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.