Padillia Miami

Padilla Miami is a very limited production boutique blend that has received high marks from several industry publications. In fact, in April 2009, Padilla Miami earned a ’94’ rating by Cigar Aficionado!

Ernesto Padilla is among the top ten blenders in the cigar business. He is known for producing such incredible cigars as Padilla Series 68, Padilla 1932, and Padilla Habano, in addition to many others. Due to his impeccable blending abilities and his love for the art, Ernesto Padilla has produced multiple 90+ rated blends, all of which were well met by fellow enthusiasts. Due to the exclusive tobaccos used in these cigars and their popularity, Padilla Miami is extremely limited.

Padilla Miami is among the finest blends ever created by Ernesto. Using all Cuban-seed tobaccos from Nicaragua, Padilla Miami is similar to the most popular Cuban cigars. Upon its debut in 2005, it received a 92 rating from Cigar Aficionado magazine, one of the highest ratings awarded that year. Each cigar is constructed immaculately with a triple cap, then aged to ensure a well-rounded aroma and enticing flavor. Each cigar is finished with a Corojo wrapper, giving these smokes a full-bodied and robust taste.

Oliva Serie 'O'

Considered the finest maduro on the market, the Oliva Serie ’O’ Maduro is extra fermented before encasing a complex mix of medium bodied Nicaraguan fillers.

The Oliva Serie ’O’ Maduro is a prime example why Oliva is one of the most success and famous growers of tobacco in Nicaragua. With generations of experience all over the world, the family has learned the agricultural subtleties of growing unique leaf that is distinctly "Oliva". Hailed by aficionados all over the world as the best maduro leaf ever grown, the Oliva ’O’ Maduro will not disappoint.

The aging and extended fermentation process associated with maduro tobacco makes these cigars unavailable for extended periods of time. In fact, the Oliva Serie ’O’ Maduro has been so elusive to some Oliva fans that they stock up when boxes of their favorite size become available. The wrapper is slightly sweet with a caramel finish on the palate. The aroma is earthy with a medium body. For many the Oliva Serie ’O’ Maduro is truly the only great maduro.

Tabacos Baez

Baez is a small town in the Villa Clara province of Cuba where in 1950 our hero José “Don Pepín” Garcia was born, presumably with chaveta in hand. (The first infant ever to cut his own umbilical cord!) Tabacos Baez, a newish blend from Tabacalera Cubana, is named for that town.

This is a stout and well packed cigar that scored perfectly in terms of appearance and roll. The wrapper is a smooth and oily golden brown and the triple cap is a work of art. A gorgeous stick.

The draw is good, but a couple cracks in the wrapper resulted in thin smoke volume at times. The cracks were small and near the foot, so I burned through them in short order. The burn was a little erratic at first, threatening to tunnel (which it did not) and it required a couple of corrections. After the first third these problems unnaccountably disappeared and the stick behaved perfectly.

Tasting Notes

The first half-inch of the Baez Monarca is hallmark Pepin — an aggressive peppery bite, accompanied by a slightly greenish tasting tannin. The wrapper contributes a smooth buttery element — at this point it’s reminiscent of the 601 Connect, also blended by Pepín. But soon the bite subsides and the flavor slides into mild cocoa. The aroma becomes more pronounced, somewhat floral and slightly caramel-like, almost like a mild corojo.

The middle section is quite mild in flavor while remaining a little tannic. The smoke texture is medium in body, mild in strength, and short on action. There are lightly spiced woody flavors here.

The last section returns with the black pepper that kicked things off, though not as intense and less tannic, and a dry finish that begs for a liquid refreshment.

Make Time for Cigars

I looked today and it has been over a month since I have posted...that is a little disappointing.  

I have smoked a BUNCH of cigars though.  Oliva was at the Outlaw mid June...smoked some great Serie V.....even tried a couple Serie O.... those are tasty as well.

I will have to post about Tabacos Baez SF by Pepin Garcia...those are some tasty smokes that are affordable.

Even if I haven't posted...I have been out enjoying cigars...and playing Mafia Wars on Facebook.  Long Ashes my friends and July will have more posts...I promise!  Dan

Cigar Manufacturer Process

Cultivation of tobacco

Tobacco plants are seeded indoors, and transplanted into fields after six to 10 weeks. The plants are carefully pruned so the leaves grow to the necessary size. Plants that produce the outer wrappers of cigars are usually kept covered with cloth to protect them from the sun. The plants take several months to mature in the fields.

Curing

After harvesting, the tobacco leaves must be cured in order to develop their characteristic aroma. The leaves are cured when they have passed from bright green flexible fresh leaves to dried brown or yellowish leaves. Chemically, the naturally occurring chlorophyll in the leaf gradually breaks down and is replaced by carotene. To cure, the harvested plants are strung to narrow strips of wood called laths. The laths are hung from the ceiling of a well-ventilated curing barn. In dry weather, they may cure simply by hanging, a process called air curing. The leaves may also be flue-cured. In this method, the laths are hung in a small barn which is heated from 90-170°F (32.2-77°C). The temperature must be carefully monitored in order to prevent extreme rapid drying. Sawdust or hardwood may also be burned in the curing barn, to aid in drying the leaves and impart an aroma.

Fermenting

After the leaves are cured, they are sorted by color and size. Small or broken leaves are used for the cigar filler, large leaves for the inner wrapper or binder, and large, fine leaves, usually grown in shade or under cloth, are set aside for the outer wrapper. The leaves are tied into bundles called hands of 10 or 15 leaves each. The hands are packed in boxes or in large casks called hogsheads. The tobacco is kept in the hogshead for a period of from six months to five years. The leaves undergo chemical changes during this period referred to as fermentation. During fermentation, the aroma and taste of the leaf develops. Cigar tobacco is usually fermented longer than other tobacco. Fermentation for two to five years is typical for high quality cigars. After fermentation, the leaves are manually sorted again by highly trained workers.

Stripping

The filler leaves must have their main vein (or stem) removed, or else the cigar will not burn evenly. This can be done by hand or machine. Manually, a worker with a thimble knife fitted to his or her finger clips the vein near the tip and pulls it down. Then the worker stacks the stripped leaves in piles (called books or pads). Mechanically, a worker inserts the tobacco leaves into a machine under a grooved, circular knife. By depressing a foot treadle, the worker causes the knife to lower and cut out the vein. The worker can stop the machine with the foot treadle, and stack the stripped leaves.

The stripped leaves are wrapped in bales and stored for further fermentation. The bales may be shipped at this point, if final production resides elsewhere. Just before the leaves are ready for manufacture into cigars, they are steamed to restore lost humidity, and sorted again.

Hand rolling

Fine cigars are rolled by hand. Cigar rolling is skilled work: it may take a year for a roller to become proficient. The filler must be packed evenly for the cigar to burn smoothly, and the wrapper should be wound in an even spiral around the cigar. Hand cigar makers usually work in small factories. Each worker sits at a small table with a tray of sorted tobacco leaves on it and space to roll out the cigar. First the worker selects from two to six leaves for the filler. These are placed one on top of the other and rolled into a bunch. Then the worker places the bunch on the binder leaf and rolls the binder leaf cylindrically around the filler. The unfinished cigars are placed in an open wooden mold that holds them in shape until they can be wrapped.

Wrapping is the most difficult step. The worker takes the partially completed cigar out of the mold and places it on the wrapper leaf. With a special rounded knife called a chaveta, the worker trims off any irregularities from the filler. Then the worker rolls the wrapper leaf around the filler and binder three and a half times, and secures it at the end with a small amount of vegetable paste. The worker cuts a small round piece out of a different wrapper leaf. This is sometimes done by tracing around a coin. This circle is then attached to the end of the cigar with paste. The worker has completed the cigar, though it still must be tested, sorted and packed. 
 
Cigars come in several shapes and sizes. Perfecto refers to a cigar with a pointed head and tapering sides; Panatella is a long, thin, straight cigar; Cheroot is an open-ended cigar, usually made in India or Asia. From the smallest [3.5 in 18.9 cm)] to the largest [7.5 in (19 cm)] cigars are labeled the Half Corona, Tres Petit Corona, Petit Corona, Corona, Corona Grande, Lonsdale, and Double Corona.

Cigars may be made by hand in teams. Some workers may make the bunch and wrap it in the binder, and then the more delicate finishing work of rolling the wrapper is left to more skilled workers.

Humidor Tips

HUMIDOR TIPS AND INFORMATION

With proper care and attention, your humidor will give you many years of service. To help maintain your investment, follow these tips.

STORAGE

Place your humidor on a flat level surface. This will guard against accidental damage from being knocked over.
Never place your humidor near a heating vent or in direct sunlight. The sun could fade the finish of the wood and raise the temperature inside the humidor.
Avoid placing objects on top of your humidor.

CLEANING

Always use a soft cloth when cleaning your humidor.
We recommend that you use a good furniture polish to protect your humidors outer finish.
Regular dustings will help keep your humidor looking as good as new.
IMPORTANT NOTES

Do not wipe the interior of your humidor with water or any other liquid as it may damage the cedar lining.
Place your humidor in a cool dry place. Cigars should be stored at around 70 degrees.
Avoid any unneccesary opening of your humidor lid. This will allow humidity to escape.
Avoid storing foreign objects such as lighters, cutters, etc. inside the cigar storage portion of your humidor.

BREAKING IN (SEASONING) YOUR HUMIDOR

The wood inside your humidor is high quality Spanish cedar that is kiln dried. This process guards against sapping, splitting, and warping. In order for it to perform at its best the wood must re absorb moisture. Please follow these directions to properly season your humidors. 
Place a shot glass filled with distilled water in the bottom of your humidor.
Charge the humidifier (see humidifier section below) and place it inside your humidor.
Place the calibrated hygrometer inside the humidor.
Close the lid.
Check the humidity reading on your hygrometer daily. When it reaches 68 - 72% range, the wood has been properly stabilized. This is considered the ideal range for proper cigar storage.

NOTE - Do not saturate the interior of your humidor with water. This may cause damage.

CHARGING AND FILLING YOUR HUMIDIFIER

Remove the humidifier(s) from the humidor.
Fill your humidifier with a good quality Propylene Glycol Solution. We recommend Madelaine Brand "Use Every Time" PG Solution.
Do not overfill the humidifier. You want it wet, not soaking.
Wipe any excess liquid from the front of the humidifier with a clean dry cloth.
Re-attach humidifier back into humidor.
HOW TO CALIBRATE YOUR HYGROMETER

Most humidors come equipped with hygrometers. Before use we recommend that you calibrate its accuracy. Follow these simple steps to insure that the analog hygrometer included with your humidor is working properly. (Digital hygrometers do not require calibrating)
Place a teaspoon of table salt in a plastic dish and add just enough water to make it damp.
Place the dish in a zip lock plastic bag and place hygrometer next to it. Take care not to spill any salt water onto your hygrometer.
Seal the plastic bag with some air trapped inside, and allow it to sit for at least 6 hours.
Ater the time has elapsed, the hygrometer shoud read 75% humidity. Some hygrometers have a small screw on the back that will allow you to adjust the reading if it is incorrect. If yours does not, make a note of the deviation.

HYGROMETER PLACEMENT

To insure an accurate humidity reading, do not place your hygrometer next to the humidifier. Keep it in an area where air will circulate around it. Mounting your hygrometer on the lid interior or on a tray inside the humidor is recommended.

Cigar Smoking 101...

Selecting A Cigar
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Today there are a larger variety of cigars than ever before. Selecting a cigar is the first and most important part of the experience. First, decide the level of body you are comfortable with. Strength for the sake of strength is overrated. A full body cigar should be felt in your stomach rather than in your throat or on your palate. The thickness of the wrapper leaf is a good measure of the body of a cigar. A thicker wrapper will generally deliver fuller body as it has a greater amount of oils. The thickness of the wrapper can be gauged by looking at the area where the wrapper overlaps in a cigar. Next, you will need to decide on a size. This should be determined by the amount of time you have available for smoking as well as the amount of smoke you enjoy. The large ring gauges (52-60) deliver large amounts of smoke and flavor. The medium ring gauges (43-50) are ideal for most blends as they are a good balance of smoke and flavor. 

Storing Cigars
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Proper storage is fundamental. Cigars should be stored without cellophane in a humidor which has an adequate seal. It should be checked often to insure proper conditions (70% humidity). Contrary to popular belief, cigars should not be stored in a refrigerator or in a freezer. Either of these will affect the natural oils found in the leaf. Always take into consideration that air conditioning as well as heating will affect the humidity in your humidor. 

Aging
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Aging is a complex process which requires special attention. While all cigars show some degree of maturity from additional aging, not all cigars age well. A common misconception is that a cigar which was rolled with “new” tobacco will lose its bite and harshness through humidor aging. No amount of humidor aging will mellow “new” or un-cured tobacco. 

“The best cigars for aging are those which were well balanced and enjoyable to being with.” 

Proper aging requires a designated humidor which will not be used for daily use. It should have a capacity that exceeds the amount of cigars to be aged by at least 20%. Cigars should be placed in the humidor without cellophane. Allow for space for the head and foot of the cigars evenly. The humidity source should be one that can exceed 70% humidity. Aging cigars should be kept at 70%-79% humidity depending on the thickness of the wrapper. Thicker wrappers require higher levels of humidity. Once desired age is achieved a cigar should be brought to 70% before smoking.

Recommended Aging
High Primes (Thicker Wrappers) Maduro/Habano/Corojo/Habano 2000/Criollo/Sumatra/3-7 years 

2-3 Primes (Medium Wrappers) Low Primes/Ecuador Connecticut/2-5 years 

1st Cut (Thinner Wrappers) USA Connecticut/Cameroon/1-4 years

Cutting A Cigar
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Several methods exist for cutting a cigar. It is generally a matter of personal preference. A scissor or guillotine cut usually provides a better draw. When cutting a cigar special attention should be given not to cut below the “cap”. The cap holds the wrapper in place, cutting below it can cause the wrapper to loosen. The crown of the cigar should be cut (test the draw then cut accordingly). 

Lighting A Cigar
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When conditions allow, a cigar match is the preferred lighting source. However, the recent advances in the way of precision torch lighters have almost eclipsed the match. Either method is appropriate. Lighting a cigar properly requires one important note: Only apply fire to the exposed leaves at the end of the cigar. Do not burn the edges of the wrapper at the foot of the cigar. Roll the cigar and distribute the fire evenly. Once the exposed tobacco is evenly red your cigar is lit. 

Smoking A Cigar
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How one smokes a cigar will affect the overall flavor. Puffing quickly and often will raise the temperature of the cigar and result in a spicier smoke. One should take slow deliberate draws on the cigar, slowly releasing the smoke and enjoying the taste on your palate. Cigars should not be inhaled. The experience happens at the palate.

Indian Tabac Split Decision

Rolled by only the finest craftsmen in Esteli, Nicaragua, Indian Tabac Split Decision features 3 different barber pole styled, toro sized cigars.

Indian Tabac is one of the most sought after brands, having developed a dedicated following over the past 10+ years. Created by Rocky Patel, the cigar industry’s most popular blender, all Indian Tabac lines maintain a quality and consistency seldom found in premium brands today.

The story of Split Decision is an interesting one. In 2007, Rocky was busy working on his Indian Tabac (ITC) 10th Anniversary blend at Tabacalera Fernadez with the help of A.J. Fernandez. After days of blending, the pair had developed a remarkable filler and binder blend, but could not decide on a wrapper. Having tried everything from candela to Habano-seed wrappers, all of which tasted amazing, they could not make up their minds. So as a joke the two rolled a cigar with all four of the wrappers on the table (candela, habano, broadleaf maduro and Connecticut). After sharing a laugh as to how unbalanced the cigar would probably taste, both Rocky and A.J. were pleasantly surprised with the results - they had a perfect blend! Despite the cost and time required to utilize such a large variety of different wrappers on one cigar, Rocky refused to waste this amazing concoction, and so Indian Tabac Split Decision was born. Due to obvious reasons, this cigar is made in extremely limited quantities.

Choices available:
The Double - a double barber pole featuring Habano and Connecticut wrappers
The Quad - a quad barber pole featuring Habano, Connecticut, broadleaf maduro and candela wrappers 
The Triple - a triple barber pole featuring Habano, Connecticut and broadleaf maduro wrappers

ITC 10th

Created to honor the 10th ongoing year for his Indian Tabac line, ITC 10th is yet another well constructed, tasty blend from top cigar maker Rocky Patel.

Rocky Patel has a litter of blends, almost all of which have been well received by even the most discerning aficionados, earning ratings of 90 or higher by leading publications. In fact, one of his more recent blends, Decade, earned a 95 rating, one of the highest ever awarded by Cigar Aficionado. Rocky Patel is known for his impeccable attention to detail, which is why his cigars are so consistent in construction since he puts a massive amount of time and effort into quality assurance. All of his cigars go through rigorous tests to be sure only the best sticks reach consumers. In addition, Rocky is known for his blending abilities; creating cigars that are uniquely different from each other, all of which utilize the best tobaccos currently available at the time of creation.

ITC 10th is no different than Rocky’s other blends when looking at quality and construction. The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper showcasing this cigar is seamless, slightly oily, and gorgeous in appearance. The fillers are all Cuban-seed Nicaraguan and offer a medium-bodied, complex bouquet of flavors that include cedar, hearty notes of earth, and spice. The finish is long, offering a sweet aroma and a smooth character while the smoke emitted is thick and creamy.

CAO Brailia

FULL , HONDURAS , MADURO

The Brazilia is the fuller-bodied side of CAO. Its dark and spicy wrapper make it very flavorful with a long earthy finish.

CAO is the maker of some of the highest rated brands in the world. Previously best known for making pipes, the Nashville based company broke into the cigar industry with authority. The attention they have attracted has not just been from their first rate tobacco either, their concepts and cigar packaging are trendy, appealing to a new generation of cigar smokers. 

For years CAO dreamt of a cigar that uses premium Brazilian tobacco, but finding good Brazilian leaf at the end of the cigar boom was not an easy task. At the time Brazilian tobacco was not at the top of its game. However, CAO stumbled on a beautiful dark wrapper leaf from the coveted Bahia region and the rest is history. After its launch this cigar brought attention back to Brazilian tobacco and essentially was the rebirth of Brazilian cigars in the US cigar market, as other cigar makers flocked to South America in attempt to recreate CAO’s success. The rich Brazilian wrapper gives the CAO Brazilia a full-bodied and full-flavored aroma that carries a long and spicy finish. It is a truly unforgettable cigar, and a powerhouse addition to the humidor.

San Cristobal

COROJO/CRIOLLO , FULL , NICARAGUA

From Ashton Cigars comes this timeless brand that originated in Cuba during the 20th Century. Blended and rolled by legendary cigar maker Don Pepin Garcia, the San Cristobal is a full bodied maduro.

Jose “Pepin” Garcia, a man well known for owning some of the best-fermented Nicaraguan tobacco in the world, blended San Cristobal. With exceptional materials, he crafts rich, flavorful cigars, most of which are extremely complex. A 30-year veteran of several Cuban factories, Pepin is considered one of the best cigar rollers in the world! He now hand picks and trains all of his employees who work in his Nicaraguan and Miami factories.

San Cristobal represents Ashton’s first new brand since the debut of the highly rated La Aroma de Cuba line in 2002. Blended with 100% Nicaraguan tobacco, the San Cristobal is strong and balanced with notes of notes of earth, cedar and spice on the palate.

Nestor Miranda Special Selection

Being in business for 20 years calls for a celebration and Miami Cigar & Co. has commissioned a special cigar for the occasion.

A limited-edition 20th Anniversary blend is being added to the two-shape Nestor Miranda Special Selection and will begin shipping to 100 selected tobacconists in the U.S. on April 1. Made by the Tabacalera Cubana in Esteli, Nicaragua, the blend was concocted by Miranda himself in cooperation with Pepin Garcia.

The major difference between the standard Special Selection blend, introduced in 2007, and the 20th Anniversary cigars will be the wrapper, which will be available in two shapes: Rosado and Oscuro. The Habano Rosado creates a medium-bodied smoke with a distinct mellow nature, while the Habano Oscuro wrapper yields a more aromatic and full-bodied cigar with elements of pepper and spice. All of the tobaccos selected for these cigars are between 3-4 years of age and were selected more than nine months ago for this specific project.

Oliva Serie V

Serie V is a complex blend of Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos. Blended with specially fermented Jalapa Valley ligero, and finished with a high priming Habano Sun Grown Wrapper.

Blending Notes: This cigar is blended to deliver full body taste while maintaining an unparalleled smoothness. This flavorful blend exhibits complex tobacco with rich coffee and dark chocolate tones. 

A subtle and well balanced spice is present throughout.

Rolled with specially selected ligero leaf, all top quality, Serie "V" packs a punch due to its full body; however, its strength does not dominate the experience. Specially aged and fermented tobaccos make for a complex flavor, adding layers of enticing notes of pepper, leather and earthy undertones. This line represents the strongest and richest cigar Oliva has to offer.

To be an authorized Serie "V" dealer, tobacconists must undergo special training from Oliva representatives aimed at providing insight to the sheer power of the blend. This cigar only contains ligero leaf (the strongest variety of tobacco), but is blended so the initial taste is not overwhelming with "in your face" power. In other words, Serie "V" is very strong but can still be enjoyed by individuals who prefer medium-bodied cigars. 

Upon lighting, many may believe Serie "V" is medium in body, but as Jose Oliva himself has explained, if you cycle the smoke through the nose you will realize the true strength of Serie "V." Potent, powerful, yet smooth with a long finish, this blend is must try for all enthusiasts, let alone fans of the Oliva brand. 

Ambos Mundos by Tatuaje

This is a great cigar for the price...I have purchased a box to age in my humidor.  The Sumatra has a sweetness about it and sure is a pleasure to smoke.  They are $5.75 a stick for the Toro.

Ambos Mundos, meaning Both Worlds, was created to give cigar smokers a more economical long filler cigar. Pete Johnson used B and C grade tobacco to create another cigar for his well made line of smokes. The grades of tobacco have nothing to do with the flavor of the cigar, but only refer to minor blemishes on the leaf itself.

In creating this new line, Pete used two different wrappers; Ecuadorian Sumatra and Habanos. In each of the wrappers, Pete utilizes two vitollas to show off his new line. A Toro and a robusto.  If you enjoy Tatuaje and Blue Label Pepin Garcia...you will enjoy this cigar!

Montesino

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC , MADURO , MEDIUM-FULL , MILD , NATURAL

Hailing from the Dominican Republics most coveted cigar factory, the Montesino is a mild cigar from the makers of Fuente with a modest everyday low price.

Since the 1980’s their family’s cigars have been the most demanded and hardest to find in the world, making such big names as OpusX and Ashton. Today, they are considered the Mont Blanc of cigars.

Montesino was one of the fist cigars produced at the Fuente factory, debuting in 1991. The mild blend of Dominican tobaccos and the very reasonable price tag has made this cigar a best seller and very popular worldwide. Typically, a cigar maker will change the blend over the course of a brands history, tweaking the strength and aromas to suit the trend of the day. This is not true of the Fuente family and the Montesino brand. The cigars that are being produced today consist of the same blend that made them so popular over a quarter century ago. Also, today they remain a favorite of aficionados everywhere. Montesino is mild bodied cigar with obvious notes of wood and nuts on the palate and a short sweet finish.