A Macanudo Duo – part 2
To pick up where we left off, today is the second in a two part series reviewing the new gigante shapes from Macanudo. This shape has become very popular in recent years and I expect that we will see even larger cigars in August at the national trade show. By the way, what is the largest real cigar you know of or have smoked? I have seen a cigar called the chief by Puros Indios. Someone...
H. Upmann Reserve
I probably haven’t smoked an Upmann cigar in over 20 years. Yet, back when I was in college, in the stone age, I used to smoke them all of the time. One of my favorites was the H. Upmann 2000, which, at the time time, could be had for the princely sum of about $22.00 a box. Oh, and what a cigar it was. A medium bodied beauty, filled with complex flavors and a wonderful construction....
Illsione Candela Lancero
Illusione is a boutique cigar made by Dion Giolito. His background in the cigar business is well detailed on his web site. With a music background, and having worked in the cigar business for years, Dion got into manufacturing after buying some cigars from Pete Johnson and deciding that he liked them so much he wanted more. When he ws told they were unavailable he became intrigued...
Tatuaje – A First Foray
For many years I have heard good things about Tatuaje and Pete Johnson. In fact, I met Pete at a Big Smoke years ago when he was first starting out in the cigar business. Little did I know then that this nice guy with lots of tattoos would become a huge cigar maker with an excellent reputation. Regardless, for whatever reason, I never smoked one of his sticks until now. When you first look...
La Aroma de Cuba
A few years ago this was a cigar that I smoked regularly. It had been suggested to me by a friend who thought it was a good smoke at a great price. One day I went into the tobacco shop only to find that the blend was changing. I really didn’t understand why since it was a good cigar at a great price and may dealers had told me that it sold well. Nevertheless, change it did. I...
A Dark Knight Shines on Second Blush
To be honest, this is the second stick of this vitola that I smoked. Both came as a gift from General Cigar as part of their ambassador program aorund Thanksgiving. And, the first was not anything to write home about. Others who got this package also felt the smae way. But, tonight, I decided to give it another shot. And, I was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps a few months in the humidor...
