Journal NEWS

2008 Stogie Fresh Honor Roll

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:26:18 -0800

GOLD STAR AWARDS FOR BEST CIGARS OF THE YEAR
This year marks the Second Annual Stogie Fresh Gold Star Awards for the best cigars of the year. This is one of the few awards that is based on multiple reviews of each cigar and that reviews all cigars from the same batch over a time period averaging 15-18 months and sometimes longer. Stogie Fresh is the only reviewing system in the industry that reviews cigars over time. Many cigars are what we call, "flash in the pan" cigars. That is, they can be good, but are not consistently good. Our system rewards cigars that are CONSISTENTLY GOOD OVER TIME. Our rating sytem takes into account a cigar's look, feel, flavor, aroma, burn and construction.

To qualify for a spot on the Stogie Fresh Honor Roll, each cigar must have been reviewed a minimum of three times using the Stogie Fresh reviewing system, with the last review falling within the past 12 months. Overall rankings are based on the average score from the reviews. If there is a tie in scoring, the higher placement goes to the cigar that has been reviewed more times. If the cigars were reviewed the same number of times, the nod is given to the cigar with the highest score in the most recent review.

All cigars comes from the same batch of cigars and are reviewed four times over the course of approximately 15-18 months. Our reviewers continue smoking cigars from the same batch in-between reviews to keep their notes current and to get a better “feel” for how each cigar is progressing. Reviewers will smoke a minimum of 10 cigars from each batch during the reviewing cycle. This is the most rigorous reviewing system in the cigar industry and the only one that is designed to show the consistency of quality and construction, as well as record the changes that occur with extended aging.

The Stogie Fresh 2008 Honor Roll acknowledges cigars that are consistently excellent. Whether large, medium, or small, all manufacturers must have tremendous commitment to quality, to the care and handling of tobacco, and to the satisfaction of cigar consumers through the production of top quality premium cigars. We believe that this commitment must be rewarded and must be set as the standard to which all manufacturers should attain.

STOGIE FRESH TOP CIGARS OF THE YEAR

Below is a list of the Stogie Fresh Gold Star Award winners for 2008. These are the top 15 cigars reviewed between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008, based on a minimum of three reviews and with scores averaged.

Note: all reviews are accessible on the Stogie Fresh Cigar Review Directory.

TOP 5 STOGIE FRESH REVIEWS: DECEMBER 2007 – NOVEMBER 2008

Cumbres de Puriscal Gold Toro by Tabacos de la Cordillera Avg. Score 91.2 (based on 4 reviews). Size: 6 x 52 Toro; Filler, Binder, Wrapper: Costa Rican. Age at final review: 2 years 0.1 month. Company website: http://www.tabacordillera.com

This cigar is the product of growing genetically pure Cuban seed tobaccos in the rich volcanic soil around Puriscal, Costa Rica. This mountainous area provides the ideal conditions for growing this unique tobacco. Tabacos de la Cordillera (Highland Tobacco) is run by John Vogel, a plant geneticist with deep ties to Cuban tobacco and the cigar industry.

The Cumbres line of cigars are beautiful, sporting a Chestnut brown wrapper leaf that is nearly flawless. These smokes start out with a blast of exotic spice, which settles down into light nutty flavors and a sweet undertone. A light cinnamon-like spiciness can be detected in the retrohale. As the cigar burns into the halfway point, the characters deepen somewhat into that of coffee with a creamy sweet aftertaste.

We spent over 2 years tracking the progress of this cigar and we believe that this is a unique, one-of-a-kind cigar that every cigar lover should have in his or her humidor. Aging has opened-up the light characters within these unique tobaccos into a full-flavored experience that is both challenging and rewarding to the smoker. This cigar provides a wonderful retro-Cuban smoking experience. The delicate, “genetically pure” tobaccos hark back to the pre-Castro days where the cigars were milder in body, but full in flavor. This cigar is well worth the try.

La Aurora 1495 Series Avg. Score 91.1 (based on 4 reviews). Size: 6.25 x 52 Belicoso; Filler: Dominican grown Corojo with Nicaraguan and Peruvian ligero Binder: Dominican Corojo Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown. Age at final review: 1 year 11.5 months. Company website: http://laaurora.com.do/

This cigar is produced by La Aurora as a tribute to the city of Santiago, in the Dominican Republic. It is a beautifully made torpedo-shaped cigar that sports an Ecuadorian-grown wrapper and a three-nation blend in the filler/binder. This aesthetically beautiful cigar has a marbled, walnut-colored Ecuadorian wrapper that is visually oily and leathery to the touch. The distinct veining is light, but contrasted against the color of the wrapper.

This cigar presents itself as medium-bodied with complex characters of leather, wood and spice. The spice in the flavor continues to build as the cigar is smoked, and takes on some heavier pepper spice after the halfway point. The wood and leather characters remain intact, but do not increase during the smoke as with the spice. The cigar has a lingering, medium-bodied finish, with complex flavors of wood, leather, coffee, and pepper spice.

This is a complex cigar that will please the experienced smoker as well as the novice. We believe that this cigar is a great candidate for aging, and will continue to give surprising results to the smoker. The La Aurora 1495 Series continues to be one of our favorite smokes.

3. Oliva Serie V Ligero Especial Avg. Score 91.1 (based on 3 reviews). Size: 6 x 56 Torpedo; Filler, Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos with specially fermented Jalapa Valley ligero. Binder: Nicaraguan, Wrapper: Habano Sun Grown. Age at final review: 1 year 2.2 months. Company website: http://www.olivacigar.com

The Serie V Torpedo is a large, heavy cigar, with an appealing walnut-brown Habano sun-grown wrapper. Light veining adorns this otherwise flawless wrapper, which is leathery to the touch. It is difficult to miss the impeccable construction in this cigar. The wrapper is slightly mottled with light, distinct veining. Oils seem to glisten on the wrapper. Leathery to the touch, the cigar feels amply filled.

This cigar begins with mild-medium flavors of cocoa and spice while a light sweetness accompanies the aftertaste. The spice in the cigar is more readily detectable in the retrohale. This is a well-balanced smoke that maintains its intrigue throughout the smoking experience. The spiciness builds somewhat near the finish, taking on some pepper spice undertones. Finishing with a medium-full body, the lingering flavors of coffee and wood hang pleasantly on the palate.

Aside from the occasional ligero-induced burn problems, the Oliva Serie V Ligero Especial is a great cigar that will challenge most palates.

4. Tatuaje Tainos Avg. Score 90.7 (based on 4 reviews). Size: 7.6 x 49 Double Corona; Filler, Binder, Wrapper: Nicaragua. Age at final review: 1 year 8.6 months. Company website: http://www.tatuajecigars.com/

The Tatuaje Tainos is a Nicaraguan puro, blended by Pete Johnson and rolled under the supervision of Maestro Tabaquero Jose “Pepin” Garcia in his El Rey de Los Habanos factory in Little Havana (Miami). The Tainos is an impressive looking cigar at over 7.5 inches and just 49 ring gauge. The huge wrapper leaf is a medium chocolate brown and seems to have just the right amount of oils. The wrapper is smooth and silky with a feint nose of roasted nuts.

The flavors of these cigars have been mellowing somewhat during the 20 months of the review cycle. And yet, the end result is that this smoke is still medium-full-bodied and full of flavor. I noted some nice tobacco notes, wood and some sweetness and an aroma of roasted nuts and spice on the retrohale. The flavors are complex with layer after layer of smooth and subtle variations. Still one of Tatuaje's finest.

5. Belmore Cameroon Selection Avg. Score 90.6 (based on 3 reviews). Size: 6 x 50 Torpedo; Filler, Binder: Dominican. Wrapper: African Cameroon. Age at final review: 1 year 4.3 months. Company website: http://www.caminoviejo.com

The Belmore Cameroon Selection cigars are made in the Dominican Republic by Charles Fairmorn, Ltd., and packaged in boxes of 10. Each cigar is cello wrapped with an accompanying thin cedar sheath. This torpedo sports a beautiful, dark caramel-colored wrapper that shows some faint mottling and is slightly “toothy.” It is a bit rough in appearance, but has a nice overall sheen. The veins are distinct and lightly pronounced along the entire body.

The cigar started out mild-medium in body with the flavor of ripe tobacco and sweetness in the undertone, while the Cameroon wrapper provided a little spiciness to the aftertaste. A nutty nuance was noted in the beginning, but soon gave way to rich coffee flavors with a continuing sweet undertone.

Other than some slight aesthetic issues, this cigar continues to be a pleasurable experience and is worth giving a try, if you can find them.

DOC'S PODCAST PICKS

Below is the Stogie Fresh 5 Honor Roll. These cigars represent Doc’s picks for the top 10 cigars that he has featured on the Stogie Fresh 5 podcast over the past year. Cigars that are featured on the weekly podcast are one’s that the Doc is recommending and featuring based on smoking 5-10 samples.

TOP 5 STOGIE FRESH 5 FEATURED CIGARS: DECEMBER 2007 – NOVEMBER 2008

1. Padrón 80th anniversary (episode 120: Jun. 8, 2008). Size: 6.75 x 54 Perfecto; Filler, Binder, Wrapper: Nicaragua. Company website: http://www.padron.com

The Padrón 80th Anniversary cigar was made to honor the 80th birthday of Jose Orlando Padrón, who founded this prodigious cigar company in 1964. These special cigars are being made in Estelí, Nicaragua, and they are perfectos, the first the company has ever made. These cigars are finished in box-pressed format and dressed in a Nicaraguan sun-grown wrapper. All the tobacco in this cigar is aged a minimum of 5 years.

The Padrón 80th anniversary is an incredible cigar. The cigar starts off with a bang. Dominant features include earthy and woody characters with dark roast coffee and some baking cocoa notes. The retrohale was initially toasty and full, but quickly settled into a smooth and aromatic touch of barnyard. The second half was full of earthiness, with tobacco, coffee and chocolate flavors. There was plenty of complexity and a wonderful nose feel on the retrohale.

This medium-full body and flavor cigar was a treasure to smoke. I smoked this cigar as far down as any cigar that I’ve smoked in a long while. There was no harshness or nasty flavors so I just kept smoking. This cigar should appeal to a wide range of cigar enthusiasts and though it’s not a cigar for beginners, it is a fabulous smoke, just the same.

2. Ashton ESG 21-Year Salute (episode 108: Mar. 16, 2008). Size: 5.25 x 52 Robusto; Filler, Binder: unknown; Wrapper: Dominican Sun Grown. Company website: http://www.ashtoncigar.com

To celebrate twenty consecutive years of increased sales and overall growth, Robert Levin and Carlos Fuente Jr. teamed up to create the Ashton Estate Sun Grown, or ESG for short. This special edition cigar is blended and manufactured by Carlos Fuente Jr. in the Dominican Republic.

The 21-Year Salute, which is a 5-¼ inch by 52 ring Robusto, exudes flavors of aromatic cedar and tangy spice, with sweet undertones. Retrohaling this cigar is a must do. There are all kinds of great and yet subtle aromas and flavors that are very hard to pick out and describe by "mouth-haling" only.

The Ashton ESG is a prestigious (not to mention expensive) line of cigars with a new size coming out each year for 5 consecutive years. Then, on the 25th anniversary in the year 2010, all five sizes will be available and will henceforth be produced annually to make up their part in the regular production lines of Ashton cigars. If you can spare the dime, be sure to pick up the 21-year Salute.

3. A. Fuente, Casa Fuente (episode 129: Aug. 10, 2008). Size: 5.62 x 52 Belicoso; Filler, Binder: unknown; Wrapper: Cameroon. Company website: http://www.cigarfamily.com

From the very first puff, you will notice a nice spicy tang to the flavor of the Casa Fuente. Not the peppery spice of a Nicaraguan puro, but the tangy spice of an aged Cuban. The cigar also exhibits a bit of wood on the finish. When I retrohaled this smoke it exhibited a complex mix of tanginess and spice, and a floral aroma. The cigar flavors and body were balanced; neither the body nor the flavor over-dominated and I was treated to a sublime smoking experience.

The Fuente Casa Fuente Belicoso Fino is a great cigar. And what a great smoking experience: the construction, the aroma, the flavor and the body were in perfect harmony. The flavors danced around my palate and teased out every bit of enjoyment from my taste buds and olfactory bulbs. That’s the good news, the bad news is that this cigar is expensive and you can only get one by making a pilgrimage to Las Vegas and the Casa Fuente cigar lounge. This cigar will run about about $25 per stick in the store.

4. Vegas Robaina Artist Edition Famosos (episode 114: Apr. 27, 2008). Size: 5 x 48 Robusto; Filler, Binder, Wrapper: Cuban. Company website: http://www.habanos.com/default.aspx?lang=en

For the first time a great smoke meets contemporary Cuban art. Angel Ramirez was selected as the Cuban artist to design the first ever Art Edition Havana Cigar and that cigar is the Vegas Robaina Famoso of the 2006 production. The Artist Edition cigar is a 5" x 48 RG Hermoso No. 4.

The Vegas Robaina Artist Edition Famoso is a tremendous cigar. It’s medium in body and medium-full in flavor. It changes seductively during the course of the smoke and continually surprises with its wonderful nuances of spice, wood, floral notes and sweetness. We highly recommend this 2006 production year Vegas Robaina Famosos. Whether you want the collectibility of the Artist Edition or just the consummate smoke-ability of the regular production line, this is a memorable cigar.

5. La Gloria Cubana: Artesanos de Miami, Artesanitos (episode 143: Nov. 16, 2008). Size: 5.0 x 46 Corona; Filler: Nicaragua, Dom. Rep.; Binder: Ecuador; Wrapper: Nicaraguan. Company website: http://www.cigarworld.com

These special edition cigars are made with a Nicaraguan wrapper, which was obtained from Nestor Plasencia and only 250,000 cigars will be produced for 2008. This represents a bit of a departure from the typical La Gloria, by including a wrapper from Nicaragua rather than Ecuador. Also, Perez-Carrillo used more Nicaraguan tobacco in the filler blend and less Dominican to give this cigar an extra kick of horsepower.

The La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Miami is a really fine cigar. I recommend it highly to those who like a rich, fuller-flavored and fuller-bodied cigar. The cigar is a bit one dimensional. It doesn't have a lot of flavor changes throughout the smoke, but what it has... is just great. It has the rich, earthy flavors of wine cellar, and oak barrel. It also has a roasted meat flavor and a good dose of spice. Underlying all this was a rich sweetness that makes it a great match with any aged bourbon.

NOTES:

Stogie Fresh has archived approximately 340 reviews on the Stogie Fresh Cigar Review Directory. This online database has all the details about each cigar that has been reviewed at Stogie Fresh. http://www.stogiefresh.com/cigardatabase.html

More information about why Stogie Fresh reviews cigars the way we do, can be found in the following to definitive articles:

1. Master Blend: Ingredients of an Effective Cigar Review

Great Expectations: What Do Blind Cigar Reviews Really Tell Us?

The Stogie Fresh Cigar Rating Criteria can be found on the Stogie Fresh web site. http://www.stogiefresh.com/ratingcigars.htm

Cigar Brand News December 2008

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 13:37:57 -0800

For Undecided Smokers, Tabacos de la Cordillera Offers New Fundacion Ancestral Variety Samplers

Four new Variety Samplers from Tabacos de la Cordillera (Mountain Range Cigars) make it easy and economical for smokers to select which new Fundación Ancestral luxury cigars suit their palates. The company, which produces 100% long-filler handmade premium cigars in Puriscal, Costa Rica, now offers one each of the 5 different Fundación Ancestral premium blends, in 5-cigar cartons.

Photo Below: Fundación Ancestral Variety Sampler

According to John Vogel, company director and 40-year tobacco geneticist, “We don’t claim to make Cuban cigars, or say they contain Cuban tobacco. What sets us apart from every other company is that we grow all Fundación Ancestral tobacco from our proprietary Cuban seed varieties that pre-date Castro by twenty years. These are the only surviving seeds from that era. They offer all the power, flavor, and aroma of the classic Havanas Antiguas.”

According to Vogel, “Now, smokers can satisfy their curiosity and save substantially over the price of buying our regular 5-pack samplers of each of the Fundación Ancestral cigar lines. Serie 1940, 1941 and 1944 have natural wrappers, while Serie 1942 and 1943 are maduros. The collection is offered in both medium- and medium-full-bodied cigars. MSRPs for the Variety Samplers falls between $56.25 (Robusto) and $58.50 (Churchill, Torpedo).

“Our Web page (www.tabacordillera.com) describes the flavor profiles,” states Vogel, “but words can’t describe the experience of smoking cigars with tobacco from ancestral Cuban seeds, which not even Castro can obtain. All our cigars are noted for their deep complexity ... one reviewer compared them to, ‘A piece of steak ... not strong, but with layers of flavor.’” The Fundación Ancestral Variety Samplers will be available at fine tobacconists in December, as well as on the company’s Web sales site, www.tabacordillera.com.

“Our Roots Run Deep” Is Theme of New Toraño Ad Campaign

One of only a handful of truly authentic cigar-industry stories, the Toraño family is now in its fourth generation, and only eight years away from a century of producing fine tobacco and premium cigars. From its 1916 beginnings in Havana, Cuba, the family-owned brand has filled an important role, and made epochal contributions that span several countries. Company president Charlie Toraño states, “Recognizing the importance of our Cuban origins and our family’s decades of accomplishments, we are transitioning our marketing thrust from product and lifestyle ads to a new advertising campaign, reminding consumers of the bedrock Toraño name”

“Our Roots Run Deep” is the theme of the new ads, the first of which appeared in the October issue of the consumer magazines. The ads will maintain the same format, spotlighting Charlie and his father Carlos (board chairman). An open, partially-filled cigar box features the message. This template concept will have changing photos and text, but will remain an ongoing, recognizable appearance. The “Our Roots Run Deep” message, combined with a tobacco-plant graphic, fortifies awareness of their Cuban heritage. The first ad’s secondary headline, “Never Smoke Alone,” points to the Toraño spirit, which accompanies the smoker in every cigar experience.

Photo: Carlos (left) and Charlie Toraño

The company was founded in 1916 by Santiago Toraño in Havana, Cuba. His son, Carlos, expanded the tobacco growing business into one of the most prestigious on the island. Among the company's clients in the 1950's was the factory of his brother-in-law, Ramon Cifuentes (Partagas), as well as the factories of H. Upmann and the Tampa-based of J. C. Newman family.

Upon their 1959 exile from Cuba, Carlos joined General Cigar’s Connecticut Valley farming operation, as a tobacco growing and processing specialist. Shortly thereafter, Carlos became a pioneer in the Dominican Republic, introducing Piloto Cubano seed there, and teaching the Dominicans how to properly process it. Piloto Cubano is a bulwark of the industry to this day. He was so respected for laying the foundation of what became the world’s largest cigar producing country, its government honored him in a special obituary in the national newspaper.

After his death, his son, the present Carlos, took the helm of the company, and the family made a major shift in the 1990's, by focusing on cigar production. Their factories in Honduras and Nicaragua presently make their own brands, and they have several tobacco processing facilities.

Arganese Cigars announces New Director of Sales & Marketing

Arganese Cigars, makers of premium handmade cigars from the Dominican Republic, is proud to announce the appointment of Angel A. Diaz as the Director of Sales & Marketing.

Angel, former Marketing Director for Camacho Cigars, will be responsible for all aspects of Sales and Marketing for Arganese Cigars.

“We are very excited to have Angel join Arganese Cigars. Angel has extensive experience in the cigar industry and a solid reputation amongst retailers and consumers alike. We have been growing rapidly the last couple of years and are confident that Angel’s experience and professionalism will help our company build a solid sales team and continue the growth of our business,“ said Gene Arganese, CEO and President – Arganese Cigars.

Angel can be reached at adiaz@arganeseinternational.com or 401.622.4505.

No Flavored-Cigar Lover Is Left Behind, With Heavenly Cigar’s New Cherub Tins

“Our Heaven Cherub-sized premium flavored cigars have earned their popularity for several reasons,” states Heather L. Phillips, CEO of Heavenly Cigar Company. “First, they are a top-quality premium cigar. Being mini cigars, they provide a short but satisfying smoke. Lastly, they are reasonably priced ... important in today’s economy. These powerful sales benefits, plus the attractive new ten-Cherub Tin packaging, made them a crowd-pleaser for us at this past summer’s retailer trade show.

Photo Below: All fourteen flavors of Heaven Cherubs
come protected in pocket-sized, hinged tins

“Customers were so excited about our new Cherubs in Mango-Licious and Mojito Madness, we have responded to their requests for all fourteen of our flavors in this size and packaging. Now, Cherub lovers can carry them in their favorite flavors everywhere.”

The 3.5" x 26 Cherubs first appeared in 2002, and the selections quickly grew to five of the company’s most asked-for flavors ... Heavenly Vanilla, Cupid's Cherry Cream, Celestial Cognac, Heather's Honey Nut and Raging Rum. In addition to these and the two flavors mentioned above, the company has just added Cherub Tins in the remaining seven Heavenly flavors: Aphrodite’s Amaretto, Orange Dreamsicle, Grape Goddess, Angel’s Spice (Cinnamon), Midnight Mocha Crème, Strawberry Banana Bliss, and Chocolate Thunder.

Like all Heavenly’s offerings, Cherubs are 100% long-filler, handmade premium cigars. Without describing the company’s proprietary five-point flavoring process, Phillips explains, “It results in a perfect complement to the select Dominican tobaccos we use in all our products. The subtle, elegant flavoring and choice tobacco are harmonious, never competing with each other.”

Smokers today are rushed for time, often having to step outside in inclement weather, so a shorter smoke is a benefit. Cherub Tins are competitively priced, and Phillips describes the presentation by stating, “It’s not an overstatement to say they’re already a runaway best-seller. Like Heaven 5.5" x 46 Corona and 5" x 30 Petite, also available in all fourteen flavors, attractive displays of our Cherub Tins are now available at tobacco retailers.

Stogie Fresh East Coast Herf

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:58:31 -0800

[Note: To see more photos in a Photo Slideshow format, CLICK HERE.]

On November 24, 2008, about 25 people converged at the Davidoff Madison Avenue shop in New York City to celebrate with the Doc. Billed as "Doc's East Coast Herf," this party was the ultimate in ambience, great cigars and libation, and great camaraderie between brothers of the leaf.

This party would not have been possible without the awesome service of Michael Herklots, who manages the Davidoff shops in New York. Michael single-handedly put this event together, while I was 3,000 miles away… staying out of the way. Michael spared no expense in putting on this event. Gourmet appetizers, scotch, wine and cognac and, of course, cigars. Davidoff Super Selection cigars were handed out to all guests.

On hand were representatives from several cigar manufacturers: Joe Chiusano of Cusano/Cuvée, Jon Huber of CAO Cigars, Alan Rubin, president of Alec Bradley Cigars, Jesús Fuego of J. Fuego Cigars, Orlando Padrón of Padrón Cigars, and Jerry Dear and Belinda Doyle from Xikar. Each of these people brought cigars to hand out to the guests at the party.

Below: Michael Herklots (left) and Joe Chiusano

But the real purpose of this party was to bring together some special people. The guests of honor were 10 guys from the Stogie Chat cigar forum. I've belonged to Stogie Chat as a member for two or three years now and have developed friendships with these guys, but only via the web, we had never met; until that Monday evening in New York.

Over the past two years, I have had herfs at my home on the Central Coast of California for a few of the West Coast Stogie Chat brethren, but this was my first meeting with the East Coast gang. Though you can get to know people pretty well via web-based technologies, meeting them in person really solidifies the relationship and allows you to complete the circle in creating lifetime bonds. That's how I feel about these guys, whom I met for the first time on Monday evening in New York City.

The venue for the party was the Davidoff shop on Madison Avenue in New York. This establishment is one classy place. Replete with 5 star choices in lighters, cutters, humidors, pipes, cigar cases, and cigars, the Davidoff shop is no mere B&M. It's more akin to a Cathedral of Tobacciana. Simply put, this was the perfect venue for Doc's East Coast Herf.

I won't soon forget my trip to New York city. This is THE place to party and there are several established havens for cigar smokers in the city. Even the ever-present anti-tobacco legislation can't dim the enthusiasm of the cigar enthusiast when you can still "get down" at havens such as the Davidoff and Nat Sherman shops.

Below: Joe Chiusano, Mike Donahue, Doc, and Dave "Parkster"

In your next visit to the "Big Apple," be sure to visit Michael at Davidoff. And also be sure to tell him that the Doc sent you.

Contact Information:
Michael Herklots
General Manager
Davidoff of Geneva, New York

The Shops at Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle Suite 104A
New York, New York 10019
tel. +1.212.823.6383
mherklots@davidoffusa.com

535 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10019
tel +1.212.751.9060
http://www.davidoffnewyork.com

Pete Johnson on the El Triunfador

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:24:25 -0700

Pete Johnson's latest cigar, the El Triunfador, comes in just one size, a Lancero. It has a flavorful broadleaf wrapper and a blend that makes it medium-bodied and yet full in flavor.

Recently I contacted Pete of Tatuaje Cigars to ask him some questions about his new cigar. This cigar has been somewhat of a secret, however it has appeared on selected retailers shelves since early September.

I figured it was time to see if Pete would share some more scraps of information about the El Triunfador and Pete took the time to return my request. As it turns out, the secrecy behind the El Triunfador is more related to preserving a trademark than it is to generating hype.

DOC: I know this is a "mystique" cigar, but I'm hoping I can pump you for some info. I'm a journalist, what can I say?!

If this cigar were to be listed, would it be more accurate to call it: "Tatuaje El Triunfador," "El Triunfador by Tatuaje," or "El Triunfador by Pete Johnson"?

The original Cuban El Triunfador mark (left) and
the U.S. Trademarked version (right)

PETE: El Triunfador by Pete Johnson is fine. This is another brand that falls under the Tatuaje umbrella but it is not a line extension.

DOC: Is this the same broadleaf used on La Riqueza? My taste says it's the same, but it's lighter, perhaps lower on the plant?

PETE: It is the same broadleaf as La Riqueza. The filler blend is the difference.

DOC: Why did you choose the Lancero as the vitola for this cigar? Did you plan this as a modern-day-diplomatic-Trinidad?

The first three bands below are the original Cuban bands for El Triunfador. The bottom band is the band for Pete Johnson's new cigar.

PETE: I have always like the Lancero and even though I have had a Lancero in my Tatuaje line since 2003 and the Petit Lancero in the Tatuaje Havana VI since 2006, many people have been asking me for a Lancero shape cigar. I needed to protect a trademark and this was the perfect size to introduce the name to everyone.

The Trinidad things didn't really influence me. If you are referencing the Cigar Insider article, they put that spin on the cigar. Simply, I just needed to make a cigar to protect a great trademark. This is why no marketing or advertising around the brand. Although things like the Cigar Insider article and your podcast don't hurt.

DOC: The El Triunfador has freakin' cool artwork on the box. Where'd you come by that?

PETE: I found the brand and the artwork in an older Cuban book. This was an old Cuban brand like La Riqueza and obviously I had to make some changes to the original. I will forward you a copy of the original bands and artwork from Cuba.

DOC: What's the chances of seeing more vitolas of this stick?

PETE: No chances for a while. The blend for this cigar is a blend I use in another line that I have no plans for a Lancero in. This is why I would change the blend in the other sizes for a full line release. This blend is for this cigar in this brand only. I am still not sure what I want to do with the brand concept, so I will be only making this size for now.

Results of Cigars and Coffee Survey

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 21:52:12 -0700

Over the past three weeks, we sponsored a Coffee and Cigars Contest, which ended on October 4. The contest asked people to go to an online form and tell us what were their three favorite coffee cigars. In other words, we asked them what what 3 cigars they like to pair with coffee, and why. Many people filled out the survey, in which they indicated their preferences for cigars that pair well with a cup of “Joe.”

As might be expected, there were widely different ideas about what cigars match well with coffee. That’s not surprising given that perceptions of flavor in cigars, coffee, and almost anything else that can be ingested, is very subjective.

Before I tell you about the results of the survey, let me say, “Congratulations” to the three contest winners who each won a bag of CP Coffee and a 5-pack of cigars:
 Contest Winner Week One: Jeff Wilson from Texas.
Favorite Coffee Cigars: Ashton San Cristóbal, Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Maduro, CAO Brazilia.

Contest Winner Week Two: John Hicks, from Michigan.
Favorite Coffee Cigars: CAO Eileens Dream petit corona, Rocky Patel American Market Selection, and Nub Habano.

Contest Winner Week Three: Gunnar Carlson from Minnesota.
Favorite Coffee Cigars: Casa Toraño, Fuente Hemingway, and Litto Gomez Diez.

There were 135 different cigars put forth as favorites for pairing with coffee (i.e., each cigar represents a different cigar line). And, those cigars spanned the strength and body range from light to full-bodied cigars. Some people preferred a light cigar in the morning with coffee while others needed a jolt to get them going in the morning.

There were 73 different cigar brands included in the submissions, and both Cuban and non-Cuban cigars were represented.

Rocky Patel Company had 10 different cigar lines represented in the survey, while CAO had 7, Drew Estate 6, and Fuente had 5. Tatuaje, Punch, La Flor Dominicana, Oliva, Hoyo de Monterrey, and Ashton each had 4 different cigars in the running.

The single cigar that garnered the most votes as the best cigar to go with coffee was the 5 Vegas Gold. Contestants had this to say about 5 Vegas Gold: “It has a nutty creaminess that enhances the flavors in most coffees.” “It doesn’t have such a strong hit of nicotine that you get burned out from a stimulant overdose with the caffeine in the coffee.” It was also said that, “The spicy creamy finish [of the 5 Vegas Gold] makes any coffee taste awesome.” So, there you have it. 5 Vegas Gold was the clear standout.

There was a tie for second place with the Padrón Anniversary Series Maduro and the CAO Brazilia going neck and neck. If you’ve tasted either of these cigars, you have to admit that both of them have a good dose of coffee and chocolate flavors. Both are packed with intense flavors and will stand up to pretty much any coffee you want to pour with them.

After Padrón Anniversary Series and CAO Brazilia came the Cuban Por Larrañaga. Incidentally, I didn’t try to separate out the exact “vitolas” of the cigars within each line. I thought that would be cutting it too fine for the purpose of this contest, but in the case of the Por Larrañaga, the Petite Corona size was most often mentioned. Tied for 4th place with the Por Larrañaga were the Padrón Anniversary Series Natural and the Oliva Serie V.

A few things became very clear to me after analyzing the results of this survey: First, many, many people like to pair coffee with cigars. Second, I am one of those people. Third, I love mornings.

CD and Cigars Contest

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:57:06 -0700

ABOUT THE BAND: 25 Smokin’ Figurados
This past week, I came across a new band. I don’t usually call attention to every new band that I come across, but this one intrigued me because of their references to cigars. The band is called 25 Smokin’ Figurados.

PHOTO: 25 Smokin’ Figurados

25 Smokin' Figurados, is the culmination of the efforts of singer/songwriter Timothy Abbott and singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Gregg Kirk. These two guys met in America’s heartland. Their songs -- which overflow with Midwestern angst, urban depravity, and Texas heat -- are meant to be played at maximum volume and savored... like a fine cigar.

ALBUM COVER: “Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke”

As their band name suggests, Tim and Gregg, like to smoke cigars. In fact, it’s a bit more than that: their website lists each of their favorite figurados and each song page, not only displays the words of the songs, but also provides a cigar and libation listening recommendation. I tell you, Tim and Gregg have got a lot of class. Now, I’ve been in contact with the guys and their publicist Jennifer and we have worked up a new contest that will kick off immediately. I am going to give away a couple of CDs of their premiere release. The title of the album is called: "Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke".

ABOUT THE CONTEST:
I am calling this contest the CD and Cigars Contest. Yeah, I know, I’ve got the creativity of tree bark when it comes to naming contests. Be that as it may, it’s still a contest and you still can win some cool stuff.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN:
in the CD and Cigars Contest, as the name suggests, I will be giving away a copy of the new 25 Smokin’ Figurados CD, Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke, AND a 6-pack of cigars. On the last Stogie Fresh 5 podcast I said I would give away a 5-pack of cigars along with the CD, but I came up with a good idea to add a bonus cigar: the bonus cigar will be one of the favorite cigars listed by Tim or Gregg on their bio pages.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN?
First, go to the contest page on the Stogie Fresh website. You will see the contest logo at the top of the homepage. When you click on that you will see the CONTEST DIRECTIONS. You give your name and email address and then tell us which of the 25 Smokin’ Figurados songs you like best and why.

I will be picking out the winners and will announce them on the Stogie Fresh 5 podcast. There are 10 songs to choose from and each song page allows you to listen to the song and the words are also listed on the page. That’s it. Your chance to win a 25 Smokin’ Figurados CD and a 6-pack of cigars. So check it out.

WHEN DOES THE CONTEST START/END?
The contest begins immediately and will end on October 23, 2008.

Also, be sure to check out this cool interview I did with singer/songwriter Gregg Kirk of 25 Smokin’ Figurados.

New Cigars Finalize Line

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:58:17 -0700

Two new maduro cigars, Serie 1942 and Serie 1943, have joined the Fundación Ancestral connoisseur’s collection of premium cigars from Tabacos de la Cordillera. The first three Ancestral blends: Serie 1940, 1941, and 1944, appeared at last year’s RTDA show. All are available in classic shapes: Churchill, Corona, Robusto, and Torpedo. The cigars are encased in presentation-grade cedar boxes of 25, as well as in sampler cartons of 5 cigars.

PHOTO BELOW: Two new maduro cigars join the
Fundación Ancestral series from Tabacos de la Cordillera
The cigars are uniquely revolutionary for several reasons. Most startling is the source of the tobacco. Cordillera grows all its own tobacco exclusively from seeds developed by tobacco agronomists and genetic specialists in Cuba, long before the Embargo. Company director and career tobacco geneticist John Vogel describes the era as, “Cuba’s Golden Age of tobacco and cigars.”

Vogel acquired 49 different seed lines from Cuban peer researchers, formerly with the leading tobacco research facilities, until Castro’s government closed them, to focus on sugar production for Cold War Russia. For decades, Vogel has preserved 49 varieties of pure Ancestral Cuban seeds, improving them through selective breeding. This precious genetic stock, thought extinct until he revived them, exist nowhere else in the world.

Vogel created the first three Ancestral blends: Serie 1940, 1941, and 1944 with tobaccos from three seed varieties. The seeds for the tobacco in his Serie 1940 were introduced to Cuba’s leading tobacco growers in the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Rio Province in that year. Serie 1941 contains tobacco from seeds that Cuban agronomists developed for other Pinar del Rio plantations. Serie 1944's tobacco is grown from seeds first seen on farms near the town of Artemisa, in (La) Habana Province.

The tobacco in the Serie 1942 maduro is grown from seeds that originated in the celebrated Vuelta Arriba region, also in Villa Clara Province, while the seeds for Serie 1943's tobacco were first planted in other areas of the province.

PHOTO: Fundación Ancestral 1941

To give cigar connoisseurs an idea of how each individual variety’s character, Vogel has used tobacco for each Serie from only that one variety of seed, adapted to and grown naturally on Cordillera’s 65-acre farm near Puriscal, Costa Rica. Far from being one-dimensional, however, the cigars are noted for their deep complexity and elegant bouquet. Vogel attributes this to selective breeding -- he grows 500 plants of each variety on his experimental plot, then segregates the sub-varieties by physical characteristics -- including leaf size and shape, fine vein structure and wrapper texture, disease and pest resistance, flavor, aroma, and burning properties.

Vogel states, “We don’t claim ours are ‘Cuban cigars,’ or that they contain Cuban tobacco. We don’t say they’re ‘the best.’ We do state the fact that we grew all the tobacco in our Ancestral blends from 65 year old Cuban seeds, with flavor and aroma profiles like no other cigars.”

The Fundación Ancestral series, like all long-filler, handmade cigars now produced by Cordillera, incorporates another feature: Dead-Center Ligero. It revives the old Cuban method of entubado (tubed) bunching, wherein each leaf is rolled into a “soda straw” that runs the cigar’s length. This method provides a visual check for the worker that the ligero is dead-center in the bunch and surrounded by a “bird cage” of similarly tubed base filler leaves. During binding and pressing, the array remains intact. This solves the two greatest problems among smokers. First, the foot-to-head smoke channels virtually eliminate tight draws and plugs. The tubed ligero leaves, captured in the center of the base filler leaves, also does not shift during pressing, making uneven burning a thing of the past.

PHOTO: Box Presentation of Fundación Ancestral

The wrapper is finished off with a panuelo (handkerchief) cap. This cap design, plus crowned heads, make cutting easier and prevent unraveling of the wrapper following cutting, another source of irritation among smokers. Both of these techniques were common-place by cigar-makers during Cuba’s Golden Age.

Suggested retail pricing for Fundación Ancestral cigars range from $10.50 to $12. All five Series are available now at selected tobacconists.

Flatbed Cigar Company, PANACEA

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:02:42 -0700

by Paul Bush with David P. Diaz

[Editor’s Note: With so many new cigar companies coming into existence over the past two years, I have been hard-pressed to keep abreast of the situation. So, in order to keep you informed of the rapidly-changing cigar landscape, I have asked Paul Bush (seen in photo above), owner of Flatbed Cigar Company and PANACEA cigars, to team with me to write up this informational piece about his company. Enjoy!]

PANACEA was born out of love for great cigars. That was the road map; the entire business plan. And, to be candid, I really wanted to step back out of corporate America. Having been born and raised on a farm, the suit and tie just didn’t fit anymore.

PHOTO BELOW: Flatbed Factory: Dominican Republic

We figured that, if we started with the best tobacco, the best rollers, make a bunch of blends, and have lots of friends and colleagues sample the smokes, we should be able to find a profile or two to get behind. So, that is what we did. The culmination of this process resulted in two blends for our PANACEA Black: the Natural and the Maduro.

Our Maduro (I am smoking one right now... man it's good) has a Brazilian wrapper. Our Natural has a Connecticut, wrapper grown in Ecuador. The binder for both blends is Dominican, while a Cuban seed seco and ligero, Olor Dominicano and Nicaraguan make up the interior. (Yes, I am sure the seed has been propagated once or twice!)

We use plenty of ligero in our cigars to produce rich creamy smoke, and just enough seco to get it lit. The Nicaraguan leaf keeps the profile swirling and keeps you on your toes. I love this cigar...you will too. It is full, smooth, creamy, complex, and engaging, but not overpowering. The blend will hold your attention, but will not dominate your time with it. Meaning you won't forget your smoking, but won't be saying... “Uncle” either.

PHOTO BELOW: Box of PANACEA Cigars

Smoking should be that way...right? You want to enjoy a smoke, but you don’t want the cigar to be in control. We're all very busy in today's world and finding time to sit with family and friends is precious. When you do, you want to enjoy your smoke, but equally as important, you want to enjoy your conversation. A bully smoke requires all your attention. A weak smoke requires none. You want the cigar in the middle, the one that engages at the right time, knowing its place in the conversation.

I am certainly biased. I encourage you to smoke a PANACEA and measure for yourself. I think you'll like them. By the way, we are currently working on PANACEA Red. More on that in the coming months!

At Flatbed Cigar Company (owner/distributor of PANACEA) we are taking an “Old-School” approach to the cigar business. Right or wrong, it’s the path we decided to take. The philosophy is simple: put all the money into tobacco. If we focus on making great cigars, they will sell themselves, over time.

BELOW: Cigar storage room

You’ll see our packaging is very basic (as all cigar packaging once was), but it does its intended job: keeping the cigars fresh and safe. We do not manipulate the leaf in any way. No heating, cooling, steaming, coloring, flavoring, massaging, etc. What you see is what we started with. You may even see slight shading variances in the same box. That is okay. What is most important is how the cigar tastes. In this time of “cosmetic selling” we do have an uphill climb, but want to stay true to our convictions.

Flatbed Cigar Company was founded two years ago. Our first cigar; PANACEA Black, was introduced to smoke shops in the Mid Atlantic, and North East in October of 2007. Selling from the trunk of my car, I enjoyed the company of hundreds of cigar enthusiasts, shop owners and patrons alike, as I made my way from DC to Boston. PANACEA is now in 42 stores and growing steadily. Most of our concentration remains in the North East, but we are in stores as far reaching as Wisconsin, and Louisiana.

Based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (PA), we enjoy a great tobacco tradition, dating back to 1765. Red Lion, PA (aka: Cigar Town, USA) at one time was producing 400 million hand rolled cigars a year. In addition to dozens of factories, many houses in town had rolling tables, where women made extra money rolling while their husbands were at work. The name “Stogie” was coined in Conestoga, PA where inexpensive cigars were made for the drivers of the Conestoga wagons. Traveling from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, the Conestoga wagon drivers were envious of the fine cigars enjoyed by their passengers. A cigar then, as it is today, was a luxury. Wagon drivers simply did not earn the wage necessary to indulge in cigars, with any kind of frequency. So, manufacturers in Conestoga began making cigars, in addition to their well know wagons, and priced them for the driver’s pocketbooks.

PHOTO: PANACEA Perfecto

Although we are based in Pennsylvania, our factory is in the Dominican Republic. With more than 60 years of combined experience, the art of aging, blending, and rolling continues in our modest factory. Who knows….maybe a US/Dominican blend one day? (Actually you can bet on it).

Flatbed Cigar Company now has three Independent Sales Agencies representing PANACEA, and we are actively looking for additional Sales coverage on the West Coast, South West, and South East. Give us a call if you would like to join the team!

We are a small company making really good cigars. Who knows, if all goes according to plan, we’ll grow to a bigger company; still making really good cigars.

Visit us at: www.flatbedcigarcompany.com

2008 God of Fire Charity Dinner

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:45:58 -0700

by David P. Diaz, aka “Doc”

[For more photos of the event, see 2008 GOD OF FIRE DINNER SLIDESHOW]

As I sat in the comfort of a 15 passenger Hummer Limo, on our way to the 2008 God of Fire Charity Dinner, I couldn’t help but think that, this is what the cigar hobby and profession is all about. It’s about connecting with others who love cigars and enjoying the experiences of cigar events of all types and sizes.

Above: Matt Lanford, Santa Barbara Cigar and Tobacco
enjoys the limo ride to the event

Below: Keith Park of Prometheus and God of Fire, hosted the dinner

I sipped some scotch and looked around the Hummer as 12 people, representing three different tobacco shops (Santa Barbara Cigar & Tobacco, The Boss, and Smoker’s Castle) bonded in anticipation of one of the most widely recognized charitable cigar dinners in America.

The God of Fire Charity dinner is a $500 per plate cornucopia of cigars, food, libation, and a chance to loose your purse strings in exchange for some rare and wonderful charity auction items.

This year’s God of Fire dinner took place in the breathlessly beautiful Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event volunteers and planning committee, led by Keith Park, of Prometheus, God of Fire Cigars and, more recently, Cigar Rights of America, staged another top-flight event, which benefitted the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation and the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.
Photo Below: The Hotel Bel Air
In attendance were several luminaries of the cigar industry, like Carlito Fuente, Keith Park, Richard Carleton Hacker, and others. There were movie stars and producers/directors including Joe Mantegna, Jim Belushi, and Frank Mancuso, Jr.

The cocktail/reception hour was in the beautiful gardens of the Hotel Bel Air. The lush landscaping and nearby lake created an ambience second to none. The food during the cocktail/reception hour from 6:00 – 7:00 pm created a glimpse of what would come later and included:
• Chilled Gulf Shrimp Cocktail
• Lobster Medallion with Potato and Caviar
• Pepper Seared Ahi with Daikon Slaw on a Taro Chip
• Spoonful of California Caviar with Crème fraîche
• Grilled Baby Lamb Chop with Mint Aïoli
• Rosemary Skewered Beef Short Ribs
• Tomato and Warm Goat Cheese Tartlet

After the reception, attendees were moved to the outdoor dining area to enjoy a dinner menu created by Chef Bruno of Hotel Bel-Air, Denise Shurtleff of Cambria Winery, and Keith K. Park, CEO of Prometheus/God of Fire.

Below: Starting off the dinner with “Blue Prawn” salad

Chef Bruno of the Bel Air Hotel whipped up an incredible 5 course repast consisting of :
• Late Summer Melon and Spinach Salad with Blue Prawns and Sherry-Walnut Vinaigrette. Wine: Cambria 2007 Viognier
• Sonoma Duck and Mushroom Risotto. Wine: Cambria 2006 Pinot Noir, Clone 667
• Roast American Kobe Style Rib-Eye Short Rib Ragout. Wine: Cambria 2005 Syrah, Clone Estrella
• Cheese Course: Artisan and Specialty Cheeses with House-Made Walnut Currant Bread and Seasonal Fruit. Wine: Cambria 2006 Late Harvest Viognier
Dessert Course: Warm Bittersweet Chocolate Tart, Banana-Nougat Ice Cream

Photo Below: Jim Belushi shows off one of the auction items

Also served, was a glass of Grand Pommier XS Calvados Brandy.
Keith Park provided the God of Fire Cigars from 2004, 2005 and 2006, to compliment the dinner.

Toward the end of the dinner came the yearly charitable auction. Though I am usually dangerous at auctions, I didn’t come home with any auction items. It wasn’t for lack of trying, but many of the items, which included rare Prometheus and Fuente humidors, cigars, lighters, and cigar cases drew prices as magnificent as the items themselves. There were special dinners, wine excursions, rare watches, and bottles of wine auctioned to the 200 or so people in attendance. In short, the auction was a huge success and raised a tremendous sum of money for the charitable causes.

With new anti-smoking legislation pending in Los Angeles, this might be the last time we will see a cigar dinner at the Bel Air Hotel. Perhaps we’ll see future dinners in conjunction with Cig-Con West?!

Fuente Aged Selection: Fall 2008 Release

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:44:49 -0700

Carlito Fuente has created a new cigar, Don Arturo Gran AniverXario, in a tribute to his grandfather, Arturo Fuente.

These cigars are made with the legendary wrapper leaves from Chateau de la Fuente, the birthplace of dream. Carlito Fuente made Don Arturo Gran AniverXario cigars in 2001 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Arturo Fuente Cigar Company, which was founded by his grandfather in 1912. He planned to release Don Arturo Gran AniverXario cigars every year, starting in 2002, to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2012. However, these cigars were never released.

Don Arturo Gran AniverXario cigars have been aging in the Fuente aging room since 2001. These 7-year-old cigars will be finally shipped to retail tobacconists worldwide this fall to commemorate the release of his father’s biography: