Kip Fisher - Co-Founder, Author at Half Ashed

Half Ashed 178: Unbanded 034

April 29, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 034

Unbanded 034 (J2) from JLedou. Tonight’s Unbanded is a robusto, coming in at 5”x50 with an evenly colored, dark brown wrapper. The wrapper is actually very oily, although this is disguised by the tooth. The cold draw is sweet, with an aroma much like seasoned hay. All seems delightful pre-light for me (Kip)….let’s see how it fires up.

Cigar News

Recent Name Changes:

Since our last show, there were a couple of name changes in the industry. First, Casa Fernandez announced they were renaming the organization AGANORSA Leaf. There are a lot of names associated with the cigar company, their growing operations, and factories….Tabacalera Tropicale (formerly), Casa Fernandez, TABSA, etc. The new name will change the focus from a family name to the tobacco itself (which to me is unique and delicious….Craig would stop at “unique”).

Secondly, with a move in the other direction, JC Newman has renamed their PENSA factory as JC Newman PENSA. The move was described in their press release as part of an effort to “to elevate the ‘J.C. Newman’ name and use it to tell our story as a 123-year-old, four-generation family business, and America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker.”

The name changes, whatever the motivation, don’t mean a lot to me. The biggest thing I noticed was the statement in the press release that JC Newman rolls 100,000 cigars per day in the Nicaraguan factory. Knowing that Fuente still makes many of their flagship marcas, that’s a lot more cigars than I would have thought….

On the heels of featuring a Southern Draw CotW, we have a bit of news from them as well. It’s called the Ignite Series of cigars, and is a joint operation with retailers to raise money for various charitable organizations, especially those directly related to service member aid and cigar rights preservation. Several cigars will be released during the balance of the year, and will be sold in 10 count jars – each of which will generate $7.50 of donated value (50/50 SD/retailer) – for a total donation of $37,500. Op:CFW will be the first beneficiary for the series.

Continuing with the long-running TAA releases, Tatuaje will be producing the TAA 50th this year. It will be a pressed 5”x52 robusto, made up of a CT Broadleaf wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler mix. MSRP will be $11.95. This has been one of my favorite Tatuaje series. I always expect great things, and haven’t been disappointed by any of the editions.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Tatuaje Skinny Monsters

Drac – So, so underrated as a blend. Closest to original
Mummy – A true surprise. Excellent, elegant, suave
Tiff – Belle of the ball

Kip

Campesino Series – Renacimiento
Tres Cruces Maduro/*not* Maduro

Half Ashed 177: Southern Draw Quickdraw PA

April 29, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Southern Draw Quickdraw PA

Tonight we’re smoking the Southern Draw Quickdraw PA with a Pennsylvania wrapper (also available with Ecuadoran Dark Habano or Ecuadoran CT). The binder is Nicaraguan, and filler composed of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos. We have the Short Panatela, coming in at 5.5” x 40 – but the blend is also available as a 4.5” x 44 petit corona. These are about as fresh as can be, as I only ordered them about 4 months ago and had Mike bring them down. They are AJF-produced cigars, so although owner Robert Holt’s fingerprints are all over the blend you can still see AJ’s touch come through as well. Let’s see how the night progresses.

Cigar News

My old homeland continues to slide. The University of Tennessee is going tobacco free. Of course, it’s not a huge surprise that a university – especially a state school – would go smoke free. I’m only surprised by its depth. The ban prohibits “inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette (including any electronic cigarette or similar device), pipe, or other lighted tobacco product.” The prohibition extends to private vehicles parked – or operated – on university property. How exactly do they expect to enforce that? ORIGINAL STORY HERE

For those keeping score, Tatuaje is about to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Pete Johnson has been showing the Anniversary blend in development. According to his pictures and comments, the blend will come in two sizes: Belicoso Fino (5 1/2 x 52) and Torpedo Grande (6 1/2 x 52). Also revealed is that there will be two available wrappers: Ecuadorian rosado claro or Ecuadorian rosado oscuro. The cigars will be a regular production item (like the 10th Anniversary Belle Encre and Bon Chasseur vitolas).

We’ve talked about the process for ages, probably since before Half Ashed even existed – but more cigar companies are continuing to explore markets outside the U.S. Fratello recently announced an expansion with a new distributor in the German marketplace. Omar (de Frias) already has a few European arrangements, as do several others. I speculate that we’ll see this trend grow quickly as more companies seek to develop other markets to potentially fill in gaps that *may* develop should the American market drop off…kind of spreading eggs into multiple baskets. We’ll see I suppose.

