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Half Ashed 184: Tatuaje Brown Label

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tatuaje brown regios

Tatuaje Brown Label (Selección de Cazadores) Regios

We all know the Tatuaje Brown label as a cornerstone of the industry post 2003. These cigars are one of the best examples of “New School” Nicaraguan blending style. Bold and citrusy, this New World example of Cuban heritage comes tonight in a 5-½”x50 Robusto Extra vitola. Sit back, relax and join us as we smoke this version from January 2010, when the Brown label was still a true Nicaraguan puro.

Cigar News

  • Fred Rewey sells Nomad to Chris Kelly & Kyle Hoover of Ezra Zion… OPEN LETTER
  • We talked, I believe, on the last show about the fact that the next Nicaraguan Puro Sabor festival has been canceled – or, more accurately, relocated and scheduled to occur in Miami in January 2019 – due presumably (although not stated overtly) to civil unrest in the country.  Now, Drew Estate has also canceled their Cigar Safari events until late 2019. The Cigar Safari events are wildly popular among DE fans, and take place at various times each year. Ticket sales were originally postponed a bit, but now won’t begin until May 2019 – with travel dates falling in Autumn of next year and Spring of 2020.  Additionally, remaining dates for this year have been scrubbed.
  • While we’re discussing cigar festivals, the Dominican ProCigar event has opened registration for next year’s event.  It will take place Feb 17-22, 2019, and the ticket price for the entire event is now $1200US – not including hotel or airfare(!).  This festival comes in stages, with the early portion taking place in Caso de Campo and the latter in Santiago.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

  • Craig
    • Lou Rodriguez – holy crap. Where did he go?!
    • Bolivar Gold Medal 2006. Interesting…
    • Marlin Flake – Pipe! – Butter butter butter. With a side of butter

 

  • Kip
    • Original Grimalkin from Emilio (not the recent re-release). It was a decent cigar still, but not the cigar I remember so fondly.  It seemed to have faded a good bit, and was somewhat muddled with its flavors. Worth smoking if you have them onhand, but not worth seeking out for me.
    • Pipes – Full Virginia Flake (which I opened during our last show).  I set a land speed record smoking through this tin. I always liked it fresh, but have to say time does very good things for this blend.  My only regret is that I didn’t cellar it in pounds rather than the handful of tins I did put aside.

Half Ashed Episode 109: 2011 EP Carrillo Dark Rituals

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2011 EP Carrillo Dark Rituals

Welcome everyone to Episode 109, featuring the original release (2011) EP Carrillo Dark Rituals.  I will be posting a written review of this cigar as well, so check back for that in our review archive.  This limited edition run is one of Craig’s CotW selections, and he describes it thusly:

The Ernesto Perez Carillo Edicion Limitada 2011 Dark Rituals is a black beauty that makes even Ram Jam proud. A large cigar for either Kip or me, it checks in at 6-½” x 56 by direct measurement. The wrapper is labeled as an Oscuro Maduro with no country of origin, while the binder is an ecuadorian grown Sumatran leaf. The filler is only labeled as “Nicaraguan”. The box has been in my humidor for over three years and all samples seem to have at one point been absolutely saturated with oils. The wrapper on tonight’s sample even has a few spots where it looks water damaged after the natural changes the leaf has gone through. It is nearly striking how saturated it looks to have been. The two of these cigars I’ve smoked in the past both seemed incredibly full bodied (perhaps due to an overwhelming smoke production) but without major complexity. Deep and sweet flavors accompanied by some tartness were basic descriptions of how the flavor presented itself. We’ll look forward to seeing how tonight’s samples compare.

News

We began the show with a then-breaking story on an announcement from Michael Huff that effective immediately he was leaving Dante Cigars.  Per his announcement, “It’s with a heavy heart that I inform you that as of 8:30pm today EST I am no longer partnered with Mohammad Fakhro and M Tobacos INC. Any questions about Dante Cigars, accounts, orders, and special appearances please call Mr. Fakhro at [….].  Thank you all for the great ride with Dante, but no worries I’ll be back to the industry soon with crazier creations”  This was an unexpected turn of events, especially in light of the fact that we had recently on bringing Michael onto the show to talk about Dante’s upcoming Purple Mofo cigar.  No news as of yet on the future of that cigar.

Fred Rewey of Nomad has been trickling out details about his new Nomad Esteli Lot 8613 for a few weeks now.  It is finally nearing released and should be shipping this Monday.  He hasn’t given blend specifics, although it is another production out of AJ Fernandez’ operation.  It will come in five vitolas (Robusto (5 x 50, $8.50), Coronita (5 1/2 x 46, $8.50), Toro (6 x 50, $8.75), Grand Toro (6 x 58, $8.95) and Churchill (7 x 48, $8.95), and in boxes of 21.

I know we have a number of Canadian listeners, so I thought I’d pass along that Alec Bradley is putting out a Canadian exclusive size in the Black Market line – called the Chunk.  Presumably it carries the same blend as the rest of the line (Nicaragua over Sumatran around Honduran/Panamanian) but in a stubby little 4.25” x 60 vitola.

Another week, another limited cigar from Crowned Heads.  THIS TWEET related a few details about a new event-only cigar from the company called Snake Oil.  It will be a 5.5” x 48 “Super Corona.”  Halfwheel has reported a few more details – namely that it’s another My Father-produced stick and that it will carry an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler.  Initial run is 6,000 cigars, but the line will be ongoing (but event-only).

Per a press release sent out this past week, Asylum is adding the 8”x80 & Super 11/18 (8” x 60/70/60) to the existing Asylum 13, 13 Corojo and Ogre lines.  The former two lines will carry the sizes at $8 per 11/18 and $10 for the 8×80…while the Ogre line will be $1 more each respectively.  They are now availalbe in trays, and boxes will be forthcoming in May.

Cigar Hustler (in Deltona, FL – between Orlando & Daytona) has an upcoming line to be manufactured by the Nica Sueño factory (of RoMa Craft fame).  The Powstanie (Po-stahn-Ya) will be available at their shop, and will also be brought to market at a limited number of other retailers around the nation.  Several pictures have made their way out this week, mostly via Instagram for the shop and Skip Martin.  The line will feature two blends, one for each of the co-owner brothers (Mike & Greg Sczcepankiewicz).  The two worked with RoMa Craft to develop some samples and had their customer base smoke them and help in selecting the final blend (a la Cuenca 5).  Mike’s blend – the Powstanie Habano – will be out in May, and features Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Indonesian binder and Nicaraguan/Dominican fillers.  Greg’s, the Maduro, will be shipping in August, and will carry broadleaf maduro wrapper over Indonesian binder and Nicaraguan fillers.  Initially, a  5.25” x 54 belicoso and 6×52 toro will be the only vitolas, with possibility for more in time.  Pricing is expected to be between $9-11 per stick in boxes of 21.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Punch Super Robusto E.R. Asia Pacifico 2008 – Wonderful soft “Punch” flavors with a terrific burn. Smoking time for this Canonazo was quick, at about 90 minutes, but the flavors were all there. This cigar seems to be at its peak (only 7 years old!). If I had to guess, it seemed almost hollow; as if there wasn’t anything behind what was being tasted. Remember me talking about cigars that allude to so much more flavor that isn’t being released yet? Well, this cigar was just the opposite. I swear it was nearly like a victory lap from a retiring legend.

TL Johnson Legend Reserve 63 – A beautiful robusto-ish sized cigar with the trademarked Luis Sanchez extreme box press. This cigar is not one to be trifled with. It is strong and flavorful, full and lasting. I find it to be at the edge of my (albeit wimpy) wheelhouse, forcing me to expand my horizons. I can dig it.

Kip

JDH SIngle Action and the Ashton VSG Tres Mystique – tune in for my thoughts here!

Next Episode

Next episode (110) we will be featuring Unbanded 022, furnished by Stephen D.  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 to [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in.  I will provide an address to send them.  Thanks!

Half Ashed Episode 083: Unbanded #018

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Unbanded 018

I apologize for such a late (2 weeks) post of this episode…..which means, by the way, that you’ll be getting TWO episodes in rapid succession this week.  I’ve been pretty tied up with preparing for my upcoming move.  Here is a brief wrap-up of Episode 083, featuring Unbanded #018, generously furnished by zedman.

News

The 2015 CFC dates have been announced by Fuente…

Don Pepin has revived the El Rey do Los Habanos line to release as a shop specific cigar for The Pipe and Pint in Greensboro, NC.  Five sizes in 23-count boxes; estimated to retail between $8-11 per stick.

Nomad will be offering a lancero in their CT Fuerte line….presented as Fred Rewey’s personal cigar.  He says these were previously just rolled for him, and that he wants to share them with the rest of us…..EC Hab//EC CT//DR & Nica.

