The 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 thin, six-inch cigar with a pigtail cap, labeled a “Corona Especial” by Pete Johnson, puts the “V” in Havana for the eight-vitola Tatuaje “Red Label” line. And it’s a particularly tasty one, producing thick smoke, spice, and hits of coffee and licorice. At a 38 ring gauge, the Habano Ecuador wrapper mixes wonderfully with the Nicaraguan filler and binder.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Tatuaje Cigars

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.

1) Yesterday, we summarized some of the anti-tobacco bills that are under consideration in state capitals across the country. While many federal and state politicians continue to restrict cigar rights here in the U.S., their work pales in comparison to the draconian new law that recently took effect in Honduras. The law bans smoking in most public places throughout the country—one of the world’s leading exporters of cigars—and also encourages people to report individuals who smoke inside their homes. “Families or individuals may complain to law enforcement authorities when smokers expose them to secondhand smoke in private places and family homes,” reads a clause in the law.

2) Details are emerging about Crowned Heads LLC, a new cigar company that was announced by Jon Huber and other former employees of CAO in February. Huber and his team are currently in talks with tobacco growers and factories to produce a new five-vitola blend before the end of the year. Huber says his goal is to focus on quality and balance, not volume or sales figures.

3) Inside the Industry: The Jameson Cigar Co. is releasing Santos de Miami, a box-pressed Dominican puro with a corojo wrapper. La Palina El Diario, a more affordable version of the La Palina line, is being made at the Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras and will sell for about $10 per cigar.

4) Around the Blogs: Smoking Stogie smokes a Cuban Partagas 165th Anniversario. Stogie Review reviews the Nub San Andreas Maduro. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Reinado Torpedo. Cigar Inspector inspects the Casa Magna. The top cigar on YourCigarRatings.com is the Tatuaje Black Corona Gorda.

5) Deal of the Week: We’ve enjoyed the Don Kiki White Label for years, and now is your chance to pick up this cigar at a deep discount: a box of 20 for just $84.99. Also available is a bundle of 20 La Unica by Fuente/Newman for $59.99. [The original deals expired, but by clicking through the email specials page you’ll find other discounted prices.]

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Wikipedia

State legislatures all around the country are in session, and that means cigar rights are in danger. From coast to coast, bills are being considered that would curb the rights of cigar smokers. Fortunately, Cigar Rights of America and the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association are keeping cigar smokers updated. Here are a few of the bills from around the country to watch out for:

California is considering a bill that would ban smoking statewide in all indoor locations except private residences. SB 575 would ban smoking in all retail tobacco businesses, private clubs, hotel lobbies, bars, taverns, banquet rooms, warehouse facilities, and employee break rooms.

Kentucky is considering a bill to ban smoking in all indoor locations except private residences. Polls show Kentucky residents are evenly split on the proposed legislation.

Indiana is considering a bill that would ban smoking nearly everywhere, including cigar bar. While current cigar shops are exempt, future shops may not be.

Nebraska legislators are considering a bill (LB 436) that would severely increase the price of cigars. The bill would boost the wholesale tax on cigars and other premium tobacco products by 225%.

Maryland is considering two bills that would dramatically increases the cost of cigars. If both bills pass, tobacco excise taxes would increase by 500%.

Texas is considering a state-wide ban on smoking. The bill, introduced by a Dallas-area Republican (demonstrating that anti-Cigar Rights legislation is bipartisan), would prohibit smoking in indoor areas of most businesses, health care facilities, and sporting venues.

Washington is considering HB 1246, which would limit cigar smokers’ choices and make tobacco sales less consumer-friendly. The bill bans the sale of any tobacco that has a “distinguishable flavor or aroma other than tobacco”, including flavored or infused cigars, such as Acid, and flavored pipe tobacco. The bill would force tobacco to be kept behind a counter at most tobacco retailers, though dedicated cigar shops appear to be exempt.

As you can see, anti-cigar legislation is moving all around the country. It is critical that lawmakers hear from their constituents if these measures are to be defeated. And this is just a small selection of pending legislation. To keep up-to-date on all the anti-cigar legislation in your area, we recommend subscribing to updates from the CRA and constantly monitoring the IPCPR legislation page.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A.J. Fernandez, the subject of yesterday’s interview, is a prolific cigar maker who has crafted smokes for the likes of Rocky Patel, Padilla, Graycliff, and Gurkha. He also has a wonderful new solo project—San Lotano—and several limited distribution lines, including Man O’ War, Diesel, and 5 Vegas Triple-A.

The latter is not to be confused with the original 5 Vegas Series ‘A’, which sports a Costa Rican maduro wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and a three-country filler blend. For starters, it isn’t mentioned on 5 Vegas’ website. Second, the Triple-A is available in only one size: a robusto-sized smoke that measures five inches long with a ring gauge of 56. Third, while Series ‘A’ is marketed primarily as medium-bodied, Triple-A is described as a powerbomb.

With a recipe that includes Cuban-seed ligero tobaccos from Condega, Jalapa, and Estelí, that description sounds plausible enough to me. A quick examination of the Triple-A reinforces that perception. The Pennsylvania broadleaf maduro wrapper is incredibly dark, the feel is firm, and the potent pre-light notes smell of rich coffee.

Online descriptions of the Triple-A feature phrases like “earthy nuances,” “black pepper,” “oak and leather,” and “espresso and cocoa.” For the first few puffs I couldn’t really taste any of these. At the outset, the taste is so bold and overbearing that it’s difficult to pick out individual flavors. Not terribly enjoyable or interesting.

After the preliminary puffs, though, the profile settles considerably. Even though the body is still very full and the strength is still quite powerful, distinct flavors are now discernible, including a cocoa-like sweetness, dark espresso, spice, and charred meat. The overall effect is agreeable, albeit straightforward. Smoking slowly helps bring out fleeting notes of roasted nuts and cream. This is pretty much how it tastes until the nub.

While you may expect a ligero-laden cigar like the Triple-A to have combustion deficiencies, this robusto smokes like a champ. The burn line is straight, the draw is effortless, and the white ash holds tight for well over an inch.

I rarely reach for cigars that are so brash, opting instead for subtlety and balance over shear force. But enthusiasts in search of a reliable, full-bodied cigar that won’t break the bank would do well to pick up the 5 Vegas Triple-A, which retails for $5-7 online. That value helps this A.J. Fernandez creation earn three and a half stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A.J. Fernandez may be the best cigar maker you haven’t heard of. But not for long.

Born in Cuba where he worked with the legendary Alejandro Robaina, Fernandez has quickly gained fame making cigars for other cigar companies including Rocky Patel, Padilla, Graycliff, and Gurkha, as well as making exclusive cigars for catalog giant Cigars International (for whom he makes Diesel, Man O’ War, La Herencia, and other smokes.) At the 2010 industry trade show, Fernandez introduced his first solo national brand, San Lotano. (For more on San Lotano, read our reviews of the Connecticut and Habano.)

Via email (with translation help from company co-President Kris Katchaturian) I asked A.J. Fernandez about Cuba, Robaina, Niacaraguan tobacco, and his new San Lotano blend.

Stogie Guys: Growing up in Cuba, did you notice cigars playing a role in the country’s culture? How did you first become involved with the cigar industry?

A.J. Fernandez: I noticed it a lot. It is an integral part of our culture. I come from a generational family of tobacco growers. I was born and raised in San Luis, Cuba (this is in the Pinar del Rio region). This part of Cuba is known worldwide because most every local is involved directly or indirectly with tobacco. Mostly, I remember when I was a child helping my grandfather stripping the leaves. I have always loved the natural aroma of tobacco. I guess, you could say, it is in my blood.

SG: You’ve been described as the protégé of the “Godfather of Cuban tobacco,” Alejandro Robaina. Tell us about what made him so special. What was the most important thing he taught you about cigars?

A.J.: That is a fine compliment. Too much, even. He was a great man and mentor. But I won’t say that I am the protégé of Alejandro Robaina. Our families had a longstanding relationship with each other. We had great respect for him… I idolized him. We would often get together and I would listen to everything he had to say. I suppose one concept that I always keep close to me is to continually tinker with different (leaf) blends. You never know what you might fall upon.

SG: What made you decide to leave Cuba? Why did you settle in Nicaragua?

A.J.: My father wanted to keep my family close together. He came to Nicaragua in 1997 to run the fermentation process for his nephew, Nestor Plasencia. I joined in Nicaragua shortly thereafter. I used that golden opportunity to become independent, utilizing the knowledge which I brought from Cuba to begin my own factory.

SG: You use a lot of Nicaraguan tobacco in the blends you create. What is it about Nicaraguan tobacco that you think makes it so special?

A.J.: In my opinion, the Nicaraguan tobacco is totally unique. Hey, it’s beautiful. Why? It combines the perfect balance of aroma and strength. I am very proud of the quality of leaf here. It is a gift from above to work with such high quality product.

SG: Tell us about the new San Lotano blend, you first independent, nationally distributed cigar line.

A.J.: San Lotano is crafted from carefully selected Cuban-seed leaves. The ligero is aged more than five years. This aging results in a naturally sweet aroma and fine balance. I also make it with lots of passion.

SG: What do you think about the quality of Cuban tobacco? What would you do if you had access to Cuban tobacco for blending today?

A.J.: People ask this question often. For me, Cuba has very rich and complex tobacco. If I were given the opportunity to mix it with my Nicaraguan product? Oh man, we would have some highly sought-after blends.

SG: Besides those you make, what are some of your favorite cigars to smoke for your own enjoyment?

A.J.: What a difficult question. Like asking what my favorite food is. There are so many excellent lines today, both new and old. I would hate to leave something out. Naturally, I am so busy making new blends I do not have a lot of time to smoke outside product. Was that diplomatic enough of me?

SG: Give us the one-sentence pitch: Why should a cigar smoker who has never smoked one of your cigars try one?

A.J.: It is not only in the exacting method in which we ferment our tobacco, which gives great balance to our blends, but also in the passionately intense supervision of the rolling process for that perfect construction.

Thanks to A.J. Fernandez for taking the time to talk to us. For more information on his cigars, visit AJFernandezCigars.com.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

I bought the “Plunge” from Xikar’s website for $29.99 about two months ago. As a cigar enthusiast who vastly prefers wooden matches, I wasn’t looking for much—just a reliable butane lighter that I could use in windy conditions.

The lighter shipped, innocently enough, in a black box complete with instructions. It also included a Xikar catalogue and a sleeve that lauds the product’s “reliable rapidfire ignition, single jet flame, and lifetime warranty.” I was hoping I wouldn’t have to use the latter.

My gunmetal-colored Plunge worked well for about a week or so, producing a powerful, adjustable blue flame when needed. I was looking forward to tossing it in my golf bag once the weather became warm enough to play. Sadly, this lighter never made it that far. Instead, before it was time to refill the butane for the first time, the Plunge began to malfunction. Despite having plenty of fuel—as evidenced by the visible liquid in the circular window and the audible sound of releasing gas—a flame would not emerge.

When I first encountered this problem, I remember pressing down and trying to ignite the flame countless times. Futile. I can also remember peering to see a tiny spark shoot across the stream of gas every time I clicked the ignition. But the spark just wasn’t enough to yield a flame.

I set the lighter aside for a few weeks, hoping it would correct itself if neglected. No dice. Sure, if I pushed my thumb down enough times in rapid succession, a flame would emerge every blue moon. But this is an unacceptable solution.

So now I find myself at the warranty section of Xikar’s website. “If you feel that a Xikar product fails to live up to our promise of fit, finish, or function,” it reads, “simply return it to us and we will immediately and cheerfully repair or replace your product under our total satisfaction guarantee.” Fair enough. But I still have to acquire a bubble wrap envelope, pay for postage, and mail the Plunge back to Xikar’s headquarters in Kansas City.

I’ll be doing so shortly. And I’ll be sure to leave a comment at this post when I receive my new/fixed Plunge. Hopefully it will work properly.

–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.”

Eight months ago, I found this attractive Cuban robusto to be too inconsistent and too young tasting to be worth the trouble, but I did note that it showed some potential after “some serious aging.” With that in mind, I lit up another from the same batch to see how it was developing. The cigar has improved, but I think it will be be better still with more age. Some of the bitterness has dropped off revealing a balanced, medium-bodied flavor of cream, cedar, paper, and toast. The construction is significantly improved, with an even burn and an easy draw requiring no re-lights. Despite it’s shortcomings, I’m becoming increasingly confident that after another 6-12 months in the humidor, this Cuban will develop into an excellent smoke.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys