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Monday, July 21, 2008
| | | IPCPR 2008 - The Aftermath | It was good to be back in Vegas...this city always provides a great venue for the industry's annual trade show. Unfortunately, this might be our last year in Las Vegas, as legislation has tightened its grips via cigar bans. Either way, it was a great show with plenty of fantastic new releases from today’s most talented cigar makers!
Below, I’ve compiled a short list of honorable mentions based on what I saw and tried during the 4-day trade show. Creating this list was no easy task, as there were plenty of enjoyable and innovative blends to choose from, but I decided to give it the ole college try:
Perdomo Patriarch - Nick Perdomo has been on a roll lately. Previous releases include Lot 23 and Perdomo Habano, both of which have enjoyed instant success. This year, he brings the Patriarch to the table. This full-flavored cigar is well-balanced with a medium to full profile and ample complexity. Best of all, it’s easily one of Nick’s finest creations to date, giving you a solid super-premium at a premium price point. It’s a win-win, all around.
G.A.R - For years, the Gran Habano name has satisfied the palates of underground cigar-cult-enthusiasts across America. The cigar consistently sells well, but somehow remains under the radar. Even after the release of Blue Label. However, G.A.R has been released, and more enthusiasts will surely take notice. This cigar features awesome, modernized packaging in the form of a smooth, painted white box. Within, one finds rounded-box-pressed cigars with a simple band. Each cigar comes dressed in a Corojo wrapper boasting a hue similar to heavily creamed coffee, and unleashes a bold array of full-bodied, full-flavored nuances.
Tabak Especial - There's no doubt, the folks at Drew Estate are in their prime when it comes to producing delicious new experiences for those favoring non-traditional blends. Enter Tabak Especial, an exceedingly flavorful cigar loaded with rich and creamy tobacco goodness with a sweet twist. There’s coffee and liqueur at play with a mocha-like finish....completing a lovely cigar with luxurious aromas. This is a cigar you’ll find yourself craving more of.
Cohiba Puro Dominicana - Cohiba is a powerful brand in the marketplace. It’s only fitting that it be supported by a powerful blend. Finally, that blend is here. Puro Dominicana is downright delicious, and delivers a full-bodied bouquet loaded with spice. If you’ve turned down a Cohiba before while searching for something a little more robust, please give this blend a shot. You won’t be sorry....it’s worth every penny and will reinstate your faith in the legendary Cohiba name.
The triumphant return award has to go to Nick Perdomo for his Perdomo2. Many have lost sleep ever since this brand was taken off the market several years ago. However, you can all sleep like babies now, knowing it is back and burning better than ever. Best of all, it’s available at a more attractive price point, giving you a tasty bang-for-the-buck from Tabacalera Perdomo.
The idea of the year, without a doubt, goes to Nub. For our customers, this cigar is not necessarily new, but this year’s trade show marked its official release to the market. Nub was designed by Sam Leccia to capture the true essence of a cigar from start to finish, and trust me folks....it delivers. Handmade in the Oliva factory, Nub is available in three choice blends and showcases some chunky, slow-burning vitolas. Hop on the Nub Train my good man, it’s a fun and exciting ride.
The unsung hero for 2008 would have to be Rafael Nodal, maker of Oliveros cigars. For years, Rafael has been working tirelessly to manufacturer some of the industry’s best, value-priced premium handmades. Thanksto the new Oliveros XL Bold, his rise will be quickened. This cigar is strong, and will easily compete with the strongest cigars currently on the market. Throw in Oliveros’ high level of quality and superior blending skills, and you have a winning combo for those seeking a powerful and eventful blend. Best of all, it’s priced well below the market, bringing a full-bodied bargain to the table in a world of high-end powerhouses.
The surprise of the show, hands down, goes to Macanudo. For decades, this name has been synonymous with mild and consistent, making it the number one selling cigar in America year after year. Even the Macanudo Robust can be enjoyed by those seeking mellow, but high quality smokes. However, Macanudo 1968 is anything but mild. This new cigar is robust and complex, offering rich, chewy, and oaky flavors backed by ample spice. Seriously, this cigar will fool you, especially if burned on an empty stomach. Macanudo 1968 will surely recapture the hearts of those old Macanudo customers that wandered off the reservation for bolder, stronger cigars.
This year accentuated the push towards thinner cigars, panatelas and lanceros. Of the many fine cigars featuring this vitola, I feel the La Aurora Preferidos Lancero portrays this size the best. Measuring 6.75" x 42, this enchanting cigar breathes new life into Aurora's oak-aged masterpiece, delivering a bold, yet elegant experience layered with rich, chewy flavors, while leaving behind a notable spice after each puff. In fact, I burned one on my way to work this morning, and must say, this is a mighty fine lancero! Gents, stop reaching for those big-ring-beasts all the time, and 'tro a thinner-smoke in there for a nice change of pace!
Unlike years past, there was no one cigar at this year’s IPCPR that received all the attention or limelight. Furthermore, the list above could easily be much longer. However, I found the aforementioned cigars to be true standouts among the healthy selection of new releases put on display this year.
Be sure to keep an eye on our Big List of Brands, as this year’s new releases will begin shipping any day now, and continue coming over the next few weeks and months.
- Steve-o | | Return to Top
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
| | | Thursday - Day Four | Soooo...last night was a very late night for some of the CI Crew. In fact, some of us managed to pull today off without a wink of sleep. Animals! Not me though...I came home early last night to rest up. However, listening to their stories, I feel like I missed a good time.
Today marks the last day of the show, and represents a half day. However, we could only stay til about 11 in order to catch a flight back home. Since several us could hardly walk, let alone speak, we took it easy today, and met primarily with our good friends at Oliveros.
Oliveros
A bold statement from Rafael Nodal...
 
Oliveros King Havano - This cigar is very, very strong...but it's incredibly well balanced. There are two varieties: a lighter, Havano Claro and a dark and oily Oscuro. In my opinion, the Oscuro is slightly stronger. To create this cigar, Rafael chose Nicaraguan long-leaf ligeros from Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa and secured them within a powerful Nicaraguan ligero binder. The result is surprising to say the least. A robust series of bold, rich tobacco flavors mingle with Cuban-esque hints of earth and pepper, while a nice, velvety finish completes each puff. The Oscuro has a deep, dark aroma with a toasty influence, while the Havano Claro has a creamy component that's very enjoyable. There's three chunky sizes to choose from in boxes of 20.
  
XL Bold - As if the King Havano wasn't strong enough, Rafael went and made a cigar that was even stronger. Comprised entirely of Cuban-seed, Nicaraguan ligeros (right down to the wrapper), the Bold represents the strongest cigar ever created by Oliveros...and will likely be one of the strongest cigars you've ever burned. Give it a shot...it really is delicious and satisfying. Just make it past the first inch...it mellows a hair at that point, only to blow your mind again towards the final half.
Colibri
We sat down with Colibri for well over an hour to discuss several of the new lighters they're bringing to the market this year. I have to tell ya, these guys are good...and you have some awesome cigar-lighting instruments to look forward to. The quality behind these new torch lighters is better than ever, and when combined with Colibri's cutting-edge technologies and designs, you have yourself the ultimate in premium cigar accessories. Keep an eye out for these new lighters in the months to come, especially the new Guinness torch lighter. Based on the response to the current models, this one is a blockbuster in the making!
Prometheus
God of Fire, anyone...
God of Fire - We sat down with the folks from Prometheus to discuss the new God of Fire cigars from the Fuente family. These are always a huge hit, and since they're made in extremely limited quantities, we wanted to secure as many units as possible. Be on the lookout for the addition of new special edition samplers and boxes in the near future. They sell quick, and there's only so many to go around!
Well, that's pretty much it. It was a fantastic IPCPR (RTDA!), with a nice amount of tasty new releases for you to keep an eye out for. Just bookmark our Big List of Brands...new cigars will be popping up quite frequently over the next few weeks and months. Don't miss'em!