There’s been *a little* bit of movement with the ongoing big-picture story of the FDA’s quest to regulate cigars. Our last show, we talked a bit about the fact that a new comment period and review had begun to investigate the definition of a premium cigar and the efficacy/value of FDA regulation. Since then, the CAA, CRA, and IPCPR have moved to try and delay the onset of warning label requirements. These are set to begin in August, and will be the first major expense for companies complying with the regs. The requested delay stems from the fact that a new review of the upcoming regulations and if/how/whether certain aspects should be carried out may mean that the requirements will change or be removed entirely. Should this be the case, the industry would have spent a huge amount of money on pointless compliance to unnecessary/voided requirements. About the same time, a group of healthcare related entities have sued the FDA because of existing delays that have come about through moving timelines and commencement dates for various parts of the rule (as we discuss, most of these groups bringing the suit already attempted to be deemed co-defendants, alleging that the FDA would not adequately fight for oversight of the entire industry).

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

This week, Kip has smoked almost nothing….but Craig has a special Padron to talk about. Tune in for the whole scoop.

Half Ashed 176: El Rey del Mundo Grandes de España

March 27, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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El Rey del Mundo Grandes de España

Craig – El Rey del Mundo Grandes de Espana. The cigar that is a Lancero’s more suave brother. 38 x 7-⅝” naturally box pressed. This cigar is 21 years old this month and smokes as if it’s got the college education of a 21 year old. I’m hyperbolic because I love this cigar. Of all that we’ve had on Half Ashed, the El Rey del Mundo brand represents the best luck with vintage cigars that I’ve been lucky enough to experience. These are a rare treat for me. Floral, sweet and bready; almost akin to a breakfast pastry. They represent the perfect balance & complexity that a completely mild cigar can provide. They have decades left of substance and I look forward to continuing their journey right along with them. Creamy tea flavors with honey and spice round out the expected profile. When younger, which technically these are when talking vintage ERdMs, they can also be slightly toasty.

Cigar News

Soneros is back. The brand went away a few years ago, after an ownership disagreement between the Gonzalez family and Cubanacan. The case has since been settled, and the Gonzalez’ will again make the cigars (now in their La Corona factory), and White Hat Distribution will be bringing them to the US…a name you may know from the fact that they also distribute Hirochi Robaina’s lines. The Soneros will again be available in two wrappers: Habano Claro (Corona Gorda, Robusto, Toro, Gordo – ranging from $5.45-8.45) and Habano Maduro (same vitolas, at $0.50 more per cigar). Becoming available over the next several weeks.

Lots of FDA movement over the past 2 weeks. First, they are soliciting comments regarding flavored tobacco products – specifically, their appeal/usage by underage smokers. The comment period will run for 90 days, expiring in mid-June.

Next, the Omnibus (spending bill to fund the government) has gone through…again without any exemption for premium cigars. So, cigar manufacturers/retailers/smokers hopeful for some relief from oncoming regulation and deadlines will have to wait and see how some of the existing lawsuits shake out. But in the meantime, the FDA is expected to open a new comment period next week for the impact of these regs. This time, the expectation is more focus on defining premium cigars and if/how they should be regulated.

Popular forum/messageboard/gathering spot/trading club REDDIT has forbidden the trading, buying/selling, and giving of tobacco products on their software, including cigars. They issued the notice regarding a number of products, which include tobacco – and prohibit using “Reddit to solicit or facilitate any transaction or gift involving” these products.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –
- 2003 “Yolanda” Salamone
- AVO Syncro II Nicaragua Special Toro Fogata
- Southern Draw Pennsylvania Broadleaf Corona

Kip
- (DE) Herrera Estelí Norteño Belicoso Fino (5”x50) – I smoked one of these this week. I have to say that even though I enjoyed them when they debuted in 2013/14ish, the most recent one was much better. They were enjoyable for me originally, but could sometimes tapdance on the line of “shrill” or “astringent” in that their strength could overpower the flavor. This most recent example was perfectly balanced, with a good dose of chocolatey-chile flavor and heavy medium/light full strength. Very well made. I dug it.
- Crowned Heads La Imperiosa Magico – I also had the chance to revisit the Crowned Heads La Imperiosa this week. I smoked the Magico vitola (4.5”x52), which I have to say was another pleasant surprise. When these came out in 2015, they were reportedly spun off the 2014 Las Calaveras blend – which was my favorite to date. It seemed a bit more suave than I remember the Las Calaveras being…but deliciously tasty. There was some spice (actually most realized on relighting it hours after putting it down the first time), but this was tempered by a background sweetness that I really liked a lot.

Half Ashed 175: Unbanded 033

March 27, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 033 from DC

Sent in by DC all the way back in 12/2016, tonight’s featured cigar, Unbanded 033, is draped in a dark”ish” wrapper (mid-tone brown with some much darker mottling) and a sweet but cedary aroma from the foot. It is 5” x 50 by my measure, with moderate veining and a wrapper that looks dry but *feels* oily and supple. Let’s see how badly we can be fooled, shall we?

Cigar News

- Habanos Festival
- PROCigar Festival
- CLE sent out an email a couple weeks ago, detailing the fact that they are making a concerted effort to fill backorders on many of their cigars…and that effective this week they will no longer be opening any new accounts until they’re caught up. The backorder situation must be sizable, as they mentioned they hope to be caught up by 3rd quarter 2018.
- Erik Espinosa is once again releasing the Wasabi. It was originally released a couple years ago as a lounge exclusive, although it’s more widely available this time around. There are only 5,000 cigars in this production run and they’ll retail around $8. There aren’t any specifics to be found about the blend, although it’s described as a “spicy candela.” This intrigues me. I’m not at all a fan of candela wrapper in general because it often comes across as “papery” or vegetal in flavor to me. For some reason, though, I’m fascinated by the idea of a spicy version….and exactly what that might mean.
- Fresh on the heels of the sale of my once-beloved Tampa Humidor, Casa de Montecristo continues their very aggressive strategy of acquiring/partnering with retail operations, this time in South Florida. The Mancave, a south FL retailer, will be opening a CdM franchise next month. The new location will be over 2k square feet, and will feature a bar in addition to the cigar lounge. This brings the CdM number of facilities up to nearly 30, with a majority owned by Imperial.
- Lots of news coming out of Tatuaje/L’Atelier. Co-founder Casper Johnson has announced his departure from L’Atelier to take a job in the music industry. Trailing this news was the announcement that L’Atelier will merge with Tatuaje by the end of this month. I’m not especially clear what this may mean to those of us who just enjoy the product. The cigars from both companies, to my knowledge, will continue to be produced by My Father and be distributed much the same.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –
- Unbanded DC#2 – Addition by subtraction: not spicy, not overly bold or full = Old school dominican soul?
- AVO Synchro – I’m left wanting. I enjoyed this cigar for its individuality back upon release. I did not enjoy this cigar because of its monotony at this time. It’s a shame. I wanted this line to consistantly remind me of the LE releases of the 2000s that really shined well on the legacy of AVO cigars.
- Headley Grange Drumstick – An interesting cigar. It smoked bigger than it was. This cigar is an almost 8” long lancery that took abuse, smoked quickly and NEVER harshly. Enjoyably sweet and homey. If this cigar was 5” long I’d be a regular buyer.

Kip
- Mike brought be down some RoMaCraft Aquitaine back in January. I’ve been hitting those pretty hard the past couple weeks. Too hard, based upon how quickly my stash has dwindled. I just simply can’t seem to keep my hands off them. This line may very well be my favorite Nicaraguan cigar in the marketplace today (Ecuadoran wrapper and Cameroon binder notwithstanding).
- I’m still pawing at my pipes as well. Lately, I’ve been smoking through a tin of GL Pease Sextant. I think I may have mentioned this blend last episode. KY/Latakia/Turkish/VA, with a very slight spritz of rum. The rum is applied sparingly, which leaves it plenty dry to burn well but imparts a nice, caramel note across the otherwise traditional English campfire flavor. I’m not sure I’d smoked this before popping this tin; I wish I had…I’d have bought a bunch of it back in the day to set aside. I enjoy the fact that the latakia is front-loaded. What i mean by this is that it is dominant early on, but subsides by mid-bowl and lets the Virginias bring their sweetness into the foreground. Whether by design or simple palate calibration on my part, the effect is spectacular. I love it.

Episode 174: Ezra Zion All My Ex’s Maduro

February 6, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Ezra Zion All My Ex’s Maduro

Kip – The All My Ex’s maduro made its appearance in April 2016 as a followup to the original released blend. The Ezra Zion guys generously gave us these while I was at IPCPR 2016. The maduro All My Ex’s features a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. They were made via Noel Rojas at the Aroma de Jalapa factory in Estelí. The line was available in three vitolas (6”x52 toro at $8.95, 5”x50 robusto for $8.50, and a 6.5”x42 lancero ($8.95)). Total production was 800 boxes of 25 (20,000 total production). I remember these having a healthy dose of potency, yet being entirely approachable; some dry cocoa flavors and an occasional wisp of smoky woodsiness. I couldn’t help but notice that only 18 months in the cello left it incredibly yellowed. Interesting. Let’s see how the cigars are smoking these days….

Cigar News

My old haunt – Tampa Humidor – announced since our last show that they had been acquired by Casa de Montecristo (Tabacalera USA/Altadis/JR Cigars)….and subsequently, a few more acquisitions have occurred. It was announced that Xikar has been bought by Quality Importers (!), and Thompson Cigar has been purchased by STG, the parent company to General Cigar and CI.
Halfwheel is reporting that Altadis is suing another company for trademark infringement with the fleur-de-lis.
Gary Laden of Smooth Draws Radio Show passed away. Our condolences to his family and friends. Remembering Gary, by Cigar Coop
Carlito Fuente announced during the Puro Sabor festival that the Fuente family is opening a new cigar factory in Nicaragua. They have maintained a farming presence there for many years since their original factory in Estelí was burned in 1978. This comes on the heels of announcing the name change for distribution from Fuente & Newman Premium Cigars Limited to the Arturo Fuente Cigar Co.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

Tatuaje Little Boris Robusto Extra – Holy Poop
Tatuaje Capa Especial 2012 Book Toro – Nirvana
Tatuaje Tattoo Robusto – Overlooked too often
Ramon Allones SS – Not the best example
Ramon Allones PC – Old Faithful
Cornelius & Anthony Cornelius (Corona) – Generic

Kip

JC Newman El Baton –
Fuente 858 Sungrown –
Deer Tongue!

Episode 173: EP Carrillo 2011 Dark Rituals

February 5, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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EP Carrillo 2011 Dark Rituals

Craig – The EP Carrillo 2011 Dark Rituals Edicion Limitada is a cigar with a special place in my heart. It’s not the best cigar in the world, it’s not my favorite size but it is the only cigar I’ve ever received for building someone a house. In 2009 I started working with a couple in the Chicago suburbs to design their dream house. We worked long and hard to marry their need for space with their desire for a healthy & efficient living space.

When it was all said and done, they had the first LEED Certified house in their county, The most efficient in their town and one of the healthiest in the state. I was proud of that house and so were they.

A long while after they had moved in they came to my office with a small parcel and a big smile. I opened it up and was absolutely blown away by the generosity displayed in giving me a box of these Dark Rituals. What we’re smoking tonight are the last three specimens from that gift and a perfect way to remember that very personal achievement.

The cigar is a gigantic vitola, larger than my gauge can even measure. I’m guessing that direct measurements would yield a 56×6-⅜” size. The wrapper is extremely dark but substantially lighter than it was initially. It’s lost some oils and shows some of the color inconsistency of a tobacco leaf that is almost water stained. All coming from the oils that used to be present.

The wrapper leaf is only called “Oscuro Maduro” by the mfg but no country of origin is disclosed. An Ecuadorian Sumatran binder sits over all Nicaraguan filler tobacco. I expect it to be dusty,with cocoa & fruit flavors dominating. I look forward to the journey.

Cigar News

Tonight, for the most part, we skipped recent happenings from the world of cigars…because we have special guest Michael Stewart. You may remember past visits with Mike when we talked about his rolling hobbies, of both cigar and sushi nature. He is down visiting Kip this week, and we thought it’d be cool to catch up on how his trip is going and what they have been able to see and do during the visit.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –
- LFD Andalusian Bull – After only smoking 2 or 3 cigars this entire winter I have jumped back into the fray with a gigantic cigar. My first And Bull. It’s a little Air Bender, a little Double Ligero and all LFD. Reminding me much of the EZ Tantrum in the first ½” (strength-wise) it settled down into a core of actually pleasing hard flavors. It’s size is intimidating at nearly 7” and almost 60 ring but what I did manage to get through before my brush with death was enjoyable. It’s good to be back…
Kip
- Padilla Fumas…despite what may have been preconceived notions if I’d known about this cigar beforehand, I genuinely enjoyed it. Habano wrapper over mixed filler – which held together very well, burned superbly, and tasted toasty and sweet. I dug it.
- RoMaCraft Aquitaine. My sweet Aquitaine. I’ve gushed and waxed poetic over this cigar in the past, but boy have I missed them. Mike brought some down for me, and I feel like I need to lock them away and give someone else the key. I don’t know how they’ll last very long. Heck, I liked them so much I have to admit Craig was right about the vitolas…I think I may like this Mode 5 even more than the Anthropology. I don’t say that lightly, nor willingly.

Half Ashed 172: La Tradicion Cubana Reserva Familiar

January 29, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Preliminary Review – La Tradicion Cubana Reserva Familiar

Kip – Tonight’s sample of the La Tradicion Cubana Reserva Familiar (Family Reserve) is nigh on 3 years old at this point. We are smoking the toro vitola at around 6” x 48-50 ring. This line spun off the original LTC line with some minor changes – these carrying an Ecuadorian wrapper over an undisclosed binder and Dominican fillers. There’s still a similar aroma of hay on the wrapper, with a darker, more raisin-like scent at the foot. Originally, I found these very similar to the standard LTC but with more bold, spicy flavors. Think baking spice with a bit of an edge. Scored a 90.7 in my last review in December 2014.

Cigar News

Tonight, we went light on news (scant days, these are) and heavy on chatter about the featured cigar. We did, however, remember a couple of gentlemen and masters in the cigar world that have recently passed. We also talked a bit about some recent legislative comments from FDA commissioner Gottlieb.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

2008 Fuente Anejo – Holy hell

Kip

Opus “A” from CFC 2013, courtesy of Nick
“Décima”, another offering to recently come from the makers of Chogüí and others I’ve spoken of over the past 18 months or so….
Pipes!

Half Ashed 171: EP Carrillo Edicion Inaugural

January 29, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Preliminary Review – EP Carrillo Edición Inaugural

Craig – The EPC Edicion Inaugural was a cigar that was heralded as the reintroduction of a legend amongst casual & serious cigar smokers. Ernie Perez-Carillo was coming back after selling off his fabled brand, La Gloria Cubana, to General Cigar. His Non-Compete was up and he was ready to show that he still had the desire and skill to carve his own niche. The EI09 was widely praised for being incredibly complex and approachable. Having been at the IPCPR where it debuted, I can remember seeing billboards leading from the airport to the convention center teasing its release and Ernie’s welcome. Initially some found the cigar to be mild while others found its complexity to stand on its own and trump nicotine strength as the descriptor. What I do know is that I was not an immediate fan but soon became one after a bit of time settling down post convention. I’ve followed this 5-⅜”x52ring cigar over the years and found its journey to be a figurative rollercoaster of all aspects that a cigar can display. At times its been strong, others mild. Spicy, sweet, slow burner and fast. Even now as I sit sipping the cold draw I’m met with a new sensation; the wrapper’s aroma is an oddly enjoyable mixture of ammonia and alcohol. This cigar is 8 years old and it still has some mild ammonia! One thing I can say for certain is that it is made of top quality components and has been stored in its original cellophane, in a sealed heavy duty plastic bag since I bought it a couple of years back. It’s well cared for and seems to be taking care of the smoker as well as the smoker has taken care of it.

Cigar News

Rather than my normal summation of the news, here is a quick bullet list of a few topics we discuss in this episode:

Apple removes Cigar Aficionado’s “Where to Smoke” app from its store

Halfwheel is reporting that Swedish Match has entirely exited the premium cigar business, selling off their remaining shares of Scandinavian Tobacco Group.

Oliva Serie V Maduro is a 6”x60 again. Whatever.

Terence Reilly leaves Quesada….and quickly lands at one of my (Kip’s) favorites

It’s now more difficult (again!) to travel to Cuba as an American citizen….

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –
- TLJ Tasting (from 3 weeks ago…Two cigars, multiple samples, one summation.
Kip
- Son of a Mother! I was given a cigar recently, with no band. I was only told it was some kind of Avo, and was 2007. That’s it. Turns out it was quite a good cigar. It had a bold, sweet cinnamon flavor that came through on the cold draw and stayed throughout the actual smoking (which doesn’t happen much for me). Loved it. Can’t replicate it. Hate that.
- Outside of that, I’m relegated to La Aurora’s ADN and colmado sticks – but I’m feeling the groove to fire the ol’ pipes back up. I have slowly accumulated a workable stash of aged tobacco by muling parts of my tobacco cellar down over the past couple years. I think it’s time to get back to it in earnest.

Episode 170: Crowned Heads Mason Dixon

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads Mason Dixon North

After its 2014 debut, the Crowned Heads Mason Dixon Project returned with few changes in 2015. As you all may remember, the line has two different blends – the North and the South, with each being marketed in their respective territories (although I knew a few shops at the time who did some trading so that they could offer both versions) and produced for Crowned Heads by My Father. Tonight, we’re smoking the Northern Edition – which, for 2015, featured an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. For reference, the Southern Edition had a CT broadleaf wrapper, also over Nicaraguan binder and filler. For 2015, the line had a singular 6” x 52 toro vitola, although this production came pressed rather than round as the first year. The 2015 line was limited to about 30,000 cigars per Edition. They retailed for just under $10, and in fact I spotted a few still on shelves this past summer. Maybe there are still some out there if you’re interested. Initial notes – cold draw is “oaty,” or even earthy to me (Kip). It reminds me of a pretty straightforward VA pipe tobacco blend. Great draw, and seemingly well built in every respect. Evenly colored, veiny medium brown wrapper.

Cigar News

- …and the industry drought continues….
- A couple months ago, we talked about the fact that six health groups/organizations filed a motion asking to be declared defendants in the joint suit that the cigar industry (via CRA, IPCPR, & CAA) have underway. If you remember, the groups asserted that they wanted this because they did not believe the FDA would aggressively defend the legislation in its entirety. A District Court judge has rejected the request, on grounds that no evidence has been provided that the FDA would not do so, and that there was no indication of legally defensible injury to the six groups that would qualify them as defendants in this case.
- Also on the legislative front, an extension has been granted to the deadline for cigar companies’ filings of product ingredient list. This is actually the portion of the legislation that has piqued my (Kip) interest most. I’m interested to learn how aggressively this will be pursued, and how apt cigar manufacturers are at providing the list. Early in this process, it was asserted that manufacturers would need to publish anything beyond tobacco and potable water that are a part of the process. I know that more than a few (and far more than would admit it) cigar makers use some variation of “betún” to color/flavor cigars. These concoctions typically consist of some mix of any number of things – rum, wine, a tobacco “tea,” etc. It is typically used to maintain a consistent color match within batches. I’m wondering how upfront makers will be in its use and composition – and how stringent the FDA will be in pursuing the information. In any event, betún or not, the deadline has been moved back six months to May 2018. The change was made in response to hurricanes, fires, and floods in numerous cigar areas – and applies to makers/importers in those areas.
- New Davidoff HQ in Switzerland…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- La Aurora 107 Robusto – The Dominican Republic rolled into a cigar
- Tatuaje Belle Encre 2014 – These are getting stronger!

Episode 169: Unbanded 032 from J. Ledou

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 032

Kip – Mine is a lightly colored CT-ish looking wrapper; very faint smell, containing little more than a general wisp of tobacco aroma on the wrapper; slightly more on the foot, with a darker character (brown sugar/molasses, but still faint); good draw – deliberate but free, with a bit of dusty sweetness
Craig – I can agree with your comments 90%. The wrapper has no discernible aroma but the foot description is spot on. I’ll also add that the wrapper has the “dirty”, sticky feel that comes from some aged cigars… No cold draw flavor

Cigar News

The FDA has published guidelines on the do’s and don’ts of free samples…and specifically, what is illegal. I don’t think there is a great deal of new information contained in the guidance document; just clarification on what was, for the most part, already known. To try and distill this down to its essence, consumers are prohibited from receiving free cigars from manufacturers, reps, retailers, etc. – unless money has been exchanged for tobacco in the transaction. For example, a “Buy 3 get 1 free” event is perfectly acceptable. A retailer handing a customer a free cigar simply to try is not. I believe this was pretty well expected/known previously. The gist of the new information was further clarification that business-to-business samples are allowed…but only in “limited quantity,” and only as necessary to achieve a market goal. No new guidance was offered with respect to charitable donations; consumers may still donate but manufacturers and retailers may not…which hurts organizations like CFW because the bulk of their donations formerly came from manufacturers. In reading the various summaries of the guidance, I noted a good point made in halfwheel’s coverage in that since giveaways require a purchase to have been made previously, most states would consider the exchange illegal because these types of promotions are required to be NO PURCHASE NECESSARY arrangements.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig – L’atelier Cote d’or 2015 – So much more