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Cigar Review: Cult Classic Robusto

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Cult Classic Robusto

Cult Classic Robusto aIn recent months, I have noticed quite a bit of social media chatter from Cult Cigars (including a huge giveaway promotion) – a new line manufactured by TACASA S.A. in Esteli Nicaragua and distributed through Quality Importers. I had even seen them pop up on the shelves of a couple different retailers during my travels around the state, but had not gotten down the list to trying them yet. Quality Importers kindly sent me a sample of the Cult Classic robusto to give a try. The Classic series is available in four vitolas – Robusto (5″X50), Toro (6″X50), Torpedo (6.25″X52), and Grande Toro (6″X60) – and retails for $7-7.60 in my local Tampa market in boxes of 24 cigars.

The Smoke

Cult Classic Robusto bGiving the cigar a quick visual check, the band is eye-catching – featuring the Cult logo in red over an anchor, as well as flanking images of warbirds surrounded by the phrase “Si vis pacem para bellum” (meaning “If you desire peace, prepare for war” – or more loosely, “peace through strength”). From all appearances, the construction looks great; I notice no voids or tight spots in the cigar. The aroma off the wrapper is very mild, but at the foot it is very sweetly akin to raisins or figs; a dark sweet aroma that I appreciate when I encounter it in a cigar. The wrapper leaf itself is fairly light in color, albeit quite uniform.

Once clipped, the Cult Classic provides a deliberate (firm, but free) draw and a pronounced sweet hay flavor. The figgy undertone is there as well, but much less pronounced than through its aroma. The initial puffs after lighting give a strong wakeup call with a blast of spice through the nose – reminding me I need to let a cigar get settled into the burn before retrohaling. On the palate (without retrohale), the early flavor is actually toasty and sweet, with an almost caramel character. Progressing into this first inch, the burn is crisp and well behaved. It produces a great deal of smoke, as well. Toward the end of this portion, it has begun to “brighten” in flavor, with a more cedary profile. The spice has subsided considerably with retrohale as well, and lightened in fervor. This spice has taken more of a cooking spice temperament – something like the smoke from an allspice fire used in Jamaican cooking. I’m finding it to be just as promoted in strength – mild to medium. The flavor, however, is further into the medium range (i.e. the flavor is bolder than the nicotine strength in this blend).

As I reach the midpoint, I’m amazed at the rate of burn in the Cult Classic. I’ve had this cigar continuously lit for an hour and only burned through slightly less than half the smokeable portion of the stick. I’m not sure how this is accomplished, but if this is a consistent characteristic one would definitely get his or her money’s worth in smoking time! The burn continues to behave, and maintain a very straight edge. Some of the earlier nasal spice returns, but is more sedate this time around. It makes strange bedfellows – but in a pleasing way – with the earthy character that has developed. I rarely find this earthiness without accompanying dark, pungent flavors in a single stick concurrently. The flavors are still “bright,” and lean toward cedar with a slightly tannic finish. However, this finish is tempered with an earthy remnant.

In the final inch or so of smoking, I did notice the slow burn began to get a little too aggressive. A few times, I had to give an extra puff or two just to keep it lit. Not a serious flaw, but worth noting. I only failed to keep it lit once, having to relight. This brought out some ashiness in flavor, but that subsided once I got it back into the groove. As is often the case, I experienced a noticeable uptick in the strength. The tropical spice flavors remained during this portion, with a very nice toasty leather flavor that absolutely captivated me. The burn returned to normal throughout this time, producing voluminous amounts of smoke.

Wrap

Cult Classic Robusto CWhile I would stop short of breaking a leg running to my local shop to buy up all their Cult stock, I did find the Classic to be an entertaining, enjoyable smoke….and one definitely worth exploring in more detail. I know they offer two other lines as well (the Fuerte and Ometepe), which I will make a point to try when I return to the local B&M. Definitely worth picking some up to give them a try.

Half Ashed Ep 017: Lost in the Cosmos w/Michael Stewart

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Michael Stewart home rolledHalf Ashed Ep 017: Michael Stewart

Good evening, everyone. As many of you already know, we recorded Episode 017 of Half Ashed Friday night, on which we had guest Michael Stewart to talk about his most interesting of hobbies – he buys whole leaf tobacco and blends/rolls his own cigars at home. Unfortunately, we experienced a number of technical difficulties both during and since the show. While recording, two of the three participants were booted from the Hangout a number of times with connectivity issues. While bothersome, we did manage to complete the show. However, due to some as-yet unknown YouTube fiasco, the recording is lost somewhere in the internet cosmos. Craig and I will be recording an abbreviated show during the week to announce the winner of our giveaway, as well as a few other pertinent items you will want to know about. We will be back next week with a full show as normal.  In the meantime, I have a couple of reviews lined up which I will take the opportunity to publish. The first is actually for one of Michael’s cigars that I had the opportunity to smoke recently. I have now been able to sample three of his blends, with the following review being the one I’ve enjoyed the most. So, without further ado, this is for Michael Stewart’s “Nicaragua.”  The vital stats on this cigar are as follows:  Dimensions:  Robusto; roughly 5″X50.  Wrapper: Ecuador Yellow Shade.  Binder: Ecuador Sumatran.  Filler: Nicaraguan seco, viso, & ligero.

Michael Stewart home rolledVisual Once-over:

Aside from being a budding torcedor, Michael is also a jazz trumpeter, and has appropriately named his home-rolled sticks “Casa Trompeta.” The band is a nice touch, featuring a trumpet and apropos nomenclature. From all appearances, this cigar appears to be quite well made. The wrapper on this cigar does seem delicate, and telegraphs everything beneath. In all actuality, the ONLY criticism concerning construction I could even dream up is the extremely flat cap – which made it a bit tough to clip without cutting into the body of the cigar. If I’d had the presence of mind, I would have simply reached for a punch and made it a non-issue. Nonetheless, I did manage to get a good cut without removing too much and unraveling the cigar. Overall, I am quite impressed.

The Smoke:

Before fire is applied, I get a faint aroma of tobacco and sweet hay from both the foot and wrapper. The cold draw provides more sweetness, and goldilocks resistance; not too firm, not too free. The early puffs give a noticeable nasal spice. This spice is very “bright,” with a faintly tannic finish. The flavor behind the spice carries the sweetness well, it “feels” only slightly tannic. Throughout the first inch, the burn is impeccable, remaining razor-straight and not requiring any touchup at all.
Michael Stewart home rolledThe midsection of the “Nicaragua” begins to transition into a more cedary profile, with the sweetness taking a backseat and fading significantly. I do notice that you must mind your cadence. Too aggressive a puff rate will turn it more toward a papery flavor palette. I slowed down et voilà! Back to normal.  Of course, this could be said of any cigar in the marketplace.
Going into the final inch or so of the cigar, the strength picks up a notch – but never becomes what I’d call strong. With less than an inch nub remaining, an ever-so-slight bit of tannic bitterness is the only indicator telling me it was ready to finish up. This was only barely perceptible, and never off-putting; It appeared only at the very end of the smoke, and acted as an early warning system that it was nearing its end.  I have to hand it to Michael, this cigar far exceeded my expectations for something blended and rolled by a layperson. So, kudos to him for a job well done. I don’t know if he has any ambition of ever turning his hobby into a money-making endeavor, but I know there are plenty of lesser cigars on the market selling every day. This was quite an enjoyable smoke, and one I’d be willing to buy off the shelf at my local tobacconist.

Wrap:

Once again, stay tuned for the abbreviated show (Episode 017b) this week, and come back for Episode 018 next week. We’ll be featuring the 2006 Partagas Serie du Connoisseur, one of Craig’s favorites. Also in the coming weeks, we’ll be taking a look at some of the fire-cured tobacco that is showing up in an increasing number of cigars as of late. Thanks for checking in, and we’ll see you next week!

Episode 016: 2011 EP Carrillo Short Run

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2011 EP Carrillo Short RunEpisode 016: 2011 EP Carrillo Short Run

Hello again, folks, and welcome back to Episode 016 of Half Ashed.  We appreciate you stopping by.  In this episode, we take a look at the 2011 EP Carrillo Short Run.  We’re smoking the Bombone (4 7/8 X 50), with its Ecuadoran Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan/Dominican filler blend.  This is Kip’s favorite of the Short Run series so far, but tune in to get full details about how they’re smoking right now.

Show Summary

Rather than the detailed notes I might normally post, I’ll be brief and only include a short summary this week.  A busy holiday weekend coupled with my little Dude’s birthday have left me with little time to publish before our self-imposed deadline.  So, here goes:  We cover a couple of legislative items, a Camacho rebranding, an AMERICAN puro(!), as well as a few more interesting tidbits of news.  Also, we discussed what else we’ve been smoking, and Kip’s “Mad Scientist” idea for comparing some of the intriguing new cigars that are hitting the market.  Finally, we cover a couple of listener emails and updates.  Catch the full show via any of the means below to get “the rest of the story.”

Wrap Up

Firstly, a huge thank you this Memorial Day weekend to all those who have made such sacrifice to allow me the opportunity to enjoy the life and freedom I have grown so accustomed to.  As we did at show closing, I wanted to recognize the countless acts that have made that possible over the history of this nation.  Next week, we’ll have the Michael Stewart as our guest, and be taking a look at his process for sourcing whole leaf tobacco and rolling his own cigars at home.  So again, thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check back in next week for an exciting Episode 017.  In the meantime, if you would like to contact us you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected].  Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway.  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.

Cigar Review: La Aurora 107 Maduro

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107 MaduroBackground – La Aurora 107 Maduro

I recently was given the chance to try the upcoming La Aurora 107 Maduro….so, of course I jumped at it with both feet. I’ve taken great enjoyment from La Aurora cigars in recent years, in particular with the 107, so I had great expectations from its maduro sister blend. The 107 was originally released in 2010, to celebrate La Aurora’s 107 year history, and rumblings of a maduro version have made the rounds in the intervening years. Well, this is the year – the 107 Maduro were released in limited fashion to TAA members at their convention earlier this year, and will be launched nationwide at IPCPR 2013 in Las Vegas this summer. It will be available in 4 sizes; Corona (5.5X43), Robusto 4.5X50), Toro (5.5X54), and Belicoso (6.25X52). MSRP will match the existing 107 line, ranging from $6.60-$8.80.  The blend consists of a Nicaragua/Dominican filler blend, bound by Dominican Corojo and wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf. I was provided three samples of the 107 maduro, two of which were smoked in writing this review.

Prelight

Prelight, the broadleaf wrapper is quite dark and evenly colored, which works well to obscure the seams. The construction is flawless from all appearances – it is firm, with no soft spots and no noticeably over-dense areas. The wrapper provides a faint barnyard or hay aroma, while the foot is remarkably sweet and earthy in character; perhaps a little leather peeks through as well. After a quick clip, the cold draw reveals a pronounced chocolatey sweetness, with just a bit of a spicy punch on the lips. The resistance is just about perfect – deliberate but not too free; in the goldilocks zone for my preferences.

The Smoke

107 MaduroThe initial puffs during the first five to ten minutes of smoking provide a great deal of peppery spice. It is noteworthy that this spice is experienced more nasally than by taste initially. The finish, however, is where it really presents itself as a flavor. To me, it is more a cayenne/moderate red pepper flavor than the tropical spice I have noted in other cigars. In any event, it is quite pleasant, even for a capsaiphobe such as myself. I never felt overwhelmed, even at the height of this spice, which had settled considerably by the 20 minute mark. The burn at this point has been very straight and maintenance free for both cigars used to formulate this review.

I noticed in the early portion of both the cigars that they produce voluminous amounts of smoke. This continues into the midsection of the 107 maduro, which I happen to appreciate. There’s never a doubt as to the fact that this little guy is lit. The burn continues in its previous perfection during this portion as well, not requiring so much as a touchup. The pepper has taken a distant backseat by this point, and some of the earthy sweetness noted prelight has begun to present itself nicely. If you are really into the pepper, it can still be found prominently on the retrohale. Retrohale also presents a beautifully moderate cedar flavor accompaniment; it’s tough for me to decide which is more pleasant – the sweet flavors of the finish, or the cedary spice with retrohale. Both are very entertaining. I had to remind myself to mind my cadence a number of times so I didn’t overheat it in my greed.

The strength of the 107 Maduro really picks up during the final stretch, although it never becomes a “kick you in the pants” powerhouse. Overall, I’d place it on the heavy end of the medium range in this respect, or on the lighter end of the full-strength spectrum. I find the flavors in the final run to have somewhat rearranged once again, with the chocolate sweetness coming front and center. I say rearranged intentionally – the 107 Maduro seems to migrate through an established range of flavor ratios, rather than progress through myriad different flavors; the ratio of this core flavor palette just seems to flit about to provide an enjoyable experience throughout. Even nearing the end of the cigar, I have to admit that I never got the slightest hint of harshness. The only hint that it was time to put it down came from the ashline approaching my fingers.

Final Thoughts

107-maduro-c-300x225It has been quite a while since the rumors and rumblings of a 107 Maduro made the rounds, but I think the extra time and effort taken in blending it were definitely worthwhile. Jason Wood, VP of Miami Cigar & Company, reports that “After numerous blends, we are confident that we have a cigar that provides a perfect blend of flavor, strength and balance. It’s time has come!” I would agree. The 107 Maduro is a clear winner in my book, and one I am eager to invest in once it hits my local shops’ shelves…

Episode 015: Quesada Oktoberfest and Cigar Coop

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Welcome, everyone, to Half Ashed Episode 015 featuring very special guest William Cooper – who many of you know as Cigar Coop from his information-rich website, one of the premier sources of all the news that’s fit to print in the cigar industry.!

2011 Quesada Oktoberfest Bavarian

Quesada Oktoberfest (Cigar Coop Episode)

This week, we’re also taking a look at the 2011 Quesada Oktoberfest Bavaria.  You’ll have to forgive the stock image from their website; I absentmindedly forgot to snap a pic before greedily smoking up my last example of this fantastic cigar.  It comes in a 5.5″ x 52 double robusto, and features a Dominican Cibao Valley wrapper, Dominican binder, and filler blend composed of Dominican Cuban Seed Criollo, Olor Viso, Ligero.

Industry News

Two legislative items were up for discussion this week, with the new FDA Tobacco head speaking before the Tobacco Merchants Assocation annual meeting, and some common sense moves in North Carolina.  We also covered a few new cigars – from Viaje (thanks to Cigar Coop), La Gloria Cubana’s upcoming Nicaraguan cigars, the impending Kelner release, and something new on the shelf from Fuente.

Miscellany

We covered quite a few cigars from the “What Else Have We Been Smoking” segment, with Craig’s special celebratory cigar for his son’s second birthday – and discussed the benefit of time on cigars that may not strike your fancy right off the truck.

Also, after many years of faithful service, the last bastion of non-beaded humidification in my humidors has died.  I laid to rest my trusty old Oasis XL Plus this week.

Finally, we covered several listener emails, including those we omitted last week.

Wrap

A huge thanks to Cigar Coop for sitting in with us on tonight’s show.  Be sure you all come back next week for Episode 016, when we once again take the opportunity to humble ourselves publicly with an unbanded cigar.  This will be Unbanded 004, courtesty of Jacob Pinkas.

In the meantime, if you would like to contact us, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected].  Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway.  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.  Video, as always, will be available on Cigar Federation homepage or at the CigFed Half Ashed Video Archive.

P.S. – As always, if you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those to us by sending an email to [email protected].  This email address goes directly to my wife, so you can simply suggest an unbanded cigar for her to source, or send me an email to [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in.  I will provide an address to send them.  Thanks!

 

 

Press Release: PDR Announces Distribution Agreement w/El Primer Mundo

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(Miami, FL) – May 8, 2013: PDR Cigars based in Doral FL is strengthening their relationship with El Primer Mundo Cigars based in Atlanta GA. PDR Cigars will be the exclusive distributor of EPM Cigars managing the sales and distribution of the EPM brand throughout the U.S. and international markets. As a smaller brand, EPM has a limited nationwide presence but this partnership will significantly increase brand availability throughout the country. “This is a great opportunity for the EPM brand. Abe and I have worked well together with launching La Hermandad and have some good synergies with our overlap on sales reps and key accounts. This move will just make things a lot more efficient for our reps and our retailers”, said Sean Williams of EPM Cigars. EPM’s La Hermandad has been made with Abe Flores at PDR Cigars since its launch last spring and has enjoyed solid success. At his factory in the Dominican Republic Abe Flores also makes cigars for brands such as Ghurka and La Palina among others. All of EPM’s lines going forward will be produced at PDR’s Dominican factory. However, EPM’s Little Havana Series will continue to be produced with Titan de Bronze in the Little Havana section of Miami.

This partnership will also allow both companies to optimize sales force and retailer support efforts. Abe Flores says, “With all of the growth we’re experiencing at PDR I barely have time to be away from the factory. With EPM and Sean in the fold this gives us more opportunity to drive promotional activities with both brands”. Abe and PDR have enjoyed strong success with a number of lines produced at their factory. La Palina’s Classic Toro, which is rolled at PDR, recently received a 93 rating in Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar Insider. A number of other PDR rolled cigars have received high acclaim in major industry publications as well. “I’m excited about this partnership. This is going to be great for both companies. Abe has grown PDR Cigars into a strong player in the market and the growth of the EPM brand will only add to the success”, adds Sean Williams. PDR and EPM Cigars are looking forward to introducing new brand extensions for La Hermandad this year and are working on more projects for the future.

Episode 014: Ezra Zion TANTRUM

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Ezra Zion TANTRUMEzra Zion Tantrum

Welcome back to Half Ashed, everyone.  We managed to avoid being booed off the air for yet another week, so we humbly present Episode 014 for your listening and viewing pleasure.  This week we were honored with special guest Kyle Hoover from Ezra Zion Cigars as we take a look at their new Limited Edition TANTRUM – a very big cigar in a very small package.  As should now be evident from opinions I’ve voiced about my love for Ezra Zion cigars, I’m always excited to see something new from the guys.  Tune in for all the details about the TANTRUM, as well as what our thoughts are as we smoke one with Kyle.

Industry News

Industry news was very light this week, with little to update legislatively.  We did have a couple of folks enlist/renew with CRA with my Ambassador number to take advantage of the ongoing Cigarmy promotion.  So, a big thanks to them, and a hope that they’ll enjoy the bonus cigars from my own stash.

We did cover several news items related to new cigars that were announced this past week, and a few other items around the industry.

What Else Have We Been Smoking?

Craig: Just the usuals: Monte Especial, Fuente Cuban Corona, “cigar Lounge” 30-30. All standards, all great.

Kip: I dug into Liga Privada pretty heavily this week, enjoying a Dirty Rat, Feral Flying Pig, and a couple No. 9’s.  Other highlights were “Blend Number 5” from one of Craig’s local brick and mortar shops, and a lovely Don Pepin Garcia Blue.

Miscellany

We covered a couple of listener emails this week, but had to reserve a few more for next week due to time constraints.  Thanks for sending those – and keep them coming!  We love to get feedback from everyone, and learn from all the questions.  We don’t always have a solution, but we’re sure to have an opinion….and there’s almost always someone listening who knows far more than we do, and can provide an accurate answer.

Wrap

A huge thanks to the guys at Ezra Zion, who provided this week’s CoTW – as well as the great discussion and insight from Kyle as he sat in on the show.  Next week, we’ll have another very special guest in Will Cooper – Cigar Coop – as we feature the 2011 Quesada Oktoberfest.  We’re very much looking forward to Coop’s input and views on the industry as a whole, and talk about his contributions to the cigar world and pick his brain a little about the future he sees for the industry.

Again, thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check back next week for an exciting Episode 015.  In the meantime, if you would like to contact us, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected].  Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway.  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.  Video, as always, will be available on Cigar Federation homepage or at the CigFed Half Ashed Video Archive.

P.S. – As always, if you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those to us by sending an email to [email protected].  This email address goes directly to my wife, so you can simply suggest an unbanded cigar for her to source, or send me an email to [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in.  I will provide an address to send them.  Thanks!

Episode 013: 2005 Padron Aniversario

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Padron Aniversario natural2005 Padron Aniversario

Hello again, and welcome back for Half Ashed Episode 013.  This week’s episode features the 2005 Padron Aniversario 1964 natural corona as our Cigar of the Week.  This cigar, one with which I am not overly familiar in the natural wrapper, turned out to be a phenomenal smoke.  These were graciously furnished by Craig, and I was entirely impressed, to say the least.  Tune in to get our combined thoughts about how this stick has held up during the past 8 years.  I will also be posting an Epilogue review within the next couple of days.  Once posted, this will be linked below.  Following is a brief summary of some show topics.

Industry News

The American Association for Cancer Research has come out in opposition to the current CRA-endorsed legislation and has issued a letter to every member of the House & Senate stating such.  This is not surprising, but some of the numbers given in that letter were (to me, anyway).  We talk a little about some of the information in this letter, and some conclusions from it.

CRA promotion through The Cigarmy – We gave a reminder of this ongoing promotion here on The Cigarmy – check that out and let me know when you join up or renew.

We also covered a number of announcements for new cigars, as well as our thoughts about limited, event-only cigars that have been subsequently released into regular production….and a few other items in cigar news recently.

What Else Have We Been Smoking?

Craig: Padrons!

Kip: Partagas Series D #4, Torano Exodus 50 Years, The Tatuaje culebra from the Old Man & The “C,” a fellow Cigar Federation member’s efforts at rolling his own cigars, and a fantastic 2009 Oliva Serie V Diadema.

Miscellany

We cover several listener emails this week, including some follow ups to recent discussions on one gentleman’s discomfort from his cigars and more coffee recommendations.

Wrap

Next week, we’ll have the Ezra Zion crew as special guests, and be taking a look at their new Limited Edition TANTRUM.  That will be a LIVE show, broadcast at 9pm Eastern on Cigar Federation (complete with live chatroom so you can interact with the guys and ask any questions you may have for them), so be sure to tune in to find out how that goes.  The following week, we will have another special guest – William Cooper (Cigar_Coop) to get his insights into the industry, how it’s going, where it’s going, and generally pick his brain and see what we can learn.

Again, thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check back next week for an exciting Episode 014.  In the meantime, if you would like to contact us you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected].  Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway.  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.  Video, as always, will be available on Cigar Federation.

Episode 012: Unbanded 003 & a Giveaway!

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Giveaway May 2013Episode 012 of Half Ashed is in the can, and we welcome you back to join us for this week’s show.  We are offering up another opportunity to humble ourselves in the public eye this week, with Unbanded 003, generously provided by Dan Crouch.  Smoking blindly is something that is becoming somewhat of a habit for me.  Be sure you give us a listen by any of the means below for several news items and updates, what we’ve been smoking, what we thought of the unbanded selection this week, a couple listener emails, and a slight rant from me.  Also, don’t forget to listen in and check out the details on our current giveaway.  Thanks for stopping by!  Here is a quick show summary:

Unbanded 003

Unbanded 003The Cigar of the Week for Episode 012 is an Unbanded submission from Dan Crouch.  Dan took a novel approach with this submission; something that is a little different than our normal format.  He submitted two differing vitolas from the same line of cigars, rather than two examples of the same cigar.  Craig and I both had similar notions about the origin of the cigars, as well as a clear preference for one vitola over the other.  Definitely an interesting experiment, and we thank Dan for the originality and generosity of supplying the cigars.  Check out the show to see what we thought of it, and get the reveal.

Industry News

    1. Legislative items – NYC Democratic mayoral candidate Christine Quinn (also speaker of NY City Council) is proposing that the age restriction on tobacco be raised from 18 to 21 years – NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley states “People who become full-fledged adults without smoking are very unlikely to pick up the habit afterwards.  So if we can prevent our youth from starting smoking until they are 21 we may just be able to protect an entire generation from a lifetime of being addicted to the world’s most dangerous drug.”  So, 19-21 year olds are still youth?  Reminds me of the “study” a few years ago that classified “youth” as anyone under 26, and “smokers” as anyone who’d ever smoked a single cigarette….ORIGINAL STORY
    2. Sam Leccia’s White began shipping this week.  From appearances, the White allocation was all spoken for very quickly….
    3. Casa Fuente tweeted that their online store was open on Monday – much to the delight of Fuente fans everywhere.  Disappointment quickly followed, when they went to the site to find out that no cigars were sold there….just Casa Fuente branded clothing and accessories.  
    4. The Casa Magna Domus Magnus II is finally being shipped – months after it was initially announced.  I’m not a fan of some Casa Magna cigars – but I love me some Domus Magnus.  I believe the blend remains mostly the same, with the exception that the wrapper (sungrown Jalapa) is of a different vintage than the earlier offerings.
    5. Ezra Ziontweeted a picture of their upcoming Limited Edition TANTRUM being boxed up at the factory.  So, it appears they’re on schedule for the release (launched at Michael’s Tobacco of Keller – in Keller, TX on Friday April 26th).  They crew from Ezra Zion will be joining us LIVE on May 10th.
    6. Macanudo will be the new main sponsor for “Big Break” on the Golf Channel.  I’m not a golfer, but apparently this is the channel’s longest running original series – and a big hit for them. Macanudo will feature prominently, with several episode being filmed at the Macanudo lounge Mexico, as well as the brand being incorporated into some of the challenges.

What Else Have We Been Smoking?

    1.  Kip – This week, I’ve been through a number of cigars, including two special Fuente sticks, a “Lauro’s” from Craig, some Casa Fernandez Arsenio and more.  Tune in to the show to get the scoop on how those went…

Miscellany

    1. Giveaway!  It’s time we have another giveaway, and we have some cool stuff going out this time around.  Courtesy of Cuenca Cigars, we have an Ashton ashtray and some killer premium cigars – as well as a Cigarmy coffee mug and a couple more cigars from me.  The cigars are: 2X Cuenca 5 Anniversary, 2X Ortega Serie D Maduro #12’s, 1 Oliva Serie V Maduro, 1X La Aroma de Cuba Marquis Tubo, 1X L’Atelier Surrogates Tramp Stamp, 1X Torano Salutem, 1X Aging Room M356, and 1X JC Newman Perla del Mar.  Listen to the show for all the details, but every email received between now and May 30th with a comment, question, concern, or compliment/complaint about the show will be entered in the giveaway – although, admittedly, complaints will have considerably less chances of winning :).  On our May 31st show, we will randomly select a winner from those entries.  So, get those keyboards humming and send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected]!
    2. After last week’s discussion of my attempts and misadventures in making Cuban coffee, I received quite a few emails on making better brews for cigar accompaniment.  I’m looking forward to giving some of these a try.
    3. We also talk a little about another email we got from Enzo Temko concerning a bit of discomfort after smoking some cigars.
    4. Finally, I go over the edge this week with a minor rant about the profusion of recent emails and distribution lists I’m on – or rather, some that I was on.

Wrap

Next week, our featured cigar will be the 2005 Padron Aniversario Natural.  Be sure to tune in to find out how that goes.  On May 10th, we will have our next LIVE show, broadcast on Cigar Federation.  We’ll be talking with special guests from Ezra Zion about their Limited  Edition release  – the TANTRUM.  The following week, we will have another special guest – William Cooper (Cigar_Coop) to get his insights into the industry, how it’s going, where it’s going, and generally pick his brain and see what we can learn.

Again, thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check back in next week.  In the meantime, if you would like to contact us you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected].  Also, don’t forget you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.

Press Release: La Palina Releases 2nd Goldie-The Laguito No.5

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Goldie Drell Paley, the namesake of La Palina cigars, was the wife of Samuel Paley, who founded the company in 1896. Bill Paley, Sam’s grandson and current owner, created The La Palina Collection Goldie to celebrate the history, contributions and accomplishments of women in the cigar industry. Bill is proud to present the initial release of the new Goldie in late May, with a second release in August of 2013. The La Palina Collection Goldie Laguito No.5 will be limited to 2500 numbered boxes.

Produced at the El Titan de Bronze factory in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, the Goldie is made under the supervision of owner Sandra Cobas. The La Palina Goldie Laguito No.5 will be a 5 5/8 x 54 cigar and presented in boxes of 10.

Master roller Maria Sierra, who will have signed each numbered box, rolled the entire La Palina Collection Goldie Laguito No.5 release. Maria was one of the first women trained to roll cigars in Cuba. Her historic 32 year career at Villa El Laguito began July 22, 1967. Maria is a 95 rated, category 9 roller trained by Fidel Castro’s personal roller Eduardo Rivera Irizarri, as well as Avelino Lara, the creator of the legendary Cohiba blend.

Each cigar is finished in the traditional Laguito style with a fan cap, exclusively taught to rollers at Villa El Laguito. The Goldie is blended with the prized Medio Tiempo leaf, found on only 10% of tobacco plants.

The La Palina Collection Goldie Laguito No.5 embodies the tradition, expertise and passion of women in the cigar industry.

Bill Paley and La Palina will debut the La Palina Collection Goldie Laguito No.5 at Nat Sherman International in NYC on May 9, 2013. Maria Sierra will be rolling the Goldie Laguito No.5 at the event. Please contact Nat Sherman 1-800-MY-CIGAR regarding attendance. The May release will be limited to 1000 boxes, and distributed to select accounts across the country. The rest of the release will become available sometime in August.