Review – God of Fire by Carlito, Piramide 2006

This is the first in a new series of reviews of cigars given to us by the good folks at Cigars Direct. Featured this time is the God of Fire by Carlito, Piramide 2006.

Vitola: Torpedo

Origin: Dominican Republic

Length: 6 3/8”

Ring Gauge: 52

Filler: Dom. Rep.

Binder: Dom. Rep.

Wrapper: Cameroon

Strength: Medium-to-Full

Price: $285.95 (box of 10)

This cigar is produced in the Dominican Republic at Tabacalera A.Fuente y Cia. for Prometheus. It features a beautiful Cameroon wrapper and a skillfully executed torpedo shape.

God of Fire is the creation of Keith K. Park, founder and CEO of Prometheus International, Inc.; maker of fine lighters, humidors, and ashtrays. Keith’s start in the lighter business dates back to 1992, in partnership with his brother and father. He set off on his own in 1997 and first teamed up with Carlos Fuente Jr. (‘Carlito’) in 1999 on a special project to make a limited edition OpusX humidor.

In 2003 Keith and Carlito forged the idea of creating a line of cigars for Keith’s fast-growing Prometheus company. The God of Fire cigars come in only two blends, one designed by Carlito and the other by his father, Carlos Sr. Carlito’s blend is described as being the stronger of the two. Carlos Sr.’s blend of the 2005 vintage, in the robusto size, recently received a rating of 93 by Cigar Aficionado. This torpedo, the Piramide, is a new addition to the line, making it’s debut in the 2006 vintage, and in Carlito's blend.

(click on images to enlarge)

Two bands adorn the God of Fire cigars. The first and primary band depicts the Greek tale of Prometheus, punished by Zeus for giving fire to humans. The second band lists the vintage (the year the cigar was rolled) and also the name of the blender (Carlito or Carlos Sr.).

The current release boasts two years of aging, as is customary for the line, having been rolled in 2006 and held until this year to achieve a level of refinement rarely seen in these high-demand, fast-paced times. The benefit is obvious. The cigars regularly receive accolades, such as the “Best of the Best” award given by Robb Report back in June to the Double Robusto by Carlito.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a glass of Glenmorangie "Port Cask" Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The construction on this Fuente-made cigar is as good as any. The wrapper was smooth and shiny with a bit of tooth visible. The foot smelled of dark caramel. The pre-light draw added a tea character to the caramel. Only a slight modeled pattern in the wrapper, near the foot, detracted from it’s elegant appearance. To my great satisfaction, it drew and burned perfectly, so clearly roll quality was right on. This cigar produced a satisfying amount of smoke and the very white colored ash was one of the most stable I’ve seen in a long time, holding on for well more than 0ne and a half inches.

The flavor started out surprisingly smooth, no doubt indicative of the two years of aging. At the one-third mark, mild sense of coffee was soon joined by anise. At the half-way point, Carlito’s strength came to bear and the flavors intensified; the subtle anise now joined by leather. Never dry on the palate, it continued on like this to the end.

My rating for the God of Fire by Carlito, Piramide 2006 is 92.

Here's the points breakdown:

I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)

II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)

III. Smoking Characteristics: 25 pts (100% of the points possible)

IV. Overall Impression: 31 pts (89% of the points possible)

It’s not every day you get an opportunity to experience a cigar rarity such as this. Fortuantely, Cigars Direct has the ten-count boxes and also convenient 5-packs. Get your hands on some while they’re still available.

© 2008 The Cohiba Club All rights reserved.

Herf #18 – Back to Basics

November 2nd, 2008 - Shoreline, WA

In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John L., Joe , Eric, Tom, John O., Peter, and Bruce. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

The nine of us dined at nearby Saltoro in Shoreline, where steaks and burgers were ordered all around. The great food was paired with wine, Scotch and a couple martinis, before heading over to John’s place to begin the tasting session and enjoy some much needed relaxation and camaraderie.

Our selection for this Herf was the Padron 6000 (natural). A sharp-tipped torpedo measuring 5 1/2 inches long with a ring guage of 52. This Padron was Cigar of the Week back on October 13th which received a 91 from Cigar Aficionado's expert tasting panel.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting. This proved to be a very well-liked cigar among our group of tasters.

After averaging our scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the Padron 6000 (Natural) Torpedo is 89. An excellent cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 31 pts (89% of the points possible)

Made by the Padron family in Nicaragua, this cigar’s wrapper had a consistent, yet robust look to it, indicative of solid craftsmanship. The roll quality was a display in art with a beautifully executed taper complimenting a moderate firmness throughout.

