Quiet last week Crazy week coming up

Last week was a quiet one on the cigar front. I had the opportunity to smoke several cigars but only the Rafael Gonzalez from CRA was new. I can't grade it because I know nothing about it. It was very tasty and a nice milder smoke but that's all I know. I had old  Carguy smoke an AF-2 and he loved it, I am really spoiling him with all the different smokes he has tried, because of my journey. I enjoyed an AF-1.

This week it 's going to be busy crazy. Tonight I have the opportunity to Meet Don Carlos Fuente, at Corona Cigar Company in Orlando Fl.

 The Aficionado has met him several times and encouraged me to go. I was only hesitant because I'm cheap and most of the cigars are over my $10 budget limit but who knows maybe just maybe I'll get lucky. I'll let you know.







Friday night we have an event at TNT in Deltona with Alec Bradley. I have not had a bad AB yet. The best part of this is we already have 5 confirmed Central Florida Cigar Aficionado members, and hopefully we will get some more. I will get a chance to meet more BOTL, and get a face to face with people on twitter.

This week I should have 2 different shipments coming in. I got second prize in the cigar review contest at best cigar prices .I really wanted to win, the winning humidor looks cool.  But second prize isn't too bad, I get humidor #5 and another 10 cigars to try they are sending 2 of each. Besides I am a Newbie at this blog, and cigar stuff, so to get second I must be doing something right.

 The second shipment is from a small cigar maker here in Florida, he tried to buy a car from me but went another way. No problem sometimes that's the name of the game. We got to talking about cigars and he has promised to send a sampling of his products. I have read some reviews from some of the events he has done and they are all favorable. One reviewer says he is a review or 2 away from going the big time. If the cigars are good I will do my part to help. I will try them out see how they are and then truthfully give my beginner's opinion, then put The Aficionado to work and have him do the same.

After this week I should have lots of stories to tell.

The Newbie

AND THIS IS WHY I SMOKE CIGARS

The Liga Privada #9

Most of you know that the Liga Privada #9 was specially made for the president of Drew Estates Steven Saka. Liga Privada means private blend.

 The cigar is blended and aged to perfection because why would the president of a major cigar maker want anything less. As anyone who has read my blog knows I am a big fan of the Undercrown. The Undercrown is still my favorite under $10 cigar. I however had the opportunity to grab a couple of these #9's at a Drew Estates event with some throw in freebies to bring the cost into my budget. The Liga Privada #9 is a gorgeous cigar with a dark  wrapper. The complex blend of seven different tobaccos wrapped in a deep dark oily maduro wrapper makes for a complex yet smooth smoking experience. This cigar fits right in my taste profile of the medium to full body smoke. 

The #9 was on my list of cigars that are a must have and I actually was chasing these down for a while, and then when I joined CRA one of the 2 cigars they sent was a corona #9. I am saving this one for now and besides I am a Robusto guy. I had a weird week with some ups and downs and I wanted to treat myself. This was my first Liga Privada and the picture might give you an idea of how special it is. That hat is from MLB the night that the Red Sox won their very first AL Wildcard, Oil Can Boyd pitched a great game and I was with some of the boys in Red Sox management, and Rob told me to stay late after the game, I did and was rewarded with the after party with the players and their families in the Diamond room at Fenway Park. I was given that hat by a representative of MLB along with the T-shirt. Ok ramble over back to the cigar.




The weather was really cool, we finally got some badly needed rain, and it was thunder and lightning for several hours. The storm moved out of the immediate area and I headed for the porch with my Kindle, my torch, my cutter, and the Liga Privada #9. I go through my pre-light ritual, the cigar smells very flavorful, the foot a deep coffee, chocolate flavor, and the cold draw was spicy. The spiciness of the cold draw made me think we are going to be starting off on the pepper trail, but it never was the predominate texture anywhere in the cigar. The #9 was rolled very tight and the denseness made me apprehensive that I was going to have to work hard to get the amount of smoke I like. Nope not at all, single pull puff brought just the right amount of scrumptious, billowing smoke.

As you can see the ash was really nice and tight, the burn was very even, though I had one small curve partially through the cigar, it corrected itself. The flavors I smelled coffee, then chocolate, then leather, wonderful tabacco came through while smoking this one. The best part is they are very smooth and constantly changing throughout the cigar. There is no harshness, no bite to this cigar at all even though  it is a very complex cigar.

The ash on this cigar without me trying lasted to just about the halfway point. this cigar is so good I don't want to put it down. I keep sliding the band closer and closer to the edge. This cigar is proof of why you don't just smoke it to the band, there was at least 10 minutes of enjoyment left. In fact i took the band off and if i had some tools from my misspent youth I might have used them on this cigar.

If this is your first time here, I will explain that I don't do numbers because as The Newbie, I am not qualified to do numbers. I do know what I like and I am not afraid to give my honest opinion though. Are these Box worthy. Absolutely. Will I buy a box? No they are out of my regular price range. I always try to make sure I stay under $10 and that's on the high side. I do have 4 more of these stored away and I will save them for special occasions or a bad week pick me up. I was able to keep these under the $10 mark because of the freebies I got. So Is it worth going to an event even if it is a small one? Yes, because of the freebies you can get a greater value for your dollar, and if I hadn't gone to the Drew Estate event @ TNT Tobacco I would not have found these, and met some great people like Greg and Mike the 2 brothers that own TNT.  


I loved the # 9 in fact I think it is the best cigar I have ever smoked, and am looking forward to the T52 I have hidden away deep in humidor #3. Now I haven't ever had an Opus X or a God of Fire, Or the Davidoff #3 anniversary I have hidden in with the T52, but so far the #9 is my top ever.

The Newbie

The Nomad Cigars

A new cigar has hit the market recently from Orlando Florida, right down the street from me. Nomad Cigars, they are available in 5 different sizes.

Drifter – With a full 6″ in length and 60 Ring Size, the Drifter has become the new trend. The biggest of the bunch comes with…
Dominican Filler & Binder and the traditional Nomad Habano Ecuadorian Wrapper.

Navigator – This 6″ Torpedo is sure to please with its smooth draw and traditional shape. Always a classic.
Dominican Binder and Filler with our signature Habano Ecuadorian Wrapper.

Renegade – A traditional 5 1/2 x 54 Robusto packed with flavor. Don’t let the “Renegade” name fool you, this one has a soft side.
Yep, Dominican Filler and Binder. Habano Ecuadorian Wrapper.

Vagabond – 4 5/8 in length with a max ring size of 54 (the Vagabond is tapered on both ends). This cigar is a mini version of the Fugitive. For when you are short on time, but don’t want to give up the experience.
See a trend in excellence yet? Dominican Filler and Binder. Habano Ecuadorian Wrapper.

Fugitive – The 2012 Limited Edition is only available direct from Nomad. It is 5 7/8 in length with a max ring size of 64 (the Fugitive is tapered on both ends).
Dominican Binder and Filler with Habano Ecuadorian Wrapper. This is Nomad’s most popular smoke.

  * The descriptions above are right from the Nomad website but describes them very well *
 
 I have not tried all 5 yet I have had the Vagabond, Fugitive, and the Renegade. I got the 5 pack because I couldn't decide.

 *picture from the Nomad website

I had the Vagabond about a week ago. I am very impressed that I can get the amount of smoke from a cigar this tightly wrapped and tapered at each end. This is a very nice cigar with lots of flavors that you would get in a medium and just slightly leaning toward the full body side. This is a very smooth cigar with no harsh bite or pepper spices. So if you are looking for something to smoke that won't take you long, due to it's diminutive size but want all the flavor of a larger medium body cigar then this is a nice choice.

Last night after a long day at work I headed to my porch for a real testing of the Nomads. I am more of a Robusto kind of guy, I have found it is the right size for me unless I am playing golf. I take the Renegade and go through my light up, and evaluation ritual. I use a straight cut, smell the cigar, sniff the foot, and take a couple of cold draws. I get some nice dark flavors leaning toward the coffee or chocolate but not overpowering. I light the Renegade and anticipating maybe a heavy spice start but it never came, but that doesn't mean it wasn't flavorful it was. This cigar filled my mouth and nose  with tons of white billowing smoke. The flavors are consistent throughout the cigar, but with not many major changes. So the Renegade is very good just not overly complex.

A little while ago I tried the Fugitive The flavors are all good  but truly not getting the smoke I got from the other 2. I found I was working to hard to get a good draw of smoke. I am The Newbie so I might have cut it wrong or something but I just couldn't get it to smoke properly. I will blame this on me because I have made lots of mistakes on this journey. You got to remember this all started in February 2012.

My overall impression of the Nomads is that they are very good and I am looking forward to smoking the Navigator, and the Drifter I have left. These cigars are very nice looking with a medium colored wrapper, and a bit of an oily texture you would think of more on a dark wrapper. I will keep these in my boxes because they are good. This is a new brand and my opinion is they are definitely  worth trying out. I got the 5 pack sampler and I am very glad I did. 

My reviews don't have numbers because, I am to new, to get that exact. So would I buy a box? No but I definitely will get a 5 pack of the Renegades I really liked them. I would also get some Vagabonds for the times I need a quick smoke. 

The Newbie

The Aficionado's 3 Favorite Stores

Okay, so I have two favorite stores in the US, and one so far in the Bahamas.

The one in the Bahamas is the Havana Humidor Cigar Shop at the Atlantis resort.

You can get real Cuban's there, and they will be very helpful when you go in.

True Cuban's are not as easy to find as many people think.

Most shops sell counterfeits at inflated prices. Even worse, the real thing is frequently not as good as their reputation.
For most US smokers, living under a five decade embargo, Cuban's have gained an almost mystical reputation. Unfortunately the reality is far from the myth.
Communism has been a tragic failure anywhere it has been tried, and the cigar industry suffered as well.
Poor quality control is a major problem, and shortages are always an issue. Because of this, counterfeits show up in even many high end shops, and even when the cigars are real quality is difficult to find.
The only really consistent brand I've tried are Romeo and Juliet. Pretty much anything from them will be good to great.
I am one of the few people that take my cigars with me when I travel outside the US.

As for the US, I have two favorites, and I couldn't pick which I like more. The first, and a must visit anytime you're in Las Vegas is Casa Fuente at the Shops at the Forum mall adjoining Ceasar's Palace.

This shop is awesome from start to finish. Awesome, staff extremely well stocked bar, and a humidor that is filled with some of the finest cigars never rolled between the thighs of a cuban virgin.

The house blend cigars are great, and only available there. Smooth, flavorful and well crafted, these are a must try cigar that only get better with age and won't break your wallet.
They also carry a full complement of God of Fire cigars. They are priced at a slight premium, but not extreme. Almost a bargain for Vegas.
You'll also find a side variety of Fuente's, Ashton's and Diamond Crowns, a veritable humidor heaven.

The crowning jewel's there are a variety of the rarest of the rare in the Fuente line.

Fuente Fuente Forbidden X cigars, and Don Carlos Signature 13.

The Forbidden X is an aged version of the Fuente Fuente Opus X. These are true masterpieces, and rarely sold outside of this store.
You'll occasionally find them in a collectable gift set.
This store carries a full line. You will pay for them because of the rarity, but 50% of the proceeds go to benefit the cigar family foundation.
This provides a school, hospital and other community services to the workers and their families that work the tobacco fields in the DR.
In addition, they have one of the rarest cigars, I have ever tried the Fuente Signature 13.
Legend has it the cigar was created because of a bet made with Don Carlos, that he couldn't craft a great cigar using a blend of tobacco from every producing country.
No matter what the inspiration behind this cigar was, it is a masterpiece created by a true master craftsman. It is also one that you probably don't want to go in for unless you've hit the slots or tables and done well.
At 125.00 a stick it's one of those Vegas excesses that you don't do when you're thinking clearly.
I had one there watching the AFC divisional game in 2006, when the Pats were struggling against San Diego.
After a bitterly cold (it was snowing when we landed) weekend of partying with friends in Vegas, it seemed like the thing to do, and the game turned in our favor after lighting it up, so maybe it was.
There are lots of cigars in Vegas, but in my opinion the best of them are here.



My other all time favorite shop is Jack Schwartz Importers, in the lobby of the Chicago Board of Trade.

Established in 1921, the shop is one that is worth finding. Bill, Eric and Kenny can be found there from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm or so.

In addition there will be a group of some of the most interesting characters you'll ever light up with.

Floor traders on break come up to grab cigars and share the goings on from the futures pits.

One of the last markets that still have pits, the Futures markets are open twenty three plus hours a day, five days a week, which is one reason the shop is open so early, catering to the overnight traders working the floor.

The atmosphere is really cool, and the stories are worth trip. Their humidors are well stocked with awesome cigars of every type and price range. During the spring and summer you can sit outdoors at Ceres cafe next door and enjoy a beverage of your choice. Anyone with a fascination with the markets should not miss a trip here if you're in Chicago.

Unlike Casa Fuente, Jack Schwartz will ship and has a easy to navigate website, so if you can't get there, you can still get their great cigars.

There are many other shops I have had the pleasure of visiting, some are gone, some are still around. One of the things I love doing is finding new and out of the way shops just to see what they have and their take on the business.

The Aficionado

Update Cigar Shopping Experiences by The Newbie

I don't know if you read my original posts about my shopping experiences, and the Famous Smoke shop buys. I have had the opportunity to try several different buying experiences both online, and B&M.

First online, I continue to peruse the cigar auctioneer, and monster at Famous Smoke shops. They are always efficient, on time, and the cigars arrive in excellent condition. I had to go away from the norm a  little to track down my Emilio cigars and I dealt with the boys from Buckhead Cigar. They were very easy and comfortable to do business with and again everything arrived in perfect condition. I also went straight to the source for my Nomad cigars and the Godfadr had them in my hands the next day. The guys at Hava cigar with the Cromagnon, and Intemperance lines are first class all the way. I will say everyone I have dealt with online has been helpful, professional, and pleasant to deal with.

The Brick and Mortar has been a little different. Some good, some bad, and several great. Couple of the new stores I have been to The Cigar Lounge in Oviedo Fl. Nice people in a small store. The Cigar Lounge was a little dated in the smokes they carried but their humidor was small. I was there for my first Drew estates event, I got to meet Jason the Florida rep, and spent the evening talking and smoking cigars. Another store I have tried is the Ol Times smoke shop in Casselberry. A nice store with a great mom and pop feel to it. The Patrons there were not the most outgoing but again I was keeping to myself anyway. They have a very interesting selection of cigars with a very up to date selection of what is hot and buzzing on the net, and the tried and true names. I was able to get my 1st Liga Privada T52 there. Yesterday I went to the TNT Tobacconist in Deltona Florida, Jason from Drew Estaes was there and I needed a couple of Uzi's to fill a couple of holes in my wants. Oh no he has T52's and #9's. Needless to say I added a couple to my inventory and got some free Uzi's and Undercrowns. The best part of TNT's is the people. The patrons greeted me with open arms, The owners loved talking about cigars, the business of cigars, and just having fun. I think I have found a home to smoke in. The only issue here is no beer or wine, but they are working on that. They said when they have a large event they can get 60 -70 people there. that sounds like fun to me.

The day took on a more meaningful time when I got to meet some of the people from my twitter followers and ones I follow. It was nice to put a face with the tweet.

The owners also had a neat collection of cigar boxes that if you wanted to you could buy for a nominal fee. When I was looking through them and really checking them out, he came up to me and asked if I wanted to see a couple from his personal collection and he offered them to me. I took one and couldn't wait to get it home and clean it up. A 2011 special collection MY Fathers cigar box. I cleaned it up inside and out. It now is captive high on a bookcase so I might leave it alone for the 2 weeks it is supposed season with my one stop boveda 84 seasoning pack. I'm Thinking if I can get it to be a stable box I will make it my special Items box. Example Opus X Lost city. Davidoff anniversary #3 Liga Privada #9 with a CRA label on it.  I got some others in mind but first I got to see if I can get it to maintain the proper humidity.

