Vito Makes A Cigar
I was rummaging through the humidor the other day looking for something to smoke and came across a cigar with a crime boss on the label. I figured, the hell with the stereotype, let’s give this a try. Upon first glance this is a nice looking cigar with a natural wrapper that’s slightly veiny. There is both a regular band and a foot band as well that bears the signature of the...
Hugo Cassar Corona
finished The Ventura Cigar Company is an extension of Kretek International, a private company noted for its clove cigarettes and chaired by Hugh Cassar. Kretek is also known for Djeep lighters and other products. This cigar, named after Cassar, upon first appearance is not as smooth as you might hope, but this...
Guillermo Leon Signature Indeed
Guillermo Leon is the man behind La Aurora cigars and a fifth generation cigar maker. A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down with the assistant director of marketing for his company, Miami Cigar and Company. When asked what his favorite was he pointed to this line. Yesterday, I enjoyed this nice cigar as well. The Guillermo Leon Signature line, a part of La Aurora is an...
La Sirena Sings the Right Notes
What can you say about a cigar whose band is overwhelming? In this case – plenty. I was looking for a short smoke tonight and selected the La Sirena Prince. This is a cigar made by Miami Cigar and Company. They make great cigars in Nicaragua. Recently, I was a guest of Barry Stein at their cigar bar Lounge1 in Miami and we enjoyed some great cigar talk and a nice stick. This...
PowerHouse by Cuban Crafters – a Full Bodied Smoke
A couple of weeks ago I spend a nice afternoon at Cuban Crafters in Miami. It is a colossal store, with a large walk-in humidor, barbershop, wine shop, coffee bar, and lounge. It is at this location that they roll their Miami series cigars. At the factory in Nicaragua, they roll many others including the Powerhouse. It comes in two shapes, a giant Chairman of the Board and a Belicoso....
Padron 2000 – Legacy Deserved
I was visiting some non-smoking friends this weekend in Tampa. I know, how can you live in a cigar capital and not smoke! But, they at least allowed me a small cigar with my bourbon on Saturday evening. I had a few sticks with me and decided on the Padron 2000. I have, over the years, on special occasions enjoyed some of their more pricey and notable lines, but it had been quite a while...
