The Half Ashed Cigar Podcast Episode Archive

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.

Half Ashed Episode 139: Unbanded 026

March 20, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded #026, from K. Hasselwander

The unbanded vitals, as we have ’em before the unveiling….

Kip: 6.875” x 36; nicely assembled (from outward appearances); even-toned, dark brown, dry complexion.

Craig: My measurements have it at 6 ⅞” inch x 36 ring gauge. Very dry in appearance and slightly rustic, almost in a saturated and dried out sort of way.

Cigar News

Tampa’s new Davidoff lounge has its grand opening tomorrow…

Continuing with the TAA-limited releases, this year’s Angel’s Anvil has been announced by Crowned Heads. This year, the release will feature a CT broadleaf wrapper over Nicaraguan internal components. It’s a 5.5” x 54 box-pressed (Cañonazo?), made at Tabacalera La Alianza (EPC), and will retail for around $10.50 a stick. Expect these to begin shipping in May – only to TAA retailers who order at the annual meeting.

Next year’s federal budget could include a doubling of the federal cigar tax. A new program has been proposed – Preschool for All – which could be funded by an increase on tobacco taxes. Federal cigarette tax would increase from just over $1 to almost $2; the $.40 tax cap on cigars would increase to about $.94. Pipe tobacco would suffer a far greater fate – halfwheel is reporting an increase there from $2.83 per pound to $44.23! This is not likely to come to fruition, but like everything else it’ll come back around again….

The “La Tache” is coming from L’Atelier, a limited-edition 5.5” x 50 robusto. It is based off last year’s LE Cote D’Or (which we smoked back on episode 127) – which included Nicaraguan binder and filler. The La Tache will have a wrapper Sanctic Spiritus wrapper, but from a lower position on the plant than the original.

Tatuaje has announced the impending release of the “Skinny Monsters,” which will be offered in a sampler containing each of the past 10 Monsters Series blends…but in a 6” x 38 petit lancero. According to an interview on Cigar Chat, it appears that the blends will be available singly in 25 count boxes some time in the future. Expect these to ship between now and the July IPCPR trade show.

Congrats to Skip Martin and Michael Rosales for the opening of their new RoMaCraft headquarters in Austin, TX. The new site will house offices, packing for distribution, and a lounge area. Don’t get too excited for a visit, though. Unless you’re a retail account, I don’t believe it’s open to the public.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Ashton VSG Tres Mystique – I used to love these. The VSGs were my go to “luxury” cigar in the early aughts. Something has changed in them though. They’re good, but they’re not the unique, bold expression they once were. This is a little too run of the mill. It was my first cigar in 4 weeks, other than our last CotW. My palate was fresh, though I have been medicated…

Kip

Suriel – (made at Kelner Boutique Factory; Brazilian wrapper over DR/Nica/Peru…a slightly tweaked version will be hitting American shores soon).

AF SG 858 – Please, sir, I want some more…

Next Episode

Next episode (140), we will be smoking the Arturo Fuente Añejo 888. 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 138: Hirochi Robaina HR Habano

March 20, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Hirochi Robaina HR Habano

From Craig: This stunning Hermoso #4 is a sight to behold. It’s Ecuadorian colorado maduro wrapper sits over all Nicaraguan innards. The first cigar from the Robaina family released outside of cuba, this cigar was originally released and made in a partnership with Cubanacan. Throughout the much covered turmoil that emerged prior to IPCPR 2015 the HR line of cigars was in limbo. The public wasn’t aware of whether the cigar would continue to be made. Questions about its ownership, manufacture & distribution all existed. Thankfully, just this past month the last of the questions was answered and the HR cigars will continue to be manufactured at their original factory, and will still be owned by Hirochi Robaina.

Cigar News

Boutiques United (formerly House of Emilio) picks up a new distribution agreement in Black Label Trading Co. I’m not terribly familiar with BLTC, although I remember being given some samples with the name before the company says it was founded on their website. I wasn’t a huge fan of those, but I understand a great deal of “rebooting” took place before they launched their initial line “officially”. They now have their own factory in Estelí….which, as Cigar Coop pointed out, differentiates them from the rest of BU’s current lineup. It’s probably worth my checking into them some time soon…

262 Cigars launched a campaign dubbed “The Internship” to allow consumers to select a 2017 line. It’s an interesting approach, and the cynic in me thinks it’s probably not a bad way to market some cigars :). They will sell 5-packs of four different blends over this year, with buyers having the ability to take notes and rate them online…the winning blend will become a full-production offering in 2017. The four test blends will be: The Search, The Resume, The Interview, and The Offer. The Search is already available at 262cigars.com, and is available in a corona, robusto and toro.

We mentioned this a couple months ago, but haven’t talked much more about La Galera from Jochy Blanco/Tabacalera Palma. I’ve had the chance to smoke a few of them recently, and found them rather enjoyable. The Habano version (Ec Habano over DR corojo binder & DR piloto Cubano//DR criollo ‘98//DR pelo oro filler) comes in a number of sizes (5”x50, 6”x54, 6.5”x52, and 6.25”x60) and retails for $7-8. The Connecticut version (EC CT wrapper over same internal blend), comes in 5.125”x50, 6”x54, 6.125”x52, 5.25”x60, and 7.25”x50 and retails slightly lower, ranging from about $5-6. There are a couple other sizes available in the European market (and the DR…I’ve been digging the lancero myself). I wouldn’t hesitate to personally recommend giving these a try. They’re a very good deal at the pricepoint. I tend to prefer the habano-wrapped version, but both and worth investigating.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

La Pipa!