- Steve-o | | Return to Top
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
| | | Wednesday - Day Three | |
After an expected and enjoyable late night with Rocky, we somehow managed to make it to our 8am breakfast with the crew from Cusano. And, thanks to a inhumane helping of eggs and bacon washed down with endless amounts of black coffee, we now have enough fuel to hit the show floor in true CI fashion.
La Aurora
Man, this old factory has some new tricks up its sleeve... 
La Aurora Puro Vintage 2003 - I just about fell in love with this cigar from first glance. In all seriousness, it’s just downright enchanting. The wrapper is a leathery Ecuadorian leaf glistening with oils and boasting a slightly reddish hue. Beneath this leaf, a bold mixture of Cuban-seed Dominican long-fillers bound by a Dominican binder. All of these leaves were cultivated in 2003 - hence the Puro Vintage 2003 - and have been patiently cedar-aging ever since. Only 12,000 cigars were rolled, total, and in just one size: a beautiful Salamone that comes packaged in 8-count boxes. Despite the vintage tobaccos, the smoke is intense, with a smooth, chewy core, notes of leather and cedar with a touch of spice. Delicious, and long-lasting. 
La Aurora Preferidos Lancero - Thank the success of Aurora’s Preferidos Robusto for this tasty new treat. Measuring 6.75” x 42, the Preferidos Lancero employs the classic Preferidos Classic blend of award-winning tobaccos: Dominican, Brazilian, and Cameroon long-fillers inside a Dominican binder then cloaked by a toothy Cameroon leaf of the highest caliber. Prior to rolling, these tobaccos have been aged in oak barrels for 3 years, creating a luxurious richness to the already complex array of flavors. The cigar is delightful, allowing the amazing Cameroon wrapper to take center stage. A sweet and spicy serious of flavors are supported by hints of wood and nuts, creating an elegant smoke worth checking out. Packaged in boxes of 50.  Tatiana Mocha - No, this cigar was not crafted to taste and perform like Java. Rather, the Mocha from Tatiana is an aromatic cigar. The flavor is truly tobacco, with a rich, smooth core. However, the leaves have been influenced by mocha to produce a dark, chocolatey aroma. There is no sweet cap to this cigar...so all you manly, traditional cigar-only enthusiasts can give it a go without fear of your lips falling off.
Gran Habano
More full-bodied lovelies from Señor Rico...
G.A.R - George Rico is very excited about this cigar, and rightfully so. Everything about it is top-notch, from the beautiful, white boxes to the simple looking box-pressed cigar. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian-grown Corojo that’s toothy and the color of heavily creamed coffee. Beneath this leaf is a second wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut, serving as a binder. Further in, a long-leaf mixture of Cuban-seed Nicaraguan tobaccos. The result is a full-bodied smoke loaded with creamy, rich nuances. Coffee, leather, cinnamon, and spices…it’s all there. You’ll have 4 great sizes to choose from, including a 4.75” x 60 Gran Consul. 
Gran Habano Cabinet Selection - Another full-bodied release from Gran Habano, the Cabinet Selection is a choice series of chunky vitolas that come heavy in the hand with a serious box-press. The blend is purely Nicaraguan, comprised of bold Cuban-seed tobaccos inside a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper. The full-flavored bouquet is full-bodied with heavy notes of coffee bean and spices, with a long, charcoal-like finish. 
Alec Bradley
A new, 94-rated instant classic...
Tempus - This attractive handmade combines a Honduran Criollo wrapper from 1998 with an aged mixture of Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers. The reaction among retailers has been quite positive, and Cigar Insider already gave this brand a stunning ‘94’ point score. I gave it a try about a month ago, and am now ready to give it another go. Tempus is medium in body throughout, offering a subtle series of dark, bittersweet chocolate and cedar from start to finish. There’s also a sweet tobacco aftertaste left on the palate after each puff. The cigar is quite good, and I would highly recommend it.
