Half Ashed

Cigar Podcast and Cigar Reviews

Given below is a running archive of all previous episodes of Half Ashed. Feel free to browse around and give them a listen. Each episode can be streamed or downloaded directly from its respective summary post below. Alternatively, if you would like to subscribe to the podcast, you can find us on iTunes. Unedited video from each show is also maintained on our YouTube channel. As always, you are invited to join us every Friday night while we’re recording with live video feed and chat room on our broadcast page.

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Episode 010: A Visit from Sam Leccia

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Sam Leccia - Leccia TobaccoGood day, folks and welcome back for another episode of Half Ashed.  Craig and I appreciate you stopping by.  We were honored to have Sam Leccia, of Leccia Tobacco, as a special guest this week to talk about his upcoming new cigar releases.  We talk with Sam about his Black and White lines, which will be released in about a month or so.  He was gracious enough to share some information about himself, his blending philosophy, the vision behind the new cigars, and provided a great deal of insight into the Black and White.  Thanks to Sam for taking the time to hang out and share with us all.

Tatuaje Mexican Experiment

Tatuaje Mexican Experiment robustoOur featured cigar this week was the Tatuaje LE Mexican Experiment, which was a limited run of cigars released by Pete Johnson last year.  I reviewed the cigar at that time, and it was very interesting to note how it had changed in the past 10 months or so.  It was a phenomenal cigar, and one which I would personally love to see in regular production.

In legislative news, we covered the (probably temporary) fail of the Florida outdoor smoking ban, and new tobacco tax proposals at the federal level.  We also quickly covered some interesting cigar news concerning new releases and trimming of the old from Davidoff, and a few items in our “What have we been smoking” segment for the week.  Finally, we wrapped up with a listener email or two, and some new video reviews posted on Cigar Federation by Michael Stewart for the cigars he won in our previous giveaway.  We thank you for stopping by, and I hope you’ll give us a listen or watch the video via the means below.  Have a great week!

Upcoming Shows

Next week, we feature the “E” as the Cigar of the Week – an interesting and sure to be enjoyable release from BOTL, LLC.  On our next live show (May 10th), we will host the Ezra Zion guys to tell us about their upcoming Limited Edition – the Tantrum.  The following week, we’ll have a visit with Will Cooper (Cigar Coop) as well.  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 to 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 Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Episode 009: 2002 El Rey del Mundo Tainos

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Half Ashed El Rey del Mundo TainosWelcome back to another episode of Half Ashed, everyone!  This week, we feature a 2002 El Rey del Mundo Taino as our CotW.  Hopefully have most of our audio difficulties resolved and offer you a better-sounding show.  You can find a brief summary of some items we cover in this week’s episode below, as well as instructions for finding the video and audio in the final paragraph.    Sometime during the next couple of days, I will also post my Epilogue review into this summary as well (so check back by for that).  Thanks for checking in, and be sure to send us a note if you have any comments, questions, concerns…or even complaints.  We may not have a solution, but we’ll certainly have an opinion…

2002 El Rey del Mundo

This week’s featured cigar is the 2002 El Rey del Mundo Tainos, generously provided by Craig.  Here are his brief preliminary notes and history with this cigar:

Craig: The king of the world, as its name translates, is the king of many serious smokers’ worlds.   A unique blend giving flavors of tea, honey, cream, sweet tobacco….and heaven. It has been produced in Havana for well over 100 years. Typically mild in strength and perhaps medium in body (as a general, not definitive rule) these cigars are as full flavored as can be. Incredible complexity and very specific flavors generally render them somewhat polarizing, but those who love them, often keep them at the top of their list. The Tainos was discontinued in 2002, partly because of its contradictory appeal (mild but large) and potentially also because of its unique packaging. A slide lid cedar box packaged in a 13/12 format. Beauty in a 12×12 box.

Tune in to the show to both of our detailed opinions of the Tainos.

Industry News

      • Casa Fuente has, at least temporarily, had to disallow smoking in their patio area until some modifications can be made to pacify other retailers bothered with the aroma.
      • As published here on The Cigarmy earlier in the week, Sam Leccia has “officially” disclosed further information about his upcoming cigars, which will be produced in two different countries and contain some interesting blend components.
      • As was published exclusively through Halfwheel, Ezra Zion is releasing a limited edition this summer – the Tantrum.
      • Drew Estate is releasing an extension to the My Uzi Weighs a Ton line, showcasing a curing process not often used in cigars – the Kentucky Fire Cured.
      • La Flor Dominicana and Butthead’s Tobacco Emporium will be conducting a very interesting instore and online webinar, called “A Night in Santiago.”
      • An interesting piece of information via Cigar Coop concerning Christian Eiroa’s upcoming Asylum 13 Corojo line extension – notably the release of a 6″X80ring behemoth!
      • Operation Smokescreen? What is this?!?

What else have you been burning?

Craig:  In preparation for the show I smoked through a number of RdMs that I have. The 1999 Gran Corona (5-5/8”x46), 1990 Demi Tasse (3-3/4”x30), 1997 Grandes de Espana (7-1/2”x38). All are unique to their vitola and highlight different aspects of the blend; The DT; milk in tea, GdE; Sweet tobacco & honey, GC; tobacco & tea

Kip: A special EP Carrillo Short Run – the Federal Cigar 92nd Anniversary edition; La Aurora Double Corona; Eddie Ortega “Island Jim”

Listener Email

We talk a good bit about an interesting email we got from Derek Matthews, referencing the impact cellophane may contribute to the process of tobacco aging.

Next week

Next week we feature the Tatuaje LE Mexican Experiment as the Cigar of the Week – one of Kip’s favorite cigars from 2012. Michael Stewart will not be able to sit in on the live show, but depending on scheduling we may have another very special guest with us to talk about his new cigars…stay tuned for that!

Again, thanks for tuning in everyone.  Be sure to come back next week, when we’ll be taking a look at the Mexican Experiment.  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 to 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’s website, as well as the Cigarmy YouTube Channel.

Episode 008: Unbanded Number 002

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half-ashed-logo-trans1-300x134.pngWelcome to Half Ashed Episode 008, everyone!  Below is a quick summary of this week’s show, but be sure to download or watch/listen through any of the means in the final paragraph of this post!  [NOTE: I apologize for the audio snafu this week. I made some changes that created an echo in Craig’s voice for much of the show.  This was not noticeable while recording, but bothersome in the final cut.  I filtered the recording through a noise gate, but it is still largely present.  Please bear with us while we get these glitches sorted out, and be sure to come back next week when we should be back to normal!]

Half Ashed Cigar of the Week: Unbanded #002

This week’s featured cigar is our second Unbanded (blind) tasting on Half Ashed, and was recommended by Jeff Curtis.  The grand unveiling is detailed below.  If you would like to make a suggestion for future unbanded cigars, send an email to [email protected].  This address is monitored by my wife, who will have one of my local cohorts source the cigars.  If you have cigars you would like to submit, send me an email to: [email protected] and I will provide you with an address to send them.

Industry News this week

  1. Legislative Items
    • The Florida Outdoor Smoking Ban bill is still alive. The Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee, by a unanimous 10-0 vote, advanced SB 258 that will allow Florida local governments to enact their own outdoor smoking restrictions. If you’re in Florida – you NEED to take action here. It only takes about ONE minute, and can be done online while sitting at home with a good cigar.  You can submit messages to your representatives at the CRA page set up for that.  Simply follow the instructions for the automated process.
    • One listener (Dan Crouch) proposed an idea that we have kicked around and will likely feature on a future show.  We will have one of our fellow cigar smokers from a less tobacco-friendly locale come on the show and talk about life on the other side of the prohibitions and stringent legislation we are seeing put forth in the US today.  We all need to take this quite seriously if you value your freedom to enjoy a fine cigar.
  2. New Cigar Availability
    • News from KC Johnson about the upcoming L’Atelier LAT44 Maduro release
    • The Crowned Heads Headley Grange has begun shipping in five vitolas.
    • According to EPC’s Facebook page, 2013 Short Runs start shipping next week. Only 5,000 boxes made.
    • The AVO Dominant 13 we talked about a few weeks ago, and featured here on The Cigarmy is landing….if you plan on picking some of these up, they usually go fairly quickly.
    • As reported by Halfwheel and has lit up Twitter, the popular CyB from Joya de Nicaragua will be available in a lancero format to TAA member retailers.
  3. General Cigar has once again won a battle for US Trademarks on Cuban cigar marques vs. Cubatabaco
  4. Butthead’s Tobacco – where we sourced the Serie V Sampler we’ll be basing our first vertical tasting from – posted a picture of the event-only Nestor Miranda Blue Label.  Craig and I share our thoughts on event-only, retailer-only, and other special edition limited cigars.

What else have we been smoking?

Craig

    • La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Reserva – This is a spectacular cigar. Flavors are a bit nuttier & sweeter than the typical Mi Amor. I am a proud Mi Amor lover and this cigar is a terrific addition to the line. I want a box.
    • Craig also discusses a rather unique cigar he’s smoked this week, rolled by a listener, Michael Stewart, who sources whole leaf tobacco and has been experimenting and rolling his own cigars…Michael will be on an upcoming show to talk more about his unique hobby.

Kip

    • Herrera Esteli from Willy Herrera (NOT to be confused with Frank Herrera’s Biography).  I picked up a couple of these at Corona this past week while waiting for my parents to arrive at the airport. Crazy good construction; uniform color; perfect draw; pleasant, oak and spice flavors w/some nuttiness; lots of nasal spice, but somehow I liked it in this cigar.  Wrapper: Ec Habano, Binder: Honduran, Filler: Nicaraguan. Around $8/stick.
    • The full range of Tarazona/Cubanacan Cigars in robusto/rothschild, which I documented in a Cigar Spotlight earlier this week.
    • LAT52 from L’Atelier – Ecuadoran wrapper (Sancti spiritus = a hybrid of Criollo and Pelo de Oro); Nicaraguan filler/binder; very unique, sweet cold draw; leather, nuts, slight sweet cedar; citrus on rare occasions throughout. Dig it!  Retail from $7-8
    • TLJohnson Tempio – after trading some messages with Terry this week, I went and dug out one of his Tempios, which I reviewed back in December.  Just as good as I remember… Dominican filler/binder; Pennsylvania wrapper; extreme box press; toasty, with healthy, regular doses of cedar intermingled with a sweet, charred oak.  in that review, I likened it to imagining sticking your head into a spent whisky barrel, and still would. Very good sticks in the $8 range, although not widely available yet.

Miscellany

  1. My Palio died on me this week.  I still think they are fantastic cutters, but I had some trouble with mine.  Although, come to think of it, I do use it far more than the average bear….
  2. Curiosity and idle thought got the best of me and I posted up a poll about peoples’ buying habits on The Cigarmy this past week. I’m very curious….
  3. We took some time to discuss one listener email this week:
    1. Steve Dorau asks about some trends he sees in cigars he purchases through online deals versus those same cigars in brick and mortar establishments.

Unbanded Unveiling

  • Check out all the details interspersed throughout the show to find out exactly what we thought about this week’s unbanded.  We both enjoyed the cigar, and I even lucked out and was correct about it seeming “Pepin-esque” to me…however, we were both caught offguard by which stick it specifically was – in fact, we talked about this cigar early in the show, not knowing it was exactly what we were smoking in a different vitola.  This week’s Unbanded was the Cabaiguan Guapos Maduro 46, from Tatuaje.  Thanks to Jeff for the recommendation.  It was a very good one!

Next week

Next week we feature the 2002 El Rey del Mundo Tainos as the Cigar of the Week – one of Craig’s favorites.  The following week, April 12th, we will have special guest Michael Stewart on the show to talk about how he sources whole leaf tobacco and rolls his own cigars.

Again, thanks for tuning in everyone.  Be sure to come back next week, when we’ll be taking a look at the ERdM, and hopefully will have all of our audio issues sorted out.  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 to 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 our YouTube Channel.

Episode 007: My Father Flor de las Antillas

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My Father Flor de las AntillasWelcome to Half Ashed Episode 007, everyone!  Here’s a quick summary of this week’s show, but be sure to download or watch/listen through any of the means in the final paragraph of this post!

Half Ashed Cigar of the Week

 Released last May (2012), the My Father Flor de las Antillas toro was named Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2012. It takes its name from Cuba, sometimes called the “flower of the Antilles.” The FdlA is a Nicaraguan puro, and MSRP for singles is from $6.60 (robusto) – $8.70 (toro gordo 6X56). The line is available in four vitolas: robusto, toro, toro gordo, belicoso – and is moderately square pressed.

Kip: This is one of my favorite My Father sticks. Some of their blends – while enjoyable for me – can be a little potent for my tastes unless properly hydrated and fed. I love the “typical” My Father flavor family….just sometimes the blend strength weighs a little heavy on me. Tonight’s cigar, however, I find much lighter in strength than many of their other offerings. On occasion, I have had a couple of these that for some reason produced a great deal of dryness on the palate – demanding an accompanying glass of water. Other than that, I’ve had nothing but great experiences with this cigar. Never any construction issues; I get prevailing flavors in that tropical spice family, with the occasional wisp of white pepper and, at times, leather – or even some woodsiness. It reminds me of the DPG Blue at times – although it comes off just a notch or two more spicy than the Blue. I get a healthy (but manageable) bit of spice on the retrohale.

Craig: While I agree with Kip that this cigar has typically been well constructed, has slightly more spice than the DPG Blue and is a welcome addition to their regular lines, I do not find this cigar to be more approachable than others. I tend to think it is full flavored and filled with aggressive spices. It is not overpowering or galling but certainly does carve out its position in the minds of today’s smoker. A good cigar with complexity and interest. One that I enjoy very much.

Industry News this week

  1. The Chattanooga Tweetup has been scheduled; tickets on sale April 1st. Kip will be in attendance again this year.  Find details here.
  2. Legislative Items
    1. Bloomberg at it again – hide your tobacco!  Or, not….
    2. HR792 – This news has been out a couple weeks, but the legislation to protect our freedom to enjoy a fine cigar has a new name.
  3. L’Atelier LAT46 hitting shelves as we speak…
  4. Gary Griffith – There’s a great deal of news from Emilio Cigars this week.  See my blog entry earlier this week.

What else are we smoking?

Craig – Punch Churchill, Cain Daytona 646

Kip – K.A. Kendall Spider, Montecristo #4, Viaje Supershot 12ga, Asylum 13 robusto – and the entire Tarazona/Cubanacan lineup….

Miscellany

  1. We took some time to discuss a couple of emails this week:
    1. From Bruce S., asking about the possibility of increased availability of Esencia Cigars now that Torano will be distributing them.
    2. Ed T. asks about CFCF and how you, too can visit the Fuentes!
  2. Also, tune in to hear Craig’s rant about a recent visit to a new tobacconist, and the soothing redemption of enjoying a movie with his cigar…..

Next week

Next week we feature Unbanded #002 as the Cigar of the Week – suggested by Jeff Curtis.

Again, thanks for tuning in everyone.  Be sure to come back next week, when we’ll be taking a look at Unbanded #002, suggested by Jeff Curtis.  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 to go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly above (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.  Video, as always, will be available on our YouTube Channel.

Episode 006: 2012 Oliva Serie V Maduro

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Oliva Serie V Maduro ToroWell, Craig and I managed to put together another show this week, so we proudly present to you Half Ashed Episode 006!  I hope you’ll take the time to listen and/or watch the video, and give us some feedback – you can send your questions, comments, compliments, or complaints to us via email, using either of the following address: [email protected] or [email protected], or reach us by any of the contact means listed on the “Contact” pages here at The Cigarmy.  You can find the video for this show over on our YouTube page as well.  The Cigar of the Week was the 2012 Oliva Serie V Maduro, for which Craig will be posting an Epilogue review in the near future, and we covered a good bit of other news items, in addition to some legislative issues and what else we’ve been smoking over the past week.  Here’s a quick summary of the show:

Half Ashed Cigar of the Week:

As mentioned above, the CotW is the Oliva Serie V Maduro (2012 release).  I reviewed these cigars last year for the 2011 release, and absolutely fell in love with the blend.  I’ve been a fan of the maduro version of the Serie V since it first hit the market in 2008, and continue to buy them up as quickly as I can each December when they hit the shelves.  The 2012 appears to be the same size as the 2011 edition, and is at the least very similar in flavor characteristics.  It seems to possibly have the tiniest bit more “zing” to it, although that may be a factor of 1.)my terrible memory, or 2.)the fact that the 2011 now has an extra year of rest on it, and should not be compared side-by-side.  It’s full of dark chocolate and a sweet earthiness that I find quite pleasant.  I also notice some sweetened coffee in the tasting, although Craig didn’t get that in his experiences.

Industry News:

  1. Federal Cigar Special F Event Cigar from My Father – originally reported here The Cigarmy.
  2. Legislative Items:
    • Arkansas Representative John Walker has proposed a modification of the existing state smoking ban to remove the exemptions for cigar bars & lounges, shops, and outdoor restaurants.  Find the CRA Action Alert here.
    • The proposed outdoor smoking ban in Florida made some progress this week, passing its second committee review in a 6-3 vote.  This ludicrous bill (SB258) and its House counterpart (HB439) seem to have some legs, and must be stopped.  If you are a Floridian and enjoy the freedom of having a cigar in any of our parks, beaches, or other public areas….I urge you to act right now!  Visit the CRA page detailing how you can contact your representatives to voice your concerns.
  3. J. Fuego changes: There were several announced changes at J. Fuego this week, as reported by Halfwheel.
  4. A bit of news from Cigar Coop about Sam Leccia’s impending return to the cigar industry.
  5. News from Gary Griffith about this year’s Draig release – the Cayuquero.

What else we’ve been smoking (listen in for details about each):

  1. Craig – Ambos Mundos
  2. Kip – 2011 Camacho Liberty, Ezra Zion Inception (now Jamais Vu), tons of this week’s CotW, La Tradicion Cubana corona, Joya de Nicaragua Dark Corojo.

Listener email:

  1. We review several emails received this week from listeners, with some questions, comments, and recommendations.  Keep ’em coming!

Giveaway:

  1. Craig gave away his Tatuaje prize pack, including some cool swag as well as several hard to find Tatuaje cigars.  Congratulations to Michael Stewart for winning that.  We’ll be getting the package out to you ASAP, so you can enjoy one of the Tatuaje Mexican Experiments with us during the April 12th show when we feature it as the CotW.

