Well, recently, I've had the privilege to obtain and smoke some great cigars. I have to be honest, like many who enjoy cigars, I've been enamored with what Drew Estate is putting out. Their cigars continue to amaze me, and I'm really pleased to have been introduced to them. Following are a few of my favorites:
Acid Hawg - This cigar really rocks. I remember the first one that I enjoyed was from a local B&M (if you could call it that), and when I smoked it, I was like, "Damn, did they get their incense mixed up with their sticks?!" So, I did a bit of research and found that the DE Acid line is infused. What was really great about this stick is that it didn't leave that lingering strong cigar smell, and it has a great after taste.
Liga Privada No. 9 - As you can tell from my review, I love this stick. It hits a home run every time I smoke it. I think what I like most about it, is that it really personifies the personality of Steve Saka. It's a medium to strong stick, has a great meat and potatoes flavor to it, and it's perfectly rolled.
Liga Undercrown - You just have to try this cigar. It has a lot of the same flavor characteristics as the No. 9, but the changes give it its own uniqueness. I don't think it's quite as strong in its flavor profile as the No. 9, but if you're looking for something that's a bit less in price, get the Undercrown.
Flying Pig - Straight up strong. It's a great smoke, and I enjoy the size. The RG is about 60, I think, but it's a fairly stout stogie. Has a lot of the same flavors as the No.9, but more intense, and the nic hit is a bit stronger.
Dirty Rat - Another great DE cigar. Nice shorter smoke for when you don't have a ton of time. Great burn, and a lot of flavor.
Arturo Fuente Short Story Maduro - In my mind, these are one of the best short smokes for maduro lovers. These things take about 45-minutes to an hour to enjoy, they pack solid ash, and great flavors. Just try one, I guarantee you'll nub it.
Carlos Toraño Signature Series Torp - This one's a gem. If you enjoy smoked meats, this cigar will keep you trippin'. I've shared these with friends and they absolutely love them. Order a box and leave them in your humi for a few months. They only get better over time.
Carlos Torño 1959 Exodus Silver - Need a mild smoke? This one's it. 'Nuff said. The blend is great. Beautiful flavor, easy on the palate.
Acid Opulence - I can't say enough about the DE cigars. The opulence has a perfect mild blend and a great infusion of some very middle-east style flavors. The best part is that they don't overwhelm you. These guys really have infused cigars down to a science.
Ron Stacy Signature Series Corona by Sultan Cigars - I'm looking forward to a box of these. They're a great short smoke, but they pack huge flavor into the corona size. I was fortunate enough to do a review on these prior to release, and except for some burn issues that I had (based on improper humidity), this smoke is amazing. Smoked meat all the way, and just a bit of twang. And for those who know about twang, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I have an RS Sig Edmundo that I've been waiting to torch for a special occasion. Looking forward to it, but regretting it at the same time because it's the last one that I have. Good thing I know Ron, personally.
That's about it for the sticks that have really been memorable lately. I've been having a lot of fun doing some cigar art. If you like man-cave stuff, check it out. It features naked women and cigars. Can't go wrong, right? I've also been opening up my Facebook to cigar vendors, and owners lately. I absolutely love the posts by Jonathan Drew. The guy is hilarious, but one thing I've found... he knows cigars in a big way. Don't let his fun-loving persona fool you, the guy is sharp as a tack. Also was contacted (by phone) by Carlos Fuente about a piece of artwork that featured the Opus X Forbidden City. I have to admit, listening to that message was a huge thrill. The guy has done more for cigars than almost anyone in the past century (aside from J. Drew). It was such a privilege to get that message. I'll post more about this in a dedicated post once some things are finalized.
Anyway, that's all for now.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
An Interview with Paul Bush, Owner of Flatbed Cigar Company
I was really pleased to be introduced to the Panacea line of cigars by some BOTLs from one of the forum sites that I frequent. What intrigued me about this particular line of cigars is that they are located in Bucks County Pennsylvania. As many of you may know, Pennsylvania was once a hot bed for cigar production. In fact, the term "Stogie" was coined as an abbreviation of the word Conestoga, which is a town near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but is also the name given to the wagons that originated in this area. Many of the drivers of these wagons were given or were able to purchase relatively inexpensive cigars. Eventually, the term "stogie" came to represent these cigars.
But you didn't come here for a history lesson, did you? Well, too bad... okay, seriously, though, there is a method to my madness. Paul Bush, the owner of Flatbed Cigar Company, is a huge proponent of keeping things simple, old-school, and bringing back the storied history of a state that once produced more cigars than Cuba.
The great thing about Paul is that he's a very down-to-earth and accessible fellow. After being introduced to the Panacea line, I e-mailed him and asked if he would be interested in answering some interview questions. He said he'd be happy to, and within a few days, I had sent him questions and he had answered them. So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you all to Paul Bush, owner of the Flatbed Cigar Company.
Puffs and Pints: I noticed in a previous interview that you mentioned the CAO MX2 as one of your favorite cigars. What is it that draws you to a particular cigar if it’s not your own blend?
Paul Bush: With this cigar I had just met with Cano and was interested in trying all their cigars. However, many cigars I just simply pick up off the shelf and try. Some are recommended, others are tucked in the corner of a shop looking lonely. I don't have a methodology to "trying". I do look for unknowns and new, but also will try the "mainstream" cigars. Cigars are fun. That should always be front and foremast in the minds of manufacturers and retailers. Cigar are celebratory; graduation, births, promotions, victories, etc. So, in my opinion the deep science that is sometimes applied is OK, but needs to remain light. The CAO MX2 was simply one that I was exposed to, smoked, and really liked.
P&P: In today’s economy and with the negativity that surrounds tobacco products (specifically the new warnings on cigarette packages) and the possibility of the FDA trying to control your product at an even higher level, what prompted you to start up the Flatbed Cigar Company?
PB: I grew up on a farm in New England. The son of two immigrants I learned to do with little, maintain what you had, and fix what was broken. Education was also a big focus in my family. It's the "perfect storm" , if you will, for entrepreneurs. I worked in corporate America for 17 years before starting Flatbed Cigar Company. There certainly were less regulated industries to get involved with, but this is the one that felt right to me. There is farming, retail, wholesale, marketing, advertising, etc. Everything that I have been exposed to since my days in Massachusetts. The agricultural aspect is what most appealed to me. We will just have to see what lies ahead w/r/t all the possible regulation.
P&P: Okay, this next one is a long one, I apologize for that, but I think it’s important to a lot of cigar smokers, today.
Puffs and Pints: I noticed in a previous interview that you mentioned the CAO MX2 as one of your favorite cigars. What is it that draws you to a particular cigar if it’s not your own blend?
Paul Bush: With this cigar I had just met with Cano and was interested in trying all their cigars. However, many cigars I just simply pick up off the shelf and try. Some are recommended, others are tucked in the corner of a shop looking lonely. I don't have a methodology to "trying". I do look for unknowns and new, but also will try the "mainstream" cigars. Cigars are fun. That should always be front and foremast in the minds of manufacturers and retailers. Cigar are celebratory; graduation, births, promotions, victories, etc. So, in my opinion the deep science that is sometimes applied is OK, but needs to remain light. The CAO MX2 was simply one that I was exposed to, smoked, and really liked.
P&P: In today’s economy and with the negativity that surrounds tobacco products (specifically the new warnings on cigarette packages) and the possibility of the FDA trying to control your product at an even higher level, what prompted you to start up the Flatbed Cigar Company?
PB: I grew up on a farm in New England. The son of two immigrants I learned to do with little, maintain what you had, and fix what was broken. Education was also a big focus in my family. It's the "perfect storm" , if you will, for entrepreneurs. I worked in corporate America for 17 years before starting Flatbed Cigar Company. There certainly were less regulated industries to get involved with, but this is the one that felt right to me. There is farming, retail, wholesale, marketing, advertising, etc. Everything that I have been exposed to since my days in Massachusetts. The agricultural aspect is what most appealed to me. We will just have to see what lies ahead w/r/t all the possible regulation.
P&P: Okay, this next one is a long one, I apologize for that, but I think it’s important to a lot of cigar smokers, today.
Many “informational” Web sites try to equate cigars with cigarettes and point at the danger inherent to smoking. As a cigar smoker myself, I know the differences between what goes into a cigarette vs. what goes into a cigar, especially regarding the chemicals used not only to enhance tobacco growth, but also in the actual processing and manipulation of the product. Flatbed Cigar Co. espouses taking the “old school” approach to growing tobacco. From an agricultural standpoint, what does “old school” mean to you and for your product? Specifically, are you taking a more organic approach to growing tobacco?
PB: We are not strategically approaching our processes as organic. We simply manufacture our cigars the way others have done for many decades...what I call "old school". That means we are not manipulating the leaf in any way...no coloring, flavoring, etc. We simply; plant, pick, nurture, and roll!
P&P: One of your releases is the Panacea Black 760 in natural or maduro wrapper. I’m incredibly happy about this because I love the larger ring gauge and longer length in a maduro wrapper. A lot of companies are releasing these types of sticks, and one that comes to mind is Drew Estate’s “My Uzi Weighs a Ton.” For cigar smokers that might compare these two cigars, what is it that sets the 760 apart from other blends in sticks of this size?
PB: I have not smoked the enthusiast so I can't comment on that blend. What I can say about our large ring gauge cigars is they are not grenades...meaning even the novice cigar enthusiast can enjoy them. Our Panacea Grande line is comprised of all large cigars, where our Panacea Classic line is all, well....classic sizes. However, because they are large in size does not mean they are unbalanced, over-powering blends. In fact, they are the same blends as our classic line. The larger ring gauge simply allows for more filler ignition so the shapes will smoke differently from the sister cigars in the Classic line.
P&P: In your mind, what is it that makes a cigar great?
PB: Oh, there are many things. Age, soil, sun, rain, the wood in the barn, wind, rollers, tools, temperature....the list goes on. However, at the end of the list it all comes down to "balance". When all is done you have a bunch of leaf in front of you....the sun is down, the tractor is off, and time has passed. Now you have to make something great out of what is there in your lap. So get to blending something that is great from start to finish. What and how you place the leaf means a lot. Balance.
P&P: What was your first great smoke and what is it about the smoke that you feel made it great?
PB: A Phillies Tip! It was great because I was about 10 or 11, and my buddy and I thought we were now cool like our Dads.
P&P: What is your all-time favorite cigar?
PB: My Red label Habano is my favorite cigar. I enjoy it in the Perfecto shape. To me, it is perfectly balanced. Nice creamy, full smoke, a little bit of spice, molasses...just a great blend.
P&P: If you would, tell us a bit about the process you go through to come up with blends and what it is that makes a great blend.
PB:This is very subjective. We all have very different taste buds/pallets. However, I think we do all share some common buds....if you will. I like to start out with a leaf that I think is "down the middle", or "middle of the road". Then layer in the leaf you know will add the distinctive characteristics. All of our cigars share a "jumping off point" but they land in very different places.
P&P: Final question, but before that, thanks very much for taking the time to do this interview. I have no doubt that there will be a lot of readers from Puff.com who will be interested in seeing what you have to say and purchasing your cigars. Are there any things in the hopper that you have planned that you can tell us about? Perhaps even an exclusive look at what’s coming down the pike for the Flatbed Cigar Company?
PB: Thank you for the opportunity, and I hope your readers find something of value in my responses.
I can share some news with you. I have a new blend coming out later this year....Panacea Blue. A Cameroon with a blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Pennsylvania! I slipped a few out over the last year to customers and the feedback was great. So, we put it into production. As with all our releases, we do a limited number and then ramp up as we see necessary. Blue will first be out in Grande form, then later in our Classic line.
Thanks again.
Paul
Mellow on ahead.......
PB: We are not strategically approaching our processes as organic. We simply manufacture our cigars the way others have done for many decades...what I call "old school". That means we are not manipulating the leaf in any way...no coloring, flavoring, etc. We simply; plant, pick, nurture, and roll!
P&P: One of your releases is the Panacea Black 760 in natural or maduro wrapper. I’m incredibly happy about this because I love the larger ring gauge and longer length in a maduro wrapper. A lot of companies are releasing these types of sticks, and one that comes to mind is Drew Estate’s “My Uzi Weighs a Ton.” For cigar smokers that might compare these two cigars, what is it that sets the 760 apart from other blends in sticks of this size?
PB: I have not smoked the enthusiast so I can't comment on that blend. What I can say about our large ring gauge cigars is they are not grenades...meaning even the novice cigar enthusiast can enjoy them. Our Panacea Grande line is comprised of all large cigars, where our Panacea Classic line is all, well....classic sizes. However, because they are large in size does not mean they are unbalanced, over-powering blends. In fact, they are the same blends as our classic line. The larger ring gauge simply allows for more filler ignition so the shapes will smoke differently from the sister cigars in the Classic line.
P&P: In your mind, what is it that makes a cigar great?
PB: Oh, there are many things. Age, soil, sun, rain, the wood in the barn, wind, rollers, tools, temperature....the list goes on. However, at the end of the list it all comes down to "balance". When all is done you have a bunch of leaf in front of you....the sun is down, the tractor is off, and time has passed. Now you have to make something great out of what is there in your lap. So get to blending something that is great from start to finish. What and how you place the leaf means a lot. Balance.
P&P: What was your first great smoke and what is it about the smoke that you feel made it great?
PB: A Phillies Tip! It was great because I was about 10 or 11, and my buddy and I thought we were now cool like our Dads.
P&P: What is your all-time favorite cigar?
PB: My Red label Habano is my favorite cigar. I enjoy it in the Perfecto shape. To me, it is perfectly balanced. Nice creamy, full smoke, a little bit of spice, molasses...just a great blend.
P&P: If you would, tell us a bit about the process you go through to come up with blends and what it is that makes a great blend.
PB:This is very subjective. We all have very different taste buds/pallets. However, I think we do all share some common buds....if you will. I like to start out with a leaf that I think is "down the middle", or "middle of the road". Then layer in the leaf you know will add the distinctive characteristics. All of our cigars share a "jumping off point" but they land in very different places.
P&P: Final question, but before that, thanks very much for taking the time to do this interview. I have no doubt that there will be a lot of readers from Puff.com who will be interested in seeing what you have to say and purchasing your cigars. Are there any things in the hopper that you have planned that you can tell us about? Perhaps even an exclusive look at what’s coming down the pike for the Flatbed Cigar Company?
PB: Thank you for the opportunity, and I hope your readers find something of value in my responses.
I can share some news with you. I have a new blend coming out later this year....Panacea Blue. A Cameroon with a blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Pennsylvania! I slipped a few out over the last year to customers and the feedback was great. So, we put it into production. As with all our releases, we do a limited number and then ramp up as we see necessary. Blue will first be out in Grande form, then later in our Classic line.
Thanks again.
Paul
Mellow on ahead.......
There you have it ladies and gents. Paul is a class act and I want to thank him not only for this interview opportunity, but for also sending me some great smokes to review for this blog.
That's all for now.
That's all for now.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Drew Estate - Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto Oscuro 127mm x 54
Every once in a while, you come across a product that turns your head and lives in a world beyond the hype. Products like the Barlow pocket knife, Harley Davidson motorcycles, or Remington firearms. These items are produced with care and craftsmanship, and you rarely find disappointment with consumers who purchase them. For me, Drew Estate has achieved this with its Liga Privada No. 9 line.
Now, before anyone goes off thinking that I've been paid off by DE or that I receive free cigars from them, I want to put out a disclaimer: The only free items I've received from DE are a cap and a guillotine cutter. The Liga that I'm reviewing in this article was purchased at Outlaw Smokes in Kansas City, and my review of it is based on smoking it from foot to nub. Before reading further, I'm going to just let the cat out of the bag and state that it's a good review and if you can purchase these cigars, do so, without hesitation.
For those of you who are still with me, let's just dive into the review.
Cigar Facts (taken directly from the DE Web site):
Capa: Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks
Capote: Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Tripa: Select Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Strength: Medium - Full
Size: 127mm x 54 (5 x 54) (Some sites list the Robusto Oscuro at 5 x 52)
Price: $10/stick
Paired With: Sweet Tea
Appearance and Construction:
This cigar is exquisitely constructed. Overall, it's tightly rolled, no soft spots and has a firmness to it that gives it a very solid feel when rolled between thumb and forefinger. The maduro wrapper has beautiful, consistent color from foot to head, light veins along the length of the body and even seams that are camouflaged nicely. This is truly a masterfully rolled cigar. A bit of research on the DE site digs up the interesting little factoid that there are only four rollers allowed to roll this cigar and that they are only allowed to produce 250 of these sticks per day. In my opinion, if this is what it takes, then keep doing it the way you're doing it. Another fact about this cigar that you'll find on nearly every site that sells them, is that the Liga Privada No.9 line was created exclusively for DE President Steve Saka and that the blend is created from tobacco from seven different farms. We're fortunate that Steve is a generous man, because if it had been me, the Liga Privada No. 9 would never have been released for the cigar smoking masses. Yes, folks, it is THAT good.
Pre-light:
The aroma of the tobacco is earthy with a hint of spice. The cold draw is medium to tight and the flavors of tobacco, earth, and sweet spice are prevalent.
Smoking Characteristics:
Light up is at 10:39am. I'm finding the initial draw to be medium to tight and I'm concerned about this because I truly want to experience all that this cigar has to offer. My hope is that as it warms up, the draw will loosen up a bit. The initial flavor profile on the first couple of draws are leather, earth, light spice, a hint of pepper and toasted oak barrel flavor. Between draws, there's a nice continuous wisp of smoke from the foot. Each puff creates copious amounts of aromatic smoke. A retrohale helps intensify the pepper flavor, but it's not overwhelming. Each draw also seems to enhance the earth, tobacco, and toasted oak barrel.
Halfway through the first third there is a subtle peanut flavor that develops over the rest of the flavors, which have settled into leather, toasted oak barrel, light pepper, and earthiness. I'm very excited to take each puff, but I don't want to overdo it. At this point, it's very tempting to just sit and smoke this cigar straight through without resting between draws. There is absolutely zero harshness and the smoke aroma is beyond belief. The nut flavor that I earlier tasted is being complemented by light sesame and these two flavors are blending incredibly well with the other flavors. I'm also detecting hints of cocoa. The draw has loosened up to just under medium and I can't find anything to say about this cigar that isn't good. Even the burn is perfectly even with a dense white ash that has a slight flakiness to it.
As I finish the first third, the peanut, sesame, and oak are developing nicely. I honestly believe that I could smoke this cigar in the house and no one would complain. It's "cigar aromatic" in a very good way. Not the harsh yuck smell you might generally associate with latent cigar smoke. There's a nice oiliness from the wrapper on my lips that is adding a textural dimension to this smoke. This cigar is an example of a blender who understands exactly what he or she is doing and who treats the cigar like a meal prepared by a five-star chef. The flavors meld perfectly, and I could smoke this cigar all day. As I begin the second third of this stick, I'm noticing cedar in the retrohale.
At this point, I'm completely sold on this cigar. I firmly believe that the Liga Privada No. 9 should be a standard by which other blends are measured.If I could be a cigar, I would want to be an LP9. If Willy Wonka were to make "The Never Ending Cigar", I'd want it to be an LP9. Can I make it any more clear that this cigar is nothing short of amazing?
11:15 - The subtle peppery notes are back. I'm at the halfway point and butter cream has joined the flavor mix. Pepper really begins making a comeback at this point, however, unlike some cigars where pepper begins to dominate, it blends so well with the peanut, sesame, leather, and oak, it's as if I'm eating a gourmet meal that features the perfect blend of herbs and spices. If I had a choice of something to eat whith this cigar, I would do filet mignon, pan seared with butter (not much, just enough to impart the butter flavor), then I'd flavor it lightly with salt, pepper, and basil.
Dropped ash at 11:30, roughly 2-inches.
At this point, I'm enjoying smoke that is thick in my mouth, creamy, and almost edible. The butter cream flavor has taken a slight lead among the others. Peanut and sesame complement. Pepper has taken a backseat again. It's as if there are layers of flavor in each draw that have been blended so perfectly that they complement the dominant flavor.
As I draw into the final third, there are slight coffee notes and cocoa on the backend. Oak, creaminess, butter, and peanut are the current entrees. Pepper is gone at this point and the burn continues to be perfect. There is a slight nic hit, but it's nice and buzzy, but not overwhelming. I would describe it as pleasant.
I removed the band at 11:45, and was hit with the original aroma of the cigar wrapper. As I took a draw, I could smell it so clearly, it was as if I'd set fire to a new cigar. Going into this final third, I'm having mixed emotions between happy and sad. Happiness is the fact that I am smoking one of the best cigars of my life. Sadness is that it's near the end, but more happiness is that I will be able to purchase more of these (and I already have, one box should be arriving at my doorstep within a few days!)
The smoke is warm at this point, which is to be expected, however, the flavors are not harsh. Strength has increased the current flavors, and to my surprise, a new flavor has entered the picture. Smoked beef has introduced itself to the mix. Imagine this, as you read, as a quality cut of beef smoked with bourbon barrel oak chips. The LP9 finishes with strength near the end and flavors of smoked beef, pepper accents, and hints of butter cream.
Finish is at 12;25pm.
Final Thoughts:
The Liga Privada No. 9 appears to be about subtlety and complementary savory flavors. It's easily a medium-bodied cigar that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys quality cigars. Beg, borrow, buy (but don't steal) them. My goal is to build up my stash with as many of these cigars as I can afford to purchase. Additionally, as someone who believes in God and in heaven, my wish is that if I'm able to smoke cigars there, that it'll be the LP9 that I have with me eternally in the afterlife. If I had to choose only one line of cigars to smoke for the rest of my life, the Liga Privada No. 9 would be it.
Rating:
Excellent with five out of five puffs.
Pair it with: Just about anything, because it'll make it better.
If you have some of these cigars and you don't like them, please feel free to send them my way.
That's all for now.
Now, before anyone goes off thinking that I've been paid off by DE or that I receive free cigars from them, I want to put out a disclaimer: The only free items I've received from DE are a cap and a guillotine cutter. The Liga that I'm reviewing in this article was purchased at Outlaw Smokes in Kansas City, and my review of it is based on smoking it from foot to nub. Before reading further, I'm going to just let the cat out of the bag and state that it's a good review and if you can purchase these cigars, do so, without hesitation.For those of you who are still with me, let's just dive into the review.
Cigar Facts (taken directly from the DE Web site):Capa: Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks
Capote: Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Tripa: Select Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Strength: Medium - Full
Size: 127mm x 54 (5 x 54) (Some sites list the Robusto Oscuro at 5 x 52)
Price: $10/stick
Paired With: Sweet Tea
Appearance and Construction:
This cigar is exquisitely constructed. Overall, it's tightly rolled, no soft spots and has a firmness to it that gives it a very solid feel when rolled between thumb and forefinger. The maduro wrapper has beautiful, consistent color from foot to head, light veins along the length of the body and even seams that are camouflaged nicely. This is truly a masterfully rolled cigar. A bit of research on the DE site digs up the interesting little factoid that there are only four rollers allowed to roll this cigar and that they are only allowed to produce 250 of these sticks per day. In my opinion, if this is what it takes, then keep doing it the way you're doing it. Another fact about this cigar that you'll find on nearly every site that sells them, is that the Liga Privada No.9 line was created exclusively for DE President Steve Saka and that the blend is created from tobacco from seven different farms. We're fortunate that Steve is a generous man, because if it had been me, the Liga Privada No. 9 would never have been released for the cigar smoking masses. Yes, folks, it is THAT good.
Pre-light:
The aroma of the tobacco is earthy with a hint of spice. The cold draw is medium to tight and the flavors of tobacco, earth, and sweet spice are prevalent.
Smoking Characteristics:
Light up is at 10:39am. I'm finding the initial draw to be medium to tight and I'm concerned about this because I truly want to experience all that this cigar has to offer. My hope is that as it warms up, the draw will loosen up a bit. The initial flavor profile on the first couple of draws are leather, earth, light spice, a hint of pepper and toasted oak barrel flavor. Between draws, there's a nice continuous wisp of smoke from the foot. Each puff creates copious amounts of aromatic smoke. A retrohale helps intensify the pepper flavor, but it's not overwhelming. Each draw also seems to enhance the earth, tobacco, and toasted oak barrel.
Halfway through the first third there is a subtle peanut flavor that develops over the rest of the flavors, which have settled into leather, toasted oak barrel, light pepper, and earthiness. I'm very excited to take each puff, but I don't want to overdo it. At this point, it's very tempting to just sit and smoke this cigar straight through without resting between draws. There is absolutely zero harshness and the smoke aroma is beyond belief. The nut flavor that I earlier tasted is being complemented by light sesame and these two flavors are blending incredibly well with the other flavors. I'm also detecting hints of cocoa. The draw has loosened up to just under medium and I can't find anything to say about this cigar that isn't good. Even the burn is perfectly even with a dense white ash that has a slight flakiness to it.As I finish the first third, the peanut, sesame, and oak are developing nicely. I honestly believe that I could smoke this cigar in the house and no one would complain. It's "cigar aromatic" in a very good way. Not the harsh yuck smell you might generally associate with latent cigar smoke. There's a nice oiliness from the wrapper on my lips that is adding a textural dimension to this smoke. This cigar is an example of a blender who understands exactly what he or she is doing and who treats the cigar like a meal prepared by a five-star chef. The flavors meld perfectly, and I could smoke this cigar all day. As I begin the second third of this stick, I'm noticing cedar in the retrohale.
At this point, I'm completely sold on this cigar. I firmly believe that the Liga Privada No. 9 should be a standard by which other blends are measured.If I could be a cigar, I would want to be an LP9. If Willy Wonka were to make "The Never Ending Cigar", I'd want it to be an LP9. Can I make it any more clear that this cigar is nothing short of amazing?
11:15 - The subtle peppery notes are back. I'm at the halfway point and butter cream has joined the flavor mix. Pepper really begins making a comeback at this point, however, unlike some cigars where pepper begins to dominate, it blends so well with the peanut, sesame, leather, and oak, it's as if I'm eating a gourmet meal that features the perfect blend of herbs and spices. If I had a choice of something to eat whith this cigar, I would do filet mignon, pan seared with butter (not much, just enough to impart the butter flavor), then I'd flavor it lightly with salt, pepper, and basil.
Dropped ash at 11:30, roughly 2-inches.
At this point, I'm enjoying smoke that is thick in my mouth, creamy, and almost edible. The butter cream flavor has taken a slight lead among the others. Peanut and sesame complement. Pepper has taken a backseat again. It's as if there are layers of flavor in each draw that have been blended so perfectly that they complement the dominant flavor.As I draw into the final third, there are slight coffee notes and cocoa on the backend. Oak, creaminess, butter, and peanut are the current entrees. Pepper is gone at this point and the burn continues to be perfect. There is a slight nic hit, but it's nice and buzzy, but not overwhelming. I would describe it as pleasant.
I removed the band at 11:45, and was hit with the original aroma of the cigar wrapper. As I took a draw, I could smell it so clearly, it was as if I'd set fire to a new cigar. Going into this final third, I'm having mixed emotions between happy and sad. Happiness is the fact that I am smoking one of the best cigars of my life. Sadness is that it's near the end, but more happiness is that I will be able to purchase more of these (and I already have, one box should be arriving at my doorstep within a few days!)
The smoke is warm at this point, which is to be expected, however, the flavors are not harsh. Strength has increased the current flavors, and to my surprise, a new flavor has entered the picture. Smoked beef has introduced itself to the mix. Imagine this, as you read, as a quality cut of beef smoked with bourbon barrel oak chips. The LP9 finishes with strength near the end and flavors of smoked beef, pepper accents, and hints of butter cream.
Finish is at 12;25pm.
Final Thoughts:The Liga Privada No. 9 appears to be about subtlety and complementary savory flavors. It's easily a medium-bodied cigar that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys quality cigars. Beg, borrow, buy (but don't steal) them. My goal is to build up my stash with as many of these cigars as I can afford to purchase. Additionally, as someone who believes in God and in heaven, my wish is that if I'm able to smoke cigars there, that it'll be the LP9 that I have with me eternally in the afterlife. If I had to choose only one line of cigars to smoke for the rest of my life, the Liga Privada No. 9 would be it.
Rating:
Excellent with five out of five puffs.
Pair it with: Just about anything, because it'll make it better.
If you have some of these cigars and you don't like them, please feel free to send them my way.
That's all for now.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Flatbed Cigar Co. - Panacea Red 660PTS
As are many of you, I'm a huge fan of great customer service. Oddly enough, I've found that within the cigar industry, there are numerous cigar making companies and cigar selling businesses who offer some of the best customer service. In fact, I've noticed that customer service in the cigar industry tends to be heads above nearly all other industries.
However, even within the world of cigars, there are stand outs, and the Flatbed Cigar Company, owned by Paul Bush, is one of them. I contacted Paul a couple of months ago after hearing about his company on Puff.com. Surprisingly, he e-mailed me back within hours. I asked if he would mind sending out a few cigars for review since I was unable to find any samplers on his Web site. He immediately said he would, but then, I later e-mailed him (having found the samplers) and told him it wasn't necessary because I had purchased a couple of samplers and I would review them. He replied that he was sending the samples anyway and that I should enjoy them.
After I received the samples and my own samplers, I e-mailed Paul again and asked if he would mind doing an e-mail interview. He said he'd be happy to do that. So, I sent him my questions, and he promptly answered them. That particular interview will be published after this review, and I will also be reviewing the two other sample cigars that Paul sent.
Disclosure: The Panacea Red 660 in this review was a gift from Paul Bush of Flatbed Cigar Co. However, that does not affect the review in any way.
Cigar Facts:
Price - Free. However, on the Web site (www.flatbedcigarcompany.com), the Panacea Red 660 sells for about $7.00 per stick.
RH: 65% for 1 1/2 months
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Brazilian
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Binder: Dominican Habano
Size: 6 x 60
Appearance and Construction:
The 660 sports a pig tail and shaggy foot at each end of its deep brown, semi-oily wrapper. There area few veins on the stick, and the seams are clearly visible, but that doesn't take away from the ruggedly aesthetic craftsmanship that has gone into this cigar. Overall, it seems to be very well constructed. The entire stick is firm with no soft spots. It does have a few water droplet marks, slight tears around the foot, and a small patch across the shoulder and head.
Pre-light:
The pre-light aroma of this stick features both cigar tobacco and pipe tobacco. It's a very pleasant mixture and heightens my anticipation for smoking this cigar.
Smoking Characteristics:
I toasted the foot and lit the cigar with my trusty Ronson Jetlite at 2:40pm. The initial draw is medium to tight with flavors of tobacco, oak, and cashew. There is a slight sweetness that is working its way into the mix. The burn is slightly wavy, but soon corrects itself and stays straight throughout the course of the smoke. The foot sports a nice half-inch ash that's dense and straight as a razor within about fifteen minutes. My retrohale amplifies the nuttiness of the cigar, and I really enjoy the slight oil from the wrapper on my lips. There is a slight pipe tobacco aftertaste that is not unpleasant at all.
Throughout the smoke, the Red produces continuous sinewy wisps of smoke as it sits between draws. After the first third, I have a nice dense and straight ash. There's a slight taste of maple that blends very nicely with the previously mentioned flavors. I've decided that this would be a nice smoke to take up to my Dad's farm and enjoy it on a good hike across his wooded property. This is a good solid cigar.
Halfway through the first third, there's a slight butternut cream flavor. The pipe tobacco aroma continues to be consistent. It's a very aromatic smell that lends itself to the idea of smoking this cigar in the fall or winter while out in the woods or other natural surroundings. By 3:05pm, I'm experiencing a slight earthiness and some nuances of cedar.
There is absolutely no harshness to this cigar at all. It's very smooth and well-blended. By this time, I have about a 1.5" ash and the butter cream flavor is becoming well pronounced.
At 3:15, I drop ash, which reveals a beautiful cone-shaped burn.
Halfway through the second third, the creaminess is still present, more defined pine, but the overall flavor profile has taken a step back. This was something I noticed when I smoked the Black 760. At the halfway point, the flavor seems to lose definition. There's a bit less smoke, and the draw has tightened. The pipe tobacco aroma maintains its presence.
I re-clipped the head at 3:24. That helped with the draw, and I noticed a new smokiness, somewhat reminiscent of smoked meat. This was mixed with a damp earthiness, somewhat like after a rain on a cool day. I'm very pleased that the creaminess of this stick is still balancing the other flavors. At this point, smoke production is probably about half of what it was to begin with.
Throughout the second-half of the smoke, there's been a very slight lemon zest aroma. It really complements the overall flavor profile and makes the smoke very pleasant to smell. There's even a subtle "bitter" lemon citrus flavor, however, it's not a bad thing. In fact, it's bitter in the same way that hops provides bitterness to beer. I'd probably pair this cigar with a good IPA to enhance this flavor. However, throughout the smoke, I kept thinking that it'd be really wonderful to have a cup of slightly sugared coffee while smoking this one.
The final third flavors have continued to be subtle, but very tasty. It's as if the cigar is teasing you, saying, "The flavors are here, but you can't have them all at once." It's very much like a woman flirting with a man. She teases, but never wholly gives everything away. The burn continues to be relatively straight. No tunneling or canoeing. Latent flavors sit on the tongue between draws and it begs for your attention in terms of how it gives you its flavor profile. Its as if the cigar expects you to pay attention to it for the entirety of the smoke.
I think Flatbed Cigar Company is evolving into a very good boutique cigar co. The Panacea line is on the verge of being excellent. I give it a huge plus on the smoothness. This has been the case with each Panacea I've smoked, as well. The description on the Web site places the Panacea Red 660 at a medium- to full-body level, but I would have to say that it sits at medium and rests quite comfortably there.
Finish: 4:00pm
Final Thoughts:
The Panacea Red 660 is a good, solid cigar. It gives you the feeling of a rustic setting, but teases you with beautifully blended hints of its flavor profile. It's very consistent throughout the smoke, and I personally think that this cigar would go very well with a nice hike in the woods with no distractions, because it forces you to really concentrate on what you're tasting.
Rating:
I give this cigar 4 out of 5 puffs and a "Very Good" rating. I'll definitely be purchasing this cigar in the future, and I'd suggest that any of you reading this review do the same.
Pair this stick with a good IPA or a steaming hot cup of sugared coffee. I'd shy away from it as a morning smoke simply due to the amount of time you'll need to dedicate to it.
That's all for now.
However, even within the world of cigars, there are stand outs, and the Flatbed Cigar Company, owned by Paul Bush, is one of them. I contacted Paul a couple of months ago after hearing about his company on Puff.com. Surprisingly, he e-mailed me back within hours. I asked if he would mind sending out a few cigars for review since I was unable to find any samplers on his Web site. He immediately said he would, but then, I later e-mailed him (having found the samplers) and told him it wasn't necessary because I had purchased a couple of samplers and I would review them. He replied that he was sending the samples anyway and that I should enjoy them.After I received the samples and my own samplers, I e-mailed Paul again and asked if he would mind doing an e-mail interview. He said he'd be happy to do that. So, I sent him my questions, and he promptly answered them. That particular interview will be published after this review, and I will also be reviewing the two other sample cigars that Paul sent.
Disclosure: The Panacea Red 660 in this review was a gift from Paul Bush of Flatbed Cigar Co. However, that does not affect the review in any way.
Cigar Facts:
Price - Free. However, on the Web site (www.flatbedcigarcompany.com), the Panacea Red 660 sells for about $7.00 per stick.
RH: 65% for 1 1/2 months
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Brazilian
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Binder: Dominican Habano
Size: 6 x 60
Appearance and Construction:The 660 sports a pig tail and shaggy foot at each end of its deep brown, semi-oily wrapper. There area few veins on the stick, and the seams are clearly visible, but that doesn't take away from the ruggedly aesthetic craftsmanship that has gone into this cigar. Overall, it seems to be very well constructed. The entire stick is firm with no soft spots. It does have a few water droplet marks, slight tears around the foot, and a small patch across the shoulder and head.
Pre-light:
The pre-light aroma of this stick features both cigar tobacco and pipe tobacco. It's a very pleasant mixture and heightens my anticipation for smoking this cigar.Smoking Characteristics:
I toasted the foot and lit the cigar with my trusty Ronson Jetlite at 2:40pm. The initial draw is medium to tight with flavors of tobacco, oak, and cashew. There is a slight sweetness that is working its way into the mix. The burn is slightly wavy, but soon corrects itself and stays straight throughout the course of the smoke. The foot sports a nice half-inch ash that's dense and straight as a razor within about fifteen minutes. My retrohale amplifies the nuttiness of the cigar, and I really enjoy the slight oil from the wrapper on my lips. There is a slight pipe tobacco aftertaste that is not unpleasant at all.
Throughout the smoke, the Red produces continuous sinewy wisps of smoke as it sits between draws. After the first third, I have a nice dense and straight ash. There's a slight taste of maple that blends very nicely with the previously mentioned flavors. I've decided that this would be a nice smoke to take up to my Dad's farm and enjoy it on a good hike across his wooded property. This is a good solid cigar.Halfway through the first third, there's a slight butternut cream flavor. The pipe tobacco aroma continues to be consistent. It's a very aromatic smell that lends itself to the idea of smoking this cigar in the fall or winter while out in the woods or other natural surroundings. By 3:05pm, I'm experiencing a slight earthiness and some nuances of cedar.
There is absolutely no harshness to this cigar at all. It's very smooth and well-blended. By this time, I have about a 1.5" ash and the butter cream flavor is becoming well pronounced.At 3:15, I drop ash, which reveals a beautiful cone-shaped burn.
Halfway through the second third, the creaminess is still present, more defined pine, but the overall flavor profile has taken a step back. This was something I noticed when I smoked the Black 760. At the halfway point, the flavor seems to lose definition. There's a bit less smoke, and the draw has tightened. The pipe tobacco aroma maintains its presence.
I re-clipped the head at 3:24. That helped with the draw, and I noticed a new smokiness, somewhat reminiscent of smoked meat. This was mixed with a damp earthiness, somewhat like after a rain on a cool day. I'm very pleased that the creaminess of this stick is still balancing the other flavors. At this point, smoke production is probably about half of what it was to begin with.Throughout the second-half of the smoke, there's been a very slight lemon zest aroma. It really complements the overall flavor profile and makes the smoke very pleasant to smell. There's even a subtle "bitter" lemon citrus flavor, however, it's not a bad thing. In fact, it's bitter in the same way that hops provides bitterness to beer. I'd probably pair this cigar with a good IPA to enhance this flavor. However, throughout the smoke, I kept thinking that it'd be really wonderful to have a cup of slightly sugared coffee while smoking this one.
The final third flavors have continued to be subtle, but very tasty. It's as if the cigar is teasing you, saying, "The flavors are here, but you can't have them all at once." It's very much like a woman flirting with a man. She teases, but never wholly gives everything away. The burn continues to be relatively straight. No tunneling or canoeing. Latent flavors sit on the tongue between draws and it begs for your attention in terms of how it gives you its flavor profile. Its as if the cigar expects you to pay attention to it for the entirety of the smoke.I think Flatbed Cigar Company is evolving into a very good boutique cigar co. The Panacea line is on the verge of being excellent. I give it a huge plus on the smoothness. This has been the case with each Panacea I've smoked, as well. The description on the Web site places the Panacea Red 660 at a medium- to full-body level, but I would have to say that it sits at medium and rests quite comfortably there.
Finish: 4:00pm
Final Thoughts:The Panacea Red 660 is a good, solid cigar. It gives you the feeling of a rustic setting, but teases you with beautifully blended hints of its flavor profile. It's very consistent throughout the smoke, and I personally think that this cigar would go very well with a nice hike in the woods with no distractions, because it forces you to really concentrate on what you're tasting.
Rating:
I give this cigar 4 out of 5 puffs and a "Very Good" rating. I'll definitely be purchasing this cigar in the future, and I'd suggest that any of you reading this review do the same.
Pair this stick with a good IPA or a steaming hot cup of sugared coffee. I'd shy away from it as a morning smoke simply due to the amount of time you'll need to dedicate to it.
That's all for now.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Hopz Cigar from Ted's Cigars
Disclaimer: This cigar review features a cigar that was provided at no charge to the reviewer by Ted's Cigars (http://www.tedscigars.com/), makers of the Maker's Mark cigar. However, this in no way has affected the review of this cigar.
Every once in awhile, someone comes out with something intriguing. The Hopz cigar is one of those "intriguing things." A couple months ago, I came across a thread on Puff.com about a cigar that was "seasoned" with hops. So, after a quick Google search, I came across Ted's Cigars and the Hopz cigar, which is, according to the Web site, seasoned with Centennial hops.
Those who know me know that I'm a beer lover and that I'm a huge fan of IPA's. So, when a cigar comes along that has one of my favorite beer ingredients in it, I get a bit excited.
I contacted the customer service people at Ted's and asked if it would be possible to get one of the Hopz cigars for review. They were kind enough to send two and a wicked cool bottle opener. So, plus one for customer service guys, that's a great way to start a review off!
The cigars that Ted's sent were two in tubos, and are hermetically sealed, so they require no humidification. I threw them in my coolidoor, anyway because it was convenient and let them sit for a month or so. So, let's get on with this review and find out whether or not the Hopz cigar is the new black in the cigar world.
Cigar Facts:
Hopz Cigar from Ted's Cigars
Vitola - Petit Corona
Size - 5 x 38
Wrapper - Cameroon
Binder - U.S. Connecticut
Filler - Dominican Republic
Price: Unknown
Appearance and Construction
The Hopz cigar is shipped in a hermetically sealed tubo. When you open it up, you can smell the Centennial hops right out of the gate. It's a great smell for us hop heads and I was excited to get hit by it right away. Underlying the hops, you can also smell the wonderful smell of tobacco. One small issue for me is that the band is "upside down" compared to how other cigar bands are placed on a cigar. I understand that this is a marketing thing so that the band's position matches the position of the band on the outside of the tubos.
The cap is relatively small and barely covers the shoulders. When I saw this, I was concerned that after I cut, it would unravel. This fear, however, was unfounded as the cigar held together quite nicely.
The cigar is fairly veiny with evident seams. As I roll this stick between my fingers, it feels fairly soft. My guess is that it's fairly loosely rolled with a limited amount of tobacco, which would be normal for a petit corona. I normally like a tighter, more solid roll. The wrapper is a gorgeous light brown, but it has a small water spot on the foot.
Pre-light
The pre-light draw is easy, almost loose. The flavor of the Centennial hops is very evident. There is a slight sour/bitterness (hops bitterness) to the cold draw. Underneath you can taste tobacco and light earth.
Smoking Characteristics
Light up is at 2:50 pm. I'm expecting a relatively short, enjoyable smoke. Initial flavor profile is nice and hoppy. Oddly enough, it's not a bad taste. However, I am an avid fan of IPA's, so my palate may be biased.
On each puff, there is a good amount of smoke, but the bitterness of the hops is actually almost overwhelming the other cigar flavors. The burn is even. Slight peppery flavor begins to come forward and the hops moves back, but never leaves the dance floor. The hops flavors are very evident in the aftertaste between draws. There is even a slight butterscotch sweetness and light creaminess.
The ash is fairly loose and it lets go about every half-inch down the cigar as I smoke. This confirms my initial thought that the cigar is constructed loosely and with less tobacco than other petit coronas.
There is continued pepper and slight butterscotch through the first third and near the end of the first third, the burn begins to canoe slightly, but is easily corrected.
As I burn through into the second third, the smoke is thinner. I'm not getting a lot of smoke on the draw. As the second third begins, I get a very light taste of young oak, like a sapling. Pepper stays consistent, creaminess and butterscotch is still hanging out at the dance, but the hops flavor is actually gone at this point.
About halfway through the second third, the hops makes a comeback. The overall flavor profile is herbaceous or even fern-like. Ash continues to fall apart every half-inch or so. There are some slight floral notes, but not the type of floral notes you would expect from hops.
As the burn creeps into the final third, the wrapper begins to crack. Pepper and young oak sapling are still working within this blend. There is no nic hit, the cigar stays very light-bodied throughout.
As the final third burns, something strange happens. Normally, as the smoke heats up, a cigar can become harsh, or in some cases it enhances the flavors to a completely new level. Unfortunately, with this cigar, this is not the case. In fact, it begins to completely lose most of the existing flavor profile. The cigar becomes very soft, and the only real flavor left is a light cream flavor and maybe oak. It's as if the two final flavors in this smoke are trading back and forth before fading out completely.
By 3:20, I'm finished with the stick.
Final Thoughts
The Hopz cigar begins with a hops profile. The Web site states that you should enjoy this cigar with a good IPA. However, for this review, I wanted to concentrate solely on the cigar, so my libation was water. It has a good overall burn and it stays lit. This tells me that the humidification inside the sealed tubo is spot on.
Here's the bottom line. I don't believe that this is a "cigar smoker's" cigar. In fact, I honestly wouldn't recommend it to someone who I consider to be an aficionado. That being said, if I'm with some of my friends who enjoy quality beer, microbrews or homebrews, I would definitely consider offering them this cigar as a gateway into the world of cigars. I think the idea of a hops infused cigar would intrigue them and possible make them consider looking at other smokes.
My biggest disappointment is how the cigar ends. The loss of flavor was really unexpected.
Rating
I'm going to give this cigar a 3.5 out of 5 puffs because I can use it as an introduction to cigars for the uninitiated beer drinker. I believe it's a novelty-type cigar that seems to be focused more on a marketing gimmick than actually appealing to the serious cigar smoker.
Every once in awhile, someone comes out with something intriguing. The Hopz cigar is one of those "intriguing things." A couple months ago, I came across a thread on Puff.com about a cigar that was "seasoned" with hops. So, after a quick Google search, I came across Ted's Cigars and the Hopz cigar, which is, according to the Web site, seasoned with Centennial hops.Those who know me know that I'm a beer lover and that I'm a huge fan of IPA's. So, when a cigar comes along that has one of my favorite beer ingredients in it, I get a bit excited.
I contacted the customer service people at Ted's and asked if it would be possible to get one of the Hopz cigars for review. They were kind enough to send two and a wicked cool bottle opener. So, plus one for customer service guys, that's a great way to start a review off!
Cigar Facts:
Hopz Cigar from Ted's Cigars
Vitola - Petit Corona
Size - 5 x 38
Wrapper - Cameroon
Binder - U.S. Connecticut
Filler - Dominican Republic
Price: Unknown
Appearance and Construction
The cap is relatively small and barely covers the shoulders. When I saw this, I was concerned that after I cut, it would unravel. This fear, however, was unfounded as the cigar held together quite nicely.The cigar is fairly veiny with evident seams. As I roll this stick between my fingers, it feels fairly soft. My guess is that it's fairly loosely rolled with a limited amount of tobacco, which would be normal for a petit corona. I normally like a tighter, more solid roll. The wrapper is a gorgeous light brown, but it has a small water spot on the foot.
Pre-light
The pre-light draw is easy, almost loose. The flavor of the Centennial hops is very evident. There is a slight sour/bitterness (hops bitterness) to the cold draw. Underneath you can taste tobacco and light earth.Smoking Characteristics
Light up is at 2:50 pm. I'm expecting a relatively short, enjoyable smoke. Initial flavor profile is nice and hoppy. Oddly enough, it's not a bad taste. However, I am an avid fan of IPA's, so my palate may be biased.
On each puff, there is a good amount of smoke, but the bitterness of the hops is actually almost overwhelming the other cigar flavors. The burn is even. Slight peppery flavor begins to come forward and the hops moves back, but never leaves the dance floor. The hops flavors are very evident in the aftertaste between draws. There is even a slight butterscotch sweetness and light creaminess.
The ash is fairly loose and it lets go about every half-inch down the cigar as I smoke. This confirms my initial thought that the cigar is constructed loosely and with less tobacco than other petit coronas.
As I burn through into the second third, the smoke is thinner. I'm not getting a lot of smoke on the draw. As the second third begins, I get a very light taste of young oak, like a sapling. Pepper stays consistent, creaminess and butterscotch is still hanging out at the dance, but the hops flavor is actually gone at this point.
About halfway through the second third, the hops makes a comeback. The overall flavor profile is herbaceous or even fern-like. Ash continues to fall apart every half-inch or so. There are some slight floral notes, but not the type of floral notes you would expect from hops.
As the burn creeps into the final third, the wrapper begins to crack. Pepper and young oak sapling are still working within this blend. There is no nic hit, the cigar stays very light-bodied throughout.As the final third burns, something strange happens. Normally, as the smoke heats up, a cigar can become harsh, or in some cases it enhances the flavors to a completely new level. Unfortunately, with this cigar, this is not the case. In fact, it begins to completely lose most of the existing flavor profile. The cigar becomes very soft, and the only real flavor left is a light cream flavor and maybe oak. It's as if the two final flavors in this smoke are trading back and forth before fading out completely.
By 3:20, I'm finished with the stick.Final Thoughts
The Hopz cigar begins with a hops profile. The Web site states that you should enjoy this cigar with a good IPA. However, for this review, I wanted to concentrate solely on the cigar, so my libation was water. It has a good overall burn and it stays lit. This tells me that the humidification inside the sealed tubo is spot on.
Here's the bottom line. I don't believe that this is a "cigar smoker's" cigar. In fact, I honestly wouldn't recommend it to someone who I consider to be an aficionado. That being said, if I'm with some of my friends who enjoy quality beer, microbrews or homebrews, I would definitely consider offering them this cigar as a gateway into the world of cigars. I think the idea of a hops infused cigar would intrigue them and possible make them consider looking at other smokes.
My biggest disappointment is how the cigar ends. The loss of flavor was really unexpected.
Rating
I'm going to give this cigar a 3.5 out of 5 puffs because I can use it as an introduction to cigars for the uninitiated beer drinker. I believe it's a novelty-type cigar that seems to be focused more on a marketing gimmick than actually appealing to the serious cigar smoker.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Drew Estate Cap and Cutter Review... Sort of...
Okay, so this isn't really going to be a review of a cap and a cutter. It could be, but the review would be pretty simple: The cap is wicked cool, fits my head and I like it and it's my new favorite cap. The cutter is outstanding. Heavy stainless steel construction, blades sharper than Ginsu through an aluminum can (surely you remember the old Ginsu infomercials!), and the gorgeous Liga Privada logo on the back in gold on black. The cutter is unique in that it has what I call a backstop, which allows you to place the cigar between the blades, but stops it at just the right depth for a perfect cut. I don't know how well it would work on a torpedo, but I guarantee you that you'll never cut too much of the cap off when you use this cutter.
But onward into the real reason why I'm writing this review.
Not long ago, I was perusing my favorite cigar forum and came across a thread about the Liga Privada Flying Pig. It had some interesting photos and a description of a harrowing smoke. Basically, something had happened to this fine cigar that caused it to be spongy (enough that the thread poster could squeeze it in the middle and it looked like a squishy sausage). During the burn, he experienced what he called "small chunks of coal" lodged in the smoke.
I read through the thread at some of the replies to see what could have caused this. There were some decent explanations, but none that really were backed by any concrete evidence. However, I came across one post, a very LOOOONG post, that described in detail what the poster believed had happened to this gentleman's cigar. It was incredibly detailed and very apologetic. The post was posted by none other than Steve Saka, President of Drew Estate Cigars.
Steve explained that without actually being able to dissect the cigar himself, he could only guess at what the problem was, but based on the photos and description, he said that it was probable that "A 'bad' leaf of ligero..." had found its way into the cigar. He added that it wasn't actually a bad leaf, but a leaf that was "different than its sisters from the same crop and priming and/or texture. Different in that it, for whatever reason... resulted in it having a much higher natural resin level than other leafs of the same crop..." This, he said, was the reason for the black coals during the smoke.
Secondarily, Steve went on to talk about the possibility of the cigar missing one of the visos, but having an extra leaf of ligero in it, which would have caused the sponginess.
The post alone provided far more education about the process of creating a cigar than I have ever been privileged to read. I read through the entire post and wanted more. I'm an information whore, if you will, when it comes to cigars, and Steve's explanation and description of why was extremely informative. I would have been happy to read more.
But this wasn't even the beginning. Steve began the post (very first sentence) by apologizing for a "piss poor cigar" and in the same sentence stating, "I will personally replace the box of cigars from my personal stash since we have none left in inventory."
Did you guys and gals get that? "personally replace the box..."
I want to take a moment and reflect with everyone on this. This, my friends, is an example of pure gold customer service. Five-star, ten-out-of-ten puffs, keep me as a customer into the afterlife, customer service. So, the post shocked me from the start. It is so rare in this day and age to see customer service of this caliber. And this is what my post today is really about.
I was amazed by Steve's willingness to come into a forum of seasoned cigar smokers and not only apologize for the performance of a hand-made cigar (think about it... we're human and humans are the ones who blend and roll cigars... mistakes happen), but also make it right by sending out a box of replacements from his own stash.
At the end of his post, Steve left contact information. So, what did I do? I contacted the man. I had to. I felt he needed to hear from a customer that his actions had not only made me want to buy more of his product, but to make sure I was a customer for life, come hell or high water. So, I e-mailed him as much and I stated that I understood if he couldn't respond because I knew he was busy. I just wanted to let him know how much I appreciated what he had done.
The story doesn't end, there.
Within a few hours, my e-mail chimed. I checked it and lo-and-behold, the message was from Steve Saka. He was thankful for my words and talked a bit about what customer service means to Drew Estate and how important all of their customers are. At the end of the e-mail, he said he was going to send me a cap and cutter because "we can't have a 'customer for life' not sporting a DE hat!"
Shut the front door! (I've always wanted to say that in my blog) Don't even get me started. This guy blows my mind. I'm going to buy his cigars anyway and he's going to send me a cap and cutter to boot.
Long story short. I've since followed up with Steve and thanked him for his generosity. I also requested an e-mail interview with him. He has kindly said yes and the interview will be forthcoming and posted both here and at Puff.com.
As kind of a celebratory thing, I decided to smoke my first Liga Privada No. 9 and use my new cutter on it for its very first cut. The review will also be forthcoming, but let me tell you this... that cigar rocked my world. So much so, that if I were ever required to smoke only type of cigar for the rest of my life, the Liga Privada No. 9 tops my list to be that cigar at this point.
So, Steve Saka, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The cap kicks ass and the cutter is sharp as hell and Drew Estate will be seeing a lot of my business for the rest of my life. And guess what? If cigar smoking is allowed in the after life... you know what I'll be smoking.
But onward into the real reason why I'm writing this review.
Not long ago, I was perusing my favorite cigar forum and came across a thread about the Liga Privada Flying Pig. It had some interesting photos and a description of a harrowing smoke. Basically, something had happened to this fine cigar that caused it to be spongy (enough that the thread poster could squeeze it in the middle and it looked like a squishy sausage). During the burn, he experienced what he called "small chunks of coal" lodged in the smoke.I read through the thread at some of the replies to see what could have caused this. There were some decent explanations, but none that really were backed by any concrete evidence. However, I came across one post, a very LOOOONG post, that described in detail what the poster believed had happened to this gentleman's cigar. It was incredibly detailed and very apologetic. The post was posted by none other than Steve Saka, President of Drew Estate Cigars.
Steve explained that without actually being able to dissect the cigar himself, he could only guess at what the problem was, but based on the photos and description, he said that it was probable that "A 'bad' leaf of ligero..." had found its way into the cigar. He added that it wasn't actually a bad leaf, but a leaf that was "different than its sisters from the same crop and priming and/or texture. Different in that it, for whatever reason... resulted in it having a much higher natural resin level than other leafs of the same crop..." This, he said, was the reason for the black coals during the smoke.
Secondarily, Steve went on to talk about the possibility of the cigar missing one of the visos, but having an extra leaf of ligero in it, which would have caused the sponginess.
The post alone provided far more education about the process of creating a cigar than I have ever been privileged to read. I read through the entire post and wanted more. I'm an information whore, if you will, when it comes to cigars, and Steve's explanation and description of why was extremely informative. I would have been happy to read more.
But this wasn't even the beginning. Steve began the post (very first sentence) by apologizing for a "piss poor cigar" and in the same sentence stating, "I will personally replace the box of cigars from my personal stash since we have none left in inventory."
Did you guys and gals get that? "personally replace the box..."
I want to take a moment and reflect with everyone on this. This, my friends, is an example of pure gold customer service. Five-star, ten-out-of-ten puffs, keep me as a customer into the afterlife, customer service. So, the post shocked me from the start. It is so rare in this day and age to see customer service of this caliber. And this is what my post today is really about.
I was amazed by Steve's willingness to come into a forum of seasoned cigar smokers and not only apologize for the performance of a hand-made cigar (think about it... we're human and humans are the ones who blend and roll cigars... mistakes happen), but also make it right by sending out a box of replacements from his own stash.
At the end of his post, Steve left contact information. So, what did I do? I contacted the man. I had to. I felt he needed to hear from a customer that his actions had not only made me want to buy more of his product, but to make sure I was a customer for life, come hell or high water. So, I e-mailed him as much and I stated that I understood if he couldn't respond because I knew he was busy. I just wanted to let him know how much I appreciated what he had done.
The story doesn't end, there.
Within a few hours, my e-mail chimed. I checked it and lo-and-behold, the message was from Steve Saka. He was thankful for my words and talked a bit about what customer service means to Drew Estate and how important all of their customers are. At the end of the e-mail, he said he was going to send me a cap and cutter because "we can't have a 'customer for life' not sporting a DE hat!"
Shut the front door! (I've always wanted to say that in my blog) Don't even get me started. This guy blows my mind. I'm going to buy his cigars anyway and he's going to send me a cap and cutter to boot.
Long story short. I've since followed up with Steve and thanked him for his generosity. I also requested an e-mail interview with him. He has kindly said yes and the interview will be forthcoming and posted both here and at Puff.com.
So, Steve Saka, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The cap kicks ass and the cutter is sharp as hell and Drew Estate will be seeing a lot of my business for the rest of my life. And guess what? If cigar smoking is allowed in the after life... you know what I'll be smoking.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Sultan Ron Stacy Signature - Corona
It's been said that a man's signature is like a handshake. It's his mark on something that he is giving his ultimate word on. It gives us a level of trust in the product being endorsed. In short, he knows that by giving us this mark, he's giving us his word as a gentleman that the product is something that he endorses with his heart and soul. And so it is with the Ron Stacy Signature Corona.
Unless you go to cigar trade shows where new things are introduced and the creators/blenders behind your favorite smokes are there, it's somewhat rare that you actually get to meet the person behind a blend or who approves a particular blend. It's even more rare if you can count that person as a friend. Such is the story behind this review.
A bit of background, before we get into the review. Ron Stacy is the sole U.S. distributor for Sultan Cigars out of Indonesia. He is also well-known on many cigar forums as "Shuckins," the one man bombing machine. To say that he is generous would be an understatement. The man is a legend and is extremely well regarded among the cigar aficionado community as someone who is incredibly knowledgable about cigars, and I feel very fortunate to be able to count him as a friend.
Ron is also the man behind the Ron Stacy Signature Edmundo by Sultan, as well. In short, the man has some serious cigar pedigree and I was incredibly excited when I saw Ron post on one of the forums that he had selected some reviewers to review an as-yet unreleased Sultan cigar called the Ron Stacy Signature Corona. I was looking forward to seeing the reviews and to being able to purchase this stick once it came out. However, Ron's one of those guys that is full of surprises and when he sent me a private message asking if I would review this stick, I was floored. So, I want to send a quick thanks out to Ron for his generosity (the man can't seem to send just one stick... when he sent the review cigar, a bunch of stragglers made it into the box as well and he also sent a prototype box with a nice little message on it, "Enjoy the smokes, Neal. Ron Stacy")
Well, Ron, here's to you brother... and I am indeed enjoying the smokes.
The Review:
Sultan Cigars: Ron Stacy Signature Corona
Cigar Facts:
Country of Origin - Indonesia
Wrapper, Binder and Filler - Indonesia
Length - 4 3/4"
Ring - 42
Box Count - Unknown at time of review
Vitola - Corona
Price - Free! (Actual price unknown at time of review)
Indonesia is well-known for its spicy cuisine, however, many aficionados may not realize that the soil of Indonesia is perfectly suited to growing some fine tobacco. In fact, many premiums include Indonesian tobacco in their filler blends, wrappers, and binders. Sultan Cigars is taking things a step forward by producing Indonesian puros. The Java region of Indonesia sports a climate is perfect for tobacco with an average temperature of roughly 80° F and a relative humidity of about 64%, and is the only region where tobacco for all parts of a cigar can be grown in Indonesia. Sultan currently produces the Sultan Churchill and Robusto and the Signature, which is only available in U.S. markets.
Normally, I would review this cigar with a brew that I think would pair well with it. However, I want to try and capture as much of the essence of the cigar as possible, so I'll be sticking to regular ol' H2O as my libation of choice.
Appearance and Construction
The Signature Corona has a dark oily wrapper that just begs to be touched and smelled. There are some very minor blemishes on the body of the cigar and a small abrasion on the foot. The cigar is beautifully rolled with a barely visible seam. There are small veins on it, but they add to the beauty of the stick rather than detract.
Despite its size, there is a certain "plumpness" to the cigar that you would normally find in a larger sized stick. The double cap is affixed perfectly to the head and extends low enough that I have no worries cutting it.
Pre-Light
The initial aromas are of earth and tobacco. After cutting, the pre-light draw seems a bit tight and some minor earth, oak, and tobacco flavors whet my appetite for what's to come.
Smoking Characteristics
Using the three-match method, I light the cigar and purge. After the purge, the first draw contains enough pepper to bring tears to the eyes of a novice smoker. However, I like it. The aroma of the cigar takes on the form of tobacco and a light smell of toasted oak barrel. This is a big cigar dressed up like a small cigar and I'm liking what I'm tasting in the initial draws. The draw remains tight, but I was expecting that due to the size. It's not enough to distract from the smoke, though.
The cigar puts out a lot of creamy thick smoke with each puff and when you set it down, the smoke continues its lazy drift from the tip.
Now, when it comes to cigars, I have yet to enjoy the "twang" of a fine Cuban. However, beyond the heavy pepper and habano-like spice of this stick, I'm enjoying what I am only able to describe as a minor "twang" flavor that tickles the edges of my palate. It's reminiscent of a very tiny piece of lemon on the tongue, or even the taste of lemon-pepper. Since I have nothing to compare it to, I won't say that it's the same as a Cuban, however, I have to wonder if Sultan isn't on to something here.
There is a wonderful aftertaste on the retrohale that has the aroma of nutmeg and the taste of roasted English walnuts.
Through the first third of the cigar, pepper is really the star. It's the dominant flavor and really shines like a Naga Jolokia pepper in good Indian cuisine. Secondary flavors of curry and nutmeg are blended with a slight sweetness like molasses. Ash is dense, but a bit flaky on the outside. As I was smoking, I was thinking of Sichuan cuisine, however, this cigar really does seem to take on the flavors of its region in terms of the spice.
There are some burn issues with this stick. I let it rest in my coolidor for several days before smoking it, so I would imagine that if I had let it rest longer, it may not have had the same issues. The burn is slightly uneven and required a couple of touch-ups, but never went out.
During the second third, the draw loosened up considerably and the smoke continues to be nice and creamy-dense. The pepper and spice flavors backed off and gave in to more gentle flavors. Leather, toasted oak barrel and earthiness begin to take the stage and leave a really wonderful aftertaste. Oddly enough, there is even a slight undertone of smoked venison. At this point, I'm getting a decent nicotine hit (again, small cigar wanting to be a big cigar and doing a damn good job of it). At this point, I'm about twenty-minutes into the smoke. The pepper remains, but has definitely taken a back seat to the other flavors.
By the final third, the pepper is making a comeback. The smoke is heating up, but isn't harsh. I've had no problems keeping the stick lit and aside from the minor two touch-ups, I'm very happy with the burn. As I continue to smoke, the pepper really does begin hitting hard. It's a great way to finish off a smoke and what's really great about this size of stick is that you can smoke it over your lunch hour. However, I'd advise eating a bit because of the nicotine hit. Yes, it's a small cigar that packs a punch.
Final Thoughts
This cigar really surprised me. I didn't realize this much power could be contained in a small stick. I'm not normally a small vitola smoker. I enjoy the 60 RGs that are over 5-inches. It's a medium to strong cigar, despite its size and is immensely full of flavor. It's not overly complex, but it's definitely not one-dimensional and one of my favorite aspects is the amount of time you can smoke it in.
Rating
I give this cigar 4 out of 5 puffs. It's a great cigar and I enjoyed it enough to want more. I would also strongly recommend this stick to the seasoned smokers who have a good understanding of quality and who will appreciate the strength of pepper and spice and the nuance of toasted oak barrel, leather, and even slight undertones of smoked venison.
Many thanks to Ron Stacy for sharing this with me and for being kind enough to ask me to review it.
That's all for now...
A bit of background, before we get into the review. Ron Stacy is the sole U.S. distributor for Sultan Cigars out of Indonesia. He is also well-known on many cigar forums as "Shuckins," the one man bombing machine. To say that he is generous would be an understatement. The man is a legend and is extremely well regarded among the cigar aficionado community as someone who is incredibly knowledgable about cigars, and I feel very fortunate to be able to count him as a friend.
Well, Ron, here's to you brother... and I am indeed enjoying the smokes.
The Review:
Sultan Cigars: Ron Stacy Signature Corona
Cigar Facts:
Country of Origin - Indonesia
Wrapper, Binder and Filler - Indonesia
Length - 4 3/4"
Ring - 42
Box Count - Unknown at time of review
Vitola - Corona
Price - Free! (Actual price unknown at time of review)
Normally, I would review this cigar with a brew that I think would pair well with it. However, I want to try and capture as much of the essence of the cigar as possible, so I'll be sticking to regular ol' H2O as my libation of choice.
Appearance and Construction
Despite its size, there is a certain "plumpness" to the cigar that you would normally find in a larger sized stick. The double cap is affixed perfectly to the head and extends low enough that I have no worries cutting it.
Pre-Light
The initial aromas are of earth and tobacco. After cutting, the pre-light draw seems a bit tight and some minor earth, oak, and tobacco flavors whet my appetite for what's to come.
Smoking Characteristics
The cigar puts out a lot of creamy thick smoke with each puff and when you set it down, the smoke continues its lazy drift from the tip.
Now, when it comes to cigars, I have yet to enjoy the "twang" of a fine Cuban. However, beyond the heavy pepper and habano-like spice of this stick, I'm enjoying what I am only able to describe as a minor "twang" flavor that tickles the edges of my palate. It's reminiscent of a very tiny piece of lemon on the tongue, or even the taste of lemon-pepper. Since I have nothing to compare it to, I won't say that it's the same as a Cuban, however, I have to wonder if Sultan isn't on to something here.
There is a wonderful aftertaste on the retrohale that has the aroma of nutmeg and the taste of roasted English walnuts.
Through the first third of the cigar, pepper is really the star. It's the dominant flavor and really shines like a Naga Jolokia pepper in good Indian cuisine. Secondary flavors of curry and nutmeg are blended with a slight sweetness like molasses. Ash is dense, but a bit flaky on the outside. As I was smoking, I was thinking of Sichuan cuisine, however, this cigar really does seem to take on the flavors of its region in terms of the spice.
During the second third, the draw loosened up considerably and the smoke continues to be nice and creamy-dense. The pepper and spice flavors backed off and gave in to more gentle flavors. Leather, toasted oak barrel and earthiness begin to take the stage and leave a really wonderful aftertaste. Oddly enough, there is even a slight undertone of smoked venison. At this point, I'm getting a decent nicotine hit (again, small cigar wanting to be a big cigar and doing a damn good job of it). At this point, I'm about twenty-minutes into the smoke. The pepper remains, but has definitely taken a back seat to the other flavors.
By the final third, the pepper is making a comeback. The smoke is heating up, but isn't harsh. I've had no problems keeping the stick lit and aside from the minor two touch-ups, I'm very happy with the burn. As I continue to smoke, the pepper really does begin hitting hard. It's a great way to finish off a smoke and what's really great about this size of stick is that you can smoke it over your lunch hour. However, I'd advise eating a bit because of the nicotine hit. Yes, it's a small cigar that packs a punch.Final Thoughts
This cigar really surprised me. I didn't realize this much power could be contained in a small stick. I'm not normally a small vitola smoker. I enjoy the 60 RGs that are over 5-inches. It's a medium to strong cigar, despite its size and is immensely full of flavor. It's not overly complex, but it's definitely not one-dimensional and one of my favorite aspects is the amount of time you can smoke it in.
Rating
I give this cigar 4 out of 5 puffs. It's a great cigar and I enjoyed it enough to want more. I would also strongly recommend this stick to the seasoned smokers who have a good understanding of quality and who will appreciate the strength of pepper and spice and the nuance of toasted oak barrel, leather, and even slight undertones of smoked venison.
Many thanks to Ron Stacy for sharing this with me and for being kind enough to ask me to review it.
That's all for now...
Friday, August 5, 2011
Great Divide - Samurai Rice Ale vs. Diesel Unholy Cocktail
So, I decided to go with a commercial brew from Great Divide Brewery out in Denver, Colorado. They're one of my favorite breweries and many of their beers find their way into my fridge on a pretty consistent basis. However, the Samurai Rice Ale was a brew that I hadn't had the opportunity to enjoy and I thought that maybe it was time to take this beer for a test drink.The Diesel Unholy Cocktail is a cigar that's been garnering a lot of praise. Diesel cigars in general are also enjoying a lot of publicity, especially with Shorty Rossi of "Pit Boss" endorsing the Diesel Shorty. This particular cigar is one that Shuckins (one of my buddies from Puff.com) bombed me with recently. I figure since Shuckins endorses it, that's all I need to know. So, I'm planning on an amazing smoke complemented by a crisp sparkling brew.
Specs:
Great Divide Brewery - Samurai Rice Ale
Availability - Most liquor stores within relative proximity to Denver, Co. Specifically, this means most states bordering Colorado and maybe even a bit beyond Kansas (Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC and believe it or not, Belgium and Japan).
ABV - 5.2%
Seasonal: Summer
Type of Beer: Higher ABV, possibly a session beer for the initiated.
The Diesel Unholy Cocktail, however, "Un" in unholy. By definition, unholy means Sinful; wicked. Not holy; unconsecrated. I'd have to disagree on this definition, though, because the marriage between the tobaccos in this torpedo has definitely been consecrated. And it's "wicked" good.
Diesel Unholy Cocktail Facts:
Origin- NicaraguaVitola - Torpedo
Length - 5"
RG - 56
Filler - Three regions of Nicaragua; Jalapa, Condega, Esteli
Binder - Nicaragua
Wrapper - Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro
The price of this cigar was FREE (thanks to Shuckins). However, I'm averaging about $2.55 per sticks by purchasing 5-ers or 20 packs of samplers. This stick is available in boxes of 30 for around $100, 5-ers are about $23 and a single runs around $6.
The Review:
Pint
The appearance of the Samurai Ale is golden. Small (about 1/2") but bubbly head. Nice sparkle in the sunlight. Lacing is gossamer thin and almost semi-transparent. It reminds me more of champagne than beer, to be honest.
Puff
I started this cigar at about 8:15pm, so I was running later than usual. I used a Dickman cut because I really like that cut on torpedos. The overall appearance of this cigar is wicked right down to the typography on the footband. Normally, I'm not a fan of bands arund the foot of a cigar, but this particular cigar works it like a hot stripper on a pole. Very few veins and nearly invisible seams give this cigar a great overall look. The cigar is "plump" in a good way almost tight. The wrapper has a beautiful deep brown and slight oily sheen.
Pint
The aroma of this beer is somewhat floral/citrus. Not overwhelming. I don't get a real hops profile and the malt seems to take a leading role. I'm not a rice aficionado, but I assume that there's supposed to be some sort of aroma profile. I don't get one, though.
PuffThe cold draw on the UC is a bit tight. I'm concerned that the humidity is going to make this into a tough smoke. The initial toast and light is very easy with a very even light right from the start. Initially there is a lot of smoke. After purging, my first draw brings initial flavors of cedar and some nuttiness, specifically peanuts. There is a slight black pepper and the overall blend is earthy tobacco. The draw is perfect and the cigar smokes easily.
Pint
As I take my first sip of the Samurai Pale, I'm hoping for something that makes it unique. When it hits my tongue, the initial taste is reminiscent of a pilsner. It's very easy on the tastebuds, but the flavor is almost neutral. It's a good beer, but it doesn't give me the "OMG! This is going to be an amazing beer" flavor that I'm looking for. I'm concerned that this beer is not going to be able to hold its own against the UC.
Puff
The first third of the UC is very good. It's not overwhelming. The smoke is beautiful. It's not overly complex, but the blend is amazingly good. The smell of the smoke is very fragrant in a good way. I pull four long puffs per draw and the smoke doesn't even think about getting warm. After the stick has been lit for about 20 min., the smoke tapers off. The peanut flavor is still carrying through, but the aroma of the tobacco still has that deep earthiness to it. The ash is slightly flaky, but overall very dense. The draw seems to be tightening up a bit due to the humidity outside.
Pint
My first impression of this beer being similar to champagne is fairly accurate. The mouthfeel has a light smoothness to it that I would describe as almost like pop-rocks. Sparkly and tingly, however, this leaves the tongue fairly quickly and finishes off smooth and slightly malty.
Puff
I'm hitting the 45-minute mark on this stogie and I'll be damned if I don't lap the ash. This is really disappointing to me after seeing so many photos of this particular stick with a solid ash almost to the nub. The draw has tightened up considerably, but there's a nice floral aroma coming from the cigar that actually matches up really nicely with the Samurai Pale. Through the second third the floral morphs into gentle citrus. Then the pepper kicks in again and the cigar hits an earthy phase that's stronger than the first third. The peanuts are gone. I nudged the head with my teeth a bit and the cigar opened up immediately. The draw was much better after this. The cedar has also returned for the second third. There's warmth in the smoke, but it's not bitter or unpleasant.
Pint
My overall impression is that the Samurai Pale Ale is a perfect "sit on the deck and enjoy summer" type of beer. No overwhelming flavors that beg to be tasted. The rice may be more of a gimmick than anything because I'm not noticing that it imparts any rice characteristics or flavors to the beer. This brew has a nice aftertaste, the lacing is a bit weak. With a 5.2% ABV, this beer does have a bit more of a kick than a normal session beer, but it's still very good after a long day at work or hot day out doing yardwork. Oddly enough, this beer actually matches up pretty well with the first third of the Diesel Unholy Cocktail.
Puff
The first two thirds of this stick were just getting warmed up. During the final third, the shit really hits the fan, but in a good way. This diesel takes its time. You start it. It warms up and runs at a nice even pace, but then, once it gets going, it starts to fly like a Cummins on a dark highway. The heady aroma and smokability of the first two-thirds fool you into thinking that this cigar is going to meld with your lips and gently lull you into pleasant thoughts. Then, it nails you to the floor with the final third. It's not bitter, but the spice and pepper start kicking you in the tongue like David Beckham with a bad attitude. The good thing is... you'll enjoy this beatdown. There are no "notes" of pepper/earthiness/spice at this point. It's a full on heavy metal concert in your mouth. The aroma of fresh cedar also blends nicely with these flavors. If you breathe in slightly (not inhaling, just try to catch the aroma of the cigar while you puff), it's almost like cutting down an evergreen in November.
Final Thoughts: The Diesel Unholy Cocktail is a cigar well worth nubbing. It's consistent throughout and I fully blame my ash issues on the humidity here in Kansas. Medium to full-bodied, and definitely the final third is full-bodied. High notes of pepper and spice blended with earthiness and cedar and some peanuts thrown in for an extra kick. I would recommend this cigar to a seasoned smoker. It does have a bit of ass-kick after you get through the first half. Overall, very aromatic and vigorous.
Rating:
The Diesel Unholy Cocktail gets a great rating of 4 out of 5 puffs.
The Great Divide Samurai Pale Ale is overall good and gets a rating of 3 out of 5 pints.
That's all for now...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador - Regios vs. Black IPA (Homebrew) Video Review
Check out the video if you don't feel like reading! :) My apologies for my "camera presence". I'll definitely try to get better at this.
Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador - Regios vs. Black IPA (Homebrew)
I knew when I put these two items in the ring together that it was going to be a knockdown drag out, punch me in the teeth until I cried "Mama" type of smackdown. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. Of course, three-days later, I'm still recovering.
All kidding aside, I was really looking forward to this pairing. The Black IPA is one of my favorite brews. I brew it every chance I get and I drink it every chance I get, too. To put it bluntly, it's a good damn beer and it deserves to be paired up with a good damn cigar. Well ladies and gents, the Tatuaje Regios is the perfect match up. From its dark habano wrapper to it's big strength in a small package attitude, this Tatuaje stands its ground with ease.
I also want to give a huge thanks to our good friend Ron aka "Shuckins" over at Puff.com, who was kind enough to send me my very first bomb. A bomb, which included this little maduro mouth grenade. And one thing I want to say about Shuckins before we get into this review is that he is an incredibly generous person and when I told him about one particular aspect of the cigar that really surprised me, he laughed and said, "Now you know why I bomb people with cigars."
Brew Background: The Black IPA is assuredly a U.S. concoction. According to NorthernBrewer.com, the Black IPA's roots are firmly planted in West Coast craft breweries. It's a hugely hoppy beer with a great malt finish. When you're drinking this brew, it's truly a passive-aggressive experience. On the one hand, it's kicking you in the teeth with its hoppiness, but when it finishes, it soothes you with it's gentle caramel-coffee malt caress across your tongue.
The ingredients come in either an all-grain or kit brew. For this brew, I used the kit. Price ranges from $36.99 - $48.23 depending on what yeast you use.
The Kit Includes:
.25 lbs Dehusked Carafa III
.25 lbs Chocolate Malt
.5 lbs Briess Caramel 80
3.15 lbs Dark Malt Syrup (60 min.)
6 lbs Dark Malt Syrup (15 min.)
1 lb Corn Sugar (Flameout)
1 oz. Summit (60 min.)
1 oz. Chinook (15 min.)
1 oz. Centennial (10 min.)
1 oz. Cascade (5 min.)
1 oz. Centennial (Flameout)
1 oz. Cascade (Dry Hop)
Wyeast 1272 American Ale Yeast II
Safale US-05
I used the Safale US-05. It's a clean-fermenting dry yeast that gives reasonable attenuation, even on big beers like this one. And yes, you read that right: There are SIX hop additions to this brew. Can you say pump up my IBUs?
My O.G. was about 1.078, which is a bit higher than the kit sheet predicts (1.075), however, I'm using five-gallon carboys, so I can only put about 4.75 Gallons of wort in without worrying a lot about blow-off. My final gravity was 1.018, which gives an ABV of about 8%.
This is NOT a session beer.
And the Tatuaje is not a session cigar. It's a cigar that makes no bones about wanting to kick your ass. But guess what? Remember how our Black IPA has this passive-aggressive thing goin' on? Tatuaje has the same type of issue as you'll see.
Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador - Regios Background: Tatuaje is Spanish for Tattoo. Regios means regal, magnificent, kingly, etc. So yeah, it's like a king with a tattoo and an attitude. The Tatuaje brand was originally developed by Pete Johnson and Don Pepin. The cigars are manufactured at the El Rey de los Habanos factory in Miami, Florida and at Tabacalera Cubana S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Tatuaje Regios Facts:
Country of Origin: Miami, FL
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.5 in.
Ring: 50
Box Count: 25
The price of this cigar is between FREE (thanks to Shuckins!) and about $9.00 for a single at AtlanticCigar.com or maybe just a bit higher at your local B&M. 5-packs from Atlantic are $42.95 and boxes are roughly $230.00 for a box of 25 (at the time of this review).
The Review:
Pint
The appearance of this beer is amazing. It's like an oil slick in a pint glass. The beer is tar black with a gorgeous tan head that tickles the top edge of the glass. For a kit brew, the head is nice, but it dissipates too quickly for my taste. If I saw this beer without knowing what it was, I would guess Imperial Stout or possibly a Bourbon Barrel Porter.
Puff
The Tatuaje is a gorgeous cigar in its own right. It does have a few veins, but they don't detract from the cigar. I mean, think about it, this cigar was named Tatuaje because of Pete Johnson's tattoos. I look at this cigar and I actually enjoy the idea of the veins being similar to tattoos. The seams are nicely disguised. I did have an issue with my guillotine, so I ended up with a minor tear at the shoulder of the stick. I love the simplicity of the band. In my mind, I'm thinking, okay, this cigar doesn't have any pretense. It says, I'll let the smoke speak for itself. And it does.
Pint
The overall taste of this Black IPA is amazing. The hops nail your tongue to the bottom of your mouth and don't let it up for a full five-seconds. However, shortly after that initial hops smackdown, the caramel of the malt soothes your wounds and lets your tongue back up for another round. Which is a good thing, because one drink is never enough.
Puff
The cold draw on the Tatuaje is perfect. Not too loose and not too tight. Nice taste of tobacco and just a hint of pepper. Just wait, though, this is only the beginning. When you first toast the Tatuaje Regios, you're met with oak and tobacco. The foot toasts quickly and the cigar lights up easily. There's just a slight aroma of catnip after the initial purge. It's actually a nice smell when it's combined with the oak and tobacco. My first retrohale made me wonder if I'd made a mistake. There's a definite hit of hot pepper. The secondary smoke smells delicious, but it definitely lets you know that there's some serious tobacco in this cigar. It says, "Hey, I'm not hiding anything, are you?" Of course, later on, we'll find out that it was indeed hiding something.
Pint
The mouthfeel on this beer is light and smooth. No chewing necessary. The libation goes down smooth once the hops have cleared the way. Each drink has that beautiful caramel finish with just an aftertaste of hops that makes you smile. What's interesting about this beer is how well it matches up with the Tatuaje.
Puff
This cigar really never lets you forget that it's a cigar. The smoke is so thick you can chew it. It's almost like silk in your mouth. The second-third begins with nutmeg. The pepper and spice are gone and the ash is dense and razor sharp. The smoke really billows out of this thing. Despite its size, this cigar is not a morning smoke. It's a sit back and enjoy the buzz type of cigar. I can almost hear it speaking, "Yeah, y'all best eat before ya' smoke me, bitchezzzz...." And yes, I think it is definitely trying to make me into its bitch.
Pint
My overall impression of the NorthernBrewer Black IPA is face-punching hops and rich caramel finish. To be honest, I'd never serve this beer to my buddies. Why? Because I'm a selfish bastard and I want it all for myself. The pint finishes smooth and silky with a bitter punch in the mouth. I like it.
Puff
So, I'm sitting enjoying a slight nicotine buzz and I lose about an inch and a half of ash. However, I'm not too upset, because a cool front just went through and I know it's going to rain and after 105-degrees for several days straight, I'm good with that. I've got an even burn going and now leather has joined the party. So far, I'm roughly 45-minutes into the cigar and I'm enjoying it.
So, I'm sitting and minding my own business and my thoughts revolve around the idea that this cigar is like a prize fight. It starts off wanting to kick your ass. Roundhouses and uppercuts of pepper, spice, and oak. Then, it sits back and rests a bit. The spice and pepper leave and it takes a few jabs here and there as the smoke progresses over several rounds. It's almost as if it's building up energy for the later rounds. To be honest, I was a bit concerned that it was going to knock me on my ass during the last third.
Nearly 2/3 through and there are no issues with relights or touch-ups. This is a strong-bodied cigar. However, when it finally hits you with that knock-out punch, it's so unexpected that it's like Micky Ward in the 12th round. You think you've gotten him beaten back and all of the sudden, out of nowhere...
Chocolate.
Yes, you read right. Beginning that last third, the chocolate was so strong. There was just a hint of pepper around the edges, but the chocolate was predominant. It was like finally getting to the center of the tootsie pop. Oddly enough, this blend just really works. And when I mentioned this to Shuckins, that was when he posted back to me that this was the reason that he cigar bombs people. It's that first-time smoking something and getting surprised by it.
The cigar loses its ash about every 1 1/2 inch, but it recovers nicely and the smoke is never harsh. The finish is great. You can nub this cigar with no regrets and no bitter harshness.
Final thoughts: I can't imagine pairing this cigar with anything but my Black IPA or a Bourbon Barrel Porter. It has to be something that will stand up to the stick and vice versa, the stick has to stand up to the brew. I like this combination a lot. The Tatuaje is well worth nubbing (and yes, I did). Getting through the first 2/3 of the cigar is so worth it to get to that amazing chocolate.
This cigar, like the Black IPA, is a full-bodied stick. Neither of these are for the faint of heart and you definitely should eat before you smoke it.
Rating:
Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador - Regios - Excellent. I give this cigar a resounding 5 out of 5-puffs.
NorthernBrewer Black IPA - Easily one of my favorite beers and easily 5 out of 5-pints.
That's all for now...
All kidding aside, I was really looking forward to this pairing. The Black IPA is one of my favorite brews. I brew it every chance I get and I drink it every chance I get, too. To put it bluntly, it's a good damn beer and it deserves to be paired up with a good damn cigar. Well ladies and gents, the Tatuaje Regios is the perfect match up. From its dark habano wrapper to it's big strength in a small package attitude, this Tatuaje stands its ground with ease.I also want to give a huge thanks to our good friend Ron aka "Shuckins" over at Puff.com, who was kind enough to send me my very first bomb. A bomb, which included this little maduro mouth grenade. And one thing I want to say about Shuckins before we get into this review is that he is an incredibly generous person and when I told him about one particular aspect of the cigar that really surprised me, he laughed and said, "Now you know why I bomb people with cigars."
The ingredients come in either an all-grain or kit brew. For this brew, I used the kit. Price ranges from $36.99 - $48.23 depending on what yeast you use.
The Kit Includes:
.25 lbs Dehusked Carafa III
.25 lbs Chocolate Malt
.5 lbs Briess Caramel 80
3.15 lbs Dark Malt Syrup (60 min.)
6 lbs Dark Malt Syrup (15 min.)
1 lb Corn Sugar (Flameout)
1 oz. Summit (60 min.)
1 oz. Chinook (15 min.)
1 oz. Centennial (10 min.)
1 oz. Cascade (5 min.)
1 oz. Centennial (Flameout)
1 oz. Cascade (Dry Hop)
Wyeast 1272 American Ale Yeast II
Safale US-05
I used the Safale US-05. It's a clean-fermenting dry yeast that gives reasonable attenuation, even on big beers like this one. And yes, you read that right: There are SIX hop additions to this brew. Can you say pump up my IBUs?
My O.G. was about 1.078, which is a bit higher than the kit sheet predicts (1.075), however, I'm using five-gallon carboys, so I can only put about 4.75 Gallons of wort in without worrying a lot about blow-off. My final gravity was 1.018, which gives an ABV of about 8%.
This is NOT a session beer.
And the Tatuaje is not a session cigar. It's a cigar that makes no bones about wanting to kick your ass. But guess what? Remember how our Black IPA has this passive-aggressive thing goin' on? Tatuaje has the same type of issue as you'll see.
Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador - Regios Background: Tatuaje is Spanish for Tattoo. Regios means regal, magnificent, kingly, etc. So yeah, it's like a king with a tattoo and an attitude. The Tatuaje brand was originally developed by Pete Johnson and Don Pepin. The cigars are manufactured at the El Rey de los Habanos factory in Miami, Florida and at Tabacalera Cubana S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua.Tatuaje Regios Facts:
Country of Origin: Miami, FL
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.5 in.
Ring: 50
Box Count: 25
The price of this cigar is between FREE (thanks to Shuckins!) and about $9.00 for a single at AtlanticCigar.com or maybe just a bit higher at your local B&M. 5-packs from Atlantic are $42.95 and boxes are roughly $230.00 for a box of 25 (at the time of this review).
The Review:
Pint
The appearance of this beer is amazing. It's like an oil slick in a pint glass. The beer is tar black with a gorgeous tan head that tickles the top edge of the glass. For a kit brew, the head is nice, but it dissipates too quickly for my taste. If I saw this beer without knowing what it was, I would guess Imperial Stout or possibly a Bourbon Barrel Porter.
Puff
The Tatuaje is a gorgeous cigar in its own right. It does have a few veins, but they don't detract from the cigar. I mean, think about it, this cigar was named Tatuaje because of Pete Johnson's tattoos. I look at this cigar and I actually enjoy the idea of the veins being similar to tattoos. The seams are nicely disguised. I did have an issue with my guillotine, so I ended up with a minor tear at the shoulder of the stick. I love the simplicity of the band. In my mind, I'm thinking, okay, this cigar doesn't have any pretense. It says, I'll let the smoke speak for itself. And it does.
Pint
The overall taste of this Black IPA is amazing. The hops nail your tongue to the bottom of your mouth and don't let it up for a full five-seconds. However, shortly after that initial hops smackdown, the caramel of the malt soothes your wounds and lets your tongue back up for another round. Which is a good thing, because one drink is never enough.
Puff
The cold draw on the Tatuaje is perfect. Not too loose and not too tight. Nice taste of tobacco and just a hint of pepper. Just wait, though, this is only the beginning. When you first toast the Tatuaje Regios, you're met with oak and tobacco. The foot toasts quickly and the cigar lights up easily. There's just a slight aroma of catnip after the initial purge. It's actually a nice smell when it's combined with the oak and tobacco. My first retrohale made me wonder if I'd made a mistake. There's a definite hit of hot pepper. The secondary smoke smells delicious, but it definitely lets you know that there's some serious tobacco in this cigar. It says, "Hey, I'm not hiding anything, are you?" Of course, later on, we'll find out that it was indeed hiding something.
Pint
The mouthfeel on this beer is light and smooth. No chewing necessary. The libation goes down smooth once the hops have cleared the way. Each drink has that beautiful caramel finish with just an aftertaste of hops that makes you smile. What's interesting about this beer is how well it matches up with the Tatuaje.
Puff
This cigar really never lets you forget that it's a cigar. The smoke is so thick you can chew it. It's almost like silk in your mouth. The second-third begins with nutmeg. The pepper and spice are gone and the ash is dense and razor sharp. The smoke really billows out of this thing. Despite its size, this cigar is not a morning smoke. It's a sit back and enjoy the buzz type of cigar. I can almost hear it speaking, "Yeah, y'all best eat before ya' smoke me, bitchezzzz...." And yes, I think it is definitely trying to make me into its bitch.Pint
My overall impression of the NorthernBrewer Black IPA is face-punching hops and rich caramel finish. To be honest, I'd never serve this beer to my buddies. Why? Because I'm a selfish bastard and I want it all for myself. The pint finishes smooth and silky with a bitter punch in the mouth. I like it.
Puff
So, I'm sitting enjoying a slight nicotine buzz and I lose about an inch and a half of ash. However, I'm not too upset, because a cool front just went through and I know it's going to rain and after 105-degrees for several days straight, I'm good with that. I've got an even burn going and now leather has joined the party. So far, I'm roughly 45-minutes into the cigar and I'm enjoying it.
So, I'm sitting and minding my own business and my thoughts revolve around the idea that this cigar is like a prize fight. It starts off wanting to kick your ass. Roundhouses and uppercuts of pepper, spice, and oak. Then, it sits back and rests a bit. The spice and pepper leave and it takes a few jabs here and there as the smoke progresses over several rounds. It's almost as if it's building up energy for the later rounds. To be honest, I was a bit concerned that it was going to knock me on my ass during the last third.
Chocolate.
Yes, you read right. Beginning that last third, the chocolate was so strong. There was just a hint of pepper around the edges, but the chocolate was predominant. It was like finally getting to the center of the tootsie pop. Oddly enough, this blend just really works. And when I mentioned this to Shuckins, that was when he posted back to me that this was the reason that he cigar bombs people. It's that first-time smoking something and getting surprised by it.
The cigar loses its ash about every 1 1/2 inch, but it recovers nicely and the smoke is never harsh. The finish is great. You can nub this cigar with no regrets and no bitter harshness.
Final thoughts: I can't imagine pairing this cigar with anything but my Black IPA or a Bourbon Barrel Porter. It has to be something that will stand up to the stick and vice versa, the stick has to stand up to the brew. I like this combination a lot. The Tatuaje is well worth nubbing (and yes, I did). Getting through the first 2/3 of the cigar is so worth it to get to that amazing chocolate.
