I wonder how many people who are exploring a slower lifestyle enjoy cigars? It may be the ultimate slow experience. So much so that it doesn’t need another name. “Slow cigar smoking” would be redundant.

Of course, it’s possible to do all sorts of things while you’re smoking a cigar. But it’s difficult to multi-task and truly enjoy a cigar. Activities that complement the pleasure of the smoking experience include reading, good company, music, nice drinks, daydreaming, etc. Most wouldn’t enojy running, especially a marathon.

You might rush to your local shop to pick up a new release, but it’s a cinch you won’t rush through the stick just so you can move to another one. I can’t imagine a great cigar experience while fiddling with a Blackberry.

Without waxing too poetic, cigars offer an amazing opportunity to enjoy something that results from a rare combination of hard labor, artistic flair, ancient craft, modern commerce, and international cooperation.

Why, you could even spend a half-hour or so mulling all that over as you carefully consider the wafting smoke you’re creating with that lovely cigar.

-George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

This allure of the unknown drove me to buy a 25-count box of La Invicta Coronas a few weeks ago. And I’ll be completely honest: I had no idea what to expect. I’d never heard of the brand, and for the scant $13 I paid for 25 sticks, I was certainly skeptical. All I knew of the cigars I’d just acquired was that they were Honduran, supposedly hand-rolled, and supposedly long-filler. I say “supposedly” because there is a real scarcity of information about La Invicta on the web, and I can’t locate a definitive source. The cigars seem to sell mainly in the UK, and at unusually high prices, given what I’d paid. A box of 25 goes for upwards of £100 online. With today’s exchange rate, that’s roughly $200, plus what I’m sure are exorbitant shipping charges.

Luckily, I seemed to have gotten quite the bargain online. And so, the second my box arrived in the mail, I eagerly tore off the cellophane and gave it a thorough inspection. The cedar box, with a simple logo on the top and an official Honduran stamp on one side, was clean and unassuming. Inside were 25 very slim, neatly rolled, Colorado-wrapped stogies. Nothing terribly unusual, and no signs of beetles or mold, so I decided to light some up right then and there.

First things first: These are most likely hand-rolled cigars, but I question the long-filler claims. While I didn’t get the usual bits and pieces of tobacco in my mouth that would ordinarily tip me off to short filler, I did notice several prominent stems packed in the freshly cut head. In all likelihood, these are “medium filler” cigars: stogies that combine mostly long-filler leaf with some short-filler material. Not the end of the world, but certainly a minor disappointment.

The cigars were palpably firm with just the right amount of give, and unlit they exuded a damp, earthy, slightly mossy aroma. When lit, the smell was of cedar and soil, and the flavor reminded me a great deal of wheatgrass. Not in an unpleasant, health-food sort of way, but in an interesting and slightly spicy way. The finish was medium in length and strength, highlighting the grassy and woody characteristics of the smoke. The burn was even, the ash was light gray and relatively firm, and the experience itself lasted a little over an hour per stick.

Ultimately, the La Invicta Corona is a pleasant, uncomplicated smoke that I’d certainly buy again if offered a similarly fantastic deal on CBid. I wouldn’t pay full fare for one of these boxes, though. For $200 a pop, there are much better cigars to be bought in the UK, if you catch my meaning. For its straightforward flavor profile, serviceable construction, and mellowing effects, I give the La Invicta Corona three out of five stogies .

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

-Jon N

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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Like the latter, the Ambassador blend of the Connecticut line also sports an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. This time, though, it’s paired with an Indonesian binder and Dominican filler tobaccos. The result is a mild and creamy taste which is advertised as Arganese’s lightest blend.

The six and 7/8 inch by 52 ring gauge Torpedo sells for $7 per single or $142-160 for a box of 25. Soft and delicate, the cigar sports very few veins and virtually unnoticeable seams. The prelight draw is clear and the wrapper tastes of salt.

The flavor is about what I expected: smooth and creamy with notes of almond, butter, and cinnamon. A sweet hay taste drifts in and out to keep things interesting and, to the cigar’s credit, the salty wrapper is more complimentary than distracting. The smoke stays light and airy, even when spicy, syrupy notes kick in towards the end. Although the experience is quite mild, I had no problem picking up some wonderful flavors.

Construction on this 90-120 minute smoke is in line with what I’ve come to expect from Arganese. The burn only requires one touch-up to stay even, the draw is exceptionally clear, and the ash holds firm for almost two inches. Just take care removing the double bands because the fragile wrapper has a tendency to tear.

In all, this is a nice, noble smoke with a crisp, mild taste that works well on the golf course or on the deck. I would be happier if the wrapper was a bit oilier and the price a bit lower, but the Arganese Connecticut Ambassador Torpedo is still a fine cigar, worthy of three and ½ out of five stogies .

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

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

“I’m a post-embargo baby, and I always thought that Cubans were taboo, were going to be harsh and unbalanced and tough to smoke,” Lieser, 43, recalled. “It was quite the contrary. Total opposite. Smooth, balanced, wonderful cigar.”

He decided then that if he ever pursued his dream of creating a cigar, that legendary Cuban vitola would be his model.

About three years ago, Lieser began working on a blend and last year he got booth space at RTDA with Altadis, which produces Isla de Cuba in Honduras for Lieser. He shipped his first cigars in February. Isla de Cuba Cigar, Inc. is headquartered in Tampa and Lieser, the president, splits his time between the Cigar City and Chicago.

Right now, the cigars are available in two versions. The natural, the one Lieser feels is most reminiscent of that ’56 Monte, has an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and a mix of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and proprietary farm fillers. The maduro has the same filler and binder with a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper.

They come in five sizes ranging from a 7×52 Churchill to a 5.5×44 Corona. Prices are $6-8. Lieser calls them mild to medium, an everyday cigar. You can find a little information at the company’s website, though it remains under construction.

To get the word out, Lieser is hitting the road. When I talked to him, he had just pulled over while driving in Michigan and was heading to another cigar event in Ohio. His calendar is dotted with future stops at cigar shops around the country.

“I think that the only way to build credibility and to build brand awareness is to do events in conjunction with the retailer so we can educate the public on our product — a great cigar,” he said. It is also necessary, he added, to have the patience to develop personal — and in-person — relationships with retailers so they’ll know it’s a brand they can count on.

With the economy weak, tobacco under constant attack, and many new lines hitting the market, is Lieser concerned that it might not be the ideal time to launch a new cigar? “Honestly, I like competition,” Lieser said. And he believes his approach is the right one: Keep the quality up, the prices reasonable, and work with retailers. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the right boutique type brand.”

Odds are you’ll be able to decide for yourself. Check with shops in your area. You’ll likely find Lieser and Isla de Cuba cigars headed your way.

-George E

photo credit: IslaCigar.com

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Geoff’s show is about “cigars, cars, spirits, wine, beer, restaurants, music, sports, hot chicks, jets, Harleys, guns, bikes, and fishing.” You can even call in at 877-560-WIND to ask a question on the air. If you’re not in the Chicago area, you can listen live here (and if you miss it, a podcast will be available here). You can listen to last week’s appearance here.

-The Stogie Guys

I hadn’t smoked any El Tiante cigars since around the time of my review of the Maduro Torpedo last fall. If my memory serves me well, this attractive Torpedo has benefited from six months of aging. Like the Maduro, this cigar has a flavor profile that is unlike most of the new cigars being created by the industry these days. The medium-bodied flavors include cedar, grass, earth, and floral notes. The construction is flawless.

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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The R4 is generously packed full of Nicaraguan tobacco and adorned with a silky oscuro wrapper. But that’s about where the fun stops and the pain begins. Overly tight construction leads to numerous burn problems, a stiff and unforgiving draw, and a steady buildup of tar. The thin, ropelike wisps of noxious smoke offended me and my female friend, herself a cigarette smoker, who likened the aroma to that of “burning rubber.”

Verdict = Sell.

-Jon N

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and reader-friendly as possible, each Friday we’ll post a selection of quick cigar news and stogie-related snippets. We call ‘em Friday Samplers . Enjoy.

1) Citing faulty “science ” about the deadliness of secondhand smoke, New Hampshire lawmakers inexplicably smothered an exemption for cigar bars from the state’s smoking ban. Gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Joseph Kenney quipped, “New Hampshire government would eliminate small business in the northern part of the state.”

2) In related news, it was reported yesterday that over 100 pubs in Northern Ireland have gone out of business since the government imposed a smoking ban last year. Around seven percent more are expected to close in the next two years.

3) A “substantial number” of boxes of counterfeit Cohibas, Montecristos, H. Upmanns, and Romeo y Julietas were recently confiscated in Key West. This is a good reminder to read up on how to spot a fake if you’re planning to purchase Cubans.

4) Inside the Industry : Camacho is increasing distribution of its limited edition Scorpion and Diploma vitolas. Altadis sold 3.16 billion cigars last year. Newman Cigars is adding a toro-sized maduro to its La Unica line.

5) Around the Blogs : Cigar Jack checks out a Perdomo Habano Corojo Maduro while Velvet Cigar smokes a Perdomo Habano. Stogie Review lights up a Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve. Stogie Baby reviews a León Jimenes.

6) Deal of the Week : Haven’t tried the four and 1/2 stogie-rated CAO America yet? This CAO America Sampler is a great way to get to know the hot new blend. With six cigars, three sizes, and free shipping, it’s good deal. Get yours here .

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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The wrapper, Sumatra seed sungrown tobacco grown by the Oliva family in Ecuador, is a beautiful deep brown. The choice of wrapper leaves from the “fine center” of the plant gives the cigar its name. Dominican ligero filler is aged five years before being rolled inside a Dominican binder. The completed cigars, according to the company, are then aged longer in cedar-lined cabinets.

The primary band is beautiful and another nice touch is the vitola’s name is printed in gold on the cellophane. That’s a help to consumers and something other manufacturers should consider.

Construction is excellent. The burn is straight, the ash tight and white, the draw offers just the right resistance, and the smoke plentiful.

At just a shade under five inches and a 50 ring gauge, the Belicoso is a good size for the morning or early afternoon. I found it a nice complement to a cup of coffee. I would call it mild to medium, not medium to full as Newman presents it. It’s not terribly complex, and you might find it a little salty. But it is also surprising every now and then as you come across a little burst of sweetness, dry cocoa, or wet hay.

I believe these smokes run about $5 each. Give one a try if you haven’t already. One warning if you do: As with most small sticks, it’s best to smoke slowly so you don’t overheat it. The Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino Belicoso No. 11 earns a rating of three and 1/2 out of five stogies.

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

-George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

When you’re ready to make the leap to larger storage space and manageable temperatures, you have several options. The first, and perhaps the “best” choice, is to go with a temperature-controlled cabinet from a reputable company like Avallo or Staebell. These companies produce furniture-quality humidor-cabinets, with prices reflective of their luxury. If you’re rich enough to buy one, go for it. But if you’re not – and most of us probably fall into this latter category – you’ll need a more innovative solution: the “Fridgeador.”

A fridgeador is a wine refrigerator slightly modified to store cigars. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t refrigerating cigars a bad idea? Under normal circumstances, absolutely; a conventional fridge will suck the moisture right out of your stogies. But most wine fridges use thermoelectric cooling, a process that will avoid such harmful side effects. If you’re buying a wine fridge for cigar-storage purposes, make sure to buy a thermoelectrically cooled model. Many enthusiasts swear by the cheap and reliable Vinotemp 28-Bottle Wine Refrigerator, which can be had over the internet for roughly $150 to $200.

Having ordered your wine fridge, next you’ll want to invest in some Spanish cedar planks for use as shelves. Depending on where you live, you might be able to find these at your local hardware outlet; otherwise, you can order some on sites like www.woodcraft.com. If you plan to use wood glue to fashion the planks into shelves, make sure to use a nontoxic, relatively odor-free variety. Remember: you don’t want to put any chemicals in your fridge that you wouldn’t feel comfortable smoking later on.

For humidification, you can go with active (Cigar Oasis, Hydra, etc.) or passive (beads, floral foam) methods. Personally speaking, I recommend several pounds of humidity beads from a company like Heartfelt. The beads are easy to use, low maintenance, and good at what they do: maintaining RH levels at anywhere from 65-70%, depending on your preference. Next, if you’re the micromanaging type, you can buy one or two small, battery-powered fans to help circulate the air inside the fridge. Oust-brand fans seem to be popular for this task, as they run on cycles and are not constantly operating.

Finally, you’ll want to plug the condensation drain at the bottom of your fridge; doing so well help prevent moisture loss when the cooler is in operation. Some condensation may develop along the back interior wall of the fridge. Be sure to place a small container of beads or foam at the bottom of the fridge to collect any water droplets that may form.

Assuming you go with a Vinotemp 28-bottle fridge, your finished fridgeador (including wood and beads) will run you about $300, give or take $100. That’s a mere fraction of the $2,500+ you’d spend on a fancy cabinet, and about the same price you’d pay for a large desktop humidor. If you ask me, it’s a steal.

-Jon N

photo credit: Vinotemp

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