The Stogie Guys

Keeping to my goal of smoking more limited edition cigars this year, I recently picked up a box of the Litto Gomez Diez 2009 smokes when I came across them at a serious discount under $200. So far, I’ve smoked about a half dozen and found them extremely consistent, both in their positive and negative characteristics.

The annual line is rolled exclusively with tobacco grown on the Gomez farm in the Dominican Republic. A sheet in the box says the tobacco was harvested in 2005. So, there’s quite a bit of age there.

But time hasn’t overly mellowed them. They are a fine, hearty example of what Gomez has accomplished in breaking the stereotype of Dominican smokes as mild, adding to what Fuente has done with its Opus line.

These 5.5-inch sticks also share the Gomez chisel-head innovation with a number of his other La Flor Dominicana cigars.

After that odd head, the most striking immediate characteristics of the 2009 are the lovely, thick, reddish-brown wrapper (more about that later) and an intoxicating pre-light aroma that’s sweet, nutty, and rich.

Although some reviews I read emphasized spice, I found that to be muted and serve more as an underlying component to other flavors, such as wood, earth, and a deep tobacco sweetness. The cigar, while powerful, is also incredibly smooth from first to last, with a light, pleasant lingering finish.

Now, to the issues I didn’t enjoy. That wrapper looks good, but it also appears to be thick, and it doesn’t burn very well. Every stick I’ve smoked so far has had burn issues and required numerous relights to try to keep the burn line close to even.

And that chisel head. While I applaud Gomez for attempting innovation, I just don’t find this one worthwhile. I’ve tried smoking purely from the opened chisel end, used a punch, a guillotine, and and even a V-cut sideways. Nothing seems to create an opening nearly as good as that on a conventionally finished cigar.

For taste, this limited edition would rate four stogies, perhaps even four and a half. But that’s not enough to overcome the burn and draw issues. So, even though I like these cigars a lot, I can only give them three and a half stogies out of five.

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

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

If you’re a new cigar smoker, this is for you. These are a few thoughts I wish someone had shared with me when I started. They might ease your path on a wonderful journey.

First, don’t worry too much. About anything. I remember vividly when I was a beginner I heard and read so much about being careful not to clip too much off the head that I was nearly petrified of using a guillotine cutter.

I was certain I’d destroy the cap and the cigar would unceremoniously unravel completely in my hands. For years, I used a punch or V-cutter, which is fine. But my fear was misplaced. A little common sense and careful observation probably would helped. Just don’t cut down too far and there’s no problem.

Then there’s the perennial cigar question, the one I think Aristotle asked when he lit his first Padrón: “Cello on or cello off?”

The truth is, it’s up to you. Cellophane has been used for decades. It helps protect cigars, particularly in transit, and it slows, but doesn’t stop, the transfer of air and the aging process.

Some manufacturers use it, some don’t. Though you can always find a discussion on the topic in one cigar forum or another, most smokers just go with the way they came.

In other words, don’t worry too much.

And my final tip along those lines is about what you’re tasting. Everyone’s different, and most smokers experience an evolution. What you find in cigars now will likely be different six months or a year from now.

Don’t get hung up on why you didn’t enjoy a cigar others are raving about. Or be too quick to adopt a favorite or two. Let yourself experience lots of cigars with different tobaccos, different sizes, and different origins.

Relax. Don’t worry. Enjoy.

–George E

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.”

Recently, I did a Quick Smoke on this cigar’s Natural sibling. With all the praise garnered by the Maduro, I thought I should give it a try, despite the fact that I’m not naturally a big Maduro fan. And had I remembered that the Maduro’s wrapper is Mexican San Andres, I’d have been even more inclined to pass. I found it to be an OK smoke, with some Maduro sweetness and good construction. But, for my taste, it doesn’t compare to the excellent Natural.

Verdict = Hold.

–George E

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.”

Few cigar makers have as high a standing here at StogieGuys.com than Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. We’ve reviewed four E.P. Carrillo sticks: two four-stogie ratings, and two at four and a half. In all honesty, this terrific cigar would be right there, but I haven’t smoked enough for a full review. Billed as the strongest addition to its expanding line, the Cardinal Natural features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper with Nicaraguan filler and binder. The strength doesn’t come at you full bore, but rather evolves as you progress. The flavors are a complex, interwoven mix dominated by an earthy, woody, grassy combination that’s occasionally flecked with spice and sweetness. Pick one up.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

[See yesterday’s article for Part I of this two-part series discussing what you can do to stop anti-cigar legislation in your state.]

The first step in combating more smoking restrictions in your state, or supporting changes in existing ones, is to know what’s going on. That’s not always easy, though you can stay informed with a little effort.

Few newspapers today cover legislatures with the depth they once did. Local TV reports are usually limited to top agenda items. But you can keep up with minimal effort. I’ve got two suggestions. If you Google your state name, legislature, 2013, and tobacco once a week or so, you’ll probably learn what’s up. Another way is to spend a little time online to find an active anti-tobacco group in your state and get on their email list. These people are dedicated, financed, and resourceful. They work hard to drum up support, and rarely miss anything.

If you see that a bill has been introduced, you’ll want to find pertinent details: which chamber, the bill number, who introduced it, and whether it’s been assigned to a committee.

With the bill number, you should be able to locate the text, though deciphering it can be a trick. If it’s unclear and you can’t find an explanation online, call the sponsor’s office. Or check with that anti-smoking group because they’ll almost certainly know.

Armed with that information, contact your state representative and/or senator to let them know how you feel about the bill. In many states, it’s pretty easy to get in touch directly, but email can also be effective.

If it’s a particularly important or contentious issue, try to get your local shop to invite the solon for a meet-and-greet.

However you go about it, there are several things that I think will enhance the likelihood of success, regardless of the format.

— Emphasize your concern is about adults smoking cigars. Many people know nothing about cigars; heck, these days, you almost never even see anybody smoking one. Make sure they know you’re talking about the craft of handmade cigars, not “Big Tobacco” or drug store sticks.

— Focus on cigars. As far as I’m concerned, the cigarette battle is over, (and, yes, I know all about Niemöller’s statement) but I believe there’s still a chance for premium cigars to carve out a separate position. Most legislation is written with cigarettes primarily in mind, so you can often find an opening for premium cigars.

— Push the small business aspect of cigars and cigar shops. These days, it’s a sacred cow, and one politicians are loathe to ignore. It’s also great fodder for local newspapers and TV stations. Get in touch with their assignment desks and suggest that they can find a good story in the area’s potentially endangered cigar shops.

— If you’re at a public meeting, be prepared for strong pushback. Here’s an example of the kind of specific attacks you can expect. Arm yourself with strong, specific data, which is readily available.

— Don’t mount a soapbox about your rights. Despite the tobacco leaves adorning the U.S. Capitol, there’s no constitutional right to smoke. At best you’ll end up in an unproductive argument. At worst, you’ll alienate potential supporters. Whatever the circumstances, stay calm, polite, and professional.

If you want assistance or feel better being part of a group, check into Cigar Rights of America.

I hope all this gets you enthused and willing to fight the good fight because that’s what is necessary if we’re going to continue to enjoy cigars. I welcome any feedback, and if you have questions leave a comment and I’ll do my best to reply.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

It’s that time of year when most state legislatures are gearing up. If you’re a cigar smoker, it’s also time to get ready to fight.

Although much of the cigar world’s attention is on federal efforts, such as the Food & Drug Administration’s proposal to regulate cigars, states are often where the most important legislation originates. The good news is this is also the area where individuals—especially when they’re organized—can have significant influence. Local and state politicians recognize their elections are usually low-turnout affairs and even a small, committed cadre can wield tremendous clout.

Last week, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) sent out a legislative update highlighting a dozen states where bills have been introduced that could impact cigar smokers. Not all are negative. Some would be positive. Quite a few deal with taxes, so they could affect what you pay. It’s imperative that cigar smokers in each state understand what’s at stake and get involved early.

In the first part of this StogieGuys.com report, we’ll highlight the latest pending legislation, using (to a large extent) material from IPCPR. If you don’t see your state don’t be complacent; this is not a comprehensive list, and developments can happen at nearly any time.

Kansas: House Bill 2219 would expand the exemptions allowed under the current law, which permits smoking in retail tobacco shops, casino gaming floors, private clubs, and some other establishments. Opponents claim the bill would allow smoking in virtually any business, but my reading is that probably the only real effect would be to allow smoking in bars. A similar bill last year went nowhere.

Kentucky: House Bill 190, the “Smoke-Free Kentucky Act,” would pretty much rule out smoking in any enclosed public or employment place, and there are no exemptions for tobacco shops.

Oklahoma: Senate Bill 36 would give localities the power to control tobacco, authority that is now reserved for the state. Senate Bill 327 would repeal a current law that prohibits discrimination against smokers and allow employers to reject applicants and fire workers who smoke.

Washington: Senate Bill 5070 would create an exemption to the statewide smoking ban by allowing retail tobacco shops to purchase a license that would permit smoking.

Florida: Two proposals have been introduced, House Bill 439 and Senate Bill 258, that would weaken the state’s sole authority to regulate smoking by granting localities the right to institute bans on municipal property (parks and beaches, for example).

Oregon: Senate Bill 119 and House Bill 2481 would permit localities to impose their own taxes on tobacco products.

The Oregon proposal is one of many involving taxes, but it’s about the only one that’s so straightforward. Cigars usually fall under the broad category of “other tobacco products,” and deciphering exactly what tax gets applied can be tricky.

These states are considering tax changes, according to the IPCPR’s update: Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico and Tennessee.

In Part II, we’ll look at ways you can find out what’s up in your state and exert influence.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

As part of my goal to smoke more milder cigars, I picked up a box of these Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped Churchills when I saw them marked down dramatically by an online shop.

My understanding, from speaking with him at last summer’s IPCPR Trade Show, was that when Erik Espinosa took over the 601 line as part of his new Espinosa Cigars, this line was no longer being made. And Espinosa confirmed yesterday that, indeed, the 601 White has been discontinued.

The box I got has a 2009 date and was sealed with an EO Brands strip down the side. I felt I knew what to expect. I’d smoked quite a few of the White Labels, though I’m not sure I’d had the Churchill (7 x 48). I recalled a tasty, relatively mild, satisfying cigar.

When I cracked open the box and tried one, that was what I got. A little pepper at the front end, woody notes toward the middle, and a depth of tobacco taste from the Nicaraguan filler and binder.

I’ve since smoked several more, and consistency has been a hallmark. Construction has been excellent, as have the burn and draw. I haven’t noticed any significant differences in flavor or texture from the age of these cigars, as opposed to those I smoked out of the box in the past.

If you enjoy a milder smoke, this is one that’s not to be missed. Whatever the production situation, finding them isn’t at all difficult. And finding them at a bargain price isn’t, either. I paid less than $4 per stick. All in all, a fine cigar. I give it four stogies out of five.

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

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys