REVIEWING THE CIGAR POD CAST SHOWS THAT DO REVIEWS;(AND MAYHEM)

In no particular order I am going to review some of my favorite cigar enthusiast pod casts. a series of reviews of the reviewers if you will.Today there are many,many venues to glean knowledge and have fun about all things cigars. In my over 22 years of smoking cigars and the occasional pipe, Now is the BEST time for it. As a hobby (OK obsession for some) you can access almost all their is to know about your favorite brands,families,personalities,short of growing,blending,and rolling your own from home. But you can go to the factories on cigar vacations being offered.So in NO particular order here we go.
BLOWING SMOKE:
wrapper;pod cast
filler;cretins
binder;El freako Defuma (aka rob hemmings)
THE pre emanate guys show about cigars and all things guy related.(don't worry I have it on good authority that quite a few of the sotl listen also).i enjoy listening to this show which is taped every two weeks or so. the set up is in the Havana room of el freako defuma's.And from the very beginning to the last second mayhem and humor are in abundance as is the cigar they are sharing to review in a loose and relaxed way. I look forward to their next shows as I'm always guaranteed a good laugh.Listeners can participate in questions on twitter(@blowinsmoke) and the individual cretins tweet along as the show is going on.this show is not for any one prudish. But if you enjoy good( and sick) humor this show is for you in spades. the shows assortment of hosts(cretins) and its ring master el freako de fuma(rob. hemmings)are engaging and you really feel as if your right there and herfing it up with em. having gotten to know all of them on twitter I can tell you these are a great bunch of guys. however they are informative and have had some great interviews(Clint from @262cigars,Chris from @chiefhava (cro magnon cigars),and @rodrigocigars as examples. the web site can be found at  http://www.blowinsmokepodcast.com/  go there and enjoy . all the best-smoking Joe
p.s. Rob has one of the best radio voices ive heard in awhile.

coming up next also in no particular order the cigar authority,stogie fresh five,dog watch cigar  radio

THE PERSUIT OF HAPPINESS AND THE NANNY STATE..............

Ronald Reagan Quotes

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives-Ronald Reagan this morning I read in my local news paper that the city of Cape Mays' (a popular tourist destination here in south jersey)elected city council had voted to ban all smoking on the beaches and public parks/lands in the city."The city council felt that second hand smoke was possibly dangerous and annoying.And that needs of the many took precedent over the few". Really? so now the city council(non of which are doctors or (rocket) scientists)now presume to know what is "best for every one". very Orwellian indeed. This is only a drop in the bucket across America of our ability to enjoy our "pursuit of happiness" that our founding fathers cherished so much as to put it in the declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it" http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html these are heady words indeed. But words, that the lives of thousands, of our for fathers thought enough of to lay thier lives down for.Today most citizens will barely lay down the t.v. remote. successive generations have fought and bled for the ideas expressed in the lines written above. The arrogance of any form of government to presume to order me and regulate with out reason a product that I can legally own,posses,use and ENJOY is repugnant to me. The C.R.A.,a non profit organization,Has been actively trying to limit the bands on  and restrictions(including excessive taxation)on premium hand rolled cigars. Their approach is a good one. That jobs will be lost and an industry unfailrly singled out.Given the current economic climate. I think this is a good approach but I think the argument needs to be elevated to that which it is.An attack of an oppressive government to decide what is "best for us" down to the nth degree. In essence what these laws do is turn otherwise law abiding citizens into criminals.In New york city the Ban has been so scoffed at that cigar enthusiasts have met in public parks and "herfed it up".holding such bans as ridiculous.In the mid nineties the state of new jersey went so far as to ban the sale of sunny side up eggs(due to possible salmonella) sold in any dinner or restaurant.(yes its true) after customers were shown on t.v news shows eating these "offending eggs" and the owners of dinners and restaurant refusing to stop selling them;the state rescinded the less than 6 weeks later. I have the right to make a fist but this right ends where your nose begins.WE all pay taxes,live peaceable lives but we also must respect how each of us chooses to do so.I am not going to light up a cigar and smoke others out. Out of consideration for others.In the same token if I'm sitting on a park bench alone smoking a cigar. And you come along and sit next to me and become "offended" by it,well then your just ignorant and self absorbed. So whats next? We all have been taught about rights and responsibilities. I don't want government deciding for me what is "best for me" because I'm to fucking stupid to know otherwise.That's what  the true meaning of laws that make otherwise law abiding citizens into criminals. All the best-SMOKIN JOE

THE B&M VRS THE ONLINE RETAILER ?

A few months ago on almost all the cigar enthusiast podcast there was much debate about the two.most of this talk was centered on the business end of both.Today I will discuss this view from the little heard point of view;the consumer. here we go.....

It should be said that a good B&M that has a friendly atmosphere a,good selection of choices,a good location and a place to gather with other enthusiasts is a must have.A friendly and learned atmosphere is the mark of a good tobacconist.The customer who comes there and is "talked down too" will likely go somewhere else.To an extant it is a teachers role in educating his costumers that will benefit the B&M the most.The old adage that an educated customer is your best customer.Its true.The more you learn the more you broaden your horizon and are willing to try new things you learn about.Nurturing this is self preservation for the B&M owner. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere with comfortable furnishings where the enthusiast can sit,smoke and discuss a variety of subjects is a must.I once saw a book club meeting at J.R.'s in north Carolina who were discussing transcendental writers of all things.Some B&M's offer a Private room where the "club members" can BYOB have access to large screen t.v.'s and variety of amenities such as private lockers,sports games etc. However I have seen for what several B&M's have charged vrs perceived value that  have not matched up for me.My view on this aspect is that if the area that the B&M is located can support this.(say in New York city as an example) then this is almost a necessary feature. However far to many B&M's should do away this feature as strip malls are not the place for these.
A good choice of selections is a must. My own B&M stocks the 'tried and trues " of the cigar world but as an example it took them  9 months to get 3 boxes of sizes of Nestor Miranda's art deco. I can find what I need there,the padrons',CAO,Perdomo,anything general cigar puts out.But say I want a Cro magnon or a 262? good luck. And there in lies where the online retailer comes in.
There is an important place that the online retailer fills for me. that of being able to get what I would like to try when I can not get it locally. this is where the line between the online retailer and the B&M lines begin to blur. Many B&M also have an online retail outlet. A good example of this is two guys cigar shops in new Hampshire. If I need a couple of sticks I'll trot off to my local B&M and pick them up.I also attend many of the promotions that the B&M holds.I can usually get very good deals on brands of cigars during these times. The online retailer for me provides some in house brands I like very much at a good price but that I will not find locally. It is a reality that in today's world the cigar enthusiast has much more access to information than when I started smoking cigars about 23 years ago. It is also a reality of the market,all markets for that matter,that the inter net has provided an outlet for cigar enthusiasts that compete with the B&M. But in that same sense there quite a few B&M's who are out there on line.like many of the mom and pop stores that where done away with in the eighties due to box stores the market for the B&M in my opinion is shrinking.You can bemoan this or not but it is a reality. The location and amenities of your local B&M will be crucial going into the future. But for me there isn't a VRS involved but simply emerging markets via the Internet and many B&MS' are in fact" saddling two horses". all the best-SMOKIN JOE

CREMO cigar Intrepidus review

As a follow up to the new line by CREMO cigars i will be reviewing the toro size Intrepidus. this size vitola is the next larger size in this line.

1. 1 PRE LIGHT; the parejo shaped Intrepidus size has a smooth habano wrapper that is flawless and chocolate in color.There is a good heft to this cigar and is well packed with tobacco.The entubar rolling is evident in the foot.
2. FIRST THIRD;on lighting the foot there is a pleasant medium flavor of of spice and sweet tobacco. about an Inch into this smoke i noticed a slight ramping up of  flavors with an introduction of chocolate, pepper and toast.This ramping up of flavor continued into the second third.
3. Second third;This vitola began a steady increase in flavor,the spice giving way to pepper and strong but sweet tobacco flavor with a rich cocoa tone.During this second third, the flavors played about from full to medium in flavor and back again; while retaining a medium body through out.I was really enjoying this smoke.
4. THE FINISH; THE  play of full to medium flavor continued about till the nub and was a very pleasant smoke; having a depth of flavor and a long finish.The body stayed medium, the ash stayed tight and didn't fall off till about 4 inches in from the foot.

There is a term used by blenders called depth of flavor perception.The Intrepidus fulfills this term.The play of flavors was a nice surprise and is what a really good cigar should be. In short I smoked the hell out of this cigar.Given the size and ring gauge (see previous posts)the blenders art is well showcased in this size.I can say with out reservation that come January this one will be on my radar to buy.I have no hesitation in recommending this cigar and giving one to a friend,but you had better be a damned good friend for me to part with one. :)  In the next installment I will touch on this line as a whole based on the two sizes I have smoked.

CREMO corona gordo cigar review

We will be reviewing a new cigar blend on smokin Joe's cigar box. In previous posts I introduced you to a new company CREMO cigars. now for the down  low on their corona gordo size. Next up is their toro size.

1. PRE LIGHT; cigar has a smooth habano wrapper;blemish free there is a good heft to this carona gordo hinting at the full tobaccoco filler of  Dominican/Nicaraguan tobacco.the cigar was also firm to the touch.
2. FIRST THIRD; on lighting this carona gordo had strong flavors of spice and strong hints of cocoa. the draw was a bit tight and the flavor setlted primarilyaly on the front of the toungue.thsettledeld down after the first inch or so to a nice spice and tobacco flavor. the body is medium and the flavor seltles to a medium with the aforementionedned cocoa giving way to a  spice and rich tobacco flavor. I began to notice that this cigar burned slowly and expected a long finish.
3. SECOND THIRD-FINISH; the cigar settled nicely into hints of spice and rich tobacco flavor and stayed that way through out the loooong finish of this carona gordo. there were no suprises to the nub and the ash stayed nice and tight to the end.

Over all I liked this blend.It had a long finish and other than the tight draw was a comfortable smoke. Enough flavor and body to make this cigar a good morning or lunch choice.In fairness the tight draw could have been the luck of  the draw(pun intended) and should not be taken into serious consideration as this can happen to the best of brands.I think this carona gordo would pare well a haydens bourbon or a good cup of  coffee. it has alot to offer the average cigar smoker who preferes the medium body,medium flavor profile.however in the end the question is would I smoke this again and would I give to a friend to smoke.the answer to both questions is yes.

WIN A FREE BOX OF CIGARS FROM CREMO CIGARS

Walter Santiago,the president of CREMO cigars,has let me know that those who visit their site www.cremocigars.com and register will be entered to win a box of their cigars. Soooo all your cigar weasels pay attention! ;) I'll be reviewing two of their vitolas this week and giving my review on this blending. so I wish you luck and hope you are the one who wins. all the best-Smokin joe                                                                                                                                                                     

announcing a new cigar blending coming your way. CREMO CIGARS

I please to announce a new brand and blend of cigars coming soon your local B&M.  CREMO cigars will be featuirng the following sizes.
>  CORONA GORDA
> Wrapper: HABANO
> Filler:Dominican/Nicaragua
> Binder: Nicaragua
> Ring Gauge: 46"
> Length: 5.75
> Strength: Full Bodied
>
> ROBUSTO
> Wrapper: HABANO
> Filler: Dominican/Nicaragua
> Binder: Nicaragua
> Ring Gauge: 50"
> Length: 5
> Strength: Full Bodied
>
> Toro
> Wrapper: HABANO
> Filler: Dominican/Nicaragua
> Binder: Nicaragua
> Ring Gauge: 52"
> Length: 6
> Strength: Full Bodied


these vitolas will be rolled at El Titan de Bronze Cigar Mfg". in Little Havana, Miami Florida. i have been informed by Walter "Lilo" of CREMO cigars that these sticks will be rolled by level 9 rollers at the factory exclusively.rollers whom have worked in factories in Cuba.  Cigars are also being made the traditional Cuban style of tubing filler and then finished with a triple cap. the blending was completed by Willy Herrera before his departure to drew estate.According to Walter the due date for this brand is slated for januarary of 2012. Walter has been gracious enough to give me a sample pack for review. (I mention this fact as good or bad i call it like it is).

the following below is from El titan de Bronze web site;
El Titan De Bronze™ Cigar Mfg. has been established since 1995 in Little Havana, Miami, FL. All of our cigars are hand crafted in the USA by “Level 9” rollers all of whom have worked for world-renowned factories such as Romeo y Julieta®, Corona®, and Partagas®. Each cigar is made in the traditional Cuban style of tubing the filler (entubado) and then finished off with a beautiful triple cap. Each “tarea” (days work) is then inspected by another Master Roller/Blender, boxed and dated to ensure the cigar is of the highest standard for the aficionado. Due to the high standards placed upon our rollers our cigars are made in small quantities to ensure quality and consistency that only a boutique manufacturer can produce.

Family owned and operated, we are located on the world famous “Calle Ocho” (SW 8th street) in the Heart of Little Havana. Our factory recalls the spirit of Havana, Cuba. From the doorsteps the sounds of clanking dominoes, Cuban coffee, and the aroma of premium handmade cigars fill the air.

CREMO cigars maybe found at the following web site http://www.cremocigars.com/ and on twitter and face book. I will be reviewing these cigar soon.

Due to IRENE I have been behind schedule for reviewing cigars. i will be posting my reviews by the end of the week. there will be a premium review a "standard smoke" review and the every day cigar review. So go out and see what CREMO is up to and enjoy seeing another blend/brand of quality cigars come to fruition! All the best BOTL and SOTL!!

cuban minister of defense dies at 75

one of the first of the inner circle of castro's regime has died .Gen. Julio Casas Regueiro one of castro's  aids during the revolution who rose to power along with castro's brother raul;had an appearant heart attack. given that he was the number 3 man in power( after raul and castro) in cuba,we may be seeing the first of many cracks to come. As time passes and the rest of the "old gaurd" die off;chances are good that cuba willl open up.over the past few years there has been discussions in several cigar journals of what would happen when this takes place. time will tell what changes may take place but at 46 and a cold war baby I think i will see this in my life time.

exciting times for cigar lovers

By all acounts this years crop as well as last years crops are among the best in years. This bodes well for some great blends and tinkering with some old ones.now for the every day smoker deals.

thompson is offering 100ct and 50 ct boxes of rolando reyes'rolly brand cigars. these cigars come in maduro and shade grown wrappers.In 6x52 toro sized sticks.The box of 100ct i ordered delivered plumes of smoke.(happy days indeed)The box I ordered seem to be a mix of cuba aliados and puros indios. the construction has been flawless. At a 1$ stick for the 100ct these cant be beat for an every day smoke. med across the board for flavor and body I wouldn't pass these up.
Cigars international is offering a brand called argenese for a 1$ a stick in robusto(5x50) size. the maduro is a bit harsh. and the habano wrapped is not a bad blend out of the chute.I think the maduro should be put to bed for a few weeks before smoking.yes I do smoke premium cigars and will post some of my reviews in upcoming installments. I will also be doing a complete brand assessment of C.I.'s black pearl line in the robusto size. the summer is winding down and ICPR's show is has just recently wrapped up. I know my local B&M is bemoaning the slugish shipments he's getting but this is par for the course.There are some really good buys out there wich may be more a statement of our economy than band blends out there.Ok so ending on a happy note CAO is continuing production of one of my favorite blends. The la traviata is still in the stable of blends being offered by CAO. However my sources tell me the maduro line may be heading into the sunset due to lagging sales. All the best.spark em up if ya got em!

i apologize for the type setting on my first post. I'm in my learning curve. back in 1987 i was was a rookie sheriffs officer and like all rookies you got the shit details all the time.working with the M.E. office was one of them. back in those days there wasn't re breathing gear and carbon filter masks. vicks vapor rub under your nose is bull shit. an old person rotting into their couch for 3 weeks in July at 90+ temps is pungent. So began my cigar smoking journey. it was the only thing to cut the Oder out.during the mid to late eighties thee were some really good machine made cigars that could be bought at drug stores.Muriel,white owl and dutch masters at that time had some good blends.Cameroon wrappers were all the rage at that time. i soon began to distinguish what types of blends went well with what types of decomposing corpses.Wash ups on the beach,couch  people,and old suicides and hangings that poeple forgot about. But at that time manuel quisada and rolando reyes and the likes were turning out millioms of great machine made cigars for the discount drug stores. including some very good honduran and nicaraguan long filler for dirt cheap.this was all before the cigar boom of the early to late ninties that changed forever how cigars would be blended and made. and by whome they would be made by.....

how it all began or what a long strange trip its been.....

well if your taking the time to read this thank you.At the encouragement of friends who have shared my knowledge and benefited from it I have set this blog up.I have had an avid interest in cigars and pipes since 1987. Not just liking to smoke but to also  learn about the crafting and blending.I hope that my reviews and insights are helpful and entertaining.But most importantly; that I'm not waisting your time This is my introduction, the next post will be about just how I got "into' smoking cigars. its a bit macabre since involves dead bodies and crime scenes...............time to open up my cigar box and lets see what's inside....