E.P Carrillo Elencos Series
Today I’m firing up the Elencos Series from E.P. Carrillo. I first smoked this cigar about one and a half months ago, and since then I’ve smoked well over ten of these cigars. Because of local availability I’m smoking the Don Rubino for this review, which is a slightly elongated robusto. This cigar is available in two other sizes and I’ve listed them below.
The cigar features a three country blend of tobacco and was rolled in the Tabacalera La Alianza S.A., Dominican Republic.
Name: Elencos Series
Company: E.P. Carrillo
Wrapper: Brazil
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $9.50/stick
Comes in: Box of 20
Vitola: Don Rubino (5 1/4″ x 50)
Unfortunately it’s been a hectic week so I wasn’t able to put together my usual write-up. So if you want my complete review of the Elencos Series you’ll have to watch the video. I will however to you that I highly recommend this full-bodied flavor bomb. It’s one of the best cigars I’ve smoked so far this year.
Tatuaje 7th Capa Especial
Last year, Tatuaje Cigars introduced two new cigars to their Brown label called the 7th and 7th Reserva. Both were of the grand corona/corona gorda size (my fav) but different wrappers. The 7th uses the standard Habano Ecuador wrapper and the 7th Reserva uses the Connecticut Broadleaf. The Capa Especial uses a Sumatra wrapper like the Boris. The Boris was good out of the box to many, but aged really well and became even more spectacular. So, how did the 7th Capa Especial fare? Watch the video and find out.
Press Release: Scarface Special Limited Edition Blu-ray to be released with Limited Edition Scarface Humidor by Daniel Marshall
SCARFACE
Special Limited Edition Blu-Ray TM Kicks-Off with a National Fan Art Contest & Will Feature Collectible Packaging, New Bonus Content and Digital Copy
Plus the Ultimate Fan Gift: A Limited-Run Scarface-Themed Humidor Specially Crafted by the Renowned Daniel Marshall
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Sublimes
Today I’m smoking a cigar that until recently wasn’t sold outside of South Florida. The Sublimes has been in production since 2004, and only recently is in national distribution. These cigars are rolled in Little Havana, FL and feature a blend of Nicaraguan and Ecuadorian tobacco. For this review I smoked the Double Robusto, but this cigar is available in four other sizes:
Name: Sublimes
Company: Sublimes Cigars
Wrapper: Habano Ecuadorian Rosado
Binder: Habano Nicaraguan
Filler: Habano Nicaraguan
Price: $7.60/stick
Comes in: Box of 30
Vitola: Double Robusto (5 3/4″ x 54)
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Macanudo Cru Royale Toro
Last year, during IPCPR in New Orleans, General Cigars released a new line in the Macanudo house. Named Cru Royale (Royal Vintage), it was blended by the famous master blender Benji Menendez. Its a departure from the traditional Macanudo lines much like the 1968. Its a medium bodied smoke with rich, full flavor. I had a few while at the show, but my palate was decimated from all the cigars I smoked at the show, I wasn’t really able to dissect it much. I remembered it was good, but not much else. Luckily, I was sent samples from General Cigars to review. I’m not a fan of the Macanudo line except the 1968, so I was still a bit skeptical about the cigar. Helping me review again is my friend, Shawn (thebayratt) to give you another view of the cigar. So how did the new Macanudo fair? Watch the video and find out.
PS – There is a contest in the review to win a fiver of these cigars.
Jose Blanco Leaving La Aurora
As most of you know, I was invited to a factory tour and blending seminar at the La Aurora factory in the Dominican Republic. The blending seminar was hosted by Jose Blanco in which I learned a GREAT deal of information. We learned today that Jose is retiring from La Aurora at the young age of 61. I consider myself lucky to have finally met him in person and had him share some of his knowledge with me.
Jose, we at Nice Tight Ash, wish you all the best in your retirement and any future endeavors.
Berger & Argenti Mooch Maduro
Last November I reviewed the Berger & Argenti Mooch which I thought was a great mild cigar that fell into a great price point. Now the Maduro version has been released, and I was anxious to get my hands on these.
Name: Mooch Maduro
Company: Berger & Argenti
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
Binder: Jalapa, Nicaragua
Filler: Esteli, Nicaragua
Price: $4.90/stick
Comes in: Box of 24
Vitola: Minnie (4 3/4″ x 42)
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Zino Platinum Z Class
I’ve been a big fan of the Zino Platinum series since I was first introduced to them a few years ago. Although mild, I find their flavor profile quite enjoyable and even the Barrel size has a little ligero in it to give it some extra kick. The only downside, and its a big one, is the large price tag, especially the Crown series like the Barrel. Enter the new Z Class. This new line in the Zino Platinum house gives the cigar connaiseur smoking more affordable, yet retain that Zino Platinum quality. Not only that, but at a very reasonable price tag to boot. They are available in 4 sizes:
- 643C – Corona
- 550R – Robusto
- 546P – Pyramid
- 654T – Toro
Retail prices range from $8-$12. This week, I have my friend Shawn reviewing with me. I’m smoking the 546P and he is smoking the 643C. We are reviewing in the lounge area at The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS. Thanks to Paul, Craig and Mike for the hospitality!
Press Release: CIGAR SNOB MAGAZINE TO EXPAND WITH LOCAL EDITION
CIGAR SNOB MAGAZINE TO EXPAND WITH LOCAL EDITION
More coverage of top cigar stores and lounges across the country
MIAMI, FL, June 9, 2011 – Starting with the July/August 2011 issue of Cigar Snob Magazine, the local edition that was previously only available to Florida subscribers and retailers will be going national.
The new supplement will have coverage of nationally relevant cigar events including product launches, grand openings, and major multi-vendor events. In addition, the local edition will contain editorial content pertinent to brick and mortar retailers. It will feature top cigar stores and lounges from all over the country, and will give cigar enthusiasts a guide to the best stores around the country.
Overseeing the new supplement will be Patrick Lagreid, who has been hired as the Local Edition Editor. Lagreid is currently the National Cigar Examiner for Examiner.com, as well as the Phoenix Cigar Examiner. In his columns, he reviews cigars and covers industry news and legislation updates, provides coverage of local events, and interviews people in the cigar industry.
“I’m pleased to announce the hiring of Patrick Lagreid to oversee this exciting supplement that I know will add value to the magazine and be of benefit to our readers at both the retail and consumer level,†said Erik Calviño, Cigar Snob’s publisher and editor.
Lagreid added that, “I’m extremely excited to join Erik Calviño and the Cigar Snob team as we add a whole new level of value to an already great magazine. There are so many outstanding retailers across the country, and through this new supplement, I look forward to showcasing them, their stores, and the positive impact they are having on their customers and communities.â€
While work has already begun on the contents of the initial edition of the new supplement, Calviño and Lagreid will be meeting with manufacturers and retailers at the upcoming International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers trade show and conference in Las Vegas in mid-July. Cigar Snob will have a booth at the show, and invites all attendees to stop by and learn more about this new project.
A. Fuente Cuban Belicoso
In early May I purchased a box of Fuente Cuban Belicosos while at at a Fuente event at my local Tinder Box. In the month since then I’ve just about smoked through the entire box… needless to say it’s become and regular in my rotation. Watch the video or read my review to find out what I think… as if it’s hard to tell from the introduction.
Name: Fuente Sungrown
Company: A. Fuente
Made in: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republi
Price: $5.90/stick
Comes in: Box of 24
Vitola: Cuban Belicoso (5 3/4″ x 52)
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