FEATURED CIGARS

El Paraiso by Plasencia Toro

We are pleased to bring you this premium cigar from a highly respected industry leader. This month we have featured one of the product line’s full-bodied, rich cigars and know that you’ll appreciate the years of experience behind their production. Created and blended by master cigar maestro Nestor Plasencia in Honduras, this flagship line of the El Paraiso factory is believed by some to be aptly named "The Paradise," featuring tobaccos grown in four different countries, offering a unique and complex character; in each cigar you get Dominican and Jamaican filler leaves, Cuban-seed Mexican binder and a Connecticut wrapper. The Jamaican fillers add a slight richness with hints of dark chocolate, while the Dominican leaves provide their traditional earthy notes. We found this medium-bodied smoke to be rich and tasty, not to mention expertly constructed. Look for a near perfect draw in this rich, oily, flavorful experience. Note a spicy, rich aroma that follows a nutty, slightly spicy flavor. This cigar would be a perfect end to a big, garlic-saturated Italian dinner. Consider pairing it with a full-bodied, dry, roasted Stout.

Jericho by Camacho Churchill

Handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua, this Nicaraguan puro was introduced by Caribe Imported Cigars in 2004 (just as a quick review, a puro is a cigar in which all tobaccos—the wrapper, binder and filler—come from the same country). This blend, revived by the Eiroa family (known among connoisseurs primarily for the fabulous Honduran Camacho brand), resurrects a much acclaimed 1972 medium-bodied cigar made in Nicaragua by Simon Camacho. The success of the original cigar was short lived due to Nicaragua’s Civil War in which Communist revolutionaries ravaged the countryside, nearly destroying the Nicaraguan cigar industry altogether. Holding true to its roots, the re-release actually sports the original labels and decorations from the 70’s, while utilizing a rich Nicaraguan long-filler blend of tobaccos grown entirely in the Jalapa Valley. We enjoyed this medium-bodied smoke and its slight sweetness and contrasting spice. It remained smooth throughout the experience and offered a toasty, earthy aftertaste. By all accounts, this sequel is actually as good as the original! Try with a cocktail containing Caribbean dark rum.

La Vieja Habana "Leather Patch" #6 Belicoso

The exclusive “Leather Patch” series from La Vieja Habana is a premium cigar that impressed us right off the bat (we think you’ll have the same experience). This cigar is quite different from both the Early Years and the economical Blue Box blends from La Vieja Habana. Have a look at one of the most desirable features of this cigar—the authentic West African wrapper (from Cameroon, known as “Adobe”) is shiny, sultry and smooth. It dresses a top-notch, all-Nicaraguan long-leaf blend. The flavor of this smoke is stupendous. You can expect some serious spices to meet your palate, tickling the tip of the tongue. After the full and flavorful start, it will quickly mellow, developing the woodsy, smooth, leathery flavor for which it was named. A chestnut undertone gives the flavor additional depth and persists all the way through. The finish is hearty and long-lasting—a perfect complement to the body and flavor this cigar. Drink with your favorite cognac.

Montecristo White Rothschild

Originating in Cuba in 1935 as a new brand from Menendez, Garcia y Cia., then the owners of the H. Upmann brand, the name is reported to have been inspired by Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel Le Comte de Monte Cristo. The Dominican version of Cuba’s most widely smoked brand has met with tremendous success. Comprised of Dominican and Nicaraguan long fillers, wrapped in a flavorful, golden-brown, Connecticut-seed Ecuadorian shade grown wrapper, the White offers a smooth, robust and satisfying smoke for the more developed palate. We found the roll firm, but still allowing for an easy draw. This classic Dominican starts out mild, but expect it to pick up steam as you get into it. Look for some robust cedary notes about mid-way through, with a leathery undertone, and solid, clean tobacco flavors. Great with a solid IPA.

Romeo Y Julieta Reserve Maduro #4 Corona

The renowned brand of cigars known as Romeo y Julieta has been a favorite of many cigar lovers for years. It would seem that their only complaint was that no maduros could be found in their Reserve series. Well, after years of planning, the Romeo y Julieta Reserve Maduro has been released! Handmade in La Romana, Dominican Republic, the new maduro line offers a complex, tri-nation blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and exotic Peruvian long leaf filler covered by a thick, triple-fermented Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro leaf. This bold new blend promotes a robust and smooth smoking experience full of deep, rich flavors and that pleasant aroma that is so characteristic of Romeo Y Julieta cigars. Expect this medium-to-full-bodied cigar to smoke flawlessly with an ultra smooth draw. Try this one with either some vintage Madeira wine or the port of your choosing.

ASK MURL

Hey Murl,

I really have to say I love this club man—fine stogies and the monthly newsletter really make a great team. And I have learned so much from your column! Hopefully you can help me learn about this—sometimes I find a fine white residue on my cigars—particularly on those that have been aging for a long time. What’s the scoop on that stuff? Is it harmful? Does it influence the cigar flavor? Thanks Murl! And if you’re ever in Vegas, look me up—As a long-time local, I know the best places to relax with a cigar out there!

Karen Hirsch
Las Vegas, NV

Yo Karen!

Finally a question from the female of the species! It’s been a little while, but a cool chick like yourself (from Las Vegas no less—scoring some bonus points there!) will always come up with a worthwhile query. And usually the inquiries from the ladies don’t have answers that are totally obvious, often showcasing some degree of observational skills. I’m sure you already know this Karen, but guys can be, well, dumb. Human guys I mean—not keen Male canines like my smooth self. I’m not kidding you here Karen—I have read questions like, “hey Murl, ever try lighting both ends of the cigar dude? I think that would be pretty cool.” No my pyro-loving friend, that would be very HOT. Or, “Murl, I’ve been wanting forever for my local cigar shop to get in some Cubans—but they never get ‘em. What’s with that place—should I look for better one?” Yes, might I suggest, oh, I don’t know… CUBA!! Never get such “off the charts” questions from the ladies. Anyway, on to your question… if the residue you’re encountering looks like powdered sugar and wipes off easily, it's probably "bloom". Bloom is actually the crystallized oils that form on properly aging wrapper leaf, thus explaining why you tend to find it on the more aged cigars (like I said—very observant). It’s a natural result of the fermentation process, and is absolutely not a sign of a bad cigar. In fact, it’s more likely a sign that you have ideal storage conditions for your beloved old stogies. Doesn’t directly affect flavor, but most people prefer to wipe it off anyway. And it isn’t harmful in the least—simply wipe it off—if it is bloom, it will come right off. If, on the other hand, what you're looking at is fuzzy or blue/green and is on the foot of the cigar in the filler tobaccos (or could also appear on the wrapper) and doesn’t easily wipe off—it is most likely mold. If your cigars are moldy they're pretty much a lost cause, I hate to say. Don’t try smoking a moldy cigar, not that you would, but just in case there are a few fellas out there who don’t have their thinking caps on… don’t do it guys, no matter how much your buddies offer to pay you… unless you give it to the guy who’s lighting both ends—he’s “special” enough to deal with it…

And Karen, you can count on me getting in touch with ya next time I’m in Sin City. If you hear a knock at the door and look out your peephole and don’t see no one—it might just be me out there. I may be bit height challenged, but it makes for easy pickings when scouring the casino floors for dropped winnings, and for cutting in the buffet line. Ahhhh, Vegas… how I miss thee…

Woof!
Murl

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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.