Before Hammer + Sickle got into the cigar business they were in the spirits business. Hammer + Sickle Vodka begins their process in the Black Earth region of central Russia where arctic temperatures produce an excellent crop. Every spring the wheat is harvested and shipped to their distillery in Klin where small batches of ultra smooth vodka are created. With the addition of Ginger Beer with lime to their arsenal the ingredients for a Moscow Mule […]
Perhaps one of the most talked about releases at IPCPR was the Padron 50th Anniversary which will be presented in a gorgeous humidor and released in early December. However, the 50 Years Family Reserve by Padron has hit the shelves, perhaps earlier then expected. Site sponsor Two Guys Smoke Shop, received their order today. In honor of Jose Padron opening his first shop 50 years ago today on September 8th, 1964 in Little Havana a section […]
This past Friday, the Cigar Association of New Hampshire (C.A.N.H.) had its annual golf tournament to raise money to help fight growing legislation against the industry. The Cigar Association of New Hampshire brings together the top shops of New Hampshire, which helps keep the state tax-free on tobacco, and allowing liquor licenses in cigar bars. Without the united front they could face many of the issues that happen all to often around the world. The event […]
I’ve long considered Jose Blanco to be not only my friend, but to a degree my mentor. We email each other on a regular basis, and he has always been there for me with words of support. In fact, it was Jose Blanco that gave me my first lesson on tobacco that went above and beyond his renowned tasting seminar. Today’s cigar is the freshman release from the Jose Blanco owned Los Cumbres Tobacco. The […]
In the 11 weeks that I have been a part of The Cigar Authority, this is the third Illusione review I have done. Before you start calling a party foul, I asked my co-work Ed Santamaria to reach into my humidor to pick out today’s review. In the past we have reviewed the Illusione 68, and Gigantes. According to their website, “A cigar for the masses. Price vs. quality – unmatched in the marketplace. The illusione […]
The Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic hasn’t been in production for sometime, and when it was they were available as part of a lancero sampler from My Father Cigars, and also in 50 count boxes via New England sales representatives, The Cigar Agency. Site sponsor 2GuysCigars.com has them available as part of a sampler pack. In fact, these cigars might be the last 100 available. When I first reviewed the cigar as part of my […]
Founded in 1989 by two Cuban immigrants, Mariana & Nestor Miranda; Miami Cigar & Company is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. As part of the celebration they have rebranded their signature line and today we have the first of 3 reviews over the coming months. The Nestor Miranda Collection is available in three wrappers. Cigar: Nestor Miranda Collection Size: 4.5 x 50 (Robusto) Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Strength: Mild/Medium The Look: At first look you question whether or not this […]
Today’s episode is sure to ruffle some feathers as we look into cigar manufacturers, media members, and cigar celebrities and their twitter accounts. All those friends, aren’t always what they appear to be as we expose a very ugly practice that some choose to utilize. Also on the show we discuss the Supreme Court of Nebraska stating that the exemption given to cigar shops and lounges is unconstitutional. Cigar: Aging Room Bin No. 1 Classic Day […]
Azan Burgundy was first introduced to me by a friend in Florida at a local cigar event. They are made by Roberto Duran in Nicaragua, but the brand was started by a family member in 1928, Cuba. After the original line was shut down during the Cuban Revolution it was restarted in Esteli in 2012, where the factory and farms are run by Cubans utilizing many of the same methods as Habanos in their homeland. […]
Having been all over the world, I have been in some cigar shops that have been a down right disaster that in all honesty should be condemned. Then there are shops that are Diamond Crown Lounges, which are a step above. These shops exude class and comfort with a staff that is most knowledgeable. 2 Guys Smoke Shop in New Hampshire is one of these lounges and today’s smoke is an exclusive to shops that […]