Kip

La Galera – habano & CT

The PrimerAño from Chogüí came in went here in the DR…and I missed the boat. Almost.

Padilla Artemis

Next Episode

Next episode (139), we will be smoking Unbanded #026, from Kevin Hasselwander. 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 137: Tatuaje Black Corona Gorda

February 15, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Tatuaje Black Corona Gorda

Re-released for the Tatuaje 10th Anniversary in 2013 (after a limited 2007 initial release), the Tatuaje Black Corona Gorda is one of my favorite Tatuaje blends of all time. They’re rolled by My Father, and feature a Sungrown Criollo Estelian wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler blend. It comes in at the typical 5 5/8” x 46 and retails somewhere around the $10 mark, depending on retailer.

Cigar News

El Niño is wreaking havoc with Cuba’s tobacco crop…what are the lasting effects after 3-4 consecutive years of weather troubles?

This news came out a couple weeks ago, but I don’t believe we talked about it. Chicago has a new proposed tax increase on cigars…to the tune of $.90 per cigar! According to some estimates, it will add upwards of $2 to the completed retail pricing of some cigars. The proposal asks for the tax to finance transition classes for incoming high school students.

I smoked a couple of new upcoming blends from TL Johnson this week…including the Counsellor, a prototype cigar for a retailer, and a blend slated for this year’s IPCPR which he’s not yet ready to talk much about….

PSA: It’s that time of year to stock up before the annual price increases for many brands….I know Altadis (to be fair, some of theirs are decreasing), Fuente, CLE, AKA all have planned increases come February-ish.

Halfwheel is reporting the formation of a new distribution company – White Hat Tobacco – by former Cubanacan employee Spence Drake. The company will distribute Hirochi Robaina’s cigar(s). The expected launch is due in March, with coverage of the existing HR Habano. Two additional lines, as yet unnamed publicly, will launch at IPCPR 2016. Both of those lines will come in significantly less expensive than the HR Habano.

Diana Silvius of Up Down Tobacco has passed away as of last Saturday night. Our condolences to the family.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Club Havana Coronas Especial (Lag#2) – Short Lancero – These are from a bundle just over a year old. They’re not going sick but are perhaps a bit flat. Good sweetness & mild strength but a shadow of what they were when ROTT

La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Torpedo – This cigar was self infused. I was given it at Christmas and forgot about it in my truck for a few days. WHen I came back to it, the cigar desperately needed humidification. I put it in an old tubo with a dab of the only water I had; coffee. I closed the top, left it sit for a few weeks and it was… spectacular.

Pipe tobacco – Escudo Navy De Luxe – 04/04

Kip

TL Johnson: Counsellor, something for a retailer (possibly), and something in the works for IPCPR 2016….

Next Episode

In the next episode (138), we will be smoking the Hirochi Robaina HR Habano. 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 136: Partagas Maduro No 1

February 15, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Partagas Maduro Number 1

At 5-⅛”x52 the Partagas Maduro Number 1 Robusto (plus) gets my vote as most controversial cigar of 2015. It’s the second “maduro” regular production cigar ever produced after the Revolution in Cuba, with the Cohiba Maduro 5 being the other. It made its debut in the 3rd quarter but trumped just about everything else Habanos put out last year, in terms of chatter. People balked at the Añejados but shouted to the heavens about the Maduro 1. The word on the street was that this cigar tasted Nicaraguan. In fact, nearly the same arguments were made about this as were made about the Maddie 5s back in 07. This cigar brings typical maduro sweetness to the game but really displays a plethora of other flavors at the forefront of sensation. It’s an enigma to me, but certainly one I enjoy exploring. FWIW, I think I might be the only person I know who enjoys them…

Cigar News

Sam Leccia departs from General….despite originally being described as an “acquisition” by General of the Leccia blends in 2014, Sam apparently still holds his own trademarks and branding. He is leaving both the distribution arrangement and his position within Foundry and striking out on his own again.

Pete Johnson has shown off a picture of this upcoming year’s Tatuaje Monster release – the Kreuger, named after Freddy Kreuger of Nightmare on Elm Street fame. Specifics for blend and exact size haven’t been revealed, but it’s a large, pressed torpedo shape.

House of Emilio has rebranded itself as Boutiques United. The company unveiled its new website and branding, showcasing the four remaining marques they distribute – Ezra Zion, Emilio, Global Premium Cigars (1502), and Nomad. Sales force and distribution arrangements reportedly remain the same.

Our friend Terry Johnson is *finally* getting Counsellor Cigars to market. The line was originally to be a joint effort between TLJ and LTC, but was held up when the two parted ways last Summer. It’s a revival of an old, long out of use trademark that Johnson picked up quite some time ago. It will feature a Mexican San Andres wrapper, Dominican criollo ‘98 binder and a corojo/criollo filler blend. Counsellor is slated to ship next month in five vitolas, boxes of 10, and will retail between $5.50 and $6.50 per cigar. I smoked a couple of these a few months ago, with spectacular results….

Since we touched on La Tradicion Cubana, Luis has announced a price *decrease* on all his products across the board. He’ll be trimming his pricing by about 10% on most all his lines. Good news, indeed!

This year’s CMA awards have been published…

Brand of the Year: Warped Cigars
Cigar of the Year: Matilde Oscura
Member of the Year: Coop

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

J. Fuego Americana

Kip

Joya Red. What happened?!?

Nick Melillo’s El Gueguense.

Next Episode

In the next episode (137), we will be smoking the Tatuaje Black Corona Gorda. 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 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.

Half Ashed Episode 130: EP Carrillo Short Run 2015

December 7, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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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