Posts Tagged viaje cigars

Viaje Exclusivo Corona Gorda

Jan 11

Posted by admin in Viaje Exclusivo Corona Gorda | 8 Comments

This week we are photographing and smoking the Viaje Exclusivo in corona gorda format by Andre Farkas of Viaje. This specific vitola is not available for regular sale / distribution but it is available, fortunately, at Viaje events. Some have reported that Viaje Exclusivo CG was only available as a giveaway from Andre himself however at the latest Viaje event at the Cigar Republic (NY) store – a retail face of the Atlantic Cigar Company, I was able to purchase an entire bundle. The cost of the bundle – $220 / 25. Andre Farkas has confirmed that Viaje Exclusivo CG is available for sale at every Viaje event he attends. It is my understanding that the following Viaje cigars are available in the Exclusivo line:

Exclusivo Lancero – Atlantic Cigar Co 15th Anniversary (exclusive)
Exclusivo Robusto box-pressed – Tower Cigars 45th Anniversary (exclusive)
Exclusive Double Perfecto Double Edged Sword
Exclusivo Corona Gorda
Exclusivo Robusto
Exclusivo Shorts
Exclusivo Chiquito

Construction of the Viaje Exclusivo CG was visually pleasing with minimal veins and very tight seams. There is something about that ‘fancy’ finish and today’s cigar, like few other within that line, was sporting well applied pig-tail. The cigar had no soft spots and foot gave the impression of well bunched tobacco. After cutting and lighting, good draw with decent amount of smoke. In flavor department, blast of spice and blast of savory, rich earthiness. Similarly to Exclusivo Shorts, I was able to extract woody / leathery notes in the background. Definitely a noticeable increase in strength when compared to recently smoked Exclusivo Shorts or Exclusivo Tower 45th. As for as the burn and ash, pretty satisfactory experience, as depicted below.

I have put down 3 samples for this photo / review entry and although above comments are overall positive, I did wanted to mention the fact that the first sample had some not so favorable qualities. Not only did I experience that ‘alligator’ looking finish with the ash (similar to Exclusivo Shorts), the middle 2″ or so had a noticeable tunnel which negatively impacted the flavor department. Fortunately, the other two samples had no construction / burn hiccups. If you find the flavor profile up your alley and / or you are a Viaje Exclusivo fan, this is definitely a vitola to seek out. Considering how Viaje cigars are priced and what I have paid for the bundle, Exclusivo Corona Gorda is a no brainer.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Length: 5 5/8 ”
Ring: 46

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

Please consider the following post:
* Viaje Exclusivo Shorts

- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-

Tags: andre varkas, cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, nicaragua, nicaragua cigar binder, nicaragua cigar filler, nicaraguan criollo wrapper, photography, pigtail, stogie, stogie review, tobacco, viaje, viaje cigars, Viaje Exclusivo Corona Gorda

Andre Farkas of Viaje

Nov 15

Posted by admin in Andre Farkas of Viaje | 6 Comments

- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-

‘Cigar Industry In Focus‘ series is back and in full swing. This week we are placing Andre Farkas of Viaje in focus.

This past friday I have attended an event at the Cigar Republic (NY) store – a retail face of the Atlantic Cigar Company. In attendance was Andre Farkas of Viaje and Paul Palmer of Casa Fernandez. The event was scheduled for the release of Viaje Exclusivo Lancero to recognize Atlantic Cigar Company’s 15th Anniversary.

I have never met Andre in person so this was a perfect opportunity to contribute towards ‘Cigar Industry In Focus‘ series. After brief introduction and random conversation, I have asked Andre for 5minutes of his time to execute a rapid photoshoot. Total darkness, 40° F, creepy corner, metal stairs – couldn’t ask for better studio! Andre expressed interest in photography as well so after brief photo chit-chat, we went to work. I always get the kick out of those cigar-puffing sessions. Even folks in the industry have a limit on how many times they can pull on the cigar to create that perfect, per photographer’s vision, cloud of smoke.

The vision – very simplistic setup to highlight facial expression and concentration, the act of lighting the cigar … and Andre’s signature – thick-frame glasses. Manual mode, high ISO (3200), quick adjustment to the focus point, external LED light, 10 frames … finito !

Please consider the following posts:
* Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5
* Viaje Exclusivo Shorts
* Viaje Platino Reserva DT

- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-

Tags: andre farkas, atlantic cigar company viaje lancero, case fernandez cigars, cigar, cigar images, cigar industry in focus series, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar smoking photos, cigars, paul palmer, paul palmer of case fernandez, photography, stogie, tobacco, viaje, viaje cigars

Viaje Exclusivo Shorts

Apr 12

Posted by admin in Viaje Exclusivo Shorts | 8 Comments

- click on photographs -

If you are into Limited Editions / Limited Releases, don’t look any further. Viaje goes above and beyond to satisfy that hunger. There are weeks / months were Viaje is releasing a ‘new’ extension, so to stay on top of the game, one has to have a healthy budget as well as be plugged into the social media 24/7. This week we are sacrificing short smoke appropriately called Viaje Exclusivo Shorts. Living in the North East, I’m always looking for relatively short ~30-45min stogie which I can enjoy during cold season. Despite ‘Exclusivo’ identifier and limited count of 100 boxes of 50 cigars, I was able to identify 2-3 shops that were willing to ship. Perhaps not so limited after all.

Construction of the cigar was visually pleasing, including ‘fancy’ pigtail. Couple visible veins with otherwise well blended seams. One of my pet-peeves in the cigar is lack of smoke but in case of Viaje Exclusivo Shorts, this is a non-issue. On the second / third puff, this short stogie was producing an enormous ‘creamy’ cloud. Although the burn line was razor sharp, the ash itself had that ‘alligator’ looking finish. No negative impact on the flavor which started with noticeable amount of spice / pepper. The experience was a roller-coaster with spice in one puff and sweetness / coffee in another. In between, I was able to extract woody / nutty taste which lingered in the background. Overall, excellent stick which I will definitely add to my rotation. However, there is one BUT. Price !!! I don’t mind paying for a good stick which delivers enjoyable and relatively lengthy experience. In case of Viaje Exclusivo Shorts, the former is acceptable, the latter – not. Too pricey for the size.

Viaje Exclusivo Shorts was purchased from Ruben’s Smoke Stack.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Length: 4.25″
Ring: 42

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