Interview With Jonathan Drew: The Latest From Joya De Nicaragua
Posted on | March 7, 2010 | Leave A Comment
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate and Joya De Nicaragua during his event at CigarCigar! In this interview, Jonathan introduces us to the new Dark Corojo Antono and new Cabinetta line from Joya De Nicaragua. One is a full bodied extra smoke while the other is a medium bodied smoke, and both are balanced with a great flavor.
When Jonathan informed me of the process in distinguishing “ligeron” for the Antano Dark Corojo, I found myself not only learning something new but also appreciating the time and quality in even more.
When I first tasted the Antano Dark Corojo I was a little uncertain of what to expect as I was told it was to be a very full bodied plus cigar. The wrapper is very dark with a nice slight oily factor, but dark doesn’t always mean strong. By appearances and feel alone I was curious to see what this cigar would produce. And this being my first cigar of the night, I wanted to make sure my experience would be an enjoyable one.
Right away there was a burst of flavor but very smooth and balanced- it didn’t bite or have any harshness, but rather a smooth and delicious quality. Throughout the duration of the smoke the body continued to build gradually and comfortably, keeping the smoke interesting and enjoyable. There is definitely a nicotine factor to consider that is present in this smoke, those who love that kick will want to pick up one for sure! Keep in mind this particular cigar is in the full body extra range.
Thank you to Jonathan Drew for giving us such a great insight!
Personal Cigar Blends: Camacho And Jeffrey Stone
Posted on | March 5, 2010 | 3 Comments
While at one of Jeffery Stone’s Friday Finishers, I happened to discover a new blend Jeffrey has created with Camacho. The foot of the cigar has a band in celebration of his 30 year anniversary, and being curious as I am, I had to give it a taste!
Right away the first draw produces a nutty flavor and a medium body profile. There is a great amount of flavor in this cigar, and as the strength is a medium one it doesn’t overpower the flavor but rather compliments it nicely.
There is a lovely combination of nuts, espresso, and earth throughout the smoke that make it a delicious experience.
I think Jeffrey Stone and Camacho presented something great here, and at a very pleasing price I might add. This cigar was priced just under $7. Love it.
And so I ask you, what are some of your unexpected finds and favorite store or personal blends?
*Full Disclosure: Camacho is a sponsor of this site.
Featured In The Latest Cigar Press Magazine
Posted on | March 1, 2010 | 4 Comments
Be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Cigar Press Magazine from your local tobacconist. In this issue you will find my article on “Distinguishing Taste” which discusses how all of our senses play a vital role in a complete cigar experience. You will also discover photography featured by Tracy Tesmer of www.tracytesmer.com for the images in this article.
If you have never picked up a Cigar Press before then you are in for a real treat. Thor Nielsen of Cigar Press really knows how to speak to cigar smokers. He gives us the information we want to know, as well as the profiles of cigars so we can have our own experiences be based on flavor and strength, and not by ratings. Cigar Press is what the culture of cigars is all about.
New Cabinetta Serie Joya De Nicaragua Cigar “Dos Capas”
Posted on | February 25, 2010 | 6 Comments
I want to thank Drew Estate and Johnny Brooke of TheWeeklyCigar.com BeerReviewDude.com for sending me cigars from the new Cabinetta Serie line of Joya De Nicaragua.
The Joya De Nicaragua Antano line has been known for its full body style, however in the new Cabinetta Serie line of Joya De Nicaragua we can expect a more mild to medium bodied style. Right away you will notice something else that is different about this cigar, and that is the “dos capas.”
There are two wrappers on this cigar: an Ecuadorian Shade wrapper covering the entire length of the cigar, and a Nicaraguan Criollo covering the head of the cigar. Thus we have two caps. The purpose of this technique is to give the cigar a profile that is smooth and creamy, yet still have some spice notes without being too strong or overpowering. The focus of this cigar is to be an enjoyable mild cigar that still brings in a lot of flavor and aroma.
This is my first tasting of this cigar, and it only just arrived, too. I have a couple resting in my humidor for a more in depth tasting at a later date, but I couldn’t resist giving this new smoke a whirl!
The overall strength of this cigar is definitely on the mild side, but has some medium bodied characteristics that build up towards the end of the smoke. It is very pleasant and light with ample amounts of smoke and a nice creamy taste. The spice is kept in balance nicely. At no point would I consider the spice to be strong, only pleasant. This is something I appreciate in milder cigars- the subtle notes to be found. Balance is key and when there is a silky or creamy smoke involved I really enjoy a milder style. A nice flavor must be present.
This is a cigar to have earlier in the day or earlier in your line of smokes. With mild cigars you want a welcoming palate to taste all the subtleties they have to offer. The Cabinetta Serie line looks like it will be coming in at a great price range as well. The toro I am smoking in this video I believe will be priced at $6.05 which is very nice for this style of smoke.
As I stated in the video, after noticing the time I had to leave for an event. I continued to smoke the remainder of my cigar during this event, but seeing as this was over a Scotch Tasting… needless to say after four or five my palate was compromised. I will say that I found it to remain very smooth and stay pretty consistent in the finish from just after the second half of the cigar. I will definitely be having this one again and will let you know more of my thoughts at that time.
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Exclusivo & Port Pairing
Posted on | February 18, 2010 | 12 Comments
A Padron Anniversary paired with a lovely port makes for a great experience every time. It can be great for either relaxing at the end of the day or for celebrating a special occasion, especially if you have a special aged port to match. It also makes for a great after dinner treat.
Something to consider is aging a Padron Anniversary of your choice in your humidor for a few years along with a bottle of port in your home, and bringing the two together when the moment is right. Beautiful!
Today was a casual afternoon that was so gorgeous I had to take a moment and enjoy this pairing. I went to Vintropolis, a wine bar, and although you cannot smoke inside they offer a great patio area with a fountain and heaters for the cooler nights. With the sun out, the weather was just perfect for a late afternoon smoke. Even though you cannot smoke inside, it is always nice to see a humidor with cigars near the bar.
Padron makes very beautiful cigars that are full of flavor and perfect for any palate. I think they have a characteristic that everyone can appreciate. The wrapper has a slight rough look to it, and though it may not be perfectly silky smooth you can be certain the smoke absolutely is. The 1964 Anniversary tends to be more of my go to whereas the 1926 Anniversary and 45 are more for special occasions.
With its rich flavor and medium to full body, this cigar tastes lovely accompanied by a tawny port. Ports are a wonderful dessert wine that tend to be heavier in texture and range in flavors and dryness or sweetness. I like sweet- but it has to be balanced. Too much can be overpowering, of anything. I think in this case the tawny notes from being aged in wooden barrels compliments the cigar and makes for an elegant pairing.
What are some of your favorite pairings?
Alec Bradley Family Blend Cigar Review
Posted on | February 11, 2010 | 2 Comments
The Family Blend from Alec Bradley is the latest addition to my go-to list of cigars. In the past I have often gone for the Tempus or Prensados from Alec Bradley, but the character of this very smooth and rich cigar with a medium body has taken over for me lately.
I’ve really been enjoying it with its woody and leathery notes, lingering sweet finish, and smooth creamy smoke. The price point is a great one, too.
I had the pleasure of attending an Alec Bradley event and finding out more behind the story of this cigar; be sure to discover it for yourself in the video interview posted below.
Thank you to Jason Poehler for introducing us to Alec Bradley and telling us the story behind the Family Blend.
PS: It turned out to be another fantastic event at Cigar Emporium! My record continues as my number was drawn again for a beautiful ash tray! You’ve got to go to their events if you are around; there is always great company, great cigars, and some prizes to be won.
The Air Bender: La Flor Dominicana Cigar Tasting
Posted on | February 3, 2010 | 5 Comments
A powerful cigar with a great balance, the Air Bender is the latest blend from La Flor Dominicana. The first time I heard the name of this cigar the show Avatar: The Last Air Bender came to mind. I believe this cigars gets its name from an appreciation of the martial arts (as does the cartoon’s inspiration). The only thing I had heard about this blend was that it was to be a very strong and powerful one. To be honest, I was not certain what to expect from that description alone.
Upon my first draw there was an instant hit of flavor and full body; the first few puffs gave me a strong feeling of pepper with a peppery sweetness through the nose. Now, after those first few puffs the spice and pepper mellowed into a woody style of flavor that kept through most of the cigar. The flavor through the nose was very pleasant with a distinct hint of sweetness I found very delicious. At the last third, the body and strength began to build up for more intensity. I am very curious to taste this cigar again after a little time in the humidor, though I will most likely give it another taste again even sooner.
I’m very fond of La Flor Dominicana, and this cigar is a welcome addition. There are four sizes currently available, the one I smoked in this video is “The Maestro”, a 5.5 x 52 cigar. I would love to hear your thoughts and tasting experiences with this cigar.
What Are Your “Go To” Cigars? The Cabaiguan Guapos RX
Posted on | February 1, 2010 | 8 Comments
We all have our favorite cigars, some reserved only for special occasions and then those we could enjoy every day. Over the next few videos I will be going over some of my favorite “go to” cigars and also “go to” lanceros. I can be picky when it comes to lanceros, and when done properly they are fantastic smokes! The Oliva Serie V is one cigar I have mentioned in the past that is one of my favorite “go-to” cigars. It is also one of my favorite lanceros for the complexity and balance it has to offer.
In this video I discuss the Cabaiguan Guapos RX, a cigar I could easily smoke daily and enjoy quite often. It is a medium bodied smoke with a beautiful complexity, pleasant amount of smoke, and great hints of wood, earth, pepper and spice. After the first half of the cigar, and as you come closer to the end, hints of a slight sweetness round out the finish.
I enjoy all the Cabaiguan Guapos- from the natural to the maduro which features a Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper. It is great to smoke and compare the difference a wrapper makes to the blend.
I can always tell what my “go-to” cigars are, not just from my cravings but from the bands collected in my purse, ha. Be on the look out for the videos to follow as I share more of my regular smokes (and if you follow me on twitter or facebook, you might have an idea of what some of those are already). Speak with you soon!
A very pretty ash that holds on nicely, too.
A Very Boutique Cigar: The Flamboyan Dark
Posted on | January 28, 2010 | 2 Comments
Now this is a very boutique cigar, and one that may be difficult to get a hold of not because it is a limited edition, but because it is so “boutique”. All the blends for Moore & Bode are a secret, making each cigar a surprising experience. The first time I had one I didn’t know what to expect and found it as a very fun new tasting experience.
The First Moore & Bode cigar I ever had was from the Miami blend, which is a very mild blend with an intriguing flavor profile. The tastes are delicate and unique with a tea-like quality to them. I tend to lean towards medium to full styled cigars and so when I found out about the Flamboyan blend, which is a more complex blend, I was very anxious to give them a taste. Some time has passed since I first discovered Moore & Bode, and only now have I finally been able to get a Flamboyan Dark in hand. Immediately upon my first draw I was very impressed with this unique profile.
The strength of this cigar is very light in my opinion, but very rich and complex in flavor. There are plenty of spices mixed in with dark coffee flavors that make for a round and robust taste, but with a character unlike any cigar I have had from the contrast in strength. I always look for more flavor than strength in my cigars and this is an interesting balance that keeps the smoke a curious and delicious experience. It is very unique, and something I appreciate from this truly boutique company.
Moore & Bode Flambyoan Dark "Salvadore" 5 x 50 Cigar
The Flamboyan Dark blend just arrived at Santa Barbara Cigar shop a few days ago, and I began my first taste immediately. I have had a couple now and look forward to giving the ones in my humidor time to rest so that I may give a better look into the whole profile. As the blends are a secret and production is small, it comes down to what they are able to produce and send out. Quality and the art of blending is important, and I am happy to see that maintained in the name.
It reminds me of some of the wines a friend of mine has given to me after having worked a harvest. Some of these wines have been bottles he had been personally involved with and could tell us the stories of all that took place during the production. With wines, a year in vintage can make a dramatic difference and seeking certain ones, especially when they are very boutique, can be near impossible. But the memories and the uniqueness of them last a lifetime.
I hope to find more of the Moore & Bode Flamboyan Dark blends available soon. It is an experience I look forward to repeating as often as I can. It does make each one I have rather special in the meantime, and there is something spectacular about that as well.
And so I ask you- what are some of the boutique cigars you have come across? The ones you love and only wish you could get more of on a regular basis? For me that is the love/hate nature of the very boutique quality.
Featured Posts
Be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Cigar Press Magazine from your local tobacconist. In this issue ...
Is it any wonder why we love food, wine, and cigars so much? There are flavors and textures that just ...
(Last updated on 24th August 2009) Keep checking in as more videos from IPCPR are updated here on the blog- there ...
Wow, what an incredible time this has been! I have so many videos, stories, and photos to share with you- ...
This is an idea I have been playing in my mind for some time now, and lately I've been thinking- ...
Traveling for me has lead to many discoveries and fond tasteful memories. It doesn't always matter where I am- soaking ...
This is a sneak peak from my latest photoshoot with the amazing photographer, Tracy Tesmer of Tracy Tesmer Photo and ...
This is Part Two of my interview with Ken Jacobs of Santa Barbara Cigar in Houston, TX. In this interview ...
I had the pleasure of interviewing Ken Jacobs of Santa Barbara Cigar in Houston, TX. In this interview we discussed ...
Cigars In Review
PANACEA 560 Red Cigar ReviewPANACEA 560 RED
Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro
Binder: Dominican Habano
Filler: Seco Cubano, Ligero Piloto Cubano, Ligero Olor Dominicano, and Ligero Nicaragua
Tasting Notes
A lovely full-bodied cigar with a great balance of rich flavors. A very smooth smoke with medium strength, and no harshness at all. Beautiful in construction, draw, and taste.
Flavor notes consist of pepper, caramel, molasses, earth, and [...]
Cigar Pairings
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Exclusivo & Port PairingA Padron Anniversary paired with a lovely port makes for a great experience every time. It can be great for either relaxing at the end of the day or for celebrating a special occasion, especially if you have a special aged port to match. It also makes for a great after dinner treat.
Something to consider [...]
Life With Cigars
Featured In The Latest Cigar Press MagazineBe sure to pick up a copy of the latest Cigar Press Magazine from your local tobacconist. In this issue you will find my article on “Distinguishing Taste” which discusses how all of our senses play a vital role in a complete cigar experience. You will also discover photography featured by Tracy Tesmer of www.tracytesmer.com [...]
Style & Cigar Accessories
The Angelenos, From Prometheus: Cigar And Lighter ReviewI have been very happy with this cigar! And what introduced me to tasting this fine cigar was actually the lighter. I first fell in love with the lighter when I discovered it was a flint lighter with a torch flame (every time I am lighting it’s like a little fireworks show, beautiful). At the [...]
Lessons In Tobacco: Honduras
Cigar Factory: Bands, Boxes, And PresentationWatch the attention to detail as each band is placed on the cigar and all cigars are again checked before shipment. While on the Rocky Patel Trip I had the fortune of visiting both Honduras and Nicaragua for an incredible experience. In this video you can take a look into each factory and see how [...]