As you can see My experiences are getting better, is it me? No I truly believe it is the people on the other side who are living a dream. The simple American dream of being your own boss and have control of your future. I am new to this industry as a consumer of Cigars but I have been in retail my whole life. It doesn't matter what you sell, what matters is how you sell. The customer is king because if you sell them once and they don't come back, then you failed them and yourself. however if you make them feel like family, or a friend and you were truly helpful to them then they will come back over and over again, making you both happy. They might even bring along a friend or at least recommend them to your business.

I think tonight will be a Nomad night because I haven't done a review in a couple of days, and the first one was very good so if the second is as good I will have a recommendation for you.

The Newbie

A busy week

It was a busy week between work, golf, the Masters, and cigars. On Tuesday I started the day with a round of Golf at Red Tail golf club with old carguy. He loves my cigar adventures because he gets to smoke some of the best cigars out there.

We enjoyed The San Lotano Maduro Toro. As always the San Lotano did it's job giving enjoyment from the first light to the burnt fingers trying to get the last little bit. I don't know what it is with these cigars they are just fanatastic and super consistent.

 After taking the Mrs. out for lunch I had to go to Edwin Watts to swap out the wrong cleat replacements they gave me. I had taken the shoes in with me. No big deal just wanted to swap them out, after waiting about 5 minutes for them  to even notice I was there, I had explained what I wanted to do, and they were fine with that. I still got the wrong ones and they just let me get them. You would think if a customer came in earlier that day bought cleat replacements and they were wrong, you might want to make sure they got the right thing.  I have always thought the service in this particular store is lacking. The sad part is I have bought equipment there before because they are my closest retailer for Golf equipment exclusively.

There  is a neat little smoke shop called Ol times Cigars in Casselberry Florida and I was right down the street so I stopped in. I introduced myself to the owner  got his name but due to CRS disease I can't remember it.

 Really nice people, got to talking with the owner, and since there was a drew estate event the next day that I couldn't make, I checked to see if they had a Liga Privada T52, They had one. I told the owner "I'll take it",  he was "I'm not sure I can" , but I said "just tell Jason it was for me" and gave him my blog card. I also found a EP Carillo short run 2011 they are both resting nicely.


 Later that night I was trying a GH2 habano and I was unimpressed to say the least. This is one of those thrown in my sampler cigars and I let it rest 2 months and it still wasn't up to even my minimum standards. I won't be buying any of these again.

Wednesday was a work day but I had an end of the day cigar and it was so forgettable that I don't even remember what it was, CRS strikes again. That's bad after all I am a cigar blogger, but a Newbie.

Thursday I had a Perdomo 10th anniversary and it was ok but nothing to get excited about, and then that night I had a Drew Estates Natural, not a bad smoke but the wrapper was too sweet and took away from the cigar.

 Friday was my early night so I went to my Corona Cigar company store in Lake Mary. I got there in time to watch the end of the Masters, have a couple of Dos equis darks and a E. P. Carrillo Short Run Nitidos. I was underwhelmed again it's been a tough week, especially since the Exquitos is one of my favorite cigars.
There was Just something about the bigger cigar that was disappointing. At this point I have had 5 cigars in 4 days that just did not do it for me. I start  thinking  "is it me"?


Saturday before work I am trying to pick out something that is going to make me forget the disappointing week and put my faith back in to my obsession. I figured how can I go wrong, I picked up the Crowned Heads, Four Kicks.

 The reviews have all been good, the cigar has been resting for a couple of months. I need this cigar to blow me away and it was good but not the stick of dynamite I needed. This was my first one and because it was good , but not exceptional I will give it another chance before evaluation. I get home late enough and I watched TV with the girls so that finished my day again, without a cigar that made me proud to be a smoker.

Sunday Morning 7:32 Tee time at my local course, Wekiva Country Club.  A nice course surrounded by lots of exceptional courses. I live 5 minutes from here and on a Sunday Its a great escape for usually right around 20 bucks. I get to the course and here is what I run into no starter, a foursome has gone out already but they are 2 holes ahead no problem. A guy and his wife or girlfriend, and 2 guys by themselves, then me alone. The couple tee off and it's not pretty, but not god awful either. I ask the 2 guys if I can tag along figuring with 3 of us  and the groups in front the way they are layed out it should move fine. We start to tee off and these guys are on the green tees, they are for very good ladies or really old people. I told them I need to at least play the whites and they were fine with that. We all tee off and none of us look like pros. but I end up scrambling a 5 on a par 4, but I left the 2 guys on their own after one of the guys 10th shot and he is still on the fairway. He just let me know he had  taken his first lesson yesterday. Adios muchacho....I go up to the second, bomb my drive and see about passing the couple, make a par. They are still not on the letting me through program, but on a Par 5 I catch up to them and ask if I can go through, and they let me know there are 3 4somes in front of us then I said well can I join you then? I join them all is well. this is all a precursor to my first happy cigar since Tuesday at golf.


The Knuckle Dragger to the rescue. 2 months of rest sitting at the bottom of Humidor #1 which is a consistent 72% rh at all times. I took this out of my carrier while waiting for the female of our group, sniffed it, cut it, lit it, and proceeded  to absolutely relish my 1st cigar of the day.

 The only bad thing I can say about the Knuckle Dragger is I have only 2 left to last me until August. I finished that one to the nub and had 6 holes to go. What to do, oh what the Heck I lit up the CAO OSA Sol lot 50 I had brought just in case. I like these cigars and use them as my go to fillers, or long drive in my golf/work car. It doesn't matter that it smells like cigar smoke. I am happy I am satisfied and my faith in cigar smoking has returned to a reality. Last night late I was pondering if I should have another one for the weekend. I chose the Alec Bradley Prensado robusto and it was a great finish to a glorious smokers day. 


I have come to realize that I am a Robusto guy more than the Churchill guy. I think what I have noticed is the Robusto is really the right size, in most cases, for my time, and tastes, though I really like the Gran toro Oval too.

Oh and a final note congratulations to Bubba Watson on his Masters win. 

The Newbie

The Emilio line first tastes

I finally broke down and ordered the Emilio lines AF-1 AF-2 and Grimalkin soon to be the LaMusa . The good guys at Buckhead's helped me out, and they were great, so if you are not sure where to go give them a try. I really tried I promise to have these rest a while but my curiosity got the best of me and I have given each of these a try. Last night after a long Sunday at work, I really hate working Sunday's but it's what I do, I pulled out the AF-1

 and settled in for a relaxing smoke. I am not going to give these a full evaluation because I want them to sit for at least a month before I actually rank or grade them. The AF-1 was a nice easy milder smoke than either the AF-2 or the Grimalkin. As you can see this wasn't  my normal quick smoke but more of a long drawn out one. Perfect.  The draw was excellent and the burn was impeccable. I liked the AF-1 very much and anticipate a long and happy relationship with them.

The Grimalkin is such a cool cigar from the band to the, peppery start and all the stuff going on in between. I grabbed this one for a quick read on the porch and just to try it. Again very well made cigar, great draw, good smoke, lots of flavors, I am very happy and also see a lasting relationship with the LaMusa or Grimalkin in the future.

 The AF-2 is a beautifully made cigar, a very nice wrapper, good cold draw, excellent burn as you can see from the pictures, nice kick of spice right at the start. the only problem I had is I kept getting this bitter back taste like a very tart plum, black rasberry, I don't know I couldn't exactly catch it. but it was throughout the cigar and never really went away. I will have to try another one to see if maybe it was just that one I
hope so because I really like the

other 2, but I guess that's why there are 3 different cigars. Well it's 2 weeks later and I decided that I wanted to see if something was wrong maybe with me or the cigar that day. I had an AF-2 after a nice steak dinner tonight, and it was like I had brought out a very rich chocolate candy bar or a big piece of cake. The AF-2 was so good.  I think I need to stop trying new stuff at work, and just do it at home, because I was absolutely blown away by how good the AF-2 was only 2 weeks later. I think that maybe I was trying to smoke it to fast that day. So Gary and the rest of the guys at Emilio's this makes it a 3 for 3 great job

 So my take is I like the Emilio line, it is definitely a gotta have, and it really doesn't matter which one, they are all really good. boxworthy  probably, but I like the 5 packs here so I can have all 3 available when I want one.

The Newbie