Wrapper: Dark Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Honduran Corojo Ligero
Filler: Dominican Republic Corojo Ligero and Honduran Corojo Ligero

AKA, or American KickAss Cigars brings attention to being proud Americans and proud of our United States Military. A percentage of all sales are even donated to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Jay Lundy is the mastermind behind AKA Cigars. He is passionate and very detail oriented. Quality is of the most importance and he takes the military focus very seriously.

Looking at the wrapper, binder, and filler you instantly notice a lot of ligero involved in the blend. Yes, this is a full bodied cigar- but don’t be fooled, it’s also a very balanced cigar. The flavor profile is rich and very delicious! There is a dominant earthy quality with notes of cocoa, cedar, almost tea-like spices, and a nice peppery finish.

The pepper characteristic is different from other cigars I’ve smoked, it isn’t a pepper bomb but rather the pepper is all in the nose and the finish. This lets the other flavor notes really stand out and not get blown away by the pepper. The cigar certainly builds as you smoke, and the subtle sweetness in the beginning fades away in the end as the strength increases. It’ll give you a “buzz” so to speak at the end, it’s that nicotine punch you’d expect from lots of ligero leaves.

This will affect people differently, some people won’t be phased by the strength where as others may get hit quite hard. Take your time smoking and enjoy the flavors, and maybe have a little sugar around in case you find the strength or nicotine to be too much. A little sugar will bring you back to life!

A preview of my new ashtray and next post! Stay tuned…

This is a cigar I have been very excited about! Liga Privada fans already know what I am talking about- the Undercrown. A great cigar with a truly wonderful story:

“In early 2009 we asked our torcedores to smoke less Liga Privada cigars because they were leaving too few to be exported. This request was met with the disappointment you would expect, but rather than being disgruntled they responded by blending their own signature liga.

Incorporating many of the same rare tobaccos, but of different ages and primings, the cigar they created was no mere replacement. Rather it is an exceptional smoking experience of uncompromising quality and flavor that deserves to be smoked by all.

It is always the master makers who are heralded, but the reality is that great cigars are the product of many talented people, most of whom toil in factories with no publicity ever. They are the uncelebrated heroes who make all of our lives more pleasurable with the cigars they craft. And therefore, it is with great pleasure that we are now sharing their factory floor creation with you as Undercrown, borne of our worker’s ingenuity, resourcefulness and passion for a great cigar”

-Drew Estate

Cigars are more than the items we hold in our hands to consume- it connects us with the people who make them, the people we smoke with, and the people we have strong memories with. It’s a cultural experience that any cigar smoker in the world can relate to, but also a personal experience when it comes to our tastes and preferences. I think that is one of the great beauties of this pleasurable hobby. The story of this cigar reminds me of how important that connection is.

The Undercrown is a medium to full bodied cigar, balanced with lots of complexity. Notes of cocoa, spice,  and earth were present throughout the smoke. The construction is what you would expect from a Liga Privada- absolutely beautiful.

Reinado Cigars uses a unique method of fermentation that has been kept a secret. I personally don’t need to know what the secret is, only that it produces a very smooth and wonderful characteristic in the smoke. This particular cigar is a Torpedo and a Nicaraguan puro (meaning the wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos are all from Nicaragua). It is medium bodied to medium plus.

At the beginning of the cigar, I tasted notes of rich fruits, dark cherry, a subtle sweetness and leather characteristics with a medium bodied flavor. As I progressed into the second third of the cigar, a black pepper flavor began to grow as well as the body and strength. By the end of the cigar the sweetness had slowly faded and the fuller bodied characteristics where shinning through with a medium plus strength. Throughout the smoke, the wasn’t a moment where the strength surpassed the flavor or body.This is an elegant smooth smoke with some very interesting flavor characteristics.

The first time I smoked the cigar I was thinking of rum as a pairing ( in particular a Zafra or Zacapa aged rum), because of the notes of sweetness, fruit, and spice. I think they could play off each other nicely. But as I smoke it again I  find myself thinking about a wine pairing. I’ll certainly be having some fun experimenting, but if you have any recommendations as far as wine or another spirit is concerned, I would love to hear them!

Torpedo: 6 1/8th x 52
Wrapper, Binder, & Filler: Nicaragua

This is an unexpected double pairing review. Once I found the interesting difference of flavor profiles in the cigar when paired with two very different drinks I knew I would have to share the discovery with you!

Lancaster from Winston Churchill, made by Davidoff:

4 1/2 x 46 Belicoso
Wrapper: Ecuador Special Sun Grown
Binder: Pelo de Oro
Filler: Jalapa Especial Seco, Piloto Seco, San Vicente Ligero, Criollo Seco

This is a medium bodied cigar with very woody/oak flavor characteristics. I taste notes of grass or hay as well as an earthy quality that rounds out the tastes nicely. There is a subtle sweetness and hint of spice present in the finish. For someone looking to take the next step from a mild or mild plus cigar, this may be a great transition for you.

I have been into short smokes lately as they are perfect for the travel time I spend in my car between destinations, or as a quick relaxing smoke when I get home. The flavor profile is satisfying and great on its own- or as your first cigar to start the day/evening or after dinner dessert (so to speak).

The first pairing to be discussed was the one I intended on reviewing the cigar with. This is a 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky from Glenmorangie that has been finished in a Burgundy wood cask. I adore the flavor or Burgundy, though it may be an acquired taste. I know for instance, for example, that personally I just don’t like Sherry Casks. If it is balanced well enough I’m alright with it, but too much and all I taste is sulfur. It goes back to subjective personal tastes- which is why the one you like is all that matters!

When I pair the Lancaster with the Burgundy finished Glenmorangie the characteristics of the smoke become richer and more complex. I taste notes of coffee, some vanilla, and more hints of spice that the scotch is bringing out. I love how the characteristics of a scotch and a cigar can compliment each other and bring out certain notes.

Next up, is the unexpected pairing: A Last Word Cocktail.

This was an unexpected pairing because I tend to hesitate when it comes to acidic qualities in a beverage being paired with a cigar. Because of that I tend to pair my cigars with cocktails that are stirred rather than shaken (quick note: if a cocktail is shaken there is probably some lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice involved! Otherwise the drink can be stirred to perfection).

Last Word:

3/4 oz Gin
3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz Lime Juice
3/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur

I adore this cocktail. You have some interesting flavor components involved but they balance out together in perfect harmony. I find this to be a very refreshing and calming drink. This is the reason I was having it the night of the accidental pairing. It was so hot outside I wanted something refreshing and elegant, but still very interesting. And that is exactly what I got- out of both the drink as well as the cigar.

I found that the cigar took a unique change, still medium in bodied but somewhat smoother in a perhaps more crisp clean sense of flavor instead of the lingering heavier richness which occurred when paired with the Scotch. I love that depending on my mood I know I can experience this same cigar in three different ways. It’s also great if you have friends with you who want to each go their own direction as far as taste is concerned with the cigar.

The “Alison”: 6 x 52

Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Costa Rica
Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua

La Palina has a story to tell. When I smoke a La Palina, I feel like a welcomed part of the Paley family, knowing that each cigar is dedicated to a family member and made to be an elegant smoke in their honor.

La Palina was originally created by Samuel Paley, grandfather of William Paley Jr., over a century ago. When Samuel Paley named the line ‘”La Palina” it was in dedication to his wife, Goldie Drell Paley. He had started a cigar shop and factory named The Cigar Company, and La Palina was their first product. When Samuel retired the brand retired with him, that is until the revival of the name by William Paley Jr.

Bill went back to his roots to revive the brand with a determination for excellence. Tradition, quality, and the Paley style would have to be captured perfectly in the crafting of this cigar. Bill met with Avelino Lara, a Cuban Master Blender who created the famed Cohibas for Fidel Castro. Bill worked with Avelino Lara directly as they found the perfect blend for La Palina.

Avelino Lara has since passed away, but his son, Abel, continues in his father’s memory. A lot of great people, with their own unique stories, are brought together as a family in La Palina.

With this story in mind, I believe it only right that I begin with the Alison, named after Bill’s wife. La Palina and the Alison bring together the passion of the past with that of the present.

The smoke is a silky smoke with a medium body and a beautiful aroma. Notes of cedar are prevalent as well as an herbal spice. Slight fruity notes are present as well. As you smoke the cigar, the finish builds to a medium plus with all the flavors remaining in balance. All the tasting notes in this cigar are very well balanced and compliment each other nicely. This is a very pleasant smoke that makes any special occasion a wonderful one.

La Palina Cigar

Kurt Kendall’s 7-20-4 brand is a name that has been rejuvenated from R.G. Sullivan’s famed building on 724 Elm Street in Manchester, N.H. which began in 1874. R.G. Sullivan’s building was one of the largest cigar manufacturers in the world. After the Cuban Embargo in 1963, the name became a piece of history. That is until now.

Kurt Kendall has been collecting memorabilia from from the 7-20-4 brand and building and found the opportunity to bring the name back to life. He has been in the cigar retail business for many years and it is wonderful to see his passion come through into these cigars.

In this video I am enjoying the “Dog Walker”- a great little petite corona with a lot of flavor. The blend in this size makes this a bold little smoke! The blend includes tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica, Columbia, and has a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper.

There are a lot of wonderful complex flavors going on in this enjoyable smoke, and the body builds towards the end of the smoke for a nice finish. I’ve really been enjoying the characteristics as they are nice with the cold weather coming in. I think some Christmas ale’s or some rich libations will work well with this blend.

I ended up finishing my smoke with a Corn n’ Oil- a classic libation made of Black Strap Rum, Falernum, and Angostura bitters. The sweetness with the spice played very nicely, but I will have to explore more.

Have you found yourself smoking certain styles or sizes in the cooler weather? Do you find yourself doing different pairings? What have your winter cravings been?

7-20-4 Cigars

I had the pleasure of tasting a very special cigar with limited availability- the My Father Limited Edition 2010. I want to thank Jose Ortega for giving me this cigar for review. I knew I wanted to enjoy it on a day that would be important to me, and that I definitely did. We often discuss “special occasions” but this was an important day of reflection for me and I wanted a cigar that would represent it well.

The My Father Limited Edition is particularly special in that the bunching is done by Jaime Garcia and the rolling and wrapper is placed by Don Pepin Garcia. The production is limited to 2000 cigars (individually wrapped in their own coffin and numbered) and marks a great and important relationship between father and son. This is instantly seen in the construction of the cigar and enjoyed throughout the duration of the smoke.

There are five different types of seeds used to make this blend, and it should be noted that two leaves within this cigar are known as Pelo de Oro- hair of gold. This is a leaf that was banned in Cuba because of its tendency to produce blue mold, making this a difficult leaf to grow. Pepin took special time and care to growing this leaf and though he has used it in the past, it can be seen here in this cigar for what is my understanding, the last time.

The construction really stands out in this cigar as you smoke, and the burn is a slow and even one. For me this was a solid medium bodied cigar with maybe a bit more strength in the finish- but still in my mind in the medium bodied style. The balance is wonderful and something to be appreciated. The flavors were all there as if to tell a story- nothing overpowered or masked the others. I tasted many woodsy notes throughout the cigar, primarily cedar, and a subtle sweetness. There were some earth and peppery notes, pepper especially in the beginning which would make an appearance only as necessary throughout the rest of the smoke. It didn’t stay or distract the palate from enjoying the other flavor characteristics going on.

This is a cigar I look forward to enjoying again (I have had to fortune of finding a box at a local shop and saving some for another special day). I like to make occasions out of every day.. some stand out more than others but there is always something to take the time to pause and appreciate what is important to you.

For those who asked, the restaurant location that closed was the Pappas Grill just off of Highway 59 near the Beltway. It was a happy/angry night… happy to enjoy the moment but angry to see it go. The staff all still have employment in the company but all at different locations. It was a night I certainly won’t forget, nor will I forget the many happy experiences I have had there with my friends.

Don Pepin My Father Limited Edition

In this video I have the pleasure of tasting the D8 from Vegas de Santiago. Their factory is located in Costa Rica where they produce beautiful blends and quality constructed cigars. I think it is great to see more cigars coming from Costa Rica as well as other parts of the world. Old traditions moving forward to expand our palates and keep things interesting is indeed a great thing. We as a cigar smoker have more variety and great quality in our cigars to meet our appetite.

This particular selection, the D8, is a medium bodied cigar with a smooth long finish. It has an earthy core with a nice balance of flavors that may be enjoyed throughout the smoke. Towards the end the strength picks up a bit but nothing to take away from the taste.

The wrapper is a Habano 2000 leaf grown in Ecuador, binder is from Ecuador, and filler is a blend of tobaccos from Costa Rica.

Depending on your location you may have to ask where you may find them. They have been available in Switzerland, Japan, Dubai, France, Moscow, and Germany for quite some time and are now making their appearance in the US. I hope to see them receive a warm welcome as they have a great passion in what they do.

Family is of a great importance, as is with all of this great industry and community. The people in the factory are a family and are taken care of as such. I know they are excited to see the cigars they put so much passion into make it to the US and hear our reactions. I like to think of all those involved when I am enjoying a cigar, it is a part of the experience.

Vegas de Santiago Cigars

What better location than a Rocky Patel Lounge to try the latest from Rocky, the 15th Anniversary Cigar! I went to “Stogies” in Houston to give one a taste and see what it is all about.

The Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary cigar has an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and filler, and is made in his new factory in Nicaragua. It is beautifully constructed with a nice box press, and though for my first taste I had a slightly unexpected harshness in the beginning, it smoothed out quickly to a very pleasant medium body. There was a nice amount of smoke with a consistent and even burn, and I never had to fight or relight the cigar throughout the entire duration. Always a great sign!

After the first few puffs when the harshness went away, it was such a dramatic change it took me by surprise (almost like a different cigar). I am very curious to have one again and see if it has that same power in the beginning.

Hopeful the harsh factor was unique to my cigar, but beyond that there were plenty of earthy flavors with a nice caramel sweetness in the finish.