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Episode 019: Monte Pascoal

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Monte PascoalMonte Pascoal

Welcome back to Half Ashed, and happy Fathers’ Day to all the Dads out there.  We’re glad you’ve joined us for another round of fun.  This week, we take a look at an old favorite – Monte Pascoal.  Craig with a corona, and I the belicoso.  So, find your favorite cigar and join us for another couple hours of smokin’ silliness…

News Items

Legislation:  In legislative news, those of you in Pennsylvania NEED to take heed: CRA has issued an action alert detailing some potentially devastating proposals from a couple of your state congressmen.

The IPCPR season is beginning to kick into high gear, with product announcements from Ortega Cigars, TL Johnson Cigars, Barry Stein (Miami Cigar), Guayacan, Crowned Heads, Ashton and newcomer Cordoba y Morales.  Look for an increasing amount of news in the next few weeks leading up to and during the tradeshow.

What Have We Been Smoking?

Craig: La Aurora Fernando Leon, Monte Pascoal

Kip: Ezra Zion TANTRUM, Nestor Miranda DANNO, 2012 Toast Across America Fuente Opus X

Miscellany

We also cover some behavioral patterns Craig has noticed when “talking business” with some brick and mortar shop owners, and the politics of the B&M.  Additionally, we finally get caught up on listener emails – discussing questions from Chad Miller, Swede214, and Bruce Stark.  Keep those emails coming!  We love ’em, and always enjoy hearing from you all.  Just drop us a line via any of the means below.

Wrap

Be sure you all come back next week for Episode 020, which will hopefully feature a special guest, depending on whether or not we can work out the scheduling.  We will be smoking an unbanded – #005, from Dan Crouch.  We also will be bringing Dan on at the unveiling to discuss the cigar.

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.

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!

Press Release: La Sirena Dubloon

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La sirena dubloonNew La Sirena Sizes Discovered

Miami, FL June 7th, 2013 – In a recent expedition to Lake Nicaragua, which archeologists feel was once a large bay alongside the Pacific Ocean, a discovery was made.  The dangerous mission to find treasures of the mermaid was met by sharks and other seemingly out of place aquatic animals.  On the last day, in one of the deepest parts of the lake a cave was located with treasures of the mermaid.

Among these treasures was the Dubloon, a 7.25″X56 Salomon.  The name comes from the Spanish coins that surrounded this new rare size.  The rarest of all Dubloons, was one that featured a distinctive 8 stamped into it.

These pieces of 8; the La Sirena Dubloon comes packaged in an 8 count box, of which only 500 are available.  They will make their debut at the IPCPR in Las Vegas.  Like the La Sirena “A” they feature a dark, toothy Habano Oscuro wrapper, two Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binders, a Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 and Corojo ’96 over fillers from Nicaragua.

The La Sirena Dubloon will have a $12.00 MSRP.

Miami Cigar & Company sqAbout Miami Cigar & Company

Miami Cigar & Company, founded in 1989, is the exclusive US distributor of La Aurora brands. They are also the worldwide owner/distributor of Tatiana, Don Lino, La Sirena and Nestor Miranda line of cigars. They can found on the web at:

 

Episode 018: 2006 Partagas Serie du Connoisseur

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Half Ashed LogoPartagas Serie du Connoisseur

Welcome, folks!  We’re back, and only slightly agitated with the unexpected loss of Episode 017 last week.  Thanks for joining us.  I’ll be brief with the summary this week and try to hit all the details quickly.  Our Cigar of the Week is one of Craig’s offerings, the 2006 Partagas Serie du Connoisseur.  We had several news items pop up this week, as we begin to enter the season of rapidfire updates in the days leading up to IPCPR.  Here are a few we covered:

News Items

  1. Eddie Ortega has been showing off the artwork for his October release in the Wild Bunch series, featuring DaByrdman (Ashley Byrd, cofounder of the B&B Cigar Club)
  2. Quesada will be adding a 5″X43 corona to the Oktoberfest lineup this year, which excites both of us greatly.  I already love the blend, especially in the Bavarian size…I can’t wait to give it a try in a corona.  Production numbers appear to be only about 500 boxes of 20, and MSRP is about $7.25.
  3. EP Carrillo is going to release a 7″X70 monster into the INCH line.
  4. Erik Espinosa published a press release earlier this week detailing the upcoming La Bomba Warhead.
  5. L’Atelier published a picture of the packaging for the upcoming Extension de la Racine, which will feature a similar blend to their core line but be wrapped in Sungrown Criollo.
  6. Miami Cigar gave a few details about this year’s Casa Miranda – Chapter Two.
  7. On a pipe tobacco note, two legendary blends will soon be in the US market after decades of being unavailable here.

What have we been smoking?

Craig: Wynwood, La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Reserva

Kip: Oliva Serie V Maduro, Padilla Miami 8&11, EPC Short Run 2013, Cuenca 5 Anniversary, Opus – Tauros the Bull

Miscellany

There were a number of discussions in this episode to point out my ever-increasing age and my perception of time since certain cigars were released….

Additionally, we took the opportunity to cover a great number of emails this week.  We needed to catch up after losing last week’s episode to the Great Wide YouTube Universe.  We actually got through 9 of them in the episode, some followups to previous correspondence.  Keep those coming!  We love to hear from you all – just drop us a line through any of the means below.

Wrap

Be sure you all come back next week for Episode 019, which will be a live show at 9pm EST Friday night (June 14).  We will be smoking a Monte Pascoal, a tasty blend coming out of Brazil.

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.

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!

Press Release: Casa Miranda Chapter Two

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“Casa Miranda Chapter Two”

Casa MirandaMiami, FL June 6th, 2013 – Everybody loves a good sequel, and the Casa Miranda Chapter 2 is set to debut at IPCPR which is being held this year in Las Vegas, NV.

The follow up to the original which was made in Miami at the famed El Titan de Bronze, will be made at My Father Cigars S.A in Esteli, Nicaragua.

According to Jason Wood; VP of Miami Cigar & Company, “Just like any great novel, our story continues to gain momentum with the release of Chapter 2 at this years’ IPCPR. I look forward to our consumer’s feedback on this medium bodied beauty!”

The tobacco used for this new chapter is a dark Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper with filler from Brazil, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

It is available in the following sizes:

• Robusto (4.5 x 50) $6.35 MSRP
• Corona Gorda (6 x 46) $7.00 MSRP
• Toro (5.5 x 54) $ 7.60 MSRP
• Gran Toro (6 x 60) $8.00 MSRP

About Miami Cigar & Company
Miami Cigar & Company, founded in 1989, is the exclusive US distributor of La Aurora brands. They are also the worldwide owner/distributor of Tatiana, Don Lino, La Sirena and Nestor Miranda line of cigars. They can found on the web at:

http://www.miamicigarcompany.com/

http://www.facebook.com/miamicigarcompany

Casa Miranda

Press Release: Nomad Cigar Company To Release Nicaraguan Cigar at IPCPR

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Nomad LogoFred Rewey, founder and president of Nomad Cigar Company, formally announced the introduction of a Nicaraguan blended cigar to the Nomad family. The Nomad Estelí LE Lot 1382 will be released in July at IPCPR with future blends later in the year.  Until now, Nomad’s entire production has been limited to Dominican Republic. The move of expanding the line to include Nicaraguan tobacco seemed a natural one.

In keeping in line with Nomad’s philosophy, the release will have a few “twists.”  Nomad Estelí LE Lot 1386, will be limited to 307 (12 count) boxes; the box count is Nomad’s tribute to the approximate square miles of Estelí. The reason behind the lot number is a bit more secretive.

When asked about the release, Fred added…

“Take one look at the foundation of the town of Esteli, Nicaragua and you can understand why some of the best tobacco blenders in the world come to this small town.

For me, the tobacco grown here was a newfound playground.

When I launched Nomad I wanted the company to be like its namesake. I figured I would wander where I needed to create the type of cigar I was going for.

It was a simple fact I would end up in Nicaragua sooner rather than later. This [first] cigar is the result of that very endeavor.

The Nomad Esteli LE was limited to a production of 307 boxes. I chose “307” because it is the approximate area (in miles) of this rich area.

I chose “Lot 1386” by also paying homage to the region – How exactly I will leave to those who speculate the topic over a cigar.

