I can get used to this / Cigar Review

             Cigar Review:

I have remarked several times recently  that I do not smoke many Maduro cigars. Yet in the last  weeks I have reviewed three Maduro smokes. Not sure if this is a trend but let's get to my thoughts on Perdomo Habano Maduro. This cigar was given to me gratis as part of a sampler from Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge in Los Angeles.
As always, how and where I received the cigar does not impact my judgement . I suggest you make your own subjective call on this cigar or any cigar you are so inclined to smoke.

Brand/Name of Cigar: Perdomo/ Habano Maduro

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 52
Wrapper: Nicaragua/Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Shape: Robusto
Price: Sampler package , no charge, Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge
Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. March, 19, 2017


Appearance/ Construction:

This is a very cool looking cigar with a darkish wrapper bordering on black. It has an oily feel, solid construction , no major vein issues. The band combo is eye popping which makes the appearance of the cigar even more attractive. Cigars need not to be beautiful but I think this one is.










Flavor/ Taste and Aroma
            
 The initial foray into the cigar was smooth, with a grey ash and medium profile. What hit me was a very unusual caramel, creamy taste almost like a thin mint Girl Scout cookie. There was the mint essence but not clingy sweet. Liked it a great deal. 











Smoking Characteristics:

                                                              
               
The smoke was smooth, just slightly off in the burn but was cool and without any  hitches .
  I wish more cigars behaved in this manner. I had no complaints.

Conclusion/Overall Impression: 

This is a great example of a high quality cigar for a very reasonable price point. It shows very good value and shows you do not have to overspend for a well crafted cigar.  Cigars of this type are around but you may need to hunt to find them. Of you can read cigar blogs and make your search much easier.

Final Thoughts and Numbers:

Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 4 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics : 3.8 out of 5
Overall:  3.9 out of 5

A definite addition for your collection. Perdomo cigars are a sometime item for me. Some companies just fall off the radar and I think this is the case in my cigar world.  My Maduro interest is getting higher up in the charts as I have had several good choices lately.

Keep smoking.

Give me strength

 I am backlogged in my cigar reviews which is a good problem. So let's get on with the enviable task of reviewing cigars. As policy how and were I received the cigar does not impact my subjective judgement. If this review interests you, please try the cigar yourself. I purchased this cigar as a 5 pack from Mikescigars.com.



















Cigar Review:

Brand/Name of Cigar: Punch/ Gran Puro Santa Rita
Country of Origin: Honduras
Size:  4.5 x 52
Wrapper: Honduras 
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Shape; Petit Robusto
Price: Mike's Cigars 5 pack, $21.95
Where and when smoked; Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, Los Angeles, Ca. 3/5/17

Initial View

Appearance/Construction:


Wrapper is a shade of medium to almost dark brown. Oil is present on the wrapper but not slick. Not a pretty looking smoke but appears to be well made. Texture is pleasant with no rough or hard spots. It appears to have solid construction throughout.

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:

The blast of spice hits right away but you expect that from a Punch product. The black pepper opens up the palate so get ready for a full bodied experience. There is no subtle nuances in this cigar. Hold on to your butt. ( pun intended )

Smoking Characteristics :

Cigar is doing a very good job of being true to it's burn, as the flow is steady, no hot spots or issues with any aspect due to good construction. What did surprise me was the second third produced a composite of cream and nuts. The spice was still evident but not bone shaking.

Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

I am always been partial to Punch Products from Honduras. I also like the product from Cuba but that's another story.  They manage to produce well crafted smokes, at a reasonable price point. The cigar in question was a real crowd pleaser for the full bodied fans. Actually those who are partial to medium profiles should give the cigar a try. 

Final Thoughts and Numbers:

Appearance and Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 4 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4 out of 5
Overall : 4 out 5

The Punch Gran Puro Santa Rita is a classic win . It has all the markings of a outstanding smoke with the added bonus of a reasonable price.

Keep smoking

       

Murderer's Row

Cigar Talk :

Here are some of the new lineup of La Palina Cigars.  Reviews will be coming down the road but for now, keep your hands off my stash. Check out LaPalinacigars.com

New Product for the New Year, even though it is almost April 

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Small cigar and small tease

The H Upmann Half Corona Habano is a hit of heaven in a tiny package. I keep a full compliment of these nifty smokes in my humidor for a short smoke. They last about a half hour if you really nurture every draw. I will do a full review soon but for now, take a gander at this picture.


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Cigar Nirvana

Members enjoying a moment 

Cigar Talk.  3/12/17

There is a misconception about cigar lounges in Los Angeles. The myth is LA is cigar purgatory and cigar smokers are shot on sight.
Admittedly there are some draconian cities that make it very difficult to enjoy cigars with the long arm of unfair regulations pointed at those who partake in one of their favorite activities.

Dupont lighter display at the Lone Wolf

The city of  Calabasas does not allow smoking on public property and Santa Monica also has regulations where your cigar is totally unwelcome. There are others on the list but fortunately  there are also cigar lounges which will welcome you to the universal club of cigar smokers.

This blog will be featuring welcoming cigar lounges that cater to the public or are private establishments. The first cigar lounge that will be highlighted is the Long Wolf Cigar Lounge in West Los Angeles. It just so happens I am a member of the Long Wolf but as always this doe not reflect on any judgement of the lounge. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the website at LoneWolfCigars.com.

Mariana of the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge Staff

Part of the large humidor  at the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge

I presented a series of questions to the affable owner, David Weiss, of the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge with the intention of learning his thoughts on the cigar industry in general and his own place.

Q.When and why did you decide to bring a new cigar Lounge to West LA?

A.Ever since we lost the ability to smoke in Santa Monica in 09.

Q. Who is your competition and what makes you different from them?

A. I don't focus on the competition . We do things in a certain way and I focus on what we do.

Front service desk at the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge

Q.What challenges do you think are the biggest in the cigar industry and you business?

A. Smoking regulations and taxation.

Q. How do you decide what cigars and accessories you sell?

A. We cater to what the public wants. We try new things and keep what people approve of.

Q. What are the trends for the future you see in the B and M cigar industry in general?

A. Smoking oasis with strong and consistent products.

Q. What do  you smoke as an every day smoke and on special occasions?

A. I'm all over the map. Full bodied with low spice is I look for but I try everything.

Q. What is an ideal price point for your sales team?

A. Depends on the location and the occasion. Gifts are typically more pricey as folks want brand and presentation plus quality for $8-$12.

Q. What do you like like cigars and what is your clientele like?

A. Clientele is very diverse on a socio-economic level. That is what attracts me to this business. I love the one on one experience getting to know very different types of people and being in service.

Q. What advice would you give to the novice and experienced smoker?

A. Try everything.

Q. Are there too many brands and choices in today's market?

A. There can never be too many options. Options make the world go around. Too many private labels clutter the field. I like more diversity in approach and manufacturing. Not just brand.

Q. It the opening of the cigar trade in Cuba going to impact your business and what are your plans about this development? Do you see this a negative or a positive?

A. Seems great but it also feels far away. We will embrace it when it happens as it adds to the diversity . I feel it is positive .

There you have it, the view from  David Weiss the owner of the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge in West Los Angeles.

Keep smoking

The Logo of the Urban Fishing Pole

Pushing the Cigar Agenda

There are always an opportunity to recruit people to the joy of cigars. The better we do this, the better  politically it helps us. The state of how many no nothing politicians, or petty hacks who are hell bent in destroying an industry and avocation we enjoy  are expanding at a very alarming rate.
Preaching to the choir while important is a small part of the picture. It is very evident we need to convince the sometime smoker or the novice cigar person to join with us.
I do this in a manner that is not threatening or preachy but speak about how the camaraderie of the leaf gives us friendship, good talk and loads of fun.
Case in point. In my career of personal trainer and manager I point out how cigars and fitness are not contrary but actually are complementary endeavors. Working the body includes the idea of mental fitness too.
Cigars provide the atmosphere of relaxing , engaging in discourse about a variety of subjects with a common cause.  Enjoyment and awareness is a positive experience.
With this attitude I have opened up clients who would never think of cigars but now like all the aspects of cigars  I just spoke about.  You can have a cigar without making it a habit or dangerous to your health.
 Keep in mind this is not done overnight but a casual friendly  indoctrination.
I now have clients who join me in the pursuit of cigars and in my workplace I have organized cigar events with good turnouts.
Think about  your friends and make it a point to get a few of them into the fold. Offer them a smoke, a good drink and they will convert to the great joy of cigar fellowship.

Happy gents

Life is good

Keeping it real

California Dreaming

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Cigar Outlet/ Famous Cigars

Cigar Outlet

Take a look for good deals.