Happy New Year

Hope you have a great New Year that brings you success, health and the time to enjoy some great cigars!  Looking forward to what 2009 will bring us!

A. Fuente

Enjoyed a Fuente yesterday with family while tossing some dice. It came packaged very nicely in cedar and a black ribbon and was a great gift to enjoy.

I haven't had too many Fuente but this was a great smoke. It was a milder smoke that was a little woodsy tasting. What made it better was enjoying it while enjoying the company of family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

It has been a crazy December and haven't had as many chances to enjoy a good cigar. Today I am over at the Outlaw enjoying a 601 Blue Label. It is a wonderful smoke and is a treat.

I hope that you have a warm and blessed Christmas! Enjoy a cigar when you get any opportunity.

Check out my ebay store by clicking the link at the top of the blog. This is a big part to me being so busy. I enjoy making fine pens and now hope to have many people enjoy them in the upcoming year.

Thanks, Dan

El Rey de los Habanos

Torpedo 6 1/8 x 52   Wrapper: Corojo Rosado Claro Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua $8.00

Here is a Pepin that I haven't tried yet and thought it would make a good Thanksgiving cigar.  It turned out that Pepin has yet to disappoint...  This is a great cigar!  Enjoyed this smoke yesterday afternoon on the patio with a fire blazing and it turned out to be a great November day in Kansas City.  

This is a medium smoke that produces tons of creamy smoke and has a rich taste that went well after a big turkey dinner.  The wrapper was very delicate had a sweet taste to it.  This is a Nicaraguan puro since it is made entirely of tobacco from Nicaragua.  

The El Rey de los Habanos is the first brand of premium cigars to be created by José "Pepin" Garcia after his arrival in the United States and is manufactured at the El Rey de los Habanos factory in Little Havana, Miami, Florida. It was released to national distribution in 2005.

Cabaiguan Guapo

 5 5/8x 54 $9.00

Wrapper: Connecticut Seed Shade Grown Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua

The Guapo is the only “Sun Grown” size offered.  This is a great looking cigar.  It is a lightly veined Ecuadorian wrapper that is velvety smooth.  This looks like it will be a mild cigar because of the light color--that is not the case.  This is a medium to full bodied smoke.  Loads of creamy smoke with sweet notes and hints of pepper.  This is a complex smoke that reminds me of a true Cuban cigar. Cigars are rolled in classic Cuban tradition by Master Rollers in Little Havana Miami headed by Jose Garcia.

My Father by Don Pepin Garcia

No. 2 5.2 x 54 Nicaragua $11.00

This is a great cigar and a welcomed addition to the Pepin line. This is velvety smooth cigar that is full bodied. This cigar was a treat and I would have to compare that its difference from the Cuban Black Label is similar to a Fuente and Opus X. This is a top quality cigar that burned even and ended up being a finger burner! If you enjoy Pepin as much as I do...you need to try this cigar!

This is what Cigar International said about My Father...

The crème de la crème of Pepin.

"Jose ‘Don Pepin’ Garcia and his son Jaime are currently crafting some of the world’s finest and most heavily sought cigars. Within just a few short years, this father-son duo has created a long list of tasty and top-rated morsels for us to savor, including Cuban Classic, Serie JJ, Tatuaje, 5 Vegas Miami, and so much more. Behold, My Father....an ultra-premium that just might be their finest creation to date.

My Father is enchanting from head to toe. The traditional Cuban packaging and vitolas represents the roots of Pepin’s family, while the blend combines the very best of Nicaragua with a Havana twist. Each leaf in this blend has been hand-selected for optimum aesthetics and flavor. First, you’ll notice the pristine wrapper. A Habano-Rosado leaf grown in the misty valleys of Ecuador – a departure for Pepin-made cigars. Beautiful and dark in color with an oily sheen and pre-light aroma that’ll make you froth at the mouth, this wrapper conceals a bold, full-bodied mixture of aged Nicaraguan long-fillers grown from Cuban-seed in Esteli. The smoke is robust, yet elegant, offering heavy notes of pepper on the palate and through the nose complemented by a touch of nuts and dark espresso. My Father is a complex, medium to full-bodied smoke that’s surprisingly smooth, creamy at times, and ultimately satisfying."

Rocky Patel x-outs

Here is something that is a steal of a deal.  Cigar International has Rocky Patel x-outs of their big brands for nickels on the dollar.  These are RP cigars that just didn't cut the mustard with the final inspection.  They may have a sunspot or slight discoloration...remember that everything in nature doesn't come out perfect.  In a recent Cigar Aficionado article with Rocky Patel, I learned that around 40% of the cigars produced for him do not make the grade.  He only wants the best looking product to bear his name.  The good news is that RP makes awesome cigars...and his commitment  to quality means that even his x-outs are amazing.  This "Liga C" is an Old Worlde Reserve kick.  Compare $50 for 15 with no band to $12 a stick...  That's an economic stimulus package I can live with! 

BENCHMADE by Ashton

7 x 50 Churchill $3.00
Nicaraguan

Tonight I am smoking a value priced cigar from Ashton made by Garcia. This I not a fuma made from short clippings...rather it is more of a 3/4 of a longleaf. You get long ash on this smoke. It has a taste similar to the Miami Vegas with a little kick. This is a great Pepin cigar at a great price.

Ashton Cigars states, "Benchmade is a new brand handcrafted in Nicaragua by
Jose "Pepin" Garcia. These cigars feature gorgeous,
dark-brown Nicaraguan wrappers, a pair of sturdy
Nicaraguan binders and a delicious selection of high-grade Nicaraguan fillers. Each cigar is finished with a handsome pigtail top. The flavors are medium to full-bodied with a sweet earthy richness and a spicy complexity.

Benchmade boasts the flavor and construction of a
super-premium cigar, yet the attractive price-tag of a value bundle. Available in 4 traditional sizes in elegant cedar boxes, BENCHMADE is the new benchmark for the value cigar."

The Pepin Party was Great!

There was an Army Apache helicopter landing at the store.   

Here is Pepin rolling cigars last Saturday at the Outlaw Pepin Party.  It was a great event and we got to smoke some great cigars.  I tried the Vegas Cubanas from Pepin and really enjoyed it.  There was a buy some get some free deal going on.  The freebies were hand rolled for the event and very tastey as well.   

Rocky Patel Sun Grown

6 1/4 x 52 Honduras $7.00

It started out with a little pepper taste that mellowed quick. It is a medium bodied smoke that is very smooth. You get tons of creamy smoke with this Rocky. This cigar has earthy tones with a kick of coffees. The burn is very even. This has the 5 year-old Ecuadorian sun grown wrapper that makes it a bit sweet. 

Nub 464t Connecticut

Nub 464t Connecticut  4 x 64 $4.00

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Shade Grown Connecticut Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua

After smoking the Camaroon and being a little disappointed I didn't have high expectations on the Connecticut.  I was wrong to think that way.  This is a creamy smoke that has a mild to medium body.  The binder and filler are Nicaraguan and very tasty.  I normally don't get too excited about a milder smoke, but this little guy is a nice change of pace.  After lunch I enjoyed this cigar and will probably enjoy another again given the opportunity.  

Cabaiguan by Don Pepin Garcia

Belicoso Finos 5 1/2 inch by 52  $9.00

Nicaraguan with Ecuadoran-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper

Cabaiguan is a release from master cigar blender Pepin Garcia, the maker of the famous Tatuaje line of cigars. Named after his hometown in Cuba, Cabaiguan, pronounced (kah-bei-gwahn), is another example of Pepin Garcia’s talent as a cigar blender. Blended with a Connecticut shade Ecuadorian grown wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler, the Cabaiguan is a medium to full-bodied cigar, slightly milder than the Tatuaje but equal in flavor and complexity. The cigar is earthy and spicy, with a creamy quality. Pepin Garcia blends with the flavor of his homeland in mind and has reproduced that flavor so well that while smoking Cabaiguan you can close your eyes and feel like your smoking a Pre-Castro Cuban.

You have to try this cigar!

Don Pepin Garcia--August 23rd

Don Pepin Garcia will be at the Outlaw on August 23rd.   The event is going to be huge and I have planned to enjoy the day out there smoking my favorites smokes.  If you don't have anything planned for the 23rd--You should be at the Outlaw!     www.outlawcigar.com

Summer

Haven't had much time to post anything new...so here is to a hot summer day! I am enjoying a 601 Red Label robusto and a little Blanton's Bourbon. The cigar and the bourbon are being good friends tonight. They really do compliment each other well. The 601 Red is a spicier smoke than the others.

The Bourbon is the best I've had yet. The boys over at Blanton's have been doing it right for years. They produce single barrel bourbon...meaning there just isn't any mixing of the barrels like you find from 99% of the other guys. This is top shelf Kentucky bourbon.

Happy 4th of July, America!

God Bless America!

Hope you enjoy a cigar and celebrate the day!

Ramon Allones

Maestro (5.5" x 54) Dominican Republic $4.00

I first smoked Ramon Allones in St. Martin while on a cruise.  They were Cubans and extremely tasty.  This is the Dominican version of that smoke.  This has a rich, full flavored taste that is legendary to the brand.  The price is very affordable and it has the quality of a smoke triple the price.   This a wonderful cigar that has some unusual flavors.  It has a nutty taste that is almost meaty. I enjoyed this smoke almost as much as the Cuban. I don't think you would be disappointed!

Nub Cameroon

4" x 66 Box-Press Torpedo $5.50

Wrapper: Cameroon  Filler: Nicaragua  Binder: Nicaragua

After hearing all the hype on this cigar AND having been such a huge Oliva fan...I thought that this cigar would be awesome.  Rather than wait for a cigar to develop and evolve, which typically occurs an inch to two inches in, the idea behind Nub was to specifically blend it to hit its sweet spot right off the bat and remain at its peak right through to the end. Each size is short and stout in stature. 

This cigar does get to the point pretty quick.  Normally it does take about 15 minutes for me to really start to enjoy a cigar.  They tend to start out a little bitter and then calm out quickly.  The thought.  I was honestly a little disappointed in the Cameroon.  It was a little dull for my taste.  I did purchase a sampler pack and will try the Habano and Connecticut.  

Cameroon - dark and leathery to the touch. A sweet, cedary smoke with an intriguing spice. The aftertaste is dry and toasty.  A medium to full-bodied cigar that's  smooth.  I guess I expected more from the Nub...

Cigar & Tabac Limited in Overland Park, KS

Today I am enjoying an Oliva Serie V in shop that I have yet to visit. Cigar & Tabac Limited located at 6898 W 105th St Overland Park, KS 66212 is the place. This is pretty close to where I work and am surprised that I haven't shadowed their door. They have some leather chairs and WIFI and a big flat screen with the History Channel going. My kind of place.

They have a large walk in humidor that is STOCKED up. They have a great selection of cigars that range from everything from a Padron Anniversary to an Acid. Overall a very good selection. They have a great selection of gifts and humidors as well. Cigar prices are right.

If you are in Overland Park, KS you may already know about this shop---if you don't I'd suggest stopping by and enjoying a smoke while you browse the web.

Let's talk Bourbon...

On my recent trip to Knoxville I had the opportunity to enjoy some world class bourbon. I found that my taste for bourbon is on the higher end side. Woodford Reserve is a great bourbon and is something you can sip and enjoy with a great cigar. It is full of the flavors vanilla-carmel taste and hints of toffee and butterscotch. This is a great Bourbon and the Gents over at the Kentucky Derby thought so as well. It is their official bourbon. Maybe Big Brown had a lil too much before the Derby Saturday!

Bourbon is as American as Apple Pie....

On 4 May 1964, the U.S. Congress recognized Bourbon Whiskey as a “distinctive product of the United States," creating the Federal Standards of Identity for Bourbon. Federal regulations now stipulate that Bourbon must meet these requirements:

Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn.
Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof.
Bourbon must be 100% natural (nothing other than water added to the mixture).
Bourbon must be aged in new, American, charred oak barrels.
Bourbon which meets the above requirements and has been aged for a minimum of two years, may (but is not required to) be called Straight Bourbon.
Bourbon aged for a period less than four years must be labelled with the duration of its aging

On 2 August 2007, the US Senate passed a resolution sponsored by Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) officially declaring September 2007 “National Bourbon Heritage Month,” marking the history of bourbon whiskey. Notably, the resolution claims that Congress declared bourbon to be "America's Native Spirit" in its 1964 resolution. The 1964 resolution, however, does not contain such a statement per se; it only declares that bourbon is a distinctive product identifiable with the United States in the same way that Scotch is identifiable with Scotland.

Knoxville Cigar Company

Work has brought me to Knoxville, TN and I found a nice shop that have some big leather chairs for which to sit and enjoy my smoke.

They have a 300 sq. ft walk-in humidor that showcases some nice smokes. They have a great selection of Fuente...even the Short Story! They have some nice top end smokes like OpusX, Padrón '26 and '64, Diamond Crown, Rocky Patel Decade and of course Davidoff. They say they are the biggest retailer of Davidoff in the south. I enjoyed a Rocky Patel Old World Reserve.

If you are looking for a great shave they have tons of old time shaving products. Didn't realize you could spend $100.00 on a shaving soap dish and brush combo...the ones like the barber uses only a tad bit nicer.

They also have a bar where you enjoy your favorite spirit with your smoke. It is in the Old City area. There some pubs and restaurants close by. The next time you are down Knoxville way...check it out.

Update:5/28/08 I have visited Knox Cigar a couple times since I have been down here....they have a great bar as well where you can enjoy a nice bourbon with your cigar.

KNOXVILLE CIGAR CO.
118 S Central Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-673-8556
888-676-3549

Camacho Havana Toro

6 x 50 Toro
Honduras $3.50

This is a smoke I received in a sampler pack that I smoked this afternoon. I have had a few Camacho smokes and this one reminded me of the old school of cigars. The aroma is damp and earthy, delivering a smooth full flavor in a medium body. What separates this cigar from most other Honduran cigars on the market is the price. This cigar sells for almost half of some of the best known names in Honduran cigars like Punch and Hoyo de Monterrey, while maintaining an unparalleled quality. Brands bearing the Camacho name are a diamond in the rough.

As I am writing this I am enjoying a Tatuaje Red and realized I had the opportunity to enjoy 4 smokes this weekend....not bad work if you can get it.

601 Black

5 x 50 Robusto
Nicaragua $7.00

The 601 Black is handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua by Pepin Garcia. It comprises an exquisite blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos topped of with a beautiful rich and oily Ecuadorian Connecticut Wrapper.

Don't Let the Connecticut wrapper fool you, being that the blend is all Nicaraguan, this cigar is not what you would normally expect from a Connecticut wrapped cigar. Somehow I expected this to be a more mild smoke. This one, if not the strongest Connecticut cigar in the market, is medium to full bodied. This cigar is a powerhouse that should almost come with a warning label. I cannot wait to light the next one...

Romeo y Julieta 1875

6 x 50 Clemenceaus en Tubo
Dominican Republic

This was a smoke that was received as a gift a couple months ago and is my first Romeo y Julieta. It was a very nice gift indeed! It comes in an attractive aluminum case that has a Spanish cedar lining. This cigar was rich in taste and of high quality with a silky smooth Indonesian TBN (shade-grown) wrapper. This is a medium-bodied smoke that has hints of sweet spice. You can taste the cedar and is crisp on the palate. The burn was even and draw was easy allowing tons of smoke. The aroma was great and I smoked it to the nub...

This was a great smoke and will have to try out more from Romeo y Julieta. The 1875 is worth trying!

5 Vegas Miami

6 1/8 x 52 Torpedo
Nicaragua $10.00

Okay, another cigar that has a connection with Don Pepin Garcia. He rolled these for 5 Vegas in Miami...thus the name and label. This started out as a very limited production in Miami..now they are rolled in Nicaragua. They are more available now.

This cigar has a smooth leather like wrap. It has wonderful aroma and is earthy and leathery. It has an easy draw and you get a ton of smoke out of this guy. The construction is similar to the Blue Label Pepin...it just is click milder. This is one I enjoyed down to the nub. I have smoked about 3 of the Miami's and have enjoyed each one. This will become a staple in my humidor.

I picked up the 5 Vegas Miami as a sampler pack. Cigar.com has some very great priced deals available and you can sign up to get their emails at the website...worth checking out.

601 Red Label Habano

5 1/2 x 50 Robusto
Nicaragua $6.00

This smoke came in a sampler that I purchased from cigar.com and is the first Red Label Habano I've had the chance to enjoy. I had it after eating a big ribeye steak and probably aided in the enjoyment of this smoke.

The 601 is a creation of Pepin. The Habano wrapper is in reference to the shade. It is a few shades lighter than the Maduro and adds a sweetness to the smoke. This guy starts out with a little kick of pepper and leather and calms down quickly to a mellow and smooth smoke that just tastes very good. This has some tastes not found in other 601's, although maybe not as complex. It is a medium bodied smoke that left me almost burning my fingers.

I look forward to the others I have resting in my humi. Not a bad Sunday afternoon smoke.

Partagas Black Label

4 1/2 x 54 Robusto
Dominican Republic with Nicaraguan Filler
$6.50

A buddy suggested this cigar so I thought I would give it a try. I like the size of this smoke and it is surprisingly dark for a Dominican Republic smoke. The tobacco looks like velvet and is smooth to the touch. This smoke was easy to light and starts out with a sweetness I didn't expect. It has an easy draw and a firm feel. It has a complex taste but I do pick up on hints of Caramel and chocolate...sounds like a Milky Way?

It stays sweet and smooth throughout and leaves a nice clean taste on my palette. There was an addition note of spice about half way into it. This would be a good cigar to enjoy with a coffee.

I did enjoy this cigar and it was a nice change from my normal full bodied smoke. This might be considered medium to full for some but it was a treat on the milder side for what I normally enjoy. This smoke was an enjoyment this morning out on the patio.

Some new Pens

Here are my newest creations in the workshop... I have added a new element to my pens. Notice there is a cross section of a different wood on the top portion of the pen. Working left to right, Koa with Brazilian Cherry; Koa with Mahogany; Walnut with Mahogany; and Silk Oak with Mahogany.

I used a different finish this time and it gives a nice satin look vs. a shine. I may have to find a way to make some and sell. I have always made them as gifts.

#7 TBCOTY

Illusione cg:4 Toro
5 5/8 x 48 $7.50

Had the opportunity to enjoy the cg:4 and I am glad that I took it. Nicaraguan made cigars by far are my favorites. The concept behind Illusione cigars was to recreate a flavor profile from years past Nicaraguan tobacco. All Illusione cigars are made from first generation Corojo '99, Criollo '98 seeds, wrapped with a grade one Colorado wrapper, and finished with a traditional triple cap.

It is well constructed and has a solid feel in hand. One of the most striking things about this cigar is how wonderful it smells both pre-light and during the smoke. It really enhances the experience. After the initial spice, my palate was filled with a robust toasted tobacco flavor with notes of leather and an underlying spiciness. I did enjoy this cigar and will smoke it again given the opportunity.

I smoked the 88 (5 x 52 Robusto) as well and the taste is similar...grab the size you like.

601 Maduro Toro

601 Maduro Toro - 54 x 6 1/4 $9.00

Another great cigar by Pepin Garcia that I enjoyed. This cigar is handmade in Nicaragua by "The Don" exclusuvely for United Tobacco. The 601 is manufactured at Pepins new factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The blend is a rich and complex blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos topped off with a beautiful dark and oily Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. The 601 is not for the faint of heart, it is very full bodied. This is a great cigar ... I wonder how it did't make the top 25 list. This powerhouse is comparable to the #1 seated No 9 1935 Padron for half the price.

#4 TBCOTY

Oliva Serie V torpedo 56 X 6 $7.50

Today I am enjoying one of the top 10 in the Oliva Serie V torpredo. At first touch the feel is silky smooth and the quality is very noticable. This is a tastey smoke with tons of creamy rich puffs. This has a mellow draw and is full bodied...make sure you have a meal in your belly. This has a rating of 93 and it deserves it.

This was my first Oliva and I purchased a couple more for later that should age nicely in my box. This is a great smoke and you should try one.

#17 on TBCOTY

Jose "Don Pepin" Garcia 1979 Cuban Classic

50 x 5 $6.25

Don Pepin Garcia Black is the newest, and most affordable blend in the Don Pepin line. The full-bodied ‘Cuban Classic’ is crafted in Pepin’s recently opened factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. His famous Corojo ’99 wrapper surrounds an all-Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos to create a spicy, bold smoke. Its flavor has hints of cedar and coffee with a complex, rich aroma. The Master Blender Don Pepin Garcia once again exhibits his skill in producing some of the finest quality cigars off the ‘island’ in the ‘Cuban Classic.’

.

My humidor is going to have these stocked all the time. The petit corona is called the 1952 and for me this is what a small cigar should be. It’s strong enough to satisfy even the most experienced cigar smokers. And given it’s short size it’s perfect for a quick smoke when you only have 30 or 40 minutes.

#9 on TBCOTY

CAO VISION Prana
52 x 6 1/4
Torpedo $16.00

Today I am enjoying the CAO Vision Prana. It does have some spectacular packaging that make it look super cool. This smoke is mild compared to the other smokes I normally enjoy. The wrap is very smooth except for the veins. The smoke is creamy and smooth...you get some vanilla tastes and is a little nutty.

This is no light weight. The smoke does get richer as you enjoy it. CAO makes some great smokes and I certainly have smoked a few. This is their premium line and it shows. If you are looking for a milder smoke than the Nicaraguans...this Dominican Republic will satisfy. This just seems like a pricey and trendy smoke...

The price? A little high...think for a few more bucks I would go for the Padron, OpusX or get 2 Pepin's...

#12 on TBCOTY List

San Cristobal Monumento
49 X 7 1/4 $13.50

Swung by the smoke shop to do a little work and enjoy a cigar. Today is the San Cristobal Momumento. Wow, this is a great smoke. Jose Pepin Garcia produces this dynamic smoke for Ashton. I tell that I am liking Pepin more each day. The smoke does have a rich taste and is little more mild compared to his others. There is a hint of sweetness in this smoke and it has great taste. I am thrilled with this smoke with the colorful label...if you haven't enjoyed this smoke, you need to schedule time for it.

#15 on TBCOTY List

Tatuaje Havana VI Angeles
42 x 4 5/8 $6.75

This is number 15 on CA's list. It is a powerfull smoke in a small package. One strong smoke that is made in Nicaragua. You do taste black cherry s suggested by CA...however it is not a flavor that dominates, more of a hint. This smoke is about half the price of the 'brown label' that is the Miami version.

If you like a power house smoke in a small package, this is a bully of a cigar. It did make my head whirl a bet. Don Pepin Garcia has made a genuine knockout. Enjoy one and see if you agree.

What a $1,000,000.00 will buy you!

Barrett-Jackson auctions sold the first 2009 Corvette ZR1 for $1 million, proceeds going to charity. "Tonight Show" host and avid car collector Jay Leno, drove the Corvette ZR1 across the block.

This car is incredible. It boasts 620+ horsepower and is made mainly out of carbon fiber. The fibers are visible on the roof and hood inner. GM has an additive to paint that prevents UV degrade and costs $60,000 a gallon. This is an awesome car and you can get your own for a suggested $100,000.00 MSRP. It just won't be the first.

Nice Celebration Smoke

Just sat down in an easy chair to enjoy a smoke and celebrate a great week. Enjoying a Don Pepin Garcia White Series JJ...reviewed last week.

We had a record week at work and 2008 is off to an AWESOME start. This is going to be a year that will afford me to enjoy some great smokes.

Just landed the latest CA with the top 25 cigars for 2008...interesting that Padron 1926 Anniversary is the top dog this year! Sorry, Rob, Opus X came in 2nd but the Fuente Family represented with more smokes in the list.

My new friend DP Garcia had several smokes in the top 25 as well...some he rolls for other labels. I am looking forward to trying all 25 this year. The Cubans may be hard to get, but I do have some connections to get some.

Okay, we accept the challenge...to smoke every one of the top 25. Who is with me?????

DON PEPIN GARCIA JJ MADURO

54 X 6 $9.50

Another Pepin smoke....quickly becoming a favorite. Today is the maduro JJ. This is everything I have enjoyed in a Pepin with a dark oily spicey maduro wrap.

This is a great smoke with an easy draw. Start is a little spicey and it settles down to become a powerful full bodied smoke that you don't want to light on an empty belly. This would be great after ribeye steak.

My humidor in 2008 is going to be loaded with Don Pepin and Rocky Patel. I have been a HUGE Padron fan and would spend on average $11.00 a smoke. The savings are one thing...but the flavor and quality are another. I would put this Pepin against the Padron 1926 anyday. For those that know me, that is a bold statement.

Rocky Patel THE EDGE

52 X 7 $6.00

Tonight I enjoyed The Edge straight up. This has the lighter shade on the wrapper. This would be the gentle side of The Edge series. A easy smoke some would consider medium in strength.

Rocky says it is for serious smokers only. This is much less intense on the scale compared to the Sumatra. If the Sumatra is an 8 on the strength-o-meter, then this smoke is a 5. This could become an every day smoke pretty quickly. These will become a staple item for my box.

A nice cigar to enjoy over a game of Scrabble.

#24 on TBCOTY

Rocky Patel Edge Sumatra Toro

52x6 $6.00

Happy New Year! Enjoying a Rocky Patel Edge Sumatra. This is a real nice cigar. From what I understand, this smoke will not be available forever. Grab it while you have a chance.

It started out with a little pepper taste that mellowed quick. It is a medium bodied smoke that is very smooth. You get tons of creamy smoke with this Rocky. This cigar has earthy tones with a kick of coffees. The burn is very even and just mellows and is a finger burner. This could be a good everyday smoke if you have the time to enjoy. This has Olde World Reserve taste for half the price. This was good while I played cards with Lisa. This is a longer smoke than I normally smoke...but I like it and the time is well spent.