The Nebraska AG has requested the court to reconsider their decision to declare the existing exemption for cigar bars as unconstitutional.  These requests are rarely accepted, but will at least delay the formalization of the decision for several weeks.  If accepted, the case would take several more months to get through the process of review.  As a sidenote, I read there are only 11 cigar bars in the entire state of NE!!! STORY HERE

What we’ve been smoking

Craig

H.Upmann Sir Winston

Pueblo Dominicano

Bolivar Belicoso Finos

Kip

El Suelo from DC

per Dale’s recommendation: JdN Fuerte B

Other

A demonstration of Craig’s wrapper dissection.

One listener email from Eric Bernabe.

Nomad Connecticut Fuerte line extended

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Nomad Connecticut Fuerte Belicoso Coming

Nomad Cigar CompanyNomad Connecticut Fuerte has announced the addition of a Belicoso to its popular Connecticut collection.  The Dominican-made Nomad Connecticut Fuerte line launched in March 2014, and has been previously available in four sizes (Corona 5.5″x44, Toro 6″x52, Robusto Gordo 5.5″x54, and Robusto 5″x50).  Founder Fred Rewey added the 6.25″x54 Belicoso after some experimentation with various sizes.

“I think every manufacturer sometimes has a host of other sizes for personal use or for friends that request them. Frankly, the Belicoso was just fun. It was one of those sizes in the Connecticut line that I found myself smoking a bit more often. No sense keeping them all for myself.  The industry reviews on the Connecticut Fuerte line have been very positive and I look forward to adding to the family,” Rewey added.

The release comes just two weeks ahead of Nomad’s release of a new line of Nicaraguan cigars:  The C-276. The C-276 will feature five filler leaves with two being ligero.

About Nomad Cigars

Nomad Cigar Company launched in 2012 with four sizes of classic hand rolled Dominican cigars and quickly grew the [DR] line to seven sizes. In January 2013 founder Fred Rewey ventured to Nicaragua; blending and creating the Estelí Lot 1386 and the S-307. In 2014 Nomad released the Connecticut Fuerte and will be releasing the C-276 at the 2014 IPCPR show.

Contact:

Fred “Godfadr” Rewey, Nomad Cigar Company
Twitter: @Godfadr

Half Ashed Episode 070: Elogio Excepcionales

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elogio excepcionalesGood day, folks.  Welcome to Episode 070 of Half Ashed.  We have a big show this week, with a very peculiar Cigar of the Week.  It’s the Elogio Excepcionales…which has been likened to a yam in shape.  Tune in to find out what we thought of it.  We covered several news items this week, including stories from Joya de Nicaragua, CAO, CLE, My Father, and Nomad.  Also, we got into a couple of listener emails – but had to save one of the more interesting for next week, so be sure to catch next week’s show if you can.

The biggest item for me (Kip) personally was a good discussion about the big changes I’ve been implementing at The Cigarmy.  I’ve completely revamped the look and use of the site….but the big story is the new review guidelines.  We cover it on the show, but you can read for yourself on my new Review Guidelines page, which details all the current standards.  Bear with its length; it isn’t nearly so complicated as it appears on the surface.  NOTE: One change occurred after the show recording: I have converted everything from a 10-point scale to one of 100, since most folks relate to that format.  Anyway, have at it and I look forward to feedback from you!

Next week, our Cigar of the Week will be an Unbanded (#017 from Officer Paul), so be sure to check back in next Friday night at 9:30pm EST at Cigar Federation ****We will temporarily only have chat access on our Show Page on halfashed.com.  We have outgrown our previous chat, and it has been overloading the server and causing various and sundry issues with our hosting provider.  In fact, they shut down our site this week during the show.  I have installed a stopgap chat for the time being, but it will not frame into the Cigar Federation page.  We will remedy this as soon as possible.****, where you can catch us recording and participate in the chatroom.  If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints.  We love to get your emails!  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes to subscribe.  Video, as always, will be available from our YouTube channel.

