Thursday, September 29, 2011

SAN Lotano HABANO

This is an awesome smoke. I like the taste of a habano wrap.  It has a dry, sweet peppery and nurture taste.  This is a nicely constructed cigar that has that aged leather look.  The tobacco is burning so evan in this cigar.  CA rated it an 89 and I am happy with this.  If you haven't tried Fernandez's cigars...you should. They are reasonable in price at $8 bucks a stick.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

San Lotano Oval

Tonight I am enjoying a smoke by AJ Fernandez.  This is a massive cigar.  At least a 60 ringer.  The oval shape is a new one to me.  I do like the initial hints of spicy cedar and black pepper.   This is a good cigar to enjoy after a long day paired with a nice bourbon.

I have really enjoyed smokes by Fernandez in the past.  This has a sweetness and richness I like.  The draw is smooth and you get chimneys of smoke.   If you like 'em a little on the full side...this is right of a medium bodied smoke.  This is a monster worth attempting to wrestle!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

WTF by The Outlaw

Enjoying a new smoke today.  The WTF by The Outlaw Cigar Company is a treat.  This is made by the guys that run the cigar store I frequent. While the name leaves something to be desired, it does have you asking it.

This has a tobacco that is flavorful with hints of spice, vanilla and almost a touch of rum.  It tastes really good and is not too powerful.  It has a sweetness to it.  It has an uneven burn and a super easy draw...almost smokes like a short leaf cigar.   Worth trying, especially at the end of a WTF kinda day!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Curly Maple Humidor


Here is a humidor that I made for myself. It is out if curly soft maple.  The curl is amazing on this box.

This box should hold around 100 smokes.  I have chosen to go with Xikar for humidification and monitoring. 

I dyed the maple a golden brown...almost a dark honey.  My favorite wood is Hawaiian koa ... but it is way too expensive for me.  This gives me the look if that wood with about a third of the cost.  The maple is gorgeous and will do a fantastic job of securing my cigars.

This was a fun project that I will be enjoying for some time.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

5 Vegas Miami

This is a wonderful night to be on the patio and enjoying a cigar.  The one I went for tonight is a oldie but a goody.  Anything Pepin is involved with is gold ... this beauty has aged wonderfully for a couple years. 

On another note.  I am so thankful for my freedoms and that I live in a country that respects them.  Always remember those who have sacrificed it all for that freedom.  It does not come free! Remember 9/11/01!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Humidor


Finally, here's my very first custom humidor.  Is made out of African mahogany.  The box is lined with genuine Spanish cedar. This box measures 12" wide by 9" deep and 4 1/2" tall.  Approximately 400 cubic inches that would allow 50 to 75 smokes to rest.

It has a hand rubbed finish that turned out great. It has solid brass hardware and quadrant hinges. Xikar provides the accurate readings on humidity and I am using The Puck to wet the box. The great thing about that humidification is that it lasts forever. There are small beads inside that take on water and release water to the air.

If you're interested in obtaining a humidor from me, please email me at swopesfw@gmail.com

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Finally cool enough...

The weather in KC has been so hot (108 on Tuesday) and we are on the patio enjoying this 86 degree night.  MI AMOR style.

Monday, July 18, 2011

My Father

Just had a pretty good ribeye and thought I would follow up with a great cigar.  Cigars been aging in my humidor for over two years.  It almost seems like your that I remember it. I really enjoy the cigars I recommend you try one soon.  But only if you like a fuller bodied cigar.  This a 'gar is not for the weak heart.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Padron 1926

Just out in wilderness and thought it wise to enjoy the finest cigar known to man.   Love this cigar...if you haven't tried one ... you just haven't experienced a truly wonderful smoke!  It is rich and flavorful with fine craftsmanship...they are made with care and are always a quality cigar.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

CAO America

Happy Father's Day! I am in the shop working on projects just like my Dad is probably doing. Of course he's a metal worker and I'm a woodworker... That doesn't mean he didn't teach me a ton!

He taught me how to love life and enjoy the simple things... maybe that's why I have so many passions!  Relax and enjoy a smoke! The CAO America is a great cigar to enjoy... she's a powerful one! Just like this great country and my dear ol' Dad!

Monday, June 6, 2011

CAO Italia

Waiting for some glue to dry ... little time to enjoy a smoke!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

CAO Brazilia

This Sunday's relaxation... nice therapy!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

LA AROMA DE CUBA

Oh yeah......this is a good day!

Dan

Friday, March 25, 2011

CASA FERNANDEZ ARSENIO

Casa Fernandez has put together another great smoke.  These are sweet and oily muduro wrapped treats.  Hints of cocoa and roasted hazelnut with a sweet after taste are abundant. This would be a nice pairing with a Boulevard Port.  They are high quality and the burn is slow and even.  The draw is perfect.  Go try one....these don't disappoint!

Dan

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Camacho Room 101

I enjoyed the Room 101 '808' today.  It has a cool label proclaiming that it comes from the City of Angels.  While I didn't see any wings on this cigar, it did pack some flavors of vanilla, nuts and a light woody tone.  This is a medium bodied smoke that required a little touch up with my lighter along the way as it didn't burn very even.
Overall I enjoyed the smoke and will be trying it again since I bought two.  It certainly didn't remind me of the Camachos I've had in the past...and that is a good thing!

Dan

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Xikar X3 Carbon Fiber Cutter

Here is my recent addition to my cigar toolbox. The guys at Xikar really know how to make a quality tool to help my cigar breath. I am looking forward to this expertly trimming many cigars in the future. If it ever fails me, there is a life time warranty!

Tatuaje Verocu Tubos

The weather (sunny and 77 degrees) in KC is wonderful today and I am enjoying a cigar just as nice.  I don't think I have met a product Pete Johnson has put out there that I haven't been able to sink my teeth into.  This cigar is awesome.  The construction is perfect and the wrap is silky smooth. There are tastes of cedar, vannilla, and hazelnut.  I recommend you try this one.  It is a full bodied smoke that puts out a ton of creamy smoke.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Ambos Mundos

This is been a pretty good afternoon...

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Alec Bradley Tempest

Enjoying the Alec Bradley Tempest today.  They sometimes run a discount at The Outlaw...this was todays special.  The construction and the first impression is one of a Padron 3000 Maduro.   However, this smoke is constructed by the folks that roll Casa Fernandez...and I do taste some connections.

There are tastes of hardwood, coffee, and subtle hints of dark chocolate.  There is a more bitterness to start but quickly settles down.  I enjoyed this smoke and think you may as well.

Monday, January 31, 2011

601 Oscuro Black Label

Today I was in the garage making some raised panel doors. They're coming out so nice that I thought I would reward myself with a little break.

Yeah, this isn't the first time I've wrote about the 601, it is such a great cigar. This 601 has been aging in my humidor for a while. Normally the black 601 is a little bit peppery, but today I'm enjoying a calmed down smoke.  There is still the taste of pepper, but it is overpowering at all. The 601 black is definitely a full bodied cigar.  There are tastes of hazelnut, earth, and cedar. 

I am really enjoying the 601, I recommend you try one soon.  This is a value cigar and only about 4 dollars a stick. You can really get a good deal at Cigars International. It will often times be in a package deal with Don Pepin Garcia products.

Friday, January 14, 2011

My Father No. 5 Toro

This is a greatly constructed cigar that is velvet to the touch and the quality is apparent.  It was a little spicey pre-light and has a perfect draw.  There are notes of hazelnut, earth and cedar.  This is a great cigar and the next time you have $15 burning a hole in your pocket...I would invest in this hour of therapy.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

San Cristobal de La Habana - Cuba

I received this cigar as a gift a year ago...what a gift! I don't get to enjoy a Cuban cigar everyday and this was a great one.  The wrap would give the impression that it could be more mild.  Don't judge the book by its cover...this is a powerhouse of a smoke.  The flavor of roasted nuts, vanilla, and almost hard wood notes are present.  The burn wasn't perfect but it created billows of creamy smoke... This was a great smoke.