Davidoff | Half Ashed

Episode 164: Psyko 7 Maduro

July 7, 2017 By Kip Fisher

Psyko 7 Maduro

I received these samples from Ventura right around the time that I moved out of the country – so they’re about 2 years old at this point. I had a good go with the original line, although I suppose it didn’t earn a place as a frequent occupant in my humidor. I smoked a couple of these at the time they came out, but frankly I was smoking a lot of cigars at that time and didn’t keep notes…I was expecting them to come up sooner in the Half Ashed rotation. Tonight we’ll see how they’re holding up. The online description says that the “PSyKo Seven Maduro is graced with a deliciously dark and oily San Andres maduro wrapper concealing an Ecuador Hybrid 151 binder and Nicaraguan ligero, Peruvian Pelo de Oro, Dominican Hybrid, Honduran Holancha, and Pennsylvania ligero long-fillers.”

Cigar News

President Trump has announced changes to former President Obama’s changes toward travel and trade with Cuba. Specifically, the announcement is more akin to an announcement that there will be changes – rather than what those changes will be. It’s not overly clear exactly what this will mean in the future. For now, not much is different than it was as of January 19th – but this could be tossed around and remixed without warning. For the time being, you can still travel to and bring back goods from Cuba. Most are speculating that the major changes will include more restrictive travel allowances – which means fewer allowable reasons to visit Cuba and more restrictive guidelines on where you can stay, eat, travel, etc. while there. We will see in the months to come.

Ernesto Carrillo is teaming up with General Cigar again. Some may remember the Re+United from several years ago (We even smoked it on the show, back on Episode 069) as the most recent collaboration. This time, however, Ernesto’s La Alianza factory will be producing the La Gloria Cubana COLECCIÓN RESERVA. Unlike the Re+United, the LGC CR will be regular production. It will be available in three vitolas (5”x54 Robusto, 6” x 54 Torpedo, 7.5” x 54 Presidente), and features and Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers.

Come July 1st, several of Tatuaje’s lines will be less available…Ambos Mundos, El Triunfador, La Casita Criolla and La Riqueza will become off-list items, available in small batch releases and at some events. It appears (and doesn’t seem to be a secret) that some of these lines have pretty geographically limited market shares, so they are being scaled back. Pete has said publicly that the lines are important to him and aren’t going away; they just will not be kept at the current stock levels for distribution.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
illusione Fume d’Amour Tres Petit
Fuente Opus Destino al Siglo Churchill

Kip
2009 Oliva Serie V Maduro, from Joe V.
Stunningly good Fuente 858 SG from Slagle…
Black Chapel from Evil Genius Cigars; I should have paid more attention earlier….

Episode 162: Drew Estate Undercrown Shade

May 13, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Drew Estate Undercrown Shade

Willy Herrera’s first blend for the Drew Estate lineup outside his Herrera Estelí marca, the Drew Estate Undercrown Shade features an Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper over Sumatran binder and Dominican/Nicaraguan filler mix. Tonight, we’re smoking the 6” x 52 toro, which retails somewhere around the $8.50 mark…let’s see how it goes!

Cigar News

Since our last show, the cigar (and music) industries mourn the passing of Avo Uvezian at the age of just over 91 years. We pay tribute to the legendary musician and cigar man.

Davidoff has announced the return of their Chefs Edition, a collaboration with several top European chefs. This year’s edition is again a 6” x 54 toro, and will feature a Habano 2000 wrapper over Ecuadoran Connecticut binder and an all-Dominican filler blend. The blend is intended to be enjoyed after a fine dining experience, and a run of around 3,000 boxes will begin to show up stateside next month, but I have my hands on one now. I’ll smoke it this week and report back….

Regius and Quesada have ended their distribution agreement, effective April 30. There was some initial chatter about production moving to another company (rather than Quesada, as it is at present), but that has since been retracted without more detail. I had no shops that carried the Regius lineup when I lived stateside, but had the opportunity to smoke through a box I won via charity auction a few years ago and thought the White Label was pretty fantastic….it’s a brand I wouldn’t mind revisiting should the opportunity allow.

General Cigar has announced that a number of facings will be leaving the market. Toraño seems to be the biggest drop, with quite a few from the lineup being discontinued. Several vitolas are being removed from the company’s offerings, as well as a couple of entire lines (notably to this story, the Toraño Captiva). One of the few lines I enjoy from General’s stable, the CAO OSA, will lose the Lot 46 and Lot T

In continuing update with the CAA/CRA/IPCPR lawsuit against the FDA has been moved back a month. The new court date is August 30th…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

La Riqueza #5 – La riqueza indeed

Kip

Fonseca Cubano Exclusivo. I’m not one to worry about health concerns from moderate cigar smoking (my tumor or diet will likely get me first), but I’m a bit concerned this one may have a friggin’ asbestos wrapper/binder. Less prominent tunnels connect England and France…
AJ Fernandez Bella Artes. This was perhaps the most talked about cigar at the 2016 IPCPR tradeshow. How’d my first experience with it go?
The Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve…I love ‘em, but they’re different from what I remember as the blend from which they spun…

Episode 158: Georgetown Tobacco Caucus

February 10, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Georgetown Tobacco Caucus

The Georgetown Tobacco Caucus is only available at Georgetown Tobacco, and was blended in 2009 when David Berkebile visited Rocky Patel’s factory in Danli, Honduras. The blend was designed to complement the flavor of the Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper leaf, which is David’s favorite. The result is a rich and satisfying smoke that avoids the extremes of strength and taste which have become common in today’s cigar market. The medium body and subtle flavor make the Caucus accessible to a wide variety of cigar enthusiasts, who have made this the most popular brand in our store. Provided to us by Cigar Man for Life, these sticks have been with us for a while and are a few that we both enjoy. Probably the best cigar I’ve had produced by Rocky Patel since the RP 15th Anniversary in 2010. Tonight’s cigar is 6” x 52 and sells for about $7.

Cigar News

Over the past couple weeks, a few large scale acquisitions have come to pass in the tobacco world. The one of most interest to cigar folks is Altria (parent of Philip Morris) picking up Nat Sherman. While most of listeners of this show know Nat Sherman as a cigar company, cigarette production is a major component of their business – but they do hold a number of premium brands. Future plans for these premium cigar brands (made for them by Plasencia and Quesada) are yet to be announced.
Dunhill cigars and pipe tobacco….gone, or will be soon.
It’s THAT time of year again. Manufacturers are beginning to announce the “if/when” of price increases. So far, I’ve seen bits coming down from Perdomo, AJ Fernandez, and JC Newman…but personally I expect there to be many more over the next 4-6 weeks.
Terry Johnson (TL Johnson Cigars) has merged with Black Patch Cigars of Kentucky. To my recollection, we’ve only talked once in memory about Black Patch and the “Kenbano” tobacco they grow in Kentucky to showcase in their blends. Tabacalera TLJ will produce Black Patch cigars going forward, and presumably the Kenbano will be coming down for those purposes.
Since our last show, Matt Booth has announced he’s retiring from the cigar industry – along with his Room101 brands, which he owns. His attention will turn to focus on his lucrative jewelry business. His contract with Oettinger Davidoff expired Jan 1st, and he has opted not to renew. It’s still possible that the brands could return to production, but no plans have been announced at the moment.
The IPCPR tradeshow was somewhat “booted” from the former venue, the Sands/Venetian complex. It’s been widely speculated that a bigger group wanted the venue for the assigned dates, and with the convention hall holding the power to cancel, they opted to do so. IPCPR has quickly adjusted and rescheduled for July 10-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The move de-couples hotel arrangements from the convention site, but presumably won’t offer much more interference except being a bit off the strip.
So, the FDA has extended the deadline for manufacturers to submit ingredient lists for cigars from Feb 15 until Aug 8, 2017. That’s the news from the FDA, but after looking over the requirements I can’t help but wonder about a couple things. First, for any premium cigar made with no chemicals besides potable water and tobacco, there are only 4 requested pieces of information: tobacco type, variety, curing method, and any recombinant DNA technology used in creating the varietal. Even for these cigars – containing nothing aside from water and tobacco – I have questions. First, the “type” of tobacco must be listed by weight. Exactly how much does ½ leaf – cut by human hands from variably sized leaves – weigh? I wonder with what precision the FDA expects this to be? Secondly, I wonder how many manufacturers *truly* know how the tobacco they used has been genetically engineered? I’ve spoken with some in the past who simply don’t. They buy tobacco. They know where it was grown, who grew it, and many other details – but they may not know it intimately on an agronomical basis.
I also wonder – for those who use something other than water – if they know enough detail about their process to accurately submit the application. Bethune, the “secret sauce” used by more makers than would admit, often contains wine, rum, tobacco, water…and various other ingredients passed along sparingly like it’s the Colonel’s original recipe. I am willing to bet many can’t answer the questions regarding chemical reactions and other properties imbued by the Bethune. I have no idea how stringently this will be enforced, nor even if it can be without FDA personnel on the ground in factories throughout cigar country (a la food inspectors). I’m anxious to see how third-party cigar companies meet this; I have a gut feeling many don’t know their cigars on a level to complete this and will have to rely on information from their partner manufacturers (and/or agronomists from *their* sources). Small manufacturers (under $5million/yr) will have an additional 6 months to comply, so we’ll see in a year or so….

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

HR Blue – Oh my goodness gracious
Cattle Baron!
Hoyo de Monterrey Añejado
pipe tobacco – Escudo Navy Deluxe

Fuente Fuente Opus X 20th Anniversary pre-release from CFC.
Quesada Keg – both Nicaraguan and Dominican versions.

Half Ashed Episode 148: Crowned Heads and Diamond Crown 20th

August 21, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads & Diamond Crown

Kip – Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 2016 – I’m having the 5×50 edition of this year’s release. It has a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper over Nicaraguan fillers. Produced by My Father. Based on my first experience, I’d liken it more akin to the 2014 version than 2015…which is great for me.
Craig – Diamond Crown 20th Anniversary – A lovely gift from Kip that seemed like it was calling out to me this evening.

Cigar News

FDA Panic much?!

Recluse….9 new lines, with 14 sizes each?!?!?
Kings Cigars will be releasing some new limited editions…to the tune of 40 new facings in 14 different blends!

1502 has given some detail – but not much – on their latest release, the Blue Sapphire. I’ve been a fan of Enrique’s style since he first hit the shelves with the Ruby & Emerald several years ago. The Blue Sapphire will again be a Nicaraguan puro, but little is yet know about the blend outside of it being described as medium-full to full. It’s strange that so little detail sparks an interest from me, but knowing how much I’ve enjoyed his past efforts I’ll be excited to try this one.

Many listeners may not be familiar with El Artista, but I’ve lived just a couple miles from their factory the past year. The company is celebrating 60 years in business, although they don’t have huge name recognition in the American market. They do a steady business of house blends and a few others you may know like the Puro Ambar. I profiled them a few years back at the 2013 show. They have a long history in growing and buying/selling leaf, as well as making cigars. This year’s new release is the Pulita, which uses negrito wrapper, criollo 98 binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Pennsylvania. The Aniversario will come in two sizes, a 5×50 Robusto and 6×54 Toro.

Celebrating a 10 year anniversary, illusione will have several changes in the works for this year’s show…but probably few will bring a tear to my eye like the fact that the eccj blend is going mainstream! The robusto, churchill, and corona gorda will become regular production items. Secondarily, my other favorite bit of news from Dion is that there will be a 5-⅝” x 46 Fume D’Amour called the Concepcion. Hoowahh!

One last item that has my knickers in a twist is the Yamasa from Davidoff. I’ll be attending a media gathering in their booth and the official launch at the opening of the Davidoff lounge in Vegas. This blend will feature tobacco from a region between Santo Domingo & Bonao in the Dominican Republic, where they have some limited tobacco crops. The region is known as Yamasa, where the cigar draws its name and wrapper. The binder will also be from here (San Vincente), and the filler will have tobacco from Condega and Estelí, Nicaragua and other Dominican tobaccos (piloto and mejorado). There’s been a good deal of science applied in their development of these tobaccos…as well as its treatment during processing. It’s available in Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), Pirámides (6 1/8 x 52) and Petit Churchill (4 x 48), and will retail between $13-23 per stick depending on size

What the frack is an “energy cigar?” The Nicaragua Cigar Distributors are banking on the energy drink phenomena with an entry this year. They claim to have infused FDA approved food grade components to provide a “boost” minutes after lighting the cigar. Interesting idea, or regulation-fodder? There will be a premium version as well as an inexpensive mass market short filler edition…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

España Corona
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Torpedo

Kip

RoMaCraft Aquitaine Anthropology
EZ Tantrum PA
Oliva Serie V Maduro x2
Emilio Carpe Noctem & AF2

What have we been enjoying in the world of cigars lately?

Writing again! I’ve got a hankering to put a story idea down on paper. It’s somewhat autobiographical but more off, it’s a great accompaniment to the cigar.

Half Ashed Episode 142: Tabaqueria 1844 Campesino Series

April 25, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Tabaqueria 1844 “Campesino Series”

Another of the DR-based small batch lines I’ve talked about in recent months (Chogui, CDR, El Compartir, etc.), the Campesino Series by Tabacalera 1844 is tonight’s featured Cigar of the Week. The line is owned by Edgar Sued, proprietor of a cigar shop by the same name in Cabarete, DR. It’s produced by the same unnamed factory in Tamboril that manufactures the Chogui, and is a Dominican puro (Havana Vuelto Abajo wrapper over DR filler/binder). Personally, I find them to be more akin to what I envision as a traditional Dominican cigar than others, like Chogui. It has more sedate flavors with a touch of sweetness that never overwhelms the blend but adds a nice accompaniment. I’ve smoked both the robusto and toro, and now tend to prefer the toro for some intangible reason. Let’s see how tonight goes….

Cigar News

Crowned Heads’ Famous Smoke Shop exclusive the Black Belt Buckle has expanded. Originally slated for a 10,000 stick run of corona gordas, they have added 2 sizes (6”x54 Sublime and 5”x50 Robusto). It will be an ongoing project, and retail for $8-$9). The line is an adaptation of the Four Kicks, but with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.

Congrats to Cigar Aficionado’s latest inductees to their Hall of Fame – Litto Gomez, Jorge Padrón, and Rocky Patel – bringing the total number of inductees to 18.

The guys at Ezra Zion released a follow-up maduro version of the All My Exes line. This version has a couple of minor blend tweaks, with the most significant being the addition of a San Andres wrapper (vs. the original Ecuadoran Habano). Total production is 800 boxes of 25 in three sizes – Toro, Lancero, and Robusto. Pricing is set at $8.50-$9, based on size. The cigars are made by Noel Rojas at his Tabacalera Aroma de Jalapa.

In the continuing legacy of Smoke Inn’s Microblend Series, Davidoff will be producing the 13th iteration of the line. It’s a celebration of Smoke Inn’s 20th Anniversary, and will feature an Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper over Dominican internal components. Pricing is set at $19.95 per stick, and should start shipping in about 3 weeks. Total production is 300 boxes of 10.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Farm Rolled Cuban Cigar – Legal! – Very unique with a slightly floral sweetness. Unlike any cuban cigar I’ve had.

House blend cigar for The Cigar Lounge – I’ve discussed my take on house blend cigars before and this one is a perfect example of what I believe in: putting your name on something you stand behind. FYI, Casa Fernandez can learn a thing or two here. This is what their cigars should be :)

Kip

San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe- ~4.25” x 42. I really enjoyed this, even though one of the two I had was a bit tight and gave me fits. Lots of mild (almost faint) floral flavors, tempered with some cacao/dark chocolate.

TL Johnson Legend Reserve – Sweetness!

Nestor Miranda SS Regional Exclusivo – I revisited this after forgetting about them for a couple years. They’re definitely not over-the-hill, but the flavors were far more muted. And, while the strength was still in the medium range it seemed a bit lighter than I remember as well. Bold milk chocolate and mild spice. Good stuff…wish I had more.

CDR (Christian del Rosario de la Rocha) – This is one of the Dominican lines that I’ve recently been exploring. The flavors were very good – they seem more spicy than most, a bit like a more approachable version of some My Father blends – but my only example to go on struggled with the burn for the first couple inches. It wanted to tunnel and the wrapper/binder were resistant to combustion. I persisted, and it finally came around. It was worth another try, though. I’ll report back whenever I get around to it.

Next Episode

Next episode (143), we will be smoking the Club Havana Coronas Especiale. 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 141: Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Dauphin

April 24, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Dauphin

Front runner in the longest cigar name competition, the Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Dauphin is a little known gem from Havana. Rolled in 2001, the Laguito#2 (6” x 38”) is a beautiful example of the complexity that comes with certain examples form the Hoyo de Monterrey line. It explodes with nothing but “soft” style flavors and falls right within the sweet spot of “morning smoke” and “after dinner relaxation”. It’s only downfall may be its burn time. This stick often ends sooner than you’d like, and unfortunately that’s not just because of its size. Some people say the finish is very woodsy but that can be misleading to a N/C smoke who typically can equate a woody flavor to Jalapan Nicaraguan tobacco. This woodsy flavor is more fresh dry forest than dark, smokey hardwoods. It is also almost always paired well with a light brown sugar flavor.

Cigar News

Back to Chicagoland for an update…Mayor Rahm Emanuel has, for the most part, gotten his way. After a brief delay on voting, the City Council passed legislation to increase the already steep Chicago-area tobacco taxes by a margin of 35-10. Additionally, the legal age to purchase tobacco products has been increased from 18 to 21. The new tax will be effective July 1st, and there will be no floor tax on existing inventory held before that date. There’s a good deal of math on how the tax will be calculated, but it essentially boils down to about an extra $0.20 per cigar for large cigars. Small cigars, pipe tobacco and smokeless tobacco will have additional taxes as well.

Craig will be happy to learn that the Hirochi Robaina inventory is being replenished as we speak. We talked recently about the formation of White Hat Tobacco, the new company responsible for distributing the cigars. The HR Habano will have the same blend and manufacturer as in the past, and should be on store shelves shortly.

Cuban cigars for Americans?!? Yes….kinda. It’s no longer illegal for Americans traveling abroad to *partake* of Cuban produced goods in third-party countries. The prohibition still exists to bring the goods back into the USA unless you’re traveling from Cuba. Until now, it was technically illegal for Americans to purchase Cuba’s products while abroad, although it was a nearly unenforceable statute. This, to my uninformed mind, is a big step politically in that it’s progress along an intended path….but means little in practice specifically.

As an editorial sidenote to this story, it’s interesting to me for two other reasons. First, some vendors offer on site storage of cigars you purchase. To me, that becomes legal for Americans. I haven’t spoken to anyone who interprets this new executive action to preclude that opportunity. Secondly, there are people intimately familiar with Cuba and Cuban/US politics who believe the embargo is more of a mess to be sorted out than a political fiasco to compromise over. There is so much financially which needs to be sorted out. Congress won’t overturn Helms/Burton unless it knows its not opening Pandora’s Box in regard to legal & financial lawsuits. This loosening of the embargo’s belt is seen by me as another casual step in sorting out the financials of the past 53+ years.

Davidoff has been putting out a little info on some upcoming additions to their Cusano lineup. After sweeping revamps at Camacho, Avo, and expanding outside the former Davidoff “box,” they appear to be trickling down into some of their other holdings now. The company bought out Cusano from founders Joe & Mike Chiusano several years ago, but hasn’t really done a great deal with the offerings under the name since. Within the past month or so, they’ve announced upcoming releases in the Cusano Dominican line – in Connecticut and Maduro. The CT will feature an EC CT wrapper and binder, and a mix of Dominican filler tobacco. The Maduro will have a Mexican San Andres wrapper over EC CT binder, and Dominican filler blend. It’s going to be available in a robusto, toro, churchill, and gordo and retail for $4.50 – $6.00, depending on size. I have a long history with this brand, but haven’t had any in quite a long while.

The Cigar Authority is reporting that the FDA’s deeming regulations have been “frozen” at this time. I am unfamiliar with details but the news has just broken of this tonight. First thoughts seem to be that this is for the best.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Illusione Rothschild – These are a milk chocolate bomb. When on, they can be a go-to stick for just about anyone. I find them to be inconsistent, not in overall blend, but in how that blend comes across. This one’s tendency was to taste as it always has but be so dirty & palate coating that it negatively impacted the experience.

Warped Flor de Valle – Kip can keep em. I’m still not a CF fan…

Cabaiguan Maduro PC – I love this line but think this may be my least favorite of them. It does not demonstrate the lovely maduro qualities of the larger sizes. I typically prefer smaller stuff. Not in this blend. Good despite its shortcomings. Great in larger sizes.

Kip

AJF Puro Autentico

Montecristo #2

Next Episode

Next episode (142), we will be smoking the Campesino Series by Tabaqueria 1844. 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 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 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.

Davidoff and S.T. Dupont Announce Partnership

December 8, 2015 By Kip Fisher

S.T. Dupont and Davidoff of Geneva USA announce that they will enter into an exclusive distribution agreement in the United States effective January 1st, 2016.

The newly announced agreement between the companies further solidifies an already strong relationship between the two. S.T. Dupont produces several of Davidoff’s lighters in its French manufacturing facilities, while Davidoff serves as distributor for S.T. Dupont in Switzerland and elsewhere.

According to S.T. Dupont President Alain Crevet, the aim of the partnership for his company is to strengthen its success in the United States with lighter and cigar accessories, while growing its market share in the luxury pen, leather goods, and men’s accessory market.

Davidoff believes the agreement with S.T. Dupont will aid in its goal to be the “indispensable business partner” to retailers, including its network of Appointed Merchants. President Jim Young commented, “We are delighted to add the S.T. Dupont brand to our portfolio and look forward to building the brand together with our colleagues from S.T. Dupont-Paris. This is a great fit, both for the brand line up as well as a great fit culturally between our two companies.”

S.T. Dupont has expressed gratitude to its current distributor Lotus International for its dedication over the past 8 years, and has also announced that the company will continue as its after-sales-service center for the US.

All three companies are jointly committed to deliver high quality products and services to the US market.

About S.T.Dupont

For nearly 145 years, S.T.Dupont master goldsmiths and silversmiths, lacquerers and trunkmakers have created unique and durable objects that are entirely crafted by hand and made in France for exceptional individuals. This legendary and unique know-how, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit true to founder Simon Tissot Dupont, contribute to perpetuating the international aura and recognition of a House that embodies Fine French Craftsmanship. It is with great pride that S.T.Dupont preserves the know-how of its master craftsmen, who are heirs to skills passed down from generation to generation.

About Oettinger Davidoff AG

The CHF 1.23 billion Oettinger Davidoff AG with over 3,600 employees around the world, traces its roots back to 1875 and remains family owned to this day with two distinctly different businesses: one that is focused on FMCG distribution in the Swiss market and one dedicated to the core business of producing, marketing and retailing premium branded cigars, tobacco products and accessories. The premium branded cigar business include Davidoff, AVO, Camacho, Cusano, Griffin’s, Private Stock, Zino and Zino Platinum. The Oettinger Davidoff AG business is anchored in a strong “crop-to-shop” philosophy, having pursued a vertical integration from the tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua to the worldwide network of over 70 Davidoff Flagship Stores which complement a network of strong Appointed Merchants around the world.