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Episode 187: Asylum Ogre 7×70

January 31, 2019 By Kip Fisher

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Asylum Ogre 7″ x 70

Oof. The Asylum Ogre 7” x 70. What a behemoth of a cigar. It features a Habano/Candela (Nicaragua) barber pole wrap over Nicaraguan internal components. JLedou sent these in long ago, and we’ve been a bit scared to light them up. Originally planned for a Halloween show, they were delayed until tonight. Let’s see how it goes….

Cigar News

Kretek (y’all might be more familiar with them in the cigar world as Ventura) has bought Foundry Cigar from General (STG). Michael Giannini led the creation of Foundry – you may remember Bob McDuffee chatting them up following the 2012 IPCPR show, as a result of their steampunk themed marketing. I’m not sure the market for Foundry’s product lines persisted after initial periods of launch/promotion (whatever happened with the contraption-based token/ring/fuse/whatevers that were coming originally?), as the lineup went through some changeups and cancellations around the time Giannini left General in 2016. But, since he is currently the General Manager at Ventura, he is reunited with the line and we’ll see where he takes it.
NBC reports that the FDA has begun in earnest to approach an outright ban on menthol cigarettes…and “flavors in cigars.” In comments on the move, Robin Koval (of the Truth Initiative, an anti-smoking group) stated outright his desire that “They need to get rid of all the flavors. They need to ban online sales.” The move is not unexpected, and hasn’t been a secret – but has now progressed into more public view. We’ll see how aggressively this goes through.
So. Florida has passed a Constitutional amendment (#9) that prohibits offshore drilling….and indoor vaping….on the same ticket. Go figure.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

A listener was kind enough to send Kip and I a few vintage cigars that he came into recently and was looking for us to share our opinion. I’ve now smoked several of these and have some unfortunate opening opinions. I think the cigars were dry at one point. They have a acrid bitterness in common that crosses brands and sizes. They seem like mere shells of themselves. So far a Cuesta Rey, Romeo Limited Edition and Upmann Chairman’s Reserve have all shared the similarity. All three cigars are from different locations, use different tobaccos and are completley different styles, yet still have the same common misfortune. I feel for our friend…
Viaje Stuffed Turkey – What an interesting cigar! Toasty flavors in spades without coming across dry or dead. Smoky flavors that didn’t seem as if the cigar was too “hard”. Richness that didn’t convey heaviness of body. The cellophane on these was nearly Amber where it contacted the cigars. I’m curious if that’s a sign of oil or another outside influence. Truly spectacular, especially considering I had little hope for the cigar.

Kip

Rattray’s – Black Virginia, in the same vein as my dear Marlin Flake – but perhaps a bit more subtle and less sweet. It had been over a decade since I’d popped a tin. Good stuff, although I still favor Marlin Flake if I had to pick from the Rattray’s lineup.
GL Pease – Key Largo. The cigar blend that doesn’t try too hard. My longstanding criticism of cigar leaf in pipe blends is that it is often carried out too heavy-handed. Not so with Key Largo. In fact, the cigar leaf seems to disappear at times for me. While I do enjoy KL, I still assert that if I want a cigar I smoke a cigar – and if I want a pipe, I’ll smoke a pipe. The blend is a pretty straightforward, Oriental/Latakia blend with a nice Virginia “framework”. I find lots of coffee and dark chocolate flavors throughout the bowl. The cigar leaf is kept at what I’d call a condimental level, which means it is there but not in your face. Since the long-forgotten demise of Billiard Room from C&D, and more recently of McClelland’s Dominican Glory, this is probably my favorite blend of this genre.

Half Ashed 182: LFD Air Bender Maduro

September 1, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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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 n^th 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 177: Southern Draw Quickdraw PA

April 29, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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Southern Draw Quickdraw PA

Tonight we’re smoking the Southern Draw Quickdraw PA with a Pennsylvania wrapper (also available with Ecuadoran Dark Habano or Ecuadoran CT). The binder is Nicaraguan, and filler composed of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos. We have the Short Panatela, coming in at 5.5” x 40 – but the blend is also available as a 4.5” x 44 petit corona. These are about as fresh as can be, as I only ordered them about 4 months ago and had Mike bring them down. They are AJF-produced cigars, so although owner Robert Holt’s fingerprints are all over the blend you can still see AJ’s touch come through as well. Let’s see how the night progresses.

Cigar News

My old homeland continues to slide. The University of Tennessee is going tobacco free. Of course, it’s not a huge surprise that a university – especially a state school – would go smoke free. I’m only surprised by its depth. The ban prohibits “inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette (including any electronic cigarette or similar device), pipe, or other lighted tobacco product.” The prohibition extends to private vehicles parked – or operated – on university property. How exactly do they expect to enforce that? ORIGINAL STORY HERE

For those keeping score, Tatuaje is about to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Pete Johnson has been showing the Anniversary blend in development. According to his pictures and comments, the blend will come in two sizes: Belicoso Fino (5 1/2 x 52) and Torpedo Grande (6 1/2 x 52). Also revealed is that there will be two available wrappers: Ecuadorian rosado claro or Ecuadorian rosado oscuro. The cigars will be a regular production item (like the 10th Anniversary Belle Encre and Bon Chasseur vitolas).

We’ve talked about the process for ages, probably since before Half Ashed even existed – but more cigar companies are continuing to explore markets outside the U.S. Fratello recently announced an expansion with a new distributor in the German marketplace. Omar (de Frias) already has a few European arrangements, as do several others. I speculate that we’ll see this trend grow quickly as more companies seek to develop other markets to potentially fill in gaps that *may* develop should the American market drop off…kind of spreading eggs into multiple baskets. We’ll see I suppose.

There’s been *a little* bit of movement with the ongoing big-picture story of the FDA’s quest to regulate cigars. Our last show, we talked a bit about the fact that a new comment period and review had begun to investigate the definition of a premium cigar and the efficacy/value of FDA regulation. Since then, the CAA, CRA, and IPCPR have moved to try and delay the onset of warning label requirements. These are set to begin in August, and will be the first major expense for companies complying with the regs. The requested delay stems from the fact that a new review of the upcoming regulations and if/how/whether certain aspects should be carried out may mean that the requirements will change or be removed entirely. Should this be the case, the industry would have spent a huge amount of money on pointless compliance to unnecessary/voided requirements. About the same time, a group of healthcare related entities have sued the FDA because of existing delays that have come about through moving timelines and commencement dates for various parts of the rule (as we discuss, most of these groups bringing the suit already attempted to be deemed co-defendants, alleging that the FDA would not adequately fight for oversight of the entire industry).

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

This week, Kip has smoked almost nothing….but Craig has a special Padron to talk about. Tune in for the whole scoop.

Half Ashed 176: El Rey del Mundo Grandes de España

March 27, 2018 By Kip Fisher

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El Rey del Mundo Grandes de España

Craig – El Rey del Mundo Grandes de Espana. The cigar that is a Lancero’s more suave brother. 38 x 7-⅝” naturally box pressed. This cigar is 21 years old this month and smokes as if it’s got the college education of a 21 year old. I’m hyperbolic because I love this cigar. Of all that we’ve had on Half Ashed, the El Rey del Mundo brand represents the best luck with vintage cigars that I’ve been lucky enough to experience. These are a rare treat for me. Floral, sweet and bready; almost akin to a breakfast pastry. They represent the perfect balance & complexity that a completely mild cigar can provide. They have decades left of substance and I look forward to continuing their journey right along with them. Creamy tea flavors with honey and spice round out the expected profile. When younger, which technically these are when talking vintage ERdMs, they can also be slightly toasty.

Cigar News

Soneros is back. The brand went away a few years ago, after an ownership disagreement between the Gonzalez family and Cubanacan. The case has since been settled, and the Gonzalez’ will again make the cigars (now in their La Corona factory), and White Hat Distribution will be bringing them to the US…a name you may know from the fact that they also distribute Hirochi Robaina’s lines. The Soneros will again be available in two wrappers: Habano Claro (Corona Gorda, Robusto, Toro, Gordo – ranging from $5.45-8.45) and Habano Maduro (same vitolas, at $0.50 more per cigar). Becoming available over the next several weeks.

Lots of FDA movement over the past 2 weeks. First, they are soliciting comments regarding flavored tobacco products – specifically, their appeal/usage by underage smokers. The comment period will run for 90 days, expiring in mid-June.

Next, the Omnibus (spending bill to fund the government) has gone through…again without any exemption for premium cigars. So, cigar manufacturers/retailers/smokers hopeful for some relief from oncoming regulation and deadlines will have to wait and see how some of the existing lawsuits shake out. But in the meantime, the FDA is expected to open a new comment period next week for the impact of these regs. This time, the expectation is more focus on defining premium cigars and if/how they should be regulated.

Popular forum/messageboard/gathering spot/trading club REDDIT has forbidden the trading, buying/selling, and giving of tobacco products on their software, including cigars. They issued the notice regarding a number of products, which include tobacco – and prohibit using “Reddit to solicit or facilitate any transaction or gift involving” these products.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –
- 2003 “Yolanda” Salamone
- AVO Syncro II Nicaragua Special Toro Fogata
- Southern Draw Pennsylvania Broadleaf Corona

Kip
- (DE) Herrera Estelí Norteño Belicoso Fino (5”x50) – I smoked one of these this week. I have to say that even though I enjoyed them when they debuted in 2013/14ish, the most recent one was much better. They were enjoyable for me originally, but could sometimes tapdance on the line of “shrill” or “astringent” in that their strength could overpower the flavor. This most recent example was perfectly balanced, with a good dose of chocolatey-chile flavor and heavy medium/light full strength. Very well made. I dug it.
- Crowned Heads La Imperiosa Magico – I also had the chance to revisit the Crowned Heads La Imperiosa this week. I smoked the Magico vitola (4.5”x52), which I have to say was another pleasant surprise. When these came out in 2015, they were reportedly spun off the 2014 Las Calaveras blend – which was my favorite to date. It seemed a bit more suave than I remember the Las Calaveras being…but deliciously tasty. There was some spice (actually most realized on relighting it hours after putting it down the first time), but this was tempered by a background sweetness that I really liked a lot.

Episode 170: Crowned Heads Mason Dixon

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads Mason Dixon North

After its 2014 debut, the Crowned Heads Mason Dixon Project returned with few changes in 2015. As you all may remember, the line has two different blends – the North and the South, with each being marketed in their respective territories (although I knew a few shops at the time who did some trading so that they could offer both versions) and produced for Crowned Heads by My Father. Tonight, we’re smoking the Northern Edition – which, for 2015, featured an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. For reference, the Southern Edition had a CT broadleaf wrapper, also over Nicaraguan binder and filler. For 2015, the line had a singular 6” x 52 toro vitola, although this production came pressed rather than round as the first year. The 2015 line was limited to about 30,000 cigars per Edition. They retailed for just under $10, and in fact I spotted a few still on shelves this past summer. Maybe there are still some out there if you’re interested. Initial notes – cold draw is “oaty,” or even earthy to me (Kip). It reminds me of a pretty straightforward VA pipe tobacco blend. Great draw, and seemingly well built in every respect. Evenly colored, veiny medium brown wrapper.

Cigar News

- …and the industry drought continues….
- A couple months ago, we talked about the fact that six health groups/organizations filed a motion asking to be declared defendants in the joint suit that the cigar industry (via CRA, IPCPR, & CAA) have underway. If you remember, the groups asserted that they wanted this because they did not believe the FDA would aggressively defend the legislation in its entirety. A District Court judge has rejected the request, on grounds that no evidence has been provided that the FDA would not do so, and that there was no indication of legally defensible injury to the six groups that would qualify them as defendants in this case.
- Also on the legislative front, an extension has been granted to the deadline for cigar companies’ filings of product ingredient list. This is actually the portion of the legislation that has piqued my (Kip) interest most. I’m interested to learn how aggressively this will be pursued, and how apt cigar manufacturers are at providing the list. Early in this process, it was asserted that manufacturers would need to publish anything beyond tobacco and potable water that are a part of the process. I know that more than a few (and far more than would admit it) cigar makers use some variation of “betún” to color/flavor cigars. These concoctions typically consist of some mix of any number of things – rum, wine, a tobacco “tea,” etc. It is typically used to maintain a consistent color match within batches. I’m wondering how upfront makers will be in its use and composition – and how stringent the FDA will be in pursuing the information. In any event, betún or not, the deadline has been moved back six months to May 2018. The change was made in response to hurricanes, fires, and floods in numerous cigar areas – and applies to makers/importers in those areas.
- New Davidoff HQ in Switzerland…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- La Aurora 107 Robusto – The Dominican Republic rolled into a cigar
- Tatuaje Belle Encre 2014 – These are getting stronger!

Episode 169: Unbanded 032 from J. Ledou

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded 032

Kip – Mine is a lightly colored CT-ish looking wrapper; very faint smell, containing little more than a general wisp of tobacco aroma on the wrapper; slightly more on the foot, with a darker character (brown sugar/molasses, but still faint); good draw – deliberate but free, with a bit of dusty sweetness
Craig – I can agree with your comments 90%. The wrapper has no discernible aroma but the foot description is spot on. I’ll also add that the wrapper has the “dirty”, sticky feel that comes from some aged cigars… No cold draw flavor

Cigar News

The FDA has published guidelines on the do’s and don’ts of free samples…and specifically, what is illegal. I don’t think there is a great deal of new information contained in the guidance document; just clarification on what was, for the most part, already known. To try and distill this down to its essence, consumers are prohibited from receiving free cigars from manufacturers, reps, retailers, etc. – unless money has been exchanged for tobacco in the transaction. For example, a “Buy 3 get 1 free” event is perfectly acceptable. A retailer handing a customer a free cigar simply to try is not. I believe this was pretty well expected/known previously. The gist of the new information was further clarification that business-to-business samples are allowed…but only in “limited quantity,” and only as necessary to achieve a market goal. No new guidance was offered with respect to charitable donations; consumers may still donate but manufacturers and retailers may not…which hurts organizations like CFW because the bulk of their donations formerly came from manufacturers. In reading the various summaries of the guidance, I noted a good point made in halfwheel’s coverage in that since giveaways require a purchase to have been made previously, most states would consider the exchange illegal because these types of promotions are required to be NO PURCHASE NECESSARY arrangements.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig – L’atelier Cote d’or 2015 – So much more

Episode 168: La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor

La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor “Magnifico” – 6”X52; A cigar we’ve talked about at various times over the years, these run about $7.50 for singles in Tampa, and $6.75/ea by the box. San Andres Mexican wrapper grown from Cuban seed with Nicaraguan fillers & binder.

Cigar News

In a move that shouldn’t be unexpected to anyone, CAA, CRA, and IPCPR filed a motion for injunction against the upcoming FDA requirements. The motion asserts that the labeling requirements are onerous and unconstitutional in their scope, as well as several other assertions. Additionally, the groups allege that the omission of the same requirements on the e-cigarette industry violate existing law in the equal protection clauses – which are spelled out in the 5th and 14th amendment. This assertion falls beneath 5th amendment protection in that rights may not be denied without due process (i.e. the requirements being enforced unequally). There are other items listed in the motion, such as the inclusion of tobacco retailers who blend pipe tobacco as “tobacco product manufacturers.” Specifically, the groups ask that the court:
1. Vacate and set aside the:
  Warning labels
  Classification of retailers who blend pipe tobacco as manufacturers
  FDA’s definition of “component or part” to include pipes
2. Vacate and set aside the user fee
3. Declare the deeming rule violates the first amendment
4. Enter a permanent injunction on the warning label requirement
5. Enter a permanent injunction from implementing or enforcing the other challenged aspects of the deeming rule
6. Enter a permanent injunction against the user fees
7. Award plaintiffs their attorneys fees
Following the devastating damage left behind by Hurricane Irma, TAA is opting to relocate this year’s gathering to La Romana, RD. It was slated to be in St. Maarten, but with the near certainty that the island will not be fully back in business by April, a decision was made to move the annual meeting.
In a familiar storyline, Drew Estate has recently had a truckload of cigars stolen. The scenario is very similar to a shipment of Arturo Fuente cigars that were stolen this past April. Like the first time, this truck was taken in the Miami area. Drew Estate put out the notice to inform the public – but also for retailers to be on the lookout for anyone offering discount rates on DE cigars. The specific cigars taken on the truck were Tabak Especial and Undercrown Shade.
Tatuaje has announced this year’s “Unlucky 13” retailers who will receive the bulk of the line’s dress boxes. The cigar is the “Michael” this year, based on the Halloween series of movies’ protagonist Michael Myers. Of course, if you don’t want the hassle of trying to track down and pay double or triple the MSRP for a dress box, there will be a number of regular boxes as well. As always, there will be 666 numbered dress boxes – but the standard boxes will number around 5000. The cigar will come in a singular 6.5” x 52 vitola this year, and feature an Ecuadoran habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler mix. It is set to retailer at $13 per cigar. I won’t drone on with the whole list here on the show, but will post the designated retailers in the notes…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- RASCC– So so good. Such a fruit centric Ramon Allones. Fruity & Nuts (whose?). It’s like my own personal trail mix I light on fire!
- Cab Maduro Guapos OR!
Kip
- El Artista “Pulita” – a solid offering, probably my favorite ever from this factory (home of David Ortiz’s “Big Papi”). That being said, I haven’t beaten down any doors trying to find more.
- I’ve probably had fewer cigars the past 30 days than any other month these past 10 years…and of those, many were colmado cigars. So, not much on this front for me. The good = AJF Diesel, La Aurora ADN, Nica Rustica; the bad = some underfilled, hot no-name cigar I got from a friend; the ugly = colmado cigars. Always ugly, but worth every penny of the $0.04 price tag…

Episodes 167: RoMaCraft Aquitaine Anthropology

December 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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RoMaCraft Aquitaine Anthropology

Tonight, we’re revisiting a cigar we’ve smoked, enjoyed, and talked about. A lot. The RoMaCraft Aquitaine line, in the Anthropology (corona gorda) vitola. This line features an Ecuadoran Habano Ligero wrapper over Cameroon binder and Nicaraguan filler blend, with tonight’s cigar coming in at 5.75” x 46. Skip joined us way back in Episode 028, and I even reviewed this cigar back in 2014. We have a long history with the line, and I especially admire the commitment to excellence Skip & Mike bring to the industry…let’s see if the Aquitaine still lives up to the storied reputation in my mind….

Cigar News

The big story for tonight is legislative in nature – the fact that yesterday the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018 (H.R. 3354) passed the House of Representatives. What does this mean? A lot. And not much…. Before we all start lighting those celebratory cigars, let’s take a look at what has specifically transpired. It’s true that this is the furthest the cigar industry has gotten a process that has been tried repeatedly over the past several years. H.R. 3354 does include language that exempts premium cigars from the FDA regulations we’ve been talking about for so very long – by restricting the FDA from using any funds to enforce the rule. This is huge in principal – but not a fully completed piece of legislation. The House and Senate now have to iron out any differences and bring a similar Senate bill to pass (and, of course, the President will have to sign said agreed-upon language). None of the existing Rule has changed as of now – and may not. This Act is essentially the guiding document for budgeting/spending in 2018. So, its duration ends in October 2018. To be furthered beyond that date, the process would have to be once again approved before. While I remain hopeful, I know that these types of add-on riders are very difficult to be brought to fruition for both houses to agree…however, if it does make it through the process this time around, it is also very difficult for it to be removed later on. Should both houses come to agreement and the language remain, this would at least postpone enforcement of the deadlines currently set for 2018 (warning label additions, user fees, etc.), and new products could be introduced through the involved timeframe. I’m going forward with the belief and hope that the cigar industry came away with a win, and hope the plan can come together with something workable for the industry. We shall see…..

Since our last show, Hurricane Irma made its presence known throughout the Caribbean and Florida. While it was a devastating storm, and one of the largest known in this hemisphere, it did not impact the cigar industry in a catastrophic manner. Most of the Lesser Antilles which were hammered by the storm are non-tobacco producing territory, and the industry impact was dampened on the affected islands by the fact that most do not have tobacco in the fields at the moment. Here in the DR, much of the country’s non-essential operations were closed for a day, but except for the far eastern portion of the nation most of us only experienced a rainy day with limited wind and localized flooding. Cuba took more damage. The extent of the damage to its cigar industry is yet to be seen. Many factories were temporarily closed for flooding and windy conditions. It is not yet known how extensive the damage is, as much of the country’s north coast is still flooded and without power. Florida took a serious (but less so than expected) hit from the storm, but thankfully it was diminished more quickly than forecast as it moved the length of the state. The southwestern portion of the state bore the brunt of the storm, which caused quite a bit of flooding in addition to wind damage. However, returning to cigar industry specific news, most Miami based companies avoided significant damage. Most lost a few days of work and shipping.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –
- Leon Jimenez from DC – Cedar, smoke, alcohol – There’s a story here…
- Casa Cuba – Very harsh. What gives?

Kip
- Bonus cigar….Fuente Destino al Siglo (2005 edition)
- Camacho Criollo – a cigar I’d overlooked after the company’s revamp a few years back. Frankly, the blue (Ecuador) was offputting to me, and I never looked back. DC sent me one of the Criollo while I was stateside this past summer, and I smoked it last week. I have to admit to enjoying it far more than I expected. It was spicy early on, but softened considerably during its second half. It remained interesting throughout. There aren’t many Camacho products I reach for; this one is on the list now.
- Nica Rustica – the cigar that snatched my interest a few years back because it originally was to have some Nicotiana Rustica in the blend. That particular leaf did not work out for them, and the cigar fell out of the limelight for me personally. DC also sent one of these, and it has revived my interest as well. It was very, very smoky – in flavor and literally. Tons of charred oak flavor and perfect construction were winning characteristics. I have added this to my list of cigars to bring back on my next trip to the US.

Episode 165: Hoyo de Monterrey Añejado

October 27, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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Hoyo de Monterrey Añejado

The Hoyo de Monterrey Anejados! The proverbial “Found in a warehouse” aging story come to life! SRP DIC 06 REVISADO is the box code on today’s CotW. If you buy into the marketing, these, along with a series of other initial vitolas were released in 2015. The series came from a 2006 idea to finally bring the vintage market to the Cuban distribution machine. Met with mixed reviews, this Hoyo version displays how Cuban tobacco can shine in a mild form. The cigar is a traditional Hermoso #4 (a longer & skinnier robusto) and appears dry and slightly humidity soaked. Having seen three boxes in person, all seem to appear the same. They display clean, crisp sweetness with only minimal “hoyo” sweet woody flavors. They taste more vintage than aged but only when comparing the shear amount of flavor present. Nonetheless, their flavor is enjoyable and they way they present themselves is not common amongst newer releases.

Cigar News

First up in a night of legislative news, six anti-tobacco/health groups have asked to intervene in the ongoing CAA/CRA/IPCPR lawsuit. The groups filed a Motion to Intervene, which means they are requesting the courts to include them in the suit as defendants – noting that they believe the government is not/will not properly defend the FDA regulation. The groups are:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics
2. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
3. American Heart Association
4. American Lung Association
5. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
6. Truth Initiative

UPDATE from CRA: Today, the District Court for the District Columbia rejected the motion of six public health groups to immediately intervene in the premium cigar industry’s joint lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Court will reconsider the issue if there are new developments.

In what is probably the bigger story over the past few weeks, the FDA has announced a big delay in the substantial equivalence deadline – a three year delay. The new deadline is Aug 2021. Other deadlines and guidance (or lack thereof) remain the same – including packaging requirements, etc. What this essentially boils down to is that products in the marketplace before Aug 2016 will be allowed to remain until Aug 2021 without gaining approval (the previous deadline was May 2018). This is huge for the smaller companies that were facing very expensive compliance with a foggy regulatory set in the near-term. They now have longer to prepare and budget for the process – and hopefully, get more guidance in what will even be required to meet the SE regs. The FDA commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, has also noted that a new comment period will be opened to receive and evaluate public comments about cigars and their use. The pathway to substantial equivalence – even with the new, more distant deadline – is fairly obscure, with little guidance from the FDA in what specifically will be required to demonstrate compliance.

Per a statement issued by CRA & IPCPR, Commissioner Gottlieb also noted that the FDA will undertake a new approach to evaluating tobacco policy – one “that notes a “continuum of risk” that recognizes the differences in tobacco products.” It’s worth noting also that Dr. Gottlieb stated that the FDA will “reexamine the treatment of premium cigars under the agency’s current regulatory structure. Ultimately, the agency will open a new rule making process to engage with the industry to better understand premium cigars, specifically.” In theory, I find this encouraging…but time will tell if practice meets theory.

Hawaii, California, New Jersey, Maine, and now Oregon have raised the legal purchase age for tobacco to 21

As discussed on last week’s “hangout and not a show”, the results are in! The Friends of Habanos Mould Report is in and able to be viewed. With over 30 cigars with plume/mold to choose from, 10 distinct samples (in appearance) were selected. Out of those 10, only 4 distinct components were detected. All 4 were mold. As such, FoH is offering a $250 store credit for anyone who can produce a cigar with plume. http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/topic/131757-final-mould-report/

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Kip –

RoMaCraft, RoMaCraft, RoMaCraft!
Serino Maduro XX – Ec. Habano 2000 over Nicaraguan binder & filler; produced by La Corona (Omar González Alemán). Tons of cocoa and berry sweetness…one of the better cigars I’ve smoked in a long time – even with the nearly $12 per robusto price tag.
Emilio Carpe Noctem. I found these languishing on a retailer’s shelf during my visit to TN. It was a shadow of its former self from a few years ago. I felt like it had gone very flat during that time, with some muddling of flavors and an occasional metallic taste that I didn’t care for. Tragic, since I really liked these when they hit the market.

Episode 164: Psyko 7 Maduro

July 7, 2017 By Kip Fisher

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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….