Kip Fisher - Co-Founder, Author at Half Ashed

Cigar Review: Chogüí PrimerAño

November 2, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Chogüí PrimerAño

Since moving to the Dominican Republic, I have experienced a renewed interest in Dominican cigars, specifically brands to which I’d had no previous exposure while stateside. The impetus for this renewal has largely been Chogüí Cigars, with the Dos77 line. After enjoying the Dos77 and subsequently having the opportunity to spend some time with owner Victor Nicolás on the “Top Secret Nest” production floor learning about his brand, I was excited to try the upcoming Chogüí PrimerAño. This release is a celebration of Chogüí’s first year in business, and was rolled in November 2014 (the time of the company’s Dominican launch). Although the core Dos77 line has now grown to include some U.S. distribution, the PrimerAño is a limited run that will likely only be sold in the Dominican Republic. It was produced in a singular 5.5” x 46 vitola, using tobacco from both the original Primera Edición and the existing Dos77 blends. The wrapper on the PrimerAño is Dominican grown, Cuban-seed HVA (Habano Vuelta Arriba), the binder is Dominican Criollo ’98, and the filler blend consists of Dominican Criollo ’98 and Habano 2020. Pricing is still under review, but are expected to retail for approximately $9 U.S. Samples for today’s review were provided by Victor Nicolás.

Pre Light

The wrapper on the PrimerAño is medium brown in color with some mottling. It is silky to the touch and moderately oily. Veining on the leaf is present but unobtrusive. The bunch density feels even throughout the length of the cigar. Once clipped, the pre-light draw is deliberate and mildly sweet with just a bit of spice on the tongue. The wrapper aroma is faint and leathery, with a darker, sweeter presence at the foot.

The Smoke

The PrimerAño took to fire quite readily and lit evenly across the foot. There is some tangy spice in the early minutes, which is most noticeable with retrohale. It’s a very pleasant “tropical spice” we’ve discussed so many times on Half Ashed. Whether due to palate adjustment or the cigar itself, this spice subsides significantly within about 10 minutes. It’s largely replaced with a delightful, dusty sweetness and some cedar by the end of the first third.

The midsection of the cigar brings a well defined uptick in the strength. The flavors also intensify, lending to a well balanced blend. The earlier sweetness deepens, and takes on a bit of a caramel character. Again, this is most prevalent on retrohale, but noticeable on the palate alone as well. The burn is very well behaved with only a couple minor touch ups to mind the burn line a bit.

The final stretch brings continued intensification in strength, although it never becomes an overpowering powerhouse. That being said, you may not wish to smoke it first thing in the morning. The flavors become bolder and somewhat woodsy in nature during this portion of the smoke as well. The woodsy quality is tempered by a bit of dried fruit sweetness. The burn was exceptional during the final third, with no touchups required.

Summary

While the Dos77 may still be my favorite from the Chogüí lineup, I found the PrimerAño entirely enjoyable. The construction was spot-on, the blend well-balanced, and the flavors entertaining. I am quite impressed with this young company’s early efforts. Both lines I have smoked thus far are firmly in my personal wheelhouse, and have performed well in more objective aspects as well.

Half Ashed Episode 129: Unbanded 025

November 1, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 025, from Dan C.

Kip’s preliminary observations: Unbanded #025 is a pretty straightforward 5” x 50ish (5”x52 for Craig) robusto. Construction appears spot-on for both examples; wrapper has a slight sheen and moderate-heavy veining. Somewhat sweet aroma at the foot, akin to a hay stall but with a bit of molasses if I focus enough. Milder aroma on the wrapper. Absolutely perfect cap build and, subsequently, draw. The draw has a very slight earthy nature, but overall is sweet and grainy. Tune in to find out how it went….and thanks, DC!

Cigar News

Robert Caldwell, of Caldwell Cigars, has publicly confirmed a planned maduro version of the Eastern Standard. The line will feature four vitolas (Corona (5 3/4 x 44), Piramide (6 x 49), Rothchilde (4 3/4 x 49) and Toro Gordo (6 x 50), and run somewhere near the price of the existing line, but possibly with a slight increase. The Eastern Standard can be found in the real world between $8-12 depending on size.

Omar de Frias has announced via social media and press release that Fratello will be releasing a limited edition sampler, the Boxer Series. The sampler will include the Boxer, a 6 1/4 x 52 belicoso, the Boxeador (6 x 54), Boxero (5 1/2 x 50), Boxista (5 x 48) and Boxerito (4 3/4 x 46). The blend will be the same as the original line (Nica Habano over Ec. Sumatra and Nica/Peru filler), but will be box pressed. Three thousand of the samplers will be produced, and should retail around $45…and the packaging itself is noteworthy. The box looks like a small cigar mold. I personally thought it was pretty creative and nicely done. I like it….

The game is afoot, legislatively. Since our last episode, we have learned that a.) the FDA has submitted its proposed plan to regulate premium cigars (and other tobacco products) to the Office of Management & Budget (OMB), and b.) eleven Democratic senators have urged the OMB to complete the review as quickly as possible. The OMB measures the feasibility of these types of proposals, and is expected to recommend action on it after review. As an executive agency, congressional approval or vote is not necessary for the FDA to implement new regulation – just OMB approval. What is NOT known are the exact contents of the FDA’s plan. A couple of options were thrown around in their earlier “Deeming document,” but as of yet the finalized, formalized plan has not been revealed outside government circles. As always, the aforementioned urging senators are pushing this expediency that rarely exists elsewhere in US government to prevent tobacco use by our youth. Possibilities are myriad; this is what we’ve been talking, writing letters, emailing, and calling politicians about for the past 3 years+. If you’ve not done any of those things shame. On. You. Senate bill 441, which would call for an exemption for premium cigars, has the support of 18 senators at the moment….

Following similar releases for the Davidoff and AVO segments, Oettinger Davidoff is preparing to release a Griffin’s Nicaragua. It will feature a Nicaraguan habano wrapper over Dominican piloto cubano binder and five filler tobaccos from Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.

Epicurean Sues H.O.E.: In a move that further exemplifies the turmoil that the House of Emilio distribution giant has been experiencing in 2015, one of its original brand owners is suing the group over alleged lost/withheld income. The sum is a modest one, over 150k, but certainly represents a sizeable amount of cigars when considering the reported purchase price of 27% below wholesale that Halfwheel is reporting. That, if all attributed to purchased cigars, computes to a bit under 50k cigars. Yikes.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Padron Damaso: Don’t listen to the negative press on this cigar. It tastes like a Padron. It tastes like a connecticut leaf. It’s good and it’s worth trying.

Kip

Chogui!

a Fonseca from 1995…

Next Episode

In the next episode (130), we will be smoking the EP Carrillo Short Run 2015. 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 128: Room101 SA

October 29, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Room101 Serie San Andres “Papi Chulo”

The Room101 Serie SA (San Andres) comes with a natural San Andres wrapper over Honduran binder and Dominican/Honduran filler mix. Tonight, we’re smoking the “Papi Chulo” vitola, which measures a diminutive 4″ x 42 and goes for about $5 per stick.

Cigar News

In a press release earlier in the week, it was announced that Padilla and La Aurora had reached an amicable agreement over the use of a lion in respective branding. Padilla will cease to use the existing lion on some of their materials, but will be allowed to use an “abstract lion.” La Aurora claims to have used the symbol for over 85 years, and that it identifies their products in the marketplace. Padilla will also be allowed to sell current stock – although the release did state “non-tobacco materials.” Honestly, I’ve personally confused the Padilla bands from a distance…

A shop from my old stomping grounds in Farragut (West Knoxville), TN – Silo Cigars – has been chosen to receive the next shipment of Quesada España Petit Belicosos.

In a story Craig is sure to be excited about [/sarcasm], Casa Fernandez has begun shipping the annual limited release of the Aniversario Series. This year, it’s available in two vitolas, including a 7.5”x40 box pressed lancero and 6×56. The line contains the same blend as last year’s cigar, featuring all AGANORSA tobacco. Total combined production will be about 15,000 cigars, heavily weighted on the 6”x56 vitola.

Oh look! Another barrel-aged cigar! Perdomo has shipped their Habano Bourbon barrel aged sticks this past week. Three wrappers in five vitolas are available, EC CT, Sungrown, & Maduro in 5”x54, 6”x54, 6.5”x54, 7”x54 and 6”x60). The cigars are aged for 6-14 months in bourbon barrels, depending on wrapper. The cigars will retail between $7-8.50.

We spoke of it a few weeks ago, but the Jericho Hill “Twelve Honest Men” lancero has begun to hit retailers’ shelves. It’s 7.5”x38, and retails for $9.95. Total production of 3,500 boxes of 12. Like the rest of the line, it has a Mexican SA wrapper over Nicaraguan internals. Produced by My Father.

Quick FDA Update

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Nada!

Kip

TL Johnson Legend Reserve maduro – Luis Sanchez’ production

Caucus

2005 Fuente Destino al Siglo

Next Episode

In the next episode (129), we will be smoking an Unbanded: #025, from Dan C. 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] [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 127: L’Atelier Cote d’Or

October 29, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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L’Atelier Cote d’Or

The L’Atelier Cote d’Or debuted in April ‘15, as a special limited release. It was produced by My Father for the company, and features a small amount of Pelo de Oro, an Ecuadoran Sancti Spiritus wrapper, and an all-Nicaraguan binder/filler combination. Total production for the cigar was limited to about 21,000 cigars, packaged in boxes of ten and retailed for about $16 per stick. It measures 7”x47.

Cigar News

In celebration of Carlos Fuente Sr.’s 80th birthday, Fuente is releasing the famed “Senior Blend” Don Carlos to the public. Previously, it was hard to come by outside of a few events or from a family members’ hand. It is a tweaked version of the regular production Don Carlos blend, and will be available in two vitolas – a 5×50 robusto ($14) and the “Eye of the Shark,” a box pressed belicoso measuring 5.75” x 52 ($11.95). The robusto is all Dominican internally, with a Cameroon wrapper – while the blend details for the Eye of the Shark have not been revealed. Cigar Aficionado has mistakenly reported that this is the 30th anniversary of the Don Carlos line….however, the series came out in 1976 and celebrated with the 30th Anniversary blend in 2006….

Hammer & Sickle, a cigar line with which I’m only vaguely familiar, is releasing a special “Peat-fired” cigar called the Caleanoch 25. I understand some of the leaf is fire cured like others we’ve seen in the past – with one change. Rather than various hardwoods being used, peat will be burned during the curing process. It will feature an Ecuadoran CT wrapper over Dominican corojo binder and Dominican fillers. Initially, the 25 will have about 25% peat-fired leaf in the filler blend – but, subsequent releases will have 50 and 75%, and be renamed respectively. It will be available in a single 6”x50 vitola and retailer for $12.50.

Cubanacan Eastern Sales Manager and friend of Half Ashed Nate McIntyre is launching his own line of cigars, called Percy Ray Cigars. It will be a limited annual release, produced by Cubanacan in their Nicaraguan factory, with the first release coming in a batch of about 800 boxes. The name of the line is a tribute to McIntyre’s grandfather, to whom Nate attributes his work ethic and values.

Chogui, a line currently only available in the DR, is coming to the US. I had the chance to sit down at a Santiago cigar shop with Victor Nicolas last week, and he tells me he’ll soon be shipping several thousand cigars to the states. They will be from his second offering, Dos77 (which has an interesting backstory for that name), and were rolled in August 2014. I am trying to catch up with him at the factory this upcoming week when he returns to Santiago and check out his next project….I have to tell you, though, the Dos77 is probably the most refreshing new cigar I’ve had since moving to the DR.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Reynaldo Corona Gorda 11/14 – Gift from Zedman – An alluring mild/medium cigar. Slightly tannic & tart but with a terrific pseudo-cocoa undertone. It was sweet and difficult to describe. The burn was perfect, even while driving, and smoking time was nearly 90 minutes

Southern Draw Kudzu – AJ Fernandez through and through. Nicaragua sweet spice. Dusty & full bodied. Strength was there but not overpowering. The palate pollution was a bit high but trading swigs of water and puffs kept it at bay. Very very enjoyable if you like the style.

Arturo Fuente Destino al Siglo – Lots here. Not all of it is good.

Kip

Recent production Fuente Shark

Chogui Dos77

Quesada Oktoberfest 2015

Next Episode

In the next episode (128), we will be smoking one of Craig’s selections, the Room101 Serie SA. 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 126: Punch Margaritas

October 28, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Punch Margaritas

Boxcode: NISV – December of 1993 these little cigars were boxed and headed out of the factory. They’re a “Carolinas” vitola, coming in at an odd 26×4-¾”. This box has been open for a couple of years but the unique “Punch” flavors have morphed more into a basic “Vintage” tobacco flavor. The nuance is gone but the suave character is certainly there in spades. We’ll be smoking a new(er) punch coming up in near future and it’ll be interesting to see if Kip can spot any of the hallmark flavors in that which he detects in this more mature stick. I went through a phase where small sticks were what I always reached for first. They fit the bill whether short on time or looking for variety. It’s not too uncommon to be able to finish 2 of these in an hour.