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

Press Release: Nomad Cigars Releases Two New Sizes to S-307

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Nomad Cigar Company Releases Two New S-307 Sizes 

Nomad Cigar logoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Estelí, Nicaragua (Jan 6, 2014) – Nomad Cigar Company is pleased to announce the release of two additional sizes to the S-307 cigar line.   The S-307, a box pressed Sumatra wrapped cigar, was originally released in late 2013 in three sizes and enjoyed significant success from the start – landing on several “Best of 2013” lists. [Read more…]

Press Release: Nomad Releases S-307

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NOMAD RELEASES MUCH ANTICIPATED “S-307” CIGAR

Nomad logoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Estelí, Nicaragua (November 4, 2013) – Nomad Cigar Company is pleased to announce the release of the much-anticipated S-307.  The company’s first full production cigar in Nicaragua, the S-307 is a box pressed Sumatra wrapped cigar blended and rolled at the AJ Fernandez factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

In July 2013, Fred Rewey, founder of Nomad, made a significant splash at IPCPR when he expanded from his Dominican produced core line to include the Nomad Lot 1386, a Nicaraguan Limited Edition cigar that almost immediately sold out at the show.  Rewey then returned to Nicaragua with the continued goal of creating an even higher caliber cigar than the last all the while delivering competitive pricing for the consumer. The result is the Nomad S-307.

Name: Nomad S-307
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: AJ Fernandez
Notable: 21 count, Box Pressed

Sizes / Pricing
Toro (6×50) – $7.95 MSRP
Robusto (5×50) – $7.75 MSRP
Torpedo (6.5×52) – $7.95 MSRP

In keeping with his trend, Rewey gave meaning to the name of his new cigar as well. The “S” stands for Sumatra. The “307” pays homage to the approximate square miles of the Estelì area.

“I am really excited to get this one in the hands of cigar aficionados. I received a ton of great insight and encouragement from some industry icons in Nicaragua. I am just taking it all in, learning, listening, and enjoying the journey,” stated Rewey.

Rewey launched Nomad in 2012 and immediately started adding his own twist to the cigar industry. Rewey was the first cigar maker to add social media to the outside of a cigar band by printing his personal Twitter account (@Godfadr) – an account that has continued to grow to over 20K people as he engages in constant conversation with his followers.  Nomad has been gaining international attention of cigar fans due to creative marketing and noteworthy cigars. All the while, Rewey has remained grounded.

“I try and surround myself with really smart and experienced colleagues. I am always learning new things. New techniques, new aging methods, new blends. I am thrilled Nomad cigars are so well received, it has been awesome journey so far and I look forward to the future,” said Rewey.

The S-307 is now shipping to retail locations and is Rewey’s third cigar blend offered to the retail market, following the success of the Dominican line and Nicaraguan Lot 1386.

Contact:

Sales Contact:
Nathan McIntyre, National Sales Director – House of Emilio Cigars: (615)691-1654

Fred “Godfadr” Rewey, Nomad Cigar Company
Twitter: @Godfadr
[email protected]
Phone: 855-MYNOMAD (or 855-696-6623)

Press Release: Nomad Cigar to Release Nomad S-307

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Nomad LogoEsteli, Nicaragua (July 1, 2013) – Nomad Cigar Company is pleased to announce a new Fall Nicaraguan blend called the Nomad S-307.

The cigar is scheduled to be released in September/October (2013) and will be made available to authorized retailers.

The final production is a box-pressed cigar with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper called the Nomad S-307.  It will be released in three sizes (Toro (6″ X 50), Robusto (5″ X 50), Torpedo (6.5″ X 52)) and be available for pre-purchase at IPCPR.

“I am honored to have my first full production of a Nicaraguan cigar being blended and manufactured at Tabacalera Fernandez.  The new blend is amazing and I am thrilled to expand the Nomad cigar line to include Nicaragua in a really big way,” said Fred Rewey, Founder.

Nomad Cigar Company launched in 2012 with four sizes of classic hand rolled Dominican cigars and quickly grew the line to seven sizes; not to mention conquering social media (@Godfadr on Twitter)

In spring of 2013 Rewey created Esteli Lot 1386, his first project in Nicaragua, available in limited edition 12 count boxes. Nomad’s next step is this full production of Nicaraguan cigars.

For sales Contact:

Nathan McIntyre, National Sales Director House of Emilio Cigars
Twitter: @CigarNate

Or…

Fred Rewey, Nomad Cigar Company
Twitter: @Godfadr
[email protected]

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

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

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

When asked about the release, Fred added…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact:

Nathan McIntyre, National Sales Director

Emilio Cigars

Twitter: @CigarNate

Nomad Cigar Company

Fred Rewey

Twitter: @Godfadr

[email protected]