Brian's Blog

Brain spends most of his hours in our humidor tending to our Cigars.  He is an avid lover of great cigars and has a penchant for new and exciting sticks that grace the humidor.  Check out his blog for reviews of new cigars and excitement about upcoming arrivals

An Afternoon in the Park
February 24, 2009

Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Robusto-I spent the afternoon with my family at Perrigo Park in Redmond last week while we were enjoying some warm, sunny weather and couldn't resist the opportunity to try out Cigar Aficianado's #10 cigar of the year-the Ashton Heritage Puro Sol Robusto. This stick has a filler and binder from the Dominican and an attractive Cameroon wrapper. It immediately had a highly acidic wood, leather and cedar flavors that rounded themselves off as the smoke opened up. Although these flavors were strong on the palette, they never crossed over into bitterness and the finish was long and sweet. If you enjoy high quality Dominican tobacco that exemplifies the regions trademark characteristics then this is the cigar for you.  

Rocky Patel Autumn Blend Robusto-I'd been waiting to try this stick ever since I let it's sweet, rich aromas caress my nostrils in the humidor. This is the second of a series of seasonal blends that Rocky Patel has introduced to his already fabulous portfolio, starting with the Summer Blend. The Autumn Blend is mild, showing off an oily Connecticut Shade wrapper and notes of vanilla and orange peel. I shared the early evening air with my father-in-law who was smoking a La Vieja Habana Double Robusto Maduro and providing the single malt Scotch prior to a wonderful dinner. As Rocky never disappoints, look for the full bodied Winter Blend coming to the humidor soon!
                                                                                    Brian

My Father - Jaime Garcia's Tribute
February 24, 2009

Another new and exciting line from Don Pepin Garcia! A full bodied Nicaraguan smoke with a sweet Ecuadorian wrapper that is a change of pace from Don's previous offerings. The robusto size has already scored an impressive 93 points in CA and the lancero size is holding steady at 88 points. We are currently offering both sizes, in addition to the torpedo in the humidor. The story behind this stick is a look into the unity and love shown by the Garcia family for not only cigars, but for each other. Don's son, Jaime began working on the blend in secret without his father's knowledge. When one of the employees of Tabacalera Garcia let it slip to the patriarch about what Jaime had been up to, Don wanted to try the end product. After sampling a few sizes, Don was impressed and asked Jaime what he planned on calling it. With much appreciation and honor, Jaime said, "My Father", in tribute to his Dad. This is another Don Pepin experience not too be missed!

My Tasting Notes;
A dark brown, veiny Ecuadorian wrapper, easy & loose draw, jagged burn, milk chocolate/woody tones turned toasty and creamy, pleasant aroma & short finish. A medium to full bodied smoke that could almost certainly improve with some age.
                                                                                  Brian