Cigars, Cars & Guitars – Finally a practical, informative and entertaining guide to help you find and enjoy the cigar that’s right for you.
Hosted by Robert Kemp, publisher of “The Cigar Monthly”, this unique video introduces you to the exciting variety of cigars, then demonstrates step-by-step: How cigars are Made; How to select cigars with the help of a tobacconist; How to cut, light & smoke a cigar; and How to store your cigars properly.
You’ll learn to develop your own personal approach to the pleasures and rituals of smoking.
Last night I had the pleasure of having a cigar with Mel Gonzalez, the president of Canimao cigars. I have had a Canimao Classic Natural before, but it was a little on the mild side and better suited for a morning smoke. I have only seen them at a few locations, and they are strict about allowing distributors and online retailers carrying their brand, which I respect a lot.
When I first sat down with Mel, I smoked one of the naturals they were handing out to try. He asked me what I thought about it, and I proceeded to explain that I liked the construction and burn, but that it was a little milder than I normally smoke. Then he suggested that I try the Canimao Classic Robusto Extra Dark.
I grabbed the cigar and went through my typical pre-light ritual. It had a very nice, dark wrapper, with a nice Cuban twist on the cap. A very well constructed cigar with a very nice aroma. I would have to describe it as earthy. I hit it with the torch and took my first draw and it smoked very well. Full clouds of wonderful smoke, and then it hit me. I have never tasted this before. I mean, when you smoke some cigars, they usually remind you of another cigar that you have had in the past. This one did not, which I really liked a lot, as the flavor profile stood on its own, just as a true boutique brand should.
So I know it’s been a while since we’ve posted any new content and for that I apologize. Today I’m posting a long overdue review of the Partagas Benji Menendez Master Series Majestuoso. When this cigar debuted I was a little hesitant to give it a try based on previous experiences I’d had with other Dominican Partagas cigars. However, after much persuasion from a fellow BOTL I decided to give in and give them a go, and man am I glad I did.
In 2009 Benji Menendez celebrated his 57th year in the cigar industry. In the same year he introduced the eponymous, Master Series which he crafted to pay homage to the Cifuentes family. This is a limited edition offering of only 5,000 boxes of 20 cigars. For those that aren’t aware, Mr. Menendez has worked with some of the largest names in the cigar business and has blended and/or been responsible for some true gems and this cigar is certainly no exception.
This afternoon I finally made my way to Belle Meade Cigars to enjoy a good cigar. It’s been a very long weekend and has been way too hot in Tennessee to enjoy a cigar outside on the deck. The short trip gave me some time to reflect on the cigar I wanted to enjoy while watching this afternoon’s World Cup matches. After some pondering I decided to go for something new that I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of smoking.
When I toured the humidor there was one new cigar that caught my eye; the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial. I’ve been looking forward to sampling these cigars since first hearing they were being released. I had also heard several good things about them a few nights before from several trusted sources. I was a little disappointed that the Toro Gordo was the only size available because it’s not normally my first choice of vitola. I was really looking forward to sampling the petite robusto which has been a favorite vitola of mine as of late thanks to the My Father Le Bijou 1922 offering of the same size.
This documentary short provides a fascinating look into the world of handmade cigars, from the preparation of the leaves to the final wrap. Meet these Cuban-American cigar makers (tabaqueros) and discover why they possess a rare love and passion for their work. Enjoy.
Cigars, Cars & Guitars – Finally a practical, informative and entertaining guide to help you find and enjoy the cigar that’s right for you.
This afternoon I finally made my way to Belle Meade Cigars to enjoy a good cigar. It’s been a very long weekend and has been way too hot in Tennessee to enjoy a cigar outside on the deck. The short trip gave me some time to reflect on the cigar I wanted to enjoy while watching this afternoon’s World Cup matches. After some pondering I decided to go for something new that I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of smoking.