legislation | Half Ashed

Half Ashed Episode 154: 2015 Angel’s Anvil

October 31, 2016 By Kip Fisher

2015 Angel’s Anvil from Crowned Heads

Tonight we’re smoking the 2015 Angel’s Anvil from Crowned Heads – the second in this series of TAA-limited releases. The 2015 edition came in the form of a 6” x 52 toro (as opposed to the 2014 edition, which was 7.125” x 49, featured on Episode 152). It features an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers, and retailed for just over $10US at release. Total production was 20,000 cigars.

Cigar News

Minute Musings and motivation….
The FDA has made an initial response to the lawsuit filed by CRA, IPCPR, and TAA back in July… [ halfwheel article ]
Donations to the troops is forbidden…but not for you personally. Tune in for our wrapup on what this all means, for manufacturers, retailers, and YOU.
In what was a surprise move to me (Kip), Cigar Aficionado is reporting that Jose Blanco has joined EP Carrillo as Sr. Vice President….
Edolara Cigars is no more…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Ashton Aged Maduro Corona
La Flor Colorado Oscuro
The Mimic A & B
Undercrown Shade

RoMaCraft Aquitaine Anthropology – I’ve had a singular one of these staring at me from my humidor for months. I’ve abstained from smoking it, knowing I couldn’t easily get more. With a friend visiting the US this week, I took advantage of the opportunity to have some more brought down so I fired this one up. Like always, it didn’t disappoint….
Camaleon Huevo de Oro – The Golden Egg. This is another of the newer companies putting out a cigar here in the DR. I don’t know if/when they will be available stateside. I enjoyed this one, but found it slightly out of balance with more potency than flavor….what this means is, it whipped me. Nice, slightly sweet profile overall – and while the strength wasn’t brash, it snuck up on me.

Half Ashed Episode 153: Cohiba Behike 56

October 30, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Cohiba Behike 56

From Craig:

In 2010 Cuba did something the cigar industry had never seen before. It figured out how to utilize a segment of the tobacco plant never used for a cigar before. The Medio Tiempo leaf was included in the Cohiba Behike line, representing its first use in any major production vitola. It is essentially the two (or 4) leaves atop of a tobacco plant that SOMETIMES grow. This is not the corona, where the ligero comes from. This is above the ligero.

The Behike was released with the front marque of 52, 54 & 56, and logically grew in size amongst its three offerings and brought an entirely new depth of flavor to the famed Cohiba flagship. Cohiba was finally deep & dark, dirty & grimey. And people loved it. A friend returned from the island in early 2010 with a bundle of 56s prior to their release. These are the cigars we’re smoking from tonight. I can’t be certain they represent the final production blend, or even the same blend amongst the entire bundle. I can be certain that they are characteristically Cohiba and many are downright earthy enough to keep even the biggest fan satisfied. Brown sugar, vanilla & earth are primary flavors. Citrus weaves in and out as a welcome palate cleanser amongst these sticks.

Cigar News

The big news for the day is another round of changes for those Cuban aficionados who travel abroad. President Obama has further loosened the restrictions on bringing Cuban goods – especially tobacco and alcohol – back to the U.S. It appears that soon the $100 limit on those 2 classes of goods will be lifted, and the allowances will be brought in line with similar products from other countries. Additionally, you will be able to bring back Cuban goods without setting specifically traveling there. Formerly, one could only bring back Cuban items if they had traveled to Cuba; now Cuban goods can be returned from trips to third-party locales. The big question remains “Can I buy Cuban cigars from American retailers? Order them online?” The answer to that – legally – is “no.”

The CAO Amazon is back! Of all the CAO releases – both pre- and post-General buyout – this was my favorite. The problem is, it’s limited in scope. The story says it’s a rare, little-produced tobacco within the blend that limits production due to its scarcity and difficulty in bringing it to market. It was originally released in 2014, but was short-lived. The latest batch should be hitting shelves over the next couple weeks. The blend is Ecuadoran Sumatra over Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan/Brazilian fillers. The special leaf contained is known as Bragança (I believe this is pronounced bruh-GAHN-suh). The new cigars come in just over $10 per stick.

Fresh on the heels of resigning from Maya Selva, Gabriel Alvarez has joined a different cigar company – Casa Cuevas – as Director of Sales. I have to admit I had never heard of Casa Cuevas, although they apparently have a factory nearby in Santiago. Based on their website, they’ve made cigars for Toraño, Leccia, and Gurkha. They previously specialized in making cigars for others, but have decided to branch out and produce some under their own name. I will report back when I know more on the brand….

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

Hoyo de Monterrey Anejados – Hermoso #4 – Lovely
Margate Pipe Tobacco

Kip

Diplomatico

Fonseca Nicaragua petit corona. Nica puro, made for Quesada by Plasencia. Wow. What a difference a vitola makes….
Leon Jimenes 300 Series

Half Ashed Episode 152: 2014 Angel’s Anvil

October 27, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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2014 Angel’s Anvil by Crowned Heads

One of the limited TAA releases for 2014, the Angel’s Anvil from Crowned Heads is a 7-⅛” x 49 churchill that features an Ecuadoran Havana wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers. It was made at EP Carrillo’s La Alianza factory in the Dominican Republic. They were originally sold for about $10.50, in boxes of 20 with a total production around 20,000. Let’s see how it is smoking these days….

Cigar News

With all the covert cigar releases showing up around the US due to the FDA legislative deadlines, there were bound to be a few that drew my attention. For no other reason than it’s so out of character with the history, I’m intrigued by one that showed up in social media feeds from Drew Estate – the DE Dominicana. Atlantic Cigar had some show up, but not a whole lot is yet known about the blend – other than that there are 3 wrapper variations (shade (which I’ll presume to be CT, but we’ll see), rosado, and maduro). These were apparently manufactured in the Dominican Republic, rather than DE’s factory in Nicaragua. I know Swisher has some operations here in Santiago, but the DE Dominicana is reported to be a longfiller, non-flavored cigar. It comes in a variety of vitolas amongst the three blends, and ranges in price from $7.25 to about $9.
Cigar Aficionado is reporting that General Cigar and Michael Giannini have parted ways. According to the article, the parting was amicable, with both parties praising each other for their time together. At least in part, the separation was attributed to FDA legislation…I will go out on a limb to speculate that this is largely because Giannini’s role in the company relied significantly on new, limited, non-traditional products that may not be feasible in the era of FDA regulation.
I saw two articles come across my feed recently from halfwheel that I thought were worthy of some discussion:
1. First, a small town in Utah has prohibited both use *and possession* of tobacco in its parks. And. Possession. Whisky Tango Foxtrot.
2. There’s an interesting editorial from Charlie Minato covering some of his collected thoughts about pricing changes that may be/should be coming down the pike stemming from regulation. He has some good insights into a few things manufacturers may be overlooking, and some potential pitfalls that could evolve from knee-jerk reactions or poorly thought-out responses. It’s definitely worth a read.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

My Father CT – Brown sugar and sharpness. You have to want it to enjoy it.
Padron Damaso – Another CT. A BETTER CT

Kip

EP Carrillo Cardinal maduro from zedman. I didn’t recall liking these much in the past, but this one (I believe he said from 2014) was quite tasty – loads of toasty flavors and perfect construction.
2016 Oktoberfest from Quesada. I keep hoping for a repeat of the 2011 blend I loved so dearly at the time…but still no dice. This was one of their better offerings, though, with more “oomph” than recent offerings and a solid dose of pert spice. It was good on its own merits, but I still miss that 2011….

Half Ashed Episode 151: Unbanded 028

October 15, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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[generic Unbanded image…not this week’s CotW]

Unbanded 028, from Kevin H.

Tonight, we’re smoking another Unbanded from the generous Kevin Hasselwander – thanks, Kevin! The following are Craig’s notes about it before lighting. Tune in for the grand reveal! A 6-½”x44 heavy in the hand, colorado colored cigar. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that it was a Cuban cigar by the texture & appearance of the (seemingly Habano) wrapper. It’s very firm and has a rustic triple cap. The appearance at the foot looks as if it’s a “book” style of bunching which, partnered with the density & weight, makes me somewhat anxious about how it draws. The unlit draw & aroma please, with the perfect resistance and a slight spicy sweetness in the sensation. We shall see how it progresses!

Cigar News

With all the FDA goings-on, there have been quite a number of concerns about cigar donations that go to American service-folk. A number of manufacturers have made it known that they have ceased their donations for fear of the practice being deemed against the sample restrictions outlined in the new regulations. It remains a gray area, but a couple of legislators have requested specific clarification from the FDA, and are introducing at least one bill that would specifically allow the continuation. It’s certainly NOT against the regs for individuals to donate cigars…but it could be construed as such for retailers and manufacturers. We shall see in the days ahead….

We don’t talk a great deal about Las Cumbres lately, Jose Blanco’s parent of the Señorial line. But, he is launching a few new lines/extensions – a Connecticut version of the Señorial, a maduro Freyha, and the Freyha 12. The first will feature an Ecuadoran CT wrapper over Dominican Piloto Cubano binder and Criollo 98/Piloto Cubano fillers. The maduro Freyha, named the Freyha Nocturnal, will feature a CT broadleaf wrapper over San Andres binder and similar fillers to the Señorial CT. Finally, the Freyha 12 celebrates her 12 years in the industry with a singular 7” x 52 churchill that carries an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Dominican corojo, criollo 98 and Piloto Cubano filler.

The popular Two Guys’ “Firecracker” has been announced for 2017. It will be coming from Fratello this time around. The 3.5” x 50 vitola will have the same blend as the Fratello core line (Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, Ecuadoran Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan/Peruvian filler. MSRP is reported to be around $6. This year’s edition was made by RomaCraft, in the CroMagnon series.
Check near the end of the show for Craig’s review of the recently released ScrewPop Ashtray!

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig
- 03 Cohiba Siglo VI
- Casa Trompeta Bahia!

Kip
- Fratello corona
- Quesada España corona
- Caminos

Half Ashed Episode 150: Montecristo No 2

September 28, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Montecristo Number 2

From Craig:

Created in July of 1935 at the Particulares factory in Cuba by Alonso Menendez (Benji), Montecristos were rolled there until 1937 when production was transferred to the H.Upmann factory, also owned at that point by Menendez. Montecristo cigars’ little known claim to fame is that they were the first cigar ever blended to focus on a core of flavors besides the typical tobacco & spice flavors. Being dubbed “new school havana flavor”, they started a revolution that continues today with many notable blends from all over the world. The #2 is the most famous of the line, though not the best selling, and undoubtedly thought of as the world’s greatest torpedo.

Cigar News

Outside of FDA items and post-tradeshow details, there isn’t a ton of NEW news this week…so I thought I’d kick around a couple things I’ve had from the show.
- Dunhill Aged Maduro. I believe this is the first time a true maduro has carried the Dunhill name. It has a Sungrown Ligero wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and Dominican/Nicaraguan filler mix. I smoked the 4”x54 short robusto, but it’s also available in 5.125”x42 Marevas and 5.5”x54 short churchill. I had mixed results with this one. After smoking two I’m torn. The first was a bit monotone, with an occasional foray into some slight bitterness. I wasn’t a fan. Giving it a second try, though, was rewarding. I still had some occasional tannic notes, but overall was much better. I’ll report back once I’ve had the last one…but for smallish cigars that will run $9.50-12 at retail, I’ll have to be pretty impressed.
- Sticking with the General Cigar theme, I also had the CAO Consigliere. This, for those who haven’t heard, is unofficially a re-introduction of the Sopranos, sans series nomenclature. The company says this allows for a much lower MSRP than the Sopranos (now $7-9 in 3 vitolas). I smoked the 5”x52 Associate (also comes in 6”x54 Soldier and 7”x56 Boss). I had better luck with this than the Dunhill mentioned above. I played Craig just for a few minutes and trimmed away some of the wrapper. Removing the wrapper gave it a very sweet essence – akin to root beer, in fact. I’ll be trying these at least once more when they hit shelves. Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper over Honduran binder and Colombian/Nica/DR fillers.
JC Newman, even in the face of new legislation and regulatory oversight, launched a new “boutique” division – 4th Generation. The company has already begun shipping (to beat the 8/8 deadline) three lines – The American, The Admiration, and The 1954. Interestingly, the cigars will be produced at their Ybor city factory rather than their Nicaraguan operations – although production is in NIcaragua until the factory has been readied for production. The company will be headed by Eric’s son Drew and wife Ariel. The American will be an American puro, featuring the FSG wrapper grown by Jeff Borysiewicz in central Florida. It will also have CT broadleaf, CT habano, and PA. The Admiration is a mix of American and NIcaraguan tobacco. Finally, the 1954 is an attempt at recreating Stanford’s Cuesta Rey 95. 1954 commemorates JC Newman’s move to Ybor. I’m interested in seeing how these lines are received, as they all carry pricing from $16-20 per stick.
The FDA lost a lawsuit this week. A district court judge sided with the tobacco companies and deemed that new packaging does NOT necessarily mean a new tobacco product. This was specifically in regard to a cigarette suit, but should cover cigars as well. FDA asserted previously that a change in any packaging would start a new application process. Notably, the judge also deemed a change in package quantity DOES signify a new tobacco product.
Kevin Talley – Sr. Directory of Legislative Affairs – has left IPCPR. No reasoning was given, but I’m intrigued by sheer curiosity of the timing…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig – A GREAT couple of weeks for me

ECCJ 20th was the dog of the show. That should tell you something
Reynaldo Canonazo 2014 from Zedman
1998 Montecristo Especials
L‘Atelier Racine – How polar opposite this experience was… from itself
Avo Syncro Fogata
Davidoff Yamasa

JC Newman Perla del Mar Maduro
The revived Oliveros from Aging Room

Half Ashed Episode 146: Punch Exclusivo Asia Pacifico

July 22, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Punch Exclusive Asia Pacifico

From Craig:

2006 Punch Super Robusto RE Asia Pacifico – 6.1”x50 – As we’ve discussed numerously, the Regional Edition releases have been a successful gimmick from Habanos SA. This vitola, popularized in basic format by the Cohiba Siglo VI in 2002/03, is one of the first large ring releases in the punch line. The line benefits from the added girth by bringing brown sugar & a little citrus to the typically tangy, almost whiskey-like spicy characteristics of the basic punch line. A classic performer and a standout in the already premium RE releases. A classic in the future.

Cigar News

Since the last episode, I’m sure we all celebrated “World No-Tobacco Day.” I know I did, with a couple cigars of which I chose to rid the planet in a series of very small fires. The United Nations took advantage of the occasion to advocate for plain packaging laws around the world. For those not familiar, these are the laws we talked about long ago in Australia – which essentially eliminate characteristic packaging on tobacco products. Boxes of cigars must be presented in basic, drab colors with little or nothing besides text identifying them as such (except in some cases, graphic depictions of tumors, etc.). The established standard “entails restricting or prohibiting the use of logos, colours, brand images or any promotional information other than brand and product names displayed in a standard colour and font.” U.N. thinking asserts that this lowers the demand for the product, and supports the goal of elimination from the marketplace. An official in a un.org article claims the laws have reduced the number of smokers in Australia by 100,000 in 34 months. How these folks continue to tout the huge drops in numbers of smokers while concurrently claiming rates of smoking commencement are at all time highs is beyond me. The aforementioned article concludes with a quote from the WHO Director General: ““On this World No Tobacco Day, we are telling the world to get ready for even more comprehensive tobacco control.” Brace yourselves, fellow cigar smokers….especially those in Canada and the U.S. You’re next in line for new legislation, including plain packaging proposal.

Those of you who enjoy a good flavored cigars have dodged a nearer bullet. As outlined by the CSP Daily News, a site dedicated to convenient stores and their sales, the original proposal of the new FDA regulation would have almost immediately killed off many or most flavored cigars – with a 90 day limit on the approval/substantial equivalence process. If you enjoy these cigars, be ye forewarned: they’re in the forefront of regulatory sights. Even though the original language was stricken, there was a phrase included that declared a longer goal to “eliminate characterizing flavors in all cigars including cigarillos and little cigars.”

Yesterday, Enrique Sanchez of 1502/Global Premium Cigars filed what I believe is the first lawsuit spawned from the recent FDA regulations within the premium cigar industry. There are a number of subtleties, but two overarching allegations in the suit:
- GPC claims the FDA is infringing upon First Amendment rights with the labeling requirements. The claim is that a.) the government has not provided any evidence that these labels are protective of public health and b.) the warning labels impede First Amendment rights by hindering the manufacturer’s ability “to communicate with the public through packaging, advertising, and intellectual property.”
- Secondly, the suit claims violation of Fifth Amendment rights. A clause in the amendment forbids the government from seizing property without just compensation. The claim is that the space to be occupied by labeling requirements on boxes and advertising materials has been unjustly seized without compensation. Additionally in this section, a claim is made that the February 15, 2007 grandfather date is arbitrary.
- It is also claimed that the provided pathway to approval is flawed and unlawful – in essence that no cigar maker would pursue the approval process for post-Feb 2007 products if they can’t show substantial equivalence due to the cost. Substantial equivalence procedure, according to FDA estimates, would run in tens of thousands of dollars…while the alternative to introducing a product will likely be hundreds of thousands.

As I mentioned, there are quite a few other intricacies with the suit. I will try to post a link to the info on our forum this week. During an FDA webinar last week, some guidance on the intent for the samples ban was provided. For now, at least informally, promos with purchase are safe. The simple giving of a sample is what will be prohibited. Making purchase to gain additional cigars would seemingly be allowed. No more samples from reps to shop customers, etc. though.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Partagas Serie du Connoisseur #1 – Much of this box has been a letdown. This cigar was not. Full, rich, spicy, everything a partagas should be. It’s always interesting to me when nearly every cigar from a box is average, then at #23 or 24 you finally get a gem. Did it just need 10 years of box time? Was it the only one with high quality tobacco in it? The world may never know…
Punch Lunch Club – These are an old Dogwatch favorite. While noticeably youthful, the flavors are there. This just goes to show that the big boys do have some mighty tasty tobacco…

Pretty run of the mill past couple weeks for me. Actually not much stuck out aside from a Ramon Allones (robusto?) and its uncharacteristic flavors…peat. Peat-fired malted barley. Weird…

Half Ashed Episode 145: Tatuaje TAA 2014

June 1, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Tatuaje TAA 2014

The 2014 limited edition Tatuaje TAA exclusive. This particular run was a 6” x 52 vitola, wrapped with Connecticut Broadleaf. The internal components are all Nicaraguan, and it was produced at My Father. About 56,000 of the cigars were produced, and they retailed at the time for about $11US.

Cigar News

A couple of petitions have been posted. Turnout has thus far been lackluster with fewer than 13k of the required 100,000 signatures posted as of this afternoon on the primary one. For all the bluster, I fear the industry is too splintered and complacent to mount an effective grassroots movement. I see a lot of social media jockeying by consumers, a good bit of energy from the small, “boutique” companies, and even some action from bigger companies (very little, for the most part)…but the low number of signatures on the petition and reports of overwhelming ignorance at the real-world consumer level have caused me some degree of trepidation. I fear the years of it being “someone else’s job” to inform everyone are coming home to roost; if the consumer base is largely unexposed to social media – and social media has been the default mode of communication – it’s no surprise that the average Joe cigar smoker in the shop doesn’t even know about the recent FDA changes. Unless the masses can somehow come down off the Facebook soapbox and spread the word in their local shop, this whole fiasco is destined to solidify in its present state. It takes fewer than 60 seconds to fill out this petition. There are an estimated 3,000,000 cigar smokers in the U.S., and fewer than 13,000 have signed in 10 days. Do that math. If people can’t rally now, when?

Nicholas Melillo’s Foundation Cigars has put out a new line – called The Upsetters. Interestingly, it features some Jamaican tobacco in the filler blend. The line will have eight vitolas, The 5”x 54 Django, 4.5” x 40 Small Ax, the 4.5” x 38 x 54 Skipper, 7” x 48 Rock Steady, and 4” x 32 SKA all feature a claro wrapper. The 6” x 60 Original Rude Boy and 6” x 52 ZOLA use a maduro wrapper, and the 4.5” x 38 x 54 Para El Sapo uses a candela wrapper. The factory has not been disclosed, but it will be manufactured in Estelí. Melillo says he wants to bring Jamaican tobacco back into prominence.

Nicaragua has imposed some restrictions on their foresting operations, due to an ongoing severe drought throughout the country. The current ban precludes the cutting and transport of naturally-occurring wood (at the moment, trees planted specifically for the purpose may be harvested). Those cigar box makers not prepared with long inventory may feel the sting of already increasing material prices, and should the drought persist I imagine some changes in packaging (aside from labeling requirements) will occur…

Never one to pass up an opportunity to tinker, Sam Leccia is launching a new line of cigars that will feature flavored pipe tobacco in the blend. The line, called Bumpy Roots, will come in three varieties – Cherry Stout, Dee’s Nut Ale, and Pap’s Blend. All three will have aromatic pipe tobacco included in the interior, and judging by the pictures showing up online, will be strongly influenced by the same. I really liked the addition of the Fire Cured leaf in his Black, but this is probably over the top for my tastes. Even when I smoke a pipe, I don’t smoke heavily flavored aromatics…and *never* a cherry blend…

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

98 Montecristo Especial – A friend asked if I could help out with a special cigar from the birth year of his newly graduated cousin and I was happy to oblige. I cracked the first of my boxes and was met with some white, pillowy mold. Not much but enough to remove the culprit sticks and put them to the top of my “Smoke Now” stash. They’re smoking like cigars in transition; not without flavor, rather swaying between the two profiles these cigars tend to embody. The light was tart & fruity and the first third progressed towards savory cocoa & creamy coffee. Excellent sticks that are always some of my favorites. These are not the best I’ve had but are perfectly constructed, very flavorful and really only suffered from the mold visually. My second box was clean and I passed along 2 sticks for them to enjoy.

Kip

PrimerAño from Chogui…I still like the Dos77 better. Much, much better.
Not much…fought off a headcold this past week.

Half Ashed Episode 143: Club Havana Coronas Especial

April 28, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Club Havana Coronas Especial

This Laguito #2 vitola, commonly known as the demi-lance around these parts but colloquially understood to be a 6”x38 rg, is a what’s commonly referred to as a “custom” cuban cigar.

Originally blended by the late Enrique Mons, this house blend for “Club Havana” is a brother of the commonly known “mons-dale”. Tonight’s examples were acquired in January of 2015 and are one of my favorite “customs” from the island. They are a wonderful mixture of brown sugar, sweet nutty flavors and at times a lovely mocha undertone.

Cigar News

EP Carrillo has shipped this year’s Short Run. It’s a new blend (Ecuadoran Habano over Nicaraguan internals), and it only comes in a single 6” x 52 vitola limited to 2,500 boxes of 10. The blend stands on its own, rather than being spun off another existing line like previous iterations. The most striking thing I noticed, however, is the price increase. MSRP this year is $12. Last year’s edition in this size was under $8…which makes for a greater than 50% increase. I realize it’s a more limited production run, and possibly better tobacco (although EPC hasn’t said anything to indicate what’s special in this year’s run, except for some Criollo ‘98 Comoto (Nicaragua) in the filler)…but I wonder why such a marked increase?

Legislative happenings….
Originally, on 4/13, the House Committee Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture passed the FY2017 appropriations bill – including language to exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. The bill must go before the House Appropriations Committee to be finalized. The proposal withholds funding for the FDA to put in place their intent to regular traditional premium cigars.*

During the House Appropriations meeting, Repr. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) proposed an amendment that would *remove* the existing language that protected premium cigars. This amendment failed at vote.

Repr Tom Cole (R-OK) also introduced an amendment that removes the existing “grandfather” date of Feb 15, 2007 to the date actual FDA rules are finalized.

While this is all good news, it’s not over. A similar passage was in last year’s appropriations bill – but didn’t make it through the entire process.

* For general information, the included language qualifies a cigar as “premium” if:

rolled in 100% leaf tobacco, bunched with 100% tobacco filler AND contains no non-tobacco mouthpiece AND weights at least 6 lbs. per 1,000 cigars AND
has 100% leaf tobacco binder and is hand rolled
has 100% leaf tobacco binder & is made using human hands to lay the wrapper or binder onto only one bunching machine [i.e. Leiberman] OR
has a homogenized tobacco leaf binder & is made in the U.S. using human hands to roll the wrapper onto only 1 machine that bunches, wraps and caps each cigar AND
is not a cigarette or little cigar (per existing definition from 2009)

Tatuaje’s Skinny Monsters have begun to arrive at retailers around the U.S. I never had much of a drive to seek out the Little or Pudgy Monsters, but I’m in for these 6” x 38 petit lances. We talked about these several months ago; this week’s initial launch is for 10,000, 10-ct samplers (1 each of the existing series) – but after this summer’s IPCPR tradeshow, there should be 400, 25 count boxes of each available. I can dig it. The samplers are running $80-85 from what I’ve seen in retailer adverts – which means you can try them all now and pick up your favorite in quantity later this year.

I think we mentioned a couple weeks ago that 1502 (Global Premium Cigars) had arranged for some limited distribution in the European market – following a few other, bigger brands over the past couple years. Now, Guayacan has joined the ranks. They announced an entrance into the Netherlands this past week. I’m still wondering what the base motivation for this phenomena is? Is it simple growth by these companies into new markets? Are some just hedging bets in case of legislative catastrophe in the U.S.?

A 6.5” 46 version of the Chogüí Dos77, called the Longsdale [sic] has shipped….and I still haven’t even tried it. I had an invite from Victor Nicolás to come by the “Top Secret Nest,” but haven’t had the chance with his recent travels and my schedule not working out. Based on my appreciation of the Rogusto, I gotta get my hands on these pronto. U.S. retail should run about $9.75 on these, and the blend is listed as being the same as the Rogusto (Dominican puro – with Havana seed wrapper over Criollo ‘98 binder and Habano 2020/corojo filler).

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Gurkha – Some Big mother *@$% from CI – As classy as its name
Cohiba Siglo II – Sick!
Ramon Allones Small Club Corona – Classy!

Kip

I expanded my Cuban sampling a bit recently, with the Hoyo de Monterrey Añejados. I honestly think I like most every other HdM I’ve tried more than these. The profile had a woodsy core that dabbled with a touch of bitterness at times. This one wasn’t worth the extra expense that came with it for my tastes.

Edouardo de Lara (El Compartir) launched a small batch of cigars locally called the Yute. The packaging is interesting, with both the band and bundle wrap being jute (the burlap material used to wrap tobacco bales). I think I actually liked these better than his original El Compartir line. They are very clean on the palate, with a bit of bright, sweet spice throughout. The price was a huge appeal as well, coming in at 156 Dominican pesos (~$3.46US) before tax. One other interesting – but perhaps controversial to some – feature is that the cigars are cut flush at the head, with a simple leaf applied over it. This necessitates either using a punch or fingernail to open the end. I don’t know that I felt one way or the other about this…I just smoke these things. It was a conversation starter, but not much more for me. I dig ‘em. So much that after trying one I committed to a bundle. The only problem is the size of the run. Only 1,000 were produced. Comes with HVA (Habana Vuelto Abajo) wrapper (Dominican) over Criollo ‘98/Habana 2020 filler.

Cigar Sidelines

Tune in toward the end of the show for a minor “crotchety old guy” rant that I had recently about how the manufacturer/distributor/authorized/non-authorized retailer system sits today. Despite differing thoughts from both Craig and Will Cooper, I’m still of the same mind as when I went into the conversation (even though I can agree with some of their points, I think the exceptions are just that – exceptions. Not the rule).

Next Episode

Next episode (144), we will be smoking an Unbanded – #027, from Dan C. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Half Ashed Episode 141: Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Dauphin

April 24, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Hoyo de Monterrey Hoyo de Dauphin

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

Cigar News

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

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

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

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

Kip

AJF Puro Autentico

Montecristo #2

Next Episode

Next episode (142), we will be smoking the Campesino Series by Tabaqueria 1844. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

Half Ashed Episode 139: Unbanded 026

March 20, 2016 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded #026, from K. Hasselwander

The unbanded vitals, as we have ’em before the unveiling….

Kip: 6.875” x 36; nicely assembled (from outward appearances); even-toned, dark brown, dry complexion.

Craig: My measurements have it at 6 ⅞” inch x 36 ring gauge. Very dry in appearance and slightly rustic, almost in a saturated and dried out sort of way.

Cigar News

Tampa’s new Davidoff lounge has its grand opening tomorrow…

Continuing with the TAA-limited releases, this year’s Angel’s Anvil has been announced by Crowned Heads. This year, the release will feature a CT broadleaf wrapper over Nicaraguan internal components. It’s a 5.5” x 54 box-pressed (Cañonazo?), made at Tabacalera La Alianza (EPC), and will retail for around $10.50 a stick. Expect these to begin shipping in May – only to TAA retailers who order at the annual meeting.

Next year’s federal budget could include a doubling of the federal cigar tax. A new program has been proposed – Preschool for All – which could be funded by an increase on tobacco taxes. Federal cigarette tax would increase from just over $1 to almost $2; the $.40 tax cap on cigars would increase to about $.94. Pipe tobacco would suffer a far greater fate – halfwheel is reporting an increase there from $2.83 per pound to $44.23! This is not likely to come to fruition, but like everything else it’ll come back around again….

The “La Tache” is coming from L’Atelier, a limited-edition 5.5” x 50 robusto. It is based off last year’s LE Cote D’Or (which we smoked back on episode 127) – which included Nicaraguan binder and filler. The La Tache will have a wrapper Sanctic Spiritus wrapper, but from a lower position on the plant than the original.

Tatuaje has announced the impending release of the “Skinny Monsters,” which will be offered in a sampler containing each of the past 10 Monsters Series blends…but in a 6” x 38 petit lancero. According to an interview on Cigar Chat, it appears that the blends will be available singly in 25 count boxes some time in the future. Expect these to ship between now and the July IPCPR trade show.

Congrats to Skip Martin and Michael Rosales for the opening of their new RoMaCraft headquarters in Austin, TX. The new site will house offices, packing for distribution, and a lounge area. Don’t get too excited for a visit, though. Unless you’re a retail account, I don’t believe it’s open to the public.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Ashton VSG Tres Mystique – I used to love these. The VSGs were my go to “luxury” cigar in the early aughts. Something has changed in them though. They’re good, but they’re not the unique, bold expression they once were. This is a little too run of the mill. It was my first cigar in 4 weeks, other than our last CotW. My palate was fresh, though I have been medicated…

Kip

Suriel – (made at Kelner Boutique Factory; Brazilian wrapper over DR/Nica/Peru…a slightly tweaked version will be hitting American shores soon).

AF SG 858 – Please, sir, I want some more…

Next Episode

Next episode (140), we will be smoking the Arturo Fuente Añejo 888. So come by Friday night and hang out with us in the chatroom during the show. If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us via the Contact Page or the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints. We love to get your emails! Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed. Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.