AFGL: OSOK, Fielder & Maryland Sucks
A Few Good Links today will cover the new cigar from Room 101, why I am happy Prince Fielder is a Tiger and why Maryland sucks.
1. Jewelry craftsman and cigar maker Matt Booth has teamed up with his photographer to come out with a new blend of cigars called OSOK, One Shot One Kill. Now, if you are thinking that name is provocative let me just fill you in on the meaning: by “shot” they mean “photograph” and by “kill” they mean “killer photo.” The photographer, whose name is Edgar Hoill, is nicknamed OSOK and that’s where that comes from. If the cigar is as good as its marketing it should be great.
I like the name and it’s more understandable than one of Booth’s other cigar creations – Namakubi, which has something to do with severed heads and Samurai. I don’t have any definite plans on reviewing either of these cigars but I wouldn’t rule it out.
2. Prince Fielder did not sign with the Rangers (woohoo) but has decided to sign on as part of the one-two punch that is Prince-Cabrera. I guess if you wanted to strangle a joke out of this you could say that Prince, Cabrera and Verlander are now “Detroit’s New Big Three.” (Note to Tigers’ marketing team: I came up with the slogan so you owe me royalties if you decide to use it.)
The reason why I like this is because it puts Prince in the AL Central. The Tigers should be strong enough to manhandle their division counterparts and suppress wins enough so that none of the teams from the Central will seriously compete for the Wild Card. If baseball goes to a two Wild Card format for 2012 that means there will be five teams (Angels, Rangers, Yankees, Red Sox and Rays) battling for four playoff spots (AL West and East champs and the two Wild Card spots).
Anything can happen over 162 games but that really isn’t true. I just can’t envision a world where the Orioles or the Mariners figure out how to win enough ballgames to make it to the playoffs.
3. I’ve driven through Maryland before, it looked nice. But now I’m going to have to say that Maryland sucks because it has decided to increase cigar taxes. The size of the tax increase is a sideshow to the rationale:
“I imagine everyone’s here because of the public health side of the story,” Maryland’s Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown said. “It’s also a revenue generating story but that wouldn’t be why you’re here, but rather to focus on the benefits to health of what we’re proposing.”
Saying that the reason they are raising taxes on cigars is for health reasons is as laughable as a guy saying he has a subscription to Playboy so that he can read the articles. States who tax tobacco use want the extra revenue and the politicians who support these onerous taxes want the goodwill they engender amongst the busybody anti-smoking groups.
AFGL: Viaje, Snoop & Chuck
A Few Good Links for this week includes a cigar company that’s transitioning into limited edition cigars only, a rapper (Or is he a hip hop artist? I’m too white to know for sure.) and the end of a favorite TV show of mine.
1. Viaje has announced that they’re only going to do limited editions of their cigars from this point on. From Cigar Aficionado: “Viaje recently announced that, from this point on, the company will only be producing small-batch production runs. Lines like the Oro and Platino that were previously regular-production brands will now be made in limited quantities only.” Honestly, I think this is a dangerous move for the company. If you don’t have regular production lines then you aren’t going to have regular customers.
Take Tatuaje as an example. They have a number of production lines that people like and smoke regularly, thus keeping the brand on their customers’ minds. With this entrenched customer base they have the ability to do a lot of limited edition cigars and, since there are already a good number of people smoking their production line cigars, there are more people who will take a chance on a limited edition cigar that costs more than twice as much as a decent premium cigar.
On the other hand, producing a handful of limited edition cigar brands is an exciting proposition. For starters, Viaje will have more control over the taste of their cigars. Instead of having to worry about producing a ton of cigars they can use what little leaf is available to make exactly what they want. Another plus about this approach is that the fact that every cigar is a “limited edition” may end up creating more demand than otherwise would be there just because of the customers’ perceived quality of these cigars. “Well, it’s a limited edition cigar so that means it’s rare and that must mean that it is better than this tawdry regular production cigar that I was going to smoke so I’m going to buy the Viaje,” or something like that line of reasoning may go on in a number of BOTL’s heads when buying their cigars.
Anyways, it’s an interesting gambit and I hope it works out for them.
2. Snoop Dogg (I remember when I was younger, probably over a decade ago, my local sports guy, Fred Roggin, tried to say Snoop’s name and it came out “Snoopy Dog Doggy.” Just a funny anecdote, that’s all.) has decided to take the cigar industry by storm! He’s created a cigar brand (read this if you want to waste a minute of your time) that will sell for about $0.50 a cigar… and he claims they’ll taste great. Sure.
Seriously, I just don’t get it. There have to be hordes of liquor companies, clothing companies, alternative lifestyle concerns and others clamoring to get him to affix his name onto their product; so why cheap cigars? Cheap flavored cigars at that. Well, I guess if Congress or the socialists in CA decide to ban flavored cigars the fact that Snoop will no longer be the new dogg in the cigar industry would be a slight silver lining.
3. Chuck, which I’ll admit isn’t an amazing show, is a show that I love to watch. It’s hokey and has some awfully dumb story lines but it also has this irresistible quality to it that isn’t hard to explain. Lots of action, a couple of pretty girls, bad guys that have to be defeated (and always are) and the geeky, down-on-his-luck lead character, Chuck, has blossomed into the hero with the girl of his dreams. I guess the main reason I like this show so much is because it is escapism at its nerdy best. I usually gravitate to shows that have a darkness about them (Dexter, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Nip/Tuck, Deadwood, Hell on Wheels and, holy crap, I watch too much television) but Chuck has carved out a position on my personal favorite TV show list of all time. I’ll miss it when it’s gone in a week.
Tatuaje Avion 11 Cigar Review
The Tatuaje Avion 11 is a perfecto shaped cigar, which means it’s tapered on both ends. Chances are if you are looking for the Tatuaje Avion 11 in a search and happened upon this review you already know that, but I just wanted to make sure.
As the special edition Tatuaje Fausto for 2011, this cigar is a looker. And it tastes really good too, even better than the normal Fausto line, which still managed to place very well in my recently (and tardily) published Top 10 Cigars 2011 list.
Solidly and evenly packed. It does look like it got a little smashed (don’t look at me, Tatuaje did this on purpose since it is a box pressed cigar after all) but no bother, it’s not like it’s smashed like a pancake. The wrapper is a dark mahogany brown color webbed with insignificant veins. While it’s oily to the touch what really gets to me is the smell. It’s one of those cigar smells that is the equivalent to that Dirty Harry (paraphrased) line: “Do you feel lucky, punk?” Just the smell of it is aggressive.
Cigar Stats
Length: 6 ¾″
Ring Gauge: 48/52
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $45.00/Box of 5 | $180.00/Box of 20
Game of Thrones Flame!
I’ve smoked a number of these so far and the only reason I have yet to do a review for one is because I just enjoy smoking them too much. This one is no different.
Sure, it’s a very strong cigar; definitely in the upper echelon of strong cigars. But that isn’t what I’m getting from it. To me, the Avion 11 is this full throttle study in spice, leather, oak, mesquite and very old tobacco flavors. It’s like a flamethrower of flavor enveloping my tongue’s taste buds. The retrohale is also very enjoyable.
During the second third the flavor profile transitions into being more of an oak and dry earth mix. Sure, spice and leather are still strong flavors but, with this cigar, they are relegated to being merely excellent backup flavors.
Besides the flavors being truly amazing this cigar’s smoking characteristics are exceptional. Every one of these I’ve smoked (this one is the seventh) has had an absolutely perfect draw and the burn line progress at a steady and even pace.
A couple of days ago I was watching Clubhouse Confidential, which is a baseball show that focuses on statistical analysis, and a question was posed. The gist of this question was, “What if there’s a player who was near the top for statistical ratings for eight or so years but since he played for twenty years his average statistics weren’t all that brilliant, should this player merit consideration for the Hall of Fame?” This question popped into my head again as I was progressing through the final third of the Avion 11.
It’s not as if the final third is bad. No, it’s much better than that, but it just is not quite as good as the first two thirds. The flavors have turned towards singed hay, earth and spice, which has come on exceptionally strong during this third.
From my point of view, the final third doesn’t mitigate my enjoyment of this cigar. I don’t think, in this situation at least, that what is a truly exceptional cigar should receive any demerits for lasting too long. What is the alternative? If they had made this cigar shorter the flavors during the first two thirds would be different and probably not for the better. It’s just that by itself the final third would not be Hall of Fame worthy. However, taken in its totality, this cigar is definitely Hall of Fame worthy. If anything, the final third should be considered as a highly deserved victory lap for an excellent cigar.
So, what am I to do? This cigar is not perfect and since I have been lauding this cigar from the beginning you would be right to surmise that I think this cigar is one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure of smoking. At the risk of being overly enthusiastic about this cigar I cannot do anything other than give this cigar an extremely high, and well deserved, rating.
98 points
PS: I feel I need to elaborate a little on why I did not weigh the final third as much as I did the first two thirds. If I had stopped smoking this cigar after the first two thirds, to be honest, it was a little bit into the final third when I noticed the differences in the flavors most fully, this cigar would have earned 99 points. It’s not a perfect cigar in my mind, the strength is a bit too much, even during the first two thirds, and can have the effect of lessening the impact of the flavors if you aren’t completely concentrating on the cigar.
During the throes of the final third the strength overpowers the flavors a little bit more. In my opinion, if the final third were to be segregated and given its own rating, that would make this a 94-95 point cigar. Still excellent but just not as excellent as the whole cigar is.
The reason why I am treating this cigar differently than other cigars is because the first two thirds were so extraordinarily good and it is those first two thirds (probably more like three quarters or four fifths) that has lead me to downplay the ending. It may sound trivial but I think there is a world of difference between a 98 point cigar and a 97 point cigar, which is what I’d given this cigar if I simply averaged the scores out.
Well, that’s enough babbling on for me. If you want a more sober review of this cigar head on over to Tiki Bar’s excellent review.
PPS: The picture on the band is a flying cigar.
Top 10 Cigars 2011
I tend to do these things a little bit later on than everybody else (see my lists for 2010 and 2009 to see what I mean). Now, glossing over the fact that we’re closer to February than 2011, here is my Top 10 Cigars 2011 List.
10. Padron 1964 Anniversary SI-15 Maduro
When I smoked this cigar it didn’t come as a shock that I liked it seeing as I have liked every Padron 1964 Anniversary I have smoked before. The maduro, however, is just a little better than the natural for these Smoke Inn specials. Get some while you still can (although, they appear to be out of stock right now, which is a bummer).
9. Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo
The only reason why this highly rated cigar is so low on the list is because it had the benefit of resting in my humidor for quite a bit longer than most of the other cigars listed here. That helped it out a great deal and I’m sure would help out all the cigars ranked higher. Still, amazing cigar.
8. La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel Natural
I prefer the maduro version but this one is definitely not a slouch. While it definitely is a strong cigar strength-wise it is also a strong cigar flavor-wise with flavors ranging from the spicy spectrum to the savory. Can’t go wrong with this one.
A dash of leather, a hint of sweetness and some spice round out this addition to my Top 10 List from a little cigar company out of Texas. It’s a really nice cigar that I’m sure would age well. It’s strong, especially the first one of these I smoked, but there’s a load of flavor working its magic in the background to make it a must try.
Personally, I tend to go for the more full bodied cigars but this cigar has rekindled some of my passion for medium bodied cigars. With a good deal of complexity and flavors ranging from earthy to chocolate this is a must try cigar.
The first one of these I smoked didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. But I smoked another and a couple more after that and I realized that this cigar is something special. Loads of spice and strength, for sure, but there were a number of other flavors that joined the party. (Spoiler Alert: I like the Tatuaje Avion more; review to come shortly.)
The Oliva Serie V is one of my all-time favorite brands and I find myself going for the bigger vitolas more and more, which is counter to my normal operating pattern. With amazing chocolate, earth, leather and bitter spice flavors filling the flavor profile it’s no wonder I like the bigger vitolas – who would want this cigar to end?
Not just another full bodied cigar, the Liga Privada T52 is an amazing example of restrained intensity. The Liga Privada No. 9 is a great cigar and all but I prefer this offering from Drew Estate more.
Like this list, I was late to the La Sirena party as well. This, my friends, is an awesome cigar. Meaty and earthy with some spice and sweetness. It was like a kaleidascope of flavors that just would never end. Two drawbacks: sparkly crap on the wrapper and the band is a bit ridiculous.
I don’t know what it is about perfectos but some of my favorite cigars come in this vitola. This Padilla Miami is the best specimen from the line because all those creamy and nutty and spicy flavors are enhanced to their full extent. This was, barely, my favorite cigar of 2011.
There were a few great cigars that were left off of this list but, overall, I am happy with it. Hopefully you are able to get some ideas from this list for your next purchases.
Four Roses Single Barrel
Full Disclosure: I got this as a sample from the company. All reviews, however bad they may turn out to be, are my own.
The first time that I had Four Roses bourbon was a year or two ago at a cigar dinner in Fullerton, CA. Most of the time most of the attendees are happy with their food and drink; this time was no different. In fact, this is one of the few alcoholic beverages that I really remember from any of those cigar dinners that I attended and the general consensus was that Four Roses offerings were some of the best we’d ever had.
First off, here’s what Four Roses has to say about their bourbon:
A premium Single Barrel Bourbon with a taste you’ll want to savor again and again. Complex, full bodied and surprisingly smooth with a delicate long finish that’s unbelievably mellow. Contains hints of ripe plum and cherry tastes with fruity, spicy aromas including maple syrup and cocoa. Drink straight up or on the rocks. 100 proof.
Before I launch into this review in earnest I just want to make one thing clear: I’m not going to be able to pick out all the nuances that I am sure are contained in my glass, which, incidentally enough, is a Four Roses glass that I’ve had for a long while. What I can tell you is how much I liked it and I can give you my idea of what kind of cigar would go well with this drink.
The cigar that I am smoking with this drink is the CAO Lx2, which I really like. But that’s not the point of this review, now, is it? No, the bourbon is and I am liking it.
Four Roses Single Barrel is 100 proof so it isn’t much of a surprise when I feel the fire slowly descend past my esophagus towards my stomach. What is surprising to me is that it is a very smooth drink.
Another sip of this bourbon, which I’ve poured straight, and I can easily pick up the sweetness in it. It’s not overpowering but is obviously there. The CAO Lx2, which is a stronger cigar with spice and leather, is working well with the Four Roses Single Barrel; good counterbalance.
I get the maple flavors that they talk about in their description but not the fruity flavors. What I most like about this bourbon is that the flavors are strong and fresh. It’s a good bourbon.
Furthermore, it is holding up well against this full bodied cigar. That is something worth expounding upon because I don’t think this bourbon would do well with a milder cigar. The Four Roses Single Barrel is just bold enough to require a cigar with strong flavors. Maybe the cigar doesn’t need to be full bodied but it needs to be good enough to stand on its own.
As I drink more of this 100ml sample I start to get those spicy notes more than the sweet ones. This is a bourbon that I am truly enjoying.
Now, take that for all it’s worth. I have never tried to review a drink before and even though I was not able to pick up on all those little nuances that others can what I can say is that I really liked this bourbon. It has strength behind it and some really good flavors. This Four Roses Single Barrel also has enough to stand up to some good cigars, making it a good pairing with a good cigar. For about $35.00 a bottle it is definitely worth a try.
