The Stogie Guys

In the third installment of “Random Thoughts from the Humidor” (previous editions here and here), I ponder the upcoming IPCPR Trade Show, cigar smoking politicians, and a basic requirement for a proper cigar shop:

Wooden Matches Please

I recently walked into a cigar shop, bought a few Padróns, and asked for some matches, as I was planning on lighting one right then and there. The employee handed me a book of paper matches, and when I asked if he had wooden matches he replied that there were none. I don’t get it. How does a proper cigar shop still not have wooden matches? Paper matches are soaked in lighter fluid and can taint the flavors of a good smoke.

A Friend of Cigar Smokers?

I find it curious to see Congressman Kendrick Meek’s Democratic primary opponent in Florida attack Meek for his ties to the cigar industry. Meek may have received money from friends in the industry, but it isn’t clear that they got anything in return. Meek reportedly enjoys his cigars, but his voting record isn’t anything special. Maybe he’s working behind the scenes. When it came to making a public stand, Meek repeatedly voted for the massive SCHIP cigar tax hike, twice in 2008 and again in 2009 to pass the bill that eventually was signed into law by President Obama.

The Senator from Nebraska

If Meek overcomes the odds in his Senate race, he certainly won’t be the first Senator to enjoy the occasional cigar. I didn’t know it before, but judging from the photo accompanying this Daily Caller article, Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) has quite the respectable cigar collection. Another photo on the Senator’s Flickr feed gives an even better view (above) of the large cabinet humidor he appears to keep in his Capitol Hill office.

Trade Show Time

I’m looking forward to the annual IPCPR Trade Show next week in New Orleans. StogieGuys.com will be covering the event with live updates from the floor, talking to cigar makers about their latest creations. When we first attended the show in 2008, members of the electronic media were few and far between. This year, it seems there are scores of bloggers descending on New Orleans. One sign of the change is that the IPCPR now warns media outlets that demanding free samples from cigar makers is grounds for revocation of their press credentials. The association is also reminding those new to the show not to disturb cigar makers while they take care of their primary mission: taking orders from retailers.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Flickr

Twenty-three years ago, Avo Uvezian founded a cigar company at the age of 61. A Lebanese-born jazz pianist and a former jewelry designer, he was an unlikely addition to the world of cigars. But this Juilliard-trained talent would quickly make a big impact on the industry.

His two-year search for the best Dominican tobacco ended with Hendrik Kelner of Davidoff. No surprise there. Uvezian paid Kelner top dollar to secure the highest quality leaves and the most attractive packaging for his eponymous brand. The gamble paid off. In only its third year of existence, Avo sold over 750,000 cigars, prompting Uvezian to ink a distribution deal with Davidoff to expand his market.

Uvezian ultimately sold his brand to Davidoff in 1995. Avo has since grown well past its Classic line to include the XO Trio, Quartetto, Signature, Maduro, Puritos, 787, various limited editions, and the Domaine.

The latter was introduced in 1998 as a stronger counterpart to the traditional Classic series. It boasts a double-fermented Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper with tobaccos from the “Domaine Avo” fields in the Dominican Republic.

There are six vitolas currently in production. The robusto-sized Domaine 10 (5.1 x 50) is a smooth, dark-looking smoke with scant veins, a beautifully crafted triple cap, and a gorgeous purple and silver band. The external leaf gives off only the slightest pre-light aroma, but the foot emits a bouquet of sweet chocolate. In all, a great first impression.

As for taste, the Domaine 10 starts with a flourish of powdery cocoa and black pepper. It is neither mild nor strong with a medium-bodied flavor that’s enhanced by a nutty creaminess. Each effortless draw yields tufts of thick, billowy smoke, lending to the dry profile a light texture.

This cigar’s clear draw also makes it prone to overheating. Smoking slowly will help you avoid the harsh bitter notes that crop up if the tobacco is cooked at too high a temperature. The other combustion qualities are superb, however, including a nice burn and a fine white ash.

The Avo Domaine 10 is enjoyable from beginning to end, but it’s at its best between the black pepper intro and the spicy cedar finale. That’s when all the silky creaminess is allowed to shine through. A smart buy for $6 apiece with subtlety that overshadows a few hiccups, this cigar is worthy of three and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Davidoff’s first all-Dominican blend, the Puro Dominicano Robsuto, was rumored to be an early version of the new Puro D’Oro—Davidoff’s first new regular line since the 2008 Maduro blend. The robusto starts with a slightly unbalanced burst of black pepper, but soon settles into a mouthwatering blend of butter and almond with subtle spices. Construction is flawless, and while it doesn’t seem to have much in common with the Puro d’Oro, it is a interesting smoke that’s well worth a try.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys