Posts Tagged viaje

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 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

Tags: andre farkas, box-press, cigar, cigar aficionado 2010 cigar of the year, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigars, nicaragua, photography, stogie, stogie review, tobacco, viaje, Viaje Oro Reserva VOR No5, Viaje Platino Reserva VPR No6

Viaje Platino Reserva DT

Jun 7

Posted by admin in Viaje Platino Reserva DT | 8 Comments

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This week we are taking a look at Viaje Platino Reserva Double Torpedo, or for those who prefer acronyms, VPR DT. This is one of the latest ‘macro’ releases from Andre Farkas of Viaje and a follow-up to 2010 Viaje Platino Reserva #6. Viaje Platino Reserva DT 5packs were available as pre-release via Tobacco Grove in limited quantity. As expected after the announcement, Viaje followers brought Tobacco Grove’s website to its knees and were unable to place online orders. I was fortunate enough to lay my hands on a nutritious 10pack. Without further ado, I present to you – A Tripple Band Monster :)

Considering my artistic skills, I would like to call out Andre’s design team and point out the chaotic band look that was created around the cigar. Although I can appreciate color wheel contrast, from purpose and color perspective, this cigar would have looked a lot classier with one of the LE bands. See photograph #7 and draw your own conclusion. Moving on to the actual cigar. Pre-light inspection: well applied wrapper, blended seams, one noticeable vein, double torpedo (* both ends closed), overall visual appearance / construction – flawless. I cut both ends with my trusty Palio cutter. In burning department, fairly tight ash falling off in 3/4″ inch dark-grey chunks. Slightly wavy burn line which corrected itself multiple times throughout the experience. As for as flavors, if I was to label this cigar with one identifier, I would say – SPICE throughout the entire cigar. Second would be woodiness with hints of chocolate and nuttiness. Definitely some bitterness in all three parts.

Overall, good cigar but in my humble opinion, not box worthy, especially considering the price tag. I will let the rest of the pack rest for few more months to see if the cigar will mature, drop the bitterness and balance a bit more.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5.75″
Ring: 52

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

Please consider the following post:
* Viaje Exclusivo Shorts

Tags: andre farkas, box-press, chocolate flavor, cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigars, double torpedo cigar, nicaragua, photography, spicy cigar, stogie, stogie review, tobacco, Tobacco Grove, viaje, viaje platino reserva #6, Viaje Platino Reserva DT, viaje vpr dt, woody cigar

CigarPhoto in Jamaica

Apr 19

Posted by admin in CigarPhoto in Jamaica | 10 Comments

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Ya Mon ! …

CigarPhoto is coming back from a well deserved vacation in exotic and pleasantly warm – Jamaica. There is nothing more relaxing than laying on the beach, listening to the ocean, sipping on delicious caribbean rum and puffing on nutritious cigars. Simply … bliss. My trusty travel humidor was once again recharged with quality ‘ammunition’ ranging from classic Partagas, Montecristos, Padrons, Davidoffs, to latest releases from Tatuaje & Viaje. Although the hotel had some indoor smoking restrictions, I was able to freely enjoy few stogies on the ocean-front-view 4th floor balcony (*pix below). For those who had enough of water and/or sun, hotel had a cigar lounge with a decent cuban humidor and a bar. One was able to find your standard Cohibas, Montes, RyJs, H. Upmanns, etc. All bases covered !

Below you find continuation of my ‘The Cigar Smoker’ project and few extra photographs taken on the balcony and by the inifinity pool. Hopefully you will enjoy this Cigar/Jamaican recap as much as I did the actual trip. As they say in Jamaica … “No problem, Mon.“