The Stogie Guys

From Erik Espinoza and Eddie Ortega’s United Tobacco, the outfit that brought us the smash hit 601 Serie blends, comes a new highly anticipated cigar. Cubao, the Taino word for “where fertile land is abundant” or “a great place,” was recently introduced at this year’s IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas.

Like the older Green, Blue, and Red labels, Cubao has the advantage of the tried and true Pepin-blended, Estelí-made combination. The six vitolas are marketed as full-bodied with Ecuador Sumatra oscuro wrappers and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.

The robusto-sized 4 and 7/8 inch by 50 ring gauge No. 4 is oily, firm, and fragrant with an attractive band that blends into the wrapper and serves as a departure from the flashy bands of the 601s. Singles sell for about $6 and rustic boxes of 20 in the $130-150 price range.

After smoking over ten No. 4s between the two of us in the past several weeks, we’re convinced that cost is more than reasonable. We think you’ll agree from the moment you light up a Cubao, which predictably starts with a trademark blast of peppercorn that has become synonymous with Don Pepin Garica’s creations.

What we found most interesting about this blend is its unwavering balance. After the initial greeting of spice we found a variety of tastes including wheat, oak, and bread. While the profile is definitely medium to full, and while the flavor is consistent throughout, this balance keeps the smoke exciting and cool—never too spicy, too strong, or too harsh. Look for a slight increase of bitterness in the last two inches.

The mechanics of the stogie’s performance are also top-notch, probably superior to those of some cigars in the more expensive 601 blends (of which we are huge fans). We found even burns, moderate draws, and firm ashes across our array of samples.

All told, perhaps this is the best compliment we can give this new addition to United Tobacco’s lineup: This is the kind of cigar that makes you want to smoke one more right away, preferably another Cubao. So don’t hesitate putting the EO Cubao No. 4 on your “Must Try” list; we give it four and a half stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick A & Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

For my money, there are few places where cigar smoking is a better accompaniment than on the golf course. I may not be playing scratch golf, but with an excellent cigar and the panoramic views of a nice course it is easy to shake off a bad three-putt.

And entrepreneurs are not oblivious to the fact that golf and cigars go so well together, especially now that the golf course is a rare public place where smoking is largely still welcomed. To cash in on this niche, there are a host of devices on the market that are specifically designed to hold your stogie on the golf course. Over the last few months I’ve played over a dozen rounds with four such devices.

Heater Holder: I first mentioned the Heater Holder over a year ago and praised the device for its simplicity. The small metal cigar holder attaches to the snaps atop golf bags that are normally designed to secure a rain cover. The basic version sells for $25, but other models are available in silver, sterling silver, and gold for those looking for a little more flash. It also features a chain that attaches to your bag, so that you won’t lose the Heater Holder if you knock it off the snaps. The device is perfect for those who prefer to walk the course, but isn’t as useful if you strap your clubs to the back of a motor cart.

Cigar Wedge: In true gadget form this cigar holder resembles a golf club, only with a V-shaped top that will cradle your cigar. Don’t try and hit a golf ball with the plastic head because it or the wooden shaft will likely shatter, but that’s OK because the $25 Cigar Wedge won’t count against your 14-club limit. If your experience is anything like mine, other players in your foursome will take notice of this gadget, which is kind of the point of gadgets anyway, isn’t it?

Puff Caddie: Like the Cigar Wedge, one end of this device is embedded into the ground while the other metal top provides a stable platform for your cigar to rest on while crushing your drive or lining up your putt. The Puff Caddie is made with a modified actual steel golf shaft with a real grip near the top just below the cigar platform. The steel shaft means it is easy to push into even the firmest tee box. Also, like the Cigar Wedge, it is a sure conversation starter.

Hole in One Cigar Holder: By far the most affordable of the group was the Hole In One, which can be had for under $5. The simple plastic device resembles a golf ball on a tee, only with a hole in the middle for you to place your stogie through. I had to learn the hard way that when placing your cigar in the Hole In One, you should be sure to place the head through, otherwise you’re likely to knock the ash off. Also, don’t bother with the huge ring gauges as I’m not sure that anything larger than 56 could fit. Still, this has all the characteristics of a successful gadget; sure it’s functional, but it also reminds you that it is a gadget designed for the golf course, form and function as it were.

All in all, none of these gadgets are must buys for the average stogie-puffing hacker, and quite frankly, given that the only requirement for a cigar holder for golf is something that will keep your cigar off the chemical-filled grass, two tees will work just as well.

But gadgets are all about flash, and each of the four devices has some in its own way. So if you’re looking for flash (perhaps to distract from your triple-digit golf score) you may want to pick one up.

If you like to walk the course I’d go with the Heater Holder. If your back already aches from teeing up your balls and marking your putts, go with the flashier Puff Caddie or Cigar Wedge. If you’re looking for function at a value, pick up the Hole In One.

Most of all, remember to use your cigar gadget proudly. After all, it’s a great conversation starter. And when you do strike up a conversation about your cigar gadget with a fellow golfing cigar enthusiasist, make sure to tell him that you read about it on StogieGuys.com.

–Patrick S

photo credits: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

With a firm ash, an even burn, and a bargain price of $105-118 per box of 25, this Honduran puro is hard not to recommend. The 6 inch by 60 ring gauge Gigante is well-balanced and satisfying, encompassing notes of dry wood, clove, and smooth spice. I’d purchase this again in a heartbeat, not so much as a stand-alone smoke, but as an excellent accompaniment to a round of 18 holes or, as Cigar Jack says, a friendly barbeque.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This thick 6 inch, 56 ring gauge toro was given to me by Carlos Diez, the energetic new President of Reyes Family Cigars (known until recently as the Puros Indios cigar company) at the IPCPR Trade Show. It has a lightly colored Ecuador Sumatra wrapper with a Ecuador Sumatra binder and filler from four different countries (Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Nicaragua). Once lit, I found the same buttery toast flavor that I noticed when I tried a robusto from this line in Las Vegas. The finish was cedary with a slightly soapy bitterness—something that was absent from the robusto. Construction was good as well. The cigar was pleasant, but I can’t help feeling that it will be better with more age.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Last Thursday I shared an article with you out of Charleston, West Virginia, about a group of bar owners who united and protested their county’s smoking ban. In keeping with the theme of outright defying oppressive laws, check out this news item about a bar that’s actively ignoring Iowa’s statewide smoking ban—a bar that’s right across the street from a police station.

2) All this talk about Obama and McCain got you bored out of your cigar-loving mind? Let Stephen Colbert lighten things up with this interview of Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr (pictured smoking a cigar), who talks about having a cigar with Al Gore.

3) Inside the Industry: A survey by the Association for Women Cigar Smokers finds that, on average, female cigar smokers smoke 3-5 cigars per month, with one in five smoking at least one cigar a day (download the full results here.) We regret to report that Daniel Miranda, director of marketing for Miami Cigar & Co., passed away at 38 after a three-year fight with brain cancer.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Illusione f9. Her Humidor lights up a Tabacos Baez Monarcas. Keepers of the Flame smokes the Colombian Gold. Cigar Jack torches up a Kristoff Criollo. Cigar Inspector recaps the Hoyo de Monterrey.

5) Deal of the Week: Cuban Crafters has some great specials for Labor Day weekend. Included are deals on the J.L. Salazar, Cuban Crafters Cameroon, Cabinet Selection, and Don Kiki White. See all the deals here.

– The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Robert Stacey McCain

Taking up cigars is exciting. So much to enjoy, so much to explore. But it can also be an intimidating time, what with all the new lingo, aficionados, and a seemingly endless range of options.

If you’re a new smoker, my first recommendation is to take a deep breath (before lighting up) and just relax. This is, after all, cigar smoking. Not rocket science, brain surgery, or even changing the oil in your car. About the worst thing that’s likely to happen is you’ll mess up a cigar or two, and while that might be a shame, it’s certainly not a crime.

From time to time, Stogie Guys will specifically address new cigar smokers. And, who knows, maybe a grizzled vet or two will stumble across something new as well. Here’s our first round of tips:

Get a Little Salty: You need to make sure your hygrometer is properly calibrated to monitor the humidity level where your cigars are stored. There’s really only one way: the salt calibration test. Everything you need to know to perform this simple, effective operation is here.

Light Right: Wonder if you’re clipping and lighting your cigar correctly? Let Doc Stogie entertain and enlighten you with his demonstration of the proper techniques at Stogie Fresh TV, and also read our tip on choosing the proper cutting tool.

Talk is Cheap: You probably have a great cigar resource nearby: the owner of your local B&M. The next time you stop by strike up a conversation. It’s a particularly good time now because you can ask what’s new from IPCPR. Describe what you like and ask for recommendations. A good owner can greatly increase your knowledge and enjoyment.

Caveat Smoker: Sooner of later, nearly every cigar smoker is presented with the “opportunity” to buy Cuban cigars. Warning: They are almost unquestionably counterfeits. Back in 2006, Patrick S. detailed how you can avoid getting stung.

Fancy or Plain: There’s nothing wrong with expensive lighters, high-priced cutters, and other upscale cigar accouterments. If you like them, go for it. But sometimes you can get Porsche performance at Hyundai prices. Read Patrick A.’s take on a terrific butane torch lighter for under $3.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Over 335 million premium cigars were imported to the United States in 2007, most from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Every time I see that figure—which is up about 8% from 2006—I wonder how many more entered American soil under the radar of Uncle Sam.

The amount of “black market” cigars in this country has to be astronomical given the U.S. government’s hypocritical trade embargo against Cuba. Just think of how many enthusiasts you know who have stashes of Cubans, or ponder all the websites that sell outlawed sticks to Americans, or consider how poorly U.S. Customs examines each bag coming in from a foreign country. Since these activities aren’t accurately documented—at least not publicly—coming up with a solid figure isn’t easy.

Let’s just say a lot of Cubans are imported annually, and let’s just assume you’ve smoked at least several. What I’d like to know is, generally speaking, how do Cuban cigars stack up to their Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan counterparts?

Make no mistake about it, Castro’s oppressed island nation produces some fine stogies, from the Partagas Serie D No. 4 and the RyJ Short Churchill to the Cohiba Siglo VI and the Monte Petit Edmundo. We’ve published 15 full reviews of various Cubans here at StogieGuys.com since our founding in May 2006—and we’ve reviewed over 200 others from a myriad of other countries.

Our average rating on the Cubans we’ve examined is just over four stogies out of five, above the total overall average of about three and a half stogies. But take that with a grain of salt; we’ve never been big fans of bringing numbers into cigars.

I personally question whether all the Cuban cigar hype—and the excessive prices that come with black market goods—is justified. I think many of us give sub-par Cubans a pass simply because we’re not supposed to smoke them. The forbidden factor unquestionably makes them more attractive.

Also, don’t forget that we live in a golden age of cigars with countless non-Cubans that are nothing short of exceptional. Those of you who “only smoke Cubans” (I’ve seen this many times in correspondence with readers in Europe) are seriously missing out. Seriously.

After thinking on this broad, esoteric subject for many months, my conclusion is this: The world’s finest non-Cuban cigars can stand up to most of Cuba’s best, but the world’s standard stogies are no match for Cuba’s average. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my pseudo-hypothesis in the comments below.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Flickr