AJ Fernandez | Half Ashed

Half Ashed 185: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida

October 31, 2018 By Kip Fisher

Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust Mi Querida

Mi Querida literally translates as “my dearest”, however it is a rather provocative word within Nicaragua used to expressly describe your secret mistress. While this may sound like an oxymoron, it is not. It is not uncommon in the culture for a man to have a mistress that is both known by and basically approved of by his wife, whereas the “Mi Querida” is the woman who neither his wife or mistress know about or would ever approve of. Cigar wise, it represents my personal maduro desires: a robust, extremely flavorful liga comprised of rich Nicaraguan leaf hand rolled in a 100% naturally fermented, heavy Broadleaf capa. Earthy and dense with a long teasing, slightly dirty finish, Mi Querida is delightfully lush and full bodied on the palate offering an extremely satisfying experience for the most passionate of cigar smokers.

US CT River Valley Broadleaf over NIcaraguan binder & filler; we are smoking the 5” x 52 “Ancho Corto”

Cigar News

- Our condolences to family and friends of Casa Fernández blender Arsenio Ramos, who passed away at age 83.
- Oliva is releasing a Cain Daytona in 7” x 70 format. If that’s not enough WTH for you…it’s going to the European market. Has the whole world gone T-U?
- Pete Johnson announced the “Unlucky 13” retailers who will be receiving this year’s limited run of Halloween series boxes. Presumably, unless you’re trying to ferret out the specially painted box, the cigars will be available in less-limited packaging nationwide….tune in to the show to find out which retailers will be receiving dress boxes.
- AJ Fernandez has an extension coming to the New World series – a Cameroon offering. The cigar will be available in 7(!) vitolas – Petit Lancero (5 x 38), Short Robusto (4 x 48), Corona (6 x 46), Robusto (5 1/2 x 54), Toro (6 x 50), Churchill (7 x 48), and Torpedo (6 1/2 x 52). It comes with a Cameroon wrapper over Nicaraguan insides, and will be priced between $5 and $7, depending on size. It should be launching this Fall.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

- Craig
  - Tatuaje Caz – Last show cigar, again
  - Monte #2

- Kip
  - Not much at all, as I’ve had little time and been mostly occupied by cigars you’ve all heard about recently……..

Half Ashed 181: Unbanded 035

August 24, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 035

Unbanded 035, tonight’s Cigar of the Week, is roughly 5″ x 50 and has a moderate but even brown coloring. The cold draw is dusty, and there is very little aroma on either wrapper and foot. It was send in by Michael F. (much thanks, Michael), and we’re finally getting around to smoking it. Let’s see how it goes….

Cigar News

AJ Fernandez is now shipping the new Ramon Allones. As we talked about several months ago, General reached an arrangement with AJ to produce the brand. I’ve been running this through my mind in the time since it was announced, and I wonder how this is going to play out. The line shares a name with a popular Cuban marca, but doesn’t really enjoy the same success. It had seemingly faded a good bit into many folks’ memories before being revived by this arrangement with AJF. Maybe new blends and a new manufacturer will breathe new life into the line…but I’m not yet convinced. The reason? The new cigars are to retail in the $12+ range. Unless AJ has departed from his core blending style, I’m not sure I’d personally drop the money for them knowing I can buy many of his other cigars at a much lower pricepoint. I don’t know if the uninitiated will spring to try them, either…and I’m certainly not sure there’s a strong non-Cuban RA following to pick up the slack. I’m not even sure why I’m even this interested in the story, but I am anxious just to see how it shakes out. Just for those interested, it carries an Ecuadoran Habano Oscuro wrapper over Nicaraguan Corojo ‘99 binder and filler mix from several Nicaraguan regions. Available in 4 vitolas – Robusto, Toro, Churchill, Torpedo.

While we’re on the subject, AJF has some more news coming down the pike. When I was at IPCPR 2016, the Bella Artes was all the rage. I couldn’t seem to get away from it conversationally. I smoked one at the show, and a couple since – and found it to be one of his offerings that appealed to me more than most, but not life-changing. It’s very good, and while it does fall into what I call his “core” flavor profile, I found it a bit lighter in flavor and a little sweeter. This year, he is releasing a maduro version for the line. It is to have a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper (there’s a blast from the Dogwatch days), Mexican San Andres binder, and Nicaraguan fillers. It’s available in a Short Churchill (6” x 48), Toro (6” x 54), Gordo (6.5” x 58), and Robusto (5.5” x 52). Pricing will be in the $10 range at retail.

It’s getting close to that time of year again. Well, almost. As has been the case for the past decade, Oliva will be releasing a maduro Serie V come this November. In fact, there will be two this year – the seemingly now-standard Gordo (6” x 60), and a 5” x 54 Double Robusto. Total production this year will run around 60k, and retail pricing in the $9-10 range. I, for one, couldn’t be happier to hear of the return of the Double Robusto. This is the vitola I first loved for the line. I liked the Belicosos as well, but this guy was outstanding. I’ll be arranging for some of these once they hit shelves…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Maduro (“Casita” Cigar) – This strong Maduro cigar was delightful. Really rich and aromatic both prelight and room aroma in my truck. Tip of the Day: DON’T relight this cigar. It did not fare well.
My Father Event Cigar – Truly a great approachable blend. The only My father product that smacks of sweet bready flavors. Terrific, terrific offering from the factory.ol

Half Ashed Episode 149: Ezra Zion Burnt Ends

August 21, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Ezra Zion Burnt Ends

Kip – Named after the favored “burnt ends” of a Texas BBQ brisket, this was Spring 2015 direct-to-consumer release from Ezra Zion. It had a total production of 1000 cigars, and sported a cured corojo wrapper (cured?)…but little else in terms of recipe. 6”x52 toro.

Cigar News

Carlos Fuente Sr. has passed. We offer our condolences and a few memories of Senior.

Follow up on the companies releasing epic quantities of cigars at IPCPR….

Random things I noticed at the show:

I didn’t dig in hard to the legislative seminars, but they seemed generally better-attended than in years past.
Wide range of answers when mfrs. Were asked their thoughts about FDA
Lots of new packaging on old blends
Lots of “pre-2007” blend marketing…
AJ Fernandez’ booth was crazy busy.
Macanudo Mao…
Excited about Davidoff Yamasa, EPM 10 yr (DLR), Bella Artes, Yayabo, EZ All My Exes Maduro, Pistoff Kristoff
The Cigarmy cutter….

Today’s the first of the “FDA D-day” – August 8th, 2016. Now what?

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig – A GREAT couple of weeks for me

ECCJ 20th was the dog of the show. That should tell you something
Reynaldo Canonazo 2014 from Zedman
1998 Montecristo Especials
La Atalier Racine – How polar opposite this experience was… from itself

Kip – nada

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 111: Crowned Heads Single Action

May 3, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads JD Howard Reserve Single Action

One of several 2015 LE’s from Crowned Heads, the Single Action was an addition to the JD Howard Reserve line. Only about 2,000 boxes of 10 cigars were produced, and the cigar carries an MSRP of $9.25 per cigar (and they’re still out there if you’re interested). It is a 6×38 petit lancero, featuring a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper over Ecuador Sumatran binder and Nicaraguan fillers. The line is produced by EP Carrillo in the Dominican Republic. Carrying with the JD Howard theme, the cigar is named after Jesse James’ weapon of choice – the Colt Single Action.

News

I got some info on a new line from Luis Sanchez this week, called the Figurado Series. It will initially be available in a single 5”x54 “Chulo” vitola, and two different wrappers -Ecuadoran (natural) and San Andres (maduro). Filler leaf will include some of the tobacco grown by Luis and Terry Johnson at their DOMUSA farming operation in Villa Gonzalez, DR. I did not get pricing information, but it should be stateside in the next couple of weeks.

AJ Fernandez is extending the New World line to include a Connecticut wrapped version. The New World Connecticut will feature an American-grown CT shade wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and a filler mix of Nicaraguan and Brazilian leaf – which is very different from the standard New World (“Dark Nicaragua” wrapper over Jalapa binder and a filler blend of Viso Ometepe, Condega ligero, and Estelí-Finca Soledad ligero, and “Dark Nicaragua” wrapper). It will be available in four vitolas – Corona Gorda (5.5×46), Robusto (5×50), Toro (6×52), and Belicoso (6×54). Pricing will be in line with the existing New World lineup.

Following our recent mentions of a few pipe tobacco related items, I’m happy to report that Pete Johnson is working on some blends himself. He posted up a pic of something he was smoking this week and commented that he was working on something new. He said he hopes to have something by the tradeshow. I asked where his focus might be in terms of the types of blends he was working on, and he said “Plan on more English and some English with some aromatic twists.” If that’s the case, I’m all in for trying them out. I’d love to see this project take on life. I really hope he’s actually creating blends from the ground up, and not going through a bulk blending house and just mixing off some existing compositions. Pete’s history, palate and following could really make this a boon to the pipe tobacco industry. Time will tell…

A few weeks ago, we talked a bit about La Flor Dominicana’s novel idea for having TAA members vote on this year’s TAA LE with their pocketbooks. The gathering is over, orders placed and a winner selected. The winning cigar is the 5.5” x 52 robusto. The line features an Ecuadoran habano wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican fillers. MSRP is about $9 per stick, and it should arrive on retailers’ shelves in about a month – assuming you have a TAA member retailer in your neck of the woods.

Following the lead of several municipalities around the state, Florida’s capital Tallahassee is looking to make it harder on employees who smoke. An intent has been announced to end the hiring of any tobacco users, and prohibiting tobacco/e-cig use in all govt owned buildings, vehicles, etc. – even during break times. Hiring changes would go into effect July 1, 2015, while other aspects would be phased in over the next two years (including a $20 fee [and it’s not an increased insurance premium….it’s a fee]from employees’ paychecks if they smoke).

A follow up to a program we previously discussed called Cigar Sense. Back in November we (Craig) had some choice words for a few of the statistics they shared from a survey of 400+ cigar smokers they recently spoke with. We saw some irregularities and downright confusing data being thrown about and rightfully scratched our head when trying to make heads or tails out of it. That same organization has just today discussed that they are using a “control” group of over 1,200 cigar reviews to provide a database to help smokers pinpoint sticks that will line up with their palate. The rub here is that the program determines what will fit your tastes based upon what else you like. Check out cigarsense.com for some cool introductions into the program and to formulate some of your own opinions.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

This is where we chat about our week in smoke…tune in to the show for full details about our experience with these (and more).

Craig

TL Johnson Legend Reserve 63 Maduro – I second what I said a couple shows back. Genius exemplified in a cigar.

Kip

LEAF by Oscar Connecticut. I got this from Franky99 when he was down from the GWN visiting Tampa.

Nestor Miranda SS Exclusivo Regional –

Listener Email

We (finally) got around to an email series between Craig and listener “Cigar City.” Craig fills us in on the exchange about David Garofalo’s recent trip report about his excursion to Cuba…

Next Episode

Next episode (112) we will be featuring the Southern Draw KUDZU, with special guest owner Robert Holt. So come by Half Ashed Friday night at 9:30pm EST 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.

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

AJ Fernandez to Release New World Connecticut

April 22, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Company to extend line with New World Connecticut

(Miami, Florida) April 22, 2015— Earlier today, A.J. Fernandez Cigars announced the imminent release of the New World Connecticut. The unique blend was created after a positive response from both public and critics since unveiling the existing New World line at the 2014 IPCPR tradeshow. The original line received honors as the Number 1 Cigar in the World 2014 from Cigar Journal Magazine.

We originally published details about the New World back in July 2014, which included details about the blend and the story behind it. A.J. Fernandez said: “The New World cigar was a very special project as it was the first cigar that was created with the help of my father Ismael Fernandez since he joined me at A.J. Fernandez Cigars. I am more than thrilled that the public reception has been so positive, that it has once again allowed us, as father and son to create the New World Connecticut.”

The New World Connecticut features a U.S.A-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and filler leaf from Nicaragua and Brazil, and has been blended as a medium bodied cigar. Unlike the original, the New World Connecticut will not be box pressed. The company describes it as having “notes of cream, wood, and almonds in a very well balanced and refined cigar.”

The MSRP for the New World Connecticut will stay in line with the original New World at six dollars, and it will be available in 20 count boxes. Four vitolas are set to be released:

CORONA GORDA 5 ½ X 46
ROBUSTO 5 x 50
TORO 6 x 52
BELICOSO: 6 x 54

The New World Connecticut will begin shipping in May.

ABOUT A.J. FERNANDEZ CIGARS:

A.J. Fernandez Cigars is based on the rich tradition of the Fernandez cigar legacy. A.J. Fernandez produces unparalleled, hand-rolled cigars in Estelí, Nicaragua, which have garnered numerous top ratings and acclaim from cigar publications and consumers alike. Today he continues the family legacy as he oversees production and manages the day to day operations in his factory in Estelí.

For media inquiries please contact Creativas Group Public Relations via: [email protected].

Half Ashed Episode 103: AJ Fernandez New World

February 25, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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AJ Fernandez New World Gobernador

Welcome to Episode 103 of Half Ashed, featuring the AJ Fernandez New World “Gobernador” as our Cigar of the Week. This is AJF’s latest major release, coming onto the scene after the 2014 IPCPR tradeshow. The story behind the name is a celebration of the New World discovery of tobacco some 500 years ago. Further, they related a bit more info in their press release last July:

The New World Cigar relates to expanding one’s knowledge and questioning the status quo by discovering our personal New Worlds as we go through life. The team at A.J. Fernandez Cigars is grateful for the amazing support we have received from the consumer and therefore will offer the New World Cigar at a value price as we invite everyone to join us on our New World journey. Furthermore, I am especially proud to announce that my father Ismael Fernandez who recently retired after 17 years with the Plasencia family has now joined the A.J. Fernandez family. New World marks the first cigar that we work on together since he joined the company. “ — A.J. Fernandez

The cigar features a Dark Nicaraguan wrapper, a Jalapan binder and filler blend from Ometepe, Condega & Estelí. It comes in four vitolas – Navegante (5.5×55), Almirante (5.5×55 belicoso), Gobernador (6.5×55), Virrey (6×60). The cigar retails for about $5.25-6 each in the Tampa market.

News

In the news, we cover several items, including:

Jonathan Drew posted up some further detail on the Pope of Greenwich Village. From his Facebook post: “Pope Of Greenwich Village” is a specialty cigar that we created for our friend Abe at Smoke Inn Cigars for his “Micro Batch” series – that he’s been developing for the past five or six years (approx). … I believe that DE is the 10th installment with POGV … This 6×40 sized panatela is unique at‪#‎DrewEstate‬ because we don’t typically make an exclusive size outside our specific brands. Anotherwards, typically when we make the occasional commemorative or limited product such as Dogma or Shady15 or Def Sea or Cafe con Leche – it falls below a certain brand. This time it’s different and stands on it’s own. … the Pope Of Greenwich Village is strong, sound, and balanced, not a beginners cigar – but not made to blow your pretty head off your body. Please look for the limited release from Smoke Inn coming soon. They come in Soft Pack 10’s and ain’t that many of them. I BELIEvE that they retail for about $7.95 or so, but maybe a bit off. … Tonight is the Great Smoke Pre-Dinner and Drew Estate is honored to be the special guest with our friends at Smoke Inn.

We failed to mention it last week, but our condolences to the Padron family. Jose Orlando Padron’s brother Estelo Padron – retired head of Villazon’s Honduran American Tobacco S.A. passed away, and was laid to rest 2/10. He was 87 years of age.

Another Nebraska update! As we mentioned a couple weeks ago, a bill was put forth to clarify the NE legislature’s intent NOT to include cigar bars & shops under the existing smoking ban. The new bill specifically exempts such establishments, and has passed by a margin of 45-3! The bill now goes to the governor who has until next week to either sign or veto (no pocket veto….no action = the bill becoming law).

There have been a few news items with various cigar companies building/establishing their presence in other non-US markets. Most recently, CLE/Asylum partnered with a German distributor. I’m wondering if this is typical organic growth, or if cigar companies are hedging their bets against an increasingly tough US market – whether because of increasing legislation/regulation or the possibility of an open Cuban-US market in the years to come….tune in for our total speculative thoughts on the matter.

Dante Cigars is putting out their next release – the Purple Mofo. Like other offerings, this will be a Casa Fernandez produced cigar, laden with AGANORSA, and is to be produced at CF’s Miami rolling operation. It will be a limited release of 1500 corona gordas, in 50 20-ct bundles and 100, 5-packs. The line will only be released to a few retailers – including Burns in Chattanooga, UnderGround Cigar Shop (Ft Worth, TX), WestSide Humidor (Wichita, KS) and Cigar Federation’s online store. Criollo wrapper over ‘99 corojo binder and Estelian fillers. Due out mid-late March.

Knowing Craig’s penchant for enjoying Quesada’s cigars, I thought I’d mention the latest news from them. Cigar Aficionado reported from this past week’s ProCigar event on the Quesada Reserva Privada, available in 3 vitolas (4.75” x 52, 5.625” x 54, and 6.5” x 56). It is set to debut this Spring, and will feature tobacco from a 1997 crop. It will carry an EC -CT seed wrapper over DR Criollo 98 (97 crop), and DR San Vincente / PA Ligero filler leaf. The cigar will reportedly be held for aging at the factory for one year beyond rolling. Releases will initially be limited to “key retailers,” and should ramp up at this year’s tradeshow…

What We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

La Gianna Havana Maduro – Toro – From United Tobacco made for David Garafolo’s daughter Gianna. A Honduran cigar with a nice cookie sweetness. The problem lies with the style of blending, not the blend itself. It’s stronger than the flavors “want” to be and is almost rough & Alec Bradley-like. Very similar but sweeter to the Alec Bradley Tempus I reviewed on Halfashed.com for the blind review last month.

EPC 5 Year – This is a good cigar that needs some time. There are great flavors there but I feel like they’re muddied or almost blinded by some of the tobacco characteristics.

Kip –

illusione ECCJ 20th

Leccia Luchador re-revisited

Oliva V lancero

Wrap Up

Next episode we will be featuring a yet-to-be-determined selection from Craig. Be sure to tune in Friday night at 9:30pm EST 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 Us!” tab at the side of this page, or at 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.

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

Half Ashed Episode 079: Kip & Dale

August 21, 2014 By Kip Fisher

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Good day folks, and welcome to Episode 079 of Half Ashed! Craig was unavailable to host this week, so I had former Dogwatch Cigar Radio host Dale Roush sitting in with me. We covered news items from AJ Fernandez, the Rocky Mtn. Cigar Festival, (more!) personnel changes within the cigar industry, a Gran Habano story you need to know about, Tatuaje, and EP Carrillo. Of course, we also talked a bit about our chosen cigars for the night and what we’ve been smoking lately…and closed out with a viewer email.

Next week, we will be featuring the Bolivar Belicoso Fino as our Cigar of the Week, so be sure to check back in next Friday night at 9:30pm EST on halfashed.com where you can catch us recording and participate in the chatroom. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us through the contact page or at 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 CigFed Half Ashed Video Archive.

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

Half Ashed Episode 075: Unbanded 016

July 23, 2014 By Kip Fisher

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Greetings, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Half Ashed. This week, we’re smoking Unbanded #016, supplied by Jacob Pinkas (thank you, Jacob!). Here are a few details from the show….

1.) We have a forum again! We are up and fully functional….a single sign-on for the website, chat, and forum, and full Tapatalk integration. Feel free to jump over and leave some chatter!

2.) This week’s news items included stories from Tatuaje concerning the next TWO years’ Monster releases, Viaje’s “Collaboration Series,” Torano, AJ Fernandez, Sotolongo Cigars, GAR and an interesting new program from Tobacconist University.

3.) Of course, we covered what we’ve been enjoying – or NOT enjoying – in and with the world of cigars this week.

4.) We wrapped up with a listener email from bigpete.

Next week, we will be featuring Monsdales as our Cigar of the Week, so be sure to check back in next Friday night at 9:30pm EST on halfashed.com where you can catch us recording and participate in the chatroom. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us through the contact page or at 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), or find us on iTunes to subscribe. Video, as always, will be available at the CigFed Half Ashed Video Archive.

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

Nomad Releases C-276

July 21, 2014 By Kip Fisher

Nomad Cigar Co. Releases much-anticipated C-276

As mentioned a couple weeks ago in an article describing another Nomad news item, and discussed on Half Ashed, Nomad Cigars has now released the C-276 at IPCPR 2014.

According to the information provided by Nomad, the C-276 is “a full flavored complex blend featuring [Read more…]