Past Newsletters
Vol. 6 No. 5
Featured Cigar Dimensions
| Brand Name: | Shape | Size |
| A. Cibao Cameroon Selection | Lonsdale | 6 x 44 |
| B. Cibao Windsor Selection | Petite Perfecto | 4 x 38/51 |
| C. Cibao Windsor Selection | Torpedo | 6 x 48 |
| D. Temple Hall 450 | Robusto | 4 ½ x 50 |
| E. Temple Hall 550 | Toro | 5 ½ x 50 |
Featured Cigars
The Cibao Cigars
The Cibao Cigar line is produced by the Tabacalera Palma cigar factory, located on the Dominican Republic's Northern Coast. The line takes its name from the fertile Cibao Valley region, long known for its ability to produce top quality filler tobaccos. Cibao cigars are made with expertly blended aged Dominican grown Olor binder and Cuban seed Piloto filler grown on the factory's own farm in what is consider to be the best region of the Cibao Valley. The line is offered in two wrappers, one of which is a carefully selected U.S. Connecticut shade which creates a magnificent blend when married with full-tasting Dominican filler tobaccos. You'll also get to try one of two cigars currently offered in highly coveted Cameroon wrapper leaf. A different smoke altogether, but every bit as satisfying.
In addition to the smokes featured this month, the balance of the line is comprised of a mini puro, petite corona, robusto, toro, churchill, presidente, gigante. The Cibao line is currently not widely distributed and was recently rated an 89 in Cigar Aficionado. Tabacalera Palma has been producing premium hand made cigars for more than 50 years and we know you'll appreciate that experience when you smoke this month's selections.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero and Seca
Wrapper: Cameroon-Rosado
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6.5
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
Immediately note an aesthetically pleasing, smooth, silky, dark reddish-brown Cameroon wrapper. It's begging you to light it! We found Cibao's Lonsdale to be an exceptionally well-crafted cigar. It begins mild-to-medium, and builds steadily in strength as you smoke. Note plenty of smoke, and even burn and relatively easy draw. Look for a distinct cedar and slightly dry spiciness, true to Dominican style. Overall, a very rich and flavorful medium-bodied smoke. We really liked and think you will too. Consider pairing it with a pinot noir or thick Scottish Ale.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero and Seca
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 91
Notes from the Panel:
You've gotta love beautiful things the come in small packages. Cibao's petite perfecto fits the bill. An expertly constructed smoke and a very fun shape to smoke. The tapered end allows for an even light and as the cigar burns and opens up, you'll find a nearly perfect draw. We found the flavor to be predominantly herbal, earthy and a bit spicy. Look for a clean woody cedar finish. Try pairing this tasty little gem with a full-bodied roasted porter or a smoky single malt scotch such as Lag Vulin.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero and Seca
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7
Panel Rating: 89
Notes from the Panel:
This claro colored beauty is truly a wonderful display of craftsmanship. Look for a smooth, slightly oily wrapper, well rolled with just the right firmness. We found it generally very appealing. Note an effortless draw and even burn in this mild-to-medium bodied treat. Similar in profile to the Macanudo brand with a hint of Dominican spice evident as you get into the smoke a bit. Look for a dry, woody finish that doesn't linger. We found the aroma to be very pleasant. We'd suggest pairing it with a dry Chardonnay or hoppy Pale Ale.
The Temple Hall Cigars
World War II disrupted the Cuban tobacco trade as German U-boats prowled the Caribbean and as a result, English tobacco dealers were desperate for access to high quality cigars. The enterprising British turned to one of their colonies, Jamaica, and soon such landmark brands as Temple Hall, El Caribe, and Macanudo were born.
In 1961 Edgar Cullman decided that the future lay in making cigars, not just selling tobacco, so he put together a group of investors and bought General Cigar Co. He was 43. At that time, General's main business was machine-made cigars, including White Owl, William Penn and Robert Burns. The company bought its first premium brand, Gold Label, in 1963, and the Temple Hall factory in Jamaica in 1969. The owners of Temple Hall owned Macanudo, but they weren't making it for the U.S. market at the time. Led by Cullman, General launched Macanudo in the 1971 and then acquired Partagas in 1974, and the two brands, coupled with Temple Hall, have anchored the company's premium cigar business ever since.
The Temple Hall Estates cigars are named for the most famous tobacco fields on the island of Jamaica. In tribute to the richness of the soil that made the Temple Hall land so rare, the filler of each Temple Hall Estates cigar of today is a blend of the richest and mellowest tobaccos in the Caribbean. Each cigar is then bunched in a dark, supple Mexican binder leaf and wrapped in a costly Connecticut Shade.
For more information on General Cigar, visit their web site at www.generalcigar.com/ or email them directly at info@generalcigar.com.
Binder: USA Connecticut Shade Olor
Filler: Dominican, Jamaican & Mexican blend
Wrapper: Mexican broadleaf - Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7.5
Panel Rating: 93
Notes from the Panel:
We really enjoyed the only black sheep of the Temple Hall line. Look for a rustic, rich maduro wrapper in this well rolled robusto. Note a big full, rich, yet mellow taste, offering coffee tones and a hint of nuttiness. We found the draw to be slightly firm and the burn even. Look for lots of smoke. It is immensely satisfying, surprisingly smooth and mellow, yet full tasting and aromatic. If you've never tried a Temple Hall, you're in for a treat. And if you have, you know what to expect. Overall, a winner without question: a big full creamy flavor in a mild tasty smoke. We'd suggest pairing it with a robust roasted Porter or Stout.
Binder: Mexican Olor
Filler: Dominican & Jamaican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade-Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5.5
Panel Rating: 94
Notes from the Panel:
Get ready for a real treat. Immediately note a gorgeous silky smooth, oily Connecticut Shade wrapper. Look for a generous draw in this exceptionally very well constructed cigar. We found it to be mild-to-medium-bodied and as smooth as they come. Note a subtle balance of tobacco flavors, including a slight peppery character, a nice toasty element and a hint of sweetness in the finish. Overall, one of the smoothest, creamiest smokes we've evaluated. A great pre-dinner smoke that won't overwhelm your palate. Consider pairing it with an Oban Scotch or your favorite Czechoslovakian Pilsner.
Father's Day's Coming Babies!
All your life you drove your Dad to drink and smoke. Maybe it's time you had some delivered.
This year, send them something they'll actually enjoy! A gift subscription to either our Microbrewed Beer, Premium Cigar, or International Wine of the Month Clubs! 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 Mom or Pop. We can even fax the gift card if you're short on time.
Murl's Special Father's Day Deal
Members that order a 3 month or longer term of any club will receive a FREE Pocket Torch Lighter in their next shipment! When you order one or several combined gift membership combinations of any club for a combined total of more than 12 months, we'll send you the Torch Lighter AND your next month ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Ask Murl
Dear Murl
I'm kinda new to the whole cigar experience and have heard some terms being tossed around that I don't really get. Like what's the foot of the cigar. Or the tooth? Can you give me a run down on the basic components of a cigar ole sport? Thanks buddy! Got to tell you, your column is the first part of the newsletter that I read each month. Take it easy.
Brent James
Anaheim, CA
Yo Brent Baby!
Am I blushing or what? Hell, you couldn't tell through all this fur if I was! Point is, thanks mucho for the kind words. Something to be said for speaking your mind I guess. So you want to know about the anatomy of a stogie, eh? I always loved my anatomy class. Mostly because I was sittin' next to this cute little French Poodle that had an entirely intriguing anatomy herself. Didn't learn much about the frog we gutted, other than that the smell formaldehyde and deceased amphibians combined makes me wanna yak. Cigar anatomy. Right! Let me lay some lingo on ya brother. We'll do this real professional like with a list and all. If you've got any other questions after gandering through my well-organized thoughts, find some other pooch to do your homework for ya!
Woof!
Murl.
Barrel: The main body or shank of the cigar.
Binder: A strip of high quality 5th grade tobacco leaf that is wrapped around the filler leaf. The binder's thickness gives it its fuse-like ability to carry the coal the length of the cigar.
Blend: The particular mix of different strains of tobacco that give each cigar its unique character.
Bouquet: The smell of the unlit cigar, including the wrapper and filler through the open foot.
Cap: The small flag of wrapper leaf that the roller lays down and seals to the head of the cigar with a vegetable gum based glue.
Filler: The rolled up inner core of high quality 2nd and 3rd grade leaves in a cigar also referred to as the "bunch".
Foot: The end of the cigar that you light.
Hand Made: A cigar that is bunched, bound and wrapped entirely by hand with no machines being used whatsoever in the fabrication process (excluding the mold).
Head: The end of the cigar that you put into your mouth.
Long Filler: Tobacco leaf that is long enough to run the entire length of the cigar.
Ring Gauge: The diameter of a cigar's barrel, expressed in 64ths of an inch. A 32" "ring" is 32/64" or 1/2", for example.
Shoulder: The area where the head of the cigar meets the barrel.
Tooth: The natural occurrence of the almost-microscopic array of sandy bumps on the surface of some tobacco leaves.
Wrapper: The outer leaf of high quality, first grade tobacco which is wound around the binder of the cigar. It is chosen for its perfect complexion, elasticity, silky texture and delicate veins.
For Members Only
Discounted Individual and Box Re-orders
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 individual quantities between 5-20 cigars. Mix and match them as you like. Other cigar shapes and sizes not actually featured, but from a featured brand line may also be re-ordered. Call for pricing. (CA residents add 7.75 % sales tax).
| 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 | 5.5 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 |
| Tamboril Robusto (Sumatra) | 5 x 50 | 25 | $52.50 |
| Taurinos Vanilla Soaked Bundles | 5.5 x 38 | 20 | $37.50 |
| Accessories/Item | Description | Cost |
| Pocket Torch lighter | Blue, Red, Yellow, Black, 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. Cibao Torpedo (Torpedo) | $105.50 | $4.70 a cigar |
| B. Cibao Pequenos Petite Perfecto | $92.50 | $4.75 a cigar |
| C. Cibao Lonsdale | $87.50 | $4.50 a cigar |
| D. Temple Hall 450 Robusto | $87.50 | $5.63 a cigar |
| E. Temple Hall 550 Toro | $105.50 | $6.28 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.
