The year is ending, and the blog posts have fallen behind. It would be nice to say we finished strong this year. Christmas is winding down, but the lights have retained there sparkle. The Christmas lights in Cuero were vandalized and that seems to be in vogue lately. I am sure the perpetrators will have their day in court. The underwear bomber will certainly get his. I didn't think the jihadists wore underwear. The Guantanamo terrorists will get their day in court, while the terrorist in Havana will remain as a fly in the ointment of a wonderful cigar crafting country. The New Year is looking menacing as the US Congress is threatening "Health Care Reform" - like they could take the best system in the world and make it better? They have a bad track record. It looks like we can count on even more cigar taxes in the future - no hope, but some spare change...
How in the face of all this do we smile? It would be a struggle if our hope was all in the here and now!
Looking backward as we plan forward, I stumbled upon an excellent and inexpensive dark maduro wonder: the Augusto Reyes Maduro Belicoso 6.5x54. I would say it was my cigar of the "end year".
From Cigars International - "Full-bodied and layered with rich, toasty flavors, this dark-chocolate colored cigar utilizes a true Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and filler blend of aged Dominican Criollo, Corojo, and Cuban-seed tobaccos. The result is a rich, hearty smoke with deep tobacco flavors, coffee notes, and a spicy-sweet finish. Satisfying and complex, Augusto Reyes Maduro is a fine Dominican-made maduro."
Gary's Cigars Blog at About.com Guide to Cigars
"You may have heard of Rolando Reyes, the cigar master behind Reyes Family Cigars and the Puros Indios brand, but who is Augusto Reyes? Augusto's family has been in the tobacco business for over 150 years in the Dominican Republic, and they are not exiled Cubans like the other Reyes family who make their cigars in Honduras. For the last couple of years or so, Augusto Reyes has been producing his own brand of Dominican puros made entirely with tobaccos from the Dominican Republic. I decided to try an AR Grand Cru the other day, and found it to be a full-bodied cigar that is tailor-made for the most serious cigar smokers. All others, beware! These are not cigars for beginners, and they will probably not appeal to the palates of most occasional cigar smokers, either. However, if you are looking for a strong cigar with a big bold flavor, this could be a brand to try. Just don't confuse these cigars with those made by Rolando Reyes."
My 6.5x54 cigar had a regular band and a gold one at the foot. It had the density - firm - that I prefer, yet still with a good draw. I could tell I was going to get my money's worth (at $2 per stick). I cut it with the guillotine cutter that has the smaller hole (made by Cuban Crafters). The cigar was very dark, oily and had a very pleasant pre-light aroma. The taste was a wonderful mix of earthy dark sweet chocolate and expresso. The smoke was ample and the burn was symmetrically even. The flavors held through much of the cigar with a medium finish throughout. I was pleasantly looking forward to the next smoke and the next year...
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
The elf that threatened Santa needs a caining!
Lindenau is a calm and friendly rolling hill place. Reminds one of the Tennessee hills. The ambiance is that of a calm sheep pasture. One can close their eyes and imagine anything, as the only disturbing sounds are those of nature. Maybe it is not Austria, but only a low budget version of such. The Hills are filled with iron and the water bleeds burnt Texas orange. Kinda reminds one of the Iron Hills of Tolkienian Middle Earth lore. One could easily imagine dwarfs and elves wandering around in search of iron or even game - to a glorious feast. There is not much forestry there, but there are some magnificent trees and some astoundingly fairytale views. Some dilapidated barns and old houses are a far cry from the dreams of Narnia. If an elf was found in Lindenau, it would probably be the same elf that was found at the mall in Georgia.
'Elf' jailed over dynamite hoax on Ga. mall Santa
We don't have much dynamite in Lindenau, but we do have a Rifle Club. Although The Rifle Club is actually a dance hall. Instead of dynamite, we do have a house or two with a humidor and a fine cigar or two. We are happy about Christmas, and one year we even witnessed a Santa clone driving around in a white pickup truck. Needless to say, he was counting deer. The white tail deer are abundant, but the reindeer are scarce to nonexistent...
The cigar to mark this astounding event and assault of our Claus is the new much heralded Cain Maduro torpedo - as our little elf could use a nice caining. It was a dark oily 6x54 torpedo with a nice band on the foot. It was a cold morning with a brisk north wind, so I made a trip to Starbuck's and enjoyed it in my jeep with a warm White Chocolate Mocha Cappuccino. Although I have been smoking for many years, I have never tried a Cappuccino and cigar combination before.
The cigar was well made and lit easily with a perfect draw. The wrapper is a thick and toothy, and tasty Mexican ligero maduro - visually it is much like my favorite CBLM. The filler and binder are both Nicaraguan ligero. The taste was one of coffee and chocolate with a sweet hint. I was unsure of this given the Cappuccino until I read other reviews and found similar flavors noted. There was a woody leather bit also noted, and the flavors persisted intermingled with a peppery ligero. The burn was perfect and the finish was not long. It was the perfect combination. I may have to try some iced coffee with my next cigar!
'Elf' jailed over dynamite hoax on Ga. mall Santa
We don't have much dynamite in Lindenau, but we do have a Rifle Club. Although The Rifle Club is actually a dance hall. Instead of dynamite, we do have a house or two with a humidor and a fine cigar or two. We are happy about Christmas, and one year we even witnessed a Santa clone driving around in a white pickup truck. Needless to say, he was counting deer. The white tail deer are abundant, but the reindeer are scarce to nonexistent...
The cigar to mark this astounding event and assault of our Claus is the new much heralded Cain Maduro torpedo - as our little elf could use a nice caining. It was a dark oily 6x54 torpedo with a nice band on the foot. It was a cold morning with a brisk north wind, so I made a trip to Starbuck's and enjoyed it in my jeep with a warm White Chocolate Mocha Cappuccino. Although I have been smoking for many years, I have never tried a Cappuccino and cigar combination before.
The cigar was well made and lit easily with a perfect draw. The wrapper is a thick and toothy, and tasty Mexican ligero maduro - visually it is much like my favorite CBLM. The filler and binder are both Nicaraguan ligero. The taste was one of coffee and chocolate with a sweet hint. I was unsure of this given the Cappuccino until I read other reviews and found similar flavors noted. There was a woody leather bit also noted, and the flavors persisted intermingled with a peppery ligero. The burn was perfect and the finish was not long. It was the perfect combination. I may have to try some iced coffee with my next cigar!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
spare change for a change
"Change is Inevitable". I am struck by the foolishness of the "Climate Change Experts" who seem to deny this basic tenet of life. Yet we all know - "There is nothing new under the Sun". My local weatherman cannot even predict the local weather accurately, yet we have "sages" who think they can measure global temperatures. The weather even cycles during the day from hot to cold and from cool in the shade to hot in the sun. It cycles with the seasons. We hear that polar caps and Greenland are melting. They are also freezing. They have melted before - but we deny historical "Greenland" and the frozen fossils found on the tundra. We are very myopic in our view of the weather and even in our egocentric view of life. Amidst this change we have "experts" that make money and profit in fear-mongering. Now the lid has been opened to view their manipulation...
Climate change: this is the worst scientific scandal of our generation Our hopelessly compromised scientific establishment cannot be allowed to get away with the Climategate whitewash. by Christopher BookerTelegraph.co.UK
Times they are a changin...
Change seems to also be a constant in the cigar world. Even consistent brands have added maduro or ligero lines. General Cigar has added the Cohiba Black and Davidoff has the Davidoff Maduro.
The following is via absolutecigars.com:
My cigar to review and dedicate to change is the Cohiba Black Supremo. It is a 6x54 toro or robusto grande with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and binder and a Dominican Filler (as above). My cigar was one of a special three pack that came with two other Cohiba varieties and a nice cutter. It was aged in my humidor for 2 years. Even at 2 years, I found the cellophane to be clear and the cigar free of plume. The Connecticut Broadleaf tends to seem dry and and is thick. The musty compost odor on initial appreciation. I used a punch to cut the cap, and lit it with a torch lighter. I found the construction and the draw to be excellent. The initial taste, on smoking, was mildly woody pepper and had a slight coffee flavor which gradually strengthened to hints of espresso. It was medium bodied and full flavored, although the flavor was rather uni-dimensional. There was a caramelized sweetness at the medium point which greatly enhanced the cigar flavor. There was also a sweet aftertaste, although it seemed to have a rather short finish. The burn couldn't have been better. I would say that it is not so much a change as an addition to a great line of General Cigars!
I wish the climate changers would have added the same kind of change to their scientific study - and not ignored current or previous research contrary to their opinions. I wish they would have acknowledged that fated Medieval Warming Period.
Maybe we are headed to a change in their deception...
Climate change: this is the worst scientific scandal of our generation Our hopelessly compromised scientific establishment cannot be allowed to get away with the Climategate whitewash. by Christopher BookerTelegraph.co.UK
Times they are a changin...
Change seems to also be a constant in the cigar world. Even consistent brands have added maduro or ligero lines. General Cigar has added the Cohiba Black and Davidoff has the Davidoff Maduro.
The following is via absolutecigars.com:
| Brand Profile |
| Developed by iconic Cigar Master Daniel Núñez and meticulously handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, Cohiba Black cigars are adorned with a hearty Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that is aged on the plant to yield an exceptionally rich, dark and bold leaf. Bound with sun-grown Dominican Piloto Cubano which is aged in tercios for three years, and filled with a blend of hand-selected tobaccos, each also aged in tercios for three years, Cohiba Black cigars contain Mexican and Dominican filler. An espresso of a cigar, Cohiba Black cigars boast a characteristic deep color and rich, complex flavor. According to Bill Chilian, director of marketing for Cohiba Black cigars, “It was a laborious process for Daniel Nuñez to develop a suitable blend to complement the highly successful Cohiba Black cigar collection. We believe that in creating Cohiba Black cigars, Daniel has brought to market an exciting cigar that is destined to be an instant addition to the smoking repertoires of devoted cigar aficionadoas of the Cohiba cigar brand.” Cohiba Black cigars are the first line extension of the venerable Cohiba cigar brand in five years. Cloaked in an eye-catching, solid mahogany box, Cohiba Black cigars are available in four frontmarks: COHIBA® Black Churchill measures 7” x 49 and is packaged in boxes of 25. At 5 1/2” x 42, Cohiba Black corona cigarscigars, again in boxes of 25. Individually protected in elegant crystal tubes, Cohiba Black robusto cigars measure 5 1/2 x 50. Rounding out the collection are Cohiba Black Supremo cigars, a 6” x 54 cigar in boxes of 25. The Cohiba line of premium cigars is handcrafted in the Dominican Republic and is a favorite among cigar aficionados. In addition to the Cohiba hallmark line, General Cigar manufactures and markets Cohiba XV cigars which was introduced in 2001. About General Cigar General Cigar Co., Inc., a subsidiary of Swedish Match, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Passionate about delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar produces Macanudo, Partagas, Cohiba, Punch, Excalibur, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana and several other industry-leading brands. In addition, the company grows its own proprietary Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo, a cigar bar in New York City. The Dominican Cohiba cigar took years to develop. The dark, rich cigar wrapper leaf is grown in the sub-tropical West African climate of Cameroon. Cohiba's supple and flavorful Jember binder is grown in Indonesia. To balance the richness of the Cohiba cigar wrapper, the smooth-smoking Piloto Cubano filler leaves are grown in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Cohiba cigar is a deeply satisfying, rich in flavor and history that does not overpower the smoker. |
My cigar to review and dedicate to change is the Cohiba Black Supremo. It is a 6x54 toro or robusto grande with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and binder and a Dominican Filler (as above). My cigar was one of a special three pack that came with two other Cohiba varieties and a nice cutter. It was aged in my humidor for 2 years. Even at 2 years, I found the cellophane to be clear and the cigar free of plume. The Connecticut Broadleaf tends to seem dry and and is thick. The musty compost odor on initial appreciation. I used a punch to cut the cap, and lit it with a torch lighter. I found the construction and the draw to be excellent. The initial taste, on smoking, was mildly woody pepper and had a slight coffee flavor which gradually strengthened to hints of espresso. It was medium bodied and full flavored, although the flavor was rather uni-dimensional. There was a caramelized sweetness at the medium point which greatly enhanced the cigar flavor. There was also a sweet aftertaste, although it seemed to have a rather short finish. The burn couldn't have been better. I would say that it is not so much a change as an addition to a great line of General Cigars!
I wish the climate changers would have added the same kind of change to their scientific study - and not ignored current or previous research contrary to their opinions. I wish they would have acknowledged that fated Medieval Warming Period.
Maybe we are headed to a change in their deception...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Smart Cigars
Little bitty teensie weeny cars - I thought they were only for little bitty teeny weeny European streets, or maybe Asian thoroughfares. These go-kart like contraptions are shaped like an angulated shoe box. I am not sure of their means of propulsion, but suspect they must have a small gasoline engine. Some may even be electric! These vehicles are called "Smart Cars". It may not be so smart in a collision, but is definitely a power-saver. I wonder if my knees would hit the dashboard. I am sure I would be smothered by the airbag(s) if it were set off!
Remarkably, they have now been seen on the streets of Cuero, Texas. That's the same Cuero that is across the Guadalupe River from my Lindenau. The same Cuero that has oak trees growing in the middle of the road. The home of the Chupacabra and the Texas Wildflower tour. I wonder what would happen if a Smart Car hit a road tree?
The cigar I would like to review is the rare Plasencia TKO maduro made by Nestor Plasencia. It is a 4x43 petite corona dark and small wonder. The wrapper is a maduro Ecuadorian grown Connecticut shade grown. The binder is Nicaraguan and the filler Nicaraguan/Honduran mix. The cigar comes in a nice brick red box, with an attractive similar colored label. I haven't seen them in any cigar store, but have found them through several online sites. The cigar box opened with a pleasant and woodly hay like odor, which persisted even on closer inspection and lighting. The peppery expresso-like slightly flavor was evident, although there was little sweetness. The short slow-burning smoke was consistent with a long finish. JR classifies this as "medium bodied".
From JR: "Master veguros and cigar maker, Nestor Plasencia makes his namesake cigar in his Nicaraguan factory. This cigar is expertly rolled and features a Connecticut shade seed wrapper grown in Ecuador. It is medium in strength and loaded with complex, rich flavor. Often overlooked by consumers, due to the lack of promotion and very moderate prices, do yourself a favor and try a couple. "
I have always believed in the need for "smart intelligence".
I had wondered what happened to "The World's Smartest Man" .
"Bigger is not better when it comes to Brains" - apparently that also applies to cigars - but I don't think I could say that about the "smart cars"...
Remarkably, they have now been seen on the streets of Cuero, Texas. That's the same Cuero that is across the Guadalupe River from my Lindenau. The same Cuero that has oak trees growing in the middle of the road. The home of the Chupacabra and the Texas Wildflower tour. I wonder what would happen if a Smart Car hit a road tree?
The cigar I would like to review is the rare Plasencia TKO maduro made by Nestor Plasencia. It is a 4x43 petite corona dark and small wonder. The wrapper is a maduro Ecuadorian grown Connecticut shade grown. The binder is Nicaraguan and the filler Nicaraguan/Honduran mix. The cigar comes in a nice brick red box, with an attractive similar colored label. I haven't seen them in any cigar store, but have found them through several online sites. The cigar box opened with a pleasant and woodly hay like odor, which persisted even on closer inspection and lighting. The peppery expresso-like slightly flavor was evident, although there was little sweetness. The short slow-burning smoke was consistent with a long finish. JR classifies this as "medium bodied".
From JR: "Master veguros and cigar maker, Nestor Plasencia makes his namesake cigar in his Nicaraguan factory. This cigar is expertly rolled and features a Connecticut shade seed wrapper grown in Ecuador. It is medium in strength and loaded with complex, rich flavor. Often overlooked by consumers, due to the lack of promotion and very moderate prices, do yourself a favor and try a couple. "
I have always believed in the need for "smart intelligence".
I had wondered what happened to "The World's Smartest Man" .
"Bigger is not better when it comes to Brains" - apparently that also applies to cigars - but I don't think I could say that about the "smart cars"...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
It seems like we have a lot of holidays which reflect on the military - Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th. Veterans Day is a special day, in that we appreciate those who are still among us. I am most impressed by those who serve willingly and who do not demand or solicit recognition. The men and women who give their prime years to defend and protect what we hold so dear. Some is made of the Veteran, but so little is made of the service. "To serve others" seems to be a Christian tenant and it's application is reminiscent of Christ's service and love for mankind. Service for others and not ourselves - the most noble of all services!
The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice others when we are ready to sacrifice ourselves. Eric Hoffer: 1902-1983, American Author, Philosopher
Offering a cigar can be a pleasant service to those we encounter. It is to offer friendship and good camaraderie. It is to offer sweet fellowship and bonding. It is to offer time together - and that is the most loving offer one can make for another. The time offered in the name of National Service is but a part of the time we have, but it is a significant part.
The cigar I would like to dedicate to Veterans (and my close friend and fellow herfer- Thomas Rendon) is the Gurkha Ancient Warrior (Brazilian Puro) 1st edition. Mine came with a large purple and small purple double band. I found the wrapper to be thick and tasty. I could taste the slight leathery pepper and delicate sweet cedar woodiness with a hint of caramel. Mine also had several years age as they have been out of production for some time.
Stogie Reviews Feb 2007 had this to say: "The prelight aroma was light and pleasant; touched by flame, it was even nicer. The smoke was silky and smooth. From start to finish, there were many tastes: a little pepper, some leather, hay, cedar, caramel, vanilla." I, myself would recommend it based on size, construction, and taste - as well as overall quality.
Once again - I wanted to thank all those who have sacrificially served in the US Military, we appreciate what you have done. We realize that there was and is a cost to maintain the freedoms, security, and liberty we all enjoy. Thanks
The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice others when we are ready to sacrifice ourselves. Eric Hoffer: 1902-1983, American Author, Philosopher
Offering a cigar can be a pleasant service to those we encounter. It is to offer friendship and good camaraderie. It is to offer sweet fellowship and bonding. It is to offer time together - and that is the most loving offer one can make for another. The time offered in the name of National Service is but a part of the time we have, but it is a significant part.
The cigar I would like to dedicate to Veterans (and my close friend and fellow herfer- Thomas Rendon) is the Gurkha Ancient Warrior (Brazilian Puro) 1st edition. Mine came with a large purple and small purple double band. I found the wrapper to be thick and tasty. I could taste the slight leathery pepper and delicate sweet cedar woodiness with a hint of caramel. Mine also had several years age as they have been out of production for some time.
Stogie Reviews Feb 2007 had this to say: "The prelight aroma was light and pleasant; touched by flame, it was even nicer. The smoke was silky and smooth. From start to finish, there were many tastes: a little pepper, some leather, hay, cedar, caramel, vanilla." I, myself would recommend it based on size, construction, and taste - as well as overall quality.
Once again - I wanted to thank all those who have sacrificially served in the US Military, we appreciate what you have done. We realize that there was and is a cost to maintain the freedoms, security, and liberty we all enjoy. Thanks
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Noble Freedom and Honor Prize? - The Medal of Peace? - HOPE AND CHANGE
Right is wrong and wrong is right. The killers must have been and must still be stressed out by George Bush's policies, even though he is no longer president. The President is given The Nobel Peace Prize for being elected - and "because he talks of peace, when there is no peace". In all of the confusion and political correctness we promise to give Native Americans freebies without responsibility. We give Dr. Joe Medicine Crow a "Medal of Freedom" - then we taut him as being somebody because we say he won the "Medal of Honor" - which he did not win! Meanwhile we forget and him haw around to mention those who gave their lives in this terrorist attack. Such a fallacy with words and such a perversion of Honor. The Freedom Medal is a "peace prize" - much like the President's Nobel one. This is all so twisted! One should read what our "hero" did to deserve the medal!
Via Wikipedia
Joseph Medicine Crow joined the army, becoming a scout in the 103rd Infantry Division United States Army. Whenever he went into battle, he wore his war paint beneath his uniform and a sacred eagle feather beneath his helmet. Medicine Crow completed all four tasks required to become a war chief. He touched a living enemy soldier (1) and disarmed an enemy (2) when he turned a corner and found himself face to face with a young German soldier:
"The collision knocked the German's weapon to the ground. Mr. Crow lowered his own weapon and the two fought hand-to-hand. In the end Mr. Crow got the best of the German, grabbing him by the neck and choking him. He was going to kill the German soldier on the spot when the man screamed out "momma." Mr. Crow then let him go". He also led a successful war party (3) and stole an enemy horse (4), making a midnight raid to steal the horses from a battalion of German officers (as he rode off, he sang a traditional Crow honor song.)
He let a German soldier live and touched a dead one...some kind of "hero", although he did have a heart.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a decoration bestowed by the President of the United States and is, along with the equivalent Congressional Gold Medal bestowed by an act of U.S. Congress. It recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The award is not limited to U.S. Citizenship and, while it is a "Civilian" award, it can also be awarded to Military personnel and worn on the uniform.
Via YouTube
Fort Hood Tragedy -- Barack Obama Gives Odd "Shout-Out" Before He Comments on Massacre -- FOX News
Via Newsbusters
Obama Gives Shout Out to 'Congressional Medal of Honor Winner' Who Isn't
I have a cigar to review, but decided to refrain from smoking one, as too many "honors" have already been given out. It would be wrong to honor the peaceful Indian and not the victims of the Jihad Psychiatrist. May they rest in peace. May God recompense those who stand against His people! May God protect our troops that face and kill our enemies!
Via Wikipedia
Joseph Medicine Crow joined the army, becoming a scout in the 103rd Infantry Division United States Army. Whenever he went into battle, he wore his war paint beneath his uniform and a sacred eagle feather beneath his helmet. Medicine Crow completed all four tasks required to become a war chief. He touched a living enemy soldier (1) and disarmed an enemy (2) when he turned a corner and found himself face to face with a young German soldier:
"The collision knocked the German's weapon to the ground. Mr. Crow lowered his own weapon and the two fought hand-to-hand. In the end Mr. Crow got the best of the German, grabbing him by the neck and choking him. He was going to kill the German soldier on the spot when the man screamed out "momma." Mr. Crow then let him go". He also led a successful war party (3) and stole an enemy horse (4), making a midnight raid to steal the horses from a battalion of German officers (as he rode off, he sang a traditional Crow honor song.)
He let a German soldier live and touched a dead one...some kind of "hero", although he did have a heart.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a decoration bestowed by the President of the United States and is, along with the equivalent Congressional Gold Medal bestowed by an act of U.S. Congress. It recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The award is not limited to U.S. Citizenship and, while it is a "Civilian" award, it can also be awarded to Military personnel and worn on the uniform.
Via YouTube
Fort Hood Tragedy -- Barack Obama Gives Odd "Shout-Out" Before He Comments on Massacre -- FOX News
Via Newsbusters
Obama Gives Shout Out to 'Congressional Medal of Honor Winner' Who Isn't
I have a cigar to review, but decided to refrain from smoking one, as too many "honors" have already been given out. It would be wrong to honor the peaceful Indian and not the victims of the Jihad Psychiatrist. May they rest in peace. May God recompense those who stand against His people! May God protect our troops that face and kill our enemies!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
stockmarket crash and the internet
Four score and forty years ago today our progenitors brought forth a terrific country wide money crash and later others began to conceive The Internet. The internet has finally opened the news and publishing of it to the common man.
October 29 – a ‘red-letter-day’ in Internet history!
The Stock Market Crash made us all aware that we are all common men and all equally prone to tragedy. We recall the great losses as many had gambled their life savings and lost it all.
The Great Crash, 80 years later
Now we are engaged in a great political war, testing whether that conservative idea of limited government, or any other so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
We are met on a great internet and ideological battle-field of that war. The freedoms we have were provided by those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
It was on this day in 1969 that a part of the first-ever message traveled between two computers that were connected through the ARPANET, the computer network that later took shape as the Internet!
Looking for a cigar that would pay tribute to the great Gettysburg Battle, The Great Stock market Crash, and the start of the internet - was quite a challenge. The cigar I have chosen is the Avo 80th Anniversary LE Belicoso.
The cigar (which is made by Davidoff) comes in a magnificent leather box with 3 shelves and itself is quite remarkable! The cigar is double banded and comes with a beautiful Ecuadoran Sungrown wrapper. Dominican binder and filler complete it and add significantly to the flavor profile. It is an elegant 6x52 Belicoso but not in the traditional belicoso torpedo sense. It has a flatter, shorter, and more linear taper.
I found my cigar to be easy to light and a wonderful burst of woody creamy smoke. There was a leather and mild peppery which soon took over after the light. The draw was very good. I would say that this is the type of cigar that is dense enough, but had an easy draw - thereby greatly enhancing the smoking experience. The different flavors were appreciated even though they tended to be mild. There was a bit of a nutty flavor as well.
"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate...we can not consecrate...we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
October 29 – a ‘red-letter-day’ in Internet history!
The Stock Market Crash made us all aware that we are all common men and all equally prone to tragedy. We recall the great losses as many had gambled their life savings and lost it all.
The Great Crash, 80 years later
Now we are engaged in a great political war, testing whether that conservative idea of limited government, or any other so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
We are met on a great internet and ideological battle-field of that war. The freedoms we have were provided by those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
It was on this day in 1969 that a part of the first-ever message traveled between two computers that were connected through the ARPANET, the computer network that later took shape as the Internet!
Looking for a cigar that would pay tribute to the great Gettysburg Battle, The Great Stock market Crash, and the start of the internet - was quite a challenge. The cigar I have chosen is the Avo 80th Anniversary LE Belicoso.
The cigar (which is made by Davidoff) comes in a magnificent leather box with 3 shelves and itself is quite remarkable! The cigar is double banded and comes with a beautiful Ecuadoran Sungrown wrapper. Dominican binder and filler complete it and add significantly to the flavor profile. It is an elegant 6x52 Belicoso but not in the traditional belicoso torpedo sense. It has a flatter, shorter, and more linear taper.
I found my cigar to be easy to light and a wonderful burst of woody creamy smoke. There was a leather and mild peppery which soon took over after the light. The draw was very good. I would say that this is the type of cigar that is dense enough, but had an easy draw - thereby greatly enhancing the smoking experience. The different flavors were appreciated even though they tended to be mild. There was a bit of a nutty flavor as well.
"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate...we can not consecrate...we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Monday, October 26, 2009
Armadillo Armada of Armaggeddon
I hear them scurrying around at night with their claws digging in the ground. They are the most unsightly creature. The armor and the shell add to their mystique. The myriad of nocturnal creatures also inspire ones imagination in the moonlight, but armadillos look like beings from another world. They apparently get to be quite powerful in space and it seems that they can even "escape the moon" - did they start out there? So far with the tunnel crater and the possible water crater - maybe there are armadillos on the moon. It took 20 years to find the "extinct" armadillo - how long would it take to find them on the moon?
I don't know anybody who owns a pet armadillo, but I don't know of anyone who has ever been attacked by them, either.
Flying Armadillo has the power to escape the moon
NewScientist (Online)
16 September 2009
'Extinct' armadillo comes out of its shell
NewScientist
10 August 1991
Magazine issue 1781
Needing a nighttime smoke while watching for armadillos, I had to pick between several options. Since one could only taste and not see the wrapper - the wrapper beauty became less important. With the humidity higher in the evenings, cigars seem to last longer and the risk of that lingering ammonia taste seems to be more of an issue. A thick wrapped and medium density toro cigar seems to be the type stogie of choice for that occasion. Lengthy aging is a must as well as extensive fermentation (x3 is best) prior to constructing the cigars. The Omar Ortiz Original is a Nicaraguan puro made by Altadis. It was a pleasant smoke, with a good wrapper and a sturdy construction. The earthy barnyard odor was noted on pre-lite. With the smoking there was a woody and leathery sweetness, yet it was not overwhelming. As it came bandless it has an Edge look to it. No "shell" on this cigar, but tasty none-the-less. It aged well. The smoke was abundant and pleasant.
Via Keepers of the flame blog "Omar Ortez is a native Nicaraguan tobacco man who in the past has worked with Philip Wynne in the production of Felipe Gregorio and Felipe II cigars. Ortez established Agroindustrial Nicaraguaense de Tabaco in 1995, and is also the blender of the Exile brand cigar made in the NATSA factory. He oversees a “vertically integrated” production facility (like Padron) where he controls every aspect of the process — from seed to smoke."
May the Armadillo hoards remain peaceful, and the cigar nightwatchman enjoy their smoke.
I don't know anybody who owns a pet armadillo, but I don't know of anyone who has ever been attacked by them, either.
Flying Armadillo has the power to escape the moon
NewScientist (Online)
16 September 2009
'Extinct' armadillo comes out of its shell
NewScientist
10 August 1991
Magazine issue 1781
Needing a nighttime smoke while watching for armadillos, I had to pick between several options. Since one could only taste and not see the wrapper - the wrapper beauty became less important. With the humidity higher in the evenings, cigars seem to last longer and the risk of that lingering ammonia taste seems to be more of an issue. A thick wrapped and medium density toro cigar seems to be the type stogie of choice for that occasion. Lengthy aging is a must as well as extensive fermentation (x3 is best) prior to constructing the cigars. The Omar Ortiz Original is a Nicaraguan puro made by Altadis. It was a pleasant smoke, with a good wrapper and a sturdy construction. The earthy barnyard odor was noted on pre-lite. With the smoking there was a woody and leathery sweetness, yet it was not overwhelming. As it came bandless it has an Edge look to it. No "shell" on this cigar, but tasty none-the-less. It aged well. The smoke was abundant and pleasant.
Via Keepers of the flame blog "Omar Ortez is a native Nicaraguan tobacco man who in the past has worked with Philip Wynne in the production of Felipe Gregorio and Felipe II cigars. Ortez established Agroindustrial Nicaraguaense de Tabaco in 1995, and is also the blender of the Exile brand cigar made in the NATSA factory. He oversees a “vertically integrated” production facility (like Padron) where he controls every aspect of the process — from seed to smoke."
May the Armadillo hoards remain peaceful, and the cigar nightwatchman enjoy their smoke.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
plume the magic crystal? - puff the magic moon?
After a long and difficult drought in Lindenau, with the loss of so many hack-berry trees and even one pecan tree, the rains have come. The smell of the barnyard has once again filled the air. Its hard to miss, except on the windiest days. The fallen trees have succumbed to the molds and the insects and have begun to rot. The demise of life still seems to remind us of Adam's curse, with it's decay and thorns. Cigars need humidity to avoid drying out and losing the oily sweetness that the finest purvey. In the humidity is the risk of mold and decay - as opposed to fermentation and the aging and melding of flavor. Spanish ceder helps to preserve and prevent the molds from taking over in the humid environment. Spanish cedar is aromatic like American cedar, but it is not actually related in type. Aging is accelerated by the heat and slowed by cooler environs. One can age a fine cigar in cellophane (which tends to yellow like ivory) or out of cellophane. There is some disagreement on this issue. Aging can occur in either and there is more blending of cigars if the cellophane is removed. With aging comes the plume or crystalline tobacco oils on the surface of the cigar wrapper. They are pleasantly tasty, but often I have wiped them off a bit to verify that the matter was plume and not mold.
One of the questions one must consider in aging cigars is "What can be done to accelerate aging without the consequential rise of tobacco beetles and mold?" - and "How long will it take?" There is some aging that has taken place even before the box arrives to ones humidor. It is a very pleasant thing to open a box of cigars and see plume covered stogies. NASA also seems to appreciate the impact of seeing plume. I wonder how many stogies they had to smoke and for how long they had to age them? I wonder how many people they had to moon before they saw the impact?
NASA finally sees plume from moon impact
LCROSS camera captures image of ‘faint’ plume with debris, vapor
via MSNBC.com
Looking for a cigar I found an old batch of cigars still in yellowed cellophane. The cigars were the small 4x48 Astral (i.e. the moon) Perfecto (rocketship) no.1 maduro's. Even in the cello, they had abundant plume. They are Honduran made with and oily Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper. They were small and plume covered, like they had just hit a large mud puddle on the moon. The wrapper was classic CBLM and was thick and veiny. The taste was creamy, woody, and sweet with abundant billowing smoke - for such a small vitola. The burn was good, although it was a short smoke, with a short finish.
One of the questions one must consider in aging cigars is "What can be done to accelerate aging without the consequential rise of tobacco beetles and mold?" - and "How long will it take?" There is some aging that has taken place even before the box arrives to ones humidor. It is a very pleasant thing to open a box of cigars and see plume covered stogies. NASA also seems to appreciate the impact of seeing plume. I wonder how many stogies they had to smoke and for how long they had to age them? I wonder how many people they had to moon before they saw the impact?
NASA finally sees plume from moon impact
LCROSS camera captures image of ‘faint’ plume with debris, vapor
via MSNBC.com
Looking for a cigar I found an old batch of cigars still in yellowed cellophane. The cigars were the small 4x48 Astral (i.e. the moon) Perfecto (rocketship) no.1 maduro's. Even in the cello, they had abundant plume. They are Honduran made with and oily Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper. They were small and plume covered, like they had just hit a large mud puddle on the moon. The wrapper was classic CBLM and was thick and veiny. The taste was creamy, woody, and sweet with abundant billowing smoke - for such a small vitola. The burn was good, although it was a short smoke, with a short finish.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
golfing for leisure or "I like Mike"
Golf is such a boring game to watch on TV, as opposed to action sports. It seems to be fun and addicting to those who play regularly. We don't have a golf range in Lindenau, but a former renter used the house on the hill as the tee for his driving range - successfully. We do have a Rifle Club, and occasionally the air is punctuated by the sounds of hunter's weapons. The area would make a good golf course due to the topography, but it wouldn't be supported by the locals, or even the nearby town. There is one good thing about golf. It is a time of leisure and therefore time for a fine stogie. The leisurely life style and the game - as well as fine conversation are all very compatible with enjoying the taste of a fine cigar.
There are those that have frowned on the cigar luxury, and even go so far as to even suggest banning smoking in our homes and vehicles. They have banned them outside in public...
From USA Today By Reid Cherner & Tom Weir
Michael Jordan finds out sometimes a cigar is not just a cigar
The cigar to protest this event is made by none other than Nick Perdomo - the Perdomo Reserve Golf double eagle tubo. It is Nicaraguan beauty with a nice medium Connecticut brown smooth wrapper that was just the right thickness - not too thick or too thin. It was nice size for 18 holes - 7x54. The taste was sweet and slightly spicy, with a mild taste of cedar on the draw and the finish. The finish was medium to long. It and the others that I have smoked from this line have burned and smoked well - impressing even the non-golfer. I think I would have to be like Michael J and take a practice round...
There are those that have frowned on the cigar luxury, and even go so far as to even suggest banning smoking in our homes and vehicles. They have banned them outside in public...
From USA Today By Reid Cherner & Tom Weir
Michael Jordan finds out sometimes a cigar is not just a cigar
The cigar to protest this event is made by none other than Nick Perdomo - the Perdomo Reserve Golf double eagle tubo. It is Nicaraguan beauty with a nice medium Connecticut brown smooth wrapper that was just the right thickness - not too thick or too thin. It was nice size for 18 holes - 7x54. The taste was sweet and slightly spicy, with a mild taste of cedar on the draw and the finish. The finish was medium to long. It and the others that I have smoked from this line have burned and smoked well - impressing even the non-golfer. I think I would have to be like Michael J and take a practice round...
Friday, October 9, 2009
La Lechuza - which road?
As we approach Halloween - I am provoked by the interesting names given to my daily path. From Old Cheapside Road on the way down Lover's Lane and to The Devil's Backbone - hanging over the road and dwarfing it from both sides - were some large pecan trees- at the river bottom (the low lying area around the Guadalupe River). Some thick ivy vines hung from the trees. It must have been a harrowing site "La Lechuza" or Witch birds hanging over the road on the way to Hell's Gate Bridge. I have never been a fan of the "holiday" or the things that are celebrated. I am more comfortable with "The Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and "The Bridge Over The River Kwai". The Lechuza were supposed to be able to talk.
Once one crosses Hell's Gate, they must chose between Cheapside Road and the road to Lindenau (FM 953). If they chose Cheapside Road, then they must again chose to stay on it or exit to Bellevue Cemetary Road. All these choices, and the only good one is the road to Lindenau. The small german farming community in the hills. It must have been frightening driving through those trees on a dark moonlit night with the witchbirds hanging from the trees over the slow moving Model T or old ranch truck. It is still really quiet, even now - except for the occasional punctuation of the air by the coyote's cackle or the wolf's howl. The sounds at night can be menacing. It seems like any other choice is cheap or deadly. One often sees deer and other varmints on and along the road.
The Chupacabra has been seen and filmed in Dewitt County. The goat blood sucking creature made national headlines recently. The You tube sheriff's video is quite something. I could imagine these critters crawling around The Devil's Backbone!
In addition to the story of the strangled 10 yo girl in 1973 (see previous posts) - I was amazed to hear another story of a man (Ray Garcia?) who dove off Hell's Gate Bridge in 1980 and hit a log under the water. He was subsequently paralyzed from the neck down, but somehow survived.
The truth has much more weight than freaky death stories, but one could imagine that the stories would have swayed the minds of those years ago. Now it seems that even the Wiccan Religion is making a comeback. It is amazing - the peace we can have when we no longer live in fear and are no longer enchanted, but rather repulsed by gangrenous evil. Freedom, victory, love, growth, forgiveness, grace, mercy, healing, and hope - not to mention faith - are much greater concepts to live and fashion our lives around. We don't face Hell's Gate, but we do face eternity - that's a pleasant thought for some (will be on Lover's Lane at a great Supper), but a very scary nightmare for others...as they cross Hell's Gate.
We will be in the ever after...
Looking for a cigar to compliment the season, I found an American owned wonder. The Lonewolf Sungrown toro. The Lone Wolf Cigar Company was founded in 1996 by cigar lovers Chuck Norris and James Belushi and now owned by David Weiss. The name is interesting and the owners are particularily conservative - specifically - Chuck. Mine came in cellophane in a slide lid box and had a particularly earthy brown color to the wrapper (which was Indonesian - a Sumatra?). The binder and filler are Dominican. The cigar lit and burned well, especially with a brisk cool northern wind. It was a tad bit spongy, but not uncomfortably so. The taste started off woody and earthy and graduated to a spicy wooden sweetness with medium finish. I could really taste the Dominican filler. It was a nice compliment of earthy yet sweet spiciness, which has suited the autumn taste buds.
May we always chose the better path...
Once one crosses Hell's Gate, they must chose between Cheapside Road and the road to Lindenau (FM 953). If they chose Cheapside Road, then they must again chose to stay on it or exit to Bellevue Cemetary Road. All these choices, and the only good one is the road to Lindenau. The small german farming community in the hills. It must have been frightening driving through those trees on a dark moonlit night with the witchbirds hanging from the trees over the slow moving Model T or old ranch truck. It is still really quiet, even now - except for the occasional punctuation of the air by the coyote's cackle or the wolf's howl. The sounds at night can be menacing. It seems like any other choice is cheap or deadly. One often sees deer and other varmints on and along the road.
The Chupacabra has been seen and filmed in Dewitt County. The goat blood sucking creature made national headlines recently. The You tube sheriff's video is quite something. I could imagine these critters crawling around The Devil's Backbone!
In addition to the story of the strangled 10 yo girl in 1973 (see previous posts) - I was amazed to hear another story of a man (Ray Garcia?) who dove off Hell's Gate Bridge in 1980 and hit a log under the water. He was subsequently paralyzed from the neck down, but somehow survived.
The truth has much more weight than freaky death stories, but one could imagine that the stories would have swayed the minds of those years ago. Now it seems that even the Wiccan Religion is making a comeback. It is amazing - the peace we can have when we no longer live in fear and are no longer enchanted, but rather repulsed by gangrenous evil. Freedom, victory, love, growth, forgiveness, grace, mercy, healing, and hope - not to mention faith - are much greater concepts to live and fashion our lives around. We don't face Hell's Gate, but we do face eternity - that's a pleasant thought for some (will be on Lover's Lane at a great Supper), but a very scary nightmare for others...as they cross Hell's Gate.
We will be in the ever after...
Looking for a cigar to compliment the season, I found an American owned wonder. The Lonewolf Sungrown toro. The Lone Wolf Cigar Company was founded in 1996 by cigar lovers Chuck Norris and James Belushi and now owned by David Weiss. The name is interesting and the owners are particularily conservative - specifically - Chuck. Mine came in cellophane in a slide lid box and had a particularly earthy brown color to the wrapper (which was Indonesian - a Sumatra?). The binder and filler are Dominican. The cigar lit and burned well, especially with a brisk cool northern wind. It was a tad bit spongy, but not uncomfortably so. The taste started off woody and earthy and graduated to a spicy wooden sweetness with medium finish. I could really taste the Dominican filler. It was a nice compliment of earthy yet sweet spiciness, which has suited the autumn taste buds.
May we always chose the better path...
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Diplomacy
In Lindenau we do not have an embassy or any diplomatic representation, but in life we could all use a little more of it in our conversation. Some mornings it is so quiet one could hear an echo of words whispered in the hills. Learning the soft answer, like the quiet mornings, is an art. The diffusing of hostility and harshness is a pleasant result. In the quiet one can hear the birds and the cows lowing, as well as the sound of horses breathing.
Pleasant conversation and friendships are a joy that cannot be overvalued. Camaraderie around a meal or a fine stogie with good friends - to relax and share and listen. As Ed Cunningham has said "Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer". I was reminded by a friend that we are all frail, human, and on the same boat together. We all face aging, death, tragedy, sorrow, failure, and pain - as well as laughter, life, joy, birth, and success - among other things. There is nothing quite like sharing things together and reminding each other. Cigars are a terrific gathering point for times of joy, pain, and everyday life. There are celebration cigars, working cigars, and everyday cigars. To "Be still and know..." still remains our calling, as does a the need to have a regular escape from hectic life.
My cigar of choice for this fall leisure is the Camacho Diploma robusto. It is a very dark Honduran 5 1/2x50 puro "Authentic" corojo with a nice sheen and attractive wrapper. The cigar is exquisite with a nicely engraved regular band and a matching foot band - which were both hard to remove and the head band tore as it was removed. The taste had been strong and spicy to me in the past, but I found that this particular cigar had aged to a mellow almond creamy sweetness with floral notes. The peppery/spicy flavor had almost all mellowed, although I did taste it again at the last 1/3. It was a firm cigar with a nice draw and ample smoke. The finish was long, and retained the flavor and a rose like floral taste and a mint note was appreciated. The cigar is Honduran grown in the Jamastran Valley and made from the top-most leaves of the Corojo plant, known as the fifth priming, these leaves are the last ones picked giving them a deeper and richer taste.
With all the recent failed Olympic diplomacy, reminds me that we could use some Honduran diplomacy.
Pleasant conversation and friendships are a joy that cannot be overvalued. Camaraderie around a meal or a fine stogie with good friends - to relax and share and listen. As Ed Cunningham has said "Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer". I was reminded by a friend that we are all frail, human, and on the same boat together. We all face aging, death, tragedy, sorrow, failure, and pain - as well as laughter, life, joy, birth, and success - among other things. There is nothing quite like sharing things together and reminding each other. Cigars are a terrific gathering point for times of joy, pain, and everyday life. There are celebration cigars, working cigars, and everyday cigars. To "Be still and know..." still remains our calling, as does a the need to have a regular escape from hectic life.
My cigar of choice for this fall leisure is the Camacho Diploma robusto. It is a very dark Honduran 5 1/2x50 puro "Authentic" corojo with a nice sheen and attractive wrapper. The cigar is exquisite with a nicely engraved regular band and a matching foot band - which were both hard to remove and the head band tore as it was removed. The taste had been strong and spicy to me in the past, but I found that this particular cigar had aged to a mellow almond creamy sweetness with floral notes. The peppery/spicy flavor had almost all mellowed, although I did taste it again at the last 1/3. It was a firm cigar with a nice draw and ample smoke. The finish was long, and retained the flavor and a rose like floral taste and a mint note was appreciated. The cigar is Honduran grown in the Jamastran Valley and made from the top-most leaves of the Corojo plant, known as the fifth priming, these leaves are the last ones picked giving them a deeper and richer taste.
With all the recent failed Olympic diplomacy, reminds me that we could use some Honduran diplomacy.
Monday, September 28, 2009
forever autumn
I love this time of the year. The leaves haven't fallen yet, but the locusts have eaten all the Hack-berry leaves, so the trees seem to be as barren as autumn. The cool breeze started in the early morning, and now seems to have metastasized along with the rain to bring cool damp evenings, and refreshing dew. The barren summer was so dry, but remnants of dry soil have remained as the grass attempts to catch up with the Weesatche, Mesquite, and Parkinsonia bushes. It is such a relief after our long trek through the summer heat. Reminds me of dewberry pie, such an excellent rejoicing. Even the barnyard smells seems pleasant as the wind has died down. The coyote's howling was particularly strong in celebration. This is the season for a fine cigar - as relaxation, for dessert, or just for the sake of taste. The Winter can be so cold as to drive us indoors and the Summer so hot, but the cool of Autumn greatly exceeds the value of the joy of Spring.
I remembered an old song that always caught my fancy "Forever Autumn" and linked a youtube version.
Choosing a cigar to match this aromatic season - I chose the Sabroso Nicaraguan robusto..
It is a Nicaraguan puro with an EMS wrapper. Having been aged 10 years, it has an excellent hay and leathery barnyard flavor, it almost has a Dominican feel and taste. If I didn't know, then I would say it was a Dominican cigar. It was 4.75x50 in size, and well made. It lit and burned well. The flavor persisted throughout with many wonderful fall-like flavors and smells, including nutty and almond flavors. I would say it have a medium complex pleasantness. This was especially remarkable for a bundled cigar, especially at clearance prices. Nestor Plasencia is a cigar making wizard genius.
Via JR Cigars
"In sheer numbers, Swisher International is one of the two largest cigar producers in the World. Prior to, and during the “Cigar Boom” years, they also jumped into the premium cigar business in a big way through acquisitions and by opening their own factories.
However, their true expertise is in the Mass Market business with brands like Swisher, King Edward, and Blackstone. In partnership with Nestor Plasencia, one of the brands they made was Sabrosos – a 100% long filler handmade from Esteli, Nicaragua.
About six or seven years ago they decided to exit the premium segment and concentrate on what they knew best – high speed machine made cigars. However, they continued to sell their handmade cigars to liquidate the tremendous inventories that accumulated after the Cigar Boom years went Ka-Boom.
Last month we were made “an offer we couldn’t refuse” on these Sabroso bundles that have been stored under perfect conditions at their gigantic Jacksonville, Florida warehouse for damned near TEN years since the last Sabroso was rolled!"
This is an excellent cigar season, and an excellent smoke accentuates that.
I remembered an old song that always caught my fancy "Forever Autumn" and linked a youtube version.
Choosing a cigar to match this aromatic season - I chose the Sabroso Nicaraguan robusto..
It is a Nicaraguan puro with an EMS wrapper. Having been aged 10 years, it has an excellent hay and leathery barnyard flavor, it almost has a Dominican feel and taste. If I didn't know, then I would say it was a Dominican cigar. It was 4.75x50 in size, and well made. It lit and burned well. The flavor persisted throughout with many wonderful fall-like flavors and smells, including nutty and almond flavors. I would say it have a medium complex pleasantness. This was especially remarkable for a bundled cigar, especially at clearance prices. Nestor Plasencia is a cigar making wizard genius.
Via JR Cigars
"In sheer numbers, Swisher International is one of the two largest cigar producers in the World. Prior to, and during the “Cigar Boom” years, they also jumped into the premium cigar business in a big way through acquisitions and by opening their own factories.
However, their true expertise is in the Mass Market business with brands like Swisher, King Edward, and Blackstone. In partnership with Nestor Plasencia, one of the brands they made was Sabrosos – a 100% long filler handmade from Esteli, Nicaragua.
About six or seven years ago they decided to exit the premium segment and concentrate on what they knew best – high speed machine made cigars. However, they continued to sell their handmade cigars to liquidate the tremendous inventories that accumulated after the Cigar Boom years went Ka-Boom.
Last month we were made “an offer we couldn’t refuse” on these Sabroso bundles that have been stored under perfect conditions at their gigantic Jacksonville, Florida warehouse for damned near TEN years since the last Sabroso was rolled!"
This is an excellent cigar season, and an excellent smoke accentuates that.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Roy P Benavidez - The Lindenau Ancient Warrior
Lindenau is almost a has-been place, with only a small Lutheran church and a "Rifle Club" dance and meeting hall. Its so flat along the Texas Gulf Coast, but Lindenau reminds me of the Austrian hills in "The Sound of Music". Gone are the train and the tracks, as well as the Post Office, the store, and the school. My neighbor was born there, and his childhood home in the center of Lindenau burned down more than 70 years ago. There is no hospital, so when one was born there it was by midwife or such. I hadn't met anyone else who was born there. Most babies today are born in Cuero Hospital 6 miles away. Some of the things that are still seen in Lindenau include Texas Horny Toads, Red foxes, Wolves, Coyotes, wild Turkeys, as well as Raccoons, Skunks, and Armadillos. Rarely a cougar has been seen. The animals far outnumber the people.
Searching for Lindenites, I ran into a name of a famous person born in the area -Roy P. Benavidez . There were several Elementary Schools in Houston named after him. Part of Highway 59 was also called the Roy P. Benavidez Highway (? or the George Bush / Lloyd Bentsen Highway). He served in Vietnam and was finally awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor by President Reagan in 1981. He was a daring warrior in the face of injury and incredibly difficult odds. He was born there - August 5, 1935 - of immigrant parents (Mexican and Yaqui Indian descent) and grew up in El Campo, Texas. He finally succumbed to the effects of Diabetes in 1998. [The Yaqui Indians have there own warrior history.]
"Roy enjoyed his life in the rural community of El Campo, Texas. Although he is physically gone from this earth, he left a lasting impression on countless individuals from all walks of life. His message continues to be echoed to our nation's youth who are the future leaders of America." - via Wikipedia
Benavidez died Nov. 28, 1998, in San Antonio, Texas. Three elementary schools in Texas, a park in Colorado and the naval ship USNS Benavidez have been all named in his honor. In 2001, the Texas legislature honored Benavidez with the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, and the Hasbro toy company released the Roy P. Benavidez G.I. Joe action figure, the first G.I. Joe to portray a soldier of Hispanic heritage.
Seems like heroism today is in the movies, false accomplishments, and false successes. His story is one of true success and true valor. We know what he did and would do in the face of crisis and death.
The cigar I dedicate to this honored hero is the Gurkha Ancient Warrior robusto. It is a short dark and stubby little 41/2 x 50 stogie with a Brazilian wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican and Honduran filler. It is an attractive dark maduro or oscuro cigar with the Ancient Warrior having shed its maroon bands and opting for a more seemly one. The taste was slightly tart/sweet on the pre-light and lit well with pleasant smoke and good draw. The toasty/woody/cedary taste seemed to overtake the initial taste, and then mellowed to a moderate woody spiciness. The finish was medium to long.
May we all leave such a legacy!
Searching for Lindenites, I ran into a name of a famous person born in the area -Roy P. Benavidez . There were several Elementary Schools in Houston named after him. Part of Highway 59 was also called the Roy P. Benavidez Highway (? or the George Bush / Lloyd Bentsen Highway). He served in Vietnam and was finally awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor by President Reagan in 1981. He was a daring warrior in the face of injury and incredibly difficult odds. He was born there - August 5, 1935 - of immigrant parents (Mexican and Yaqui Indian descent) and grew up in El Campo, Texas. He finally succumbed to the effects of Diabetes in 1998. [The Yaqui Indians have there own warrior history.]
"Roy enjoyed his life in the rural community of El Campo, Texas. Although he is physically gone from this earth, he left a lasting impression on countless individuals from all walks of life. His message continues to be echoed to our nation's youth who are the future leaders of America." - via Wikipedia
Benavidez died Nov. 28, 1998, in San Antonio, Texas. Three elementary schools in Texas, a park in Colorado and the naval ship USNS Benavidez have been all named in his honor. In 2001, the Texas legislature honored Benavidez with the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, and the Hasbro toy company released the Roy P. Benavidez G.I. Joe action figure, the first G.I. Joe to portray a soldier of Hispanic heritage.
Seems like heroism today is in the movies, false accomplishments, and false successes. His story is one of true success and true valor. We know what he did and would do in the face of crisis and death.
The cigar I dedicate to this honored hero is the Gurkha Ancient Warrior robusto. It is a short dark and stubby little 41/2 x 50 stogie with a Brazilian wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican and Honduran filler. It is an attractive dark maduro or oscuro cigar with the Ancient Warrior having shed its maroon bands and opting for a more seemly one. The taste was slightly tart/sweet on the pre-light and lit well with pleasant smoke and good draw. The toasty/woody/cedary taste seemed to overtake the initial taste, and then mellowed to a moderate woody spiciness. The finish was medium to long.
May we all leave such a legacy!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Driving across Hell's Gate
Been Driving my yellow Jeep over Hell's Gate Bridge at the Guadalupe River bottom with the sun in my eyes and the windshield fogged while listening to The Swirling Eddies sing "God went Bowling". Love the Saturday morning calming coolness, except it was punctuated by shotguns opening dove season. Mornings are so calm.
The Texas Department of Corrections TDC has a unit near the bridge (The Stevenson Unit - built 1994), but I am not sure who named the bridge.
It's not the famous Hell Gate Bridge in NY, but the area has some notoriety.
Somebody in the August 1973, specifically named Jerry Lane Jurek [this link is via The Victoria Advocate], killed a 10 yo girl (Wendy Adams) there - after kidnapping her from a public swimming pool in Cuero. It is an appalling story, and very sad - I'm sure it stunned the town of Cuero and challenged everyone's view of the bridge. The young girl was a child of a local police officer. She had been seen screaming for help in Jurek's truck as it sped through Cuero, and that was witnessed by several people. He was arrested and tried and found guilty (Feb 1974 - the February 6, 1974 court story was in the paper at the time of the Patty Hearst kidnapping) - He was sentenced to death in the Electric Chair. I believe, based on the Supreme Court decision, that he was executed (but haven't been able to confirm that).
Aspects of the case even made it to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in March 30, 1976 --- Decided: July 2, 1976. It made it to The US Supreme Court in 1976 with Justice Stevens and the US Supreme Court even remembering it in April 2008. This case was important enough to be referred to by the NY Times in 2008.
The Bridge was already named Hell's Gate before the murder- as Atty Gen John L. Hill noted in his memoirs related to this case.
This case was one of several landmark cases which reinstated the death penalty in Texas, and reversed a previous decision - after an 18 year hiatus - (in which The previous US Supreme Court had found the death penalty to be "cruel and unusual punishment")- based on the 8th Amendment.
The verdict of Jurek v. Texas confirmed that the death penalty could be invoked without the disruption of an individual's Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The most important consequence of this pertained to the amount of evidence presented to a jury. It was recognized that there was a significant difference between the death penalty and all other punishments--and therefore "a corresponding difference in the need for reliability in determining whether the death sentence is appropriately imposed in a particular case." This case maintained that the jury must be made aware of all relevant information concerning the defendant whose life is on the line; therefore all mitigating circumstances must be considered in capital-sentencing cases.
from -------http://law.jrank.org/pages/12838/Jurek-v-Texas.html#ixzz0Ra97CKU4
Such an incredible story, stumbled upon by accident.
I ordered some Villar y Villar natural robusto No. 5050 bundled cigars via JR cigars. They are Nicaraguan with a Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper. They were sturdy and dense, with a pleasant aroma. It lit well, and burned with a thick pleasant smoke. I don't think specifics or a recommendation is appropriate give the historical tie - but I did stumble upon them by chance.
The Texas Department of Corrections TDC has a unit near the bridge (The Stevenson Unit - built 1994), but I am not sure who named the bridge.
It's not the famous Hell Gate Bridge in NY, but the area has some notoriety.
Somebody in the August 1973, specifically named Jerry Lane Jurek [this link is via The Victoria Advocate], killed a 10 yo girl (Wendy Adams) there - after kidnapping her from a public swimming pool in Cuero. It is an appalling story, and very sad - I'm sure it stunned the town of Cuero and challenged everyone's view of the bridge. The young girl was a child of a local police officer. She had been seen screaming for help in Jurek's truck as it sped through Cuero, and that was witnessed by several people. He was arrested and tried and found guilty (Feb 1974 - the February 6, 1974 court story was in the paper at the time of the Patty Hearst kidnapping) - He was sentenced to death in the Electric Chair. I believe, based on the Supreme Court decision, that he was executed (but haven't been able to confirm that).
Aspects of the case even made it to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in March 30, 1976 --- Decided: July 2, 1976. It made it to The US Supreme Court in 1976 with Justice Stevens and the US Supreme Court even remembering it in April 2008. This case was important enough to be referred to by the NY Times in 2008.
The Bridge was already named Hell's Gate before the murder- as Atty Gen John L. Hill noted in his memoirs related to this case.
This case was one of several landmark cases which reinstated the death penalty in Texas, and reversed a previous decision - after an 18 year hiatus - (in which The previous US Supreme Court had found the death penalty to be "cruel and unusual punishment")- based on the 8th Amendment.
The verdict of Jurek v. Texas confirmed that the death penalty could be invoked without the disruption of an individual's Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The most important consequence of this pertained to the amount of evidence presented to a jury. It was recognized that there was a significant difference between the death penalty and all other punishments--and therefore "a corresponding difference in the need for reliability in determining whether the death sentence is appropriately imposed in a particular case." This case maintained that the jury must be made aware of all relevant information concerning the defendant whose life is on the line; therefore all mitigating circumstances must be considered in capital-sentencing cases.
from -------http://law.jrank.org/pages/12838/Jurek-v-Texas.html#ixzz0Ra97CKU4
Such an incredible story, stumbled upon by accident.
I ordered some Villar y Villar natural robusto No. 5050 bundled cigars via JR cigars. They are Nicaraguan with a Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper. They were sturdy and dense, with a pleasant aroma. It lit well, and burned with a thick pleasant smoke. I don't think specifics or a recommendation is appropriate give the historical tie - but I did stumble upon them by chance.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Freedom's light
Freedom, such a wonderful taste of cool fresh air. Like a galloping horse freed for the first time to run unfettered. When the wind blows continuously on an otherwise stifling day or the smell of the first rain on steaming concrete. Fresh orange tree leaves in the spring giving such a pleasant aroma that one can even taste the Texas oranges without touching them. Joys of a smile by a toothless infant or stoic old codger. Jumping up and down without the fear of gravity. No fear in speaking around those who truly love you. Such incredible refreshment and mind boggling liberty, that frees us from oppression - imagined or otherwise. When countries are liberated we are likewise excited celebrating the uninhibited relief from oppressive Government. Here's a story of liberation and release that I haven't heard before:
The picnic that brought down the Berlin Wall
In one of history's hidden turning points, a gambit by Hungarian officials opened the door to the collapse of the Eastern Bloc.
By Michael Meyer
Finding a cigar to match freedoms light - is quite a difficult task. Finding a match to light a cigar is much easier. The cigar I would choose is the Saint Luis Rey Serie G Maduro in the churchill size. It is a beauty which provokes your nasal and visual senses, even before it is lit. I comes in a nice black wooden box with a sliding brown lid. The double red labels are pleasing as well. It is a tad spongy for the size, but mine had a very nice earthy woody odor with a fine plume. The taste was mildly sweet and tasted of mild coffee and woody mild spice. The cigar burned well and was quite a pleasant smoke for a late summer's evening while dreaming of autumns approaching cooling. Set my mind free.
The picnic that brought down the Berlin Wall
In one of history's hidden turning points, a gambit by Hungarian officials opened the door to the collapse of the Eastern Bloc.
By Michael Meyer
Finding a cigar to match freedoms light - is quite a difficult task. Finding a match to light a cigar is much easier. The cigar I would choose is the Saint Luis Rey Serie G Maduro in the churchill size. It is a beauty which provokes your nasal and visual senses, even before it is lit. I comes in a nice black wooden box with a sliding brown lid. The double red labels are pleasing as well. It is a tad spongy for the size, but mine had a very nice earthy woody odor with a fine plume. The taste was mildly sweet and tasted of mild coffee and woody mild spice. The cigar burned well and was quite a pleasant smoke for a late summer's evening while dreaming of autumns approaching cooling. Set my mind free.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Donkey bombs and the mark of The Beast
Life is indeed very short and often humor imitates life. I first thought this was about the things you almost step on in the pasture. I had to chuckle, especially with all the talk of CO2 emissions. Got to cut down on those, but I am not sure what they are going to do about it. Then there was the joke about methane...
You would have thought that this is the age of technology and computer craft. At least you would have imagined that roadside bombs, missiles, and unmanned drone aircraft would be the murderous vehicle of choice. Peta would be inflamed about eating cows and chickens, I wonder if they have a comment about the death of the beast of burden. Those wonderful equines that bay and holler and chase the coyotes away. The Palestinians have a knack for sending their mentally challenged and their children to die, but I haven't heard of them sending their donkeys. We hear all the fuss, but will they fuss when narco-enforcers and soldiers are killed? Do they value human life? Do any of them value the unborn child? What about the lives of those lost to cut the US cocaine supply, maybe even sparing some of our own lives lost here!
Colombian "Donkey Bombs" Kill Drug Crop Eradicators
By REUTERS Published: September 11, 2009
Reporting by Patrick Markey
How could I find a cigar to match this event. I had to dig deep, in an old Gurkha humidor, and I found a not-so-old wonder.I found a Gurkha Special Edition Beast. The Beast is a 6 1/2x 58 toro cedar wrapped with a dark oily 1996 Costa Rican Maduro wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican/Honduran filler. In comes nicely dressed in an elegant double band.
My cigar was very oily and cut and lit well without complications. The burn was slow and sure as well. An initial smooth coffee mild spicy sweetness predominated after a nice barnyard aroma.There was a leathery sense to the taste at 1/2 way or so. There were cocoa hints as well. It had a long finish and was very smooth. I would say that this is one of the better stogies I have experienced, and would highly recommend it.
This is dedicated to the donkeys that lost their lives in this homicide method.
You would have thought that this is the age of technology and computer craft. At least you would have imagined that roadside bombs, missiles, and unmanned drone aircraft would be the murderous vehicle of choice. Peta would be inflamed about eating cows and chickens, I wonder if they have a comment about the death of the beast of burden. Those wonderful equines that bay and holler and chase the coyotes away. The Palestinians have a knack for sending their mentally challenged and their children to die, but I haven't heard of them sending their donkeys. We hear all the fuss, but will they fuss when narco-enforcers and soldiers are killed? Do they value human life? Do any of them value the unborn child? What about the lives of those lost to cut the US cocaine supply, maybe even sparing some of our own lives lost here!
Colombian "Donkey Bombs" Kill Drug Crop Eradicators
By REUTERS Published: September 11, 2009
Reporting by Patrick Markey
How could I find a cigar to match this event. I had to dig deep, in an old Gurkha humidor, and I found a not-so-old wonder.I found a Gurkha Special Edition Beast. The Beast is a 6 1/2x 58 toro cedar wrapped with a dark oily 1996 Costa Rican Maduro wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican/Honduran filler. In comes nicely dressed in an elegant double band.
My cigar was very oily and cut and lit well without complications. The burn was slow and sure as well. An initial smooth coffee mild spicy sweetness predominated after a nice barnyard aroma.There was a leathery sense to the taste at 1/2 way or so. There were cocoa hints as well. It had a long finish and was very smooth. I would say that this is one of the better stogies I have experienced, and would highly recommend it.
This is dedicated to the donkeys that lost their lives in this homicide method.
Friday, September 11, 2009
nine eleven
Remembering 9/11 I am astounded by the lack of our convictions. Muslim terrorists, in the name of Allah, attacked. We pretend that they were just upset and not drawn by religious fervor. We decided that what they thought was ok, but what they did was wrong. We declared "The War on Terror". Terror didn't attack us, men did. I always felt that one couldn't fight a battle unless they knew their enemy. We don't know who our enemies are, though they know us well. They might as well have the advantage of invisibility, as we remain in denial. When Saddam and the Palestinians cheered 9/11, we sent the financial aid. We have set ourselves against our allies, loving our enemies (Saudi Arabia). Even George Bush had it wrong. He believed they needed Democracy. That's not what they needed. They needed The Bill of Rights. Freedom is what they needed. They needed protection from the democratic mobs. Scares me that we have not learned the real lesson of 9/11, so we are doomed to fight on blindly...
New York suffered loss at 9/11 of many EMS workers and fire fighters. I pray that those lost there, in the planes, and at The Pentagon were not lost in vain. May we be vigilant and see our enemy for who he is.
In remembrance of those brave emergency workers who gave their lives - I smoked a Martinez of New York Almirante 7x48 churchill. It had an EMS looking wrapper (European Market Selection) but was actually Ecuadoran Sumatra. Filler was Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Honduran with a Nicaraguan binder. The cigar was dense for a churchill, and had a rugged wrapper, with a pleasant aged odor. The taste was very woody, after an initial leather taste. It remained so until the last 1/3 when a slight peppery taste could be appreciated. It had a nice medium finish. The band and box were elegant, as was the cigar.
God Bless America
addendum:
great article by Ralph Peters in The New York Post
Betraying our dead
Forgetting the vows we made
amen
New York suffered loss at 9/11 of many EMS workers and fire fighters. I pray that those lost there, in the planes, and at The Pentagon were not lost in vain. May we be vigilant and see our enemy for who he is.
In remembrance of those brave emergency workers who gave their lives - I smoked a Martinez of New York Almirante 7x48 churchill. It had an EMS looking wrapper (European Market Selection) but was actually Ecuadoran Sumatra. Filler was Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Honduran with a Nicaraguan binder. The cigar was dense for a churchill, and had a rugged wrapper, with a pleasant aged odor. The taste was very woody, after an initial leather taste. It remained so until the last 1/3 when a slight peppery taste could be appreciated. It had a nice medium finish. The band and box were elegant, as was the cigar.
God Bless America
addendum:
great article by Ralph Peters in The New York Post
Betraying our dead
Forgetting the vows we made
amen
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Goodbye
Couldn't resist saying goodbye, but I thought they did that weeks ago. Another Pop King dead - he happens to share my first name-, some kind of anesthetic overdosing? Somebody reported him already being seen getting out of a van. Now they are burying him. I miss the innocent little guy who stole the show, but all of our innocence must fade as we hug Father Time. Sooner or later Elvis will age and die... even if he really did survive. Our dreams have been bleached, scarred, and surgically modified to meet our consumer expectations. Its good to say goodbye to the tabloid trash. The truth... only God knows that. Sometimes its good to finally put him in the ground.
All are like actors on a stage, some have one part and some another, death is still busy amongst us; here drops one of the players, we bury him with and to our scene again then falls another, yea all, one after another, till death be left upon the stage.Death is that damp which puts out all the dim lights of vanity.Yet man is easier to believe that all the world shall die, than to suspect himself.
Thomas Adams
Picking a cigar for the event seems to lead us to celebrate the innocent part of his life or the sadness of his death, or the loss of another man-demon. In it all we do not know, but suspect a grave problem affected him. We can all mourn for that. We mourn his depravity and deterioration. When considered all this brings us to our own mortality. That leads us to the "better to smoke now, than in the hereafter" statement that lines the blog.
Several years ago I purchased some Five Star Dominican cigars in boxes of 50 on clearance from JR cigars. Over the years they have aged, and have acquired some pleasant nuances. The specific one I dedicate for this event is the toro maduro. The wrapper is a dark black maduro, and was very well rolled, with the veins being small. It was a CBLM. As I smoked it, it started off well, and lit and burned well. But then, halfway through it started to tunnel. Needless-to-say it became unsmokable, and I had to discard it. The taste was good, with a medium finish. It had a slight woody and hay/barnyard taste. Too bad we couldn't enjoy the whole thing...
All are like actors on a stage, some have one part and some another, death is still busy amongst us; here drops one of the players, we bury him with and to our scene again then falls another, yea all, one after another, till death be left upon the stage.Death is that damp which puts out all the dim lights of vanity.Yet man is easier to believe that all the world shall die, than to suspect himself.
Thomas Adams
Picking a cigar for the event seems to lead us to celebrate the innocent part of his life or the sadness of his death, or the loss of another man-demon. In it all we do not know, but suspect a grave problem affected him. We can all mourn for that. We mourn his depravity and deterioration. When considered all this brings us to our own mortality. That leads us to the "better to smoke now, than in the hereafter" statement that lines the blog.
Several years ago I purchased some Five Star Dominican cigars in boxes of 50 on clearance from JR cigars. Over the years they have aged, and have acquired some pleasant nuances. The specific one I dedicate for this event is the toro maduro. The wrapper is a dark black maduro, and was very well rolled, with the veins being small. It was a CBLM. As I smoked it, it started off well, and lit and burned well. But then, halfway through it started to tunnel. Needless-to-say it became unsmokable, and I had to discard it. The taste was good, with a medium finish. It had a slight woody and hay/barnyard taste. Too bad we couldn't enjoy the whole thing...
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Cigar Butts
Gotta get a laugh out of this one: despite the over-priced Habanos cigars, they cannot afford toilet paper. Of course they blame it on the embargo, coupled with the fact that other parts of the world don't even use toilet paper. Maybe if the lowered the price and opened up their economy, then they would have toilet paper. But I forgot...they have Universal Healthcare (Obamacare), they just cannot afford toilet paper. Maybe they will have to use communist newspaper (???) - but if not...I acknowledge this quote from Sir Winston Churchill
Via The Miami Herald
Cuba faces toilet paper shortage
BY JUAN O. TAMAYO
mailto:jtamayo@MiamiHerald.com
I dedicate this post to the fake Habanos Cohiba Esplendidos - you know, the ones that come in the glass topped box- the ones that are purchased on the streets of Havana and other Latin American countries and in Laredo, Mexico - with no humidity in them. The ones that need lots of aging. The ones that sell for less than $200.00 per box. The veiny thin irregular wrappered ones with a bad draw. They may or may not be cuban tobacco. No need to review them, as many didn't draw well and didn't burn well - but they might make good tp?
Maybe they can use cigar butts...
Via The Miami Herald
Cuba faces toilet paper shortage
BY JUAN O. TAMAYO
mailto:jtamayo@MiamiHerald.com
I dedicate this post to the fake Habanos Cohiba Esplendidos - you know, the ones that come in the glass topped box- the ones that are purchased on the streets of Havana and other Latin American countries and in Laredo, Mexico - with no humidity in them. The ones that need lots of aging. The ones that sell for less than $200.00 per box. The veiny thin irregular wrappered ones with a bad draw. They may or may not be cuban tobacco. No need to review them, as many didn't draw well and didn't burn well - but they might make good tp?
Maybe they can use cigar butts...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Teddy, the bear or the lion
Cuba seems like a nice place, as does most of the Caribbean. Reminds me of the charge up San Juan Hill. Reminds me of the fierce communistic regime heralded by Danny Glover. Reminds me of Yuri Andropov and the USSR support of oil for sugar cane. That reminds me of the letter sent by Teddy to Yuri in a betrayal of America - and related to our Beloved Ronald Reagan. Reminds me of JFK's betrayal of the Cuban invaders in refusing air support for The Bay of Pigs massacre. Two incredible Families one with deep New York roots, the other with Massachusetts roots, that ended up representing NY in the Senate. One full of betrayal and death, the other beloved memories of accomplishment. The bear was the cuddly one, although some seem to give that persona to the lion. Both were born into relative wealth, one saw a herd of cattle freeze to death in the west, one ran away while Mary Jo suffocated in a Cadillac. The bear saw real battle, and took on crime in New York, the lion took on water and loved sailing in Martha's Vineyard. Seem's like we should have a memorial service for Mary Jo, Judge Bork, or all the aborted fetuses. One Teddy opposed abortion, but change to be for it when it was politically liberal to be so. Seems like voters let the little guy down....
Friday, August 28, 2009 Orange County Register
Mark Steyn: Things only a Kennedy could get away with
And by not calling his bluff on Chappaquiddick, Americans became complicit in it
Still both remind me we all face death, and will all give an account some day, no matter what we or someone else writes posthumously. Even Castro will have to stand before God...
The cigar I would like to review is the H Upmann Connoisseur No.1 - Cuban Habanos robusto 2006. It comes in a sliding lid wooden box without cellophane. The cigars are rough looking and veiny with a bit of sponginess. They did not have any plume developing yet. The smell was slightly woody with the pre-light taste being sweeter than previous cigars of the same type. It lit and drew well after punch cutting the triple cap, although it cracked a bit at the cap. It was exceptionally cedar-woody and very tasty for at least the first half, then developed a slight coffee spiciness. It burned well and I would say it was an Saturday morning cigar.
I celebrate the Teddy who led us up San Juan Hill, and am not very sad at the other Teddy's passing- maybe should be. We all must pass some day...
Friday, August 28, 2009 Orange County Register
Mark Steyn: Things only a Kennedy could get away with
And by not calling his bluff on Chappaquiddick, Americans became complicit in it
Still both remind me we all face death, and will all give an account some day, no matter what we or someone else writes posthumously. Even Castro will have to stand before God...
The cigar I would like to review is the H Upmann Connoisseur No.1 - Cuban Habanos robusto 2006. It comes in a sliding lid wooden box without cellophane. The cigars are rough looking and veiny with a bit of sponginess. They did not have any plume developing yet. The smell was slightly woody with the pre-light taste being sweeter than previous cigars of the same type. It lit and drew well after punch cutting the triple cap, although it cracked a bit at the cap. It was exceptionally cedar-woody and very tasty for at least the first half, then developed a slight coffee spiciness. It burned well and I would say it was an Saturday morning cigar.
I celebrate the Teddy who led us up San Juan Hill, and am not very sad at the other Teddy's passing- maybe should be. We all must pass some day...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Signs along the road
Life is a long winding country road and seldom is straight. We often encounter hills and valleys and rivers and creeks as we meander through. Time is linear, but our journey doesn't seem to be. The signs along the road - they guide and help us on our way. Many signs are helpful, although some are outright impractical. If we wander off the road- while walking, we tend to run in circles. Not circling seems to depend on fixing our eyes on a set mark, or continually re-correcting with a sign, a landmark, or a compass.
Walking in circles august 20, 2009
Max-Planck-scientists show that people really walk in circles when lost
Traveling along an asphalted country road, I noticed that the "road bend" sign seemed to be filled with large holes. As I neared it, it was obvious that they were large caliber bullet holes. It was a "right turn road bend" sign, more specifically. I looked around, but couldn't see the President, but wondered if it was he or his proxies who shot holes in the sign. Looks like his policies may have made the right turn even more imperative. To drive straight would be to end up in my neighbor's cow pasture, or even farther into his creek.
My other thought was that the holes in the sign would be good as a cigar holder, except for the burn ban. The country has been so dry with drought-like conditions, and the county has put a burn ban in place, with a sign at the county line. Lighting a stogie can be a dangerous thing in that environment. The safe cigar for ranch work is one which comes in a cedar lined aluminum tube. The H Upmann Monarch tubos are the cigar for the long haul of life, and probably be in production as they lay our bodies to rest. The Dominican and Brazilian filler is wrapped in an Indonesian shade grown wrapper. For my smoke, the construction was excellent, and the cedar lined tube added flavor and helped maintain the cigar earthiness and moisture without imparting any aluminum or metallic flavor. The smoke was generous and the flavor was that of woody leather and earthy flavor. The body was medium with a moderate finish. These are a great country go-to ranch cigar, and by far my favorite in that setting.
Mark Steyn has an interesting article in NRO about the stimulus signs that he saw in New Hampshire.
Why the Stimulus Flopped
Under Obama, nothing is certain but death panels and taxes
By Mark Steyn
I would say to the President that a cigar stimulus would be in order- to cheer the national mood. A sign announcing a cigar rest area would also be a sight for weary eyes, especially a rest from the teleprompter...
Walking in circles august 20, 2009
Max-Planck-scientists show that people really walk in circles when lost
Traveling along an asphalted country road, I noticed that the "road bend" sign seemed to be filled with large holes. As I neared it, it was obvious that they were large caliber bullet holes. It was a "right turn road bend" sign, more specifically. I looked around, but couldn't see the President, but wondered if it was he or his proxies who shot holes in the sign. Looks like his policies may have made the right turn even more imperative. To drive straight would be to end up in my neighbor's cow pasture, or even farther into his creek.
My other thought was that the holes in the sign would be good as a cigar holder, except for the burn ban. The country has been so dry with drought-like conditions, and the county has put a burn ban in place, with a sign at the county line. Lighting a stogie can be a dangerous thing in that environment. The safe cigar for ranch work is one which comes in a cedar lined aluminum tube. The H Upmann Monarch tubos are the cigar for the long haul of life, and probably be in production as they lay our bodies to rest. The Dominican and Brazilian filler is wrapped in an Indonesian shade grown wrapper. For my smoke, the construction was excellent, and the cedar lined tube added flavor and helped maintain the cigar earthiness and moisture without imparting any aluminum or metallic flavor. The smoke was generous and the flavor was that of woody leather and earthy flavor. The body was medium with a moderate finish. These are a great country go-to ranch cigar, and by far my favorite in that setting.
Mark Steyn has an interesting article in NRO about the stimulus signs that he saw in New Hampshire.
Why the Stimulus Flopped
Under Obama, nothing is certain but death panels and taxes
By Mark Steyn
I would say to the President that a cigar stimulus would be in order- to cheer the national mood. A sign announcing a cigar rest area would also be a sight for weary eyes, especially a rest from the teleprompter...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
nurture alters nature
We, as humans, are quite an eclectic combination of timing, genetic code, selectively transcribed proteins, and related chemicals which are influenced and respond to our environment and nurturing, not to mention our nutrition and learning/habituating responses. Soul (mind and self consciousness, etc), and spirituality (the spirit- if alive) are imposed on the framework and is influenced by the framework. In the face of that hodgepodge we are bound by Newton's Laws, and the clock of life seems to be our enemy. Gray hair, hearing and vision loss are only glimpses of the deeper degenerative processes that are distressing our insides daily.
In contrast - there is nothing quite as tasty as a well-aged plume-covered stogie. The flavors blend and meld into a flavorful stogie. Everything ages, it is nice when the age adds taste and character, rather than degenerative loss. Cigars, as well as some wines and liquors do well with aging. Spanish Cedar seems to add flavor to the cigars as well as preserve them. The best cigars age in the preferred setting of 70% humidity and 7o degrees F. The location and melding with other cigars and other odors will also occur. Location of origin of the cigar and construction quality are important as are the strength of the binder and wrapper- and the type of box storage. Do we need Cuban Seed Tobacco? is it really better? or is that just a marketing technique? Do we need shade grown? Sun grown? One can easily see the variation that can contribute to the cigars complexity, then one adds the aging factors. Good care can affect the long term quality of one's cigar stash, much like nurture can affect nature.
Honey-bee aggression study suggests nurture alters nature august 17,2009 From Professor Gene Robinson University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
My attempts at aging cigars had been unsuccessful until I was able to find appropriate space, and to lose a box of cigars into that humid environment, to sit and age unabetted. The best are the ones that are found after forgotten. Like an old familiar novel, or the smell of rain on a wet concrete sidewalk.
The cigar found in the back of my humidor was the Drew Estate Juicy Lucy, it was small (small panatela or petite corona) and only 3x38 in size - with a pigtail head. The cigar was at least 5 years old, and covered with plume. The wrapper, a Cameroon, was in fine shape, and the taste was exquisite. It was a sweet tabacco mild leathery vanilla caramel. The draw was good. It was good when purchased, but really excelled with age. Hence, another highly recommended cigar...
In contrast - there is nothing quite as tasty as a well-aged plume-covered stogie. The flavors blend and meld into a flavorful stogie. Everything ages, it is nice when the age adds taste and character, rather than degenerative loss. Cigars, as well as some wines and liquors do well with aging. Spanish Cedar seems to add flavor to the cigars as well as preserve them. The best cigars age in the preferred setting of 70% humidity and 7o degrees F. The location and melding with other cigars and other odors will also occur. Location of origin of the cigar and construction quality are important as are the strength of the binder and wrapper- and the type of box storage. Do we need Cuban Seed Tobacco? is it really better? or is that just a marketing technique? Do we need shade grown? Sun grown? One can easily see the variation that can contribute to the cigars complexity, then one adds the aging factors. Good care can affect the long term quality of one's cigar stash, much like nurture can affect nature.
Honey-bee aggression study suggests nurture alters nature august 17,2009 From Professor Gene Robinson University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
My attempts at aging cigars had been unsuccessful until I was able to find appropriate space, and to lose a box of cigars into that humid environment, to sit and age unabetted. The best are the ones that are found after forgotten. Like an old familiar novel, or the smell of rain on a wet concrete sidewalk.
The cigar found in the back of my humidor was the Drew Estate Juicy Lucy, it was small (small panatela or petite corona) and only 3x38 in size - with a pigtail head. The cigar was at least 5 years old, and covered with plume. The wrapper, a Cameroon, was in fine shape, and the taste was exquisite. It was a sweet tabacco mild leathery vanilla caramel. The draw was good. It was good when purchased, but really excelled with age. Hence, another highly recommended cigar...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Perseid reminders
Seems that the earth is a patterned place, with everything in it's time. The Perseid showers of the remnants of the Swift-Tuttle comet are pleasant to behold, but fleeting - coming once a year with the Earth's orbit around the Sun. "To everything there is a season". Some of the mundane routine things we do in life are the most consoling. In this world of change (and hope) it's nice to always be able to come home. Technology seems to have made things obsolete before they have worn out, as we long for the nostalgic. Even the old programs seem attractive "i.e. DOS 3.0 or Windows 95", with the simple-to-load floppy discs. The familiar and comfortable (like a well worn set of shoes) can be our strong ally during the storms of life. The Good Lord seems to leave such things as a reminder of His faithfulness and never-ending lovingkindness.
from The New Scientist
Perseid shower to produce 'shooting stars'
by Rachel Courtland August 10, 2009
Regular "go-to" cigars are always there as a nice backup, especially after a round of new boutique cigars. The first cigar I was exposed to was a Baccarat Churchill. I have found it to be consistently good - over the last 15 years. It was my daily smoke for many years. I still keep several boxes in stock for that reminder. I would still tend to rate them highly, even though they are a mild smoke. The cigar is made by Caribe for Camacho, which has been purchased by Davidoff...so it's in good company. It is a Honduran made with a Honduran wrapper and Havana-seed Honduran filler and a Mexican binder. This is an very old brand (back to 1871) and was once owned by C. Upmann (brother of H. Upmann) it was re-introduced in 1978.
My Baccarat Churchill Maduro cigar was a very light mildly oily maduro, almost a dark natural with slight mottling. It was sweet to the taste with a sugary cap. The construction was medium to firm, and consistent. The smooth leathery taste with coffee hints predominated. The burn was fair, although it tended to burn faster than would be expected for the density. It had a short finish. Those meteors seemed to have a short finish and were gone almost as soon as they were spotted...but there was a comfort in their yearly appearance.
ps. this cigar also comes in a Cameroon wrapper and a natural Connecticut wrapper
from The New Scientist
Perseid shower to produce 'shooting stars'
by Rachel Courtland August 10, 2009
Regular "go-to" cigars are always there as a nice backup, especially after a round of new boutique cigars. The first cigar I was exposed to was a Baccarat Churchill. I have found it to be consistently good - over the last 15 years. It was my daily smoke for many years. I still keep several boxes in stock for that reminder. I would still tend to rate them highly, even though they are a mild smoke. The cigar is made by Caribe for Camacho, which has been purchased by Davidoff...so it's in good company. It is a Honduran made with a Honduran wrapper and Havana-seed Honduran filler and a Mexican binder. This is an very old brand (back to 1871) and was once owned by C. Upmann (brother of H. Upmann) it was re-introduced in 1978.
My Baccarat Churchill Maduro cigar was a very light mildly oily maduro, almost a dark natural with slight mottling. It was sweet to the taste with a sugary cap. The construction was medium to firm, and consistent. The smooth leathery taste with coffee hints predominated. The burn was fair, although it tended to burn faster than would be expected for the density. It had a short finish. Those meteors seemed to have a short finish and were gone almost as soon as they were spotted...but there was a comfort in their yearly appearance.
ps. this cigar also comes in a Cameroon wrapper and a natural Connecticut wrapper
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Three Worlds or Three Hundred Million...
Looking up at the star-lit sky I am always drawn to meditate on The Creator. Thoughts of other civilizations also feast our fancy. CS Lewis has a wonderful, lesser heard of, star trilogy. The starter book is "Out of the Silent Planet". Trilogy's and series such as Narnia Chronicles seem to be a forte of his, as well as his peer JRR Tolkien. "The Lord of The Rings" is also a wonderful window to Middle Earth. Makes me dizzy watching the clouds roll across the stars, but a fine stogie tends to calm my angst. There is nothing like fine Fantasy reading and a fine cigar.
The Fermi paradox focuses on the possible existence of advanced civilizations elsewhere in the galaxy, and the fact that we have not encountered them. This article from Technology Review is interesting.
The cigar to go with this discussion is the Gran Habano 3 Siglos Churchill by George Rico. I was lead to these by an astute cigar salesman several years ago (3)- they are no longer in production. They are made in 3 countries (Columbia, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua), and with 3 different ligero tobaccos. The wrapper is a shade grown rosado Nicaraguan beauty. Mine has 3 years of personal aging. The wrapper was shiny, yet traces of plume were evident. The cap of the cigar is flat, as opposed to the traditional rounded cap. The sweet mild spiciness was evident even in the pre-light stage, and dominated the taste profile. The mild vanilla coffee almond and cherry notes came though and made for a very pleasant experience. The construction and burn were excellent, and was a prime example of a good Churchill cigar. I have tasted the other sizes as well and have found them to be comparable in taste. It was creamy with a thick and hearty smoke which added to the mystique.
Over the years I would say that this is one of my higher rated cigars for taste. Makes me wonder why it has been discontinued. But..."All good things must come to an end"...
I know of Human Civilization, and the Ethereal world...the only person who can bridge that gap is The Creator Himself...
The Fermi paradox focuses on the possible existence of advanced civilizations elsewhere in the galaxy, and the fact that we have not encountered them. This article from Technology Review is interesting.
Fermi Paradox Points to Fewer Than 10 Extraterrestrial Civilizations
from Thursday, July 30th 2009The cigar to go with this discussion is the Gran Habano 3 Siglos Churchill by George Rico. I was lead to these by an astute cigar salesman several years ago (3)- they are no longer in production. They are made in 3 countries (Columbia, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua), and with 3 different ligero tobaccos. The wrapper is a shade grown rosado Nicaraguan beauty. Mine has 3 years of personal aging. The wrapper was shiny, yet traces of plume were evident. The cap of the cigar is flat, as opposed to the traditional rounded cap. The sweet mild spiciness was evident even in the pre-light stage, and dominated the taste profile. The mild vanilla coffee almond and cherry notes came though and made for a very pleasant experience. The construction and burn were excellent, and was a prime example of a good Churchill cigar. I have tasted the other sizes as well and have found them to be comparable in taste. It was creamy with a thick and hearty smoke which added to the mystique.
Over the years I would say that this is one of my higher rated cigars for taste. Makes me wonder why it has been discontinued. But..."All good things must come to an end"...
I know of Human Civilization, and the Ethereal world...the only person who can bridge that gap is The Creator Himself...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
blowin in the wind
Times have come and gone and cigars draw us to slow down and contemplate and reminisce...
With the humidity at a high in south Texas, I have been reluctant to sit outside for a lengthy vitola. The south wind in Victoria blows frequently and hits the upstairs porch, and now I have added a ceiling fan (for those still muggy times). Lindenau always seems to have a south wind as well and it's often stronger there. Cigar smoking is always a challenge in the wind, and I found out that is better to leave the top on the jeep (when smoking on a drive) as the wind at 70mph blows too hard...smoking on a sea bound cruise ship is also a challenge as the cruise line Royal Caribbean didn't make it easy, except for a bit at night - in the library. The Gulf and Caribbean winds are at least consistent.
A sturdy cigar with a solid dense wrapper and a good binder are a must. The frail wrappers just tear and blow in the wind. They may be better suited for an inside sit-down meal with a fine glass of wine.
The Cuba Aliados Miami 75th anniversary toro by Rolando Reyes is the perfect cigar for the wind. It is beautiful with 2 bands, a red Cuba Aliados band and a white Miami band. It is also cedar-wrapped. The wrapper was medium dark and firm, the light was good and it burned well in the wind. The taste was a mild dry barnyard leathery delight at first, and I assumed that it was medium bodied. At the mid point it became spicy, yet still pleasant. The strength increased, and became stout - therefore it is justifiably labeled a fuerte. The taste again mellowed in the last third. I would recommend it, but often prefer a cigar that is more consistent throughout.
I would dedicate this stogie to our former cowboy president (no - not Teddy Roosevelt), his Floridian brother, and their beloved father. GWB was a Texan, and can now enjoy a pleasant smoke, if he so desired, without the liberal MSM hounds. He started nice and pleasant, and then strong, but was weaker in his finish. I wonder if he gave up the fight too soon. The winds were really blowin, and he weathered them. I do wish he would have stayed to his conservative values. Overall I would pat him on the back, or give him a "high five". I really miss him now with the kooks in charge of the ship.
Well at least there is a good cigar to be thankful for...
Love that verse " Be still and know that I Am God"...need more of Him, too...
With the humidity at a high in south Texas, I have been reluctant to sit outside for a lengthy vitola. The south wind in Victoria blows frequently and hits the upstairs porch, and now I have added a ceiling fan (for those still muggy times). Lindenau always seems to have a south wind as well and it's often stronger there. Cigar smoking is always a challenge in the wind, and I found out that is better to leave the top on the jeep (when smoking on a drive) as the wind at 70mph blows too hard...smoking on a sea bound cruise ship is also a challenge as the cruise line Royal Caribbean didn't make it easy, except for a bit at night - in the library. The Gulf and Caribbean winds are at least consistent.
A sturdy cigar with a solid dense wrapper and a good binder are a must. The frail wrappers just tear and blow in the wind. They may be better suited for an inside sit-down meal with a fine glass of wine.
The Cuba Aliados Miami 75th anniversary toro by Rolando Reyes is the perfect cigar for the wind. It is beautiful with 2 bands, a red Cuba Aliados band and a white Miami band. It is also cedar-wrapped. The wrapper was medium dark and firm, the light was good and it burned well in the wind. The taste was a mild dry barnyard leathery delight at first, and I assumed that it was medium bodied. At the mid point it became spicy, yet still pleasant. The strength increased, and became stout - therefore it is justifiably labeled a fuerte. The taste again mellowed in the last third. I would recommend it, but often prefer a cigar that is more consistent throughout.
