Past Newsletters
Vol. 5 No. 7
Featured Cigar Dimensions
| Brand Name: | Shape | Size |
| A. Cupido | Churchill | 7 x 47 |
| B. Cupido | Robusto | 5 ½ x 50 |
| C. Canaria D’Oro Immesos | Robusto | 5 ½ x 49 |
| D. Canaria D’Oro | Rothchild | 4 ½ x 50 |
| E. Canaria D’Oro Supremo | Giant Corona | 7 x 45 |
Featured Cigars
The Cupido Cigars
For decades, the Cupido family of cigar makers have taken pride in creating what many have described as the best cigar hand made in Nicaragua. In the heart of the Jalapa Valley, the secrets of farming and curing of premium tobacco have been passed down from generation to generation.
Founders Yossi Kviatkovsky and Dixie Monaco entered the industry in a somewhat less than normal fashion in December of 1996 after acquiring the rights to an annual tobacco crop as partial compensation for providing financing to an Ecuadorian business relationship with whom they had previously only traded rice. The annual yield had previously been auctioned off to the highest bidder each year. Upon testing the cigars at the R.T.C Labs in Costa Rica using the B.63.-B.A.T. method, the partners were delighted to find they owned rights to a yield that had just over half the percentage of nicotine of similar tobaccos, in short, a crop that is considered to be one of the highest of quality in the entire country.
Cupido’s inaugural cigar is the Churchill we’re featuring this month. Unlike many new entrants to the market, the company focused its efforts on just one shape and perfecting that cigar before attempting to deliver an entire line. One year later, the robusto also featured was introduced and to this day, they are the only two sizes available in the line. Cupido will, however, be introducing a third cigar in September. The name and shape of the cigar will be known as Torpido, as it is in essence, a mini Torpedo at 4 ½ x 54. Designed to be a quick, yet full flavored smoke that could be smoked in 30 minutes after lunch, it’s sure to be a hit.
Cupido cigars are produced using aged ligero long leaf binder & filler tobaccos and enclosed in the highest quality Sumatran wrappers. The Churchill featured this month has been rated 89 in Cigar Aficionado and "Highly Recommended" in Smoke Magazine. We know you’re gonna enjoy it. Cupido’s robusto is a completely different blend from their Churchill and has also received high praise since it’s introduction in April, receiving a 90 in Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar Insider and a 4.1 on a 5.0 scale (excellent) in the most recent issue of Smoke. Bottom Line. Good Stuff! Enjoy.
For more information about Cupido Cigars, call 1-888-CUPIDO1, or visit their website at: www.cupidocigars.com.
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Indonesian – Colorado Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7
Panel Rating: 96
Notes from the Panel:
Aesthetically, a sweet looking cigar: Medium dark, rich and oily with a beautiful wrapper. Very few noticeable veins and quite smooth to the touch. The samples we received are expertly rolled cigars. No soft spots. Filled to capacity, but not too tight. Simply a superbly crafted smoke. Look for a nice even, slow burn with an easy, loose draw. Note roasted coffee, hazelnut and earthly tones in this smooth, rich cigar. We found it to offer loads of heady, deep flavor in what is obviously well aged and mellowed tobacco. You’re going to like it very much. Overall, we unanimously found this to be one of the better cigars we’ve sampled to date and highly recommend the entire line. Consider pairing this fine cigar with Samuel Smiths’ Nut Brown Ale or a Loch Dhu Single Malt Scotch.
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Indonesian – Colorado Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 94
Notes from the Panel:
Another extremely satisfying cigar from Cupido. We’re very impressed with this line. Again, outstanding construction and a complex, full, yet mellow experience. Look for a bit of slight spiciness, creaminess and roasted earthy characteristics in this little gem. The aroma was also somewhat spicy and certainly enjoyed by all around it. The only reason we rated this one lower than the Churchill was because it didn’t last as long! Not entirely the cigar’s fault, but someone has to take the heat. Look for a cedary finish in this surprisingly mellow, smooth, yet full-flavored smoke. Overall, you can’t ask for much more in a cigar. Enjoy. Pair it up with your favorite roasted Porter or a full-bodied Merlot.
The Canaria D’Oro Cigars
The Canaria D'Oro line is crafted by hand in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The entire line offers a deep, full flavored smoke, largely attributed to rich wrappers used which are selected from the darkest, richest leaves grown in the rich San Andres farmlands of Mexico. If you don’t already know it, Mexican wrapper tobacco is used in numerous Domincan, Nicaraguan and Honduran-produced cigar lines and is considered to be some of the best wrapper leaf in the world. You’re about to see why firsthand this month as we feature one of the more consistently full-flavored, yet mellow cigar lines we’ve had the pleasure to evaluate.
Crafted by hand in limited quantities for a limited market of cigar smokers who prefer them to other premium cigars, Canaria D’Oro cigars are made in the Dominican Republic. The cigars are made in seven sizes ranging from the Supremo featured to a Baby measuring 4 1/8" x 36 ring gauge. There is a considerable difference between the Colorado-Claro colored Immenso and Supremo and the line’s Maduro Rothchild. Although all unique, they share the same quality of being both complex, full-flavored cigars, that offer a mellow, non overpowering smoke which is truly a pleasurable experience. We’re exceptionally pleased with our ability to pull this month’s selection together for you and know that you won’t be disappointed.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican & Mexican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Mexican - Colorado Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 89
Notes from the Panel:
This is a solid little Dominican cigar line. We very much enjoyed each Canaria D’Oro cigar sampled and found the Immenso to be one of our favorites. Immediately note a nice oily sheen on this very appealing wrapper. Look for an excellent draw on this well made cigar. We found it to offer a spicy, slightly sweet and creaminess the finished on a cedary note. The Mexican tobaccos dominate the blend which works very well. Lots of aroma. Overall, a great little, medium-bodied, flavorful smoke. Consider pairing this one with a small batch bourbon or your favorite cognac.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican & Mexican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Mexican - Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
Don’t let the somewhat boring presentation of this cigar fool you. It’s an all around great smoke and you’re going to want another the second you put it down. Although the construction appears a bit rough and upon visual inspection, appeared slightly dry, this cigar performs! It burned evenly, offered an impeccably easy draw and softened slightly as it burned. Look for a somewhat spicy and sweet character and plenty of smoke. It is immensely satisfying, surprisingly smooth and mellow, yet full tasting and aromatic. Overall, a winner without question. We’d suggest pairing it with a robust roasted Porter or Stout.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican & Mexican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Mexican - Colorado Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6.5
Panel Rating: 88
Notes from the Panel:
Another solid smoke from the Canaria D’Oro line. We found the Supremo to be quite smooth on the palate, offering an excellent balance of flavors. Look for an easy draw, an attractive, oily wrapper, lots of smoke and an even burn in this rich, satisfying cigar. It begins with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, and ends with a long, beautiful earthy finish. Overall, a very enjoyable, flavorful smoke. Try pairing it with a smoky single malt scotch such as Lag Vulin.
The Making of A Cupido Cigar
It starts in the heart of the warm Jalapa valley in Nicaragua. Here, at the El Cortez plantation, the secrets of farming and curing premium tobacco have passed down for decades from generation to generation. Selected from the finest Habana leaves and wrapped in premium Sumatra leaf, Cupido cigars are hand-made by experts in the tradition of the Cuban Torcedores.
In the early 1960's, Cuban seed was brought to the fertile Jalapa valley where an ideal combination of rich soil, warm breezes, hanging mist, excellent drainage, and the exact humidity combine to create an environment as good as it gets anywhere in the world for growing tobacco. Seedlings are carefully selected for root and leaf quality, stability, and strength. They are boxed, irrigated, and transported to the fields, that have been soil-tested and carefully prepared for the young plants.
The Selection is supervised by Professor Don José Brí'Ones, dean and director of the Agronomy department at the University of Estali. Selected seeds are constantly tested for genetic quality and throughout the growth period, leaves and soils are continually analyzed to maintain optimum growing conditions.
Each plant has 18 leaves. When the time comes to harvest, they are cut in stages, from ground up. The first and second cuttings are used for filler. The third and forth cutting produces the Bunda or Capote which is long leaf. The fifth and sixth cuttings harvest the coveted Lijero tobacco leaves. All cuttings are batched and numbered and the associated number will stay with the leaf throughout the curing and fermentation process. Cuttings are selected to be hung on Cujes in the Casa De Tabaco until the leaves are ready for the fermentation process. In the fermentation houses, the leaves are stacked in Pilones where they assume a uniform color, shed their impurities, release their ammonia; the end resultant is the reduction of their acidity, tar, and nicotine.
Leaves are rated by size, color, and texture. Parts of the stems, or veins are striped out in the selection process known as Escogido. Once the leaves are selected, they are kiln-dried in special ovens to reach a moisture level of 8% humidity. They are then pressure-packed in bundles to be delivered to the rolling plant in Estali. In the rolling plant, wrapper leaves are sprayed, re-humidified, de-veined, separated by size and quality, and packed in 50 leaf-bundles. Filler and binder leaves pass through humidity control checks and are given to a Sonia, a Cuban-trained supervisor who selects the right combination of leaves – a process known as Pasito Atras.
Known in Cuba as Gracedos Boncheros, or Roleras, these master craftsmen hand roll the selected tobacco leaves into the product you see before you today, a splendid combination of flavor, taste, quality, and consistency. Rolled, boxed, and ready to stabilize, the cigar boxes are placed in controlled environment of 70% humidity at 70 degrees (Fahrenheit) for about 10 days. Cupido Cigars have been tested and certified to be naturally lower in nicotine - certified at 0.87% nicotine versus 1.9% to 4% nicotine for most other cigars.
Now that you have a much better understanding and appreciation for the effort involved to bring you these fine cigars, we’d suggest you find a good place to sit back, fire one up, and see for yourself why this cigar has been so highly rated. Enjoy!
Tobacco Bits
Birth of the Cigar Box - The former English banking firm H. Upmann is generally credited with inventing the cedar cigar box. In 1830. The firm started shipping cigars from Cuba to Upmann's board of directors in London, carefully packed in cedar boxes stamped with the bank's emblem to protect them during shipping. Soon the bank was putting all its efforts into the production of cigars and all the major Havana brands were packaging their smokes in cedar boxes.
Secret Stogies - In 1955, while Fidel Castro was imprisoned on the Isle of Pines, he kept in touch with his supporters through hidden correspondences rolled into his rationed stogies. Castro may have learned this trick from Jose Marti, the Cuban writer and revolutionary, who led the charge to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule. It is said Marti sent plans for the rebellion from Key West to Havana rolled in a fine Habana.
Pre-cedar - The Indians of the Caribbean originally carried their cigars in pouches made of palm fronds, called yaguas (pronounced YAH-wahs). These inexpensive pouches were efficient for carrying cigars over a short distance, and were later used by the Cubans and the Spanish, who sold their cigars packaged in yaguas into the 20th century. The rigors of the cigar trade eventually demanded a more protective enclosure of cigars, hence the birth of cigar box.
You say Cigale, I say Sikar - There is much debate as to the origin of the word "cigar" and people tend to be divided into two camps. There are those who believe the word comes from the Spanish for locust, "cigale," making reference to the cigar's similarity in shape to the crop-eating pest. The other camp points to the Mayan work "sikar," or smoking, and its influence on the Spanish language as "cigarros."
The Grandaddy-O-Broadleaf - Connecticut has Israel Putnam to thank for its contribution to the cigar industry. Tobacco had been grown in the area since the 1600s. In 1762 Putnam returned home from Cuba, where he had served as an officer in the British army. With him came an enormous cache of Havana cigars and a wealth of Cuban tobacco. Soon, there were several factories in Connecticut producing tobacco for cigars and attempting to grow leaf from Cuban see (though the attempts weren't successful until 1820).
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.
For Members Only
Give Your Friends FREE Beer, Wine, Cheese, Chocolate,
Cigars & Flowers!
Through our Customer Appreciation Program
Your name has real value 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 at 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.
Membership Q & A
Note: Please do not use our email address to make any account related information changes such as address or billing changes, membership extensions, or terminations. To ensure timely processing of your request, please call us at 800-625-8238.
Q: What should I do if I'm moving or want to extend
my membership?
A: Please call us prior to the 10 th of the month to
make all account related information changes such as address changes,
membership extensions & terminations, or gift accounts desiring
to continue their memberships. Address changes made after that time
may require a $4.00 re-shipping charge.
Q: How will the charge appear on my credit card statement:
A: Your credit card statement will reflect our Incorporated
business name, C&H Clubs, U.S.A., Inc., NOT The Cigar Society.
Q: What happens if my shipment is damaged?
A: If you shipment arrives damaged, please call us immediately
toll free at 1-800-625-8238 and report the incident for a prompt resolution.
Q: What happens if my credit card is declined?
A: We will attempt to reprocess the card and if it does not
clear on the 2nd attempt, you’ll receive a courtesy notice
asking for an alternative payment method and your order will be temporarily
suspended until we hear from you. As we incur a $ 2.00 re-processing
fee each time your card does not clear, that charge is passed on to
you.
Q: What happens if I join under a special incentive program
and don’t stay a member for the entire term committed?
A: Not a problem. Although we want to do everything we can
to keep you as a member, we will allow you to cancel your subscription
early, however, you will be responsible to pay for the item which
was given to you as part of the promotion.
