Pre-release Review: Ezra Zion Inception

July 25, 2012 By Kip Fisher

Many of you may know the names Kyle, Chris, and The Don – the men [2014 EDIT: formerly] behind Cigar Federation. For those who are not familiar, the Cigar Federation is a social networking site made entirely for and by cigar folks. Definitely worth giving it a peek if you haven’t before. With it’s focus on cigars and the fellowship amongst those enjoy them, it’s a refreshing diversion from the chaos found on more general social media. It’s a great way to network with other enthusiasts, as well as see some of the most entertaining video cigar reviews you’ll ever come across. The three minds behind that site decided quite some time ago to launch their own brand of cigars, Ezra Zion Cigar Company. In their own words: “Our story in a nutshell… 3 guys from California who are cigar maniacs decided to make the best cigars they could. We wanted to take our time blending and not release anything that didn’t classify as the best cigar we ever had […] So we blended for 13 months in Nicaragua with some master blenders. Right now we re working with a couple different manufacturers. Same guys who make Illusione, Viaje, Casa Magna, etc. I’m sure you can figure out who they are. We will release 2 cigars at IPCPR. Our first thought was to make one cigar called INCEPTION. It’s a Nicaraguan puro that will knock your socks off! [….] Then, we made a blend working with another factory that was so good that we thought we’d release em both! It’s in our Honor Series line. It’s called REAGAN. Obviously to pay homage to the 40th POTUS Ronald Reagan.”

Ordinarily, I purchase everything I review here at The Cigarmy from various cigar shops around the state of Florida. However, I was offered and jumped at the chance to sample the Ezra Zion pre-launch. I learned that it features a Corojo ’98 wrapper, a double binder using Criollo ’99 and Corojo ’98, and a filler blend highlighting medio tiempo. The most exciting part of that equation for me is the medio tiempo in the filler blend. I have recently begun to notice a pattern of seeing that leaf show up in blends that I favor. As of yet, I have not seen any information on MSRP or geographical availability.

So, let’s get underway. The Inception sports a very silky wrapper, uniformly chocolate-brown in color. The sample I received is about 6.125″ long, and is pressed into an elongated cross-section that makes the ring difficult to determine, depending on how you prefer to measure. The longest diameter appears to be a 52-54 if I had to pin a number on it. The bands are attractive and wellmade, evoking some Biblical imagery in both the name of the company and the angels with outstretched wings covering the logo (à la cherubim over the Ark of the Covenant). The prelight aroma is that of sweet tobacco with a mild hint of cedar. There is a slight sweetness on the draw; not in the sense of some cloying flavoring, but a naturally mild sweetness akin to dry hay. The draw is deliberate but free, just about perfect for my preferences. At first brush with fire, the aroma of the smoke is strikingly woodsy, reminding me of an oak fire in the smoker. The first few puffs produce a potent, spicy kick on the back of the palate and through the nose as well. Within the first 1/2″, the spice on the back of my throat subsides quite a bit, although there is still a strong tingle upon retrohale. It self-ashes at about an inch, by which time it has developed a more general woodsy flavor. It produces a long but pleasant leathery finish as well.

I’m not sure how these cigars will be classified or marketed by Ezra Zion, but this one falls strongly into the heavier end of medium for me. Going into the second inch, there’s no doubt you are smoking a cigar, but it is not brash or overpowering in any way. The blend is quite well balanced between flavor and strength. Throughout this portion of the smoke, the core flavors remain in the same family as earlier, but solidify and build within the leather and wood ranges. I get a hint of cocoa at times as well. The aforementioned spice has moved into the background at this point, although I’m not sure if the cigar subdued or my palate adjusted. In any event, the slight nasal burn has dissippated almost entirely. In the final segment of the cigar, the Inception really comes into its own. I am surprised at how true the flavors remain this deep into the cigar. The flavors have intensified, without becoming harsh or bitter. The strength may have picked up a bit as well, but I don’t get any of the unpleasant irritation on the back of my throat as I sometimes do with some Nicaraguan puros. A bit of the tingle returns on retrohale, but it is still a very enjoyable smoke.

For a first effort, the Ezra Zion Inception is a phenomenal cigar. Cheers to Chris, Kyle, and The Don for making it happen. The blood, sweat, tears, and love behind this cigar are apparent in the result. The blend selection, leaf quality, and construction are very good, and produce a great smoke. I’ve seen a lot of cigars hit the market in the past 20 years or so, some destined for greatness but many destined for the clearance bins. I believe the Inception has the “chops” to be a great success, and I hope that success is realized – both for the people behind it, and selfishly for my own enjoyment. I anxiously look forward to seeing them on the shelf, which I understand will begin to happen in a couple of weeks after IPCPR in Orlando. I’m also looking forward to getting my hands on the Reagan as well. If you enjoy bold, flavorful Nicaraguan cigars I’d encourage you to be on the lookout for these as I think most of you would definitely find them worthwhile. If you want to find out more about Ezra Zion Cigars, check out their website or Youtube channel.

