“Smoked Up” No.16
This week’s “Smoked Up” is extremely light. I haven’t been fealing all that great this week. My tastebuds are off, so it was tough to enjoy a cigar. The latter part of last week was sort of hetctic at the abode with my daughter in and out of being sick, so I spent a lot of time with her. The weekend blew by me. I got to enjoy my only cigar on Saturday while listening to Kiss My Ash Radio. Then got to give the guys over on Stogie411 a hard time on their 2nd Anniversary Episode. That was a good time (as always) and I won a few swag items as well as everybody else who joined in in the chat room. So keep an eye out for thier live shows!
Then Sunday was going to be my review some cigars day. And that turned out nothing like I expected. Ended up helping my neighbor move and in the process she gave me 125 patio blocks. But, I had to get them out of her yard that day! That, moving who knows how many shovel loads of dirt and laying 80 of the stones to make a walk way all got the best of me. I was so sore and “stoved up” the next day at work, I left early and went home. I took some meds and passed smooth out til way past lunch. Today has not been much better, still fealing sore and a little under the weather; finding my taste buds are not right. So, it would not be fair to try and review anything today either…
But, thanks to my readers (the “NTA Nation”) for following and reading my posts. Without your support, NTA wouldn’t be around! Don’t forget, you are always encouraged to post a comment on your thoughts or views of the posts or cigars.
Cigar Views
Espinosa La Zona Conneticut Robusto: This is my 2012 Cigar of the Year and I am still liking it. Its odd that I mainly smoke more fuller bodied cigars, but this one I find myself smoking more in the morning or as my first smoke of the day at times. Good draw and burn with nice nutty and toasty flavors keeps me coming back to it. I had this one Saturday with a two cups of Cuban Coffee while listening to the Kiss My Ash Radio show where Erik and crew were on. Looking forward to trying the new Maduro line Espinosa is releasing this week!
MACANUDO SPONSORS UPCOMING SEASON OF “BIG BREAK†TELEVISION SERIES
Macanudo®, America’s best-selling premium cigar brand, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Golf Channel’s hit series Big Break. The reality competition’s 19th season, called Big Break Mexico, premieres on Monday, May 13 at 9 PM ET.
Alan Willner, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo said, “Whether on the course or at the 19th hole, bonding with friends through golf often includes the enjoyment of a fine cigar. Aligning Macanudo to Big Break, Golf Channel’s longest-running original series, brings this long-standing tradition of camaraderie to life in a breakthrough way. Our sponsorship of the show will drive tremendous awareness for our brand among millions of golfers, golf fans and the multitude of devoted Big Break viewers.â€
Produced in partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board and filmed at IBEROSTAR Playa Paraiso Golf and Spa Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Big Break Mexico will feature a cast of six men and six women in a mixed team format. They will compete in various golf-related skills challenges, with the ultimate winner receiving his or her “Big Break†– an exemption to compete either on the LPGA Tour at the 2013 Lorena Ochoa Invitational presented by Banamex and Jalisco or on the PGA TOUR at the 2013 OHL Classic at Mayakoba (both Nov. 14-17), plus cash and other prizes. For details about the cast, please visit www. www.golfchannel.com/tv/big-break-mexico.
“Big Break Mexico features PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour hopefuls competing for tremendous prizes and this wouldn’t be possible without without support from our partners, like Macanudo,” said Rob Caravello, Golf Channel vice president of Partnership Initiatives.
As a sponsor of Big Break Mexico, Macanudo will be featured prominently during the 11-week season. In addition to the luxurious Macanudo oceanfront lounge that will appear in several episodes, the brand will be incorporated into other elements of the show, including the skills challenges. Macanudo’s Facebookand Twitter feeds will be updated weekly with Big Break Mexico news following the May 13 season premiere.
About Golf Channel
As the fastest-growing network on television, Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. As part of the NBC Sports Group, professional golf coverage on NBC is branded “Golf Channel on NBC,†further extending the Golf Channel brand to NBC’s broadcast audiences. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by www.GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.
About Macanudo Cigars
Since their introduction in 1968, Macanudo cigars have been a favorite among premium cigar connoisseurs. The brand continues to be the best selling premium cigar brand in the U.S. and also sells in more than 90 countries worldwide. In addition to the base brand of Macanudo cigars, the brand also features these collections: Macanudo Maduro, Macanudo Robust, Macanudo Gold Label, Macanudo Vintage, Macanudo Cru Royale and Macanudo 1968.
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About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo, Cohiba®, Partagas®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.
® Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur, and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Company.
“Smoked Up” No.15
Another week has crept passed us, which means another issue of “Smoked Up”. This week’s issue is late due to some typical “Spring Cleaning” and unexpected truck mechanical issues… Like usual, I had a variety of cigars when I did get time to sit down for a smoke. From light and mild to bold and powerful. I didn’t get a chance to do a full review this week, but hoping to get two in this weekend.
I also went to a Studio Tobac event at The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS this past Saturday. Even though they aren’t giving away a Corvette this year, it still was a good time. Had Matt Schulte rolling some cigars, deals on Oliva cigars and a semi-new MS brewery “Lucky Town” had two beers on tap for us all to try. Overall a fun time and worth a stop if the Studio Tobac tour comes to a shop near you.
Cigar Views:
East India Trading Company (Gurkha) Red Witch Robusto: Another new “oval” pressed cigar hits the shelves. The shape is still something to get used to. Had a great draw, burn & produced a good amount of smoke. Nice leathery earthy flavors filled my pallate. There was a slight hint of a pepper & sweet tone here & there as well. A ways into it, I got some subtle coffee notes as well. Not too my Gurkhas I really care for, but this one is a pretty good smoke and worth a try for sure.
Alec Bradley American Blend Sun Grown Toro: This cigar’s wrapper smelled like total barnyard! Started off with a musty type of wood flavor that wasn’t all that great to be honest. But, it slowly turned into a decent smoke. Had medium strengthed flavors of musty earth then had some sweet flavors (similar to a marshmallow). The last portion had a note of leather as well. Had a decent draw, burn & produced a good amount of smoke. This cigar tasted more like a maduro, to me, than a Sun Grown. It wasn’t my favorite Sun Grown cigar, nor the worst. I will pick the Connecticut in this blend anyday though.
Espinosa Drops the F-Bomb!
Espinosa Cigars (the maker of my Cigar of the Year) announced they are dropping the F-Bomb! No, not THAT F-Bomb, a new size to their La Bomba line of cigars. The F-Bomb is a massive 7×70 size that has been added to their already popular “La Bomba” line.
http://www.espinosacigars.com/
ESPINOSA PREMIUM CIGARS ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF ESPINOSA MADURO
Hialeah Gardens, Florida (April 9, 2013) – Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announce the release of the long anticipated Espinosa Maduro. Coming off last year’s successful debut of the medium bodied Espinosa Habano, the Espinosa Maduro will be wrapped in a beautiful, smoothly textured, dark chocolate Mexican Maduro wrapper. Within this triple capped cigar lies a premium blend of tobaccos that have been combined to form a rich cocoa, cedar, pepper and spice base. This medium-full bodied cigar is the perfect combination of Erik Espinosa’s signature strength notes and the La Zona factory’s reputation for flavor.
The Espinosa Maduro is made in Espinosa’s La Zona factory in Esteli, Nicaragua and will come in 4 different vitolas: Robusto Box-Pressed (5×52), Belicoso Box-Pressed (5-1/2×52), Corona Gorda (5-5/8 x46), and Toro Box-Pressed (6-x52). All four sizes will be offered in boxes of 20. The Espinosa Maduro is set to be released at the end of April 2013.
“Smoked Up” No.14
Once again, I am bringing you some views and news from my week in cigars. Had a very eventful week and especially the weekend. Saturday, me and a group of guys had a party at El Puros Perfecto (Ocean Springs, MS) for a good friend who is expecting a baby girl soon. Many thanks to the guys who showed up and for the shop guys for putting up with our shenanigans. Many cigars, food, and adult beverages were consumed that night! I also remembered the day after, why I wrote off dry Gin….
Then the next day, I had a bbq and smoke out (herf)Â at my house with a handful of friends and family. I smoked some four racks of baby back ribs, drank a few beers, smoked a few cigars and overall, we all had a pretty good time shooting the bull.
It seems like I am getting into more of a rotation with my cigars. I still try and smoke some new ones, just to see whats up and comming. But, I am finding myself smoking more medium to full bodied cigars or more fuller ones. Im enjoying the flavors a lot more than the power now as a result of that. But anyhow….
Cigar Views
Viaje Exclusivo Robusto: This is one of the first released of the semi-rare robusto size. I had forgotten I had these & was delighted to find them deep in the bottom of my humidor. I paired it with some Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon. Four Roses SB has become one of my favourite bourbons, good drink and a decent price (@$50). I wasnt paying much attention to the flavors, but did get some smokey/charred wood that paired well with the Bourbon. The draw was great, the burn was so-so. But overall a great smoke! It goes to show you, if you can wait a bit of time to let a Viaje rest, it will be an even better smoke later on.
Against All Odds, Nomad Wins Cigar March Madness.
April 8, 2013 – In what became a true Cinderella story, new boutique cigar company Nomad won the Cigar March Madness event this year!
The event started with 64 cigar companies/brands in an all out daily voting by cigar smokers and retailers to see who would move to the next round.
During Nomad’s climb to claim the title, Nomad faced such cigars as Brickhouse, L’atelier Lat 52, Liga Privada #9, and Joya de Nicaragua CyB.
“It was a close race. I am told we often only won by a couple votes,†said Fred Rewey, founder of Nomad Cigar Company.
Rewey had mixed feelings once he made the final four.
“On one hand, I was thrilled at the popularity of the cigar. I mean we just started [Nomad] last year and the response has been overwhelming. The Final Four voting was between me and Jose Blanco to see who would advance. Frankly it was hard to root for myself. I have so much respect for Jose that I really didn’t want to win†said Rewey.
Nomad Cigar Company has been growing quickly since its premier in late 2012. Rewey is expected to make an announcement in the next week about expanding the line and releasing his first Nicaraguan cigar.
The event was sponsored by thecasualcigar.com and was a big success for everyone who participated.
For a view of the entire completed bracket, winners and losers, click here.
Drew Estate Unveils “Kentucky Fire Cured†line extension to My Uzi Weighs a Ton brand of cigars
Miami, FL – Drew Estate Inc. announced today the impending release of Kentucky Fire Cured Cigars,an extension to the MUWAT brand also to be produced at the Joya de Nicaragua factory. Indevelopment for over 2.5 years, this extension to the MUWAT line of premium cigars was inspiredduring a trip to the Dominican Republic where Jonathan Drew and Steve Saka were visiting theUniversal Leaf tobacco pre-industry facility.“
I remember it as if it were yesterday†states JD. “Fritz Bossert (President of Universal Leaf), SteveSaka and I were smoking Liga Privada T52s in the fermentation area when I noticed a pilon of KentuckyFired Cured tobacco. We took the wrapper off the T52 and placed a thick Kentucky Fire Cured leaf in itsplace. The taste and aroma were simply amazing, but there was just one huge problem – the cigar wouldnot burn properly, and is one of the reasons of the lengthy process it took to get ‘KFC’ to market.â€
“Smoked Up” No.13
Another week down, another issue of “Smoked Up”. This week has been pretty good, spring is upon us and the weather is nicer. The better weather means more smoking time and longer smoke breaks for me. I see myself grabbing larger ring gauged or longer lengthed cigars as the weather gets nicer. Once it gets uber hot here, that will change, unless I can get my hammock up in the shade this year!
Cigar Views:
Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ “Lil Robusto”: Thicker than average draw, excellent burn & a long nice tight ash. Decent amount of kickoff spice that then mellows off around half way. Then a nice mellowed wood flavor takes place with a hint of some vanilla in the background. Retrohale had a nice peppery type of spice and had a slight sweetness left on the pallate. One of my favorite DPGs. Some good woodiness with an amout of spice thats not overpowering to the taste. All the proceeds from this cigar go towards SIDS research. #jj4jj
Sam Leccia Shows Off Some Goods
Today, Sam Leccia (former Oliva Cigar Company and creater of such things as the Nub & CAIN Cigar) started a new FaceBook page entitled “Leccia Tobacco”. It looks to me, there are two websites for Lecia Tobacco out there. One website http://samlecciacigarco.com/news.htm has not been updated since 2011. The other site, samleccia.com just has “Comming Soon”. So, the new FaceBook page  seems to be a new outlook of what’s to come from Leccia Tobacco. I, personally, am looking forward to seeing what Sam comes up with. Either new sizes, shapes, blends etc… I am sure they will be something worth trying.
A few new items posted on the FaceBook page were:
An iPhone 5 Case by Mimeocase
A metal travel humidor:
And two looks at upcoming cigar boxes with “Black White” on them.
Like Leccia Tobacco on FaceBook
