Once A Week…
Posted on | May 23, 2010 | 7 Comments
You will usually see me having a cigar while out with friends at a cigar shop, bar, or outside on the patio during the week. It is a casual and comfortable time enjoyed between work schedules. Lately, a few of us have been getting together once a week to indulge in something special. We escape any stresses of the outside world and walk into Pappas Grill for some appetizers, libations, lighting up a cigar, and a night of conversations.
The difference is the setting, but it is nice to have a place that makes a day a bit more special in its own way. It’s fallen into our routine as a highlight of relaxing, ending another busy week and getting refreshed for the new one. The service is first class and the entire evening feels like a reward. It isn’t an every day event, but it is something to look forward to. Because it is special we will often have a cigar to compliment- either one we bring on our own or a few we share with each other so all can enjoy something new.
This is a fine dining restaurant, with incredible steaks and wines, but also with a bar that welcomes cigar smokers. I love walking in, seeing the sign posted by the door, walking past the piano and into the bar where I can light up my smoke.
The setting brings in a different focus. No television (but maybe the sports, muted, in the distance of the bar), a table we are all seated at keeping us all in eye contact but relaxed with our own seats, the opportunity to share appetizers and try new foods as we sit and enjoy our cigar. The waiter checking in to make sure everything is great is a pleasant bonus. When you have the whole thing together it feels like another time in history. We always plan it so that we have the entire evening open. That way we are never rushed and can truly forget about time and focus on what matters.
Do you have a weekly ritual or special self-created occasion? Maybe something that is once a month? I think it is a nice way to celebrate what we love with those closest to us.
Have we missed a week? Sure we have, but we try not to if we can help it.
Interview With Hendrik Kelner: Puro d’Oro from Davidoff
Posted on | May 16, 2010 | 1 Comment
Davidoff launches their first Dominican puro with nights of passion, bringing together food, wine, music, and cigars. I was fortunate to attend one of these events in Houston and taste the full line.
Smoke Ring of Webster and Sugar Land Texas were selected to host this great event. Thank you for making such a wonderful experience enjoyed by all.
The Puro d’Oro consists of four different sizes, each size with its own unique blend and a focus on a very special wrapper. Watch the video to listen to the story of how these cigars came to be and what makes them so grand. A lot of time was invested in perfecting this blend and particular wrapper; it is a delight to see the success of all their passion come through.
Puro D’Oro:
Sublimes
Deliciosos
Notables
Magnifico
There is more video to look forward to from this event, including an inspiring speech from Hendrik Kelner.
Thank you to Chris and Gerry of Smoke Ring, Henke and Henry Kelner, Danielle Hawthorne and Kris Miller of Davidoff Cigars for such a wonderful event!
EP Carrillo “Short Run” 2010 Cigar Tasting
Posted on | May 9, 2010 | 7 Comments
While at City Centre for an event with Kenny of Santa Barbara Cigars, I thought such a great occasion should have a cigar to match. And so in this video you can see my first reactions of the E.P. Carrillo “Short Run” cigar; a special treat from the Texas Cigar Festival.
I didn’t get the details about this cigar until after smoking and filming, so be sure to read below for all the information.
This is the Short Run, which is following the E.P. Carrillo Edicion Inagural and coming before the regular production line to be released this August. The idea in the “Short Run” is to release small batches, or “short runs”, of different and unique blends throughout the year.
The blend of the first Short Run edition is:
-Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
-Binder: Nicaragua
-Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
The first edition will come in 3 sizes and will only be 1,500 boxes (of 24) per size:
-Populares: 4 7/8 x 50; $6.25 retail
-Delirios: 5 7/8 x 52; $7.00 retail
-Dominantes: 6 1/4 x 60; $8.50 retail
This is the only Short Run edition planned for 2010, but we can look forward to seeing many more in 2011. In August, for IPCPR, the E.P. Carrillo regular production line will be introduced and ready for release in late August. There will be 6 sizes to start the line.
This information was given to me directly from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III, so I take it with great accuracy! Thank you, Ernie.
A Night Of Cigars And Libations: City Centre
Posted on | May 4, 2010 | 1 Comment
Last night was a wonderful evening filled with cigars, libations, food, and great conversations. There are so few places you get to enjoy this combination, and last night was a treat.
At the Monnalisa inside the Hotel Sorella, we enjoyed a beautiful setting overlooking the pool and indulged in our favorite luxuries. The food menu may be small, but the items are quite delicious! I’m looking forward to having more tonight. The cocktail list is what is focused on at the Monnalisa. There are some great selections, and with Ken of Santa Barbara Cigars there for the night- he will have a great cigar to pair with your beverage of choice.
It felt like an escape from the city, especially when you consider the ever growing restrictions of laws. Many people were visiting from out of town for the OTC which lead to meeting great new people and engaging in fun conversations. If you can make it to CITY CENTRE tonight then join us for a great evening. The party starts at 7PM and will continue throughout the night; I hope to see you there!
The Hotel Sorella
800 W Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, TX 77024
Event Dates:
Monday, May 3rd
Tuesday, May 4th
&
Wednesday, May 5th
7PM
Jonathan Drew Sees David’s Tattoo: Texas Cigar Festival
Posted on | May 3, 2010 | 4 Comments
As mentioned in my previous post, there was a special moment I was fortunate to witness during the Texas Cigar Festival hosted by Serious Cigars. This would be the moment that Jonathan Drew would see my friend David Cline’s tattoo for the first time.
David has kept this tattoo hidden from the internet just waiting for the day of the festival so he could show Jonathan in person. The day arrived and we were ready with a camera in hand. Watch the video to see Jonathan’s reaction to David’s commitment to the brand.
The New La Aurora 107 Cigar
Posted on | May 1, 2010 | 2 Comments
La Aurora is celebrating their 107th anniversary with a new cigar, properly named the 107. The launch also plays with the 107 theme by selecting 107 stores nationwide to be given 107 cigars to give to their customers. The promotion is a deal, too: buy any cigar and receive a 107 cigar free. Definitely not something to be passed up!
Cigar Towne is the only store in Houston to be included in this promotion and will be among the first to be able to offer this new cigar once full orders are shipped out. If you missed the promotion you may want to stop by and see if you can still get your hands on one, otherwise you now know where you can find it once they are out.
Upon cutting my cigar, I found that it had a very easy and comfortable dry draw. Because of the easy draw, I recommend cutting a small amount or using a punch to make the most of your experience. (I tend to make a small cut as it is; you can always cut more if need be.)
There are a lot of woody characteristics in the flavor profile and a nice spice through the nose. I must agree with Cheryl on the body of this cigar as though it is presented as medium bodied, it does have a bit more to it without crossing into full bodied. It is a medium plus cigar, and balanced nicely, maintaining a very smooth and enjoyable smoke. I think this is a style that both medium and full bodied smokers will enjoy.
It built up a bit in strength from the first draw into the first third, I tasted just a bit of sweetness in there as well. Half way through the cigar the strength rounded out, going from medium to medium plus to right in between. It finished nicely leaving me with flavor standing out over strength (something I always look for). Overall I found it to have some nice complexity and balance.
Texas Cigar Festival 2010
Posted on | April 28, 2010 | 5 Comments
Wow, what an amazing event the Texas Cigar Festival was. A big thank you to Ron of Serious Cigars for making this great event happen and for being an incredible host. This was an event that really stood out and will be remembered well by all who attended.
One of the greatest compliments I thought was on the design. I was speaking with Janny Garcia and she mentioned how comfortable the setting was: there was plenty of room, no crowds, no lines, and everyone could hold conversations and enjoy themselves. And because it wasn’t the IPCPR/RTDA where everyone is looking to sell or a Big Smoke where everyone is in line for cigars, the manufacturers could really enjoy themselves, engage in conversation, and be a part of the event as a guest.
That isn’t to say there weren’t any deals to be found- there certainly were box deals from everyone! And door prizes and special treats. I found myself among the fortunate to return home with special treats, new friends, and many great new memories.
JUST BEFORE THE EVENT:
Funny story- first of all, before we get to the event there is a story I want to share with you (and this does involve the event). Adam Estrem, CRA Ambassador and blogger of NewbieCigar, has become a great friend of mine. While we were discussing cigars and events, I had no idea he had not heard of the upcoming Texas Cigar Festival. At this point it was only days away.
Fortunately his schedule could allow it and he flew in just for the event. And I do mean just for the event: from the airport he went to the event, partied, and returned to the airport for his early morning flight. Wow, that’s dedication. It was a pleasure to have Adam with us at the event and I hope to see him again soon. Thank you, Adam, for being here!
