Past Newsletters
Vol. 6 No. 3
Featured Cigar Dimensions
| Brand Name: | Shape | Size |
| A. Mursuli Robusto | Robusto | 5 x 52 |
| B. Mursuli Oscar #1 | Toro | 6 x 50 |
| C. Nafilyan Signature Series | Churchill | 7 ½ x 50 |
| D. Nafilyan Signature Series | Robusto | 5 x 50 |
| E. Nafilyan Signature Series | Torpedo | 7 x 52 |
Featured Cigars
The Mursuli Cigars
The Mursuli Cigar line represents a relatively new cigar produced by an old, established family with over fifty years of experience. Oscar Mursuli, Master Cuban Torcedor (Master Cuban Roller) is a third generation Cuban Tobacco Expert who has been rolling cigars now for just over a half a century. Oscar has rolled in well renowned Cuban factories such as La Corona and Por La Ranaga. Mursuli was at one time a Professor of Master Rollers and having vast experience in the evaluation, selection and production of several well know Cuban brands, his knowledge of tobaccos, tobacco processing and rolling is second to none.
Since moving from Cuba to Los Angeles, Oscar Mursuli has been in constant demand by those desiring consultation on how to produce a premium cigar line. Oscar now oversees his factory and currently has a team of Cuban Rollers whose rolling abilities are unsurpassed. Mursuli's longstanding industry relationships allow him to procure the choicest tobacco leaves available. He personally created the blends for each cigar in the line and uses premium tobaccos imported from both the Dominican Republic and Honduras, along with U.S.-grown Connecticut Shade to produce some of the finest cigars available on the market today. Oscar's rollers currently produce 16 shapes and the two our panel enjoyed the most you will have the opportunity to sample yourself.
We've been trying to secure a shipment from Mursuli for over a year now and once you try these smokes, we think you'll understand why. You're really in for an extra special treat this month as by pure luck alone, each cigar purchased for our shipment this month was rolled by Oscar Mursuli himself. So enjoy 50 years of experience when you savor these treats.
For more information on the Mursuli Cigar line, call them at 888-323-CIGAR or visit their web site at www.mursuli.com.
Binder: Honduran Olor
Filler: Dominican & Honduran Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Ecuadorian - Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7.5
Panel Rating: 94
Notes from the Panel:
You're gonna like this one. Immediately note a rustic, dark brown, somewhat rough looking wrapper. It feels substantial in your hand and smells rich and perhaps slightly sweet before you light it. No soft spots in this even, slow burning, expertly crafted cigar. We found the taste to be medium to full, very creamy, slightly sweet, earthy and a bit spicy. Complex to be sure. Finish is long and enjoyable. Overall, a smoke that provides significant depth, complexity, and rich, full flavor. It Delivers! Consider pairing it with a Roasted Porter or a smoky single malt scotch.
Binder: Honduran Olor
Filler: Dominican & Honduran Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 4.5
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
Another winner from Mursuli. Immediately note a handsome light brown, smooth wrapper. There's lots of tobacco in this bad boy and not a soft spot to be found. Look for a cool smoke, even burn and easy, consistent draw. Flavor starts out mild and smooth with earthy and spicy tones evident. The body builds and only gets better. Look for a pleasant spicy robust aroma. Overall, a very different experience than the maduro selections, but every bit as enjoyable! We really liked it. It would pair up nicely with a medium-bodied ale, bourbon or blended scotch.
The Nafilyan Cigars
Three generations of the Nafilyan family have experienced and participated as connoisseurs of fine tobacco. Founder of the Nafilyan Cigar Co., Pierre Nafilyan, made his first presence in the cigar industry in the 1980's when he co-developed, manufactured and marketed the "Knockando Cigar Line" and as a direct result of the success of that line, introduced the Nafilyan Series soon thereafter.
Nafilyan personally participates in the selection of the tobacco blends and overseas the production of his newest line which is rolled at his factory at Villa Gonzalez in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The Nafilyan Signature Series is made with from a four-blend aged Cuban-seed and Dominican long filler tobacco and binder. Coveted U.S.A. Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf is used to encase each cigar. Each cigar produced undergoes a six-point quality control inspection that stems from tobacco selection through the final packaging process.
The Signature Series is available in 4 shapes & sizes, three of which you will have the pleasure of trying this month. In addition to this month's featured selections, Nafilyan also rolls a 7 x 48 Gran Corona. The line has been highly rated in Smoke Magazine, Wine & Dine, and Cigar Lovers. For more information about the Nafilyan Cigar Co., visit their website at: www.nafilyan.com or simply call 888-446-1030.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Ligero Seco Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6.5
Panel Rating: 90
Notes from the Panel:
We found this Churchill to be silky to the touch, slightly oily, well rolled with just the right firmness and generally very appealing. We couldn't wait to light it. Smoke pulled through the cigar very well and it burned slowly and evenly. Look for a very smooth, rich, mild to medium-bodied tasting cigar with s light, spicy character, with some earthy tones evident. We found the aroma to be very pleasant, but not overwhelming. The aftertaste was a mild and somewhat spicy experience. We'd suggest pairing it with your favorite Pale Ale or Chardonnay.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Ligero Seco Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5
Panel Rating: 88
Notes from the Panel:
A very well constructed cigar offering a perfect draw, even burn and firm ash all bundled in a silky smooth golden light brown, gorgeous wrapper. Look for it to start creamy and build to offer tones of woodiness and a slight black peppery character. The tobacco is obviously properly aged. Note a long, dry finish and very pleasant aroma. Overall, a very smooth, creamy and damn tasty cigar. You might pair it with a malty Bock which are generally brewed only this time of year or smooth small batch bourbon.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Ligero Seco Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
Our favorite of the Nafilyan cigars sampled. Look for an aesthetically pleasing cigar, obviously well constructed, nice to the touch. Note a silky, slightly oily sheen on this very smooth wrapper. We found it to draw with ease, burn evenly and hold its ash well. This torpedo offers a classic Dominican taste, medium-bodied, slightly spicy and a very pleasant aroma. Look for a lingering finish in this tasty treat. Overall, a solid smoke, full of taste, lots of smoke and very enjoyable. Consider pairing it with a hoppy India Pale Ale.
Tobacco Bits
FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - General William Tecumesh Sherman was as much a "stogie-holic" as he was a workaholic. While making plans for battle, Sherman would work for 20 hours at a stretch, lighting cigar after cigar. After a puffing on a fresh cigar for a few moments, Sherman would lay it down on his desk and continue to work. In pausing, Sherman would light another cigar, and continue in that fashion until there was a row of partly consumed cigars. Sherman's aides called them "Sherman's old soldiers."
QUIT YER CRYING CALIFORNIA - If you think being shut out of your favorite bar or restaurant because of your love for the leaf is a severe and unjust punishment, then be thankful you didn't live in Turkey during the reign of Sultan Murad IV. He punished smokers by cutting off their noses.
THE BLUE AND THE WHITE - Ever notice how smoke from the burning foot of your cigar billows blue, while smoke that writhes out of the cigar's head is white. Blue smoke from the tip of a lit cigar is free from impurities, while smoke that travels the length of the cigar picks up impurities and other ingredients present in the leaf.
EL REY DEL MRS. PROUTY - Cigar manufacturing in the U.S. has taken a few leaps forward in the past ten years, and the end products are certainly a far cry from this country's first attempts at publicly available cigars. According to the Tobacco Record, the first commercial cigar made in America was made by a Mrs. Prouty of South Windsor, Connecticut, In 1801. She started experimenting with cigars in 1799 and placed them on the market once she felt she had the technique down pat.
NICARAGUAN TOBACCO - Back in the 1970's, Nicaraguan cigars were often considered on the same premium level as their Cuban counterparts. However, the political strife in Nicaragua in the 1980s nearly destroyed the nation's cigar industry. Now that things have settled down in the Central American country, Nicaraguan cigars are becoming more and more prominent in today's premium cigar market. From 1195 to 1996, Nicaragua moved from the seventh-largest exporter of cigars to the United States to the third-largest, second only to the Dominican Republic and Honduras.
COMO HECHO - There are three inscriptions stamped on the bottom of a Cuban cigar box that will indicate how they were manufactured. If a box reads, "totalmente a mano," it was completely handmade. If it reads, "Hecho a mano," it was machine bunched and hand finished. Finally, if it reads, "Hecho in Cuba," then it was made totally by machine.
WHERE ALL THE NASTY TOBACCO GOES - In the Cuban cigar market, completed cigars that do not meet the strict standards of quality imposed on Habanos are ground into scrap and sent to cigarette-manufacturing companies for use in their smokes. This accounts for the heavy-bodied taste of Cuban cigarettes such as Cohiba.
ROLLERS UNITE - In the 1920's the Por Larranaga factory introduced a machine that could roll cigars at a rate that far surpassed even the most skilled rollers. Rollers were immediately threatened by these new machines and orchestrated a boycott of machine-made products. The Rolling machines were quickly removed from the factories until after World War II. American companies used rolling machines in several factories, particularly in Tampa, where Cuban leaf was rolled in the production of "Clear" Havanas.
New Polypropylene Bags! Retain Moisture 75% Better!
We're doing everything we can think of to maintain the freshness of your cigars from our humidor to yours. We're also making improvements to our packaging that will help you store your smokes optimally if you don't have a humidor. The feedback has been great on our recently introduced Disposable Humidification Device (DHS) that we've added in with your cigars each month. We're making another change this month as well. We've switched bags to a Polypropylene bag as it will retain the moisture given off by your DHS device significantly better than other plastics we could use. Bottom Line? Keep 'em in the bag we send ya if you don't have a humidor! Remember, your DHS device is designed to work best in a contained area such as a zip lock bag, Tupperware container or humidor. It s will keep 23-30 smokes in perfect condition for 2-3 months depending on the container used (completely sealed, non porous containers extend the life of the device - humidor life is closer to 4-6 weeks). Again, we sincerely hope that our efforts result in a higher quality product.
Ask Murl
Dear Murl
I really love your cigar club, but I'm catching a lot of heat from my wife about the amount the general mess I make as a direct result of my newly acquired passion. Specifically, nasty looking ashtrays seems to draw the most fire. Any thoughts as how to best approach this particular situation?
Benny Campbell
Houston, TX
Yo Yo Benardo!
You know Benny my Boy, I have many thoughts on this particular subject, however, most of them are offenses that justify capital punishment in your state! First of all, there are really two dramatically different tactical approaches to discuss here. There's the compromising justification tact that is preferred by those that actually intend to maintain a physical relationship with their spouse and then the blatant disregard approach which works only if you live in a state which condones multiple wives...which you don't.
On the issue of the preponderance of ash lying around the house, I'm leaning toward a rather cleaver tactic. That of repositioning your by-product. Marketing 101 baby. Cigar ash does in fact possess some amiable characteristics. Argument goes something like this: "Honey, you should really consider the fact that cigar ashes don't have to be just another mess for me to clean up (operative word in that sentence being "me"). Actually, it's well known that ash makes an excellent dentifrice, though it isn't known if it is a successful tartar buster. None the less, 4 out of 5 tobacconists recommend it. I'm gonna start brushing with it today. Additionally, when mixed with oils, it makes a beautiful gray paint for applying to canvas. And you were just talking about how much you'd enjoy learning how to paint. Why did you know that loose ash will also polish silver and other precious metals quite nicely. No need to spend all that money on Brasso as long as my subscription remains active." So what do ya think, Orville? Will it fly? Do let us know, will you.
Woof!
Murl.
Cigar Blowout Sale!
Over the years, in our quest to find cigars our panel thinks are worthy of being featured in the club, we've developed some pretty strong relationships in the industry and often stumble across fantastic bargains. Deals that we don't normally take advantage of either because we've already featured the brand or maybe it's a great smoke, but a widely recognized name brand cigar that really doesn't fit into what we're doing with the club. "So What?", you say. "Call me self serving, lads, but what's all this got to do with ME?", you say. We'll tell ya! You're gonna see some serious deals come your way each month. Check it out yourself. The Spring 99 Thompson's Catalogue is selling the Partagas 150 A below at $875/Box! Cohiba De Domincana Churchills are priced anywhere from $175 to $300 a box and retail at $12 a stick!
Some deals may appear again next month, others may not. Sales will be made strictly on a first come first serve basis. (CA residents add 7.75 % sales tax). Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery and add $5.00 shipping and handling per cigar box. Accessories can be shipped with your next monthly shipment to avoid shipping & handling charges!
| Cigar Brand | Size | Box Qty. | Cost |
| Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente | 4.5 x 50 | 20 | $95.50 |
| Cohiba De Dominicana Churchill | 7 x 50 | 25 | $125.50 |
| Cohiba De Dominicana Belicoso | 5 ½ x 54 | 25 | $125.50 |
| Cohiba De Dominicana Jabarito | 6 x 50 | 25 | $110.50 |
| Cohiba De Dominicana Robusto | 5 x 50 | 25 | $105.50 |
| Havana Sunrise Corona - 5 pack | 6 x 44 | 5 | $15 |
| Partagas 150 "A" | 6 5/8 x 43 | 25 | $575 |
| Partagas 150 "AA" | 7 x 49 | 25 | $675 |
| Accessories/Item | Description | Cost |
| Pocket Torch lighter | Blue, Red, YellowBlack, Clear, Green | $15.00 |
| Double Bladed Guillotine Cutters | Black, Self Sharpening | $5.00 |
| Leather Cigar Case | 3 Cigars, Cigar Society Logo | $20.00 |
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.
Discounted Box Re-orders!
5 Paks Now Available!
Cigar of the Month Society 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 box quantities of 25 cigars 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 Cost | Individual |
| Cost | ||
| A. Mursuli Robusto (Maduro) Robusto | $110.50 | $5.42 a cigar |
| B. Mursuli Toro (natural) Toro | $105.50 | $5.22 a cigar |
| C. Nafilyan Signature Churchill | $90.50 | $4.62 a cigar |
| D. Nafilyan Signature Robusto | $87.50 | $4.50 a cigar |
| E. Nafilyan Signature Torpedo | $90.50 | $4.62 a cigar |
Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery and add $6.95 for S&H for your first box and $2.00 for each additional box. S&H for 5-paks is $4.95 and $1.00 for each additional 5-pak. S&H for International re-orders must be calculated on an individual basis. Prices are subject to change.
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.
