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.