cigar | Half Ashed

Episode 016: 2011 EP Carrillo Short Run

May 26, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Episode 016: 2011 EP Carrillo Short Run

Hello again, folks, and welcome back to Episode 016 of Half Ashed. We appreciate you stopping by. In this episode, we take a look at the 2011 EP Carrillo Short Run. We’re smoking the Bombone (4 7/8 X 50), with its Ecuadoran Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan/Dominican filler blend. This is Kip’s favorite of the Short Run series so far, but tune in to get full details about how they’re smoking right now.

Show Summary

Rather than the detailed notes I might normally post, I’ll be brief and only include a short summary this week. A busy holiday weekend coupled with my little Dude’s birthday have left me with little time to publish before our self-imposed deadline. So, here goes: We cover a couple of legislative items, a Camacho rebranding, an AMERICAN puro(!), as well as a few more interesting tidbits of news. Also, we discussed what else we’ve been smoking, and Kip’s “Mad Scientist” idea for comparing some of the intriguing new cigars that are hitting the market. Finally, we cover a couple of listener emails and updates. Catch the full show via any of the means below to get “the rest of the story.”

Wrap Up

Firstly, a huge thank you this Memorial Day weekend to all those who have made such sacrifice to allow me the opportunity to enjoy the life and freedom I have grown so accustomed to. As we did at show closing, I wanted to recognize the countless acts that have made that possible over the history of this nation. Next week, we’ll have the Michael Stewart as our guest, and be taking a look at his process for sourcing whole leaf tobacco and rolling his own cigars at home. So again, thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check back in next week for an exciting Episode 017. 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]. Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway. 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.

Episode 015: Quesada Oktoberfest and Cigar Coop

May 19, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome, everyone, to Half Ashed Episode 015 featuring very special guest William Cooper – who many of you know as Cigar Coop from his information-rich website, one of the premier sources of all the news that’s fit to print in the cigar industry.!

2011 Quesada Oktoberfest Bavarian

This week, we’re also taking a look at the 2011 Quesada Oktoberfest Bavaria. You’ll have to forgive the stock image from their website; I absentmindedly forgot to snap a pic before greedily smoking up my last example of this fantastic cigar. It comes in a 5.5″ x 52 double robusto, and features a Dominican Cibao Valley wrapper, Dominican binder, and filler blend composed of Dominican Cuban Seed Criollo, Olor Viso, Ligero.

Industry News

Two legislative items were up for discussion this week, with the new FDA Tobacco head speaking before the Tobacco Merchants Assocation annual meeting, and some common sense moves in North Carolina. We also covered a few new cigars – from Viaje (thanks to Cigar Coop), La Gloria Cubana’s upcoming Nicaraguan cigars, the impending Kelner release, and something new on the shelf from Fuente.

Miscellany

We covered quite a few cigars from the “What Else Have We Been Smoking” segment, with Craig’s special celebratory cigar for his son’s second birthday – and discussed the benefit of time on cigars that may not strike your fancy right off the truck.

Also, after many years of faithful service, the last bastion of non-beaded humidification in my humidors has died. I laid to rest my trusty old Oasis XL Plus this week.

Finally, we covered several listener emails, including those we omitted last week.

Wrap

A huge thanks to Cigar Coop for sitting in with us on tonight’s show. Be sure you all come back next week for Episode 016, when we once again take the opportunity to humble ourselves publicly with an unbanded cigar. This will be Unbanded 004, courtesty of Jacob Pinkas.

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]. Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway. 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. Video, as always, will be available on Cigar Federation homepage or at the CigFed Half Ashed Video Archive.

P.S. – As always, 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!

Episode 014: Ezra Zion TANTRUM

May 11, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ezra Zion Tantrum

Welcome back to Half Ashed, everyone. We managed to avoid being booed off the air for yet another week, so we humbly present Episode 014 for your listening and viewing pleasure. This week we were honored with special guest Kyle Hoover from Ezra Zion Cigars as we take a look at their new Limited Edition TANTRUM – a very big cigar in a very small package. As should now be evident from opinions I’ve voiced about my love for Ezra Zion cigars, I’m always excited to see something new from the guys. Tune in for all the details about the TANTRUM, as well as what our thoughts are as we smoke one with Kyle.

Industry News

Industry news was very light this week, with little to update legislatively. We did have a couple of folks enlist/renew with CRA with my Ambassador number to take advantage of the ongoing Cigarmy promotion. So, a big thanks to them, and a hope that they’ll enjoy the bonus cigars from my own stash.

We did cover several news items related to new cigars that were announced this past week, and a few other items around the industry.

What Else Have We Been Smoking?

Craig: Just the usuals: Monte Especial, Fuente Cuban Corona, “cigar Lounge” 30-30. All standards, all great.

Kip: I dug into Liga Privada pretty heavily this week, enjoying a Dirty Rat, Feral Flying Pig, and a couple No. 9’s. Other highlights were “Blend Number 5” from one of Craig’s local brick and mortar shops, and a lovely Don Pepin Garcia Blue.

Miscellany

We covered a couple of listener emails this week, but had to reserve a few more for next week due to time constraints. Thanks for sending those – and keep them coming! We love to get feedback from everyone, and learn from all the questions. We don’t always have a solution, but we’re sure to have an opinion….and there’s almost always someone listening who knows far more than we do, and can provide an accurate answer.

Wrap

A huge thanks to the guys at Ezra Zion, who provided this week’s CoTW – as well as the great discussion and insight from Kyle as he sat in on the show. Next week, we’ll have another very special guest in Will Cooper – Cigar Coop – as we feature the 2011 Quesada Oktoberfest. We’re very much looking forward to Coop’s input and views on the industry as a whole, and talk about his contributions to the cigar world and pick his brain a little about the future he sees for the industry.

Again, thanks for tuning in, and be sure to check back next week for an exciting Episode 015. 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]. Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway. 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. Video, as always, will be available on Cigar Federation homepage or at the CigFed Half Ashed Video Archive.

Episode 011: The BOTL LLC Esencia “E”

April 21, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to Episode 011 of Half Ashed! This week, we’re taking a look at the new Esencia “E” from BOTL LLC. For those who aren’t familiar, BOTL LLC are the same folks who brought you the regular Esencia line of cigars and Palio cutters/lighter. The “E” is their new offering featuring an Ecuadoran Habano seed wrapper, an undisclosed binder, and a Nicaraguan-Dominican filler blend. Listen or watch to see what we think of it, as well as a few more vital details about it!

Legislative News:

In the news this week, we had a couple of legislative updates. One from CRA, with the announcement of a new companion bill to HR792 – the Senate bill S772, which was launched with 6 Senators supporting it this week (4 Democrats/2 Republicans). The only other legislative update was out of California, where the Housing and Community Development Committee rejected a proposed ban on indoor smoking in all multi-family dwellings statewide. Existing law allows for landlords to prohibit smoking in their own properties at will, and for the time being that will remain the case. Common sense prevailed, at least for the moment.

Other news items:

We provided a little more of the backstory on Operation: Smokescreen…and the end of many a cigar smoker’s hopes for a cigar-themed movie.
Some rumblings, chatter, and hearsay about the possibility that CI now holds pipesandcigars.com. This may be old news, but was a revelation to me – and something I was unaware of happening.
A discussion of a recent story and subsequent editorial from the Stogie Guys about the fact that Phillip Morris (and parent company Altria) have come out against the protection of the premium cigar industry from FDA regulation.
Cigar Federation! Our beloved CigFed is getting a facelift! CigarChat has been added to the lineup of quality programming available at the Cigar Federation, which brings onboard the two fine gentlemen who do that show (Robby Rasmussen & Logan Lawler). Logan, being a social media and webmaster kinda guy, has taken on the task of redesigning the site to make it more userfriendly and effective in its mission of providing quality cigar industry content and community for those who enjoy the hobby. He has already made some sweeping changes, and is doing a phenomenal job revamping the site and making it better. Kudos to Logan! We’re looking forward to seeing it evolve. Everyone needs to check that out and sign yourself up with a profile if you haven’t already…
Gordon Mott published a Cigar Aficionado blog entry this week calling out a certain cigar company for misusing past CA ratings of one of their products to market a very different product today.

What else have we been smoking?

Craig – The J. Fuego Edicion de Familia, the Ezra Zion Inception (now Jamais Vu), and a couple more surprises…
Kip – Litto Gomez Small Batch 4 (listen as Kip admits to being a total nicotine wus with this cigar), the Leon Jimenes Series 300 (a wonderful surprise in a bargain cigar), as well as the first six releases of Eddie Ortega’s Wild Bunch, published first on The Cigarmy.

What else have we been enjoying with our cigars?

Kip – Cuban coffee, although my results are “mixed” to be generous. The quality in terms of flavor and enjoyment are quite limited from my trials so far, but the heart palpitations are fun at times….

Upcoming Shows:

Next week’s Cigar of the Week is an unbanded, provided by Dan Crouch. Dan took a novel approach with this submission, in that he submitted 2 different vitolas from the same line. Tune in next week to find out how that goes. On May 10th, we will have our next LIVE show, broadcast on Cigar Federation. We’ll be talking with special guests from Ezra Zion about their upcoming Limited Edition release of the Tantrum. The following week, we will have another special guest – William Cooper (Cigar_Coop) to get his insights into the industry, how it’s going, where it’s going, and generally pick his brain and see what we can learn.

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 our YouTube Channel.

Episode 009: 2002 El Rey del Mundo Tainos

April 6, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome 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 007: My Father Flor de las Antillas

March 25, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome 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

The Chattanooga Tweetup has been scheduled; tickets on sale April 1st. Kip will be in attendance again this year. Find details here.
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.
L’Atelier LAT46 hitting shelves as we speak…
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

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!
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

March 16, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Well, 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:

Federal Cigar Special F Event Cigar from My Father – originally reported here The Cigarmy.
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.
J. Fuego changes: There were several announced changes at J. Fuego this week, as reported by Halfwheel.
A bit of news from Cigar Coop about Sam Leccia’s impending return to the cigar industry.
News from Gary Griffith about this year’s Draig release – the Cayuquero.

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

Craig – Ambos Mundos
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:

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

Giveaway:

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

March 10, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’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

March 2, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Half Ashed Episode 004 Summary

It’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.

Since 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

February 24, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This 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 :).

Unfortunately, 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: