Thursday, July 20, 2006
| | | RTDA 2006 - Wrap-Up | |
While I didn’t see a HUGE release that was all the rave this year, I feel the 2006 RTDA was incredibly consistent when it came to interesting, high-quality releases from booth to booth. It is obvious that everybody in the industry was hard at work, creating solid new blends for our smoking enjoyment.
There were a couple of surprises that really stood out this year, in my eyes at least...
1. Tabacalera Perdomo’s Lot 23. Being a fan of Nick’s stuff, I expected this cigar to be good, but I was stunned when I heard the cigar would sell for, at the most, just $100 per box of 20. That’s for a torpedo! Then, after having a few, I can honestly say that this is the best bang for the buck new release. Also, I love the concept...very similiar to the Vegas Robaina Farmies I am so fond of.
2. Kahlua Especial. Every now and then, I enjoy an infused cigar. The Root, Sauza and an occassional Java are my breaks away from the norm. Kahlua never interested me, but the Especial sure does. It seems as though there’s less focus on the sweet and Kahlua, and more on creating a rich, flavorful, creamy smoke. Actually, once you get past the first few puffs, the sweetness is gone and the Kahlua mostly resides within the aroma. Drew Estate really flexes its creative muscles with this tasty gem.
3. Power by Felipe Gregorio. This creature is delicious. Whether it's the special Habano wrapper from pre-embargo seeds or just a unique mixture of tobaccos, the Power is an assertive cigar when it comes to flavor, but conveniently mellow in the strength department.
The 2006 unsung hero award goes out to the folks at EO Premium Brands. Yes, the two-man team of Eric Espinosa and Eddie Ortega have a couple of top-notch blends already (REO and Vibe), but EO is still a ways from commonplace. This might work to their benefit, keeping them under the radar just as 601 Serie starts hitting the retail shelves of America. Seriously, a Pepin Garcia cigar – Tatuaje and Padilla Miami 8/11 quality – for under $7 apiece? Everybody should have this cigar on their to-do list.
Of all the cigars that I smoked during the RTDA, my favorite was thew new Leon Jimenes Limited Edition. I'll be perfectly honest, I am bias. This cigar utilizes the same Cameroon leaf used by the 2006 Preferidos Robusto and Don Fernando Leon Jimenes, both of which I love, making this a natural fit for my fussy palate. Also, I smoked this cigar with Guillermo Leon and Jose Blanco, making it a memorable experience. I burned through a ton of cigars, and while there were plenty of great smokes out there, the new Leon Jimenes from the La Aurora factory is outstanding.
Thanks for sticking with us during the 2006 RTDA! I never thought I'd say this, but it's good to be back in beautiful (and significantly cooler) Bath, PA!
Keep your eyes on our Big List, as this year's new releases (as well as plenty of other goodies) will be added throughout the next few weeks and months!
-Steve-O
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Wednesday, July 19, 2006
| | | Day 3 - Wednesday | |
After a huge breakfast with the boys from Cusano, we hit the floor like soldiers on a mission. It was the last day and we had a 1:30 flight to catch; crunch time baby. Fortunately, only a few booths remained on our to-do list.
Rocky Patel
Naturally, Rocky’s booth was packed with retailers, friends, family and fans. There was even a camera crew floating around capturing the excitement. It’s obvious Rocky is a man on fire within the industry.
Olde World Reserve – Finally, the Olde World Reserve is ready. Featured last year in New Orleans, and perfected since then, the Olde World is a medium to full-bodied gem that you will cherish. Available in two blends, Maduro and Corojo, this cigar captures what Rocky Patel has truly become, a manufacturer of one of the finest blends and highest-quality cigars on the market today. The Maduro is smooth as silk, with a creamy richness you’ll fall in love with. Somewhat earthy with a little bit of chocolate, this cigar will make a fantastic, fuller-bodied alternative to the Padron 1964 Anniversary. In my mind, it blows it away. The Corojo is no slouch either. Consider an Edge Corojo on steroids that delivers full-bodied, full-flavored goodness from start to finish. Somewhat spicy with deep layers of toasty, earthy nuances that are slightly sweet on the aftertaste. Yeah, that’s nice.
Vintage – The steadfast Vintage series has undergone two changes. First, a small figurado has been added to the lineup. Despite its small dimensions and funky shape (it measures 4” x 48 in size and features a slightly tapered head and closed foot), this new vitola delivers all that RP Vintage flavor that you’ve come to love.
Another change to the Vintage series is a brand extension: Vintage 1999 Connecticut. The blend consists of tobaccos that have been aging for 5 years, everything from the Connecticut wrapper to the Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers. The Vintage 1999 Connecticut shows off the lighter side of Vintage with a crisp, creamy flavor that’s smooth and satisfying.
CAO
Fine. I’ll stop typing and get right to the Vision. Pfft!
Vision – Vision is different (read: elaborate). I mean come on, the damn thing comes in a battery operated box fixed with neon lights and a digital hygrometer – yes, this box doubles as a travel humidor. It even comes with a neoprene bag for easier, safer transport. But, surprisingly enough, each of the three sizes offered by Vision is very attractively priced.
Vison marks the first CAO cigar to be manufacturered in the Dominican Republic - it's made in the legendary La Aurora factory. The Dominican-grown Corojo wrapper is light brown in color, mimicking that of a Connecticut shade leaf. Inside, a Piloto Cubano leaf from the Dominican binds a complex mixture of Nicaraguan, Brazilian and Dominican long-fillers. How does it taste? In a word, good. Even after smoking close to 30 cigars throughout the show, the Vision stood out as a flavorful, well-rounded cigar with some juice. Pleasant notes of wood, mocha and peanuts are apparent throughout the burn.
CAO Gold 10th Anniversary – To celebrate the 10th anniversary of CAO Gold, the Ozgener family crafted a massive 6” x 60 perfecto. If the Gold Label is your cigar, this perfecto is a must-try. Available in boxes of 10 that carry an MSRP of just $6.50 per cigar (!!!), this mighty perfecto showcases the same crowd-pleasing blend as the standard Gold Label Edition. Only 100,000 cigars were produced.
The Flavourettes looked good this year.
CAO Bratalia – Be on the lookout for this limited production sampler. Exactly 2,000 were created to ‘unite’ the Brazilia and Italia blends. Each sampler consists of 5 cigars, featuring 3 unique shapes and wrapper designs as well as one Bratalia cigar, the Brazilia and Italia blend combined into one cigar.
CAO Sopranos Edition Cigars – A new super-toro size has been added to the Sopranos Edition named after the show’s main Don, Tony Soprano. 48 of these beauties come packaged inside a CAO Sopranos Edition Humidor – a black, high-gloss, large-scale version of the Sopranos Edition box. Also inside, Season 6 of the Sopranos on DVD.
Oh, the Flavourettes were looking good.
MATASA
We had a great conversation with Manuel Quesada and can easily say, he is one of the nicest guys in the industry, aside from being one of the most respected.
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Fonseca Habana Seleccion – Released just before the show, the Habana Seleccion pays homage to Fonseca’s rich tradition in Cuban cigars. From the look of the milk chocolate colored, Nicaraguan Habana Criollo ’98 wrapper, to the tradtional artwork and size names resembling the brand’s Cuban heritage, this cigar is a work of art. And let me tell you, the smoking experience is luxurious. Creamy, rich, meaty, toasty and naturally sweet on the aftertaste, this slow-burning, thick, smoke-cloud-making machine is awesome.
Fonseca Cubano Limitado – Cubano Limitada is a traditional looking cigar with simple, Cuban-esque packaging. Cuban-seed tobaccos from the Dominican and Nicaragua are carefully set inside a dark Nicaraguan-grown wrapper. This mixture combines to create a chewy, leathery smoke with a caramel-like smoothness. When combining this hearty blend with the Fonseca Habana Seleccion, it appears as though Fonseca is redefining itself with two deliciously blended, supremely aged, medium-bodied cigars.
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 – Manuel has added two new sizes to the full-bodied arsenal of JdN’s Antano 1970. Introducing, a long and skinny Lancero, measuring 7.5” x 38 and finished off with a Cuban-style, pig-tail cap, and a juicy Perfecto, weighing in at a bulbous 6.1” x 58. The unique differences in both flavor and character offered by these varying sizes are sure to take the Antano to another level.
