There is not a whole lot of information available on the Huntsman, but here is what I got. Created in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica de Puro Plasencia, the Huntsman features a four country blend and is available in three vitolas: Robusto (5 by 50), Toro (6 by 50), and Churchill (7 by 50). Like many of the Famous exclusives, the Huntsman comes with a wallet friendly price between $5.25 and 5.75 per stick.

You can purchase the Huntsman from our good friends at Famous Smoke Shop HERE.

THE FACTS

Price: $5.25
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 5 by 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder:  Mexican San Andres
Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan and Brazilian
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 15 Minutes

PRE-LIGHT

The Huntsman Robusto comes wrapped in a dark brown Nicaraguan Habano leaf that has a deep red hue and tons of nearly black watermarks. Loads of small veins can be seen webbing down the wrapper and a couple of medium sized veins. There are some scattered bumps and I find no soft spots on the cigar.

The aroma from the wrapper is meaty and savory. Similar to spices that you would use while grilling meats. The aroma is nearly the same on the foot, along with cedar. After a quick cut of the cap, I find a very free and airy draw with a strange sweetness that I am unable to pinpoint, along with cinnamon and wood. 

FIRST THIRD

Once lit, thick clouds of smoke pour out of the Huntsman. The flavors are rich, sweet, and spicey. There is a wet wood flavor, an acidic sourness, and sweet bread. A medium salt and pepper spice trail the aforementioned flavors. The sweet bread lingers on the finish before it turns to more of a toasted flavor. Through the first third, the burn was mostly wavy. 

MIDDLE THIRD

The acidic sourness has a sharpness to it causing some imbalance to the flavors.  While the wood and sweetness are still in play, the toast and sourness are the dominant flavors. Allowing the cigar to rest for over a minute between puffs cuts back the harsher aspects of the smoke. A touch-up is required to get a section of the wrapper back in-line that is refusing to burn.

FINAL THIRD

The richness that faded in the second third has come full circle. The sweetness is no longer the earlier sweet bread, but more of a caramelized sweetness. The ash that started as light gray is now much darker.

WRAP-UP

I am not quite settled on the Huntsman. There is a lot I liked about this cigar. Price for one followed by most of the flavors. The sour edge was intriguing at some points, but distracting at others. Letting the cigar rest between draws is a must, which isn’t a bad thing as it makes me slow down. Something I need more of these days. Other than the single touch-up, I experienced no other performance issues. I would smoke these again as the jury is still out.

The post Huntsman by Plasencia, a Famous Smoke Shop Exclusive appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Manufactured at Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua located in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Bellas Artes is produced in four box-pressed vitolas: Short Churchill (6 by 48), Robusto (5 by 52), Toro (6 by 54), and Gordo (6 1/2 by 60). The cigar utilizes a hybrid wrapper leaf named “Rojita” over a Nicaraguan binder and three-countries are represented in the filler tobaccos. The Bellas Artes are packaged in 20-count boxes and run between $8.30 and $10.50 per stick.

You can order the Bellas Artes from our good friends at Ford on Fifth Here.

THE FACTS

MSRP: $8.30
Vitola: Short Churchill
Size: 6 by 48
Wrapper: Nicaraguan – Proprietary Hybrid – Connecticut 8212, Corojo ’99, and Havana 2000
Binder: Nicaraguan Havana ’92
Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli, Condega, Jalapa), Honduran, and Brazilian (Mata Norte)
Smoke Time:1 Hour and 20 Minutes

PRE-LIGHT

AJ Fernandez’s Bellas Artes sports a tan hybrid wrapper that has a reddish hue. Due to the lighter color, even the small veins are visible on the leaf. Along with some bumps and stretch-marks, there are dark watermarks  and other color imperfections on the leaf. This cigar is far from rock solid and about two-inches down from the foot there is concave area.

As I bring the AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes to my nose, the wrapper shows an aroma of red wine, vinegar, and dark chocolate. Much of the same aroma transfers to the foot of the cigar with an additional oak. A quick cut through the double cap opens up a wonderful draw that brings forth cold draw flavors of grape and rich cedar. There is a cinnamon-like spice that is mild in terms of flavor and mild to medium in spice heat that lingers in the mouth.

FIRST THIRD

Once lit, the Bellas Artes requires no time to warm up as it immediately begins pouring out flavorful smoke. There is a lot of depth to the flavors making it difficult for me to pinpoint any specific ones. There is a central woodsy flavor that is complimented by several different spices and a light caramel. At an inch in, a grape-jelly like flavor arrives in the profile adding a new dimension to the sweetness. The flavors are well balanced and full through the first third. A dark gray, ugly ash is forming as the burns evenly with a thick carbon line.

MIDDLE THIRD

Making my way into the second third, a rather large section of the wrapper is struggling to burn with the rest of the tobaccos making it necessary to perform a touch-up. The Bellas Artes has shifted up in richness and spice as the profile is dark and meaty, but still being rounded out by the subtle caramel sweetness. The earlier grape jelly flavor moves in and out of the profile and only shows up every handful of puffs. A black pepper flavor pushes forward in the profile as I make my past the halfway mark.

FINAL THIRD

With only a few inches remaining, the Bellas Artes delivers earthy and char flavors. Allowing more rest and the cigar to cool between draws, the earlier flavors shine through. As I pass the smoke through my sinuses, the pepper and spice are full and I am beginning to feel a good amount of strength.

WRAP-UP

It is without hesitation that I can say the Bellas Artes Short Churchill is one of the best cigars I have smoked from AJ Fernandez and he has a huge portfolio of solid cigars. The cigar hung in the medium to medium/full arena in the flavor department and the strength continually progressed to full by the final third. As mentioned in the review, there was great depth to the flavors that were well balanced and evolving. The burn issue in the second third impacted the flavors, but after a somewhat major touch-up, the smoke and flavors were once again pouring out and satisfying my palate. The other sample smoked for review did not show any of the same burn related issues. The box-pressed format in the Short Churchill vitola is a fantastic size and for just over $8.00 this is a cigar I can highly recommend.

The post AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Short Churchill appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Produced in Esteli, Nicaragua at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory, the Laranja Reserva DeSocio features the same blend as the rest of the Laranja cigars with it Brazilian wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. But the 5 5/8 by 54 Perfecto can only be purchased through Alliance Cigar.

Tony reviewed the Laranja Reserva back in 2014 and provided some additional details on the wrapper leaf:

the Laranja Reserve carries a Brazilian wrapper from the Recôncavo region in the state of Bahia which is known for it’s orange hue. Erik Espinosa wanted to do something different this year as he started to experiment with different tobaccos he was drawn to this orange Brazilian wrapper.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Espinosa Cigars
Price: $1050
Vitola: Perfecto
Size: 5 5/8 by 54
Wrapper: Brazilian
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

Pre-light

The Laranja Reserva’s Brazilian wrapper is gorgeous with all of it character – fine tooth, crazy amount of bumps, and visible veins. The color is a dark tan with a touch of orange. The Laranja Reserva DeSocio wrapper shows off some chocolate notes and a natural tobacco sweetness with an underlying pungency.

The small nipple foot makes it difficult to pick up anything new. Maybe a faint earth and some woodsy notes. The cigar comes to a close with a tapered head that ends in an impressive point. The draw is firm. Hopefully, once the cigar burns down it will open up and the problem will be resolved. The flavors are very light and almost airy with mild rich cedar and potpourri spices. A medium spice heat can be felt on the lips.

First Third

The Laranja Reserva DeSocio’s draw remains firm once lit and the flavors come across light on the palate. Progressively, the cigar begins to open up with  a leather, citrus, woodsy notes, and a natural tobacco sweetness that is rounding out the profile. After a few minutes, it is a completely different cigar. The draw is perfect and a copious amount of smoke is produced with each draw. The pepper comes across on the finish with a medium spice heat in the mouth.

Middle Third

Pulling into the second third, the Laranja Reserva DeSocio continues with a similar profile as earlier that is centered around the leather and citrus. The pepper has stepped up in the retro-hale causing my nose to tickle and a yeast flavor has joined in. The texture of the smoke is thick in the mouth with full flavors and medium/full strength.

Final Third

Both earth and sweetness gain ground as I work my way into the final third of the cigar, with the flavors even more noticeable on the finish of the smoke. For the first time, the burn is a bit out of whack, but no touch-up will be necessary as only a few minutes remain in the cigar. 

Wrap-up

I will just get to it. The Laranja Reserva DeSocio blew me away and I now understand why the Laranja Reserva secured the #2 spot on Tony’s top 10 list in 2014. Leather and citrus are not flavors I often find in cigars and the Laranja Reserva DeSocio delivered those flavors in remarkable fashion. This may be my favorite Espinosa Cigar and, quite possibly, the best cigar I have reviewed here at Casas Fumando in 2016!

The post Espinosa Cigars – Laranja Reserva DeSocio appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Good Stuff:

As a bit of a departure from what we have all come to expect with La Flor Dominicana, The La Nox is an incredibly dark, full production cigar. The name is appropriate as it translates to “The Night” and this cigar is as dark as the night. The cigar comes packaged in very interesting, huge, black, circular boxes which feature a simple moon and cloud design (said to be a tip of the hat to Van Gogh as the “La Nox” logo is actually a take on his signature) and magnets instead of hinges and nails. The La Nox blend starts out with a dark Brazilian wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and Dominican fillers from the company’s La Canela farm. The cigars are produced at the Tabacalera La Flor S.A. factory in Dominican Republic and began to hit shelves a few months ago, but sell out very quickly. The cigar is offered in a single 6.5 x 50 Toro Extra format which comes packaged in boxes of 10 and run $11 a stick. I purchased a handful of these over from our friends at 2 Guys Smoke Shop.

Size: 6.5 x 50
Wrapper: Brazilian
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Dominican
Body: Full
Strength: Full
Price: $11
Pairing: Brouwerij Huyghe Delirium Noel (Belgian Strong Ale 10% ABV)

Prelight:

La Flor Dominicana’s La Nox starts out with an incredibly dark, thick wrapper. It’s consistent in color sporting an almost black, dark brown color with a very toothy texture. The wrapper feel’s like a cats tongue drenched in oil. The wrapper is very thick, and very hard while it carries a few very minor veins, and one larger one running the length of the cigar’s body. The La Nox is polished off with a stubby, round, double cap and two very simple, elegant blue, black, and white bands featuring the same simple night artwork with the moon, clouds, and the words “La Nox” across the front. The cigar is very heavy. I mean, REALLY heavy as the wrapper probably weighs as much as the filler does. There are absolutely no soft spots. The cigar feels like a rock.

The wrapper on La Flor Dominicana’s La Nox gives off some slight grape, cocoa, and an almost charred rubber aroma while the foot of the cigar gives off a whole mess of spice and sweetness. Despite the density, the cap cut clean and smooth using my Palio double bladed cutter. The cold draw leads with a very strong, and distinct raisin flavor backed by lots of sweetness, fruit, and cocoa.

First Third:

La Flor Dominicana’s La Nox starts out with some faint black pepper which quickly faded away letting the cigar showcase some smokey, charred meat, cedar, dark chocolate, and sweetness. As I continue on the chariness subsides a bit as some nice subtle fruit begins to work it’s way in. The draw is perfect, each little puff kicks out a good amount of thick, white smoke while the La Nox gives off very little stationary smoke as it rests in my ashtray. The burn line is sexy, very sharp, perfectly even leaving behind a perfect trail of thick, compacted white and gray ash which held on for a bit over an inch before falling into my ashtray.

Second Third:

Into the second third of La Flor Dominicana’s La Nox and this thing is just pouring out the flavors. The charred meat has really taken a step back and is very faint at this point, but still there while the profile leads with strong cedar, date, fruit, and sweetness backed by cocoa, and spice. It’s a great mixture. The retrohale coats my nasal passage with a lot more pepper than expected along with strong cedar. It’s not something I find myself doing too often with this particular cigar. The burn line is still perfectly even as I close out the second third with only a slight nicotine kick.

Finish:

As La Flor Dominicana’s La Nox continues to burn, the body and strength just keep ramping up more and more. The charred meat has amped up a bit but the profile is still leading with bold cedar, spice, cocoa, cedar, and fruit backed by pepper and those charred flavors. It’s still a great mixture. It took me an hour and forty five minutes to take this down to the nub. I experienced no harshness, nor any extra heat. There was a small amount of sap in the final third but a very small clip cleaned that right up. The La Nox left me with a pretty decent nicotine kick, but some of that may have been caused by the beer as well. Either way, it was a great finish.

Overview:

La Nox is quite a departure from what we normally expect from La Flor Dominicana, and it served as a breath of fresh air. Not that LFD’s stuff is bad by any means, I quite enjoy their offerings. What I mean is, it’s nice to see them step out of their element a bit, and they killed it. La Nox is a deep, rich, bold, flavor bomb that hits on all marks. The fact that it’s full production makes it that much more desirable. The price is a bit steep, but I can honestly say that it delivered and the price is well worth it. Will this squeak into my top 10? Find out next week.

Pairing:

Each Christmas I have a run of three of four beers that I always make sure I include in my rotation. Delirium Noel is at the top of that list. Brewed at the Brouwerij Huyghe brewery in Belgium, this 10% strong ale has what it takes to warm me up no matter how cold it is out. Delirium Noel leads with strong sweetness, caramel, loads of spice, fruit, and malt with a decently heavy mouthfeel before finishing sweet with more fruit, spice, and honey. The fruit and spice were an absolute perfect match for the flavors found in the La Nox while the cigar offered up some nice smokey charness that carries over to the beer. Both the cigar and the beer are dominant forces so you have to be careful not choose one that will overpower the other. In this case, they both offered support without dominating the other. This cigar would also pair well with a strong tawny port, bold baltic porter, or sweet bourbon.

The post La Flor Dominicana – La Nox appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

-Tony

I have previously reviewed the Viva Republica Propaganda Disinformation, and have been anxious to get around to this review of the Guerrilla Warfare for a while now.  The Guerrilla Warfare was the second line to be released by Viva Republica, following the Rapture.  This line comes in two vitolas, a 5.25×43 corona and a 4×41 petit corona, and is made at La Aurora’s E. León Jimenes factory in the Dominican Republic.  Although small in stature, this cigar packs an impressive five country blend into its makeup, including a double binder.

Wrapper:  Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder:  Double binder – Dominican Republic, Mexican
Filler:  Brazilian, Dominican Republic, Nicaraguan
Size:  Petit Corona 4×41
Price:  $4.00 ($200/box of 50), slightly more for singles
Smoking time:  50 minutes
Pairing:  Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) Rise Up Red India Red Ale (6.1% ABV)

The Viva Republic Guerrilla Warfare carries a mottled brown wrapper with a bit of tooth and a fair amount of oils.  It is well packed and pretty solid down to the foot where it shows a little give when squeezed.  There are a couple of minor veins leading up to the double cap, which is not the prettiest of things.  I guess this is somewhat fitting for a cigar that bears this name.  The band features a two-toned black background with a green clenched fist and lettering – nothing fancy, but defiant as a guerrilla should be.  Because the stick comes un-cellophaned, the time spent in my humidor has probably robbed it of much of whatever wrapper aroma might have been there to begin with.  As it is, it shows a very slight bit of earthy and musky tobacco, while the foot displays a peaty tobacco scent with a slight hit of pepper.   Just a slight snip of the cap reveals an open draw and sweet spice.

First Half

The small size of the Guerrilla Warfare makes for a quick toasting of the foot and I am greeted by a good dose of pepper along with the sweet spice, earth and some leather.  The pepper imparts a strong sting on the retrohale, and some oakiness and powdery sweetness show themselves as well.  A ½” long crack opened up on the wrapper, but it appears that it will burn through it without a problem, and the ash so far is pretty solid with just a bit of flaking.  About ½” in, the Guerrilla Warfare has abruptly gone out on me, and I had to knock off the ash for a re-light before I could get a photo, but after the re-light and a couple of puffs, things are back on track.  The pepper has become smoother on the palate (but not so much on the retrohale – beware!), and light bread and deep musky tobacco have emerged to mingle with the other flavors in a medium-full package with little, if any, nicotine kick.

Second Half

By the beginning of the second half of the Viva Republica Guerrilla Warfare, the pepper has backed off a bit more on the entry, but continues its strong presence on the retrohale.  The light sweet spice, oak, and earthy tobacco continue to drive the flavors, and a bit of savory char has joined in.  Although the burn line has wavered a bit throughout, I have not had to make any corrections and the ash taps off at ¾” intervals.  The Guerrilla Warfare smokes nearly full-bodied and cool all the way down to a small nub, with just the slightest bit of harshness at the very end.

Final Thoughts

After smoking through three of these Guerrilla Warfares, I have to say that I am really impressed with this little guy.  Great flavors, with a pretty good amount of complexity (albeit without a lot of obvious transitions), solid construction, and a surprisingly long smoke time for such a small cigar add up to a great value.  I plan to keep at least a few of these around at all times, and will also check out the corona size for those times I want the same experience in a longer time frame.

Pairing

This my first time with this beer, but what better drink to pair with the Guerrilla Warfare than a brew named Rise Up Red?  The Rise Up Red India Red Ale is a seasonal red IPA from Portland, Oregon brewer Hopworks Urban Brewery aka HUB.  Clocking in at 6.1% ABV, it displays a smooth medium bodied malty base with some grapefruit and nuttiness against a nice bitter finish.  A good match, but the Viva Republica Guerrilla Warfare has the fullness of body and flavor to stand up to much stronger brews as well, such as a barley wine or a sweeter stout.  Other suitable matches would include a sweet rum, tawny port, or a cup of strong coffee.

The post Viva Republica Guerrilla Warfare Petit Corona appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

First of all, I just want to say that I hope that everyone had a terrific holiday season!  A week before Christmas, I met up with independent sales rep Ed Ryan (@pdxcigars) who among other brands, is the front man in the Northwest for Miami Cigar and Co., the distributor of Viva Republica cigars.  Ed was nice enough to hand me Viva Republica Propaganda in the Disinformation (4×54) size to try out.  Viva Republica is headed by Jason Holly, who is also in charge of product development for Miami Cigar and Co.  Their other releases include the Rapture and Guerilla Warfare lines, as well as a line called C4W V-Day Limited Edition Charitable Release, with all wholesale proceeds going to Operation Cigars for Warriors.   The Viva Republica cigars are made at La Aurora’s E. León Jimenez factory in the Dominican Republic, and come in three different sizes:  Disinformation (4×54), Five and a Half Truth (5.5×54), and Big Lie (6×58).  The retail prices run between $7.50 – $9.00.

This is the first Viva Republica Propaganda cigar that I have smoked, so it will be a “first impression” sort of review.

Wrapper: Brazilian Magico Cubano
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaraguan, Brazilian, Dominican Republic, Pennsylvania
Size: Disinformation – 4×54
Price: $7.50
Smoking time: One hour, fifteen minutes
Pairing: Fremont Brewing Bonfire Ale (6% ABV)

Pre-smoke

The Viva Republica Propagana Disinformation comes dressed in a dark and mottled wrapper, showing even darker splotches throughout, with an oily sheen, a few bumps, and minor veining.  It is very firmly packed, and features a nicely wound double cap.   The band is wide with a busy combination of red, shiny metallic gold, black and white; a jumble of, er, information, including the origin of the tobaccos used and even lightning bolts and a Guy Fawkes mask.  Although a little (or a lot) hard to digest all at once, the colors do coordinate well with the shade of the wrapper.   The nose off the wrapper is mossy earth and light barnyard, while the foot gives off primarily tobacco with a faint hit of chocolate.  The cold draw produces sweet tobacco flavors on the tongue.

First light

Out of the gate, the VRPD (yeah, I’m getting tired of typing that out, lol) displays smooth cedar, a moderate amount of pepper, and some sweet spice.  After a few puffs, some mossy/grassy tinged earthiness creeps in, adding depth to the flavors.  The draw is ideal for me, with just the right amount of resistance, and each puff produces a satisfying mouthful of smoke.  The burn is nearly razor sharp, but a bit slanted.  The cigar pumps out a pretty serious amount of resting smoke, but the aroma is a pleasing blend of toasty wood and light coffee.  About an inch in, the pepper has scaled back, while cedar, earth, and toastiness continue, along with the arrival of a bit of breadiness and the sweet spice in the background.  The first ash tapped off at about an inch and a half, and was fairly solid, with a bit of flaking.

Halfway there

At this point the VRPD is a solid medium bodied cigar, with no nicotine to be felt.  The burn has been doing its best to even itself out and the stationary smoke has lessened.  The smoke has become very smooth and more bread-like, while the cedar and earth still linger.  Maybe (probably) it’s me, but I seem to be picking up differences from puff to puff – at times getting a faint spice somewhere in the area of nutmeg and cinnamon, and a bit of char or even a bit of sweet citrus at other times.  Meanwhile, the burn has completely evened itself out.  While the has body climbed into the medium/full range at the end, it has smoked absolutely cool all the way down, with only a bit of harshness at the very end, and has produced only a bit of a nicotine gut tickle.

Overview

First of all, I’d like to thank Ed Ryan for affording me the opportunity to smoke the Viva Republica Propaganda Disinformation.  I was a little surprised that I didn’t pick up more of a coffee/chocolate taste on the palate as I’ve seen in other reviews, but the flavors that were there were certainly enjoyable, as was the overall experience.  The construction of the cigar was great and only required one re-light when I let it sit a bit too long.  I also really like the size of this little pudgy guy (hey, that’s me!), although I would like to see what it would be like in a corona-ish size.  I would also like to pick up a few more to let sit in my humidor for a few months or so to see how that might meld everything a bit more.  The price tag may seem a bit high for a 4” stick, but an hour and a quarter of smoke time puts it right in the realm of a standard robusto and close to a toro, so I think it’s a reasonable asking price.  I think it’s a cigar that is well worth checking out.

Pairing

Pairing a beer with a cigar you’ve never had before is always a risky proposition, but I felt that the Fremont Bonfire Ale had the properties I would look for in matching a lot of cigars that aren’t monstrous in body and spice.  This is a seasonal brown ale which uses smoked malts to give just a slight tinge of campfire along with a semi-sweet maltiness, balanced with a bit of citric hops, with the relatively light 6% ABV making it a great easy drinking match for a cigar like the Viva Republica Propaganda.

The post Viva Republica Propaganda Disinformation – Guest Review appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Riot is produced in the Dominican Republic under the watchful eyes of Jose Dominguez, owner and master blender at Victor Sinclair. If you have spent anytime on the major online cigar retail sites, you are probably familiar with the products produced at the factory. The Riot is value-priced and is available in three vitolas: ‘45’ Robusto (4 ½ by 54), ‘55’ Toro (5 ½ by 54) and ‘65’ Grande Toro (6 ½ by 52).

According to StogieBoys.com:

Riot is a 5 country blend, sporting top quality long filler tobaccos from 5 different countries…Impeccably blended and handmade in the Dominican Republic, Riot delivers smooth, warm flavor without the bite of typical medium-full bodied cigars.  The No-Cut Cap on the Riot cigars is a crowd pleaser too.  The only premium cigar like it, this one requires no cutter. Simply pinch the end and the cap pops open for a perfect opening every time!

The Facts

Samples provided by StogieBoys.com
Price: $4.50
Vitola: ‘55’ Toro
Size: 5 ½ by 54
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Indonesian Sumatra
Filler: Brazilian Matafina, Pennsylvanian Broadleaf, and Dominican Piloto
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The StogieBoys Riot is dressed in a Mexican San Andres leaf that is very dark brown with an oily sheen. Small veins are all over the place and a fair share of bumps can be found, but the cigar lacks the amount of tooth I usually find on San Andres wrappers. Bringing the cigar to my nose, I am greeted with a wonderful aroma of thick honey and faint barnyard. And it gets only better as I check the foot of the cigar.

The honey is accompanied by big notes of chocolate and rich cedar. This has to be one of the most pleasing prelight aromas of I ever come across. The cigar comes to an end in a very unique style cap referred to as a “No-Cut Cap”. The cap is very similar to the cap on the Chisel by La Flor Dominicana. Pinching with a bit of force, the cap splits perfectly clean across allowing a decent to draw. The richness is really showing off on the cold draw with a potpourri-like spice and woodsy notes. Removing the ribbon foot band with ease, this cigar is ready to be lit.

 First Third

As I toasted the foot, a small half inch cracked formed at the head of the cigar. It does not look like it will be problematic at this point. The Riot is opening up much more full than expected. A mild honey sweetness hits the front of my palate, followed by deeper flavors of coffee and black pepper spice. The spice comes across sharp on the retrohale but not harsh. Coffee and pepper linger on the palate for a decent amount of time between draws. At the one inch mark, the sweetness has really gained ground. Smoke is pumping out of the Riot at rest and a decent amount of smoke is produced with each draw. The burn has been a bit concerning from the start and it is finally time to bust out the lighter. 

Middle Third

Pulling into the middle third, things are going real well with the Riot. The pepper has toned down, a common maduro sweetness and coffee are holding strong, and leather notes have entered the mix. After the touch-up early on, the Riot has been burning evenly with an edgy line. The pepper has been shifting in intensity throughout the smoke, and a toasted quality has arrived. Placing the head of the cigar vertically in the mouth and lightly biting down on the cap opens up the draw immensely. I am finding that repeating this every 10 to 15 minutes really helps.

Final Third

Relaxation is washing over me as the strength has picked up to the low side of full. The coffee and leather are at the forefront of the profile pushing the sweetness to the back. But the profile remains well-balanced. The finish of the smoke is of toasted notes and dry cocoa. The burn is off mark with one side burning considerably faster than the other. One more quick touch-up.  

Wrap-up

In the last couple of months I have burned through 5 or 6 Riots. Each one presented a decent draw, a somewhat wacky burn-line, and solid, enjoyable flavors. The flavors have been consistent in each of the  samples and sizes. The medium/full flavors and strength fit me just right. For a price under $5, the Riot is a cigar that is under-priced and well worth the coin. Make your way over to StogieBoys.com and order up a fiver. The StogieBoys Riot won’t break the bank and you won’t be disappointed.

Contest

We are giving away a 20 count box of 6 1/2 by 52 Riot Cigars by StogieBoys. This contest starts Friday, September  26th and will run through the end of day, Thursday, October 9th. To enter, use the widget below. One winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter. We will notify and post the winner October 10th. You must live in the US and be at least 18 years of age.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post StogieBoys Riot Cigar Review and Box Giveaway! appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Good Stuff:

Espinosa’s Laranja Reserva is yet another cigar which made it’s debut at this year’s IPCPR show in Las Vegas that has made huge waves within the cigar community. Some have said it was the gem of the show. Espinosa Premium Cigars has been on a roll lately as many of you know. Much of his success has come from the La Zona factory in Nicaragua which is the same factory in which the Laranja is manufactured. The name “Laranja” means “Orange” in some Portuguese. Aptly named, the Laranja Reserve carries a Brazilian wrapper from the Recôncavo region in the state of Bahia which is known for it’s orange hue. Erik Espinosa wanted to do something different this year as he started to experiment with different tobaccos he was drawn to this orange Brazilian wrapper. Erik states:

“It is the color of enthusiasm, creativity, determination and success, that’s what we are all about here”

The Laranja Reserva is available in three sizes: Corona Gorda (5 5/8 x 46), Robusto Extra (5 ½ x 54), and Toro (6 x 52). The blend will be offered in boxes of 20 ranging between $9.90 and $10.90 a stick. I’m not entirely sure on the production of this cigar, but the “Reserva” modifier may hint towards a more limited release. I picked a bunch of these up from our pals at Smoke Inn who had all three sizes in stock the last time that I had checked. For more information you can find Espinosa Premium Cigars on Twitter and on Facebook or visit their website.

Size: 5 5/8 x 46
Wrapper: Brazilian
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Full
Strength: Medium/Full
Price: $9.90
Pairing: Odell Brewing Footprint RegionAle (American Strong Ale 9.5% ABV)

Prelight:

The Espinosa Laranja Reserva is one fine looking cigar. We’ll start with the wrapper which has to be one of the prettiest wrappers I have ever seen. The texture is very smooth, silky, and oily showing off some great natural webbing in the leaf. The color is a very consistent medium brown with a few darker, orangish areas around the webbing and the smaller veins which run seamlessly through the slender body of the cigar. The Laranja Reserva carries a very round triple cap and some of the finest band designs I’ve seen this year. First off, I love the orange, white and gold. Elegant, pretty, and different. The main band carries a large crest with “LARANJA RESERVA” printed across the front of it. The whole thing is finished off with the addition of a matching orange ribbon wrapped around the foot of the cigar.

The wrapper feels very thin and delicate while the body of the cigar is tightly compacted and solid for the most part with a bit of sponginess towards the foot of the cigar. The wrapper on the Laranja Reserva gives off a real strong nutty and spice aroma while the foot of the cigar smells of pepper and natural tobacco. The cap cut clean, but took a lot of force from my double bladed Palio cutter. The cold draw on the Laranja lead with lots of strong spice, natural tobacco, and some interesting floral flavors.

First Smoke:

Espinosa’s Laranja Reserva offers a very rich, black pepper and spice greeting. After a few puffs the pepper begins to subside a bit and the Laranja lets loose some strong citrus, cedar, spice, and tobacco flavors. There’s a lot in this mix but for now, those are the more dominant flavors. The draw is on point kicking out a nice, thick, cloud of gray smoke with each little puff. The burnline is slightly wavy, but not concerning as it leaves behind a trail of slightly compacted, dark, and medium gray ash.

Halfway There:

Into the second third of Espinosa’s Laranja Reserva and the flavors are becoming a bit easier to pick apart. The pepper has departed and the spice is the dominant flavor. I can pick up some great cinnamon and nutmeg in there with some bold grassy flavors, nuts, citrus, and a subtle sweetness that seems to be buried beneath it all. This is a pretty complex cigar and it’s entertaining trying to pick it apart. The retrohale showcases the spice, and a lot of cedar although I am not picking up the cedar as much as I did within the first third. The burnline is razor thin and pretty solid at this point and I am feeling only a slight nicotine kick as I close out the second third.

Finish:

The sweetness has finally begun to emerge into the final third of the Espinosa Laranja Reserva. The spice is still center stage but the sweetness is making a run for it. Along with the spice and sweetness the citrus and nuttiness are still pretty strong while the natural grassy flavors and some slight pine are only evident on the aftertaste. It took me about an hour and a half to take the Laranja down to the nub (and when I say nub, I mean nub. I couldn’t put this thing down) and I didn’t encounter any harshness or heat. In fact, I was impressed with how smooth and creamy this cigar finished considering how complex and full bodied it was. The Laranja did leave me with a nice little nicotine kick and required absolutely no extra attention from my lighter since I first lit up.

Overview:

Add the Espinosa Laranja Reserva to the list of possible candidates for cigar of the year, not just on our list, but everyone’s else. This cigar is making a name for itself by providing solid construction, and a unique, bold, complex experience to everyone who smokes it. Espinosa wanted to try something different and succeeded in making a great cigar to add to an already extensive portfolio. He’s continued to impress me as the Laranja was probably my favorite cigar that I have smoked from him so far. The price is riding a fine line between affordable and expensive, but I think it’s just, and I could easily see the Laranja falling into my regular rotation despite the extra coin.

Pairing:

Another Odell pairing. Why? Why the hell not. This week we are featuring Odell’s Footprint RegionAle. As the name suggests, Footprint celebrates Odell Brewing’s success by using resources from each of the states the beer is distributed in. It’s an interesting project, and once you see these ingredients the project becomes even more entertaining: Colorado – Hops & Barley, Arizona – Prickly Pear, Idaho – Barley & Hops, Kansas – Wheat, Minnesota – Wild Rice, Missouri – Oak Barrels, Nebraska – Corn, New Mexico – Green Chilis, South Dakota – Barley & Honey, Wyoming – Wheat, Texas – Grapefruit. Coming in a 9.5% ABV this beer can easily creep up on you. The beer leads with some strong spice, citrus, and malt which pair up perfectly with the citrus and spice I picked up throughout the Laranja’s experience. The mouthfeel on the footprint is really light and smooth as it finishes with some subtle tartness, grassiness, and just a hint of the chili. It’s easy to see why I paired the two of these together. I think the Laranja would pair perfectly with just about anything in a bolder arena with spice. Think strong coffee, port, or chili beers.

The post Espinosa Premium Cigars – Laranja Reserva appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Being a big fan of motorcycles myself, I really dig the packaging/branding by Total Flame Cigars. The Dark Line is available in five sizes with vitola names continuing the motorcycle theme: 8 Ball (4 by 52 Preferidos), Bobber (5 by 60 Super Robusto), Old School (6 by 52 Torpedo), World Trip (6 ½ by 56), and Custom (7 by 47 Churchill).  This is what Total Flame Cigars’ website has to say on this vitola:

The Custom vitola, the thinnest and graceful cigar from collection Total Flame, undoubtedly is an embodiment of motorcycles Custom. Which was born to be enjoyed in a circle of friends on long pleasant evenings. The cigar is both simple in its form and complex in its taste, with bright dynamics and earnest evolution.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Total Flame Cigars
Price: $8.50
Vitola: Custom (Churchill)
Size: 7 by 47
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Havano Clara
Binder: Dominican Cubano
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, Brazilian, and Peruvian
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 25 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

As I remove the cellophane from this Ecuadorian Havano Clara wrapped cigar notes of barnyard and sweet hay greet me. There is also this unique smell that reminds me of Play-Do. The foot of the cigar gives off a thick, rich cedar and some cinnamon.

The wrapper is toothy and a couple of medium to large veins run down the leaf. This Dark Line Custom is packed evenly and firmly through its entire seven inches. The wrapper color is golden tan in color. Upon clipping the cap, I find a beautiful cold draw where the rich cedar pops.

First Third

The flavor profile of the Total Flame Cigars Dark Line begins with deep, chewy flavors of cedar, earth, coffee, and pepper. The coffee rests on the palate for a considerable amount of time between each draw. The easy draw is delivering a mouthful of smoke. The retrohale is absolutely amazing. While the pepper pops a bit more in the sinuses than it does in the mouth, it remains balanced with the other flavors. I am already feeling a small amount of nicotine, which is probably a result of retrohaling the smoke so often. A very dark, firm  ash is forming as the cigar burns evenly with its eyeliner burn.

Middle Third

The name Dark Line was a bit odd as I examined the wrapper color, but now that I am well into the cigar I am beginning to see the name much more fitting. The flavors are deep, the strength is full, and I am enjoying this Churchill cigar. All of the flavors are shifting up. The pepper is much more sharp but still not overwhelming. Some sweetness has joined the mix and a nutty, almond-like flavor has arrived.

Final Third

The coffee and earth are now at the forefront of the profile and the pepper is full in flavor. A chocolate flavor is now noticeable on the finish of the smoke, which compliments the coffee notes nicely. The woodsy notes have shifted from the cedar early on to more of a piney flavor. Each ash has help past an inch and the burn-line remains right on at the close of the Dark Line Custom.

Wrap-up

Total Flame Cigars is 2 for 2. I have enjoyed both lines I have smoked from the company. The FTW may suit my palate a bit more than the Dark Line but that doesn’t mean this stick did not deliver in all the areas. Like the FTW, the performance was spot on with an easy draw that produced a copious amount of smoke and a firm ash left behind by an even burn. Absolutely no babysitting this bad boy. All I had to do was sit back and enjoy. The flavors were deep and, well, dark. The earth , coffee, and pepper gained footing as the smoke progressed pushing the cedar to the background of the profile. The middle and final third kept me intrigued with the sweetness that arrived and evolved into a chocolate finish. If you enjoy deep flavors and a good amount of spice, Total Flame has a cigar for you.

The post Total Flame Cigars – Dark Line Custom appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Honor Series FHK was released as soon as the clock hit midnight on New Years Day, making it the first official release in 2014. House of Emilio’s website had this to say about the FHK, which seem to have come from Kyle Hoover, co-owner of Ezra Zion Cigar Company:

The name FHK stands for “Fathers of Hoover and Kelly”. Being history buffs we’ve researched our family heritage and were amazed at what we found: war heroes, ministers, statesman, and hardworking entrepreneurs. Chris had the idea to do a tribute to our forefathers who’ve made us who we are today. The idea seemed to click so we went with FHK as a cool way to pay homage to them.

FHK is the company’s most multi-national blend to date with a Mexican wrapper, Indonesian binder and fillers from Brazil and Nicaragua.

The Honor Series FHK is available in four vitolas: Inspired (5 ½ by 50), Truth (7 by 44), Stature (7 by 54), and Character (Belicoso 6 by 52). The Casas Fumando crew has reviewed a few of the other Ezra Zion cigars below:

• Eminence
• Honor Series Reagan
• Tantrum Edicion Limitada

The Facts

Samples Provided by House of Emilio
Price: $9.00
Vitola: Inspired
Size: 5 ½ by 50
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Brazilian and Nicaraguan
Drink: Water
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 15 Minutes

Pre-light

When I first pulled the FHK from the cellophane, I was greeted with deep, strong notes of earth and manure. With the cigar resting out of the cellophane for fifteen minutes, I find that the manure aroma is not nearly as strong but still present and there is some woodsy notes. There is some spice on the foot, along with a smell of fresh cut cedar.

The wrapper leaf is consistent in its milk chocolate color. Mainly small veins web across this solidly filled cigar.  Upon clipping the triple cap, I find a near perfect draw that is showcasing cedar, cocoa, manure, and spice. The spice is already warming my mouth and leaving a tingle at the back of the throat.

First Third

Man, oh, man! This cigar is starting off unbelievable. First off, I am a huge fan of San Andres tobacco and this cigar is showcasing the leaf to its fullest. There has been a common complaint how San Andres tobacco can overshadow the rest of the blend. In this instance, it is really complimenting the blend. There is just the right amount of a syrupy, maybe caramel-like, sweetness that is rounding out the rest of the profile of spice, earth, and cedar. The ash is dark gray. The thick burn line is right on and the ash is firm.

Middle Third

As the cigar progresses, the smoke is becoming much richer. I could see a nice cup of java, or a number of libations,  pairing extremely well with the cigar to counter the richness. The spice has stepped up a notch, leaving behind a nice warmth in my mouth. The richness seems to be tied to the cedar flavor, as well as a newly found cinnamon. With the the boldness of flavors, I am pleased to find a clean finish and with a small sip of water my palate is ready for another puff.

Final Third

In the final third, the black pepper has intensified, the sweetness is coming and going, and a dusty cocoa has joined the mix. The finish is now much longer with black coffee. As soon as I think the rich cedar is gone, it bounces right back in. The cigar is producing an excellent amount of smoke that is coating all areas of my mouth. The spice warmth, which is still felt in my mouth, is now causing a tingle on my lips. At the close of the Ezra Zion Honor Series FHK, the flavors are full and the strength is at the full end of medium.

Wrap-up

This cigar was an absolute treat! The flavors were bold, balanced, and quite complex. The performance was spot on with an even burn and firm ash. What more could you want in a cigar? All for a price under $10. I HIGHLY recommend the Ezra Zion Cigar Company Honor Series FHK. Being only two months into the year, I think I may have found a contender for my 2014 Top 10 List.

The post Ezra Zion Cigar Company – Honor Series FHK appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Back in July, Tony reviewed the pre-release version of this cigar and had this to say:

Miami Cigar is poised to release the second chapter in the Casa Miranda series, the Chapter Two. Two years ago they released the Nestor Miranda Casa Miranda Chapter One (you can read my review here) which was blended by the Miami-Based El Titan De Bronze company. The Chapter One was the first cigar in the Miami Cigar portfolio not blended by My Father. Going back to it’s roots the company decided to have the Chapter Two blended at the My Father Factory S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua and should be released in the next few months as it’s being showcased as I write this at this year’s IPCPR convention in Las Vegas. Nestor Miranda’s Casa Miranda Chapter two will come in 4 sizes: Robusto (4.5 x 50), Corona Gorda (6 x 46),  Toro (5.5 x 54), and the Toro (6 x 60). The cigar will range between $6.35 and $8.00 a stick. Much cheaper than the Chapter One which ranged between $10 and $12 a stick when it was first released. Jason Wood noted that the price point was one of the main factors in decided to move the production of the Chapter Two over to My Father.

Barry Stein of Miami Cigar & Company confirmed with Tony that the final blend is different from the pre-release. The information on the wrapper and fillers remain the same as the pre-release so I expect it was just a minor tweak to blend.

The Casas Fumando crew has reviewed a good number of Nestor’s products. You can find the reviews below:

• Art Deco
• Casa Miranda Chapter One 
• Casa Miranda Chapter Two (Pre-release)
• Collection 1989
• Special Selection Exclusivo Regional

The Facts

Samples Provided by Miami Cigar & Company
MSRP: $7.00
Vitola: Corona Gorda
Size: 6 by 46
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder:Unknown
Filler: Brazilian, Dominican, and Nicaraguan
Drink: Ginger Ale
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 10 Minutes

Pre-light

The Chapter Two wears an oily Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper leaf full of veins and bumps. The color is milk chocolate-brown with a deep red hue. As I search for soft spots I can feel the oils from the leaf on my fingers. The cigar gives slightly when squeezed but there are no soft spots to be found. The wrapper gives off aromas of sweet barnyard and earth, with an underlying pungency.

The foot aroma is extremely welcoming with a milk chocolate sweetness and dark fruit notes. I can feel just the slightest tickle in my nasal passage after smelling the foot of the cigar. Clipping through the first layer of the triple cap, I find a beautiful draw that is bringing forth rich flavors of clove and cedar.

First Third

Right out of the gate, the Casa Miranda Chapter Two is starting with a ton of flavor and a copious amount of thick, chewy smoke. There is a lot going on in the flavor department, starting with some richness, cedar, and spice. The spice is showing a good amount of heat in my mouth, almost like the sensation after eating a little too much cinnamon. I am finding some cocoa and coffee on the long finish of the smoke. The burn line is thick and even. The ash is light in color, a bit flaky, and holding up to an inch.

Middle Third

As I burn my way into the second third, I am starting to feel quite a nicotine kick. This stick may be a little hard for me to stomach if it keeps moving up in strength. Coming out of My Father Cigars, I was expecting pepper spice but just not the depth and variation of spices I am coming across. I am finding some cinnamon, clove,  and black pepper spice. The cedar flavor is rich and deep. The back-end of the flavors have turned somewhat acidic with a diesel-like flavor. The retrohale is sharp but not overpowering of mostly black pepper. The ash has darkened and is now much more flaky. The burn line has gotten off track requiring a touch-up.

Final Third

The earthy, diesel-like flavor and black coffee are at the front of the profile, the richness remains, and some sweetness has arrived. The cedar that was rich and deep is now smoky. The cocoa is stepping up its game as the cigar begins to wind down. With an inch and a half remaining, I have across a small void in the filler tobaccos decreasing the smoke production and making it difficult to smoke. Putting a flame to it didn’t bring relief so it is time to put down this Corona Gorda Chapter Two.

Wrap-up

Even though Tony wasn’t overly impressed with the pre-release version, he had this to say: “Keep in mind, these are pre-releases and the final cigars will be in top shape when they hit shelves…” – Man, was Tony right. The Chapter Two presented itself completely different from the pre-release sample that I also had opportunity to smoke. The only flaw I encountered with the Casa Miranda Chapter Two was the tunneling at the very end. I do not see this as a recurring problem and I did not experience it in the second sample. If you enjoy deep, dark flavors and a good amount of spice, I recommend that you give the Chapter Two a try. And for the price, you won’t be breaking the bank.

The post Nestor Miranda – Casa Miranda Chapter Two appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

#10 – Joya De Nicaragua – Rosalones

I have smoked more Rosalones than any other cigar on this list, which is understandable since it has a price point just over $3 a stick making it is easy on the wallet. Tony raved about this stick upon his return from Drew Estate’s Cigar Safari back in April when he first sampled the cigar and I will continue rave about this cigar because, for the price, there is not much competition out there.

 Read the full review here.

#9 – La Gloria Cubana – Serie R Esteli

If you would have asked me at the start of 2013 if any of the manufacturing giants would have found a spot on my top 10 list I would have said “no” without question. But, as with many other things in my life, I was wrong. The Serie R Esteli by General Cigar Company is a complex cigar that performs exceptionally well. For almost two hours, the Esteli will bring you on a journey of flavors consisting of deep notes of cedar, earth, cocoa, and dark fruit. All for a price around $7.00.

Read the full review here. 

#8 – Leccia Tobacco – Black

After a two-year hiatus from the industry, Sam Leccia made quite the return in 2013 with his release of the Black and White. The Black features a unique “Dark Fire” tobacco alongside Nicaraguan, Brazilian, and Dominican fillers, a Nicaraguan binder, and a Habano wrapper. The Dark Fire tobacco brings out peaty and hickory notes that balance well with the other flavors in the cigars.The Black offers complexity, balance, and a whole lot of uniqueness for around $8.00.

 Read the full review here. 

#7 – Espinosa Cigars – Espinosa Habano

While this is a 2012 release, I did not have opportunity to smoke the Habano by Espinosa Cigars until March of this year. So, while I may be breaking all of the rules, I believe this stick is worthy of a spot on my top 10 list. The Habano shows off a crazy creamy, spicy profile with a welcoming sweet cedar flavor that I absolutely love. For a price around $6-$7, this is a cigar I am always on the look out.

Read the full review here. 

#6 – Cuenca Cigars – Cuenca 5 Anniversary

There are not many cigars produced by A.J. Fernandez that I do not enjoy and the Cuenca 5 Anniversary is no exception. The Cuenca 5 is a full flavored, full strength cigar made exclusively for Cuenca Cigars in Hollywood, Florida. The box pressed format and tapered head, makes this 7 by 54 behemoth of a cigar easy to manage in both the hand and mouth and the bold, complex flavors make it even easier to enjoy.

 Read the full review here. 

#5 – Leccia Tobacco – White

Leccia Tobacco is the only company to find two slots in my top ten list and that is probably a bigger surprise to me than to anyone else. Back in August, Skip Martin’s tweet summed it up best when he said

Leccia Black Robusto is going to bring them to the brand, but White is going to keep them.

While this is a more traditional cigar than the Black, the White delivers in all aspects and does not disappoint.

Read the full review here. 

#4 – Ortega Cigar Company – Cubao

With Ortega Cigar Company’s release of the Ortega Wild Bunch this year, several other offerings from the company have gone overlooked and the Cubao is one of those. The Cubao has been on the market since 2008 under EO Brands but it was relaunched under Ortega Cigar Company earlier this year. The Cubao sports an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper overs its Nicaraguan filler and binder and delivers flavors of peppery spice, rich cedar, orange peel, and some sweetness.  On top up the profile that just suits my palate, the Cubao always seems to perform beyond expectation, even in the Lancero format, which is my favorite.

Read the full review here. 

#3 – Moya Ruiz Cigars – La Jugada Prieto

The La Jugada Prieto is the freshman release from Moya Ruiz Cigars produced at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. Back in June, when Tony Casas and I were guests on episode 55 of Stogie 411, I mentioned that the La Jugada Prieto was one cigar that stood out to me this year and, at the close of 2013, that has not changed. The Prieto showcased the San Andres Maduro wrapper better than any other cigar I have smoked this year.

Read the full review here. 

#2 – Ezra Zion Cigar Company – Tantrum Eicion Limitada

You may think it crazy to spend $9.50 on a 4.4 by 44 Petit Corona but that is probably because you have not smoked the Tantrum by Ezra Zion Cigar Company. This little sticks packs a punch and is fitting of its slogan – “a little baby powerhouse”. But beyond its punch, the Tantrum delivers full, spicy flavors with complex subtleties. While my experience with other offerings from Ezra Zion is limited, I would not hesitate to recommend the Tantrum even with its higher price. I look forward to getting to know the other lines from the company in 2014.

 Read the full review here.

#1 – Crowned Heads – J.D. Howard Reserve

Last year, Crowned Heads found the #9 spot on Tony’s top 10 list with their Headley Grange. This year, Crowned Heads found the #4 spot on Tony’s list and the #1 spot on my first top 10 list with their J.D. Howard Reserve. As I mentioned in the full review, I have a lot of respect for how Jon Huber and Mike Conder run the company but even more respect for the excellent product they have put on the market. From the presentation to the flavors, the J.D. Howard is one heck of a smoke making it worthy of the #1 spot for 2013.

Read the full review here. 

The post Top 10 Cigars of 2013 – Jeremy Hensley Edition appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Back at the IPCPR Trade Show in July, Primer Mundo Cigar Company officially added La Hermandad Costa Fuerte to their lineup. La Hermandad Costa Fuerte is produced by PDR Cigars in the Dominican Republic and is available in three vitolas: Caballito (5 by 50), Embajador (6 by 52). and Consejero (6 by 60). Other offerings from Primer Mundo include the Black Label, Blue Label, Epifania, La Hermandad, Liga Miami, and Red Label.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Pinar Del Rio
Price: Around $8
Vitola: Caballito – Robusto
Size: 5 by 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Bahia
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo 98 and Dominican Corojo 2006
Drink: Water

Pre-light

Every time I opened my humidor this past month, La Hermandad Costa Fuerte stared me down with its large white band.  Seriously,  there is no way you can look past a cigar that has a band that takes up two-thirds of the stick. Not being able to handle it any longer, I decided to pull out the Costa Fuerte for review. While the band is large,  it is also quite simple, which I really like. After sliding off the band with ease, an oily Brazilian leaf is revealed. Color imperfections, veins webbing across the stick, and its dark marbleized, reddish brown color make this one rough looking wrapper.

The foot appears under filled, but the rest of the stick is firmly packed. The wrapper emits a nice cedar aroma and the foot showcases cedar, cocoa, and spice.  Cutting through the first layer of the triple cap, an open draw is presenting a clove richness, cocoa, and earth.

First third

La Hermandad Costa Fuerte is starting with a mouthful of spice that is completely saturating my palate.  At the half inch point, the pepper has toned down ever so slightly and I am picking up on a dusty cocoa and deep cedar notes. There is a tad of sweetness, but I am unable to put my finger on it. The retrohale is of intense black pepper, but not nearly as spicy as expected. Being so early in the cigar, the nicotine is not having any ill-effects on me but I can tell this bad boy is going to be strong. The burn line is thick and wavy but nowhere near the point of requiring a touch-up. The layered, salt and pepper ash is firm holding past an inch.

Middle third

The pepper spice remains at the core of the flavors as I make my way into the second third. A mineral, or metallic quality is peeking through and the cedar is now finding some room in the profile. The dusty cocoa is very noticeable on the finish of the smoke and lingers on the palate for some time. Due to the long finish, I am allowing more time and a few sips of water between each puff to refresh my palate. Also, the strength would be kicking my butt if I smoked at my normal rate. There has been little change in the burn but the ash is now a bit flaky.

Final third

Approaching the hour mark, I have entered the final third of this hefty La Hermandad Costa Fuerte. The profile has become much richer. Dirt-like, earth notes are now alongside the cedar, and the pepper has either stepped down another notch or I am just numb to it at this point. One quick touch up has brought the burn line back in-line. The flavors and strength remain full at the close of the stick.

Wrap-up

Even though the band warned me with the word “Fuerte” clearly stated, I did not expect this cigar to be such a powerhouse of pepper, spice, and strength. After the midway point, I thought for sure the strength was going to push me over the top, but throughout the entire cigar the Costa Fuerte remained right at that edge of making me sick but never went over.  The cigar performed well, as only one touch-up was required in the final third. This is not a cigar I would start my day with, but I can see myself smoking La Hermandad Costa Fuerte after a big steak dinner. Overall, I enjoyed the cigar but the time of day and the meal I eat will be the determining factors on when I will revisit it. If you enjoy spicy, full cigars, with notes of cocoa and cedar, I recommend you give the Primer Mundo La Hermandad Costa Fuerte a try.

The post Primer Mundo Cigar Co. – La Hermandad Costa Fuerte appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Good Stuff: Miami Cigar is poised to release the second chapter in the Casa Miranda series, the Chapter Two. Two years ago they released the Nestor Miranda Casa Miranda Chapter One (you can read my review here) which was blended by the Miami-Based El Titan De Bronze company. The Chapter One was the first cigar in the Miami Cigar portfolio not blended by My Father. Going back to it’s roots the company decided to have the Chapter Two blended at the My Father Factory S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua and should be released in the next few months as it’s being showcased as I write this at this year’s IPCPR convention in Las Vegas. Nestor Miranda’s Casa Miranda Chapter two will come in 4 sizes: Robusto (4.5 x 50), Corona Gorda (6 x 46),  Toro (5.5 x 54), and the Toro (6 x 60). The cigar will range between $6.35 and $8.00 a stick. Much cheaper than the Chapter One which ranged between $10 and $12 a stick when it was first released. Jason Wood noted that the price point was one of the main factors in decided to move the production of the Chapter Two over to My Father. Our great friend Barry Stein over at Miami Cigar sent us a few pre-release samples including the one I am reviewing today.

Size: 5.5 x 54
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Brazilian, Nicaragua, Dominican
Body: Full
Strength: Medium/Full
Price: $7.60
Pairing: Dogfish Head’s Black and Blue (Fruit Beer 10% ABV)

Prelight: One thing  you can always expect when you pick up a cigar produced at the My Father Factory is flawless construction. I’ve noticed over the past few years that just about everything that comes out of that factory is near perfect, the Chapter Two included. The cigar starts out with a dark, silky smooth wrapper. There are a few veins but they are so small they almost run seamlessly into the wrapper. There are a few dark brown spots throughout the leaf that blend into the medium/dark brown in the leaf. The cigar carries an average amount of oils and tooth through it’s body up to the beautiful, round, triple cap.  The wrapper feels really thin, but hard none-the-less while the cigar has no soft-spots whatsoever.

The wrapper on the Chapter Two kicks out a whole ton of sweetness and cedar while the foot of the cigar pairs up with some great spice and natural tobacco. I can’t wait to get this bad boy lit up. The cap cut very easily and clean using my Palio double bladed cutter. To my surprise, instead of getting all the cedary sweetness I was expecting, the cold draw was full of really mossy/musky flavors. It’ll be interesting to see how it all shakes out in the actual experience.

First Smoke: Nestor Miranda’s Casa Miranda Chapter Two started out a bit duller than I expected. Usually, My Father Cigar’s tend to greet you with tons of black pepper and spice but the Casa Miranda lead the way with some sweet chocolate, mild cedar, and some nice espresso notes. As I started to smoke my way through the first third the flavors started to become much stronger with a nice addition of the musky flavor I picked up in the cold draw. The draw on the cigar is perfect and the smoke is very dense. The burnline had a few larger waves in the first third and the ash left behind was solid, with a few flakes and white and light grey in color.

Halfway There: Into the second third of the Chapter Two and the flavors haven’t really changed up much. In fact, while a creaminess began to sneak in, many of the flavors began to dampen out. The sweetness is gone and all I really get is a very mild cedar, very mild coffee, and a bit of that musk. The burnline has completely corrected itself and is now burning perfectly even and razor sharp. I am feeling just a tiny bit of nicotine as I close out on the second third of the cigar.

Finish: I am happy to report that the flavors in this Casa Miranda began to ramp up into the final third. Just before they mellowed back up. It’s been kind of a rollercoaster in the flavor department. The main flavor is still a light cedar with a bit of chocolate and tobacco mixed in with an overall musky mixture. The one thing that did stand true the entire length of this cigar is the burn and construction. It’s been flawless the whole time and required no tough ups or relights throughout the entire hour and a half it took to take this cigar down to the nub. No harshness at all, in fact, this cigar finished off incredibly smooth and creamy with only a slight nicotine kick at the end.

Overview: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t overly impressed with this cigar. It’s a solid cigar, but it seemed like it was missing something. The flavor kept dropping off in each of the samples I smoked. Had the flavor stayed at it’s prime I think this cigar would have been dynamite. Keep in mind, these are pre-releases and the final cigars will be in top shape when they hit shelves and the tobacco may carry enough age to even the flavor experience out. I think that whenever I get my hands on anything from Miami Cigar I hold it to a certain expectation of greatness, and the Chapter Two wasn’t quite on par with other cigars coming from this company in terms of flavor. But that’s just my opinion. The flavors were great, but the dullness in between is what didn’t do it for me. The burn and construction on these bad boys were as near flawless as you can get though and even with my experience I would probably be prone to picking these up when they hit shelves.

To Sum it Up: This was a good cigar. Not Great, Not bad. The flavors were a bit too mild for me but I think they’d appeal greatly to cigar smokers looking for a smooth/creamy/mild experience. The strength is a bit more full than the flavors suggest. I would probably buy these cigars again when the hit retailers, but unless the full release experience differs than my pre-release samples I don’t see myself picking up a box.

Pairing: Dogfish Head comes through with another great concoction. The Black & Blue is basically a strong Malt beer brewed with blackberry and blueberry puree. Sounds like it could be really good or really bad right? I’m happy to report that this 10% ABV brew kills it. I am never really a big fan of beers that introduce lots of fruit unless it’s a Lambic so I was a bit skeptical at first. Black & Blue leads with a strong, caramel/malty flavor with just a slight aftertaste of tart and fruit. This is exactly what I want in a beer brewed with fruit. I want to taste the beer, then the fruit second. The reason why I paired this beer with this specific cigar is I felt this cigar was missing something, something that a fruity/tart beverage could bring to the table completing the experience and I couldn’t have been more right. While the Chapter Two is a good cigar by itself, the pairing made it a GREAT cigar.

The post Nestor Miranda – Casa Miranda Chapter Two Toro Cigar Review appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Monte Pascoal is a Brazilian puro produced by Tobacos Mata Fina Ltda. At this time, Monte Pascoal is available in six vitolas:  Minutos (4 ⅜ by 42), Corona (5 ⅝ by 42), Petit Robusto (4 by 50), Robusto  (5 ⅞ by 50) , Belicoso (5 ½ by 52), and Double Corona (7 ⅝ by 49).  By using different portions of the tobaccos, each vitola has been blended to provide a “unique” experience. Back in 2011, Daniel reviewed the corona size of the Monte Pascoal. His review can be found here.

The Facts

Price: Around $6.00
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 4 ⅞ by 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina and Mata Norte
Pairing: Water
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 5 Minutes

Pre-light

The Monte Pascoal has a gorgeous, ugly wrapper.  I instantly think of a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper when I look at this stick. Not because of the color but its rugged look. The medium brown Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper has a reddish hue, along with a fine tooth but little to no oils. The wrapper is extremely bumpy and there are some medium sized veins.

Dry cedar notes come off the wrapper, with just a slight sweetness. The foot aroma is similar to the wrapper but with an added layer of pepper and rich tobacco. A shallow cut into the cap reveals an easy draw with some resistance. The cold draw has a clove richness to it and there is a slight spice tingle on my lips.

First Third

The flavor profile consists of leather, earth, and dry cedar. The mouth feel and finish of the smoke reminds me of the flavor and feel after you chew Dubble Bubble Gum for too long and most of the flavor is gone. While the connection may be strange, this is not the first cigar I have come across this in.  The retrohale delivers black pepper and a sting that runs from the back of the throat through the nasal passage. The thin burn line, which started off with a wave for the first half inch, is just about perfect. The grey, toothy ash held to an inch. The flavors at the close of the first third are at the low side of medium and there is no perceivable strength at this point.

Middle Third

The intensity of the flavors are really picking up. A dirt-like, earth note is at the forefront, as the leather and cedar have taken a lesser role in the profile. The finish remains a bit dry with deep earth notes and coffee bean. The burn became a little edgy, but quickly corrected itself. While the ash is not the prettiest ash, I love how the fine tooth of wrapper can be seen in it as it burns down. The draw has become effortless and each draw produces a satisfying amount of smoke.

Final Third

The smoke remains cool as I enter the last third after forty minutes of smoke time. The cedar, woodsy flavor has once again peeked through, and the deep earth still remains. Even though the smoke leaves my mouth a tad dry, my palate restores itself  quickly after each puff. There remains a slight spice tingle on my lips, which I have been feeling since the draw check.  As I begin removing the band, I notice some glue made its way onto the wrapper during application. My initial concern was tearing the wrapper, but by taking my time, I was able to remove the band with no tears.  At the close of the Monte Pascoal, the flavors crept up but are still in the medium range and I am feeling no nicotine.

Wrap-up

The Monte Pascoal Robusto delivered three core flavors throughout the entirety of the stick: earth, cedar, and leather. While the intensities of the flavors shifted around, I would not consider this a complex cigar. But does that make it a bad cigar? Not at all.  The flavors were enjoyable and the performance was excellent with great construction and burn. I tend to enjoy cigars that offer a little more sweetness, but that it is only a personal preference. I believe all levels of cigar smokers, from novice to veteran, will enjoy this stick.

The post Monte Pascoal Robusto appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.