The 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.”

By nature I’m a fan of the “A” vitola. There’s something completely unapologetic about a cigar that’s designed to last at least two hours, and I appreciate that. The new Viaje Roman Candle is no exception. With its fuse-like cap and patriotic red tissue paper, this Nicaraguan puro is  a perfect fit for the celebratory summer season. It’s medium- to full-bodied and full of spice and earth. Construction is flawless throughout the almost three hours it takes to smoke. There’s nothing wrong with this cigar, and I wouldn’t recommend against spending two or more hours smoking one, but  for such a long cigar it lacks the complexity to keep me fully engaged. It’s the perfect cigar for the golf course, or for when your thoughts are more focused elsewhere—which might be precisely what the cigar was designed for.

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.”

This line, introduced a few months ago, celebrates both Rocky Patel’s upscale Burn cigar lounge in Naples, Florida, and the similarly named lounges he sponsors in about three dozen U.S. shops. It comes in three sizes and boasts “prorietary” Nicaraguan filler and binder with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The Robusto has traditional dimensions (5 x 50) and lists for about $7.50. It’s full in strength but not particularly complex. While construction and performance were excellent, I was put off by a harshness that overwhelmed the flavors.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

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) The rights of consenting adults to enjoy a premium cigar are under constant threat by politicians and anti-tobacco zealots. Mounting smoking bans, ever-increasing tobacco taxes, and the potential of stifling FDA regulations make now a critical time for all cigar smokers. That’s why the staff of StogieGuys.com so vehemently supports (and belongs to) Cigar Rights of America. CRA, as you know, is a consumer-based non-profit that lobbies for cigar rights at the local, state, and federal levels of government. If you aren’t a dues-paying member, please consider joining CRA today. And if you are, please help convince your fellow cigar enthusiasts to sign up as well. The critical work of CRA is made possible only by our support.

2) Dr. Michael Siegel, author of the Tobacco Analysis blog, is a tireless truth-teller and debunker of the bad science often used to support anti-tobacco efforts. Unlike us, Siegel does support some smoking bans (like those in workplaces), but unlike many of his colleagues he isn’t willing to use bad science to promote his goals. Two recent posts on his site are particularly noteworthy. First, he notes that a study of the effect of graphic posters required in New York at places that sell tobacco shows that the posters have no effect on people’s decision to quit smoking. Then, in a follow up, he catches the anti-smoking forces explicitly stating their bias for creating research to support the goal of promoting the ugly, graphic, and apparently ineffective posters.

3) Inside the Industry: The East India Trading Company, a subsidiary of Gurkha, will be releasing an Ecuadorian rosado-wrapped line called “Red Witch” at next month’s industry trade show. Also expected at the show is the highly anticipated La Palina Maduro blend, which will be sold in four sizes. And Reinado has announced the introduction of Grand Empire Reserve, a box-pressed Nicaraguan in the Elegidos size (5 x 55, $9.95).

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Viaje Roman Candle. Cigar Fan fires up an Oliva Serie V Lancero. Cigar Explorer explores an Alec Bradley American Sun Grown. Cigar Brief lights up an Illusione Ultra OP No. 4. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Crowned Heads Headley Grange.

5) Deal of the Week: Need convincing to become a CRA member? Here are two ways to join CRA and score some really excellent smokes at the same time. The newest CRA Sampler includes a one-year membership along with 10 top-notch super-premium sticks for just $100. You should also check out this $40 “Let Freedom Ring Sampler” with six of our favorite cigars from Ashton, Tatuaje, My Father, and Padrón that includes a six-month membership. Why not buy them both and be a full member for 18 months?

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: CRA

Last weekend I attended Famous Smoke Shop’s Cigarnival at their year-old Leaf Cigar Bar, Restaurant, and Lounge location. The event reminded me why cigar smokers wanting to learn more about the craft of cigars should attend events, whether just a small visit by a brand representative to their local shop or a large event like Cigarnival, with nearly 1,000 attendees and two dozen or so industry representatives.

Often it’s the perks that bring people to such events. In the case of Cigarnival 2012, it was enough cigars and swag to cover the cost of the ticket ($180), not to mention the unlimited beer, lunch, dinner, and carnival show. At smaller events it’s the special event deal or free samples.

But the best part of such shows is getting a few minutes with the guys who actually make the cigars we enjoy on a daily basis, and in my experience they are always willing to spend a few minutes talking with their customers.

No question will go unanswered if you just ask. In just a few hours, I was able to talk with Pete Johnson (Tatuaje), Jesus Fuego (J. Fuego Cigars), Abe Flores (Pinar del Rio), Ricky Rodriguez and Michael Giannini (General Cigar), Sean Williams (El Primer Mundo), Jonathan Drew (Drew Estate), José Blanco (Joya de Nicaragua), Brad Mayo (Jameson Cigars) and many others. (Details about some of the upcoming projects they told me about will be coming in a future article previewing the 2012 Trade Show.)

And although I was there as press, I saw many regular cigar-loving attendees do the same. It’s one of the things about the premium cigar industry that makes it so easy to write about: The industry is small enough that with minimal effort, whether via social media or in person, anyone can converse with the guys (and gals) responsible for making their favorite smokes.

In other ways, such events showcase the very best of the cigar industry. You meet fellow cigar fans and talk about your shared passion for cigars.

The defense of cigars from meddling politicians was also on display at Cigarnival. The Cigar Rights of America (CRA) booth was busy all day signing up new members.

Later, representatives of CRA were given the stage to explain how important it is to support CRA and the bill in Congress that would stop the FDA regulatation of cigars.

Famous Smoke owner Arthur Zaretsky, who moved the store from New York to Pennsylvania to escape the oppressive New York tax regime, took the stage too, imploring attendees to contact Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey and demand his support for the bill. He then surprised everyone, including CRA representatives, by offering to subsidize half of the cost of CRA membership for anyone who signed up at the event.

All in all, it was a pointed reminder of not only what is so great about cigars, but the challenges cigars face from government regulation and taxes. For example, if the FDA bill doesn’t pass, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine FDA regulations including a ban on samples like those handed out at the event and many similar events around the country.

So enjoy cigar events now, and fight to protect your right to enjoy them in the future by supporting CRA and contacting your representatives in support of the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Famous Smoke

All of us at StogieGuys.com would like to wish you a very happy Fourth of July. America’s 236th birthday is a wonderful occasion to spend time with friends and family. So we’ve decided to take our own advice and barbecue, see some fireworks, and smoke more than our share of celebratory cigars. We’ll return to our coverage of the world of cigars tomorrow. Until then, have a safe, relaxing holiday.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

I like cigar boxes. Especially when they’re filled with cigars. But to be honest, 20 or 25 sticks are more than I often want.

It’s not that I (usually) buy boxes of cigars that I don’t thoroughly enjoy or that I quickly grow bored with them. No, the fact is that I rarely smoke more than one cigar a day. Factor in the occasional off day, trips to a shop where I’ll purchase a cigar to enjoy there, and the general variety of smoking, and a box of 20 could easily take me a couple of years to finish.

What generally happens is I’ll end up with a box from which I’ve smoked down to the last six or eight, and I’ll transfer them to another container. Then, likely as not, I’ll sort of lose track of them. If I were more organized, I’d call it aging.

That’s why I applaud what seems to be a growing trend for cigar makers to market their wares in boxes of ten. This seems to be particularly true of special editions and limited releases.

For example, when Nestor Miranda teamed up with the Garcias to create the excellent Grand Reserve Torpedo, they sold the 10,000-stick run in boxes of 10. I’ve read that the recently announced successor will also come in boxes of ten.

Jameson Cigar Co. is another maker that’s into tens. Its two sizes of Santos de Miami come in divided boxes of ten.

When Don Pepin unveiled his 2011 Limited Edition he struck close, packaging 12 of the 6.5-inch Toros in his characteristic heavy, thick boxes.

Among the newest releases in a ten-pack is Tatuaje’s Little Monsters. Of course, with the popularity of that series, Pete Johnson could probably release them in boxes of 100 and still quickly sell out.

You might say I’m making far too big a deal of this, and if I only want ten cigars I should simply purchase singles. That’s true. But a box not only keeps the cigars together; it protects them and shows you what’s in your humidor.

Besides, as I said, I like cigar boxes.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

We’re one month away from 80th annual International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Trade Show, the convention where cigar makers from around the world gather to showcase their products, debut new creations, and interact with retailers.

As usual, StogieGuys.com will be covering the event to keep you abreast of the new smokes that will soon be hitting a tobacconist near you. Before we do that, though, I wanted to share three thoughts about what I’d like to see at this year’s trade show. After all, one month before the biggest cigar event of the year is an appropriate time to reflect on the state of the industry.

More Limited Editions

Many cigar makers, particularly those who don’t grow their own tobacco, have only enough tobacco to make a small run without sacrificing quality and consistency. So limited releases can be some of the best (if rare) cigars available. For that reason, I welcome more limited cigars, as long as they’re limited for a good reason and not just a marketing gimmick. Besides, if the FDA does end up regulating premium cigars, the disastrous, ill-conceived government approval process will likely be so costly that cigar makers will be forced to focus on large runs that they think would have mass appeal. I hope this doesn’t happen but, for this reason, I’d like to have the opportunity to collect more limited editions before the politicians and bureaucrats ruin everything. And if they get their way, you can bet they will.

More Support for Cigar Rights

Speaking of FDA regulation, you and I owe a lot of thanks to Cigar Rights of America (CRA), IPCPR, and all groups, individuals, and businesses who are fighting for the right to enjoy a cigar. Tobacco taxes, smoking bans, and harmful regulations will continue to pile up if they are not met with resistance. Recognizing this, many cigar makers have generously donated much time and money to the cause, and I hope this continues—especially at this critical juncture. Don’t forget that you can do your part as well. Make sure to support CRA and tell your friends and family to do the same. What happens over the next year at the federal level will have massive implications on the industry for years to come.

Focus on Comparative Advantages

Every year at the trade show it seems like every cigar maker has a handful of new lines to introduce. What’s new is sexy, and I understand this from a business standpoint. But we’re at the point where the market is saturated with new lines and blends. I can’t keep track of them all. And a lot of them, frankly, are duds that get forgotten before the summer’s even over. How many new cigars from last year’s IPCPR do you remember offhand? That’s what I thought. For this reason, I applaud those cigar makers who focus on a few lines and do them well year after year. Introduce a new blend when you’ve got something truly unique or when you’ve acquired an excellent crop of tobacco that you’ve never had before. Otherwise, focus on quality control and the blends you do best. This strategy may not be sexy, but I’d have to imagine it will yield good results in terms of revenue and reputation.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys