Half Ashed

Cigar Podcast and Cigar Reviews

Home » Oliva

Half Ashed 185: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

dunbarton tobacco trust mi querida

Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust Mi Querida

From the DT&T website:

Mi Querida literally translates as “my dearest”, however it is a rather provocative word within Nicaragua used to expressly describe your secret mistress. While this may sound like an oxymoron, it is not. It is not uncommon in the culture for a man to have a mistress that is both known by and basically approved of by his wife, whereas the “Mi Querida” is the woman who neither his wife or mistress know about or would ever approve of. Cigar wise, it represents my personal maduro desires: a robust, extremely flavorful liga comprised of rich Nicaraguan leaf hand rolled in a 100% naturally fermented, heavy Broadleaf capa. Earthy and dense with a long teasing, slightly dirty finish, Mi Querida is delightfully lush and full bodied on the palate offering an extremely satisfying experience for the most passionate of cigar smokers.

US CT River Valley Broadleaf over NIcaraguan binder & filler; we are smoking the 5” x 52 “Ancho Corto”

Cigar News

    • Our condolences to family and friends of Casa Fernández blender Arsenio Ramos, who passed away at age 83.
    • Oliva is releasing a Cain Daytona in 7” x 70 format.  If that’s not enough WTH for you…it’s going to the European market.  Has the whole world gone T-U?
    • Pete Johnson announced the “Unlucky 13” retailers who will be receiving this year’s limited run of Halloween series boxes.  Presumably, unless you’re trying to ferret out the specially painted box, the cigars will be available in less-limited packaging nationwide….tune in to the show to find out which retailers will be receiving dress boxes.
    • AJ Fernandez has an extension coming to the New World series – a Cameroon offering.  The cigar will be available in 7(!) vitolas – Petit Lancero (5 x 38), Short Robusto (4 x 48), Corona (6 x 46), Robusto (5 1/2 x 54), Toro (6 x 50), Churchill (7 x 48), and Torpedo (6 1/2 x 52).  It comes with a Cameroon wrapper over Nicaraguan insides, and will be priced between $5 and $7, depending on size. It should be launching this Fall.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

    • Craig
      • Tatuaje Caz – Last show cigar, again
      • Monte #2
    • Kip
      • Not much at all, as I’ve had little time and been mostly occupied by cigars you’ve all heard about recently……..

Half Ashed 181: Unbanded 035

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

Unbanded 035

Unbanded 035

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

Cigar News

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

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

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

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

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

Half Ashed 172: La Tradicion Cubana Reserva Familiar

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

la tradicion cubana reserva familiar f

Preliminary Review – La Tradicion Cubana Reserva Familiar

Kip – Tonight’s sample of the La Tradicion Cubana Reserva Familiar (Family Reserve) is nigh on 3 years old at this point. We are smoking the toro vitola at around 6” x 48-50 ring. This line spun off the original LTC line with some minor changes – these carrying an Ecuadorian wrapper over an undisclosed binder and Dominican fillers. There’s still a similar aroma of hay on the wrapper, with a darker, more raisin-like scent at the foot. Originally, I found these very similar to the standard LTC but with more bold, spicy flavors. Think baking spice with a bit of an edge. Scored a 90.7 in my last review in December 2014.

Cigar News

Tonight, we went light on news (scant days, these are) and heavy on chatter about the featured cigar.  We did, however, remember a couple of gentlemen and masters in the cigar world that have recently passed.  We also talked a bit about some recent legislative comments from FDA commissioner Gottlieb.

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig –

2008 Fuente Anejo – Holy hell

Kip

Opus “A” from CFC 2013, courtesy of Nick
“Décima”, another offering to recently come from the makers of Chogüí and others I’ve spoken of over the past 18 months or so….
Pipes!

 

Half Ashed 171: EP Carrillo Edicion Inaugural

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

ep carrillo edicion inaugural

Preliminary Review – EP Carrillo Edición Inaugural

Craig – The EPC Edicion Inaugural was a cigar that was heralded as the reintroduction of a legend amongst casual & serious cigar smokers. Ernie Perez-Carillo was coming back after selling off his fabled brand, La Gloria Cubana, to General Cigar. His Non-Compete was up and he was ready to show that he still had the desire and skill to carve his own niche. The EI09 was widely praised for being incredibly complex and approachable. Having been at the IPCPR where it debuted, I can remember seeing billboards leading from the airport to the convention center teasing its release and Ernie’s welcome. Initially some found the cigar to be mild while others found its complexity to stand on its own and trump nicotine strength as the descriptor. What I do know is that I was not an immediate fan but soon became one after a bit of time settling down post convention. I’ve followed this 5-⅜”x52ring cigar over the years and found its journey to be a figurative rollercoaster of all aspects that a cigar can display. At times its been strong, others mild. Spicy, sweet, slow burner and fast. Even now as I sit sipping the cold draw I’m met with a new sensation; the wrapper’s aroma is an oddly enjoyable mixture of ammonia and alcohol. This cigar is 8 years old and it still has some mild ammonia! One thing I can say for certain is that it is made of top quality components and has been stored in its original cellophane, in a sealed heavy duty plastic bag since I bought it a couple of years back. It’s well cared for and seems to be taking care of the smoker as well as the smoker has taken care of it.

Cigar News

Rather than my normal summation of the news, here is a quick bullet list of a few topics we discuss in this episode:

Apple removes Cigar Aficionado’s “Where to Smoke” app from its store

Halfwheel is reporting that Swedish Match has entirely exited the premium cigar business, selling off their remaining shares of Scandinavian Tobacco Group.

Oliva Serie V Maduro is a 6”x60 again. Whatever.

Terence Reilly leaves Quesada….and quickly lands at one of my (Kip’s) favorites

It’s now more difficult (again!) to travel to Cuba as an American citizen….

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

  • Craig –
    • TLJ Tasting (from 3 weeks ago…Two cigars, multiple samples, one summation.
  • Kip
    • Son of a Mother!  I was given a cigar recently, with no band.  I was only told it was some kind of Avo, and was 2007.  That’s it.  Turns out it was quite a good cigar.  It had a bold, sweet cinnamon flavor that came through on the cold draw and stayed throughout the actual smoking (which doesn’t happen much for me).  Loved it.  Can’t replicate it.  Hate that.
    • Outside of that, I’m relegated to La Aurora’s ADN and colmado sticks – but I’m feeling the groove to fire the ol’ pipes back up.  I have slowly accumulated a workable stash of aged tobacco by muling parts of my tobacco cellar down over the past couple years.  I think it’s time to get back to it in earnest.

Episode 156: Cuban Travel with Zedman and Unbanded

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

cuban travel unbanded 029

Cuban Travel Episode w/Zedman and Unbanded 029

Tonight, we have an Unbanded from Dan C. and special guest Zedman, who is here to talk about his recent Cuban travel.  There’s not a great deal to say about an Unbanded without spoiling our chance to humiliate ourselves…but for preliminaries, it’s 5-5/8″ x 48 and sports an attractive medium brown, supple wrapper.  Tune in to see how far off we can be….

Cigar News

  • JC Newman (finally) launched the Black Diamond today.  I’ve been hearing about this cigar for 3 years or so, and my understanding from past chats with folks within the organization is that it went through a few stages before bringing it to market officially.  It was originally going to be the Diamond Crown maduro repackaged, but they had such an affinity for the name an entirely new cigar was created for it.  It’s going to come in three vitolas (Emerald (6” x 52), Marquis (5-¼” x 56) and Radiant (4-½” x 54)), and retail for $16-20 per stick in boxes of 20.  It, like other Diamond Crown products, is being rolled by Fuente here in Santiago.  The wrapper is a CT Havana-seed wrapper grown in the DR (!), and it brings Dominican filler blend as well.  It is available at Diamond Crown lounges around the U.S. – but if history repeats availability will open up to other JC Newman accounts after 6 months or so.
  • The Oliva Serie V Maduro is stuck in a loop.  This year’s edition has begun to arrive in stores and it’s very familiar if you’re a regular fan of these.  For the 3rd year running, it’s in a 6” x 60 format and features a San Andres wrapper.  MSRP is about $10, with production numbers similar to recent years around 60-80k cigars.
  • Chogui has released its latest offering in the DR, although I haven’t yet smoked this one.  The Papa Chogui began to appear in the capital last week, and should be in Santiago at this point.  It will be showing up on American stores shelves already.  It’s a Dominican puro, and was rolled in 2014.  Total production was only 8,000 cigars, so if you’re a Chogui fan you might want to get your hands on them quickly.  They’ll set you back about $9/stick.
  • I suppose I can go ahead and smoke the lone original Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin that I have staring back at me in the humidor.  It’s making its return on the upcoming “Oh F*ck I’m Lost” tour by Tatuaje.  Additionally, the Pork Chop and Le Vignoble are coming.  Pete has said he tried to recreate the blends as closely as possible to the originals, using the same blend.  It will be extremely limited, in that it will only be sold at the 9 stores on the tour dates…but plans are in the works for subsequent releases.  The pricing is set at PT=$9, PC=$12, and LV=$12.  The details on those originals were:
    • Pork Tenderloin – 4” x 46 Nicaraguan puro
    • Pork Chop – 5-⅛” x 52 CT Broadleaf over Nicaragua/Nicaragua
    • Le Vignoble – 6” x 38 Ecuadoran Habano over Nicaragua/Nicaragua

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

We didn’t get around to this segment for Episode 156, as we were keen to talk with Zedman about his recent vacation in Cuba.  You don’t want to miss his take on his trip post-American influx.

Half Ashed Episode 147: Ezra Zion and Wildcard

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

Ezra Zion Chocolate Porter

Photo credit: ezrazionstore.com

CotW – Ezra Zion Chocolate Porter, and……

Kip – Ezra Zion Chocolate Porter:  This was a limited run released by the guys at Ezra Zion a couple months ago.  It features a San Andres wrapper, and had a very limited production of 645 cigars.  The release promises deep, roasty flavors coupled with some vanilla, coffee bean and licorice. Also promises not to nuke your palate with strong tobaccos….let’s give it a whirl.
Craig – ….did not write his notes….

Cigar News

There are *tons* of new cigars being announced leading up to IPCPR…but woefully few details to be honest. Sure, some are forthcoming. But it seems more than ever that cigar makers are reserving specifics until the show.

Oliva has been acquired by J. Cortes…

In addition to the already-regular-production Tatuaje Black PC, a few new sizes are now going to be available full time: Petit Robusto (4 x 50), Corona Gorda (5 5/8 x 46), Cazador (6 3/8 x 43) and Gran Toro (6 1/2 x 52). I had the chance to smoke the Petit Robusto this week, and rather enjoyed it. I find these not to be too radically different by vitola. They’ve done a good job of tweaking the blend to retain its character in all the various expressions. I do dig that CG as my personal favorite size, though…

A few more surprises….

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 2014 EL
la Atelier C’ote d’or

Kip

Don Carlos Personal Reserve
Undercrown Robusto
I picked up – but have not yet smoked – the Tat TAA LE for 2016, and the Crowned Heads Las Calaveras 2016. I’ll report back ASAP.

Listener Email

John From Chicago shares the response he received from US Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky after he sent her the form letter the CRA has on its website in support of HR662 “Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act”

Email 1 from John

From: U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Your recent message

Dear Mr. REDACTED:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for H.R. 662, the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act. I appreciate hearing from you.

H.R. 662 would statutorily exempt cigars from the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA). The TCA granted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to deem all tobacco products under its authority. While cigars are considered tobacco products, the existing law does not explicitly mention cigars. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposed rule deeming tobacco products under its jurisdiction. The FDA proposed two alternatives for the treatment of cigars – one option would make all cigars subject to FDA jurisdiction and the other option would specifically exclude cigars designated as “premium cigars” from FDA jurisdiction. The FDA accepted public comment on these two options and is currently reviewing those comments. I will closely follow this process.

While I appreciate your concerns about the proposed regulations and will work to minimize the impact of the law on small businesses, I support FDA’s authority to regulate cigars as needed to protect and promote public health. I oppose H.R. 662because there are serious health risks associated with cigar smoking, and I believe people should be made aware of them. I am committed to warning people about the health consequences associated with cigars, and I am particularly concerned with preventing teenagers from using tobacco products.

Although we disagree on this issue, I appreciate hearing from you. Please do not hesitate to contact me whenever I may be of assistance.

Sincerely,
Jan Schakowsky
Member of Congress

Email 2 from “Grey Goose”

Subject: Re: Black Dog Coffee

I am a new to CCs … and that has been awesome.

I have (interest in) some Monte #3’s, some PSD4’s, Upmann Mag 46’s, some SLR’s, a few Juan Lopez No 1’s and 2’s that I liked, but thought I’d ask what are your top few CC’s that should be on top of my list?

Have been fly fishing the St Joe and Coeur d’Alene rivers lately, the Westslope Cutthroat biting!

Cheers,

Grey Goose

Half Ashed Episode 132: Asylum 99 Problems

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

asylum 99 problems

Asylum 99 Problems

The singular oddball in the Asylum 13 lineup, tonight’s cigar is the Asylum 99 Problems – a 7” x 38 lancero standing in stark contrast to the rest of the line – which typically runs in oversized vitolas.  The cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, although it is manufactured in Christian Eiroa’s “El Aladino” factory in Honduras.  The story says owner Tom Lazuka asked Christian Eiroa how many lanceros would fit in an Ogre box – and the answer was 99.  Hence, the name.  The cigar was produced in limited quantity (500 boxes of 99), and retailed around the $7 mark.

Cigar News

The Oliva Serie V Maduro for 2015 has landed.  Like last year, it’s in a 6” x 60 vitola with San Andres wrapper.  MSRP was reported at $10/stick, up $.50 each over last year – but my old shop has them at $9.60 for singles and $86 per box of ten.

Casa Fernandez has expanded the JFR line…and it’s not in a behemoth ring!  It’s a 7” x 50 churchill, and will be made at the CF (TABSA) factory in Estelí.  It features an untrimmed, shaggy foot and will retail around $8.  Should be shipping this week.

In our final of these updates this year, Quesada has released the last allotment of the España petit belicoso.  Rather than the typical singular box of 100 to a selected retailer, TWO were sent out for December…Mickey Blake’s in Connecticut and Tobacco Plaza in New York.

Right on time with our recently begun semi-vertical tasting of ER’s, two new ones are coming down the pike:

The La Escepcion is being expanded with a second size, as an ER for Italy.  It comes in a 5” x 48, and will retail for the equivalent of just over $16USD….but to get them you’ll have to go to Italy or know someone who is

There’s also a new French ER, in the form of the Quai d’Orsay Robusto Diplomatico.  It’s also in a 5” x 48 vitola, will retail for just under a $14USD equivalent.  

Victor Nicholas, of Chogui, announced this week that he’ll be adding another vitola to the Dos77 lineup – the “longsdale” at 6.5” x 46….same blend as the “rogusto,” and shipping in Jan/Feb 2016.

C.Gars Limited’s winter auction!

For reasons that aren’t all entirely clear to me, the FDA has reopened a comment period for their upcoming proposed regulations concerning cigars and other tobacco products.  You can make your comments through December 30th…so get on it.  

What Else We’ve Been Smoking

Craig

Warped La Colmena #36 – A slighter Laguito #2, this 6×36 is a powerhouse! It’s sharp & flavorful with lots of smoke production & a terrific draw. There’s a lot of marketing hype surrounding these but the cigar stands for itself. It’s In your face enough to please seasoned smokers but approachable enough to slyly make a newby green. I enjoy the mild sweetness in the first third and the blossoming depth as it progresses. A slight room aroma of pot was a distraction. This was the worst part of the experience for me.

Kip

Outlaw Cigars Gunslinger “Drifter” – another AJF produced stick…but I didn’t find it typical.  You can pick out AJF’s signature here & there, but it was more sedate and lacked the “bite” that I often find in his blends.  I really enjoyed it – lots of nuttiness throughout, earthiness in the middlegrounds.  Flawless construction.  Dig it.

Next Episode

In the next episode (132), we will be smoking the Bolivar Libertador ER Francia.  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 096: illusione Fume D’Amour

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

illusione fume d amour

illusione Fume D’Amour

Welcome to Episode 096!  Tonight, we’re smoking the most recent full line introduction from illusione.  After about a 3 year break from core additions, the Fume D’Amour (Smoke of Love) came out at the end of August 2014.  One of the more interesting aspects of this line is the total absence of ligero.  Dion (Giolito) claims to have found enough flavor and strength in some of the lower viso and seco primings from available AGANORSA stock.  It comes in 4 vitolas (Lagunas – 4 1/4 x 42 Viejos – 5 x 50 Capistranos – 6 x 56 Clementes – 6 1/2 x 48).  The illusione website remarks that it comes in these four…but more are to come.  Even with a later introduction during the year, the line made it into the number three spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top Cigars for 2014.  Tune in to the show to find out how it went!

News

  • Cuba?!?  What does it all mean?  We wanted to spend some time talking over this week’s news concerning some restored relations with Cuba…and no, you can’t run out next week and buy Habanos at your local shop stateside….

    Craig’s Notes:

    • The council on Foreign Relations: After 2008 Cuba’s private sector has swelled as a direct result of these reforms; in 2014 it was reported to be about 20 percent of the country’s workforce. A report [PDF] by the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) states that Castro’s reforms highlighted “an acceptance that market forces can play a role in economic policy and that economic growth must be the central criterion to judge economic success.”
    • Am I happy about the change? You can bet your ass, I am. Do I expect anything to be different for you and I in 100 days when things take effect (affect?)? No, I do not. The majority of people out there are keeping this in perspective but I’ve seen some facebook posts that talk about “finally” being able to get their hands on a Cuban, or “when will cubans be for sale at the tobacconist?” These posts are uninformed and potentially just a spur of the moment quip. I don’t think the majority of citizens believe this is “it” in regards to the embargo. I DO believe this can be the beginning of the end of the embargo. It can also be the beginning of its strengthening if the next congress and next president are suited and like minded to claim Obama’s declarations were not only incorrect, but helpful to an enemy.
    • Much will depend on Kerry’s analysis of Cuba’s status as a terrorist state and whether Cuba does truly lower some of the restrictions they have on contact to the outside world. If Cuba shows ANY legitimate human rights improvements (yes, the internet is a human right derived from free speech) there is a chance that this gains some momentum and the embargo could end after the next congress (Jan 2017) are sworn in. There is little to no chance this will occur in 2015 since the Republicans have taken power of the house. There would have to be SWEEPING change in Cuba for the likes of Rubio and others who want the 29 (27?) electoral votes in Florida to change their public opinion on this. It’s just too critical of a voting base to alienate the Southern Florida core of Anti-Castro citizens.
    • If Kerry does not rescind the edict that Cuba is a state that assists terrorism (there is an official phrase here that I’m missing) OR major humanitarian improvements are not witnessed, I am fairly certain that the next president will swiftly and completely go the other direction with his ruling on the matter. Think Bush’s change in 2002, I believe. He lowered the visit limit, removed the legality of “financial assistance” to Cuban family members and made it even more difficult to travel to the nation for aide workers. We could go right back there, if not even further.
    • Cuba, and its citizens, have been made more of a pawn in the recent years than ever in the past. Even in the election of 64 when it was the first chance for a new administration to address the “blockade” as it essentially was in its initial form, it was not as polarizing of a topic as it became later in the Castro regime’s tenure (I understand LBJ held office. It’s speaking to the fact that it was not a point of contention between candidates). We have to realize that the goal here is an improvement of life for the citizens of our southern island neighbor. This is the first real attempt at improving that which I can recall. I am not an expert on the topic but I don’t believe there have been public declarations from the POTUS as strongly worded as those shared Wednesday in regard to the failure of U.S. policy on the matter. There is a real chance that THIS declaration is enough. There is a real chance that Cuba will give a little in response. And there is a real chance that this may be a day we remember for the rest of our lives. It’s possible the U.S. just got a little less hypocritical in its foreign relations (think human rights & the torture report). When a major government does that, we’re all in a better position.

 

  • We finally have some “official” light shed on the Florida SunGrown project that Jeff Borysiewicz has been growing here in central FL.  The tobacco is being sold exclusively to Drew Estate.  From THIS IMAGE: “Jeff Borysiewicz from Corona Cigar Company grows the Florida tobacco exclusively for Drew Estate. The tobacco plants in the photo are experiental because they are Sumatra Seed. We have been growing and curing the Corojo Seed since 2013 and blending with the first crop. I believe that this is the first time Florida tobacco has been grown for premium cigars since 1979. It’s expensive, but we are getting more confident each passing month that it’s worth it. So proud of Jeff Borysiewicz. Waiting to see Willy Herrera and DE Production Team’s final blend from the 2013 crop.”
  • Fresh on the heels of the recent release of Smoke Inn’s MicroBlend Series “Pactum” from illusione, the next iteration has been announced.  Drew Estate will produce the cigar in a singular 6”x40 vitola.  Interestingly, the name will be the “Pope of Greenwich Village.”  No real blend detail is available as yet, but it will soft launch at Smoke Inn’s Great Smoke VIP event in February.  Official full launch will be later, in April.
  • La Flor Dominicana 707 – another 7×70 cigar…biggest ever from LFD….
  • Cigar Aficionado’s ever-popular/ever-controversial Top 25 list is out.  Congrats to the folks at Oliva for taking the #1 spot this year with the Melanio.  I was surprised with the EPC La Historia at number two.  Tonight’s featured CotW is number three on that list.  Rounding out the top ten were:

4. Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial (Tubo)
5. Rocky Patel Royale (?!?)
6. Opus X Perfecxion X
7. Padron Reserve 50 Years Maduro
8. Ashton ESG 22 Year
9. Monte by Montecristo Jacopo #2 (Altadis USA)
10.  A. Flores 1975 Serie Privada Capa Habano

What Have We Been Smoking?

Craig

  • Unbanded#1 for Halfashed.com

 Kip

  • Padron Principe – natural.  I grabbed a natural version of this after Craig’s recent comments on its maduro brother.  I’ve never had much experience with the natural, but I’d say these have experience blend drift as well.  The couple I had this week were – like Craig’s maduro – considerably more spicy than I remember.  More bold, both in flavor and strength.  Still an amazing smoke.
  • Padilla Reserva Maduro….picked up a few on clearance at my local.  Crisp, bold new-school Nicaraguan style blending.  Great construction & burn.  Much better as a $5 stick than $9-10.  If these were to debut in the $6.50-9 “sweet spot” they have the potential to be a big hit.
  • L’Atelier LAT38 Special lancero…I wanted to love this cigar.  I love its shorter brethren.  How could I not fall head over heels for a lancero?  I picked up two this week, and couldn’t finish either.  Both were plagued with burn issues and absolutely refused to stay lit.  I gave up on each about halfway through.

Listener Email

  •  No listener emails discussed this week.

Wrap Up

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

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

 

Half Ashed Episode 093: Tatuaje La Verite 2008

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

Tatuaje La Verite fi

Tatuaje La Verite 2008

Welcome, everyone, to Episode 093 of Half Ashed – featuring the 2008 Tatuaje La Vérité Churchill.  Craig’s description was as follows:  “Tatuaje’s La Verite 2008 Churchill is our CoTW. Released in 2010 to much fanfare, these “single origin” cigars are similar in fashion to the “farm rolled” cigars found throughout Cuba. All components were grown on Jose Garcia’s La Estrella farm in Esteli, Nicaragua and are from the 2008 vintage Habano Criollo (read: Criollo. All Criollo tobacco came from Cuba originally). Besides being a single vintage, single origin cigar, the tobacco used was not aged in bales. After fermentation it was rolled into finished cigars and box aged until sale.”

News

Tune in to find out how it went…and just how our experience went with this cigar.  In the news, we only covered a few stories this week.  Last week was relatively light in cigar news, except for several legislative issues that are coming to a head.  We did have a couple of stories from Tatuaje, and an interesting item from Padilla and Oliva.  Of course, we also spent a little time talking about what we’ve been smoking this week and covered a listener email from Don Hubbell.

Next Episode

In the next episode Craig will be vacationing with Mrs. Schneider in celebration of a milestone birthday (Happy Birthday, Ms. Craig!).  I will be joined by the venerable Aaron Loomis from Blind Mans Puff.  You may remember us mentioning the site over the past few weeks in reference to a series of collaborations we’ve been doing with them.  Be sure to check back in Friday night at 9:30pm EST on our Half Ashed LIVE page, where you can catch the live video feed and join us, as well as other listeners, in the chatroom.  If you would like to contact Craig or myself in the meantime, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints.  We love to get your emails!  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed.  Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel.

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

Half Ashed Episode 084: Bolivar Regentes

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS | Upcoming Schedule

Welcome to Episode 084 of Half Ashed, featuring one of Craigs faves as our Cigar of the Week.  Of that cigar, Craig says:

My favorite small cigar. These earthy and mildly sweet stick packs a lot of fun into its 34×4-⅞”. Sadly, it has been discontinued for over a decade but the remaining box I have still exhibits some of the characteristics these had when young. At less than 10 years old these were the cigar equivilent of chocolate and mushrooms. That sounds to be an odd combination but it worked so well. So much so, in fact, that once I tried making a savory chocolate cake with sauteed mushrooms within. It didn’t work so well…

Today, these cigars are a shadow of what they once were and only provide an “enjoyable” 30 minutes. No longer the flavor bombs of yesterday, it is my hope that they will continue to evolve and perhaps reveal a subtle complexity of flavors in the future. If no longer bold, than perhaps one day they’ll shine for another reason. The tobacco quality was consistently excellent in over 6 boxes that I’ve personally gone through.

We have news stories from Oliva, Sam Leccia (that’s a biggie!), Hechicera, Casa Fernandez, and Cigar Dojo.  We also take care of some housekeeping items, what we’ve been smoking and cover a listener email that we’ve put off for far too long….

Next week, we will be featuring “The Collective” from Cigar Federation as our Cigar of the Week.  Be sure to check back in Friday night at 9:30pm EST on halfashed.com where you can catch us recording and participate in the 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), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed.  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!