I would dedicate this stogie to our former cowboy president (no - not Teddy Roosevelt), his Floridian brother, and their beloved father. GWB was a Texan, and can now enjoy a pleasant smoke, if he so desired, without the liberal MSM hounds. He started nice and pleasant, and then strong, but was weaker in his finish. I wonder if he gave up the fight too soon. The winds were really blowin, and he weathered them. I do wish he would have stayed to his conservative values. Overall I would pat him on the back, or give him a "high five". I really miss him now with the kooks in charge of the ship.
Well at least there is a good cigar to be thankful for...
Love that verse " Be still and know that I Am God"...need more of Him, too...
Saturday, July 25, 2009
fallout shelters and loose lips
They caught my President using twisted words "stupidly" when describing an event which he was not a part or a witness to. It involved feelings and skin color. The event twisted when it happened, and became even more twisted afterwards. He needed a fallout shelter, but an apology would have done wonders- from either the President, Mr Gates, or his backers- to Sgt Crowley!
We must use caution with choices of color, as color is not as important to the seasoned smoker as taste. I love a dark oily maduro but am occasionally drawn to a tasty Natural or Habano or Corojo wrapper. Even combining and layering the wrappers in barber pole or double/triple wrapper style seems to be in vogue. I have heard that it is a bad sign when a maduro bleeds color to your fingers, as if some dye has been added to darken it. When one chews on a cigar, sometimes their experience is different than if they had smoked the cigar with dry lips. Variety is the spice of life, and from our experience with genetics we have found hybrids are frequently superior to pure bred lines in both plants and animals. Then there is always variations in between: the dark natural, the EMS wrapper, and the lighter maduros.
As per the cigar of choice to go with this event... I have chosen a "Commemorative" Arganese Churchill Chairman Double Wrap. It is a great cigar which has a Connecticut shade wrapper wrapped together with a Brazilian Maduro wrapper. The cigar actually came out in 2007, so again mine is well-aged. It comes in a nice red box, that coupled with the word "Chairman" reminds me of Chairman Mao - which reminds me of our President's Socialist leanings, and his mixed heritage.
I would say, despite the above diatribe, that the cigar is very tasty. Mine was sweet and hickory/woody at start up with a mild coco flavor throughout. The cigar lit easily but the burn tended to angulate (like our President), but corrected a bit 1/2 way through. The smoke was hearty and enjoyably filled the air. The woody flavors seemed to mellow but predominated the entire cigar. I would call it medium bodied, but smooth. The taste of the chewed cigar was also excellent. The construction was good, and avoided the dreaded "churchill sponginess".
From the New York Post Editorials
Barak should just say those 2 words: I'm sorry
by Michael Goodwin
We must use caution with choices of color, as color is not as important to the seasoned smoker as taste. I love a dark oily maduro but am occasionally drawn to a tasty Natural or Habano or Corojo wrapper. Even combining and layering the wrappers in barber pole or double/triple wrapper style seems to be in vogue. I have heard that it is a bad sign when a maduro bleeds color to your fingers, as if some dye has been added to darken it. When one chews on a cigar, sometimes their experience is different than if they had smoked the cigar with dry lips. Variety is the spice of life, and from our experience with genetics we have found hybrids are frequently superior to pure bred lines in both plants and animals. Then there is always variations in between: the dark natural, the EMS wrapper, and the lighter maduros.
As per the cigar of choice to go with this event... I have chosen a "Commemorative" Arganese Churchill Chairman Double Wrap. It is a great cigar which has a Connecticut shade wrapper wrapped together with a Brazilian Maduro wrapper. The cigar actually came out in 2007, so again mine is well-aged. It comes in a nice red box, that coupled with the word "Chairman" reminds me of Chairman Mao - which reminds me of our President's Socialist leanings, and his mixed heritage.
I would say, despite the above diatribe, that the cigar is very tasty. Mine was sweet and hickory/woody at start up with a mild coco flavor throughout. The cigar lit easily but the burn tended to angulate (like our President), but corrected a bit 1/2 way through. The smoke was hearty and enjoyably filled the air. The woody flavors seemed to mellow but predominated the entire cigar. I would call it medium bodied, but smooth. The taste of the chewed cigar was also excellent. The construction was good, and avoided the dreaded "churchill sponginess".
From the New York Post Editorials
Barak should just say those 2 words: I'm sorry
by Michael Goodwin
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Lookin over the edge
Always looking for an everyday maduro cigar, every now and then an original cigar or idea will surface. In today's world its about keeping up with technology and the internet. Every once in a while we are able to glance back over our shoulder and encounter an excellent old idea. The Edge by Rocky Patel is and was that kind of stogie. Unbanded seconds (cigars) have been around in bundles for much longer than the unbanded first rate ones (The Edge, Omar Ortiz Originals, and the Camacho El Legend-Ario). The Edge is made in Honduras by Nestor Plascencia for Rocky Patel. Initially I tasted the corojo and the maduro toros, but with time have seen the maduro wrapper darkening and seeming to burst with more oil. The Edge can be found in boxes of 100 which are perfect for long term aging.
My cigar was smoked in concert with 6 fellow herfers, and all enjoyed excellent construction and burn. The 6x50 toro cigar was solid and very dark with a very oily sheen. The only downside to the wrapper was that the cap was very thin when punch cut. Wished It would have had a cuban cap! The draw was perfect, especially given the cigar density. As per taste: mine was consistent throughout with a slight sweet leathery peppery-ness which seemed to also include the taste of a strong iced coffee and unsweetened chocolate, maybe even a sense of almond(?). I would call it medium-bodied to full-bodied. The smoke was very pleasant and abundant.
Did this cigar compare with standing on the Grand Canyon and peering off the edge? probably not, but it may have compared to looking over my shoulder...
Maybe staying away from the precipice is not so bad... From my fellow herfer RL
Pretty close to edge I would say...
My cigar was smoked in concert with 6 fellow herfers, and all enjoyed excellent construction and burn. The 6x50 toro cigar was solid and very dark with a very oily sheen. The only downside to the wrapper was that the cap was very thin when punch cut. Wished It would have had a cuban cap! The draw was perfect, especially given the cigar density. As per taste: mine was consistent throughout with a slight sweet leathery peppery-ness which seemed to also include the taste of a strong iced coffee and unsweetened chocolate, maybe even a sense of almond(?). I would call it medium-bodied to full-bodied. The smoke was very pleasant and abundant.
Did this cigar compare with standing on the Grand Canyon and peering off the edge? probably not, but it may have compared to looking over my shoulder...
Maybe staying away from the precipice is not so bad... From my fellow herfer RL
Why It's "Limbaugh Redux" Time
Charles Cooper: Health Care Reform's Future May Rest On "The Great Rightwing Conspiracy"
"I hope liberalism fails? Liberalism is our problem. Liberalism is what's gotten us dangerously close to the precipice here," Limbaugh said on his radio talk show.Pretty close to edge I would say...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Puffin on a cigar or a cigar for the puffins
Stumbled upon a puffin exhibit at SeaWorld San Antonio, Texas. At the time I was dreaming of puffin on my favorite stogie. At first I thought it was a cigar shop, but no..., it turned out to be a special bird. Wikipedia has a good review, as does the Audubon Society. I love the very thought of a bird that can swim and fly. God did wonders when He made these creatures! So much for divergent evolution. Thank Him for the wonderful Brazilian tobacco, as well as aging in a nice humidor!
So I dedicate this cigar to those precious birds. They don't reside anywhere near Brazil, and neither do I. They would be eaten alive in the Amazon.
The CAO Brazilia Amazon is a 6x60 behemoth and a wonderful smoke. As far as I know, it was one of the first cigars to capitalize on the Brazilian maduro wrapper, and does well with the larger ring guage. CAO's marketing concepts have been mostly good, excellent in this case. I still remember enjoying my first box of the Gol! and the Ipanema.
My cigar this time had 2 years of in-cellophane aging in south Texas . It still had a strong binder, and a hearty smoke. The taste I would describe as leathery, as most of the peppery spice had faded significantly. It was medium bodied. I would say it lost some of the Brazilian flavor, but made up for it as the Nicaraguan filler blended well. It was very good. I would highly recommend it to the novice smoker as well as the well seasoned smoker.
Puffin this one for those silly birds!
So I dedicate this cigar to those precious birds. They don't reside anywhere near Brazil, and neither do I. They would be eaten alive in the Amazon.
The CAO Brazilia Amazon is a 6x60 behemoth and a wonderful smoke. As far as I know, it was one of the first cigars to capitalize on the Brazilian maduro wrapper, and does well with the larger ring guage. CAO's marketing concepts have been mostly good, excellent in this case. I still remember enjoying my first box of the Gol! and the Ipanema.
My cigar this time had 2 years of in-cellophane aging in south Texas . It still had a strong binder, and a hearty smoke. The taste I would describe as leathery, as most of the peppery spice had faded significantly. It was medium bodied. I would say it lost some of the Brazilian flavor, but made up for it as the Nicaraguan filler blended well. It was very good. I would highly recommend it to the novice smoker as well as the well seasoned smoker.
Puffin this one for those silly birds!
Friday, July 17, 2009
household blends
Still that stifling summer heat beats on my hat. Summer vacation morning smokes are always a challenge to select...given the heat. Many internet retailers have their own "house blends", including Thompson, Famous, JR, and Cigar.com. Most that I have sampled are ok smokes. Some stand out, as well. My standout today has 2 years of personal aging. It is the Cigar.com Red label maduro (CBLM) torpedo. It is a mild sweet smoke that lights and burns well. It has a slight chocolate sweet earthy taste, and short finish. It held up well to the windy heat and humidity of South Texas. It was also an excellent chew cigar. I believe it is Honduran filler, and Honduran made.
I continue to salute and pray for Honduras and the Honduran people. I am worried about liberty and freedom here. This country of ours is a house blend, from every nation...
My household is a blended one as well. The mix and blend is wonderful, in that we don't share any common DNA. We do share life and family.
I find that household blending provides some of the most remarkable lessons. All we share in common is nurture, nature's influence, and learning. The strength of that combination, when tauted and approached with intention, is hard to beat.
I would highly recommend this cigar, especially when price, quality, and taste are at issue- even if it is a "house blend".
I continue to salute and pray for Honduras and the Honduran people. I am worried about liberty and freedom here. This country of ours is a house blend, from every nation...
My household is a blended one as well. The mix and blend is wonderful, in that we don't share any common DNA. We do share life and family.
I find that household blending provides some of the most remarkable lessons. All we share in common is nurture, nature's influence, and learning. The strength of that combination, when tauted and approached with intention, is hard to beat.
I would highly recommend this cigar, especially when price, quality, and taste are at issue- even if it is a "house blend".
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Triple threat? scared?
Looking for a good maduro I stumbled upon the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro. I later found a box of a larger gauge toro that better fit my smoking preference. Loving both the CAO Brazilia and the CAO MX2 and loving Cusano cigars, I thought this would be a winner for sure!
The Cusano 18 Paired Maduro gordo is a CBLM wrapper, a Brazilian Matafina maduro wrapper and a Dominican Oro wrapper with a San Vincente Olor binder and fillers of Brazilian Matafina Maduro, 18 Year old Dominican Oro and Piloto Dominicano. It was '#1 Rated Cigar' by Cigar Insider in November 2005 and it also received a 89 by Cigar Insider (it probably was not the gordo size!). This cigar pairs three first-class wrappers with a spicy filler.
My cigar was rather spongy and not very densely packed, especially as compared to the robusto size. It actually seemed to smoke faster than the robusto. It seemed spongier than the churchill size as well. The initial taste was pleasant and sweet, before lighting. The spicy ligero dominated the taste, and thereby canceled any advantage gained by having a CBLM wrapper. It was thick and veiny, but nonetheless attractive. I would rather have divided the maduro tobacco and had two cigars, than one. The construction was satisfactory, otherwise. This would have been better with a glass of scotch.
Now for some politically incorrect news:
More twist on mixing two...via NRO and Mark Steyn and The Corner
Queer Tee For The Straight Jew
and via UPI.com
Same-sex Penguin couple split
Maybe sometimes mixes are too much...
The Cusano 18 Paired Maduro gordo is a CBLM wrapper, a Brazilian Matafina maduro wrapper and a Dominican Oro wrapper with a San Vincente Olor binder and fillers of Brazilian Matafina Maduro, 18 Year old Dominican Oro and Piloto Dominicano. It was '#1 Rated Cigar' by Cigar Insider in November 2005 and it also received a 89 by Cigar Insider (it probably was not the gordo size!). This cigar pairs three first-class wrappers with a spicy filler.
My cigar was rather spongy and not very densely packed, especially as compared to the robusto size. It actually seemed to smoke faster than the robusto. It seemed spongier than the churchill size as well. The initial taste was pleasant and sweet, before lighting. The spicy ligero dominated the taste, and thereby canceled any advantage gained by having a CBLM wrapper. It was thick and veiny, but nonetheless attractive. I would rather have divided the maduro tobacco and had two cigars, than one. The construction was satisfactory, otherwise. This would have been better with a glass of scotch.
Now for some politically incorrect news:
More twist on mixing two...via NRO and Mark Steyn and The Corner
Queer Tee For The Straight Jew
and via UPI.com
Same-sex Penguin couple split
Maybe sometimes mixes are too much...
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