The Stogie Guys

Last week I interviewed Michael Frey who owns Casa Fuente in Las Vegas, a cigar destination worth visiting if you are ever in Sin City. Today, I’m reviewing the new Casa Fuente exclusive cigar, which Frey mentioned he was smoking while answering my questions.

The new smoke is the second Casa Fuente exclusive smoke, made (no surprise) by Arturo Fuente. The first, we were told by Casa Fuente manager Michael Fayerverger, was a variation of the Opus X blend made with a Cameroon wrapper.

This second, new Casa Fuente blend is quite different. According to Frey, the cigar features a Havana-seed Ecuadorian sun-grown rosado wrapper around binder and filler comprised of “secret tobaccos” from the Fuentes’ Dominican farm. The cigar, he says, was blended by Carlito and introduced earlier this year. (The rosado wrapper is likely the same as the Rosado Sungrown Magnum R blend.)

The cigar is available in three sizes: 806, 807, and 808, which I’d estimate to be a robsuto (5.25 x 52), double robusto (5.75 x 52), and toro (6 x 54). I smoked one of each and found them to be sufficiently similar to be summarized together in one review. The cigars cost $21, $22, and $24, respectively and, depending on what report you read, are strictly limited to one or two cigars per person on a given day.

The new 800 series Casa Fuente features a complex combination of clove, nutmeg, molasses, wood, leather, and earth. It’s medium- to full-bodied with excellent balance and tons of complexity. The molasses and clove build towards the second half, creating an extraordinarily savory blend.

While it contains Dominican binder and filler tobaccos, I seriously doubt it uses the same binder-filler combination as the Opus X and original Casa Fuente, as both are the same cigar except for the wrapper. This cigar has far less peppery spice than either of those cigars. Instead, it is full of clove and cinnamon spice.

Tasty, unique, complex, and, yes, expensive. The original Casa Fuente is a tremendous cigar and this new rosado-wrapped version is a worthy successor. For that, the new Casa Fuente 800 series earns a formidable four and a half stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

When I think of tasty, consistent, well-constructed cigars that don’t break the bank, a few choice brands come to mind. Oliva is always near the top of the list.

The Oliva Cigar Co. has only been around for less than two decades but, in that relatively short time, it has built a well-deserved reputation for quality and affordability (even though it also sells a higher-priced line called Master Blends). The brand’s foundation consists of lines like the Cameroon-wrapped Serie G, Connecticut Reserve, and the Habano-wrapped Serie V. All are highly-rated blends that are also wallet-friendly.

The Oliva Serie V boasts a sun-grown wrapper around a Nicaraguan binder and Jalapa ligero filler. “This cigar is blended to deliver full body taste while maintaining an unparalleled smoothness,” reads the Oliva website. “This flavorful blend exhibits complex tobacco with rich coffee and dark chocolate tones. A subtle and well-balanced spice is present throughout.”

Serie V is available in seven sizes: Churchill Extra (7 x 52), Special V Figurado (6 x 60), Double Toro (6 x 60), Torpedo (6 x 56), Belicoso (5 x 54), Double Robusto (5 x 54), and Lancero (7 x 38). The latter has a caramel-colored, somewhat reddish wrapper with minimal veins and a fair amount of oils. It sells for around $6-7.

The flavor of the Lancero, even at the outset, is strong. Not the full-bodied blast of pepper strong that’s common these days. But rather an intense nicotine strong coupled with an old-school taste of warm tobacco. Mind you, with a ring gauge of 38, the ratio of ligero filler to wrapper/binder in each puff is smaller than any of the other vitolas in the line. That said, Lanceros can be bolder than thicker cigars of the same blend because of the density of their filler tobaccos. I’d wager that comes into play with this cigar.

In addition to nicotine strength and warm tobacco, the Serie V Lancero displays flavors of cocoa, leather, espresso, earth, and a touch of toffee sweetness. It also exhibits good construction, including a reliable draw and a straight burn, albeit with a gray ash that tends to fall off a bit prematurely.

In my experience, this cigar is best enjoyed after a hearty dinner with a serving of bourbon to complement its considerable power. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a bold Lancero but want to spend less than $7. For that, it earns four 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.”

If anything, this cigar got better since I first smoked it almost two months ago. Still my favorite of the two most recent Singulare releases by Illusione, the San Andreas wrapper isn’t the best-looking wrapper, but the flavors are right on point. The cigar imparts plenty of dry chocolate and earth notes, with coffee, roast nut, and a bit of pepper. Like the original 2010 Singulare “Phantom,” it has a wine-like tannic property that leaves your lips tingling. With excellent construction and complex medium- to full-bodied flavors, I highly recommend it.

Verdict = Buy.

–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.”

With handsome double bands, a jet-black wrapper, and an unfinished foot, the Robusto (5 x 52) in the Liga Especial Reserva Superior blend looks fantastic in a humidor. This Pinar del Rio doesn’t smoke too bad, either. Blended by Abe Flores to be full-flavored, the cigar—comprised of a Dominican Habano wrapper, Brazilian and Nicaraguan binders, and ligero fillers—has a bold profile of espresso, earth, and pepper. The going rate of about $6 for a single makes this an easy smoke to recommend.

Verdict = Buy.

–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) It was announced this week that the Oliva Cigar Company will take over the domestic and international distribution of Padilla Cigars. The move is expected to increase the sales and availability of Padilla. “This latest alliance between Padilla and Oliva is one of many collaborations among both companies, which have sporadically teamed up together almost since the inception of the Padilla brand,” reads an Oliva press release. “Currently, Oliva manufactures the new Padilla Reserva and Reserva Maduro. Padilla also teamed up with Oliva to create the highly rated Padilla Limited Edition Studio-Tobac…The Padilla Cigar Company will continue to focus on creating premium cigars by working not only with Oliva, but also with other respected cigar factories such as El Titan de Bronze…”

2) This fall, Prometheus will commemorate its 20th anniversary with three limited edition God of Fire assortment boxes, each individually serial-numbered. The 5-cigar box will retail for $113, the 9-cigar box for $205.95, and the 20-cigar box for $419.75. Only 1,000 5- and 9-cigar boxes will be made, and only 500 20-cigar boxes will be made.

3) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews a Guayacan by Noel Rojas. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Torcido Lancero. Cigar Explorer explores the Reinado Gran Empire Reserve. Cigar Fan fires up a Gurkha Seduction. Cigar Brief smokes the Nestor Miranda Gran Reserve 2012. Cigar Inspector inspects the J. Fuego 777 Maduro.

4) Deal of the Week: If you’re looking to pick up a box of Alec Bradley cigars, you’ll want to jump on this deal. Purchase any box of Prensado, American Classic, American Sun Grown, Family Blend, or Black Market and get a free five-pack, plus an Alec Bradley hat.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Padilla Cigars

Five years ago I interviewed Casa Fuente General Manager Michael Fayerverger for one of our first “Cigar Insider” interviews. Over half a decade later, I decided to check back in on Casa Fuente, one of the most iconic cigar destinations in the U.S.

This time I interviewed Michael Frey, proprietor of Casa Fuente (as well as Rhumbar) in Las Vegas. Our discussion included my favorite drink on the Casa Fuente menu, a new Casa Fuente blend, and the Aruro Fuente Cigar Company’s 100th anniversary.

Stogie Guys: How have the past five years been?

Michael Frey: Business has continued to grow over the past five years and each year we’ve added a lot of new customers who love the experience and continue to come back.

SG: Even though we’re doing this interview by email, I suspect you have a cigar lit while you write your responses. What cigar is it?

MF: How did you know? It’s the new Casa Fuente Series 5 Special Selection 806.

SG: You’ve added to the Casa Fuente cigar line this year. Tell us about the new addition.

MF: It’s called the Casa Fuente Series 5 Special Selection. There are three cigars, the 806, 807, and 808. All three have a 50-ring gauge and range from robusto to short churchill. They feature a Havana-seed, Ecuadorian sun-grown rosado wrapper and the binder and filler are secret tobaccos from the Fuente’s farm blended by Carlito.

SG: This year is the 100th anniversary of Arturo Fuente Cigars. Any special events planned at Casa Fuente? How about special cigars?

MF: On the Saturday night of the Las Vegas Big Smoke, Carlito will be cutting a giant birthday cake. As far as cigars go, you never know what Carlito will do.

SG: As the owner of Casa Fuente, you have access to some of the rarest Fuente cigars. Which ultra-rare Fuente is your all-time favorite?

MF: I have two, the Brain Hemorrhage and the P.J.

SG: Anytime I’m in Vegas I have to stop by for one of Casa Fuente’s Don Carlos Caipirinhas, which uses a tobacco-infused Grand Marnier float. I’ve had caipirinhas all around the world, including Brazil, but that’s my favorite. Can you shed a little light on that recipe?

MF: The intense, smoky flavor comes from the Grand Marnier float which features an infusion of an aromatic pipe tobacco. It was developed by Francesco LaFranconi, a master mixologist for Southern Wine & Spirits here in Las Vegas.

SG: Because of the warehouse fire that wiped out some of their most prized tobaccos, the Fuentes have said that some of their 100th Anniversary Celebration cigars will be delayed until next year. Any insight into what we can expect?

MF: From what I understand, there will be an introduction of several new brands under the Opus X brand name, including the Angel Share which I smoked recently when Carlito came to Las Vegas for a visit. It was heavenly, living up to its name.

Many thanks to Michael Frey for taking the time to answer our questions. If you even in Las Vegas, I highly recommend stopping by Casa Fuente for some fine cigars and beverages. Speaking from personal experience, it is well worth the trip. My personal favorite is a pairing of the original Casa Fuente cigar and a Don Carlos Caipirinha.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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