Rating:
Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador - Regios - Excellent. I give this cigar a resounding 5 out of 5-puffs.
NorthernBrewer Black IPA - Easily one of my favorite beers and easily 5 out of 5-pints.
That's all for now...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Chinook IPA (Homebrew) vs. Nub Habano 464 Torpedo
Today we'll take a look at a homebrew that I brewed back in March of 2011 called the Chinook IPA and a cigar created by Sam Leccia when he was with Oliva called the Nub Habano 464 Torpedo.
(For a larger version of this photo, click here)
There were a couple of reasons why I paired this beer with this cigar. The first is because I like the idea of an IPA with a cigar that some would consider relatively mild with slight undertones of caramel. The other reason was because I've recently become familiar with Nub cigars and I wanted to try one based off of some recommendations from fellow BOTL at Puff.com.
Brew Background:
The Chinook IPA was brewed from a kit that I obtained at NorthernBrewer.com. It's an American style IPA that enjoys a medium amount of bitterness from the Chinook hops that are its namesake. Chinook hops are generally used for bittering of beer and they were developed by the USDA. They're a hybrid of a USDA-selected male (unknown to this blogger) and Petham Golding. Their alpha is 12.5 to 14.0%.
The overall characteristics of the hops are herbal, floral, somewhat pine and smoke flavored. And in the instance of this IPA, the floral notes were present, which reminded me of Cascade hops.
For more detailed information, you can visit: www.brew-dudes.com/chinook-hops/251
The Chinook IPA from Northern Brewer comes as a kit or as an all-grain brew. As I mentioned, I used the kit. The cost is between $25.99 and $37.23 depending upon the type of yeast you use. The two that are recommended for this kit are the Wyeast 1056 American Ale smack pack or the Safale US-05 dry yeast. I used the S-05 in this batch. It's one of my favorite yeasts. Very good attenuation, ferments very clean and does an overall good job on a lot of different styles of beer.
The kit includes:
.75 lbs of Belgian Caramel Pils
.25 lbs of Briess Caramel 120
6lbs of Pilsen malt syrup
1 lb of Pilsen dry malt extract
1 oz Chinook 60 min.
.5 oz Chinook 10 min.
.5 oz Chinook 1 min.
1 oz Chinook (Dry Hop)
Wyeast 1056 American Ale (60-72°F)
OR
Safale US-05 Ale Yeast (59-75°F)
My O.G. in this brew was 1.052, which is about .002 higher than what the kit specifies. I think this is probably due to the fact that I only brewed a 4.75 gallon batch (I have 5-gallon carboys and if I do a 5-gallon brew, I get blow-off like you wouldn't believe!). My F.G. on the beer when I bottled was 1.012, which gave me an ABV of about 5.24%.
Nub 464 Habano Torpedo Background:
As I mentioned, the Nub line was created by Sam Leccia when he was still with Oliva. This particular cigar is priced between $2.79 (when purchased as part of the Plumpin' Samplers II package from CigarsInternational.com) up to $7.00 per stick from your local B&M.
Nub 464 Habano Torpedo Facts:
Brand - Nub
Vitola - 464 Torpedo
Length - 4-inches
RG - 64
Wrapper - Habano
Binder - Nicaragua
Filler - Nicaragua
Country of Origin - Nicaragua
Here's a great video featuring Sam rolling and chatting about the Nub line: Sam Leccia Rolls a Nub
The Review:
Pint
So, by now, you're wondering, how do they taste? Quick answer? Both are amazingly good.
When I cracked open the Chinook IPA, I poured and had a nice 1.5" head. The beer had a beautiful toasted caramel appearance and nice carbonation.
Puff
The Nub was also beautiful. Well-constructed. Barely visible seams. The cap was gorgeous. I did a Dickman Cut on it (check out the next to last paragraph on this site: http://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=jrcu_cutting if you're not familiar). The cigar stayed together perfectly throughout the entire smoke.
Pint
My first sip of the Chinook brought together a great combination of the chinook hops. Like a picture, the hops were definitely prominent, but framed by a tasty caramel flavor from the malt. This beer has a great mouth feel. It's very substantive. "Thicker" than most IPAs and it finishes with that same gorgeous hops bitterness that we're so accustomed to with this style of beer.
Puff
I did a cold draw on the Nub and the tobacco flavor was amazing. There was just a slight hint of leather. As I toasted the foot, the aroma of the cigar overwhelmed me in a good way. It was fantastic. Kind of like that first smell of the woodstove on a cold winter morning, but with roasted nut undertones. My initial draws on the cigar after I purged was so smooth. Full of leather flavors, oak and caramel/molasses rounding out the initial flavor profile. The burn started out nice and even and created nice thick smoke.
Pint
The taste of the Chinook is excellent. Just a great mix of flavors. As it warmed up over the course of 20-minutes or so, it smoothed out very nicely. My overall impression of this beer is that I want to brew it again. I love IPAs and I really appreciate how nicely the flavor complements the Nub cigar. I think the caramel flavor of the malts in this beer are what tie it together nicely with the Nub.
Puff
As I worked my way through the first and second 1/3 of the cigar, I noticed that about 40-minutes into the smoke that the leather flavors had left the building. This left a great mix of what I considered maple/oak and a slight hint of something like maple sugar. These flavors are so close to caramel that I have a hard time distinguishing, so that might be closer to what my palate was experiencing. The smoke is thick enough to be almost "chewy" in my mouth and as it progresses it becomes somewhat creamy, but not cloyingly so.
I did have some slight burn issues and at one point, the Nub tried to go out. However, a few draws brought it back to life and the amazing surprise was that as the smoke warmed up because of the number of draws, the distinct nutty flavor of cashews made an appearance. Despite being warm, the smoke was never harsh or bitter and I really felt like this little "mistake" on my part added another dimension to this smoke.
An hour into the smoke, it was going strong. The cashew flavor is just amazing and at this point, the smoke is always warm. The ash is thick and dense and the "mouth feel" of the smoke is lush, like thick cream, but with smoky overtones.
Nearly an hour and fifteen-minutes into the smoke, the leather came back and all I could say was "Yum." It was like walking into one of those boutique stores that features leather coats, purses, etc. and that awesome aroma just surrounds you. Unfortunately, about three-minutes later, I lost the ash. I think that because I smoked this right from the pack, that it was a bit overly humidified. I have four more of these, so I'll be letting them sit for awhile and hopefully they'll age nicely.
By two-hours, I'm nubbin' it. (Sorry McD's.) The smoke is hot, but not harsh or bitter and we're ready for the Nubulator 3000, otherwise known as the corn on the cob poker.
Overall, the Nub 464 Habano Torpedo is a great smoke. I have no problem at all buying this smoke in the future or recommending this smoke to a fellow BOTL. The point of the Nub is to begin the smoking experience right at the cigar's "sweet spot" and I believe that Sam Leccia has achieved this.
Ratings:
Chinook IPA - 4.5 Pints out of 5
Nub Habano 464 Torpedo - 5 out of 5 Puffs
That's all for now...
(For a larger version of this photo, click here)
There were a couple of reasons why I paired this beer with this cigar. The first is because I like the idea of an IPA with a cigar that some would consider relatively mild with slight undertones of caramel. The other reason was because I've recently become familiar with Nub cigars and I wanted to try one based off of some recommendations from fellow BOTL at Puff.com.
Brew Background:
The Chinook IPA was brewed from a kit that I obtained at NorthernBrewer.com. It's an American style IPA that enjoys a medium amount of bitterness from the Chinook hops that are its namesake. Chinook hops are generally used for bittering of beer and they were developed by the USDA. They're a hybrid of a USDA-selected male (unknown to this blogger) and Petham Golding. Their alpha is 12.5 to 14.0%.
The overall characteristics of the hops are herbal, floral, somewhat pine and smoke flavored. And in the instance of this IPA, the floral notes were present, which reminded me of Cascade hops.
For more detailed information, you can visit: www.brew-dudes.com/chinook-hops/251
The Chinook IPA from Northern Brewer comes as a kit or as an all-grain brew. As I mentioned, I used the kit. The cost is between $25.99 and $37.23 depending upon the type of yeast you use. The two that are recommended for this kit are the Wyeast 1056 American Ale smack pack or the Safale US-05 dry yeast. I used the S-05 in this batch. It's one of my favorite yeasts. Very good attenuation, ferments very clean and does an overall good job on a lot of different styles of beer.
The kit includes:
.75 lbs of Belgian Caramel Pils
.25 lbs of Briess Caramel 120
6lbs of Pilsen malt syrup
1 lb of Pilsen dry malt extract
1 oz Chinook 60 min.
.5 oz Chinook 10 min.
.5 oz Chinook 1 min.
1 oz Chinook (Dry Hop)
Wyeast 1056 American Ale (60-72°F)
OR
Safale US-05 Ale Yeast (59-75°F)
My O.G. in this brew was 1.052, which is about .002 higher than what the kit specifies. I think this is probably due to the fact that I only brewed a 4.75 gallon batch (I have 5-gallon carboys and if I do a 5-gallon brew, I get blow-off like you wouldn't believe!). My F.G. on the beer when I bottled was 1.012, which gave me an ABV of about 5.24%.
Nub 464 Habano Torpedo Background:
As I mentioned, the Nub line was created by Sam Leccia when he was still with Oliva. This particular cigar is priced between $2.79 (when purchased as part of the Plumpin' Samplers II package from CigarsInternational.com) up to $7.00 per stick from your local B&M.
Nub 464 Habano Torpedo Facts:
Brand - Nub
Vitola - 464 Torpedo
Length - 4-inches
RG - 64
Wrapper - Habano
Binder - Nicaragua
Filler - Nicaragua
Country of Origin - Nicaragua
Here's a great video featuring Sam rolling and chatting about the Nub line: Sam Leccia Rolls a Nub
The Review:
Pint
So, by now, you're wondering, how do they taste? Quick answer? Both are amazingly good.
When I cracked open the Chinook IPA, I poured and had a nice 1.5" head. The beer had a beautiful toasted caramel appearance and nice carbonation.
Puff
The Nub was also beautiful. Well-constructed. Barely visible seams. The cap was gorgeous. I did a Dickman Cut on it (check out the next to last paragraph on this site: http://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=jrcu_cutting if you're not familiar). The cigar stayed together perfectly throughout the entire smoke.
Pint
My first sip of the Chinook brought together a great combination of the chinook hops. Like a picture, the hops were definitely prominent, but framed by a tasty caramel flavor from the malt. This beer has a great mouth feel. It's very substantive. "Thicker" than most IPAs and it finishes with that same gorgeous hops bitterness that we're so accustomed to with this style of beer.
Puff
I did a cold draw on the Nub and the tobacco flavor was amazing. There was just a slight hint of leather. As I toasted the foot, the aroma of the cigar overwhelmed me in a good way. It was fantastic. Kind of like that first smell of the woodstove on a cold winter morning, but with roasted nut undertones. My initial draws on the cigar after I purged was so smooth. Full of leather flavors, oak and caramel/molasses rounding out the initial flavor profile. The burn started out nice and even and created nice thick smoke.
Pint
The taste of the Chinook is excellent. Just a great mix of flavors. As it warmed up over the course of 20-minutes or so, it smoothed out very nicely. My overall impression of this beer is that I want to brew it again. I love IPAs and I really appreciate how nicely the flavor complements the Nub cigar. I think the caramel flavor of the malts in this beer are what tie it together nicely with the Nub.
Puff
As I worked my way through the first and second 1/3 of the cigar, I noticed that about 40-minutes into the smoke that the leather flavors had left the building. This left a great mix of what I considered maple/oak and a slight hint of something like maple sugar. These flavors are so close to caramel that I have a hard time distinguishing, so that might be closer to what my palate was experiencing. The smoke is thick enough to be almost "chewy" in my mouth and as it progresses it becomes somewhat creamy, but not cloyingly so.
I did have some slight burn issues and at one point, the Nub tried to go out. However, a few draws brought it back to life and the amazing surprise was that as the smoke warmed up because of the number of draws, the distinct nutty flavor of cashews made an appearance. Despite being warm, the smoke was never harsh or bitter and I really felt like this little "mistake" on my part added another dimension to this smoke.
An hour into the smoke, it was going strong. The cashew flavor is just amazing and at this point, the smoke is always warm. The ash is thick and dense and the "mouth feel" of the smoke is lush, like thick cream, but with smoky overtones.
Nearly an hour and fifteen-minutes into the smoke, the leather came back and all I could say was "Yum." It was like walking into one of those boutique stores that features leather coats, purses, etc. and that awesome aroma just surrounds you. Unfortunately, about three-minutes later, I lost the ash. I think that because I smoked this right from the pack, that it was a bit overly humidified. I have four more of these, so I'll be letting them sit for awhile and hopefully they'll age nicely.
By two-hours, I'm nubbin' it. (Sorry McD's.) The smoke is hot, but not harsh or bitter and we're ready for the Nubulator 3000, otherwise known as the corn on the cob poker.
Overall, the Nub 464 Habano Torpedo is a great smoke. I have no problem at all buying this smoke in the future or recommending this smoke to a fellow BOTL. The point of the Nub is to begin the smoking experience right at the cigar's "sweet spot" and I believe that Sam Leccia has achieved this.
Ratings:
Chinook IPA - 4.5 Pints out of 5
Nub Habano 464 Torpedo - 5 out of 5 Puffs
That's all for now...
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