Featured Cigar	Shape	Size	Strength	Country	Panel Rating
Joya De Nicaragua	Counsul	4.5 x 52	7.0	Nicaragua	93
La Perla Habana Classic	Toro	6 x 50	6.5	Dominican	94
Lone Wolf Signature	Torpedo	5.75 x 54	5.0	Dominican	90
Signature	Figurado	5.75 x 54	5.5	Nicaragua	93
St. Luis Rey	Toro	6 x 50	7.5	Honduras	91

Joya De Nicaragua Celebracion Counsul

We recently featured the Joya De Nicaragua Antaño 1970. But to really capture the full essence of this line, you must try its younger, tamer brother known as Celebracion. Like its bigger-bodied brother, this particular “Jewel of Nicaragua” is a full-fledged Nicaraguan Puro (for those of you who might be new to cigars, that means all the tobaccos used, from wrapper to binder to filler, are all from the same country). Using the same meticulously cured Nicaraguan-grown Habana-seed fillers and binders found in Antaño, the Celebracion sports a super smooth, aged Habana-seed Criollo wrapper leaf. The power has been cut back a bit in this particular blend, but it remains a robust smoke, with distinctly Nicaraguan flavors that offer some slightly sweet tastes and rich earthy spicy character. Look for a hint of cocoa and some cedar evident, and expect a moderately-lingering finish in this mild-to-medium bodied smoke. Pour yourself a Cuervo 1800 Margarita on the rocks, spark up this stogie, and kick them feet up & relax with this one.

La Perla Habana Classic Toro

La Perla Habana is one of the most coveted labels in cigar history. Two of the industry’s most respected entrepreneurs took it upon themselves to recreate this well-known Cuban brand in the Dominican Republic. The Classic line featured this month was reborn almost a century after it was first produced. Sergio Cuevas and Doug Wood have created a cigar in which commitment, quality, and flavor are the sole concerns. Using closely guarded techniques to age and blend the tobaccos, these men have produced a cigar that is worthy of the name, the Pearl of Havana. Since hitting the scene in 1997, this masterfully blended Dominican has became a favorite to many. The entire line has been rated between 88 and 91 in Cigar Aficionado and well deserving of such praise in our opinion. Excellent feel, burn characteristics, smoke volume—the works. It’s all in there! Note a sweet woodiness with some mild hints of pepper in the complex flavor profile. This is one for the ol’ Port wine or Sherry.

Lone Wolf Signature Select Torpedo

Lone Wolf International was formed in July, 1996 when James Belushi and Chuck Norris teamed with an investment team who had recently opened a chain of retail cigar lounges in California. The brand was eventually acquired by David Weiss in 2000. Each of the three Lone Wolf brands are manufactured in the Dominican Republic, with each made by a different manufacturer. M.A.T.A.S.A. (renowned makers of Fonseca and Romeo & Julieta), produces the Signature Select brand we’ve sent you this month. Lone Wolf chose a different wrapper leaf for each of their 4 brands, while the fillers and binders are all Dominican Piloto Cubano and Dominican Olor tobaccos. Note the fine, Colorado Claro, Ecuadorian grown Connecticut Shade wrapper, applied by hand in Santiago, Dominican Republic, that ensconces a blend of very properly aged tobacco. Expect mellow, balanced flavors with some resinous, almost minty-cool flavors in the finish. This cigar builds power about 1/3rd through and levels off until the final 1/4th with distinct yet mild pepper notes. Look for a tempered draw that supplies a billowy smoke volume. A mellow pale ale or Bavarian Pilsener makes an appropriate partner.

Signature Collection by Perdomo Diablo (Figurado)

At the Tabacalera Perdomo factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, some of the most talented cigar blenders and rollers are busy creating top-notch cigars like Perdomo2 (Perdomo “squared”), Perdomo Estate and Perdomo Reserve, just to name a few. As one of the largest and most prestigious cigar manufacturers in Central America, you can be sure you’re getting only the best from these folks. Yet another excellent cigar from Nick Perdomo is this beautiful Figurado. Made entirely by hand using a Cuban Criollo '99 Nicaraguan shade-grown wrapper. We found it to be a mild-to-medium-bodied smoke with a light and pleasant aftertaste which leaves woodsy and somehow refreshing flavors upon the palate. Expect a build in strength about midway through this one, with tons of depth to the delightful, earthy, robust and somewhat spicy flavors. Its effortless draw fills the room with billowing clouds of rich, heady smoke. Consider smoking it with a medium-bodied cabernet. We couldn’t agree more with Señor Perdomo when he says "this is a kick-ass mild cigar!"

