Cigar of the Month Club Vol.5 No.5

Past Newsletters

Vol. 5 No. 5

Featured Cigar Dimensions

Brand Name:	Shape	Size
A. Octavio Tavares Churchill (CT Shade)	Churchill	7 ½ x 50
B. Octavio Tavares Churchill (Maduro)	Churchill	7 ½ x 50
C. Octavio Tavares Torpedo	Torpedo	6 x 52
D. Boss Robusto	Robusto	5 ½ x 50
E. Boss Toro	Toro	6 ½ x 50

Featured Cigars

The Octavio Tavares Cigars

Since 1875 the Don Eugenio Cigar Company, a family-owned business, has grown premium Dominican Tobacco on the 2000 acres it owns in the Cibao River Valley near the Yaque veins--the heart of cigar tobacco country. Predating the Castro era, the company has been selling premium Piloto Cubano long filler tobacco to all major labels throughout the world for over one hundred and twenty years. And in 1989, Don Eugenio Jimenez began producing its first limited line of cigars. When Octavio Tavares, a head roller who worked for the family since his flight from Cuba in 1962 died in 1993, the family decided to honor his dedication, commitment and loyalty to their business by naming the first cigar after him.

Don Eugenio’s production supervisor, Luis Tejeda, spent many years making cigars for Avo and Davidoff and maintains the highest standards in quality by closely watches over a small group highly trained rollers who are allowed to roll only a certain quota of cigars a day. The tobacco used in the Octavio Tavares line is always either premium Piloto Cubano or Havana seed which provides prime Dominican filler and binders. The fillers in each cigar featured this month are selected from three different Dominican tobaccos. It is aged a minimum of three years in natural drying conditions and the crop year is always printed on the label. The Octavio Tavares cigars are rolled in both Connecticut Shade and maduro wrapper and available in Churchill, Double Corona, Robusto and Torpedo sizes. For more information about the Don Eugenio Cigar Company, call 888-782-4427.

Connecticut Shade Churchill

Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Dominican Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5
Panel Rating: 89

Notes from the Panel:

We found Don Eugenio’s Connecticut Shade Churchill to be a very enjoyable, mild, yet flavorful cigar. Note a well constructed cigar with a creamy, smooth wrapper with a slightly oily sheen. Look for some floral notes and a definite creaminess with some nutty and spicy undertones evident as well. The tobacco has certainly been aged properly and we found the finish to have a lingering cedar character. Consider pairing this one with an Oban Scotch or your favorite Czechoslovakian Pilsner.

Maduro Churchill

Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Sumatran - Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7
Panel Rating: 90

Notes from the Panel:

We liked this Churchill as much if not a little bit more than it’s lighter-bodied sister. The maduro cigar was equally well constructed and offered a more fuller-bodied experience that picked up some real character about half way through the smoke. Look for an even burn and a long-holding ash in this rich, flavorful cigar. We picked up on some slightly bitter coffee notes and a hint of pepper. Overall an earthy, complex and flavorful smoke. We’d suggest smoking it with an Islay malt such as Laphroag or Lagorulin or a robust Porter.

Torpedo

Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Sumatran - Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7.5
Panel Rating: 92

Notes from the Panel:

Another very enjoyable cigar from Don Eugenio. Although all three were very pleasant experiences, the majority of us found the maduro torpedo to offer the most satisfying experience. Look for excellent construction and an even, slow burn. We found it to be the fullest-bodied of the three, offering a rich flavor with coffee and slightly spicy undertones evident. You could pair this one up with any of the suggested beverages for the maduro Churchill above or you might want to try smoking it with a full-bodied dry roasted stout or a smoky single malt scotch such as Lag Vulin.

The BOSS Cigars

The BOSS Cigar Company first made their appearance in the tobacco industry in early 1996 with a production run of just over 600 boxes. BOSS’ master blender is a third-generation Cuban tabacalero, whose factory in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, employs five seasoned Cuban master rollers. Even two and a half years later, BOSS is producing just under 1000 boxes per month to ensure the highest of quality. The blend of three Domincan tobaccos lends good balance and depth to the line and a truly satisfying flavor character. The binder and fillers, from the Cibao Valley in Republica Dominica, are aged a full three years for smoothness, while the Indonesian wrapper is aged one year. After being rolled, all cigars are aged another sixty days in cedar-lined humidors.

The BOSS line is offered in four sizes including a Robusto, Lonsdale, Toro and Churchill. The cigars, 25 to a box, are cased in Spanish cedar, classical cabinet style. Our panel enjoyed all of the BOSS cigars sampled equally, slightly favoring the Robusto and Toro so those are the two that we’re sharing with you this month. For more information about the BOSS Cigar Company, call 800-726-BOSS.

Robusto

Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Indonesian Java – CO Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 90

Notes from the Panel:

We really like these cigars. Upon visually inspection, the cigar seemed flawless, no extra folds, cracks, nor wrinkles on the wrapper. The color of the wrapper is light brown, with an inviting shine - a sign of oiliness. The cigar felt firm and substantial. We found it to be a well-balanced, medium-bodied smoke, offering an earthy aroma and solid, rich flavors. The initial taste is subtle - not overpowering. Look for a very slight sweetness, perhaps tones of chocolate, some coffee notes, and an overall rich, satisfying taste. This cigar works well late in the day, either as an afternoon treat or following a not-too-heavy-dinner. The aroma is fragrant. Consider pairing this cigar with either Highland Park or Isle of Jura whisky or a full-bodied Merlot.

Toro

Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Indonesian Java – CO Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 8
Panel Rating: 93

Notes from the Panel:

Another exceptionally constructed cigar. The wrapper is even-colored with fine-to-medium texture and a handsome dry, generous sheen. There were no soft spots and we found a medium draw in this well made cigar. The abundant, balance flavor of the three-leaf blend added up to real satisfaction. We noted a woodiness and slight bitterness that offered a pleasant overall combination. Also look for creamy, cocoa and leather tones, followed by a long, full finish. Overall, an authoritative, but not overwhelming and very satisfying smoke. You can enjoy its restrained power without enduring any rough edges. We’d recommend pairing it with a malty Bock or Red Ale.

Father’s Day Is Coming!

All your life you drove your Dad to drink and smoke. Maybe it’s time you had some delivered.

Father’s Day is coming June 21st. What are you gonna get the old man?

A. A 24 hp, twin turbo weed whacker
B. The complete, unedited Julie Andrews Video Library
C. A set of Ginzu knives
D. The newly released Liberaci unplugged CD
E. A gift subscription to our Premium Cigar or Beer of the Month Club

Answer: E and D only

Send him something he’ll actually enjoy this year! Simply call us at 800-625-8238 and tell us where to send it and how long you like the membership to last (Only a 2 month minimum) and we’ll do the rest. We’ll send out a tasteful gift card that can either be delivered to you to put in your own card or we’ll send it directly to Pop. We can even fax the gift card if you’re short on time. Do more than one Dad for a combined total of more than 12 months and we’ll send a FREE month!

Storing Your Smokes

Equally important to evaluating and appreciating the cigars featured each month is the proper storage and sometimes continued aging of them prior to smoking them. Ideally, you should store your cigars in a humidor to maintain them at their peak smokability. Be sure and use only distilled water in your humidor or you will ultimately see mold. As for the cigars, if they've got cellophane on them, as a general rule, leave it on. Cellophane is actually quite porous and the moisture from a humidor will penetrate the wrapper. If in fact, you don’t yet own a humidor or prefer not to spend the money for the amount of tobacco you indulge, there are many varied options. In the short term you can put them in a zip lock plastic bag (open) and then place the bag in a Tupperware-like container. Put a dampened ball of paper towel in the container as well, but do not allow the paper towel to touch the cigars. Do not put your cigars in the refrigerator; it's too cold and dry. Be certain to examine your cigars frequently, checking for mold. If you see mold beginning to grow, allow your "Tupper-dor" to dry out somewhat and reduce the amount of moisture its receiving.

Cigar Wrapper Leaf Tobacco Part 2:
Countries of Origin & Cultivation

Different strains of cigar wrapper leaf grow worldwide, each with its own unique character. However, virtually all of them trace their origins to seed from Connecticut, Cuba, or Indonesia, and have remained true to their genetic forebears. Caribbean countries traditionally known as major wrapper producers include Ecuador, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, and notably Cuba. Their wrappers spring from all three strains, and run the spectrum from mild to robust in flavor. Dominican Republic producers are just beginning to have success with growing wrapper leaf.

Connecticut wrapper leaf is one of the most prized varieties, and many of the most famous marquees wrap their finest specimens in it. Two Connecticut wrappers are cultivated: small-veined, light to golden brown Shade leaf, grown under cheesecloth tenting; and Broadleaf, a sun-grown, more coarse wrapper tobacco chosen for darker, richer-tasting smokes.

Indonesian (Sumatra and Java) leaf is noted for its elasticity and smooth texture, and runs toward a darker shade with neutral flavor. It is the parent seed of another prized wrapper leaf from African Cameroon. Actually, Cameroon wrapper has become a generic name, because production has slowed to a dribble there. Most African wrapper is now coming from the neighboring Central African Republic. Like Sumatra leaf, African wrapper tobacco is neutral in flavor and medium brown or darker.

Finally, the workers withdraw bundles of wrapper leaves from several different bales of sleeping tobacco, gently shake them loose from each other, moisten them with water, and lay them out in trays for several hours. The water evaporates, leaving them supple and ready for stripping and rolling. But first, workers sort them into as many as seventy-five categories, by size, color, texture and quality, as well as differently for the various countries in which the cigars will be marketed and for the specialties the factory may be producing.

A crew of women takes charge of the sorted, hydrated leaves. They deftly strip out the midrib (the central stem) out of each leaf, using their thumb- and finger-nails. They are most careful to not damage the leaves. They end up with two halves of each leaf, which they place in separate piles for the rollers. Most of us know how the roller cuts the half-leaves to proper shape and stretches them, top side out, onto the rolled and pressed bunch of bound filler. But did you know that since the leaf halves are mirror images of each other, the rollers must roll half of the cigars in one direction with the right hand, and half of the cigars in the other direction with the left hand? Otherwise, the veins of the wrappers would not run down the length of the cigar, but around it. This would cause the wrappers to unravel, due to the resistance of the veins to being wrapped tangentially.

Tobacco Bits

Deadly Smokin’ - In William Le Queux’s novel, The Czar’s Spy, the Czar’s Privy-Councillor meets his untimely end at the tip of a Havana. The Councillor lights the cigar in his office for a moment of thoughtful repose when disaster strikes. "The cigar which Oberg had pressed upon him down in the saloon had exploded, and the small missile concealed inside the diabolical contrivance had passed upward into the brain!" Some nifty scrolling there, Bill.

Schmokin’ Babes - Women are buying 20 times more cigars then they did 10 years ago, and two percent of the nation's cigar smokers are women.

Cuban Exports – While you may think that Cuba’s number-one export crop is its prized tobacco, think again. Tobacco is actually Cuba’s fourth-largest export, behind sugar, nickel, and citrus fruits.

Makin’ the Bladder Gladder – Cigars weren’t always stored in beautiful, airtight, wooden boxes. In fact, the predecessor to the modern humidor was a much cruder device. Hundreds of years ago, bundles of cigars were stored inside pig’s bladders – an effective, albeit smelly, moisture-producing enclosure. To combat the repulsive pork aroma, vanilla-bean pods were placed inside the bladder with the cigars.

Ask Murl

Dear Murl,

Beggin’ your pardon for my most likely really stupid question, but I’m a novice smoker and don’t know much about the subject. Basically, I was wondering just how the packaged cigars you see in drugstores, liquor and convenience stores differ from a cigars that you might find in a smoke shop?

Tom Schnitzel
Bobcaygeon, Canada

Yo Schnitzel!

So what are we really talkin’ about here, Tom? Are ya askin’ me the difference between a Tiparillo and a Partagas # 10? How does a tasty Black and Mild stack up to La Gloria Cubana’s Soberano? Man, I’m not sure they give me enough space to elaborate in my finest prose on this one. A few analogies of similar comparison come to mind. A cute, white, fluffy bunny and say … the Raptors from Jurassic Park. Or, if you will, liken the two types of cigars in question to the comparison of a beautifully marinated 14 oz., cooked-on-the-damn-grill with a brew in hand, brick-o-fillet mignon and a cold bowl of Kibbles and Bits. You getting’ my meaning. Night and Day, Pal.

Hell, the names alone should suggest some profound difference in quality. Compare the every popular Macanudo Ascot to say Tiajuana Smalls, White Owl, Dutch Treats, Rum Runners or Backwoods Smokes. One conjures up images of prestige, dignity and taste whereas the majority of the others immediately create such strong visual images as Josey Whales spittin’ on mangy dogs and beetles, late night poker parties in back rooms of skanky strip clubs with names like Vinny’s Live Nudes, and men with few teeth gumming a plastic tip in the park while scattering bird seed to cloud of disease-ridden pigeons.

Of course you can buy about 25 Swisher Sweets for the price of one premium cigar and the economics here alone work for some folks. Never mind the fact that they’re smoking a fair amount of non-tobacco ingredients such as paper - the wrappers of these machine made babies are generally some combination of tobacco by products like stems and other miscellaneous tobacco bits and paper. You like saltpeter with your evening smoke? You got it. Added to promote even burning. And don’t forget just a spoonful of Glycerin to help the medicine go down – actually added to prevent them from drying out. Premium cigars are hand rolled, use long-filler tobacco leaves that run the entire length of the cigar, are properly aged and fermented and blended by a masterblender with the same kind of passion and attention to detail that Julia Child pours into a Blueberry muffin. The experience of smoking these two types of cigars is truly not comparable. Gotta go for my evening walk and chase some cows around. Take it easy, Tom-boy.

Woof!
Murl.

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