Search Results for: arandoza
Stolen Throne War Council and Sensei’s Sensational Sarsparilla Cigars
It was implied in my last post that the Stolen Throne Three Kingdoms was among my favorite cigars of the last year, and honestly it was right there at the top. I keep going back for more of this cigar, there’s a sweet flavor that I haven’t been able to put a name to, and it wasn’t until I smoked the War Council yesterday that I think I finally am able to label that flavor. Continue reading
Filed under Review
An Espinosa Comfortably Numb Cigar at Cigars International Superstore in Hamburg PA
Yesterday was a big day at the Cigars International Superstore in Hamburg, PA. Erik Espinosa was on hand all day selling his cigars there, and there was a line wrapping around the building of people waiting to but their CigarFest tickets. I understand that tickets sold out in under a minute on line, and I also was told that people started lining up at 4pm Friday! The crazy part of this (or one of them) was that it was brutally cold out, the very crowded CI store looked like a ski lodge with all the people bundled up. I understand that CigarFest is a big event, something like 3000 people per day over two days, with many making a weekend of it, but that kind of crowd isn’t my bag. But a lot of people dig it, so more power to them! I made for a crowded store, it was hard to find a seat, what with people leaving their coats and stuff on seats and tables and socializing elsewhere, which is in very bad form, in my opinion. Some patrons like to sit and relax, some like to wander and socialize, but you can’t have it both ways. We found a table by the door, which was constantly opening so it wasn’t very comfortable. Continue reading
IPCPR 2016 Overview and Some Notable Cigars I Smoked
OK, I’m back from the 84th IPCPR Trade show and it was a good trip. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but while the FDA was a big topic at the show, the seminars were reportedly well attended. Attendance was reported to be 30% over last year, but I think last year was about 30% under the year before, so it was typical Vegas numbers to my mind. I thought the booths were busy, but the aisles weren’t very crowded, which tells me retailers were there with a purpose and not browsing. Certain booths were constantly packed. Rocky, Saka, Caldwell, My Father and Tatuaje come to mind immediately, Others I’d walk up to empty and they would tell me it was the first time all day they had a break. Despite rumors otherwise, I think it was a good show and a lot of exhibitors were successful. What will follow here are some of the interesting things I saw, cigars I smoked, and things I did. Check out some of my friends in the blogosphere for the interviews and in-depth coverage, and please feel free to leave comments with links to site where you saw some good IPCPR stuff! Continue reading
First Wednesday Contest Two Days Late, and a Kilo Cigar
I missed the Wednesday post, it’s been a hellish week at work, so I blew it off. I asked on the Cigarcraig.com Facebook page if anyone minded if I posted it late and the sentiment was positive. It seems people love the chance to score some freebies! So I rummaged through the humidor and pulled out about 10 cigars and found some other odds and ends. More on that later, I have a couple cigars I want to talk about first! Continue reading
Tops of The Year, Roberto P. Duran Winner and General Nonsense
Today’s post is going to be a little of everything. It’s my last day of a 14 day vacation, and I really want to get something accomplished today, so I want to get this done! I’ve got some top “x” lists, Some cigars I smoked, and a contest winner! I’ll start with some cigars I smoked that I found interesting. I generally spend the end of December smoking either cigar that are featured in the giveaways, or cigars I’ve featured in the past and want to revisit, or special occasion cigars. I smoked a bunch of each this year. Around Christmas I smoked a Padron 1964 Exclusivo and a Drew Estate Serie Unico Feral Flying Pig. The Pig was a bit of a surprise, it was the first of this size I’ve smoked. It was super smooth and full of rich flavor and I swear I got some cinnamon at the halfway point. This example came back with me from Nicaragua a year and a half ago, and I would have picked up a couple more when I saw them locally except for the $19 price tag. The Feral Flying Pig was a “wow” cigar for me, perhaps the best cigar I smoked all year. My wife got me this cool cast iron pig holding what looks like a tobacco leaf for me for Christmas. The Exclusivo was pretty darned good too! Continue reading