THE SWAG:
Right when the doors to the event opened, there was no time wasted in getting our swag. Check out our bag and all of its beautiful contents:
THE EVENT:
We arrived early and decided to relax and have a cigar as people arrived. Right away we experienced a special treat- who should walk in but Dion Giolito of Illusione Cigars! I didn’t know he would be able to make it, but sure enough there he was in great spirits. It was an honor. Apparently he and Jonathan Drew shared a flight along the way, and Dion made adjustments so he could make it to the event. And speaking of Dion and Jonathan, this brings up the first special treat: The Nosotros.
I was very lucky to get my hands on a Nosotros. This is a cigar I have been waiting sometime to come out now, and I know I am not alone. Dion explained a lot to me that I would like to share here. There is a viso leaf in this cigar that is thick and holds to moisture, which means it takes longer to get this particular leaf ready for distribution. He informed me that after 30 days they checked on the leaf and the construction wouldn’t be satisfactory for them- the flavor was there and never a problem, but quality is important and they wouldn’t compromise a thing. So they waited another 30 days and pushed the launch time along with it. Upon checking in then, though the leaf was closer to being ready it just wasn’t quite ready yet.
After this they found that at about 75 days would be that magic number. This also means that for all future productions this particular leaf will have to go through a 60-75 day period of time before it is ready to be smoked. I appreciate the time and quality involved; it is something I respect and will be patient for. Dion also said the cigar he handed me will be perfect in about another 10 or so days, though it can be smoked now. I think I will take his suggestion and do just that!
Now, with Jonathan Drew I had two special treats: one was a cigar and one was to be witness to a very cool moment. The cigar? The “Dirty Rat”! A very special treat I look forward to enjoying over the next few days, perhaps with some friends were were also fortunate enough to get their hands on one. The moment has been one I have been looking forward to (and even have on video- stay tuned). A dear friend of mine had gotten a tattoo that would show his dedication to the brand. The hard part- keeping it hidden from Jonathan and the internet so no one would send it his way. This was to be a surprise revealed in person at the event.
Yep- wow. And to witness Jonathan seeing it for the first time was priceless.
Next, I caught up with Sam Leccia of Nub and Cain cigars. I had the pleasure of introducing my dear friend Tracy Tesmer of TheCigarPortrait.com to him as well. What you may not know is that for Tracy, his cigars represent something very special. In fact, at the cigar shop we are known to refer to them as “Tracy Cigars” ha. So for them to meet was a very cool moment. The last time I spoke with Sam he had mentioned the creation of a Nub Cain to be in the works. What I received next was a surprise and took it to the next level: a Cain F Nub!
Wow, I am looking forward to this one! He only had a few on hand and I am grateful to be able to have one. Thank you, Sam!
I moved my way forward and who should I meet next but Jim Hime. Maybe you know him by name, or maybe you know him by his map:
Jim was kind enough to give me this poster for my home (which will go just above my humidor!). I love it! I have seen it in several cigar shops in town and always admired it. I think it is great to see just how close some of these fields are, especially when you are smoking a cigar as you observe and consider the places and people involved. Thank you so much Jim for this wonderful treat- it was a pleasure to meet you!
And that is something I found myself doing more than anything- meeting great people and enjoying wonderful conversations. In fact I took little video and not nearly as many photos as I thought I would. When you are having a great time, time moves by so quickly. You fall into the moment, and that is what I think we all did for this event.
I could go on and on of the great people who where there and the conversations that were had, but it would perhaps be too much or not quite the same. But I will share many of those special moments with you.
Another very special treat I want to share with you was a cigar I smoked during the Texas Cigar Festival. Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars was there and had a very select number of special cigars on hand, 13 in fact. If that number doesn’t give you a hint, then I’ll be more direct: the Face! For Halloween this year Pete will be presenting the third character/cigar of this series, and this year it will be the “face” based on the idea of leather face.
Now, the ones he had with him were actually factory rejects, slightly shorter in length and with a different wrapper. These were one of a kind and a very enjoyable smoke- I am grateful to have been one of the few included in tasting one! Wow. We can look forward to a Mexican wrapper on the final product which will give a richer flavor profile (definitely excited about this one!) whereas the reject I enjoyed at the event had a broadleaf wrapper.
THE PEOPLE:
Did I mention who all was there?
601 – Eddie Ortega
Rocky Patel Cigars – Rocky & Nish Patel
Drew Estate – Jonathon Drew
Camacho – Christian Eiroa
Carlos Torano – Carlos Llaca
El Rey de los Habanos - Pepin, Jaime & Janny
EP Cariilo – Ernesto & Ernie Carillo
Nub/Cain – Sam Leccia
La Flor Dominicana – Litto Gomez
Perdomo – Arthur Kemper
Tatuaje - Pete Johnson
Illusione- Dion Giolito
J Fuego – Jesus Fuego
Esteban Carreras – Craig Cunningham
Partagas -Benji Menendez
Xikar HC – Kurt Van Keppel
Padron – Orlando Padron
Oliva
Ashton
CAO
Alec Bradley
Reyes Family Cigars
Cigar Rights of America
Humidipak
The Guayabera Lady
With a list like that all you can do is enjoy every minute. It was great to see the manufacturers interact and enjoy themselves with everyone else. Again, I could go on and on with all the stories, but I’ll let the pictures do some speaking. Seriously an amazing time!
THE AFTERPARTY:
Every great party has an after party, and this one is no exception. After the Texas Cigar Festival finished up, many of us all headed over to the local cigar bar, Downing Street Pub. And we arrived to a very warm welcoming. The staff of Downing Street was more than happy to do everything they could to accommodate our large party and make sure everyone was taken care of. They did an amazing job at keeping a lively and memorable night.
Interview with Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana
Posted on | April 23, 2010 | 5 Comments
I had the pleasure of meeting Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana at the latest event at Smoke Ring in Webster, TX. And what an event it was!
In this video Litto gives us a great insight of the details and traditions he has in the making of his cigars (some of which are unpleasant but go a long way for making a great product). This was a wonderful lesson for me and something I will remember each time I smoke an LFD cigar.
He also brings up a great point on the younger generation and their approach to cigars. Thank you, Litto!
Interview With Ryan Poehler of Gurkha Cigars
Posted on | April 16, 2010 | 5 Comments
I am new to Gurkha cigars which means I have much to learn about them as well as much to taste. Fortunately I have Ryan Poehler to give me the details and guide me through the line during his event at Cigar Emporium in Houston.
Perhaps the reason I have yet to try a Gurkha is because of what Ryan had mentioned, that with so many styles it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to begin. We all have our go-to’s that make us cozy, but I like to try just about everything so now I am finally making my way into Gurkha. What I didn’t realize is that the reason for so many styles is that once a leaf, or blend, is no longer available then that’s it and it is on to the next. I also didn’t realize the new cigars they have welcomed at friendlier price points.
Take for instance the Signature Red 1887 Anniversary cigar I was smoking- I really like this one! It was milder style but such an interesting and unique blend. The use of Indian tobacco really gives this cigar a lot of character, and a flavor profile I really enjoyed. I can see myself smoking this one again soon.
I have an Evil lined up next to taste from this event, and will have to update you with my thoughts once I light it up. Please share your experiences in the comments, I love to hear from you and get some ideas of what to look for next.
I want to thank Ryan again for this great information and insight into Gurkha cigars, it was a fun lesson and a great event!
Featured Posts
I am flattered Gary Korb of CigarAdvisor.com included me in his latest column with an interview. This was a fun ...
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 ...
La Aroma De Cuba: Edicion Especial Minuto
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan 4 1/2 x 42 When I first smoked the Edicion Especial blend in the minuto size, it left an instant impression on me. Just right away with the white pepper flavor through the nose, cedar aroma, and earthy core- I found a lot of complexity packed into this cigar. [...]
My New Favorite Rum For Cigar Pairing
When I’m looking to relax and bring the evening to an end, I love pairing a fine spirit with a cigar. Sometimes one will inspire the other, such as a tawny port making me want a padron anniversary. In this case, it is more about the spirit and how it works so well with most [...]
Cigars + Photoshoots: Tracy Tesmer Photography
I love combining my passions, however simple they may sometimes be. Dinner, wine or spirits, cigars- all great on their own but take on a different level when combined, especially in the company of friends. Not too long ago I had the pleasure of sharing such an experience with two very dear friends of mine- [...]
Style + Cigars: Meet Sam Moss
At IPCPR in NOLA this year I had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman who has spent the past 25 years on Madison Avenue sharing his passion for writing instruments. His passion and personality are strong and welcoming, something you can see in his presence, his words, and all he creates. I admire his passion, [...]
Cigar Factory: Bands, Boxes, And Presentation
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 [...]
