On behalf of our Members and Charter Members, we wish you the warmest of holidays and all the blessings of the season.
Here's to your happiness and prosperity in 2010.Sincerely,
The Cohiba Club Founders - Robert, Fernand, John
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Merry Christmas To All !
[Note: No posts while this blogger is out-of-town for the holidays.]
On behalf of our Members and Charter Members, we wish you the warmest of holidays and all the blessings of the season.
Here's to your happiness and prosperity in 2010.
Sincerely,
The Cohiba Club Founders - Robert, Fernand, John
On behalf of our Members and Charter Members, we wish you the warmest of holidays and all the blessings of the season.
Here's to your happiness and prosperity in 2010.Sincerely,
The Cohiba Club Founders - Robert, Fernand, John
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Cigar of the Week (December 21st, 2009)
ILLUSIONE EPERNAY LE FERMEVITOLA: Robusto
ORIGIN: Honduras
LENGTH: 5 1/4"
RING GAUGE: 48
FILLER: Nicaragua
BINDER: Nicaragua
WRAPPER: Nicaragua
Beautifully rolled with an oily wrapper and round head. The first puffs have an incense and leather character, then take on spice and Sauternes notes on the finish.
PRICE: $8.50
SOURCE: Cigar Aficionado
Cigars of the Week are recently recommended cigars and the finalists from which we make our monthly herf selection.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Viva la Vertigo!
Last Friday, The Cohiba Club founders (John, Robert, Fernand) were lucky enough to be invited to visit The Vertigo Club by our good friends from 10-7ha, Herman and Daniel.
Wow. To say that we were impressed doesn't come close. We were downright spoiled while we were there. Herman and his lovely wife Julie fed us with a staggering array of hors d'oeuvres and tasty treats. The selection at the bar left us speechless with exotic rums, cognacs, bourbons, and scotch whiskeys to die for.
We enjoyed meeting owning partners Bill and Adam. They welcomed us very warmly and made us feel right at home. They should be very proud of what they have created. They've done a fine job with the place and it's very clear that much thought has been put into every comfort.
Here's a few snapshots from the evening:
Wow. To say that we were impressed doesn't come close. We were downright spoiled while we were there. Herman and his lovely wife Julie fed us with a staggering array of hors d'oeuvres and tasty treats. The selection at the bar left us speechless with exotic rums, cognacs, bourbons, and scotch whiskeys to die for.
We enjoyed meeting owning partners Bill and Adam. They welcomed us very warmly and made us feel right at home. They should be very proud of what they have created. They've done a fine job with the place and it's very clear that much thought has been put into every comfort.
Here's a few snapshots from the evening:
John, Herman, Fernand
Daniel
Robert, Fernand
Robert, Fernand, John
Thanks again to Herman, Daniel, Bill, and Adam!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cigar of the Week (December 14th, 2009)
CUVEE 151VITOLA: Robusto
ORIGIN: Dominican Republic
LENGTH: 5"
RING GAUGE: 50
WRAPPER: Brazilian Maduro
Extremely dark wrapper with a good amount of oil. Deep, musty, floral pre-light aroma and flavor. Just a slight tug on the draw with impeccable construction. Creamy mouth feel with a lot of spice through the nose. Complex character with a lot of development in the flavor and body throughout. Cigar has a lot of finesse, extremely well-made.
LENGTH: 5"
RING GAUGE: 50
WRAPPER: Brazilian Maduro
Extremely dark wrapper with a good amount of oil. Deep, musty, floral pre-light aroma and flavor. Just a slight tug on the draw with impeccable construction. Creamy mouth feel with a lot of spice through the nose. Complex character with a lot of development in the flavor and body throughout. Cigar has a lot of finesse, extremely well-made.
COST: about $7.40
SOURCE: Cigar Press
SOURCE: Cigar Press
Cigars of the Week are recently recommended cigars and the finalists from which we make our monthly herf selection.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Herf 30 – Braving the Cold
December 6th, 2009 – Shoreline, WA
In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John L., Joe, Bruce, Patrick (via Skype), Peter, and John H. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a recently recommended cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group-tasting' following dinner.
