2 Cigars A Month: A Cigar Review Blog

Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V

2009-06-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Now here is a cigar that needs very little introduction. The Oliva Serie V from the Oliva Cigar Co. This Nicaraguan puro tastes even better than it looks. And it looks beautiful!!! Cuban seed binder grown in Esteli, Nicaragua along with long fillers and ligero fermented from the Jalapa Valley, this combination is always a hit. Just look at all the awards Oliva gets each year.

I had the pleasure of enjoying this at my friends house in Green Valley. It was a perfect night that capped off a dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Sweet fall off the bone ribs complemented with a Serie V. Yes it was a great night.

The ash was nice and white. Had it not been for the wind, I could have kept the ash for the whole time. Great construction. The wrapper was nice and chocolate brown. Mine was a little dry so I had some unraveling issues. But the perfect burn took care of the stray tobacco. It was not spicy at all. In fact, right after I smoked the cigar, there was no after taste whatsoever. A cigar should not have an after taste. Even strong ones like the Gurkha Beast, or their Triple Ligero, does not leave one. (See those reviews.) While smoking I was looking for the "kick" from the ligero. I could not find it. This was supposed to be the strongest of the Oliva line. I am a fan of the fuller bodied cigars, but I think there will always be a spoot for this guy in my humidor. Hopefully I can keep finding this 56 ring torpedo at under $10. The sweet spot did come after the first half. I could not put it down.

The one problem I had was it did not produce a lot of smoke. I know that it was a bit dry, but it never got too hot, nor did it tunnel. The draw was a bit tight, but again I think that was due to the dryness. Or perhaps it became dry, someone before me perhaps tried to rejuvenate it by over humidifying it. I don't know. I have heard that with torpedos you need to be ready to loop off most of the torpedo if the tight draw it something you can't live with. Whatever the case, the cigar was resilient. (Many other reviewers commented on the same phenomenon of the binder ripping.) Excellent cigar. Can't wait to have another.

Cigar Review: CAO Black

2009-06-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Not being a big fan of CAO, I thought I would give the brand a chance with one of it's best. I recall CAO when I first started getting into cigars. They had a cool look, nice band, and I did enjoy their Soprano Cigar. But I found that they were bought out from another company and things started to change for CAO. (I could be wrong in my estimation, but I thought they sold out.) I liked the marketing technique of packaging sets with a DVD. It is actually a pretty good DVD. Then they began selling flavored cigars and having scantly dressed women visit shops to promote it. Cano Ozinger, please stick to cigars. That is my humble opinion.

Back to the review. This Black is their trademark brand. They built their brand off this cigar, so I decided, I might as well try it...WOW. I am not a regular fan of mild-medium bodied cigars but you can really taste the quality of the cigar here. The tight ash lets the smoker know that it is well wrapped. It's very flavorful tabacco reveals the care of selecting only the best Honduran tobacco. Great cigar from start to finish. Again, little too mild for me, but it is one that I would buy again.

Cigar Review: Litto Gomez Diez

2009-06-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

This Dominican Republic puro is smooth from first light to nub. I had the pleasure of enjoying this with my friend Skeet in Monterrey. Walking down the downtown area, I stopped by my favorite cigar shop, Hellams, and then walked to the water front. The cigar only made the experience better.

This full bodied cigar is one that you need to really enjoy slowly. Litto Gomez is famous for calling his cigars a "No more Mr. Nice Guy Cigar" and this cigar lives up to that reputation. I always hear of people saying they taste licorice, chocolate, or flowers. Although I must agree with the chocolate, or cocoa, the rest I am just dumbfounded about. When I smoke a cigar, especially this one, I taste tobacco. And that is what I wanted to taste. So if you are looking for a nice tobacco flavored cigar, you will not be disappointed. If you want licorice or flowers, go to a candy store or a florist. I am sure they can help you out there. (But to completely negate my previous comment: You will notice a peppery and spicy taste at the beginning, but that will dissipate quickly. The sweet spot for the cigar came quickly and never left. Guaranteed finger burner on this one. You'll smoke it till you burn yourself.)

Enjoy the pics I found over the internet. See all that tobacco, I am salivating just looking at it.

New Tatuaje shipment...

2009-04-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

And a work conference in a Reno resort casino; great timing!!!

Cigar Review: Gurkha Sherpa

2009-04-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

$2.50 a stick. Come on! The "Rolls Royce" of cigar world, creating $500-$1000 per cigars such as His Majesty Reserve and Black Dragon, has made a cigar for less than 3 bucks!?!

Well I took the challenge. Combining Cuban seed long leaf tobbaccos from Esteli, Nicargua and the Dominican's Cibao Valley, wrapped with an oily and dark Habano wrapper from Nicaragua, this medium bodied cigar was a suprize. There was a bit of a peanut taste, and I believe the ash was a bit dark. Some reviewers noted that it "fizzles out." Stating that the flavor that was once there in the beginning leaves either after first ashing, or halfway through the smoke. I agree that in the end, you forget you are smoking anything. There is a lack of flavor and the initial smoke and peppers diminish towards the end. Personally though, I think that this cigar is appropriately priced. Well, perhaps another quarter or dime, but overall it smokes and tastes like a sub 3 dollar cigar. That being said I will try it again. At $2.50 it can't let you down that much. It is pretty after all.

Validation

2009-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when the little foot prints you leave in the sand is recognized. This moment marks the pitter patter of my feet in the sands of cigar reviews. (Don't get all excited, its really not that big of a deal to many except to me.) I featured a cigar back in August last year. It was an excellent smoke that bears the name Casa Magna. I thoroughly enjoyed this Nicaraguan puro and have been looking to get my hands on one ever since. Well if you care to visit this link

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1312377041?bclid=1078629812&bctid=6801894001 you will find that Cigar Aficionado agrees with me. They actually found it to be the 2008 cigar of the year. Funny that it took them 8 months to realize that this cigar is something to write about. Perhaps they should have read my blog, or did they... Thanks loyal readers, and fellow aficionados. It seems our pallets and opinions are not that far removed from the so-called experts.

Keep it lit my friends.

Cigar Review: Gurkha Black Dragon Imperial Presidente

2009-04-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to enjoy a stoggie with my good friend Skeeter in the AC. It was a bit cold but the BBQ and the great cigars helped warm us up. Looking at the picture a very lucky few will recognize the cigar. Although this does bear the same name, it is not the same Black Dragon that premiered at $1150 per stick, this is part of the 2007 remake. But I wish it was!!! (I don't think I have a pallet yet that could discern a $1000 quality cigar. I don't think anyone can. But if anyone wants to donate one to me, I would not mind seeing if I am wrong...)

Anyways, back to the review. This version of the Black Dragon does not boast rare tobaccos from the four corners of the world, but it does provide an excellent blend of a Nicaraguan, Pervuvian fillers, Dominican binder, and a tasty Cameroon wrapper. Much like coffee can be categorized as rich due to its strong, not powerful coffee bean taste, the Black Dragon has a rich tobacco taste. It is not peppery or spicy, but best described as creamy. It is almost as if my tongue was swimming in fresh tobacco, ripe and ready for wrapping. As you can tell from the before and after pictures, I wanted to enjoy every centimeter of this masterpiece. (The burns my fingers suffered due to smoking it down this far was well worth the pain.) I have always loved Gurkha and I always will. This creation will not disappoint. I have read other reviews for this cigar and some say that it is not worth the price. I doubt there are many things in the $12-$15 range that will be just as rich, creamy, smooth and will last an easy one and a half to to hours. If you know of one, please let me know. I'll make a blog about that.

The smoke was plentiful, the burn we even, the ash was powdery white, and the after taste was non-existent. There is only one thing that would have made this cigar better, another Black Dragon attached to the end of it. (But the Filet Mignon wrapped in bacon you see in the picture was not a bad second choice.) Thanks Mark for giving me this for my birthday. You are a friend, a gentlemen, and a great cigar aficionado. Wish you were there to enjoy it with me.

Cigar Review: Cigar International Legends Copper Label

2009-04-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've tried a few other CI Legends, namely the yellow and blue; which I hated both and did not bother to finish. But after a friend begged I try one more, I found one that was not too bad. Honestly I perhaps would not try buy it again, but I would not refuse if I recieved it for free.

This Copper label is made by Legends Drew Estate. Drew Estate has entrigued smokers with innovative blends that include infused, gourmet blended and (of course) traditional handmades. They also are known for their Acid cigars. I have only tried it once and I did not enjoy it one bit. I must admit though that this was when I first experimented with smoking and it was so long ago that I should reserve further judgement. Nicaraguan long-fillers is complemented by Dominican Piloto, then carefully influenced infused with nuances of amaretto and hazelnut. Thus an almost sugar tipped taste. An Ecuadorian wrapper completes the cigar. Creamy throughout, this beautiful handmade delivers ample flavor. One of the most thick, billowing clouds exit the foot with each puff. Medium bodied, with enjoyable hints of pepper and hazelnut.

Thanks F Lo, for the company and the root beer. It was a great way to keep cool and the sassafras mingled well with the tobacco.

Cigar Review: Tatuaje Habano VI

2009-04-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

I usually buy new cigars in pairs. That way if I like the cigar I have another one to enojy again, or one to give to a less discerning aficionado. This cigar was not the latter. I wish I had bought the whole box!

Blended by newcomer Pete Johnson and the icon Pepin Garcia, this 2003 creation was originally produced in Don Pepin's Miami factory. With the high demand of this cigar, the production of this Nicaraguan puro, (Habano seed, 1999 Corojo wrapper,) was moved to Esteli Nicaragua. This is the cigar that orginally launched Pepin into the spotlight as a master blender. There are many other lines of Tatuaje. Note this one is the Havana VI. There are Tatuaje Miami, La Riqueza, Cabaiguan, and the Tatuaje Exclusivo Verocu which Pete himself calls a Havana VI on steriods.

This cigars burn was even from first lite. A pleasingly thic smoke was consistent with the experience, and was on the medium side of the medium to full spectrum. If you find yourself enjoying this triple seem capped beauty, I am sure you will not be dissapointed. (Perhaps I should mention that Hellam's owner noted this cigar as an after dinner smoke, my tastes are a bit stronger, so I mentioned to him that this was my pre dinner appetizer. So know that about my reviews. But not to be out done, the owner says I don't know strong unless I've tried a triple maduro Camacho...I'll take the dare.)

Xikar Cherrywood Cutter

2009-04-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

I had a cutter that my wife gave me as a gift. But after coming home from Hawaii I could not find it. I've heard of people "losing" items through the baggage claim and I perhaps was a victim of it. So for a replacement I visited Amazon and found this beauty for only $40. Can't wait to use it.

Hellam's Tobacco in Monterey Ca

2009-04-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Worth the 3 hour drive!!!

Hellam's is one of the best cigar shops I've ever visited. What they lack in terms of amenities such as leather couches, and flat screen tv's, they more than make up for in friendliness, knowledge of cigars, and selections at a very reasonable price. When I went there for a weekend getaway, it was packed with aficionados that were local, (this speaks volumes for a local shop that competes with internet prices). But also in the shop were patrons as far away as the East Coast, and one lucky guy had having his very first cigar ever. After being carded, the whole staff and the crowd assisted and applauded his excellent choice of a sophisticated adult entertainment. I could easily see why this place has been in business since 1873. It is a classy, and excellent place to frequent whenever you are in Monterey, Ca. You will not be dissapointed.

Spring has sprung and so has the lid on my humidor

2009-03-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well after some winter hibernation, Spring beckons with nicer weather and new segars to try out. I can't say the winter months have been good for my habit, but I did manage to bare the elements and enjoy a couple of old favorites. {With the weather being as bad as it was, it was not time to be adventurous. If I was going to risk hypothermia, I needed to make sure I did it with some tried and true smokes. So Nubs, Rockey Patels, Cohibas, and some Cuban ones as well. Don't worry, I have dual citizenship so I am free to enjoy cuban delights.) However, I did manage to sneak away to better weather in the islands. Below are some pics of notable smokes.
I also am trying to discover how to pair cigars with spirits. Comment if you have suggestions. In Hawaii, I tried a local Hawaiian cigar, it is grown in Kauai, but fermented and wrapped in Nicaragua. I could not say the smoke was great...okay it was absolutely terrible. Plus the price tag of 20 bucks for a corona size. No aloha with that!
But my best discovery is the 5 Vegas series 5 Miama Knuckle. Wow!!! In the cold you want a short smoke so that you and your cigar does not become an popcicle. These Knuckles are the best. A Nicaraguan gem. It is a puro from the same country (wrapper, filler, ligero, etc.). 4.5 inches, 60 ring guage, and smokes for about an hour, 45 minutes for me. It begins with a powerful kick that most beginners cannot bounce back from, but once you get over the pepper and spice beginning, the rest of the cigar rewards the few brave enough to stick it out. I must say this cigar is turning out to be one of my all time favorites. Try it and let me know.

Thousand Apologies

2008-12-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Fellow Aficionado, I must ask your forgiveness for not posting reviews. Let me put your fears aside and say that my wife did not win, I still have my 2 a month ration. There was a moment there though that I feared all would be lost. But persistence prevailed!!!

Look back soon as I will review, the Knuckle, a Triple Ligero, a shorty, AVO, and other ones that I have had the pleasure of enjoying. I have a two week vacation coming up so I plan on making up for lost smoke.

Hit up my comments section to further encourage me. Thanks everyone.

Keep it lit!

Cigar Review: Graycliff Professionale and Casa Magna

2008-08-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing opportunity to vacation in a multi-million dollar vacation home at Sea Ranch. As you can see from this picture I was able to get some great fishing too. Well there is only one thing on my mind to complement a vacation and fishing...a great cigar. Unfortunately one of the two was not. (Can you spot me on the cliff?)

This a medium-bodied cigar with a unique blend of Brazilian, Dominican, and Nicaraguan filler. Interestingly enough this cigar is the creation of
resort owner Enrico Garzaroli and cigar legend Avelino Lara who is credited with founding the Cuban Cohiba that I just smoked a couple nights ago. Enrico opened the Caribbean’s very first 5 star restaurant and is considered by many to have the most discriminating palate in the world. Enrico’s expertise in blending and Avelino’s knowledge of tobacco, makes the pair unmatched in making the worlds finest cigars. Unfortunately I do not agree. As I do with any cigar that I do not like, I stop and do not force myself to take anymore. I believe cigar smoking to be a pleasurable experience and when it is not, I stop. Too bad, another dud.

The next cigar was not a dud at all. It was enjoyed while I caught my first fish ever. Casa Magna is a new cigar from the creative minds of Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plasencia. It is a Nicaraguan puro. The surprising aspect of this cigar is its taste, which has a unique, clean sweetness. Let me try to explain. There’s a hint of caramel, and the smoke is perfect. The draw was a bit tough though, but from reading reviews they all come like that. It did not hinder the flavor, just the enjoyment a bit. Although it did help in the sense that I did not run through the cigar as I usually do.

The one that I smoked was a 6-inch by 56-ring Gran Toro beast. It had a smooth, oily, medium brown wrapper with minimal veining. The initial taste was indeed rich and smooth, with a moderate lingering sweetness. Hitting the sweet spot, the caramel-like notes enhanced into a richer, toffee-type of taste. The salt/pepper ash held well, requiring little attention. Manuel Quesada has delivered a rich, full-flavored cigar that should be very competitive with the Nicaraguan puros market. Coming from the famous Esteli factory, it does not disappoint.

Cigar Review: Cohiba Churchill (Cuban)

2008-08-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse, I was treated to a cigar that rivaled the all you can eat top sirloin, filet mignon, skirt steak, parmesean pork loins, (should I go on?) The cigar was better than all that. So of course you knew it had to be cuban.

This cigar boasted the signature peppery taste, amooth flavor of tobacco, even draw, and excellent construction. Not much else can be said about this superb specimen. Great cigar, great dinner, great company. Thanks everyone for sharing that night with us. We should do it again.

Cigar Review: Camacho Corojo

2008-08-27T21:26:00.001-07:00

Not being able to go to Hawaii this summer, I decided to have Hawaii come to me. Well, not really, but putting a hold on my two-a-month limit has been a very good consolation prize. I have always wanted to try a Camacho after reading reviews. Now, either I am really a lighter weight than I thought when it comes to cigars, or I just didn't appreciate the blend.

With a smirk on my face I read that the Camacho Corojo is one of the strongest cigars in the world. It has a blend of rich tobaccos grown in Honduras from a rare seed smuggled out of Cuba after the embargo. Now I have tried Litto Gomez's Double Ligero, Ghurkas Beast, and Rockey Patels Sun Grown cigars. These are particularly strong, yet perfectly balanced. I did not find Camacho to be like this. I would be a sport and say I will give this cigar another try in the future, but as July comes to a close, the 2 cigar limit will be back into effect. Therefore I aqcuiese to trying this particular cigar anymore. Sorry Eiroa family, I may be missing out, I may be too light weight, or I may be a good judge of a cigar. I guess I will never know.

Cigar Review: Nub Cameroon

2008-07-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

I RETRACT I RETRACT. Full apologise to Sam Leccia and the Oliva family. I guess this month has been full of mistakes on my part. I was very hesitant to try this cigar. I once foolishly called it a publicity stunt, a ploy. Saying that only the gullible would part money with this joke. I WAS WRONG. I AM THE GULLIBLE FOOL THAT WILL PART WITH MONEY AGAIN FOR THIS CIGAR.

Now it is not a cuban, or Davidoff, but the "sweet spot" theory is true!!! From the moment that I lit this Nicaraguan delight, wrapped in a complimenting cameroon wrapper, it was sweet. Now the end was not sweet and I must say that with purchasing a torpedo is a waste as when you get to the end of the cigar you run out of room to hold it. (A problem easily fixed with purchasing the robusto size the next day.)

This cigar was excellently made. Even burn, great construction, and wonderful draw. That enormus ring size helped keep the temperature down but more notably, the flavor of the tobacco was mouth watering. This cigar is a must try, and a new favorite. One word of caution for quick smokers like me, TAKE YOUR TIME. Although it boasts that it will burn just as long as a regular stick, you will quickly start smelling your fingers burning as you are ending your experience with this wonderful creation. Great cigar!!!

Cigar Review: Davidoff Aniversario No. 3

2008-07-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Now this is a cigar that I do not frequent too often, but I was a proud recipient of this specimen from co-workers that gave it to me as a gift for the hard work I had given throughout the year. It was a real treat to see that my hard work was recognized, but more importantly, recognized with a fine cigar.

Any day of the weak I will compare a Davidoff to a Cuban. It is the first cigar I ever smoked and the owner of the store was right. I walked in never having the pleasure of a cigar before and I asked the owner, give me a cigar that will make me hooked. We walked out of the humidor, he directed me to a special cabinet where only Davidoffs are kept and he grabbed a $30 stick. I thought for sure he just wanted to make a sale, I mean, what could the difference be with a product going up in smoke? Needless to say, after a few more cigars, a blog, and my wife putting a limit to my new hobby, I was hooked.

This Davidoff Aniversario No. 3 like all Davidoffs are just superbly made. No flaws, no inconsistent burns. The draw is always smooth and easy. But the flavor/smell/taste/even feel before lighting, is just as pleasing till you start burning your fingers at the end. I don't know what it is but Davidoffs always give a little buzz towards the middle that you have to fight a bit. Not a bad thing, but don't try to drive while enhoying one of these beauties. You get a little light headed and just brace yourself to continue because it is so good. This Dominican treat is always a good stand by, if you can call a 15-20 dollar minimum cigar a stand by. Oh in the picture you can see a twin bed in the reflection. I was in a UCLA dorm room when I took the pic. Glad to know that our fine college insitutions are smoke friendly at 1am in the morning.

Cigar Review: Cusano Corojo 1997

2008-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

My family and a couple friends (30) to be exact went to Mendocino County to do a little camping. It was great. There is no better way to get away from work than to go to a place that has no cell phone coverage. Plus we escaped 100+ degree weather by going to Mendocino that boasted 76 degrees at the warmest part of the day. Well, there was one thing that made it better. The Cusano Corojo 1997. This full-bodied cigar features a nearly 10 year old Corojo wrapper and is one of the best values in cigars.

I have been a little hesitant to try this cigar bacause of its cheesy design and $5.00 price tag. But after scoring a 91 from Cigar Insider I thought I would give it a try. My buddy and I went into town to check email and sit on the cliffs overlooking the pacific. IT WAS GREAT. Oh the views were good too.

This cigar made its debut in 2004. A dark and smooth blend of wrapper, binder and filler makes this cigar a must try. Cuban seed grown in Ecuador, a Sumatra binder, and Dominican fillers. I also had bias before trying this cigar. I originally thought have so many different tobaccos was due to the maker not having enough or just putting any available/on sale tobacco together. Boy was I wrong. The Cusano Corojo is dark, yet smooth and spicy with a full-body and robust flavor. It has a wet and somewhat sweet finish. Superb Mr. Mike Cusano, superb!

Cigar Review: Oliva Serie O Maduro Perfecto and La Aroma de Cuba Churchill

2008-07-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

Cigar.com calls this Nicaraguan puro the finest maduro on the market. I must agree. I had this to celebrate as today is officially the beginning of my summer vacation.

This perfecto was wrapped in a maduro wrapper, a process that ages and extends the fermentation process, so a natural sweetness is drawn out of the tobacco leaf. I could taste caramel notes. This blended with medium fillers, makes this cigar a sweet complement to the filet minon wrapped in bacon and a cup of 100% pure kona coffee. It was a great night. The perfecto shape is a personal favorite. Due to the complexity of wrapping this style, it of course comes with a heftier price tag. But at $5.75, it was worth every penny. I most note that this size and shape is unique to Cigar.com, so if you want one you'll have to order from them. But as everyone who reads this blog knows, they are my first choice to buy cigars. Cheap, high quality, quick and friendly service, plus a SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!!! I never had to use the guarantee, and I hope to never use it, but my friend did and they not only gave him a replacement, but more cigars to boot. Cigar.com, you guys rock!

My friend came over and I offered him a La Aroma de Cuba, churchill. He loved it. La Aroma is a rejuvenated brand from Ashton. They take Cuban seeds and replant them in Honduras. It once received a 93 from cigar aficionado. (In case you are wondering, I did smoke this cigar till my fingers burned.)

Cigar Review: Gurkha Crest

2008-06-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

My friends that know me knows that I love my cigars with a kick. Smoothness is always a factor and so is the after taste the next day. Call me a light weight, novice, or what have you, but I do not want to experience my cigar in the morning when I wake up from bed. Gurkha has never failed me, and after a night in Bodega Bay, Gurkha are still batting a 100.

I was a bit leary though. I have been on a Cuban cigar fix so I knew that my next cigar had to be one of my all time favorites. It is like doing karaoke after Michael Buble, the next singer better be good or everyone will notice. Well this Gurkha was not bad as I said. It was a bit on the lighter side though (typical of a Connecticut wrapper). What was not typical was the binder and filler both came from Nicaragua (these regions typically produce stronger, yet blanaced cigars). I would have to say this was a bit unbalanced as it was too light for me. Good nonetheless. However, my particular stick was a bit dry and therefore it burned very unevenly. I actually had to sell my humidor so I have placing a couple smokes in bags. I guess having the Spanish Cedar really helps to give that flavor. I have a couple travel and small humis. I could just use those so I don't damage them before I get a new one. I am picky about my humidors so I am taking my time. The "bad" part is that I have to smoke all of my old stash soon and buy more when I get a new humi. (What a hard life I live...) Enjoy, and if you think that I am off on this commentary, please let me know. I wouldn't mind buying another Gurkha, the Rolls Royce of Cigars.

Cigar Review: Romeo and Julietta Habano Limited Edition

2008-06-18T09:52:00.001-07:00

Last night was a good night. Barbecued ribeye steaks and asparagus. Garden salad with seseme seed oil dressing. Strawberry pound cake, and champagne. Topped off with a fine Cuban pinar. The only thing that could have made the night better was my Lakers to win and push a game seven! My hat goes off to the Celtics. They were the better team. Danny Ainge pulled off a late in the season miracle with acquiring KG and Allen. That alone brought 32 years of experience to a team that won less than 30 games last season. Plus getting PJ Brown, Cassell, and Posey, that added another 30 years of experience. Don't get me wrong, they won very convincingly. They wanted it more. But with a team stacked like that no wonder they had the best record and beat the "new" Lakers. Kobe, although he is somewhat of a veteran, is only 29. Pao, 27, and everyone else is younger than them. Including a big piece that we went without for the post season, Andrew Bynum. So Laker fans all over the world, rest at ease. We did win! We gain experience and we have youth on our side. Our Laker Dynasty will be revived once again. Plus, aren't we Western Conference Champs!?! Hold your head up, it was a great season. Even better next year!

Ok, sorry. Back to more important things. This cigar of course was cuban so all the cuban characteristics were there. Triple seemed cap, excellent construction, intoxicating smell, and just a hint of cuban spice balanced with a smooth draw and finish. Unfortunately the cigar was a bit wet. My friend is still getting used to properly aging and storing a cigar. Due to the high moisture it was hard to keep the stick lit, and the draw could have been more easier. It was no fault of the cigar though, so I am sure the rest of the beauties are just waiting to be ripened perfectly. The ash was very dark, and there was a bit of tunneling. But the taste was great, and the flavor it left on the pallet was spicy smooth. The after taste the next day, even right after was very minimal too. Had we waited to smoke these beauties it would have been up there on my favorite list. But with steaks, champagne, a game, and beautiful wives, we had to cap it off with a cuban.

A Special Thanks to our Soldiers

2008-06-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

A soldier from Iraq just commented on my blog and I wanted to let him and everyone that is fighting for the freedom that we are enjoying know that I appreciate you and the risk you are taking for this great country. From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of my family, my wife, and children, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY, WE THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM!

Cigar Review: Cohiba Limited Edition Habano

2008-06-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am really not a band wangon smoker. I tried for years to stay away from Cohiba for that reason. Ask any newbie smoker and they will just name the first cigar brand that comes to mind...Cohiba. That and since Cohibas are the most imitated cigar, led to me stay away from this brand. Until...My good friend and fellow cigar aficionado just came back from Jamaica. He recounted his visit to an Indian owned cigar shop. As he walked through and was smellign and pinching the cigars the owner came up to him and said these are for real. Then he did the unbelieveable. He reached into a box, took a cigar, cut it and lit it and said, "Here you go, I stand by my products." Not being a sucker for free99, my friend proceeded to smoke the Cuban Churchill, Romeo and Julietta in 10 minutes. He said it was the smoothest cigar that he ever had in his life. My all time favortie was the same brand, and size from Cuba. See an earlier posting for that. So I had to come over and see for myself.

My friend was kind enough to give me a Cohiba, Limited Edition, Cuban! It was hands down the BEST CIGAR I HAD IN MY LIFE!!! If I could cuss I would, it was so great! The draw was perfect from this double corona size. This pinar was Cuban built so you expected that. I did taste it in my mouth for a bit before lighting and it was a dream. If I could I would have just chewed on it like it was gum. The really incredible thing was that after I lit it, it was just as smooth. I could not tell the difference in taste, heat, or flavor. Usually when you lite a cigar, the flavor changes a bit to when it is not lit. Not this Cuban master piece. The smoke was nice and white and the ash would not fall off. It was so smooth and creamy that I really took my time for the first time. Here is my analogy, you know you are experiencing a great meal when half way through the meal you are already thinking about the next day when you can eat this dish again. I was like this with this cigar!!! From the moment I lit it I was already thinking about the next time. Fortunately that next time is TOMORROW! I will let you know how that goes.I smoked it till my fingers got burned.

2nd Largest Cigar Store in the US

2008-06-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

I recently came back from Oregon, home of the largest humidor in the western states and 2nd largest in the whole nation...With that introdution let me just say that it was a disappointment. I mean the selection was top notch but the prices were terrible. All very over priced. It was an experience, that I chose not to have because there are great places like cigar.com that also has a great selection and they are cheaper. Plus they deliever to your door. It sounds like a no brainer.