Special Thanks to Lone Wolf Cigars

A big thank you to Dave Weiss and Lone Wolf Cigars who contributed cigars for the annual Porter Valley Country Club Charity Classic. 

Lone Wolf Cigars

Members and their scorecards. 

Good times

Raffle and silent auction smiles

Golfers who played the course had a great time smoking Lone Wolf branded cigars and all money raised went to 3 worthy charities: Los Angeles Children Hospital,  Augie's Quest for ALS and Clubcorp's own charity for employees in need. Thanks for the support.

Keep Smoking 

You get what you need

Cigar Review La Palina Cigars, El Ano 1896 Oscuro

The name of this cigar does not roll off your tongue very easily. Cigar marketing has become so elaborate trying to distinguish one brand from another.
Even within their  own brand names may become confusing. The cigar consumer may think they are smoking one cigar that someone told them about but the cigar lines become confusing.
The cigar is a new offering from La Palina Cigars. I received the smoke from Clay Roberts of La Palina Cigars. As always, how or where I received the cigar does not impact my subjective judgment
about the review. Please try it out if you like what I wrote commented about.

Cigar Specs:

Brand/Name of Cigar: La Palina / El Ano 1896 Oscuro
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua 
Size: 5 x 52, Robusto
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Oscuro
Binder: NA
Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua 
Place and Date Purchased: Gratis
When and where smoked:  Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, Los Angeles , Ca. 10/16/2016

Appearance and Construction: 

Boxed press, dark brown wrapper, and a very classy black and gold band. The cigar also had a impressive looking wrapper that covered the whole body. I almost did not want to take the printed wrapper off it was so good looking. However, my job was to report on the cigar blend, not just look at it.  It was very solid and slightly oily to the touch. No blemishes or soft spots were evident.  Well constructed with no obvious imperfections.




 Flavor/ Taste Aroma: 

There was an initial hit of chocolate/coffee combo.  A patron of the lounge commented to me the aroma of nuts was quite noticeable. The cigar was generally milder than I thought it would be. If you like classifications  it medium in scope but not at all overpowering or spicy. Nothing in the first third of the smoke would be described as, " This is unbelievable cigar.

Smoking Characteristics: 

Light grey ash which burned very cool and steady. There was no tunneling or edges that might have challenged the cigar smoker. The ash might be the most impressive point about the cigar. While this is clearly important, is it enough to make your purchase the smoke?

Cigar at the start

15 minutes into the smoke

35 minutes into the smoke.

1hour into the smoke.

Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

As I stated earlier, the cigar had great construction, burn  and ash.  As for flavor it was underwhelming with no real feel or passion. The taste was muddled with no high points. If you like a good looking but not very complex blend, this could be your baby.

Final Thoughts and Numbers:

With a brand new blend, and the threat of the FDA  causing cigar companies rushing product  into production perhaps too early, this cigar needs to sit in the humidor for a decent amount of time. Maybe in the second run, La Palina could add some spice to the mix and give it some character. 

The cigar shows some promise but right now it is  pass. 

Appearance/ Construction:  4 out of 5

Flavor/ Taste Aroma: 2 out of 5

Smoking Characteristics: 3.5 out of 5.

Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 3 out of 5

Keep Smoking

Good to the last puff

Cigar Review: El Rey Del Mundo, Choix Supreme

A good cigar will make the grade if you smoke it every day or once a month. The satisfaction it gives you will bring you back every time.
 El Rey Del Mundo is a smoke that reminds me of a friend you may not see very often but it's like old times when you do. Here are my thoughts on this smoke.  My subjective opinion as always is not based on how or where I received the cigar. If my review is interesting, please try the cigar yourself.
I purchased a five pack of these cigars at the JR cigar store in Washington D.C.

Brand /Name of Cigar: El Rey Del Mundo/ Choix Supreme
Country of Origin : Honduras
Size: 6.12 x 4.9
Wrapper: Honduras - Oscuro
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Shape: Parejo
Price: $20.50 for a 5 pack JR Cigars, Washington DC. September 23, 2016
Where and When Smoked: Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, Los Angeles, Ca. Oct 9, 2016

Appearance/Construction: 

Medium brown wrapper, solid to the touch with no soft spots. Slightly oily.  There were several veins observed but did not impact the integrity of the cigar shape. The profile of the band and color of the wrapper is a great look.



Flavor/Taste and Aroma:

The first third had a nutty/almond character with a smooth medium profile. A hint of spice but it was minor almost not noticed. It was consistent in the second and third portions of the cigar too with very little deviation throughout the smoke. This was a plus for me and I don't like cigars with highs and lows.

Smoking Characteristics:

There was a slightly uneven burn with a light grey ash. Easy draw with no hot spots. There was one relight which was easily corrected with my Xikar lighter.

Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

The cigar has a low price point but it is not a " cheap" cigar. By all accounts the El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme is a top flight product.  The balance of the blend, the construction, flavor were
                                                           positive.

By the numbers:

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


Final Thoughts: 
There are special occasion cigars, there are every day cigars. The El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme can be either.


Keep smoking 

No flash in the pan

AJ Fernandez came on like gang busters several years ago with the San Lotano brand. Similar to rock  bands who have been around for years then suddenly they are discovered as the new sensation.  When  his San Lotano Oval hit the streets you could not find it in stock just about everywhere. I was one of the cigar dudes who hunted for a Oval and when I scored some, it felt like this was the best cigar every made.
I still think it is an outstanding smoke but the allure lost a bit through the years.
Today's review is the New World line which has been in the market place since 2014. Clearly not a new cigar but a steady seller for the AJ team.  It's time to write about it and see if it the hit for me as the San Lotano Oval was.

As always, the review is not impacted on how or where I received the cigar. The review are my thoughts on this particular smoke. I suggest if what I comment about interests you, try the blend and make your own opinion.

Brand/Name of Cigar: AJ Fernandez/ New World
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Dark Nicaraguan 
Binder: Jalapa ( Nicaragua)
Filler: Viso Ometepe, Condega Ligero, Esteli-Finca Soledad Ligero
Shape: Toro 
Price: Sampler from Serious Cigars, 
Where and when smoked: Los Angeles , Ca. , 8/28/2016




Appearance and Construction: Very dark chocolate in appearance upon first glance but taking a closer look , there are some veins that are evident.  I like box press cigars which for me provide a more involved smoke.  The cigar band and lower band is a nice counterpoint that makes the wrapper look even darker.  It's a nice touch.

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: I expected a hit of chocolate and it did not disappoint as this was the prominent note in the first third. I thought it would have more of a pepper taste but did not get this. Actually it was quite creamy, and smooth. It's profile would fall something in the medium to strong category closer to medium.

Smoking Characteristics:  The burn stayed lit and held it's shape well. The cigar did not tunnel , but  did have some minor changes in the direction of the overall burn. This did not hinder the taste or enjoyment of the cigar. Ash was light grey to a darker hue in appearance. The smoking experience was solid throughout the one hour or so time frame.

Conclusion/Overall Impression: This was a very steady smoke with all the pleasantries of a good smoke. Throw in the very reasonable price point and you have a winner.  Here are the numbers.

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


Final Thoughts: The New World falls into the category of keeping  several available in  your humidor.
When you cannot find anything negative that counter indicates a smoke which strikes you favorably  , I suggest this cigar is a very good choice for just about anytime of the day.

Keep smoking

The nation's capital has cigar cool

JR cigars is a cigar juggernaut , one of the biggest retailers and catalogue venders in the United States. I was in Washington DC for a wedding and made a jaunt to the JR Store for a cigar purchase and a chance to to meet new folks.  
As DC weather can be hot and humid even in late September I was pretty beat making it to the cigar shop. I walked from my hotel which was not taxing but the humidity made it very unpleasant.
The last time I was here , the establishment did not have a cigar lounge , only a retail store. Five years later they have developed a very nice, comfortable  small lounge at the back of the store with leather chairs and couches.
You are greeted with a team of cigar friendly staff , and a large array of choices of smokes.  I had a very pleasant conversation with the staff chatting about my blog , the nature of cigar smoking in DC and took my time making a selection for my sit down. I chose a RoMA Craft Aquitaine , lit up and spoke  to several cigar buddies who I just met.
I escaped from the humidity  of the day, made two purchases of a five pack of Punch Champion and a fiver of El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme at very reasonable prices.
As  every day must move on,  said my good byes to my new cigar friends and left the store.
here are several other cigar lounges in Washington DC which I could not visit but that's ok. Gives me another reason to come back .


Rating of the Experience

Quality of product and choice: 4 out of 5
Lounge ambiance : 3.8 out of 5
Staff friendliness and knowledge of product: 4 out 5
Washington Square Building, 1730 L St NW. Washington D.C. 20036

Keep Smoking

Evil Twin?

Cigar Review: Foyle Toro Maduro

This is a cigar I could not figure out. I will explain my statement in the review.  There are cigars which almost off the bat you can get a handle.  That is, you immediately like it or not. For me even two weeks after I smoked it , the blend baffles me. Lets get to the nuts and bolts of this smoke and present my case or not.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua 
Size: 5.5 x 5.5
Wrapper: USA Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra 
Filler: Dominican/ Nicaraguan 

                                                                                   
                                                                                    Where and when smoked: Los Angeles Ca.  8/14/16  
I purchased this as part of a sampler from Cigarscity.com. I previously wrote a review about the Foyle Natural blend also purchased from Cigarscity.com. As always the review is my subjective opinion and suggest you make your own decision about any smoke but use my review as a guide. How or where I received the cigar does not impact my review.

Appearance/Construction : 

The cigar wrapper is  a very deep shade of brown, with some of the seams a bit off. Nice oily sheen to the touch and a good looking label giving it a good appearance over all.
Box pressed.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 

The smoke started out with a hot blast of spice with some hints of raisin, and nuts. It was a bit harsh to my palate but am hoping it will mellow down easy. Also in the mix was a medium coffee flavor.  My thinking is it's ok but hoping it will get better.
The second third was a nice interlude of smoothness, a pretty even burn with a cool after bite. The expectation for me is to  give me something more exciting  I can write about.
The last chapter lost it for me. The taste turned metallic, and bitter. I thought maduro cigars were designed for a smooth ride without any bumps.  It's not happening for me.
Conclusion/Overall impression:

This was a very confusing smoke. Maduro's are not a regular event for me but I expect the product to deliver a good overall experience.
Here is the kicker. Several days later I tried to robusto version of the Foyle maduro which was also part of the sampler. Sorry but it was pretty much the same result.

Final Thoughts: 

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

 Not a joyful smoke considering how much I liked the natural blend. I like to think the folks at Foyle might to rethink this blend and try to give it a tweak. It needs work.        

Keep Smoking

The Big Question/ not about the cigar

Cigar Review: Foyle Pudao

Before we start this review a few words about the impending FDA regulation changes.  The heavy hand of the FDA is about to come down hard on the cigar industry.
Much has been talked about , been written about but the real change is still open ended.  I am positive though business will be dramatically impacted.  My concern is  the newer and small boutique cigar companies will take the biggest hit. Companies such Alliance Cigars which distribute Foyle might not be around down the road. Cigar smokers must be on top of this by contacting their elected representative and let them know your thoughts. Do not stand silent and think someone will do it.  That is not going to happen.

I purchased a 4 pack sample from Cigarscity.com , an online seller.  My review as always is not impacted on where or how I received the products. It is my subjective opinion and thoughts. I suggest if what I write piques your interest , acquire the brand and make your own decision.

Where and When smoked:  Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, Los Angeles , Ca. 8/6/16
Price $21.89 , sample of four, sale price from Cigarscity.com.

Appearance and Construction:

Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Criollo Honduran
Binder: Corojo Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran
Wrapper: Natural
Shape: Straight
Size: 7 x 52

Tight feel with a dark brown wrapper which looks powerful. If appearance if any indication of a strong smoke well watch out. The proof however is in the smoking. The cigar band is clean, direct and attractive.


Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:

Started with a nutty , chocolate infusion , very smooth . Tasted some oak , touch of spice but not over the top. Aroma of chocolate was very evident.  I would describe it as medium profile , sweet but not cloying.


Smoking Characteristics:

As we smoke the ash is dark grey with a even burn, gets a little bolder with a pepper hit.  It's a nice even kick with no strange developments happening. Even in the second third the combination of chocolate and nuts are still around.  We get a slight burn issue but this evens out as the smoke continues . The cigar stays cool.




Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

The Foyle holds it's own with most cigars I have had recently.  The issues are minor , the flavor is nice, not overwhelming with too much spice. Its definitely a medium blend.

Final Thoughts:

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

I hope Foyle is around for a good long time.  I also purchased a Maduro Sampler from Cigarscity.com too. This is a good buy and suggest you catch a sampler.



Keep smoking 

Quick hitter Foyle Cigars

Just smoked a Foyle maduro belicoso at the abobe which was a good way to spend an hour and change listening to the Red Sox make a great comeback over the Angels. The short take on this smoke was a full bodied , flavor bomb with a deep chocolate profile.  Bought a four pack of the maduro and natural sampler .Will give a full review of each down the road but no reason to doubt it will be a good cigar to have it in your humidor. I purchased the cigars at Cigarscity.com.

Keep smoking

A cigar with body and soul

This is the time of the year where cigar manufacturers are releasing hundreds of new brands. The powerhouse cigar companies, the boutiques, just about anyone who has developed a new product is touting it at the annual IPCPR convention. Perhaps one day I will be invited to this bash. Until then l will be reviewing cigars on a a more modest level.

Famous cigars has sent me a five pack of their exclusive blend Oliva Baptiste Torpedo gratis. As always every cigar I review is not influenced how I receive the sample.  Thanks to Cory Grover from Famous Cigars for them. 

OLIVA BAPTISTE TORPEDO

Link: https://www.famous-smoke.com/brandgroup/oliva+cigars

Strength: Full

Shape: Torpedo

Size: 5 1/2 x 54

Country: Nicaragua

Wrapper Color: Natural

Wrapper Origin: Ecuadorian

Wrapper Leaf:  Habano

Price: $81.99 box of 20

Where smoked: Los Angeles Ca. 7/24/16

Appearance/Construction:

This is a very dark chocolate wrapper with no apparent flaws or seams.  Solid , with a semi oily feel to the product. The oval shape is impressive and striking . The presentation if you find that important is first rate, and is very well made. The label also is well thought out with a bold looking font. Oliva cigars are known for careful construction and this is no exception.

Flavor/Taste and Aroma:

Using an Xikar cutter and lighter the smoke started with a very smooth taste of rich chocolate and coffee. Medium strength. I paired the cigar with a Sam Adams Boston Lager. I wanted to try a pairing of two dark products as see if they would complement each other.

Smoking Characteristics:

The cigar had a good burn with a slightly uneven profile. I think this was due to being outside while smoking and  a mild breeze was happening. This was a minor problem which was not impacting the taste. The cigar reminded me of a rich chocolate topping of ice cream as you dig in for the first scoop.   There also was a slight sweetness which makes sense. The blend was also giving me some slight spicy hits but they were not overpowering. It just made the experience more enjoyable.


Conclusion/Overall Impression:

Exclusive blends are usually priced to sell to consumers at a reasonable price point. The danger of this is the possibility the manufacturer might cut corners to make this happen.
I can say the quality  control, the taste and feel of the cigar shows this was not the approach.  This is a bargain, cigar with a high appeal quota. Oliva and Famous collectively are producing a superior product. Do not hesitate to buy it. Depending on your humidor capacity, try a pack of 5 and start from there.

Final Thoughts:

Here are the numbers:

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

You will like this blend. Let me know what your thoughts are.

Keep smoking.

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