The seven of us in Shoreline dined on smoked pork roast, wasabi coleslaw, garlic-cheese grits, green beans & shallots seared in soy sauce, tequila sweet potatoes, and a mixed green salad. Once dinner ended it was time to brave the cold huddled under the patio heater and do our best in the sub-freezing outdoors.
Our selection for this herf was the Padilla Signature 1932 Torpedo. Though no longer made by Don Pepin Garcia, since 2008, we were lucky to obtain these first generation smokes. The Robusto version of the Padilla ‘32 was our Cigar of the Week back on November 9th. The previous Cigar Aficionado rating for the Pepin-made Torpedo was 92 (May, 2007).
Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting while enjoying a few microbrews, Aberlour Scotch whiskey, Crown Royal, and eventually (as we got colder) some piping-hot cider, spiked with a little Captain Morgan’s Tattoo.
The texture and appearance was pretty rough on many of our cigars, with bumpy veins clearly visible. In fact, the Appearance and Construction category earned the lowest percentage of points possible, 87%. The roll quality seemed well-crafted due to it’s beautiful torpedo shape and a fine draw.
Most burned really well producing very pleasant smoke and some of the longest ashes we’ve seen this year, as is evident in these photos. In contrast to texture and appearance, the scoring for smoking characteristics came in highest, earning 92% of the points possible.
The flavors were instantly enjoyable; no bitterness or harshness whatsoever (or at any point, for that matter). The initial tastes led off with gentle cedar, but we were prepared for the intensity to ramp up quickly. That increase never materialized. Instead, what we got was a very nice, mild-to-medium cigar with mellow flavors; not particularly discernable, but definitely enjoyable nonetheless.
After throwing out the highest and lowest, then averaging the remaining scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the Padilla Signature 1932 Torpedo 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: 23 pts (92% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 31 pts (89% of the points possible)
In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John L., Joe, Bruce, Patrick (via Skype), Peter, and John H. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a recently recommended cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group-tasting' following dinner.
The seven of us in Shoreline dined on smoked pork roast, wasabi coleslaw, garlic-cheese grits, green beans & shallots seared in soy sauce, tequila sweet potatoes, and a mixed green salad. Once dinner ended it was time to brave the cold huddled under the patio heater and do our best in the sub-freezing outdoors.
Our selection for this herf was the Padilla Signature 1932 Torpedo. Though no longer made by Don Pepin Garcia, since 2008, we were lucky to obtain these first generation smokes. The Robusto version of the Padilla ‘32 was our Cigar of the Week back on November 9th. The previous Cigar Aficionado rating for the Pepin-made Torpedo was 92 (May, 2007).Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting while enjoying a few microbrews, Aberlour Scotch whiskey, Crown Royal, and eventually (as we got colder) some piping-hot cider, spiked with a little Captain Morgan’s Tattoo.
The texture and appearance was pretty rough on many of our cigars, with bumpy veins clearly visible. In fact, the Appearance and Construction category earned the lowest percentage of points possible, 87%. The roll quality seemed well-crafted due to it’s beautiful torpedo shape and a fine draw.Most burned really well producing very pleasant smoke and some of the longest ashes we’ve seen this year, as is evident in these photos. In contrast to texture and appearance, the scoring for smoking characteristics came in highest, earning 92% of the points possible.
The flavors were instantly enjoyable; no bitterness or harshness whatsoever (or at any point, for that matter). The initial tastes led off with gentle cedar, but we were prepared for the intensity to ramp up quickly. That increase never materialized. Instead, what we got was a very nice, mild-to-medium cigar with mellow flavors; not particularly discernable, but definitely enjoyable nonetheless.After throwing out the highest and lowest, then averaging the remaining scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the Padilla Signature 1932 Torpedo 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: 23 pts (92% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 31 pts (89% of the points possible)
In the end, the flavor profile just wasn’t very complex. We all agreed that it was a smooth and easy smokin’ cigar, but some of us were left wanting a tad more. Still, 89 is not too shabby. We do recommend you pick up a couple the next time you want a break from full-bodied sticks.
It should be noted that one cigar did emit a glob of bitter tar at about the halfway point, but this appeared to be an isolated incident. Unfortunately, it meant the end of the ride for that particular taster.
It should be noted that one cigar did emit a glob of bitter tar at about the halfway point, but this appeared to be an isolated incident. Unfortunately, it meant the end of the ride for that particular taster. Thanks to J & J Cigars for giving us such a good deal on these cigars!
See you at the next herf, January 3rd.
See you at the next herf, January 3rd.
.
Photo credit to club co-founder Robert.
© 2009 The Cohiba Club – All rights reserved.
© 2009 The Cohiba Club – All rights reserved.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Cigar of the Week (December 7th, 2009)
XIKAR HC HABANO COLORADO BELICOSOVITOLA: Figurado
ORIGIN: Nicaragua
LENGTH: 6"
RING GAUGE: 54
FILLER: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras
BINDER: Nicaragua
WRAPPER: Nicaragua
A dark, oily, gorgeous cigar that shows it's strength from the first puff. It is a peppery, leathery smoke with a black cherry note on the finish.
PRICE: $9.25
SOURCE: Cigar Aficionado
Cigars of the Week are recently recommended cigars and the finalists from which we make our monthly herf selection.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cigar Review – Avo No. 2
by club charter member Pat
This is the final in series of reviews of cigars given to us by the good folks at Cigars Direct. Featured this time is the Avo No. 2.
Vitola: Corona Gorda
Origin: Dominican Republic
Length: 6”
Ring Gauge: 50
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Strength: Medium
Price: $162.95 (box of 25)
Inspired by legendary, Armenian jazz legend Avo Uvezian, this brand is produced by OK Cigar Corp. It features a beautiful Ecuadorian wrapper and a reliable parejo shape.
Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I conducted this tasting back in July.
The appearance on this cigar was a not quite up to the usual Avo standards. There was a pretty large ridge visible under the wrapper leaf and unfortunately, the sample I received had a crack at the foot.
The cigar drew pretty well, but had a little more resistance than I would have preferred. It did burn pretty well too. The smoke started out thin, but luckily improved by the half-way point.
This cigar began very smooth. A gentle spice eased in at around the end of the first third, something like nutmeg, but subtle. While never getting all that complex, it was easy smokin’ and pleasurable all the way through.
My rating for the Avo No. 2 is 83.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 11 pts (73% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)
The Avo brand is a very good cigar that I recommend you try.
Thanks again to Cigars Direct for allowing me to try this very interesting cigar!
© 2009 The Cohiba Club – All rights reserved.
This is the final in series of reviews of cigars given to us by the good folks at Cigars Direct. Featured this time is the Avo No. 2.Vitola: Corona Gorda
Origin: Dominican Republic
Length: 6”
Ring Gauge: 50
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
Strength: Medium
Price: $162.95 (box of 25)
Inspired by legendary, Armenian jazz legend Avo Uvezian, this brand is produced by OK Cigar Corp. It features a beautiful Ecuadorian wrapper and a reliable parejo shape.
Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I conducted this tasting back in July.
The appearance on this cigar was a not quite up to the usual Avo standards. There was a pretty large ridge visible under the wrapper leaf and unfortunately, the sample I received had a crack at the foot.
The cigar drew pretty well, but had a little more resistance than I would have preferred. It did burn pretty well too. The smoke started out thin, but luckily improved by the half-way point.This cigar began very smooth. A gentle spice eased in at around the end of the first third, something like nutmeg, but subtle. While never getting all that complex, it was easy smokin’ and pleasurable all the way through.
My rating for the Avo No. 2 is 83.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 11 pts (73% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)
The Avo brand is a very good cigar that I recommend you try.
Thanks again to Cigars Direct for allowing me to try this very interesting cigar!
© 2009 The Cohiba Club – All rights reserved.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cigar of the Week (November 30th, 2009)
LA RIQUEZA NO. 2VITOLA: Figurado
ORIGIN: Nicaragua
LENGTH: 5 1/2"
RING GAUGE: 52
WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf, USA
Silky smooth wrapper with a very slight, natural box press. Subtle pre-light aromas. A smooth and easy draw provided a lot of rich, dense, full-flavored smoke from the start. Creamy on the palate with a good amount of spice through the nose with earth, cedar, and cocoa flavors. Complex with a gradual build in body. Extremely well-made.
LENGTH: 5 1/2"
RING GAUGE: 52
WRAPPER: Connecticut Broadleaf, USA
Silky smooth wrapper with a very slight, natural box press. Subtle pre-light aromas. A smooth and easy draw provided a lot of rich, dense, full-flavored smoke from the start. Creamy on the palate with a good amount of spice through the nose with earth, cedar, and cocoa flavors. Complex with a gradual build in body. Extremely well-made.
COST: about $8.80
SOURCE: Cigar Press
SOURCE: Cigar Press
Cigars of the Week are recently recommended cigars and the finalists from which we make our monthly herf selection.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
While I await the UPS man's delivery of my computer's new power supply, cigar review photos are trapped on my presently dormant hard drives. This unfortunate outage means no reviews can be posted for you until my machine comes back to life.
In the mean time, do check out Rich Perelman's piece titled, "IPCPR getting engaged with the Food & Drug Administration". The FDA's open comment period ends December 28th and we cannot stress enough how much they need to hear from us cigar lovers.
On behalf of the Co-Founders and Charter Members of The Cohiba Club, we wish all of you the best of Thanksgiving holidays!
In the mean time, do check out Rich Perelman's piece titled, "IPCPR getting engaged with the Food & Drug Administration". The FDA's open comment period ends December 28th and we cannot stress enough how much they need to hear from us cigar lovers.
On behalf of the Co-Founders and Charter Members of The Cohiba Club, we wish all of you the best of Thanksgiving holidays!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Cigar of the Week (November 23rd, 2009)
LA FLOR DOMINICANA DOUBLE LIGERO ESPECIALESVITOLA: Churchill
ORIGIN: Dominican Republic
LENGTH: 6 7/8"
RING GAUGE: 49
FILLER: Dom. Rep.
BINDER: Dom. Rep.
WRAPPER: Ecuador
A very oily cigar with a tight, yet intriguing pigtail. The burn is even and the draw is as rich and substantial as the flavors which are laden with black cherry, red fruit, Cuban coffee, and cedary intonations.
PRICE: $9.20
SOURCE: Cigar Aficionado
Cigars of the Week are recently recommended cigars and the finalists from which we make our monthly herf selection.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Cigars for the Troops - New Contact
Gary posted this a while back, but it's worth a little reminder - with the holidays fast approaching.
Excerpted from, "Cigars For Troops Program" and "New Kabul Cigar Czar" by Gary Manelski of cigars.about.com
Excerpted from, "Cigars For Troops Program" and "New Kabul Cigar Czar" by Gary Manelski of cigars.about.com Cyle GeertzIn April 2007, we launched our "Cigars For Troops" program, in cooperation with Major Mitch Fadem, who was then stationed in Afghanistan. The purpose of the program is to support America's Finest cigar smokers who are serving overseas. Cigar companies as well as individuals are encouraged to send cigars directly to our contact(s) in the field.
We are glad to introduce SMG Cyle Geertz as the new czar in our Cigars for Troops Program. Cyle will replace Major Tom Esser, who has successfully completed his tour of duty.
CSTC-A, CJ1
APO AE 09356
Cigars are one of the few small luxuries that can still be enjoyed by our troops while serving overseas. America's Finest are sacrificing their time, safety, and much more than most of us can imagine, by serving our country under the most adverse conditions that words cannot even describe on this website. Our troops really appreciate any amount of cigars, and any brands, that you can contribute. We will acknowledge all contributions on this website.
Keep up the great work that you do, Gary!
Credit to cigars.about.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
Cigar of the Week (November 16th, 2009)
CABAIGUAN ROBUSTO EXTRAVITOLA: Robusto
ORIGIN: Miami
ORIGIN: Miami
LENGTH: 5.25"
RING GAUGE: 50
WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Shade-Grown
Oily, light brown, and aromatic wrapper. Earthy, spicy aroma at the foot of the cigar before lighting. Once lit, the cigar produced a very consistent and complex blend of earth and spice flavors with some cedar in the aftertaste. Mostly even burn with a very sturdy grey ash. Medium-bodied with a long and flavorful finish.
COST: about $8.50
COST: about $8.50
SOURCE: Cigar Press
Cigars of the Week are recently recommended cigars and the finalists from which we make our monthly herf selection.
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