Category Archives: Events

by | July 9, 2020 · 9:16 am

A Montecristo White Vintage Connecticut and an Upcoming Local Event

Yesterday an event was brought to my attention happening here in south-east Pennsylvania that sounds like a great time. Of course, cigar events these days are few and far between, so I’m going to get behind this one! If you’re a golfer and you’re in the south-eastern PA area (or willing to travel) and are looking for a great day of eating, smoking, golfing and all that goes with it, check out this event. I’ve been to many of Goose’s events and they are always top notch. You can’t beat the food, cigars and golf offered with this deal! You can download the registration form here.  I’ll be watching this event very closely! There may even be special guests!

 

 

Since I had Montecristo on my mind, I selected a Montecristo cigar from my humidor yesterday. I had spent the morning running the chipper cleaning up a cedar tree that my son had taken down for us the previous evening. Mulching all those branches did me in, so I cleaned up and relaxed on the porch with a Montecristo White Vintage Connecticut Double Corona. First, it’s not really a double corona, it’s more of a toro, 6¼” x 50, which is fine with me. In all honesty, there aren’t a lot of Montecristos that float my boat, and the regular Montecristo White series really doesn’t do anything for me. That’s being generous, I actually just don’t like it, and I don’t say that about many cigars. The White Vintage Connecticut is a totally different story. The wrapper is a Vintage Connecticut Shade (Grown in U.S.A. in Montecristo Exclusive Farms, Exclusive to Altadis U.S.A.), the binder is Nicaraguan and the fillers are Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian. Perhaps its the U.S. wrapper that makes the difference, perhaps it’s the addition of the Peruvian in the filler, but this cigar is delicious to me. It’s buttery smooth, of course, and creamy, with plenty of body and a little strength, but not so much as to be off-putting, but enough to let you know you were smoking a cigar. This would be a wonderful cigar for the golf course. If I happen to attend this event (I may borrow my daughter’s clubs and pretend I golf! Is there some way I can fake it?) I’ll take one of these along. To recap, for me, if I’m choosing a Monte white, it’s going to be in the Vintage Connecticut line, for sure.

 

This Wednesday blog post is coming to you on Thursday, I got lazy and didn’t get it together yesterday. Every now and then I break with tradition. Stuff happens. E-mail subscribers won’t know the difference! That’s all for today, until the next time,

 

CigarCraig

 

 

 

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by | March 1, 2020 · 12:18 pm

Some Powstanie Cigars at Philadelphia Cigar & Tobacco Company Event

Friday afternoon I traveled to Northeast Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Cigar & Tobacco Company shop for the event they were having with Mikes Szczepankiewicz and Palmer. Mike Szczepankiewicz is one of the owners of Cigar Hustlers cigar shop in Deltona Florida, and the Powstanie cigar brand, which is made at the Nica Sueña factory in Esteli. Mike Palmer is Mike Szczepankiewicz’s co-host on the Cigar Hustler’s Podcast, which is in my regular podcast rotation. There’s two things that I’m really spoiled with, one is that I really like smoking cigars and knowing the people behind the brands, and the other is listening to podcasts where I know the people behind the voices. I’m very fortunate to have had opportunities to know a lot of the people who make cigars and present podcasts. There’s nothing special about me, anyone could have put themselves in the position to know these people, and I’m not particularly outgoing by nature.  Anyway, when I know the people I’m listening to I feel like I’m listening to friends, more so than when I haven’t really met them. Oddly, when I do meet them, I feel like I know them already, which is awkward, because it’s not always reciprocal. Enough about that. I got the the Philadelphia Cigar & Tobacco Company early, because it seems to take a really long time to get there from my house. I can be in downtown Philly in 40 minutes on a good day, but it took over an hour to get to this location, 33 miles away. I had visited the shop several years ago, back when Bryan Scholle was doing the Studio Tabac rolling events for Oliva (June 2013). The setup of the store has changed since then, the checkout counter is in the humidor now, and the lounge is set up differently. I selected a Powstanie Broadleaf Belicoso and joined the gentlemen in the lounge, where much spirited ball-busting was ensuing amongst the indigenous population. It was entertaining. The Powstanie cigars are made at the Nica Sueña factory, where CroMagnons are made, and this cigar was just brilliant. I really enjoyed it very much. It was full-bodied and rich and right up my alley. I would have liked this in the toro, but the Belicoso was the only size they had. I went back and bought more later, along with some of the Warbear (Wojtek) which I smoked next. The Broadleaf Belicoso is 5½”x 54 with a Broadleaf Maduro wrapper and, I’m guessing, Nicaraguan binder and fillers? It was a fantastic smoke.

 

I introduced myself to Mike and Mike and chatted with them for a bit, then delved into the Powstanie Wojtek, or Warbear. I figured I wasn’t going to drive an hour to smoke one cigar and leave right after they arrived. I’m not going to comment too much on the flavor of this 5″x 50 perfecto, I’ll smoke another one another time on a clean palate and maybe give my impressions. It’s a barber pole wrapper consisting of Habano and San Andrés, so it’s pretty subtle, you have to look for the difference as there isn’t a lot of color contrast. It did really enjoy the cigar, although after smoking a full bodied Broadleaf cigar, there’s no really getting a good handle on any real flavors.  Of course, the construction was perfect, when was the last time you had a poorly made cigar from Skip Martin’s factory? He’s got the whole ISO9001/Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma thing going on in the factory down there, I imagine it to be quite impressive, hopefully one day I’ll get back down to Esteli for a visit. Anyway, I enjoyed meeting Mike and Mike (super nice dudes) and smoking the Powstanie cigars and hanging out at Philadelphia Cigar and Tobacco CO., but I wanted to get. home and watch the majority of the Flyers beating the Rangers (hopefully they do as well today on national television!). 

 

Yesterday I was putting away the cigars I picked up at the previous evening’s event, which I need to stop buying, and I held out one of the Powstanie Habano Toros and took a bit of a walk with it. It’s been quite a while since I smoked the Habano, I recall picking up a few of these at BnB cigars a few years ago and enjoyed it, but not as much as this Toro. This cigar was impressive! I really enjoyed it, and I’m not sure if it was the size, the former was a Belicoso, I’d have to dig around, there may be one left someplace. The Toro is 6″ x 52, perfect size for me. It has a Habano wrapper, Indonesian binder with Dominican criollo, Estelí ligero and filler from Condega and Jalapa. This had a nice sweetness that I liked, and rich tobacco flavors throughout the smoke and was really a very nice cigar. I highly recommend this, and these are widely available, it seems, if not in your better brick and mortar shop, they are in the larger online shops (or Cigar Huslter’s web store). Very different from the other cigars from Nica Sueño, but equally as awesome. I had initially underestimated this cigar, or when I smoked it 3 years ago I was just coming off a cold. Powstanie is Polish for “rise or “uprising”, and I’m not going to go so far as to say they were so good that “it moved”, but they are really good cigars. 

 

That’s all for now, until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig

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by | February 2, 2020 · 12:16 pm

Tobacco Plus Expo 2020 Experience and Some Cigar Highlights

I’m back from Las Vegas and the Tobacco Plus Expo, and I had a very positive experience.  This was a large expo, probably the size of the IPCPR ( now PCA) show, with tobacco only taking up 30%ish of the floor space. The nice thing about the way they had it set up was that they had it segregated, with red carpet surrounding the Tobacco part, and blue carpet around the Vape/Alternative part, which was larger. I’m working on a video walk through of both, but on the first couple exploratory forays into “the blue”, I found myself running back to the safety of the red carpet both times. I kept hearing Sean Connery’s voice from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade saying “we’re pilgrims in an unholy land”. It wasn’t that unholy, but it was weird seeing all the hemp, CBD and “glassware”. From a cigar purist standpoint, it was strange. Disposable e-cigs seemed to be a trend I didn’t know about, I’m not sure I like the environmental impact of them though, I’ll have to see how to dispose of them. Tossing in the trash doesn’t seem right. The Vape/Alt side was where all the flashy booths, models handing out literature and hype and excitement was. I felt like a fish out of water.

 

On the cigar side, it was more subdued. Many of the exhibitors were there for the first time, although there were several that had been there before and knew the ropes. Everyone I talked to had a positive experience, they made sales, opened new accounts, and seemed upbeat about the whole thing. Many had very little to do in the way of set-up they brought their samples and displays in themselves, put them in the displays and were ready to go. From my perspective, those of us in the media were provided with a room off the show floor to work or do interviews (where I interviewed Mr. Garofalo), were allowed early access to the show floor, and had no restrictions. I know the PCA was at this show, and I hope they learn some things from them. One retailer I talked to did his buying at the TPE, and isn’t going to the PCA show, whatever he didn’t get here he can get without going to the other show or he doesn’t need, and the expense was much less, and the timing is a lot better. As I thought might happen, several companies released low cost bundles at this show, where others had premium offerings. I was surprised that General Cigar’s booth was a table on a corner with a banner that it wasn’t until the third day that I actually found (and I was actively looking), with none of the brand ambassadors on hand, and Gurkha was easier to find, but was very un-busy. Altadis has a very small booth, but seemed to have good traffic, and Rafael Nodal was there for the first day (at least that’s the day I saw him). Drew Estate’s “booth” accounted for a large portion of the “red zone”, they had a very large area, and of course, Kretek/P&K/Ventura had a large booth, but they own the show. OF course, Tommy Chong was there. They had a series of parties opening night at the Sahara, I only attended the Villiger party, which had great food, and I spent time catching up with Aaron and Jiunn from DevelopingPalates.com and Will Cooper from Cigar-Coop.com, friends I hadn’t seen in a few years. 

 

Interestingly, all of the cigars I smoked behaved well and tasted good. There’s a big difference between Vegas in January and Vegas in July. I checked cigars with the Humidimeter and they all checked out, with the exception of display cigars, one an exhibitor had me check was bone dry, 30%). I few surprises were the Alec Bradley bundle release, Caribbean Classic, a long filler cigar in the $3 range. Really a very tasty, well made cigar that certainly didn’t  strike me as a cheap cigar! I was introduced to Nova Cigars, and I will be sampling their line over the coming weeks. They are on the opposite end of the spectrum, running from about $12 up into the $30s. I smoked their box pressed torpedo, the Sultan, which was pretty darned good too. Robert Holt presented the Cedrus in a Lancero for the show, and announced that all of his lanceros are moving from 7″ to 7½”.  The Cedrus Lancero was exceptional, I’m just a little sad I didn’t schnorr one to smoke at home, but I’m sure one will find it’s way here eventually! It was a great experience, I met some new folks, I saw some old friends I hadn’t seen in a few years, and had a good time. Of course, what would a trip be without bringing home a souvenir head cold! I’m working on videos of walkthroughs of both sides of the show so you can get an idea of what it looked like. 

 

Now I need to do some humidor rearranging, catch up around the house and work on some video editing!  I need to do a contest too! Until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig

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by | December 8, 2019 · 10:39 am

Random Cigars and a Dunbarton Event at BnB Cigars in Philly

I already posted this week about the new cigar I smoked,  and I’ll get to the other one in a bit, but first I want to recap a few other cigars I revisited during the course of the week. I’ve been busying myself helping out a friend and continuing my job search. It’s a bad time of year for this sort of thing, but I did it once in 2002, so I should be able to pull it off again. so I’ve been continuing my evening routine of having a cigar and taking a walk, weather permitting. It’s been cold (or advancing age has reduced my tolerance), so I’ve been choosing more robustos, so one day this week I grabbed a La Aurora 1962 Corojo Robusto. Since I bought my first box of cigars in 1996 (La Aurora Bristol Especiales), I’ve always had some La Auroras in the humidor. It’s a sentimental choice for a few reasons. My celebration cigar when my grandchildren were born was the 2003 Puro Vintage, and I have two stashed for the next two grand children, but I suspect they will be very well aged by the time I’ll be smoking them. My daughter’s name is Aurora, which might be important information in this story, ties it together, I suppose. She may still have that old box from 1996 someplace. Anyway, the 1962 Corojo uses a Dominican Corojo wrapper, Ecuador binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers and is a medium bodied cigar with nice flavor. It’s one of those cigars that I can’t really pinpoint flavors but it’s flavors I like, and I know I can just grab one and have a good experience. Honestly, I’ve only ever smoked the 5″ x 50 robusto, so I’d solve to try this in the toro or Churchill size one of these days. I want to say the the 1903 Cameroon and 1987 Connecticut have the same binder and filler, with only the wrapper being different, I like all three.

 

If I were going to do something crazy, like have a cigar of the year, my next cigar would be in the running, or at least the brand would. I might just do it, because the Don Juan Calavera line from Danli Honduras Tabaco has really captured my corozón! I smoked the Connecticut this week, because it’s hard for me to not smoke these all up. I’m at a serious crossroads as to which of their three offerings is my favorite, Connecticut, Sumatra, or Maduro. The Connecticut is atypical, it is creamy, but not grassy, and not at all mild. Like every cigar I’ve smoked from the line, the construction has been excellent, burn and draw have been perfect. I’m trying to find out the best pathway to purchase these, so far e-mailing them, using the form on their website, or contacting them via Facebook seems to be the only way to buy them. As soon as can provide an easy to follow guide to purchasing these I’ll post it, because everyone should be enjoying these. Edit: I just received word that at this time contacting the manufacturer is one way to get them, but two stores in Virginia carry them, Blacksburg Pipe & Tobacco (Blacksburg VA) and Milan Tobacconists (Roanoke VA). Try calling these stores to purchase the cigars.  I should save some gushing for that cigar brand of the year post! Shh…don’t tell anyone! 

 

Yesterday I finally had the opportunity to smoke the Mi Querida Triqui Traca, and I did so at BnB Cigars in Chestnut Hill, PA. They were having an event there with Steve Saka and Dave Lafferty (Cindy Saka was there too) of Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust, with a bunch of test blends that Steve had accumulated over the years as add-ons to purchases. I smoked one which was obviously a Mi Querida Gordita with some variation of the wrapper, although who could tell? It was delicious. Of course, I always learn stuff hanging with these guys, and the store is a cornucopia of boutique cigars. I highly recommend a visit there, if not in person, check them out for your online shopping, as Vince has curated an amazing selection of cigars. The lounge is comfortable and the clientele is friendly as well (which will mean nothing if you shop online). Anyway, the Mi Querida Triqui Traca I smoked was the 648, which is a clever name, as it’s 6″ x 48. This blend is based off of the Mi Querida Firecracker blend that Steve made for Two Guys Cigars last year, so it’s got a little more oomph than the Mi Querida line. I really enjoyed it, although it’s too early to tell if I like it more than the regular line, I don’t think I really need to have a preference actually, I can like them both equally! The Triqui Traca had the great espresso and spice that I love with more of the ligero power. I was told that the strength manifests itself more if you keep it in your mouth while smoking, which I don’t, so I guess I missed out on that aspect. It, as always, is great seeing my friends and spending time with them. I was surprised there weren’t as many Saka fans there, but I’m sure many wish they could have been. 

 

That’s plenty for today. I have a Sobremesa Brulé on the menu for today, I actually haven’t smoked regular production versions yet, so I’m looking forward to it. If I have the time there might be other goodies from yesterday to smoke. Until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig 

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by | October 27, 2019 · 11:31 am

An Afternoon at Famous Smoke Shop and Their Dunbarton 80th Anniversary Cigar

I’ve been beset with a head cold all week, adding insult to injury, of course. I did have a productive phone interview with a recruiter which could lead to something hopefully, so it wasn’t a wasted week.  Having a cold like this messes with the taste buds, so after a few days of not even considering having a cigar, I broke the ice with something familiar to see where I stood. I grabbed a Nica Rustica El Brujito, which is a favorite. I know this cigar very well, so if my palate is skewed, I’ll know it smoking this cigar, and it was. It was still good, but tasted different. So I knew not to try anything new for a while, or at least to temper any expectations based on this information. This is important for you to know moving forward. 

 

Yesterday I took a drive up to Easton, PA to Famous Smoke Shop where Steve Saka was hosting the launch of his contribution to their 80th Anniversary, the Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust Famous Smoke Shop 80th Anniversary Edition. Steve had a blending seminar which was attended by 35 or 40 people, who had tobacco ad chavettas and actually rolled and tasted tobaccos with Steve’s instruction. I didn’t attend this event, but those who did raved about it and appeared to have enjoyed it and perhaps were a little overwhelmed! I’ve known Steve long enough to know that he can throw a LOT of information at you quickly, and that the 2 or 3 hour seminar could easily have been 8 if he’d have been allowed. Saka’s a shy guy, but if you can get him out of his shell, you can’t shut him up. I kid. I probably should have gotten a ticket and attended, but I didn’t, so I’m going on what I heard from others. To test my questionable palate, I lit up an Umbagog on my drive up, still a little off, but the Umbagog was still delicious.  I got there while the blending session was going on, and hung out with folks in the shop, including familiar faces such as Ali, our local EPC rep. Eventually the event ended and Dave Lafferty emerged and began selling the new Famous Smoke Shop Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust 80th Anniversary Edition cigars. I did purchase said cigars, and eventually lit one up. This is an interesting cigar in the DTT line up. It’s box pressed, made at NACSA with a sun grown Nicaraguan H2000 wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and fillers. They only made 250 boxes of these, and there will be some available for sale on Famous’ website tomorrow (or maybe Tuesday, but don’t wait on account of me, look Monday). 

 

 

Full disclaimer (for the third time, in case you haven’t been paying attention), this cold has my palate screwed up, so my tasting notes on the DTT Famous 80th aren’t what they should be, but really, folks, when are they all that detailed?  I talked to Steve about the wrapper, which looked like a dark chocolate maduro in Famous’ press pictures. Good enough to eat, really, like a Godiva chocolate cigar. It turns out it’s not a maduro, but a H2000 wrapper. 20 years ago when this hybrid came out, it was bred to be disease resistant, but it was also flame retardant! Several brands of cigars were hyped up and basically destroyed because when they hit the market they wouldn’t burn. Tasted great, but you had to relight them ten or fifteen times. I think the lighter fuel industry had a stake in the development of the hybrid. After a while, the tobacco processors figured out how to handle this new leaf in the pre-industry processing, and now it burns right, and tastes great too. So Steve used it on this cigar. It started out on the mellow side for me, although some mentioned it was spicy. I did get a distinct cinnamon flavor on one draw about an inch in, but that was a one and done. For the fourth time, I’m working with a compromised palate here! Considering this was a cigar fresh from the box, which had been in unknown humidification conditions, it burned well, and drew perfectly. This is made in the same factory as my beloved Umbagog (and Mi Querida), by the way. The later half of the cigar was a build up in body, and strength, although I never found it to be more than medium strength. My second proviso is that I was smoking this very slowly too, as I was socializing. Overall, I really liked the cigar and look forward to smoking it on a healthy palate. I know Steve wouldn’t put his name on a cigar he wasn’t 100% satisfied with, especially if it was for something as important as a company’s 80th anniversary. It’s always great to see Steve, Cindy and Dave when they are around. 

 

That’s all for today. Once it clears up, I guess I’ll get back to trying to see if my palate is still out of whack. I suppose as long as my sinuses are still goofy, my tasters will still be off. Until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig

 

   

 

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