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.

Interesting name , interesting cigar?

It seems there are more and more cigars on the market. With boutique brands flourishing , and cigar giants knocking out countless products, how does a company capture new consumers?
One way perhaps is calling a cigar by a unique handle. I imagine the marketing team brainstorming names for a product about to be released. The names are flying out while someone is recording the session. " How about calling the smoke,  Easy wind?  " Maybe we should call it Knock on wood?
Another member of the team shouts out, " Give me Liberty or give me a smoke." You get the idea.
Without further adieu I present you : Blinds Man's Bluff, by Caldwell, a cigar with a unique moniker.

Cigar Review

Brand/ Name of Cigar: Caldwell Cigars/ Blind Man's Bluff
Country of Origin: Honduras
Size: 5 X 50
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Honduran Criollo 
Filler: San Vincente Viso ( Dominican Republic) Criollo Ligero ( Honduran Ligero )
Shape: Robusto
Price: Purchased as part of a Caldwell Sampler at Cigarscity.com. $41.67 sale price
Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 5/15/2016


Appearance/Construction:

With the whimsical cigar band the smoke feels very smooth, with a slight oily sheen.  Medium brown in color with several small veins in the body of the cigar. No hard or soft spots with a generally good construction approach. No obvious flaws or defects.

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:

Right away got a good hit of pepper, with also a hint of vanilla and coffee. It has a sweetness which I did not expect. a good combination of  spice and sweetness. Smooth , no harsh pops or spikes or any sort. Smooth with a medium profile.

Smoking Characteristics:

Mostly had an even burn through the first two thirds but it went out of control in the last third. . No hot spots continued with a nice mix of the spice and sweetness.  The spice became less noticeable later in the smoke as it was replaced with a molasses and maple profile.

Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

Except for the end of the smoke which had the burn issue, this was a good overall product. Medium in scope, smooth with enough of a spice kick to make the cigar interesting. It was a good 45 minute venture into a pleasant afternoon sojourn.



The numbers and rating :

Appearance/ Construction:  4 out of 5 appearance,  3 out of 5 construction
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:  4 out of 5 
Smoking Characteristics: 3 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 3.8 out of 5

Final Thoughts: Caldwell cigars seem to be a small boutique that makes a good product.  This is my second Caldwell brand that I have tried and both have been winners. I will be trying the other cigars in the sampler in the near future.
Often times small establishments may have issues with quality control in their products. This has been my judgment but so far Caldwell appears to have a good handle of their process.  It is a cigar you should try and I believe will like. Support the boutique blends as often they are at the liberty to make a cigar different than the larger companies do. Less corporate makes for quicker decisions.

Keep smoking.

Looks aren't everything

Cigar Review

Some cigars look impressive. This was my  thought when I purchased the Casa Magna Magnus II Limited. I was scanning the humidor at the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge in West Los Angeles looking for a new cigar to review.  I have tried several Casa Magna smokes before but it has been several years since my last taste.

Brand/ Name of Cigar: Casa Magna/ D. Magnus II Limitada
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Jalapa Sungrown
Binder: Nicaragua 
Shape: Topedo
Price: $12.95 , Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, 4/1/16

Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca.  5/1/16

Appearance / Construction:

As I stated earlier I thought very highly of the look of the cigar. Dark chocolate wrapper with a band that creates a real eye grabber. Solid  , no soft spots, with an oily feel to the touch. Small veins with no discernible flaws. Overall it was a very bold looking cigar.

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:

The initial flavor  had a combo of chocolate, coffee and a hint of maple. I was not expecting this as I was looking for spice and pepper. Yet, it was a strong taste and pretty bold but not overpowering,
The aroma was pleasant , nutty and sweet.














Smoking Characteristics:

The burn was uneven with a dark ash and cool burn. Flavor stayed on course with the same profile I started out with . More spice and pepper flowed through but I liked the overall mix of the blend. No relights but needed to make a correction to even out the smoke.

Conclusion/Overall Impression:

This was a tale of two different cigars. The construction looked very solid but had issues as the photos indicate. The flavor profile was good but also had bouts of bitter and harsh notes.  It was a respectable smoke but hoped for more.
















Final Thoughts:

At $12.95 it needed to be the "bomb." Too many issues to rate it as a must have cigar.  Here are the numbers.

Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 3 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3 out of 5
Overall : 3 out of 5

Keep smoking

A top flight cigar dealer

Where and how we purchase our cigars are an important aspect of the cigar experience. There are many choices available for consumers
The local B and M's are very service oriented.  In order to get repeat customers they make it a point to know what we like. They also may offer a full line of accessories such as cutters, lighters and humidors.
The large catalogue companies thrive on hundreds of lines of cigars and usually a lower price point.
I have been very fortunate to deal with both local stores and the big boys of the cigar world.  Recently I have developed a relationship with a cigar on line service that offers a unique hybrid of service, choice,  and very good prices.
Cigarscity.com is a newer cigar catalogue company which is doing a great job of providing a nice mix of well known and boutique style of cigars.  I submitted several questions to Anthony Welsch of CigarsCity.com to get their viewpoints of their aspect of the cigar business. 

When did you start you on line service?

We got our start about three years ago - we started building the CigarsCity.com site out, getting our humidor space operational and then ultimately started to buy inventory. Especially early on it was important to find products we could compete with the bigger retailers on when it came to price.

Who is your competition? What makes you different from your competition ?

I think this is an interesting question because there tends to be a lot of brick and mortar versus online talk among cigar lovers and I don’t see the world that way. I think there is room for both the B&M’s and online shops like us. We’re going to do all we can to give you a great experience and make it as personalized as the tobacconist down the street but we know there’s always going to be value in camaraderie and often, that comes from the local B&M.

What challenges do you think are the biggest to overcome in the cigar industry? 

There’s the obvious threats and challenges of increased regulation but ultimately, I think it goes deeper than that. I don’t know when exactly it happened but somehow cigars became taboo and almost “dirty” in the eyes of many in the American public. Most cigar fans I know are perfect gentlemen so I don’t know where it came from but one of our biggest challenges is convincing the American public that premium cigars are not the same as cigarettes.

How do you pick what cigars and accessories you sell?

Sometimes it feels like we’d be better off closing our eyes and throwing darts than our current method. There are generally two ways to get us to carry you. The first is to have an amazing product that delivers consistent value. If a new blend comes to the market and it’s unique or strikes us as fantastic - there’s a good chance we’ll be interested in carrying it. 

Now, that’s not foolproof because palates are different. So, if a brand can show us that they’ve already grown a following and they’re reputable from a sourcing and quality standpoint - they’d have our ear and could ultimately earn a place in our humidor.

What trends do you foresee in the near future ?

I think this comes back to the threat of FDA regulation. If we can avoid unfair regulation, I think you’ll see the boutique world of cigars continue to grow. It should present some great opportunities for cigar smokers to try new blends and hopefully get the most of their cigars. If regulation comes into play - things could get very sterile for a while. I don’t think any of us will quit smoking cigars, it just won’t be as interesting since new products will be severely limited.

What do you smoke as an every day smoke and special occasion?

One of my “go-to” cigars is the Crowned Heads Four Kicks  I also really enjoy the Joya Antano 1970 series. I’m not nuts about overbearing cigars and the balance both of those cigars brings is excellent. I am really impressed with Caldwell’s Blind Man’s Bluff as well. 

As for special occasions - I generally look for something I haven’t had before if I’m in the $20-$30 range; so I don’t really have a “go-to”. Arturo Fuente's Opus X series as a whole is a pretty safe bet for special occasions. Of some of the newer releases - Sobremesa is in that $12-$15 range and a little steep to be an everyday smoke but the cigar itself is absolutely wonderful and incredibly smooth.

Why do you like cigars and what type of people smoke cigars?

One of the reasons I love cigars is because they are so contrary to everything else in today’s world. I’m just as bad as everyone else - my television is on, I have my computer screen in front of me and I’m constantly on my phone; Everything is rushed. With cigars - you’re forced to slow down.

I don’t know that it’s fair to say there’s one type of person who smokes cigars so I’m hesitant to put a description to them. We’re lucky in that we’ve earned the business of all types of men and women - from stock market investors to guys who work blue collar jobs like doing landscaping in the summers. I can say that I envision cigars as a pastime for gentlemen and today, I think that rings true - I’ve never sat down with a group of guys to have a cigar and felt like I wasn’t among a group of gentlemen.

What advise would you give to a novice smoker and an experienced smoker?

To a novice smoker - I’d advise them to tune out their friends, reviewers and everyone else and just pay attention to identifying what they like in a cigar. I wouldn’t say the Urban Fishing Pole is guilty of this but if you look at some of the casual cigar forums, some cigar fans tie masculinity to cigar strength and I think that’s a mistake. It can cause people just getting into cigars to dive too deep, they don’t have a good experience and then they lose interest.

For experienced smokers, I’d encourage them to never get stuck in a rut or fall into an old stand-by. It’s one thing to have a go-to cigar that you know you’ll enjoy - it’s another to completely stop trying new things. There are a lot of great new cigars that are introduced every year - a lot of times they come from guys that are fairly unknown. Don’t be afraid to give them a shot - 9 times out of 10, you’ll be happy you did. 

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

Sometimes I think so as we’re creating product pages and paying to have photos taken of cigars for our site, haha! I’m not sure that you’ll ever convince a customer that he or she has too many options. Options mean power for cigar smokers. They can get a cigar that offers exactly what they want and competition generally will make prices very competitive. In some ways, it can be overwhelming but ultimately, I think most of us would rather have the option of many cigars than be saddled with a handful to pick from.

This is an interesting question as it relates to us as an online cigar shop. We’re lucky to have earned customers in rural areas and we can give them options they might not have close to home. Some have a local cigar shops that are more of a convenience store / gas station than tobacconist. I know that the online world has seen a lot of criticism from the brick and mortar world but there’s no denying that a chunk of cigar smoking public has benefitted from the world of online cigars.

Is the opening of Cuba going to impact your business and how will you cope with this? Do you see this as a plus or an negative issue?

If and when Cuba opens, it absolutely will impact our business and I think all cigar smokers in the United States. I think in the long-run, it’s going to be a big plus as it will drive a ton of interest toward cigars on the whole. My fear is that many of these “cigar-curious” Americans will only be interested in Cubans and won’t take the time to learn about some of the great Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan brands out there. My hope is that even a temporary increase in the popularity of cigars will make cigar smoking more accepted by the general public and alleviate some of the political pressure we face today.

Keep smoking 

An up and coming super star ?

Steve Saka has roots in the cigar world from his days at Drew Estate. He helped develop Drew Estate into a brand with a great presence and outstanding cigar line.
Recently his foray into opening his own brand has created a positive buzz with the Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust company.
I was given a sample of the Sobremesa Torpedo Tiempo to taste and review. The folks at Cigarscity.com. provided me with the stick gratis. As always how and where I received the cigar does not influence my subjective thoughts about the blend. I urge all interested in this smoke to try it themselves and judge for yourself. 

Brand/ Name of Cigar:Dunbarton Tobacco/ Sobremesa

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6.0 x 54
Wrapper: Ecuador Sungrown
Binder: Mexican
Filler; Nicaragua
Shape: Torpedo
Price: $12.25 single from Cigarscity.com
Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 4/17/2016

Appearance/ Construction:

A very striking even hue wrapper with a classy band that creates a very impressive look. Several small veins which do not mar the appearance. No soft spots, solid feel, looks well made.

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:



Started with a pleasant mix of vanilla, nuts and a aroma of sweet birch. Reminded me of a soda I drank as a Boy Scout called White Birch made by Tom's Candy Company. Why I remember this is beyond me. Smooth, flavorful with a medium body. No spice or pepper in the mix. Hit the right notes in the first third.

Smoking Characteristics :

The ash was light grey, very steady with an even burn. This re enforced the strong construction of the cigar.  No relights or any problems with tunneling etc. The second third continued with the profile of nuts and sweetness. Slight coffee came across at this juncture but not a big presence.


Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

I liked this cigar, was well crafted which are all good selling points. There were no "oh wow" moments meaning there is potential to get better.  Would keep a couple of in my humidor and let them age.

 

The numbers look this way:

Appearance/ Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3.8 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression : 3.8 out of 5.

Final Thoughts: Would like to try other other shapes and sizes of this line. Steve Saka knows how to make cigars. As a first blend he was a potential winner for the boutique market. I know he will develop a full line of fine cigars in time.

Keep smoking.

It's always something

I missed this cigar event held at my cigar lounge , The Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge in West Los Angeles

The featured cigar was the Montecristo Espada, a blend from the capable hands of Nestor Placencia in tandem with Altadis, a cigar giant.  
I received a free sample from the owner of the Wolf, the affable David Weiss. As always who and how I received the sample does not influence my judgment when I review a cigar. Cigar reviews are subjective so consider my viewpoint and make your own conclusion. 


Brand/ Name of Cigar:

Montecristo/ Espada
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 54
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Filler : Nicaragua
Shape: Ricasso
Price: Received the cigar gratis, check the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge for current price
Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 4/10/16

Appearance/ Construction:

The marketing boys must have had first dibs when this cigar was constructed.  3 bands surrounded the stick which effectively hid what the cigar looked like. I slightly damaged the wrapper when I removed the bands to smoke. Despite this the overall appearance had a light brown wrapper with small veins in the body. Construction was solid, well packed, no soft spots or major flaws. Not much of an oily feel .






                Flavor/ Taste and Aroma 
             
This is a smooth operator in the first third. My first hit was a blend of vanilla and grass which was why it was so smooth.  It was enjoyable enough but was hoping for more of a kick. The flavor though was consistent which is a plus.










Smoking Characteristics:

Had a bit of a burn issue in the second third as the photo shows. The draw was good with a pleasing ash of dark grey. The aroma was not a factor, neither overpowering or really evident. The final third was getting a charred taste creating a bitter flavor profile.






Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

Overall this was a disappointing smoke. The bitter taste stayed with me even after I finished the cigar. This is not what you hope for in a product especially as highly touted as the Espada.  I guess even the greats such as Nestor Placencia have an off day.
Here is the breakdown:

Appearance/ Construction: 3 out out 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 2.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 2 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 2.5 out of 5

Final Thoughts:  

Did not make my cut so this is a no go in my humidor. The price point is up there too which might also give you second thoughts if this is a factor.

                                                               
                                                                Keep smoking

What a long strange trip it's been

As we all know the best thing about cigars is meeting people from just about everywhere.  Through the years I have developed great friendships which have lasted. I can go to any part of the country, find a local B and M, sit down, light up and talk to total strangers.
One of my friends was awarded an opportunity to move to the Miami area for a new job. After ten years in LA , he realized this was in his best interest.
We congratulated him, said our good byes with cigars and know down the road he will find another group of cigar friends.  This just means we now have another place to visit when the chance comes.  Cigars were the catalyst that accomplished this. Perhaps if we all smoked cigars, the world would learn what true friendship is all about.

                                                      Stay well and keep smoking