Kip Fisher - Co-Founder, Author at Half Ashed

Episode 174: Ezra Zion All My Ex’s Maduro

February 6, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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

Episode 168: La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor

La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor “Magnifico” – 6”X52; A cigar we’ve talked about at various times over the years, these run about $7.50 for singles in Tampa, and $6.75/ea by the box. San Andres Mexican wrapper grown from Cuban seed with Nicaraguan fillers & binder.

Cigar News

In a move that shouldn’t be unexpected to anyone, CAA, CRA, and IPCPR filed a motion for injunction against the upcoming FDA requirements. The motion asserts that the labeling requirements are onerous and unconstitutional in their scope, as well as several other assertions. Additionally, the groups allege that the omission of the same requirements on the e-cigarette industry violate existing law in the equal protection clauses – which are spelled out in the 5th and 14th amendment. This assertion falls beneath 5th amendment protection in that rights may not be denied without due process (i.e. the requirements being enforced unequally). There are other items listed in the motion, such as the inclusion of tobacco retailers who blend pipe tobacco as “tobacco product manufacturers.” Specifically, the groups ask that the court:
1. Vacate and set aside the:
  Warning labels
  Classification of retailers who blend pipe tobacco as manufacturers
  FDA’s definition of “component or part” to include pipes
2. Vacate and set aside the user fee
3. Declare the deeming rule violates the first amendment
4. Enter a permanent injunction on the warning label requirement
5. Enter a permanent injunction from implementing or enforcing the other challenged aspects of the deeming rule
6. Enter a permanent injunction against the user fees
7. Award plaintiffs their attorneys fees
Following the devastating damage left behind by Hurricane Irma, TAA is opting to relocate this year’s gathering to La Romana, RD. It was slated to be in St. Maarten, but with the near certainty that the island will not be fully back in business by April, a decision was made to move the annual meeting.
In a familiar storyline, Drew Estate has recently had a truckload of cigars stolen. The scenario is very similar to a shipment of Arturo Fuente cigars that were stolen this past April. Like the first time, this truck was taken in the Miami area. Drew Estate put out the notice to inform the public – but also for retailers to be on the lookout for anyone offering discount rates on DE cigars. The specific cigars taken on the truck were Tabak Especial and Undercrown Shade.
Tatuaje has announced this year’s “Unlucky 13” retailers who will receive the bulk of the line’s dress boxes. The cigar is the “Michael” this year, based on the Halloween series of movies’ protagonist Michael Myers. Of course, if you don’t want the hassle of trying to track down and pay double or triple the MSRP for a dress box, there will be a number of regular boxes as well. As always, there will be 666 numbered dress boxes – but the standard boxes will number around 5000. The cigar will come in a singular 6.5” x 52 vitola this year, and feature an Ecuadoran habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler mix. It is set to retailer at $13 per cigar. I won’t drone on with the whole list here on the show, but will post the designated retailers in the notes…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- RASCC– So so good. Such a fruit centric Ramon Allones. Fruity & Nuts (whose?). It’s like my own personal trail mix I light on fire!
- Cab Maduro Guapos OR!
Kip
- El Artista “Pulita” – a solid offering, probably my favorite ever from this factory (home of David Ortiz’s “Big Papi”). That being said, I haven’t beaten down any doors trying to find more.
- I’ve probably had fewer cigars the past 30 days than any other month these past 10 years…and of those, many were colmado cigars. So, not much on this front for me. The good = AJF Diesel, La Aurora ADN, Nica Rustica; the bad = some underfilled, hot no-name cigar I got from a friend; the ugly = colmado cigars. Always ugly, but worth every penny of the $0.04 price tag…

Episodes 167: RoMaCraft Aquitaine Anthropology

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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RoMaCraft Aquitaine Anthropology

Tonight, we’re revisiting a cigar we’ve smoked, enjoyed, and talked about. A lot. The RoMaCraft Aquitaine line, in the Anthropology (corona gorda) vitola. This line features an Ecuadoran Habano Ligero wrapper over Cameroon binder and Nicaraguan filler blend, with tonight’s cigar coming in at 5.75” x 46. Skip joined us way back in Episode 028, and I even reviewed this cigar back in 2014. We have a long history with the line, and I especially admire the commitment to excellence Skip & Mike bring to the industry…let’s see if the Aquitaine still lives up to the storied reputation in my mind….

Cigar News

The big story for tonight is legislative in nature – the fact that yesterday the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018 (H.R. 3354) passed the House of Representatives. What does this mean? A lot. And not much…. Before we all start lighting those celebratory cigars, let’s take a look at what has specifically transpired. It’s true that this is the furthest the cigar industry has gotten a process that has been tried repeatedly over the past several years. H.R. 3354 does include language that exempts premium cigars from the FDA regulations we’ve been talking about for so very long – by restricting the FDA from using any funds to enforce the rule. This is huge in principal – but not a fully completed piece of legislation. The House and Senate now have to iron out any differences and bring a similar Senate bill to pass (and, of course, the President will have to sign said agreed-upon language). None of the existing Rule has changed as of now – and may not. This Act is essentially the guiding document for budgeting/spending in 2018. So, its duration ends in October 2018. To be furthered beyond that date, the process would have to be once again approved before. While I remain hopeful, I know that these types of add-on riders are very difficult to be brought to fruition for both houses to agree…however, if it does make it through the process this time around, it is also very difficult for it to be removed later on. Should both houses come to agreement and the language remain, this would at least postpone enforcement of the deadlines currently set for 2018 (warning label additions, user fees, etc.), and new products could be introduced through the involved timeframe. I’m going forward with the belief and hope that the cigar industry came away with a win, and hope the plan can come together with something workable for the industry. We shall see…..

Since our last show, Hurricane Irma made its presence known throughout the Caribbean and Florida. While it was a devastating storm, and one of the largest known in this hemisphere, it did not impact the cigar industry in a catastrophic manner. Most of the Lesser Antilles which were hammered by the storm are non-tobacco producing territory, and the industry impact was dampened on the affected islands by the fact that most do not have tobacco in the fields at the moment. Here in the DR, much of the country’s non-essential operations were closed for a day, but except for the far eastern portion of the nation most of us only experienced a rainy day with limited wind and localized flooding. Cuba took more damage. The extent of the damage to its cigar industry is yet to be seen. Many factories were temporarily closed for flooding and windy conditions. It is not yet known how extensive the damage is, as much of the country’s north coast is still flooded and without power. Florida took a serious (but less so than expected) hit from the storm, but thankfully it was diminished more quickly than forecast as it moved the length of the state. The southwestern portion of the state bore the brunt of the storm, which caused quite a bit of flooding in addition to wind damage. However, returning to cigar industry specific news, most Miami based companies avoided significant damage. Most lost a few days of work and shipping.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –
- Leon Jimenez from DC – Cedar, smoke, alcohol – There’s a story here…
- Casa Cuba – Very harsh. What gives?

Kip
- Bonus cigar….Fuente Destino al Siglo (2005 edition)
- Camacho Criollo – a cigar I’d overlooked after the company’s revamp a few years back. Frankly, the blue (Ecuador) was offputting to me, and I never looked back. DC sent me one of the Criollo while I was stateside this past summer, and I smoked it last week. I have to admit to enjoying it far more than I expected. It was spicy early on, but softened considerably during its second half. It remained interesting throughout. There aren’t many Camacho products I reach for; this one is on the list now.
- Nica Rustica – the cigar that snatched my interest a few years back because it originally was to have some Nicotiana Rustica in the blend. That particular leaf did not work out for them, and the cigar fell out of the limelight for me personally. DC also sent one of these, and it has revived my interest as well. It was very, very smoky – in flavor and literally. Tons of charred oak flavor and perfect construction were winning characteristics. I have added this to my list of cigars to bring back on my next trip to the US.

Episode 166: Unbanded 031

October 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded #031 from Dan C.

Not much to go on preliminarily for tonight’s Unbanded cigar. It’s a darkly complected robusto with dry-ish wrapper and little aroma…lightweight in the hand, but seemingly well constructed before clipping.

Cigar News

Quiet times are upon us. There are plenty of little-known lines coming out from companies that shipped limited runs to beat the Aug 2016 deadline last year – but frankly, I’ve not had much catch my eye lately…maybe I’m just getting old, crotchety and jaded. I’m digging my $0.04 cigars, though. And the occasional ADN or Cantinero.

David Tang’s passing/condolences.

La Aurora ADN has made its way to American shores. Dominican (Cibao valley) wrapper, Cameroon binder, DR/NIca/PA filler. Reportedly has a leaf of Andullo inside, which leads to its name. I like the idea. I even like the cigar. Not sure about its identity, though. Four vitolas (robusto 5×50, toro 5.75×54, churchill 7×47, and gran toro 6×58), ranging from about $7-9.25.

“Cigar Movie” – Mike Stewart: http://www.handrolledmovie.com/ An interesting thought about what appears to be the hardships being experienced by the FDA’s oversight upon the industry… Some interesting sponsors and some unknown directors

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

Southern Draw Connecticut – Really, really surprising. Tastes like an AJ cigar but much more refined from what I’m familiar with. I’ll be smoking more.

Cabaiguan Maduro Guapos – I had to try another one of these again. There is no way we misdiagnosed this cigar twice on the show :) Chocolate, cherry, tobacco, so so good. So, so familiar. Someone must be playing with our palates…

Kip

J. Fuego Connoisseur Original

Episode 165: Hoyo de Monterrey Añejado

October 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Hoyo de Monterrey Añejado

The Hoyo de Monterrey Anejados! The proverbial “Found in a warehouse” aging story come to life! SRP DIC 06 REVISADO is the box code on today’s CotW. If you buy into the marketing, these, along with a series of other initial vitolas were released in 2015. The series came from a 2006 idea to finally bring the vintage market to the Cuban distribution machine. Met with mixed reviews, this Hoyo version displays how Cuban tobacco can shine in a mild form. The cigar is a traditional Hermoso #4 (a longer & skinnier robusto) and appears dry and slightly humidity soaked. Having seen three boxes in person, all seem to appear the same. They display clean, crisp sweetness with only minimal “hoyo” sweet woody flavors. They taste more vintage than aged but only when comparing the shear amount of flavor present. Nonetheless, their flavor is enjoyable and they way they present themselves is not common amongst newer releases.

Cigar News

First up in a night of legislative news, six anti-tobacco/health groups have asked to intervene in the ongoing CAA/CRA/IPCPR lawsuit. The groups filed a Motion to Intervene, which means they are requesting the courts to include them in the suit as defendants – noting that they believe the government is not/will not properly defend the FDA regulation. The groups are:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics
2. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
3. American Heart Association
4. American Lung Association
5. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
6. Truth Initiative

UPDATE from CRA: Today, the District Court for the District Columbia rejected the motion of six public health groups to immediately intervene in the premium cigar industry’s joint lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Court will reconsider the issue if there are new developments.

In what is probably the bigger story over the past few weeks, the FDA has announced a big delay in the substantial equivalence deadline – a three year delay. The new deadline is Aug 2021. Other deadlines and guidance (or lack thereof) remain the same – including packaging requirements, etc. What this essentially boils down to is that products in the marketplace before Aug 2016 will be allowed to remain until Aug 2021 without gaining approval (the previous deadline was May 2018). This is huge for the smaller companies that were facing very expensive compliance with a foggy regulatory set in the near-term. They now have longer to prepare and budget for the process – and hopefully, get more guidance in what will even be required to meet the SE regs. The FDA commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, has also noted that a new comment period will be opened to receive and evaluate public comments about cigars and their use. The pathway to substantial equivalence – even with the new, more distant deadline – is fairly obscure, with little guidance from the FDA in what specifically will be required to demonstrate compliance.

Per a statement issued by CRA & IPCPR, Commissioner Gottlieb also noted that the FDA will undertake a new approach to evaluating tobacco policy – one “that notes a “continuum of risk” that recognizes the differences in tobacco products.” It’s worth noting also that Dr. Gottlieb stated that the FDA will “reexamine the treatment of premium cigars under the agency’s current regulatory structure. Ultimately, the agency will open a new rule making process to engage with the industry to better understand premium cigars, specifically.” In theory, I find this encouraging…but time will tell if practice meets theory.

Hawaii, California, New Jersey, Maine, and now Oregon have raised the legal purchase age for tobacco to 21

As discussed on last week’s “hangout and not a show”, the results are in! The Friends of Habanos Mould Report is in and able to be viewed. With over 30 cigars with plume/mold to choose from, 10 distinct samples (in appearance) were selected. Out of those 10, only 4 distinct components were detected. All 4 were mold. As such, FoH is offering a $250 store credit for anyone who can produce a cigar with plume. http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/topic/131757-final-mould-report/

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Kip –

RoMaCraft, RoMaCraft, RoMaCraft!
Serino Maduro XX – Ec. Habano 2000 over Nicaraguan binder & filler; produced by La Corona (Omar González Alemán). Tons of cocoa and berry sweetness…one of the better cigars I’ve smoked in a long time – even with the nearly $12 per robusto price tag.
Emilio Carpe Noctem. I found these languishing on a retailer’s shelf during my visit to TN. It was a shadow of its former self from a few years ago. I felt like it had gone very flat during that time, with some muddling of flavors and an occasional metallic taste that I didn’t care for. Tragic, since I really liked these when they hit the market.