The town of Esteli was easy to love. The culture, the people, the tobacco. I hope that my initial plunge into a Nicaraguan blend can pay them some small form of the respect and honor they have so earned.”

To order, or find out more information, use the contact information below.

Contact:

Nathan McIntyre, National Sales Director

Emilio Cigars

Twitter: @CigarNate

Nomad Cigar Company

Fred Rewey

Twitter: @Godfadr

[email protected]

Press Release: Iconic Leaf Special Edition Recluse Draconian

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iconic leaf draconian recluseSpecial Edition Recluse Draconian

We are pleased to announce that we have completed the blend for our upcoming special edition release of Recluse. It is called the Recluse Draconian. It will be made in three vitolas called Sidewinders. Sidewinders are another new shape that we have created. As we did with our Kanu’ shape, the Sidewinder shape has never been done before in the cigar industry. It will remain undisclosed until its release at this years IPCPR July 13th-17th.
A few select retailers will get an advance release of the Recluse Draconian blend in three box pressed sizes. Recluse Draconian will be rolled in true Entubar fashion as is every cigar that is rolled in the Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas factory.  The Recluse Draconian blend is truly exotic.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro

Binder: Proprietary

Fillers:
Brazilian Hybrid
Piloto Cubano
Dominican
Iconic Leaf Ligero*
(leaf developed and exclusive to Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas)*

This blend was created in keeping with our philosophy of creating flavorful, well balanced blends that are smooth with many transitions.  We are proud that we have been able to bring quality and innovation together. This is only the beginning.

 

Some more information about Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas

Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas, which means Cuban Tobacco Legends, is run by J.R. Dominguez; he comes from generations of cigar manufacturers and he wants to have the greatest factory in the Dominican Republic.

The first blend released from this factory is the Recluse. Every leaf in the Recluse, the wrapper, the filler and the binder is fermented for Two years. Additional steps taken that separates the Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas from others include 100% Entubao rolling. Every cigar that’s rolled in the TLC factory is rolled in the cuban style of ‘entubao’. Entubao means tubing. What we do is instead of bunching and pressing the filler, which can affect the draw, we take each filler leaf and roll it up into an individual tube and then we pull those three tubes together which creates three air channels. What you get with the three air channels is an effortless draw. By doing it this way you can do a better box press on the cigar. When you’re compressing the airspace on a cigar, you’re basically reducing the amount of combustion that you have because the airspace is reduced. So what you get with entubao is an effortless draw as well as a cooler, slower and straighter burn. The cigar refuses to burn hot.  We have invented new shapes ; we’re blazing a new trail. The OTG on the Recluse stands for Off The Grid, because that’s the way we do our whole business model. The new shape is called Kanu’ It’s really ‘a Picasso’….it’s the perfect ‘storm’ for cigars.

Episode 003: Old Friends & the Cuenca 5

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

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

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

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

Audio:

Episode 002: Montecristo Especial No. 1

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

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

Thanks for tuning in!

Announcement: IPCPR Considers adding "Consumer Day"

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I received the email detailed below this morning from IPCPR.  The news has spread quickly throughout the cigar blogs, but I wanted to post it here just out of general curiosity – how do you all feel about this?  Is it something you would be interested in?  And, what would be the determining factor as to whether or not you would be willing to travel to Vegas to attend?  This, of course has no bearing on anything…my interest was piqued as to how the public feels about it.  Leave me a comment below…

In an effort to raise funds for our continued and ever more expensive legislative battles, the IPCPR Board Trade Show Committee is planning two events to take place at the 2013 annual trade show in Las Vegas.

The first event under consideration is a Consumer Day that will take place on the last half-day of the show.

      • The goal of the event is to generate $100,000 for our legislative battles.
      • Each ticket will include a pre-packaged assortment of select cigars purchased by the IPCPR from volunteer manufacturers, as well as a chance to walk the trade show floor to meet and interface with the individuals behind the brands in the industry.
      • This event will be limited to the first 500 consumers who purchase tickets (ticket price TBD based on cigar selections & cost).

