#10. Partagas – Homage 62

Wrappper: Honduran Olancho San Agustin | Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf |Filler: Dominican, Honduran and Mexican

The Partagas Benji Homage 62 is an outstanding cigar. The flavors were easily distinguishable and the variations among the flavors were intriguing. The only short-fall of the Homage was the multiple touch-ups needed throughout the cigar to get the wavy burn back in-line. Benji Menendez should be extremely proud of this cigar that pays tribute to his 62 years in the industry.

You can find the full review HERE.

#9. Agio Cigars – Balmoral Royal Selection Anejo 18

Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro | Binder: Dominican Olor |Filler: Brazilian Bahia, Dominican Olor, and Nicaraguan Ligero

The Balmoral Royal Selection Anejo 18 is a very unique and special cigar. The profile was intriguing in the first third with the sour grass notes, well balanced in the second third with the added sweetness and coffee, and completely satisfying in the final third with deep, dark, full flavors. There was never a dull moment with the Anejo 18 as it was continually introducing new flavors and building in intensity with the flavors, body, and strength.

You can find my full review HERE.

#8. Kuuts Cigars – Miro Lancero

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra | Binder: Nicaraguan |Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran

The Kuuts Miro Lancero is a very nice evening smoke that delivers in the spice department for sure. Don’t let the small ring gauge trick you. This Lancero packs a punch with its strength. Other than the flaky ash, the performance was just about perfect with an easy draw that delivered a copious amount of smoke and the burn was even throughout.

You can find my full review HERE.

#7. Crux Cigar Company – Crux Classic

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano (Jalapa) | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

It is hard enough to release one excellent cigar, it is even harder when it is your first year of business as a manufacturer, and it is almost impossible to release more than one exceptional cigar in your first year of business. Crux Cigars has done the impossible. The Crux Classic adds a new dimension to their already quality line-up. This is is an easy box purchase in my book.

You can find my full review HERE.

#6. Sindicato Cigars – Sindicato Maduro

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Morrón | Double Binder: Nicaraguan (Esteli) | Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli and Jalapa)

The Sindicato Maduro carries a premium price tag of just under $13, but it is completely justified by the experience received. The buttery flavor and texture of the smoke sat easy on the palate meshing well with the toasted popcorn and pepper spice, rounded out by the ever-evolving sweetness. From the first third to the very end, the flavors were right around the full arena complimenting the medium/full strength.

You can find my full review HERE.

#5. Drew Estate – Herrera Esteli Lancero

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano | Binder: Honduran | Filler: Nicaraguan

Willy Herrera far exceeded my expectation with the Herrera Esteli Lancero – Edicion Limitada 2014. This small ring gauge brought more body, fuller flavors, and a good amount of strength to the table. From start to finish, this stick was an absolute treat. A classic smoke well worth the $12 price tag. I look forward to the direction Willy Herrera will take Drew Estate Tobacco Company in regards to the expansion of their traditional lines.

You can find my full review HERE.

#4. Tatuaje – Cabaiguan Guapo Lancero

Wrapper:Ecuadorian Sun Grown | Binder:Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

I have been a fan of Tatuaje for some time, but there were several cigars included in the sampler that I had yet to smoke and the Cabaiguan Guapo was one of those. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect first experience with a cigar. The cigar burned cool and even. There were no touch-ups or ashes dropped in my lap. Just a complex, flavorful cigar to sit back and relax with. One thing I noted on this lancero was how big, deep draws brought out an overwhelming pepper, while a small shallow draw highlighted  the nuances of this stick.

You can find my full review HERE.

#3. Crux Cigar Company – Crux Passport

Wrapper: Ecuadorian | Binder: Nicaraguan | Filler: Nicaraguan

While I did not find the Crux Passport overly complex, I never found myself bored with the cigar. The cedar, woodsy flavor held strong throughout, accompanied by more subtle citrus and honey notes. The Passport does not lack in the spice department either. I was very pleased with my two experiences with the Passport. There is finally a new company on the scene that I am excited to get fully behind.

You can find my full review HERE.

As I went back and read my review, I realized my excitement and enjoyment of this stick did not come across as I would have wanted it to. But the truth is the Crux Passport has been in the front of my mind since I smoked it back in May. I revisited the stick a few weeks back to make sure it was all it was cracked up to be  and I think I was even more impressed with it. The Crux Passport is easily the best bang for the buck on this list and worthy of the #3 spot for 2014.

#2. Ezra Zion Cigar Company – Honor Series FHK

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres | Binder: Indonesian |Filler: Brazilian and Nicaraguan

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.

You can find the full review HERE.

This is the second year in a row that Ezra Zion Cigar Company has claimed the number 2 spot on my top 10 list. Last year, the Tantrum was the runner up for the cigar of the year. Ezra Zion Cigar Company has consistently put out solid cigars, with the FHK being no exception. To be honest, the top three cigars on this list could be interchanged for the cigar of the year. I tip my hat to Chris Kelly and Kyle Hoover.

#1. Sindicato Cigars – Sindicato

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Shade Grown (Jalapa) | Double Binder: Nicaraguan (Esteli) |Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli and Jalapa)

I have only smoked a couple great cigars this year and the Sindicato by Sindicato Cigars is one of those. Actually, this may be the very best I have had this year. I was caught off guard with how much I enjoyed this absolute treat. The cigar burned for over an hour with a wavy burn that was of no concern, producing a salt and pepper ash that held over an inch, and copious amounts of smoke poured out of the cigar with each draw. While the flavors may not have been necessarily unique on their own, it was the perfect balance of the those flavors that is something not commonly seen. Even with a price over $10 for the Corona Gorda, I highly recommend this stick.

You can find my full review HERE.

Coming in at #1 on my Top 10 Cigars of 2014 list is the Sindicato by Sindicato Cigars. The Sindicato Maduro is not too far behind finding the #6 spot. When I first smoked through Sindicato’s line-up in 2013 of the Hex, Affinity, and Casa Bella, I found them each to be average to good cigars. This year’s releases of the Sindicato and Sindicato Maduro took the company and their cigars to a whole new level. I was blown away by both, but the original Sindicato delivered, in my opinion, a perfect smoking experience, which makes this my Cigar of the Year!

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Monthly Recap – November

Number of Cigars Smoked: 24

Of those smoked:

• Purchased: 10 or 42%
• Gifted: 8 or 33%
• Samples Provided: 6 or 25%

Of those purchased:

• Brick & Mortar: 1 or 10%
• Online: 9 or 90%

Most Memorable Cigars Smoked

#1. Illusione – Fume D’ Amour:  As I write today, I could not detail any of the specific flavors I noted, but I can tell you that as soon as the smoke began to seep out of the lit foot of the Fume D’ Amour, I was taken from the snowy streets of Gladstone, Michigan to the sandy beaches of somewhere much warmer. This cigar was awarded the #3 spot on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2014 list for good reason. It does not only showcase a very well balanced blend, but it takes you on a memorable experience to much simpler (warmer) times. In my opinion, the Illusione Fume D’ Amour is everything I look for but do not find in Cuban cigars. You can check out Tony’s review of the Fume D’ Amour HERE.

#2. Emlio Cigars – La Musa Melete Lancero: Earlier this year, a good friend and Casas Fumando guest reviewer, Jeff Oda, bombed me with a handful of cigars that he thought I would enjoy . One of the sticks being the Emilio La Musa Melete Lancero. I sung high praises of the Melete toro when I reviewed it in a Quick Draw format back in May so I was anxious to light up the lancero. Restraining myself for six months, I finally broke down and fired up the Melete Lancero. The cigar delivered full flavors showcasing a ton of sweetness, along with rich notes of cedar, earth, and coffee. One thing I did not find in the lancero version was the citrus, orange peel flavor I picked up on in the toro size. I was blown away by the Melete Lancero and now I wish I would have grabbed a handful up while they were still available. But even if you cannot find the lancero, it is worth hunting down the other vitolas in the La Musa Melete line.

Cigar Reviews

PDR Cigars – Flores Y Rodriguez Habano Cabinet Seleccion

The more Flores Y Rodriguez Habano Cabinet Seleccions I smoke the more I am astonished that the cigar is a Dominican puro made out of one varietal of Cuban seed. The Habano Cabinet Seleccion delivers a complex experience that can be rare in puros. The play between the sweetness and citrus notes kept me engaged the entire smoke, while the core flavors of pepper, cedar, and leather were right in my comfort zone. I hope I can find another bargain on these sticks as this is a cigar I would love to maintain in my weekly rotation.

Kuuts, LLC – Kuuts Nicaraguan Blend

 For  a cigar coming in around $6, a very reasonably priced cigar in my book, Kuuts Nicaraguan Blend is a solid offering. The profile was well balanced, rich, and sweet with a core of cedar and pepper. The cigar performed well with a perfect draw, satisfying amount of smoke, decent burn, and a fairly nice ash.

Ezra Zion Cigar Company – Tantrum P.A. 

The Ezra Zion Tantrum P.A. delivered full, balanced flavors, a good draw, satisfying amount of smoke, and a decent burn. This cigar fits right into my wheelhouse with it bold flavors and full strength, but the strength did not overwhelm me.

Tony’s Reviews

Tatuaje Jekyll Monster Series #7

The Jekyll is a solid cigar sporting some great flavors, creamy balance, and a great experience. It wasn’t one of my favorites in the Monster Series, but I still felt it was worthy of a box purchase even having purchased a handful before pulling the trigger on the box. One thing that did impress me about the Jekyll was the evident departure from the rest of the cigars in the Monster Series line.

La Palina Black Label

Needless to say I fell in love with the La Palina Black Label. I’ve been a long time fan of La Palina. While not all of their blends fit my profile, many of them find their way into my daily rotation. The La Palina Black offers a great, full bodied, full strength experience at a decent price point. While the strength was in the full area, never once did it muddy up the flavors as they were a bit complex, very pure, and extremely enjoyable.

Spirited Pairings – Episode 1

Spirited Pairings Episode 2

Fratello Cigars Corona

If it wasn’t already obvious i fell in love with the Fratello from the first time I smoked one. The bold experience, great construction, price and availably all hit a sweet spot with me. Without giving too much away, I’d be shocked if this didn’t make it in my top 10 list this year.

The post Monthly Recap – November 2014 – Jeremy Hensley Edition appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Following up last year’s release of the original Tantrum, which found the number 2 spot on my 2013 Top 10 List, Ezra Zion Cigar Company has extended the line with the addition of the Tantrum P.A. Released at the 2014 IPCPR Trade Show, the Tantrum P.A. is produced in very limited quantities of 600 boxes containing 28 cigars each at Casa Fernandez and distributed by House of Emilio. As was the case with last year’s Tantrum, the P.A. is only available in one vitola. This year’s vitola is the 6 ½ by 44 lonsdale (one of my favorite vitolas).

 You can find our reviews of other Ezra Zion cigars below:

• Eminence
• Honor Series FHK
• Honor Series Regean
• Tantrum

The Facts

Samples Provided by House of Emilio
Price: $9.95
Vitola: Lonsdale
Size: 6 ½ by 44
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 25 Minutes
Drink: N/A

Pre-light

Dressed in a beautiful corojo wrapper leaf, the Ezra Zion Tantrum P.A. is milk chocolate in color with red hue and smooth to the touch. The natural characteristics of the wrapper leaf can be easily seen with some veins, minor color imperfections, and nice amount of oils. I am greeted by a mixture of faint manure and cocoa on the wrapper and big notes of cedar are on the unlit foot of the cigar.

A triple cap clips easily and a rich draw is revealed. The cold draw present full flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cedar, and earth. The draw resistance is good, which is always a worry when smoking small ring gauge cigars. Slipping off the foot band, I am ready to burn this Ezra Zion Tantrum P.A.

 First Third

Right of the bat, the flavors are already in the full range and thick smoke coats all areas of my mouth. A clean, vanilla sweetness hits my palate as soon as the smoke arrives in my mouth complimenting the darker flavors of pepper spice and woodsy notes. A creamy peanut butter flavor is also found. Pepper is in full force as I pass the smoke through my sinuses. A grey, layered ash is being formed as the cigar burns slow and even.

 Middle Third

A satisfying amount of smoke is pumping out of the Ezra Zion Tantrum P.A.. The woodsy notes have really stepped up their game, while the other flavors remain level with the first third. The cigar is gaining in richness and strength. The finish, which began short and clean, now has a lingering diesel-like flavor and dusty cocoa.

Final Third

As I pull into the last third of the P.A., the profile remains rich, the woodsy notes have transitioned to an oak, and earth and leather flavors have stepped up a notch. A minor correction is needed to get the burn back in-line as I begin to wrap up this Ezra Zion Tantrum P.A.

Wrap-up

The Tantrum P.A. holds true to its name and origin. However, while I noted several similarities with the original Tantrum, the P.A. stands on its own merit. I found the spice to be more toned down and a lot more sweetness in the Tantrum P.A. than last year’s version, plus I prefer the Lonsdale size over the Petit Corona. But enough with the comparison. The Ezra Zion Tantrum P.A. delivered full, balanced flavors, a good draw, satisfying amount of smoke, and a decent burn. This cigar fits right into my wheelhouse with it bold flavors and full strength, but the strength did not overwhelm me. If you can find them, I recommend you grab a handful for your smoking pleasure.

