Thursday, August 11, 2005
| | | RTDA Recap | It’s now Thursday, and we’re back in beautiful (hot & humid) PA. Despite not being able to taste my lunch this afternoon, it’s good to be back. I hope I didn’t bore you to death with my 3am drivel over the past few days - I’ll likely be spending all day Friday fixing the spelling and grammatical errors.
The 2005 RTDA let loose a landslide of new products that’s sure to make the cigar market a lot more interesting within the next few months. Of course, we’ll be on the receiving end of the landslide, making these products available to you as soon as they’re ready. So hold tight and keep an eye on the Big List of Brands, because items will be trickling in very soon!
- Steve | | Return to Top
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Tuesday, August 9, 2005
| | | Day 3 - Recap | After a delicious Steak & Silvio dinner with Nick Perdomo, and a short stop at Harrah’s Casino, I’ve decided to settle in for the night and recap all the stops made on the floor today.
CAO Cigars
Yes, we visited CAO today. Aside from testing out Jon Huber’s modeling skills, we talked about their latest blends as well as extensions to their most popular lines.
CAO The Sopranos Edition: Going in, I saw this cigar as a gimmicky product designed to capitalize on a hugely popular television series. I was wrong. This cigar is totally legit, the real deal, if you will. I’ve burned my way through a number of samples over the past few days, and The Sopranos Edition stands proud among, what I believe to be, the top new cigars from this year’s RTDA. Prepare yourself for an explosion of spice upfront, followed by a chewy smoke that’s zesty until the end. These flavors are derived from a balanced mixture of Nicaraguan, Dominican and Columbian long-fillers inside an oily Brazilian wrapper. Oh, and the packaging is something else. The highly polished box is bright red and designed to look like the trunk of a car. The Sopranos Edition is a prime example of well thought out ideas, properly executed. Available in 3 sizes: Robusto ("Associate"), Toro ("Soldier") and Belicoso ("Boss")
CX2: The second big ’05 release from CAO, a product of Mx2’s success, and a project that’s many years in the making. The CX2 envelopes a deliciously complex blend inside a double-Cameroon wrapper leaf. A top grade Cameroon leaf conceals a second Cameroon leaf that binds a nice blend of Nicaraguan and Columbian long-fillers. The end product provides a spicy, sweet flavor that dominates an underlying earthiness, taking the authentic Cameroon to new heights. Available in 3 sizes: Robusto, Toro and Belicoso.
Also, check out some interesting new sizes within CAO’s older lines, including the Italia Novella, a smooth smoking 4.5" x 46 petite corona size and a generously proportioned new size within the CAO Flavours line, a Moontrance Torpedo. Also, the Criollo now sports new, more retailer friendly, boxes.
Caribe Imported Cigar
I spent a lot of time at Caribe’s booth today. Maybe it was because they were shooting photos for their Camacho Calendar, and I had the chance to speak with a few of the models. Ok, that definitely had a lot to do with it, and I’d just like to say, "Brandi, you get my vote."
Camacho ?????: Caribe has yet to choose a name for their Camacho release, currently known as "Camacho Black". Packaged in highly polished, black lacquer boxes and dressed in black bands, this new Camacho boasts an intimidating blend comprised of 100% ligero leaf. Please, do not smoke this cigar while operating heavy machinery, because you will feel it. It’s spicy, robust and incredibly powerful. I highly recommend you try it if you’re a fan of the Camacho Diploma Maduro, but must warn you: eat something first, and have a seat.
Graycliff
Chateau Gran Cru: The latest addition to the prestigious Graycliff Series, the Chateau Gran Cru introduces a super smooth flavor filled with notes of cedar and the slightest hint of spice. The wrapper is chestnut-brown and adds a hint of sweetness to the mellow, medium-bodied bouquet of flavors. And, with this new blend comes a new size: a monstrous Salamon that’s enclosed in individual cedar coffins.
G2: Now you can enjoy the blending prowess of Avelino Lara, the original creator of Castro’s Cuban Cohiba, in a more affordable cigar. Quality was not sacrificed to create this cigar, and the straight, slow burn and balanced flavor will back me up. This cigar presents an excellent way to introduce yourself to one of the priciest, and most highly sought, brands on the market.
Puros Indios
It was an honor to sit down with Rolando Reyes, Sr. today. He is without a doubt one of the true legends within the cigar industry, as well as one of the most respected men in the business. Going on 83, this Cuban-born icon continues to roll some wonderful cigars out of his Danli-based factory.
Puros Indios Double Fuerte: Take the flavorful, complex blend of Puros Indios, add a double-dose of ligero and a coal-black double maduro wrapper, and you have Double Fuerte. A peppery new cigar from Puros Indios that combines balanced flavor with strength. Slow-burning and well-made, the PI Double Fuerte issues ample flavor, including a pleasant naturally fermented sweetness that hangs on after each rich puff.
Cuba Aliados Corojo: Gone are the days of the Sumatra-wrapped Cuba Aliados. A genuine Corojo leaf now finishes Rolando Reyes Sr.’s flagship cigar. The flavor is interesting and balanced, combining the Honduran tobacco’s robust earthiness with the leathery spice of a premium Corojo wrapper. The August 9th issue of Cigar Insider gave 3 sizes within the new Cuba Aliados Corojo line a solid ’89’ rating. Just another notch on Sir Rolando’s belt.
Together, these blends further express why Rolando Reyes, Sr. sits upon the highest pedestal among the world’s top blenders.
La Aurora
The Cien Anos may be incredibly tough to get your hands on these days, but La Aurora has plenty of tasty new treats for us to enjoy, including a special treat for fans of the heavily sought Preferidos line.
1495: This luxurious new handmade celebrates the foundation of Santiago de los Caballeros, a city in the Dominican Republic. It incorporates an Ecuadorian wrapper with a masterfully blended combination of Dominican, Corojo and Nicaraguan leaves with Peruvian ligero and a Corojo wrapper. A flavorful masterpiece that’s available in 4 traditional sizes: Robusto, No. 4 (corona), Belicoso and Churchill.
Preferidos: Preferidos lovers, your prayers have been answered. The well-received Corojo and Connecticut blends are now available in the traditional, un-tubed lineup of sizes.
Leon Jimenes: The traditional Leon Jimenes blend has been sent to a new dimension with the Café Dominicano, a flavorful petite corona that’s slightly sweet, providing an assortment of creamy, coffee-infused flavors. This will make the ultimate morning smoke.
Today hosted another successful run on the convention center floor for team CI.
- Steve
| | | | Day 3 - Tuesday | Despite being exhausted from last night’s Drew Estate and Rocky Patel party, today was a very productive day. We spent some time with CAO, Graycliff, La Aurora and Puros Indios, where we sat down with cigar legend Rolando Reyes, Sr. We now have a few minutes to relax before our dinner with Nick Perdomo, then it’s off to lose some money at the casino with the guys from Camacho. I know, you’re all waiting for info on CAO’s The Sopranos Edition. Well, it’s fantastic, and I’ll be back later with a full review followed by a sad, sad story telling how much money I lost at the blackjack table.
- Steve | | Return to Top
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Monday, August 8, 2005
| | | Day 2 - Monday Recap | General Cigar
Bolivar: Re-blended for 2005, Bolivar features a San Augustin Ligero wrapper from Honduras to conceal a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos to issue General Cigar’s fullest-bodied premium to date. Available in 4 sizes that range from $5.50 to $6.25.
Partagas Limited Reserve Decadas: The beauty behind this cigar is the wrapper leaf. It undergoes the most prolonged aging process of all the leaves used within the factory - an authentic Cameroon leaf that’s 10 years old. Hand selected, an average of only 3 in 1,000 leaves are worthy of the Decadas, an exquisite handmade that combines a complex blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The result is a remarkable dedication to Ramon Cifuentes that’s limited to just 6,000 boxes and will retail for $14 to $20 between the 4 sizes.
Helix Infusion: Enjoy the soothingly smooth and mellow flavors of Helix with a twist. The new Helix Infusion is lightly infused with amaretto to offer a sweet flavor and aroma that’s far from overwhelming, yet satisfying and enjoyable.
Also, look forward to new sizes in several of General’s top selling brands, including: La Gloria Cubana, La Gloria Cubana Serie R, Partagas, Partagas Spanish Rosado and El Rico Habana.
Rocky Patel
Edge Lite: For those of you that aren’t ready for the full-bodied Edge (I know you’re out there, I’ve met more than a few), the Edge Lite is a wonderful cigar that caters to the mild smokers. Just like the original Edge displayed a masterfully balanced marriage between power and flavor, Rocky Patel manages to create a full-flavored cigar that’s mild-bodied. This is no Macanudo, folks. I’ve had more than my share of this cigar while in Honduras, and I have to tell ya, it’s an amazing cigar.
Olde World Reserve: I’ve had the pleasure of smoking this cigar on several occasions that include a car ride to Danli, Honduras, right off the roller’s table in Nestor’s El Paraiso factory, in a karaoke bar listening to the RP crew’s best rendition of Whitney Houstons "And I Will Always Love You", and at a tasting at the House of Blues. Each time, the Olde World Reserve smoked the same, uniquely delicious and buttery smooth. It employs an unusual blend of tobaccos, including a mixture of aged tobaccos from Honduras and India that generates a pleasant sweetness that I can’t quite pinpoint, but enjoy thoroughly. The Olde World Reserve is quite mellow, but deep in flavor. If you’re a fan of the Vintage ’90, definitely give this one a try.
The rage behind small cigars is in full force these days. To join the charge, Rocky created tins within his Vintage ’90 and ’92 lines, as well as his Sun Grown. But, as always, Rocky takes a secondary route towards the opposite side of the spectrum, creating a massive, un-pressed 60-ring monster for the Vintage series. This beast is a jawbreaker and explodes with rich flavor.
REO: REO is something special, and I really hope it catches on. The name stands for the brands 3 makers, Rocky Patel, Erik Espinosa and Eddie Ortega. The influence of these three incredibly talented men has created a true winner. Featuring an unusually attractive ’round box-press’, REO serves a medium-bodied flavor that’s filled with rich, earthy notes followed by the slightest hint of sweetness that lingers on the aftertaste. If there’s one word to describe this cigar, it’s smooth. I’m confident you’ll be nubbing this cigar on a regular basis once you give it a go.
Vibe Corojo: From Erik Espinosa, the man behind Series ’X’, comes Vibe, a medium-bodied treat that features a Corojo wrapper that will never be under-appreciated. The flavor derived from this leaf is something special. Rich, creamy and even a little sweetness on the aftertaste, this is not your average Corojo. Reasonably priced and available in 4 popular sizes, the Vibe should be a new favorite for those that enjoy a smooth, complex Honduran.
Gurkha Cigars
Titan: Built with an expensive Costa Rican Maduro wrapper and an extensively aged blend of Honduran, Dominican and Columbian tobaccos, this robust smoke is limited to just 1,000 boxes per year. Speaking of boxes, you have to see how these cigars are packaged: encased in polished steel, the box is almost as intimidating as the cigar.
The Beast: Together, the Beast and Titan work to display the blending power of Kaizad Hansotia. The tobaccos used to create The Beast are the same as Gurkha’s Titan. However, the fermentation and aging process has been tweaked, while the proportion of these leaves are modified slightly. The result is a slow-burning masterpiece that delivers a full-bodied and robust flavor filled with a rich, toasty notes and a subtle spice. -Brand new and already causing a storm, the Beast has been rated ’89’ by Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar Insider.
Gurkha Flavors: The trend towards infused and flavored cigars is running rampant, and Kaizad is no fool. To cater to this growing market, Gurkha has unleashed a flavored-onslaught that includes 13 different flavors, using a combination of premium long-filler tobaccos and the finest ingredients.
Oliva Cigars
Oliva cigars have undergone a facelift. The Grand Maduro and Grand Cameroon boxes have been re-vamped, while the "O" Series now features shiny new paper bands, rather than the traditional satin.
Ok, I’m really just trying to delay what you’re all waiting for. Sorry, I’ll stop teasing you now. Yes, the Master Blends 2 has been released: MB2. To keep things simple, this handmade is beautiful and sure to satisfy all your senses. Wrapped in a milk chocolate-brown, sun-grown wrapper leaf, the MB2 is slightly milder than the inaugural blend, never breaking the medium-bodied mark, but issues an assortment of delicious flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing with delight. An in-depth, buttery smooth smoking experience that will not go under-appreciated.
- Steve
| | | | Day 2 - Monday | Wow, what a day! We paid several booths a nice, long visit today to see all the new goods that they’ve got to offer. I have to tell ya, there’s a lot of awesome new smokes out there that are about to hit the market. Some key brands that we took note of today: Rocky Patel, Bolivar, Partagas, La Perla Habana, Gurkha, and Oliva, to name a few.
As I type this, I am running late and must go downstairs to meet the rest of the guys. We just got back from a La Perla Habana tasting at Morton’s, and are off to a very special cigar dinner with General Cigar, makers of Macanudo, Punch, etc. Then, it’s off to the Drew Estate and Rocky Patel party. But don’t worry, I’ll be back with plenty of updates on all the new cigars seen today. You may have to deal with some grammatical and spelling mistakes here and there, and for that I apologize, but what happens in New Orleans (read anywhere) stays in New Orleans. Til then, have a cigar and have a great Monday!
- Steve
| | | | Day 1 - After Hours | It’s almost 2am and we’re winding down for the night. After a great dinner with Victor Sinclair and enjoying some CAO The Sopranos Edition cigars at the CAO Party, it’s time to catch some shuteye for the big day ahead of us tomorrow. Special thanks to both Victor Sinclair and CAO for being such wonderful hosts and for keeping us from going to Bourbon St. again.
- Steve | | Return to Top
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Sunday, August 7, 2005
| | | Day 1 - Sunday | Today launched the first day of the 2005 RTDA, and after dancing our way onto the showroom floor behind the 8-man jazz band, we were ready to see, sample and learn about all the new goodies in store for us. And there were some nice ones, folks. (mental note: none of us are in college anymore and Bourbon St. never closes, must...pace...ourselves.)
Carlos Torano
Unfortunately, there will be no Tribute ’05. But, there was still good reason to check out this year’s offerings which included a great accessory item to add to this year’s Christmas list.
Virtuoso: It has landed, the Torano Virtuoso. The strongest blend ever created by the Torano team to date. Dressed in a dark, rough wrapper, this one is densely packed with Torano goodness.
Reserva Decadencia: While other manufacturers have their sights on the hard stuff, Carlos Torano decided to take the low road with Decadencia, a richly flavorful blend that’s infused with vintage port to issue a deep flavor never before seen in the cigar world.
Casa Torano Humidor: A beautiful cedar-lined humidor that will elegantly, and efficiently, store a box or two of your Toranos.
Tabacalera Perdomo
We sat down with Nick Perdomo for quite a while, and for good reason. His factory was extremely busy, creating a lot of highly anticipated size extensions and blends to his strong list of brands, while producing a handful of exciting new treats for our smoking enjoyment.
Perdomo Reserve: A full year has passed since the Champagne completed the La Tradicion series, but Nick was still hard at work, looking to further improve each of these 4 lines. Inventory your dog-walkers, because the Perdomo Reserve now features the ’PC’, a 4.75" x 44 Petite Corona that gives you all that Perdomo goodness in a quick, convenient smoke.
Edicion de Silvio: You’ve all been waiting for it, well here it is, the Edicion de Silvio Maduro. Simply gorgeous, each size is now available a dark, alluring maduro wrapper that’ll bring a tear to your eye. But, that’s not all. To honor both his father and uncle, Nick created two new, special edition sizes: the Keeney (4.75" x 46) and Grovy (6" x 52), packaged 30 cigars per Spanish Galleon Chest.
Perdomo Estate Seleccion: Despite the buzz behind the Edicion de Silvio, another cigar steals the Perdomo Train’s thunder. ESV, Estate Seleccion Vintage 1991, a re-mastered, re-introduction of one of Perdomo’s finest. It employs 3 wrappers - 5 traditional sizes are available in both maduro and Connecticut shade, while 2 ’tubo’ sizes utilize a genuine African Cameroon leaf. To say the presentation is gorgeous is an understatement. Retailers, if you have a tough time selling this cigar, find a new line of business, because these things are a sight to see.
Drew Estate
As expected, the Drew Estate booth was booming, as retailers took advantage of free Sauza Tres Generaciones Tequila and their chance to take home one of few special edition, low-rider Drew Estate bikes. Oh, we were checking out the cigars, too.
