FEATURED CIGARS

Diablo Pimiento Double Corona

Even the scent of this one while unlit might be enough to singe your nose hairs! But, go ahead and take a big whiff anyway. See what we mean? There’s a “Devishly delightful” punch waiting in this big-bodied cigar. This cigar was introduced during Halloween week in 2004 by General Cigar—known for Partagas, Macanudo, Punch and others—the Diablo is appropriately named, as this enticing blend offers a hefty full-bodied smoking experience with a robust finish that is absolutely loaded with spice. The very dark Ecuadorian-grown Sumatra leaf cleverly hides a premium mix of Dominican and Nicaraguan long-filler to create a flavorful, “sit-down-only” smoke that will add a nice finishing touch to any hearty meal. Pair it with a stiff Cognac or rich Sherry that’s big and bold enough to match up to this beauty.

Fidalgo Negro Box Pressed Robusto

We have the legendary Jose Dominguez to thank for this particularly dark, strikingly gorgeous cigar. The nearly black double maduro Oscuro wrapper offers not only aesthetic appeal, but smooth taste and mild body. Certainly though, the flavor of this hand-rolled, Cuban style, square-pressed beauty is not only from the wrapper; the premium blend of Nicaraguan long-filler leaves deserves credit as well. Have a look down the foot of this cigar and you’ll notice the best of both worlds: densely packed at the edges, with plenty of breathing room through the center. This packing method results in a moderately dense cigar with an easy draw quality and a billowy smoke volume. We found the pre-burn aroma to be earthy with notes of clove-like sweetness, which persisted while lit, but took a backseat to a mild spiciness. The spice subsided with time and gave way to an ultra smooth buttery flavor. The overall feel from this cigar is smooth and relaxing in nature. The draw is about as perfect as it gets, even and nearly effortless. Expect a moderate body and a slightly peppery finish. We don’t have to point out the billowy smoke volume—you can’t miss it—but we are giving you a little pre-smoke warning: coupled with its slow burning character, this one’s going to fill the room. We paired this deep dark specimen with a round of Anchor Porters.

Java by Drew Estate Toro

Introduced in 2004, and released in the 1st quarter of 2005, Java is an exceptionally unique handmade from two of today's hardest working cigar makers: Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate and Rocky Patel. Quite a one-two combo, to say the least, and boy does this cigar pack a punch. Not in strength, but in flavor. We found Java to be sweet but with Nicaraguan forte that features a dark, oily maduro wrapper stretched across an aged blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers. While aging, these cigars have been slowly infused with the delicious flavor of gourmet mocha, morphing a traditional Nicaraguan cigar into a incredibly rich cigar filled with hints of mocha that smokes smooth from start to finish, leaving an extremely pleasant aroma in its wake. You can expect deep notes of coffee and chocolate, which makes this a great smoke to enjoy with a big-bodied stout or the Amazonian XINGU Black Beer that we’re featuring this month as one of our International Beers of the Month. Not a member? What are you waiting for! Check out www.beermonthclub.com for details on how you can receive the best microbrewed beer from domestic microbreweries as well as world renowned international brewers.

Liga IV Churchill

Let’s examine this fine specimen, shall we? Upon first glance, the barrel of the cigar is solid; firmly rolled and nicely packed with all long leaf fillers. The natural wrapper is a smooth and leathery-textured with ample oily sheen atop a milk-chocolate coloration. Expect a smooth, creamy flavor during the first inch of this cigar. The flavor is extremely mellow, and the cigar never grows more than mild-bodied. Still, it offers plenty of alluring, dry, floral and woody flavors (cedar) that begin with a slightly creamy opening. The ash is light gray and holds firm throughout, indicating that the tobacco was properly aged. Note the lengthy finish as it lingers with nutty highlights. A very nice touch in our humble opinions. Overall, Liga IV (pronounced "leega four") is a light-to-medium-bodied smoke that we recommend smoking with breakfast or lunch due to its easy-going nature. Good with coffee or a good & hoppy pale ale.

Romeo y Julieta 1875 Cedro Deluxe No.2 Corona

The Romeo y Julieta brand’s early success was directly due to the efforts of Rodriquez Fernandez. “Pepin,” as he was known, was originally manager of the Cabanas factory in Havana, but unhappy at its imminent takeover by American Tobacco, he resigned in 1903 to branch out on his own. Using his savings, he bought a little-known factory which, since 1875, had made cigars called Romeo y Julieta solely for the Cuban domestic market. But he had bigger ideas, and encouraging his employees by distributing 30 percent of profits to heads of department, he traveled the world promoting the brand. Within two years, with his 1,400 workers, he had to move to a larger factory. The blend at hand features Dominican Olor Binders and Dominican & uncommonly encountered Pennsylvania fillers. The Connecticut shade wrapper is smooth and attractive. Overall we found this cigar to be consistently well made. We found it rolled with ample tobacco and yet it burned perfectly with an effortless draw. Consistent with the rest of the Dominican R y J line, we found the blend complex, offering earthy tone and the somewhat sweet herbal quality that we’ve grown quite fond of. Pair it up with a full-bodied merlot.

Get In On Some Great Beers!

Hey y’all—we’re always recommending beer styles for our premium smokes—and some of you might have started to wonder, “what is an Imperial Porter exactly?” or, “where can I try a German Eisbock or an authentic Tropical Stout?” Well folks, we have the answers to these very important questions—and they can be found each month—in your very own mail box! Turns out we have a number of microbrewed beer clubs that feature anything from Pilsners made in New York to stouts from Sri Lanka! Our flagship series, the Beer of the Month Clubs are a surefire way to get your hands on some great brews that will complement your monthly cigar shipments. Check us out at www.beermonthclub.com and have a look at the variety of beers and clubs we offer. We have testimonial after testimonial from satisfied cigar club subscribers who have found that joining our beer clubs not only expanded their cultural knowledge about various beer styles and the countries that brew them, it also satisfied their palates and enhanced their cigar smoking experiences month after month. Come check us out and see for yourself the joy of truly great craft-brewed beer. Cheers!

ASK MURL

Dear Murl,

I’ve heard and seen cigars in my local smoke shop referred to as Segundos or Seconds and they’re always much cheaper than the normal prices of the same brands. Why is that and what exactly is a Segundo? Thanks mucho!

Darren Woodward
Huntington Beach, CA

Yo Woody!

Segundos or Seconds mean different things to different folks. First thing I think of are a pair of hunter green Sears Toughskins Jeans that were handed down to me and resurrected into a pair of Bitchin’ Wee Wee shorts for a summer. I think I even got a used spiked collar one year that my older brother outgrew once he stopped watchin’ his Kibbles and Bits intake. I personally have to draw the line with recycled chewie sticks. Won’t go there. But, I suspect, being the all-knowing and hyper-perceptive canine that I am, that you are not really interested in my recollection of varied puphood memories and are really desiring a more substantial response as it related to tobacco. I’m getting there. It is my column after all, pal.

Each cigar manufacturer also has a different definition as to what constitutes a second and as a result, it’s a bit of a challenge without getting into each specific manufacturer’s definition as to the difference between their second and their prime brand name cigar. There are, however, a few things most seconds have in common. It’s relatively safe to say that the cigar was made from leaf that didn’t pass muster to go into a prime cigar. It may, however, have been rejected purely for aesthetic reasons which most likely won’t alter your enjoyment of the smoke. The seconds will probably be rolled by less experienced rollers which may or may not affect the construction of the cigar. Now there is still yet another classification of Seconds which is affectionately referred to as "Dog Rockets". Generally, you’ll want to stay clear of those smokes and yes, I do resent the negative implication! Hope that helps, Woodman.

Woof!
Murl

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Your name is worth cold hard cash to your friends, co-workers and family members! Every time a friend, family member, or anyone else you know joins any one of our clubs, [or gives a gift] for 3 months or longer, we'll give them 50% off of their first month, but only when they mention your name. And we'll also give you 50% off your next month too which can either be applied towards your current membership or you can try one of our other Clubs out! (We can add one more month to your order sat 50% off for prepaid memberships!)

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For Members Only

Original & Super Grab Bags!

That's right babies, help us put a little bit of our humidor into your humidor at insanely cheap prices! We've got some extra smokes that need a caring home to take them in so check it out! Choose between:

Discounted Box Re-Orders!

Members can take advantage of our volume purchasing and re-order their favorite cigars in box quantities at just over our wholesale costs. Re-order any selection featured in the box quantities listed below or order them in convenient 5 paks! Other cigar shapes and sizes not actually featured, but from a featured brand line may also be re-ordered. Call for pricing.

Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery and add $7.95 for S&H for your first box and $3.00 for each additional box or grab bag. S&H for 5-packs is $4.95 and $1.50 for each additional 5-pak. All reorders are sent Priority mail unless otherwise requested. CA residents please add 7.75 % Sales Tax. S&H for International re-orders must be calculated on an individual basis. Prices are subject to change.