Life Goes On

This newest sample from Buna Mobile Roasting Company is coffee blending done right. This Three Country Blend features Vietnamese, Honduran and Nicaraguan beans. Buna Mobile Roasting Company Three Country Blend  Roast:  Full City + Brewing method:  Pour-over Sometimes when you crack open a bag of coffee you just know from the aroma that radiates it's gonna be good. Well cracking open this Three Country Blend wasn't disappointing. Instantly a sweet, fruity, cocoa aroma jumped from the bag to waken my senses. I thought the aroma was fantastic.  After hand-grinding the beans, blueberries took over as the main aroma, but the cocoa was still there, reminding me of chocolate covered blueberries.  As water was introduced to the ground coffee, it created a nice bloom, with notes of earth, cocoa and blueberries radiating several feet.  From the cup, the first well balanced sips were clean with a medium mouthfeel, a clean palate wash and a lightly fruity lingering

I've been told more than once that beer reviews should be added to this blog. While I don't consider myself an expert on beer, I have consumed more than my fair share over the years.  With that, I'm not going to rate them other than a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" and pass along what I find. With any luck you will find this information useful.  Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA   Alcohol content: 6.3% IBU: 52 Color: Amber This was a very nice beer. It poured out a nearly transparent amber color with a thin, white head and a big, slightly hoppy, citrus aroma that really pops. The mouthfeel was a well balanced light and bright with a sweetness underneath that nearly cancels out the bitterness. Flavor wise, you can actually taste the sweet grapefruit and there's a nice slightly bitter grapefruit aftertaste that hangs around until the next sip.  Overall I found the Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA to be clean and refreshing, nea

On Sunday, Cigar Train  in Spokane WA had their 3rd anniversary and customer appreciation event.  As a big side note, I wasn't feeling well on Sunday so consequently Paula and I had to leave early. Along with that I didn't get any photos, head-counts or any of the other normal details. With no details I did Brian Coerver--owner of Cigar Train--a bit of injustice, but regardless the event really deserves a post.  OK, on to the event!  The event itself featured a vast array of fine cigars, some great food (hamburgers, hot dogs and salads) and cold drinks (beer--Cigar Train beer--water and sodas).  The highlight of the event was taking the new  Caldwell Cigars Eastern Standard Maduro Midnight Express for a spin and trying two great Cigar Train beers. Yes, I said Cigar Train Beer. I haven't been told officially, and I'm not sure why, but Cigar Train now is now brewing it's own beer. Both beers, one a hearty coffee based stout, the other a lighter sum

Right now I'm feeling pretty fortunate that after posting the press release ,  Screwpop® Tools asked me to review the newest addition to their line of cool, personal tools, the   Screwpop® Ashtray . I've been using the ashtray for several days now, infact I'm using it right now as I type this review, and it works like a champ.  Since the ashtray is geared for a single smoker, measuring just 1.25″ x 4” x 5″, it fits my needs most of the time and takes up far less table space than my other ashtrays. It's compact and light weight -- it's made from high grade melamine. The size and weight make ashtray easy to move around as I chase the shade on the deck all day long.  Looking inside the ashtray you'll see it even has a nifty little ash knocker that I didn't think I would, but do find myself using all the time.  At the end of the day a quick wash and dry will get the  Screwpop® Ashtray looking like it's brand new again.  To sum thing

Screwpop® Ashtray keeps your cigar in the spotlight and your stogie in the sweet-spot for a most unique and pleasant cigar smoking experience!   By simply orienting the cigar perpendicular to the smoker (longways facing), the Screwpop® Ashtray showcases the stogie in “presentational form”. You can now admire, enjoy and monitor your stogie between puffs: tobacco leaf, label design, burn, ash and rising smoke. Geared for a single smoker (but don’t be fooled), its compactness allows for several  Screwpop® Ashtrays  to fit comfortably on a table. Ideal for casual group smoking, parties and business meetings… it’s sure to impress! The  Screwpop® Ashtray  includes an ingenious “ash knocker” (for clearing the cigar-foot before relight). It also offers a well-placed tapered slot (shown front) for cigarillo enthusiasts alike.  Even use the Cigar Rest as a place to put cutters, punches or lighters after smoking a gar. Made from ultra durable matte-finished (solid) mel

DUIZEL, Netherlands – Royal Agio announced today that they would be releasing the Balmoral Añejo XO Gran Toro, Balmoral Añejo XO Corona and the limited edition Balmoral Añejo XO Lancero FT. The cigars will be displayed in Drew Estate’s booth (Booth #2403) at the IPCPR Convention and Tradeshow held July 24 – 28, 2016 in Las Vegas Nevada. Exactly one year after a wildy successful introduction to the United States Market, the Balmoral Añejo XO Gran Toro (6 x 52 & $10,50) and Balmoral Añejo XO Corona (5 7/8 x 42 & $8.95) join the Balmoral Añejo XO core brand family including the Rothschild Masivo (5 x 55), Torpedo Mk52 (6 ¼ x 52), and Petit Robusto FT (4 ¼ x 48).   In late 2015 Boris Wintermans, CEO of Royal Agio Cigars, assembled the companies first ever International Media Summit in Belgium prior to the Intertabac Tradeshow in Dortmund, Germany. Media included representatives from Cigar Snob Magazine, Cigars & Spirits Magazine, Cigar Press Magazine, Cigars & L

Santiago, Dominican Republic – Debonaire House announced today the release of the Limited Production Debonaire Cornus in Habano and Maduro blends. The cigars will be displayed in Drew Estate’s booth (Booth #2403) at the IPCPR Convention and Tradeshow held July 24-28, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Debonaire House, makers of Debonaire Cigars and Indian Motorcycle Cigars entered into a distribution agreement with Drew Estate earlier this year. The Debonaire Cornus Habano (6 x 46) features a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, over binder from the Dominican Republic with Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. The Debonaire Cornus Maduro (6 x 46) features a Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, over binder from the Dominican Republic with Dominican and Nicaraguan Fillers. Each blend is limited to 5,000 boxes of 10 with a per stick MSRP of $12.95 and will be produced at the De Los Reyes factory in the Dominican Republic.  When asked about the limited edition, Founder of Debonaire House, Phil Zanghi III noted

Ruling would put newer manufactures out of business and have devastating effects on Central America and the Caribbean Fort Lauderdale, FL - The FDA's new ruling against the Cigar Industry will have devastating effects on cigar manufacturing, could leave more than 400,000 people unemployed in Central America, particularly single mothers that work in the fields.  It could also increase the drug trade with the United States.  It could result in significant job loss in the U.S. "The companies greatest at risk for losing their business as a result of this ruling are the smaller manufacturers that have been established since 2007," said Kaizad Hansotia, the CEO of Gurkha Cigars .  "It is unjust for them to lose their livelihood and for their businesses to be destroyed by a regulation that was never even intended for premium cigars." Hansotia is leading the charge to build awareness on the devastating effects of this ruling. The FDA ruling would put the same

Dalton, PA - Jordan Alexander III Premium Cigar Company ( JA3 Cigars ) officially announces the release of their newest line, Anthracite. This new line is expected to ship in late Summer, 2016. It comes as the second full production line by Jordan Alexander III Cigars, with a current portfolio housing the JA3 Corojo which is available in four vitolas. The Anthracite line is a tribute to the coal mining history of JA3 Cigars’ home of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The vast majority of Anthracite coal is found along veins in Pennsylvania, specifically in the Scranton area. Scranton’s area has a very rich mining history with many of the breakers and production houses still intact as landmarks. Anthracite is one of the oldest, darkest, hardest, and purest varieties of coal in the world. JA3 Cigars’ Anthracite has been designed from this template. “We’ve chosen a blend that honors the dark coal and the pure ash it leaves behind by using a rich Mexican San Andres wrapper and a blend

2016 International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Show Fort Lauderdale, FL - Known throughout the world for making the finest premium cigars, Gurkha Cigars' CEO Kaizad Hansotia understands that change is paramount in the cigar business and it's critical for growth to develop new brands. Now, just in time for the 2016 International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers trade show, IPCPR, Gurkha has released five new blended cigars and sizes that are expected to become blockbusters. They are the Gurkha Heritage, Ghost, Cellar Reserve 21 Year, Pam American and the Jubilee. Gurkha Heritage: Adding to the original Heritage Collection, Gurkha's new Maduro will come in three flavorful sizes: a Robusto (5 x 55, $7.99), Toro (6.5 x 52, $8.99) and a new Robusto Corto, which measures 4.5 x 48. It has a Mexican San Andreas Wrapper and retails for $5.  It's packaged in boxes of 24. Ghost: Gurkha's Ghost Collection is adding a pair of two new sizes in the Fi

Southbury, CT – July 8, 2016  - Rick Ardito has officially joined Foundation Cigar Company as Brand Manager, for the highly anticipated July 2016 release of Nick Melillo’s exciting new brand, “The Upsetters.”  Ardito brings a wealth of knowledge and valuable experience to the project backed by nearly two decades of industry experience beginning with Drew Estate in 1997, retiring in 2010 as both a Partner and Executive Vice President of Public Relations. Ardito also served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for 7-20-4 Cigar Company from 2012-2015. Prior to the cigar industry Ardito served 8 years as a Cryptologist for the United States Marine Corps. Upon leaving the Corps Ardito began a career in comedy performing mainly from NYC to Miami Florida, residing in both cities during the 1980’s and 1990’s, moving back to his home state of CT in 1995 becoming a successful Restaurateur in New Haven.  “I’ve garnered invaluable experience directing and managing sales for Drew Estate

“I want to put Jamaica back on the map for premium tobacco.” —Nicholas Melillo Southbury, CT July 5th, 2016 - Nicholas Melillo, owner of Foundation Cigar Company formally announces the appointment of Miami Cigar Company as the Exclusive Distributor for the long awaited UPSETTERS brand set for release just prior to the 2016 IPCPR Show in Las Vegas. Founded by Nestor and Mariana Miranda in 1989, Miami Cigar has become one of the premier distributors of premium cigars boasting a portfolio, which includes Tatiana, Don Lino and the Nestor Miranda brands. Miami Cigar & Co. also serves as exclusive United States distributor for La Aurora, S.A. and all Viva Republica brands. The Upsetters Miami Cigar President, Jason Wood- “We could not be happier to be introducing this innovative product to the market. Upsetters is the perfect addition to our portfolio and we can not wait to release this product in the US.” Foundation Cigar Company was formed by Nic

Cigar enthusiasts have good reason to be excited.  A new boutique cigar manufacturer Baracoa Cigar Company is set to release their first line, with a full dedication to providing the highest levels of quality and service.  The company has celebrated their debut, with the release of “The Voyage” a premium hand rolled cigar manufactured by La Aurora factory using some of the finest tobacco available.  Many people would argue a great cigar is one of life's true pleasures.  In fact, in the Americas it's a tradition that has begun even before the United States saw its first day.  This makes the expectations of quality among American cigar smokers quite high and their passion for cigars close to unmatched.  Stepping up to answer this call is the Maryland-based, Baracoa Cigar Company, a new boutique cigar manufacturer who recently announced their launch of their first brand, after years of research, trial and preparation.  The brand celebrated their launch with the announcemen

Drew Diplomat Event Series kicks off with the Liga Privada Unico Serie Velvet Rat and at a Drew Diplomat Retailer near you! Miami, FL – Drew Estate announced today the launch of the Drew Diplomat Event Series, an event tour that makes stops across the United States at Drew Diplomat Retailers. The final stop of this tour will take place on August 6, 2016 at the second annual Connecticut Barn Smoker, held on the same Connecticut River Valley farm that produces the wrapper for Drew Estate’s Liga Privada No. 9 and Liga Privada T52 cigars. The Liga Privada Unico Serie Velvet Rat is presented in a 6 ¼ x 46 Lonsdale vitola, featuring the iconic fan tail featured on many Unico Serie Cigars. The cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf “High” Mediums Wrapper, with a Plantation Sungrown Brazilian Mata Fina Binder and filler leaves from Nicaragua and Honduras. In total, 5,000 Velvet Rats were produced in January 2015, and have since been at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate aging in the

Cusano Cigars launches new competitively priced bundle selection, adds full-flavored Nicaraguan blend to lineup. (Pinellas Park, FL – June 2016) To the excitement of aficionados who seek excellent quality at everyday value prices, a new Cusano bundle selection is now available in three outstanding blends, including a new full-flavored Nicaraguan taste offering. The popular Cusano M1 and P1 lines will carryover, but have been repackaged and converted to 16-count bundles units. Manufactured at AgroIndustrias Laepe in Honduras, the Cusano bundle selection lines deliver taste and value that are sure to get your attention. All Cusano bundle selection blends are offered in three top-selling formats: Robusto (5 x 50), Churchill (7 x 48) and Gordo (6 x 60). With MSRP’s starting at $1.99 per cigar, the trio of new Cusano bundles are competitively priced without sacrificing consistency, quality, or flavor. N1 NICARAGUA BUNDLES Cigar Information Wrapper: Sumatra Binder:  Suma

Davidoff Cigars to honor its Appointed Merchants with the Golden Band Awards in Las Vegas, NV  Ultra-Premium Cigar Brand will introduce a new award and honor top merchants     PINELLAS PARK, FL, JUNE 27, 2015 — Davidoff, the leading luxury premium cigar brand, announces the Fifth Annual Davidoff Golden Band Awards Show nominees, honoring those Appointed Merchants who best embody the Davidoff standard of excellence. The Fifth Annual Awards show will be part of an exclusive Davidoff event on July 26th at IPCPR in Las Vegas, NV.  This year, Davidoff will introduce a new category, “Canadian Depositaire of the Year“, which will honor the Canadian Appointed Merchant with the highest sales & support of all of the Davidoff of Geneva products. In conjunction with the announcement, the Golden Band Awards website has been revamped featuring this year’s nominees.    “The Davidoff Golden Band Awards provide us with an opportunity to recognize our Appointed Merchant network

On the heels of the successful Cusano Dominican range, Oettinger Davidoff launches the new Cusano Nicaragua Estelí line. (Basel, Switzerland – June 2016)  To delight cigar lovers who are looking for fine quality cigars at great value, Cusano is expanding its premium range with the addition of a new medium-to-full body Nicaragua Estelí line. Blended with fine Nicaraguan and Dominican filler tobaccos and refined with a Negro San Andrés wrapper from Mexico, this line is designed for aficionados seeking the daily pleasure of a great-tasting cigar to enjoy calmly at their leisure or share with friends.   Charles Awad, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Innovation at Oettinger Davidoff AG, said: “We continue to look for ways to broaden our portfolio to meet key aficionado taste preferences and be the indispensable business partner to retailers worldwide. The new Nicaragua Estelí range will spice up the Cusano offering by bringing a stronger, fuller bodied multi-origin ble