Natural: Dirt fans, prepare to get even dirtier. The Drew Estate crazies created a 5" x 52 Dirt Torpedo that burns slower and cooler, delivering an enjoyably mellow flavor that’s rich, slightly sweet and incredibly soothing.
ACID: Building upon the huge success of the Kuba Kuba, Drew Estate’s best-selling ACID, Jonathan and company developed a 6" x 50 Kuba Deluxe, attractively encased in platinum tubos, set inside 10-count boxes.
ACID 5: Also keeps your eyes peeled for the ACID 5, a five year anniversary, limited edition cigar that uses Drew Estate’s original ACID Ltd. Blend that has been aged a full 5 years to create an aromatic experience that’s second to none. Available in 2 sizes, a Torpedo (6" x 54) and Robusto (5" x 54) - boxes of 20.
Sauza Hornitos: Enjoy the creamy, satisfying flavors of Sauza with a pint-sized cigar. The little Hornitos pack an assortment of rich Nicaraguan flavors blended to perfection with the intoxicating taste and aroma of pure agave.
Victor Sinclair
Jose Dominguez has been a busy many this year. Production is at its highest and the quality has never been better. There’s no better time to unleash a celebratory cigar celebrating his success within the industry than today.
10th Anniversario: Introducing Victor Sinclair’s 10th anniversary cigar, a classic blend blanketed in a supple Havana-seed Corojo wrapper grown in the Dominican Republic, with a combination of 10-year aged Dominican long-fillers that include vintage Criollo ’98, Cuban-seed Piloto, San Vincente and a healthy serving of ligero. A fantastically complex cigar that’s considered to be Jose Dominguez’s crown jewel. Available in 3 sizes.
VS Legacy: Boldy box-pressed and emblazoned with a stunning band, the Legacy is as pretty as pretty gets. Cuban-seed Dominican tobaccos are finished with a dark Brazilian maduro leaf to deliver a buttery smooth flavor that’s dark and rich, yet medium-bodied. Available in 4 sizes.
Cusano Cigars
10th Anniversary: Cusano unveiled a new size within the popular 10th Anniversary line, a shiny Robusto that serves up an exceptional, smooth bouquet of flavor. Slightly cedary, with the slightest hint of sweetness, the new Robusto will surely continue the success of c10.
Cusano 18: Last year, many were looking forward to a maduro version of Cusano’s 18-year aged blockbuster. Unfortunately, the blend was not ready in time. Well, now it is, and boy is it a treat. Get this, double maduro, and we’re not talking oscuro here. The darker side of 18 features two maduro wrappers, a juicy dark one blanketing the blend and a super-flavorful maduro leaf mixed within the fillers. The flavor is something special, making a definite must-try for those looking for a twist.
Ok, I think I’ve burned enough cigars for one day. After all, I need to save my palate for tonight’s dinner. Tomorrow I’ll have more for ya, don’t worry!
- Steve | | Return to Top
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Saturday, August 6, 2005
| | | We’re Here! | We’re here! Despite the fact that I forgot my toothbrush, and Brandon his teddy bear, we managed to arrive in New Orleans with no problems. Time to freshen up and meet Rocky Patel and the Indian Tabac crew for dinner at the House of Blues. We’ll be tasting Rocky’s latest creation, Olde World Reserve, a cigar we sampled in Honduras a few weeks ago that’s sure to become an instant hit. Then we’ll be sure to become an instant hit ourselves out on Bourbon St. The locals say there’s a few things to do there. I have plenty more to say, but we’re short on time and still have to get some beads.
- Steve
| | | | And We’re Off! | Well, it’s bright and early on Saturday morning, and already hot and humid here in Bethlehem, PA. The crew and I are packed up and ready to head out to New Orleans for the 2005 RTDA with fully loaded OtterBoxes in hand. Many a cigar will be burned over the next 5 days, and we’ll be Johnny on the spot giving you the full scoop on this year’s hottest new releases from today’s top makers and manufacturers. So please stick with us, right here, as we bring you the latest in cigar business news and happenings.
CI and the 2005 RTDA. Do it.
- Steve | | Return to Top
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