The Stogie Guys

Sometimes you light up a cigar and feel in sync with the blender, as if he knew exactly what you’d enjoy. Aging Room’s releases do that for me. I’ve written before about how much I like the M356.

So I was excited to try the new Quattro, a tightly pressed line with each vitola bearing a musical moniker. It didn’t let me down.

I was struck from the first puff how unlike the M356 it is. There’s more earth, more chocolate, and more coffee than spice. I’ve been smoking the Concerto, something of a Churchill size at 7 inches in length with a 50 ring gauge. There’s no problem maintaining my interest and attention from start to finish. The twists and turns in tastes are terrific.

Construction, burn, and draw have been excellent in all that I’ve smoked, probably a half dozen or so. They run a bit under $8 down here in Florida with no additional cigar tax.

The bold flavors and punch may surprise some smokers who don’t associate tobacco from the Dominican Republic, where the filler was grown, with that kind of power.

The idea behind Aging Room is to produce limited editions of cigars for which there is special tobacco available, but not in the quantity necessary for a regular line. In this case, the wrapper is particularly special. “We got that wrapper from a German manufacturer of machine-made cigars that was having money issues due to the economic situation in Europe. They were looking to liquidate some of their inventory, sent us samples of that Sumatra leaf, and we jumped on it,” company vice president Hank Bischoff wrote me in an email. “It is indeed a genuine Sumatra wrapper, aged since 2003.”

Right now, he said, they have enough for about 400,000 sticks. That could change, Bischoff added, if they’re successful in negotiations to acquire more of the leaf. If so, that would prolong the production run and the Quattro’s shelf life.

I highly recommend the F55 Quattro. It won’t soften rocks, but its charms will certainly soothe the savage pallet. As such, it harmoniously earns five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. A list of other five-stogie rated cigars can be found here.]

–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.”

This Pete Johnson creation, blended for Janny Garcia and produced at My Father Cigars, was among the most anticipated of the new cigars hitting retailers’ shelves after this summer’s industry trade show. Like Johnson’s earlier La Casita Criollo, this blend is built around Connecticut broadleaf, though it also includes Nicaraguan tobacco. But for me the broadleaf stands out. And, unfortunately, I find little appeal in it. In my mouth, there’s a dry, dusty earthiness that overwhelms everything else. But if you, like many others, enjoy La Casita, you’ll likely feel the same about La Dueña.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

Cigars, like friends, have different personalities. Some are boisterous back-slappers. Others are quiet and contemplative. Occasionally, a newcomer will fit right in at first meeting, while a long-time buddy is always welcome.

Here’s a look at five cigars I think of as friends and what makes each one special to me.

Fausto Avion 11 Perfecto Grande. This tasty, peppery Tatuaje cigar with Nicaraguan filler and a Habano Ecuadorian wrapper is a delight. But what makes it stand out for me is the thick, white smoke the Avion produces in extraordinary volume. Few sticks can go head-to-head with it in this category.

Illusione Epernay Le Matin. A rich treasure trove. When I want to just sit back and luxuriate in the cigar smoking experience and all it has to offer, this is the one for me. It’s a cornucopia of flavors woven together as smoothly as a boatswain’s whistle knot.

Double Chateau Fuente Sun Grown. This Arturo Fuente cigar is like the long-time friend who can accompany you anywhere, from an afternoon ballgame to an evening ball. The cedar sleeve and black band at the foot accent a fine presentation, while the cigar itself is second to none in price, quality, and enjoyment.

Paul Garmirian Symphony 20th Connoisseur. Think about who you want with you when celebrating life’s great moments. That’s how I think of this exquisite, high-dollar smoke. If memorable is the goal, Symphony 20th is the path to get you there.

Punch Champion. Like some old friends, I recently realized I haven’t seen this one for some time. Perhaps all the new Punch line extensions have pushed it from retailers’ shelves. Whatever the reason, it’s a shame. This little pig-in-a-python cigar—I prefer the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over the maduro—is fun, pleasing, and a good companion.

There you have it. Let’s hear about some of your friends in the comments below.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

One of the good things about cigars is that there are always new smokers joining the party. And while there is a monumental amount of information out there, sometimes it helps to reiterate a few principles to help novices along the way.

I’m probably repeating myself—let’s face it, my memory’s pretty well shot at this point—but I’m sure there are new readers who have neither the time nor the inclination to scour the significant archives of StogieGuys.com, or who are looking for occasional tips beyond what can be easily found in our Cigar University.

So, as part of our periodic efforts, here are three easy tips I think are key to cigar enjoyment when you’re starting out with cigars:

1. Light right. Whether you use a $1,000 limited edition Dupont lighter or a free pack of matches from the 7-Eleven, take your time. Try to keep the flame from direct contact as you toast the foot. Pay particular attention to the edges. A good, even light is key to a good, even burn and a satisfying smoke. And be sure to use wooden matches instead of those made of paper.

2. Purchase in haste, repent at leisure. A new smoker’s tastes almost always change often and rapidly. Resist the urge to stock up on a stick you like. They’ll almost certainly be there later if you’re sure it’s one you want more of. And don’t get caught up in bargains. Saving money applies only when you like the cigars. Otherwise, it’s called wasting money.

3. Become a recording artist. Jot down notes on what you smoke. Keep a smoker’s journal and re-read it periodically. It need be nothing fancy, simply adequate to remind you what you liked and disliked and why. And in addition to recording your own thoughts, read others’ as well. Doing so will help you better articulate why you like or dislike a particular smoke.

Feel free to offer your tips for beginners in the comments below as well.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

I’m never quite sure whether it’s God or the devil in the details, but there’s little doubt that such attention makes a big difference.

This hit home for me the other day when I was smoking at a local shop. I’d walked back to the counter to use a lighter to correct an errant burn.

“Do you want some matches?” the clerk asked. I said yes, and she handed me a box decorated with colorful Drew Estate regalia. The first thing I noticed was that the matches were a bit longer than the usual “penny” size. That’s a nice touch for a cigar smoker, who generally needs a longer-lasting flame than someone lighting a cigarette or tossing a match on fluid-soaked charcoal briquettes.

What really made an impression, though, was the way they ignited and burned. The head went up immediately, requiring little pressure, which greatly reduced the likelihood of the matchstick breaking. And the head burned smoothly, fully, and evenly.

OK, I probably sound like I’m going overboard. But I couldn’t help but think that the matches were a reflection of the way Drew Estate approaches its business. Careful attention to everything and making sure all that’s done is done right, whether every customer will notice or not.

I had a similar experience with Aging Room cigars. The bands on the M-356 and Quattro sticks I’ve smoked were applied without glue all the way to the end. There’s a little bit left out and easy to grab for removing the band.

That’s been the case for the six or eight of these cigars I’ve smoked, and maybe I’m jumping to a conclusion. But I know that for someone who likes to remove the bands from his cigars and is often struggling to get them loose without tearing the wrapper, this is great.

So even though I can’t answer the question with which I started, I can say this: The best companies create the best impressions when nothing escapes their attention. And when it’s a cigar maker, there’s added pleasure for those consuming their products.

–George E

photo credit: Flickr

If I might borrow a phrase from June Cleaver, I’m worried about the bill. H.R. 1639, that is.

I’m concerned because I think many cigar smokers believe there’s nothing left to do on this legislation to bar the Food & Drug Administration from regulating premium cigars. I’ve heard more than once that it’s achieved a majority in Congress, the implication being that we’ve won the fight.

Sorry, that’s not true. The bill hasn’t achieved a majority of support in either the House or the Senate, according to Thomas.gov, the Library of Congress site that tracks bills.

In the House, there are 217 voting members who’ve signed on, including the original sponsor, Florida’s Bill Posey. I know you keep seeing and hearing that it’s achieved the threshold of half of the 435 members but, as I’ve pointed out before, the key is voting members. The cosponsor list includes among supporters the representative from Guam, who has no vote, and former Oregon Rep. David Wu, who resigned in 2011. No one’s signed on since Aug. 2.

In the Senate, where the legislation is known as S. 1461, there are but 12 cosponsors to the bill, introduced by Bill Nelson of Florida. That’s a long, long way from 51.

Adding to the pressure is the fact that Congress has only a few weeks of work left in this session. This doesn’t bode well for the chances of such specific legislation as the cigar bill winning approval, even with adequate support. Couple that with the fact that many of the names you see on the lists of supporters in both chambers won’t be back in 2013, and the fight doesn’t appear so certain.

And that last point leads to another consideration. I know some feel that the legislation doesn’t have to pass, that simply the recognition of ample Congressional support will be adequate to force the FDA to back down. I’m not one of them. There might be a tactical retreat, but they’re smart enough to bide their time and strike later.

So, once again, I’m urging all of you to see whether your senator or representative has signed on. And, if not, let them know you want their support. This is a golden opportunity and we can’t afford to settle for silver.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Wandering around a local shop the other day, I spotted an old friend in new dress. The Don Pepin Garcia, known universally as the Blue Label from the band’s predominant color, was sporting a foot wrap and a secondary band reading “Original.” (The old style band is pictured right.)

Enticed, I realized it had been years since I smoked one of these and recalled reading about the company instituting cosmetic changes to make the presentations more cohesive. I picked up the Delicias, a 50-ring gauge Churchill.

This Nicaraguan puro was the first Don Pepin made under his own name. Bursting with flavor and strength, they rolled out of his little factory in Miami’s Calle Ocho and helped propel him to cigar stardom.

Had it changed? I spoke with José Ortega, vice president of sales at My Father Cigars at the company’s headquarters in Doral, Florida, where the cigars are now made, to find out. Ortega confirmed that changes were made to the look of the Blue Label, the Cuban Classic, and the Series JJ lines to create a more unified look.

“The appearance just makes a world of difference,” Ortega said, adding that the blends weren’t altered. Several Blue Label sizes were discontinued, he said, bringing the total now to nine. The Delicias retails for about $7.50 a stick, less by the box of 24.

And how was the smoke? Well, I can answer with a question you’ll likely ask yourself: Why haven’t I been smoking more of these? The cigar has great construction, draw, and burn, working slowly down the 7-inch frame as it produces a wildfire volume of smoke.

That time allows the Blue Label to develop and change several times. Beginning with pepper, it shifts to deep wood and rich leather and even hints of cinnamon and cocoa as it moves along.

Years ago, Patrick S gave another vitola in this line four and a half stogies out of five, and I wouldn’t dream of arguing.

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

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys