A Nice Day Off

If you have been reading the blog you know that it all started on the golfcourse. Yesterday was a very nice day with a 7:45 tee time at Timicuan golf course. Timicuan is usually out of my price range so it was my first time, thank you dealcaddyGolfnow.com . But this is a cigar blog so on to the smokes. At the turn I lit myself an Undercrown, and offered that or a Perdomo 10th anniversary to Old carguy.  Since he has had several different Perdomo's from me he decided to try the Undercrown.

 I love waiting for the reaction from Old Carguy because he has been smoking cigars for a long time. Like everyone I have ever introduced to this cigar, He is blown away. It amazes me sometimes when I talk to some of the smokers who have been at it awhile, they are so entrenched into limited brands, and have not tried any of the new stuff. Old carguy smokes the Romeo and Juliet reserva and it is a nice cigar. I just feel for the price and a similar experience I can enjoy a Perdomo Lot 23 at about half the cost and in my opinion a more flavorful cigar.  We both smoke the Undercrowns  down to the nub. I really like the Undercrown in fact it might be my #1 favorite at this time.

After lunch and a good cleaning of the back porch, that is filled with Pollen, I am taking a break. I know I have no plans to go anywhere until dinner so I go into the #1 Humidor and pull out an afternoon cigar. #1 Humidor is my special humidor that has some of the highest rated cigars over the last 2 years. Today's selection is the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor.   What a beautiful cigar. I have picked this cigar at least 10 times but always put it down because I wanted to make sure it got the attention it deserved. I love the colorful band, the tightness of the cigar, the spicy cold draw. I get Mi Amor lit and spices just come shooting through the cigar. I am a little worried with the tightness that I am going to have a problem with the draw. Nope this thing fills my mouth and nose with plenty of flavorful smoke. The first third of Mi Amor is a pepper bomb and if you are brand new to cigars then you better be ready. The spices flowing in my mouth and nose are an indication this is going to be a full flavored cigar. The pepper keeps going throughout the whole first third. Most cigars after your third or forth puff the pepper is gone. Well I feel that the pepper is there right to the maximum time before it is too much. Nicely done. As you enter the second third, the cigar smooths out and just sends all kinds of smooth flavors to my palate. I'm sure if I knew my flavors better I could try and break them down for you, but my point is they are delicious.  As you ennter the final third I am slipping up the band as far as I can go while still leaving it on. But I am still really enjoying the leathery, creamy, Mi Amor too much to put it down so  I take off the band and smoke it to the point it finally gets bitter and put it down.

La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor is a very nice cigar with a spicy, then creamy smoke. Still no numbers. Would I buy a box? No, but I would like to know I have 2 or 3 resting in my boxes, so when I am in the mood for a pepper bomb at the start and good leathery creamy later on I got one. The Mi Amor  is a good cigar with many different feelings and flavors. If you don't like the strong peppery beginning it is probably not for you, but if you do pick one up and let me know what you think.

Later that night I took the ladies to dinner at our local Outback, for 14.99 for Lobster tail and a 6 ounce steak, how could I go wrong. I didn't it was very good and we are sitting at the bar so we don't have to wait. Nice meal and great conversation about our daughters day, she's interning to be a teacher. OK this is a cigar blog so after watching a TV show with the Girls I head for the porch. I am back to Humidor #1 and about to pick up something I haven't already tried, when the CAO OSA Sol 50 jumps out at me. I know I have written about this one before in fact it was one of my first cigars when all this started so it has been at rest for a full 2 months. The bad news is that it was my last one in any of the humidors. That means another trip to my B&M, because this cigar is so good, and even better after some time at rest.

The Newbie

It Was a Quiet Evening

It was a quiet evening on the home front, nothing on TV, and as I started to get some things together  the wife says "going on the porch", That's just where I was headed. It is a nice night in the Central Florida area. I had grabbed an AF-2 earlier in the day but after the day I had I think I just wanted something a little simpler. I grabbed a Ghurka Royal Challenge, the wife checked out the wrapper and thought it was cool. I then showed her some rough spots, had a vein sort of popping out and I was a little worried about the burn.

I get out to the porch did my little before light ritual and I am not overly impressed, I am getting a little hay off the foot, the head nothing, cold draw nothing. Oh boy have I made a mistake? I shrugged my shoulders and did my "whatever". I light it up and I get a nice small little pepper start and a creamy feeling. OK now I am interested. This was a very smooth, nothing over the top creamy smoke. lots of little hints of flavors beckoning me to figure them out. I was getting lots of smoke without too much effort. A very nice cool burn and a nice tight ash. I had been worried about the burn because of the one bad section, but I gotta say this cigar burned as nicely as any cigar I have ever smoked. The middle third of the Royal Challenge was just what I had wanted tonight, nothing to knock me over, just a smooth relaxing smoke. At about the 2 inch mark left, it started to get bitter so I put it down, we were both  done.

The question is always, would I buy a box? I would seriously consider it, but a 5 pack is already on my shopping list these are that good. If you remember my first Ghurka experience was not very good, in fact of all the smokes I have had, I would say the Ancient warrior was the worst. Well Ghurka you made it up to me with this one. I have to thank Victor Vitale because on a night with him, picking  cigars outside of his brands, he told me to pick that one up. I am glad I did.

Want a light smooth easy smoke, pick up a Ghurka Royal Challenge

The Newbie

The Madness Continues But I am Having Fun

As I have written earlier on I mentioned I am crazy, maybe obsessed is a better word. I have been on a quest to find cigars that I would like, and maybe share what I know or don't know about them. My original quest is to find a group of cigars that I like and would gladly give someone else, and tell them that it is a good cigar. I feel like I am getting there. In today's world I have been lucky because there are many people that smoke and evaluate cigars, and then tell us they are good and have all these wonderful flavors. I will agree that there are flavors but man I don't taste some of the nuts and berries these guys are talking about. I have been working on my retrohale and expand what I am tasting and what flavors are there for me. I feel I am developing a good feel for what I like. I think my tastes tend to run from the medium to full bodied smokes over the mild ones. It's kind of funny because when talking to the experts they find that the beginners tend to lean toward the light to medium cigars. Most of the milder cigars I have tried just don't excite my particular senses. Several cigars I have tried might as well have been a Garcia Vega or White owl of my youth. I don't want to spend my money or for that matter have you spend your money on those when there are some really good cigars for less than $10 and I mean really good.  What I will try to talk about today is a list of cigars that I have tried and what I feel about them. I'm not going to necessarily evaluate as much as what I like or don't like and why. I will probably have to break them down into 3 categories absolutely yes, absolutely no, and I will get back to you or say maybe we should get together and share the experience and talk it out.

Here is an example of a cigar that I did not like at all, but because of it's ratings I might give it another try. The Arturo Fuente Hemingway short story. I found this to be a bitter biting cigar throughout the smoke. when I have told my story to several experts in the field they are surprised. This is why I will give this cigar another try.

Now I have tried 5 different Rock Patel's and not one of them will ever be in my humidor again. I will someday when I have space talk to some people that I respect and have them point me to one I might like. Please answer me this why are the Patel's so popular?

CAO CX2 another cigar I would never spend money on again, but the CAO OSO SOL lot 50 is very tasty and I have one resting now for 2 months and letting it rest at least another month before I have another one. Not sure about any other CAO products at this time. If you know of something you like let me know and I will give it a whirl.

My favorite $5 or less brand because I can always find a deal is the Perdomo's. I can usually by these on the cigar auctioneer or monster both part of the Famous smoke shop in Pa. for around $3 per stick.
Favorite   Lot 23  tasty, smooth, buttery, with lots of flavor throughout the cigar.
The Habano is good but again the 23 is better, and the 10th anniversay's are also a good smoke.

Hammer and sickle has 3 cigars and I would recommend the Berlin wall to anyone, a very good smooth tasty cigar that is very enjoyable. The hammer and sickle is their lighter version and I liked it ok but just not as flavorful as the Berlin wall, and the Moscow city was good, but loaded with pepper especially early on and I'm not sure a true novice would enjoy it as much as the Berlin wall. I did go back to the store and got more of the wall's especially when I found out they were limited supply.

My golfing partner is enjoying my trip because I keep bringing cigars to enjoy while we play. Well he returned the favor and introduced the Romeo n Juliet Reserva to me. It was a nice cigar on the lighter side but still good but I'm not going out to buy some more.

I had a cigar from Drew estates that was in that old time grandpa cigar type of flavors and was not turned on at all the Joya De Nicaragua cabineta serie. I did like the Antano 1970 though. From the same family Drew estates has put together one of my top 5 cigars The Undercrown, all I can tell you is delicious. I have about 3-4 more from Drew estates in my boxes to try.

There was a lot of hype about the Cro-magnon Knuckle dragger and I took the leap and bought an 8 pack because they were sold out of all other combinations. I sent 3 to the Aficionado and we both liked them. I will say the second one I smoked after only 1 month in the humidor was delightfully better than the first one, and that one was good.


The Oliva serie V I thought was a nice cigar and I did buy 5 more and they are resting nicely. I also have a serie G in the box but some not so good reviews are making me wait.


The Cain F 550 I absolutely love, but the daytona is ok. I have 3 others I still haven't gotten to.

The EP Carillo short run is a wonderful cigar very tasty but like it's name is a limited series. The New Wave is good but in my opinion the short run is enough better that I would buy more of those before the new wave.

I had my first Grimalkin yesterday and I will do a full report on that after I have another one but my first impressions were very good. I also have the AF-1 and AF-2 to try.

The San Lotano line from AJ Fernadez I truly like all 4 cigars and am torn as to which one I like best thank goodness I have at least 10 ovals and 3 each of the others to enjoy at my leisure. I would gladly recommend any one of these to novice or experienced smokers alike.

Obsessed? Probably humidor #4 with all the cigars still in the wrapper for long term storage has:
2 Berlin Walls, 1 Ancient warrior, 1 Corona  cigar package throw in, 1 Antano dark Corojo, 3 San Lotano Habano, 3 San Lotano Maduro, 1 1962 ortsac toro gordo, and my Uzi weighs a ton. That is the bottom row. Row 2 4 Undercrowns, 2 EP Carillo new wave, 1 Tabak especial, 1 natural Dirt, 1 Knuckle Dragger, 4 AF-1's. row 3 4 AF-2, 3 grimalkin, 7 Champagne tenth anniversary Perdomo..

Thats 40 cigars

Humidor 1 still has top notch cigars only and there are 14 in that one.

humidor #3 is overflow from #1 and 14 in this one too.

and humidor # 2 has some long term resters like the opus X lost city, and the Davidoff anniversary #3 that's $53 worth of cigars by themselves and there are 43 more packed in with them including
4 Padron 1964 aniversary,

That's a total of 113 cigars plus 11 still in the box of San Lotano ovals.The only thing I am looking for at this point is the time to sit back and enjoy them, maybe I should get out of the Car business.

The Newbie

The Padron 1964 anniversary

My first try with the Padron 1964 anniversary was less than successful, but it was not the cigars fault. Tonight I got home from getting up at 5 in the morning to go to a training course in Jacksonville. I was tired but really in the mood for a slow relaxing cigar. I pulled out  my humidors, I am now up to 4. I have 2 small ones that hold about 15 cigars each, and 2 that hold up to 50.

 One of the small ones has my must try cigars in it and they are unwrapped and resting at a perfect 70rh and 72 degrees. This was my first humidor and by far my favorite, it is rock steady, constant perfection.


After some reflection I decided tonight was the night for a 64. I grabbed my kindle, cutter, torch, and ashtray and headed for the porch. Our curious kitten of 14 weeks came out with me and we proceeded to relax in perfect 72 degree slight breeze here in Central Florida. I have sniffed this cigar, smelled the foot, and cut the head. the cold draw was perfect a hint of spice,  mixture of cocoa, and tobacco. The light was even and the draw was perfect. The first few puffs were peppery but smooth at the same time. Then the cigar just smoothed out and was absolutely exquisite and just what I needed after a long day. I enjoyed the cool draw this cigar produced and the long ash was perfectly even all the way to the end. The first ash I knocked off at the halfway point so I wouldn't end up wearing it. The 64 was flavorful through the first 2/3 and in the final 1/3 the spice picked up again and then ended in nice sweet note. I haven't started putting numbers on my cigars yet but have evaluated them by would I buy  more. The answer is a resounding yes and has worked it's way to my top five. I have 4 more of these in my boxes so I don't need to run out and get any today, but I will always have at least one available.

On another note I have bugged Gary Griffith the cigar maker for Emilio cigars to get a retail outlet here in Central Florida, but none yet. No problem I broke down and got 5 of each the AF-1, AF-2, The Grimalkin from the really great guys at Buckhead cigar. The order came in tonight so I know there will be one of these in the near future.


The Newbie

Drew Estates event at the Cigar Lounge Oviedo FL

As The Newbie I have been very limited by my Cigar shopping experiences. Last night I went to a small relaxing comfortable establishment in Oviedo Fl. This is about a half hour from the house and a little out of the way, but I had a good reason to go there. Drew Estates was there and the Florida rep Jason was very nice, informative and helpful not only to me but to everyone who came in. I did butt in several times being the expert that I am point several people to the Undercrown. The Undercrown is one of my favorite cigars, which is why I went, I was down to 1 left anyway.

 Jason had many other cigars there to try and experiment with so he got me to try the Antano 1970 to start with. This was a very nice cigar with leaning towards the full body. I enjoyed this cigar with a mellow German Hefeweizen. I would say it probably called for a little bolder beer, but I still wasn't complaining. The Antano is  a Nicaragua Cigar completely, Wrapper, binder and fillers. Now when I am at a show I try the cigars, but I don't evaluate them because I am talking,  smoking and joking, and there just to have a good time gaining knowledge from the Experts in the business.  Jason was very engaging and shared a lot of information with me and even got me to try things not in my scope.

 Different cigars that have been added to try include the Antano dark Corojo, The Acid Dirt, the Tabek Negra, the 1970, and a Ct wrapped lighter cigar that due to my age and where I am I can't remember the name, And My Uzi is a gun. i forgot to see if he had any Liga Pravada T52. Jason If you see this when you come to Heathrow don't forget to have one of those for me ...

 There was a nice array of cigars to choose and look over. A little about the Cigar Lounge in Oviedo It is a very comfortable relaxing atmosphere in a little whole in the wall location. the walk in Humidor is well stocked, but limited. The people are nice and inviting,making it a nice place to smoke a stogie, have a libation and watch sports after all it is March Madness. I will be back.

I of course had to have an undercrown and I turned several people on to them that were truly overwhelmed at how good they are. Anyway another fun event had a chance to talk to other cigar enthusiast and fun and very well versed Rep
.





The Newbie

The Aficionado and a celibratory cigar

My boss was over a few nights ago, and to celebrate a major promotion he received I went to the bottom tray of my humidor where I keep the real rare reserve cigars that I want to let age. I do that because I have to lift off two layers of trays as well as taking out the oasis humidifier, and it is such a pain that I tend to leave them alone unless it is a very special occasion.

For my boss, a very rare Lost City Forbidden X, an exquisite cigar 
created by the Fuentes.  These cigars were only produced in a very limited run, because the tobacco was grown, out of season, so that Andy Garcia could film a scene for the movie Lost City, a story about the exodus of Cuban tobacco farmers after the Castro takeover, and subsequent nationalization of their farms.

Mr. Garcia was superb in For Love of Country, the story of the defection of Arturo Sandoval who is an extraordinary musician, both are films worth checking out if you haven’t seen them. Both men are friends with the Fuentes and enthusiastic cigar aficionados in their own right.

For myself I selected one of my last four 2004 God of Fire Piramides. 

This was the first release year for the God of Fire line, and each cigar was individually boxed. The 2004 release was only part of a humidor set, the only way to get individual cigars was to find a dealer that bought one and broke it up. In later years Prometheus released individual boxes, but even then it would be two years before the Piramides was re-released.

After aging an additional seven plus years, the cigar was nothing short of amazing. It had a creamy, rich flavor that had no bite at all, just a smooth silky texture on the tongue. God of Fires are a robust cigar, and not for the inexperienced, but I have rarely found a cigar that was richer and more pleasant to smoke.

This cigar however transcended even the best that I had experienced. The complex flavors had mellowed and mixed to create something that may have been perfection. It was so good, that I have been tempted to grab another, however I will wait for them to age even more before having another. 

The Aficionado

 

E P Carillo short run

This was my second Short  Run in a week and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The first one was a second cigar of the evening after a Berlin wall. I knew at that time that this was a very nice cigar but I felt it was necessary to try this one on it's own. I knew tonight I had the night off and so I planned out the time to just sit on the porch read the newest Baldacci book on my kindle and enjoy the Short run. I wanted to match it up with a nice sweet bourbon, the Palm Ridge Reserve, a micro brew from here in Florida. I will tell you these two were made for each other. The Short run is a smooth buttery medium smoke that delivers flavor at every portion of the cigar,and the Palm ridge is a deliciously smooth sweet bourbon. I normally drink Makers mark but I felt the sweet smoothness of the Palm Ridge would be a better match and it was. I find that the Short run has a consistent flavor throughout the cigar but never really changes and doesn't surprise you with a different flavor or sensation that some other cigars I have tried do well. Now this isn't a bad thing if I am looking for a cigar that is smooth and creamy from the light to the nub I left in the ashtray, then the Short run is the one I want. This was not a complex cigar and I would gladly give someone one to try and from Newbie to Aficionado all would agree this cigar is a winner.

Ok as you know I don't put numbers on the cigars I smoke, because I don't know what I am talking about, am just learning what is good, or what I like. I got some great feedback from a true expert Victor Vitale who is the maker of cigars across 7 different brands. First off he liked my palate and agreed with lots of the evaluations I had given him on cigars I had tried. He told me to stay true to what I am feeling because my Palate was very good especially for such a novice. So back to the Short run would I buy a box probably not but a 5 pack if I had room and got a good enough deal yes I would. If you are looking for a cigar that is an easy,comfortable smooth smoke then you won't go wrong with the  EP Carillo Short run,

The Newbie  

Busy week at work so no time to relax and evaluate.

I have been really busy at work and that's a good thing. I am an automobile salesman and have been with the same brand since 1990 I have seen ups and downs in this business many times. Right now we are in an exceptional upswing, Now I sell VW's and they have increased business almost 45% for the year over last which was up from the year before, so that may be part of it but our used business is through the roof too. I haven't had the time to sit down relax and just enjoy a cigar, I however have snuck them in between closing and home, or early evening whenever I can.

Yesterday I put 3 cigars in my travel humidor and due to time constraints I smoked the Knuckle Dragger from CroMagnon. When these cigars came in I had to smoke one right away and I enjoyed it and reviewed it while barbecuing.

 I have to say after 7 weeks of rest this cigar was so much better than the first one. The original spice mellowed over time and though it was  still there it was smoother and more enjoyable. I have sent several of these to the Aficionado so I will try to put him on one and maybe have him give me his feeling. My biggest problem with these are I have to ration them because they are pretty much sold out until August and I only have 3 left.

The Aficionado's take on the Knuckle Dragger 

As for the Knuckle Dragger, I had one last night and it was very good. Very nice appearance, dark, oily wrapper with an excellent feel and smell.

I was initially concerned when I clipped the top (I use a cross V cut creating an X) that the cigar was wrapped too tightly, and I would have issues with keeping it lit and getting a good draw, but as soon as I lit it I was very pleasantly surprised. It was a dense draw, but delivered a satisfying amount of smoke.

The burn was perfectly even and much slower than expected due to the density, and the initial draw was very smooth, with a tiny hint of a bite. Perhaps it’s only drawback was its size. Being as short as it was, I found that the smoke tended to blow back a bit more than I cared for especially as I got down past the last third. Unfortunately, even the best smoke will make my eyes water. That being said, it was a very nice flavorful cigar which had an aromatic taste, creamy complexity and occasional peppery bites.

I would definitely add these to my humidor, and am very curious about what a 6 to 12 months of aging would do for them. I plan to pop one away to find out.

Monday night I had the opportunity to try my 1st Padron 1964 Anniversary. I had just received these from my bargain on cigar auctioneer I got Padron 1964 Anniversary Natural Monarca 5 Pack for $34
Thought I did pretty good. I was very interested in this cigar and since I had seven of them 2 from earlier purchases and these I figured give them a try. I had been with 2 extremely knowledgeable cigar Aficionados last Thursday and Friday and when going through the store and picking cigars they pointed the 1964's out I told them I had them already. Brian wanted to know what I thought and I told him I was letting them rest and wanted to smoke one in a relaxed slow atmosphere. Brian said that this cigar is one that you don't need to let it rest because Padron  has already let it rest for 4 years before they are boxed and shipped. Well the good part was I enjoyed the cut, the original smelling of the cigar, the foot was enticing, the cold draw was tasty, and I was excited to light it. I had my torch so I made a good clean light took my original first puffs. As I got going in to the first third of this cigar I was tasting and sampling the flavors and trying to nail down what I was getting, when of course I got a call from a customer and I had to go back to work. I cut the cigar about an inch behind the original light and tried to salvage my smoke to have later. Staying with the good part I sold the car to put food on the table and cigars in the box. The bad I relit the cigar later and it just didn't have the same feeling or taste.I am not going to evaluate it because that would not be fair and I have a reason to smoke another one, I am a the glass is half full kind of guy.

Sunday I played golf we had some rain so I delayed lighting my San Lotano Connecticut til the back nine and finished it on the 17th green. I only have one thing to say, these are great cigars, and right now,   and please remember I am
"the newbie", and still have lots of cigars to try, but these are in my top 5 for sure.

I might have some down time tonight to try a different cigar the problem I have is which one do I try I have so many I haven't smoked yet

Hammer and Sickle Moscow city, Alex Bradley Prensado,Crowned head four kicks, Ghurka Royal challenge,Cain nub 464, Laflor  Dominicano colorado Oscuro, La Aroma Mi Amor,Oliva Masters blend, Tatuaje Reserva, and 7th cape especial......

Anyone want to help me choose?

The Newbie   

The Hammer and Sickle event at Corona Cigar Company

If you have never had the opportunity to talk to a cigar maker, do yourself a favor go to an event and say Hi. I have now been to 2 events and in both case I had the opportunity to speak with the people who run the companies. I spent several hours over 2 days conversing with Victor Vitale. We talked about a lot of different things but mostly cigars. This was a Hammer and Sickle event and Victor blends 3 cigars to go with the Hammer and Sickle Vodka label. The unique part of the Hammer and Sickle brand is the packaging.

The Hammer and Sickle comes in 4 sizes the Churchill, the Toro, the Robusto and the Torpedo. They are wrapped in a Dominican premium wrapper that has been aged 5 years with a Dominican binder and filler. The Hammer and Sickle is a very nice cigar, it has a smooth and creamy flavor throughout the cigar with an interesting complexity of flavors, which is hard to imagine with a mild to medium background. I liked the Hammer and Sickle it was a nice cigar but it was too mild for my tastes. Even though I am a newbie my tastes tend to run to the medium or full body flavors. The question then is would I buy a box, No I wouldn't. Would I buy a 5 pack, yes if I had a golf outing with some people who didn't normally smoke cigars and wanted the experience of a good tasting, always smooth, cigar this would be perfect.

The Berlin Wall is a medium cigar that has 6 year aged Honduran Criollo wrapper, 4 year aged Honduran Habano binder , 3 year aged Dominican filler. This is a beautiful cigar with a metal wrapper. The Berlin Wall comes in 3 sizes the Churchill, the Toro, And the Robusto. I smoked the Churchill. This cigar lasted almost an hour and a half and I truly enjoyed every minute of it. The draw on this cigar was very interesting because you take a draw and don't really feel like you  got any smoke until you let it go and found yourself engulfed in wonderful billowing smoke. The mixture of tastes on the Berlin wall were creamy and delightful. I have a hard time knowing exactly the flavors I am tasting and the ability to tell you if it was a particular spice or nut. What I can tell you is I liked the Berlin Wall very much. From my research I am reading that the Berlin Wall is a limited supply Cigar and if that is true do yourself a favor and grab one I promise you will not be disappointed Now I have read several other reviews on this cigar and they talk about how they are like a pre-embargo Cuban Cigar unfortunately for me I don't know that. What I do know is I would buy a box, and I have already bought 5 and gave away cigars to make room for them. 

Hammer and Sickle also have the Moscow city. I have not yet had a chance to try it so I won't be able to offer an opinion other than to say again this is a beautiful cigar with great packaging and if it is anything like the other 2 it's going to be a great smoke. The Moscow City cigars have a well aged maduro broad-leaf wrapper that is wrapped around a peppery secret blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican ligero long-fillers.






Victor was very gracious with me trying to explain the process of developing a cigar and matching it with a market, that even though I become a part of it, is shrinking. We discussed numbers of how many cigars are being imported, and new boutique brands, which he agrees the Hammer and Sickle line is. Victor, Brian, and I were discussing cigars as a whole and they wanted to hear what I liked, what I felt was good and why. Victor then gave me a project and that is to find out why a certain cigar maker is so prominent in the market when I have not yet found one of their cigars I like. I have not tried them all, but  I am not sure I want to spend my money on a brand that I have smoked 5 cigars and would never buy another one. Then we got to discussing cigars I had tried that didn't like and why. One that came to mind was the C A O CX2 I had recently smoked it and told them I might as well have smoked my grandfather's Phillie from my youth. It was now my turn and I asked them what they smoked when they weren't testing there next blend or smoking their own cigars. They  both took me to the davidoff row and picked out a Davidoff Anniversary No.3. This cigar was $20 and not in my normal price range. The next one since I had another bad Cigar experience from another maker, picked one from them that is supposed to be good, I'll let you know after I try it. Next one they picked for me was the La Aroma Mi Amor robusto.  One last one was a Tatuaje 7th Cape Especial. I now have more cigars to try and evaluate. I am looking forward to smoking all the different cigars in my boxes now. I gave away 9 different cigars that were either duplicates or throw ins from a sampler ,that I didn't care either way if I smoked them or not. I finished off the second evening of cigar smoking, and conversation with an E P Carillo short run I will let you know my thoughts on that one later. Enjoy the pictures of the fun night we had.

It was a busy night and we all had a lot of fun

                     That's Victor with the name tag on

 Victor, Tommy of Corona Cigar Company, and Eric of Hammer and Sickle Vodka, putting together a box for a customer.

         Eric answering questions about the cigars

 Victor having a nice conversation with customers

The Hammer and Sickle display

                                                 The Berlin walls they are really good

This is the piece of the wall

This the other side it was interesting to imagine it coming down in one big piece like that.

That's the Berlin wall I was loving and again I finished up with the EP Carillo Short Run another nice cigar


Thank you again for stopping in and reading about my quest.


The Newbie

Somebody asked what's your favorite cigar store

I have to say first and foremost I am totally new at this cigar phenomenon. A blogger tweeted recently what is your favorite store. I have been to 3 different stores ever and I will say the 1st experience was less than good but not horrible.  My second stop has become my favorite so far, and my third stop will probably never see me again. Let me start and say I have been in the retail business my entire life, I am a  salesperson in the auto industry and have been for 30 years. Before that I was in the furniture business. I started as a 16 year old working for a furniture store  in the warehouse and making deliveries. I worked my way up and When I got out of college I got the opportunity to be a manager. The reason for this little bit of background is I know what it takes to make it in the retail world whether you are selling cars, furniture, and I bet even cigars.

In today's world customer service is king, nothing else matters. Customer service doesn't mean you have to kiss my ass but it does mean you have to listen to me especially if I have a question. To me the best way to help someone is to ask them questions, listen to their answers, and lead them to what they want, or what might be good for them. The reason I won't go back to Cigarz in Wateford  Orlando Fl is instead of listening to me and getting a sense of what I was looking for, the salesperson was rude and belittling. I had originally stopped in because it was close to a Golf course I had just played, and I wanted to get a couple of Boveda packets to put in with the cigars I was shipping to the Aficionado, nothing major, knew what I wanted, and spoke with a little knowledge. When I asked for the Boveda packets the answer was we don't carry those you will have to go to another store. He showed me what he had but they really wouldn't work, so I said thanks. Then Mentioned I was looking for a cigar that was mentioned by the official cigar Aficionado at that point it was as if I must be stupid, "We don't look at that here" as if they were above it. Then he proceeded to take me to a cigar That I already had but these were left over from an event and they were a good deal. I'll bite how much ? Twice as much as I had paid for the same cigar. I said no thanks and was pretty much all set. Now the cigar I was looking for was the Alec Bradley Prensado and have researched it and wanted one to put in my box to try. I hate being treated like an idiot and talked down to. This place was supposed to have a fun friendly atmosphere and since nobody else was shopping there I would think you would cater to a definite buyer I did mention I was shipping cigars across country duh.....I won't be back.

My very 1st experience was in a ritzy section of the Orlando area and this one I won't give up because I was as much to blame as they were. I walk in and walk around in a daze because I don't have a clue. I didn't know what I wanted, what was good, what I should try, but I had money in hand to spend and nobody asked the simple questions needed to help me purchase a cigar instead they did the old stand by. "Can I help you?"" Nope Just looking" and that was about it. How about instead, you are looking for a cigar right? where are you going to be smoking it? are you looking for something mild or maybe something a little more complex? hmmmm I don't know that might have gotten me to part with some of my money instead of walking out empty handed.

My Favorite Store. The Corona Cigar Company in Heathrow Florida. They are close to work, easy to get to from my house about 7 miles away within 20 minutes either way. My first time in I was looking for a cigar but again I was lost, didn't have a clue as to what I wanted. The sales person asked me all the right questions got me to open up and sold me a couple of cigars. Were they great cigars honestly no, they were a house cigar of a mild flavor, but that is what I requested for golf. Because of this sales person taking the time to listen to me and help me part with my money, I have a new obsession. The funny part is now as I look around the store and they have seen  the cigars I now buy, the fillers I need like pillows, Boveda packs for shipping, butane fuel for my lighter, etc. they know I have an inkling as to what I like and suggest different stuff. I will be going back here often just because if the way I was treated by everyone there. It was weird it was like they wanted my money or something. Oh and by the way the AB Prensado is resting nicely in my #1 humidor with all the other 90+ rated cigars.

I will be trying other stores because they unfortunately don't carry everything and I know that would be impossible any way.

I am going to ask the Aficionado to jump in on this one because he has shopped all over the country for cigars and can give some great insight.

The Newbie

An Undercrown relaxing, after golf and a San Lotano Oval morning

I golfed again today with old car guy. I introduced him to the San Lotano Oval  and he loved it, I think I am spoiling him with all these good cigars. I had also given one to another novice smoker and he came in to work and was" wow that A J you gave me was awesome".  After golf, a trip to costco with the wife, and a honey do, I  got to relax with a cigar on the porch. Today's cigar was one of my highly anticipated cigars, the Undercrown by Drew Estates. In humidor #1 I have some of the top cigars available according to all the reports I have read and The Undercrown was one of them. The Undercrown was one of my local store purchases in the very beginning of my cigar Journey and has been resting for a month. I wanted to smoke this one relaxing, and enjoying it, rather than sneaking it in a quiet time at work or while driving. I am glad I waited.

My impressions of the Undercrown. I was so impressed by the smell of this cigar I even had my wife smell it. The chocolate overtones of this cigar were very obvious but not overpowering. The cold draw had a hint of spice and chocolate. In retrospect I think this would have been very good with a cup of coffee. I had my torch and lit the cigar and was immediately hit with a sweet pepper taste, though the pepper did not last long, and that's not a bad thing. The draw was perfect and I was getting lots of smoke.This was especially surprising considering we have consistent wind today and High wind warnings for later tonight.

The Undercrown was a pleasing smoke with lots of smooth flavor. Sweet chocolate and caramel undertones without being like a flavored cigar. The burn was not perfect and I did have to do some repair about halfway in but I will partially blame the wind. The cool burn created an nice gray ash that I eventually knocked off myself so I wouldn't get covered in ash. The second third of this cigar was smooth and relaxing in taste one small hint of mint and the texture  just allowed me to enjoy my afternoon smoke.

As you can see the Undercrown is a beautifully made cigar that is firm but not to firm, a nice ash, a great taste with a dark oily wrapper. The question is would I buy a box of the Undercrown. If I had the room I would definitely buy a box, but for now I still have one resting and will be looking forward to always having some of these waiting for me in my humidors.

I really liked the Undercrown I found it to be a mild to medium cigar even though it has the dark wrapper. I am a Newbie so I might have that wrong but it didn't knock me on my butt. You can see I enjoyed this one to the very end.

Thanks for coming, The Newbie

The aficionado's take on smoking past the band sometimes yes sometimes no

The reason many experienced cigar aficionados do not smoke past the band is that in longer cigars or those with larger ring gauges tars and residue are drawn down the length of the cigar as you smoke it. By the time you have smoked 2/3 of the cigar, the concentration of these can build up to a point that they will begin to ooze into your mouth creating a bitter taste, as well as burning up and tainting the smoke as well. This can ruin a perfectly good cigar experience and the last impression you’re left with is not a good one.

I find it depends on the cigar. If I start to notice the taste changing and becoming unpleasant, then it’s probably time to put it out. If the flavor stays wonderful, or gets better, I’ll smoke until I can’t hold onto it any longer. I have had a few that were so good that I longed for the sort of smoking clips I had in my misspent youth so I could get the very last bit of them.

I also gauge the band as a “finish line” of sorts. As long as I have enough time to get to that point, I won’t worry about putting it out after that. I personally hate letting a cigar go out and trying to relight it later, as I find that will turn the nicest cigar into something truly nasty, imparting a bitter taste to the cigar and even changing the smell on your clothes after. Once I reach the band, I figure I have gotten my money’s worth, and simply don’t worry about it.

Also a side note, NEVER try and save a partially smoked cigar by putting it in a humidor. It will impart that same taste to the rest of your cigars, and will even contaminate your humidor to the point where throwing it out may be the only option. 

The Aficionado 

 

Perdomo Habano my second Perdomo cigar

I left the house today packing a Perdomo Habano  and a Ghurka Ancient warrior. I really like having my traveling Humidor and a couple of cigars available when I might get a free moment. I enjoy my time with my new obsession. Today it was the end of another work day. a few minutes before we are released  to go home. I pulled out my new black case opened it and chose the Perdomo over the Ghurka. This particular smoke came as part of a sampler and I am a little bit leery, because some of the cigars in the samplers are not usually reviewed or don't have lots of information. My torch is still at the house and again I have to light the cigar with a match. I am not very good at this obviously because  again I get half the tip lit and it is starting to tunnel and I  am about to try to repair it when I get paged. I put the Perdomo in a safe spot, go take care of something and when I get back the burn is perfect and straight.

The Perdomo Habano is a good looking cigar with 2 good looking wrappers. I took the one off the foot and took a whiff and it was delicious smelling. I made my cut took a couple of cold draws and just enjoyed the sweet creamy flavors. The draw tasted so good  almost hated to light it. Well after my disastrous lighting and the cigar correcting itself I was enjoying the first third. The flavors were of a caramel, chocolate, buttery sensational hints. The second third then decided to be spicy with bits of pepper sneaking in with the smoothness of the first making for an interesting combination. Unfortunately I ran out of time and didn't get to finish the Habano but the first 2/3's of were a joy to smoke.

I have  had 2 Perdomo's the Lot 23 and the now the Habano. I have enjoyed both and will gladly smoke another one. There has been a bit of buzz lately about the 10th anniversary. I will probably have to try some of these when I make some room in my boxes.

Would I buy a box of the Habano's  no but only because I have so many different cigars to try still but if I had empty spaces and a limited budget I would definitely get some. I have seen the at the auctioneer for under $3 per stick well worth it in my opinion.

The Newbie

The Oliva Serie V robusto after a crazy day at work

It was a crazy busy, run around for hours day at work and my old man body really started to feel it. I got caught up with some paperwork and had a little downtime before it was time to go home. What to do hmmm. I have a travel humidor now that I am keeping a couple of cigars, a cutter, and a box of wooden matches in.

 Today seemed like a good day to try the Oliva Serie V. Problem #1 a very windy evening making it hard to light a cigar with wooden matches, but on the 3rd match I got a good light. Problem #2 once lit I had only gotten 2/3 lit well, but by my fourth or fifth puff the cigar took over and evened out a created it's own perfect burn and all I have to say is amazing.

look at the burn, smooth even line..wow



Now on to my impressions of this cigar. After I cut the cap and gave the the foot a smell and got a nice dark chocolate whiff, I took a cold draw and enjoyed the spices and flavors coming from the the V. Once I got it lit The pepper and spice was immediately present as well as what I would call the leathery flavor. This was a surprise since I hadn't experienced that until much later in most of the smokes I have tried. While the V smoothed out after the initial spice  4 to 5 puffs into the cigar there was always an underlying hint throughout. This was a very interesting smoke with many different flavors and textures all the way to the end.

 The ash was interesting because it was much darker than anything else I have smoked. The draw was perfect with billowing fragrant smoke. I had been doing some reading from other bloggers and one had stated that he doesn't smoke beyond the wrapper. Now I am the Newbie and I don't know as much as most of you out there, but I would have missed some of the best part of this and many of the cigars I have smoked in the first month of my new obsession. It started as a hobby but now I think I am becoming obsessed because I can't wait to try my next cigar. The final third of this cigar was very tasty and I am glad I have 4 more of these hanging around in my humidor. I just got these this week and I can't imagine how nice a little time in the wooden box will even make this better. Let's see would I buy a box of these not yet but a 5 pack for sure.

I really took some time to look at the V what a pretty cigar, the roll was impeccable, with a nice oily look to the wrapper.

The Newbie