Emilio Cigars and Herederos de Robaina

July 9, 2012 By Kip Fisher

Herederos de Robaina reaches distribution agreement with Emilio

Newark, DE – July 9, 2012

Emilio Cigars is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with American Caribbean Tobacco, SA to distribute their Herederos de Robaina cigars in the U.S. . Produced in Esteli, Nicaragua these cigars are available in four sizes; Robusto, Toro, Torpedo, and Churchill. Packaging will be in both affordable 10 count boxes and 20 count boxes.

Production has been underway for the past few months and we anticipate making both product and pricing available to retailers in September, 2102 through the Emilio Cigars sales team.

Additional details about blends will be forthcoming over the weeks following the IPCPR show in Orlando, FL.

To find out more about Emilio Cigars, visit ~~http://www.emiliocigars.com/~~ or find them on Facebook and Twitter

REINADO Unveils the Grand Empire Reserve

July 6, 2012 By Kip Fisher

REINADO to unveil the Grand Empire Reserve at the 80th Annual IPCPR Trade Show

Industry participants eagerly await the Grand Empire Reserve from REINADO

Oradell, NJ, July 03, 2012 –(PR.com)– Following the success of the 92 rated Petite Corona known as the Habanito and the 91 rated Torpedo, REINADO will unveil the Grand Empire Reserve at the 80th Annual IPCPR Convention and International Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, in August, 2012.

The Grand Empire Reserve is a box pressed Robusto that incorporates a select habano maduro wrapper and an additional aged Nicaraguan filler which leverages REINADO’s signature fermentation process to provide even greater depth, richer undertones, and enhanced overall complexity for both the casual and the distinguished cigar smoker.

“The flavor profile of the Grand Empire Reserve was developed after extensive sampling to deliver a truly exceptional blend,” said Antonio Lam, owner of Cubanero Enterprises. “We believe the flavors and balanced strength developed through extending REINADO’s unique fermentation process along with the inclusion of the aged Nicaraguan filler will distinguish the Grand Empire Reserve from all other cigars on the market,” said Lam.

A single size called Elegidos meaning “chosen” is scheduled for release in August, 2012 followed by additional sizes.

Initial Specs:

Size: 5 x 55 (Box Pressed)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Select Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $9.95/cigar – 20ct boxes

“As demonstrated through the REINADO core product line and the introduction of the Grand Empire Reserve, we are dedicated to innovation and offering smokers quality choices of highly rated cigars,” said Lam.

The Grand Empire Reserve will be available through select retailers and, on a limited basis, directly through REINADO.

Please visit REINADO Cigars at booth 0640 at this year’s IPCPR in Orlando.

About REINADO Cigars

REINADO Cigars creates uniquely fermented handmade premium boutique cigars. REINADO has received high ratings within the cigar industry and continues to grow its portfolio of premium cigars. Our commitment to delivering exceptional and quality driven products to our clients are of the highest priority today and in the future.

Contact Information
REINADO Cigars
Antonio Lam
201.893.1953
Contact
www.reinadocigars.com

Cigar Review: Tatuaje Mexican Experiment robusto

June 18, 2012 By Kip Fisher

Good day, everyone. I’m back with a review this week, after a brief hiatus. I thought we’d look at a recent limited run of cigars released by Tatuaje about two weeks ago: The Tatuaje Mexican Experiment (Limited Edition). This cigar was released in two vitolas, (robusto and toro, both square pressed), to two markets (Florida/Southeast and Northeast, respectively). I have spoken with a few different retailers who received shipment of the cigars, and quite honestly have been given conflicting production numbers – anywhere from 200-400 bundles of 15 for each vitola. Frankly, I suppose the actual number released is irrelevant since they all seem to have flown off the shelves in short order. I managed to purchase a few from Tampa Humidor before they sold out, and have subsequently been given one of the Northeast toros by a fine gentleman in Boston. Today’s review is based on the robusto (5″ X 52), which was sold in the Florida market for roughly $8 per cigar, in bundles of 15.

The Tatuaje Mexican Experiment is named for its use of San Andres wrapper leaf. The filler and binder are both Nicaraguan, and it was made by My Father Cigars like its other Tatuaje brethren. The wrapper is a beautiful deep chocolate brown, and uniform in color across the length of the cigar. The veins in the leaf are almost entirely obscured by the press, which leaves the cigar exceptionally smooth. It is dry to the touch, with little noticeable oil…yet very, very smooth. The prelight aroma meshes well with the appearance, giving distinctive notes of oats and unsweetened chocolate at the foot. I also pick up a general, nonspecific nuttiness in there as well, but hidden away in the background. Once clipped, the draw is free and unrestricted, and similar in flavor to the aroma at the foot.

The cigar took flame well, lighting easily across the entire foot. The first few puffs provide some of the expected “Pepin” spice, but not nearly to the degree I sometimes find in his blends. It’s there, and can be felt on the back of the throat, but never approaches the limits of comfort. As would be expected, it is more prominent on the retrohale, although even then it produces no discomfort. The cocoa and chocolate flavors present nicely in this first inch of smoking, slightly sweeter than on the cold draw. They’re also accompanied by some charred oak. I took the time at this point to look the cigar over a little more critically than before lighting and really pay attention to the construction. It’s put together nicely, and the freedom of draw is surprising in a pressed stick. The pressing also makes the seams almost disappear, which really highlights that uniformity of color I mentioned earlier. Aesthetically, it really is a beautiful cigar.

As I approach the end of the first inch, the flavors remain fairly constant and the strength is medium in my judgement. I was prepared for a potent cigar; while this one is bold enough to know you’re smoking a cigar, it isn’t going to send you to your knees. I would place it far into the full end of the medium spectrum by the 1″ mark. The spice picks up a bit at this point, and the flavors stay in the cocoa-leather-unspecified grain territory which is very appealing to me. The ash was solid and clung tightly to the rest of the stick until just past an inch, although it did produce very small flakes of ash throughout. In the latter part of the second inch, the spice has faded well into the background. I love the sweetness produced in this portion of the cigar. That sweetness hits a crescendo and fades as well to wrap up the second inch. Going into the third, an occasional but fleeting wisp of citrus and leather wind across the palate, but the cigar took on a “brighter” hue in my mental flavor imagery. It’s quite dry on the palate, and a slightly bitter edge creeps in. It never became acrid, and in fact remained quite pleasant to the very end. But, the flavor palette changed to be more bright and tart than at any earlier point – almost astringent even.

It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Tatuaje cigars, and The Mexican Experiment is no exception. Did it instantly become my favorite of their cigars of all time? No. However, I’m working off an assumption that it wasn’t released with the belief it would. My guess (and this is pure speculation) is that it actually is an experiment…a feeler into the market to test the reception and get an idea for how it might do on a larger scale, possibly with some tweaks. Personally, I hope it makes it into regular production. It fills a niche in Tatuaje’s offerings with a slightly milder cigar that presents a flavor profile I find very enjoyable, and is in my mind a departure from what I’ll call “typical” for them. Regrettably, I only managed to score five of them before my local shop was cleaned out. I hope there’s another wave released soon. I don’t typically assign numerical scores in cigar reviews, but if I did this would rate highly. I think the experiment is a success, and I would love to have them in my humidor in greater supply and on a regular basis.

Coming up this week:

Before I wrap this up, I want to mention the next giveaway, which should be posted later this week. First, if you’re not a member of Cigar Rights of America, you should be! What could you possibly be waiting for? Aside from the fact that it’s a great deal, they’re working to preserve our freedom to enjoy a cigar at a time when the industry is under assault on many fronts. And, you get a couple of great cigars with your membership as well as 6 months’ free subscription to Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar Insider, the CRA newsletter, travel discounts, chances to buy special samplers, etc. It’s more than worthwhile. You can join up at the CRA website, and use my ambassador number as a referral (0169) or send an email to [email protected] and I can get you signed up. I’m a big proponent of CRA, and this month our giveaway is going to be centered around membership. They have been kind enough to provide one of the CRA samplers for the contest, and I will also be including some cigars from my personal stash and a brand new Cigarmy coffee mug – be the first on your block to have one! As I said, this will go live this week, and we’ll start taking entries. Until then, I hope you’re all having a great day.

Press Release: Emilio Cigar Upcoming Releases

June 3, 2012 By Kip Fisher

Good afternoon, folks. Gary Griffith of Emilio Cigars has provided some details for his upcoming new releases/formats and I thought I’d pass them along. In view of how much I’ve enjoyed his cigars, notably the AF2, I’m quite excited at the prospect of some new Emilio blends. If you like, you can read the original post on Gary’s blog, or just see below for descriptions of the new/updated lines. For full information about Emilio Cigars, visit ~~their website~~.

Draig K Limitado

The Draig K will be produced in 3 sizes, namely corona, robusto, and toro. 400 boxes of each have been made and after months of aging will be allocated to our retailers based on how long their account has been open, and how well they’ve supported our core brands in the past. We anticipate shipping these to our retailers at the end of June.

These cigars, made in Nestor Plascencia’s El Paraiso factory, feature a dark Columbian maduro wrapper, and Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers. Assuming continued availability of the wrapper tobacco we may produce these annually, though each year we are also hoping to introduce another blend in the Draig line using equally rare and high quality tobaccos. Time will tell how this goes.

The “K” designation and Welsh theme recognize and honor both my family heritage, and the first initial of my friend Ken, a Welshman who died in a tragic auto accident at about the same time I was finishing this blend. The band was created by a friend of both mine and Ken’s who happens to be a children’s book illustrator, thus the pastel colors. You can save the “pink” comments folks, I’ve already heard it, and it’s not changing. To me this a priceless remembrance of a dear friend.

La Musa by Emilio Cigars

As most are aware, La Musa is the rebranding of our highly acclaimed Grimalkin cigars, made in Esteli, Nicaragua.

There will ultimately be 4 blends in the La Musa series, the first of which, replacing Grimalkin, is simply known as Mousa, the Muse, and is dedicated to a dear and inspiring young friend, whom I often refer to as my muse. The additional 3 blends in the series will be named after he 3 original Plutarchian Muses; Melete, Aoide, and Mneme.

We’ve prettied up the packaging a bit, and given the boxes a stone like texture and pattern to go along with the Greek theme. The bands will vary in color but retain the design shown below. Why yellow for the first? Because it is La Musa’s favorite color.

The second blend, known as La Musa Melete, will be shown at the IPCPR trade show in August, and will ship shortly thereafter. The Melete blending was completed earlier this year, and yields a somewhat stronger, but equally complex cigar as compared to the original. The Aoide blend, to be released in summer 2013, is a much milder cigar with a tremendous amount of nuance.

I’ve added corona to the list of available sizes as a standard production item, along with the existing robusto, toro, and torpedo. Each blend will also see the production of a single release of 250 boxes of lanceros. In 2013 we will also release a La Musa limitado in a single size, toro, which will only be produced one time.

Emilio AF Series

All of the cigars in our AF Series are produced in Esteli, Nicaragua by my dear friend Abdel Fernandez (known to most as A.J.), therefore the AF designation.

I’ve added corona to the list of available sizes in standard production for both AF1 and AF2, and I expect we’ll see these available in July. Our new Emilio AF Suave, with Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper, should start arriving in retailers later this month. It will be available in 5 sizes; corona, robusto, toro, torpedo, and churchill. The band design remains similar to others in the AF series.

In spring 2013 we will likely release Emilio AF3, and will keep you informed on the progress with this new blend going forward.

Carpe Noctem

Carpe Noctem translates from Latin to “Seize the Night.” This incredibly dark, strong, and spicy cigar will feature a broadleaf maduro wrapper, and plenty of Esteli ligero in the filler. These cigars will be available in robusto, toro, and 6×60 sizes, and packed in cabinet boxes of 20.

I’ve once again gone back to A.J. Fernandez to produce this cigar, and those fond of powerhouses should be well satisfied. We’re still toying with art work for boxes and bands, and expect to release these cigars during the first week of 2013.

Los Regalos

For these cigars we’ve begun production with an entirely different factory than we’ve used before, and I’m very satisfied with what they’ve produced. There will be 4 blends in the series, as well as a Los Regalos Vintage 2006, comprised entirely of exquisite tobaccos from the 2006 harvest.

The packaging will feature a Mayan theme, and be a bit more playful and colorful than our other brands. We are hoping to show the first blend in the series, the Quetzal, at the IPCPR trade show in August, with shipment to retailers early in the fall.

Weekly Cigar News May 27- June 2, 2012

May 30, 2012 By Kip Fisher

My headcold is finally subsiding, but the ol’ palate needs another day or so before I attempt a review. I’ll be putting one together tomorrow night or Friday. So, in the meantime, here’s some cigar news from IPCPR and JC Newman…

Cigar News

IPCPR

Bills to Protect Premium Cigars Continue to Gain Support

Washington, DC-As the Representatives and Senators settle into session, two bills (H.R. 1639 & S. 1461) continue to gain support. H.R. 1639 has just reached 190 co-sponsors, nearing the 218 co-sponsors needed for the majority. S. 1461 has reached 10 co-sponsors with Senator Ben Nelson from Nebraska supporting it most recently.

The bills seek to restrict the FDA from regulating the premium cigar industry as it wishes to do to other tobacco products.

With the FDA’s proposed new jurisdiction, they would have the ability to completely alter the way premium cigars are sold, even going as far as having the ability to take the word “cigar” out of advertisements. These two bills seek to limit that. Supported by the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), Cigar Rights of America, small tobacco shops throughout the country, and tobacco enthusiasts, the bills seek to protect the cigar industry from the FDA’s potentially heavy-handed regulation.

The bills have come a long way, but are still in need of support. The IPCPR encourages any tobacco enthusiasts to contact their local legislators and discuss with them the importance of small tobacconists throughout this country and the negative impact that FDA regulation could have on their businesses.

Bill Spann, CEO of the IPCPR, noted, “The premium cigar industry employs over 85,000 Americans alone. In today’s economy, our representative form of government should be doing everything possible to protect small businesses and promote job growth, not trying to regulate it out of existence.”

As the bills continue to gain support, cigar enthusiasts everywhere hope that the legislators will hear their voices and discuss the bills during session this year, which is expected to close in December.

Press Releases – JC Newman

NEW Brick House Teaser Hits Bashes this Summer

Brick House Bashes will get even better this summer with the new Brick House Bash Teaser. The J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the first to offer a cigar that packs the same complex flavors and aromas of a regular sized cigar, handrolled into a 3 ½ x 56 body. The Brick House “Teaser” is designed to be a tasting cigar. Similar to a wine tasting, the size and blend gives the recipient just enough taste to experience the Brick House flavor. The first 50 people at every Brick House Bash will receive a free Brick House teaser along with other special deals.

For a full listing of these exclusive cigar tastings only available at Brick House Bashes, click HERE.

For high resolution photos of the Brick House Teaser click HERE.

A Green Cigar Factory for Nicaragua

New Home of Quorum Built to Be Eco-Friendly

NICARAGUA – PENSA, or Puros De Esteli Nicaragua S.A., is J.C. Newman’s new 55,000 square foot factory located in the foothills of Esteli, Nicaragua. With the capacity to make over 25 million cigars per year, it is no small feat that this cigar factory is almost entirely green.

Nearly all the utilities in the building are renewable. Rainwater is collected through chains from the roof and reused for cooling and sanitation. Fresh air is pulled into the factory though large fans and mixed with recycled water to cool the room and keep the cigars at just the right humidity. Foam insulation keeps the cooled air from escaping into the thick, tropical air outside. Large panels in the roof stretch the full length of the ceiling, allowing Nicaragua’s plentiful sunlight in and eliminating the need for artificial lighting except on the cloudiest of days. The mix of fresh air, natural light and an open floor concept means worker morale stays strong while the carbon footprint is considerably reduced.

Employee health is a priority at the factory. A doctor is on staff everyday to service employees and their families. Bike racks located on the inside of the building give employees a greener and safer option than catching a ride to work or storing their bike on a fence outside the factory. Cleanliness is encouraged through the use of smocks and a full service sanitation crew.

For photos of the factory please ~~click HERE~~.

The J.C. Newman Cigar Company has worked hard to create a safe, clean, environmentally friendly factory for not only the employees of PENSA, but for the residents of Esteli. PENSA currently handrolls Quorum, Quorum Shade, Alcazar and Hampton Arms. For more information about PENSA and the cigars made there, please visit www.jcnewman.com.

Cigars and Chardonnay for Charity

An Evening in Ybor to Benefit Two Locally Based Charities

TAMPA – Celebrate an evening of Cigars and Chardonnay to benefit the Florida Holocaust Museum and Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. The event will be hosted at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Ybor City, America’s oldest family owned cigar company.

A ticket price of $100 to Cigars and Chardonnay includes live jazz music,
champagne and kosher wine tastings, premium hand rolled cigars, hors d’oeuvres, cigar factory tours, a silent auction and more all housed in a 112 year original Ybor cigar factory. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, proceeds will benefit the Florida Holocaust Museum – the only accredited Holocaust Museum outside Washington D.C. – and the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation – a non-profit that works through education, empowerment and healthcare to help the children of the Dominican Republic.

To purchase tickets please go to www.flholocaustmuseum.org or call (727) 820-0100 Ext 251.

WHAT: Cigars and Chardonnay to benefit the Florida Holocaust
Museum and Cigar Family Charitable Foundation
WHEN: Thursday, May 31, 6 – 9 p.m.
WHERE: J.C. Newman Cigar Factory, 2701 N. 16th Street,
Tampa, FL 33605
WHO: Media Sponsor Tampa Bay Metro Magazine will be
on hand for photos

About The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation
The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)3 started by the Fuente and Newman families in 2001 to help the children in the cigar producing region of the Dominican Republic. What began as a plan to add a wing onto a local school has grown into a 23 acre Cigar Family Complex that currently includes a primary and high school, health center, organic farming program, sports and recreational facility and an ever-growing list of vocational opportunities; all serving over 100,000 people in 12 surrounding communities. Thanks to the commitment of the Fuente and Newman families 100 percent of the administrative costs are underwritten. For more information about the Foundation please visit www.cf-cf.org today.

Founded in 1895, J.C. Newman is America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker and the last operating cigar factory in Cigar City. From the ultra-premium Diamond Crown, Diamond Crown MAXIMUS and Diamond Julius Caeser to mid-level Cuesta-Rey, La Unica, Brick House and El Baton, to value-priced Quorum, Trader Jacks and Factory Throwouts; the J.C. Newman name has become synonymous with excellence in cigar manufacturing. To learn more about J.C. Newman Cigar Company, visitwww.jcnewman.com.

Cigar Week – a Quick Jaunt through Florida

May 19, 2012 By Kip Fisher

NOTE: If you want to skip the narrative and go straight to the pictures, you can find them HERE

This past week, my nephew came down to visit for our 4th annual Cigar Week. Each year, I take a week off work when he comes down from Tennessee, and we putter around the state of Florida visiting a number of cigar shops, manufacturers, or any other events that happen to be going on at the time. This year, we managed to work in a visit to Delray Beach, Miami/Little Havana, Ybor City, and a few places around Tampa. On our way down to Miami, we stopped and spent an evening at Charmed Leaf with Frank and Elissa. This was the third time I’ve had the pleasure of visiting The Charmed Leaf, and I’m totally enamored with the whole operation. The focus of The Charmed Leaf is very much on boutique cigars, of which they have a great selection – including many I don’t typically have access to in the Tampa market. The atmosphere of the place is very lighthearted, friendly, and welcoming. We even got schooled in playing dominoes while we were there on this trip, which was great fun. I got so carried away with the cigars and fun that I managed not to get any pictures while we were there – which will be corrected the next time I’m in the area. With permission, I’d love to feature them in an upcoming series of posts I’m planning to spotlight tobacconists’ I’ve encountered and have a great deal of respect and appreciation for. If you’re ever in the Delray Beach area, the trip won’t be complete without a stop there. I highly recommend them. And, if you’re not in the area, you can always check out their website as well…you just can’t get a domino lesson online [EDIT: This shop has since sold to new ownership.].

The following morning, we continued down the coast to Miami and into Doral to visit the My Father factory, lounge, and distribution/offices. I had contacted them ahead of time, and John Gonzalez was kind enough to give us a short tour of the operation. Much of the space at the new site is dedicated to warehouse and distribution efforts, but they have a lounge and a working factory as well. The lounge stocks My Father products, and is quite comfortable and very nicely furnished. There were 8-10 torcedores at work while we were there, busily rolling cigars, and several folks working in packaging/shipping/receiving. Much of their product is now manufactured in Nicaragua, but the Miami factory still produces a few cigar lines, some of which I find quite tasty.

From My Father, we headed over to Calle Ocho for a quick run through Little Havana. We passed through/by/in/around a number of shops and factories, but the highlight of the visit was a stop at La Tradicion Cubana. Frank Herrera had recommended we visit LTC, and it proved to be a wonderful experience. We hung out there with Luis Sanchez, the proprietor, for a couple of hours just smoking cigars and chatting. This was the first time I had the chance to spend any time with Luis, and I found him to be a very cordial, welcoming facet of Little Havana. I highly recommend a stop if you’re ever in Miami. It’s definitely worthwhile – both for the conversation and the cigars. I smoked one of his LTC “Palmitas” while there, and it was spectacular. Since the visit, I have enjoyed the Jameson cigars he makes for Brad Mayo as well. I foresee me stocking a few of these makes in my regular rotation for sure. Luis is responsible for his own brand (La Tradicion Cubana & Sabor Cubano), as well as Jameson Cigars (including the Red Label, Black, the Southbound Series, and Santos de Miami), Casa Gomez, and La Caridad del Cobre. We spent most of the afternoon on Calle Ocho, then headed back to points northward.

On Thursday, we had a scheduled tour of the JC Newman factory in Tampa. When we arrived at our appointed time, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that Eric Newman himself was in town and would give us the grand tour. Most of the work going on here is in machine rolled cigars and distribution. The building has been renovated in recent years, and is a spectacular sight. It has been restored to its past glory, and is such a fun way to spend the morning. The equipment is impressive as well…each of the rolling machines is capable of producing up to 5,000 cigars per day, and has several thousand moving parts. But, the highlight of this tour was having Eric give it. The family stories and proud history of the Newman family’s 117 years in the industry were fascinating. Eric gave us the entire history of the Newman family’s involvement in the cigar industry…from it’s beginnings in late 19th century Ohio, through the Tampa years, the partnership with the Fuentes, and into current times with the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation and opening of their new Nicaraguan factory. It’s a wonderful story and if you ever have the chance you should visit – even if not for a tour, they maintain a small museum on the first floor of the tower detailing this history.

We finished out the week with some local stops around Tampa – Ybor City, fishing at the Skyway, and some stops at various brick & mortar cigar shops. We visited Tampa Humidor, The Cigar Castle, and Clearwater Cigar Company. Tampa Humidor is my local “go-to” shop. The majority of my cigar buying is from them. I had been to Cigar Castle a couple of years ago, but not recently as it’s a bit out of my normal driving patterns. They have a very nice lounge, and great selection of cigars. Atul was incredibly friendly and helpful as well. Definitely worth a stop when in Tampa. The other tobacconist that we tried for the first time was Clearwater Cigar Company. They are near the St. Petersburg airport, from whence my nephew was departing. John Fought, one of our previous giveaway winners, recommended this stop because of its proximity to the airport, and it is one of his hangouts as well. So, we met John in person for the first time here. This is a newer shop (less than 2 years), run by Leglio Sotolongo. I’m not commonly in that part of town, so I had never made it over that way. As has become a pattern in the cigar industry, we encountered nothing but a friendly atmosphere here. Leglio is a very upbeat, positive, laidback kind of guy. A perfect fit for the tobacconist trade. He helped us out in picking some cigars we had not tried before based on what we typically like to smoke, and together with John provided an entertaining afternoon while we waited to head over to the airport. Some or all of these locations will likely be featured in the upcoming spotlight series as well. Thus ended this year’s Cigar Week. If you all ever make your way to Florida, I don’t think you can go wrong at any of the sites we hit this week. Also, if you’re in Florida and have a favorite spot let me know. I travel most of this state, and I’m always in the market for meeting new folks in the field…and I spend a lot of time in cigar shop lounges…

Pictures from 2012 Cigar Week

Miami Cigar releases Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2012

May 16, 2012 By Kip Fisher

For Immediate Release, from Miami Cigar & Company

Miami Cigar & Company to Release Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2012

Miami, Florida – May 16, 2012 – Following in the footsteps of the Cigar Aficionado 91-rated Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve, Miami Cigar & Company is set to release the 2012 edition at IPCPR in August. The 6 1/8 x 52 box-pressed maduro cigar will be limited to 1500 boxes of 10 cigars. Rolled in Esteli, Nicaragua, this year’s edition of the Grand Reserve will have an extra kick, due to the added Nicaraguan ligero. Utilizing a dual binder this extraordinary cigar is capped of with a dark, oily Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper aimed to please today’s cigar smoker.

