Epicurean Cigars, the brainchild of Steve Ysidron, released the AG Azul brand of smokes last July at IPCPR. This is the first time I’m having the opportunity to smoke anything of the line, so I’m a bit excited. I love that these smokes a) were rolled at the Oliva family’s TABOLISA factory. Made with a sungrown Habano wrapper, Honduran Binder and Nicaraguan filler from 2008 crops in Jalapa Valley and Esteli.

I am smoking the Toro (6×50) which retails for $9.50, but these are also available in Trabajador (5×54), Justus (6 x 60), and Petit Corona (5 1/2 x 48).

First 1/3: Despite the crack at the base, this is a nice flavorful smoke with medium thick plumes of milky grey smoke. Spicy notes are highlighted with lots of sweet tobacco taste, sort of a chocolate/cocoa flavor. A nice, easy burn coupled with a flavorful wrapper make the beginning of this a very pleasant smoke.  I was surprised at the short amount of cling time my ash held, I expected a little longer from a quality stick.

There is a hint of cognac flavor in the aftertaste, one that I really enjoy.  The spice is beginning to fade as I near the end of the first 1/3.  If I were into assigning strengths and flavor ratings, I would say this smoke is a medium strength, medium body.

Second 2/3: During the second third the spice is a nice subtle accent to what I can only describe as a sweet leather. Kind of like when you smell a brand new saddle, or cowboy boots. It’s sweet instead of old or aged. That flavor, coupled with the sweet cognac aftertaste make this a very leisurely smoke experience.

Sweet, soft and smooth is how I would describe the second 2/3.

Final 2/3: As with most sticks, you will notice the warmth and spice pick up as you finish out the smoke. Usually I don’t like this part as much, the warmth becomes a little much. In this case, however, I actually like it.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this smoke. I was able to sit and relax while enjoying a flavorful, even burning, smooth cigar, and that’s what life is about. I guess when you pair the passion that Steve Ysidron has for tobacco and cigars with the experts at the Oliva plantation, you get a very solid, quality product. I do tend to think that nearly $10 may be a bit pricey for an average smoke, but for a little nicer stick, this may do the trick. Job well done, I would recommend this to almost any one who appreciates quality.

The post Review: Ando Guttierez AZUL Vintage 2008 by Epicurean Cigars appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

By Kay Pfaltz

Literally. After the color explosion of flowering fruit trees in March and the flowers of April, the month of May, while gentle and soft, often presents us a landscape of monochromatic green. Paint your own May colors and let your paint brush be a beautiful chilled bottle of amber rosé, the quintessential picnic wine. Going green in May means picnicking outdoors amongst the green. It can also mean going green for the environment with:

Monte Bernardi’s, Fuori Strada Sangiovese, 2011 – which comes in a one-liter Tetra Pak not a glass bottle, 75% of which is paper, a renewable and recyclable resource. Tetra Pak cartons use 54% less energy, create 80% less greenhouse gasses, and produce 60% less solid waste compared to 750ml glass bottles. Tetra Paks are unbreakable and light to transport, making them the perfect picnic companions. The wine itself is 100% organic and tastes authentically Italian with character and personality. Classic Sangiovese notes of cherry, plum, spice and, if you close your eyes, you can even taste the Tuscan earth. $14

Lovingston Rosé, Josie’s Knoll, 2011 – Riaan Roussow, winemaker at Lovingston Winery, has that magic touch. His wines are not only excellent, they’re unlike anything I’ve tried before—a compliment in my world. This rosé is dark cherry, almost the color of red and more like a Spanish Rosado. Grapes are hand-picked, double sorted, and small-lot-fermented using gravity flow. Liquid fruit notes of dried cranberry and dried cherry. $14

Veritas, Rosé, 2011 – Another great winemaker right here in our backyard is award-winning Emily Pelton of Veritas. This rosé is a beautiful blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc with cherry and raspberry on the nose. And Emily finds it, “Bright fresh, very food friendly, it is everything a young rosé should be.” I find it refreshing, delicious, smooth and just enough color to add to all this lovely green. $16

Like a taste of adventure? Taste wine in Argentina! October 2013. For details: Kpfaltz@cstone.net.

–Published in Blue Ridge Life Magazine–

No Portion may be copied or used in any other work.

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Orlando, FL (April 23, 2013) – Fred Rewey, founder and president of Nomad Cigar Company, formally announced the introduction of a Nicaraguan blended cigar to the Nomad family. The Nomad Estelí LE Lot 1382 will be released in July at IPCPR with future blends later in the year.  Until now, Nomad’s entire production has been limited to the Dominican Republic. The move of expanding the line to include Nicaraguan tobacco seemed [like] a natural one. In keeping in line with Nomad’s philosophy, the release will have a few “twists.”   

•  Nomad Estelí LE Lot 1382, will be limited to 307 (12 count) boxes. 

The box count is Nomad’s tribute to the approximate square miles of Estelí. The reason behind the lot number is a bit more secretive. When asked about the release, Fred added…“Take one look at the foundation of the town of Esteli, Nicaragua and you can understand why some of the best tobacco blenders in the world come to this small town.” For me, the tobacco grown here was a newfound playground. 

When I launched Nomad I wanted the company to be like its namesake. I figured I would wander where I needed to create the type of cigar I was going for.  It was a simple fact I would end up in Nicaragua sooner rather than later. This [first] cigar is the result of that very endeavor. The Nomad Esteli LE was limited to a production of 307 boxes.  I chose “307” because it is the approximate area (in miles) of this rich area. I chose “Lot 1386” by also paying homage to the region  – How exactly? I will leave to those who speculate the topic over a cigar. The town of Esteli was easy to love. The culture, the people, the tobacco. I hope that my initial plunge into a Nicaraguan blend can pay them some small form of the respect and honor they have so earned.” 

The post Nomad Cigar Company To Release Nicaraguan Cigar At IPCPR appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

May 5th is right around the corner and it’s nearly time to salt the glasses and celebrate.  Now, it’s no secret that Cinco De Mayo is a holiday typically enjoyed by consuming ridiculous quantities of cerveza and agave based spirits.  However, this year, maybe you’re looking to try something a little bit different.  Here are a few recipes that embody the spirit of Cinco De Mayo, but as you’ll see, they aren’t your traditional margaritas or mojitos.  So go on and give one of these unique Cinco De Mayo cocktails a try and spice up your weekend celebration!

The post Cinco De Mayo Cocktails With a Twist appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

In my last post “Gin and Tonic: A Guide to a Perfect Cocktail” I explained that choosing a good lime is important for the quality of the cocktail. For the recipe below choosing good limes is imperative.

This recipe is a modification of our favorite Limon cello process, but uses limes instead.

Since we grow our own limes, it’s easy to control the quality. Realizing that not everyone has that option, I’ll discuss buying commercially available citrus.

Choosing good citrus is a two-step process. Along with using the smell test to choose citrus (a ripe fruit smells like what it is), there’s the roll test. With fruit in hand find a smooth, preferably dark surface and while applying gentle pressure, roll the fruit. If it’s ripe you’ll see an oily track mark left behind. This oil is what will flavor our drink, so be sure to test each lime – it will make a difference in the end product.

Limon Cello Recipe Supplies:

2- 750ml bottles of quality vodka (some recipes call for Everclear -OK if you like the taste of lighter fluid)

20-22 organically grown limes (pesticides and wax not used)

5 cups water

3-3/4 cups sugar

2 large jars

Patience isn’t just a virtue, with this recipe it’s a requirement.

Start by zesting or carefully peeling the limes. Zesting is preferred because you don’t want to get into the white pithy area below the skin. If you do, the result will be a bitter yield. The limes can then be juiced and the juice frozen for use in other recipes later…or maybe a good gin and tonic.

Put the zests into one of the large jars and pour the vodka over them. Seal up the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 30-45 days. During that time it’s advisable to gently swirl the jar (without opening it) a few times.

After the zests have soaked for the required time, boil the water, add the sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture cool completely.

Using paper coffee filters, filter the zest/vodka mix (4-5 times is best) and divide the filtered liquid into both jars equally. Add equal amounts of sugar water to each jar, seal them up and forget about it for another six weeks.

At the end of the six weeks, bottle the results and store it in the freezer. (Due to the alcohol content, it won’t freeze).

Want some table “fireworks”?  Carefully squeeze the skin of any citrus fruit over a burning candle. If you’re careful and don’t set the table on fire, it’ll smell good.

As earlier stated, this recipe is a variant on our Limon cello blend. Because the lime flavor is more delicate than lemon, the lemon recipe requires only 15-17 lemons.

You can try different fruits with this; cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. The basic recipe will be the same and the yield will be sweet liquor. Be inventive!

We once made Jalapeno liquor. While I might label it as “not fit for human consumption”, it works well as a cooking ingredient. We made Jay Schwartz try it as a drink….

Amazingly, he still speaks to us.

The post Limon Cello Recipe For The DIY Drinker appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

Macanudo®, America’s best-selling premium cigar brand, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Golf Channel’s hit series Big Break. The reality competition’s 19^th season, called Big Break Mexico, premieres on Monday, May 13 at 9 PM ET.

