Past Newsletters
Vol. 7 No. 2
Featured Cigar Dimensions
| Brand Name: | Shape | Size |
| A. Cohiba De Dominicana | Robusto | 5 x 52 |
| B. Cubana Especial | Torpedo | 7 x 52 |
| C. Don Danilo Reserva Maduro | Corona | 6 x 43 |
| D. Don Leo Corona Extra | Corona Extra | 6 ½ x 46 |
| E. Lone Wolf Vintage Series | Churchill | 6 ¾ x 48 |
Featured Cigars
The Cohiba De Dominicana Robusto
A relatively new brand which was introduced only in 1968, Cohiba quickly became the flagship brand of the Cuban cigar industry. Developed initially as a medium bodied protocol cigar for presentation only by officials of the Cuban government, Cohiba was marketed widely beginning in 1982. The initial sizes were the Lancero, the Corona Especiale and the Panetela, with the Esplendido, Robusto and Exquisito added in 1989. The Cohiba series was initially made in the El Laguito factory in Havana, but production is now also in the Fernando Perez German factory.
Quite a few myths surround the Cohiba brand including one that relates directly to its name which was said to be the aboriginal Taino Indian word for "tobacco," but is now understood to have meant "cigar." The truth about Cohiba's origin is now offered by Emilia Tamayo, the Director at El Laguito. This charming and highly capable woman confirms that it all began in the mid-1960s when one of President Fidel Castro's bodyguards enjoyed a private supply of cigars from a local artisan. They so pleased the president that their creator, Eduardo Ribera, was asked to make cigars of his blend exclusively for Castro, under strict security in an Italianate mansion in the Havana suburb of El Laguito. At first, the brand had no name, then in 1968, under the name Cohiba, production began of three sizes, each a personal favorite of the President - the Lancero, the Corona Especiale, and the Panetela.
The Cohiba brand also is also produced in the Dominican Republic by two separate entities, General cigar, who owns the trademark for the name in the U.S., and by Monecristi de Tabacos, who holds Trademark for Cohiba in the Dominican Republic.
Our panel preferred the selection offered by Monecristi and that’s what you’ll sample this month. So in a sense these smokes are somewhat contraband! These smoke generally retail in the $12-15 per stick range so we truly hope you enjoy this special Christmas bonus selection. Happy Holidays!
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Ligero Piloto Cubano Seco
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade - Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
Immediately note a very light, silky Connecticut shade wrapper. We found the draw to be effortless and the burn even. The aroma of this cigar is one of its best attributes. It’s very pleasant with tons of spiciness. Look for a very well balanced Dominican flavor, a bit milder than the churchill, yet still full of rich, creamy and spicy tones. The tobacco is definitely aged properly. Overall, a great Dominican smoke. Try pairing it up with a dry Chardonnay.
The Cubana Especial is a highly praised Dominican line produced in Santiago. The brand is currently only offered in the ruddy Rosado Colorado Maduro Ecuadorian wrapper you'll note on the Torpedo featured this month. Unlike many emerging cigar brands which merely trek to cigar-making countries to buy cigars, create their own band and call them "their own", Cubana Especial owns their farms and factory which are both 100% dedicated to producing only for their line of cigars. All of their cigars use Habano Seco leaves for filler. The Cubana Especial tobaccos are aged for 36 months prior to rolling and the cigars are aged another 6 months after being rolled. Check out the Torpedo featured this month. We know you're going to enjoy it!
Binder: Honduran Olor
Filler: Dominican Republic Piloto
Wrapper: Sumatran-seed Ecuadorian - CO
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 88
Notes from the Panel:
Immediately note a near perfect draw in this well constructed cigar. No soft spots, consistently rolled and soft to the touch, we found it to burn evenly and offer a lot of smoke as well. We really liked this cigar, finding its medium-to-full flavor to have a pleasant, mild aroma, a great midly spicy flavor with some wood and coffee tones evident. Look for a slight bite in the aftertaste. Overall, a very easy cigar to smoke offering solid construction and great taste. Consider pairing it with a hoppy Pale Ale.
The Don Danilo Reserva Line Corona
The Don Danilo line is rolled in Villa Gonzalez in Santiago, Dominican Republic and offered in two blends. The three-tobacco blend produced from aged Cuban-seed and Dominican long filler tobacco and binder was received so well when we featured it several months ago, that we decided to introduce you to the brand's Reserva line, another Dominican blend featuring a tasty double maduro Dominican wrapper. Each cigar produced undergoes a twelve-point quality control inspection that stems from tobacco selection through the final packaging process. The Don Danilo Reserva line is also only available n 4 shapes & sizes and our panel favored the Corona featured this month. This line has been highly rated in Smoke Magazine, Wine & Dine, and Cigar Lovers.
Binder: Honduran Olor
Filler: Dominican Republic Piloto
Wrapper: Sumatran-seed Ecuadorian – CO Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5
Panel Rating: 91
Notes from the Panel:
We found the Don Danilo Reserva Corona to be an expertly constructed, very full-flavored smoke. Look for a near perfect draw in this rich, oily, full-bodied experience. Note a spicy, rich aroma that follows a nutty, slightly spicy flavor with the hint of anise. This cigar would be a perfect end to a big, garlic-saturated Italian dinner. Overall, great taste, rich and well made. Consider pairing this smoke with a full-bodied, dry, roasted Stout. You're gonna love this smoke!
The Don Leo brand has been a longstanding presence and is quite well respected in the Dominican community. The line is hand made with long-filler, Dominican Olor fillers as well as a Cuban-seed Dominican binder and features a spicy USA Connecticut Shade wrapper. Produced in the Cibao Valley, the brand has been rated in the high 80's in Cigar Aficionado and offers a classic Dominican smoking experience.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Indonesia/Sumatran -CO
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5.5
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
This claro colored cigar is truly a beautiful display of craftsmanship. We found it 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, mild to medium-bodied tasting cigar with a classic Dominican spicy character, with some hints of cocoa bean. You'll also note a prevalent woodiness throughout the smoke. Look for a cedar finish. Overall, plenty of smoke and taste. We really liked it! Consider pairing it with a malty Bock.
The Lone Wolf Vintage Churchill
Lone Wolf International was formed in July, 1996 when James Belushi and Chuck Norris teamed with a group of investors who had recently opened a chain of retail cigar lounges in California. With the focus first on developing the cigar brand, the initial step was to enlist some of the most respected manufacturers in the industry to produce their product. Not exactly an easy task with today's demand for premium smokes.
The Lone Wolf Vintage Series is manufactured by the Tobacco Palmarejo factory in the Dominican Republic. The line has been highly rated in Cigar Aficionado, The Cigar Insider and in Smoke magazine as well as in other third party reviews. Lone Wolf’s fillers and binders are all Dominican Piloto Cubano and Dominican Olor tobaccos. Our panel very much enjoyed the Vintage Series samples reviewed and this month we’re featuring the Churchill. We know you’re really going to enjoy this exceptional cigar, ‘cause if you don’t Chuck’s gonna swing by your place and show you some new martial art moves. Enjoy!
For more information on the Lone Wolf Cigar Company, call them at 800-586-9653.
Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Indonesian-CO Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 6
Panel Rating: 92
Notes from the Panel:
This is a very well made cigar. Immediately note a nice easy draw and a slow, even burn. We picked up hints of coffee bean and perhaps hazelnuts in this creamy, mild to medium-bodied smoke. A definite earthy spiciness also emerges half way through which is very pleasant and not the least bit overpowering. Look for a cedary finish. Overall, we liked this cigar very much. It offers a complex, wonderful balance of flavors with a full, yet very smooth finish. Consider pairing it with a full-bodied scotch or cognac.
Tobacco Bits
HARVEST TIME - Tobacco seedlings are ready for the first harvest, or priming, 45 days after they are placed into the ground. At that time, 2 to 4 leaves are removed by hand from the plant. An average tobacco plant will undergo roughly six primings in its growth period, eventually yielding anywhere from 8 to 16 leaves that will be made into cigars.
PICK OF THE LITTER - After the harvest, which can take anywhere from 20 to 40 days, tobacco leaves are sorted for curing. Only leaves that are free of insect holes, sunspots, and blemishes make the first cut, and they must also have the right texture and construction to be chosen. Veins must be intact and the leaves themselves must be thickly textured and slightly shiny. Leaves that are too dry, too damp, or pockmarked are given to producers of seconds or machine-made cigars.
LIGHTING TIPS - When you're ready to light up, be sure that the flame never actually touches the cigar. Slowly char the foot of the cigar until it blackens, then place the cigar in your mouth, drawing lightly on the cigar while rotating it over the flame. Contact with the flame could potentially "flavor" the cigar with residue from the lighter or match you are using.
LIGHTING UP - When lighting your cigar, never put the tip directly into the flame. Hold the cigar at an angle to the flame and puff gently, rotating the cigar as you do so. Eventually the flame should leap up to the cigar. Continue to puff and rotate until the diameter of the tip of the cigar is glowing. Blow through the cigar to loosen any trapped smoke, then blow on the lit end to make sure it is completely lit. If any portion remains unlit (it doesn't glow when you blow on it), try lighting it again, rotating the cigar so the unlit area is exposed to the flame. Remember, never put the cigar into the flame.
OPERATION CIGAR LIFT - While stationed in Hungary for United Nations and NATO peace- keeping efforts during the Bosnian crisis, a small cigar club at the 67th Combat Support Hospital ran out of cigars. One of the physicians stationed there, Captain Paul Rupp, e-mailed a Texas-based Internet site, cigar.com, with details of this predicament. The webmaster got the word out to the industry and they responded with great results. The first shipment was sent April 12, 1996, and contained 12 boxes of smokes as well as various accessories.
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 pup-hood 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.
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 | 5 Pak |
| Cost | |||
| A. Don Leo Corona Extra | 25 | $75.50 | $18 |
| B. Cubana Especial Torpedo | 20 | $87.50 | $26 |
| C. Lone Wolf Vintage Series Churchill | 25 | $110.50 | $26 |
| D. Don Danilo Reserva (green band) | 25 | $75.50 | $18 |
| E. Cohiba Robusto | 25 | $125.50 | $30 |
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.
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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,
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to continue their memberships. Address changes made after that time
may require a $4.00 re-shipping charge.
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A: If you shipment arrives damaged, please call us immediately
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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.