Cigar News

Fresh on the heels of our smoking the Crowned Heads’ Jericho Hill OBS last week, we now know that they will be releasing a lancero in the line. The “12 Honest Men” will be a 7.5” x 38 with similar blend to the remainder of the line (Mexican San Andres over Nicaraguan binder & filler). It is, at least initially, limited to 3,500 boxes of 12 (42k total production) and will retail for about $10. It should begin shipping within the next few weeks.

Continuing with the Crowned Heads theme, they have released some information about one of next year’s new introductions: Las Mareas (the tides). It will be available in four vitolas (6 1/8 x 46, 4 1/2 x 48, 5 1/2 x 52 and 6 x 54). The company is shipping one box of each size to seven selected retailers this week, but regular production will not be available until next Summer.

Freyja, Jose Blanco’s wife Emma Viktorrson’s creation, has begun shipping. It has been available in parts of Europe for several weeks, but is just now reaching U.S. shores. Emma has been forthright in saying that this is entirely her project with no blending input from neither Jose nor Jochy Blanco. It has a Dominican Criollo ‘98 wrapper over Mexican San Andres binder and fillers of DR Criollo ‘98, Dominican Piloto Cubano, and Estelian tobacco. It is being produced in four sizes (5.75” x 42, 5.5” x 50, 6”x54, and a 6.5”x 52 figurado), and retailer from $7-10. The theme is built around Emma’s native Swedish heritage and mythology – notably, the goddess Freyja, queen of the Valkyries.

Halfwheel is reporting some legislative news from El Cerrito, CA that should catch all our attention. The city has passed some stringent new tobacco regulations, which ranges from designating where tobacco sellers can operate (within certain distances from schools and other retailers). It bans outright the sale of flavored tobacco products, and the sale of single cigars under the $5 mark. No new licenses will be granted to establishments that receive more than 50% of revenues, nor those that allot more than 20% of retail space, to tobacco products. The new license will also cost retailers more than $400 per year to retain.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

SLR Serie A – 2003

Illusione Fume d’amour Robusto

Kip

AJ Fernandez New World

CAIN Daytona

Next Episode

In the next episode (127), we will be smoking one of Kip’s selections, the L’Atelier Cote d’Or. 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 125: Crowned Heads Jericho Hill OBS

September 24, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads Jericho Hill OBS

This week, we’re smoking the OBS (Orange Blossom Special), from Crowned Heads’ Jericho Hill line. The OBS is a 4.75”x52 robusto, and Kip’s favorite from the line thus far. The Jericho Hill is produced for Crowned Heads by My Father, and this particular vitola retails for $8.75. It features a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler.

Cigar News

Palio lives! Well, kinda. Maybe not really….Quality Importers has acquired the company. QI is predominantly a humidor and accessory distributor who has taken over distribution for a handful of other branding in recent years (most recently Eddie Ortega’s cigars). They did NOT assume control of the Esencia cigar line with Palio. Halfwheel is reporting that the company will honor existing warranty claims, and that its very unlikely that production will be US-based. Michael Giordano, QI president, doesn’t seem to think it’s feasible to continue producing the products in the U.S. due to production costs, leadtimes and inflexibility…

This year’s Tatuaje TAA blend has shipped, and I (Kip) can’t get ‘em. For the first time in its history, I’ll be missing this release. Reportedly, it’s based on the 2011 blend – which was the best (or 2nd best) blend for my personal tastes. As usual, it’s only available at the 75 or so TAA retailers. This year’s production is up significantly to 3,800 boxes of twenty; fewer than 3,000 boxes were produced last year. Pricing is set at $11 per cigar for the 5-⅝” x 54 stick, and it will feature CT Broadleaf over Nicaraguan binder/filler.

In a move that should surprise no one, the Cubanacan/Gonzalez battle (remember…Hirochi Robaina, etc.?) has moved into the judicial system. The Gonzalez family claims they were never paid any of the funds they were due from sales of the Soneros branded cigars. Additionally, there are allegations of other unpaid debts, trademark issues, and various ownership disagreement.

The IPCPR is reporting to Halfwheel that Operation Chokepoint is continuing and expanding to one South Florida manufacturer. Article

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Bolivar Petit Corona – Perhaps the best Bolivar out there. Deep dark & earthy with an amazing citrus sweetness that’s reinforced with graham cracker tastes. Ahhh…

Kip

TL Johnson Legend Reserve 63, taking a cue from Cigar Coop last week.

90 Miles from Flor de Gonzalez

Next Episode

In the next episode (126), we will be smoking one of Craig’s selections, the 1993 Punch Margaritas. 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.

Six New Drew Estate Lounge Exclusives Announced

September 14, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Drew Estate Announces New Lounge Exclusives For Corona Cigar

Earlier today, Drew Estate announced plans to release six new exclusive sizes from five different lines for the Drew Estate Lounge at Corona Cigar in Orlando, FL. The cigars will be available this month at the Corona Cigar Sand Lake location, and include vitolas from the Herrera Estelí, Liga Privada No. 9, Undercrown, Natural, and Tabak Especial brands.

All the line extensions are in a 6″ x 50 format, with three of them featuring a soft press and the other three a square box press. Specific details are given below:

Tabak Especial Negra (Soft Press)
Tabak Especial Dulce (Soft Press)
Natural (Soft Press)
Herrera Esteli (Box Press)
Liga Privada No. 9 (Box Press)
Undercrown (Box Press)

When asked about the new cigars, Jeff Borysiewicz, owner of Corona Cigar Company, stated: “The introduction of the world’s first Drew Estate Lounge has been a rousing success at Corona Cigar. We have a large contingent of diehard Drew Estate fans among our customer base and the addition of the new Drew Estate Lounge has caused quite a bit of excitement around the shop. These exciting new offerings from Drew Estate will add another dimension to the cigar smoking experience in Corona’s Drew Estate Lounge and guaranteed to excite our customers. We can’t wait to receive the first shipment this week!”

Drew Estate President Michael Cellucci commented, “Jeff and Corona Cigar Company have been a long-time ally and business partner with Drew Estate. We’re proud to call Corona Cigar home to the first ever Drew Estate Lounge, and we’re looking forward to Corona Cigar’s consumers trying these exclusive new sizes.”

The new Drew Estate exclusive sizes will only be available at Corona Cigar Company’s Sand Lake, FL location at 7792 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. To stay up to date on all of Drew Estate’s latest news, follow them @drewestatecigar on Twitter and Instagram.

About Drew Estate

Founded in New York City in 1996, Drew Estate has become one of the fastest growing tobacco companies in the world. Under their mantra “The Rebirth of Cigars”TM, Drew Estate has led the “Boutique Cigar” movement by innovating new elements to the tobacco industry with their unique tobaccos and blending styles that have attracted new and traditional cigar enthusiasts. In their Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, the Nicaraguan headquarters, Drew Estate produces a variety of brands such as ACID, Herrera Estelí, Herrera Estelí Norteño, Kentucky Fired Cured, Liga Privada, MUWAT, Natural by Drew Estate, Nica Rustica, Nirvana, Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Cigars, Tabak Especial, Undercrown, and Java by Drew Estate.

Half Ashed Episode 124: Special Guest Cigar Coop

September 10, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Special Guest Cigar Coop

This week, in Craig’s absence, Kip is joined by special guest host William “Cigar Coop” Cooper. Tune in as Kip has the chance to pick Coop’s brain about the current state of the cigar industry and some recently introduced cigars. We have lots of great conversation in store, so this is one you don’t want to miss!

Cigar News

In episode 122, I pontificated a bit about the status and future of House of Emilio. Now, just a couple weeks later, yet another member (Guayacan) has left the fold….. How does Guayacan differ from the other brands that have dropped from the fold? What is going on with House of Emilio itself? Tune in for some lively discussion on this….

Smoke Inn’s Microblend Series sampler of past offerings from the limited series (from Cigar Coop and Toasted Foot)

Earlier this week, Boutique Blends announced the promotion of Charlie Lopez to their Director of Sales. Congratulations to Charlie…and more on why this is a big step for the company.