Alan Willner, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Macanudo said, “Whether on the course or at the 19th hole, bonding with friends through golf often includes the enjoyment of a fine cigar.  Aligning Macanudo to Big Break, Golf Channel’s longest-running original series, brings this long-standing tradition of camaraderie to life in a breakthrough way. Our sponsorship of the show will drive tremendous awareness for our brand among millions of golfers, golf fans and the multitude of devoted Big Break viewers.”

Produced in partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board and filmed at IBEROSTAR Playa Paraiso Golf and Spa Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Big Break Mexico will feature a cast of six men and six women in a mixed team format. They will compete in various golf-related skills challenges, with the ultimate winner receiving his or her “Big Break” – an exemption to compete either on the LPGA Tour at the 2013 Lorena Ochoa Invitational presented by Banamex and Jalisco or on the PGA TOUR at the 2013 OHL Classic at Mayakoba (both Nov. 14-17), plus cash and other prizes. For details about the cast, please visit www. www.golfchannel.com/tv/big-break-mexico.

“Big Break Mexico features PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour hopefuls competing for tremendous prizes and this wouldn’t be possible without without support from our partners, like Macanudo,” said Rob Caravello, Golf Channel vice president of Partnership Initiatives.

As a sponsor of Big Break Mexico, Macanudo will be featured prominently during the 11-week season. In addition to the luxurious Macanudo oceanfront lounge that will appear in several episodes, the brand will be incorporated into other elements of the show, including the skills challenges. Macanudo’s Facebookand Twitter feeds will be updated weekly with Big Break Mexico news following the May 13 season premiere.

The post Macanudo Sponsors Upcoming Season of “Big Break” Television Series appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

I’m not a groupie or a geek, I’m a retailer and a cigar smoker. I won’t suck up or sugar-coat. I don’t care what a manufacturer has done before, all I care about is this cigar, right now. Will it stand on it’s own? I don’t hand out 90+ ratings for just showing up. Let’s forget about all the other Liga Privadas and smoke this with a clean slate.

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua Cuban Seed
Size: 5 1/2 X 52
Price: $13.95 (Boxes of 12, $167.40)
The appearance is sexy. A dark chocolate wrapper with a minimum of veins, slightly mottled but in that good, oily way. The twist and flag at the head are well done albeit unnecessary but I understand the motivation of such frivolity on a fifteen dollar robusto. The cigar was uniformly firm throughout its 5 ½ inches and cutting revealed a near-perfect draw.
So far the only disappointment is the lack of any discernible aroma on the wrapper. The foot gives off very little as well although I did detect a slight molasses with a hint of black tea.

Upon lighting I initially noted a metallic taste along with white pepper. Also interesting was a lack of sweetness and richness. There was a fair amount of strength but it seemed a little empty until the middle where a dry espresso flavor entered the fray. At mid-point some of the dark chocolate crept in with just the slightest hint of sweetness.

Finally, in the last third, things began to get more interesting. The strength was decidedly full at this point but now there was some body and richness to go along with it. The flavor remained fairly constant, just a lot more of it. Unfortunately this came a bit late in the experience and was soon joined by more heat than I like.

In conclusion, the Liga UF-13 was, for me, a good but not great cigar. Now that I’ve judged it on it’s own merits, I can say that comparing it to the other vitolas in the Liga series, I found it a bit disappointing. If you like the other Ligas but prefer more strength, this may be a good choice for you however it is my opinion that the flavor was sacrificed somewhat in favor of power and it therefore lacked balance. That said, this is still a very high quality cigar, and if you are a Liga fan or fuller body fan, then you definitely owe it to yourself to give this tasty cigar a try!

The post Review: Liga Privada UF-13 Dark appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

Editor’s Note: In an effort to keep bringing our readers all things tobacco related, we here at Cigar Brief are pleased to announce the debut of our newest section focusing on the wide world of tobacco pipes.  The history of tobacco pipes is a long and prestigious one and it has become our mission to help tell their illustrious story.  We hope you enjoy our new department and our talented and knowledgeable guest writers that will help us to accomplish our goal.

OK I admit it I have a problem….I can’t stop buying unusual pipes.  I should be standing up in a meeting somewhere introducing myself, providing my name, and reluctantly saying it’s been three days since I bought my last pipe……a pox on you, Ebay!  But the good side of this affliction is that I occasionally find a truly rare one….case in point, the Baechtel “radiator” pipe.

Actually, I ran into this rare pipe in an antique mall in Williamsburg, Virginia.  It was patented by Warren Murray Baechtel of Hagerstown, Maryland in 1917. The principal was simple – the longer the stem of the pipe, the cooler the smoke.  However, a pipe several feet long was impractical, so Baechtel’s solution was a series of coils like a cornet, connected at the bottom to a shared chamber to trap any saliva or tobacco particles and provide a means of easy cleaning.

Baechtel came up with several variations to his design, as seen in the original 1917 patent document. Unfortunately the only one I’ve ever been able to find actually produced is similar to the one shown in figure 5 of his illustration.

The design was promoted in a short 1918 Popular Science article, and later in a straight-to-the-point sales pitch in the August 1921 edition of Forest and Stream (a magazine that later merged with the better know Field and Stream in 1930):

´”The Baechtel pipe has twenty 20 inches of stem.  Fits snugly into any vest pocket.  Has four separate and complete drip chambers.  Positively cannot draw tobacco particles into mouth.  Cleanest coolest most wholesome smoke there is.  Remember the size of the pipe is only four and one half 4 inches from tip of stem to extreme outside upper edge of bowl, yet you have twenty 20 inches of cooling stem.”  

The price was $5.00, which in 1921 dollars was rather significant….this was not a cheap pipe!  As with many other innovations during this period, the concept was not widely accepted or appreciated, and very few of these pipes were sold…..few remain today.  I know of only three at this point – the one I own, an example owned by a gentleman in Europe (we traded notes on our warped admiration of odd pipes), and one that sold on Ebay a few years back.

This is just one example of the incredible creativity and innovation that has gone into unusual pipes of the past.  I’m sure there are many out there that are even more extreme.  The next time you’re at the local flea market, tag sale, or antique shop, keep a sharp eye out for the “fringe” pipes….you may find a treasure!

The post Pipe Lines: The Baechtel Pipe appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

(Coral Gables, FL) La Flor Dominicana is proud to announce that it will once again be creating an Exclusive TAA Cigar, available only to those TAA members that attend this year’s conference in Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic.

This year’s cigar will be the Double Press Maduro. The cigar features the same creative double-sided,  box press packaging and Dominican interior blend from our farm in La Canela as the Natural Double Press. The big difference is the addition of a dark, rich Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The LFD TAA Double Press Maduro measures 6×52 and will come expertly box pressed in boxes of 20. We will begin shipping in early May and will ship only what is ordered at the show.

The La Flor Dominicana TAA Exclusive Double Press Maduro will be sold to only those in attendance at the TAA Convention at the request of the TAA Board. We will honor this commitment not to sell to retailers not attending the Convention provided other manufacturers that are making a TAA exclusive do the same.

The post 2013 La Flor Dominicana TAA Exclusive Cigar: Double Press Maduro appeared first on CigarBrief.com.

Most every beer drinker has heard of Lips of Faith; New Belgium shaking things up by collaborating with other brewers to bring new and sometimes wildly different flavors to beer. To be completely honest, not all Lips of Faith brews hit the mark for me, and some are much better than others, but the Heavenly Feijoa Tripel is something else altogether.

New Belgium got with Dieu du Ciel to put together this feijoa and hibiscus laced brew. After some investigation, it turns out that Feijoa is a fruit better known as a pineapple guava (who knew!?). New Belgium describes the beer’s aroma as “luscious and tropical.” They use Belgian yeast, Nelson Sauvin hops, along with hibiscus and feijoa flavors to give the concoction what they call “a sweet fruit taste, mild spicy tones and a sharp bite” and the color “an ambrosial quality” (which apparently means a fairly dark amber). ABV clocks in @ 9.4%.

Blah blah blah… But what does this carbonated concoction really taste like and why the bizarre title about a myth? Bistro 8, that’s why.

Jay and I happened upon a New Belgium event at our local cigar brick and mortar and discovered the recently released Heavenly Feijoa Tripel. Taking in the Feijoa’s dynamic aroma revealed the scent of grapes, grapefruit, hops, and a heavy citrus note that stood out amongst the rest. With my interest piqued I took a sip… and instantly, the Feijoa Tripel had my attention!

I began to comment to Jay about my impression, but thought, “Nahh, it can’t be. Let’s see what Jay thinks.” Jay took in the nose on his glass, and we bantered about grapefruit versus grapes (I hate grapefruit so I was in a bit of denial), and as casually as I could muster exclaimed, “take a sip and tell me what it tastes like to you.”

“Bistro 8!!”

We were stunned. Here we were with a reasonable replica of that hint of a myth. A phoenix rising again (oh please someone kill me for all the melodrama!).

No really… they taste so much alike it’s astounding. The effervescence was similar. The palette cleansing effects, the rich fruitiness that doesn’t oversaturate but leaves you wanting more; all there. If you were bummed that you missed out on the Bistro 8 from our previous write up, give the Heavenly Feijoa Tripel by Lips of Faith a try. None of us here at Cigar Brief thought we’d ever come across something that was as unique or tasty as that rare brew.  Thankfully, we were wrong.

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