The Stogie Guys

Completing our coverage of the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania, today we feature our joint interview of Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and Jesus Fuego of J. Fuego Cigars. Both discuss their newest creations, among other things.

Thank you to Famous Smoke Shop for a wonderful event and to all the cigar makers who made time for us. We look forward to next year’s Cigar Expo.

–The Stogie Guys

video credit: Stogie Guys

Today we continue our coverage of the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania. Here’s the discussion we had with Abe Flores about his lineup of Pinar del Rio cigars.

We’re also pleased to feature our interview with Eddie Ortega, who spoke about his new partnership with Rocky Patel, changes to the various 601 blends, and a new cigar trademark he just registered for “Hardcore.”

Visit StogieGuys.com again tomorrow for our final video from the 2010 Cigar Expo: a colorful chat with Jesus Fuego and Pete Johnson.

–The Stogie Guys

video credit: Stogie Guys

Today we continue our coverage of the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania. The Expo featured dozens of top cigar makers, lots of cold beer to help beat the heat, the world’s largest “smokable” cigar, and a CAO-sponsored fireworks display. A great time was had by all.

We’re pleased to now feature our conversation with Tim Ozgener, president of CAO cigars, who told us about the new La Traviata Maduro and his involvement with Cigar Rights of America.

Rounding out our two-fer Tuesday, here’s our interview with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo of E.P. Carrillo Cigars, who spoke about the debut of his new core blend.

Be sure to check StogieGuys.com tomorrow for more interviews from the 2010 Cigar Expo.

–The Stogie Guys

video credit: Stogie Guys

On Saturday, one half of the StogieGuys.com team attended the 2010 Cigar Expo, an event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop at their headquarters in Easton, Pennsylvania. The Expo featured dozens of top cigar makers, lots of cold beer to help beat the heat, the world’s largest “smokable” cigar, and a CAO-sponsored fireworks display. A great time was had by all.

Our first interview was with José Blanco, La Aurora’s marketing director. He told us about the success of the 107 launch, the fight to protect cigar freedoms, and hinted at a new La Aurora release:

Be sure to check StogieGuys.com throughout the week for more video interviews with the world’s best cigar makers.

–The Stogie Guys

video 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.”

This Cuban cigar features a smooth golden wrapper and classic robusto proportions. It is a roller coaster of flavors and construction. It starts with tangy sour notes of orange peel, overpowering the cedar and paper tastes. This continues along until nearly the final third, when more balanced honey and nut flavors finally emerge. The construction is similar, with multiple touch-ups needed on an uneven burn that finally settles down in the final 20 minutes. I’m hoping some serious aging will improve this cigar because it does show some potential but, despite a pleasant finish, this particular roller coaster is not a fun ride.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick S

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.”

When I reviewed the Series JJ Belicoso back in December 2008, I found it to be somewhat disappointing. I’ve kept a Selectos (5 x 50) in my humidor since then to determine how the blend would perform after 18 months of aging. Not much had changed. The full-bodied flavor of dry wood, leather, and black pepper remained – nice but lacking in balance – and the physical properties were still below average for a $7-8 cigar. While I don’t dislike this Nicaraguan puro, it just isn’t quite my cup of tea.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) It was announced this week that Cuban cigar production fell 14% in 2010. The harvest wasn’t impacted by adverse growing conditions, but rather a reaction to the worldwide economic slowdown and the spread of smoking bans. Cuba, facing budget shortfalls, decreased the land devoted to tobacco cultivation by 30% last year. “There was a reduction in planting due to limitations in resources caused by the economic crisis,” local media reported.

2) As we wrote on June 11, New York Gov. David Paterson wanted to drastically increase the state’s tax on cigars to pay for a budget shortfall. This week he got his wish. Politicians in Albany passed a bill that jacks up the wholesale tax on cigars from 46% to 75%. The increased revenue will be used in part to pay for “tobacco cessation programs” that, if successful, will ironically decrease tax payments over time.

3) Inside the Industry: Along with price cuts, look for new packaging on EO 601 cigars (co-owner Erik Espinosa tells StogieGuys.com that he hopes the new look will attract attention so smokers will notice the lower prices). The 2011 ProCigar Festival will be held on February 6-11 in the Dominican Republic.

4) Around the Blogs: Keepers of the Flame torches a La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Tabaqueros. Stogie Fresh fires up a Davidoff Maduro R. Stogie Review reviews a KA Kendall 7-20-4. Smoking Stogie smokes an Epernay Le Matin. Cigar Inspector lights up an Ambos Mundos.

5) Deal of the Week: Like Perdomo cigars? Haven’t tried them yet? Either way, this “Perdomo Power Sampler” is worth a look. With four Perdomo ESV ’91s, plus one of each of the five Perdomo Reserve lines, this deal offers plenty for the Perdomo newbie or veteran, all for under $40. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr