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Light my fire!

29 Mar

Ah, a good lighter. It can make the difference between enjoying a cigar and not enjoying it. I’ve always been partial to Blazer’s Torch lighter because of it’s durability and consistency. And when traveling I get long cigar matches to enjoy and share. I also bring little wooden matches for those touch-ups I might need. So when Blazer came out with the Little Buddy I was excited. Now I wouldn’t have to worry about the chain cap. And it worked great… for the first two weeks. And then died. Occassionally, it would fire up but not as a torch flame but rather a lazy flame. Once it even seemed to engulf the top (dangerous, IMO).

I tried a few things like carefully tapping.

Still didn’t work.

I tried compressed air, thinking that something was blocking something.

Still nothing.

I listened carefully. I could see the slight blue spark and could hear the gas but still wouldn’t light. I let it sit for a few days.

Still nothing.

I sent an email to Blazer and never heard anything. I was rather disappointed. I’ve continued to keep trying to no avail. The biggest challenge is that I bought this on Amazon and it’s not like I can return it to a retailer there (well, I could but sending it via mail means I’ll have to drain it first). I guess since it’s still under warranty, I’ll have to drain it and send it to Blazer directly. We’ll see how that goes.

Since I needed something a little more than my usual Blazer Torch lighter and there was a sale on the Perdomo Vector Thundra lighter, I splurged on getting that. So far, it’s been a decent lighter. I can actually light 5-7 cigars before I need to refill it. I do wish it had a clear body (something about being able to see the fluid would be helpful) but otherwise, it’s been a champ of a lighter thus far.

 
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Posted in General Cigar Info

 

Cigar Review: Finding Peace in America

20 Feb

Peacemaker in its coffin

Peacemaker in its coffin

Cigar Name: Red 760 Peacemaker (7 x 60)

Cigar Description: Brazilian maduro wrapper and Habano binder around a blend of Seco Cubano, Ligero Piloto Cubano, Ligero Olor Dominicano, and Ligero Nicaragua long-filler tobaccos.

Cigar Strength: “Strong” Medium

Review of the Cigar itself: I had decided since I was reading Getting Stoned with Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu by J. Maarten Troost that something exotic and different was needed. I had ordered this cigar (along with a sampler) from Flatbed Cigars earlier in the week and after the challenging week that I had experienced, it truly was time to wind down and relax a little. The cigar was in a freshly made coffin. I could smell the wood as if it had just been cut that morning. I mixed up a nice spiced rum and Coke, turned on CBC’s Jazz Stream, settled into my home office chair and inhaled the scent of the cigar. It was rich with a deep earthy scent and a sweet tobacco. The length and guage of the cigar was certainly massive. This is definitely a hefty cigar and I expect it to take a better part of the afternoon. Since my girlfriend was out, I figured this was a perfect activity to do for the warmish sunny afternoon.

The cigar construction was excellent. The wrapper lines were nearly indistinguishable  and I punched the end easily. It took a little bit to light it, given it’s girth, but once going it emitted a nice sweet odor with a hint of spice that danced along the bluish hue of the smoke. This isn’t an overly smokey cigar but enough to gentle waft along any current of wind. I sipped the rum and the cigar as read about the adventures of the fearless — or is that fearful? — author while in Vanuatu. The greyish ash burned fairly consistently and straightly with only an occasional slant here and there.

Enjoying the taste..

The long ash that had developed as part of the first third eventually fell off on it’s own. Rich woody scents mingled with the sweet earth scent and my taste buds enjoyed a deeper earth taste with hints of sweetness and tang (molasses?) in the background. I continued reading and ended talking with a friend online before I noticed that I had already gone through the middle third. The cigar’s flavour was so smooth and the burn so good I didn’t even notice the two hours that had already pass (!!).

As I got into the last third, I pondered how a simple idea had culminated into a wonderful tasting cigar. Flatbed went back to basics. Yes, the cigar came in a coffin but it was a simple one. No fancy wrappings. No splash. No bang. Plain paper nestled in the coffin to protect the tasty treat inside. The tasty spice mixed with a sweet earth taste became more accentuated as I got closer to the nub of the cigar. I looked over and realized that my spicey rum-Coke mixture was long gone. The intrepid author had now moved over to Fiji and my last third was almost gone. The sign of a good cigar, to me, is one that lets me meditate while life bustles by. The name, Peacemaker, is apt.

You’ll find it if you let the cigar guide you.

Definitely a cigar to enjoy again and again and again.. I think I may try to get a few for the next Herf I have with work colleagues in May.

Enjoyed with: water & a spiced rum and Coke

Smoke time: approximately 180 minutes

Final Review Rating: 9.5/10

 
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Posted in Cigar Rating: 9+, Cigar Reviews

 

Cigar Review: A Knightly Rothschild

16 Feb
Excalibur 1066 Rothschild

Excalibur 1066 Rothschild

Cigar Name: Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Rothschild (4.5 x 50)

Cigar Description: Connecticut  Maduro Havana-seed wrapper around Honduran, Nicaraguan & Dominican longfiller.

Cigar Strength: Full

Review of the Cigar itself: It’s been a busy month and a bit. And I’m well over-due for a review or more. I have a few reviews in the works for a couple of products (Blazer’s Mini Buddy and Repuff, Cigar relighting solution) and decided to post this one on the 1066 Roth. A very sweet and heady little cigar, the wrapper is well made and almost a dark coffee colour. The veins, and there were a few, were not predominant or overpowering of the quality of the cigar.

It punched easily and soon was emitting a rich blue/white smoke. The scent that arose was a peppery spice that tempted tasted buds. As I went through the first third, I listened to the poor hapless souls outside trying to get their cars to escape the grip of hardened snow and frigid ice. Ah, the joys of being inside basking in the sun on a not-so-warm day. The cigar itself tasted of rich oregano and a bitter mocha taste. The draw was clear enough to allow the flavour through, which started a bit subdued but as I finished the first third it began to develop more.

The middle third continued the oregano and added a bit of a sweetness to the taste, almost a mint but not quite.

Overall it burned well with minimal uneven burning occurring. Most of that I was able to resolve or it resolved on its own.

Enjoyed with: water

Smoke time: approximately 75 minutes

Final Review Rating: 8.2/10

 
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Posted in Cigar Rating: 8-8.9/10, Cigar Reviews

 

Cigar Review: A little Red that could

02 Dec
red-601

601 Red Habano Robusto

Cigar Name: 601 Red Habano Robusto (5 x 50)

Cigar Description: Nicaraguan longfillers covered in an oily Nicaraguan Natural Habano wrapper.

Cigar Strength: Full

Review of the Cigar itself: I knew I was in for quite the cigar treat when the pepper taste hit my taste buds before I had even lit the cigar. It was surprising since the wrapper had a sweet smell to it. The 601s aren’t known for their mild flavour and I was expecting a decent amount of spice from this. The construction was good with minor veins running through the dark chocolate coloured wrapper. The blazer torch kissed the foot of this cigar perfectly and it lit with cedar and white pepper aromas wafting up to my home office light. The ash in the first third was an off-white with hints of brown, grey and black but it was the flavour that was impressive. A nice blend of white and black pepper tickled the roof of my mouth. The spice rum balanced well against the piquant of the cigar.

The burn was fairly straight except for this one part of the wrapper that “bumped” a little bit on one side. A quick touch-up there and I had hoped the cigar would be settled down enough to do an even burn for the rest. The peppers mellowed a bit in their spiciness and added slight occasional hints of leather. The aroma, however, continued the nice spice to fill the air. It made me think that perhaps eggnog with spice rum would have been a better option.

As I continued into the middle of the cigar this stayed pretty much the flavour. The one distraction was the constant need to adjust the burn. It seemed like one side just wasn’t having it tonight. So I gave it an little extra oomph. Examining it closely I could see where the wrapper wasn’t quite tight and began to wonder if this was the cause. This was a tad disappointing since I was enjoying the cigar very much. Although this is a full cigar, I didn’t find it as strong as the 601 Green, which is a very powerfully strong cigar. The finish was a bit smokey, almost like a smokey cedar flavour. Overall a good cigar and it made me glad I had gotten a fiver.

Enjoyed with: Spiced Rum and Coke with a glass of water on the side

Smoke time: approximately 75 minutes

Final Review Rating: 8.2/10

Since I was in a holiday mood early, I was listening to some music and a classic came on:

 
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Posted in Cigar Rating: 8-8.9/10

 

Cigar Review: Medusa ain’t that scary after all.

09 Nov
3 cigars in one

3 cigars in one

Cigar Name: Drew Estate Medusa (6 x 44)

Cigar Description: Nicaraguan filler surrounded by Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper, done in a traditional Culebra form (3 cigars inter-twined together)

Cigar Strength: Medium

Review of the Cigar itself: I had recently saw the Drew Estate Medusa coffin on sale and thought it’d be a neat cigar to have for Hallowe’en or a meeting with 3 friends. Unfortunately, Hallowe’en was so busy and most of my friends were out of town that I never got to it. I finally decided to try it yesterday. I took it out of the box and carefully undid the twine on one end. I had contemplated actually smoking all three at once but decided against it. So I undid the other end and separated the cigars. Although tight together they did come apart with ease.

I sniffed the cigars, expecting either a sweet sugary or cocoa smell (very common amongst the Drew Estates cigars) or a nice mild, tobacco smell. I got neither. A bit puzzled I checked again. There was nothing wrong with my nose, I thought, as I checked an Arturo Fuente Seleccion D’Oro Churchill I had just purchased (just to be sure) and inhaled a sweet tobacco smell. It was odd to have a cigar that had no odor but I thought, eh, try it any ways.

These cigars have no cap and, thus, need no clipping. The construction seemed good, although hard to tell with the twisty-ness. The end lit easily and the draw was easy. But it was tasteless. Literally. Never have I had a cigar that didn’t have a taste — heck, I’ve even had some that tasted like wet straw and grass. Now I was flummoxed. Should I continue or try another? I decided to continue and it burned relatively fast. I had to re-light it regularly as it went out far faster than other cigars I’ve had. After a bit I got a hint of a cinnamon or pumpkin spice, I couldn’t make out which since it was faint but definitely there. Maybe it was a late bloomer?

I continued further but it was the only tease of flavour I got. After smoking it about half-way, I stopped. It just wasn’t worth burning air like this. This was definitely not a medium. It wasn’t even a mild. Whatever is milder than a mild is what this is. I still have the other two and may let them breath on there own, out of the tightness of the Culebra. If the second proves to be the same then these will definitely be on my do-not-buy-again list. I tossed the last bit and enjoyed the Arturo Fuente instead while I went after critters in my World of Warcraft game.

For the Horde!
Enjoyed with: water

Smoke time: approximately 20 minutes

Final Review Rating: 5/10

Monument Factoid: Culebra means snake in spanish and refers to the twisted shape of the cigar.

 
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Posted in Cigar Rating: 6.9 or less, Cigar Reviews

 

Cigar Review: A Monumental Tribute to America

29 Oct

CAO America MonumentCigar Name: CAO America Monument Torpedo (6 1/4 x 54)

Cigar Description: Connecticut Shade and Broadleaf Maduro around filler from Dominican, Nicaragua, Italy and USA

Cigar Strength: Full

Review of the Cigar itself: After getting back from Baltimore, my humidor is even fuller than before. It is definitely time to step up with more reviews and free up some space so I can enjoy more and.. Hrmm.. Sounds rather like a cyclical thing, eh? Ah, the things one must do to help the economy. The Monument was the last of the barbershopped dark with light stripes cigars from the Fourth of July Sampler. The cigar itself had a sweet smell that highlighted the cool, wet weather we’ve been experiencing in NYC of late. I could almost see the leaves change before my eyes as the aromas of the unlit cigar’s tobacco filled my senses. The cigar’s construction was good and nearly flawless with few, if any, veins. The wrappers were obviously done with enough care that I could barely make out where the maduro started and the shade ended. It was a seamless layering of colours.

The actual tobacco is packed densely within the cigar, giving it a solid feel. The maduro wrapper in particular had a nice oily sheen on it. I easily slipped off the band at the foot of the cigar and cut the pointed end at the head. The light was easy and the draw creamy. I almost wanted to say it was “meaty” in flavour but it wasn’t quite that. It definitely had a nice flavour of mixed spices to it. A good stout would be a nice thing to pair with the cigar. Although the flavour didn’t change much — occasional twinge of nut and wood flavours — it was nice and enjoyable.

The burn at the start was a bit uneven but it did eventually even out as time went on. The overall smoke at times was a bit voluminous but it wasn’t anything bad. The white smoke produced a nice, spicy and creamy scent. As I sat back and watched the rain “pour” sideways,  I carefully tugged the band off and ponder what makes the US great. My experience last week in Baltimore highlights it: it’s the people. All countries have monuments, museums and historical buildings but it really is the people and how they interact with those from outside that make the difference.  Monument is defined as “a structure intended to commemorate something which either needs no commemoration or cannot be commemorated.” To me, this cigar commemorates the average American who is often forgotten in the wild activities of celebrates, politics and the like. It is that Average American who made up this at the first 4th of July and continues to make it something special for him/herself and their family.