Harvest Selection ‘97 - We were fortunate to receive this cigar just before the show. In fact, we already did a deal on it. Man, we’re good. Harvest Selection ‘97 is a scrumptious handmade dressed in an oily and smooth Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. The fillers include Dominican Piloto and Mexican ligero from 1997 (Harvest Selection), and Nicaraguan Criollo from 1998. Each cigar is complex, yet mellow, dishing out a medium-bodied profile with toast, spice, coffee, earth, and even a little sweetness. It’s seriously this complex, even after burning a dozen or so cigars a day here at the show.
Rocky Patel
Rocky Patel didn’t release any new cigars this year. Just kidding...
Rocky Patel Summer Blend ‘08 - Not really new, this cigar has now officially been released. This small-batch cigar was crafted as a summer release only. It is made in AJ (Abdel) Fernandez’s factory of Esteli, Nicaragua. The smoke is full-bodied and spicy, utilizing a dark and oily Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper chock full of Nicaraguan long-fillers. Best of all, there’s a Cameroon binder at play, offering a sweet, nutty flavor that works well with the rich, spicy core. 
Renaissance - Once again, Rocky is releasing a new line without fully disclosing the blend. However, I can tell you this. The cigar is dark and oily with a thick, somewhat toothy wrapper. Looks to be either Ecuadorian Habano or Ecuadorian Sumatra. The smoke is bold, but rich and smooth, with a nice series of coffee and spicy-sweet flavors. The strength intensifies as the cigar burns, becoming medium to full by the midway point. The cigar burns white, hinting at Nicaraguan tobaccos. 
Rocky Patel Autumn Blend ‘08 - The summer has barely started and Rocky’s already pushing an Autumn blend. Sheesh…slow down Rocky, or at least provide some info so I can describe these things! Rocky Patel Cameroon Especial - Thanks to the unwavering success of Rocky Patel 'R4', the Cameroon Especial has been created. This economical bundled cigar is value-driven, giving you a quality long-filler cigar wrapped in one of the most expensive wrappers on the market at a blue collar cost. The cigar is medium in body and built for every day enjoyment, giving you a solid smoke that's smooth and nutty with a sweet finish. 
Well, that’s about it for today. Now we’re off to meet Jonathan and the boys from Drew Estate for drinks before teaming up with Nick Perdomo for dinner.
- Steve-o
Current Gambling Statistics
Steve: -$120
Josh: -$160
TJ: -$100
Brandon: -$200 (yeah!!!1!)
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Tuesday, July 15, 2008
| | | Tuesday - Day Two | Holy cow. Last night was a late, late night...and we weren't even with Rocky. Fortunately, we have a bunch of key appointments prepared to wake us up today. Stay tuned for some info on Tabacalera Perdomo's three hot new releases, the new Oliva Serie V Maduro, a Pepin-made made La Aroma de Cuba, and much more!
- Steve-o | | | | Tuesday - On the floor | It's day two (well, three) and we're still going strong. First order of business, visiting our good friend Nick Perdomo.
Perdomo
Nick was a busy man this year...
Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary - This incredible looking new cigar was crafted to celebrate the anniversary of Perdomo Reserve. It is constructed of Cuban-seed long-fillers grown throughout the fertile vallies of Nicaragua and comes in two varieties: a buttery Cuban Criollo and a Nicaraguan sun-grown maduro. The smoke is full and complex, dishing out deep layers of dark coffee flavors with hints of nuts and chocolate and a smooth, lingering finish.
Perdomo2 - Great news folks, Perdomo2 (squared) is back! Still a box-pressed handmade, this choice handmade offers a lovely new twist. Made entirely from Nicaraguan-grown tobaccos, Perdomo2 is available in both natural and maduro, offering a bold, full-bodied smoke that's balanced throughout. Expect a satisfying experience riddled with coffee, mocha, and sweet spices.
 
Perdomo Patriarch - Now this cigar is impressive. Nick made this cigar to honor his father, Nick, Sr. It utilizes a vintage mixture of long-leaf tobaccos cultivated from Nicaragua's three major growing regions: Esteli, Jalapa, and Condega. It comes in both Corojo and Nicaraguan sun-grown maduro. The smoke is exceedingly rich with tons of chocolate and coffee flavors and a sweet, sultry finish. Best of all, the price...this truly is a super-premium at a premium price.
  
Drew Estate
Nick's creative neighbor has been equally busy...
Tabak Especial - Finally, this delicious cigar is now available! Takab Especial is an ultra-rich cigar that's heavy on flavor but easy on the palate. Nicaraguan tobaccos mingle with maduro negra or Connecticut shade dulce wrappers that have been carefully influenced with Nicaragua's finest coffee beans to produce a smoke that's out of this world. Sweet and velvety, this is a must-try.
Liga Privada No. 9 - Three new sizes have been added to the Liga's mighty aresenal. A 6" x 52 Toro, 6" x 52 Belicoso and 7" x 54 Double Corona. Feast you hounds! If you haven't discovered this blend yet, you're truly missing out!
Oliva
A tasty twist on Oliva's 94-rated instant classic...
Oliva Serie 'V' Maduro - Yes. It's true. It's good, too...very good in fact. Take my word for it and try it. Only 50,000 cigars were created in this one-time production. It's rare, but worth the hunt.
Nub - I know this brand has been available on our site since April 1st, but this year's show marks the grand release of Nub. If you haven't tried these blends, I highly suggest doing so. The brand is far from gimmick, and has proven to be one of the hottest new releases, if not the hottest release, of the year.
 
Puros Indios
One of the oldest legends in the business offers an exciting new look...
Reyes Family Premier - This represents the first blend made under Puros Indios' new series of cigars, called Reyes Family. The Premier is dark and oily, boasting a naturally fermented Ecuadorian Sumatra maduro wrapper. Beneath this leaf a mixture of Nicaraguan long-fillers from Condega and Jalapa awaits. The result is a rich and robust smoke layered with deep and satisfying flavors including roasted black coffee and dark chocolate with a sweet, but long-lasting finish.
Reyes Family Classic - The idea behind this cigar was creating something mild but flavorful, retaining the rich tobacco flavors and raw earthiness that Rolando Reyes Sr. has grown famous for. To do this, a mottled Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper was chosen to secure a long-leaf combination of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. The smoke is mellow but smooth and earthy with a nice sweet aftertaste. A touch of spice comes into play midway through, completing this fine cigar.
Ashton
Another Pepin-made gem...
La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial - Manufacturered in Nicaragua, this bold new variety of La Aroma combines an Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper with well-aged Nicaraguan long-fillers. The result, purely Pepin, offering a complex and satisfying cigar with rich notes of earth and cedar complemented by sweet spices and a leathery finish. Like the original La Aroma de Cuba, the Edicion Especial is quite good. Five traditional sizes are available to choose from, maintaining a retail between $6.50 and $8.
 
Ashton ESG 22-Year Salute - The third size to this uber-expensive ultra-premium has been released. It's a 6.5" x 55 Torpedo, and guaranteed to satisfy. If you thought the ESG was tasty before, wait until you try this new vitola. The bold level of concentrated flavors will please any palate.
 
Well, that's it for today. They're shutting off the lights and it's time to head out. Dinner with Rocky tonight, so we better take a nap...it's going to be a long, long night.
- Steve-o
Current Gambling Statistics
Steve: -$120
Josh: -$160
TJ: -$100
Brandon: null (......zzZzZZzzz...)
Man, we suck at roulette. | | Return to Top
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Monday, July 14, 2008
| | | Monday - Day One | |
Like a wrecking ball, the CI Crew hit the show floor. Day one...let the bodies hit the floor...
General
Some fantastic new releases are on the horizon from some of the industry's biggest and oldest brands...
Cohiba Puro Dominicana - A classic mixture of tobaccos grown exclusively from Dominican soils. After storing tobaccos for nearly 10 years and tasting countless samples, Daniel Nunez finally found this new cigar. The cigar is quite full with heavy spices and bold aromas. The tobaccos were aged in tercio and charcoaled wooden barrels to present a toasty, yet sweet oaky flavor that lingers long on the palate. Indeed, this might be Cohiba's next big thing.
Punch One - Throw out what you thought you knew about Punch, because Punch One is here and it's going to things are about to change. Punch One employs a beautiful Connecticut Broadleaf Oscuro wrapper and a vintage long-filler mixture of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan long-fillers to impart a rich, buttery-smooth smoke with ample complexity. The bouquet is loaded with flavor and smokes smooth throughout, offering toast, a little bit of pepper, and an incredibly enjoyable charcoal-like finish.
Hoyo Excalibur Legend - This cigar is strong...beyond strong. The Legend from Excalibur is rich and full-flavored with layers of spice and a unique earthy sweetness. Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos from the volcanic island of Ometepe have been carefully blended with a healthy dose of Dominican ligero to deliver a truly one-of-a-kind Excalibur worth trying.
Macanudo 1968 - Easily the finest Macanudo to date. The wrapper is a Havana-seed variety grown in the San Agustin region of Honduras and the fillers include long-leaf tobaccos grown in the Dominican, Nicaragua, and Ometepe. The tobaccos have been aged inside the same barrels as Cohiba Puro Dominicana, and marry to offer a superb smoke that starts out spicy and pushes on with layers of toast, spice, leather, and coffee bean. Get ready, this Macanudo is full-bodied and full-flavored....
Carlos Torano
The Tribute is back.
Introducing, Carlos Torano Tribute 2008. This rendition utilizes a 5-year old recipe of choice tobaccos, including a darj and toothy Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper. Beneath this leaf, a bold mixture of Esteli-grown Nicaraguan long-fillers is combined with sweet tobaccos from Jalapa. The smoke is bold and rich, with a dense core of satisfying tobacco flavors complemented by notes of leather and spice.
 
Carlos Torano Silver and Gold Sampler - A brand new, 7-cigar sampler has been created and comes gloriously packaged inside a special gift box. This sampler boasts the top-selling Torano Exodus 1959 and Silver blends, and includes one limitd edition prototype cigar in a beautiful Salomon shape. If you're a fan of these cigars, and I know most of you are, I highly recommend you pick up one of these samplers once it's available. You won't be disappointed!
CAO
Of course, everybody is looking forward to Lx2, a ligero-laced monster.
The Lx2 is a dynamite new handmade that's dark and alluring, daring you to toast the foot. Be careful, however, because this cigar is super-strong...especially the special-edition lancero (7.5"x38 - only available in the Lx2 Limited Edition Humidor). Bold tobacco flavors mingle with sweet spices and heavy charcoal influences to complete a satisfying and complex handmade that's surprisingly well-balanced despite the intense amounts of ligero at play.
  
CAO Flavours Cherrybomb - The latest addition to the ultra-popular CAO Flavours line, Cherrybomb is here to replace Karmasutrasplash. What's it taste like? What do you think? Sweet, rich cherries. Good call.
CAO Italia - Due to the unrivaled success of CAO 'VR' Full Fathom Five and CAO Brazilia Box-Press, the Italia line has added a new 5.5"x55 Box-Press to its tasty lineup of vitolas. Expect a rich array of concentrated flavours from this cigar, with that sweet, unique flavor you've come to love from CAO Italia.
CAO Champions Sampler - This thing is cool. As you might not know, CAO is the only cigar brand to have 10 different lines rated '90' or better by Cigar Aficionado. Well, now you can sample all 10 of these unique lines, in the highest rated, 90+ size, thanks to this Champions Sampler. These 10 cigars come packaged inside a handsome, cedar-lined travel humidor with leather exterior.
 
EO Brands
Eddie Ortega and Eric Espinosa were hard at work creating two tasty new blends
Cubao - Handmade by Pepin in Nicaragua, Cubao is comprised of Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-fillers inside a milk chocolate brown Ecuador Sumatra 'Oscuro' wrapper. I tried the lancero which is finished with a pigtail cap. The cigar is dark and lovely, with a toothy, yet oily wrapper. Like Habano or Corojo. The flavor is relatively tame, with sophisticated hints of oak and leathery and a buttery, almost velvety profile throughout.
Mi Barrio - Another new handmade crafted by Pepin in Nicaragua. This cigar is pricy...so pricy, the EO boys are making me go back tomorrow to get one. So, you'll just have to wait until then to read about it. I can tell you this: 601 Serie fanatics, get ready for Mi Barrio.
Update: Mi Barrio is a limited edition cigar that will be released in very small quantities, 4 times a year. Only one size will be created, but each release will represent a unique blend made to honor the work of Edin Gutierrez. Each cigar is manufactured by Don Pepin Garcia in Nicaragua, and will be a full-bodied, full-flavored experience.
Well, that's about all we have. Time for some drinks with Christian Eiroa and Camacho, the General Cigar dinner and finally the CAO Party...then maybe some more time on the tables if we're still standing. Hopefully, we're not.
Steve-o
Current Gambling Statistics
Steve: even
Josh: -$160
TJ: -$100
Brandon: null (pony up and play, lady!)
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Sunday, July 13, 2008
| | | Sunday - Day Zero | |
The CI Crew has landed in hot and steamy Las Vegas for the 2008 IPCPR. Say what? The IPCPR is the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailer Association, formally known as the RTDA. Like a clan of stealthy ninjas, we snuck onto the show floor today during setup for a little head start, and met with a few notable names a day in advance. Considering the craziness on the floor, this was a good thing.
Gurkha
Naturally, Kaizad has a few beautifully packaged tricks up his sleeve this year....
Dragonfire - What a name, eh? This enchanting cigar comes dressed in a dark Nicaraguan Habano wrapper and filled with Cameroon long-fillers secured by a Cameroon binder. It imparts a bold, yet smooth smoke that's nutty and rich with an elegant, sweet finish.
Fury - I have no idea what this cigar is made of, but Kaizad insisted that we burn it, while refusing to speak of the actual blend. The smoke is rich and toasty with a mellow, yet eventful array of flavor throughout. Coffee bean, earth, and a deep touch of vanilla I wouldn't have noticed had this been day three of the show. The cigar is nice...a medium-bodied treat for the senses with a wonderful aroma.
 
Black Dragon - Folks have gone crazy about the Black Dragon blend from Gurkha. Rightfully so, it's delicious. Well, for the collector, a new size has been added to this line and packaged inside a remarkable tube unlike any other on the market, ever. This thing is beautiful, and truly exemplifies Kaizad Hansotia's prowess in both packaging and quality. You've got to see it to appreciate it, trust me.
Don Pepin Garcia
We thought it would be best to meet with Jose 'Pepin' Garcia before the madness begins...
Tabacos Baez - This cigar is hand-crafted in Nicaragua and comes in two sizes: toro and belicoso. The blend is a medium-bodied mixture of Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-fillers hugged by a silky-smooth Connecticut wrapper. The smoke is toasty and cedary, leaving behind sweet, aromatic clouds of smoke above.
My Father - Some might call this cigar full-bodied, but I call it mild with a full-flavored profile. To create this handmade - which was dedicated to Pepin by his son Jaime - a beautiful Habano Rosado wrapper was used to conceal a bold mixture of Nicaraguan long-fillers from the black, volcanic soils of Nicaragua. As I said, the smoke is mild, but the flavors evolve throughout smacking the palate with dark notes of black coffee and leather with a nice, oaky element on the finish. My Father is available in four sizes: robusto, belicoso, toro, and lancero.
 
5 Vegas Miami - This blend was released last year and has proven to be an instant classic. To add even more excitement, Jose 'Pepin' Garcia created a 4.5" x 60 vitola dubbed the 'Knuckle.' The cigar is stout and full-bodied, offering an explosion of wood, pepper, and earth that envelops the palate in a creamy, smooth fashion. This cigar is good...best of all, Pepin surprised us with a shipment prior to the show so it's already in stock!
Since we spent a ton of time drinking wine in Rocky's booth, we didn't have much time to visit anybody else. To be honest, we didn't even look at Rocky's new blends...hell, did he even have any? All we saw was free wine. Ah well, it's off to the tables and remind ourselves that Vegas was not built on the backs of winners!
- Steve-o | | Return to Top
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