RSS
 

Archive for October, 2009

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.

 
No Comments

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!

 
2 Comments

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?

 
No Comments

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.



 
No Comments

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

 
No Comments

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

 
Mr. Beer - Makes A Great Gift!
 Powered by Max Banner Ads