Enjoyed with: water

Smoke time: approximately 110 minutes

Final Review Rating: 8.6/10

Monument Factoid: There are 3 “Monuments” in the US: one is in Colorado, one in Pennsylvania and one in Oregon.

 
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Posted in Cigar Rating: 8-8.9/10

 

Cigar Store Review: Ropewalk Tavern & revisiting Baltimore’s Cross Street Tobacco

26 Oct

A year ago, I visited one of my first cigar stores ever: Baltimore’s Cross Street Tobacco. A very laid back place, it was quiet and friendly. This past week I ended up back in Baltimore and decided to visit it again. I went to Ropewalk Tavern, one of only two restaurants in Maryland where you can enjoy a cigar, on Sunday night. It turned out to be one of the not-so-great nights as the local team lost to the Minnesota Vikings’ in a nail-biter of a game. The food was what I call standard pub fare: fried chicken wings slathered in hot sauces of varying degrees, burgers, etc. The smoking section, the 3rd level in an area called the Smoke Easy Lounge, is filled with comfortable, worn sofas and large screen TVs. I enjoyed a soda while watching the Patriots pummel the Tennessee Titans (by the end of the first half, I was beginning to wonder if this was a basketball game or something based on the score). It was a friendly atmosphere and certainly worth going back, especially if there is a gaggle of people.

But oddly enough, I went back to Cross Street. Mostly I wanted to see if they had anything new and I did like the cheap store brand. I went on Tuesday night and the place was definitely hopping and busy. I was already smoking a cigar when I walked in so I settled down to finish it and quietly listened to the conversation going on. At one point, I was offered a sip of some nice 15 year old GlenLivet (it was someone’s birthday and they were sharing). I couldn’t resist and enjoyed a very small cup full (maybe 2-3 sips) as I didn’t want to intrude on the celebrations. It was incredibly smooth and flavourful. I knew what I’d like to get my uncle for the holidays to enjoy because of this. I had enjoyed the conversation and company so much I came back again. Because of work, it’d have to wait until Thursday. As it turned out, that was a good thing.

On the Thursday, the store had an Olivia event where you could win schwag (shirts and hats) and get some good deals. I ended up getting some Nubs, Olivias and Cain cigars (the humidor is now full beyond the brim!).  Depending on what you purchased would determine how many entries into the draw for schwag you’d get. I got 12. They also had some nice finger foods, beer and other goodies to enjoy throughout the night. I ended up, because of my purchase, with a Olivia t-Shirt and a Nub “Fidel” cap. I also won a Nub classic cap (think 1930s). I have to admit: I look damn good in it. I met the same crew as on the Tuesday night and they invited me to join them on Friday for their Bourbon night. As it turned out, I was able to attend. As a result I was able to sample some nice beer and a couple of bourbons. My girlfriend commented that it’s a good thing we don’t live in Baltimore as she’d never see me. And you know, she’s right. This is why the brick and mortar cigar stores should be supported and why they are needed. They are a community place for cigar aficionados to enjoy good conversation and bonding together, regardless of political affiliation, background, race, religion, etc.

If you are in the Baltimore area or will be visiting soon, definitely put Cross Street on your list of places to visit. Best days are Tues/Thurs and Fri. Bring a bit of your favourite to drink and share and tell ‘em the short Canadian guy says hi!

 
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Posted in Cigar Store Reviews, General Cigar Info

 

October Poll: It’s all about the flavour..

10 Oct

Last month, I asked about CRA and who was members. It was a 50-50 split. Now, granted, the audience that reads here can be from anywhere in the world so it’s possible that some voters wouldn’t be represented if they are elsewhere but it was interesting that a few people didn’t know who CRA is. I would recommend that if you are a cigar smoker in the US and want to have a voice in Congress et al., then take a few minutes to join them (the link is on the right). There is a fair amount of legislation that could prevent someone from enjoying a simple cigar. The most recent action by the FDA (who now manages tobacco products and the advertising, etc. of it) was to ban flavoured cigarettes. The wording of the ban is so broad that it could easily snag in flavoured cigars and cigarillos (something my girlfriend wasn’t happy to hear since she likes to occasionally enjoy an Al Capone Cognac once in a while). I’ll admit to enjoying an occasional flavoured cigar (the Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra is a great “dessert” kind of cigar).

And honestly, whether you like them or not, no one should prevent you from enjoying a good cigar once in while. I find it relaxing since I have to slow down to enjoy it (I admit to be a slow smoker and that is really not a bad thing). I’m an adult. I know what consequences may come from it, just like I do if I was to handle a gun or alcohol. I’ll admit to being fairly liberal in many of my views on things (I actually tend to be a-political as I feel disenchanted with politics in general) but there is something about the government directly telling me what I can and cannot enjoy in life that just irks me. So I figured I ask the rest of you as to what you think about the recent ban. Do you think that companies like Drew Estates should be worried about them being next?

 
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Posted in Cigar Poll

 

Quick post: Have your say with the FDA

06 Oct

I do have two reviews to do yet (just need to type them out and post them) for Indian Tabac Robusto Bear (Limited Reserve Series A) and Davidoff Maduro R Robusto. In the meantime, consider the following if you are a member of CRA and even if you’re not (please use your own words; these are merely suggestions as to what to take about if you’re at a loss for words):

The United States Food and Drug Administration has called for public comment on the implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is seeking public input on the implementation of its historic new authority overseeing tobacco products in the United States. In a Federal Register notice, the agency invites the public to provide information and share views on a wide range of topics, from product content to advertising and marketing. All public comments will be posted online.

“We’re interested in receiving input from across the country as the FDA begins to implement this important new authority intended to reduce the enormous toll of suffering and death caused by tobacco products in the United States,” said Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “We look forward to the public’s response.”

View The Federal Register Notice

Click Here for more information about the FDA and tobacco regulation.

Comment on FDA’s regulation of tobacco products.

Cigar Rights of America, as a adult consumer based organization with members in all fifty states, is concerned with the approach the Center for Tobacco Products will take with regard to premium hand made cigars, and hereby calls all its members to post their personal comments on the FDA’s Regulations website.

As a guideline for your comment, please be sure to include the following:

MAIN POINT:
It is clear that premium hand made cigars are not a focal point of the statute nor the intent of the US Congress, but the overarching authority over all tobacco products gives us pause and concern. It is also clear that the authority granted to the US Food and Drug Administration by Congress did not have premium hand made cigars as a target of further regulatory burden.

SUPPORTING POINTS:
1) Premium hand made cigars are an adult focused product, in terms of their use, appeal and economic attraction, with the marketing and advertising of the product being principally in adult lifestyle oriented publications, hence not in any manner appealing to children.

2) It is also worthy to note that premium hand made cigars are internationally considered an art form, that allows for adults of legal age to truly appreciate the attraction and use of the product.

3) Premium hand made cigars are products made and sold principally by family oriented businesses. Therefore, additional regulatory burdens should not be imposed upon these backbones of American small business.

4) It is also noteworthy that many in the adult cigar user population enjoy flavored cigars, and because they are enjoyed by adults, and marketed and sold only to adults, that they should not receive the scrutiny of the agency.



 
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Posted in Smokers' Rights

 

Quick Review: CAO America Robusto Box Press

01 Oct

CAO America Robusto Box Press

CAO America Robusto Box Press

Cigar Name: CAO America Robusto Box Press (5 1/2 x 55)

Cigar Description: Connecticut Shade and Broadleaf Maduro around filler from Dominican, Nicaragua, Italy and USA

Cigar Strength: Full

Review of the Cigar itself: As I continue through the Four on the 4th of July set, I decided to give the Box Press a go this time. The construction of the cigar was good, although there was a weird “fold over” near the cap. It didn’t take away from the cigar but just seemed to be less attention to detail. The pinstripe wasn’t as noticeable as found on the Potomac. The lighter Connecticut Shade was actually a bit dark.

The cigar had a very mild sweet smell, more milder than I expected. It was kind of surprising given that it’s a full cigar. The actual smell was reminiscent of a sweet woody smell, almost like a cedar. I punched it and lit the foot. The white-blue smoke that wafted up had a nice black pepper scent to it while the initial taste was a light leather with hints of cedar and damp earth tones.

As I got into the 1st third the cedar tastes continued throughout the cigar with hints of the earth, less damp at times. This combo proved to continue through the rest of the cigar until near the end where the tastes became more pronounced. While it was nice to finish with the cedar and leather, it seemed more milder than I expected. Hopefully, the others prove otherwise.

Enjoyed with: water

Smoke time: approximately 110 minutes

Final Review Rating: 8/10

 
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Posted in Cigar Rating: 8-8.9/10, Cigar Reviews

 
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