January 28th, 2019

Vitola: Robusto (5 inches by 52 ring gauge)
MSRP: $10
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Nicaraguan Viso, Seco and Ligero from Esteli & Jalapa

Xiphos brand owner Brad Longanecker is a good friend of mine, and is partly responsible for me being thrown out of a cigar lounge for the first and only time. But that’s a story for another time. So here we go...

First third

The initial light and draw were smooth and easy. I noticed a smooth retro-hale without any of the burn that normally comes at the beginning of a cigar. Notes of leather and chocolate, along with hints of spice and earth, were also present.

January 21st, 2019

Size of cigar: 6 inches by 52 ring gauge
Wrapper: Oscuro Corojo (3 year old Oscuro Corojo leaves from Nicaragua)
Binder: Jalapa region (Nicaragua)
Filler: Triple Ligero leaves (Nicaragua)

The Blanco Nine Toro is a special cigar, the blend of which has been formulated and brought to the marketplace by a very special individual, David Blanco of the Blanco Cigar Company. David has, through the years, served the United States of America in law enforcement, fire/paramedic and military postings. And this selfless dedication to others is also reflected in his approach to cigar making. Clearly, Mr. Blanco believes in striving to help people have the best life can offer.

January 7th, 2019

This collaboration between Island Jim and James Brown of BLTC is a dark rustic looking cigar with distinctive tobacco notes from the foot. The cold draw is perfect. Tonight’s beverage is a Goose Island Bourbon County 2018 Edition.

The initial flavors are earthy and somewhat sharp with a bittersweet finish on the palate. The retro-hale is lightly peppery with a touch of sourness. The burn is mostly even. The ale is quite strong and matches up well with the strength of the cigar.

When I spoke to Island Jim at the IPCPR, he said he had this cigar rolled because he really liked what James Brown was doing with Broadleaf. The results are excellent.

December 20th, 2018

The sight of a ‘lonely’ bottle residing on the shelf of my local wine and spirits purveyor always seems to grab my attention. What happened to all the others? And why did they disappear so quickly? My usual reaction is to take a chance, grab the last bottle and give it a go at the dinner table. Such was the scenario concerning the wine profiled in this article.

Tenuta Arbéta, which comprises part of the Alma Vineyards consortium, is a wine-producing estate located in the Roero area of the western portion of the Langhe region in Piedmont, Italy. Roberto Gerbino is the estate’s winemaker.