The second event under consideration is a Roast. This will be an elaborate event featuring:

      • A celebrity comedian as the host, a panel of well-known industry “roasters,” and a carefully selected “roastee.”
      • Tickets for the Roast will cost $ (TBD based on catering selections) and will include entry to the event, heavy hors d’ oeuvres and an open bar.
      • Tables and sponsorship opportunities will be available for purchase.
      • The roast will be open to the consumers who attended the consumer day as well as the industry and will make for a lighthearted conclusion to a busy week of work.

All money raised from the events will go directly towards funding legislative pursuits. This is an opportunity to raise significant funds without raising dues or asking for donations from the associate members. Our annual Trade Show & International Convention is a prime opportunity for us not only to create goodwill with consumers who wish to view our industry from the inside, but also to raise funds for our ongoing legislative battles.

As the IPCPR continues to defend the industry against government legislation and regulation, the fight only becomes costlier. With this in mind, the IPCPR is looking ahead to the future funds needed to protect our industry. We believe establishing a high-end Consumer Day and Roast will provide a continued revenue stream in the future. We ask for your support in this important matter.

Press Release: CAO Concert – review to come

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cao concertThe news of CAO’s September release of the Concert has already hit in various locales around the web, but I wanted to publish the original release from General Cigar in anticipation of the upcoming review I will post this weekend.  I was fortunate enough to be furnished some samples of the Concert at IPCPR.  I have already smoked one, and will have at least one more before writing up the review this weekend.  While I have not always been the biggest fan of General, I have to admit I am very impressed with their recent offerings and their renewed innovation in blend creation and packaging.  I have no beef with them…I have just tended to focus on other producers in recent times.  Notably, they have garnered my attention with the latest cigars under the Partagas marque, and a couple of others.  I find their recent blending more appealing to my personal palate than I have given them credit for for several years.  So, here’s the original from General:

CAO CONCERT

cao concert 2From the brand that was launched in Nashville and marches to the beat of its own drum comes CAO Concert, a new collection that celebrates CAO’s ties to music and harnesses the legendary energy of Music City.

“CAO Concert was inspired by the brand’s roots in Nashville,” commented Ed McKenna, CAO’s senior brand manager.  “When listening to music at a concert, or even in your own backyard, it’s a great time to sit back, enjoy a great cigar, and enjoy the people you’re with. That’s what Concert is about.”

The four-cigar collection is firmly planted in the full-medium-bodied range, with great harmony of flavor among the tobaccos.  CAO’s Rick Rodriguez created the blend which features a special combination of four different Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers, not previously used in any other General Cigar offering. Wrapped with a lustrous Ecuadoran Habano Rosado and bound with CT Broadleaf, CAO Concert begins with a kick of pepper, mellows with hints of subtle sweetness and comes to a full-flavored finish. 

 The quartet of new frontmarks will debut at IPCPR and will be available at retail beginning in mid-September.  A rarity in the premium cigar category, each Concert cigar will have the same length of 5.5”. Rick Rodriguez explained, “With Concert, I wanted to bring out a new cigar that has really consistent flavor and body across all of the frontmarks. I believe this particular length works perfectly to maximize the flavor of both larger and smaller ring gauges.”

 CAO Concert features these frontmarks: Amp (5 ½” x 46, SRP per cigar is $5.75) Solo (5 ½” x 50, SRP per cigar is $6.25); Roadie (5 ½” x 54, SRP per cigar is $6.75) and Stage (5 ½” x 60, SRP per cigar is $7.50).

 True to CAO’s tradition of exciting and unexpected packaging, CAO Concert is presented in an innovative box inspired by a classic Marshall amp, with band art that showcases a guitar pick and Fender-style guitars.

Following its special sneak preview at the CMA Music Festival last month, CAO Concert will be sampled at cigar-friendly live music venues and music-themed events across the country. A schedule of events will be announced in the coming weeks and will be posted on the CAO website at www.caocigars.com.

 Ed McKenna promised, “We are going to make an announcement about a very exciting CAO promotion in the coming weeks, so CAO fans should also be on the lookout for that.”

 About CAO Cigars

CAO cigars are produced by General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, which manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®,  La Gloria Cubana, Punch®, CAO, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.

 ®  CAO, Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur, La Gloria Cubana and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.