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.
I want to thank Drew Estate and Johnny Brooke of TheWeeklyCigar.comBeerReviewDude.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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
This is the Brittania Reserva, the latest cigar from Exclusive Cigars, better known as “Kristoff” after Glen Case’s son. I am smoking the Torpedo in this review.
I bought this cigar during a Kristoff event several weeks ago and have been letting it rest in my humidor since then. I think a little time gives a better perspective for most cigars, especially when tasting for the first or second time and you are making your decision of whether or not this is a style for you.
Upon lighting the cigar, there was a lovely aroma right away. The first draw produced a creamy smoke with a buttery sweet finish and a subtle hint of spice. Between puffs as the flavors lingered there was a taste of heavy cream and hazelnuts. As I continued to smoke the spice began to increase, but kept in balance with the other flavor notes. The spice reminds me of the style I like in Nicaraguan blends, though there is certainly a Dominican characteristic in the finish. Those are simply what they make me think of, and I couldn’t tell you for certain that is what they are.
For what I would consider to be a great breakfast cigar, this mild to medium bodied cigar has a great character which keeps the smoke interesting and delicious. Flavor is something I look for over strength in my selections, and this one I found to be very lovely and unique.
I have had cigars with light and delicate flavors of cream or nuts, but this one I found to be more powerful and rich. Pairings may be something to consider, though I enjoyed this one on its own just fine. About half way through I did find myself craving either a coffee or a cookie, which certainly always sound like a good idea to me, ha!
I 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 time it was just before the Angelenos cigars had been shipped or made available at least in my area, and the lighters were a clean solid color with the Prometheus name only. I was about to make my purchase when my tobacconist suggested I wait a few more days.
I’m delighted I did, just a few days later the Angelenos cigars and gift sets arrived. Wow, what a beautiful presentation and a great deal. The set was just ten dollars more than the lighter alone and came with two cigars. I like the design with the Angelenos name printed across and couldn’t pass up the chance for the cigars as well. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy them either!
I tend to smoke the more medium and full-bodied cigars, though I absolutely adore a mild cigar every now and then. When I do like a mild cigar, there must be some character and complexity- there must be a great taste. And this one delivered it beautifully. The Angelenos has a profile I wouldn’t compare to anything else, it is very unique and very elegant. There is a nice creamy buttery flavor with a pleasant spice through the nose and a hint of sweetness in the finish. Very lovely!
This is a cigar I can enjoy daily and not get tired of as well. I’ve enjoyed it both in the morning and evening hours, though most commonly earlier in the day. It is very quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
The Angelenos is named after the city of Los Angeles and is the newest line from Prometheus, creator of the God Of Fire cigars, and made by Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia. The Angelenos can be found in four sizes: lonsdale, toro, double robusto, and gran toro. Currently I have only seen the lonsdale and toro sizes released.
I highly recommend you experience a tasting. I think this is a mild cigar with a great complexity all cigar lovers can appreciate. Please share your tasting experiences with me in the comments!
I love a nice Belgian ale, and with the holiday season I think now is the best time to take advantage of the Christmas ales for cigar pairings. The Oliva Serie V is a favorite of mine that I will often get a craving for. It’s smooth full bodied flavor with espresso, dark chocolate, and a great balance of spice allows for great pairing options.
In this tasting, I am pairing my cigar with the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale. The pairing made for an interesting balance and really made the subtle notes of the cigar stand out.
I’d be curious to try this pairing again after aging a bottle of the ale- beers from Belgium do well with aging and would be nice to age with cigars. Definitely something to consider!
