2012 Top Cigars

Now that 2012 is finally over and we are a couple of days into 2013, all I can say is good riddance to 2012.  2012 was a year that saw a nasty election, attacks on innocent citizens, attacks on personal freedoms, a super storm, and numerous other things that have left most of us kind of scratching out heads as to what else might be lurking out there in the shadows.  Sports fans are dealing with a desire to post an asterisk at the end of this year's NFL season thanks to the replacement refs, and the NHL is still left wondering if there will be a season at all.  Personally, I feel like I'm at home in the midst of all of these frustrations as this has been a tedious second half of 2012.  Between the hospital visits of family and friends with sickness and diseases, my wife's emergency surgery and rehabilitation, death, funeral, and then my bout with the flu the last 7 days has really thwarted the ability to blog like I have wanted to the last half of the year. Therefore I apologize for the lack of attention this blog has received this year, but fortunately, I will have the ability to finally enjoy and blog about some of the great cigars this year in 2013 that I didn't get a chance to cover in 2012.

As a result, the following cigars are the honorable mentions for 2012.  These are cigars that I got to smoke recently but not able to write a blog about them, or maybe I didn't get to smoke them but they created such a buzz that one could not help but take notice of them:

Crowned Heads Headley Grange
Crowned Heads Mule Kick LE
My Father Cigar La Dueña
Nat Sherman Timeless Collection No.2
Ortega Serie D


And now finally, here's the top 3 cigars I reviewed for 2012:

 #3 (tie) with a score of 90-
Rocky Patel 1961 Toro Natural and Herederos de Robaina

#2 with a score of 91-
Emilio Draig K

and with a score of 94, the cigar of 2012 is-
CAO Concert!

Congrats to CAO for releasing a great cigar!

I look forward to being able to enjoy and write about more cigars in this new year and hope that you will do the same.  Thank you for your time and passion!

CAO Concert

Early 2012 is when I first heard about a new line called "Concert".  Rick Rodriguez, the man behind the idea and blend, wanted to pay homage to CAO's legacy and to the city CAO called home for so long: "Music City"  Nashville, TN.  Rodriguez shared with me the ideas and early concepts behind the line and I thought it was a very respectable and honorable thing to do now that CAO is part of General and no longer based in Nashville.

Fast forward a few months and I was able to reconnect with CAO and Rodriguez for CMA Fest, the annual Country Music festival held where Country artists perform for fans at various venues around town.  CAO was a sponsor of the festival and used the event as an opportunity to quietly start branding the new line with live music while building up to the actual release at IPCPR today.  It was here that Rodriguez bestowed upon me my first "Concert", pre-release and fresh from the factory.  We shared a couple, and I took one home to review properly for the blog.  So let's start, shall we?

The "Concert" uses four different Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers unique only to "Concert".  It is bound with a Connecticut Broadleaf and wrapped with a beautiful chocolate-y Ecuadoran Habano Rosado.  The wrapper has a nice oily sheen, and a nice spring when pressed.  I detected earthy notes with sweet tobacco and a hint of spice in the pre-light aroma.  Toasting the foot was easy and the draw one of the best I've had in a long time.

The opening number featured flavors of hay and then a burst of pepper.  There was plenty of smoke and the stick had a great draw.  Finishing up the 1st third, the pepper started giving way to some spice flavors.

In the 2nd third, the pepper had subsided and gave way to a creamy spice taste with a bit of graham cracker.  There even seemed to be a bit of a honey in my retrohale.  The burn has stayed pretty even and the smoke still plentiful, all the while remaining cool.

The ash held on extremely well, as you can see.  On this 5 1/2" cigar, I had an almost 3" ash.  

In the last third, the intensity picked up again with a mix of spice and pepper to round out the cigar.  The burn remained even and the cigar never needed to be relit.  The draw remained constant throughout and provided a great finish to this cigar.

The "Concert" is very smooth, rich and definitely a full-medium bodied cigar.  The construction was great, and so was the experience of smoking this gem.  All of the "Concerts" I smoked were very consistent and enjoyable. Rodriguez wanted to create a "harmony" with the 4 distinct fillers, and I think he did a great job.  There will be four sizes released: AMP (5 1/2" x  46) SOLO (5 1/2" x  50) ROADIE (5 1/2" x  54) and the STAGE (5 1/2" x  60).  All things considered, he has raised the bar for the company, and for others who are releasing new products this year.  I give the "Concert" a 94.

Now to discuss the band, and the box. I think the CAO team has come up with a great concept since Nashville is known as "Music City".  I love the guitars with "f" holes and the guitar pick on the band.  And the box as a guitar amplifier is a great idea!  However, the box is more like the no longer made VOX AC50 amplifier with it's white chicken head knobs rather than the Marshall amplifier that Cigar Aficionado stated in their article on the "Concert". (Sorry, that's the musician in me coming out).  I know that there will be contests, and "swag" offered at events, so there will definitely be a great deal of fun surrounding the promotion of this release.  Look for a September release and a tour stop near you later this year and into next.

UPDATE: (Sept 16, 2012)  After having a few of the Concerts now that they have been officially released, I would like to say that the flavor profile is almost identical to what I had before.  The graham cracker is a little lighter than I remember, but that's about it and see no reason to deviate from the 94 rating I gave them earlier.  Congrats guys! 

CAO's Last Stick Standing

CAO cigars just launched their newest promotion called "Last Stick Standing" at Uptown's Smoke Shop here in Nashville, TN this past Thursday.  This promotion gives CAO fans that opportunity to help rate 3 cigars and have a hand in deciding which of the three will be released later this year, or early in 2013. If you're local shop is hosting a "Last Stick Standing" event, then you'll be able to try them out and rank them on a card to be returned with your thoughts and notes on the three cigars.  If you're able to get a tin of the cigars, give them a shot and rank them online at http://lss.caocigars.com . Currently, all 3 cigars are pretty much neck and neck, but they need to hear your feedback before June 30th!

In other CAO news...well, I can't divulge much, but I will say that there's a storm a brewing on the horizon and it might get loud at IPCPR this year.  Musician aficionados in particular will be very happy come IPCPR!


Below are some pictures from the kick-off to "Last Stick Standing"

Lexus of Nashville's Cars, Cigars, and Rum Event.

Last Saturday night, Lexus of Nashville held an event called "Cars, Cigars and Rum: An Evening of Perfect Pairings" at the former CAO Headquarters in Nashville. Since CAO was sold to General, the former headquarters has now become known as the event venue "OZ". Displayed inside are incredible pieces of art lining the hallways and, more importantly, the history from one of the world's leading cigar companies. While Lexus unveiled their new 2013 GS model, they also provided CAO cigars from the personal collection of the Ozgeners and 12 Year Old Zaya Rum. One couldn't have asked for a better pairing.

Having attended most events Lexus of Nashville has thrown, I will definitely say this was not only their best, but also the one most well received and well attended. It really hit the target demographic of Lexus: those who love premium cigars and premium spirits also enjoy more luxurious vehicles.  Not mentioning the tables of delicious food circling the Styrofoam Lexus GS hanging from the air, or John Elefante from Kansas singing hits like "Carry On My Wayward Son", Lexus of Nashville definitely had a truly memorable event!

Of the 2,000 RSVPs received, I would dare say 1,900 showed. JR Roper, the man behind Lexus of Nashville, and his wife Joy were obviously there, as was Tim Ozgener, former President of CAO. Members from local press included Ted Clayton and Meagan Nordmann from Nashville Arts, Stacie Standifer of Nashville Lifestyles, and Mike Smith from NFocus. Spied in the crowd were Larry Lipman (The Lipman Group Sotheby's International Realty) and his wife Sandra Lipman (co-chair for the 50th Swan Ball - which JR donated a 2013 GS for their silent auction), songwriter Tim Nichols, Finance Director of the TBI Brian Senecal, as well as Dr. and Mrs. Schwaber chatting with daughter, interior designer Sarah Rohe, and friends songwriter/artist Skippy and his wife, model Amber Chapman. Other notables included Mike Murphy of Bellaterra wines and cigars (CAO used to make Bellaterra cigars before the buyout), celebrity photographer Allen Clark, former White House staff Ben Miller and former Navy SEAL Tim Kenney (working together on an upcoming television project from what I hear), and antique dealer Darren Cioffi (who always has the best Iroquois Steeplechase after parties at his 8,000 sq ft historic Boxwood Hall residence). Also in attendance was my good friend Shelley McBurney, who's fine art from her gallery, Gallery One, was seen hanging throughout the warehouse and halls. As you can see, it was definitely the place to be.

So enough of the social stuff and on to the rum and cigars! Although I've had several rums ranging from Atlantico to Zacapa, I've never had Zaya. Zaya is a rum that has been aged in oak barrels for 12 years before bottling. It has a dark mahogany hue and a nose of nutmeg, vanilla and a bit of brown sugar. The flavor was right in line with the nose: nutmeg, and vanilla, but it developed a tad more spice, maple, with a touch of orange and a buttery finish. I found this rum to be much like Atlantico in taste, and in price point. I definitely would have Zaya again, and encourage those into rum to give it a shot as well.

As for the cigars, the Ozgeners decided to bring out only a couple of vitolas and they were both mild in body, which was probably the best and easiest option considering how many people and how many taste preferences were present. As the cigars were handed out, you were asked "How long do you want to smoke? 30 minutes, or an hour?" The "hour" long smoke was more like a corona/robusto as it was about 5" but had a ring size closer to a 42. The "30 minute" smoke was even smaller, a small panetela like a Petit Julieta. The cigars were lightly dipped in honey making them a bit sweet and very reminiscent of a Swisher Sweet. I guess these were the "adult versions". There were no labels on the cigars as they were still in their bundles. The initial aromas were sweet with a bit of hay and tobacco. The construction was solid although the wrapper on the larger stick had a small tear. Lighting was a breeze and the cigar remained lit and burned evenly throughout. There wasn't a great deal of change as I progressed through the stick. The flavors throughout were cream, a hint of cedar, hay and a touch of pepper at the end. As this is a cigar not in production, I obviously can't say a person should or shouldn't go out and try it.  I would say that if I were to rate it, I'd give it somewhere in the mid 80s. It's a good smoke, but very mild with very little change in flavor. Again, I'm sure it was because of the sheer number of people at the event as to why they went with a mild cigar. It was a nice treat, however, and was nice to be at the former HQ for such a great company.

Below are photos from the evening that I thought you might like to see... either something fun from the event, or educational from CAO history. Enjoy!

Inside the former warehouse

The bar by the Escaparate Humidor...

reminded us of the Chalmun's Cantina (Mos Eisley Cantina)

Even though the cigars are gone from the Escaparate humidor,

this beautiful piece of tobacco art is still there

The god Bacchus carved from Styrofoam 

stood maybe 25 feet in the air

Working on a new piece, clay/Styrofoam mix

More pieces

Lexus 2013 GS Styrofoam piece hanging in the air

encircled by tables of food

People checking out the inside of the new 2013 GS

Art from the "FLAVOURS" case

Humidors from the humidors case

Prefer the Brazilia? Mx2? La Traviata?

Here's a brief history behind each line.

More humidor work...including the boxes commissioned

for the Chicago Bulls' 5th and 6th NBA championship rings

Incredibly beautiful CAO Meerschaum pipes...

true works of art!

OSA NATION

It is well known that CAO was brought into the fold of General Cigars, but since then has remained somewhat quiet. After the dust settled, Ed McKenna and Rick Rodriguez knew that they needed to continue the quality of the brand, yet grow the company and expand their portfolio. They ventured down to Honduras and Nicaragua to learn more about the products that are produced, and started the next evolution of CAO. And from this emerged OSA Sol.

The name OSA is for Olancho San Agustin, the area from which the Honduran wrapper is grown. The binder is Connecticut Broadleaf and the filler is a blend from Honduras and Nicaragua. There are three Lots produced: Lot 50, (5x50), Lot 54 (6x54) and Lot 58 (6.5x58).

In launching the new line, CAO has embarked upon a tour that started in Nashville, CAO's birthplace. The event was held at Uptown's, and the place was packed. Patrons enjoyed the new OSA line, Latin music, food and drinks. Having recently come back from traveling up North, I finally got a chance to try the OSA myself, the Lot 50 (Robusto).

This earth brown stick with small veins had a firm construction with an earthy/woodsy aroma. The cigar lit easily and maintained a nice even burn. The initial taste had a woodsy character, but the essential oil from the leaves seemingly contributed to a slight tangy taste which is a nice change from a typical cigar. (This must be the "provocative taste" in the "Olancho San Agustin tobacco" mentioned in the press release a few months back.) It had a good mild draw and moderate smoke with the ash holding on to between an inch to an inch and a half.

Entering the 2nd third of the cigar, the mild/medium flavored cigar became a bit more flavorful with a bit more pronounced wood taste and a hint of pepper and entering into the third, a dash of cocoa. The strength and flavor continue throughout the cigar with the burn and smoke remaining constant as well. I needed to relight only once, and that was no doubt to my talking to both Rick and Ed and not minding the cigar in my hand.

I was pleased with the new CAO smoke and gave OSA Sol an 88, not bad for Rick and Ed's first creation. I hope this is a sign of things to come and I definitely look forward to future releases. And after spending time with these guys, they definitely have shown a great passion for the industry and a real desire to produce products that make their audience happy. I wish you guys the best! 

CAO girls surrounding Ed and Rick at the OSA Nation Tour launch at Uptown's in Nashville.

IPCPR 2011

Last week, the convention that everyone involved with the cigar and pipe industry looks forward to was held in Vegas.  Unfortunately for me, two other conventions were held in two different cities during the same week involving the entertainment industry (my main occupation).  So needless to say, my time was divided and many sacrifices made (3 conventions are a lot to attend). But on the flip side, I had a great time meeting people and seeing new products, watching new talent and finishing the week with a South Beach party where all you saw was tanned bodies and white outfits until sunrise. Then I saw my pillow until the following night.  Now that's a party!

But enough about me, let's talk IPCPR 2011 and the information you seek.

To start things off, IPCPR has a new CEO.  William S. Spann is filling former Executive Director Joe Rowe's vacancy after Rowe retired.  IPCPR president Gary Pesh said:

"On behalf of the Board of Directors of the IPCPR, I want to extend a hearty welcome to Bill Spann who, we are confident, will help continue moving the association forward in behalf of its retail and manufacturing members. At the same time, we wish Joe Rowe a long and happy retirement. He will be missed.”

Previously, Spann served as Commander during a 20-year career with the U.S. Navy, chief of staff of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, and president and chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida.  He also served as part of Governor Jeb Bush’s executive leadership team as communications director and then chief of staff at the Florida Department of Children & Families.

As expected, IPCPR is where a great deal of products are launched.  The following are some that I've been asked about the most, so I thought I'd shed some light on them.

CAO:

OSA Sol:  
From the Olancho, San Agustin valley in Honduras comes CAO's OSA Sol.  This blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran filler is to be full of flavor without being overly peppery or soft and bland.  There will be three sizes (5x50, 6x54, and 6 1/2x58) priced from $5-7.  Look for these to hit the shelves by September.

DREW ESTATE:

My Uzi Weighs A Ton (MUWAT):  
Possibly one of the least surprising introductions since it was one of the most talked about on the web yet most elusive cigars is MUWAT.  A collaboration between Drew Estate Tobacco Company and Joya de Nicaragua, this sweet yet boldly flavorful smoke is quite the traveler with a San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuardorian Connecticut Binder, Brazilian Mata Fina Filler coupled with Nicaraguan Fillers. Initially in three sizes (5x50, 6x60, 7x60 with a 4x44 named "Bait Fish" with a later release ), these will sell between $8-11.

Undercrown:
Originally created by the torcedores to smoke in Nicaragua while rolling the Liga Privada, the Undercrown is intentionally harvested 4+ weeks later resulting in a higher natural sugar content and a richer, creamier flavor.  There will be five variations (5x54, 6x52, 7x54, and 6x60 in Parejo with one 6x52 in Belicoso) between $7-10.

TORAÑO:

Vault: 
Carlos Toraño, Sr created a "Blend Book" in 1982 to record every blend concept on which the family has ever worked.  This book contains both released blends and blends with potential.  Current president Charlie Toraño and VP of Sales and Marketing, Bruce Lewis, revisited the book and happened upon an unreleased blend that caught their eye, the Liga A-008.  First recorded in 2000, Charlie and Bruce sought to improve the blend by finding the missing ingredient, which they found in the tobacco from Ometepe, Nicaragua, an island on Lake Nicaragua home to two volcanoes with rich, fertile soil.  This rich earthy and spicy stick has notes of ripe fruit and nutty creaminess.  Available in three sizes between $7-8 (5x52, 6x50, 6 1/8 x 52).

And yes, the rumors seem to be true, Dennis Rodman is releasing his WB brand cigars. 

As more announcements slowly become released product, you will see more of them here and their reviews as well. Until then!

The Crowned Heads of Tobacco

It is old news that former CAO employees left to start a new company after the General Cigar deal.  However, what may not be well known about the top dogs of the new company, Crowned Heads, is that this wasn't a move for fear of losing their jobs, nor because they didn't want to move to a new state.  The team saw the opportunity to start a company and produce products due to their extreme passion for cigars. 

The charismatic leader, Jon Huber, is probably the most recognizable face of Crowned Heads, although he is cautious about being given a title having escaped the shackles that accompanied his previous corporate position.  When introduced to the industry back in the mid 90s, Huber started learning everything about tobacco from the seeds to the final roll of the cigar.  As a student of the leaf, he is conscience of tradition and is wary of trends (e.g. adding coloring to produce black "Maduro" instead of allowing the natural “brownish-to-dark-brown" which happens when the leaf becomes mature).

With high standards for himself and his products, I think it's safe to say that everyone is itching to see what Crowned Heads produce. Working alongside industry veterans who are just as passionate as he is, Huber is definitely sitting pretty for his new release under his new label.  Let's just pray the release is sooner than later!