Steve Saka’s Update on Sobremesa – 1) The 6 x 52 Belicoso Largo was replaced by the 6 x 54 Torpedo Tiempo; 2) Orders expected to ship on November 1st but because of overwhelming demand they will not be able to ship the full orders to retailers. Instead each retailer will receive an “equitable share” of the first order and the remainder will be filled as soon as possible. Saka says he wil not deviate from his production plans of 1,000 boxes per month.

Jonathan Drew has begun to feed info out of a new project he has…only it’s not a cigar venture. He’s going into the distillery business with John Drew Brands. I’m a bit uncertain what *exactly* he has planned, but the website lists Vodka, Whisk(e)y, Rum, Shine, Hard Tea and Craft Coffee (something else that seems to be taking hold with traditionally cigar-themed companies…how much involvement these companies have in developing a coffee blend is something Kip is skeptical of at this point). More details will follow, but the company is slated to launch April 2016. I’m personally a bit intrigued, but wonder how this will look in reality rather than the theory wherein it sits now. Why is Jonathan Drew opening pandoras box with announcing this now?)

I continue to be concerned with the increasingly frequent news items I see go through my feed about new legislative attacks on smoking. The stories have moved from the larger municipalities into small town America. None of this *surprises* me; I just hate to see the attacks intensify. Quite a number of new ban proposals, ranging from parks & government property to private businesses and even residences (multi-family) seem to hit the legislative floor every week. We offer more indepth analysis of the situation and how much of the news being reported by other outlets do not apply to cigar smokers. While I get it infringes on our civil liberties, I think it takes the focus off the real problem at hand with FDA control.

The AVO Syncro has now begun to hit the market. Kip hasn’t personally had the chance to try this yet, but despite being out of touch with AVO for a few years I’m intrigued to say the least. If nothing else, the novelty and willingness to try something outside the normal modus operandi of a company’s past is interesting. How “different” can a cigar be with the all too common EC CT wrapper and Dominican/Nicaraguan internal components. The addition of some Peruvian tobacco is what draws me to it right now. Coop has smoked it, and gives his analysis of the blend…

Drew Estate is releasing an exclusive extension to the KFC lineup for Alliance Cigar. I’m frankly not sure why. While I was initially intrigued by the KFC launch, I couldn’t handle the heavy handed fire cured content. Subsequently, after trying most all of the available vitolas, I don’t find much variation throughout the lineup. I’m not sure another vitola (this time 5.5”x52) will do the trick.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Coop

Imperio Cubano Miami Natural
Dunhill Seleccion Suprema
Recluse Amadeus Habano Reserva
Tatuaje Jackel

Kip

tonight’s chosen cigar from Caldwell
Tatuaje Mexican Experiment
Tatuaje Belle Encre 10th from original 2013 launch of the vitola

Next Episode

In the next episode (125), Kip will be rejoined by Craig for regularly scheduled programming. 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 theContact Page or the following emails: [email protected] [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 123: Partagas Serie D EL 2010

September 3, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Partagas Serie D Edicion Limitada 2010

One of the 2010 Edicion Limitada releases from Habanos, the Partagas Serie D Especial is a take on the traditional PSD4, but with ⅝” more in length and a further processed maduro wrapper. It is a Gordito vitola, typically referred to as a Toro (5-½”x50). Its rustic, thick maduro wrapper does not impart a large amount of typical maduro flavors to the mix but certainly does help round out the typical PSD4 profile with a bit more complexity.

Cigar News

Tobacconist University, in partnership with the producer J. Fuego, has shipped the second round of the R&D Series. This batch is being released with a total production of 4,000 Churchills, and 8,000 each of the Robusto and Toro. To go with the cigars, packets of puritos are available for additional purchase (2,000 packs of these). The puritos are comprised of each of the 5 tobaccos involved in the blend: PA Connecticut wrapper, Honduran (Jamastran) habano (binder), and fillers from Nicaraguan (Ometepe) habano criollo 98, NIcaraguan (Estelí) habano criollo 98, and Nicaraguan (Jalapa) habano corojo 99. For about $17-18 you can pick up one of the blended cigars and a packet of the small (~4”x26) puritos. They are available at selected Tobacconist University Certified retailers.

The proposed 40% tax on cigars has reared its head again in Pennsylvania. After being defeated in budget approval earlier this year, governor Tom Wolf’s idea has been resurrected by state democrats in the form of SB13.

A new Blessed Leaf cigar came…and went this week. The “1611,” alluding to the year in which the King James Bible was published, has been available for pre-order for a while. It finally hit the market this week, featuring a San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan internal components. Unlike their earlier efforts (and associated Ezra Zion products), they were produced at Noel Rojas’ Aroma de Estelí (Guayacan) factory in Estelí. It came in a single 6”x50 toro, in limited quantity of 1,000 cigars. Interestingly, the cigar was sold direct by Ezra Zion – as were very limited runs of a couple other cigars (one of which we will be featuring on the show soon). The cigars went for $6-7 in either 5- or 10-packs, but they’ve all sold…

Cuba News:
Habanos Dismissals Article
US Embassy open Article

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

La Riqueza – Churchill en cello – Some tie in or connection to the Boris
01 La Gloria Cubana Tainos – Woof!
Asylum Schizo Maduro – Interesting…

Kip

Quesada Seleccion España mini-belicoso
Ashton VSG Tres Mystique
illusione ECCJ 20th

Next Episode

In the next episode (124), Kip will be joined by none other than Will “Cigar Coop” Cooper. 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 122: illusione ECCJ 20th

August 20, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

illusione ECCJ 20th

As a follow up to the 2008 release of a 15th anniversary cigar, illusione has once again teamed with Cigar Journal for the ECCJ 20th. It hit the market a bit late to the party in February 2015, but still drew a great deal of interest from many of us who smoked the first effort. The cigar features a Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 & Corojo ’99 filler leaf. Total production was 30,000 (2,000 boxes of 15), and came out of the TABSA factory (AGANORSA/Casa Fernandez). The ECCJ 20th can be differentiated from the original 15th by its slightly larger size (6.25″ x 48 versus 5.625″ x 46). The original anniversary would go on to become the Epernay line. Tune in to see what we thought about the new edition…

Cigar News

Craig’s favored Quesada España Petit Beli will be heading to W. Curtis Draper in Washington, DC. They are the latest retailer to be slated for receipt of a 100-ct box. Each month a different Quesada retail account receives a box. So, get in line if you like ‘em like Craig…

In a story that has me conflicted as to whether it’s marketing schpiel or educational tool, La Aurora is releasing a “Training Kit.” It will include a couple marketing items – branded lighter, cutter etc. However, it will also have several puritos to showcase specific tobaccos (one seco, one viso and two ligero). The kit will also include a larger vitola that has a number of wrappers across its length (a la Jose Blanco’s seminar cigar), including bare, EC CT, EC Cameroon, EC Sumatran, Brazilian Ariparaca, US Broadleaf and DR corojo. Also included are instructions & DVD…the kit promises to provide for a tasting seminar without a rep onsite. No pricing or availability details.

I caught a stray tweet from the Charlie Minato that a new trademark had been filed by BOTL, LLC on the Palio cutter. Who knew? They’re still around….

Still mulling over IPCPR stuff…and in light of the 2015 departure of Nate McIntyre and Gary Griffith, I wonder how House of Emilio is doing. From all appearances, at least 4 of the previous 9 companies represented have fallen away from the fold. In fact, I understand none of the 4 had a real presence at the show (Rodrigo, Epicurean, Bodega and Herederos de Robaina). Post-Gary, owner Scott Zucca is stepping forth in a more prominent role. I’ve never met him, nor even heard the name really, until Gary left. I suppose I can say the same of new Brand Manager Spencer McGuire. I wish them the best, as I truly enjoy a great number of their offerings; I just wonder what the future holds. This will be a tough story for me to follow now that I’m outside the US. I won’t have my close tabs on a large number of American shops.

The latest installment of Alec Bradley’s Fine & Rare has been announced. Once again, it will contain 10 different tobaccos. Total production is set at 2,000 boxes of ten. This time around it’s a 6.5”x56; I wasn’t able to get pricing info, but last year ran about $18/stick. This is one of few AB cigars I enjoy, but once they got up past the $14-ish mark I’ve pretty much fallen away from them. It’s interesting every year, and I’ve been quite impressed with their ability to format such a cigar with so many types of leaf. I’m anxious to see if they do that $475 kit with all the blend components in puritos. My formerly local shop had a couple and I’m not sure they ever got rid of ‘em….

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig: Ramon Allones Gigantes 2006

Kip: OR Fuente Destino al Siglo; 858 Claro (candela)

Next Episode

In the next episode (123), we will be smoking the one of Craig’s offerings, a Montecristo #2. 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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