Kip Fisher - Co-Founder, Author at Half Ashed

CLE and Asylum to Release Asylum 13 Connecticut

February 12, 2016 By Kip Fisher

Asylum 13 Connecticut Coming in February

CLE Cigar Company and Asylum Cigars have announced the upcoming release of a new line – the Asylum 13 Connecticut. The line will come wrapped in an Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper, and contain Honduran binder and filler blend.

Blend Details

The Asylum 13 Connecticut was blended by Christian Eiroa (CLE) and Tom Lazuka (Asylum), and is being rolled at the CLE “El Aladino” factory in Danli, Honduras. “Asylum cigars are known for being more full bodied and Nicaraguan. We wanted to blend something different and lighter into the portfolio” says Lazuka. The initial offering will include three different sizes: 5” x 50, 6” x 60, and 7” x 70. The two smaller vitolas will come in 50 count boxes, while the 7” x 70 will be available in 30 count boxes. Suggested retail pricing will range from $5.80 to $7.80, depending on size. Orders are currently being accepted, and the cigars should ship at the end of February.

262 Cigars Lets YOU Help Bring a Cigar to Market

February 12, 2016 By Kip Fisher

The 262 Cigars “Internship Program”

262 Cigars wants you to help pick the company’s 2017 line launch. Throughout 2016, the they are giving consumers an opportunity to speak into the process of creating a new line. To date, the 2017 release options have been narrowed down to four blends; they want smokers’ help in reducing that to a single blend.

How it works

During the upcoming year, the company will release 5-packs of the four remaining blends for sale via their website. Buyers can purchase the cigars, record their thoughts about them, and rate them online. The first of the four blends is known as The Search, and can already be ordered. Subsequent test blends will be called The Resume, The Interview, and The Offer. Once ratings have been recorded and tallied, the official blend will be launched next year as “The Intern.” The line will acquire a new name once fulltime production commences. The cigar will be available at 262 retailers everywhere.

Other Information

According to the mailing distributed Tuesday, the company is also “pulling the curtain back on much of what we do behind the scenes here at 262 HQ“, bringing consumers into the loop on how new cigar names, designs, packaging style and other aspects of a brand are determined. Photos and other details from the brand will be published throughout the process as the blends are released.

Half Ashed Episode 135: Chogüí Dos77 Rogusto

February 12, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Chogüí Dos77 Rogusto

Tonight, we’re smoking the Chogüí Dos77 Rogusto (robusto+gusto, 5″ x 52). It carries a “Havana seed” Dominican wrapper over Dominican Criollo ’98 binder and Habana 2020/DR Corojo filler. An initial limited shipment has made its way to the US, although it was originally only available in the Dominican Republic. Stateside, they retail around the $9 mark, and are available in Santiago for the equivalent of roughly $6. I also recently reviewed the Dos77’s successor in the Chogüí PrimerAño.

Cigar News

Tatuaje is bringing a new La Verite to market – a 2013 vintage. There will be two vitolas, a 7”x47 (MSRP $20; total production just under 22k) and 5”x50 (MSRP $16; production a little over 24k).

Davidoff Tampa is finally opening….We originally talked about it months ago, and I believe the store was originally slated to open in October – but it was delayed until now. The cigar retail portion of the 5,000 sq. ft. store is operating 9-9 for the time being, but once the bar area opens they’ll run until midnight weeknights and 2am on weekends. The Tampa store is the 5th new storefront for Davidoff in the past year. For those interested, the exclusive for this store is a 6”x52 belicoso.

John Gonzalez, formerly of Kuuts and My Father, has been appointed as VP of Sales for Gran Habano. I met John when he gave me a quick tour through the My Father facility in Doral (Miami), and he was a supremely friendly and hospitable gent – and also very knowledgeable of the industry as a whole. I just wanted to congratulate and wish him well with GH.

Immediately following last week’s departure from Cubanacan, Nate McIntyre has begun a new position with Miami Cigars – handling the SouthEast territory.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

The Great Wrapper Experiment!

Mike Stewart “Roadies”!

Kip

Casa Fernandez AGANORSA Leaf….Craig is wrong on this one :)

Next Episode

In the next episode (136), we will be smoking the Partagas Maduro #1. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails:[email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! 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), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Half Ashed Episode 134: Unbanded 023

January 21, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 023

Tonight, we’re smoking TWO Unbanded cigars….doubly blind!

Unbanded A – 4.5” x 50/52ish (52+); dark wrapper with an oily feel (but no visible sheen); coarse veining – broadleaf? Lumpy telegraphing of its insides; almost minty cold draw

Unbanded B – 5” x 50; dark wrapper with a more noticeable oily sheen than “A”; sweeter foot aroma

Cigar News

Quesada will be continuing their limited Seleccion Espana limited release for a dozen retailers for 2016 – this time, however, it’s in an “A”-ish vitola (8.5” x 48)….sorry, Craig. Each retailer will still receive 100 cigars, but in 10-ct boxes rather than the 50 or 100 count crates from the past.

Davidoff sent out a press release earlier this week, detailing that they will be releasing a couple box pressed vitolas in their Nicaragua line. The sizes will be a 5”x48 robusto and 6”x52 toro, which differ slightly from their non-pressed counterparts in the regular line (5×50 and 5.5×54). They also list a Nicaraguan habano oscuro as the wrapper, rather than the “Nicaraguan rosado” given for the standard issue Nicaragua. No details were given as to pricing, but the new sizes should ship in March.

AJ Fernandez has suffered a fire at their Nicaraguan operations over the Christmas holiday. On Christmas Eve, news spread of the fire – which, according to the local news agency Telenorte, destroyed several tobacco barns and farming equipment. There have been mixed reports of the monetary loss, with some estimates coming in at over $1mm US. Reportedly, the factory proper was not impacted…but a large supply of raw leaf was burned. Telenorte has also reported that an employee has been detained for questioning in the fire.

Fuente’s now-annual “Unnamed Reserve” release has hit retailer shelves. As was the case once before, it has been delivered in two differing vitolas within the same box this year – a 5.5” x 48 robusto and 6” x 50 toro. There are 10 of each size included per box, with retail set at around $325 per box (just over $16 per cigar).

In a move that was unexpected to me, Nate McIntyre posted a notice via Facebook today that he has resigned his position at Cubanacan. Well wishes his way for his future endeavours…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Club Havana Corona Especial (Laguito 2) – These are really coming around at 1 year old. I love the blend and thought this size might not be the best representation. One smoked last week makes me think they just needed to come out of their mini-funk.

Tat Belle Encre Reserva – I talked about these a few shows back and I’ll say the same again. Not ready.

Kip

Campesino TORO

Nada, beyond Tatuaje Verocu #5 and Fume D’Amour Lagunas

Next Episode

In the next episode (135), we will be smoking the Chogui Dos77. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails:[email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! 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), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Half Ashed Episode 133: Bolivar Libertador Francia

January 21, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Bolivar Libertador ER Francia

This cousin of the CotW from episode 131 is an even larger cigar, coming in 54x 6-1/2” – the Bolivar Libertador ER Francia. We put off smoking this cigar previously because multiple samples smoked by us collectively were obviously in a transition phase. After 4 additional weeks of rest we’re revisiting in an attempt to complete this mini vertical review. The Libertador is a French regional release from 2006 and a highly anticipated cigar at the time. Both of these were large ring Boli’s but the French variant was a significantly milder cigar 9 years ago. Bolivar is known for earthy, tobacco centric flavors and this cigar always just hinted at that. Today, we’ll see how nearly 10 years of box time has molded what this cigar has become.

Commissioned by the French Habanos distributor, the Libertadores are the largest ring Bolivar to ever be produced.

The Regional Editions began after the success of two specially commissioned cigars in 2004. The reintroduction of the famous Bolivar Gold Medal and a VR called the Jubileum were released in Germany to critical and market success. Habanos capitalized on this success with three REs in 2005 and exponentially more in the years following.

Cigar News

Villiger made a sudden move this past week, unexpectedly terminating most all of their US based sales employees. In information subsequently provided, the company says they will be moving their American headquarters to Miami and – at least in the interim – will be going to a broker/inside sales arrangement for their US distribution. Finally, they will be appointing a new GM stateside, although they chose not yet to name who that is…but judging by some of the retailer backlash I’ve seen online I’d say he/she will have their hands full.

Legislatively, there was a sliver of hope followed by the agony of defeat this week for cigar smokers. The Omnibus Spending Bill, which outlines which programs will be receiving monies for the upcoming budget cycle, had a rider attached that would have protected premium cigars from FDA control – but the measure was stricken from the bill before passage. Despite there being little chance of it making it through, many in the industry were optimistic that it would. No protections were included in the final bill, so now we wait for the Office of Management and Budget to evaluate the FDA’s intent and figure out what the ramifications would be.

Quality Importers, following their recent trend of buying out/reviving things (Ortega, Cigar Caddy, Palio, etc.), are bringing back the Shuriken cutters….

To the dismay of many, halfwheel is reporting that Pete Johnson has revealed to them that Tatuaje will be discontinuing single store releases, citing “factory constraints and production limits.”

Guayacan will be moving into new digs come January 1. In a partnership with Brandon Hayes of Renegade Cigars in Texas, the New Order of the Ages factory will be opened in Estelí. Guayacan previously split from their previous partners over the past year.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Kip

El Compartir
DE Dirty Rat
Emilio Draig K
Quesada España corona

Next Episode

In the next episode (134), we will be smoking Unbanded #023, from S. Dunlap. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails:[email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! 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), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Half Ashed Episode 132: Asylum 99 Problems

January 21, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Asylum 99 Problems

The singular oddball in the Asylum 13 lineup, tonight’s cigar is the Asylum 99 Problems – a 7” x 38 lancero standing in stark contrast to the rest of the line – which typically runs in oversized vitolas. The cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, although it is manufactured in Christian Eiroa’s “El Aladino” factory in Honduras. The story says owner Tom Lazuka asked Christian Eiroa how many lanceros would fit in an Ogre box – and the answer was 99. Hence, the name. The cigar was produced in limited quantity (500 boxes of 99), and retailed around the $7 mark.

Cigar News

The Oliva Serie V Maduro for 2015 has landed. Like last year, it’s in a 6” x 60 vitola with San Andres wrapper. MSRP was reported at $10/stick, up $.50 each over last year – but my old shop has them at $9.60 for singles and $86 per box of ten.

Casa Fernandez has expanded the JFR line…and it’s not in a behemoth ring! It’s a 7” x 50 churchill, and will be made at the CF (TABSA) factory in Estelí. It features an untrimmed, shaggy foot and will retail around $8. Should be shipping this week.

In our final of these updates this year, Quesada has released the last allotment of the España petit belicoso. Rather than the typical singular box of 100 to a selected retailer, TWO were sent out for December…Mickey Blake’s in Connecticut and Tobacco Plaza in New York.

Right on time with our recently begun semi-vertical tasting of ER’s, two new ones are coming down the pike:

The La Escepcion is being expanded with a second size, as an ER for Italy. It comes in a 5” x 48, and will retail for the equivalent of just over $16USD….but to get them you’ll have to go to Italy or know someone who is

There’s also a new French ER, in the form of the Quai d’Orsay Robusto Diplomatico. It’s also in a 5” x 48 vitola, will retail for just under a $14USD equivalent.

Victor Nicholas, of Chogui, announced this week that he’ll be adding another vitola to the Dos77 lineup – the “longsdale” at 6.5” x 46….same blend as the “rogusto,” and shipping in Jan/Feb 2016.

C.Gars Limited’s winter auction!

For reasons that aren’t all entirely clear to me, the FDA has reopened a comment period for their upcoming proposed regulations concerning cigars and other tobacco products. You can make your comments through December 30th…so get on it.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Warped La Colmena #36 – A slighter Laguito #2, this 6×36 is a powerhouse! It’s sharp & flavorful with lots of smoke production & a terrific draw. There’s a lot of marketing hype surrounding these but the cigar stands for itself. It’s In your face enough to please seasoned smokers but approachable enough to slyly make a newby green. I enjoy the mild sweetness in the first third and the blossoming depth as it progresses. A slight room aroma of pot was a distraction. This was the worst part of the experience for me.

Kip

Outlaw Cigars Gunslinger “Drifter” – another AJF produced stick…but I didn’t find it typical. You can pick out AJF’s signature here & there, but it was more sedate and lacked the “bite” that I often find in his blends. I really enjoyed it – lots of nuttiness throughout, earthiness in the middlegrounds. Flawless construction. Dig it.

Next Episode

In the next episode (132), we will be smoking the Bolivar Libertador ER Francia. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails:[email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! 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), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Half Ashed Episode 131: Bolivar Colosales ER Alemania

December 18, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Bolivar Colosales ER Alemania

The Bolivar Colosales ER Alemania is a moderately large cigar coming in by direct measurement of 52x 6”. We were intending to review the Libertador from France this week but after each of us smoked them and discovered that they were in a bit of a funk, we punted, and changed over to the other RE we have for this mini vertical review. The Colosales is a regional release from 2006 and a highly anticipated cigar at the time. Both the Colosales and the Libertador were large ring Boli’s but the German variant was a slightly deeper, stronger cigar 9 years ago. Bolivar is known for earthy, tobacco centric flavors and this cigar is akin to that, though more citrusy & sweeter than typical.

The Regional Editions began after the success of two specially commissioned cigars in 2004. The reintroduction of the famous Bolivar Gold Medal and a VR called the Jubelium were released in Germany to critical and market success. Habanos capitalized on this success with three REs in 2005 and exponentially more in the years following.

Cigar News

PDR joins Pro Cigar –

Congrats to Liana Fuente, who is getting married tomorrow.

Proposal by HUD to ban smoking throughout all public housing – citing concern for health dangers from secondhand smoke…would help improve the health of ”more than 760,000 children and help public housing agencies save $153 million every year in healthcare, repairs and preventable fires.” (Washington Post)

The C.Gars Ltd Auction, which we spoke about a bit a couple weeks ago, is scheduled and features a FULL 250-count (!) pre-embargo of RyJ Invencibles (5.5”x33). The auction will take place on Nov. 30th.

Christian Eiroa is celebrating 20 years, kinda. It’s been 20 years since he first began working in the industry, although he did have an almost 4-year hiatus after selling his former company (Caribe Imported Cigars, which included Camacho) in 2008. The “First 20 Years” line will made at his El Aladino factory in Honduras, and come in 4 sizes – a 6”x46, 5”x50 robusto, 6”x54, and 6”x60. It will also be a Honduran puro with all-Jamastran tobacco. Christian’s father Julio reportedly grew the binder & filler from a seed varietal that hasn’t been grown in 50 years and presented the tobacco to Christian for the celebration of his 20 years. MSRP will run $12-14 per stick.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Chogui – Opus Angel Share, anyone?

Partagas Maduro No.1 – Surprisingly good but in no way a formal endorsement. Dark & sweet, thought not overpoweringly so.

Padron Damaso – These really do line up for my take on what a Connie should be.

Diplomatico #4 (1997) – Damn good Montecristo…

J.Fuego Corojo Oscuro – Yum! Great sweet bready flavors & spectacular construction. Thank you!

Kip

Punch Signature Gordo…yes, a 60 ring! And I liked it! I enjoyed the Robusto in this line several months ago when it was introduced. A kind listener sent me one of the Gordo 6×60, and while I don’t typically smoke big ring cigars I gave this one a try. I have to say it did not suck at all. In fact, the 89 score on the robusto would probably have been a point or two higher had I smoked the Gordo. It had the sweet, peppery spice like the robusto – but with more emphasis on the “sweet.” It also had lots of nutty accompaniment throughout its length and occasional flashes of chili-chocolate (also like the robusto). Although it still featured a good bit of strength, I found it more manageable than the robusto even. Loved it, and knowing it can be found for a very reasonable $4.35/stick it’d be hard to beat.

Ashton’s LAdC Mi Amor Reserva…Without smoking them side-by-side, I have difficulty nailing down differences between the Reserva and standard blend in this line. Lots of cocoa, backed up by a healthy but approachable dose of Nicaraguan spice. Very good.

The other Bolivar Colosales ER Alemania….

Miscellaneous

Tonight we have a special topic to kick around for a big part of the show….Fermentation! Craig and I kick around a few thoughts on fermentation, aging, and how the two differ…

Next Episode

In the next episode (132), we will be smoking the Asylum “99 Problems”. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails:[email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! 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), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Sosa celebrates, revives Santa Julia brand

December 16, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Farm workers, some actual Sosa family members, having cafe at the Sosa “Santa Julia” tobacco farm in Cuba.

SANTA JULIA MAKES A COMEBACK

As part of the continuing celebration of 50 years making cigars, Sosa Cigars (Antillian Cigar Corporation) has announced the revival of the Santa Julia brand. The company has previously brought back other older brands from their portfolio with the re-introduction of Imperio Cubano Miami and Macabi USA.

The name “Santa Julia” is taken from the Sosa family farm in Taguasco, Cuba. Don Juan Sosa and son Arturo bought the farm, which spanned more than 900 acres of land, in the 1920’s. They produced sun grown leaf used as binder and filler components. Sosa family members and local tobacco workers maintained the land until it was lost to the Cuban government during the revolution.

Arby Sosa wanted to bring back the brand to celebrate the Sosa family’s’ longevity and consistency in the industry. Interestingly, the line is being made at La Vega Cubana in Clearwater, Florida. The wrapper is Ecuador Habano Oscuro, the binder Honduran and the filler blend is comprised of Dominican and Nicaraguan (Condega) tobacco. Only two vitolas will be produced – a Torpedo (6.5″ x 52) and Toro (6″ x 50). Production is capped at 20,000 total cigars. The first release will come in January 2016, with the remainder being released throughout the rest of the year. MSRP has been set at $9.90 for the Torpedo and $9.60 for the Toro.

About Antillian Cigar Corp:

Antillian Cigar Corporation is the manufacturer of the popular brands of Sosa Classic, 60 by Sosa, Imperio Cubano and Macabi. The Sosa family has been in the cigar business for 4 generations, more than 70 years. The Sosa cigar tradition began at the turn of the 19th century with Don Juan Sosa, a small tobacco grower in the fertile Taguasco region of Cuba. By the 1920’s, that farm was one of the largest tobacco-producing haciendas in Cuba. Over the next 30 years, Don Juan’s son, Arturo, and grandson, Juan, continued growing and selling their tobacco. Exiled from their homeland in Cuba in 1962, the Sosa family opened their first U.S. store in 1964 in Miami, FL. The Sosa’s currently have 2 stores in Florida, including the shop in Downtown Disney. They have their line of cigars in 300 stores across the country. Today, the legacy of quality, handmade cigars made in the Cuban tradition continues with master blender, Juan B. Sosa, alongside his wife, sons and nephews.

Davidoff and S.T. Dupont Announce Partnership

December 8, 2015 By Kip Fisher

S.T. Dupont and Davidoff of Geneva USA announce that they will enter into an exclusive distribution agreement in the United States effective January 1st, 2016.

The newly announced agreement between the companies further solidifies an already strong relationship between the two. S.T. Dupont produces several of Davidoff’s lighters in its French manufacturing facilities, while Davidoff serves as distributor for S.T. Dupont in Switzerland and elsewhere.

According to S.T. Dupont President Alain Crevet, the aim of the partnership for his company is to strengthen its success in the United States with lighter and cigar accessories, while growing its market share in the luxury pen, leather goods, and men’s accessory market.

Davidoff believes the agreement with S.T. Dupont will aid in its goal to be the “indispensable business partner” to retailers, including its network of Appointed Merchants. President Jim Young commented, “We are delighted to add the S.T. Dupont brand to our portfolio and look forward to building the brand together with our colleagues from S.T. Dupont-Paris. This is a great fit, both for the brand line up as well as a great fit culturally between our two companies.”

S.T. Dupont has expressed gratitude to its current distributor Lotus International for its dedication over the past 8 years, and has also announced that the company will continue as its after-sales-service center for the US.

All three companies are jointly committed to deliver high quality products and services to the US market.

About S.T.Dupont

For nearly 145 years, S.T.Dupont master goldsmiths and silversmiths, lacquerers and trunkmakers have created unique and durable objects that are entirely crafted by hand and made in France for exceptional individuals. This legendary and unique know-how, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit true to founder Simon Tissot Dupont, contribute to perpetuating the international aura and recognition of a House that embodies Fine French Craftsmanship. It is with great pride that S.T.Dupont preserves the know-how of its master craftsmen, who are heirs to skills passed down from generation to generation.

About Oettinger Davidoff AG

The CHF 1.23 billion Oettinger Davidoff AG with over 3,600 employees around the world, traces its roots back to 1875 and remains family owned to this day with two distinctly different businesses: one that is focused on FMCG distribution in the Swiss market and one dedicated to the core business of producing, marketing and retailing premium branded cigars, tobacco products and accessories. The premium branded cigar business include Davidoff, AVO, Camacho, Cusano, Griffin’s, Private Stock, Zino and Zino Platinum. The Oettinger Davidoff AG business is anchored in a strong “crop-to-shop” philosophy, having pursued a vertical integration from the tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua to the worldwide network of over 70 Davidoff Flagship Stores which complement a network of strong Appointed Merchants around the world.

Half Ashed Episode 130: EP Carrillo Short Run 2015

December 7, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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EP Carrillo Short Run 2015

The 6th in the series, this year’s EP Carrillo Short Run comes with a Nicaraguan (Jalapa) Criollo ’98 wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan/Dominican filler components. It is available in 3 vitolas – the Napoleon (5″ x 50), Imperios (6″ x 60), and tonight’s featured cigar, the Vencedor (6″ x 52). Depending on size, the MSRP runs from $6.75-8.75 for the line, and production was capped around 1,500 boxes of 24 for each vitola. I enjoyed these when they first hit the shelves in March/April 2015, and thought them worthy of a spot as a featured Cigar of the Week. Tune in to see how it went!

Cigar News

Ernesto Perez Carrillo is releasing some of his personal blends to the marketplace. The line, called “Ernesto’s Humidor” will initially be comprised of three blends – with CT, Sumatran, and CT Broadleaf wrappers. Ten each of the three blends will be packaged in a humidor, with the total package retailing for $395. Only about 500 humidors will be produced.

Continuing with our year-long pattern of these PSA’s, the November box of Quesada España Petit Belicosos is going to McCoy’s Fine Cigars in Houston, TX.

As we’ve mentioned over the past few weeks, we have more news from Chogui. First, the PrimerAño is nearing commercial availability, although it will only be a Dominican release. I had the chance to smoke & review these, which you can find on Half Ashed. Also, the initial shipment of the company’s core Dos77 line has reached American shores. Owner Victor Nicolas is in New York for a launch event….look for them on shelves. I’ll vouch for them….. The Dos77 is 5×52, and is a Dominican puro with a criollo 98 binder and Habano 20/20 & corojo filler. Wrapper details are a bit fuzzy, with its only description being “havana-seed Dominican grown.”

The 2015 Mason-Dixon Project from Crowned Heads is here. This year, the line continues to be produced by My Father in Estelí, with the “North” featuring an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder/filler. The “South,” however, has a CT broadleaf wrapper over Nicaraguan fillers/binder. There are about 1500 boxes of 20 for each 6×52 offering, and will be available regionally based on their names. Last year, retailers were known to do some trading across the border if you’d like to give both a try….

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Cohiba 30th Anniversary Dalia (Jar)– Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Cohiba line. This cigar was released to celebrate the 30th. If I didn’t know for sure it was 20 years old, I would never have thought it was. This cigar had more “ability” than any I’ve ever smoked. It was full of beautiful cohiba grassy flavors and an unbelievable, rich dark depth that bordered on earthiness. That is a new flavor experienced in pre-Medio Tiempo releases. Splendid

Pre Revolution Don Alfredo 53 – I purchased 4 of these cigars for an unbelievable price years ago. They were opened as a box split from a well known, and well trusted collector. The cigar had body that was unquestionable and flavors that were reminiscent of well mingled Partagas of days past. It had strength & complexity that was fulfilling beyond my wildest dreams. It was not perfect. It was forever memorable.

Kip

Cigars from the Campo….tune in for my adventures in the campo…

Next Episode

In the next episode (131), we will be smoking the Bolivar Libertadores RE Francia. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails:[email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! 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), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

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