Tuesday
Feb122013

Stogie Geeks Episode 46 - "Failed Cuban Experiment"

Download Episode 46 Here

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Stogie of the Week

E.P. Carrillo Short Run Vintage Grande

Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Nicaraguan and Dominican
Strength: Medium/Full
Vitola: Grande
Size: 6.2 x 60
Age: 3 Years
MSRP: Box of 10 - $75.00
Link: Cigars International

To make a long story short, these handsome devils were slated to become the inital release by E.P. Carrillo 3 years ago. But at the time, it wasn’t quite what E.P. was looking for. (he’s a real stickler for perfection) Instead, they remained nestled in the aging rooms, marrying into delicious morsels.

What We Have Been Smoking

The complete list of all cigars discussed in this segment can be found on the Episode 46 Stogies Page.

Paul's List

See Paul's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

See Mark's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Segment: Cigar Etiquette

  • Where to smoke?
  • When to ash? How often should you ash?
  • When to take off the band?
  • Buy from the shop where you're smoking?
  • What if the staff is cutting or lighting wrong or has wrong information?
  • If you use someone's lighter, and it runs out of gas or you make adjustments, do you tell them?
  • Do you put out your cigar by mashing it in the ashtray?
  • Do you bite the end off a cigar?
  • If you are smoking a Cuban do you announce it to the world?
  • Do you smoke a Double Corona in 30 minutes?
  • Would you tap someone's ash?
  • If someone gives you a cigar, do you give them one?

Some other articles on the subject;

Stogie Guys - Stogie Tip: Proper Cigar Etiquette
Luxist.Com - Ten Points of Cigar Etiquette Not To Be Ignored
Tobaco Barn - Cigar Etiquette Tips

Contest: E.P. Carillo Fiver

Question: What did E.P. Carillo aspire to be prior to entering the cigar business full time with his father?

Congratulations to Justin M. who correctly answered;

EP Carrillo wanted to be a Jazz Drummer. He was trying to be a part of legendary Jazz Musician Stan Getz's band, but when it didn't work out, he returned to Miami to pursue the cigar business with his father full time.

Thursday
Feb072013

Stogie Geeks Episode 45 - "The Blizzahd Edition"

Download Episode 45 Here

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Stogie of the Week

CLE Cuarenta Robusto

Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduran Habano
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras
Strength: Medium
Vitola: Robusto
Size: 5 x 50
Age: N/A
MSRP: About $5.95

CLE Cigars was started by Christian Eiora who was the former president of Camacho cigars. Three lines are cigars are currently available and manufactured in the Tabacos Ranchos factory in Honduras. More information can be found on their website.

What We Have Been Smoking

The complete list of all cigars discussed in this segment can be found on the Episode 45 Stogies Page.

Paul's List

See Paul's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Tim's List

See Tim's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Mark's List

See Mark's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Segment: Choosing The Right Cigar To Give

  • First Time Smoker - I tend to give the first time smoker something mild, but not completely flavorless. Sure, there are lots of mild cigars, but the problem is if their palette is not refined yet, they will miss all the subtle flavors. I like to give a medium body, smaller cigar. The last thing you want is someone puking in your smoke room. EP Carrillo, Arturo Fuente come to mind. Also, make sure its not expensive as I find first time smokers almost never finish a full cigar.
  • The "I only smoke Cuban's" Smoker - Here is where I like to mix it up with someone. Give them a nice Padron, it will be so different from what they normally smoke that they will often appreciate it. If you want something more like a Cuban, Tatuaje comes to mind.
  • Occasional Smoker - I still tend to stick with a smaller cigar, and here is where you can up your price tag a bit. Maybe the occasional smoker has only had some of the more popular and reasonably priced cigars on the market. Hit them with a Davidoff and see if they like it. Its also a change to turn them on to some of the boutique brands, such as Viaje, Four Kicks, etc..
  • Female Smoker - This is a tough one, not all women enjoy mild non-flavored cigars, you don't want to overpower them with something too strong, but they may also not like flavored cigars. Go with a small size is always best. If you go flavored, try a Java by Drew Estate. Non-flavored try a corona size cigar that doesn't pack too much punch, like an EPC New Wave Connecticut.
  • "I only smoke brand XYZ cigar in size ABC" Smoker - I keep hearing about the "guy" who will only smoke Ashton Aged Maduro's. You know what? You can't fault them, they know what they like and they stick to it. While you really want them to branch out, they just like one particular cigar. So give it to them unless they are in a mood to try something new (which is unlikely).
  • The Cigar Geek - This is one where you just have to ask. Get the stuff in your humidor that's aged, special, limited, not available in their region and try to stump them. Ask them what they like, what they want to try, and dig deep to find it.
  • "I Smoke Those Cigars From The Gas Station" Smoker - This person does not deserve a cigar from your humidor, so you can either tell them you are all out of smokes or give them something you are trying to get rid of.
  • The "Rocky Patel" Smoker - Many smokers will order from popular online shops, and smoke the everyday type cigars. 5 Vegas comes to mind, along with Rocky Patel. Here is a change to wow them with a boutique brand, or a Cuban perhaps.

Contest: Five pack of CLE Cuarenta Robusto's

Question: What does CLE stand for and why was the name Cuarenta chosen for this cigar?

Congratulations to Rudy R. who correcty answered;

CLE stands for Christian Luis Eiroa and Cuarenta means "40" in spanish. The cigar was called Cuarenta because it was launched in tribute of Eiroa's 40th birthday.

Thursday
Jan312013

Stogie Geeks Episode 44 - "The New Old Fashion"

Download Episode 44 Here

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Stogie of the Week

El Suelo by L'Atelier Terreno Gran Robusto

Origin: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaragua, Connecticut
Strength: Medium
Vitola: Gran Robusto
Size: 5.25 x 56
Age: N/A
MSRP: Bundle of 20 - $76.00

What We Have Been Smoking

The complete list of all cigars discussed in this segment can be found on the Episode 44 Stogies Page.

Paul's List

See Paul's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Tim's List

See Tim's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Mark's List

See Mark's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Segment: Cigar Construction Problems (and what to do about them)

  • Plugged / Tight Draw - This has to be one of the most frustrating problems. You light it up, and sometimes your head hurts because you have to draw so hard on it to get smoke. At its worst, it completely ruins the flavors in the cigar. This is the result of packing too much tobacco in the cigar when its rolled. You can poke the cigar with a draw poker, but I get mixed results. You can try to pull out a stem, but I have mixed results with that as well. Sometimes its not too bad and you can tough through it, but the best option is to grab another cigar.
  • Too Loose Of a Draw - The opposite problem, not enough tobacco was rolled into the cigar, producing way too much smoke, causing it to burn too hot. This also ruins the flavor. You can back off and not puff on it as much. Often I do not throw the cigar away when its packed too loose. The cigar will also feel squishy.
  • Voids / Holes - This is one of the other worst problems to have. The cigar was rolled incorrectly, leaving a void or hole. You can visually see it as black spots in the ash. You can also feel it, as sometimes it will squish in just one part. Some voids are large, almost the entire length of the cigar. Others are much shorter and you can smoke through them. The cigar will become hot, and you will suck air instead of smoke. Also when you light it a giant flame will come from the end! You can try to poke the hole, smoke through it, or pitch it.
  • Cracked or Peeling Wrappers - Sometimes this is due to improper storage. You can often smoke them, depending how bad it is. What sucks is when the wrapper is so cracked that air and smoke escape from it. You can put your finger over it to plug it, but it ruins the smoking experience. Best thing is to inspect before you smoke it, then have someone glue on more wrapper to fix it.
  • Too Dry - Depending on how dry, slowly re-humidifying can work. Sometimes this affects the flavor, sometimes not. Don't give up though, find a large humidor and slowly try to save it by putting it in a box or bag, then opening a little, then next day opening a little more, etc…
  • Beetle holes - Cigars stored at high temp and humidity can get beetles. Try tapping the cigar and see if stuff falls out. Sometimes they smoke fine, doesn't hurt to smoke it and find out.

Contest: A Five pack of El Suelo Terreno Gran Robusto's

Question: Who started L'Atelier Imports with Pete Johnson and what four blends are currently available under the brand?

Email the answer to us at stogiegeeks@gmail.com and we will pick a winner at random after the podcast has been released.

Thursday
Jan242013

Stogie Geeks Episode 43 - "Top Five Box Worthy Smokes"

Download Episode 43 Here

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Stogie of the Week

La Flor Dominicana Oro Chisel

Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Strength: Medium/Full
Vitola: Chisel
Size: 6 x 54
Age: N/A
MSRP: About $12.00

What We Have Been Smoking

The complete list of all cigars discussed in this segment can be found on the Episode 43 Stogies Page.

Paul's List

See Paul's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Tim's List

See Tim's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Segment: Top 5 Favorite Boxes You Must Own

I'm shooting for regular production, and a good balance. We ranked over 150 cigars as "box worthy", which ones are the best?

Paul's List

  1. Hoyo de Monterrey Des Dieux - A 6/42 Gran Corona, this is the best breakfast and morning smoke you can buy. Its the perfect size, flavor profile, and may be my most favorite gran corona ever.
  2. Tatuaje Cojonu 2003 - So versatile, such great flavors, enjoy them anytime!
  3. Padron 1926 - Its really tough to choose, natural or maduro? #9 or #6? They are all so good! This is my choice for a high price tag stick to keep around. You just have to own a box of these, you will never be bored, they will always be good. They are a notch above to many other cigars.
  4. Opus X Perfection X #4 (Petite Corona) - I just have to have an Opux on my list? Aged or not, these are always great. They are also not impossible to find, nor are they the most expensive Opus. But you get all that awesome Opus in a small package.
  5. EP Carrillo Cardinal Sumatra Robusto - I just had to put something from Ernesto on the list! He makes some of the most epic smokes in the business, and this one could be my favorite. Box worthy all day long, and a joy to smoke anytime.

Tim's List

  1. Hoyo de Monterrey Des Dieux - I agree 100% with Paul on this one. One the best breakfast smokes in my rotation and a steal at $6.00-$7.00 a stick. I really enjoy the easy going nature of this stick and the subtle flavors of coffee and cocoa that come and go.
  2. Ashton VSG Tres Mystique - Another favorite stck to have with coffee. I love this petit corona and even at $8.50 I just cannot stop smoking them. Versatile and delicious. A staple in my humidor.
  3. Padron 1926 No. 6 Maduro - I agree with Paul on this blend but I am going to pick a wrapper and vitola. The Robusto (No. 2) with the Maduro wrapper.
  4. La Aurora Cien Anos Lancero - Maybe I am taking a little liberty here but since these were re-released this past year, I included it. Versatile, smooth, and delicious. A Favorite.
  5. La Aroma de Cuba EE No. 2 - I love this stick. It pairs perfectly with a morning cup of coffee but is versatile and flavorful enough to smoke anytime of the day. Made by Ashton, these almost always burn and draw perfectly.

Contest: A Box of five La Flor Domincana Oro Chisel's

With a Big Thanks to Garland from Atlantic Cigar for providing the prize.

Question: What did Litto Gomez (owner of LFD) do for a living before entering the cigar industry and what event prompted him to do so?

Congrats to Paul T who correctly answered;

Litto Gomez was the owner of Pekin's, a jewelry shop on Miami's North Beach. The store got robbed and the next day he put it up for sale which lead him into the cigar industry.

Thursday
Jan172013

Stogie Geeks Episode 42 - "Unmedicated and Uncensored"

Download Episode 42 Here

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Stogie of the Week

Sampling of Padron Series

Origin: Nicargua
Wrapper: Nicarguan Natural or Maduro
Binder: Nicarguan
Filler: Nicarguan
Strength: Medium/Full
MSRP: Between $4.00 and $10.00

Padron's website lists fifteen sizes available in the Padron Series. All vitola's are available in either a Nicarguan Natural or Maduro wrapper. These are Nicarguruan Puro's that are all sungrown and aged a minimum of 2.5 years. The sizes are:

  • Corticos 4.25 x 35
  • Delicias 4.875 x 46
  • Londres 5.5 x 42
  • 2000 5.0 x 50
  • 3000 5.5 x 52
  • 5000 5.5 x 56
  • 6000 5.5 x 52 (torpedo)
  • 7000 6.25 x 60
  • Palmas 6.25 x 42
  • 4000 6.5 x 54
  • Panetela 6.875 x 36
  • Ambassador 6.875 x 42
  • Churchill 6.875 x 46
  • Executive 7.5 x 50
  • Magnum 9.0 x 50

What We Have Been Smoking

The complete list of all cigars discussed in this segment can be found on the Episode 42 Stogies Page.

Paul's List

See Paul's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Tim's List

See Tim's List, complete with pictures, ratings and mini-reviews on his Stogie Feed.

Segment: Alternatives to High Priced Cigars.

Contest: Padron Series Sampler

Question: What is the significance of the numbers used in each of the four Padron Family Reserva releases?

Congratulations to Matt R. of Scotch Plains, NJ who correctly answered;

The significance of the 44,45 and 46 correspond to the anniversary of when Jose O. Padrón founded Padrón Cigars (1964). The 2008 release is the 44, the 2009 is the 45 and the 2010 is the 46 representing the anniversary of the company. In 2011, the name was changed the the Padrón Family Reserve 85th to commemorate Jose O. Padrón's 85th birthday.