“Smoked Up” No.22
Summer is almost upon us and it seems to be getting a jump start here in the deep south of Mississippi. I think every day this week hit mid to upper 80s with high humidity and a few days of spotty rain. So, that means the size of the cigars I will be smoking will possibly start to get smaller. Unless, I absolutely want a cigar in a larger size due to better flavor options.
There is not a lot of cigar news this week. I would suppose the news will possibly slow done while companies are gearing up and getting prepared for the IPCPR convention in July. I also foresee a ramp up of rumors and news of cigars right before the show. I was hoping to go to the IPCPR convention this year. With finances dwindling after an upcoming family vacation, vehicle repairs, and raising a two year old; I highly doubt I will be there for coverage of the convention. Sorry, it bums me out a great bit not being able to go.
Cigar Views
601 La Bomba Napalm: One of the best “powerhouse” cigars I have had. Had slightly lesser than milkshake thick draw & decent burn that produced ashes well over 1.5″. I got a flavor similar to dark dried fruit. Similar to prunes or raisins and I really appreciated this flavor as I don’t recognize it very often. This smoke had a very hefty body to it that a new cigar smoker should be aware of. Besides the power, there were some good flavors as well that I liked. Those who like power & flavor, its definitely worth a try. I had my doubts when this cigar was announced. I figured “another flavorless powerhouse cigar” I was way off!
Gran Habano 3 Siglos Churchill: This cigar has been resting for about two or three years (possibly even more) I’ve had these ever since the name change to 3SLS. Had creamy woody & cedar flavors with an ample sweetness in the background. Had a light coffee note on the short finish that I wished was longer & more prevalent on the draw. Not a bad smoke for the $2.50 I paid for it when they were on clearance at CI. Not my favorite size in the line, but for the price paid, its not too bad.
Viaje White Label Project (WLP) Original Release: Had a thick draw & a so-so burn. Nice dark, woody & a slight carmel like flavor. Had a faint pepper note that mixed into the flavor profile here & there. Its mellowed & rounded off very nicely. The more I got into the cigar, the darker the darker the flavors got & the black pepper ramped up in strength. I am glad I grabbed a handful of these when they came out some years ago. They were pretty good then and even better now. Hmmm…. A LE Viaje that ages well???
Illusione Erpernay Le Monde: I like more of the Illusione line if its a maduro. But, the Epernay line is an exception to that. There were twangy woody notes with an underlying white pepper here n there. Milkshake thick draw, even burn & long ashes. I have tried the pairing of this cigar with Champagne in the past and it really brought this cigar to life. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any champagne on hand at the time. But, you can bet, I will be researching a decently good bottle of the bubbly to enjoy with this cigar next time. I have also found that I like the Epernay line in the larger ring gauges.
Cigar News
Espinosa Maduro Robusto – NTA Review
“Smoked Up†No.21 – NTA Views & News
DONA FLOR U.S.A. INITIATES “GOING GREEN†TECHNOLOGY TO PRESERVE CIGARS
Sosa Plans Stout Torpedo for IPCPR 2013 via halfwheel
Cigars To Watch Out For La Abeja via The Lovely Lady of the Stick
Flor de las Antillas Lancero Arrives at Up In Smoke via halfwheel
Ortega Mini Cigars Coming in June via halfwheel
Stogie411 I Episode 55 Announcement
Quesada TP40Q Heading to Tobacco Plaza in July
Toraño Dips Into the Vault Again
Sosa Adds Underground Connecticut to IPCPR 2013 Plans
DONA FLOR U.S.A. INITIATES “GOING GREEN†TECHNOLOGY TO PRESERVE CIGARS
DONA FLOR U.S.A. INITIATES “GOING GREEN†TECHNOLOGY TO PRESERVE CIGARS
(Miami, Florida) June 1, 2013— Dona Flor U.S.A. is excited to announce their “Going Green†Initiative in all US warehouses and offices. “Going Green is a project that promotes the idea that every person and every company around the world has a responsibility to incorporate environmental friendly habits into their daily routines,†says Chris Edge, President of Dona Flor USA. “Going Green represents many different avenues of environmental controls, from energy consumption to recycling, it all has an impact and every little bit helps.
“When currently traveling around the country visiting neighborhood humidors, I was shown a box of cigars that had faded and yellowed due to the UV emissions of fluorescent lighting in the humidor. When I saw the impact not only on the tobacco itself, but also the cellophane wrapper had yellowed and the beautiful band colors faded, it really hit home, or should I say the light came on. Not only was the quality of the tobacco being effected but the packaging, marketing and sales potential for the retailer was affected. We began a thorough investigation into solutions available in the US market. What we found was a breakthrough type of LED tube lamp from Titan LED which could replace the old fluorescent tubes.â€
LED lighting is not only safer for everyone and, it emits no harmful UV rays, emits far less heat than fluorescent or incandescent lighting and the energy consumption is upwards of 80 to 90 percent lower than traditional lighting. These qualities make the LED lamps a far better choice for use in wherever premium cigars are being stored. With a life span in excess of 50,000 hours and a warranty to back it up, it became a no-brainer. We have installed LED lighting in all our facilities including our tradeshow booth, allowing us to display more light with less heat while using less energy – the LED lighting has been a perfect fit for our Going Green initiative.
Titan LED is a US manufacturer of quality LED lighting located in Moorpark, California that has been chosen as the official vendor for Dona Flor USA. With so many poor quality knockoffs being sold in the market from manufacturers overseas, it was important to us to buy American made products  to insure that we had the best pricing, warranty and customer service available. Titan LED  fit in all areas.
 ~*~
Dona Flor U.S.A. reintroduced to the U.S. market the 100% Brazilian cigars known for the distinct flavors of the Mata Fina and Mata Norte tobaccos. A 100% Brazilian puro—grown, manufactured and shipped directly from the factory in Bahia, Brazil to the US—is one of only true puros on the market today. Grown and manufactured by legends Felix Menendez and Arturo Torano, it is one of the most unique and flavorful premium cigars in the world.
Menendez Amerino, celebrating its 36th year, is ready to share with the U.S. its passion for Brazil through their award-winning Dona Flor cigars. With 5 unique blends 10 different sizes of 100% Brazilian tobacco, we welcome you to FIND YOUR DONA FLOR.
The IPCPR show in Las Vegas will be the platform for the unveiling of 2013 Dona Flor campaign “Meet the Braziliansâ€. Dona Flor cigars have received consistent ratings of 93, 92 and 90 year after year, and are being well received by discriminating retailers all over the country. Also look for the appearance of the Alonso Menendez line from Menendez Amerino this year at the IPCPR.
Dona Flor USA/ donaflorusa.com / 877.321.5569 / sales@donaflorusa.com
Espinosa Maduro Robusto
Following the success of the Espinosa line of new cigars released in 2012 comes the Espinosa Maduro. I have found a liking of most anything Erik Espinosa makes from the EO 601 series, Murcielago, La Zona and the La Jugada (made for Moya Ruiz Cigars). They all have distinct flavor profiles, but all have a good place in my smoking “rotation”. When Espinosa released the press release of the new maduro line of the Espinosa line I have had them on my short list to try, but hadn’t got the chance to pull the trigger to get any. I was gifted this cigar by Erik and greatly appreciate the chance to try it. So, without further adieu…
Cigar Details
Size: 5×52
Vitola: Box Pressed Robusto
Wrapper: Mexican Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Cost: Around $8*
“Smoked Up” No.21
Welcome to the 21st week of 2013 and the 21st edition of “Smoked Up”. This week was back and forth with me. I had a few days where I wasn’t feeling well (hence why this is being posted on Wednesday) so I didn’t have many cigars this week. My tastes and stomach were pretty off and just didn’t feel like leaving the couch for a few days. I got a handful of new cigars to review, so once I get to 100% expect a slew of reviews on these.
Not too much to say of any cigar happenings in my area in the last week. There is an event I am going to on Friday at Cigars El Puros Perfecto, so hopefully I can get a small recap of it for ya’ll next week.
Cigar Views
Ortega Wild Bunch Big Bad John: This is the second largest cigar I have ever smoked. The LFD Digger is the largest, but the Big Bad John was a better smoke to me. There was nice creamy wood notes with a slight hint of salt here and there. Some sweetness crept up in the smoke some as I progressed into it. A bit of pepper came in around 2″. The wood notes were the prominent flavors of the smoke. Not an overly complex smoke, but at least it didn’t go bland like the Digger dig with me at halfway. Although at 2″ or so left, I started to get major burn issues and I put it to rest there.
Cigar Clip Contest Winner
The Cigar Clip Contest ran for two weeks following the The Cigar Clip Review. There was a good amount of entries to the contest and thanks to The Cigar Clip for sponsoring the contest and thanks for all who commented on the review.
The Cigar Clip
I had a lot of great entries and a few “funny” ones as well. I couldn’t decide on who’s comment was the best. So, I gave every comment a number then entered the number of entries into Random.org. to pick a winner of the contest.
The Winner Is:
Mike P
Mike, check you email and thanks for entering!
Dignity to release, “Dignidad Del Hombre†at IPCPR 2013
Dignidad Del Hombre (Dignity of Man) is the latest creation by Don’Juan to add to his
strong line-up of Costa Rican cigars. The new Dignidad del Hombre is a maduro with
double ligero combined with unique binders all grown in Costa Rica.
Dignity wanted to add a cigar with more strength and complexity to the line. Dignidad
Del Hombre tested very well during the West Coast pre-release. Everything about this
cigar is handmade from the rustic style cigar band with the silhouette of Danillo Barboza
(the oldest gentleman working at the factory in Costa Rica) enjoying a cigar beside a
poem written and designed by Don’Juan for which he dedicates to Danillo and the entire
cigar industry.
I have been keeping a close eye on Danillo during each visit to the factory and I take
pride in watching him work. I wanted to do something to honor his life, image and grace
as he truly represents the Dignity of man, being strong, hardworking and dedicated to his
craft so others around the world could simply enjoy cigars.
This limited edition shall be available in the following four sizes; Churchill 52×7, Toro
52×6, Torpedo 52×6 and Gordo 62×6. Price is TBD for exclusive retailers only!
Est. 2010. Dignity Premium Cigars are tastefully handcrafted in a pesticide-free
environment using organic fertilization methods in the high mountains of Costa Rica.
Dignity Premium Cigars hail from the world’s only existing pure ancestral, pre-embargo
Cuban seeds – traced by fingerprints to Cuban regions such as Pinar del Rio, Vuelta
Abajo, Remedios, Artemisa, San Juan y Martinez of the 1940’s and 50’s. Our seed
varieties were obtained from Habanesis developed in Cuba in 1907. This was the first
standardized black tobacco seed and is the forefather to all modern Cuban tobaccos. Each
true-to-type seed has been adapted in Costa Rica while retaining their genotypic and
phenotypic characteristics.
Dignity cigars are tastefully handcrafted in Costa Rican using 100% Costa Rican tobacco.
TANTRUM released by Ezra Zion Cigar Co
Ezra Zion released it’s first new blend for 2013!
It’s call TANTRUM. A Limited Edition 1500 box release featuring one size 44 x 4.4 inch “Prensado Pequeno”.
It’s rolled with 5-7 year aged Ligeros and a vintage Corojo wrapper.
TANTRUM is currently only available at a few Ezra Zion VIP retailers and will be released nationwide at IPCPR.
Here the story from the guys themselves in this video:
“Smoked Up” No.20
The past week was all in anticipation to The Cigar Shop Biloxi’s Herrera Esteli Launch Party. The party was held on Saturday and was a great event to go to. I won’t go into too much detail, but I did a Event Recap post on Sunday. Don’t forget, I still have The Cigar Clip Contest going on until this Saturday.
Cigar Views
 Rocky Patel Freedom Robusto: This cigar smells musty similar to some Honduran cigars do, but this is a Nicaraguan cigar. A nice mix of candied pecan & a slight spice on the long finish at the start. Into the smoke, I got some dark esspresso flavors as well. At the end, a hint of a caramel flavor popped up, but nothing too strong. The draw was good, but the burn had some issues. Over all, I liked the cigar, it wasn’t overbearing or lacking. Just a decent solid smoke. I was thinking this to be a “gimmick” cigar with the red white and blue and the “Freedom” name. But, it was a pretty decent smoke that I will look for next time I go to the B&M.
Blanco Criollo Toro: I don’t smoke too many Criollo cigars, but this one was pretty tasty. Had an easy draw & a few burn issues; overall a so-so construction. Had creamy grass-like flavors. As well as subtle hints of vanilla. A few dabs of a faint cocoa note showed up here & there throughout the cigar. Bold but not an overly bold smoke, but an enjoyable one that I will smoke again. I have had the Blanco Nine, which is a darker flavor profile. This one is the exact opposite, but still a good smoke.
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Toro: I was gifted this cigar at the close of the Herrera Eteli Event by a regular at the shop. I apologize, but forgot his name, but thanks again! This cigar was the last one I had that day and glad it was! They are a potent blend, very full bodied. But, the full body doesn’t overpower the full flavors. I didn’t get the chance to pick out any distinct flavors, but did enjoy the smoke. It did have a few burn issues where I needed to relight it. It could have been me, but my buddy Joe was having the same issues with his as well. But never the less, a decent full bodied smoke, not a favorite JdN, but a decent one.
Herrera Esteli Launch Party at The Cigar Shop Biloxi Event Recap
Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to the Herrera Esteli Launch Party that was held at The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS. The Cigar Shop is one of two of my “home shops” and they have events once or twice a month with good food, many beverage choices and of course cigars. The event went from 4pm to 8pm, but started earlier and lasted a wee bit longer, which I had no complaints to. MugShots Bar & Grill catered the event with a very nice food spread. They had numerous sandwiches and burgers among other bar faire. In addition to the food there was Lucky Town Flare Incident (Oatmeal Stout), Abita Spring IPA, & Miller Lite beer on tap. There was plenty of sodas and a few non-alcoholic beers on ice as well.
The event was limited to (around) 100 tickets at $10 each. Each ticket got you unlimited food and drink, which was worth the $10 right there. Then you could watch the live rolling demo by Willy Herrera. As well as, you got to smoke a fresh rolled Herrera Esteli as well as a few other cigars passed out by the guys throughout the night. The Cigar Shop gave out 20% off of box purchases (I grabbed a box of UnderCrown Corona Viva). Jefe handed out swag such as a new Stinky Car Ashtray, Hats, Cutters & 6pk samplers of DE cigars with a box purchase. Each ticket entered you into raffles for hats, cutters, t-shirts etc… If you bought a box, there were a few “box purchase only” raffles with a pewter ashtray and DE mirror as some of the prizes.
The icing on the cake of the event was watching Willy Herrera of Drew Estate Cigars rolling the Herrera Esteli right before our eyes at a rolling station. Willy is a very intimidating looking person, but one of the nicest guys I’ve met in the cigar industry. When I say intimidating, I mean, I am 6’1″ and I had to look up to him to speak to him! From my understanding he was slated to be a MS State football player, but somehow, fate landed him into the cigar industry.
Here is a short video I captured of Willy Herrera Rolling the Herrera Esteli.
(If you look closely, you can see his next cigar in prototype form on the ashtray.)
MOYA RUIZ CIGARS IS ADDING A 6 x 60 VITOLA TO LA JUGADA – PRIETO LINE
For Immediate Release:
MOYA RUIZ CIGARS IS ADDING A 6 x 60 VITOLA TO LA JUGADA – PRIETO LINE
May 17, 2013 (Miami, FL) – Moya Ruiz Cigars has announced they are adding a 6 x 60 vitola called Ancho to their La Jugada – Prieto line. The line is available in five sizes, Robusto (5 x 52), Belicoso (6-1/8 x 52), Toro (6 x 52), Doble Corona (7-1/2×49), and now Ancho (6 x 60).
The Ancho vitola is now available and ready to ship to retailers. It is presented in boxes of 20 cigars with an MSRP of $8.80 a cigar.
Moya Ruiz Cigars introduced their first cigar brand in late 2012 called La Jugada – Prieto, which is Spanish for “the move†or “the playâ€. This was an ode to their love for dominoes and poker. La Jugada – Prieto is med-to-full bodied and comes in a dark San Andres Maduro wrapper with binder and filler from Nicaragua. The La Jugada – Prieto is full of complex flavors like, cedar, sweet spice, expresso, and dark chocolate. This is one of the first side lines blended and rolled at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. Danny Moya and Nelson Ruiz are the men behind the Moya Ruiz Cigar company. For more information visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/moyaruizcigars
