Staff Reviews

If you’ve read my past reviews, which I expect you have since I have a cult following, you most likely remember my statement about being a “glorified cigar-smoking therapist.” Throughout several years of dealing with customers, male and female alike, I’m at the conclusion that men love to be punished.  Now before you go writing my boss emails of disagreement, please hear me out.

The majority of men that visit the CI Super-Store love to golf.  While very few have a low handicap, the majority of us Churchill-smoking golfers hack up the lush fairways of the Lehigh Valley and 4-putt our way to triple-bogeys or worse.  Though we normally enter the clubhouse frustrated, disappointed and dejected about our score, we continue to enjoy the game and find ourselves golfing multiple times throughout the week. 

Moreover, the majority of men I know love to gamble.  I could write a book on “bad beat” stories from the poker room, how many times the croupier hit “00” on the roulette wheel and the time that old Italian guy held the dice for an hour and a half while you were betting the “Don’t Pass” line.  I get it…you’re unlucky.  Yet I hear the same crap, just on different days, and the same guys are taking their Friday paycheck to the local gaming establishment.

Finally, my last example of men loving punishment:  Many of the men I know are married. And...yeah, I’m going to leave it at that.

My point: Men loved to be punished!  With this in mind, what better way to satisfy our self-chastising appetites than with a Cu-Avana Intenso Punisher.

Presentation wise, this cigar looks great in the cello.  It’s a well-crafted 6” X 52 torpedo with an appealing, oily brown wrapper.  The traditional Intenso band is proudly placed on the foot of the cigar with a black band toward the head of the cigar which reads, “Punisher,” a qualifying prerequisite to what you’re about to experience.

Before even lighting this baby, I pick up an interesting flavor on the tongue and lips - an invigorating spiciness from the wrapper. The blend itself contains a flavorful, spicy blend of well-aged Nicaraguan ligeros from Nestor Plasencia’s flourishing tobacco fields and aging rooms.

Let’s get to the point: This puro is starting off spicy.  However, along with the spiciness is a rich, tobacco core with a nice, chewy smoke that clings to the spicy pockets on the tongue.  I detect white pepper through the nose with an ever-so-slight sweetness from the tobacco.  Through the first few puffs, I’m fairly intrigued by the “Punisher” as it’s holding a grey ash, producing lots of smoke and has an easy draw.  My palate feels like I’m simply smoking a strong cigar after a zesty Mexican meal.

After about the first half-inch of this Nicaraguan beauty the slight burning sensation on my lips and tongue is subsiding and I’m really starting to pick up the flavor of the tobacco.  Moreover, the pepperiness through the nose has settled and I’m catching some sweet leathery notes on the palate.  Despite the excessive amounts of ligero in the blend, this is turning into a tasty yet balanced cigar.  If you’re looking to pair this cigar with a beverage, be a true man and punish yourself with some tequila. The temperature of coffee is too hot and doesn’t pair nicely with the “Punisher”.

I’m about at the halfway point and the strength that subsided earlier is picking up again.  My biggest customer, a 6’ 8” fellow who I appropriately nicknamed Tiny, tells me the “Punisher” put him down for the count.  I must have eaten my Wheaties this morning because I am enjoying this cigar immensely.  Quickly, the “Punisher” toned down for a few puffs after 3/4ths of the cigar then suddenly picked up again for the finish.  The final puffs of this cigar turned out flavorful and pleasing.

I can’t figure out if this punished my palate or my psyche.  The cigar delivers what you expect in a sense, but completely surprises you in other areas.  Last time I spoke with Nestor we were traveling in his car to his Ocotal factory in Nicaragua (sorry, just giving myself some street cred) and he asked me how I liked the “Punisher” with an impish, almost guilty grin.  I gave him the same story I’m giving you, “Men love to be punished.  It certainly does just that.”

My synopsis is as follows: This is a completely unique, spicy and original cigar.  I’m not recommending it for the faint of heart…if you like 5 Vegas Gold, Rocky Connecticut, and Graycliff G2, stay far away!  Don’t even look at this thing for it could potentially burn your retinas.  However, if you’re a Joya de Nicaragua or Cain guy, give the “Punisher” a shot. 

Expert advice for the day: “If you’re granted 3 wishes, your first wish should be more wishes.”

It sounds almost boastful to say, but I have had the pleasure of smoking each & every cigar brand & line that we carry in our retail stores.  If you take a look at our “Big List of Brands” section of our website you’ll notice that we have a list of 576 BRANDS that we sell online – plus we have quite a lengthy list of “in-store-only” cigars…not to mention the brands that we no longer carry.  The list of closeouts alone that we’ve handled over the 10+ years that I’ve been in the business has got to be in the 1,000’s, not to mention all of the sample blends that I get to “test” for research & development...most of which never even become production cigars.  Then there are the feeble attempts that I’ve made at blending cigars, using my vast knowledge of all the different types of tobaccos at my disposal during trips to Central America (not a-one has ever made it into production by the way – it’s a lot harder than most of you would think to put together the right 5 or 6 tobacco leaves in order to get a well-balanced cigar that’s actually smokeable, let alone tastes anywhere near good.)  So after a few quick calculations (using fingers and toes for this one) I can honestly tell you that I’ve tried about 4,321 different, unique blends of cigars in my career.  That equates to just over 8 different cigars per week….for over 10 years!  Man, my job is demanding sometimes, but someone’s got to do it!

So where am I going with this, you ask?  Well let me tell you.  It ain’t all fun & games trying all these different cigars day-in & day-out.  Sure, I’m constantly trying new stuff, but a lot of times the cigars I’m trying are pure dog-rockets or they are “prototypes” so strong or unbalanced that I sometimes almost lose my lunch after “testing” them.  Once in a while I’ll get a real treat when I try something new, but more times than not I’ve been let down by so many new cigars.  And then, of course I have my favorites which vary from 5 Vegas, Perdomo, Oliva (Studio Tobac) & A.J. Fernandez – it seems some of these guys just can’t make a bad cigar.  Their background in tobacco cultivation, curing, buying/selling & acquiring the best of the best of the tobaccos that are available today are one thing, but their ability to put those tobaccos together in a way that delivers a perfectly balanced cigar from start to finish demonstrates their love of the leaf & pure brilliance that they possess.

Out of all the blenders in this industry, A.J. Fernandez stands out for me.  He apprenticed in Cuba for many years under the legendary Cuban Master-Blender, Alejandro Robaina (Godfather of Cuban Tobacco.)  A lot of my favorites come from his blends, such as Man O’ War, Man O’ War Ruination, Diesel, La Herencia Cubana, Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet, Ave Maria, and many more.  Out of all of A.J.’s phenomenal blends I’ve enjoyed over the last few years nothing stands out to me quite as much as his latest release, The Man O’ War Puro Authentico.  This cigar was THE BLEND, in THE SIZE that A.J. himself smoked on an everyday basis.  On one of our buyers’ many trips to Nicaragua someone finally convinced A.J. to let him sample one of his own, personal cigars (right out of A.J.’s pocket) & as soon as he fired it up he knew that CI needed this cigar to be available to our customers.  So after some serious wheeling & dealing A.J. started production of this blend for the Man O’ War line & it was aptly named “Puro Authentico.”

Now for the Review:

So I finally got my hands on my very own 10-count boxes for the Downtown Bethlehem retail shop & I feel like a kid on Christmas finding his first bike under the tree.  They’re really nifty slide-out 10-count boxes, and I immediately opened one up, pulled a cigar out from the loose tobacco that gently holds them in place & with much gusto fired it right up.  I was instantly in love!  As the shaggy foot of Esteli Nicaraguan wrapper leaf blasted me with intense Habano ligero goodness I knew I was in for a real treat.  FULL, intense, rich spicy-sweet flavor for the first few puffs & then I got into the “meat” of the cigar where the whole blend of all kinds of Nicaraguan Ligeros started burning harmoniously & the complexity was amazing for such a powerful cigar.  I was tasting every single thing I love about Nicaraguan tobacco in this one little corona sized cigar.  Sweet-spiciness, hints of leather with rich, almost creamy smoke plumes all around me.  I finished the first one in about 45 minutes, and I was truly amazed at how long this seemingly small cigar lasted me.  I quickly fired up another and I swear it was better than the one I just finished.  Within that same day I had so many customers ask me what cigar I was enjoying so much & after telling them what I had I sold through almost 3 entire boxes of singles that very day.  Joey B. from Wanaque, NJ (a longtime friend & customer of CI) happened to be in the shop that day & after trying one out with me, ended up going home with 3 boxes that very same day.  Prior to his introduction to the Puro Authentico, Joey B’s all-time favorite cigar was Drew Estate’s Dirty Rat.  Now, at half the price of the Dirty Rats he’s found a new favorite & they are widely available now (and like I said, AT HALF THE PRICE.)

If you’re a fan of full-bodied, full-flavored cigars with a lot of complexity then this cigar is a MUST TRY for you.  I’m amazed that these cigars are under 6 buck each.  Gotta be one of the best-buys of the year!  I’ve already filled up all the empty room in my humidor at home with these sweet little 10-count boxes so get yours now before more people find out about them.

Since I began working in this industry, I find the most commonly used phrase within the retail paradigm of the cigar universe to be, “I feel like a kid in a candy store,” as most customers are overwhelmed with the different brands, sizes, and colors of cigars. One of the more sought-after brands I have the privilege to sell is Davidoff, which brings me to the second-most commonly asked question I hear in retail, “How much is that!?!?”

Listen, I never claimed this to be a bargain-bustin’, cee-gar-hangin’-out-the-mouth-while-I’m-pooper-scoopin’, buck-a-stick brand. Davidoff carries only the highest quality cigars and cigar accessories. Make no mistake, you pay for the name, but along with the name comes the highest of quality. So next time you’re at the CI Super-Store and you ask me, “How much is that cutter?” and I answer, “Four twenty two,” you best not hand me a five-dollar bill.

Banter aside; let’s take a look at my favorite stick by Davidoff, the Millennium Blend.   I don’t even know where to start; the elegant gold and white cigar band, the beautiful wrapper leaf that isn’t quite dark brown but it’s not chestnut either (I believe the proper vernacular is “Burnt Siena”), or the perfect burn. Semantics aside, this is a tasty morsel! The sun grown wrapper hails from Ecuador, which I strongly feel is producing the most flavorful wrapper leaves in the world. Encased inside the beautiful Ecuadorian wrapper are 4-year old Dominican fillers, aged to perfection. These tobaccos are like the number one draft pick, or the kid who gets picked first in dodgeball…or the nerd who makes first chair in his middle school orchestra (take no offense, I was this kid).   You know where I’m getting at; these are PREMIUM tobaccos. I’m salivating all over my white Davidoff gloves!!!

Unlike traditional Davidoff cigars, this is their fullest bodied blend. Upon sparking up this Dominican-made beauty, a burst of black pepper and toast surround my palate as gorgeous billows of white smoke fill the dense air of the CI Founder’s Room. The initial half-inch provides a rich, chewy flavor but does not particularly provide a blast of full-bodied pepper as I am accustomed to smoking (this is more typical in most full-bodied Nicaraguan puros). The pleasant, rich tobacco core of this cigar provides an underlining creaminess which is more indicative of a true Davidoff, commonly known for a smooth, mellow cigar smoking experience. Speaking of which, smoking the Millennium blend is truly an experience, therefore, make sure to grab yourself a nice glass of aged Dominican rum to compliment the cigar, such as I do. The finish regains intensity slightly, providing a woodsy, cedar-like flavor which makes it very difficult to put down. When finished, a feeling of satisfaction and relaxation normally envelops my psyche as I tell myself, “Everything’s going to be alright, Self.”

Look, I’m not a wealthy man and quite frankly, if I keep shooting craps for 6 hours a night at the casino, I never will be. But if I were making Darelle Revis-type money, this would be my go-to stick. It’s full-bodied and made to perfection.

My expert advice for the day: “Never listen to the guy at the roulette table who has a ‘system’. The Cash Advance clerks know him on a first name basis.”

A few people have already asked me my thoughts on Fonseca Arana. But up until now, the thought of burning one hasn't even crossed my mind.  I’m not knocking it, but I like fuller-bodied cigars....and the mellow, Dominican Fonseca brand doesn’t even make its way onto my radar. And to boot, it’s a cheap, bundled cigar. But I’m a man of the people, so I grab a 5-er of these cheapies off the shelf in the store & get to work.

Whoa, OK, hold the presses! I realize I may be eating crow on this one now because as I pull out this lovely toro from the bundle I immediately notice it’s got a toothy, chestnut brown Habana wrapper. It’s a little veiny, but overall very well made for a bundled cigar – and the real kicker – It’s got a beautifully made triple cap. I’m instantly intrigued so I immediately clip the cap & fire up this beauty. Instantly I’m greeted with a mellow, very flavorful taste with hints of cinnamon. I think I’m going to have to invest in a bundle or two of these for myself to investigate further.

Just as I began to get over the surprise of this cigar being so good a regular customer of our Downtown store came in. Carl S. Like me, this guy is all about great cigars, and he’s usually willing to pay a little more for quality, well aged tobacco to get an above-average cigar. After a little small talk his attentions quickly turn to the Fonseca that he sees me enjoying so much. “How much do they cost?” He asks. I tell him that by the bundle they’re affordable at $1.50 per stick. He immediately brought up a bundle & without even asking another question I rang him up, he fired one up, I heard a big “Mmmmmm, that’s good” emit from his cigar-filled mouth & he walked out the door happier than when he came in.

All of a sudden I realize that I’ve enjoyed over the first half of the cigar without even knowing that I’ve smoked that much of it. I quickly backtrack & do a little research to find that the tobaccos that comprise this $1.99 cigar are fit for much more expensive cigars. Under the toothy Habana wrapper is a binder of wrapper quality – a Criollo ’98 leaf (so it’s just like having 2 wrappers on this cigar!) I’m liking this more & more. I’m well into the 2^nd third of this cigar & I’m enjoying its slightly spicy taste that is leathery and complex. A taste that I expect out of a much more expensive cigar – not from this $1.99 bundle stick that I was reluctant to even fire up just a half hour ago. And speaking of time, I’m almost finished up with this new Fonseca Arana Toro & I have nothing else but praise for this new offering from Manuel Quesada. I’m literally sinking my teeth into each and every creamy puff of chewy, spicy, dense smoke that’s full of smooth cedar and sweet tobacco.

One thing I know for sure – I’m going to be stocking up on the treats because the Northeast is starting to show signs of spring & after the torrential rains and floods that are scheduled for the rest of the week I’ll be getting my grill out of dry storage any day now & once that happens I’m going to need lots & lots of cigars.

SPOILER ALERT: Rarely will you see me give a cigar a 94-point rating. But guess what, I just did. Here’s why.

Throw out what you think you know about Cuba Libre....even if you’re one of the many that enjoys this hearty stick on a regular basis. Cuba Libre One is bold, fresh, and entirely new. A bigger, darker, badder brother fully equipped to soothe your palate into submission. It’s rich. It’s eventful. And many will find it to be surprisingly potent.

Like its predecessor, Cuba Libra One is hand-crafted by Nestor Plasencia. However, it’s produced in his massive Nicaragua factory: a veritable fortress churning out delicious super-premium for more brands than you can even fathom. Fortunately, he has the manpower and the resources to make each and every cigar perfect; just as delicious as the last, thousands of cigars over.

This new breed of Cuba Libre is something I find gazing at for some time before even clipping the cap. The wrapper is dark, leathery in appearance, and oozing with oils. Then there’s the band....a crisp, glossy white band with impressive silver and blue accents – the band literally jumps off the dark Nicaraguan Habano ligero wrapper. A beautiful contrast. The pre-light aroma heightens the rituals, filling my nostrils with a warm, barnyard scent with a peppery tickle from the all-ligero blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers. Oh yeah, this baby is a brute.

The cigar sits very heavy in the hand. Because, well, there’s a ton of tobacco rolled into each one. In addition to a thick wrapper leaf and heavy ligero long-fillers, each Cuba Libre One contains two binder leaves, a practice used not nearly enough in the industry - a feisty Habano leaf from Jalapa and a smooth Costa Rican leaf.

All these tobaccos produce an exceedingly complex cigar from first light down to the nub. Like most strong cigars, Cuba Libre One opens with ample spice. A big, peppery beginning coating the palate with spice and dark tobacco flavor. Flavors that linger long after each puff. Don’t worry, this opening merely awakens your taste buds, preparing them for a deep series of rich, velvety flavors. Roasted coffee tones meet bold earthy nuances, both of which are smothered in cream and delivered in chewy fashion throughout the burn. The finish is always spicy and sometimes sweet, while the bouquet is smoothly presented with perfect balance. And then, the power creeps in as the eventful array of flavor steals the limelight. What was once medium gradually approaches the full-bodied realm, just before a strong, spicy finish ices the cake.

Now that, my friends, is a cigar. I am well aware that not everyone will like this cigar. Hey, not every cigar is for every enthusiast. But I’ll be damned if 90% off full-flavored, boutique fans don’t add this meaty handmade to their regular rotation after trying just a couple.

(To Mr. Pete Johnson....I hope you enjoyed this review. Thanks for the request - keep'em coming.)