have always been very pleasing and well worth the money. From the La Aurora Cameroon to the Puro Vintage line and everything in between, they are all a solid good smoke in their own aspects.
The La Aurora 107 was released in 2010 celebrating their 107th Anniversary and I have found a decent liking for them. I especially prefer them in a smaller ring gauge and the lancero is probably my favorite size in the lineup. I had never thought they would ever put a maduro or any other wrapper for that matter on it. I figured, one wrapper, that’d be it. But, there was some talk here and there of it being a reality. The maduro 107 was on display at the 2011 IPCPR show, but no samples were given out, so I figured sometime in mid 2012 they would be full production, but saw nothing of them. Although, Cigar King did get a limited number of boxes in late 2011 of them. Also a very limited number of cigars were released to TAA members at the TAA convention in 2012.
Fast forward to present day and Miami Cigar announced the release of the La Aurora 107 Maduro at the 2013 IPCPR Convention Las Vegas. This blend will be a tweaked blend & different fermentation process of the Cigar King’s 107 Maduro. So, if you have had the Cigar King’s 107 Maduro, this should be a different tasting cigar.
Cigar Details
Size: 4.5×50
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Dominican Corojo
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Price: $6-8 varying by vitola*
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“Smoked Up” No.24
Summer is here in the deep south!! Well, not until the 21st, but its hotter than blue blazes here! Most days last week were 90°+ with a heat index in the area of 105°. With that being said, my cigar time has been cut down to late evening if possible.
My corneal ulcer cleared up on Saturday. That allowed me to enjoy some cigars here and there between catching up on household chores I couldn’t do while my vision was impaired last week. I have a good friend who had a massive stroke back in December. He is still in a medical care facility. Hopes, wishes and prayers go out to you Robert McGrath aka: “Uncle Bob”. A few buddies and I got together and cut his 3 acre yard for him the end of last week. I knew if I was in the situation he is in, he would be in my yard helping get in in order too. That is what friends are for! I had a cigar there once we got done with the monumental task. I also got to enjoy a smoke with my Dad on Father’s Day. He doesn’t smoke, but he enjoyed my company as we shot the bull and drank beer all Sunday.
Between the heat, my corneal ulcer, catching up on housework, fixing a broken wheel hub on my truck, and other things; I didn’t get a chance to smoke many cigars this week. Have a review lined up to be posted on Wednesday or Thursday as well.
Cigar Views
La Flor Dominicana DL Oscuro Lancero (Old Band): I have one of these left and I think they have hit their “prime”. They seem like they are almost starting to bottom out and become somewhat flat (almost too mellow for my tastes). It had a decent draw, great burn & short ashes. I got some salty caramel notes with some slight short-lived pepper notes. This cigar has evened off smoothly. The aging makes it not as “harsh” as they can be fresh. If I want a nice bold dark flavored lancero, I’ll grab a fresh one of these. But if I want a not so bold, more rounded off lancero, these are a good choice at around 3-4 years aged, I think. The old band LFDs are getting more & more scarce.
Arturo Fuente Anejo “Shark” (2011): This was my Father’s Day gift to myself. I date my Anejo and OpusX to keep track of their age. It was either this or a 6yr old OpusX. I was in the mood for a bold maduro and this one hit the spot. I drank a few Sam Adams Summer Ale and Killians Irish Red beers with this cigar. The beers were not strong enough to kill off the great flavors of this cigar. I did cut the cap too short and got some tar build up. I cut a bit more off (the cap) and the draw, tar & burn got tremendously better. These are great fresh, but way better after at least a year or two. I always grab a handful, some to smoke, more to age. Well worth the price paid for these cigars.
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DONA FLOR & ALONSO MENENDEZ NOMINATED BY CIGAR JOURNAL FOR BEST CIGAR 2013
June 10th – Dona Flor USA announced receiving 4 nominations in the Best of 2013 categories by Cigar Journal Magazine. Nominated for “Best Cigar, Brazil†– the Dona Flor Seleção and the Alonso Menendez Churchill #10. Nominated for “Best Brand, Brazil†– the Dona Flor Tradicional and Alonso Menendez.
“The Seleção has performed consistently for many years pulling 92 ratings from Cigar Aficionado over and over again. Including other ratings from 89 to 93, the Dona Flor line has established itself as one of extreme quality and consistency. The line is produced by two of the industry’s most respected masters—Felix Menendez and Arturo Torano—both native Cubans raised among the tobacco fields as were their fathers before them,†said Chris Edge, President of Dona Flor USA.
Alonso Menendez made his name in Cuba creating the Montecristo #2 while operating the largest cigar factory in the country. The line of Brazilian puros that carry his name has become extremely popular in European countries, largely due to the increased Mata Norte in the blends. The tobacco adds a bit of complexity to the smoothness of the Mata Fina which makes up the majority of the tobacco in the Menendez Amerino lines.
Both lines utilize 100% Brazilian grown Mata Fina and Mata Norte, some of the most expensive tobaccos in the world, and many of the blends have not been changed in 36 years. “We have found the perfect recipe for the perfect cigar, why mess with it,†states master roller Felix Menendez.
Cigar Journal Magazine is one of Europe’s premier magazines for cigar aficionados, with an English language version recently entering distribution into the United States. The entire content of the magazine is focused on the cigar industry.
Dona Flor USA has been working on reintroducing the Menendez Amerino lines to the U.S. market since 2010, and officially released the Dona Flor line in 2012. The Alonso Menendez line is slated for introduction in the US market in 2013. “With distribution now coast to coast, we are slowly gaining attention in the boutique market as consumers branch out looking for unique premium cigars,†says Edge.
Dona Flor USA will be located in Booth 3340 at the up coming IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas in July.
2013 Chattanoog​a Tweet-Up Information
Summer is heating up and once the again those crazy folks from Burns Tobacconist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are gearing up for what has been terms “Party of the Year†(or #POTY for those on Twitter). The 2013 Chattanooga Tweet-Up and Cigar Festival will be held on Thursday, August 1, through Saturday, August 3.
Thursday night we will be at Burns East (110 Jordan Drive, just off Interstate 75 at the Shallowford Road exit) for the Tweet-Up Kickoff Party, this year hosted by the House of Emilio. Emilio Cigars brand owner, Gary Griffith, and national sales manager, Nate McIntyre, will be joined by several of the other brand owners that make up the House of Emilio for a dinner and meet-and-greet event.
Friday we will be focusing on downtown Chattanooga. At 1:30 the Lady Cigar Smokers of Chattanooga are holding a Ladies Luncheon at the downtown location of Chattanooga Billiards Club (725 Cherry Street). $10 admission to this mini-event will include lunch, soft drink and a gratuity, as well as a special cigar and a tasting of Chattanooga Whiskey.
Drew Estate and Joya de Nicaragua will be running specials at Burns Downtown that day (723 Cherry Street, right next door to CBC), in anticipation of that evening’s big event. Hang out during the day at the newly re-modeled Downtown shop, then it’s just a short drive to the banks of the Tennessee River where we will board the Southern Belle Riverboat for a sundown cruise. Drew Estate’s Eastern U.S. Sales Manager, Zev Kaminetsky, and Area Sales Rep, Jeff Tinnell, as well as the one and only Willy Herrera, the man behind Drew Estate’s new Herrera Esteli, will be on hand at Burns Downtown during the day and the riverboat. Our annual “Taste of Tennessee†Liquor Tasting will also be on the boat this year and will feature Phil Prichard of Prichard Distillery, makers of fine rum and whiskey products from Kelso, TN.
Saturday we are heading back to Burns East for more herfing, a silent auction to benefit charity, a raffle, and eventually…the After-Party, sponsored this year by RoMaCraft Tobac and featuring brand co-owner, Michael Rosales. Anticipation is running high for this event as we have reserved a mechanical bull.
We currently have over 35 sponsors for the 2013 Chattanooga Tweet-Up and Cigar Festival and expect more to sign on between today and event time. We also have over 30 special guests from the industry who are planning on being there…from area representatives, to blenders, to brand owners, and everything in between.
Tickets are $75 and include everything listed above (except the Ladies Luncheon, which is a separate price), plus a grab bag of cigars from our sponsors (approximately 8 to 10 sticks), a raffle ticket, an event t-shirt, and a wristband that gets you in to all events and entitles you to discounts on cigars and accessories throughout the weekend. Tickets are limited, so buy today!
Keep up with all the current information and find out how to get your tickets at www.chattanoogatweetup.com. Follow the Tweet-Up on Twitter, @CHAtweetup.
**Correction: At this time we cannot schedule members from the Drew Estate/Joya de Nicaragua entourage to be at the Burns Downtown shop all day Friday, August 2. They will be on the Riverboat that evening, however.
Clarification: It was pointed out that the wording could imply that only Drew Estate would be running special deals on Friday. ALL of our sponsors who have special guests in attendance are permitted to run whatever extra deals they wish to run based on customers buying cigars at Burns. Burns will not be holding onto the “freebies†for such giveaways, but they will be completely the responsibility of the company in question. ALL cigars that Burns carries by all sponsors of the Tweet-Up will be eligible for discounts for all ticketholders all weekend long.
Camacho – Bold is back with a vengeance
–– The World’s Leader in Bold Cigars Reveals Most Brazen Move In History ––
PINELLAS PARK, FL (Wednesday, June 12th, 2013) –– Camacho, the world’s leading brand of bold cigars, today revealed one of the most brazen moves in their nearly fifty-year history. The brand is taking an aggressive stance on the future and aims to reset the bar for bold and full flavored cigars. Nearly all elements of Camacho have been intensified; starting with a bolder brand identity, a fierce assortment of revamped blends, stunning packaging, and an array of killer consumer experiences that sum up this effort in one simple statement – Camacho is back and bolder than ever.
The new branding, which features an aggressively-poised scorpion, is a fusion of both the old school heritage and modern day vibe of the brand. The Scorpion mark, a nod to Camacho’s aggressive and entrepreneurial spirit, personifies a number of core characteristics of the brand: power, fearlessness, passion and competition. “The core values and DNA of who we are have not been altered, the volume has been cranked and the focus has been intensified. Our new image is a strong representation both of what we were and who we have become. It’s a badge of honor to be worn by the powerful, elemental person who seeks to live his life the way we do – all-out and full throttle,†said Dylan Austin, head of marketing for Camacho.
Four out of the six blends have been upgraded and taken to heights that most cigars have never dared climb. “We did an immense amount of work on the blends. It wasn’t about reinventing what people had come to love; it’s been about getting back to what they had come to love and making additional upgrades along the way. Impact is the most important component of our cigar-making philosophy, along with consistency. We kept what was great, like our Authentic Corojo, and made it better. For our famed Corojo, a top-grade fifth priming wrapper is now standard – it’s back to knock your socks off levelâ€, said Austin.
One of the most impactful components to the reintroduction is Camacho’s new team of co-conspirators and curators of bold lifestyle. Hall of Fame NFL football player and coach, Mike Ditka, Room101 brand owner, Matt Booth and screenwriter, Rob Weiss, have joined Camacho to serve on what the brand calls, the Board of the Bold. “Coach, Booth and Weiss are guys that live the Camacho way of life, they do it pedal to the floor everyday and pull no punches. Each of them anchors what we stand for down to the core, all of them have accomplished great things in life because of their boldness,†says Austin.
Camacho will hold a national release party on June 20th in Dallas where the brand will be unveiled for the first time to media and over 400 hardcore cigar enthusiasts. The launch event is open to the public and those interested in attending can RSVP on Camacho’s Facebook page (facebook.com/camachocigars). Also in the works, is a new, immersive in-store brand experience centered on exploring big taste, excellence in craft and celebrating men big enough, bad enough, bold enough to destroy the status quo. To increase the impact of these events, Camacho has teamed up with bourbon distillers, craft beer makers, local chefs and custom car companies. “The Bold Standard†in-store events are expected to kickoff in late August. For a full schedule of events stay tuned to www.camachocigars.com or visit the brand’s Facebook page.
While the official unveiling will take place in late June, the new Camacho will not go on sale until the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, which is set for the middle of July 2013. The new standard in bold cigars is expected to be on display at retailers nationwide by the beginning of August.
ABOUT Camacho:
Camacho is the world’s leading brand of bold cigars, representing the concept of unleashing unmistakable and intense experiences. Infamous since 1962, the brand has become a sanctuary for the powerful, elemental being who seeks to fill their lives with unapologetic good times. A combination of rich heritage, product excellence and a never surrender attitude has enabled Camacho to grow into an aggressive brand globally recognized as the standard of full-frontal flavor and full-frontal lifestyle.
For more information about Camacho, please visit www.camachocigars.com or follow the brand on Facebook (facebook.com/camachocigars) and Twitter (twitter.com/camachocigars).
“Smoked Up” No.23
This week has been one rollercoaster of a week. I usually like riding roller coasters, but when they bottom out hard, like this week did, I don’t care much for them. The mid week started out great with work going well and starting a carpentry project for a friend, the week was going to end well. But the weekend came in with a bang. I ended up in the ER at 3am Saturday morning getting them to remove my contacts that I had left in for too long. That was an ignorant move by me! In the process they ran a few tests on my eyes, no scrapes or scratches, yet they did find a corneal ulcer on my right eye. I’ve been on antibiotic drops since Saturday that has a slight burning tingle to them. On top of that, I can’t wear my contacts for about a week, until the ulcer clears up. The kicker is, my back-up glasses are so far out of focus (and broken) and can’t wear them. I am having to wait a few day before a new pair comes in! Needless to say, I couldn’t see all weekend and still can’t as I type this! (Thank goodness for onscreen magnifier application on my PC!) I also had to miss a few days of work since I couldn’t see to drive there, let alone work.
I had a few cigars before all this mess happened, but afterwards the antibiotics seemed to throw off my tastes, stomach and the smoke burns my eyes somewhat. So I didn’t smoke as much through the weekend and the start of this week. I had planned on reviewing the prerelease of the La Aurora 107 Maduro this weekend. But since all this has happened, I ‘ll be putting ghtat off til next weekend when I can see and meds are done. I’ll be glad when the antibiotics and ulcer will be gone this coming weekend!!
Cigar Views
Jesus Fuego Origen “Original”: A very nice “quick” smoke on a hot or humid or rainy day. Dark rich full flavors that arrived from a decent burn and draw. A hearty deep dark mix of chocolate, coffee with a very slight black pepper spice kick to it. These were my favorite J Fuego, then the maduro came out & I  fell for them. I smoke more of the natural Origen in these “Soft Packs” and have been an avid fan of this vitola since they showed up at IPCPR in 2010. The other vitolas are good, just I tend to grab the soft packs more. If I had to choose natural or Mafuro… I’d go with maduro in any size.
Casa Miranda Chapter Two
“Casa Miranda Chapter Twoâ€
Miami, FL June 6th, 2013 – Everybody loves a good sequel, and the Casa Miranda Chapter 2 is set to debut at IPCPR which is being held this year in Las Vegas, NV.
The follow up to the original which was made in Miami at the famed El Titan de Bronze, will be made at My Father Cigars S.A in Esteli, Nicaragua.
According to Jason Wood; VP of Miami Cigar & Company, “Just like any great novel, our story continues to gain momentum with the release of Chapter 2 at this years’ IPCPR. I look forward to our consumer’s feedback on this medium bodied beauty!â€
The tobacco used for this new chapter is a dark Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper with filler from Brazil, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
It is available in the following sizes:
• Robusto (4.5 x 50) $6.35 MSRP
• Corona Gorda (6 x 46) $7.00 MSRP
• Toro (5.5 x 54) $ 7.60 MSRP
• Gran Toro (6 x 60) $8.00 MSRP 
About Miami Cigar & Company
Miami Cigar & Company, founded in 1989, is the exclusive US distributor
of La Aurora brands. They are also the worldwide owner/distributor of
Tatiana, Don Lino, La Sirena and Nestor Miranda line of cigars. They can
found on the web at http://www.miamicigarcompany.com/ &
http://www.facebook.com/miamicigarcompany
New La Sirena Sizes Discovered
New La Sirena Sizes Discovered
Miami, FL June 7th, 2013 – In a recent expedition to Lake Nicaragua, which archeologists feel was once a large bay alongside the Pacific Ocean, a discovery was made. The dangerous mission to find treasures of the mermaid was met by sharks and other seemingly out of place aquatic animals. On the last day, in one of the deepest parts of the lake a cave was located with treasures of the mermaid.
Among these treasures was the Dubloon, a 7.25 x 56 Salomon. The name comes from the Spanish coins that surrounded this new size. The rarest of all Dubloons, was one that featured a distinctive 8 stamped into it.
These pieces of 8; the La Sirena Dubloon comes packaged in an 8 count box, of which only 500 are available. They will make their debut at the IPCPR in Las Vegas. Like the La Sirena “A” they feature a dark, toothy Habano Oscuro wrapper, two Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binders, Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 and a Corojo ’96 over fillers from Nicaragua
The La Sirena Dubloon will have a $12.00 MSRP.
About Miami Cigar & Company
Miami Cigar & Company, founded in 1989, is the exclusive US distributor of La Aurora brands. They are also the worldwide owner/distributor of Tatiana, Don Lino, La Sirena and Nestor Miranda line of cigars. They can be found on the web at http://www.facebook.com/miamicigarcompany & http://www.facebook.com/miamicigarcompany
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Recluse Draconian ships to select retailers
Recluse Draconian ships to select retailers.
 
The newest blend from Iconic Leaf Cigar Company has shipped to only four select retailers strategically spread out across the country. Â As of Monday June 10th the following four retailers should have our new Recluse Draconian blend on the shelves.
Outland Cigar
14815 Ballantyne Village Way
Charlotte, NC. Â 28277
Contact: Tom or Mark
704-369-5500
Tinder Box #261
3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Metarie, La. 70002
Contact: Joe or Sean
504-834-5801
Tobacco Cabana
265 Hickerson St.
Cedar Hill, Tx. Â 75104
Contact: Â Jim Klipp
469-272-5999
Briar Patch
2529 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, Ca. 95825
Contact: Â Laurence or Ron
916-929-8965
These four retailers will have exclusivity on the Recluse Draconian blend until after the annual IPCPR convention to be held in mid July.
The Draconian blend is an almost complete departure from our highly acclaimed Recluse OTG blend. Â The blend is offered initially in three box pressed sizes which are robusto, toro and 6×60 and the msrp is
$7.25-$9.50 for these initial sizes.
At the IPCPR we will also be releasing another shape that has never been done before in cigar history. Â It is called the Recluse Draconian SideWinder and it will come in three facings. Â Nothing about this new shape will be revealed until the first morning of the IPCPR convention in Las Vegas.
The Recluse Draconian blend is comprised of:
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro
Binder: MBC (proprietary name)
Filler: (consists of four fillers)
Dominican
Brazilian hybrid
Piloto Cubano
Iconic Ligero*
Enjoy!
Iconic Leaf Cigar Company
iconicleafcigar@gmail.com
www.iconicleafcigar.com
LIMITED EDITION 601 LA BOMBA MADURO “WARHEAD” TO BE INTRODUCED AT IPCPR 2013
Hialeah Gardens, Florida (June 6, 2013) – Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announce they will be introducing a limited edition cigar for their full bodied 601 La Bomba line called “Warhead” at IPCPR this year. This is the first time the 601 La Bomba line is offered with a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper. The Warhead measures 6 1/2 inches by 54 ring and is semi-box pressed with the familiar fuse-like pig tail that is found on the 601 La Bomba line. “Although the wrapper is different, we are using the same powerful blend as the rest of the line.” said Erik Espinosa.
Warhead is limited to 2,000 boxes of 10 and the packaging is inspired by several themes in the World War II era. When unraveled, the foot band on the cigar is revealed to be in the form of a bomb. This “bomb” features nose art or aircraft graffiti, which was common in this era. Most prominent is the shark-face which is a reference to the Flying Tigers, the 1st American Volunteer Group, who would paint the shark-faces on their military aircrafts.
The 601 La Bomba line was first introduced in 2011 and is considered to be one of the strongest cigars in the market.
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