All but one of these cigars drew freely (a couple actually drew too freely) while one had a plug. Everyone quickly commented on how relatively mild this cigar seemed in comparison to some of our previous herf selections. Adequate amounts of smoke were produced and the ashes were mostly stable and rather light in color. The burn on our samples was mostly quite even, though a couple did require re-lights toward the end.

The flavors were pleasant, but not particularly inspiring. A basic ‘tobacco’ flavor was predominate for most of us. There was perhaps a bit of wood in there, with a smooth and easy finish that was somewhat on the dry side. Everyone agreed on it starting out mild and progressing to no more than medium strength and body.

All in all, a very enjoyable cigar which we highly recommend.
See you at the next herf, December 7th.

Cigar Bars - Victory Bar & Cigar

Victory Bar & Cigar

56 Shrewsbury St.

Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 756-4747

Club member Robert recently observed, "They ask that you purchase your cigars there. Have no fear, it has a top-shelf selections with reasonable prices. Even my favorite Don Pepin is well represented alongside Oliva, Davidoff, Ashton, CAO, Monte Cristo, Gurkha and H Upmann. Excellent beer and wine selection and the best smoke filters I've come across. Definitely stop by."

From their website:

When in Worcester, we invite you to discover our lounge and smoking rooms. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a premium hand rolled cigar with your favorite spirit. We guarantee a very comfortable environment and you will always receive a great value at the Victory Bar & Cigar in my home town of Worcester, Massachusetts. If I can be of service, please feel free to call or write anytime.
Sincerely, Mark W. Piscillo

www.victorycigarbar.com

Casa Fuente Cigars Revisited

Excerpted from "Desert Leaf " by Aaron Sigmond

The Casa Fuente cigar from A. Fuente -- exclusive in more ways than one. (click image to enlarge)

For most Fuente cigar enthusiasts, a visit to Las Vegas would be incomplete without venturing over to the world's only Casa Fuente, a trip itself incomplete without smoking at least one (one box, that is) of their favorite Casa Fuente "house" cigar.

What's more, the cigar is sold exclusively at the cigar bar and boutique; they don’t accept Web or phone orders. As managing partner Michael Frey told me when Casa Fuente first opened: "You either need to come here and buy them yourself, or have a friend in Vegas if you want the Casa Fuente cigars. Period. If not, then you're out of luck."

With a Cameroon wrapper and Dominican binder and filler, the cigar continues in the tradition of the Don Carlos and Ashton Heritage lines, albeit with some unique taste notes. It may take a little doing to get your hands on these sticks, but since they are available in a full seven sizes, once you do, there's most assuredly a size for you.

Belicoso fino: $23

Robusto: $21

Corona Gorda: $18

Double Robusto: $22

Churchill: $25

Double Corona: $28

Pyramid: $26

Credit to Cigar Report Daily

Gift Review – Padilla Series ’68 Torpedo

Another in our ongoing series of occasional reviews of cigars given to us as gifts. Featured this time is the Padilla Series ’68 Torpedo, given to me by club member Pat back in March.

Vitola: Torpedo
Origin: Honduras
Length: 6 1/8”
Ring Gauge: 52
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo & Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo
Wrapper: Corojo
Strength: Medium to Full
Price: around $6.00

Produced for Padilla by Flores Tobacco in Honduras, it features a medium-colored Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper and a skillfully executed torpedo shape. The current Cigar Aficionado rating for it is 87.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a glass of Bacardi 8 Rum.

Despite a few rough veins in the wrapper, it appeared very well-constructed. Unfortunately, the draw was way too tight. This affected the amount of smoke I was getting out of it, of course. I also found the ash a little on the darker side of grey, but it was stable enough.

It’s too bad I had so much trouble with the draw because the flavors were quite nice. An initial spice yielded to leather & wood, before the ending became peppery. All in all, however, it just wasn’t that great of a cigar smoking experience due to the draw being so tough.

My rating for the Padilla Series ’68 Torpedo is 81. Still a 'very good' cigar.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 19 pts (76% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 28 pts (80% of the points possible)

Herf #17 - Gentle Giant

October 5th, 2008 - Shoreline, WA

In attendance were Fernand, Pat, Joe , Tom, Peter, and Bruce. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

The six of us were treated to a very special dinner prepared by Fernand’s wife, Debra. It featured her famous bourbon glaze salmon, a tantalizing fruit-topped spinach salad, and a very creative sun-dried tomato and pepper couscous. There was not so much as a crumb left. Once everyone had their fill, it was time for the tasting session. Beverages included beer, wine, bourbon, port, and rum.

Our selection for this Herf was the Alec Bradley Tempus ‘Centuria’. A dark looking, sweet smelling churchill measuring 7 inches long with a ring guage of 49. This Alec Bradley was Cigar of the Week back on September 15th which received a 94 from Cigar Aficionado's expert tasting panel.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting. This proved to be a very well-liked cigar among our group of tasters.

After averaging our scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the Alec Bradley Tempus ‘Centuria’ churchill is 91. An outstanding cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 23 pts (92% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 33 pts (94% of the points possible)

Made by Alan Rubin in Honduras, this cigar’s wrapper had a dark, well-aged look that gave off a sweet smell; rich from fermentation. The texture was smooth and velvety and the roll quality was firm and uniform across the group of our six samples.

These cigars drew perfectly. Everyone commented how it was just the way they liked it. Ample amounts of smooth smoke were produced. The ashes, however, could have been more stable and maybe even a little lighter in color. The burn was very even, though a few did require a couple re-lights as things progressed.

We all got some spice initially, but that soon calmed down nicely. The flavors were rich & meaty and the intensity would come and go. At one point I actually got the notion of meats over smoldering wood chips in a smoker with even a subtle garlic in there. Everyone kept commenting how smooth it was for such a full-bodied cigar.

All in all, a very enjoyable cigar which we highly recommend.
See you at the next herf, November 2nd.

Cigar Bars - The Occidental

The Occidental Cigar Club
471 Pine St

San Francisco, CA 94104

Phone: (415) 834-0485www.occidentalcigarclub.com

Cohiba Club co-founder Robert says,
"A great atmosphere and friendly regulars. Limited selection in the humidor, but very good scotches as well as other liquors, and an extensive wine list.
Don't worry about the limited cigar selection, Grant's Tobacconists has a great walk-in humidor just a short walk away at 562 Market St.
Bring your wallet, it's San Francisco."

Herf #16 – How Sweet It Is

September 7th, 2008 - Edmonds, WA

In attendance were Fernand, John, Pat, Tom, Peter, and Bruce. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

The six of us devoured every last morsel of Pat’s home-made lasagna (heavy on the meat). Combined with salad and garlic bread, it was a meal just begging for a good after-dinner stogie. Once everyone had their fill, it was time for the tasting session. Beverages included beer, Syrah, Cognac, port, and Scotch.

Our selection for this Herf was the LA FLOR DOMINICANA LIGERO OSCURO L-250. A dark looking, sweet smelling robusto measuring 4 3/4 inches long with a ring guage of 48. This La Flor was Cigar of the Week back on August 18th which received a 90 from Cigar Aficionado's expert tasting panel.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting. This proved to be a very well-liked cigar among our group of tasters.

After averaging our scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the La Flor Dominicana L-250 robusto is 89. An excellent cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 32 pts (91% of the points possible)

With a dark, seductive-looking wrapper that gave off a sweet, rich smell, the anticipation was instant and unanimous. The wrappers may have been a little rough looking, but the roll quality was firm and uniform across the group of our samples.

These cigars drew perfectly. Everyone commented how it was just the way they liked it. Ample amounts of smooth smoke were produced and the ashes were quite stable. The burn was very even, for the most part, just wavering a bit (and requiring a couple re-lights) toward the end.

The flavor was tasty right away, sweet and rich, with a great balance of gentle spice and a background strength that came and went as we progressed. Though the label reads Ligero, we were all pleasantly surprised how smooth and easy smokin’ these cigars were. No one complained of excessive strength and most of these got pretty short, capping off a beautiful September evening.

All in all, a very enjoyable cigar which we highly recommend.
See you at the next herf, October 5th.

Gift Review - Havana Dreams 'Datil'

Another in our ongoing series of occasional reviews of cigars given to us as gifts. Featured this time is the Havana Dreams ‘Datil’, given to me by club member Robert back in November of 2007.

Vitola: Robusto
Origin: Tampa
Length: 5”
Ring Gauge: 50
MSRP: $5.00

Produced in Tampa’s Ybor City by Cuban refugee Lazaro Rodriguez, it features a somewhat rustic looking wrapper that’s still pleasingly crafted.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a glass of scotch.

With a pretty toothy texture, it comes off looking a little rough, but the roll quality was fine. This cigar drew a little tight, but it burned perfectly; which surprised me. I guess the appearance just didn’t give me confidence that it would perform well – but it did. The amount of smoke and the build of the ash were ok.

The flavors started out with a sweetness on the lips that had me wondering if they dip the tips in sugar. I didn’t come away from it recalling discernable flavors and it never really wowed me, but it was just a nice average cigar. If anything, it left me intrigued; ultimately I suppose that I really need to try more of them one day.

My rating for the Havana Dreams ‘Datil’ robusto is 84. A very good cigar.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 20 pts (80% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 28 pts (80% of the points possible)

Herf #15 - Coming to 'America'

August 10th, 2008 - Woodway, WA

In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John, Pat, Matt, and Sean. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

The five of us who came to John’s house were this month’s lucky few to experience (for the 2nd time) the bounty of John’s kitchen. The slow-cooked Cuban pork, black beans, rice, and a wonderful garlic sauce were all amazing and washed down with some of Fernand and Pat’s home brewed summer ale. Once everyone had their fill, it was time for the tasting session. Beverages included Robert’s cigar malt Scotch and John’s espresso.

Our selection for this Herf was the CAO America ‘Monument’ Torpedo. A beautiful pin-striped figurado measuring 6 and 1/4 inches long with a ring guage of 54. This America was Cigar of the Week back on March 3rd which received a 90 from Cigar Aficionado's expert tasting panel.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting. This proved to be a very well-liked cigar among our group of tasters.

After averaging our scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the CAO America ‘Monument’ Torpedo is 90. An outstanding cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 23 pts (92% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 32 pts (91% of the points possible)

With the double wrapper providing a gorgeous pin-stripe effect, we found ourselves captivated by the appearance of this cigar. These cigars all drew perfectly and produced ample amounts of pleasant smoke.

A couple of us did experience splitting wrappers as a result of the build-up of internal heat and moisture, but the cigars continued to smoke right on through with no performance detriment. The ashes were white and stable, for the most part, and some got quite long (though one did ‘flake’ a little bit).

The flavor was fairly mild up front, which gradually increased as we progressed. There was some sweetness, perhaps caramel-like. Unfortunately, some bitterness did creep in during the 2nd half, but certainly not enough to diminish the overall experience.

All in all, a very enjoyable cigar which we highly recommend.
See you at the next herf, September 7th.

Gift Review – Gurkha Vintage Shaggy Churchill

Another in our ongoing series of occasional reviews of cigars given to us as gifts. Featured this time is the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage “Shaggy” Churchill, given to me by club member Pat back in December of ‘07.

Vitola: Churchill

Origin: Dominican Republic

Length: 7

Ring Gauge: 52

Filler: Dom. Rep., 5yr aged

Binder: Dom. Rep., 5yr aged

Wrapper: Dominican, natural, 8yr aged

Strength: Medium

MSRP: $7.70

Produced by Kaizad Hansotia’s Beach Cigar Group, the Dominican puro features a somewhat course-looking wrapper and eye-catching ‘shaggy’ (uncut) foot. The current Cigar Aficionado rating for it is 85.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a pale ale.

The course wrapper gave it a rather rustic looking appearance and texture. The draw required a bit of a tug, but this thing burned perfectly! This cigar could have produced a little more smoke for my liking. The ash, like the quality of burn, was super.

The flavor, though not particularly complex, was very pleasant throughout. In the 2nd half I did get a chocolaty sort of sweet character which was very nice. All in all, a very good cigar smoking experience.

My rating for the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage Churchill is 86. An excellent cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:

I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)

Herf #14 – Mixing It Up

July 6th, 2008 - Edmonds, WA

In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John, Pat, and Joe. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

Unfortunately, this time an ordering snafu resulted in us not getting our selected cigar in time. They did arrive the day after the herf and will be carefully stored and enjoyed on the 10th of August at Herf #15.

The five of us were treated to delicious homemade brews and salsas, crafted by Pat, as we relaxed and chatted out on his back deck. The slow-cooked chili he served up was fabulous and really hit the spot. Once everyone had their fill, it was time for the tasting session; which took on a different twist for us this time since the occasion was now a BYOC event.

Not to be deterred by this change of operation, we persisted in our tradition of rating the cigars that we smoke together. As it happened, two of the guys smoked the same cigar so we have four cigar ratings to present this time; there were two Don Pepins smoked, one Gurkha, a Rocky Patel, and a Vegas Robaina. The ratings, done in our customary fashon, follow Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression). The ratings are as follows:

89 and 89 given by Robert and Pat for the Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label Invictos (robusto), an excellent cigar.

Here's their points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 15 and 14 pts (100% and 93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 23 and 22 pts (92% and 88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 20 and 21 pts (80% and 84% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 33 and 31 pts (94% and 89% of the points possible)

86 given by Fernand for the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage Churchill, an excellent cigar.

Here's his points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)

93 given by John for the Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo, an outstanding cigar.

Here's his points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 24 pts (96% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 33 pts (94% of the points possible)

84 given by Joe for the Vegas Robaina Famoso (robusto), a very good cigar.

Here's his points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 19 pts (76% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)