CigarCraig's Blog

by Craig Vanderslice | January 20, 2023 · 7:29 am

News: Casa de Ortez Announced

I found this interesting fr a couple reasons. Indiana Ortez was introduced to the cigar world by Ventura Cigars, and was the next big name in cigar making. Then she showed up briefly with Mambacho/Favili in Granada. Some of us had been wondering what happened to her. I also thought Altadis owned the “Ortez” name, but I guess as long as she doesn’t name a cigar Ortez it’s OK? I can’t say I’ve ever smoked a cigar she’s blended, but I’m interested. Also, the initials are CDO, which is OCD in alphabetical order, as it should be.

Indiana Ortez launches Casa De Ortez and announces her founding of the new cigar company that highlights the Ortez Tobacco family.

Indiana Ortez, the youngest of the third generation of the Ortez tobacco family based in Condega, Nicaragua, has announced her launching of Casa De Ortez, a company celebrating the quality and experience of Nicaragua’s oldest tobacco family. The company, founded in 2022, is what Indiana considers the rightly timed release of a culmination of seven decades of Nicaraguan tobacco experience.

Indian Ortez has taken the reins in dedicating herself to telling the world the story started by her grandfather at the first family farm in Condega many decades ago. Encouraged by her family, Indiana has launched her first company that delivers to consumers worldwide the vertically integrated processes of the Ortez family, doing so based on her experience in cigar production and marketing.

Working with and amongst her father, uncles, aunts and siblings, Indiana tells the Ortez story, rich in Nicaraguan heritage, one quality cigar at a time. Indiana, founder of Casa De Ortez and youngest of the third generation of Ortez states, “One of the more important things I have learned is in tobacco you have to do things correctly to last. Casa De Ortez is the way the history of my family and our work can be told and shared. I am so excited to finally launch and work even closer alongside my family, and I will humbly try to do Condega justice and work to make it a household name for cigar enjoyers everywhere.” With Indiana being well known for her blending and working alongside notable companies and individuals, consumers can expect a deep experience of proprietary tobaccos, rich blends, and a focus of bringing Condega to its rightfully deserved popularity as a tobacco town from the position of on-pulse market approach that is rooted in classic tobacco processes.

Retailers and distributors worldwide can expect Casa De Ortez products to launch in the Spring of 2023, with the first announced brand, Primavera, which releases with three vitolas and blends already completed by Ortez. Pricing sheets and market-release schedules can be expected by media and retailers as soon as March 2023. Consumers, retailers, and media interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the Casa De Ortez landing page and submit their email to keep up to date with the launch.

Contact Info:
Instagram: @casaortez

Email: indiana@casadeortez.com

Website: www.casadeortez.com

ABOUT CASA DE ORTEZ.

Casa De Ortez is a premium cigar company headquartered in Condega, Nicaragua & dedicated to celebrating the story & legacy of the Ortez family, Nicaragua’s oldest tobacco family. Founded & proudly presented by Indiana Ortez, the youngest of the third generation, Casa De Ortez showcases the Ortez family’s generational quality & expertise by producing cigars that truly embody a richly authentic Nicaraguan heritage. With the Ortez family’s vertical integration spanning from growing tobacco, pre-industry, aging & fermentation, & premium cigar production, Casa De Ortez handcrafts products backed by over seven decades of Nicaraguan tobacco experience & delivers to consumers worldwide a legacy-worthy expression of Nicaragua.

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Tagged as Casa de Ortez, cigar, cigars, Indiana Ortez, Ortez, Primavera

by Craig Vanderslice | January 15, 2023 · 10:31 am

Cubao, Wunderlust and Protocol Cigars and Gigantar!

I was poking around one of the humidors and realized I’d smoked a few Cubao Cameroon Churchills from Ortega Cigars and never mentioned them here. Eddie is still making some great cigars, he’s using the TACASA S.A. factory. This cigar has a Cameroon wrapper, like the name suggests, Indonesian binder and Nicaraguan fillers. It smoked well and had a pleasing flavor. There was the nutty Cammerooniness that is inherent in the wrapper. Well worth $20 for a five pack, as all of the cigar I’ve smoked from Ortega seem to be. Shop Ortega Cigars and sign up for his email list, great bargains and cigars! I am especially fond of the Serie D Maduros!

I smoked another cigar from my Secret Santa this year, a Wunder|lust Fiorella, from RomaCraft. This is a brand that’s only sold in Germany, from what I can tell. The cigar is a corona gorda, 5 5/8″ x 46, has a Mata Fina wrapper from Brazil, Indonesian binder and, one would suspect, although it’s not disclosed, Nicaraguan fillers. The Europeans seem to like Brazilian tobacco, brands like Villiger actually make cigars there for the European market. For those who don’t know, this size is named for Skip Martin’s youngest daughter. I love the size, always been one of my favorites after the toro. Clearly, this cigar has Manbacco and Tastoterone, like it’s sibling blends, with a bold punch to start out. It continues to be a full bodied cigar for me, surprised the Europeans like this so much. I love the coffee notes and heavy tobacco. This is probably hard to get, but definitely worthwhile!

Yesterday I had a chance to talk to someone I featured in my “Celebrity Cigar Chats” back in 2010, Jim Babjak, guitar player and founding member of The Smithereens. We went to the unveiling of the Illinois Rock And Roll Museum‘s newest piece, which will be on their Rt 66 building. It’s a 24’ guitar sculpture, Gigantar, which was made by Shannon, world famous for her airbrush paintings. This is an impressive sculpture which will be making its way to it’s new home from The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, which is where the unveiling took place. Jim and Dennis Diken, the drummer for the Smithereens, were there for the unveiling, and Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick (another cigar guy), will be in Joliet, IL for the dedication. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen Jim an Dennis, and while it was too cold and windy outside for us to smoke, I gifted Jim a couple cigars. I’ve been a fan of the Smithereens since the ’80s and it was really cool to talk to Jim about cigars!

Last night I grabbed another Churchill, the Protocol Cyber Crimes Unit, from a Protocol Churchill sampler I bought from Discount Cigar Warehouse, and I think some of these may be exclusive to that store. Anyway, I’ve been rather looking forward to smoking this cigar, it’s a Nicaraguan puro with a Rosado Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, which smoked much darker than that, if that makes sense. I absolutely loved this cigar. It has a creaminess, but with heavy cocoa flavors. Bittersweet chocolate came to mind. I thought it was great and have to get some more. Good stuff!

That’s enough for today, until the next time,

CigarCraig

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Tagged as cigar, cigars, Cubao, Cyber Crimes Unit, Fiorella, Gigantar, Illinois Rock And Roll Museum, Ortega, Protocol, RoMaCraft, smithereens, Wunderlust

by Craig Vanderslice | January 10, 2023 · 7:00 am

News: J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Releases 2023 José Gaspar Cigars

This is pretty regional, and not something I generally share, but it’s pretty cool and the video that J.C.Newman produced for this made me laugh. This looks like a very accessible blend.

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Releases 2023 José Gaspar Cigars

Celebrates Tampa’s two world-famous traditions, cigars and Gasparilla

Tampa has two-century-old traditions: Since 1885, Tampa has been known as “Cigar City.” Since 1904, pirates have been invading Tampa and throwing a large festival called Gasparilla. Today, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. brings both traditions together by introducing José Gaspar cigars. Handcrafted by J.C. Newman, a 127-year-old, four-generation family business, José Gaspar cigars pack a punch perfect for any pirate.

“José Gaspar was one of most feared pirates in the Americas,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner. “Sailing from his base near Tampa Bay in the late 1700s, he terrorized the Gulf of Mexico and amassed a great fortune. Gaspar celebrated victories with a bold and flavorful cigar. This cigar honors his legacy and the tradition of Gasparilla.”

This year, J.C. Newman is releasing 10,000 José Gaspar cigars. The 2023 release of José Gaspar is a 6’ x 54 cigar wrapped with an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. The 2023 José Gaspar cigars are sold in packs of 5 cigars with an MSRP of $40. José Gaspar cigars are only available at the following locations in the Cigar City of Tampa, Florida:

Casa de Montecristo
Cigar Castle
Cigar City Brewery
Corona Cigar Company
Edwards Pipe and Tobacco
Grand Cathedral
Hotel Haya
J.C. Newman Cigar Museum and Factory Store
King Corona International Plaza
King Corona Cigars
Tobacco Depot
Vincent & Tampa Cigar Co

“When pirates invade Tampa and parade down Bayshore Boulevard on January 28, they will be enjoying José Gaspar cigars,” said Newman. “Just like the pirates of Gasparilla, however, José Gaspar cigars will sail out of Tampa Bay at the end of January and will not be available again until next year.”

About J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

Founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker in America. J.C. Newman rolls its El Reloj, Factory Throwouts, and Trader Jacks cigars by hand-operated, vintage cigar machines at its historic cigar factory in Tampa, Florida. It also hand rolls its Brick House, Perla del Mar, El Baton, and Quorum cigars at the J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. J.C. Newman’s Diamond Crown, MAXIMUS, Julius Caeser, and Black Diamond cigars are handmade by Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic. With its longtime partners the Fuente family, the Newmans founded the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which supports low-income families in the Dominican Republic with education, health care, vocational training, and clean water.

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Tagged as cigar, cigars, Gaspar, J.C.Newman, José Gaspar, Tampa

by Craig Vanderslice | January 8, 2023 · 10:05 am

Reinado Grand Apex, JTrain, Fosforo and Rocky Patel Cigars

First week of 2023 is in the books. I managed to smoke a few new-to-me cigars this week! First off was the Fosforo Toro, a 6″x 50 cigar with a Ecuadorian habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and fillers from the Condego and Jalapa regions of Nicaragua. This is a creation of Jeff Mouttet of Riverside Cigars, and is distributed by Pospiech Inc., Mike Szczepankiewicz’s distribution company. Ironically, I also smoked a Guaimaro yesterday, also distributed by Pospiech. This cigar, while it looks like it could come out of Nica Sueno (RoMaCraft), it’s actually made at Garmendia, the factory which makes West Tampa Cigar Co.’s cigars. The cigar is tasty, some earthiness, some espresso and cocoa, very much up my alley. Burn and draw were perfect, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Thanks to my Secret Santa, once again, for sharing this with me!

I may be going out of order, but I’m probably the only one bothered by that! I also smoked the Rocky Patel The Edge 20th Anniversary, which I picked up on a recent visit to Goose’s Montecristo Lounge. I’m probably one of the few people who haven’t smoked a whole lot of RP Edge cigars, I’ve probably only smoked a couple, to be honest. Not sure why, just is. I felt like I wanted to give this anniversary cigar a try, and it’s a little pricier than the regular Edge line. It’s advertised as having 10 year aged tobaccos, although exactly which tobaccos are aged isn’t clear. The wrapper is an Ecuador Sumatra, with Nicaraguan and Honduran files and binder. I’m used to Sumatra having a unique sweetness, and this one started out with a cloying pepper spice that I wasn’t ready for. it was tongue coating. Eventually it smoothed out, and was a very nice smoke. I’d smoke this again, and I suppose I should samply my way through the Edge line, I think there’s 23 different cigars in that line? 🙂

Almost a year ago I saw John Remer at the TPE and he gave me his JTrain cigar, made at La Zona by Protocol Cigars. It has the Protocol logo in the band at least. John has a web show called Johnny Smokes Uncut, and a facebook group of the same name. I’m not sure what’s up with the “uncut” part of the name. Obviously one can’t smoke a cigar uncut, I have to assume it refers to the videos being unedited. This Robusto is 5″ x 50 and has a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper,with Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. There are several cigars from this factory which are among my favorites, the La Sirena, and most of the no longer produced Cornelius and Anthony line (Someone recently compared the C&A Meridian to the new Knuckle Sandwich, the y may be similar, but all of the C&A cigars had some Virginia tobacco in them that I don’t think is available to La Zona any more). The JTrain cigar hit me with a really different flavor, it was almost acidic, with an odd spice. It must have turned out OK because I stopped taking notes, a sure sign I am enjoying a cigar. I have an FTrain that John gave me at the PCA show on deck, anymore I am not satisfied by a robusto, I save them to fit certain times, and I have a crapload of robustos in my stock.

Finally, I smoked a Reinado Grand Apex Gordo this week. This is a 6″ x 60 cigar that has a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and fillers and is made at Aganorsa’s TABSA factory. I’ve known Antonio Lam, the owner of Reinado Cigars, for a very long time. When I met him he was making cigars with Yadi Gonzalez, maker of Flor de Gonzalez cigars. We had some amusing times trying to record pieces at the IPCPR show a few years back. Antonio is a Jersey guy, and the Grand Apex has an altruistic side to it, as some proceeds go to Dementia Society of America. Anyone who’s been reading here for any period of time will know that this cigar is my kind of cigar. Maybe not so obvious is that many cigars that come out of Aganorsa aren’t particularly interesting to me. I try, of course, but I haven’t found one that hits me just right. This one, however, does. It’s got my espresso, along with some dark fruits, and I really dig it. It’s definitely on my “buy” list, even in this size. Great job Antonio and Aganorsa!

That’s all for today. I was hoping to get to a shop today, but it looks like the grandkids are coming by, so that will have to wait, some things are more important! Until the next time,

CigarCraig

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Tagged as 20th Anniversary, Aganorsa, cigar, cigars, Fosforo, Garmendia, Grand Apex, Johnny Smokes Uncut, JTrain, LaZona, Protocol, Reinado, rocky patel, The Edge

by Craig Vanderslice | January 5, 2023 · 5:31 pm

News: Punch Spring Roll Announced

I don’t usually pay any attention to the limited “Year of the whatever” cigars, and I find the branding of this particular line curious. Punch has its origins in the UK, I’m not sure why they’ve put together a Chinese food theme. The thing is, I like the cigars and the price is right, so I overlook the weird branding. They have been pretty darn good cigars. In other news, it looks like the Macanudo brand ambassador position is open, as Laurel Tilley is now with AJ Fernandez!

PUNCH TO “SPRING” IN THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT WITH LIMITED EDITION RELEASE

Punch will kick off The Year of the Rabbit with a limited–edition smoke called Spring Roll. The new release marks the fifth installment of the brand’s highly successful Chinese New Year Series which has included these sought-after Punch blends: Fu Manchu (2022), Kung Pow! (2021), Chop Suey (2020) and Egg Roll (2019).

John Hakim, brand manager of Punch said, “Punch Spring Roll is like a three-course meal: It delivers a great smoking experience in a size that really brings the blend to life, and it comes at a price point that hits the post-holiday sweet spot for cigar lovers. Paying homage to the original, Spring Roll is the yin to Egg Roll’s yang. Since the Year of the Rabbit is said to bring good fortune, we invite Punch fans to kick back and let the good times Spring Roll.”

Handmade at the HATSA factory in Danli, Honduras, Punch Spring Roll is a five-country blend featuring filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico and the USA(Broadleaf), with a USA Broadleaf binder and an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The smoking experience is richly spiced, with notes of leather and a natural sweetness that comes from the cigar’s Ecuadoran-grown wrapper.

Punch Spring Roll cigars feature the signature shaggy foot and come in 25-count “takeout” boxes inspired by the packaging of Punch Egg Roll which kicked off the Chinese New Year series.