Nicaragua | Half Ashed

Half Ashed Episode 113: Davidoff Nicaragua

May 20, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Davidoff Nicaragua Short Corona

I’m joined this week by longtime friend of the show and former Dogwatch Cigar Radio cohost Dale Roush. A huge thanks to Dale for sitting in with me and catching up. We’re smoking the Davidoff Nicaragua Short Corona, a 3.75″ x 46 beauty featuring a 10 year old Habano seed Rosado wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder/fillers. This line debuted in summer of 2013, and retails for about $9.90 depending on local tax situation. Tune in to get our thoughts on the cigar, as well as a chance to see what Dale has been up to and a bit of cigar news!

News

In a topic we talked briefly about last week as an outlying possibility for a developing trend, Camacho has announced their contribution to the world of barrel-aged cigars. The Camacho American Barrel Aged will feature bourbon barrel-aged corojo as a core component. It will also come with a 5-year old American broadleaf wrapper. In fact, it almost exclusively utilizes American grown tobacco, including the broadleaf wrapper, binder and filler – including a maduro filler tobacco from Pennsylvania. A single leaf of six year old bourbon barrel aged Corojo was added to the recipe. They are promoting a national event tour to launch the line, beginning in Orlando June 8th and ending up at Tampa Humidor December 19th. It will be shipping June 15th and retail for $10-12 per cigar. I posted a story about it on the website with full tour schedule.

United Cigar, who we’ve spoken of several times in the past 2 months, is partnering with Selected Tobacco to extend the Byron line by two vitolas. Both cigars are the largest Byron vitolas to date, and as a result each blend is tweaked a bit with a higher priming to maintain the strength and flavor required to match the larger ring gauge format. The packaging has also been revamped and will include individual humitubes with the cigars. MSRP has been set at a whopping $33 a stick. Here are the details on the cigars. See full story posted earlier.

The Serie Siglo XIX, was blended by Nelson Alfonso with a goal of best representing Cuban Cigars of the 19th Century is now available in a 6 x 56, known as the Grand Poemas.

The Serie Siglo XX – also blended by Nelson Alfonso – aims at representing Cuban Cigars of the 20th Century, and is also available in a 6 x 56 format known as Habanero.

A few weeks ago we reported on an upcoming event-only offering from Crowned Heads…just as an update, the name has changed from “Snake Oil” to “Blood Medicine.” Turns out, Kendall Culbertson of Outlaw Cigar Co. owns the trademark for Snake Oil. So, to maintain the peace, the Crowned Heads folks opted to just change the name. Other details remain the same: it’s a 5.5” x 48 “super corona”; Ecuador Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. It will not be available for stand-alone purchase, and will come through event special purchases.

The still-recovering Skip Martin is closing in on shipping the much-anticipated release of RoMa Craft’s Neanderthal this upcoming week. The line carries a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Connecticut broadleaf binder and fillers that include tobacco from Condega, Estelí, Jalapa and Pueblo Nuevo from Nicaragua; Dominican olor ligero and Pennsylvania “Green River Sucker One” double ligero. The line will be distributed initially in a single 5” x 52/58 vitola, but will also include extensions soon. A shop exclusive/event 4.25” x 52 vitola will also be available soon for Riverside Cigar Shop in Indiana and Serious Cigars in TX. These two sizes will retail for $12 and $9 respectively.

While cruising the social media nether regions today, I noticed an article halfwheel posted up that they’d found in the Cañon City Daily Record from Dale’s home state of Colorado. It appears some folks in Cañon City CO are shooting for a ban on outdoor smoking in the Central Business District of the city. The claim is that smokers spilling out of buildings (due to an indoor ban) are giving the area an inconvenient image. Councilman James Characky, Jr. said. “I want to create an image of healthy, vibrant people, not an image of cigarette smoking, beer drinkers.” The mayor has proposed limiting the ban to Main Street alone, rather than the entire district.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Dale

Man O” War Armada War Horse
Black Market Vandal Toro
Camacho Triple Maduro Robusto

Kip

A peculiar Tramp Stamp – Wrapper: Habano Ecuador, Binder: Nicaraguan, Filler: Nicaraguan

Next Episode

Next episode (114) we will be featuring the Unbanded #024 from zedman. So come by Half Ashed 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 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.

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 [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

MBombay Tobak introduces new Habano Blend

May 11, 2015 By Kip Fisher

After a successful launch of their Connecticut Classic and Corojo Oscuro lines, MBombay Tobak has announced a new introduction into the marketplace. The company will soon release a “medium bodied, flavor packed cigar” called the MBombay Habano. The offering will be a part of their core line portfolio.

“It is our Passion as a Brand to create an enjoyable Experience for cigar smokers of all levels. It is our pleasure to create a medium bodied blend that truly encompasses the complexity and nuances a tasty cigar should provide.” ~ Mel Shah (Owner/Creator)

The new cigar will feature and Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over an Ecuadoran Criollo binder and filler tobacco from Nicaragua and Peru. It will be available in five vitolas, including a corona, robusto, belicoso, churchill, and gordo. Suggested retail pricing will range from $8.50 to $12.50, depending on size.

The MBombay Habano is a follow up to the company’s first year introductions listed above. MBombay supports its retailers by refusing to allow for online sales of their cigars, and provides online marketing coverage for their accounts. The company reports more than 65 retail accounts after its first year of production, and growth in the U.S. market. More information can be found at: www.bombaytobak.com.

Half Ashed Episode 112: Southern Draw Cigars

May 10, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Southern Draw Cigars – Kudzu Toro

Welcome to episode 112! This week, we have guest Robert Holt of Southern Draw Cigars. Tune in as we chat with Robert about his cigars, the philosophy behind the brand and blending, as well as a few off-topic rabbit trails. We had a fantastic time…all while smoking the Southern Draw Kudzu. Tonight’s stick is the 6″ x 52 toro, featuring Nicaraguan internal components wrapped in a Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro wrapper leaf. The Kudzu is softly pressed, with moderate tooth and beautiful dark chocolate-brown coloration throughout. It also has an element I increasingly enjoy for lighting purposes – a closed foot, which makes lighting a breeze. Besides the toro, it is also available in a 5.5″ x 54 robusto and 6.5″ x 60 Gordo. Tune in to see how it went!

News

Big news today from House of Emilio. Founder Gary Griffith has left the company, per a statement from them on social media this afternoon:

Today’s post is to inform our friends in the cigar industry about the retirement of Gary Griffith from Emilio Cigars, House of Emilio, and Delaware Cigars. Gary was a visionary and a social media marketing pioneer. His time with us was filled with laughter, caring, and many great cigars. Going forward, his legacy will continue through the brands he’s helped, the distribution company he led, and the cigars that he blended. We wish him all the best in his future adventures!

So…what does this mean? Nate McIntyre left a few months back, and I’m not even sure who is left to take the helm. I know they have several sales folks at this point, but I don’t know who is in a position to continue on.

Yesterday, we learned of that 4 Senators (including Craig’s own Dick Durbin) have proposed a NEW tax on tobacco products, including cigars. The proposal would add $0.94 per pack of cigarettes and an “equivalent amount” on other tobacco products. One of the specified goals is to make the taxation similar on all types of tobacco usage. And…predictably….it’s “for the kids.” Speculation is that the tax would add close to $1 to the retail price of premium cigars, depending on wholesale pricing. While it isn’t expected to make it to law, some day it will likely do so should the environment shift….

Nicholas Melillo – aka Nick R. Agua – has been hinting around for weeks or even months concerning possible future involvement in the cigar industry post-Drew Estate. He finally made it a bit clearer this week, with a post stating that “I don’t think there is any better way for people to understand my experience in Nicaragua than through a cigar and a brand, which i hope to debut this summer/fall. As I did with Drew Estate I am putting heart and soul into these new projects, because that’s the only way I know how to do it.”

In a story we didn’t get to last week, Davidoff will be mixing it up again – they will be introducing a Brazilian themed line. It will be rolled in the Dominican Republic, and feature tobacco from the DR, Ecuador and Brazil. Availability is limited to three vitolas – a 3.25” x 50 short robusto, 4.5” x 54 robusto, and 5.5” x 58 gran toro. Pricing has not been released, but the smallest is expected to come in around the $10 mark. The line should debut at this year’s IPCPR tradeshow.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

isla del sol – What can I say about a sugar tipped cigar from my boss? The gift was a nice gesture while we were working together on site but the reality is not my style. A better quality wrapper would have been appreciated. As would no artificial additives to the wrappers head. The cigar had an enjoyable natural tasting sweetness that I did find palatable but I just can’t get over the sticky coating. My lips ripped the wrapper a quarter of the way in and I progressively had to pick pieces off of my lips. If I wasn’t frustrated continuously I would have enjoyed the experience a bit. It reminds me of something my dad would smoke. I’m sure I’d find myself smiling one day after he’s gone if I happened to light one of these up. Too bad it would be the type of laughter accompanying those frustrating moments in life that are so mundane they’re humorous. I guess there’s something redeeming in everything if you look deep enough.

Kip

Tatuaje “Hassell” from 2013 SNS pack. Incredibly sweet aroma off the foot; The initial puffs were wildly entertaining – dark and chocolatey; lots of early sweetness with dark, cherry flavors. From midpoint on, I got a peculiar and unique flavor – hoarhound candy, or even root beer. One of the best cigars I’ve had this year….wish there were more.

Ortega “Cubao” – A couple years ago, when Eddie re-introduced these, I really enjoyed them. They had lots of bright, approachable spice and just enough of a kick to stay interesting. They seem to have maintained all their strength but lost some flavor. It seemed a bit out of balance; definitely tilted toward strength on the ol’ scale.

Some Fuente prototype from CFC2012. I love Fuente. I truly do…but I was left a bit disappointed by this one. It began with delicious, sweet toasty goodness. But around the midpoint, it became increasingly hard to get smoke from it – and the flavor went a bit more vegetal than I’d typically prefer. At first I wished I knew what it was and how to get more…but by the end I didn’t really care.

Next Episode

Next episode (113) we will be featuring the Davidoff Nicaragua short corona, with special guest Dale Roush. So come by Half Ashed 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 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.

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 [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

Half Ashed Episode 111: Crowned Heads Single Action

May 3, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Crowned Heads JD Howard Reserve Single Action

One of several 2015 LE’s from Crowned Heads, the Single Action was an addition to the JD Howard Reserve line. Only about 2,000 boxes of 10 cigars were produced, and the cigar carries an MSRP of $9.25 per cigar (and they’re still out there if you’re interested). It is a 6×38 petit lancero, featuring a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper over Ecuador Sumatran binder and Nicaraguan fillers. The line is produced by EP Carrillo in the Dominican Republic. Carrying with the JD Howard theme, the cigar is named after Jesse James’ weapon of choice – the Colt Single Action.

News

I got some info on a new line from Luis Sanchez this week, called the Figurado Series. It will initially be available in a single 5”x54 “Chulo” vitola, and two different wrappers -Ecuadoran (natural) and San Andres (maduro). Filler leaf will include some of the tobacco grown by Luis and Terry Johnson at their DOMUSA farming operation in Villa Gonzalez, DR. I did not get pricing information, but it should be stateside in the next couple of weeks.

AJ Fernandez is extending the New World line to include a Connecticut wrapped version. The New World Connecticut will feature an American-grown CT shade wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and a filler mix of Nicaraguan and Brazilian leaf – which is very different from the standard New World (“Dark Nicaragua” wrapper over Jalapa binder and a filler blend of Viso Ometepe, Condega ligero, and Estelí-Finca Soledad ligero, and “Dark Nicaragua” wrapper). It will be available in four vitolas – Corona Gorda (5.5×46), Robusto (5×50), Toro (6×52), and Belicoso (6×54). Pricing will be in line with the existing New World lineup.

Following our recent mentions of a few pipe tobacco related items, I’m happy to report that Pete Johnson is working on some blends himself. He posted up a pic of something he was smoking this week and commented that he was working on something new. He said he hopes to have something by the tradeshow. I asked where his focus might be in terms of the types of blends he was working on, and he said “Plan on more English and some English with some aromatic twists.” If that’s the case, I’m all in for trying them out. I’d love to see this project take on life. I really hope he’s actually creating blends from the ground up, and not going through a bulk blending house and just mixing off some existing compositions. Pete’s history, palate and following could really make this a boon to the pipe tobacco industry. Time will tell…

A few weeks ago, we talked a bit about La Flor Dominicana’s novel idea for having TAA members vote on this year’s TAA LE with their pocketbooks. The gathering is over, orders placed and a winner selected. The winning cigar is the 5.5” x 52 robusto. The line features an Ecuadoran habano wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican fillers. MSRP is about $9 per stick, and it should arrive on retailers’ shelves in about a month – assuming you have a TAA member retailer in your neck of the woods.

Following the lead of several municipalities around the state, Florida’s capital Tallahassee is looking to make it harder on employees who smoke. An intent has been announced to end the hiring of any tobacco users, and prohibiting tobacco/e-cig use in all govt owned buildings, vehicles, etc. – even during break times. Hiring changes would go into effect July 1, 2015, while other aspects would be phased in over the next two years (including a $20 fee [and it’s not an increased insurance premium….it’s a fee]from employees’ paychecks if they smoke).

A follow up to a program we previously discussed called Cigar Sense. Back in November we (Craig) had some choice words for a few of the statistics they shared from a survey of 400+ cigar smokers they recently spoke with. We saw some irregularities and downright confusing data being thrown about and rightfully scratched our head when trying to make heads or tails out of it. That same organization has just today discussed that they are using a “control” group of over 1,200 cigar reviews to provide a database to help smokers pinpoint sticks that will line up with their palate. The rub here is that the program determines what will fit your tastes based upon what else you like. Check out cigarsense.com for some cool introductions into the program and to formulate some of your own opinions.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

This is where we chat about our week in smoke…tune in to the show for full details about our experience with these (and more).

Craig

TL Johnson Legend Reserve 63 Maduro – I second what I said a couple shows back. Genius exemplified in a cigar.

Kip

LEAF by Oscar Connecticut. I got this from Franky99 when he was down from the GWN visiting Tampa.

Nestor Miranda SS Exclusivo Regional –

Listener Email

We (finally) got around to an email series between Craig and listener “Cigar City.” Craig fills us in on the exchange about David Garofalo’s recent trip report about his excursion to Cuba…

Next Episode

Next episode (112) we will be featuring the Southern Draw KUDZU, with special guest owner Robert Holt. So come by Half Ashed 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 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.

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 protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

AJ Fernandez to Release New World Connecticut

April 22, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Company to extend line with New World Connecticut

(Miami, Florida) April 22, 2015— Earlier today, A.J. Fernandez Cigars announced the imminent release of the New World Connecticut. The unique blend was created after a positive response from both public and critics since unveiling the existing New World line at the 2014 IPCPR tradeshow. The original line received honors as the Number 1 Cigar in the World 2014 from Cigar Journal Magazine.

We originally published details about the New World back in July 2014, which included details about the blend and the story behind it. A.J. Fernandez said: “The New World cigar was a very special project as it was the first cigar that was created with the help of my father Ismael Fernandez since he joined me at A.J. Fernandez Cigars. I am more than thrilled that the public reception has been so positive, that it has once again allowed us, as father and son to create the New World Connecticut.”

The New World Connecticut features a U.S.A-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and filler leaf from Nicaragua and Brazil, and has been blended as a medium bodied cigar. Unlike the original, the New World Connecticut will not be box pressed. The company describes it as having “notes of cream, wood, and almonds in a very well balanced and refined cigar.”

The MSRP for the New World Connecticut will stay in line with the original New World at six dollars, and it will be available in 20 count boxes. Four vitolas are set to be released:

CORONA GORDA 5 ½ X 46
ROBUSTO 5 x 50
TORO 6 x 52
BELICOSO: 6 x 54

The New World Connecticut will begin shipping in May.

ABOUT A.J. FERNANDEZ CIGARS:

A.J. Fernandez Cigars is based on the rich tradition of the Fernandez cigar legacy. A.J. Fernandez produces unparalleled, hand-rolled cigars in Estelí, Nicaragua, which have garnered numerous top ratings and acclaim from cigar publications and consumers alike. Today he continues the family legacy as he oversees production and manages the day to day operations in his factory in Estelí.

For media inquiries please contact Creativas Group Public Relations via: [email protected].

Half Ashed Episode 110: Unbanded and guest Colin Ganley

April 21, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Unbanded #022, from SmokinSteve

This week, we’re smoking another Unbanded submission, this time from listener SmokinSteve. Steve was kind enough to send these in for us. Without giving away any spoilers (and this week was a doozy, wrecking our somewhat reliable record with unbanded cigars), Unbanded #022 was 6.75″ x 54, and featured a dark brown, toothy wrapper. Tune in to find out how poorly we did with this one. Also, we have special guest Colin Ganley on to chat some more about his Twin Engine Coffee and Cigar Tourism trips – specifically, about more scheduled trips to Cuba. I know many of you are interested in that. Tune in to get the full scoop on when the next trip will occur….

News

You may remember us reporting on a new Drew Estate production for Pappy van Winkle last November….well, it has finally begun to ship….but with modification. When we originally reported on this cigar, it was to feature an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers. NOW we know that the final iteration comes with “a barrel fermented “tapa negra” style wrapper over a Mexican San Andres base wrapper.” If I’m remembering correctly from how it was presented at the 2013 tradeshow, the “tapa negra” style is simply the addition of a different wrapper over the rearward portion of the cigar. Knowing that it also has “Kentucky seed, Kentucky grown tobacco that was fire cured and then barrel fermented,” I’d guess the fire-cured leaf is the applique. The process is a way to use wrapper leaf that may have desirable flavor impact, but undesired burn characteristics. Filler blend is Nicaraguan, and the cigars will be available only through Pappy & Co.. Two vitolas – Robusto (5.25”x52) and Toro (6”x54), which will retail for $13 and $15 respectively. Also, the line was now referred to in the press release as Pappy van Winkle Barrel Fermented Cigars, rather than the Pappy van Winkle Family Reserve noted in the original information.

Gran Habano is expanding the Corojo #5 line…to include a 7×70 “Grandioso.” Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper & binder; Nica // Costa Rican fillers. $8.86 per stick.

The Chattanooga Tweetup has been scheduled for another year. It will be on August 6-8 this year, will reportedly feature a cornhole tournament!?! A full itinerary has yet to be published, but I understand this year’s $75 ticket also gets you a year of CRA membership.

Just as a service to the growing number of folks who are sending in pipe tobacco emails, smokingpipes.com [no affiliation] has a deal on Dunhill pipe tobacco tins until April 30th. Buy any 4+ 50g Dunhill tins and get 25% off!

Despite the past 3 years’ record, Viaje is reverting – at least partially – to a less-than-100% “small batch” production model. They have announced that the Exclusivo line will become regular production, available year-round. The line will feature 3 vitolas stateside (5×52 Robusto, 6×50 Toro, and 5.25×54 Double R), with one other being available in the German market. It is a Raices Cubanas Nicaraguan puro, featuring AGANORSA Criollo 98 wrapper. As a sidenote, there will be another Zombie release from Viaje this year as well. There were no further details on blend changes, etc. – but I did receive an email that one of only two accounts that will receive them will be our friend Kevin Edmiston at Winston’s Humidor in Midlothian, VA.

Cuba has been removed from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list. Obama made mention that he has contacted members of congress to support a bill to repeal the embargo. Just a friendly FYI as to the ongoing story of US/Cuba relations

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Blind Man’s Puff – #294
H.Upmann Connie A – from Zedman
Pipes! – Margate from 2005 –
An unbanded from Kip himself!

Kip

Fratello corona 5.5×46 – Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and filler tobaccos from Peru and Nicaragua; fiery spicy beginning, which quickly drops off into a sweeter, more approachable profile. Even flashes of cinnamon in the final third. Delicious..

Southern Draw “Quick Draw” petit corona – PA broadleaf wrapper; unknown internals. Very toasty cigar, with baking spice and occasional cocoa as well. Tune in for Episode 112 when we have owner Robert Holt as our guest.

Drew Estate UF-13 – I think the torcedor was wearing mittens when he/she made this one….

Next Episode

Next episode (111) we will be featuring Crowned Heads JD Howard Reserve Single Action. So come by Half Ashed 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 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.

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 [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

Half Ashed Episode 108: Herrera Esteli Norteño

April 2, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Herrera Esteli Norteño Coronita

Welcome to Episode 108! I apologize for the late posting this week, but it’s been a hectic one. Episode 108 features the Herrera Esteli Norteño, in the 4″ x 46 Coronita. From the Drew Estate website:

This full bodied, Maduro expression is the first blend released from the Drew Estate factory since Herrera was named Master Blender in June, 2014. The “Norteño” showcases extensively aged tobaccos from the Estelí and Jalapa growing regions of Nicaragua, coupled with a spicy Honduran binder and a rich, bold Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper. The “Norteño by Willy Herrera” will be available in the following six vitolas at select Herrera Estelí retailers nationwide. 4×46 Coronita, 4.75×48 Corona Extra, 5×50 Belicoso Fino, 5.5×54 Robusto Grande, 6×50 Toro, and 6.5×44 Lonsdale Deluxe.

News

Drew Estate has announced some changes to the existing Papas Fritas packaging. The cigar remains the same, but instead of the familiar metal tins you’ll start seeing them in 50-ct boxes. This will reduce the single stick price from $6.40 to $5.25. The blend (CT broadleaf over Brazilian Mata Fina binder over cut Nicaraguan fillers) will remain the same. The new packaging will begin to arrive on retailers’ shelves in the next few weeks.

The price increases are rolling in now, with Oliva this week and Padron next week. Oliva is going up by about 2.5-5% on average; Padron goes into effect April 1st, with about a $.20/cigar increase. Rocky Patel is also raising some prices April 1st – but not an across-the-board increase. Some lines; up to 5%.

Last week we talked a bit about Crowned Heads’ “Single Action”; this week, we have a bit more news about this year’s Angel’s Anvil. It will be coming down the pike in June. The 2015 edition will be a 6×52 toro, running about $10.50 at retail. Total production will be about 20,000 cigars – which will only be available at TAA member retailers. The line is made by EPC, and carries an EC Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder & fillers.

One other TAA exclusive is being produced with a twist this year. LFD will be presenting 3 different blends to the TAA membership at their 47th annual meeting this year. Retailers can place orders for their favorite of the three….and only the most-ordered blend will be produced/shipped! Other orders will be canceled. I like it. It’s a fun twist, although I’m interested to see if the retailers who want a nixed blend get a bit upset.

Espinosa/La Zona fans have something new to look forward to: the Espinosa Especial. This new line from Erik is due out in April, and brings 3 vitolas – the 6.5×48 “No. 1,” 5×52 “No. 4,” and 6×54 “No. 5.” (What happened to numbers 2 & 3?). It will feature a Mexican Capa Negra wrapper and Nicaraguan binder/filler.

In addition to the already unique focus on small batch production, Viaje is mixing it up again. They are partnering with (yet) another cigar factory for some of their lines. Pinar del Rio in the DR will be producing some of their lines. One new introduction, the Viaje Collaboration 2015, will be the first major batch created in the partnership, but PDR will assume production for some existing marques as well.

In a story that reached local to me, the Florida ABT has seized upwards of $100k in counterfeit cigars and tens of thousands of counterfeit boxes & bands – mostly Cohiba. One of the main culprits in the operation was Island Cigars, based out of Oldsmar, FL and Weekiwachee, FL (just a few miles from my house).

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Partagas Serie D Especial Edicion Limitada 2010 – *breather* – A great cigar. Half because it was a great cigar and half because it was a great gift. Not overly “EL-ish” from the dominant wrapper flavor, filled with brown sugar, earth, pepper and citrus. This was a delightful full bodied and medium to strong cigar. Yum

2010 Montecristo #2 – I’m never sure what to expect with Mc#2s. This was a stronger cigar with less tang than the 2000 vintage sticks we smoked last year on the show. I got only moderate cocoa & sweet coffee flavors that are the hallmark of this classic cigar. Marred with the highest expectations, this cigar often seems to fall short. This was an enjoyable experience but inconsistency of expected blend integrity took away from the singularity of its tasty experience.

Kip

7-20-4 Londres (5×42): Nicaraguan, Honduran, Mexican and Colombian, long-fillers, Costa Rican binder, and Brazilian Mata Fina wrappers (!) I’ve enjoyed these for a couple years on occasion. They’re a “workhorse” smoke for me – they don’t really ever stand my world on its head, but they never fail to provide an enjoyable experience. Solid woodsy core with some modest spice, decorated with an intermittent sweetness.

Punch Signature (4.5×50): I had a Rothschild in this new line, and it might be the best Punch I’ve had since the Grand Cru maduro #2 (my favorite). EC corojo wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and Nica/DR fillers. Bright spice, some cedar at times. Was a bit more potent in terms of strength than I expected. Not overpowering, but brought the “oomph” with it…

Wrap Up

Next episode (109) we will be featuring EP Carrillo Dark Rituals. So come by Half Ashed 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 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.

P.S. – If you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those [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 [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

Half Ashed Episode 106: Quesada España Ninfa

March 18, 2015 By Kip Fisher

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Quesada España Ninfa

Welcome to Half Ashed Episode 106, featuring the Quesada España Ninfa as our Cigar of the Week. This week’s cigar was one of Craig’s selections, and he has this to say about it:

In 2011 my life changed. My wife was expecting our first child and I was planning all of the Dad-to-be things we were going to do together later in life. One of those things was which box of cigars I was going to share upon my son’s birth; and with him later in life. In February of that year, I started down the path to figuring that out. I had just arrived in Santiago, DR on my first trip to the Dominican. It was to be a cigar filled, last hurrah before fatherhood settled things down a bit. At the MATASA factory I sat in a room listening to Manolo Quesada talk about the prototype cigar I was smoking. That cigar was a Robusto Espana and months before my son Luke was born, I vowed to make these cigars part of the birth of any & all of my future children. In May of that year I bought a box of Robustos and later followed it up with a box of Coronas to celebrate my second son, Liam.

Tonight’s CotW is a different vitola from this very special line; the Ninfa. A “pencil” sized cigar, these check in at 6-⅞”x32. An Ecuadorian Arapiraca wraps a Dominican binder and DR/Nica filler. These cigars are filled with beautiful cocoa, Tea and spice flavors and definitely bring a minor pepper note as well. They need to be smoked with a delicate touch but reward mightely if you behave. They’re part of Quesada’s “12 boxes for 12 retailers” project where they give one box of special Espanas to one different retailer, each month for a year. These are from the 2014 release and are from Winston’s Humidor in Midlothian, Virginia. Side note: Kevin Edmiston was on the trip with me in the Dominican where we sampled the pre-release Espanas. We were guests of Cigar Tourism (Colin Ganley, Twin Engines coffee) and enjoyed a spectacular visit.

News

Burns Tobacconist in Chattanooga has a new owner and a new shop-exclusive in the wings. Tobacconist Mike Hunter has obtained part ownership in the home of the Chattanooga Tweet Up, and was an integral part of orchestrating La Aurora’s partnering with them for the Cien Años lancero. The cameroon-wrapped cigar is 7.5”x40, the same as the original Cien Años production, and features the same blend. MSRP is set at $11.99 per stick in boxes of 25.

Pete Johnson teased a new event sampler that’s coming in the next few weeks. It will feature 5, 5.5”x52 robustos from the La Riqueza, Tat Black, Havana VI, Cabaiguan and Tattoo lines, housed in one of the Tatuaje melamine ashtrays (not a fan of those ashtrays, personally). It will initially be available for sale at Tatuaje events, but could become more widely available later. Pricing TBA.

In what is probably pretty normal but seems like strange bedfellows to me, Romeo y Julieta has partnered with Boutique Blends to produce their next line – the Romeo by Romeo y Julieta Aging Room. It will be made at Jochy Blanco’s Las Palmas factory in the Dominican Republic and will be available in three vitolas – 5×48 Copla, 6×54 Capriccio, and 6×52 Cantaor. Total production is set at about 250,000 cigars, which will retail around the $10 mark. The line will launch in April, and will be distributed by Altadis.

As posted earlier this week on Half Ashed, Viva Republica has released a special event cigar for the DC Tweet Up – a culebra. While culebras are nothing new, I love the fact that this one features one of each from the Viva Republica core lines (Rapture, Guerrilla Warfare, and Rapture Maduro). The cigars will be 5.75”x39, and will retail for $18 per set (=$6/cigar). Only 1,000 sets will be made available.

We spoke a bit about Viaje last week, and in the time since they announced two upcoming releases, The Señor Andres’ Chicharrones and The Jalapeño. The Chicharrones is interesting in that the line is actually 3 different cigars. They feature similar blends, but with differing wrappers (Nicaraguan corojo, criollo and maduro). The 4.5”x48 sticks will be made at TABSA using all-AGANORSA tobacco. The Jalapeño is a 4.875”x51 figurado out of Raices Cubana. No specifics about the blend were released.

L’Atelier is releasing a new line called the Cote D’Or (Gold Coast) next month. There will be a soft launch at Federal Cigar’s 94th Anniversary this week, but full launch will come in April. It will reportedly be a soft-pressed churchill, blended around Pelo D’Oro. Only a couple thousand boxes will be produced, and the line will retail around $16 per cigar.

What We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Club Havana Laguito #2 – Young but beautiful. I can’t wait to smoke them on the show. More appropriately, I can’t wait for Kip to smoke them!

Espana Corona – My son Liam was born in December of 2013. I forgot to smoke my first Espana Corona from his box around his birthday so I’m doing it this week to celebrate the impending close of a hellacious professional project.

Kip

Don Pepin Garcia Blue – I learned some interesting revelations about myself concerning the lancero, toro, and robusto….

Wrap Up

Next episode we will be featuring Unbanded #021, from listener DC. 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 [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!

Viva Republica Releases Limited Edition Culebra

March 12, 2015 By Kip Fisher

VIVA REPUBLICA LIMITED EDITION CULEBRA

Yesterday, Viva Republica™ announced the impending release of a Limited Edition Culebra. Only one thousand (1,000) coffins each containing a traditional three-piece culebra have been produced, shipping in retailer 5-packs (5 coffins per pack). The Culebra is comprised of three differing blends, featuring the Company’s Rapture, Rapture Maduro and Guerrilla Warfare brands.

Each of the cigars that comprise the culebra have a length of 5.75,” and 39-ring gauge. Inside each five piece package is a memo that identifies the three components by wrapper shade and discloses the blend breakdown for each cigar. The details for each cigar are as follows:

Blend Details

Rapture Natural

Wrapper – Ecuadorian HVA
Binder – Dominican Republic
Fillers – Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru

Guerrilla Warfare

Wrapper – Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder – Dominican Republic/Mexico
Fillers – Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua

Rapture Maduro

Wrapper – Mexican San Andres
Binder – Dominican Republic
Fillers – Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru

Further Information

Additional details on the card describe how to diferentiate the blends: “The lightest wrapper is the Rapture Natural. The one featuring a slightly darker colored wrapper is Guerrilla Warefare. The darkest wrapper is the Rapture Maduro blend. We could have color-coded them with more ribbons – but why take the fun out of it?” –Jason Holly

“I’ve always been intrigued by and have enjoyed culebras and wanted to use creating one as an opportunity to feature three of our core lines,” said Jason Holly, owner of Viva Republica.

The cigar(s) will officially launch during the DC Tweet Up on Saturday, March 14 at Tobaccology in Manassas, VA from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The limited run has an MSRP of $18 (excluding applicable local tax).

“Pricing was always a consideration. These are time-consuming to produce. But I wanted to keep value pricing so [more] people would try a culebra,” said Holly. I think their typical cost could be a bit of a consumer barrier.”

Viva Republica is exclusively distributed in the United States by Miami Cigar & Co.

Press Release: Jordan Alexander III Premium Cigar Company

August 20, 2014 By Kip Fisher

DALTON, PA. Jordan Alexander III Premium Cigar Company officially announces a rebranding of the company to include a new logo, band, and release. The new logo, which will be incorporated into future releases and marketing materials, can be seen at left and below text. Replacing the original “lions and crest” logo, this design exemplifies the family tradition theme of JA3Cigars. The rebranding logo is based on the Alexander Family Coat of Arms.

Partnered with the rebranding of the company, JA3Cigars is proud to officially announce a new blend produced through the Quesada Cigar Factory, expected to be released mid-Fall of 2014. Replacing the current corojo blend, the new release (known as the Jordan Alexander III Corojo) is constructed with a Dominican Corojo wrapper, Dominican binder, with Dominican and Nicaraguan filler. The Jordan Alexander III Corojo will be available in four vitolas; robusto (5 ½ x 54), toro (6 x 52), double toro (6×60), and belicoso (6 x 52). All vitoals except the belicoso will feature a pigtail cap. The new release will feature a new band, incorporating the “Alexander Coat of Arms” logo, which will be unveiled with the release.

Retailers interested in carrying the Jordan Alexander III Corojo are asked to contact [email protected] or call 1-866-216-3349. Shipment priorities are given to current retailers and are first come, first serve. The previously carried corojo, along with the original band and logo, will be discontinued at the release of the Jordan Alexander III Corojo. Current retailers wishing to maintain stock of our previously released blend are asked to contact [email protected] regarding limited production options.