The Stogie Guys

I enjoyed Hooker’s House Bourbon—bottled by Prohibition Spirits—when I tried it last summer. Enough so that when I saw they were adding a rye, I felt it was well worth a try.

I’ve become skeptical of bourbon (or rye) bottled by companies that don’t distill their own whiskey, many of which just seem to slap their label on spirit they had no role in making. Hooker’s House, on the other hand, doesn’t hide the fact that they didn’t make the whiskey, but they do finish it in wine barrels that create a distinct spirit.

Plus, I have a strong suspicion that I know who makes the rye that Prohibition Spirits finishes in used California Zinfandel barrels. The number of places that make rye is limited, and the places that sell aged stock is even smaller. Between the lack of Kentucky in the marketing material and the extremely high rye content of 95%, it all points to the Indiana-based Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana (LDI), the former Seagrams distillery that provides 95% rye for Bulleit, George Dickel, Templeton, High West, and others.

Each of those ryes is its own twist on LDI’s recipe (againg, barrels, filtration, etc…) and Hooker’s House is a “Sonoma-style American rye” because it places the rye in used Sonoma Zinfandel barrels. They don’t give a specific age statement for this 94-proof spirit, but the fact that it is described as “straight rye whiskey” means all the rye has at least 4 years of time in new charred oak barrels.

The result is a rye with a deep copper color and a spicy, woody nose with citrus and cassis. The taste has lots of rye spice—wood and pepper—plenty of heat, and hints of cherry, mint, and vanilla. The finish is long and hot, with more oak and mint.

While the Hooker’s House rye is pleasant enough, it has a rough and unbalanced edge, especially compared to their bourbon. It does, however, make a great Manhattan.

Straight up, or in a cocktail, Hooker’s House Rye calls for a full-bodied cigar. Either an earthy Nicaraguan smoke (like the Fausto) or a woody, spicy Dominican (like the Opus X).

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

These days, when you think of Joya de Nicaragua, you might think of CyB, the company’s newest line, or José Blanco, its popular and prolific senior vice president. You may even think of Drew Estate, which distributes Joya de Nicaragua cigars in the U.S.

Just a few years ago, though, I’d bet the first thing to come to mind would be Antaño, Joya de Nicaragua’s strong line of rich cigars that was introduced in 2002. The aptly-named Antaño blend (which translates to “yesteryear”) was crafted, according to Joya’s website, “as a tribute to recapture the power and essence of the puro that made this legendary brand the most sought-after cigar in the U.S. in the post-Cuban Embargo 1970s.”

Ten Antaño vitolas are available, including Consul (4.5 x 52), which retails in the affordable $5-6 range. It is handmade in Estelí—at a factory I’ve personally had the privilege to tour with Blanco and Jonathan Drew—and is intended to be “an ultra-robust, spicy smoke with unbridled body and aroma.”

This stout, old-school cigar is firm with a dense packing of tobaccos. The Habano-seed wrapper is moderately oily with only the thinnest veins, and the rough cap cuts to reveal a smooth pre-light draw. The fragrance at the foot is of cocoa, earth, and hay.

After establishing an even light, a profile of cedar and black pepper hits hard, followed by a solid nicotine kick. The aroma is sweet and almost creamy—a nice contrast to the powerful taste of the smoke. The texture is thick and leathery. Halfway through, a dried fruit flavor emerges. Nothing terribly complex going on here, just traditional, tasty, and straightforward.

As with most cigars, smoking the Antaño 1970 Consul slowly and through the nose pays great dividends, putting all the flavors on full display and keeping the bold smoke from becoming hot or harsh. I never like to rush a cigar, especially one that smokes so well. The Consul has a wonderful burn line, an easy draw that produces ample smoke, and a solid ash that holds firm.

This creation stands as a great example that a cigar doesn’t have to be new or trendy to be good. A classic-tasting, full-bodied, after-dinner smoke at a reasonable price, the Antaño 1970 Consul earns three and a half stogies out of five.

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

–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.”

I was a fan of the 7th Capa Especial (5.9 x 46) when it first was released, quickly smoking my way through one of the first boxes available. The cigar features a rustic Sumatra wrapper around Nicaraguan tobaccos. Except for the wrapper, it’s the same blend as the regular Tatuaje Brown Label. While this particular cigar had many of the coffee and earth flavors I remembered, it lacked the sweetness and balance that made the Tatauje 7th Capa Especial a favorite of mine. Maybe this particular stick was dud—I’m certainly not writing off the blend with one subpar stick out of a few dozen—but for $8-9 I would expect better.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

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.”

I’ve been a fan of Dona Flor since I was introduced to the Brazilian company’s cigars in 2006. More recently, when Dona Flor re-launched in the U.S. market this summer, I enjoyed reviewing the Puro Mata Fina and Seleção lines, both of which I liked. The Reserva Especial is another good blend with solid flavors of tea, earth, chocolate, and leather. But I find the Robusto (5 x 52) has occasional stale notes and some burn issues, so I can’t fully endorse the smoke—especially since it retails for $12.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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) With the new year well underway, state legislatures across the U.S. are reconvening—and you can bet a wide variety of cigar-related bills are up for consideration. In Washington, a smoking ban exemption has been introduced on behalf of tobacco shops and cigar lounges (yes, it’s currently illegal to smoke inside tobacco shops or lounges in Washington). In Virginia and New Jersey, cigar tax hikes are in the works. In Oregon, some lawmakers are hoping to enable municipalities to place additional excise taxes on tobacco. And in Hawaii, banning smoking on beaches, tobacco display regulations, and excise taxes are all being considered. Be sure to keep an eye out for threats to cigar rights in your neck of the woods.

2) Anti-tobacco zealots also continue to push for outdoor smoking bans. The latest fight is in Marshall County, West Virginia, where officials will be voting on a measure that would criminalize smoking in parks, playgrounds, outdoor dining areas, fairs, and festivals. West Virginia does not currently have a statewide ban, but Marshall County prohibits smoking inside restaurants. For now, county bars, tobacco shops, and private clubs are still afforded the freedom to choose their own smoking policies.

3) Inside the Industry: Alec Bradley’s candela-wrapped St. Patrick’s Day cigar is changing names. Originally called the “Dirty Hooligan,” the cigar is now called “Filthy Hooligan,” a move designed to ensure no trademark issues with Drew Estate, purveyors of the Dirty Rat. According to Alan Rubin of Alec Bradley, “I had to make a decision that was based on integrity. The product is good enough to sell on its own, no matter what we called it.”

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Tatuaje Apocalypse. Tiki Bar kicks back with a La Gloria Cubana Trunk Show LR-1. Nice Tight Ash checks out an Emilio Series H Maduro. A Cigar Smoker smokes the 601 La Bomba. Cigar Coop fires up an Asylum 13. Cigar Inspector inspects a Ramón Allones Superiores.

5) Deal of the Week: In case you haven’t checked it out yet, here’s a deal created just for StogieGuys.com readers. The “Stogie Guys Cigar Sampler”—offered by longtime supporter Corona Cigar—contains seven cigars for $29.95 (plus free shipping on your entire order). It includes limited edition cigars from Avo and Davidoff, plus cigars from by Rocky Patel, J.C. Newman, Casa Fernandez, and two Corona “house” blends. Pick yours up here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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

What does a cigar smoker value? His stash of cigars, first and foremost—especially those rare sticks he’s saving for special occasions. Maybe also an expensive torch lighter, a fancy travel case, or a personalized humidor engraved with a significant date.

Aside from these obvious choices, the other day I was thinking of my other cigar-related treasures, be they tangible or intangible. The first that came to mind was my cigar sanctuary. As I write this, I’m holed up in the sealed-off den in my condo that’s equipped with a makeshift ventilation system. It’s toasty warm. Several stories below, I can see my fellow Chicagoans walking briskly on the sidewalks in a hurried attempt to reach their destinations before frost bite sets in. I observe them comfortably while enjoying a fine cigar and listening to the radio. Rest assured I value the heck out of my den in the winter.

More of a fleeting commodity, time is something I never take for granted. Cigar smoking is all about relaxation, slowing the pace of life, and taking a restful break from the day. This requires a serious investment in time, which is my single biggest constraint. I would no doubt smoke many more cigars if time were not a factor. So I definitely appreciate what time I can make. I guess time is a limited resource for all of us.

Not to get overly wistful, but I value my cigar smoking friends and the memories we’ve created. When I think of the best cigars I’ve had, I’m usually not remembering specific flavors. I’m recalling the conversations and celebrations. Perhaps the world’s best cigar was the one I smoked during my wedding reception on the steps of the Union Depot in St. Paul, surrounded by great friends and family. Which cigar was it? Doesn’t really matter.

Finally, I would be remiss to fail to point out how much I value perfect pairings. The more I smoke cigars, the more I understand that beverage pairings are more of an art than a science. For me, depending on the cigar and the time of day, my winning combos include coffee (in the morning with a Connecticut-wrapped cigar), bourbon (in the winter with something full-bodied), rum (in the summer with any cigar), red wine (milder smokes), and some beers (particularly IPAs). I’ve seen others pair up cigars with anything from orange soda and Guinness to iced tea and hot chocolate. Whatever your preference, value it—and remember that the pairing is greater than the sum of its two parts.

–Patrick A

photo credit: N/A