St. Luis Rey Toro

This Honduran version of a classic old Cuban brand was introduced at Le Cigar Noir in Beverly Hills back on May 1st, 1996, and was an immediate hit with everyone who tried it. But it’s a cigar that’s moved around quite a bit in its evolution. Originally made in Cuba, then the Dominican Republic, many feel that this reinvigorated Honduran version is the best of all releases. Full-bodied and offering an impeccably smooth draw, these smokes blend plenty of flavor with a slow-burning mix of Honduran-grown, Cuban-seed tobaccos as well as some from Nicaraguan and Peru. Handmade in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras, the line is truly one of the finer Honduran products on the market. Note a smooth, oily Colorado Claro wrapper encasing this snazzy smoke. Our panel enjoyed this one mainly for how packed with flavor it was. Notably players in the flavor ensemble are notes of pronounced cocoa beans and roasted hazelnuts. Overall, a very fine cigar. Try smoking it with a big, peaty porter or stout (“Imperial” versions if either would do nicely).

Ask Murl

The Original Habana Hound

Dear Murl,

I know you’ve most likely answered this one before, but I’m a new member and if you don’t answer it again, I’m gonna cancel my subscription! (Just kiddin’ pooch). Anyway, what’s up with the Cuban thing? I’ve never had one. Are Cuban cigars really that much better than ones produced elsewhere? Also, if I was to visit Cuba, can I bring back a box for personal consumption or not? I’ve heard conflicting stories.

Fidel Smith
New York, NY

Yo Fiddle!

All right, Bucko. You got my attention. Not your real name is it. It’s okay to ask what you think might be a bonehead question, Fiddle. Truth is, everyone wants to hear an opinion on Cuban cigars. I’ve attended a festival or two when we’re promoting the club and I can’t tell you how many weenies come up and ask the same question. "Got any Cubans? Got any Cubans? Got any Cubans?!" I usually tell them, "Sure Pal, this one right here was rolled on the thighs of a Cuban virgin just this morning and it’s yours for $150 if you want it." The glazed, confused stare, unaware of my jest, usually confirms my suspicions of a rookie who wouldn’t know a Cuban if Castro gave it to him personally!

Anyway, to the point. In my opinion, opinion being the operative word here Fiddle, the binders and fillers in the Dominican Republic are the best in the world, bar none. Cuba still grows the best wrappers, but the Dominican Republic is catching up rapidly in that respect as well. The difference isn't really in the growing of the tobacco, but more so in its processing and aging. The soils of the two countries are essentially the identical and they are on nearly the same latitude. Of course, the Dominican Republic is a little east of Cuba in longitude but the weather is very similar. I think a large part of the Cuban mystique is the appeal of the forbidden fruit. I saw this sexy she-wolf on the Discovery Channel the other day. I knew I couldn’t have her, and I wanted her all that much more. I’m telling ya, it’s human (and canine) nature, baby. Tell me I can’t buy a pint of Guinness any more and I’m calling my clan on the mainland to reserve my private reserve. Don’t focus so much on where the smoke came from, but rather did you personally enjoy it. It’s all very subjective, the appreciation of fine tobacco, so go with what you like.

And FYI, only persons returning directly from Cuba after a licensed visit there are permitted to bring Cuban cigars into the United States, provided the value of such cigars does not exceed $100 US dollars and the cigars are for that individual’s personal use and not for resale. All other importations of Cuban cigars are illegal. Gotta trot. Got a milk bone stashed in the couch with my name on it.

Woof!
Murl

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.

Featured Cigar	Box Quantity	Box Cost	5 Pack Cost
Joya De Nicaragua	20	$72.50	$23
La Perla Habana Classic	20	$87.50	$27
Lone Wolf Signature	25	$95.50	$24
Signature	20	$78.50	$25
St. Luis Rey	25	$74.50	$20

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.