I went out shopping this week and picked up some new cigars that I’d been wanting to try. One set I’m going to withhold comment on because there was something off about them and I want to pick up some more and give them another shot. I also want to discuss this with the manufacturer and I’ll probably see him next week. So yesterday I smoked the Knuckle Sandwich cigars from Guy Fieri and Espinosa Cigars. Of course, I bought Toros, which may or may not have been the only size they had at the shop, I really don’t recall. Nine times out of ten if there’s a Toro I’m getting it, you know me. These are made in A.J. Fernandez’ San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua, blended by the Espinosa folks with Guy Fieri’s involvement. I think I talked about this with Erik in the interview video I did with him at the TPE (here). I started of with the Habano after lunch. The wrapper is an Ecuador Habano and the binder and fillers are Nicaraguan. What could go wrong? Nothing, that’s what. This was a delicious cigar. I was hoping for some good cigars after a couple days worth of disappointments, and I got them. It was bold and spicy, with some nuttiness. I was impressed. Not surprised, but impressed.
I moved on to the Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Toro after dinner. Again, this was much anticipated, and we all know how much I like maduros. This one is a Sumatra varietal, grown in Ecuador and fermented to a rich, dark maduro. I also like Sumatra. This has to be a winner for me, right? Of course it was. Again, this is a cigar that has some strength, and I imagine Guy Fieri to be someone who is all about flavor. This, as well as the Habano, had tons of flavor. The Maduro, of course, had more of the rich cocoa/espresso flavor, with a healthy spice. Both cigars had exceptional burn and draw, and were a pleasure to smoke. A great tasting cigar can be a bad experience if the cigar falls apart or doesn’t draw well, not the case here. I really enjoyed these two cigars. I understand that Guy may be making an appearance at the PCA show at some point. I doubt I’ll get to actually meet him, but I know some people, I have to see what I can do.
I used a new cutter on both of the Knuckle Sandwich cigars, which was a little risky, but I have a lot of faith in the guy that made the cutter, as I know he’s been working on it for a long time and wouldn’t put something on the market that wasn’t perfect. This cutter is called The Baller, from the folks at CigarMedics. and is really unique. It has a curved blade that literally takes a scoop out of the head of the cigar, leaving a hole like a punch, but removing some of the tobacco in the end. This is a bit of a hybrid between a V cut and punch in a way. So far, the three cigars I’ve used it on have performed well, and I’m going to use it primarily (except next weekend, I’m not risking losing it to TSA in my travels, my advice is always to not travel with any thing you don’t mind losing) for the foreseeable future. I think it’s neat, although a little heavy in the pocket, fortunately it came with a case that has a belt loop! Awesome device! I’m looking forward to finally meeting Luigi and his team at the PCA show! I made a little video, check it out!
That’s all for today. Of course, it’s the Fourth of July weekend, as well as my wedding anniversary tomorrow, so I’ll be breaking out the good stuff over the next couple days! Everyone stay safe and enjoy! Until the next time,
CigarCraig
