Journal NEWS

Carmel and Monterey in California

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:38:17 -0700

By David P. Diaz

[For more photos of Doc's visit to the cities of Carmel by the Sea and Monterey, be sure to view the Carmel and Monterey Slideshow.]

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article on my trip to the beautiful Carmel Valley Ranch in California and I described my dinners at the Citronelle Restaurant. That exemplary culinary experience at the Citronelle was just one of the highlights of my trip. Besides my stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch and dinners at the Citronelle, I wandered through the quaint coastal city of Carmel by the Sea and walked the Coastal stretch of Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Both of these cities have much to offer the traveler.

Dick Hardin, Proprietor, Carmel Pipe Shop
CARMEL BY THE SEA
Since check-in time at the Carmel Valley Ranch was 4:30 pm, I decided to start my trip with a quick tour of Carmel and Monterey. Leaving my home at a reasonable hour, I took the easy 3-hour drive up Highway 101 and arrived in Carmel just after the lunch hour. Of course, my first order of business was to find the local tobacconist. Using Google and the Map application on my iPhone I immediately got lost and couldn't find my destination. However, as fate would have it, I walked right past the shop after having given up the chase and settled on window-shopping at the other downtown points of interest.

PHOTO: Cigars on display inside the Carmel Pipe Shop

The Carmel Pipe Shop is not much bigger than a hobbit cubby, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in diversity. You will find all manner of pipes, cigars and accessories. Owner, Dick Hardin, is just the second owner of this shop and he has been in residence for over 30 years. Dick carries pipes and does pipe repairs. In fact, I purchased a nice Savinelli pipe at a very reasonable price. He also has a wide selection of Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan cigars. The Carmel Pipe Shop is easy to find. It's just off the main street: Ocean. You just turn left on Ocean as you head toward the ocean and you'll find the shop in the first block on the right hand side.

PHOTO: the Carmel Hat Company
After leaving the Carmel Pipe Shop I headed back for Ocean Ave and began to look for interesting shops. As many of you may know, I collect hats and am rarely seen without a cap, fedora or panama on my head. So, I was naturally intrigued when I passed the sign for The Carmel Hat Company. This hat shop also resides in a small burrow-like store, but as with the Carmel Pipe Shop, there was a goodly assortment of hat-wear to be found. I ended up buying two hats: a short-brimmed woven summer hat and a beret. If you like interesting hats, be sure to stop by the Carmel Hat Company and look over the many styles and varieties of hats for both men and women.

Another nice stop is The Cheese Shop, located in the Carmel Plaza (lower level). Opened in Carmel in 1975, The Cheese Shop carries a cornucopia of cheeses from around the world, and an equally impressive array of wines, with special emphasis on the great wines made in the Central and Northern California Coasts.

Last year, they also opened a new shop in Santa Barbara, California; located downtown in the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center on State Street just opposite of Nordstroms & the Men's Banana Republic. The new store carries on The Cheese Shop tradition of providing a wide selection of the finest cheeses and wines in the world. They also offer wine tasting, wines by the glass and cheese plates. And, of course, are happy to ship delectable's right to your door.

Another store that I like to visit when in Carmel, is the Carmel Cutlery. I grew up around knives, since my father was a butcher. My dad had many knives; some for work, some for sport, some for carrying in your pocket. As a result, I have always carried a knife with me and have enjoyed picking up new knives when traveling.

The Carmel Cutlery has been in downtown Carmel (1-block off Ocean) for over 20 years. They carry a very nice selection of production knives including Global, Laguiole, Al Mar, Bowker, Case, and MANY others. They also carry custom knives, cooking knives and other accessories.

Well, with pipe, hat and knife purchases under my belt, and with still a couple of hours to kill before checking in at the resort, I decided to take a quick drive over to Monterey, just 5-10 minutes down the road from Carmel.

MONTEREY: OLD FISHERMAN'S WHARF
Monterey, California is the home of Old Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and more recently, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. But my sightseeing tour was a bit more focused on cigars, food, libations and other hobbies that my wife generically refers to as "guy stuff."

PHOTO: Tourists stroll through Old Fisherman's Wharf

The first order of business was food. I didn't eat much in the morning and by 2:00 pm I was running out of gas in my tank. Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to pick up a bowl of clam chowder, a shrimp cocktail, or even a slice of pizza pie. I took the former as I strolled out among the rest of the tourists to enjoy the view on the Wharf. Having my fill of chowder and site seeing, I set out to find the smoke shops I visited on my last trip to Monterey. Unfortunately, of the two near Fisherman's Wharf, one was no longer in business and the other converted itself into a cigarette store, with a meager supply of stogies. Ah well, such is life; especially in a town whose anti-tobacco restrictions do not allow smoking in public places, with NO EXEMPTIONS for tobacco shops.

PHOTO: "Texas" serving wines at Wine from the Heart
On my way back to the wharf, having struck out for cigar shops thus far, I came across a very promising shop called: Wine from the Heart. This wine shop/tasting room was located just a couple of blocks from the wharf and I couldn't resist the ambiance. With a nicely appointed bar and tasting room, this wine shop looked like it would be a fine place to rest my weary feet and enjoy a taste or two of wine. I met and chatted with "Texas," an amiable and easy-going Texan (ya think?!) who I spent the next couple of hours in conversation with. I like this wine shop, which has bar stools and tables, where you can order wines by the glass or simply try tastes of the different wines available. I stayed until it was just about time to check in at my hotel. I had to leave the rest of Monterey unexplored for the day and, in fact, I didn't return to Monterey for the remainder of my all too short trip.

By the way, there ARE cigar shops still operating in Monterey, like Cool Cat Cigars, though I did not visit them this time around. Still, Carmel by the Sea and Monterey are great places to visit and you would do well not to miss either of these historic and quaint destinations.

PLACES TO VISIT IN CARMEL AND MONTEREY
Cannery Row, Monterey, CA: http://www.canneryrow.com
Carmel Cutlery: http://www.carmelcutlery.com
Carmel Valley Ranch: http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com
Carmel Pipe Shop: (831) 624-9737
Cool Cat Cigars: http://www.coolcatcigars.com
Monterey Bay Aquarium: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org
Old Fisherman's Wharf: http://www.montereywharf.com
The Carmel Hat Company: http://carmelhatcompany.com
The Cheese Shop: http://www.thecheeseshopinc.com
Wines from the Heart: http://www.winesfromtheheart.com

Online Cigar Smokers Club

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:45:24 -0700

Founded in 1790, Hunters & Frankau is the UK’s leading independent cigar importer. Hunters & Frankau recently revealed their new website, which will be focused around the Cigar Smokers Club. Membership allows special access to several exclusive cigar features.

On the new site you will find an up to date chat forum, regular news bulletins, a gallery showcasing a wide range of cigars as well as pictures of their cigar dinners and events. The site also reveals their new cigar book containing a great deal of Cigar information and articles written by industry experts.

There will be regular blogs written by Stephan Davis, Simon Chase and Ana Lopez. Blog posts are intended to keep cigar hobbyists up to date with industry and product news. These posts will include video highlights and interviews of recent goings on such as the Festival del Habano, and interviews and insights into brands and factories you might not have seen before.

The site's retail and COSA ( Comfortable Outdoor Smoking Area ) locator will pinpoint your nearest specialist for you to stock up on your favorite Habanos before finding your nearest COSA to smoke in comfort.

Another feature is the Cigar Selector, which provides information on every brand, vitola, ring gauge and length of every Cuban cigar available.

Be sure to check out the site here: http://cigars.co.uk

Camacho Night in Bagdhad

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:25:48 -0700

Although we may not think about it much, the men and women of our armed services are scattered across the world, serving their country and trying to make the best of sometimes less than ideal circumstances. In Iraq, temperatures soaring to 125 degrees are par for the course and just another day's work. The only easy day was yesterday… but for 1-7 CAV service is a way of life. The men and women have made their choice and that choice is to serve wherever and whenever they are needed.

Regardless of their willingness to serve and to step in harms way if needed, they also look for opportunities to experience "a little bit of home." For many, kicking back at the end of a long day and smoking a fine stogie provides a bit of respite from the extreme conditions and from the potential dangers that lurk right around each corner. About once or twice per week, the cigar smoking troops at base JSS Istiqlaal, just North of Bagdhad, get together for some quality herfing. The 1-7 CAV Cigar Club is just what the Doctor ordered.

In a structure, affectionately known as the "Smoke Shack," about 30-40 Army troopers, officers and enlisted alike, assemble each week and try to find a little piece of home and a dose of relaxation in their common love of cigars.

In this small outpost, there is no shortage of men and women that enjoy fine cigars. My own son, SPC Diaz, is just one of the many of the 1-7 CAV Cigar Club that kick back and smokes a stogie on a regular basis.

A few weeks ago, SPC Diaz sponsored the "Camacho Cigars Night." Troopers enjoyed their fill of Camacho cigars and comments like, "Rich and earthy," "A nice smoke," "Fine cigar," and "Definitely getting a box of these," were echoed all around.

For those of us in the land of the free, a cigar is just a smoke, but for our men and women in uniform, it is a counterpoint for a life of service, a reward for risking their lives and a communion of a band of brothers.

If you are interested in providing cigars or swag for the troops of 1-7 Cigar Club, please contact Doc at Doc@stogiefresh.com

CAO Custom Bike Website

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:40:04 -0700

Website Provides Users With A Free Chance To Win The CAO “Lady Liberty” Custom Bike By Sucker Punch Sally’s

CAO, one of the world’s foremost premium cigar manufacturers, announced today that it has launched a new website in support of their recent partnership and year-long promotion with custom bike builder Sucker Punch Sally’s.

Visitors are encouraged to log on to www.CAOSuckerPunch.com and register online for a free chance to win the CAO America-inspired bobber-style swinger bike dubbed “Lady Liberty.” The website also contains an up-to-the-minute list of tour dates and locations, photo galleries, news, and all six episodes of the documentary, “The Making of CAO Lady Liberty.”

“It’s been a creative labor of love to work in tandem with Sucker Punch and deliver Lady Liberty from concept to reality,” stated CAO Director of Lifestyle Marketing Jon Huber. “Our goal is to bring Lady Liberty to as many locations as possible over the course of the coming year; however, for those who are unable to see her in person, we’ve created the website so that everyone has a chance to win the bike.” CAO Lady Liberty will tour the U.S., visiting retail tobacconists, bike rallies, and ultimately be given away to a randomly selected winner during a party and ceremony at CAO Headquarters in Spring 2010.

PHOTO: Custom CAO "Lady Liberty"

Founded in 2002, Sucker Punch has garnered a reputation for their old school no-nonsense style of stripped-down bobbers and choppers, having received industry awards for their “66 Bobber” and “The Traditional” bikes. For more information on Sucker Punch Sally’s please visit www.SuckerPunchSallys.com.

Be sure to check out all the videos of the making of the Lady Liberty:

Episode 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPtLWGLqEu4

Episode 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCtDUZfUSMo

Episode 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufs5i87lEKY

Episode 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHGDFtidrFM

Episode 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7nnu83Q55A

Episode 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YLHxP_WP0Y&feature=channel

Citronelle at Carmel Valley Ranch

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:03:54 -0700

[For more photos of Doc's time at the Citronelle, be sure to view the Citronelle Slideshow.]

I don't normally write articles about restaurants… Okay, I never write articles only about restaurants. This is a cigar journal, after all. But today is different because I have climbed to the mountaintop and returned a changed man. I have partaken of the heavenly manna and experienced the lightened countenance that occurs to the most blessed of people. Where did this conversion happen, you ask? None other than the Citronelle at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Okay, time to cut the crap and cut to the chase. The bottom line is this: I was so impressed with my dinner at the Citronelle that I had to write about it. I was so impressed that I ate dinner there TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW. That is rare for me because I love to experience new eateries when- and wherever I travel. But Citronelle was so good I decided there was simply no need to stray from my base point.

PHOTO: The wine cellar has approximately 3,500 bottles

Citronelle is part of the Carmel Valley Ranch, a luxury resort nestled in the foothills of the Carmel Valley in California. I have made "the Ranch" my customary stopover when I need some "down time." For me, this setting is one of the most peaceful and tranquil destinations and yet provides everything one might need: from, golf, to tennis, fitness, spa services and, of course, the basics of great accommodations, service, and dining.

This is the first time I have stayed at the Ranch since the restaurant has changed ownership. Citronelle by Michel Richard is the West Coast compliment to Richard's signature, award-winning Michel Richard Citronelle restaurant located in Washington, D.C. While both venues serve light, modern French cuisine, at Carmel Valley Ranch favorite dishes of the flagship Washington D.C restaurant are accompanied by new entrées created especially for the California palate. Michel has done a masterful job of putting together an eclectic yet manageable menu and Executive Chef Anthony Keene has lent his interpretation to the style and regional cuisine that the Citronelle brings to restaurant visitors.

PHOTO: Outdoor fireside smoking area where you can enjoy a cigar and libation

The restaurant menu is humble in size, but what it lacks in girth, it makes up for in "wow factor." But, lest I get too far ahead of myself, let me take you on a play-by-play look at my maiden voyage at the Citronelle.

After numerous questions of the very professional and attentive wait staff (Teshia), I decided to ask for the chef's 5-course menu (2 starters, 2 entrees and a dessert), and asked to substitute 5 choices from the a la carte side of the menu. I also ordered a wine pairing with each of these selections. As it turned out, because of the size of the menu, it is designed to accommodate either a 3-course ($65) or 5-course ($85) meal and the addition of wines to each course will run an extra $40.

Well the chef and the staff were on their game that evening and they started throwing heat during the very first inning, er, I mean course. The first example was to be seen in the first starter course.

First Course: Lobster Begula Pasta with Riesling Kabinett "Dhroner Hofberger" Bollig-Lehnert, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 1999.

PHOTO: "Lobster Begula Pasta"

When the course was served, my first thought was that they had brought me the wrong dish. I ordered lobster pasta and they brought me caviar. But my eyes deceived me because the pasta was actually Couscous and the lobster was lurking beneath these disguised "Beluga eggs." This was truly a treat to the eyes and I was totally (and pleasantly) surprised. And the results were outstanding; this dish was a rich and complex assortment of flavors and the wine complimented perfectly. I might add at this point, that all the wines (save one) that I had at the Citronelle, I had never tasted before.

Second Course: Ravioli, sweetbreads, asparagus and mushrooms

This was quite the delicacy, as the ravioli and sweetbreads melted in my mouth. This succulent dish was a feast for both the eyes and palate. It was paired with Naiades 2006, which is made from 100% Verdejo. This crisp and lively white wine was a cross between a Pinot Grigio and Voignier.

PHOTO: Ravioli, sweetbreads, asparagus and mushrooms

Third Course: Duck served medium rare, confit, foie gras, beef anise sauce

PHOTO: Duck, Foie Gras and Confit
The duck was absolutely wonderful. It was rich with flavor and presented on a plate just as rich in color and panache. The foie gras was delicate and yet rich and satisfying. I could have gorged myself (pun intended) with plates and plates of this delicacy. The wine pairing was fine, but not as stellar as the other pairings. In my opinion, the Bourgogne Pinot Noir (2006) was a bit too light to match the savory fullness of the duck and foie gras. This was the only wine pairing of the evening that I would say was less than outstanding. I would have recommend a 2004 Domain Drouhin Pinot from the Willamette Valley in Oregon or another selection with more hardy flavors.

Fourth Course: Artisanal and Farmhouse Cheeses served with raisin nut bread
This course brought another surprise in the form of the wine. The wine steward, Alex, served a 2004 Cambiata. This wine from Monterey, which is made with 100% Tannat, is produced by Laumann Family Estate wines. Since the wine was served before the cheeses were brought forth, I took a couple of sips and was a bit put off by the earthy, vegetal (read artichoke) flavors. It was tannic and slightly bitter to my taste, but when consumed along with the cheeses, what a surprise! Absolutely great! The cheeses were served warm and buttery and were just delightful. This was a great lesson that many wines that don't make the best "sippers," may really come into their own when paired with foods.

Fifth Course: Michel's Chocolate Bar served with Hazelnut ice cream dipped in caramel and nuts

This dessert was like a chocolate mousse on a pastry crust. As with all the other courses, the dessert course featured impeccable and creative presentation. The ice cream was served on a Popsicle stick and the chocolate bar was garnished with delectable sweets. The dessert was served with a glass of Nectar by Pedro Ximenez. This Dulce Sherry from Jerez was exceptional with the dessert and was one of the finest cream-style Sherry's I've ever tasted.

After having my fill of dinner, and after a personal tour of the wine cellar, I was still determined to keep the evening alive. So, I decided to smoke a cigar and have an after dinner libation. The Carmel Valley Ranch and Citronelle is smoker friendly. Not only do they have a wonderful area to smoke outside by the pool with a fire pit that will keep you warm and cozy, but they even have cigars on the bar menu. While it's not a huge list and the cigars are priced a bit higher than the norm, the very fact that there are cigars offered on the menu means that not only to they permit smoking, but also they see cigar smoking as an integral component of the good life. Cigars on the menu include:

• Cohiba Robusto ($24)
• Arturo Fuente Double Chateau ($16)
• Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story ($20)
• Ashton Churchill ($16)
• La Gloria Cubana Torpedo ($14)
• Punch Punch ($8)
• Montecristo Tubes ($18)
• Romeo y Julieta Churchill ($12)

The Citronelle delivered an extraordinary meal and my experience was all the more impressive because it was sufficient to coax me back again the next evening for dinner. This time I chose the chef's menu, though I asked the wine steward to pair the meal with two half bottles of wine; one red and one white. Once again the meal was replete with splendidly prepared dishes, professionally served by the wait staff. It was a culinary experience to rival the very best in the country.

If you ever decide to travel to Monterey or Carmel, be sure to visit the Citronelle at Carmel Valley Ranch. While the price tag may be steep for some, this is the epitome of the good life and truly a memorable experience.

~Doc

Carmel Valley Ranch and Citronelle
One Old Ranch Road
Carmel, California 93923
866.282.4745
http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com

Drew Estate at the Boss

Sun, 31 May 2009 01:33:07 -0700

Special cigar events are always fun, but even more so when they are well attended and the energy is high. Such was the case when Drew Estate visited the Boss Cigars in Arroyo Grande. The weather was fine and the aroma of BBQ and fine stogies was in the air.

PHOTO BELOW: Fabien Ziegler, Drew Estate

Fabien Ziegler, Regional Sales Manager for Drew Estate, was on hand to educate people through the wide array of smokes offered by the company. Besides the plethora of cigars offered by Drew Estate, the company is marketing the fine cigars of Joya de Nicaragua.

PHOTO ABOVE: The "Big Kahuna," Radio 104.5
PHOTO BELOW: Roxo Ports

As with most events, there were great deals to be had and a raffle for some prizes that included hats, some awesome ashtrays and cigars. Christina Fontecchio, manager of the Boss Cigars, carries a huge selection of Drew Estate cigars and always throws a great party.

Besides cigars, participants were treated to a barbeque and some great libations in the form of Roxo Ports. Aaron Culp and Jeffery Steele were on hand to pour some of their fabulous port-style wines. In case you are wondering, port is a great accompaniment to cigars. My favorite was the Roxo Negrette with the Drew Estate Natural 'Dirt.'

Also on hand for this event was the "Big Kahuna," the Central Coast's cigar DJ, who was playing some rockin' music and giving away some cool prizes.

All in all, this was a memorable event and a fun time for the many participants who came out to enjoy the fellowship of the leaf.

CAO Bike Tour

Sun, 17 May 2009 18:44:40 -0700

Cigar Maker Teams Up With Custom Bike Builder For Year-Long Tour And Giveaway

CAO, one of the world's foremost premium cigar manufacturers, announced today that it is partnering with custom bike builder Sucker Punch Sally's (SPS) to create a truly one-of-a-kind custom CAO-inspired bike. The bike will tour the United States and ultimately be given away to a lucky winner.

Founded in 2002, SPS has garnered a reputation for their old school no-nonsense style of stripped-down bobbers and choppers, having received industry awards for their "66 Bobber" and "The Traditional" bikes. Inspired by the CAO America cigar brand, the bobber-style swinger bike will be dubbed "Lady Liberty" and will be adorned with the mantra, "Free To Ride - Free To Smoke." "The modernized old school aesthetic of the Sucker Punch style is a perfect fit for our approach toward making cigars," commented CAO Senior Vice President of Marketing Mike Conder. CAO Director of Lifestyle Marketing Jon Huber added, "In the coming weeks, viewers will be able to watch a video documentary on the 'Making of Lady Liberty' and obtain updates on our schedule of tour dates."

CAO 'Lady Liberty' will tour the United States, visiting 100 retail tobacconists and numerous bike rallies in the coming year. The custom bike will be given away to a randomly selected winner during a party and ceremony at CAO Headquarters in Spring 2010.

Sucker Punch Sally's has also created custom motorcycles for such companies as Fender Guitars, Progressive Insurance, and recently completed a project with reality TV star, Ami James.

For more information on Sucker Punch Sally's please visit www.SuckerPunchSallys.com

Rock n Rolled Encore

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:28:52 -0700

Leading Cigar Maker To Follow-Up Successful Rock N Rolled ‘08 Tour With a Summer Series of In-Store Cigar Events

CAO, one of the world’s foremost premium cigar manufacturers, announced today that it is putting to bed the longstanding rumors of a “Smokin’ In The Boys Room” tour with an undisclosed hard rock band and instead has announced the encore leg of the “CAO Rock N Rolled” tour set to kick off on April 23 at Cigar Factory Outlet in Troy, Michigan.

“Last October’s ‘Rock N Rolled’ Tour was more or less an experiment that turned out to be so successful that we had no choice but to do it again,” said CAO National Sales Manager Frank Kapp. Each stop will feature special offers on CAO cigars, limited edition ‘CAO Rock N Rolled’ apparel and accessories, and Special Guest CAO Director of Lifestyle Marketing Jon Huber. New to the encore tour will be the addition of regional tattoo artists who will join CAO in select markets, demonstrating the artistry of tattooing via drawings, line sketches, and canvas paintings. “We’re happy that our October ’08 tour has spawned similarly themed cigar events,” stated Huber. “We just want to provide an escape and continue to inject some fun back into the lives of cigar enthusiasts across the country. We’re bringing a little ‘rock’ to the genre of hand-‘rolled’ cigars; and if we can be responsible for four hours of good times in someone’s life in the process, then all the better.”

The encore “CAO Rock N Rolled Tour” will officially launch on April 23 at Cigar Factory Outlet in Troy, Michigan. Additional dates may be found by logging onto the ‘Events’ page found on caointernational.com.

Pipes and Cigars Contest

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:30:19 -0700

On April 20th, I will launch the new PIPES section of the Stogie Fresh Cigar Journal. To celebrate the unveiling of our new Pipes section, we are running a contest and will be giving away some 5-packs of cigars.

This contest will accomplish a couple of things, hopefully. The first is to establish how many of you Stogie Fresh 5 listeners and Stogie Fresh readers are also interested in pipes. This will help me to understand how important pipes are to the thousands of people who access the Stogie Fresh site and listen to the SF5 cigarcast. The second thing I hope to accomplish is to provide you with some feedback about pipes and tobacco blends. In other words, I will be reporting the results of the contest survey form, which asks about your favorite pipe brands and favorite pipe tobaccos. And finally, I want to get your feedback on the types of articles you'd like to see about pipes.

To be eligible to win a free 5-pack of cigars, all you need to do is fill out the contest form. There will be three winners chosen at random. Just fill in the contest form to be eligible to win. Contest Ends Saturday April 25, 2009 at 9:00 PM Eastern.

To access contest, GO TO CONTEST FORM.

Nestor Miranda 20th Anniversary Cigar

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 21:20:33 -0700

José Pepin Garcia, of Tabacalera Garcia, and Nestor Miranda, of Miami Cigar & Company have collaborated to make the Twentieth Anniversary cigar, which will be produced under the Nestor Miranda Special Selection label.

On 1 April 2009, Miami Cigar & Company will begin shipping these robust, nuanced, medium and full bodied cigars to one hundred select tobacconists through out the country.

Below: Nestor Miranda, Miami Cigars
Blended, re-blended and ‘tweaked’, Miranda and Garcia personally collaborated on the creation of this cigar, celebrating an accomplishment, twenty (20) years in business, equaled by relatively few of today’s existing cigar makers.

The tobacco for these extraordinary cigars were selected more than nine (9) months ago, from tobacco crops harvested no less than three (3) and four (4) years ago. Cured, fermented and aged by the Garcias, these precious leaves have now been hand rolled by expert; experienced torcedores into what we believe is one of the finest cigars ever produced.

The cigar, available in one (1) size measures 7 x 56 and is packed in beautifully crafted boxes of twenty (20). It will be offered using two (2) different wrappers, to create two (2) distinctive cigars, appealing to the broadest range of cigar enthusiasts’ palates.

The first wrapper, a Habano Rosado, creates a superb medium bodied cigar with mellow notes that will arouse all your senses. While the Habano Oscuro wrapper makes for a tongue tingling, rich, aromatic full bodied smoke, featuring the elements of pepper and spice that you’ve come to expect from the Nestor Miranda Special Selection.

Although the cigars have not yet been shipped from Esteli, Nicaragua, the total production of 2000 boxes (1000 of each wrapper version) has been sold. The policy of only selling the Nestor Miranda Special Selection through brick and mortar tobacconists is being applied to the 20th Anniversary cigar.

Nestor Miranda noted, “I am very proud of what we created with the Nestor Miranda Special Selection, and more than proud of the reception by cigar aficionados and connoisseurs across the country. The 20th Anniversary version is consistent with what we have and then some!”

CONTACT: Rene J. Castaneda
PHONE: 305.599.3395
FACSIMILE: 305.599.9114
E-MAIL: rc@mccusa.net
www.miamicigarcompany.net