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.

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.

Perdomo Cigar Event: A Moment With David Dietrich

Posted on | January 25, 2010 | 6 Comments

I had the pleasure of speaking with David Dietrich of Perdomo Cigars during the latest event at Cigar Towne, a great new cigar shop located  in Houston’s Energy Corridor. This was my first time meeting David and he was kind enough to walk me through the selections Perdomo Cigars has to offer and each cigar’s style and profile. Until the time of this event I had only ever smoked the Perdomo Champagne 10th Annviersary- a cigar I have enjoyed on many occasions and has always been a wonderful mild cigar on my list.

After hearing about the various flavor profiles, I decided to go with one of David’s recommendations and taste the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Maduro. It was a medium bodied smoke all throughout the length of the cigar with wonderful notes of cocoa powder through the nose. There was a nice flavor of coffee beans that worked nicely along side the cocoa as well.

The construction was beautiful, providing a lovely draw and very nice burn. It was only when I was standing under a fan did the burn start to become uneven, though after stepping away it corrected on its own very nicely ( I love it when a cigar does that). The smoke was very smooth and the flavors were nicely balanced. I can definitely see myself having cravings for this one again in the near future. That cocoa powder taste was very distinctive and lovely. I like that paired with the medium bodied style of the smoke, this will be a great cigar for the mid to late afternoon when I want that chocolate and coffee flavor without it being too heavy or decadent. I like how the flavors feel soft and smooth yet rich without being heavy.  I think it will also make for a great after dinner cigar.

The Cigar & Dinner Experience, A Limited Luxury

Posted on | January 18, 2010 | 5 Comments

How often is it these days that we can enjoy dinner at a fine dinning restaurant, followed by a fine cigar with an after dinner drink at the bar, all indoors, in a beautiful setting and still welcomed as a part of the whole fine dining experience?

Places still exist, fortunately, but the number is quite small making these gems a very special luxury. Laws are different from city to city and depending where you live, it makes for quite an issue of where to smoke. I have the fortune of having great cigar shops with welcoming lounges nearby when I wish to enjoy a cigar inside and in great company. But for those moments I want to have a drink or feel like a part of the fine dining experience, options are very limited.

The photo above is a view of the dining room from the bar at Perry’s Steakhouse in Champions, TX. This particular location welcomes cigar smokers in their bar very proudly. And this is a bar that is not tucked away off to the side and hidden from eyes, but placed where you still feel included in the whole experience. During my last visit the dinning room had a nice crowd present, the bar was comfortably packed with patrons enjoying a cigar and drink, and the room was filled with the sounds of the piano being played from the dining room.

It is a rare treat, and a bit of a drive for me. But experiences like this are worth it.

And so I ask you, do you have locations that offer the fine dinning and cigar experience? A place to go for a special occasion or celebration, a place that isn’t your home but a part of the community?

Cigar bars are fantastic when permitted by the city, but the whole dinning and cigar experience is an even rarer gem. Let me make a distinction when I speak of bars. There are “bars” and then there are cigar bars. When you are surrounded by cigarettes, the enjoyment of a cigar is not ideal. Cigars are a tradition and ritual to be respected, not lost amongst the smoke, but savored. This is what separates the cigar bars from the other bars. And even those are few in number.

Please share places you know that still welcome smoking where laws allow them. The art of smoking a cigar being welcomed as a part of the dining ritual is such a rare treat now. A place that welcomes and respects cigars just as they do their wines and libations is fantastic and must be enjoyed.

The Brittania Reserva: Cigar Review

Posted on | January 16, 2010 | 4 Comments

Wrapper: Honduran Connecticut

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

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!

Cigar Factory: Bands, Boxes, And Presentation

Posted on | January 11, 2010 | 2 Comments

Watch 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 the final presentation process is done.

Nicaragua was a bonus part of the trip as some unexpected events occurred during our stay.  Rocky Patel’s Autumn Collection, Patel Brothers, and 1961 cigars are made in their new factory in Esteli with AJ Fernandez. I’ll be sharing more videos from Esteli with you soon!

Cigar Box Factory Tour: Honduras

Posted on | January 3, 2010 | 8 Comments

While on the Rocky Patel Trip in Honduras, I had the fortune of taking a tour through a cigar box factory. Looking through and seeing just how much hands on work is involved added a new perspective and more appreciation to the presentation and experience of our cigars.

In this video you will experience the factory as I did, walking through and watching everyone at work handling one item at a time. Every detail is done by hand and with a beautiful finish. I hope you get as much from this video as I did with the experience.

The Angelenos, From Prometheus: Cigar And Lighter Review

Posted on | December 24, 2009 | 9 Comments

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!

A Moment With Brian McGee of CAO on the La Traviata

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 6 Comments

Brian McGee of CAO cigars is always a pleasure to see, and during his last event he introduced me to the La Traviata cigar.

This is a very full-bodied flavorful cigar with a great taste of pepper as you light the cigar and a rich cedar and leathery flavor with a slight sweet and creamy finish. Though intense with flavor, it is also very nicely balanced and round for a smooth smoking experience.

Brian also informs us of what to look forward to from CAO!

A Moment With Kurt Van Keppel: HC Series Cigars & News From Xikar

Posted on | December 16, 2009 | 3 Comments

I had the pleasure of meeting Kurt Van Keppel, owner of Xikar and HC Series Cigars, and discovering the details on the new HC Series as well as the latest news from Xikar.

This was my first tasting of the HC Series line and I was very happy with the experience. When I think of Xikar I think of accessories and wasn’t sure what to expect out of the new cigars. It was definitely a welcoming surprise and Kurt describes each cigar’s profile perfectly.

It was a pleasure speaking with Kurt and off camera we discussed the palate from cigars to food and especially wine. His passion and knowledge is a delight that can be seen within the products Xikar, and now HC Series Cigars, creates.

 

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