Not pretty but.......

J. Fuego Origen, 4 pack Sampler

This is a very funky looking smoke with a quirky nature to it. However, what it lacks in looks, it makes up for flavor. Often times we desire a shorter smoke but do not want to give up what a higher price point cigar might yield.  This baby really kills it for me.  

It comes in four different blends as a sampler from Famous Cigars. The purchase price was on sale for $33.95 , in a petite corona size. This sampler might be the best deal in the market.  25 flavor bombs that please just about any palate. They are 5 x 44 and last about 30 - 40 minutes . 

A couple of point to note. It is best to let them sit in your humidor for several weeks. The construction may be tight and hard. Sometimes it may be difficult to figure out what end to light, they are already pre cut. This is not a problem, you can choose either end. 

If you are worried what your buddies think when smoking them, either hand them a freebie or get new friends.  This cigar is not going to win any beauty contests but who cares?

I am not going to give you a blow by blow review of this smoke. You can figure it out yourself. 

Here is my summary of this sampler.

1. They are funny looking

2. They taste great.

3. They are inexpensive.

4. I like the packaging.

5. I keep re ordering them

6. Famous Cigars better not run out of them.

7. J Fuego keep them in your line up.

8. The blends are different from each other.

9. If you don't like them, there is something wrong with you.

10. Keep your sense of humor when you smoke them.

Keep smoking

Cigar oasis in Watertown , Ma.

As much as I enjoy cigars, I enjoy meeting cigar folks even better. Going back to Boston to visit family and friends, I made  time to pay a visit to a fine B and M establishment in the

 Watertown , Ma. area.  If you are not familiar with the geography, Watertown has a common border with Cambridge and Belmont Ma. 

Made a short trip to the Cigar and Lounge shop , 56 Dexter Ave, Watertown , 02472. ,617-393-1645, I introduced myself to one of the co owners of the lounge who gave me a brief history of the place and a tour of the facility.  I am sorry but cannot recall if I met Mike or Demian but either way, the introduction was great.

I felt at home right away as if I knew the place for years. The humidor was well stocked and cared for with a good selection of product.  Prices were moderate which is of course always a plus.  I settled in to watch the Red Sox with two men who were regulars at the lounge.  My choice for the game was a Flathead 660, a large gauge smoke with a very dark wrapper. This cigar could easily last 2 hours.  In fact, I never finished it as I needed to leave a little earlier than I planned.  

Lounge area

Back to the lounge which was well appointed with leather chairs, couches and a very good ventilation system. The talk was good, the vibes were good, the cigar was good, so what's better than that?

For locals there is a frequent card game, a cooler with soft drinks, and a very clean restroom. Sounds silly but this touch makes all the difference.

I would suggest if you are in the Boston area, drop by  say hello, introduce yourself and plan to stay a couple of hours.  Parking is available on the street.  There are very few places in Boston where you can smoke in peace anymore, as restrictive laws are making more difficult to enjoy this pleasure.

Cigar display

             

                                                                                  

   

                    Keep smoking

View of the lounge

 

LA Cigar Blog: " The urban fishing pole ": Who is that bearded dude?

LA Cigar Blog: " The urban fishing pole ": Who is that bearded dude?: Cigar mavens take themselves sometimes far too seriously. We all like what we smoke and have opinions about our cigars  but if someone disag...

Who is that bearded dude?

Cigar mavens take themselves sometimes far too seriously. We all like what we smoke and have opinions about our cigars  but if someone disagrees , watch out. Caldwell cigars has a sense of humor about themselves which I appreciate. The names of their products proves this point. The cigar I just smoked and will review is called, Eastern Standard, Live East/Die Young. There may be a story behind this name or else the creators just are having fun. Either way, I like this approach.

Here is my take of this cigar. Caldwell cigars are hard to find at times but as they become more well know maybe your B and M can get them for you. I got this smoke from Cigarscity.com as a sampler pack of 6 cigars. This was a purchase and not given gratis. 

Brand Name of Cigar: Caldwell/ Eastern Standard, Live East/Die Young

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Size: 5.5 x 44

Wrapper: Connecticut hybrid Ecuadoriano

Binder: Habana Dominicano 2005

Filler: Criollo 98, Viso Dominicano 2008 30% , Habano Seco Nicaraguense 2007, 40%, Corono Dominicano Ligero 2006 , 30 %

Shape: Robusto

Part of a Sampler from Cigarscity.com

Smoked June 6, 2016, Los Angeles , Ca.

                                                              Appearance/ Construction:

The cigar band hits you right from the start. An impressive looking gent staring straight ahead, at  the cigar perhaps? Cigar wrapper is dark brown with a healthy appearance, no obvious faults or blemishes. Solid to the touch , like the short pigtail cap. I am ready to smoke.

                                                             Flavor/Taste and Aroma:

The cigar opened up with a mix of sweetness combining sugar, vanilla, and cedar. Maybe a maple note but not clear on this.  It's milder than I thought it would be which is ok in my book. Every cigar does not have to be a blast of spice and pepper. Smooth on the tongue .       Smoking Characteristics:

Dark grey ash with an even burn , had one re light during the second third. Still a relatively mild smoke with a hint of earthiness kicking in. Cigar burned evenly, staying with a very healthy ash. Easy draw with no issues of tunneling.

            

               

  Conclusion/Overall Impression:

               

 Caldwell Cigars make interesting products.  This is the third cigar I have tried of theirs and have a positive experience with all of them. However, this smoke is not very complex meaning it never developed any nuisances in it's flavor profile. It's smooth, on the milder side which is an appealing attribute on it's own right. Perhaps it is unfair to compare cigars which are not the same blend. Overall it has been a good mild cigar. 

My numbers look like this:

Appearance/ Construction: 3.5 out of 5

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5

Smoking Characteristics: 3.5 out of 5.

Overall : 3.5 out of 5

Final Thoughts: 

Good smoke, nothing exceptional. I would buy a couple every so often but not keep it as a regular. The price is a bit high but as part of a sampler , give it a shot.

Keep smoking.