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Half Ashed 182: LFD Air Bender Maduro

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La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Maduro

The La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Maduro is a cigar that has tempted me since its release. In early 2011 I visited the Dominican Republic for the first time and toured a farm where the Gomez family grows some of its tobacco. Not typically a fan of LFD I often overlooked their releases. The visit to their fields was a welcome awakening for my palate. My traveling companions and I were treated to Air Bender Torpedos and I was immediately surprised by the blend. Being one to typically shy away from strength to the nth power, I expected nothing else from the famed “double” and “triple ligero” manufacturer. I was shocked to find a blend nuanced with spice, sweetness, and hard flavors wrapped in subtlety. Pair that blend with a sweeter Maduro wrapper and I was intrigued. Fast forward to last winter and I finally had a chance to get my hands on some of them.

This 6-½”x54 behemoth of a cigar has Dominican internals and a Brazilian Habano wrapper. It’s aroma is unique in a spicy sort of presentation and the prelight is similar. The cigar reminds me of a spiced and harder version of the original. Bitter citrus notes cut through the low end to come together in an enjoyable, different package. Speaking of packaging, this cigar was only available in 24 count “Curing Barn” humidors.

Cigar News

Happy birthday Bob McDuffee!

IPCPR was this past week, and as expected there isn’t a huge number of new cigar introductions. I did notice several new things coming from Fuente, although most are limited items that are incentives for retailers. The thing that most readily caught my eye was that the 888 will be available in the Opus blend. I love this size, and frankly I believe Fuente shines in these smaller ring cigars (Casa Fuente lancero, Don Carlos lancero, Opus lancero, etc.). The 888, of course, was the Añejo vitola that launched a few years ago in limited fashion. It is one of my favorites in the line, and I’m betting it could be a favorite for my tastes in the Opus line (which I often pass over in favor of Don Carlos or Hemingway). It will be 6.875” x 44, and is listed as a Dominican puro (obviously). I have to admit, I haven’t been this excited over an Opus introduction in a long time. MSRP is $13.50, but as we all know all bets are off when they actually land on retailers’ shelves…

In a followup to a judgment that went against the cigar industry with reservations, Judge Amit P. Mehta has ruled in another case that the labeling requirements required by the incoming FDA rule must be delayed until 60 days after another pending case has been completed. The labeling requirements have long been considered one of the more onerous items in the rules, and many companies have already invested a great deal of time and money into preparing.

Halfwheel reported on a new Total Flame cigar that is on its way, which includes some Iranian tobacco in the filler blend. It will feature a CT wrapper over Indonesian Sumatra binder and fillers from Iran, Nicaragua, and PA. You may remember this company from Bob McDuffee’s focus back at IPCPR 2012. I have never smoked their lineup, but I’m fascinated with the idea of Iranian tobacco considering the near- and middle-eastern prominence in pipe tobaccos. I’m intrigued as to whether the tobacco will be similarly treated during the curing process, and if they might provide a fire-cured nuance. Anyone who sees these should drop us a line and let us know how it goes….although total production is only 10k, and only half that in will ship to the U.S.

Smokers of AJ Fernandez’ San Lotano Oval will be disappointed to hear that the line is being discontinued, reportedly to avoid confusion with their Requiem line. Apparently, CI has opted to buy out the remaining inventory to make it an exclusive for them until inventory is depleted. Better act quickly….

Drew Estate has entered into the bundle cigar arena, with some very inexpensive value priced cigars. I’m wondering how this will go, and how much influence is coming from parent company Swisher in this endeavor. I could speculate, but probably shouldn’t….tune in to the show to find out why.

Our buddy Luis at La Tradicion Cubana is releasing some aged cigars he’s been sitting on for many years. Fourteen years, to be exact. The cigars are known as the JML 1902 Reserva Familiar, and were rolled at his factory in 2004. The blend is a PA wrapper over Dominican Criollo ‘98 binder and PA filler. I wonder Production numbers haven’t been released, but they will retail for $6-7 in two vitolas – 5”x50 robusto and 7”x50 churchill

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Tatuaje Cabaiguan Maduro Robusto Extra
Tatuaje Cabaiguan Maduro Robusto Extra
Tatuaje Cabaguan Maduro Robusto Extra

Kip

Dunbarton Tobacco Trust Sobremesa Robusto Largo (5.25”x52)…”the marker”
OMS Pipes…mostly with MacBaren Navy Flake. Wow!
I replaced my Xikar MTX scissors. Oh, sweet mystery of life at last I’ve found you!

