Past Newsletters

Vol. 9 No. 10

Member of the Month

One of our favorite places to smoke a cigar!

Buon Giorno,

I just wanted to tell you guys how much I appreciate the fine selections you send every month. You sure can't beat the price and convenience!

I'm stationed in Napoli (Naples), Italy and have a hard time finding good quality cigars here. There are a few premium cigar shops downtown, but their selections are limited and very overpriced. Even some of the Cuban cigars aren't as good as I thought they would be. The alternative is Italian cigars (toscani), which aren't exactly what you'd call "premium". They're not bad, but I prefer a good quality premium stogie over "rolled newspaper" any day. My favorites are the strong maduros like the Maya you sent a few months ago. Those go well with pizza diavola (spicy "devil" pizza), strong Italian espresso, and a good dark home-brewed stout.

The picture shows me getting ready to try one of the Partagas you sent. (Unfortunately, my lighter died and I had to wait until I got home.) My wife took this picture in downtown Napoli near the bay. In the background is Mt. Vesuvio, but you probably can't see it that well because of the haze and humidity that day. (I wasn't mad that day though I look like it in the picture. I was just hot and sunburned). Anyway, I just wanted to say "grazie" (thanks) for the great service and cigars you send every month.

Ciao!
Kevin P. Kilburn

SUBMIT YOURSELF OR YOUR GROUP PHOTO FOR CONSIDERATION! And if you're selected, we'll send you a variety pack of 25 hand rolled smokes from past selections! Get your submissions in now before everyone else does or you gotta wait 3 months to see your pretty mug adorning the front page! Send your photos and letter to: Cigar of the Month Club Attn: Member of the Month, PO Box 1627, Lake Forest, CA 92609 or email your photo and letter to customerservice@cigarmonthclub.com

Featured Cigar Dimensions

Brand Name:	Shape	Size	Strength	Country	Panel
					Rating
A. Astral Phoenix	Churchill	7 x 50	4	Honduras	94
B. Baccarat Casino Vintage	Corona	5 x 42	5	Honduras	92
C. Bohemian Red Corojo North Beach	Robusto	5 x 54	7	Dominican	90
D. Habana Gold Sterling Tubo	Churchill	7 x 52	6	Honduras	89
E. La Hoja Selecta #1	Corona	6.5 x 42	6.5	Dominican	90

Featured Cigars

Astral Phoenix Churchill

The Astral line is handmade in the cigar making mecca of Danli, Honduras. The Astral brand is a highly recognized and praised brand, known for its mild-to-medium body. The Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut shade wrapper gives the Phoenix featured this month an elegant appearance, with silky espresso and cream flavors. We found this Churchill to have a good draw, a perfect burn, and plenty of smoke volume. Look for a pleasant cedar aroma, followed by a somewhat sweet, woody, earthy character, finishing on a spicy, woody note. Astral has been consistently highly rated in Cigar Aficionado and Smoke Magazine and we know that you’re going to enjoy this elegant, well-made cigar. Overall, a great smoke that would be complemented nicely with an oaky chardonnay.

Baccarat Casino Vintage Corona

The Baccarat Vintage Casino is manufactured by Tobacos Rancho Jamastran, deep in the heart of the Jamastran Valley of Honduras. This region has the perfect soil and a similar climate to Cuba’s renowned Vuelta Abajo region. The company started over 25 years ago and now employs more than 3,300 people and will produce more than 15 million cigars this year, including the La Fontana and Camacho brands. The tasty corona you’ll sample this month is handmade in Honduras from Honduran long fill, Mexican binder tobaccos and a Honduran wrapper. Look for a very mild smoke with a smooth taste and hints of coffee flavors. Look for excellent construction and an effortless draw. Overall, quite satisfying and fun to smoke. Try smoking this Corona with a full-bodied dry roasted stout or a single malt scotch.

Bohemian Red Corojo North Beach Robusto

The Bohemian Red Corojo Robusto is manufactured by Victor Sinclair Cigars and hand rolled in the Dominican Republic by Jose Dominguez. One of the most interesting features of this cigar is the bright-red Corojo wrapper. This wrapper was not dyed to achieve this color; what you see is in fact the natural color of the wrapper. Note an aesthetically beautiful cigar, constructed of delicious long filler tobaccos from Nicaragua, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. We found it a medium to full bodied smoke, providing lots of rich tobacco flavor. Look for an easy draw with a spicy, pleasing aroma up front. Its flavor offers some spiciness paired with a wonderful cedar flavor. Note plenty of smoke volume. We loved it! Consider pairing it with your favorite single malt scotch.

Habana Gold Sterling Tubo Churchill

The Habana Gold line has gone through some fairly extreme changes in the last few years... fortunately, for the better…in our opinion from somewhat of a “dog rocket” to a very enjoyable cigar. The only thing that is still the same as the “old” cigar is the name. This Churchill is now made by the same makers of Astral, at a new factory in Honduras, with a new blend of tobacco. The Habana Gold is a medium bodied cigar with an attractive Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut shade wrapper. The filler is from Nicaragua and the binder from Ecuador. Look for an excellent floral character in the flavor along with a toasty note in the finish. If you like Churchills, this may become your next day-to-day smoke. Try pairing it with your favorite India Pale Ale or Margarita.

La Hoja Selecta #1 Corona

The La Hoja Selecta #1 Corona is considered to be a perfect cigar for anyone wanting to make the transition from mild smokes to something a bit stronger. We found the La Hoja Selecta to be medium to full bodied. Note a handsome traditional Cuban style, box pressed presentation. It’s hand made with Connecticut broadleaf binder tobaccos, a Dominican and Nicaraguan long leaf blend, and a beautiful Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut shade wrapper. Look for a hint of light toastiness in this cigar, followed by a dry finish. Overall, a nice companion with a hoppy Pale Ale.

Ask Murl

Dear Murl

I know you’ve most likely answered this one before, but I’m a new member and if you don’t answer it again, I’m gonna cancel my subscription! (Just kiddin’ pooch). Anyway, what’s up with the Cuban thing? I’ve never had one. Are Cuban cigars really that much better than ones produced elsewhere?

Fidel Smith
New York, NY

Yo Fiddle!

All right, Bucko. You got my attention. Not your real name is it. It’s okay to ask what you think might be a bonehead question, Fiddle. Truth is, everyone wants to hear an opinion on Cuban cigars. I’ve attended a festival or two when we’re promoting the club and I can’t tell you how many weenies come up and ask the same question. “Got any Cubans? Got any Cubans? Got any Cubans?!” I usually tell them, “Sure Pal, this one right here was rolled on the thighs of a Cuban virgin just this morning and it’s yours for $150 if you want it.” The glazed, confused stare, unaware of my jest, usually confirms my suspicions of a rookie who wouldn’t know a Cuban if Castro gave it to him personally!

Anyway, to the point. In my opinion, opinion being the operative word here Fiddle, the binders and fillers in the Dominican Republic are the best in the world, bar none. Cuba still grows the best wrappers, but the Dominican Republic is catching up rapidly in that respect as well. The difference isn't really in the growing of the tobacco, but more so in its processing and aging. The soils of the two countries are essentially the identical and they are on nearly the same latitude. Of course, the Dominican Republic is a little east of Cuba in longitude but the weather is very similar.

I think a large part of the Cuban mystique is the appeal of the forbidden fruit. I saw this sexy she-wolf on the Discovery Channel the other day. I knew I couldn’t have her, and I wanted her all that much more. I’m telling ya, it’s human (and canine) nature, baby. Tell me I can’t buy a pint of Guinness any more and I’m calling my clan on the mainland to reserve my private reserve. Don’t focus so much on where the smoke came from, but rather did you personally enjoy it. It’s all very subjective, the appreciation of fine tobacco, so go with what you like. Gotta trot. Got a milk bone stashed in the couch with my name on it.

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. Astral Phoenix Churchill	25	$87.50	$23
B. Baccarat Casino Vintage Corona	20	$75.50	$24
C. Bohemian Red Corojo North Beach Robusto	25	$87.50	$23
D. Habana Gold Sterling Tubo Churchill	25	N/A	$21
E. La Hoja Selecta #1 Corona	25	$87.50	$23

Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery and add $7.95 for S&H for your first box and $3.00 for each additional box or grab bag. S&H for 5-packs is $4.95 and $1.50 for each additional 5-pak. All reorders are sent Priority mail unless otherwise requested. CA residents please add 7.75% Sales Tax. 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 2^nd 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.