Leaf by James

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Leaf by James

Written by Jeff Slatton (jefslat) |

leaf1 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.

A Noteworthy Nebbiolo

Written by Doug Kuebler (jazznut) |

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.

A.J. Fernandez Ave Maria St. George

Written by Guus Elgersma (guusfoto) |

December 17th, 2018

Size of cigar: 6 inches by 54 ring gauge
(Belicoso / Figurado)
Wrapper: Habano Ecuadorian Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

My first impressions of this cigar centered on its very nice band and oily wrapper. And when I held it, it felt like a ‘heavy’ stick. Upon smelling that oily outer leaf, I sensed a pungent aroma, which included scents of wood, fresh hay, sweetness and leather. This certainly made me want to cut, toast and smoke the cigar!

Stocking Stuffers for Cigar Lovers

Written by BigO |

December 10th, 2018

Cigar lovers are wonderful people to buy gifts for. From cutters and lighters to travel humidors, there are many choices to be had for their stockings. Here are some personally selected items especially for the cigar lover in your life.

1. Xikar cutters

Xikar has been producing cigar accessories for many years. The X2 model is made with the finest steel and is riveted for durability. Furthermore, they stand behind their products 100%. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, even if you feel the blades have gotten dull, return it to them and they will send you a new one, no questions asked. My first Xikar cutter came apart in my hand one day. Sent it back and had a brand new one in a few days. One of the most treasured gifts from my kids was a model with California redwood handles. I rarely use any other cutter. They offer a very wide selection of handle materials (a few years afo I saw one with fossilized mammoth bone handles!), finishes and colors. They also offer a complete selection of cigar accessories includimg different styles of cutters and lighters. Their catalog is only available in Pdf format and can be downloaded at xikar.com/catalog.

Partagás Shorts (Cabinet Selection)

Written by BigO |

p short December 3rd, 2018

In the interest of full disclosure, this is going to be anything but an impartial review. In short (pun intended), this is one of my favorite cigars. By favorite, I mean stuck-on-a-deserted-island-with-no-other-cigar-to-smoke-for-the-rest-of-your-life favorite. I try never to run out of them. A little "lagniappe" (Cajun French for an extra little pleasure) comes in the form that it is one of a few cigars made by Habanos, S.A. that is still sold in a cabinet of 50. There is an argument between Cuban cigar lovers that cabinet selection cigars age better and with more flavor than traditional dress boxes. I won't weigh in on that argument except to say that it doesn't hurt them any.

In the cigar trade, this size is known as a Minutos. Here in the States, we prefer the moniker 'très petit corona'. It's approximately 4½ inches long and has a ring gauge of about 42. All of the binder, filler and wrapper tobaccos are a unique blend grown in the Pinar del Rio region of Cuba, which is approximately the western third of the nation. They are rolled by hand in an historic factory in the capital of Habana (Havana).

Rocky Patel Decade Toro

Written by Tim Hartmann (xrundog) |

November 12th, 2018

The Rocky Patel Decade Toro represents another cigar from the Rocky Patel Luxury Sampler offered by Holt’s Cigars. (I’ve previously reviewed the Velvet Edition Toro.) It measures 6½ inches long by a 52 ring gauge and is moderately box-pressed. This Toro has a Sumatran wrapper and aged long fillers, the blend of which is a mystery according to Holt’s.

Cigar Industry News

More on CigarWeekly

Who's visiting?

Leaf by James

A Noteworthy Nebbiolo

A.J. Fernandez Ave Maria St. George

Stocking Stuffers for Cigar Lovers

Partagás Shorts (Cabinet Selection)

Rocky Patel Decade Toro

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