January 9, 2013 (Miami, FL) — Can you handle the STRONGEST cigar around? Think so? Well take the 601 La Bomba Challenge today!
Espinosa Premium Cigars announces the promotion for the 601 La Bomba Challenge, where cigar enthusiasts take a BEFORE and AFTER picture of their smoking experience with the 601 La Bomba cigar and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The contest will run for 6 weeks and a different winner will be selected each week [6 winners in total]. The winners will be announced on the following 2013 dates 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15 & 2/22. Each winner will receive a 601 La Bomba Ashtray and a 601 LA BOMBA SQUAD t-shirt.
Complete rules of the contest are posted on the company’s newly redesigned websitewww.espinosacigars.com/601labombachallenge.
The 601 La Bomba is a full bodied and full flavored BOMB! Handcrafted in Esteli, Nicaragua with 100% Nicaraguan tobacco. WARNING: Extremely full bodied cigar. Not recommended for novice smokers.
Months ago, Torano Cigars gifted me with a few blends, including the Vault, Torano 50 Year, the Master Blend and Master Maduro. So I sat down outside on a chilly night (hence the gloves) and smoked the Master Blend. I was blown away both times I smoked this cigar, and have been consistently disappointed to not find it in cigar shops in New York.
Blend Specifics
Size: Robusto (5 x 50)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua (Esteli)
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli & Jalapa)
Appearance & Construction
The Torano Master has flawless construction. It features a rich, silky brown wrapper, and a simple but pleasing band with cream white and black. Off the foot, I get a punch of sweet cedar, nuts, coffee, and spice. Delightful. So strong is the aroma, and complex but distinct.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
When I light this stick up, I am greeted with a free draw and loads of smoke. The smoke is medium bodied, with lots of spice across my pallet. Notes of bitter chocolate, wood, and progressively sweeter flavor are apparent. A slight cream texture is present when my nose encounters the wrapper.
This cigar has excellent balance, really fantastic. The retrohale is very spicy, adding a nice contrast to the external smoke. The ash is snow white and very attractive.
I’m just going to take a moment to note, this is a sipping cigar. Don’t devour this thing like a 2 buck cigar or you will miss a lot of flavors.
At the two third mark, this cigar starts to feel like a solid full-bodied stick. The retrohale is no joke. Not spice, just strength.
At halfway, the cedar notes drops neatly, and raisins, white pepper and other subtle notes take its place. You can probably tell I’m really enjoying this cigar.
During the final third, this stick comes roaring back with coffee, leather, and black pepper. It ends silky smooth, and I almost shed a tear that it is over.
Conclusion
I highly recommend the Torano Master Blend. In fact, it was probably one of my favorite cigars that I tried in 2012. It has great balance between prominent cedar, spice, sweetness, and a creamy texture. I smoked two and was surprised and delighted both times.
In March 2011, I was fortunate enough to be invited to Camp Camacho in Honduras, to tour the fields and factories and observe what a Central American premium hand rolled cigar manufacturing was all about. Of the many new lifelong friends I made on the trip, one of my favorites is a madman from Kansas, named Paul. Besides being one of the funniest guys I’ve met through cigars, Paul has a voracious apetite for all things consumable, cigars being one of his favorite.
Paul recently spent an afternoon with me running around NYC with me to visit my favorite shops. My goal was not to “WOW” Paul with the NYC scene, but rather let him reconnect with some buddies who were also on the Honduras Trip. Paul is a student in Kansas and a PT employee at The West Side Humidor in Witchita, Kansas. He’s got a better palate than I, and working at a cigar shop, certainly tries a lot more than I do.
Our Man, Chillaxin in deep thought back at the Camp Camacho Hacienda
Our first stop was Davidoff of Geneva’s Madison Ave. Flagship Location (Davidoff Madison Ave.). We were able to catch Chris and Lino and share a cigar while we were there. These are 2 extremely knowledgeable, extremely personable guys. We had a great time in Honduras w/them.
Hanging with Lino & Chris from Davidoff Madison Ave.
Davidoff Madison Ave.
Next, we went to see Ron and Chris from DeLaConcha. Ron was out of the shop with his family for the holiday, but we were able to chat & smoke with Chris while we were there. I love chatting w/Chris. He always makes me laugh.
Hanging with Chris from DeLaConcha
DeLaConcha
Then, we went to my stomping ground, The Grand Havana Room for a smoke and some Flor de Cana Rum, that made us reminisce about our ossified times in Honduras. Good times.
Grand Havana Room
Lastly, we took the subway downtown to SoHo and tried to catch Len at O.K. Cigars. He was out for the holiday as well, but we toured the shop and fell in love with come classic tobbaciana on sale. Great shop if you are ever downtown looking for a smoke. We didn’t take any pics here (probably, because of the rum at our last stop.)
I had a great time running around the city with Paul and I hope that we can do it again soon. I’ll come to Kansas too, really. Say hello to Ryan and Gordon also!
From Paul:
“Rolling through New York with Big Sexy him self was a blast. The man has his finger on the thriving pulse of the smoking comunity”.
Chivas 18, the world’s No. 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky, is highlighting its luxury credentials with the launch of Chivas 18 by Pininfarina, a series of exclusive limited editions created in collaboration with the prestigious Italian design company.
With a strong shared heritage in luxury and craftsmanship, Chivas 18 has collaborated with Pininfarina, for its ability to encapsulate the brand’s modern and luxurious character.
Each limited edition features a bottle of Chivas 18 and captures Pininfarina’s design cues on the metallised crest, while its logo is emblazoned on the capsule and neck wrap.
The first design is based on a streamlined drop, giving a sense of movement that is inherent to Pininfarina’s designs. The design has a rich blue, metallic finish outer case, reminiscent of the metal work for which the Italian company is best known and a wood veneer that represents the oak casks used in the ageing of Chivas 18. Units are expected to retail at £90*.
The second expression of the partnership features the same design cues of the first but taken to a further level by featuring a solid wood inlay and a more aerodynamic shape. It presents the limited edition bottle and includes two glasses which echo the drop design. Each unit created is individually numbered to highlight its exclusivity and will retail at £360*.
Chivas 18 Mascherone by Pininfarina
Inspired by the Mascherone (the original wooden frame that was used to refine new automobile shapes) the Chivas 18 Mascherone by Pininfarina marks the pinnacle of the partnership. Hand assembled in Cambiano by Pininfarina, it features an oak internal structure, clad in aluminium. Mirroring the elegant precision of Pininfarina’s celebrated automotive innovations, only five of this collector’s piece will be on display globally and individual pieces will be made to order on request. A light, found at the base, brings this artistic piece to life. Price on application.
James Slack, Chivas Regal’s Brand Director, comments: “The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Limited Editions are distinctive designs that will speak to our customers – modern gentlemen who seek style and substance in the brands they connect with. Pininfarina is an excellent fit with Chivas 18 and we are confident that these exclusive limited editions will continue our line of successes with previous Chivas 18 partnerships.”
Chivas 18 by Pininfarina will be available globally, including USA, UK, Russia, China and Travel Retail from January 2013.
*Prices based on RRP on Global Duty Free or their equivalent in local currencies.
Notes:
Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky and a truly global. Chivas Regal is the flagship brand within brand owner Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio of Scotch whisky and is sold in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.
Pininfarina Extra: With a history dating back to 1930, Pininfarina is based on values of creativity, experience and innovation without forgetting tradition. It combines avant-garde style and technical solutions aimed at functionality.
If Pininfarina is known worldwide for car design, Pininfarina Extra (a Company specialized in product and interior design, architecture, nautics and aeronautics) expresses its design philosophy in all areas of life where beauty combines with elegance, essentiality and comfort. Founded in 1986 and led by Paolo Pininfarina, President and MD, Pininfarina Extra is located in Cambiano (Turin).
Its partners include leading Companies such as Acer, AleniaAeronautica, Coca-Cola, Jacuzzi, Juventus, Lavazza, Snaidero and Unilever. Its most recent projects include: the Keating Hotel by Pininfarina in San Diego, the interiors of the SukhoiSuperjet 100 (AleniaAeronautica), the Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks machine, the interiors of the Juventus Stadium, the Snaidero Ola 20 kitchen, the LED TV Acer AT58, and the Primatist B62’ yacht.
Oradell, NJ, January 08, 2013 –(PR.com)– Leveraging REINADO’s unique blend and signature fermentation process, REINADO’s recently introduced Grand Empire Reserve, a “soft box pressed” Nicaraguan puro Robusto named “Elegidos,” has been included in three lists of “Top 10 Cigars of 2012,” including:
– Jerry Cruz’s Top 10 Cigars – TGT Edition 2012
– William Soled’s Top 10 of 2012 Cigars – Toasted Foot
– The Box-Worthies: Brian Hewitt’s Top 10 Cigars of 2012
“We are delighted that the REINADO Grand Empire Reserve has been enjoyed by so many industry professionals and cigar smokers alike in just six months,” said Antonio Lam, owner of Cubanero Enterprises.
“Our focus has been to develop superior depth, richer undertones, and enhanced overall complexity for the palates of cigar smokers. Based upon the year-end rankings, REINADO has delivered and has been recognized alongside some of the most distinguished cigar brands in the world,” said Lam.
In 2013, REINADO will release the Grand Empire Reserve blend in additional targeted sizes.
To purchase the REINADO Grand Empire Reserve, please visit your local tobacconist. If they do not yet carry the Grand Empire Reserve, a 5-Pack or Box of 20 can be purchased directly from REINADO by visitinghttp://www.reinadocigars.com/buy.aspx
Contact Information
To contact REINADO or learn more about their cigars, please visit: http://www.reinadocigars.com/
About REINADO
REINADO Cigars creates uniquely fermented, handmade premium boutique cigars that receive exceptional ratings from the cigar industry. REINADO’s commitment to delivering quality products in a consistent manner are of the highest priority as the brand continues to expand its portfolio of premium cigars.
Hispaniola Cigars are a hot commodity in New York City. They are carried at nearly every cigar shop, and sold at some other more exotic locations like Merchants on the UES. In any case, I dropped by Nat Sherman a few days back to give the Hispaniola El Trabuco 1844 a review, and lo and behold – Nat Sherman was out of stock for the entireline of Hispaniola Cigars. So, the next day I dropped by the Barclay Rex next door and picked up the beauty you see above and below. As for the significance of “1844” – the El Trabuco 1844 is named to commemorate the war of 1844, which led to the Dominican Republic’s independence. And now for the review…
Blend Specifics
Size: Belicoso (5.5 x 55)
Wrapper: Havano Rosado Vuelta Arriba
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Appearance & Construction
The El Trabuco 1844 is constructed flawlessly. The rich, dark brown Rosado wrapper is contrasted perfectly with the gold, white, and pumpkin-orange band. Overall, very rustic design. Very few visible veins, an oily wrapper, and slightly springy to the touch. The pre-light draw reveals spice and cedar. The draw is comfortable. The scent off the foot brings granola, cedar, sweet earth.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
The first third of the Trabuco kicks off with lush, medium bodied smoke. Notes include coffee, earth, sweet cedar, and some savory notes. The draw remains good and produces plumes of thick, white smoke. About a quarter inch in, the spice and earth diminish leaving the texture soft and creamy and bringing the wood to the forefront. The retro hale brings a satisfying blast of spice and cedar.
At two thirds, the wood transitions into a strong, savory meaty ness complimented by sweet cream. Unique and enjoyable, though at times the flavors are a little out of balance to my palate. Construction remains flawless. In the final third, the balance of the flavors change intermittently, and a subtle coffee and toasted nut flavor edges in. In the final few minutes of this smoke, the cedar and spice returns, and I enjoy a few more great retrohales before putting this cigar down.
Conclusion
In a cigar world dominated by the ‘spicy Nicaraguan’, the Hispaniola El Trabuco 1844 demonstrates what Dominican tobacco is capable of in terms of flavor and strength. This cigar is to be sipped, not devoured greedily. Smoke it too fast and you will risk missing some of the flavors, or killing your palate. I absolutely recommend buying this cigar.
January 4, 2012 – Fred Rewey, owner of Nomad Cigar Company, makers of Nomad cigars manufactured in Dominican Republic, and Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars, announced today that they have entered into a distribution agreement.
Under this arrangement, Emilio Cigars sales staff will bring the Nomad Cigar line to market while Fred Rewey will continue to focus on product development, brand expansion, and manufacturing.
Nomad Cigar Company was started by Rewey in 2012 and quickly leveraged Rewey’s experience with social media and online promotion. The result was Nomad hitting the spotlight early in production.
“The Nomad brand fits well with what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Griffith “and I believe will become an important addition to the portfolio.”
Rewey added: “I am truly honored to have Gary and the entire Emilio team distribute Nomad cigars. In addition to being able to partner with such a well-run infrastructure, it continues to give both Nomad and boutique cigars in general a more significant presence in a growing marketplace. The interest in Nomad since launch has been a bit overwhelming – this new relationship will enable Nomad to continue to grow in 2013 and beyond.”
The cigars will be warehoused and shipped from the Emilio Cigars facility in Vineland, NJ and should beginning shipping later in the month.
Contact Information:
Emilio Cigars
Gary Griffith
Twitter: @EmilioCigar
Nomad Cigar Company
Fred Rewey
Twitter: @Godfadr
Godfadr@NomadCigarCompany.com
Nat Sherman, defining tobacco connoisseurship through a family tradition of innovation and expertly-curated tobacco products and accessories, is pleased to announce that Cigar Aficionado has selected the Nat Sherman Timeless Collection No. 2 as one of the 25 Best Cigars of the Year. Cigar Aficionado has proclaimed the cigar as “the best Nat Sherman cigar ever tasted,” ranking the cigar as No. 10 in its coveted annual list.
Nat Sherman Timeless No. 2 Timeless Collection
The Nat Sherman Timeless Collection (Dominican Republic – Matasa) is a full-bodied, medium-strength blend of tobaccos from three countries. The Dominican and Nicaraguan Fillers offer rich notes of espresso and roasted nuts, while the Hondurian wrapper is characterized by an earthiness that is rounded by subtle sweet notes on the finish.
Cigar Aficionado’s rigorous decision-making process begins by looking at more than 700 cigars tested throughout the year in both Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider. The top-scoring smokes go through a further blind-tasting where Cigar Aficionado’s tasting coordinator purchases cigars from known retailers, removes the bands and orchestrates an entirely new tasting. After multiple rounds, the publication arrives at its coveted list of 25. Per Cigar Aficionado, “deciding which cigar is the definitive best of the year isn’t always an easy task, especially in lieu of all the great cigars in the market.” Nat Sherman is thrilled to be ranked within the top ten cigars honorees for 2012.
Nat Sherman Timeless, reviewed by FineTobaccoNYC – read our review
The Nat Sherman Timeless Collection (Dominican Republic – Matasa) is a full-bodied, medium-strength blend of tobaccos from three countries. The Dominican and Nicaraguan Fillers offer rich notes of espresso and roasted nuts, while the Hondurian wrapper is characterized by an earthiness that is rounded by subtle sweet notes on the finish.
The product above is available for purchase on the Nat Sherman website. For any additional information or high-resolution images please free to contact me directly at 212-377-3592 or email me at Suzanne.defosset@evins.com.
About Nat Sherman:
Nat Sherman defines tobacco connoisseurship through a family tradition of innovation and expertly-curated products. Since 1930, Nat Sherman’s timeless appeal, while quintessentially New York, is embraced and enjoyed worldwide www.natsherman.com.
“FAULTLESS”, “brilliant” and “complete” are just three of the adjectives Jim Murray has used in his new 2013 Whisky Bible to describe the five expressions that comprise GlenDronach’s latest batch of single cask bottlings.
It’s the seventh batch to be released by the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery.
The five, ranging from 18 to 40 yo, are now available in the UK and will be released in export markets from January 2013. Two have been matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheons and three in Oloroso sherry butts.
All five have been specially hand-selected by The BenRiach Distillery Company’s Managing Director Billy Walker whose tasting notes speak lovingly of “an orchestra in full flow”, “an effusion of honeycomb” and even “teasing notes of toffee apples”.
The cask details are as follows:
1972 cask # 710 / 40 years old / Oloroso Sherry Butt / 49.0% vol. / 356 bottles
1989 cask # 5475 / 22 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 51.6% vol. / 600 bottles
1991 cask # 3183 / 20 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 51.3% vol. / 600 bottles
1992 cask # 1123 / 19 years old / Oloroso Sherry Butt / 57.8% vol. / 524 bottles
1994 cask # 98 / 18 years old / Oloroso Sherry Butt / 58.2% vol. / 628 bottles
In his 2013 Whisky Bible, Jim Murray was very complimentary about all five, but reserved special praise for the ’72, ’91 and ’94 vintages:
Of the 1972 cask # 710, he said: “The richness of the sherry is almost the stuff of make-believe…the delivery is of oak crashing in a forest – mighty and all-consuming…wow, this is like a big succulent bourbon matured in a top-class sherry butt. This is a malt which if you should ever chance upon, you give the guy your coat if you have not money enough; even your undergarments if it does the trick! For this is a whisky so complex, so complete, it is almost exhausting.” He gave it 96.
He commented re the 1991 cask # 3183: “Almost a coffee cake and Swiss roll marriage with grape jam for filling…mocha-flavoured Lubec marzipan notes sidle in delightfully…the light spices pulse. Tries to be syrupy and overbearing but fails miserably. Has to settle for being brilliant.” He gave it 95.
And summing up the 1994 cask # 98, he said: “Absolutely huge grape: a real Dundee cake dripping with Oloroso and Demerara…a faultless sherry butt. I had this sample in my hand as the Queen gave her address to round off her 60th anniversary celebrations: I could hardly have had a more fitting dram with which to toast her.” It also achieved a 96.
Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page over the coming weeks for more information on these new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.
If you would like to receive more information regarding the Batch 7 releases, please contact us oninfo@glendronachdistillery.co.uk
Just after Christmas, a fresh snow fell on NJ and I enjoyed a beautiful sunset with the Emilio AF Suave. I’ve been a big fan of Emilio ever since smoking the AF1 and AF2 earlier this year, so needless to say I was excited to taste the Suave.
Blend Specifics
Size: Robusto (5 x 50)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Unknown mix (Nicaraguan/Honduran)
Filler: Unknown mix (Nicaraguan/Honduran)
Appearance & Construction
The Emilio AF Suave has minimal veins, a light, silky wrapper, and beautiful branding.. The black, white, and silver band adds a simplicity and elegance to this cigar that is very pleasing. The cigar is slightly oily, with a bit of springiness. The draw is good.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
The Emilio AF Suave opens up creamy and sweet, with chocolate and coffee notes not unlike the AF1, but with less prominence. There is also a bit of spice on the tongue, with the cream more on the nose: an enjoyable and unique combination. In the first third, the burn is off at times, but doesn’t detract much from the experience.
This stick seems to be a solid medium. In the second third, black pepper and vanilla notes emerge, with an amazing strength of flavor for a Connecticut shade.
Halfway through, the body picks up along with black pepper on retro hale, while the vanilla and cream back down a bit. The final third expands on this black pepper, with nothing wanted as far as strength goes. A very, very enjoyable smoke, full of complexity.
Conclusion
The Emilio AF Suave is about as far from a typical Connecticut as one could get. The strength is huge and the complexity is there all the way through. A winner and well worth a five pack.
