Ancient Warrior Gigante Churchill

Don’t let the name fool you—this giant isn’t as brash as you might expect, but it is tough to beat! On the other hand, calling it a gentle giant may be an understatement, as there is a full-bodied character to it (though it never clubs you over the noggin, which it could were it not for the masterful blending of its rich Brazilian tobaccos). The Ancient Warrior moniker derives from the Gurkhas, a Nepalese tribe who fought for the British during both World Wars. Made by the cigar maestro K. Hansotia, this is one of Gurkha’s most phenomenal offerings. Thoughtful care has been put into its presentation; note the label wrapping the foot, encasing a cedar strip. It reads: “K. Hansotia & Co.; A Century of Tradition; Special Edition; Private Stock; Limited Vintage; Brazilian Blend; Ancient Warrior; ESTD. 1887” A cigar carrying just one of these little tag lines would be impressive—but to legitimately boasts all of them? Now’s that’s product baby! The tobacco blend is genius, in our humble opinions. We found this beauty of a smoke supple to the touch with a great feel in the hand. The opening is rich, with a burst of spice quickly noted. The spice drops back as the flavor develops notes of sweetness and traces of vanilla, along with a myriad of other complex, flavorful interplays. Finishes smooth and solid. This is a true pleasure to smoke—we’re sure you’ll agree. Pair this warrior with a stiff ‘Wee Heavy’ beer (a bit obscure, we realize, but there’s a great example of this beer style made by the Orkney Brewery, going by the name ‘Skull Splitter’, in honor of an ancient Viking warrior (now you see the tie in?). We featured this beer a while back in our International Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club. Not a member? Check out more details at www.monthlyclubs.com).

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Consul

We love a good puro, and a Nicaraguan Puro—well, when we get ‘em, you can bet they’re a big hit with those on our review panel who prefer the big-bodied ka-pow of strong cigar. But the fine cigars from the Joya de Nicaragua line are not just popular with our panel members; they’ve been a big hit since they first hit the market in 1964. In the 1970s the brand was enjoying the peak of its popularity—considered the best in the world. Created in Nicaragua’s first cigar factory, from where they spread throughout the world, its deserved popularity was cut short. Sadly, decades of war and Communist rule in their homeland nearly destroyed much of the country—including the factory that produced them. This new Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 was created in 2002 to celebrate the rich heritage and worldwide renown it enjoyed in 1970. The word Antaño means ”long ago”, and while it may not have been all that many years ago, the company clearly longed for that period of glory. The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 proudly marks a return to those glorious days. We found it firm to the touch with no soft spots, offering a cool, even burn and effortless draw. The flavor is identifiably Nicaraguan, offering a slightly sweet taste and huge spicy character, and characterized as very, very full-bodied and robust. A strong cigar to complement a strong drink—enjoy with an XO Armagnac.

Maxim's de Paris Omnibus Torpedo

This brand was made for Pierre Cardin, to be sold in his chic Paris and New York restaurants, “Maxim’s de Paris”. Now, before you get concerned, let us explain… We understand where you might be saying, “Premium Cigar of the Month Club—did you just send me an overpriced, over-hyped, big-name cigar made by no-name posers?” To which we say, “Come on now—you ought to know better than that!” Of course, the name Pierre Cardin is certainly worth something (try hundreds of millions when it comes to the fashion industry), but a Pierre Cardin cigar? Make that a Pierre Cardin cigar that sells for $15 a pop in his restaurants! The situation sets off our ‘wary bells’ to say the least—a celebrity name slapped on a cigar often translates to “mediocre and outrageously overpriced.” But it turns out that these cigars are actually a rarity in this celebrity-cigar-brand scenario—they’re really good! Truth be told, good old Pierre decided a few years back to pull himself out of the cigar business, but thankfully that was not due to the fact that he got an inferior cigar. These stogies were skillfully created many years ago and have been aging ever since. Each was made by hand using three year aged long-leaf fillers, and subsequently box-aged for several more years. Made in the Dominican Republic with Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos, this mild cigar is wonderfully constructed. The wrapper is an attractive Connecticut shade leaf with a silky smooth feel. We found the flavor mild yet satisfying with some complex flavors and real depth. Whether you’re dressed in your finest duds or kickin’ back in your boxer shorts, you’ll be smoking in fashion with this one. Consider pairing it with a single malt scotch or brandy.

Perdomo La Tradicion Cameroon V Perfecto

Perdomo’s cornerstone La Tradicion Cabinet Series brand is a limited collection of antique, 50s style handmade Cuban cigars. This blend is composed of triple-aged Cuban-seed tobaccos which have been specially commissioned to a private tobacco farm in the fruitful Esteli region of Nicaragua. Rolling of the cigar is restricted to only the most experienced rollers—all grade seven tabaqueros who work in specially-assigned quarters at Nick Perdomo’s factory in Esteli. Señor Perdomo, Sr. himself selects and handpicks each dark, oily Ecuadorian wrapper used to encase the rich tobaccos within. These are top of the line cigars, as you might have guessed from our description thus far. Not surprisingly, they’re critically acclaimed, and passionately enjoyed. The Perdomo Reserve Cameroon was named one of Cigar Aficionado's “top 50 cigars for 2004”. Along with a '92' rating, this is what they had to say: "Wonderful texture to this cigar, which has a sweet, creamy flavor complemented by leathery qualities. It's a medium-bodied smoke with balance." We really dig the genuine African-grown wrapper on these stogies, and so do the rest of the cognoscenti out there—this rare grade wrapper is a major part of this line’s appeal. The look is exquisite and the flavor is exceptional with rich hints of spice, a touch of chocolate, and an earthy-sweet finish. Enjoy with a peppery Tequila, straight up.

Puros Indios Gordo Maduro Toro Grande

Puros Indios cigars are handmade in Honduras with Cuban-seed filler and a rich, oily Ecuadorian wrapper. Employed in their production is the use of five nations’ tobaccos, including Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Nicaragua. Working with complex blends is a talent of Cuban-trained cigar making legend Rolando Reyes, Sr. It’s his tobacco blending prowess that gives these cigars such majesty (not to mention their critical acclaim). Rated ’90’ by Cigar Aficionado, the magazine's editors raved: "A medium-to-full-bodied powerhouse. There are complex flavors of cocoa, leather and solid woodiness on the finish. Nice sheen and color, and it performed well." We’d have to agree with their analysis. But what they didn’t mention was the massive size of the particular specimen we’ve sent you. The Gordo is massive—just sit with it your hand for a moment—feel the weight? That’s a lot of tobacco friends… Some folks might even have a tough time with this one, as it requires you open up a bit wider than most of us are accustomed to while smoking our favorite stogies. If that’s an issue for you, you’ll get over it once you experience the flavor of this cigar, which is delivered via a near perfect draw (tough to achieve in a cigar of this ring gauge). This is a great bourbon-friendly cigar, or if you prefer beer, a well-hopped IPA makes a nice match.

ASK MURL

Hey Murl,

I know some people store their cigars in the freezer—is this a good money saving option as opposed to buying a high-end humidor? I’m not cheap Murl, it’s just that, well, nothing wrong with saving a few bucks, right?

Nicholas Petrino
Hoboken, NJ

Hey Nicky P,

Nah man, nothin’ wrong with that—that is if you’re cool with losing money in the long run by buying great cigars, then not getting all that they have to offer if they’d been cared for properly. Sure, this frozen stogie thing is an option that many people practice, but not one that I’d recommend, and it ain’t just because I have a tough time getting’ into the freezer mind you. Think about this for a moment—there’s a reason cigars came to be grown in tropical areas and not the frozen tundras of Siberia—tobacco don’t like the cold! And even though the tobacco in your cigars is no longer a living plant, tobacco does continue to age in premium cigars. In fact, many cigars carry a higher price tag depending on how long they’ve been aged in their boxes. And guess what, when you toss those fine stogies in the freezer, their natural aging is abruptly halted. Not to mention the potential that freezer odors can easily be absorbed by your cigars, and trust me, a fine smoke shouldn’t taste like frozen broccoli and lamb shank. But, if you insist on using this method, then heed this advice: you must allow the cigars to return to normal temperature slowly. If you light them too soon, the abrupt change in temperature may cause them to crack open or explode. Give chilled cigars at least two or three days at the proper temperature in a humidified environment before lighting them up. But Nick, check it out man, humidors have really come down in price, so if you’re really getting in to cigar smoking, you ought to pick one up. And if it’s money you’re interested in, trust me, it’ll save you a bundle in the long run!

Woof!
Murl

Give Your Friends FREE Beer, Wine, Cheese, Chocolate, Cigars & Flowers!

Through our Customer Appreciation Program:

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!)

The Fine Print: Members giving gift memberships do not qualify for referral credits and you can't give yourself a gift to qualify! This Program is mutually exclusive of any other promotions.

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.