Stogie Fresh 5

Episode-207-Alec-Bradley-Family-Blend

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:42:50 -0800

DESCRIPTION: Alec Bradley Family Blend cigars were created expressly for the fathers of the company's three principal executives, Alan Rubin (President), Ralph Montero (Vice President), and George Sosa (National Sales Director).

Company president Alan Rubin said he was strictly against selling the Family Blend at first because the cigars were made in dedication to their fathers and he wanted it to remain so. However, Ralph Montero was certain that the time was right to release the fathers' blend, or what eventually became known as the "family blend." George agreed, and together they were able to convince Alan to release the cigar.

The Family Blend, which is made in Honduras, uses a Honduran wrapper leaf, an Indonesian binder and a Honduran and Nicaraguan Filler. The smoke is blended to be medium-bodied, creamy-smooth, and full-flavored. The cigars are presented in chests of 50 cigars bearing the signatures of the three fathers: David Rubin, Miguel Montero and Reinaldo Sosa.

The Family Blend is currently available in only one size, a 5.5 inch x 50 ring Robusto.

FEATURED LIBATION: Roxo 2007 Magia Preta Port
I featured the 2005 Magia Preta from Roxo Port back in episode 150 in Jan of 2008. Now, 2 years later Roxo is back with their 2007 Magia Preta. Magia Preta means, Black Magic. The Magia Preta is the flagship port of the Roxo Port Cellars in Paso Robles, California.

Like the 2005 Black Magic port, the 2007 Magia Preta is also a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah. The Magia Preta weighs in at 20% ABV and only 200 cases were made.

This is the company's flagship line and will run about $75 per 750 ml bottle.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• This segment of What's Been Happening is again being sponsored by Bucanero Cigars. You have 1 more week to take advantage of the special discount on Bucanero cigars. This special promotion is good through February 15. Just go to the Bucanero website and buy ANY of their cigars and you will receive a 10% discount. To receive the discount on your purchase, use the following coupon code when checking out: SFNEWS10.
• Follow up on recent Alec Bradley cigar event at The Boss Cigar shop.
• Doc talks about his upcoming trip to the 3rd Annual ProCigar Festival in the Dominican Republic.
• Doc continues his report on long-aged cigars.

EMAIL OF THE WEEK: Mark from Canada
"How much does the flavor of tobacco change solely as a result of the crop vintage?"

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Alec Bradley Cigars
• Roxo 2007 Magia Preta
• Special 10% Discount at Bucanero Cigars
• Use the following discount code when purchasing cigars: SFNEWS10
• Stogie Rate for Desktop version 4.0
• Stogie Rate for iPhone app
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-206-Illusione-42g

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:33:43 -0800

DESCRIPTION: The concept behind the cigars was to re-create a specific taste profile from years past. Illusione president, Dion Giolitto has tried to bring back the glory of the tobacco grown before the Sandanistas took over Nicaragua in 1979.

All Illusione cigars are made in the Raices Cubanas factory in Nicaragua from first generation Corojo 99 and Criollo 98 tobaccos. The cigars are wrapped with grade one Café Colorado wrappers and finished with a traditional triple cap. Today's featured cigar is the 4/2g, which is a 7.5 inch by 49 RG Churchill.

FEATURED LIBATION: Zaya 12 Year Old Rum
The Zaya 12 Year Old Estate Rum is a blend of between 3-5 rums that have been aged for a minimum of 12 years in small oak barrels. The resulting rum is distributed in 750 ml bottles at 80 proof or 40% ABV. This dark brown rum is distilled from fermented molasses. The 5 times distilled rum is aged in medium toasted white oak barrels, which were previously used for either bourbon or whisky.

STOGIE FRESH 5 ONE-OFF WITH JIM: This week, Jim reviews the Rocky Patel Autumn 2009.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• This segment of What's Been Happening is again being sponsored by Bucanero Cigars. You can still take advantage of the special discount on Bucanero cigars. This special promotion for SF5 listeners is good through February 15. Just go to the Bucanero website, buy ANY cigars there and get a 10% discount. All you gotta do is use the following coupon code when checking out: SFNEWS10.
• Doc shares the latest in his experiment with smoking older cigars.
• Stogie Rate for iPhone version 1.2 is now available in the iTunes store.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: LG Diez Vintage 2008
I featured the LG Diez Vintage 2008 back in Episode 158 on Sunday, March 1, 2009. I purchased these cigars in the beginning of 2009 so they've been gathering dust in my humidor for another year and I pulled out a stick for re-sampling this past week.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Illusione Cigars
• Zaya Gran Reserva 12 Year Old Rum
• The Mind of Men podcast
• Special 10% Discount at Bucanero Cigars
Use the following discount code when purchasing cigars: SFNEWS10
• Stogie Rate for Desktop version 4.0
• Stogie Rate for iPhone app
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-205-Tatuaje-Black-Tubos

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:22:58 -0800

DESCRIPTION: This cigarcast represents the second in a row that features Tatuaje aluminum tubed cigars. Last week I featured the Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Tubos and this week, the pattern continues with the Tatuaje Black Tubos.

The Tatuaje Black has a Nicaraguan Sun Grown Criollo wrapper and a Nicaraguan filler and binder. The cigars come packaged in matte black screw-bottom aluminum tubes and in boxes of 10 cigars. This week's Tubo is a 6.1 inch by 52 ring torpedo.

FEATURED LIBATION: Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company pioneered the concept of fresh hop ales in America. Fresh Hope ales are those that have been made with hops are harvested and shipped the same day they are picked—where the brew-masters can get them into the brew kettle while their oils and resins are still at their peak.

The Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Ale weighs in at 6.7% ABV and rates a 66 IBU's on the International Bitterness Unit scale. That is a moderately high Bitterness score, but the actual bitterness can be balanced by the amount and type of malts used in the beer.

SF 5 SPECIAL SEGMENT WITH EDDIE DE JONG
This week Eddie will deliver the second of a 2-part series on leather. Eddie uses a lot of different materials in the making of his custom designed humidors and he has a few different models where he has incorporated leather.

Below: Leather top Vanderburgh Humidor

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Be sure to take advantage of the special deal from Bucanero Cigars for Stogie Fresh 5 listeners. This special deal will trim 10% from the already rock bottom prices on the Bucanero site. To take advantage of this discount use the following coupon code when checking out: SFNEWS10. This deal is good through FEB. 15, 2010.
• Doc shares the latest news about the Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch as well as Stogie Rate for the Desktop.
• Doc launches a special editorial about aging cigars.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Tatuaje Cigars
• Sierra Nevada
• Vanderburgh Cuban Coffee Humidor
• Special 10% Discount at Bucanero Cigars
Use the following discount code when purchasing cigars: SFNEWS10
• Stogie Rate for Desktop version 4.0
• Stogie Rate for iPhone app
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-204-Tatuaje-Verocu-Tubos

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:34:20 -0800

DESCRIPTION: The Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu cigar line was released in 2008 as a limited production cigar. It came in two varieties the Zona del Este, which was the East Coast version, and the Lado Occidental or West Coast version.

The new Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Tubos is the first of two cigars recently released in aluminum tubes. Tatuaje president Pete Johnson released the Tatuaje Black in a matte black tube while the Verocu was packed in a redmatte tubo. These tubos, besides looking pretty slick, are very handy when taking your cigars on the road to keep them protected as well as properly humidified.

The Verocu Tubos is 6 1/8 inch by 52 ring torpedo that comes packaged in boxes of 10 with the eye-catching matte red screw-bottom aluminum tubes.

FEATURED LIBATION: Double Bastard Ale
Today's featured libation is another pick from the Stone Brewing Company, which is located in Escondido, California. I featured another Stone Brew ale, the Arrogant Bastard Ale, on this show way back in Episode 65. The Double Bastard comes in 22 oz bottles, 3 liter bottles and is available in limited quantities as a draft. It weighs in at 10.5% ABV.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Last month, Robert Spoden, president of Bucanero Cigars, ran a special deal for subscribers to the Stogie Fresh News (monthly electronic newsletter). This month, Robert said he would extend the same discount to Stogie Fresh 5 listeners. This special will trim 10% from the already rock bottom prices on the Bucanero site. To take advantage of this discount use the following coupon code when checking out: SFNEWS10. This deal is good through FEB. 15, 2010.
• Doc shares the latest news about the Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch as well as Stogie Rate for the Desktop.
• Doc relates the importance of the Cigar Rights of America organization.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: The Griffin's Special Edition XXIV
I first featured this Pyramid, which is made by Davidoff in the Dominican Republic, back in Episode 157 on Sunday, February 22, 2009. These cigars have been sitting in my humidor for 1 year and I pulled out another this past week to give it a revisit.

EMAIL OF THE WEEK: Herman from Texas
"What are some tips for SLOWING DOWN the aging of my cigars?"

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Tatuaje Cigars
• Stone Brewing Company (Double Bastard Ale)
• Special 10% Discount at Bucanero Cigars
Use the following discount code when purchasing cigars: SFNEWS10
• Join the CIGAR RIGHTS OF AMERICA
• Stogie Rate for Desktop version 4.0
• Stogie Rate for iPhone app
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-203-Padron-Family-Reserve-No-45

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:19:10 -0800

DESCRIPTION: This year, to celebrate the milestone of reaching 45 years in business, the Padrón family released the Padrón Family Reserve No. 45, a six-inch long, by 52 ring gauge, box-pressed cigar made from very old Nicaraguan tobaccos.

The cigars are made in very limited quantities, and shipped at various times throughout the year. Most of the cigars in the initial shipment were maduro, but some have natural wrappers. The Family Reserve line is an extension of the 1926 Series, but the tobacco inside is aged for 10 years. Today's cigarcast is proud to feature the Padron Family Reserve No. 45.

FEATURED LIBATION: Ruta Maya Organic Coffee
The organic coffee beans imported by Ruta Maya Importing Ltd. are from Chiapas, Mexico. These beans are grown by Mayan Indian farmers following traditional principles of sustainable agriculture that create a healthier product as well as a healthier environment.

In addition to Ruta Maya Organic Coffee, Ruta Maya also imports and custom roasts Cubita Cuban Style Gourmet Coffee and Las Nubes Nicaraguan Style Gourmet Coffee.

SF 5 SPECIAL SEGMENT WITH EDDIE DE JONG
This week Eddie will deliver the first of a 2-part series on leather. Eddie uses a lot of different materials in the making of his custom designed humidors and he has a few different models where he has incorporated leather.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Doc talks about the holidays and his most recent round of golf.
• Doc shares the latest news about the Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch as well as Stogie Rate for the Desktop.
• Correspondence from Tom, from Las Vegas

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Padrón Cigars
• Ruta Maya Coffee
• Bodum Arabica Thermal French Press
• Vanderburgh Humidors
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories
• Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone

Episode-202-EP-Carrillo-Edicion-Inaugural-Encore

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 12:43:09 -0800

DESCRIPTION: In the spring of 2008, Perez-Carrillo left the employ of Swedish Match Company, which owned the La Gloria Cubana brand, and he joined forces with his son and daughter to create the EPC Cigar Co. And, the cigar world had been waiting for the next smoke from Perez-Carrillo, ever since.

The E.P. Carrillo Edición Inaugural 2009 is his very first cigar under his new label and it’s our featured cigar of the week. This is a limited-production smoke, which displays some interesting features. First, it has 2 binder leaves: One is Nicaraguan and the other a Piloto Cubano from DR. The filler is dominated by Nicaraguan tobacco. The filler is 75-80% Nicaraguan, but also contains some Dominican seco. And finally, this cigar sports an aromatic, Colorado-brown Ecuadorian-grown wrapper.

Only 150,000 cigars will be produced and they have been allocated at the rate of about 25,000 cigars per month. A regular production cigar will follow in early 2010. Today's featured cigar is made in one size only, a 5.4-inch by 52 ring cigar called the Encore.

FEATURED LIBATION: Doc's Watermelon Surprise
The "Watermelon Surprise" is made with fresh watermelon juice, fresh lime juice, and a squeeze of Blue Agave Sweetener. Add your alcohol of choice: silver tequila, white rum or vodka would be good. Today I used the Origine Platinum Tequila.

SF 5 ONE-OFF REWIND WITH JIM: Padrón 4000
This week, Jim is starting a new segment, which he will periodically add to his One-Off segment. It's called the "Rewind" and in this segment type, he will revisit a cigar that he has reviewed in the past. This week, Jim revisits the Padrón 4000.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Doc shares the latest news about the Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch.
• Doc talks about his Christmas adventures.
• New box purchase: Padrón Family Reserve No. 45.

EMAIL OF THE WEEK: David from Massachusetts
"Is it possible to reproduce tobacco seeds and plants with the same genetic characteristics over time?" and "Why is there such confusion and lack of information about what kinds of tobaccos are used in cigars?"

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• EP Carrillo Cigars
• Doc's Watermelon Surprise. Ingredients: Watermelon, water, lime juice, Blue Agave Sweetener and your alcohol of choice.
• The Mind of Men podcast
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-201-My-Father-Le-Bijou

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:11:21 -0800

DESCRIPTION: Le Bijou is French for "the jewel," and 1922 refers to the year Jose "Pepin" Garcia's father was born. The original My Father was created in secret by Pepin's son Jaime, who conceived of the cigar as a tribute to his father. The new Le Bijou creation is Don Pepin's way of honoring his own father.

The Le Bijou cigars, on the other hand, have an all-Nicaraguan blend, and the wrapper is a dark Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro leaf.

The Le Bijou My Father comes in wood boxes of 23 cigars. They are manufactured in three sizes: a 7-inch by 50 RG Churchill, which retails for $12.20 per cigar; a 6-inch by 52 RG Toro at $11.30 per stick, and the cigar I'm featuring today an 4.5-inch by 50 RG Petit Robusto.

FEATURED LIBATION: Road Dog Porter
The Road Dog Porter is made at The Flying Dog Brewery, which is located in Fredrick, Maryland. The Road Dog weighs in at 6.0% ABV and measures 31 on IBU or Bitterness Scale. A rating of 31 IBU's is low, which means this beer will have less bitterness and more malts than hops. Which is, in fact, the case. The Porter sports 4 different malts and two hops.

SF 5 SPECIAL SEGMENT WITH EDDIE DE JONG:
This week, Eddie De Jong of Vanderburgh Humidors will continue his series on custom designed cigar humidors and how they are built. In this segment Eddie will talk about the difference between using Dye and Stain on a humidor.

Photo: Vanderburgh 1960's Retro-Psychedelic humidor uses a Jade green dye to highlight Canadian Tiger Maple

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Doc shares the latest news about the Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch.
• New Ask the Pipe Doc article.
• Smoking cigars in winter.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Carlos Toraño 2008 Tribute
I first featured this cigar back in Episode 151 on Sunday, January 11, 2009. I remember buying these cigars during the Christmas 2008 holiday. They've spent another year in my humidor and I pulled one out to give it a revisit.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• My Father Cigars
• Road Dog Porter from Flying Dog Brewery
• "New Pipe and Humidor" video
• Vanderburgh Humidors
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-200-Fuente-Opus-X-The-Lost-City

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:18:47 -0800

DESCRIPTION: The Lost City is the name of the 2006 movie, written and directed by Andy Garcia. It was a labor of love for the Cuban-born Garcia, who wanted to tell the tale of like in Cuba during the Cuban Revolution.

The movie was poetic in the fact that it paralleled Garcia's own life. At 5-years old and during the Cuban revolution, Garcia's family, who was fairly affluent, was forced to leave Cuba with little more than the clothes on their backs.

But how does this movie related to our featured cigar? Well, in the movie, the character of Uncle Donoso owns a tobacco farm. For a critical scene in the movie, Garcia wanted to duplicate the environment of a Cuban tobacco farm. So, he sought the help of legendary cigar maker Carlito Fuente - and their collaboration resulted in the birth of one of the world's most extraordinary cigars: the Fuente Fuente Opus X Lost City.

The Lost City comes in 5 sizes. One is a Lancero, another is the Love Affair, a short perfecto. Then comes the New Perfecto, a 7-inch by 44 ring Perfecto. Then there is the 6.75 by 48 ring Toro. And finally, there is the cigar I'm featuring today, the 6.1 inch by 50 ring pyramid.

FEATURED LIBATION: Caffé Luna French Press
Caffé Luna is from the Caffe Vita Coffee Roasting Company. Caffé Luna is a blend of Indonesian and Central and South American coffees.

STOGIE FRESH 5 ONE OFF WITH JIM:
This week, Jim is reviewing the Dominican-made Trinidad Torpedo.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Fuller's Pullers Promotion for Stogie Fresh 5 Listeners: Joe Fuller has a special deal this week for SF5 listeners. Buy any 2 sample packs and get a FREE Xikar Crystal Gel50 Humidifier. To take advantage of this offer, put SF5podcast in the comments section of your order. Offer good through December 24, 2009.
• New Ask the Pipe Doc article.
• New Video posted this week on the Stogie Fresh Tv YouTube Channel. My New Pipe and Humidor.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Fuente Opus X: The Lost City Cigars
• Caffe Luna from Caffe Vita
• "New Pipe and Humidor" video
• Ask the Pipe Doc article
• The Mind of Men podcast
• Vanderburgh Humidors
• Stogie Fresh Tv
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-199-Torano-Exodus-Silver-Edition

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:05:09 -0800

DESCRIPTION: In 2001, to memorialize the exodus of cigar makers from Cuba and to commemorate their impact on the cigar industry, Carlos Toraño Jr. and his son, Charlie, created a cigar in Honduras called, Carlos Toraño Exodus 1959. This cigar is a 5-country blend and a powerhouse of flavor and I featured the Exodus 1959 in Episode 63. The Exodus Silver Edition is the second iteration of the Exodus line.

The Silver Edition is made in the Toraño's Honduran factory. It sports a combination of Honduran, Mexican, and Costa Rican filler tobacco, a Costa Rican binder, and a Nicaraguan Criollo wrapper.

Today's featured cigar is the 6 1/8-inch by 46 ring gauge Corona.

FEATURED LIBATION: 2007 Premier Cuvée Pinot Noir
Premier Cuvée is a combination of fruit from Archery Summit's five vineyard Estates: the Arcus Estate, the Red Hills Estate, the Renegade Ridge and Archery Summit Estates in the Dundee Hills, and their Looney Vineyard located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA.

Archery Summit wines are not cheap. Their Pinot Noirs regularly run between the $45-70 range and up. The wine I'm featuring today retails for $48 per 750 ml bottle. I am a wine club member and so I get this bottle for $38 per bottle.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Fuller's Pullers Promotion for Stogie Fresh 5 Listeners: Joe Fuller has a special deal this week for SF5 listeners. Buy any 2 sample packs and get a FREE Xikar Crystal Gel50 Humidifier. To take advantage of this offer, put SF5podcast in the comments section of your order. Offer good through December 24, 2009.
• Next week will mark the 200th SF5 episode. I have a special cigar that I plan to feature and a couple of special audio segments planned from some of my good friends on Team Stogie Fresh.
• The Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch will release an update, most likely this coming week. Doc talks about the major features of the version 1.1 update.

EMAIL OF THE WEEK: Louis from Florida
"Can you bring back a cigar that has dried out?"

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Carlos Toraño Cigars
• Archery Summit Winery
• Check out Stogie Rate for iPhone and look for the first update
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-198-La-Aurora-1495-Series-BME

Sun, 6 Dec 2009 19:47:24 -0800

DESCRIPTION: Today I bring back the 1495 series, but with a twist. This new line of cigars from La Aurora starts with the very same complex blend as the popular 1495 Series, but the 4 different cigars in this line are wrapped in 4 different wrapper types.

These wrappers include a Sun Grown Brazilian, a Dominican Corojo, an Ecuadorian Sumatra and a Nicaraguan Habano. The company made just 20,000 cigars in each of the four wrapper types.

The 1495 BME series comes in only one size, a 5.75 inch by 54 RG Toro Grande. And, I've chosen to feature not one, but all four of the BME cigars in today's SF5 cigarcast.

FEATURED LIBATION: 2007 Justin Justification
JUSTIN WINERY is located about 15 miles West of Paso Robles in the heart of the beautiful Central Coast wine appellation. Justin wines are available across the United States and in more than 20 countries around the globe. Select retailers and restaurants nationwide have offered JUSTIN for a quarter of a century.

The Justification is blended with 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot.
It has been barrel aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 47% of those barrels being new.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Doc discusses the 2009 Stogie Fresh Honor Roll of the Year's Best Cigars

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Don Carlos Edición de Aniversario 2006
The Don Carlos Edición de Aniversario was created by Carlito Fuente as a tribute to his father Carlos Arturo Fuente the originator of the Don Carlos line and the patriarch of the Fuente family.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• La Aurora Cigars
• Justin Winery
• 2009 Stogie Fresh Honor Roll of the Best Cigars of the Year
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-197-Partagas-Serie-P-No-2

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:49:59 -0800

DESCRIPTION: Today, the Partagás factory is over 160 years old and is responsible for the production of many popular Cuban brands including: Partagás, Cifuentes, Ramón Allones, Bolívar, and La Gloria Cubana.

The Partagás Serie P No. 2, was initially released in 2005. It's a cousin of the much longer-lived Serie D No. 4.

In recent years, the newer Serie P No. 2 has been gaining quickly in popularity. Perhaps due to the popularity of pyramid and torpedo shaped cigars. Today's featured cigar is the 6.1-inch by 52 ring gauge Pyramid.

FEATURED LIBATION: Château Paveil de Luze 2005 Margaux
This is a Bordeaux style wine, which is from a chateau whose wines mature early and therefore are an excellent choice for those that prefer not to cellar a bottle for a long period of time.

STOGIE FRESH 5 SPECIAL SEGMENT: With Eddie De Jong
This week, Eddie returns to his "Figures in Wood" series with a segment on Irish Bog Oak.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Doc discusses his birthday celebration
• New cigar article: Aging Maduro Tobacco.
• Remember to shop at the Stogie Fresh accessory store for Christmas

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Cruzado Dante
The Cruzado by Dion Giolitto was our featured cigar in Episode 149 on Sunday, December 28, 2008. I bought these cigars back in late November of 2008, so they've spent just about a year in my humidor.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Partagás at Habanos SA
• Chateau Paveil De Luze
• New article: "Aging Maduro Tobacco"
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-196-Di-Fazio-Picoso

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:32:45 -0800

DESCRIPTION: In 2008, a new cigar brand was born. The company the namesake of one Carmelo Di Fazio, a television executive who, because of his love of fine cigars, ventured into the cigar industry by creating his own company: Di Fazio Cigars Corp.

Currently, Di Fazio has three cigar lines: The Connecticut, the Maduro and the cigar I'm featuring today, the Picoso. All three cigar lines are produced at the Raices Cubanas Factory in Honduras and their tobaccos come from Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

The Connecticut blend has a Connecticut seed wrapper grown in Ecuador, with an Indonesian Binder and Honduran and Nicaraguan filler. The Maduro sports a Nicaraguan wrapper, a Honduran Binder and Honduran and Nicaraguan Filler. The Picoso is the most full-bodied of their lineup and is made with all Honduran tobacco.

All cigars come in 4 vitolas: a 7.5 x 50 ring Churchill, a 6.1 by 52 Torpedo, 5 x 60 Double Robusto and the vitola I am featuring today, the 5 inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto.

FEATURED LIBATION: Kiara 2003 Reserve Sangiovese Port from Sylvester Winery
Today's featured Sylvester wine is the Kiara 2003 Reserve Sangiovese Port, which is part of the Kiara Private Reserve Premium Selection of wines from Sylvester. It is made from 95% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc grapes. It weighs in at 19.5% ABV and comes in a 375 ml bottle.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Doc discusses new article: Doc's Pipe Collection Video
• Another pipe article: Ask the Pipe Doc feature on Why Men Smoke.

EMAIL OF THE WEEK: Alex from Massachusetts
"How should we calculate the age of cigars?"

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Di Fazio Cigars
• Sylvester Winery
• "Doc's Pipe Collection" video article
• Ask the Pipe Doc article: "Why Men Smoke"
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-195-San-Cristobal-Seleccion-del-Sol

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:14:58 -0800

DESCRIPTION: The new San Cristóbal Selección Del Sol debuted at the 2009 IPCPR trade show and is handcrafted in Garcia's My Father Cigar Factory in Nicaragua.

These cigars feature a very special sun-grown wrapper grown on the Garcia family's "Estrella" farm in Esteli, Nicaragua. Estrella sits on a scenic plot of land, where there's plenty of green hills, sunlight and where the soil is thick and rich.

Pepin and his son, Jaime selected the wrappers for the Selección del Sol from the first crop of tobaccos harvested from the Estrella farm. According to the Ashton Company the Selección del Sol is “not as strong as the regular San Cristobal, but is very complex."

Photo Below: Burn problems with first cigar

Photo Below: Second cigar burned perfectly

Available in 3 sizes, in boxes of 20, these cigars also feature a binder and filler blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos. The cigars come in three sizes: a 6-inch x 52 RG Toro, a 5.5-inch x 52 Ring Belicoso and the cigar I'm featuring today, a 5-inch x 52 Ring Robusto.

FEATURED LIBATION: Russell's Reserve Rye Whiskey
Russell’s Reserve Rye is a handcrafted six-year-old, small-batch rye whiskey. This Russell’s Reserve Rye is bottled at 90 proof, or 45% ABV and retails for around $25 per 750 ml bottle.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Doc discusses a cigar dinner held in Pismo Beach, California at Giuseppe's Cucina Italiana restaurant. Cigars by Savinelli and wines by Roxo Port Cellars and Nipa Cellars.
• The new Club Stogie Fresh on Facebook is now live. Doc talks about what has happened at the Club this past week.
• The latest developments for the new Stogie Rate software for the iPhone and iPod touch.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Oliva Serie V Maduro
I featured the Oliva Serie V Maduro back in Episode 146 onSunday, December 7, 2008. These cigars have been sitting in my humidor for a year now and I plucked one out of its original box this past week to give it a revisit.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
Ashton Cigars
Russell's Reserve Rye Whiskey
"Southern Italian Food and Cigars Event"
New Facebook Group: Club Stogie Fresh
Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch
Stogie Fresh TV
Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-194-Ashton-ESG-22-Year-Salute

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 13:41:01 -0800

DESCRIPTION: The ESG series celebrates twenty consecutive years of business for the Ashton brand, and to commemorate their 25th anniversary, Robert Levin and Carlos Fuente Jr. teamed up to create the Ashton Estate Sun Grown line, or ESG for short. This special edition cigar is blended and manufactured by Carlos Fuente Jr. in the Dominican Republic.

There will be a new size released every year for five consecutive years. Then, on the 25th anniversary in 2010, all five sizes will be available and will continue henceforth to take up their part in the regular production lines of Ashton cigars.
The Aston ESG uses a unique Dominican wrapper grown on the Chateau de la Fuente farm in the Dominican Republic. This wrapper has never been used on any other cigar. Other than the wrapper, not much else is know about the blend. And, though Fuente and Levin have been silent about the blend of these cigars, they are without a doubt the most expensive brand in Ashton's portfolio. The ESG 20-Year Salute retailed for $19.95 per stick, the 21-Year Salute for $17.50 and the 22-Year Salute retails for around $20 per stick.

Today's feature will continue this series of special cigars by the Ashton company. The 2008 ESG release is a 6-inch by 52 Ring Torpedo.

FEATURED LIBATION: Amnesia IPA by the Indian Wells Brewing Company
The Indian Wells Brewing Company is located off of Highway 14 in Inyokern, CA, which is located in the California Valley just northeast of Bakersfield.

This ale comes in at an IBU of 52; so it's not going to be an over the top IPA. The Amnesia IPA weighs in at 7.3% ABV.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Doc discusses the deal that was offered to subscribers of the Stogie Fresh News. Joe Fuller will toss in a free Xikar Multi-Tool with a box purchase of any Xikar HC Series cigars.
• Correspondence: After several emails from SF5 listeners, Doc decided to launch Club Stogie Fresh on Facebook.
• New Article: "Frenchy's Pipe Tips for Beginners."
• Doc weighs in on recent lawsuit by Altadis against Tatuaje, Pete Johnson and Pepin Garcia.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Black Patch Reserve Amos
I first featured the Black Patch Reserve back in Episode 145 onSunday, November 30, 2008. These cigars have now been resting a year in my humidor and I pulled one out this past week to give it a revisit.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
Ashton Cigars
Amnesia IPA: Indian Wells Brewing Company
Frenchy's Pipe Tips for Beginners
Stogie Fresh TV
Club Stogie Fresh on Facebook
Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-193-Xikar-HC-Series-Criollo

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:03:29 -0800

DESCRIPTION: The new Xikar HC Series was revealed in New Orleans at this year's IPCPR trade show and, according to XIKAR President Kurt Van Keppel the company is, "very pleased with the success of their cigar lines and of [their] partnership with Jesus [Fuego]."

The Xikar HC Series is based upon the successful Havana Collection cigar accessories and offers consumers a choice of three distinct blends and wrappers: starting out with a lighter bodied Connecticut Shade wrapped version and extending through to their most full-bodied Habano Colorado.

Today's featured cigar is the medium-bodied Criollo, which is made in the Segovia Cigars factory in Nicaragua. Each of the three lines offer Robusto, Belicoso, Lonsdale and Toro sizes. The Habano Colorado line will offer two additional sizes: Churchill and Petit Corona.

FEATURED LIBATION: Black Eye Ale
The Black Eye Ale, from Mendocino Brewing Company, is basically a pre-packaged black and tan. This brew is a mix of their stout and strong ale ('Black Hawk Stout' and 'Eye of the Hawk Select Ale').

STOGIE FRESH 5 ONE-OFF WITH JIM: This week, Jim reviews the Padrón Family Reserve.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Deals on selected cigars to be a feature starting in the next Stogie Fresh News e-newsletter.
• Correspondence: Tom asks Doc about the possibility of a new Stogie Fresh feature.
• Interview Article: Manny Iriarte, Cigar Photographer.
• Article: Stogie Fresh Edition Golf Tool

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: My Father by Don Pepin Garcia
I first featured the My Father cigars on Episode 144 of Stogie Fresh 5 on Sunday, November 23, 2008.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
Xikar Cigars
Black Eye Ale
Interview Article: Manny Iriarte
New Stogie Fresh Edition Golf Tool
Fuller's Puller's: Cigar Deals
The Mind of Men podcast
Stogie Fresh TV
Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-192-Cain-Straight-Ligero-Habano

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:30:03 -0700

DESCRIPTION: The Cain Straight Ligero is an attempt to successfully incorporate all ligero tobacco into the making of a cigar. Making a Straight Ligero cigar requires a unique understanding of the leaf. Ligero tobacco comes from the top of the tobacco plant and, as such, its direct exposure to the sun is accentuated and the leaf becomes dark and thick and more full in strength and flavor.

These ligero tobaccos are then triple fermented, which helps to temper the strength inherent within the tobacco. It takes a hardy leaf to stand up to the extra heat produced in a triple fermentation, but the company says these ligero leaves are thicker and up to the task of the extra fermentation. To them the ligero required this treatment to bring out all of the deepest richest flavors of the Ligeros.

The Cain Straight Ligero comes in two flavors: the maduro and the Habano. Today's featured cigar is the 6-inch by 54 ring gauge Habano Torpedo.

FEATURED LIBATION: Wild Turkey: Kentucky Spirit
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit weighs in at 101 proof, or 50.5% alcohol by volume. It is a Single Barrel bourbon that sells for around $40-$50 per 750 ml bottle. It's available in limited quantities and each and every bottle is packaged with a hand-signed label bearing the barrel number, date and warehouse number.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Correspondence: Marcian asks about the pros and cons of buying at a local shop versus online.
• Book review: The Tobacconist Handbook.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Artesanos de Miami, Artesanitos
I first featured the Artesanos de Miami back in episode 143 on Sunday, November 16, 2008. The La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Miami, is made at the El Credito Cigar Factory in Little Havana in Miami, Florida.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
Cain Cigars
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
Book Review Article: The Tobacconist Handbook
Stogie Fresh TV
Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-191-Montecristo-2000-Edicion-Limitada

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:27:39 -0700

DESCRIPTION: The Montecristo brand has long been one of the most successful brands in Cuban history, being one of the top export shares of Havana cigars, with little changing until the Cuban Revolution in 1959. At the time of the Revolution, the Montecristo brand had only 5 sizes and yet, by the year 2001, the brand had over 20 sizes, including limited editions, and represented over 20% of the total number of cigars exported from Cuba. This makes Montecristo the best selling of all cigar brands.

Since 2000, Habanos SA has released the Edición Limitada (aka EL) series from within their premium brands. Unofficially, supplies of these editions are something like 10,000 boxes per cigar (somewhere around a quarter of the typical annual production of a major higher-end brand and size). Late in 2000, the first four limitadas were released: the Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No. 2, the Partagas Pirámide, the Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares and, the cigar I am featuring today, the Montecristo Robusto.

FEATURED LIBATION: Cuba Libre
The official recipe for this drink is as follows:
• Fill a Highball Glass with Ice
• Pour in 1 part Rum and 2 parts Coca Cola
• Add a slice of lime

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
• Segment Sponsor: Fuller's Pullers http://www.fullerspullers.com
• Correspondence: Charles from Ohio made an interesting cigar find this past week when he came across a La Escepción Diadema from the early 1970's .
• New issue of the Stogie Fresh News was published last week.
• Doc relates his experience smoking a new Murciélago HVA Series cigar from Don Lucas Cigars.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Camacho Cajones
I first featured the Camacho Cajones in Episode 140 on Sunday, October 26, 2008. These cigars have now been resting an extra year in my humidor and I pulled one out this past week to give it another go round. If you are interested in purchasing, try contacting Skip at: skip@havacigarshop.com

FEATURED WEB SITES:
Montecristo Cigars
Cuba Libre Recipe
Stogie Fresh TV
Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-190-Cuaba-2008-Limited Edition

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:21:45 -0700

DESCRIPTION: While many Cuban companies typically put cigars into the marketplace with little aging of the tobacco, the edición limitada designation requires the selection of a two-year aged wrapper from the upper level of the tobacco plant. Binder and filler leaves used for the making the Limited Editions cigars have also been aged for two years.

Because of its very special features, the Limited Edition is manufactured in small quantities, which makes it a particularly appreciated pleasure for the most demanding smokers.

Case in point, is the Cuaba Edición Limitada 2008. Besides being the very first limited edition cigar under the Cuaba brand, this cigar maintains the brand's tradition of tapered sizes by being released in a pyramid shape.

The Cuaba Edición Limitada 2008 is packaged in boxes with 25 sticks in two layers, or in boxes of 10. This cigar measures 6.1 inches in length and weighs in at 52 ring gauge.

FEATURED LIBATION: Doc's Bourbon Sour
Made with Bourbon, fresh squeezed lime and Hansen's Grapefruit Soda.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
✤ Doc talks about the new Canimao Maduro, available from FullersPullers.com.
✤ New Stogie Fresh Tv video: "Cigar Band Project."
✤ Reminder of free upgrade to Stogie Rate for desktop version 3.5 for purchasers of version 3.0.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: El Triunfador by Pete Johnson
I first featured the El Triunfador in Episode 139 back on Sunday, October 19, 2008. They were pretty fresh at that time because they had just started shipping when I got my box. These cigars have a year of age on them now and I pulled one out this past week to see how they are doing with the extra age.
EMAIL OF THE WEEK: Jeremy from South Carolina
What is the recommended range of humidity that will preserve cigar freshness and health? And, what is the desired range of humidity that will meet my needs and taste preferences?

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Cuaba Cigars
• Doc's Bourbon Sour: no web page
• Video: "Cigar Band Project"
• NEW: Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch
• UPDATE: Stogie Rate for Desktop, version 3.5
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-189-Camacho-Connecticut

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 18:54:51 -0700

DESCRIPTION: In the face of the immense popularity of the Camacho Corojo, the Camacho Company has taken a new direction, of late. The new Camacho Connecticut is a clear departure from the heavier style that has made Camacho a favorite among cigar enthusiasts who like their cigars to pack a punch. The new Connecticut is clearly on the other side of the strength scale from the majority of Camacho cigars.

The Connecticut is the company's response to the numerous requests from the cigar smoking public, for a mild-mannered cigar. The Camacho Company responded by working with tobaccos from new owner Davidoff, who has long been a purveyor of sophisticated, mild cigars.

The Camacho Connecticut has an Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut seed wrapper leaf and a Honduran binder. The filler tobacco is composed of Dominican and Honduran leaf varietals. According to the company, there is just enough Honduran tobacco to give this cigar a little spice and the characteristic Camcho body profile.

There are six basic sizes of the Camacho Connecticut. This week's featured cigar is the 6-inch by 50 RG Toro.

FEATURED LIBATION: Doc's Cranberry Mojito
Made with Aged Rum, Cranberry Juice, fresh squeezed lime, simple syrup and Club Soda.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
✤ The newly released Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory for iPhone and iPod Touch.
✤ Upgrade: Stogie Rate for desktop version 3.5.
✤ Recap of Cig Con West Part 2

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Cuban Diplomaticos No. 4
I first featured the Cuban Diplomaticos No. 4 in Episode 138 on Sunday, October 12, 2008. So, they've had another year of age on them since that feature. However, these cigars have a box date of November 2002 and, thus, these stogies have been aging for 7 years.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Camacho Cigars
• Cigar Conference West 2009
• NEW: Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch
• UPDATE: Stogie Rate for Desktop, version 3.5
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-188-Elogio-Serie-Habano-Aniversario

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:59:31 -0700

DESCRIPTION: The Elogio Serie Aniversario is a special cigar with a special blend. This anniversary series was made exclusively for the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of the parents of company blend and marketing director Nabil Sabbah. These limited edition cigars are made using tobaccos from a small farm in Somoto Valley, Nicaragua.

Below: Doc holding leather jar filled with Elogio Serie Habano Aniversario Cigars

All the tobaccos used have been aged and fermented under the supervision and instruction of Carlos Pereda Robaina, who is the grandson of the legendary Cuban tobacco grower Alejandro Robaina.

Filler, binder and wrapper leaves were all hand selected and nurtured specifically for the production of this anniversary series cigar. The filler and binder are from the crop of 2005 and the wrapper is from the crop of 2004.

The company produced only 100 leather jars of 30 cigars each for this Serie Habano Aniversario. Today's featured cigar is the 6-inch by 42 RG Corona Extra.

FEATURED LIBATION: Modelo Especial Beer
Modelo Especial is the #3 imported beer in the U.S., selling more than 24 million cases annually. Between 1999 and 2008, Modelo Especial's compounded annual growth rate has achieved a 19.2% increase, which ranks #2 in the total U.S. beer market.

Modelo Especial weighs in at 4.4% alcohol by volume, 145 calories, 0 grams of fat per 12 oz bottle. No extra charge for those little factoids.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
✤ Recap of Cig Con West Part 1

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Bolivar Gold Medal
My postscript cigar today is the Cuban Bolivar Gold Medal, which I first featured on this show in Episode 136 on Sunday, September 28, 2008
These cigars have a box date of January 2008 so they have about 21 months of age on them.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Elogio Cigars: http://elogiocigars.com
• Modelo Especial
• Cigar Conference West 2009 Gallery
• Cig Con West 2009 Press
• Article – Cig Con West Recap Day 1
• Article – Cig Con West Recap Day 2
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-187-LFD-Limitado-IV

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:52:43 -0700

DESCRIPTION: Today's limited edition cigar from La Flor Dominicana is the Limitado IV. At 6.25 inches, this Limitado IV is a bit shorter than the Limitado III, a cigar I featured on this podcast in Episode 173. The Limitado III was 6.5 inches, but both the Limitado III and IV same ring gauge of 52.

The Limitado IV sports a Nicaraguan Oscuro wrapper leaf and a Dominican filler and binder. It comes in boxes of 48 cigars. Our featured cigar will be paired today with the Rogue Imperial Stout.

Litto Gomez, president of La Flor Dominicana, uses very special tobaccos to make limited runs of cigars. Say's Litto, "I don't do it because I need to, nor because I have to release another Limitado. I do it because is fun to bring something different to our fans and because we have that capability. It's difficult to explain," he says, "but it's just a lot of fun to be able to do this."

FEATURED LIBATION: Rogue Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout, also known as “Russian Imperial Stout” is a variety of ale that was originally brewed in England for export to the court of the Tsar of Russia. Its high level of hopping is intended to preserve it during long trips and to provide a more bracing drink against cold climates.

There are 12 different ingredients listed in this ale including 6 malts, 3 hops, rolled oats, free range coastal water and Rogue's own top-fermenting Pacman yeast.

The bottle is unique. It is a ceramic 750 ml bottle that carries a vintage, which is 2006. The other unique thing about the bottle is that it has an oxygen fixing cap and then a rubber stopper that you put into the top of the bottle after you flip off the cap. These caps absorb the oxygen left in the headspace of the bottle, reducing the chance of oxidation.

STOGIE FRESH 5 ONE-OFF WITH JIM: This week, Jim reviews the Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Maduro.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
✤ News on the Stogie Rate Cigar Inventory Software for iPhone and iPod Touch
✤ News on the new Stogie Fresh Golf Tool
✤ Doc talks about all the recent happenings with Cig Con West 2009

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Camacho Cigars
• Rogue Imperial Stout
• Cigar Conference West 2009
• The Mind of Men podcast
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-186-Camacho-2009-Liberty

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:47:09 -0700

DESCRIPTION: The NEW 2009 Camacho Liberty is the 7th iteration of the Liberty line of cigars, which are a tribute to America by the Eiroa family. The Liberty line is an annually released, limited edition cigar, with a new blend produced each year.

The newest Liberty was made back in October 2007 and then aged for 2 more years. The blend uses a rare crop of Habano tobacco, which was the first and only crop of Habano used by the company. The crop yielded just enough for a small amount of cigars produced in the Liberty 2009.

The Liberty 2009 comes in just one size. Dubbed the 11/18, this cigar has a bulge in the middle and gently tapers on each end. The 11/18 was created uniquely by the company and marks the birthdate of company president, Christian Elroa’s mother.

Each 6-inch by 54 RG Figurado cigar is safely packaged in individual wooden coffins and each box contains 20 cigars. In true limited fashion, only 40,000 Camacho Liberty 2009 cigars were made.

FEATURED LIBATION: Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky
In 1923, Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory and the father of Japanese whisky, built Japan's first malt whisky distillery in the valley named: Yamazaki.

The distillery's location on the outskirts of Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, offers pure water, moderate temperatures and high humidity: the ideal environment for the maturation of good whisky.

Today, Suntory Yamazaki is the most popular single malt whisky in Japan and is also enjoyed by whisky connoisseurs around the world.

STOGIE FRESH 5 ONE-OFF WITH JIM: This week, Jim reviews the Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Maduro.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
✤ Doc talks about all the recent happenings with Cig Con West 2009
✤ The latest edition of the Stogie Fresh News was sent out this past week.

EMAIL OF THE WEEK: Ricky from Texas
"What causes cigars to become harsh and bitter? And, what can I do about it?"

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Camacho Cigars
• The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky
• Cigar Conference West 2009
• "How to Purge Your Cigar" is latest Stogie Fresh TV video
• The Mind of Men podcast
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-185-Savinelli-RYR

Sun, 6 Sep 2009 21:11:48 -0700

DESCRIPTION: The cigar arm of the Savinelli enterprise has been managed by the Ysidron family, whose roots are connected with the Fuente family heritage. In fact, because of the family relationship, the Fuente's were the first to make cigars for the Savinelli brand.

Today's cigar is the latest in a long line of success stories for the company. The Savinelli R&R Series Y cigar is made by Savinelli's own factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The wrapper features an Ecuadorian Habano seed leaf and the filler and binder are 100% Nicaraguan grown tobaccos.

This cigar comes in four vitolas that range in price from $6.85 to $7.60 per stick, depending on the vitola. Today's featured cigar is the 6-inch by 56 ring gauge, Toro Grande.

FEATURED LIBATION: Sylvester 2005 Syrah Port
The 2005 Syrah Port is also part of the Kiara Private Reserve Premium Selection of wines from Sylvester. It is made from 100% Paso Robles Estate Syrah grapes. It weighs in at 18.9% ABV and comes in a 375 ml bottle with a suggested retail price of $24.99. Of course, if you are a wine club member, you would receive a 25% discount, which would lower that bottle price to just $18.74

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
✤ Segment Sponsor: Bucanero Cigars.
✤ Doc compares the Big Smoke with Cig Con West.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: Mombacho
I first featured the Mombacho long Robusto in Episode 135 on Sunday, September 21, 2008. These sticks have another year of age on them and I plucked one out of my cabinet humidor this past week to give it a revisit.

EMAIL OF THE WEEK: Dave from Florida
"Should I trim the end off the cigar when it has a bad burn?"

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Savinelli Cigars
• Sylvester Vineyards & Winery
• Cigar Conference West 2009
• Segment Sponsor: Bucanero Cigars
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories

Episode-184-Padilla-1948

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:34:26 -0700

DESCRIPTION: The Padilla 1948 was released originally 2 years ago at the annual cigar trade show in Houston, Texas. It is produced at a small boutique factory in Little Havana, Miami, Florida. Brand owner Ernesto Padilla recently opened this small factory, after having parted ways with Don Pepin Garcia, over a year ago.

Don Pepin made several of Padilla's cigars and the two decided to end their partnership in making cigars, but not their friendship. Ernesto decided to build a small factory and a showroom for his cigars.

The blend for the Padilla 1948 line starts with Cuban-seed Nicaraguan Criollo and Corojo filler tobaccos with a Criollo binder and topped with a golden brown Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper.

The Padilla 1948 comes in 4 different vitolas in boxes of 20 cigars. Today's featured cigar is the 6.7 inch by 42 RG Lancero.

FEATURED LIBATION: Havana Club Añejo 7 Años
Havana Club Añejo 7 Años is a tribute to the traditional Cuban rum-making process and knowledge. The lengthy and natural aging process in white oak barrels infuses the rum with its powerful and complex flavors.

STOGIE FRESH 5 ONE-OFF WITH JIM: This week, Jim reviews the Gurkha Centurion.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT STOGIE FRESH:
✤ Garo Habano cigars, made by Augusto Reyes in the Dominican Republic, are the latest sponsors of Cig Con West 2009.
✤ Paso Port Wine Company and Mitchella Winery both from Paso Robles, CA, are the newest wine sponsors of Cig Con West.
✤ Paso Robles Butter Co. are another sponsor of Cig Con West. They make wine flavored butter.
✤ Doc talks about some of the live auction items that will be auctioned during the VIP Dinner on September 18.

DOC'S CIGAR POSTSCRIPT: La Aroma de Cuba Edición Especial
I first featured the La Aroma Edición Especial in Episode 134 on Sunday, September 14, 2008. These cigars now have an extra year of age on them and I broke one out this past week for a revisit.

FEATURED WEB SITES:
• Padilla Cigars
• Havana Club Rum
• Cigar Conference West 2009

NEW CIG CON WEST SPONSORS:
• Paso Port Wine Company
• Garo Habano Fine Cigars
• Mitchella Vineyard & Winery
• Paso Robles Butter Company
• The Mind of Men podcast
• Stogie Fresh TV
• Buy Stogie Fresh Accessories