The night before the Big Smoke, my sleep was filled with dreams of cigar smoking. Not use to the change in time, I arose at 5:30 AM Las Vegas time ready to go. You would think getting up that early for a 9:00 AM start would be sufficient, but we figured out some way to still run late. To make matters worse, we get to the Venetian, overwhelmed by its size, and don't know where to go and can't find anyone to direct us. Finally, Stacey found an information booth and we were on our way. Now 20 minutes late, I am sure we have missed out on the first anniversary cigar: Padron Anniversario 1926 in its new torpedo size, released at the Big Smoke before any where else. This cigar will not be available to the public until early 2007.
Creeping up the escalator to the fifth floor of this huge casino-hotel, we got the strong, but pleasant wiff of cigar smoke. Walking through the vast hallway to the banquet rooms, we began to see a hint of smoke in the air. Finally, we arrived at the appropriate banquet room! To my pleasant surprise they were passing out all of the anniversary cigars (and a few extras) in a zip-lock humidor bags called Humidipacks. I had not missed out on any of the cigars!
Running late, and not wanting to interrupt the speakers, we sat in the back of the heavilly smoke filled room. We didn't stay there very long. I heard an older Spanish accented man say, "you are the guests; there are seats for you in the front." I turned to discover it was el Senor himself: Don Carlos Fuente. Wow! I was too stunned to say anything and Stacey and I found a pair of seats with more freebies: Cigar Aficienado cigar cutters, writing pens and notepad.
I will write more about the seminar itself in another blog. I had incredible time at the Big Smoke; Stacey really out did herself in arranging this for my birthday. I have several reviews to put together, not to mention talking about the over 100 cigars I came home with. I am thinking we should have our own Big Holy Smoke.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Holy Smoke #3
Since the last posting, I have smoked my first Upman at the Taste of Addison event while listening to the Go Go's concert, enjoyed my first Partagas and returned to the Zino Platinum. I also recently attended a cigar event at the newly opened Up in Smoke located in Up Town on Pearl and McKinney. They were featuring the CAO Flavours. I purchased a sampler box for Stacey. She enjoyed the Moontrance which is described as a mild tobacco with an "intricate blend of natural exotic fruit and bourbon vanilla." The Flavours look like mini robustos and, in my opinion, a perfect smoke for women who don't want to smoke a regular cigar. Don't get me wrong, Stacey's favorite cigar is a pre-embargo Cuban we stumbled across while in San Antonio, but for a weekly smoke she prefers the smaller flavored cigars.
Tonight I smoked an Edge Maduro, Missle (Torpedo) by Rocky Patel 5.5 X 48, $4.75, purchased at the Up in Smoke at Up Town. Incidently, a Rocky Patel rep will be at the store on June 9th to share this cigar with customers. I imagine they will have some specials and some give aways.
I have to first talk about the feel and appearance of this cigar. The dark maduro wrapper shined with an oily gleam that remined me of the appearance of a good espresso coffee bean. According to Cigar.com, "the secret to the Edge is the 5 year old blend that is available in either Corojo of Maduro wrappers. Each cigar is hand rolled in Nicaragua and passes through a rigorous quality control process that ensures only the best cigars are put out to market." I can only say that in my limited experience the Edge has the look and feel of a high dollar cigar.
I have anticipated smoking this cigar for a few days now and finally the timing was right. The Rocky Patel website describes this cigar as a full flavored cigar for the "seasoned smoker." In fact, the site posts a warning that one should only smoke the cigar while sitting. Needless to say, I was a little nervous. I recently had a surprise jolt by the Camacho Coroyo Puro that I will talk about in a future posting.
The pre-draw aroma consisted of chocalate and a hint of coffee. While the draw was even throughout and demonstrated no real challenges, it was a bit more "tight" than any other cigar I have smoked. Consistent with this, the ash held firm throughout and a grey to white color. The initial taste of the cigar was tangy and earthy. About a third of the way through the smoke I began to experience some spiciness, that my palate couldn't quite pin point. The chocalate/coffee flavor remained subtlely throughout the smoke, but was not over-powering. Near the end of the smoke (and I only smoked about two thirds of the cigar) I experienced what tasted like an orange flavor. Overall, this cigar lived up to its reputation as a flavorful cigar, certainly more flavors than my inexperienced palate could isolate. I would not agree that this particular smoke was bold. I would say it is certainly flavorful, but falls more into a medium range. The wonderful flavors and with its affordable price, this cigar may find its way into a weekly or bi-weekly rotation.
Complimenting this smoke, I drank Bicardi Select, a rich and smooth Puerto Rican dark rum. I think this drink was responsible for drawing out an ocassional hint of honey in the flavor in the cigar. It was smooth and non-obtrusive.
The next posting will probably consist of a review of the Gloria de Cubana Reserve Figurado. I also anticipate smoking the CAO Brazillian after Stacey and my anniversary dinner at Texas de Brazil. I will also be smoking a CAO Soprano after the season finale of the Sopranos.
PLEASE, feel free to share your own reviews and preferences. I am still looking for input to schedule a live Holy Smoke at In the Humidor. As they were fond of saying in my Army days - smoke 'em if you have 'em. And may all your smokes be holy.
Tonight I smoked an Edge Maduro, Missle (Torpedo) by Rocky Patel 5.5 X 48, $4.75, purchased at the Up in Smoke at Up Town. Incidently, a Rocky Patel rep will be at the store on June 9th to share this cigar with customers. I imagine they will have some specials and some give aways.
I have to first talk about the feel and appearance of this cigar. The dark maduro wrapper shined with an oily gleam that remined me of the appearance of a good espresso coffee bean. According to Cigar.com, "the secret to the Edge is the 5 year old blend that is available in either Corojo of Maduro wrappers. Each cigar is hand rolled in Nicaragua and passes through a rigorous quality control process that ensures only the best cigars are put out to market." I can only say that in my limited experience the Edge has the look and feel of a high dollar cigar.
I have anticipated smoking this cigar for a few days now and finally the timing was right. The Rocky Patel website describes this cigar as a full flavored cigar for the "seasoned smoker." In fact, the site posts a warning that one should only smoke the cigar while sitting. Needless to say, I was a little nervous. I recently had a surprise jolt by the Camacho Coroyo Puro that I will talk about in a future posting.
The pre-draw aroma consisted of chocalate and a hint of coffee. While the draw was even throughout and demonstrated no real challenges, it was a bit more "tight" than any other cigar I have smoked. Consistent with this, the ash held firm throughout and a grey to white color. The initial taste of the cigar was tangy and earthy. About a third of the way through the smoke I began to experience some spiciness, that my palate couldn't quite pin point. The chocalate/coffee flavor remained subtlely throughout the smoke, but was not over-powering. Near the end of the smoke (and I only smoked about two thirds of the cigar) I experienced what tasted like an orange flavor. Overall, this cigar lived up to its reputation as a flavorful cigar, certainly more flavors than my inexperienced palate could isolate. I would not agree that this particular smoke was bold. I would say it is certainly flavorful, but falls more into a medium range. The wonderful flavors and with its affordable price, this cigar may find its way into a weekly or bi-weekly rotation.
Complimenting this smoke, I drank Bicardi Select, a rich and smooth Puerto Rican dark rum. I think this drink was responsible for drawing out an ocassional hint of honey in the flavor in the cigar. It was smooth and non-obtrusive.
The next posting will probably consist of a review of the Gloria de Cubana Reserve Figurado. I also anticipate smoking the CAO Brazillian after Stacey and my anniversary dinner at Texas de Brazil. I will also be smoking a CAO Soprano after the season finale of the Sopranos.
PLEASE, feel free to share your own reviews and preferences. I am still looking for input to schedule a live Holy Smoke at In the Humidor. As they were fond of saying in my Army days - smoke 'em if you have 'em. And may all your smokes be holy.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Holy Smoke #2
Since the last posting, I have smoked three different cigars: Flor de Oliva (Gold), Arturo Fuente Hemingway Series Short Story (my current personal favorite) and a Vibe Corojo. I smoked the Short Story under the lightening filled skies of Austin with Jordan and Sara. Nothing like great company and conversation to really draw out a smoke.
Tonight I will review the Vibe torpedo made by United Tobacco at Rocky Patel’s Indian Tabac factory in Honduras. I picked up the cigar at a recent event at the Up in Smoke in Lewisville. I managed to get four $6 cigars for free. Nothing like getting a freebee. The VIBE Corojo torpedo is a blend of aged tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras topped off with an aged Honduran Corojo wrapper.
The cigar had a very nice, slightly oil, silky/shiny wrapper with minimal veins. Smooth and consistent with a beautiful texture. Wrapper looked nearly perfect. The band is a rather large green and gold with a modern look to it. Personally, I felt the band gives the cigar a "cheapish" look about not found with your more traditional bands.
Pre-light taste was tangy. On lighting, it began with a slightly nutty taste and an earth quality finish. Very mild cigar throughout. After the first third, the taste became creamier with hints of leather and a long, black coffee finish. Halfway through, nuts became more prominent with nuts/leather/coffee on the finish.
My thoughts on this is that it is a very good, quality smoke. It put out a lot of smoke with no draw problems at all. Burn on this was very good. No need for touchups. A flavorful and med bodied smoke. I would without a doubt buy some of these.
At $5.50 a cigar, this smoke is going to provide quite the bang for the buck.
Vital Statistics:
Size: 5 1/2 x 44
Shape: Torpedo
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras
Est. Cost: $5.50
I had this cigar with a glass of Pinot Grigio made by Voyage by Origin. This Romanian wine possessed lime, melon and pear flavors. These flavors offered an interesting contrast to the taste of the cigar. The lime flavor seemed a little more prominent as I continued the drink. Fortunately, this did not distract from the Vibe's taste.
Upcoming reviews will include the CAO CX2, the Flor the Dominicana 2000 series and the Camacho Coroyo.
I am working on organizing an outing at In the Humidor. If you are interested in getting together for a live Holy Smoke, drop me a line at don.gonzalez@gmail.com and let me know what night works best for you.
May all your smokes be holy.
DG
Tonight I will review the Vibe torpedo made by United Tobacco at Rocky Patel’s Indian Tabac factory in Honduras. I picked up the cigar at a recent event at the Up in Smoke in Lewisville. I managed to get four $6 cigars for free. Nothing like getting a freebee. The VIBE Corojo torpedo is a blend of aged tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras topped off with an aged Honduran Corojo wrapper.
The cigar had a very nice, slightly oil, silky/shiny wrapper with minimal veins. Smooth and consistent with a beautiful texture. Wrapper looked nearly perfect. The band is a rather large green and gold with a modern look to it. Personally, I felt the band gives the cigar a "cheapish" look about not found with your more traditional bands.
Pre-light taste was tangy. On lighting, it began with a slightly nutty taste and an earth quality finish. Very mild cigar throughout. After the first third, the taste became creamier with hints of leather and a long, black coffee finish. Halfway through, nuts became more prominent with nuts/leather/coffee on the finish.
My thoughts on this is that it is a very good, quality smoke. It put out a lot of smoke with no draw problems at all. Burn on this was very good. No need for touchups. A flavorful and med bodied smoke. I would without a doubt buy some of these.
At $5.50 a cigar, this smoke is going to provide quite the bang for the buck.
Vital Statistics:
Size: 5 1/2 x 44
Shape: Torpedo
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras
Est. Cost: $5.50
I had this cigar with a glass of Pinot Grigio made by Voyage by Origin. This Romanian wine possessed lime, melon and pear flavors. These flavors offered an interesting contrast to the taste of the cigar. The lime flavor seemed a little more prominent as I continued the drink. Fortunately, this did not distract from the Vibe's taste.
Upcoming reviews will include the CAO CX2, the Flor the Dominicana 2000 series and the Camacho Coroyo.
I am working on organizing an outing at In the Humidor. If you are interested in getting together for a live Holy Smoke, drop me a line at don.gonzalez@gmail.com and let me know what night works best for you.
May all your smokes be holy.
DG
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Holy Smoke #1
Almost a year ago I joined a number of you at Addison Cigar and Tobacco to participate in a "Holy Smoke." I must admit at the time, I was far from even being a beginner cigar smoker. What I did like was the fellowship: time spent with other men of faith, enjoying a good cigar and just plain being men.
I am introducing this Blog as one more avenue of authentic male, Christian fellowship. I will drop an occasional Catholic Christian motif, but the primary purpose of the Blog is to share my latest review of a new cigar and beverage consumed with it. Who says men can't get together and enjoy a good smoke and adult beverage?!? We have atleast some proof that Christ himself participated in feasts. Take a look at his first public miracle at the Wedding at Caana in which the wine had run out. That is some serious feasting.
After a date spent on reflecting Divine Mercy, I wanted to smoke something a little on the mellow side. My choice: a Zino Platinum Scepter Bullet (48 x 4). Immediately upon remvoing the cello, I was hit with the rich, yet smooth smell of this cigar. The Zino Platinum Secpter series is a Connecticut shade grown Ecuadorian wrapper covering a mix of Peruvian and Domincan fillers that are aged over four years. The series is available in a Chubby (54 x 5 1/16), the Grand Master (52 x 5 1/2), the Stout (52 x 7), the Lowrider (42 x 6), the
Shorty ((42 x 4 1/2), the Bullet described above, and the XS (30 x 4). I smoked the cigar down to my knuckles, which is a rarity for me. The total lenghth of the smoke was about 40 minutes. I would say I picked up a slight hint of creme with a more subtle chocalate flavor later in the smoke. The smoke was precisely the smooth medium body described by raters and my local tobaccoist, Tommy at In the Humidor on Josey and Keller Springs; I am a light weight (no jokes please) in the boldness category and this smoke did not leave me light headed in any way. The price of the cigar is the mid $7 range and I will definitely smoke this again as a weekly smoke.
My choice drink this evening was a bottle of Fat Tire Amber Ale produced by the New Belgium Brewery. I stumbled (no not literally, those days are way behind me) across this brew at Stoneleigh P Bar and Grill on Maple in Downtown. It may be purchased at your local grocery for about $6.99. Its appeal is in its feat of balance: Toasty malt flavors (sorta like biscuits just pulled from the oven) coasting in equilibrium with crisp hoppiness. It just plain tastes good: a bit of a kick without the "sour face" bite. I am not sure it was the most appropriate choice of drink with the smoke, but I just didn't feel like hard liquor tonight.
All of this was capped with the company of my wife who smoked a Tatianna flavored mini cigar. We listened to Santana's Supernatural while we talked and looked up at the clear sky. We savored the night outdoors, knowing that summer is soon upon us with its blistering heat. I closed out the night by reading a few pages in a book entitled American Gospel, which explores the historical relationship between religion and politics in this country.
I will be in Austin next week and I will hopefully have a review of cigars smoke with Jordan St. Clair, who is recently engaged to one of my girls, Sara, former studet now at Texas State University.
God bless you all and my all your smokes be holy,
Don
JMJ
I am introducing this Blog as one more avenue of authentic male, Christian fellowship. I will drop an occasional Catholic Christian motif, but the primary purpose of the Blog is to share my latest review of a new cigar and beverage consumed with it. Who says men can't get together and enjoy a good smoke and adult beverage?!? We have atleast some proof that Christ himself participated in feasts. Take a look at his first public miracle at the Wedding at Caana in which the wine had run out. That is some serious feasting.
After a date spent on reflecting Divine Mercy, I wanted to smoke something a little on the mellow side. My choice: a Zino Platinum Scepter Bullet (48 x 4). Immediately upon remvoing the cello, I was hit with the rich, yet smooth smell of this cigar. The Zino Platinum Secpter series is a Connecticut shade grown Ecuadorian wrapper covering a mix of Peruvian and Domincan fillers that are aged over four years. The series is available in a Chubby (54 x 5 1/16), the Grand Master (52 x 5 1/2), the Stout (52 x 7), the Lowrider (42 x 6), the
Shorty ((42 x 4 1/2), the Bullet described above, and the XS (30 x 4). I smoked the cigar down to my knuckles, which is a rarity for me. The total lenghth of the smoke was about 40 minutes. I would say I picked up a slight hint of creme with a more subtle chocalate flavor later in the smoke. The smoke was precisely the smooth medium body described by raters and my local tobaccoist, Tommy at In the Humidor on Josey and Keller Springs; I am a light weight (no jokes please) in the boldness category and this smoke did not leave me light headed in any way. The price of the cigar is the mid $7 range and I will definitely smoke this again as a weekly smoke.
My choice drink this evening was a bottle of Fat Tire Amber Ale produced by the New Belgium Brewery. I stumbled (no not literally, those days are way behind me) across this brew at Stoneleigh P Bar and Grill on Maple in Downtown. It may be purchased at your local grocery for about $6.99. Its appeal is in its feat of balance: Toasty malt flavors (sorta like biscuits just pulled from the oven) coasting in equilibrium with crisp hoppiness. It just plain tastes good: a bit of a kick without the "sour face" bite. I am not sure it was the most appropriate choice of drink with the smoke, but I just didn't feel like hard liquor tonight.
All of this was capped with the company of my wife who smoked a Tatianna flavored mini cigar. We listened to Santana's Supernatural while we talked and looked up at the clear sky. We savored the night outdoors, knowing that summer is soon upon us with its blistering heat. I closed out the night by reading a few pages in a book entitled American Gospel, which explores the historical relationship between religion and politics in this country.
I will be in Austin next week and I will hopefully have a review of cigars smoke with Jordan St. Clair, who is recently engaged to one of my girls, Sara, former studet now at Texas State University.
God bless you all and my all your smokes be holy,
Don
JMJ
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