The post Ezra Zion Cigar Company – Tantrum P.A. appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

At the start of 2014, I began tracking each and every cigar I have smoked. Well, I may have missed one or two. Based on discussions I’ve seen on Twitter and questions on this site and others, I decided to compile some information that I thought you might find interesting.

Since I decided to slack it last month on the my “Monthly Recap”, I bring to you a combined recap for February and March.

Monthly Recap – February and March

Number of Cigars Smoked: 57

Of those smoked:

• Purchased: 26 or 46%
• Samples Provided: 15 or 26%
• Gifted: 9 or 16%
• Traded for: 7 or 12%

Of those purchased:

• Brick & Mortar: 18 or 69%
• Online: 8 or 31%

Top Cigars Smoked by Quantity

#1. J. Fuego – Sangre De Toro (Original) – # Smoked = 7 :The J. Fuego Sangre De Toro Original has made both of my monthly recaps for highest quantity smoked for the month(s). Back in October, I picked up a brick (12 five-packs) of these sticks during Fox Cigar Bar’s Foxtoberfest. With the excellent price and flavors, I see this remaining on the list until I burn through them all.

#2. Oliva – Serie V (Churchill Extra) – # Smoked = 4: A local casino was offering some extreme discounts on their entire inventory of cigars and I was able to grab a box of 24 for $75. Now, that is one heck of a steal. While it is not in my go to size, the stick delivers in all other aspects. You will probably see this stick on a few more recaps as well.

Most Memorable Cigars Smoked

#1. Oliva – Master Blend 3: For Valentine’s Day, my wife and I decided to change things up a bit. Instead of joining the crowds for a romantic dinner, we headed down to Kipps Cheesesteak  in downtown El Paso. This had to be one of the most memorable Valentine dinners I have had with my wife of six years. After filling up on a delicious Green Chile Philly and nacho bacon fries, we took a scroll over to our local cigar lounge a few blocks away where I lit up a Master Blend 3. The cigar was the perfect close to a wonderful evening.

#2. Oliva – Serie V Melanio: On February 26th, the non-profit I have worked with for seven years held its inaugural fundraising event that was a great success. After the event, the CEO (a BOTL) and I made our way over to La Casa Del Puro and lit up a Serie V Melanio to celebrate the evening. Even in the smaller robusto size, the Melanio delivered a ton of flavors and just the right amount of strength to put me in a nice relaxed state.

Cigars Reviewed

Nestor Miranda – Casa Miranda Chapter Two 

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.

Epicurean Cigars – AG Azul Vintage 2008

The performance of the AG Azul 2008 was exceptional, allowing me to sit back and relax for almost 2 hours. The cedar and pepper made up the core of the profile but the shifts in the intensity of the spice, sweetness, and cocoa finish made this an engaging ride.

Ezra Zion Cigar Company – Honor Series FHK

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?

La Flor Dominicana – Foxtoberfest

While I am no leaf expert, I was able to easily distinguish the different roles the leaves played in the flavor profile. The Cameroon binder showed off a wonderful sweetness, while the Connecticut Broadleaf  contrasted it with its common tartness and savory meatiness. The first and second third delivered complexity and a mostly balanced profile.

VegaFina – Sumum Edicion Especial 2010 

The first and second third just did not do it for me, but at least the final third delivered some good, balanced flavors. It just wasn’t enough to redeem the cigar…. I would like to smoke through the other vitolas to see if I get a different experience before I recommend this cigar to others.

Veritas Cigar Company – Torch Habano

To my surprise, this was a cigar I found myself enjoying. The Torch offered a spicy profile on a backdrop of cedar with a wonderful long coffee and cocoa finish.

The post Monthly Recap – February and March 2014 – Jeremy Hensley Edition 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.

#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.

• Jamais Vu
• Honor Series (Check out Daniel’s review of the Honor Series Reagan here)
• Tantrum
• Eminence

Ezra Zion Cigar Company is owned by the same guys (Chris Kelly, Kyle Hoover, and Alan Fonseca “the Don”) who are behind cigarfederation.com, a social media site with the mission to “be the world’s greatest social website for cigar Connections, Information, & Entertainment”. The site also hosts two excellent podcasts/webcasts (Half Ashed and Cigar Chat) that I watch on a regular basis.

This week, I will be reviewing the Tantrum Edicion Limitada, which is produced at the Aganorsa factory in Nicaragua and is distributed by the House of Emilio. Kyle Hoover, co-owner of Ezra Zion, provided the following information on the Tantrum:

Ezra Zion Tantrum is 44 x 4.4 inch boxed pressed “Prensado Pequeno” and is presented in boxes of 28. It is a limited edition production of 1500 boxes annually and is made in one vitola. The retail price is $266.00 and retail individual price is $9.50. Tantrum pre-released in select retail locations beginning April 2013 and was released nationwide at the 2013 Annual IPCPR Convention.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Ezra Zion Cigar Company
Price: $9.50/single $266/box of 28
Vitola: Boxed Pressed Petit Corona – “Prensado Pequeño”
Size: 4.4 by 44
Wrapper: Vintage Nicaraguan 99 Corojo Rosado
Binder: Nicaraguan 99 Criollo
Filler: 5-7 Year Aged Nicaraguan Ligero
Pairing: Water
Smoke: Just under an hour (I smoke slow)

Pre-light

The design on the primary band can be found on all of Ezra Zion cigar lines with a couple variations in color. There is an amazing story behind the band design and the company name “Ezra Zion”. You can hear the story here at the 16:47 mark. Also, as with the other lines, the foot band distinguishes the line. This one being the Tantrum. The Tantrum wears one rustic wrapper. Instantly, I think of a Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Natural Principe due to the size and the rugged wrapper leaf. And trust me, that is not a bad thing. Veins and bumps can be found across the entire stick.

The Corojo Rosado wrapper is medium brown with a slight reddish hue. The wrapper has velvety feel and the cigar is evenly packed with a slight bit of give. The wrapper aroma is unbelievable. Notes of sweet honey contrast a musty cedar in the background. The foot is nutty, followed by the honey and cedar aromas that I pulled off the wrapper.  A shallow clip has opened up a great draw that showcases rich tobacco, cedar, cinnamon, and a spice sting in the mouth and on the lips.

First Third

After sliding off the foot band with ease, I am ready to light this Tantrum Edicion Limitada up. I absolutely adore the size of this cigar and the box pressed format is just one more plus. From the first few puffs, I can tell this is going to be one powerhouse of a smoke. The Tantrum is delivering an incredible amount of spice that is stinging the back of my throat. The flavors are full with the pepper in the forefront followed by cedar and a slight sweetness, along with a heavy amount of spice, lingers on the finish of the smoke. Three quarters of an inch into the cigar, the spice has calmed but by no means is it gone. The richness of the cigar is more noticeable as sweet cedar arrives on my palate that is complementing the spicy profile. The burn line is thick leaving behind a light grey, layered ash.

Middle Third

As I burn into the second third, one side of the wrapper is having trouble burning. I am going to wait it out to see if it will correct itself. The retrohale, which was extremely sharp in the first third, has leveled out. The mixture of earth, cedar, and pepper makes the retrohale very enjoyable, but not recommended for a novice. A toastiness has joined the sweet cedar, as well as a mild cocoa and coffee. Each draw produces a copious amount of smoke. Sure enough, the burn has completely corrected itself. No touch-up was necessary. The strength is definitely full but not pushing me over the edge. Ash is flaky but still holding to ¾ inch.

Final Third

The band has been applied tightly around the cigar, so there is no way I can slide it off. However, the band comes unglued with ease. Another band for the collection! The spice is back in action. Almost a complete return to the start of the cigar.  Once again my lips and mouth have a tingling sensation from the spice. On top of the peppery spice, there is an added layer of cayenne pepper. The cigar remains toasty with earth and leather notes and, as I put the cigar to the close, a tad bit of cocoa is still noticeable on the finish.

Wrap-up

As I mentioned, this cigar packs a punch and is worthy of its slogan “a little baby powerhouse”. I could care less about strength if a cigar doesn’t deliver in the area of flavors and performance, so it is a good thing that this cigar delivered in both. No construction issues were experienced and the burn line was solid, except for the minor burn issue in the middle third that quickly corrected itself. The full, spicy flavors grabbed my attention from the beginning and took me on a wonderful journey. When I first saw the price tag of $9.50 for a petit corona, I was immediately turned off. However, upon smoking the Tantrum, I was extremely impressed and would dish out $9.50 anytime for this stick. I want to give a big “THANK YOU” to Ezra Zion Cigar Company for providing the samples. If you have smoked the Tantrum, let us know your thoughts.

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