Kip Fisher - Co-Founder, Author at Half Ashed

Half Ashed 184: Tatuaje Brown Label

October 30, 2018 By Kip Fisher

Tatuaje Brown Label (Selección de Cazadores) Regios

We all know the Tatuaje Brown label as a cornerstone of the industry post 2003. These cigars are one of the best examples of “New School” Nicaraguan blending style. Bold and citrusy, this New World example of Cuban heritage comes tonight in a 5-½”x50 Robusto Extra vitola. Sit back, relax and join us as we smoke this version from January 2010, when the Brown label was still a true Nicaraguan puro.

Cigar News

Fred Rewey sells Nomad to Chris Kelly & Kyle Hoover of Ezra Zion… OPEN LETTER
We talked, I believe, on the last show about the fact that the next Nicaraguan Puro Sabor festival has been canceled – or, more accurately, relocated and scheduled to occur in Miami in January 2019 – due presumably (although not stated overtly) to civil unrest in the country. Now, Drew Estate has also canceled their Cigar Safari events until late 2019. The Cigar Safari events are wildly popular among DE fans, and take place at various times each year. Ticket sales were originally postponed a bit, but now won’t begin until May 2019 – with travel dates falling in Autumn of next year and Spring of 2020. Additionally, remaining dates for this year have been scrubbed.
While we’re discussing cigar festivals, the Dominican ProCigar event has opened registration for next year’s event. It will take place Feb 17-22, 2019, and the ticket price for the entire event is now $1200US – not including hotel or airfare(!). This festival comes in stages, with the early portion taking place in Caso de Campo and the latter in Santiago.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- Lou Rodriguez – holy crap. Where did he go?!
- Bolivar Gold Medal 2006. Interesting…
- Marlin Flake – Pipe! – Butter butter butter. With a side of butter

Kip
- Original Grimalkin from Emilio (not the recent re-release). It was a decent cigar still, but not the cigar I remember so fondly. It seemed to have faded a good bit, and was somewhat muddled with its flavors. Worth smoking if you have them onhand, but not worth seeking out for me.
- Pipes – Full Virginia Flake (which I opened during our last show). I set a land speed record smoking through this tin. I always liked it fresh, but have to say time does very good things for this blend. My only regret is that I didn’t cellar it in pounds rather than the handful of tins I did put aside.

Half Ashed 183: Pipe Night Part Tres

September 29, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Pipe Night Part Tres

Tonight, we revisit the pipe again, in Part 3 of our Pipe Night Series. Join us as we talk pipes, tobacco, and a few useful tips and tricks to getting full enjoyment from your pipe. Craig is smoking Westminster, and Kip something special….

Tonight’s Pipe Night Discussion

Pipe smoking and all its associated ephemera and methods are an art – and, a science.
Don’t focus on the tools of the trade. Get basic – but suitable – gear, and experiment with tobacco until you find what suits your preferences.
Be simple. It’s not as complicated as it looks. It’s not as cumbersome. This hobby is all about enjoyment.
Don’t be “that guy”
Try stuff. Do stuff. Experimentation is key
Relights and tongue bites – and what you can do to prevent them. Maybe a tip or two about relieving tongue bite should you have gone too far.
Tip o’the week:
Pipe cleaners – while smoking; after smoking; when cleaning.
Discuss drilling/tobacco issues: what you can do before even buying that pipe or tobacco; Tongue bite; prevention & treatment (Biotene/time, tobacco cut and drying)
Cleaning and maintenance between smokes.

Reminder: Don’t give up if at first it’s not the best experience; Do invest the time and an appropriate amount of money if you really want a lifelong hobby

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Santos Miami
Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 2018(?)

Kip

Esencia “E”
Leccia Black
LTC Corona
GLP Virginia Cream

Half Ashed 182: LFD Air Bender Maduro

September 1, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Maduro

The La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Maduro is a cigar that has tempted me since its release. In early 2011 I visited the Dominican Republic for the first time and toured a farm where the Gomez family grows some of its tobacco. Not typically a fan of LFD I often overlooked their releases. The visit to their fields was a welcome awakening for my palate. My traveling companions and I were treated to Air Bender Torpedos and I was immediately surprised by the blend. Being one to typically shy away from strength to the n^th power, I expected nothing else from the famed “double” and “triple ligero” manufacturer. I was shocked to find a blend nuanced with spice, sweetness, and hard flavors wrapped in subtlety. Pair that blend with a sweeter Maduro wrapper and I was intrigued. Fast forward to last winter and I finally had a chance to get my hands on some of them.

This 6-½”x54 behemoth of a cigar has Dominican internals and a Brazilian Habano wrapper. It’s aroma is unique in a spicy sort of presentation and the prelight is similar. The cigar reminds me of a spiced and harder version of the original. Bitter citrus notes cut through the low end to come together in an enjoyable, different package. Speaking of packaging, this cigar was only available in 24 count “Curing Barn” humidors.

Cigar News

Happy birthday Bob McDuffee!

IPCPR was this past week, and as expected there isn’t a huge number of new cigar introductions. I did notice several new things coming from Fuente, although most are limited items that are incentives for retailers. The thing that most readily caught my eye was that the 888 will be available in the Opus blend. I love this size, and frankly I believe Fuente shines in these smaller ring cigars (Casa Fuente lancero, Don Carlos lancero, Opus lancero, etc.). The 888, of course, was the Añejo vitola that launched a few years ago in limited fashion. It is one of my favorites in the line, and I’m betting it could be a favorite for my tastes in the Opus line (which I often pass over in favor of Don Carlos or Hemingway). It will be 6.875” x 44, and is listed as a Dominican puro (obviously). I have to admit, I haven’t been this excited over an Opus introduction in a long time. MSRP is $13.50, but as we all know all bets are off when they actually land on retailers’ shelves…

In a followup to a judgment that went against the cigar industry with reservations, Judge Amit P. Mehta has ruled in another case that the labeling requirements required by the incoming FDA rule must be delayed until 60 days after another pending case has been completed. The labeling requirements have long been considered one of the more onerous items in the rules, and many companies have already invested a great deal of time and money into preparing.

Halfwheel reported on a new Total Flame cigar that is on its way, which includes some Iranian tobacco in the filler blend. It will feature a CT wrapper over Indonesian Sumatra binder and fillers from Iran, Nicaragua, and PA. You may remember this company from Bob McDuffee’s focus back at IPCPR 2012. I have never smoked their lineup, but I’m fascinated with the idea of Iranian tobacco considering the near- and middle-eastern prominence in pipe tobaccos. I’m intrigued as to whether the tobacco will be similarly treated during the curing process, and if they might provide a fire-cured nuance. Anyone who sees these should drop us a line and let us know how it goes….although total production is only 10k, and only half that in will ship to the U.S.

Smokers of AJ Fernandez’ San Lotano Oval will be disappointed to hear that the line is being discontinued, reportedly to avoid confusion with their Requiem line. Apparently, CI has opted to buy out the remaining inventory to make it an exclusive for them until inventory is depleted. Better act quickly….

Drew Estate has entered into the bundle cigar arena, with some very inexpensive value priced cigars. I’m wondering how this will go, and how much influence is coming from parent company Swisher in this endeavor. I could speculate, but probably shouldn’t….tune in to the show to find out why.

Our buddy Luis at La Tradicion Cubana is releasing some aged cigars he’s been sitting on for many years. Fourteen years, to be exact. The cigars are known as the JML 1902 Reserva Familiar, and were rolled at his factory in 2004. The blend is a PA wrapper over Dominican Criollo ‘98 binder and PA filler. I wonder Production numbers haven’t been released, but they will retail for $6-7 in two vitolas – 5”x50 robusto and 7”x50 churchill

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Tatuaje Cabaiguan Maduro Robusto Extra
Tatuaje Cabaiguan Maduro Robusto Extra
Tatuaje Cabaguan Maduro Robusto Extra

Kip

Dunbarton Tobacco Trust Sobremesa Robusto Largo (5.25”x52)…”the marker”
OMS Pipes…mostly with MacBaren Navy Flake. Wow!
I replaced my Xikar MTX scissors. Oh, sweet mystery of life at last I’ve found you!

Half Ashed 181: Unbanded 035

August 24, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 035

Unbanded 035, tonight’s Cigar of the Week, is roughly 5″ x 50 and has a moderate but even brown coloring. The cold draw is dusty, and there is very little aroma on either wrapper and foot. It was send in by Michael F. (much thanks, Michael), and we’re finally getting around to smoking it. Let’s see how it goes….

Cigar News

AJ Fernandez is now shipping the new Ramon Allones. As we talked about several months ago, General reached an arrangement with AJ to produce the brand. I’ve been running this through my mind in the time since it was announced, and I wonder how this is going to play out. The line shares a name with a popular Cuban marca, but doesn’t really enjoy the same success. It had seemingly faded a good bit into many folks’ memories before being revived by this arrangement with AJF. Maybe new blends and a new manufacturer will breathe new life into the line…but I’m not yet convinced. The reason? The new cigars are to retail in the $12+ range. Unless AJ has departed from his core blending style, I’m not sure I’d personally drop the money for them knowing I can buy many of his other cigars at a much lower pricepoint. I don’t know if the uninitiated will spring to try them, either…and I’m certainly not sure there’s a strong non-Cuban RA following to pick up the slack. I’m not even sure why I’m even this interested in the story, but I am anxious just to see how it shakes out. Just for those interested, it carries an Ecuadoran Habano Oscuro wrapper over Nicaraguan Corojo ‘99 binder and filler mix from several Nicaraguan regions. Available in 4 vitolas – Robusto, Toro, Churchill, Torpedo.

While we’re on the subject, AJF has some more news coming down the pike. When I was at IPCPR 2016, the Bella Artes was all the rage. I couldn’t seem to get away from it conversationally. I smoked one at the show, and a couple since – and found it to be one of his offerings that appealed to me more than most, but not life-changing. It’s very good, and while it does fall into what I call his “core” flavor profile, I found it a bit lighter in flavor and a little sweeter. This year, he is releasing a maduro version for the line. It is to have a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper (there’s a blast from the Dogwatch days), Mexican San Andres binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. It’s available in a Short Churchill (6” x 48), Toro (6” x 54), Gordo (6.5” x 58), and Robusto (5.5” x 52). Pricing will be in the $10 range at retail.

It’s getting close to that time of year again. Well, almost. As has been the case for the past decade, Oliva will be releasing a maduro Serie V come this November. In fact, there will be two this year – the seemingly now-standard Gordo (6” x 60), and a 5” x 54 Double Robusto. Total production this year will run around 60k, and retail pricing in the $9-10 range. I, for one, couldn’t be happier to hear of the return of the Double Robusto. This is the vitola I first loved for the line. I liked the Belicosos as well, but this guy was outstanding. I’ll be arranging for some of these once they hit shelves…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Maduro (“Casita” Cigar) – This strong Maduro cigar was delightful. Really rich and aromatic both prelight and room aroma in my truck. Tip of the Day: DON’T relight this cigar. It did not fare well.
My Father Event Cigar – Truly a great approachable blend. The only My father product that smacks of sweet bready flavors. Terrific, terrific offering from the factory.ol

Half Ashed 180: Caminos TMM Robusto

August 9, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Caminos TMM

Tonight’s cigar, the Caminos TMM comes out of the same small, publicly unnamed “Top Secret Nest” factory in Tamboril, RD that Chogüí comes from….although I’m not sure it’s such a secret any more. C’mon down and I’ll show you where it is 😊 . The company is run by Cesar Reyes, one of the young gents I’ve talked about over the past 3 years. The Caminos TMM is available in robusto, toro, torpedo, and there was a limited run of 6”x56. I have gotten mixed information about its composition, but my understanding is that it has a Dominican HVA wrapper over Criollo ’98 binder and wide-ranging Dominican mix of filler leaf. I tried their earlier offerings with good success, so when this one hit about a year and a half ago I figured I’d give it a go. I grabbed a few of the 5” x 52 robustos and forwarded a couple to Craig blindly…so let’s see how it goes. These tend to run about $9 stateside, but can be had here in Santiago for the equivalent of about $6.

Cigar News

JC Newman has revived their “Save Cigar City” campaign, including covering their sign with a plea to “Save American Jobs”. Additionally, they have sent 100k (!) cards to their retailers across the country. These cards are preprinted and addressed to the FDA with comment requesting the agency to exempt cigars from the regulation. If you see these in your local B&M, all you need do is sign your name and drop in the mail. The postage is even paid already. I’m not sure of the efficacy of this particular plan, but I’m hoping for the best….and it certainly can’t hurt.

Another new shop in Santiago, for all you cigar touristy types….

Don Pepin 15th is landing…at a price. Comes in 2 vitolas (5.75” x 50 for $20, and 6.5”x52 for $24); features a habano rosado oscuro wrapper over mostly DPG-grown innards. 28k total production, in boxes of 14.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

Tatuaje Petite Tatuaje Reserva – OR – The best regular tatuaje I’ve ever had. 4-⅛” x 32 . Amazing
Esoterica Tobacciana Margate pipe tobacco. And a sh*t ton of it.

Kip

New Cantinero Coctel
More pipin’ – Escudo, GLP Sextant, Brebbia No. 60 (Preludio)

Half Ashed 179: Pipe Night part dos

May 22, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Pipe Night part dos

Tonight is the long overdue 2nd installment of Pipe Night here on Half Ashed. We ended up doing a pretty free-form, rambling, 2-hour show as we’re prone to do. We covered a number of basic topics related to pipe smoking, some of which are listed below. As with all things worth doing, pipe smoking has a bit of a learning curve. We don’t intend to tell you exactly how to do it; it’s up to you to find your own happy medium for enjoying the hobby to its fullest. My only hope is to help you avoid some of the pitfalls that tend to discourage newcomers and drive them to abandon it before they even acclimate and get acquainted with the process. I (Kip) have been a regular pipe smoker for a couple decades now, and fully confess there’s a lot I don’t know. None the less, I enjoy it immensely – even if I have grown out of practice in recent years while focused more on cigars. Earlier this year, I began to get back to my pipes much more frequently and realized just how much I truly enjoy them. The pipes and their craftsmanship, the tobaccos and their many flavors, the tools and their utilitarian (and, at times, decorative) nature. The whole nine yards. I dig it, and I hope you will too. There will be follow up shows in the same vein over the coming months, where we will detail various topics like types of tobaccos and components, different blending styles, differing cuts of tobacco, pipe shapes, various artists, etc. But for starters, below are a few of the high points we hit on this episode. I hope you will join us and dive in yourself….

Loading up the pipe
Initial lighting procedure
Keeping your pipe lit
Tamping
Pipe cleaners
Other misc. tools
Cleaning and maintenance
Tongue bite

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.