Half Ashed 181: Unbanded 035

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Unbanded 035

Unbanded 035

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

Cigar News

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

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

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

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

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

Episode 173: EP Carrillo 2011 Dark Rituals

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EP Carrillo 2011 Dark Rituals

Craig – The EP Carrillo 2011 Dark Rituals Edicion Limitada is a cigar with a special place in my heart. It’s not the best cigar in the world, it’s not my favorite size but it is the only cigar I’ve ever received for building someone a house. In 2009 I started working with a couple in the Chicago suburbs to design their dream house. We worked long and hard to marry their need for space with their desire for a healthy & efficient living space.

When it was all said and done, they had the first LEED Certified house in their county, The most efficient in their town and one of the healthiest in the state. I was proud of that house and so were they.

A long while after they had moved in they came to my office with a small parcel and a big smile. I opened it up and was absolutely blown away by the generosity displayed in giving me a box of these Dark Rituals. What we’re smoking tonight are the last three specimens from that gift and a perfect way to remember that very personal achievement.

The cigar is a gigantic vitola, larger than my gauge can even measure. I’m guessing that direct measurements would yield a 56×6-⅜” size. The wrapper is extremely dark but substantially lighter than it was initially. It’s lost some oils and shows some of the color inconsistency of a tobacco leaf that is almost water stained. All coming from the oils that used to be present.

The wrapper leaf is only called “Oscuro Maduro” by the mfg but no country of origin is disclosed. An Ecuadorian Sumatran binder sits over all Nicaraguan filler tobacco. I expect it to be dusty,with cocoa & fruit flavors dominating. I look forward to the journey.

Cigar News

Tonight, for the most part, we skipped recent happenings from the world of cigars…because we have special guest Michael Stewart.  You may remember past visits with Mike when we talked about his rolling hobbies, of both cigar and sushi nature.  He is down visiting Kip this week, and we thought it’d be cool to catch up on how his trip is going and what they have been able to see and do during the visit.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

  • Craig –
    • LFD Andalusian Bull – After only smoking 2 or 3 cigars this entire winter I have jumped back into the fray with a gigantic cigar. My first And Bull. It’s a little Air Bender, a little Double Ligero and all LFD. Reminding me much of the EZ Tantrum in the first ½” (strength-wise) it settled down into a core of actually pleasing hard flavors. It’s size is intimidating at nearly 7” and almost 60 ring but what I did manage to get through before my brush with death was enjoyable. It’s good to be back…
  • Kip
    • Padilla Fumas…despite what may have been preconceived notions if I’d known about this cigar beforehand, I genuinely enjoyed it.  Habano wrapper over mixed filler – which held together very well, burned superbly, and tasted toasty and sweet.  I dug it.
    • RoMaCraft Aquitaine.  My sweet Aquitaine.  I’ve gushed and waxed poetic over this cigar in the past, but boy have I missed them.  Mike brought some down for me, and I feel like I need to lock them away and give someone else the key.  I don’t know how they’ll last very long.  Heck, I liked them so much I have to admit Craig was right about the vitolas…I think I may like this Mode 5 even more than the Anthropology.  I don’t say that lightly, nor willingly.

Episode 157: La Flor Dominicana TAA 47

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La Flor Dominicana TAA 47th

Last year’s (fabled, per Craig) selection process led to the finished product we have before us – the La Flor Dominicana TAA 47th.  It’s a 5.5” x 52 robusto extra that features an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and Dominican/Nicaraguan filler mix.  It was available only through TAA member shops, and retailed for about $9 per stick.

Cigar News

The much anticipated…and much maligned…CA Top 25 list is making its rounds for 2016.  If you follow the list, you probably already know that the La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull topped it at number 1.  I (Kip) haven’t personally smoked this cigar yet, but I have read a bit about it.  In fact, quite a few of the things I read deemed it as being uncharacteristic of the typical LFD portfolio.  The anecdotal  trend I am seeing is folks saying it’s not as potent as the company’s standard fare, with perhaps more of a spicy profile.  I suppose I’ll have to track them down, because nicotine-heavy blends has been one of my personal reasons I avoid the brand most of the time (although there are a few I will reach for on occasion, like the Airbender).  I’d love to hear what some of our listeners think of it – because this list is often polarizing for the magazine’s readership, and I’m interested to see what Johnny-on-the-street has to say about the cigar.  The 6.5” figurado retails for about $15, and features a Corojo-seed Ecuador Habano wrapper over a blend of Dominican Criollo ’98, an undefined hybrid, and some Pelo d’Oro.

Lots of legislative news since our last show.  First, a very brief update in the form of a date.  July 28, 2017.  This is the date that the joint CRA//IPCPR//CAA lawsuit will have its day in court.  We’ve covered this in recent shows in terms of its initial filing and the FDA’s response.  We’re going to have to wait a few more months before anything really starts to move with it….

Moving along into the second bit of legislative info, the FDA has now alleged that several companies are falsely marketing cigarettes as “Little Cigars.”  Swisher is the only company in the list that I recognize having a tie to our standard roster of cigar companies, with their past premium division and current ownership of Drew Estate.  Frankly, despite my (Kip’s) typical displeasure with the FDA’s asserted long arm, I’m kinda onboard with this reach.  Similar loophole wrangling led to some portion of the mess we’re in today (i.e. roll-your-own tobacco being marketed as pipe tobacco in FL, etc.).  If these are cigarettes, call them cigarettes.  THIS is why we need a solid definition that differentiates premium cigars from other types of tobacco products.  I’m not alleging Swisher did this, but there were a number of cigarette makers in 2009 that simply changed the color of their paper wrapper to brown and called them “little cigars” to manoeuvre the tax framework.  These things are sized like cigarettes, have similar composition, and are packaged much alike…

Representative Mark Meadows (NC, Rep.) has compiled and presented a list of over 200 regulations that could beneficially be repealed by incoming President Trump.  One of these regulations is the FDA’s claim on regulating tobacco products – specifically premium cigars.  The list specifically notes the fear of the overwhelming pre-review process that the industry now faces.  Story on Cigar Coop

The 20th Anniversary Opus X has hit the market…in the brand’s 21st year (of course).  A number of retailers have been busily posting pictures as they land in stores.  The line comes in four sizes: Believe (5 3/4 x 52), Father & Son (6 1/4 x 49), God’s Whisper (6 1/2 x 56) and Power of a Dream (6 3/8 x 52). They come in 20-count boxes with MSRP pricing ranging from $17.75-20 per cigar.  I have a couple of these from the 2014 CFC, although without the fancy blue packaging.  They were distributed at this event with a simple secondary “Hublot” band, and no information given except they were 20th Anniversary Opus.  I suppose it’s time to break them out…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Alphonso custom corona 11/16 from Zedman

Punch London Club Maduro

Perdomo Lot 23 Habano

 

Kip

 

SevenSeven Cigars – Sumatra (Ec Sumatran wrapper, Criollo ‘98 binder, Piloto Cubano, Nicaraguan, Criollo ‘98 fillers) milder in flavor but just as potent as its Sumatran brother.    Habano (Habano wrapper, Criollo ‘98 binder, Piloto Cubano, Nicaraguan, Criollo ‘98 fillers) – Occasional crispness, but generally came across with lots of dark chocolate flavors.

Tatuaje Skinny Monsters – I’ve begun smoking through these as I get the chance.  I’m keeping some notes on each and will post them up once I’m through the lineup.  So far, I think the Mummy has been my favorite…which is peculiar, because I believe it has been my least favorite in the full size offerings.

Half Ashed Episode 105: La Flor Dominicana 1994

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La Flor Dominicana 1994

 Welcome to Episode 105 of Half Ashed, featuring the La Flor Dominicana 1994 as our Cigar of the Week.  Here was my description for the cigar:

The “1994” was launched this past year to commemorate the Gomez’ family’s 20 years in the cigar business.  There are 4 vitolas in the regular production lineup (which is what we’re smoking tonight): Conga (5×52), Aldaba (6×58), Rumba (6.5×52) and Mambo (7×54).  There is also one 6×54 Limited vitola that shipped in beer steins.  Unlike the regular production, this version carries a maduro Mexican San Andres wrapper.  Tonight’s cigar, however, has a *natural* version of the same wrapper over Dominican binder and fillers.  After having smoked a dozen or so of these in its young life, I’ve had a strange wandering opinion of this cigar…..but more on that as the show progresses.  They range from $6.50-7.00 in the Tampa market in box quantities of 20.  The limited Beer Stein edition, if you can still find them, runs about $225 for the stein and 20 cigars.

News

From Jeff Borysiewicz: Big day for us at Corona Cigar and our Florida Sun Grown tobacco team. It’s been nearly 40 years since the last cigar leaf was grown in the Sunshine State. Willie Herrera and the Drew Estate team put together a pair of outstanding blends using ‪#‎Cuban‬ seed, Florida Sun Grown tobacco from our 2013 inaugural crop. There is less than 800 lbs of this unique tobacco so any cigars that use FSG will be a true micro blend in every sense of the word. We look forward to the near future when we can share these cigars and this fruits of our labor and dedication with other retailers and cigar aficionados PICTURE

Governor Tom Wolf of PA has proposed a $30 billion state spending plan  that would, in part, rely on hefty tobacco taxes for funding.  This would include a cigar tax at 40% of wholesale, in drastic contrast to the current status of having no cigar tax.  The plan includes a $1 per pack increase on cigarettes (from $1.60 to $2.60 per pack), and 40% of wholesale on smokeless tobacco, large cigars, loose tobacco and e-cigarettes.  The governor expects an additional $358 Million of revenue from the cigarette tax and $84 million from cigars and OTP.  The cigar retail industry currently thrives in PA, largely due to the fact that surrounding states’ higher tax rates have driven them to the state.  Retailers have pointed this out, and some report even considering a move to Florida should the tax be passed into legislation.  PA is home to large cigar retailers Famous Smoke Shop and Cigars International, as well as numerous other smaller retail operations. STORY HERE

Crowned Heads will be releasing another state-exclusive cigar, the Yellow Rose for Texas.  The blend matches that of previously released Tennessee Waltz – CT broadleaf wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler blend.  It will retail for $9.50 per cigar, and only be available from Texas retailers with Crowned Heads accounts.  Shipping late March/early April

For the 6th year in a row, EP Carillo will be releasing a Short Run blend.  The line will be shipping some time in the next couple of weeks.  Unlike earlier iterations, the 2015 Short Run will feature a Nicaraguan wrapper – a 98 Criollo coming out of Jalapa.  The binder will be Nicaraguan and filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican leaf.  They will be delivered in 24 count boxes and three vitolas: 5×50 Napoleon, 6×52 Vencedores, and 6×60 Imperios.

Before the 10th installment of Smoke Inn’s Microblend Series has even shipped, the 11th has been announced.  It will be the Little Big Delicious, produced via Room101 for the series.  The blend will be the same as the Big Delicious from 2013, only shorter at 4.5”: Ec Habano wrapper over Honduran corojo binder and filler mix from Honduras, the DR, Brazil and Nicaragua.

There will be an extension to one of my favorites “go-to” cigars – the My Father Flor de las Antillas.  A maduro version is slated to be released at the 94th Anniversary party for Federal Cigars in New Hampshire.  The cigar will be in a 4.5”x50 vitola, and will be available in-store at the shop’s part March 14th, and on the website March 16th.  The original Instagram poster remarked that you won’t see the line again for the next year and a half after the celebration…

Quesada Espana Madness! CDM cigars and Federal Cigar are each getting their own special release of the Espana; a beli-lance for CDM (and a new and a Petit beli for the latter. Quesada also announced that a regular lance will be released again to Stogies in Houston. These are a “special” special release having been wrapped in a 3rd band specifically labeled H-Town to celebrate the shops great success and loyal following for the pencil sized vitola.

Habanos Man of the Year talk: Three awards were given for Habanos Man of the Year. Gary Heathcott, an American freelance writer who has supported humanitarian aid to Cuba and other Latin nations, won in the communications category; George Fereos, who owns and operates the Casa del Habano in Cyprus, won in the business category; and Rogelio Ortuzar, a Cuban farmer who has been producing tobacco for more than 40 years, earned the nod in the production category. From CA

Habanos news: The new Anejados are out; and they’re rather controversial. Word on the street is that they’re just a regular production cigar, picked out of the escaparate, and slapped with a special blend. RyJ Torpedo & Montecristo Churchill.

What We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

CroMagnon Breuil Panetela – Not my favorite vitola in the line. There were moments of that beautiful spicy sweet profile but it seemed somewhat ashy and overly peppery for my preference.

Kip – 

Room101 Big Payback – Underfilled with a squishy head.  The flavors were pleasant enough, though.  I just had to smoke it with kid gloves.   For $4.79 it was a respectable smoke….at $6+ I’d pass on it next time.  Healthy but manageable spice; entertaining core of black tea and leather.  A bit of a wonky finish though: long lasting but almost papery at times. [EDIT: In the final 3rd, became impossible to keep lit.  Bummer.]  The second I tried was markedly better, but I’d still be reluctant to pick up more….maybe.

Wrap Up

Next episode we will be featuring one of Craig’s selections, the Quesada España Ninfa.  Be sure to tune in Friday night at 9:30pm EST and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show.  If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the “Contact Us!” tab at the side of this page, or at the following emails:[email protected] [email protected] Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints.  We love to get your emails!  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed.  Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

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

Half Ashed Episode 099: 2000 Partagas Serie D Robusto

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2000 Partagas Serie D Robusto (#4)

Welcome to Episode 099 of Half Ashed, featuring one of Craig’s selections – and quite a treat – the 2000 Partagas Serie D #4 Robusto.  Craig’s words about this special cigar:

A traditional robusto which helped popularize the size in the 70’s. This classic cigar from Cuba is the only remaining specimen from a 16 cigar series from A-D & 1-4. Originally the rings escalated by letter and lengths shortened by number. This little trivia tidbit is a lesser known fact about what is now an incredibly popular cigar. Filled with classic “old school” tobacco based flavors, this cigar blossoms with “twang” and displays quite a bit of spice and bold sweetness when young. With a decade and a half of age, these samples are well rounded and smoothed out, while still being powerful enough to hold anyone’s interest.

News

In the news, we covered and explored a few items, including the stories summarized below.

We haven’t talked much in the past about Cabal, but they’ve been busily building a growing following.  It’s a partnership between Chris Arolfo and Hendrik Kelner, Jr. as the flagship line for Kelner Boutique Factory in the DR.  Chris posted up this week that he will be releasing a new line – the Linda, in honor of his Mom who passed away with a rare brain disorder 2 years ago.  It will help support a research/support organization for Frontotemporal Degeneration.  No details for the cigar, but I dig the idea already.

Jon Huber at The Crowned Heads has again hinted at another upcoming project for the company.  He put up a picture captioned: “Dark..bold..& beautiful. An old vitola called “Dukes” (5 1/2 x 54). Coming #2015”.  That’s all the info he’s given out thus far, but it did indeed look dark, bold and beautiful….

Longtime general manager of Davidoff’s Dominican operations Hendrik Kelner has handed over the reins.  He’s not leaving the organization, but taking on “a more global role within the company.”  Longtime employee and current VP of Tabadom’s cigar operations Hamlet Espinal will be taking over.  “Some of Kelner’s new global roles will include government relations, corporate affairs, chairing the blending and tasting panel at Tabadom and conducting educational tasting seminars around the world.”(story from Cigar Aficionado)

The CMA, which we are a part of,  put out their list of awards today.  This inaugural year included three awards:

Cigar of the Year: illusione Fume D’Amour
Company of the Year: The Crowned Heads
Cigar Media of the Year: Cigar Dojo

New Orleans is trying to pass a smoking ban that would prohibit smoking at most businesses and public space throughout the city….the year IPCPR is coming to town….

Back to Nebraska!  A bill has been introduced – but no action taken – by State Senator Ty Larson that would restore the ability of cigar bars to allow smoking in their establishments.  It has language that differentiates cigars and pipes from other tobacco use and asserts that the exemption does not interfere with the intent behind the existing smoking ban.  We’ll keep you updated on this story as it continues…..

Sam Brownback (gov., Kansas) has been busily making cuts to government in his home state…but has just this week proposed making up the near $650 million budget gap in increased taxes on tobacco and alcohol.  Liquor would have an increase of about 50% (from 8% up to 12%), while tobacco would see a much bigger jump…especially cigarettes, which have the tax rate nearly tripled.

Finally, Craig had some more insight into the recent changes in U.S. relations with Cuba – and specifically how the requirements for travel are slightly different than originally promoted…

What Have We Been Smoking?

Craig – KBF Smoking Jacket, EPC La Historia, EPC 5-year Anni, Behike 52

Kip – The Crowned Heads Four Kicks, La Flor Dominicana 1994

Listener Email

We talked over one listener email question this week, from Officer Paul:

In November I picked up a pipe and a tin of Dunhill tobacco. I left the tobacco in the tin because it looked like there was a seal on the lid. I opened it last week to find it had dried out. Is there a way to rehydrate it or is it dead and gone?

Tune in for my answer!

Wrap Up

Next week, for our 100th Episode (!) we’ll be featuring the 2005 Opus X Double Corona as our Cigar of the Week.  Be sure to tune in Friday night at 9:30pm EST and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show.  If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the “Contact Us!” tab at the side of this page, or at the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints.  We love to get your emails!  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed.  Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

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

News: La Flor Dominicana 707 Ligero

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LA FLOR DOMINICANA CIGARS 707 Ligero

La Flor Dominicana 707 Ligero

Earlier this week, La Flor Dominicana announced the impending release of a new cigar.  The 707 Ligero is reported to be a full-bodied blend, featuring an “aged Ecuadorian Habano wrapper,” and Dominican binder and filler mix.  The cigar will be the latest in a recent trend toward bigger and bigger cigars, and will in fact be the largest regular-production cigar La Flor Dominicana has ever produced.  It will be 7″ by 70 ring, and come in ten count boxes.  MSRP has been set at $10.50 per cigar ($105 per box), and should begin shipping this week (week of December 15, 2014).

About La Flor Dominicana

La Flor Dominicana is a vertically integrated premium cigar company, where we proudly control the production process from the seed to the final grading, inspecting, packaging and distribution. Our tobaccos are grown at our farm in La Canela, Dominican Republic. Our factory is located in Tamboril.

Half Ashed Episode 094: Special Blind Mans Puff Guest

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Welcome to Episode 094 of Half Ashed!  This week, the vacationing Craig has been secretly replaced by special guest Aaron Loomis of Blind Mans Puff.  We had a few minutes to talk about the fantastic job those guys are doing over on their site, as well as some interesting recent collaborations with us and other cigar media members.  Be sure you check out the Blind Mans Puff website to get the latest in their unique style of collaborative review.

Aaron was smoking a Nomad C-276 as his chosen CotW, and I selected a 2013 La Flor Dominicana Mysterio (now known as TCFKA M….check out the show to find out why).  Both cigars performed admirably during the show, so tune in to get our notes throughout.  After spending the first few minutes talking about BMP, we hit a few news items – including stories from Viaje, Casa Fernandez, Espinosa, and La Flor Dominicana.  We also gave some indepth coverage to a legislative item that deserves more press than it has received this past week – the fact that some folks in our nation’s capital have sent a letter to FDA requesting a change to the proposed regulating date in their restrictions on the cigar/e-cigarette market.  This sounds good on the surface, but has an aspect that concerns me greatly.  I don’t think we can dismiss it as simple good news for our hobby.

Finally, we gave a bit more time that might be customary for what we’ve been smoking.  This was due, in part, to an overlap in our recent cigar escapades – and that we had mixed feelings about a couple of them.  Finally, I wrapped up with a reminder that we would likely be doing another Pipe Show some time in January.  The first attempt at it was well received, and we have gotten a good deal of positive feedback…so we’re going to run with it as a quarterly (ish) feature.

In the next episode we will be featuring an Unbanded stick, so be sure to check back in Friday night at 9:30pm EST on halfashed.com where you can catch us recording and participate in the new and much improved chatroom.  The Unbanded segments are always a good way to find us humbling ourselves.  If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints.  We love to get your emails!  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed.  Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

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

Cigar News: La Flor Dominicana at IPCPR 2014

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La Flor Dominicana to introduce new items at 82nd IPCPR trade show in Las Vegas this year.

LFD has graciously sent out a summary of some new items coming out this week at the tradeshow.  I’ve included some of the most intriguing and the supplied descriptions below:

La Flor Dominicana 1994 Limited Edition Beer Stein

La Flor Dominicana 1994 Limited EditionIn honor of our 20th anniversary we have created a very special cigar uniquely packaged in a beautiful porcelain beer stein. The cigar is made with tobaccos that were set aside several years ago in anticipation of this very special occasion. The complex and powerful flavors of this cigar originate from the best fillers and binder grown on our farm in the Dominican Republic and are complemented with a sweet and savory Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper. This blend [Read more…]