- Steve-O
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Tuesday, July 18, 2006
| | | Day 2 - Tuesday | Day two began with an eye-opening breakfast with Daniel Nunez, president of General Cigar. Shortly after, we hit the show floor to get in our last full day of purchasing and sneak peaks.
La Aurora
To say La Aurora has been doing good things over the past year would be far from an understatement. With the addition of a new Preferidos, Pueblo Dominicano, Leon Jimenes and 5 Vegas Limitada '06 (pre-release now available), this legendary factory has managed to maintain regular production and the highest of quality control standards.
Preferido Emerald Edition - Ladies and gentlemen, the newest addition to one of the finest ultra-premiums on the market, the Emerald Preferidos tubo. Prepare yourself for an intensely complex smoking experience that's loaded with peppery, woody flavors, but buttery smooth down to the tapering nub. The blend is choice: a sun-grown Ecuadorian wrapper, Dominican binder and long-leaf combination of Nicaraguan, Brazilian and Dominican tobaccos. Looking for something special? Try this.
Leon Jimenes Limited Edition - Just 1,000 boxes of this cigar will be made, period. The reason: the wrapper. The 2001 Cameroon leaf used for this blend is exquisite. So exquisite, it's the same wrapper that earned a 93 rating for the 2006 Preferidos Robusto, and is also used to complete the ultra-rare Leon Jimenes Don Fernando cigar. Inside the Limited Edition is even more Cameroon tobaccos, only these leaves have been aging for 10 full years. Blended with a robust helping of rich Nicaragua and Corojo tobaccos and Rojo binder, the Leon Jimenes Limited Edition offers a chewy, almost oaky smoke with a peppery sweet finish that lingers long after each smoke-filled puff. Get this one while you can, because once it's gone, it's gone for good.
Pueblo Domincano - Unfortunately, the 2006 edition of Pueblo Dominicano was not display at this years booth. This is unfortunate, considering Jose Blanco considers this to be La Aurora's top release of the year. The 2006 edition will consist of 3 belicoso-shaped cigars packaged in beautiful boxes of 10. Just like most La Aurora fans, I cannot wait for this release.
Felipe Gregorio
Philip Wynne of Felipe Gregorio has unveiled a very special variety of tobacco that's been several years in the making. Called Pelo de Oro (Golden Hair), this rare leaf is grown in Costa Rica using ancestral seeds from Cuba owned exclusively by Felipe Gregorio. Although this seed was predominantly used during the Golden Age of Cuban cigars, it has not been used since the pre-Castro era…until now.
Power - This attractive new super-premium was created to celebrate Felipe Gregorio's 15th Anniversary. Using the highest primings from a select crop of Pelo de Oro wrappers, these cigars offer a chocolatey wrapper that's quite Cuban-esque in flavor and appearance. The Nicaraguan and Piloto Cubano long-fillers have been triple fermented and aged for a full 12 years and are complemented by a Nicaragua Habana wrapper cultivated in 1992. After aging in Spanish cedar for an additional 3 months, this carefully aged recipe combines to generate a wealth of velvety-smooth flavors inside a medium-bodied smoke. Earthy undertones are finished with a refined aftertaste that's cedary sweet on the tongue. Available in 9 sizes, including an amazing perfecto named 'Leopard'.
Leopard - A (very) limited production size within the Power line. 5.5" x 55 in size, this interesting perfecto features the delicious Pelo de Oro wrapper leaf, with added 'spots' of wrapper leaf placed throughout the barrel of the cigar, offering unique flavors at various points during the burn. The Leopard promotes a one-of-a-kind experience and appearance.
Pelo de Oro - Named after it's wrapper, this cigar utilizes the same wrapper as Power; however, from slightly lower primings, giving it a lighter shade and earthier flavor. Inside, a 7 year old blend of long-fillers is used: Cuban-seed from the Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan. Less ligero is utilized, making it a step down in strength from Power, but it's hardly lacking in flavor. Consider it the Cuban Cohiba of the Dominican, as the flavors are quite similar. A creamy burst of toasty, earthy flavors smack the palate, as a familiar twang is left behind after each puff. Topped by three well-applied caps, Pelo de Oro comes packaged in traditional, old-world style cabinet boxes of 50.
Torano Cigars
Not only did Carlos Torano host an enjoyable cigar tasting, but they released a wonderful new cigar for us to savor. Efforts were fully geared towards the introduction of this cigar, and it shows.
Noventa - For 90 years, the Torano family has been a major producer in premium handmade cigars. Quite a history, one rich in tradition and pride. To celebrate this history, the Noventa was produced. From their proprietary farms in Nicaragua, Carlos Torano chose only the finest tobaccos, which have been aging for 5 years. The wrapper and binder are both Habano Nicaragua, and the fillers hail from 4 different Nicaraguan growing regions: Pueblo Nuevo, Esteli, Jalapa and Condega. Complex indeed, the Noventa is a Nicaraguan puro that's elegant, to say the least. Medium-bodied, but deep in rich layers of flavor including a hint of dark chocolate and roasted coffee.
Oliveros
Oliveros is a maker on the move. The XL Double Maduro and Double Corojo have become instant success stories, and rewarded with an impressive 4.6 out of 5 from SMOKE Magazine. And now, a stunning follow-up.
Limited Edition - Otherwise known as LTD, this limited edition blend is so pretty, clipping the cap off of our samples hurt every time. A variety of aged tobaccos are utilized, including a Brazilian wrapper, Corojo binder and long-filler blend of Nicaraguan, Peruvian and Dominican leaves. With a blend like this, I figured the cigar would be strong right off the bat. But, Rafael Nodal crafted an eventful smoke that builds in both strength and flavors, methodically becoming more robust and, before you know it, the full-bodied strength is there to stay for a lively finish. Rich, earthy, toasty and intense, LTD is sure to become a hit with those looking for something smooth and strong.
XL - Be on the lookout for two new sizes. The first is a generous Belicoso Corto size called B56, which measures 5" x 56. The second, a husky 7" x 55 churchill-shaped vitola that comes packaged inside a gorgeous collector's edition humidor of 45.
After leaving the show floor, we spent the evening with Nick Perdomo and Arthur Kemper (aka D.S., aka Don Arturo) of Tabacalera Perdomo. Guinness, wine, 24oz porterhouse steaks, Edicion de Silvios and cognacs (thanks Kaizad!) were savored by all as we concluded a hectic day with the warm camaraderie of two of our favorite men in the industry.
Next stop, the Rocky Patel bash at the Palms Resort and Casino. There's nothing like sitting by the pool with a cordial in one hand, an Olde World Reserve in another, while watching countless beautiful women dancing from all sides. Everybody in the industry knows, if anybody knows how to party, it's Mr. Patel.
No gambling tonight. We want to be bright-eyed for our breakfast with Mike Cusano tomorrow. Night folks!
Steve-O | | Return to Top
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Monday, July 17, 2006
| | | Day 1 - Monday | Day one! We began the day with Joe and Sathya of Ashton and an all you can eat buffet. Normally, all you can eat could be dangerous business with me around. But, the Omelet Nazi was quite frightening, so one round of eggs and bacon was more than enough. Based on the overall 'feel' of the restaurant, I shared this feeling with countless others. Who yells at people for ordering eggs over easy? Seriously.
Tabacalera Perdomo
The first stop for the day was Tabacalera Perdomo and, as expected, he had some goodies to show us.
 
Lot 23 - Thanks to an incredible price point, which only reaches $5 per cigar on the high-end, Lot 23 should prove to be an instant hit. 6 years ago, Nick cleared away some more land in Esteli, Nicaragua to give way for another tobacco field. The leaves cultivated from this field were grown for the Lot 23 blend, only. Everything from the chocolate-brown, dark Connecticut wrapper to the hearty Nicaraguan binder and long-fillers, comes from this field (rightfully named, Lot 23). The cigar is deep in rich flavors that hint of espresso and nuts, while maintaining a fantastic creaminess throughout, which is derived from the Connecticut wrapper. The wrapper comes from the 5th and 6th priming, the highest part of the tobacco plant, which only yields four leaves, but offers the most flavor and color. 4 standard sizes are available, all packaged in traditional Spanish cedar boxes of 20.
Limited Golf Edition - Perdomo lovers, this is the one you've been waiting for. As you know, golf and cigars go together like peanut butter and Fluff, and Nick Perdomo's passion for the sport (or mind-game) was the driving force for this new release. The Limited Edition Golf employs a vein-free Connecticut wrapper that's smooth and shiny to cloak a flavorful blend of aged Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos. These choice leaves marry to impart an assortment of rich, toasty, well-rounded flavors backed by a crisp, slightly peppery aftertaste. The mellow body lets you puff on this cigar all day long, while the balanced bouquet of flavors will ensure that just one will completely satisfy.
Edicion de Silvio - Good news, there have been several updates to Nick Perdomo's prized jewel, which is now available in 20-count Spanish Galleon Chests. First, the highly popular Cameroon blend has added a torpedo (6.1" x 58) to its arsenal. Next, a new special edition size has been added: a bulbous pyramid, which comes packaged in chests of one hundred - 50 Connecticut and 50 Maduro. Lastly, a gorgeous sampler platter has been crafted to offer all the ultra-premium goodness Edicion de Silvio has to offer, including a limited 'barber-pole' Salomon.
ESV '91 - New sampler boxes of 3 and 4 ESV cigars will be released just in time for the holidays.
Graycliff
The Garzaroli father and son duo have been busy men over the past year. Not only do they have a spectacular new release, but they've also acquired a notable new customer. Bill Clinton has grown quite fond of the Chateau Gran Cru blend, which has now been personalized just for his smoking enjoyment.
  
Vintage 1999 - 7 years ago, a limited allotment of Graycliff Profesionale (blue label) cigars were rolled and set in aging rooms, for the sole purpose of releasing an exquisite vintage blend for Graycliff fans to cherish. And cherish it you will, as the extra age has allowed the complex blend of premium tobaccos to marry further into an intoxicating array of smooth, nutty flavors. Strength is hardly an issue with Vintage 1999, as this fine cigar has achieved the ultimate balance in body and flavor.
1666 - Unfortunately, this cigar was not ready to be released at this time, but Paolo did have a few samples for us to try and, I must say, it just might become the finest Graycliff available today. In my opinion, it's ready, but the folks at Graycliff know best. Afterall, Avelino Lara is in charge of blending in this tiny boutique factory. Let me be the first to tell you, if it's 'not ready' yet, I am chompin' at the bits to get my hands on the final product.
General Cigar
Some of the biggest and oldest names in the business have some of this years most talked about new releases, including an update to the elusive Partagas 150.
Cohiba Black - Some of you may have had a chance to sample this intimidating, jet-black beauty already. But, for those of you that didn't, prepare yourself for the darker side of Cohiba. The intimidating color of Cohiba Black is brought to you by a thick, perfectly fermented Connecticut Broadleaf. Inside, a hearty mixture of Dominican Piloto Cubano and Mexican tobaccos is bound by a Cuban-seed binder. As an added bonus, each of these leaves have been aged in tercios for an absolute minimum of 3 years, giving them a unique, rounded flavor. Cohiba Black is a slow-burning cigar riddled with rich, meaty flavors and a spice that smacks the back of your palate.
Macanudo Vintage 2000 - Macanudo Vintage fans need not worry about the discontinued Vintage '97 series, because General has been waiting to unveil the new 2000 blend. The wrapper for this cigar is beautiful, a Connecticut shade wrapper that's virtually flawless. Underneath, an aged Mexican leaf from the San Andres Valley secures a tasty combination of Dominican Piloto Cubano and Mexican tobaccos. As expected, every strain of tobacco utilized by this new Macanudo Vintage was cultivated in 2000, then patiently aged in tercios, waiting to commemorate America's best selling cigar once again.
La Gloria Cubana Limitada 2006 - Considered to be the grande finale of La Gloria Cubana's Limitada, the 2006 cigar is the largest cigar created within the series: the chunky Figurado Gigante weighs in at a hefty 7.75" x 63. Production yielded just 42,000 cigars, split evenly between maduro and natural. 30 of each come encased in limited edition display humidors made by hand in Italy. Individually numbered, these humidors employ an exotic Ebony Makassar wood that's just plain gorgeous, and impossible to find - this wood has literally been bought up, making it unavailable for the market. Just like past years, the Limitada offers an even more robust version of Ernesto Perez-Carillo's top-selling La Gloria Cubana Serie R, using a impossibly large, masterfully tapered shape to issue optimum flavor and enjoyment.
Partagas 160 - Introducing the Partagas 160, the last issue of this heavily sought signature series cigar, which is considered by many to be one of the finest handmades ever created. Harvested in 1997, a mixture of the finest Dominican Piloto Cubano and Mexican tobaccos is masterfully blended by Daniel Nunez, then hugged by a Cameroon wrapper that has been aging since 1977. Sound familiar? Yes, this wrapper is from the same crop used to create the original, Partagas 150. If you're the kind of guy that wants the best, the Partagas 160 is the cigar for you. Extremely rich in flavor despite the significantly aged tobaccos, each cigar promotes a luxurious, balanced array of toasty flavors complemented by a subtle, peppery note of nuts on the aftertaste that coats the palate.
Kahlua Especial - Not being much of a Kahlua smoker, this cigar really impressed me. While the cap is slightly sweetened, the flavor is far from overwhelming and does not hinder the amount of richness provided by the Nicaraguan fillers inside, which are combined with a creamy blend of Dominican leaves. The wrapper is significantly darker; a dark chocolate-colored Connecticut leaf that's toothy and eye-catching. But, the secret to this blend is the liqueur used. Kahlua Especial is a higher-end version of Kahlua, offering a richer, more robust flavor. Just the right amount of liqueur is used to slightly influence this cigar, while adding an extremely pleasant sweetness to the aroma. Kahlua Especial is truly a step up from the traditional infused cigar, thanks to the blending prowess of Drew Estate.
After the show, we headed upstairs to attend a small, intimate cigar tasting hosted by Carlos and Charlie Torano. Delicious cigars, including Exodus 1959, Exodus, Signature Collection and Virtuoso, an open bar with everything you could ever want, tasty finger foods and great conversation with one of the oldest families in the cigar and tobacco business.
Next, we were off to dinner with Rocky Patel. As always, Rocky spoiled us with fine food and more drinks than any of us could remember. Obviously, betting extends much further than the poker table in Vegas with these guys, as the folks at RP were wagering that Brandon and I couldn't finish our king-sized meals. Despite the countless dinners we've had together, these guys will never learn.
Before hitting the blackjack table for a nightcap, we hit the dance floor at the CAO party, held in the Hard Rock Café Casino. Naturally, there was plenty of eye-candy and, of course, CAO Visions to go around. Well done CAO, with the cigar, too. The Vision is a tasty Connecticut that will surely please the masses.
- Steve-O | | Return to Top
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Sunday, July 16, 2006
| | | The calm before the storm | |
We managed to sneak onto the show floor today for a sneak peak and discuss new releases with several makers.
Drew Estate
Naturally, the Drew Estate booth possessed a wealth of character. Upon entering, you found yourself standing between two New York City subway trains, as upbeat music kept the mood festive while we scoped out the new cigars.
Chateau Real – Jonathan and company are very excited about this cigar, and for good reason. The Chateau Real is a smooth smoking Nicaraguan handmade that cobines a caramel-colored Connecticut wrapper with rich tobaccos from the black soils of Esteli, Nicaragua and creamy Dominican leaves. This cigar opens with a spicy kick that slowly mellows into a creamy, rich smoke finished by toasty hints of pepper that hit the back of the palate. Medium-bodied, this new handmade from Drew Estate is something you could puff on all day, every day. Dressed in traditional Spanish cedar boxes with simple, yet classy artwork, the Chateau Real is a tasty, convential cigar from one of the industry's most creative manufacturers.
La Vieja Habana Fumas - As mentioned yesterday, Fumas has undergone a facelift. Several sizes were removed from the line, opening the floor to a couple new ones. The lineup now includes the Bombero (6" x 52), Belicoso D (6" x 54), Gordito Rico (6" x 60) and Celebracion Nacional (7" x 52). But, most importantly, 3 new wrappers have been introduced to the top-selling LVH Fumas: a chestnut-brown African Cameroon, a bold Cuban Corojo and a dark Brazilian maduro. With these changes, I am confident the industry's top value cigar just got better.
Kahlua Especial - The unrivaled demand for this flavorful blend provided fuel for a new, broadleaf maduro version. Enjoy a savory smoking experience, as a subtle, Kahlua-influenced sweetness smacks the palate just before the rich, coffee-like flavors of Drew Estate's Nicaraguan long-fillers take over. Using a higher-end Kahlua liqueur, Kahlua Especial, this upgraded versionof Drew Estate’s masterpiece is a delicious treat for the senses.
Throughout the event, Steve Saka was carrying a shopping bag full of samples. Inside were dark, juicy prototypes of a blend called Liga Privada. This cigar was not actually released at the event, but everybody from Drew Estate is excited about the product. The goal was to create a full-bodied smoke with a Cuban-esque character and, after tasting 9 blends, they nailed it. The final blend includes a dark Connecticut Broadleaf ligero wrapper, a Brazilian binder and a robust selection of Cuban-seed tobaccos from three Nicaraguan regions and the Jamastran Valley of Honduras. The flavor is rich, chewy and spicy with an earthy backbone and natural sweetness from the oily wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, and incredibly slowly burning, the Liga Privada and Chateau Real will surely help Drew Estate climb in the ranks of top-notch, traditional cigars.
Gurkha
Kaizad Hansotia has been a busy man. The implausible success of last year's releases (Gurkha Beast and Titan) paved the way for three new additions to Gurkha's 'Special Edition' series of handmades.
Grande Age - A meager 500 boxes of this beautiful cigar was made for 2006. It combines a vintage blend of Nicaraguan and Peruvian long-leaf tobaccos, bound by a flavorful Nicaraguan leaf, all inside a gorgeous, authentic Cameroon wrapper. Earthy in nature, these medium-bodied Hondurans offer an experience that's robust in rich, toasty flavors with a touch of spice. One size is available, a generous 7.5" x 54 churchill that burns slow and cool, packaged inside a handsome, mahogany chest of 50.
Beauty - Beauty is an understatement for this fine cigar. Encased in unique, opaque tubos topped by a shimmering gold cap, the Beauty is secured inside Beast-esque, high-gloss boxes of 25. It employs a toothy Ecuadorian wrapper to finish off an aged blend of dark long-fillers from the fertile soils of Nicaragua. Standing tall at a stunning 6.5" x 58, the Black Beauty serves up a silky smooth, rich flavor that's slightly creamy, thanks to a premium Dominican binder from the Cibao Valley.
Warlord - With a name like Warlord, you would expect something robust and satisfying. Well, Gurkha delivers with this massive, 7" x 55 vitola. To create this eye-popping cigar, Kaizad combines a juicy Nicaraguan wrapper that's dark and durable with a complex mixture of Nicaraguan long-fillers. To tame this beast, a smooth Connecticut binder is added to complete a medium to full-bodied smoke. Expect an array of rich, meaty flavors with a subtle hint of coffee. To package the Warlord, considered to be Gurkha's finest blend yet, Kaizad created a beautiful, antique-style mahogany chest with bronze accents. 30 cigars per chest.
Alec Bradley
Alan Rubin was kind enough to serve us a delicious Nespresso Ristretto immediately upon entering his booth. To complement this bold cup of espresso, we were given his latest achievement, the Maxx.
Maxx - To create this blend, the folks at Alec Bradley decided to focus on what they enjoy, rather than what the market and competition was doing. Consider the Maxx the personality of Alec Bradley, a cigar made by them, for them, with a little extra on the side for us to enjoy. Each of the five sizes within the line is hefty in order to maximize flavor and roundness, rather than strength. They include: The Fix (5" x 58), The Culture (6.5" x 54), The Freak (6.3" x 58), The Curve (7" x 58 torpedo) and The Ego (9.25" x 50). And the flavor is definitely there. So far I've had The Culture - medium-bodied in flavor, this toro-sized cigar is as smooth as they come, yet riddled with toasty, earthy notes and an enjoyable sweetness on the aftertaste, probably from the dark Nicaraguan maduro wrapper. Inside, a Costa Rican binder secures a 4-country blend of long-fillers hailing from Columbia, Nicaragua, Mexico and Honduras.
Diapelle Carbon Fibre Humidors - Alec Bradley is releasing an elegant collection of humidors geared towards those looking for a modern, unique humidor. Each is finished with genuine carbon fibre to offer a beautiful, eye-catching look, turning the every day humidor into much more than the tradition accent piece. Each is lined with premium Spanish cedar, and built with moisture control and air flow in mind, thanks to raised flooring and buffered sides, allowing moisture to travel more freely throughout the unit.
EO Premium Brands
The two-man team of Eddie Ortega and Eric Espinosa, owners of REO and Vibe, have been blending a wonderful cigar under the watchful eye of Jose Garcia, manufacturer of Tatuaje and Miami 8/11.
601 Serie - Handmade in Pepin Garcia's new Nicaraguan factory and available in two wrappers: Nicaraguan Habano, a silky wrapper that reminds me of Cuba's Ramon Allones Specially Selected (right down to the fur and smell), and a smooth, vein-free Connecticut from Ecuador. Both blends offer a full-bodied smoke. The Habano is earthy, with a sweetness that lingers on the back of the palate after each velvety puff, while the Connecticut is rich and creamy, with a surprising kick midway through. 601 Serie will be packaged in 20-count boxes spread across 5 traditional sizes, each attractively priced between $6.50 and $7.90 apiece. Oh, and did I mention it is made by Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia?
After a busy day of meetings and 'research', we met with Victor Sinclair to enjoy a delicious dinner at Dan Marino's steakhouse. Black 'n blue New York sirloin topped with crumpled bleu cheese? Yes please. Unfortunately, the roulette table didn't treat us as well as dinner table. Jane, the scorpion-dealer from Hell, burned my money faster than a triple-flame Colibri lighter.
- Steve-O
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Saturday, July 15, 2006
| | | CI Has Landed! | Despite a near catastrophe at the Philadelphia International Airport, we made it to Vegas! After a quick stop at the hotel followed by a 2-minute, 3-lb burrito feast (why does every damn restaurant charge extra for guacamole these days?!), the CI boys were ringside at the MGM Grand Arena with the Drew Estate crew. Also there, Ernesto Padilla, with a few Miami 8/11 cigars to go around, along with the boys from Cusano Cigars. A few rows down were boxing legends Oscar de la Hoya and Evander Holyfield, tennis legend John McEnroe and Seth Green (Scott Evil from Austin Powers). The atmosphere was intense, as "Sugar" Shane Mosely put Fernando Vargas through a boxing clinic, which ended with a huge left hook to the chin.
Between bouts, we had the opportunity to try one of Drew Estate's newest creations, the Chateau Real. A medium-bodied, Connecticut-wrapped cigar with an attractive, every day price point. Overall, a very nice cigar that offers an assortment of toasty flavors that are smooth, pleasant and far from overwhelming. And it's quite satisfying, too! Although we only had time to burn through about 50% of the cigar, the Chateau Real easily cured my craving for a smoke.
After a huge steak dinner, we decided to call it a night. Tomorrow is a busy day, and we're still on Eastern Time, where it's almost 4am. Goodnight!
- Steve-O | | Return to Top
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Friday, July 14, 2006
| | | RTDA 2006 - Vegas or bust | As you know, the CI crew will be hitting the road again for the 74th annual Retail Tobacco Dealers of America Trade Show (RTDA). This year, the convention is back where it belongs: Las Vegas, where a marriage license costs just $55 with no waiting period necessary. Naturally, we’ll be Johnny on the spot, bringing you the latest in cigar business news and happenings, as well as the results of the Mosley-Vargas super welterweight fight – it should be a brawl!
Thanks to a mass text message sent out at 10pm last night, I have about 5 carry-on pieces of luggage to choose from for the trip. That said, we’re all packed and ready to go. Our Herf-a-Dors are filled to the brim with everyday favorites and Brandon and I decided to put Colibri’s new Tranzpack to the test. Hopefully, TSA will have some sort of clue regarding FAA regulations and let this DOT approved lighter caddy pass through without a hassle. If not, I lost myself another Dupont. At least I’ll get to see Brandon’s face turn red, that’s always fun.
The convention will run Monday, July 17th through Wednesday, July 19th, and will exhibit the latest creations within the world of premium cigars and accessories. But, the insanity begins Saturday night, so check back early and often for frequent updates on the hottest new handmades from today’s top makers and manufacturers.
I hear it was 115° in Vegas yesterday. Holy crap. Thankfully, we’ll only be walking around the strip in dark suits.
- Steve-O | | Return to Top
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