Blogcritics Author: Stogie Guys

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Beer Review: Sam Adams and Cigars

Stogie Guys — Thu, 31 May 2007 14:34:53 EDT

People generally look to the more potent spirits for cigar pairings, but, in my experience, a good beer can be an excellent accompaniment to a handmade stogie. And by good beer I mean a well-crafted, flavorful brew, not that watery stuff that is constantly advertised during televised sporting events. Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve had more than my share of Bud, Miller, Natural Light, and PBR… And many times with a cigar. However, when I want a beer that actually adds to my smoking experience, I turn to something a little better. And one of the most dependable makers of excellent flavorful beer is Sam Adams. Here are three of the many varieties that Sam Adams makes, and some suggestions for pairing them with cigars: Boston Lager The Sam Adams Boston Lager is the flagship beer of the line. It is a hoppy brew with little in common with the traditional, watered-down lagers I mentioned earlier. Amber in color and aromatic in scent, it has a nice bite. It also is the easiest Sam Adams beer to find – available on tap in most bars and many restaurants. I would suggest pairing it with a medium-bodied cigar with a little spice, perhaps something with a Cameroon wrapper. Black Lager The Black Lager is not one of my favorites. While very smooth, I found the chocolate flavors and grainy finish a bit unpleasant. Still, I know beer lovers who think this beverage is the best made by Sam Adams – so I think this is sort of a love it or hate it brew. If you’re having a pint of the Black Lager with a cigar, you’ll want something that accentuates the chocolate flavors. Try a full-flavored maduro like a CAO Brazilia, a Padron Anniversary (Maduro), or a La Gloria Cubana Serie R. Boston Ale The Sam Adams Boston Ale is a classic copper-colored American ale. Crisp, fruity, and well-carbonated, it is a lighter-bodied brew. The Boston Ale is very drinkable and versatile enough to be enjoyed with a meal, or just with a few more Boston Ales. It also is can be enjoyed year round. Pair this beer with a mild, creamy cigar like a Macanudo Natural, a Davidoff Grand Cru, or an Ashton Classic. Those are just three of the over 30 beers brewed by Sam Adams. Now pop a top, light a stogie, and enjoy!

StogieGuys.com is the go-to website for daily cigar news, reviews, and commentary on the average guys' search for the next great smoke. StogieGuys.com's authors write articles that appeal to cigar connoisseurs and novices alike.

Mint Juleps and Cigars

Stogie Guys — Wed, 2 May 2007 17:46:36 EDT

The beginning of May means not only has spring arrived, but warmer weather is here to stay. And it also means that the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner. The Derby is the opening race of the Triple Crown series, and an event with a drink all of its own: the Mint Julep. The Mint Julep is made with 3 to 5 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce mint-infused simple syrup (or simply some sugar), fresh mint leaves, and a generous amount of shaved or pulverized ice. According to Wall Street Journal cocktail columnist Eric Felton the proper Julep is made in the following way: “Muddle 1⁄2 oz of syrup with mint leaves in bottom of a Julep cup. Rub entire inside of cup with the syrupy leaves. Pack the cup to over the rim with ice. Pour the other half ounce of syrup over the ice, followed by the bourbon. Garnish with a leafy sprig of mint. Drink – slowly, that’s a lot of bourbon – through a straw.” An alternative way of making the Julep was described by legendary singer Bob Dylan during his Theme Time Radio Hour show: “First up, you take four mint sprigs, two and a half ounces of bourbon. I’d put three. A table spoon of powder sugar, and a table spoon of water. You put the mint leaves, powder sugar, and water in a Collins glass. You fill the glass with shaved, or crushed ice, and then add bourbon. Top that off with more ice. And…I’d like to garnish that with a mint sprig. Serve it with a straw. Two or three of those, and anything sounds good.” No matter how you make this delightful beverage, with all its mint and sugar it might not seem like a perfect match for a cigar, but it really is. With a plentiful amount of bourbon, the Julep is a great change of pace from the traditional bourbon – straight up or on the rocks.If you order a Julep at a bar, it is likely made with Jim Beam or some other rail bourbon. Early Times is the official bourbon (technically it’s a Kentucky whiskey) of the Kentucky Derby - and Woodford Reserve can also be found at Churchill Downs - but I would suggest springing for something better like Evan Williams Vintage Single Barrel for your first julep or two. After a few juleps it won't really matter! As for your stogie, pair the Julep with a mild- to medium-bodied smoke with just a little spice such as a Fuente Chateau Maduro, Romeo y Julieta Vintage III, or a Toraño Exodus. For the perfect Mint Julep experience, one should be at the horse track with a sawbuck on your horse to win. There’s nothing better than returning to the betting window with a Julep in one hand and a cigar in your mouth to collect you winnings.

CAO Cigars Scores with the Brazilia Gol

Stogie Guys — Wed, 7 Mar 2007 20:36:43 EST

Do cigars always taste better after steak? As recent dinner proved, definitely. But I’ve had enough from the CAO Brazilia line to know these sticks are excellent after any meal. And that excellence almost certainly has something to do with their unique composition. Who else, other than former CAO head honcho Cano Ozgener, would be creative enough to pair a dark Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos? Which brings me to an important point: Contrary to a common misconception, CAO Brazilias are not puros. If you’re looking for the 100 percent Brazilian tobacco experience, I’d suggest trying a Dona Flor or an Alonso Menendez. Nonetheless, this is a noteworthy smoke with some deep flavors. Before lighting, I particularly noticed dark chocolate and rich coffee notes – not a surprise given the origin of the binder and filler. After achieving an even burn with a couple wooden matches, those sweet and earthy flavors were complemented by a crisp black pepper spice. Hints of clove faded in and out during the one hour and 20 minute smoke. A shiny mascara on the wrapper indicated the leaf was fully matured when harvested. Construction-wise, I was also impressed. The burn remained fairly even throughout, the ash held long and firm, and the band was easily removed (it was so loose I didn’t even have to unhinge it). Despite a rock-hard feel, the draw on this five inch by 56 ring gauge cigar was quite clear. On the whole, this is one of those beautifully crafted stogies that’s big on flavor but small on harshness. It’s a simple smoke with consistent flavors and commendable physical properties. That said, it has none of the complexity found in the CAO Criollo line.Still, at only about $6 per stick, I’m thinking about adding the CAO Brazilia Gol to my regular rotation.

Cigar Review: Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Sorcerer

Stogie Guys — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:52:14 EST

When the Ashton Virgin Sun Grow (VSG) line was released in 1999, it was instantly hailed as a success. Cigar Insider even went so far as to say that “connoisseurs are seeking out the Ashton Virgin Sun Grown with a fervor not seen in the industry for years…” This particular seven inch by 49 ring gauge “Sorcerer” puts the Ashton VSG’s rich flavors in a classic double corona size. The stogie has a rustic, deep brown wrapper and a slight box press. The press - which isn’t as extreme as a Maria Mancini or a Padrón 1926 (a cigar that the Ashton VSG is often compared to) – lets the cigar sit comfortably in your hand. Prior to being lit, the cigar had rich roasted mocha notes with a fantastic aroma of vanilla flavors. The band’s classic white, black, and gold give it an almost royal appearance. Fortunately, when lit, the flavors remained just as impressive. Almost immediately rich earth and mocha flavors were apparent. Over time that was complimented by deep roasted notes. Overall, the Ashton VSG offers dark, luscious flavors without sacrificing its smooth balance, everything you would expect from a cigar developed for Ashton by Carlos Fuente. The construction was also notable despite a tight draw. And while initially the burn was a bit temperamental, it quickly evened out until it was straight as a razor by the midway point. Earlier in the review I mentioned that the Ashton VSG line was often compared to the Padron Anniversary line. I must say that the comparison has merit, as both cigars are known for pairing full flavor with smoothness in a way that is uncommon, even for the best handmade cigars in the $8 and up price range. While the Ashton VSG Sorcerer isn’t as impressive as the Padrón 1926, it would be a perfect cigar for any special occasion.

Cigars and Coffee: A Perfect Match

Stogie Guys — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 04:57:18 EST

Many months ago we gave you some tips on selecting a spirit to pair with your cigar.Now I like a stiff drink as much as the next guy, but there are many times when a bourbon, scotch, cognac, port, or rum - the more traditional cigar cocktail pairings - just aren’t appropriate or desirable.On these occasions, might I suggest you reach for a cup of Joe? Coffee isn’t the most exotic drink. Over half of all Americans consume it every day, with per capita consumption at 1.6 cups daily. But a fine cigar paired with a good brew can transform the average into the exotic.Coffee and a cigar before noon, in the early afternoon, or after dinner (when a stronger spirit just isn’t possible when you need to drive home) can be delightful.And the flavors in a good cup of coffee are highly complementary to cigars. Vanilla, mocha, chocolate, and roasted notes, as well as nuttiness and earth, can all be found in both cigars and coffee. In fact, tasting wheels used for coffee tasting would help any cigar smoker identify flavors in his tasty tobacco treat.But much like bad cigars, people too often think of coffee as bad coffee, akin to the sludge at your workplace. But doing so would be like thinking that all cigars are like Phillies. I fear that, despite the billions of cups of coffee Americans drink every year, many people have never had a really good brew.I make a pot every morning with my French press coffee maker using freshly ground beans from my manual burr grinder. Some people take it a step further, roasting their own beans from their initial green color to the deep brown we identify with coffee, while others have thousand-dollar fully automatic espresso machines. But such a setup isn’t necessary for good coffee.Whatever machine you use, try coffee that you grind yourself at the supermarket or local coffee store, as opposed to pre-ground canned coffee. And buy it in small amounts so that it isn’t sitting around getting stale, which can massively change the flavor. (I bought my grinder after noting how much more I enjoyed coffee right after I bought it compared to after it sat around in my kitchen cabinet for a week.)Finally, try different types of coffee from various countries and companies. Not surprisingly, Cuban coffee pairs excellently with cigars, but so can a good cafe au lait, latte, or espresso.Like cigars, you need to try a variety to find your favorite. And when you do, you may find that, from time to time, you’ll pass over alcoholic beverages in favor of a good cup of Joe.

Don't Rush a Good Stogie

Stogie Guys — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 12:54:10 EST

I know it’s a cliché, but – let’s face it – there just aren’t enough hours in a day. Especially if you’re a stogie guy. Between work, commutes, showers, errands, friends and family, chores, three square meals, taxes, and all the other responsibilities us grown-ups shoulder, how exactly is a human supposed to set aside an hour (well, more reasonably, and hour and ½) to enjoy a stogie? I don’t mean to disappoint, but – unfortunately – I really don’t have an easy answer to that question. I can’t be your personal time manager, and I certainly don’t have the blueprints for a make-time-stand-still machine. What’s worse, with winter setting in and government-imposed, fascist smoking bans looming over many bars, restaurants, and other public places, these days finding a place to smoke is becoming as difficult as finding the time to do it. But we must do it. We must smoke cigars. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t park my ass in a chair for a while and devour some delicious tobacco every now and again, I lose it. Not because I’m addicted to the leaf (cigar smokers rarely are), but because I need to unwind. And what better way to do that than with a stogie? With the exception of fishing, there’s no other hobby that requires its participant to sit patiently still for so long. Granted you can always smoke and golf, walk, drive, and – heck – some people even run, but I’ve always found that the best way to get the most out of your cigar is to put the rest of the world on hold and just smoke. Find the time. If need be, grab some booze and/or company, but just do it. And while you’re at it, remember to smoke slowly. Cigar enjoyment is not a race, and there’s no prize for finishing first. Besides, in order to “cook” the tobacco at the right temperature (494˚F at the foot), you should only be taking about one puff per minute. You see, when you puff you’re caramelizing the sugars in the tobacco to bring out the flavors. If you puff too often, the temperature will rise, the tobacco will cook too fast, and the smoke may get harsh. But enough chemistry. Smoking isn’t a chore; it’s what you and I do to have fun and escape from the rest of the world. Why? Because we deserve it.

Stogie Review: Gurkha Class Regent Torpedo

Stogie Guys — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 08:37:40 EST

It’s a good thing this Gurkha Class Regent Torpedo sports one of the manufacturer’s typically distinctive bands. Otherwise it might be mistaken for a block of chocolate candy. The dark Habana 2000 wrapper looks nearly good enough to eat, but this box-pressed beauty is better for smoking.My experiences with Gurkha have been fairly limited, so I had no real preconceptions when I clipped and lit this one. Before even beginning to concentrate on the taste, I was bowled over by the smoke: incredibly thick, rich, and creamy. Few cigars can match the level of smoke produced by the Regent. It really did hang in the air as if you could slice it with a knife.After blowing a few smoke rings, I began to concentrate on the taste. There was an initial sharpness that smoothed out about a third of the way down, replaced for a short period by a sweetness and then a nuttiness. As the gray ash grew, the tobacco taste began to meld with a warm, earthy tone. In the final third, hints of caramel came and went.According to Gurkha, the cigar has a Habana 2000 Indonesian binder and Dominican filler. They call it medium to heavy. To me, it was closer to medium on the scale. The draw was fine, and the heavy smoke continued throughout. A roomful of politicians puffing these Gurkhas could set a new standard for smoke-filled rooms. The only problem I encountered involved the burn, including a little canoeing about halfway down, but I was able to correct that fairly easily with a touch up light. All in all, this is a very satisfying cigar and one I plan to smoke again. I suggest you do the same.

Ode to the Cold Weather Stogie Smoker

Stogie Guys — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:48:43 EST

San Pedro, Belize – Writing from beautiful tropical Belize (known formerly as British Honduras), there is seemingly no shortage of cigar topics for me to write about.I could tell you about my first encounter with the famously fake glass-top box of Cuban Cohiba Esplendidos (prominently featured in an advertisement for the local cigar shop), the fantastic Honduran Punch I had (a Honduran cigar just seemed appropriate here in British Honduras), or the Cohiba Robusto of questionable authenticity I was given upon my arrival (more investigation is needed there). Instead I’ll take this opportunity to praise that often unheralded creature: the cold weather stogie smoker.The absurdity of writing about cold weather cigar smoking from an 80 degree (F) beach immediately made me think of one of my favorite (and similarly absurd) movie quotes. “It’s easy to grin when your ship comes in, and you’ve got the stock market beat. But the man worthwhile is the man who can smile, when his shorts are too tight in the seat."A few days in the tropics made me realize just how easy it is to be a cigar smoker in the tropics. Nothing calls for a cigar like turquoise water and a warm breeze, except maybe a warm night at a beach bar with some Bob Marley playing. Naturally the lack of a Cuban embargo means that all the world’s cigars are available to you. The point is, if you can’t enjoy a cigar here, you probably never can. (Leave me down here too long and I’d probably be up to four a day!)This brings me to the cold weather smoker, outside on the porch, in the backyard, or walking the dog (because you can’t for one reason or another smoke inside). Perhaps an oppressive smoking ban forced you out of your favorite watering hole and into the inhospitable winter frost.To brave inclement weather shows true dedication to the wonderful hobby that is cigars. Like the man who’s shorts are too tight in his seat, the cold weather smoker need not smile while he bundles up for a sub-freezing stogie session, but he does. When many might close up the humidor until late spring, the cold weather smoker bravely smokes on.So let me propose the following: The next time you’re smoking a cigar in a perfect setting, pause a moment and think of the cold weather smoker preparing to risk frostbite just for the hobby he loves. Personally, as I make my most difficult decision of the night -- Cuban Cohiba, Montecristo, or something else -- I know I will think of my friends to the north deciding between gloves, hats, or space heaters! Such reflection is important because many of us will end up cold weather stogie guys ourselves far too soon. The author wrote this from Belize. He is now back home in Washington, DC.

A 'House' Cigar that Delivers

Stogie Guys — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 02:50:21 EST

It’s probably safe to say that most cigar enthusiasts are weary of, and perhaps turned off by, the so-called “house brands” of many large stogie companies. Whether it’s the ultra-low prices, the cheesy packaging, or their gimmicky sales pitches (Read any cigar catalog and every house brand "compares favorably to ultra premium cigars that cost three or four times as much!"). Let’s face it – these sticks frequently get a bad rap. And often deservingly so. But wouldn’t it be nice to cut through all the crap to find at least one cheap major house brand that’s very smokable? Well, you may not have to look any further than the Corojo Cubano Robusto by Thompson Cigar.No, we’re not pulling your leg. And we’re certainly not going to tell you that one of these sticks is comparable in taste or physical attributes to a well-constructed premium cigar. But, honestly, this really isn’t a bad smoke.The five inches by 50 ring gauge Robustos are composed of Dominican binders and fillers, wrapped in rich aning gold and red bands are a nice contrast to the wrapper, albeit a tad hokey. Despite a couple large veins, we couldn’t find any serious physical defects on our sticks.Once lit, the cigar produced an earthy taste with heavy notes of leather, coffee, and a little mocha. The second and finishing phases yielded more spice and graham. This is certainly not what you’d call a complex stogie, but it has a fairly enjoyable flavor.We noticed even burns throughout the hour-plus smoke with a draw that put up some, but not too much, resistance. The only drawback on construction is that the ash would not hold firmly off the foot, even for an inch or so. (We found this out the hard way with a pile of gray flakes in our lap.)If you go into this smoke with high expectations, you’re going to be disappointed. But at 98 cents apiece (when you buy 50), that’s probably not going to be a problem. If you’re looking for a very cheap way to beef up your humidor stock with satisfactory golf course grade smokes, however, the Thompson Cubano Corojo Robusto wouldn’t be a bad choice.[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

A Cigar Perfect for Golf?

Stogie Guys — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 01:38:46 EST

In September, Tabacalera Perdomo announced the release of a new blend called La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve Limited Golf Edition (that’s a mouthful, isn’t it?). The line – which is offered in eight sizes ranging from “Putter” to “Double Eagle” to “Hole in One” – is a creative marketing strategy aimed at taking advantage of the perfect, age-old pairing of cigars and golf.Last night I finally had the opportunity to try the “Iron,” a five inches by 54 ring gauge Robusto with a suggested retail price of $6.55 apiece.This stick has a creamy, five-year-old Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper that sports few imperfections and an attractive, yet relatively large, green and gold band. I had been admiring it in my humidor over the past few months.Before lighting, I noticed sweet aromas of honey and tea. After slicing the cap with my double guillotine cutter, which unfortunately produced a less-than-clean cut, I took note of the easy draw through the Nicaraguan filler.Once lit, the sweet flavors I previously detected had all but disappeared, leaving dry, earthy notes on the palate. The sensation might best be described as tasting a clove-flavored saltlick.Don’t get me wrong; this isn’t a bad tasting stogie. A stranger in the pub actually asked me what I was smoking because it smelled “terrific.” I just think it’s a bit too dry for my liking.Which brings me to an important point: For a line of cigars that’s supposed to be paired with an athletic activity in which drinks aren’t always readily available, it’s way too salty. I’d save it for the clubhouse. (For more tips on cigars and golf, you should read this article.)With a firm white ash that holds strong, an easy draw, and a fairly even burn (that did require a few touch-ups with my lighter), my “Iron” tested fine on construction.Overall, I don’t think you’ll be utterly disappointed by the La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve Limited Golf Edition Robusto, but – then again – you won’t be too impressed either.