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.
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!
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...
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
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
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.
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...
6 x 50 Clemenceaus en Tubo
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.
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.
4 1/2 x 54 Robusto
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.