According to Nestor Miranda, “With the 2012 edition, we were looking to add another dimension to the Grand Reserve and what we have come up with is a cigar that is a full bodied powerhouse. I can’t wait to see the reaction of the consumers when they smoke this cigar!” The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2012 will retail for $12.00 a stick, or $120.00 for a box of 10 before any local taxes.

About Miami Cigar & Company
Miami Cigar & Company, founded in 1989, is the exclusive US distributor of La Aurora brands which include Guillermo Leon & Leon Jimenes. They are also the worldwide distributor of Tatiana, Don Lino, La Sirena and Nestor Miranda line of cigars. They can found on the web at http://www.miamicigarcompany.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/miamicigarcompany

Cigar Review: illusione f9

May 3, 2012 By Kip Fisher

According to the illusione cigars website, “The concept behind Illusione Cigars was to re-create a specific taste profile from years past. Before the Sandinistas took over Nicaragua in 1979, Nicaragua was growing some of the best tobaccos in the world. The cigars made from these prized fields in the Jalapa Valley and Esteli region were strong, bold and clean. After years of neglect, these old Somoza fields have been re-cultivated by the legendary master grower Arsenio Ramos of Cuba. Along with Fernando, Chandito and famed Cuban agronomist Jacinto, Arsenio has assembled the veritable “dream team” of tobacco production. They have re-grown these humble acres to yield their fullest potential once again. All Illusione cigars are made from first generation Corojo ’99, Criollo ’98 seeds, wrapped with a grade one Café Colorado wrapper, and finished with a traditional triple cap in the premier Raices Cubanas factory. Illusione cigars deliver a taste and a quality of smoke rarely found in today’s market.” So, there you have it – the vision behind the brand. Does illusione live up to those lofty goals? Let’s find out…

I have smoked several of this specific vitola from illusione in preparation for this review, and a number of their other offerings in the past year or so. Some were good, some great. None have been a disappointment, as I find myself migrating more toward Nicaraguan tobacco in recent history. Today’s review, of course, is for the illusione f9, also known as the “finesse” (6.25″ X 44). This cigar, as well as its recent brethren, were purchased at a local shop that I frequent, and can be found in the Tampa market for about $8.00 each. Just giving it a cursory once-over, I don’t see any noticeable visible flaws, blemishes, or imperfections in the wrapper. There is one slight soft spot about an inch in from the foot, but not prominent enough to give me any worry. It has a very uniform, chocolate color to it and a light, smooth sheen on the surface. Some recent examples have had a slightly reddish tint to them, but this one does not. After clipping, the prelight draw is well within the optimal range of being firm enough to know you’re smoking a cigar, but free enough to allow plenty of smoke to pass. The flavor of the cold draw is mild and pleasant, giving just a hint of leather perhaps.

With first light and into the first inch of smoking, the draw and burn are exceptional. The finish is very pleasant and clean, only lingering for a few moments between puffs on the palate. It comes across to me earthy at this early point, with a healthy dose of woodiness, which I find quite pleasant. There is a slight bit of black pepper here as well, which I find in many Nicaraguan tobaccos – especially early on in a cigar. The cigar is burning at a good clip, but does not heat up at all. The soft spot proved to be inconsequential, and as a sidenote none of the others I’ve smoked in the past 30 days has had any similar spots. I would rate the strength in this first inch to be on the heavier end of “medium.” Late in this portion of the stick, I also notice a prominent floral quality to the smoke.

Moving on to the second inch of smoking, the floral quality I mention above transforms into a sweet, cedar flavor. Not the astringency that is sometimes associated with cedar…more sweet, similar to a flavor profile I liken to the spices sometimes used in Caribbean cooking (i.e. allspice). The burn slows during this time, which may be accounted for in the change in density within the cigar. Nevertheless, the evenness of the burn is outstanding, and I have not so much as thought about touching it up. It has been entirely self-governing so far. For lack of a better term, all of these f9’s I have had recently have been very complex – the flavors seem to swing pendulously from earthy and nutty to sweet cedar to leather, and are all pleasing to the palate. The cigar ashed at just beyond the 1″ mark, but had a good bit of help from a stray camera strap…

From the third inch and onward, the burn did wander just a slight amount. I touched it up once or twice, but it was never a bother. It has been very well behaved. The smoke production has been plentiful throughout, even after letting it sit in the ashtray for a minute or more. I am more than impressed with the f9’s ability to remain lit for extended amounts of time between puffs. Toward the end of the cigar, the smoke developed a dryness that was not present earlier. The flavors remain varied, but definitely dwelt on the darker end of the spectrum – earthy, leathery, and with a slight sweetness. The finish remains very clean…flavorful, but never cloying of leaving a “polluted” feeling.

So, does illusione f9 live up to their stated goal of producing a modern cigar modeled after Nicaraguan sticks of yesteryear? I can’t answer that, as I was only 6 years old when those fields went vacant. However, I find them very agreeable to my palate. The f9 fits in my preferred range in size, but I have to admit to enjoying all of the others I’ve tried as well. The quality and consistency are topnotch, the balance in blending is more than impressive, and the flavors are bold enough for an old codger looking for quintessential Nicaraguan fare…but approachable enough to be a worthwhile foray for anyone. I would not hesitate to pull the trigger on keeping plenty of them around. In fact, I have begun to put some away for the future, assuming I don’t smoke them all up in the short term…I’m actually smoking one right now as I type these notes….

Cigar Review: EP Carrillo NWC Short Run 2012

April 22, 2012 By Kip Fisher

Well, it’s a rainy Saturday afternoon here in my little corner of Central Florida. That tells me it’s time for a cigar. The sunshine gives me the exact same feeling, so take that with a grain of salt. This week, I wanted to take a look at Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s latest offering in his limited-production Short Run series. Today, I selected the Exquisito from this year’s release. This vitola was known as the Bombone in 2011 – the size is the same, but of course the blend is different. The 2012 Short Run blend is a concoction of components of two other blends from EP Carrillo. The filler and binder are taken from the Core Maduro (Nicaraguan/Dominican Filler, CT Broadleaf binder), and the Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper is the same as can be found in the New Wave Connecticut. I picked up several of these at my local shop a couple of weeks ago, and this is the third I have smoked so far. The construction of each has been as near perfect as I have ever experienced. The production for the NWC Short Run is reportedly about 1,000 boxes for each of the three offered vitolas. In the Tampa market, they run about $5.95-$8.20 for singles (depending on size), and $5.70-$7.70 apiece if purchased in box quantities.

The first thing that occurs to me while looking these over is a flawless wrapper. They have a light sheen to them, and none of mine have had any blemish whatsoever. They’re not especially veiny; the veins are visible yet very slight. In fact, they are barely noticeable to the touch. The leaf is very supple and smooth. From all appearances, the construction is dead on. No soft spots, voids, inconsistencies in density…as I mentioned above just about perfect if there is such a thing. The only thing resembling “tooth” to this wrapper is the texture found on the band. The cigar itself is very smooth. The prelight draw is quite free, and provides a hint of hay – not a “barnyard” flavor, more akin to fresh hay. The aroma is somewhat darker to me, reminding me of a horse stall with some cedar coming through as well.

At first light, I get a good bit of peppery spice. This spice is more perceived through flavor rather than feeling, and produces little burn with retrohale. As I progress through the first inch of smoking, the pepper soon gives way to a bit lighter, more nutty flavor. Although the spice wanes at this point, the cedar remains. By the end of this first inch, and going into the second, the spice is considerably more subdued. The flavors have rounded out very nicely. It is still nutty to a great degree, and I would almost liken it to leather here. Almost. The smoke is more mouth-coating than earlier on, and provides a lingering finish between puffs. As a sidenote, the retrohale gave me a couple of good sneezes. Some pipe blends that contain a good dose of perique have the same effect to me, although I can’t identify any flavor similarities with this cigar. I just mention that because it clearly had that effect on me in the midst of this stick.

By the end of the second inch some of the peppery spice I noted earlier has returned, although it comes across remarkably sweeter at this point (for you pepper aficionados, think Cubanelle rather than jalapeño). Going into the final stretch, the NWC Short Run 2012 really comes into its own. All the “corners” or bright flavors have smoothed out and become much more mouth-filling. I get a nice, creamy leather flavor in the forefront as I lead into the last bits of smoking. The sweetness is still here, and has mostly replaced the earlier spice. None of my examples have had even a hint of harshness at any point.

Overall, I enjoy this year’s Short Run. I’d place the Exquisito firmly in the medium range of strength, and slightly fuller in flavor. It is strikingly well balanced in that respect, and the blender’s skill is beautifully represented here. I will likely give the other sizes a try as well. I think it’s very good, but might stop short of calling it “great.” I will certainly keep a few around to sample as time goes by, but probably won’t break a leg trying to scrounge up a box of them. This speaks more to my personal preference than about the cigar. It is definitely a well made, well blended cigar, but just isn’t in the sweetspot for my palate. I would absolutely recommend giving it a try; it’s just my personal flavor preferences that would keep me from stockpiling them in great quantities. For my tastes, there are a few other offerings from EPC that I would tend to accumulate before the current Short Run. So, give them a try. I don’t think you’ll regret it – and you might find a favorite.