Again, thanks for tuning in everyone.  Be sure to come back next week, when we’ll be taking a look at the My Father Flor de las Antillas.  In the meantime, If you would like to contact us, use the emails above or through the contact page.  Also, don’t forget to go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly above (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.  Video, as always, will be available on the YouTube Channel.

Episode 005: Ramon Allones 2005 Edicion Regional

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Half Ashed CotW 005We’re back with a new episode of Half Ashed this week, sent out live via the Cigar Federation.  Our cigar of the week is the 2005 Ramon Allones Eminencia Edicion Regional (Switzerland).  We cover a few news items, including the upcoming Tour de Panacea covering the Pennsylvania and Virginia wine/cigar trail, a new “15-minute break” Guillermo Leon from La Aurora, AVO’s 2013 Limited Edition, and a cigar I’m anxiously awaiting in the Room101 Namakubi Ecuador.  We also discussed quite a few cigars we’ve been smoking this week, as well as some questions and recommendations from the listeners.  Craig makes a new discovery in the world of local craft brews, and we announce the winner of our first giveaway for the Arturo Fuente 858 5-pack sampler!  Next week, we will be taking a longer, more indepth look at the 2012 Oliva Serie V Maduro release, which we’ll feature as our Cigar of the Week and having our next giveaway for some Tatuaje swag and Tatuaje LE “Mexican Experiments”….check that out, and if you win that one you can enjoy a Mexican Experiment with us when it comes up as the CotW on April 12.  As always, thanks for stopping by and drop us a line if you have any comments, suggestions, recommendations or complaints at: [email protected] or [email protected].  Thanks!

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 our YouTube Channel.

Episode 004: Blind Ambition

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Half Ashed Episode 004 Summary

Half Ashed logoIt’s that time of week again, folks, when we gather around the proverbial fireplace of our computer screen (or headsets for you audiophiles) for a relaxing chat over a good smoke.  This week on Half Ashed, we begin with our first unbanded cigar, selected by an unwitting chap who happened to be visiting a local tobacconist at an opportune time.  Craig and I take our chances at showcasing our aptitude and ineptitude by giving our thoughts concerning an unknown cigar, which turns out to be the Romeo by Romeo y Julieta.  We also cover several news items for the week, including some viewer emails, more proposed outlandish legislation in California, new cigar releases from EP Carrillo, L’Atelier, and Montecristo, and current price increases from Fuente and Alec Bradley.  We also cover a few interesting cigars that we’ve been smoking this week and take a few minutes to breach the topic of pipesmoking and our enjoyment of it as well.  I hope you’ll tune in and check out the show, and as always send us your comments, compliments, complaints and the like to either: [email protected] or [email protected].  I don’t know if we’ll have the answers you’re looking for, but we’ll certainly have an opinion.  Lastly, don’t forget to enter our giveaway for this month, which we will be drawing next week before our Live show.  To enter, simply send me an email and I’ll get your name into the mix.

Craig has been kind enough to provide the Epilogue Review for this week’s unbanded cigar, which I’ll include below.  As mentioned above, the first unbanded was revealed to be the Romeo, and I have to say I enjoyed the second of the samples I smoked much more so than the first, although admittedly my palate was likely compromised to some earlier congestion during the initial trial.  It was an interesting experiment, and I look forward to future installments of unbanded cigars.  If you have a suggestion or submission for an unbanded you’d like to see us try, you can send your email to [email protected], which is delivered to my wife – she will source the cigars and provide them to us blindly, or if you have cigars to submit she will provide an address for you to send them.

As always, you can find the video of this week’s episode on our YouTube channel, or through the embed below.  Audio is available either by downloading above (right-click “Download” and save link) or find us in the iTunes store to subscribe directly to an audio feed of the show as it publishes – be sure to leave us a good review!  Don’t forget to tune in LIVE next week (March 8th, 2013) at 9:00pm EST.  We will be broadcasting live, and you can join us in the Chatroom.  I look forward to hearing from you, and thanks for tuning in!

Craig’s Half Ashed Epilogue Review:

Introduction into our process:

The idea of an accompanying review is to point out that there is a difference between a cigar you smoke and one that you review. On the show we’ll be furiously trying our best to sound entertaining and its quite possible that the cigar itself will just be smoked. These epilogue submissions not only help paint a clearer picture of what the cigar brings to the table, but really (to me at least) are meant to emphasize that smoking one cigar alone does not constitute an adequate qualification for a review. To know what the cigar really means to convey, you must smoke multiple samples. Hopefully, you can smoke many of them, from multiple boxes and different releases. Only then can you claim to start knowing what that cigar intends to provide. While Kip and I are only smoking 2 or 3 specimens on a weekly basis, the first year of our reviews is at least half dedicated to cigars we know and love already. Thus, are qualified to provide a review that can stand for more than just a one-off opinion.

This Week’s Intro:

In the case of our unbanded submissions, as much care as can be taken to appropriately review the cigar has been done. This week’s featured stick is meant to challenge us to be as honest as possible with ourselves. We’re not smoking a band, have no expectations and are devoting as much effort to the review as possible. On the off chance that our diligence pays off, either one of us might just be brash enough to venture a guess. In 4 years of reviewing cigars in this manner, I can count the number of cigars I’ve successfully identified on one hand… and still have fingers left over.

The Review:

Our first unbanded stick is approximately a robusto in size at exactly 5” long and a 54 ring. The cap is a spinning vortex of tobacco with more layers than I;ve ever seen before. If I had to guess, I’d think it had 4 or 5 of them. The wrappers appearance is mottled and a perfect maduro shade of dark brown. It’s not a beautiful cigar and could be slightly hampered by the fact that the wrapper is rather dry in appearance. I struggle to notice any oily sheen or deposit. The draw is looser than I’d prefer and the cigar feels light in the hand but it does not appear underfilled. In my experience this typically means the cigar will be milder and possibly even somewhat flavorless. Let’s hope I’m wrong…

The initial light is a relief. Vanilla extract is abundant and the liquor aroma that comes along with it is also present. I think that’s a new one for me. I can’t recall ever sensing that before. I’m getting a number of other flavors that lead me to think there is a core of Nicaraguan tobacco within. Some sweetness exists but its not the typical zing that is associated with generic nicaraguan tobacco. A saltiness emerges and dances in and out of the other aromas present. I’m reminded of a well balanced dessert, almost like bread pudding. That analogy certainly allows me to pick up a bready flavor and even some nutmeg. That nutmeg comes across differently than typical spice. I get it less during the retrohale and more intertwined with the bread. It is unique. I’m reminded of an Air bender but then write my credibility off when I realize I just said it reminded me of Nicaraguan tobacco. Did I mention it’s common to make a fool of yourself during this process?

The cigar progresses and stays moderately complex without transitioning much throughout its length. It’s not overly strong but is very full bodied. Very different from last week’s Cuenca 5 Anniversary, this cigar absolutely destroys my tongue. I feel like I could scrape the residue off, its so thick. This is an aspect I do not enjoy very much at all. With the second sample I reviewed this thick residue was much less prominent at the end of the experience. While there, it could almost be classified as an intense finish, more than a detrimental aftertaste. I think the cigar is slightly less consistent than I would prefer but also tend to think that my smoking patterns changed with the second sample.

ROMEO by Romeo y JulietaSince I’ve been speaking recently more about hard and soft flavors, I’ll comment that this cigar was a nice mixture of them both. The type of flavors were typically soft (sweet spice, bread/yeasty components, salty/savory mixtures) but came across in a harder way than the flavor would convey. I like cigars with this complexity; with the ability to walk that line. All in all, I think that leads me to say this cigar was medium flavored, mildly strong and full bodied. Either it doesn’t  know what it is trying to be or it accomplishes something otherwise uncommon in the industry. I’ve enjoyed smoking it but must admit that I need more samples to be firm in my opinion of whether or not I actually like the cigar.

The Grand Unveiling:

Romeo by Romeo y Julieta – Dominican filler & binder wrapped in an Ecuadoran Habano leaf.

Episode 003: Old Friends & the Cuenca 5

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Half Ashed LogoThis week on Half Ashed, we’re joined by our old friends Bob McDuffee and Dale Roush, formerly of Dogwatch Cigar Radio.  Bob and Dale provided 410 Episodes of the first, longest-running cigar podcast in history.  Dogwatch was the context through which Craig and I met, and its much lamented conclusion was the impetus for the two of us to pick up the mantle and try to preserve the community it fostered – all the while (hopefully) continuing to provide a useful couple hours of cigar information and entertainment each week.  We’re much indebted to both Bob and Dale in that respect, as well as their generosity and help in getting Half Ashed off the ground and running. We wanted to have them on the show as the first of an ongoing segment in which we bring in various industry people – bloggers, manufacturers, retailers, etc. – for some discussion about their ideas and views concerning the world of cigars.  We want to provide an outlet for them to candidly discuss and reveal the unique insights that they have into the industry and provide us with an education on the same.

Our cigar of the week for Episode 3 is the recently released Cuenca 5 Anniversary, which I reviewed a few weeks ago.  It was my idea to have this as the cigar of the week, as it has made such a grand impression on me.  It’s not secret that I love the cigar, and I wanted to share it with you all.  We also spend a great deal of time talking with Bob and Dale, getting their ideas on what is wrong with the cigar industry, what is right with it, and some of their preferences in cigars when they just want to enjoy a good smoke.  In news, we cover what we think the ramifications are with Swisher International having designs on creating a premium cigar division within their company, some antismoking legislation being proposed by a Florida state Senator, and what we’ve been smoking this week.  We also make a couple of corrections from last week’s show, brought to our attention some of you – notably, we misspoke about the arrangement of some local/state ordinances during the IPCPR tradeshow last year.  Thanks to George Edmonson of Stogie Guys for helping us out in that regard.  Also, I managed to talk a good deal about an upcoming Fuente cigar without ever telling you its name.  That cigar is the Casa Cuba.  Thanks to the many of you who made me aware of that.  I see at least some of you were paying attention :).

Cuenca 5 AnniversaryUnfortunately, we went very long this week and had to cut out a good deal of content we had planned on discussing.  Under normal circumstances, we try to hold the show below two hours, but we were having such a good time conversing with Bob and Dale we managed to go over the 2:30 mark.  So, we’ll have a few more news items next week – as well as some discussion from the world of pipes and tobaccos spurred on by an email and questions from Stephen D.  We’re looking forward to that, in addition to next week’s Cigar of the Week – our first Unknown/Unbanded cigar!    Remember, you can suggest an unbanded cigar for us via email at: [email protected].  That is a forwarding account that goes directly to my wife, who can source the cigars and provide them to us without information.  You can also send us cigars to smoke blindly by contacting me: [email protected] for an address to ship them.

As always, you can find the video on Cigar Federation, on our YouTube channel, or simply through the embed below.  You may also download the audio below or find us in the iTunes store (be sure to leave us a good review!) to subscribe directly to an audio feed of the show as it publishes.  Thanks for tuning in!

Audio:

Episode 002: Montecristo Especial No. 1

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Half Ashed LogoCraig and Kip are back this week for Episode 2 of Half Ashed.  This week, we take a look at some vintage 1998 Montecristo Especial No. 1 (Laguito#1) as the Cigar of the Week.  News updates from La Palina, Sam Leccia, IPCPR, and an interesting bit of potential legislation in Tennessee.  Plus, a tour of the recently renovated Arturo Fuente Tampa operations and a discussion of some neat “happy accidents” in what we’ve been smoking this week.    Be sure to also check out this month’s giveaway, as well as the ongoing Cigarmy promotion for new and renewing members of the Cigar Rights of America.  So, give us a listen and check out our thoughts on the Montecristo Especial and all these other topics!

Next week, the Cigar of the Week segment will feature the Cuenca 5 Anniversary, which I reviewed here in depth.  So, be sure you tune in for that, as well.  We will continue with the recorded shows weekly, and our next live show will be coming March 8th with full audience participation during the broadcast.  You can find the video of this week’s episode over on our YouTube channel, or through the embed below.  Audio is available for download both below and free of charge through the iTunes store, or simply point your mobile device apps to: http://halfashed.com/feed/podcast .  As always, if you have any questions, comments, compliments…or even insults…you can get in touch with us by email at: [email protected] or [email protected].

Thanks for tuning in!

Cigar News and Episode 001 of Half Ashed

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Good day, folks.  I’m glad you’ve stopped by.  I have a few items of cigar news this week, with a good bit more coming in the next few days.

First up, as we discussed in last night’s show (see information at the bottom of this post), Toraño Family Cigar will begin distributing Palió accessories and the new “E” cigar line from BOTL, LLC as of February 15th.  Here’s the press release from yesterday:

torano

February 7th, 2013. Miami, Florida. – Toraño Family Cigar Company is proud to announce that they have been officially appointed by Brother of the Leaf, LLC as their sole distributor in the USA as of February 15th, 2013. Toraño will distribute Palió cutters, lighters and BOTL, LLC’s brand new cigar line “E”.

The agreement marks the first time that the Toraño Family will have accessories to offer along with their own cigar line. Toraño Family Cigar’s president, Charlie Toraño, along with Brother of the Leaf president, Marc Aub, felt it was a perfect fit for both Companies. “Marc and I share the same business philosophy in that we both strive to offer an excellent product together with outstanding customer service. We are very excited to be able to add such a high quality range of cigar accessories to our product portfolio,” said Charlie.

Marc added, “The new relationship between our companies is going to allow us to focus on maintaining our current level of quality, as well as, develop new products.”

In the pursuit of precision and excellence, Palió cutters are entirely hand crafted in the USA and deliver the finest and most consistent cut for your cigars. More recently, Brother of the Leaf has developed and added a line of single torch Palió lighters and their new cigar line “E”. Palió’s superior design and construction has made it the premier choice in cigar preparation and lighting.

A leader in the cigar industry, Toraño Family Cigar Company is a four generation company currently based in Miami, FL. It enjoys a rich heritage and history in tobacco growing and manufacturing. For more information: www.Toraño.com. Please also follow Toraño on Facebook: Toraño A Family Cigar Company or on twitter: @TORAÑOFAMCIGARS.

Ezra Zion

Ezra Zion also released a newsworthy item this week, in that their Inception will be rebranded in the near future (the blend remains the same; only the name is being changed to protect the innocent…).  As reported by Ezra Zion on the Cigar Federation:

Ezra Zion Inception fiEzra Zion Cigar Company, recipients of multiple Cigar of the Year Awards for 2012, are re-branding their inaugural cigar release, INCEPTION. The name of the blend will be changed to JAMAIS VU.

Chris Kelly explains, “After being cleared for use by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, we went into furious production on INCEPTION. Come to find out, the USPTO failed to inform us of another company that was using the same name and ended up awarding them the trademark rights.”

Kyle Hoover, co-owner added, “We knew we had a choice: we could engage in a lengthy, nasty legal dispute, or we could keep our focus on making great cigars. We chose the latter.”

“It’s the exact award-winning blend as INCEPTION, nothing has changed there, but along with the new branding we will be redesigning the packaging and adding 3 additional sizes as well.” The Don Fonseca noted. “I think our customers will be pleased!”

“We chose the name “JAMAIS VU” because it’s the opposite of Deja Vu, and the definition tells the story of the rebranding of INCEPTION. JAMAIS VU is defined as “…a sense of eeriness and the observer’s impression of seeing the situation for the first time, despite rationally knowing that he or she has been in the situation before.”

Chris continued, “Those customers with INCEPTION boxes have a very limited edition piece of cigar history! We will begin production on the rebranded JAMAIS VU within the month.”

More information on Ezra Zion Cigar Co. can be found at EzraZion.com or @EzraZionCigars

ScrewPop Tool

I received a couple of these handy little items to try out last week, and have to admit that the ScrewPop Tool is handier than I had imagined.  It is a combination bottle opener and cigar punch that compactly clips onto your keychain (or anywhere else you’d like to carry it).  I am an extreme minimalist when it comes to my keychain – if I could key my house and vehicles alike, I would only carry one key – and the ScrewPop has found a place on it.  It’s quite a useful little item to have at the ready, and apparently is TSA-friendly, as I carried it with me to the Dominican for CFC.  Here’s the release information for it as well:

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Brett Fischer
[email protected]

Screwpop Tool’s clippable cigar punch/bottle opener now available through Cigars International

The latest in its line of lightweight, compact and functional tools, Screwpop introduces a must-have for cigar lovers, the Screwpop – Cigar Punch, now for sale through the world’s largest cigar retailer, Cigars International (CI).  This durable cigar punch is equipped with a sharp, stainless steel insert for neat-and-easy cutting, threaded screw cap and lightweight aluminum body. The punch can be clipped to belt loops, straps, key rings, in the eyelets of zippers —and just about everywhere else.  And because a good brew goes hand in hand with a good smoke, the Screwpop Cigar Punch’s also doubles as a bottle opener.

Clip the Screwpop – Cigar Punch to a keyring, cord, bag or cable. It’s ideal for everyday use or on the “go” for things like golfing and the great outdoors. Unclip it as The Cigar Punch is rust resistant and is great on the patio table when grilling or for the smoking room too.

The Screwpop Cigar Punch retails for $7.95 and is available for purchase at Cigars International

For more information about the Screwpop Cigar Punch and Screwpop Tool’s complete line of products visit screwpoptool.com.

Half Ashed Inaugural Episode

Half Ashed LogoAfter much hubbub, Craig Schneider and I broadcast our inaugural episode of Half Ashed last night on The Cigar Federation, with Bob McDuffee sitting in as a special guest.  You can view it either in the “videos” section of Cigar Federation, through the embed below, or on the our YouTube channel.  I am posting the audio from the show below, which can be downloaded directly by right-clicking on the “Download” link and saving – or to your mobile device by subscribing to the Half Ashed RSS feed at: www.thecigarmy.com/feed/podcast .  Now that we have an episode in the can, I will initiate the process of admission into the iTunes store, where the podcast will be published free of charge for those of you who use that software [EDIT: we are in the iTunes store now!].  Tune in to this introductory episode to find the details on our current giveaway, which will be a set of 5 cigars – the Arturo Fuente 858, in each of the five available wrappers (Natural, Maduro, Claro, Sungrown, and the hard to locate Rosado from 2009), as well as a Cigarmy coffee mug and a ScrewPop Tool mentioned above.  I hope you enjoy, and will continue to give us a listen as we work through the learning curve of putting this thing together.  Also, stay tuned here for a full trip report from last week’s trip to the DR to visit Chateau de la Fuente, the CigarFamily Charitable Foundation, Fuente Factory #1, and other fun locations!  Thanks for stopping by, and as always have a great week!