Archive for category Cigar Photographs

Bolivar Gold Medal

Nov 11

Posted by admin in Bolivar Gold Medal | 6 Comments

- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-

It is time for another ‘forbidden fruit.’ This time we are photographing and smoking a La Casa del Habano release – Bolivar Gold Medal (2008 box). I call this specimen a ‘roller-coaster’ of cuban cigars. Its initial release was discontinued in 1992 but later resurfaced as an exclusive to Germany in 2004. Three years later, in 2007, it was reintroduced and made available via La Casa del Habano only to be discontinued once again in 2011. Perhaps we will see it again !

There aren’t that many cigars out on the market that can stand alone without the box packaging. Bolivar Gold Medal is one of those exceptions. Golden foil / La Casa del Habano band combination give this cuban cigar a striking christmas ornament look. Eye candy ! The cigar itself, visually, had an excellent construction. In fact, Gold Medal had much more elegant finish than highly praised and recently reviewed Cohiba Siglo VI. There were no visible veins nor seams. Exceptionally well rolled, with no soft spots and after clipping, perfect draw. In flavor department, initial experience presented hints of spice / black pepper and earthiness. Second/third thirds introduced an overwhelming amount of woodiness. The burn, although initially a bit wavy, ultimately corrected itself and did not need any manual intervention. Ash kept dropping off in ~1″ chunks.

Bolivar Gold Medal was a decent smoke. Not bad but nothing spectacular. Despite being highly rated in the strength department, I was pleased to find it to be medium/high at best. The cervantes vitola is a size that I would welcome in a non-cuban market any day. At the end, I was hoping for a bit more complexity and flavors but Bolivar Gold Medal, in my opinion, fell a bit short and did not deliver. I would recommend seeking a 5-pack but wouldn’t go crazy searching for a box(es). Obviously your mileage will vary.

Country of Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Length: 6.5″
Ring: 42

Construction > Great
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Decent
Recommend > Yes
Buy > 5-pack

Tags: bolivar cigar, bolivar gold medal, cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, cuba, cuban cigars, photography, stogie, stogie review

Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Broadleaf – prerelease

Nov 2

Posted by admin in Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Broadleaf - prerelease | 7 Comments

- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-

This week we are photographing and reviewing a prerelease follow-up to Pete Johnson’s (Tatuaje) Cojonu series – Tatuaje Cojonu 2012. Considering specifications, the Cojonu line underwent a major revamp. The 2012 release, based on Cojonu 2003, will be available in two different wrappers: Ecuadorian Sumatra & USA Broadleaf Connecticut. Today’s Cojonu ’03, ’06, ’09 are only available in Habano Ecuador wrapper (* initially wrapped in Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper). Both versions of Cojonu 2012 will come as 6.5″ x 52 box-pressed parejo vitolas. Depending on the weather, Cojonu 2012 is estimated to be released ~MAR2012 and will be the first Cojonu, for the USA market, to be made in Nicaragua. Pete Johnson is/was planning (based on comments received from Saints & Sinners forum) to release “… standard 25-count boxes for smokers who are interested in one wrapper and 10/10 boxes for those who are interested in both wrappers…” Both Cojonu 2012 box-pressed broadleaf & sumatra as well as Cojonu 2003 (* also box-pressed) prereleases are/were (?) available at local Tatuaje events. I recommend watching the following video recorded by Charlie from stogiereview.com in which he sat down with Pete Johnson and talked about future projects.

This week we have selected Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 broadleaf. Visually, one was introduced to a perfectly wrapped and triple capped cigar. No visible veins and minimal seams. Take relatively dark, rustic looking, oily, slightly toothy USA Broadleaf Connecticut wrapper, add box-pressed finish and you have a delicious looking chocolate bar. After clipping, absolutely perfect draw. In flavor department, pleasant array of flavors – spice lingering in a back of the throat, earthiness, woodiness and hints of coffee morphing into dark chocolate toward the end of the cigar. One would expect some sweetness out of the broadleaf but I wasn’t able to detect much, if any. The Cojonu 2012 was putting off massive amounts of smoke ! Burn – a bit wavy but tolerable and I expect this to improve with time. This is a prerelease after all.

Knowing that Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 was based on Cojonu 2003, I have decided to smoke the latter in preparation for this review. With box-pressed finish and different wrapper, I was expecting a different experience … and it was. If I was to rate Cojonu line, I would humbly place 2006 as my least favorite, 2009 as a close runner-up and 2003 as my favorite. 2003 and 2012 provided different experience, full stop. Both were good but in my personal opinion, I have enjoyed 2003 a tiny bit more. I’m a sucker when it comes to the broadleaf wrapper but perhaps I’m stuck on the 2003 classic blend. As stated above, the masses have spoken and asked for broadleaf finish as well as sumatra. Those that follow cigar industry know that sumatra wrapper is hot nowadays so I’m looking forward to Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 part 2 in which we will put Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper to the test.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Broadleaf Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6.5″
Ring: 52

Construction > Great
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Yes
Recommend > Yes
Buy > Yes

Please consider the following post:
* Saints & Sinners 2011 cigars
* Tatuaje ‘Pork Tenderloin’

Tags: box-pressed, box-pressed cigars, box-pressed parejo vitola, cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, habano ecuador wrapper, jaime garcia cigars, my father cigars, nicaragua, nicaragua cigar binder, nicaragua cigar filler, Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 wrapper, pete johnson, photography, stogie, stogie review, tatuaje, tatuaje cojonu 2003, tatuaje cojonu 2006, tatuaje cojonu 2009, tatuaje cojonu 2012, tatuaje cojonu cigars, USA Broadleaf Connecticut wrapper

Saints & Sinners 2011 Cigars

Oct 26

Posted by admin in Saints & Sinners 2011 Cigars | 5 Comments

This week we are delivering an exclusive overview of Saints & Sinners 2011 Cigars. For those of you who have been living under the rock for the past few months, Pete Johnson of Tatuaje has managed to add another project to his portfolio – Saints & Sinners private social club. The following information was copied from Saints & Sinners ‘Join Now’ section.

For an annual registration fee of $150, each member will receive:

1. Exclusive, one-off products available only to members (select products may not be available for purchase through the S&S webstore)
2. Everyday Tatuaje branded merchandise at the Saints & Sinners discounted club rate.
3. Access to members-only forums, where you can discuss the finer points of cigars, smoking accessories, spirits, and anything else associated with the Saints & Sinners lifestyle.
4. Access to the Pete Johnson video blog. Here, Pete will update members on everything PJHC. Watch Pete as he travels around the world, visiting his production facility in Nicaragua, engages fans on cigar tours, and dishes on anything else he feels his Saints & Sinners family should know.
5. First looks at new cigar blends, swag, as well as insider info on Tatuaje and other Pete Johnson brands.
6. The knowledge that a portion of your annual membership fee will go to an eclectic mix of charities that Pete chooses for their commitment to their particular cause.

One can visit the following link to preview what was included in 2011 Saints & Sinners kit. After the announcement and shippment, many wondered about the blend and thought process behind each S&S label (* excluding regular production obviously). Some probably have not smoked their share and have been patiently waiting for more information to be announced. Well, for those, today is their lucky day. Each photograph contains: Name, Base, Wrapper, Binder, Filler and some, if applicable, Size and Other notes. Remember, ‘smoke ’em if you got ’em.‘

- click on photographs to view slideshow -

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God of Fire by Carlito 2007

Oct 19

Posted by admin in God of Fire by Carlito 2007 | 5 Comments

- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-

This week we are photographing and reviewing a God of Fire by Carlito 2007, a product released through collaborative effort between Keith K. Park of Prometheus and Carlos Fuente Jr. God Of Fire cigars, produced in Dominican Republic at Tabacalera A.Fuente y Cia, come in two different blends.

From God Of Fire website:
The second band signifies who blended the cigar and what year the cigar was made. Carlos Fuente, Sr. and his son, Carlito Fuente, have blended the God of Fire cigars. God of Fire by Don Carlos uses the Ecuadorian wrapper whereas God of Fire by Carlito, Cameroon. We are absolutely honored by the special blends created by the two legendary cigar makers.

The presentation of God of Fire by Carlito 2007 is near perfection. That goes for box design, packaging, band story and obviously the cigar itself. Although I prefer simplicity when it comes to artistic delivery, I can appreciate a band that is not too obtrusive, yet tells an interesting story. In this case, we have a Greek tale of Prometheus being punished by Zeus for stealing fire and giving it to mortals. Neat ! As mentioned above, God of Fire by Carlito 2007 was sporting a Cameroon oily wrapper, with a bit of tooth to it, that lacked any veins and had few visible seams. After clipping the cap, two samples had a perfect draw. Not too loose, not too tight. Just what the doctor prescribed. In flavor department, more accolades. I have experienced an array of flavors – sweetness, nuttiness, honey, leather, woodiness. There were moments that reminded me of your typical Cuban ‘grassiness.’ All was smooth and well balanced. Construction and burn on the God of Fire by Carlito 2007 were top notch, hands down. In fact, I’m tempted to say that this specific cigar took the trophy, for me personally, for the best ash I have ever experienced in my life. The proof is depicted below.

God of Fire by Carlito 2007 was definitely an enjoyable experience both from smoker’s as well as photographer’s perspective. One will probably ask “why don’t we see folks smoking God Of Fire on regular basis ?” Well, unfortunately there is a small obstacle, actually $20+ obstacle. We are living a cigar-smoker dream at this moment. Quality control is at its best, variety is peaking through the roof but unfortunately disposable cash is hard to find. Your average Joe, 9 times out of 10 will reach for the $10 cigar, which today should / could provide similar quality and experience, and will most likely wait for that “special moment” to enjoy God Of Fire by Carlito or Don Carlos.

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 7″
Ring: 48

Construction > Great
Burn > Amazing
Enjoy > Yes
Recommend > Yes
Buy > Yes

* DISCLAIMER: God of Fire by Carlito 2007 cigars were gifted by Keith K. Park of Prometheus. Keith’s generosity had no impact on the actual experience. The cigar spoke for itself.

Tags: cameroon cigar wrapper, Carlito Fuente, Carlos Fuente, cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, dominican republic, fuente cigars, keith park of prometheus, photography, Prometheus cigars, stogie, stogie review

Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5

Oct 12

Posted by admin in Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5 | 3 Comments

- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-

This week we are photographing and reviewing a cigar from Raices Cubanas factory (Honduras) – Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5. This specific Viaje release has made a huge splash in the cigar industry after being recognized as # 2 cigar of the year 2010 by traditional media magazine (* # 1 being Cohiba Behike). Although Viaje has had a major following already, this recognition ha put Andre Farkas’ brand in the hands of the mainstream cigar smoker. Quite a recognition if you ask me. I have purchased a 5-pack of both Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5 and Viaje Platino Reserva VPR No6 before the announcement has been made. Both have been resting in my humidor since late 2010.

Visually, Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5 was looking “delicious and nutritious.” Gorgeous, oily, dark Nicaraguan Corojo 99 wrapper was covering this 5.5″ chocolate bar. Although there were some noticeable seams and one major vein, the cigar was finished with perfectly applied cap. Thankfully, Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5 was sporting two, pleasing to the eye, bands, not the “3-headed” monster we saw with Viaje Platino Reserva DT. Oro and Platino lines can be identified by gold and silver band finish, respectively. In the flavor department, this cigar, for me personally, screamed “dark and heavy flavors.” I was able to extract dark chocolate and leather. There was also a sufficient amount of spice that complemented present sweetness. Quite a departure from Viaje Platino Reserva DT spice bomb. The draw was simply perfect. Burn and construction, top notch as well. Ash, as you can appreciate in below photographs, could not have been any better.

In the end, I was very pleased with Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5’s performance. Although the cigar wasn’t super complex, I definitely appreciated flavors that were present and the overall experience. One will ask “Is it truly a # 2 cigar of the year 2010 ?” I’m struggling with this question since cigar reviewing and rating is extremely subjective. I can think of other cigars that I have smoked in 2010 that were as equally good or even better but that is my personal observation. If you can find Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5, I recommend that you give them a try. You should not be dissapointed. In case you are interested in my thoughts on # 1 cigar of the year 2010, check Cohiba Behike entry.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo 99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.5″
Ring: 52

Construction > Great
Burn > Great
Enjoy > Yes
Recommend > Yes
Buy > Yes

Please consider the following post:
* Viaje Platino Reserva DT
* Viaje Exclusivo Shorts