Past Newsletters
Vol. 6 No. 6
Featured Cigar Dimensions
| Brand Name: | Shape | Size |
| A. Carlo Toraño Virtuoso Double | Corona | 6 ¼ x 50 |
| B. Carlo Toraño Virtuoso | Robusto | 5 x 50 |
| C. Hoja De Nicaragua Churchill | Churchill | 7 x 49 |
| D. Hoja De Nicaragua # 3 | Corona | 6 x 44 |
| E. Hoja De Nicaragua Consul | Robusto | 4 ½ x 52 |
Featured Cigars
The Carlos Toraño Cigars
The Carlos Toraño cigar brands have long since been a well-respected name in the tobacco industry, producing Dominican, Honduran and Ecuadorian lines. Carlos Toraño cigars are made of the finest Dominican and Nicaraguan Cuban seed fillers, Mexican and Honduran binders, and aged Connecticut seed wrappers, hand-crafted under the supervision of Cuban tobacco masters.
Each Toraño cigar represents four generations of family tradition began in 1916, shortly after Don Santiago Toraño arrived in Cuba from his native Spain. In the mid 1960’s, his son Carlos made a significant contribution to the industry when he introduced the concept of growing Cuban Seed tobacco plants in the Dominican Republic. And today, Don Santiago's grandson and great-grandson continue his family heritage with a handcrafted cigar of unmistakable Toraño quality. You can’t make this kind of cigar without starting with the best tobaccos and Toraño goes out of their way to ensure that criteria is met, selecting choice tobaccos from the Dominican Republic’s Cibao Valley, Nicaragua’s lush Esteli Valley and Valley of Jamastran in Honduras.
The Carlos Toraño Cigar lines have all been highly rated, achieving scores consistently in the high 80’s and low 90’s in Cigar Aficionado, Smoke and other industry trade rags. Our panel sampled each blend and unanimously preferred the Honduran Virtuoso line to the Dominican and Ecuadorian lines. Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar Insider apparently agreed giving the Virtuoso Robusto an 89, the highest rating giving of all the lines rated. They’re well crafted, properly aged, and a pure pleasure to smoke. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.
For more information on the Carlos Toraño Cigars, visit their web site at www.torano.com or email them directly at: info@torano.com
Binder: Honduran Piloto Cubano Olor
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Connecticut Seed-Ecuador – Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7
Panel Rating: 91
Notes from the Panel:
Check out the shiny jet-black wrapper on this cigar. It begs you to light it. And when you do, you won’t be disappointed. Carlos Toraño’s Double Corona starts out mellow with hints of citrus fruit flavors and a toasted nut aroma. We found the draw to be easy. This is a medium-bodied creamy cigar that offers a pronounced herbal character. Look for a lingering earthy, nutty finish. Overall, full flavored, a complex balance of tastes, expertly constructed. In short, a great smoke. Try pairing it with a hoppy India Pale Ale or a cool margarita with your feet in the sand.
Binder: Honduran Piloto Cubano Olor
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Connecticut Seed-Ecuador - Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6.5
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
Our favorite of the Carlos Toraño cigars sampled. Immediately note a rustic, very dark maduro wrapper on this well-constructed cigar. We found the draw easy and the burn cool and even. Note a nutty almost citrus tangy flavor in an overall rich full flavored smoke. You’ll find the finish mellow and lingering. Overall, a great smoking experience. You’re going to love it! Consider pairing it with a full-bodied Merlot or other dry red wine of your choice.
The Hoja de Nicaragua Cigars
Nicaragua continues to produce top-notch smokes that are increasingly competing with, and many would argue, dominating high-end Dominican and Honduran products. The tradition of tobacco production in Nicaragua dates to the Colonial period of its history. Beginning in 1522, conquering Spanish explorers plundered the natural resources of the country much like the work of Cortes in Mexico and Pizarro in Peru. By the second half of the 16th century, in addition to slaves, indigo and gold, tobacco became an important export to Europe.
There are three distinct agricultural regions in Nicaragua, the Pacific central plain, the Central highlands, and the Atlantic Coast. Although the Pacific Plain, characterized by fertile volcanic soils and tropical rainfall, is one of the richest agricultural areas in Central America, it is in the Central highlands, with cooler temperatures, lower rainfall, and alluvial soil, that the tobacco plant thrives.
The best tobaccos of Nicaragua come from the Esteli area of Jalapa valley. Here, tobacco growers produce long leaf filler, wrappers, and binders for cigars. While some of the tobacco grown is of the Connecticut seed variety, the majority is Cuban seed. These seeds are the same Cuban's first grown in the Dominican Republic and then across the Caribbean in Honduras and Nicaragua. It is from these seeds that the Hoja de Nicaragua cigars are made. The Hoja de Nicaragua cigar line, not to be confused with Joya de Nicaragua cigar line, is actually produced by the same family and available in 9 sizes including the three that you’ll have an opportunity to sample this month. We found the line to be consistently well made, offering a variety of medium-bodied, full tasting blends.
Binder: Nicaraguan Olor
Filler: Nicaraguan Piloto Cubano Seca y Ligero
Wrapper: Ecuadorian broadleaf – CO Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 87
Notes from the Panel:
Immediately note a rich, oily and inviting Colorado Maduro wrapper. We found the corona # 3 to offer a medium-bodied well-balanced smoke. The draw was even and solid and the cigar held a nice gray-white ash indicative of proper aging. Look for an earthly, spicy body with a touch of sweetness lingering on your palate. The finish was equally enjoyable and didn’t linger too long. Overall, a tasty little breakfast cigar that you might just want to pair with a big cup-o-Java!
Binder: Nicaraguan Olor
Filler: Nicaraguan Piloto Cubano Seca y Ligero
Wrapper: Ecuadorian broadleaf – CO Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 90
Panel Rating: 7
Notes from the Panel:
Our favorite of the Hoja de Nicaraguas smoked. Another very well made cigar from a solid brand. Look for an aesthetically pleasing silky brown wrapper. Look for plenty of smoke, a cool, even burn and effortless draw. Note a smooth body, complex in taste and mild-to-medium-bodied, hinting of herbal characteristics. The wrapper really becomes oily and pliant after the cigar has been lit for 5 or 10 minutes. We found the finish to be slightly spicy. Overall, wonderfully made cigar, thoroughly enjoyable with plenty of flavor. Consider pairing this one with an Oban Scotch or your favorite Czechoslovakian Pilsner.
Binder: Nicaraguan Olor
Filler: Nicaraguan Piloto Cubano Seca y Ligero
Wrapper: Ecuadorian broadleaf – CO Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 7
Panel Rating: 89
Notes from the Panel:
Another winner from Hoja de Nicaragua. Pre-smoke aesthetics rank right up there with the others rated. A very appealing cigar. Dark, oily, firm with no soft spots. Plenty of tobacco. It feels substantial in your hand. Look for a full satisfying taste immediately after lighting this little treat. We found the flavor and aroma to be delightful, earthy, robust and somewhat spicy. The finish’s appeal increases as you get into the cigar, spicy with hints of anise. Overall, a complex, well-made, wonderfully tasting Nicaraguan smoke. Try smoking it with a small batch bourbon on cognac.
Tobacco Bits
LITERAL TOBACCO BITS! - 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 TO PUT THE WHAMMY ON MACHINES - 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.
AGING CIGARS - The wrapper leaf is thought to have the most effect on how well a cigar will age. Studies that use cigars with the same tobacco blends but with different shades of wrappers have shown that darker, oily wrappers have better aging potential than lighter colored wrappers. However, as with wine, age will improve a fine wine or a quality cigar, but a bad wine or a bad cigar cannot be saved by aging.
GET YOUR LEAVES IN A BUNCH - When presented with the tobacco for rolling, the first thing a torcedor will do is take the right amount of filler leaf and create a bunch. These bunches are not twisted or folded over like a book, because this will result in an unevenly burning cigar. Rather, the leaves are stacked one on top of another and scrunched together like an accordion. This ensures an even burn and an even distribution of the right leaves in the blend. Then the binder is wrapped around the cinched bundle and placed in a wooden mold that will shape the cigar to the correct size.
AGE IS THE HALLMARK OF MATURITY - Once the secondary fermentation process is complete, bales of tobacco leaves are wrapped in palm leaves for storage and aging. (Sometimes, shade-grown leaves are stored in palm fronds, while sun-grown leaves are stored and aged in barrels. This practice is most common in Cuba.) The aging process can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the leaf and the desired effect. In the past, it was not uncommon for bales to be stored in the aging room of various factories for ten years, but demand for cigars now makes it impossible to store bales for a decade.
HOT TOBACCO - The higher the temperature is allowed to rise while fermenting in the burros, the darker the color of the resulting leaf. The darkest of leaves used in cigar manufacture, maduro and oscuro leaves, are allowed to ferment until the resulting temperature can exceed well over 165F. Generally, bulks of wrapper leaves are maintained between 90°F and 120°F. The process of fermentation, temperature monitoring, and re-stacking usually continues for up to sixty days. Maduro leaves, however, can ferment in excess of six months.
Ask Murl
Dear Murl,
I’ve never seen a roller make a cigar, but I can image how the process works. When I was thinking about it the other day, I was wondering how they get the wrapper leaf to stay in place when it’s placed around the filler tobacco. Obviously the guy doesn’t lick it like you’re rolling a doobie or "cigarette" I mean! Or does he?! Enlighten me o great Habana Hound. Thanks!
Jason Shattuck
Colorado Springs, CO
Yo J-man!
I used to fantasize about the legends of supple Latin virgins rolling the cigar I was about to light on their thighs in small, hot, humid grass huts somewhere in the Jalapa Valley. Indulge me. This doesn’t get too pornographic. In my fantasy, Isabella (I gave her a name), either didn’t need to moisten the cigar ‘cause she was sweatin’ pretty good, or she moistened it every so gently with her mouth before handing it too me. Are you with me? Got an image going? Well wipe that image from your brainpan, man ‘cause the reality of the matter is that some wiry old man with long fingernails, a funny little dirty straw hat and a cigar that’s been chewed for several days hanging out of his mouth most likely rolled most of the cigars that you and I have enjoyed over the years. He’s not licking them, as you eluded. And, thank God, he ain’t rolling them on his thighs either.
After the tobacco bunch is left in the mold for about 30 minutes, its taken out and the roller places the bunch on the wrapper leaf, It is then quickly and precisely trimmed with the chaveta, the roller's knife. The bunch is then rolled from the foot to the head, and the cap for the cigar is secured with vegetable resin from the tragycanth plant-the resin is odorless, tasteless, and dries quickly. The roller then trims the cigar to the correct length with a tuck cutter. So worry not, J-man, and put your homophobic fears back in the closet ‘cause you’re not swapping spit with any rollers when you light up!
Woof!
Murl.
Cigar Blowout Sale!
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 | 5.5 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 Qty | Box Cost | Individual |
| Cost | |||
| A. Hoja De Nicaragua Churchill | 25 | $89.50 | $4.58 a cigar |
| B. Hoja De Nicaragua Consul | 25 | $87.50 | $4.50 a cigar |
| C. Hoja De Nicaragua | 25 | $85.50 | $4.42 a cigar |
| D. Carlos Toraño DC | 25 | $92.50 | $4.70 a cigar |
| E. Carlos Toraño Robusto | 25 | $94.50 | $4.78 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.
