Cigars In Review

In Review Cigars

V o lu m e 2 · N u m b e r 4

A Cigar Lifest yle Magazine for Men

ROCKY PATEL Q&A With An Icon

GLEN CASE-& Kristoff Cigars

LA GLORIA CUBANA Then & Now

Watches–Time Does Fly PRODUCT REVIEWS 15 CIGARS RATED

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In Review Cigars

A Cigar Lifest yle Magazine for Men V o lu m e 2 · N u m b e r 4

I

t’s that time of year again; everyone has made New Year’s resolutions, and statistics show that 92% of Americans will not keep them. CIR has several; at the top of our list is to continue to bring you - our loyal readers - the best possible information on cigars and the cigar lifestyle.

At the same time, we plan on keeping the magazine as affordable as possible. This is one New Year’s resolution we will keep!

It has been a year that has been plagued with drastic market vulnerability. All you have to do is look at your 401k and you‘ll go into a mini-depression. It’s been a year where local, state, and federal officials have tried and in some cases succeeded in imposing more mandates and taxes on cigar smokers. These restrictions are driving more businesses to close their doors. We’ve watched unemployment numbers rise to over 9 percent.

Even after all this, we still have many reasons to be thankful. House bill H.R 1639 is picking up sponsors and starting to move through Congress. It will give us all some relief, if passed.

Beyond the enjoyment we all share of smoking a cigar, we have family, friends, a free country, for now, or - to use the words of Benjamin Franklin - “A Republic, if you can keep it.” We still have the ability to debate and discuss issues, like cigar taxation, and to vote to remove those who impose too much government control on us.

That is something to be celebrated! While it’s no time to let up or quit fighting on issues like taxes, freedom, government mandates and the like, let’s not forget to look past the depressing job losses and economic outlook.

Let’s celebrate the freedom and camaraderie we all share as B.O.T.L, but most importantly as Americans. I get up every day and thank God I’m free to work at a job I choose, live in a house of my own, smoke a cigar when I decide, have a car as big as I choose and not be forced to buy some compact that’s Made in China and burns rice. I can worship in a church of my choosing and give thanks to the God that I choose to worship without fear of being jailed or harassed! I will never stop fighting for these freedoms; I know you won’t either. That, my friends, is worth celebrating!

Please visit our home page at www.cigarsinreviewmagazine.com; take us on the road with you by downloading one of our mobile apps! Your comments are welcome at joe@cigarsinreviewmagazine.com.

Publisher: Joseph A. Baker | Senior Editor: Skip Press | Contributing Editors: Skip Press, Frank Seltzer, Tony Katz Contributors: Jerry Ison, Andy Josker, Francis Liztinger, Tony Bellatto, Glynn Loop, Joe Lordi, Bryan Infante, Jan Lobota Marketing/Ad Sales Jay Link | Photographer: Doug Chandler | Graphic Design: JeffClark.com All Rights Reserved © 2011 Cigars in Review For subscription information please visit us at: www.cigarsinreviewmagazine.com To inquire about article submissions email: cigarsinreview@yahoo.com Advertising inquires can be directed to: jay@cigarsinreviewmagazine.com

Cigars in Review 1

H U M I D O R TA L K

Cigars In Review

Tony Katz Smokes America

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n properly understanding my relationship with cigars, I am more than open to stating that my palette is not the most refined. I’m fine with proclaiming that many who read this publication are far more attuned to the unique flavors in a cigar; that is, picking out the leather, the chocolate notes, the bites of pepper. What I like to do is not engage the particulars of the smoke, but what the smoke means, and what it brings to those who engage it.

In Congress, HR 1639 is starting to make headway (the Senate Version is S. 1461). The bill is known as the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), it focuses on exempting the cigar industry from undue oversight of the Food and Drug Administration. In specific, the bill: ”Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA.” For cigar smokers, cigar store owners, and employees and cigar manufacturers, this is wonderful news.

The bill has already received bi-partisan support in both the House and Senate. At press time, there were 127 cosponsors in the House of Representatives, and four on the Senate bill.

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Certainly, with the non-stop media assault on cigarettes, one would think it strange that politicians would support anything in the tobacco realm. After all, it was this assault on cigarettes that led to the Tobacco Control Act of 2009. Cigars were never meant to fall under the purview of this act. Yet, as Dan Holler writes on TownHall.com (where I am a contributor): “...the Act could be used to regulate (cigars) anyway.

How? Retailers could not display brands in their stores.

Walk-in humidors could be banned. Advertising could be curtailed. New, seasonal and vintage blends could be increasingly difficult to bring to market.”

This could completely eradicate cigar shops around the nation, costing thousands of jobs and adding to the country’s 9% unemployment. Yet, there is bi-partisan support for a bill excluding cigars from these potentially onerous regulations. Why? Well, the fact that the bill is, in part, entitled the “...Small Business Jobs Preservation Act...” could be a big reason for the support.

The other reason is Costco.

Since my radio show began, I have been discussing the idea of culture in America and that politics and politicians are “downstream” of culture. My contention is that politicians do not act on their own accord, continued on page 8

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THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

CIGAR POLITICS

No Shortage of Enemies for H.R. 1639 and S. 1461

By J. Glynn Loope, Executive Director Cigar Rights of America

I

t is often said that politics is a contact sport. In the arena of Washington, D.C. you can always bet that no matter the cause, someone else will be there trying to defeat your legislation and attack your mission.

It goes without saying that anything tobacco-related is going to attract a handsome list of opponents, and the effort to protect premium/traditional cigars from regulations composed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration is no different. We have our fair share. That should come as no surprise, but their tactics are of special note.

Currently, there are at least forty health-oriented groups on record against H.R. 1639 and S. 1461, that the bills are making progress in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate in an effort to protect cigars from the FDA regulatory malaise.

Opponents have been vocal virtually since introduction of the legislation. It began on May 11 of this year, when H.R. 1639 sponsors Representative Bill Posey and Representative Kathy Castor received a joint letter from the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids noting their “strong opposition” to the legislation. In the letter, the organizations continued with the litany of purported health ailments that result from enjoying cigars, which basically lists about everything except the Ebola virus and the plague, while also making some outlandish statements that clearly cannot be substantiated.

The most interesting, yet troublesome, comment made in the letter was the following: “Cigar smoking is the second most common form of tobacco use among youth…high school boys currently smoke cigars, and each day more than 3,400 kids under 18 years-old try cigar smoking for the first time.”

are clear on making cigars unique. They are not marketed to youth. Their price point keeps them from the hands of youth. America’s tobacconists do not cater to the young, and that this is a passion shared by discerning adults making an adult decision.

These citizens are joined by the American Association of Respiratory Care, which also wrote members of Congress with the statement that cigars “largely appeal to young smokers.” The American Medical Association has also noted their opposition to this historic effort to protect your ability to enjoy great cigars.

Industry leaders from the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association, along with Cigar Rights of America, have responded to each opposition letter, with letters based upon facts, not sensational hyperbole.

We can highlight today, however, that even amidst the bad press that surrounds the work of Congress, among them are members of Congress that are capable of being objective, pro-business and anti-regulation, capable of realizing what makes a cigar unique, and that these members are committed to saving jobs. For example, six physicians and two nurses that are members of Congress have signed on to support H.R. 1639.

True progress is being made to advance this critical legislation, with over 127 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signing on as co-sponsors, and new members of the Senate signing on as well. Joining U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio of Florida are leaders in the Chamber such as Senators Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee.

Do your part by signing the Cigar Rights of America petition to Congress that asks for support for this critical legislation, and your opposition to any effort by the FDA to regulate cigars. CIR

Amazing, and yet not unexpected. As we conduct briefings in Washington, we at Cigar Rights of America

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I know that many will not like that Costco, or any other big box retailer is carrying cigars, potentially cutting into sales of small retailers. My point is that the act of doing so - and so openly! - proves that cigars are not only viewed as socially acceptable, but as profitable. I applaud both sentiments! ever. Rather, they are tools that do not act, but react to the information that is presented. As was once explained to me by a restaurant manager I worked for years ago, there is a difference between a thermostat and a thermometer; a thermometer measures temperature, a thermostat changes the temperature.

Politicians are thermometers. The People (read: The Voters!) are the thermostat.

At my local Costco, in and amongst the deals on paper towels and big screen TV’s, there is an ever-expanding section of spirits: Scotch, whiskey, vodka, and rum, along with plenty of beer and wine. Costco now even has its own brand of bourbon. And next to the aisle of sprits, covering one half of an end cap, was a spread of cigars - gift boxes of cigars for Christmas.

Costco, as long as I have been a member, has sold cigarettes. They are located in a back area, in a cage, under lock and key. They are, quite literally, hidden. The cigars were presented for all the world to see, in the spirit of the holiday season, some in decorative tins.

The people, via Costco, have spoken. The difference between cigars and cigarettes has moved from the back room of cigar lounges and the email updates of Cigar Rights of America to one of the biggest retailers in America. The cigar has always carried with it complete social acceptance. As I have written in these pages, the cigar brings people together, and brings about the best in conversation, in friendship, in the commonality of man.

The fact that the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 is working its way through Congress is important, and I applaud Rep. Posey for sponsoring it and all those who have signed on to keep the FDA from putting thousand of farmers and small business owners out of work.

More importantly, the thermostat has turned up the heat, and made the delineation clear. Cigars are not cigarettes, not by a long shot. They are a vital component in trade, create opportunities for thousands, and are the choice of free people who want to decide their pleasures.

Call your local Costco, and thank them for being on the side of freedom. I know that many will not like that Costco, or any other big box retailer is carrying cigars, potentially cutting into sales of small retailers. My point is that the act of doing so - and so openly! - proves that cigars are not only viewed as socially acceptable, but as profitable. I applaud both sentiments! Call your representatives in Congress, and tell them to support this legislation.

Then remember the story of the Thermostat and the Thermometer, and the definitive proof that politicians work the people, not the other way around.

NOTE - I am a member of Costco. I am not endorsed or sponsored by Costco. CIR Tony Katz All Patriots Media, Inc.

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T I M E

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

Time Does Fly O

rigins are important. Long before John Travolta became a leading Hollywood badass, posing in front of vintage fighter planes in numerous Breitling watch ads, he was strutting around the neon dance floor to Bee Gees music, sporting a pompador and bell-bottom slacks. The origin of Breitling watches and other aviator watch brands are deeply rooted in history as well, although with a bit less polyester and falsetto. Their archetypal watch made the leap from the pocket to the wrist shortly after the Wright brothers made their fabled leap from Kiddie Hawk Hill into the pages of history. Indeed, the birth of aviation was the segue into the birth of modern horology. Pilots of the 1920s decided, quite logically, that strapping one’s watch to the wrist made referencing the time (an important factor in navigation before GPS, radar, or other modern aids) much easier than digging out a pocket watch. It was no longer the era of the dandy. Gentlemen traded in top hats and walking sticks for flight jackets and goggles.

Most notable for watch lovers was Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who took to the skies of Europe in initial prototypes of the airplane. His friend, Louis Cartier, took the challenge upon himself to create a watch for Dumont’s wrist. The rest was history. What does that mean for modern comsumers? Just as summer sadly ending, girls putting away the Daisy Dukes, and leaves carpeting sidewalks, when fall arrives gentle-

men will don leather bomber jackets and aviator shades.

What better watch to accompany the death of summer than the quintessential pilot’s watch?

By Joe Lordi

Bell & Ross, known for their strikingly-modern BR-01 that more resembles a cockpit clock from a jet fighter than a wristwatch, have released yet another outrageously impressive iteration of their pilot’s watch series. With their WR-01 and the accompanying PW-01 (acronyms for “Wristwatch 01” and “Pocket Watch 01” respectively), Bell & Ross have taken the design of the earliest pilots’ watches (which were essentially a pocket watch with soldered-on lugs for a wrist strap) and created stark, utilitarian timepieces with vintage aesthetics that are somehow hauntingly beautiful. The WR-01 makes one imagine opening up great-grandfather’s cedar chest and finding that very watch lying atop old photos and war medals. Its large central second hand sweeps coolly over the beautiful galvanic black sunburst domed dial with photoluminescent hands and indices.

The dial also sports a power-reserve subdial, so that the wearer knows exactly how long the watch will tick before it needs another winding - that’s old school cool.

The PW-01, slightly larger, is the implied predecessor.

Its massive 49mm case displays the time and utilizes the subdial to count seconds. Fascinatingly enough, Bell & Ross’ design portfolio has arisen in a reverse chronological order, starting with the most modern designs. continued on page 11

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Now, after major success, the company is releasing interpretations of turn-of-the-last-century watches.

Overall, Bell & Ross has displayed a nimble response to the taste of consumers without sacrificing substance, which is surprising for a brand of its size. Bell & Ross’ finger is placed firmly on the pulse of the watch market, right next to ours.

If boldness isn’t the desire of your taste, take a look at the haute style of the Baume and Mercier’s Capeland Flyback Chronograph. The Capeland collection is a milestone in the evolution of B&M watches. During the watch boom of the late 2000s, Baume’s designs were frankly uninspired, playing it safe with watches that looked best situated on the wrists of boring Wall Street drones. Their collection had no cohesion or personality, a detracting factor since 2008’s deep recession that has contributed in no small part to the survival of established but marginal brands. Only abberant designs such

as the Riviera endured. Now, manufacturing has come out of the proverbial corner with creative fists flying.

The Capeland Chrono is the cornerstone in what I hope is a renaissance for the brand. It’s highly reminiscent of the Longines Weems, a legendary watch in itself, and is based on historical models from Baume’s distinguished past. The Capeland Chrono comes in the classic white dial with blued Breguet hands, a nearly exact representation of the watch that inspired its production - a 1948 design based on the “galet” pocket watch from the late 19th Century. It also comes in an updated 2011 version with a myriad of color choices available. The most noticeable and immediately likeable choices are the gunmetal grey dial and the copper dial, both of which feature large crown and pushers, and other subtle but pleasing details like perfectly placed subdials, as well as interesting stitching on the strap and luminescent hands and indices. The watch’s curves are purposefully evocative of a stone smoothed over time by ocean waves. The key to this watch is relaxed understatement (which is indeed the goal of the entire collection), and the aesthetics are meant to evoke a breezy seaside style.

The self winding, bi-compax movement manufactured

by Lajoux-Perret is beautiful, and visible through the sapphire caseback.

Naturally, no overview of the aviator watch is complete without the mention of the infamous Breitling, a brand literally synonymous with pilot’s watches.

The new Breitling Transocean is a departure from the normal proclivities of the line. Normally, all-business Breitling, which embarks on high-end collaborations only with brands like Bentley, on their wildest day have not ventured this far into making a watch that lets the company’s normal tone of seriousness fade. The Transocean is dripping with late 1960’s whimsy. The hands, svelte like the hands of a 1969 Omega Speedmaster and flat-topped like those of a 1969 Zenith El Primero, complement the Milanese mesh bracelet (also common for watches of the 60s) that effortlessly adds measures of style and comfort. The spirit may be one of the past, but the watch’s soul is forged in the fires of triumph. The Breitling Caliber 01 column-wheel chronograph movement is nothing revolutionary, but when taken into consideration in the post-2008

economic climate, it’s nearly miraculous. When other Swiss houses were laying off employees, Breitling was developing this movement, a risky venture given that luxury watch sales were on a steady decline worldwide.

Breitling retained all of its employees to make this movement, thereby raising a stubborn, triumphant middle finger to the harsh reality of a spreading recession. The exultant Caliber 01 powers the Transocean, whose beauty lies in its copious details, like the contrasted subdials - which are reminiscent of the legendary “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona.

If by now you feel the urge to take to the open skies, but find yourself lacking a plane, check out the Breitling Reno Air Races game for the iPad and iPhone, availible in the iTunes app store. And, as the air becomes chilly and you find yourself gathered around the fire with friends smoking a Romeo Short Churchill or Bolivar Belicoso, remember that your friends will be impressed or perhaps even envious of a Graham Chronofighter Fortress, Rolex GMT Master, MB&F HM4 “Thunderbolt”, or Bremont P-51 under the sleeve of your warm leather jacket. Until then, smoke ‘em if you’ve got ‘em, and let those smoke rings take flight! CIR

Cigars in Review 11

R

ecently, I had the rare and wonderful opportunity to sit down with a new icon in the cigar business, a man that

made it possible for small, independent, non-Cuban individuals to blend and make premium cigars. This is a man who broke the limits of cigar marketing, a man that everyone who has ever smoked a cigar knows, a man who believes in his product and travels 300 days a year to have face-to-face time with his customers. This is the story of a high-powered L.A. attorney that left it all behind on a dream...

Rocky Patel

TB RP TB

Thank you for the interview.

I know you’re a busy man.

Not a problem.

Let’s talk about Indian Tabac and how you got started in this whole cigar industry.

Why did you even get into the business?

RP

Essentially, I was practicing law in L.A., and when we were on the set, during lighting and sound, all the actors were smoking, so naturally I kind of started smoking. I knew a friend in Honduras who was making cigars, and looking for someone to join up with him in the company, so he made the cigars and I came up with all the creative marketing and packaging. Then I ended up doing a bunch of dinners for Schatzi on Main, Schwarzenegger’s former restaurant in Santa Monica. Pretty soon I had a bunch of celebrities in L.A. smoking the cigars, and it became a cool cult cigar in the city. Finally, I got out on the road and started introducing it to people and started liking the business but didn’t know that much about it. Eventually, I bought my partner out, and realized I really needed to learn about the industry, so I went Honduras and Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

I spent a lot of time asking a lot of dumb questions, really learning from the farm up, all about the curing and the fermentation, sucking in all the knowledge I could from the top cigar makers to see what they were doing right and what they were doing wrong.

I really fell in love with it as I made hundreds and hundreds of blends, educating my palate so I could tell

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the difference between tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. I just absolutely fell in love, but everyone said, “You’ll never make it. This is the kind of business that is handed down through generations. You’ve gotta be that, and you’ve gotta be Cuban.” That kind of got my antlers up and got me even more fired up.

I decided, I’m gonna try to show them that I can succeed in this business.

TB

Cool. I was talking to my dad about you, He’s been in the cigar business for 35 years. He said that the most respected he’s ever felt is when you used to call on him. How important do you think that type of care was in getting your brand off the ground? How important do you think that was to the success of Rocky Patel?

RP

Important. You know the thing about Indian Tabac is we had other people making our cigars for us and we always had inconsistency in the blends. They wouldn’t ferment the filler of wrapper properly. They would change the binder on you because in short supply the construction was rushed. They weren’t selective on choosing the best wrapper. It was always one issue after the other. Even though the blends were incredible, I didn’t have direct control over the all the raw materials and construction. And so we had a lot of issues when I finally got complete control over all the curing, fermentation, and manufacturing. That’s when I decided it was time to put my name on the cigar because I could guarantee the consistency and the quality of every single cigar. At that point, I knew we’d be successful because I knew I had a good palate and we were making some amaz-

“A Sit Down with an Icon” -Tony Bellatto

Cigars in Review 13

ing blends with a lot of flavor and a lot of character. At the same time they were great, elegant. and well-balanced.

TB

What would you say is the difference between the cigar industry of the early 90’s and today? I feel like we are in line for another boom.

RP

I’m not necessarily sure we are in another boom.

The difference is the following. In the early 90s, it was cool to smoke cigars. Everyone was smoking and the quality of the cigars was very very very poor. There was not enough good leaf around and people were rushing the curing and fermentation of the tobacco. The construction was not as nice. There were a lot of issues at that time with the quality both in flavor and construction, as well as in taste and consistency. I think at the time people also made more linear cigars. There was really not a lot of character. Flavor was certainly not rich and full-bodied in cigars because there wasn’t ample Ligero. Now, we manufacturers have educated the consumer. I spend a lot of time on the road talking, bring them down to the factories. We have opened consumers’ minds and educated them, just like the wine industry educated their customers. We have gone out and found seeds of different origin tobaccos from around the world. We are growing into unique countries and finding unique tobacco with a lot more character. There is a lot more diversity in flavor. The profile is richer, fuller cigars, and cigars in different shapes sizes and wrappers. I am always seeking to make a cigar that has character, that hasn’t been on the market before. You’re getting better cigars as far as the construction , the quality, the curing, and the fermentation. Everything about the sticks are much much better and superior than in the 90’s. We offer better cigars at a better price than ever before in history.

TB

Speaking on the level of quality, I think that of all the good things you do, the Java is an awesome product. Maybe that is because there are not a lot of premium flavored cigars. I don’t normally smoke flavored cigars, but my Dad and I will smoke a Java for breakfast in the morning. We went out to Napa and smoked them every morning. What did you think about in bringing an actual premium flavor to the market?

What was the process? The Javas are way different than anything else on the market.

RP

When we started this with Drew Estate, my main concern was that the cigar was to be a complete premium cigar that had a little infusion of coffee, vanilla, and chocolate. Now we have the Java Mint, which has a little infusion of coffee, vanilla, chocolate, and mint. We really sought to make a total premium cigar so that someone who is smoking a Decade could turn around and smoke a Java and find the construction impeccable, the fermentation perfect, and the curing exact. At the same time, the smoker gets that little hint of that infusion of flavor. We worked for two and half years until we perfected the process. So you’re right. The Java is a great premium cigar that you can smoke

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We have opened consumers’ minds and educated them, just like the wine industry educated their customers. We have gone out and found seeds of different origin tobaccos from around the world.

We are growing into unique countries and finding unique tobacco with a lot more character.

There is a lot more diversity in flavor.

in the morning, or after dessert or a great meal. It works every time.

TB

That was a good call. Switching gears real quick, I went to school for wine, and wine is really my passion. I noticed that there was a single wine that really got me into wine. Is there a cigar like that for you? One you had and you were like wow, this cigar will change my life forever.

RP

When I blended the Decade and had that blend I was completely taken aback by it. This was after I had made 127 different blends and when I actually got to it I thought, wow, that’s pretty amazing. I also enjoy the Padron Anniversary. Years ago it wowed me; it was a cigar that impressed me very much. I’ve come across other blends that we made like the Edge blend that also wowed me; it had a unique taste profile that no other cigar ever had before.

Those are the types of cigars that blow me away.

TB RP

Lets talk about the Decade. What about that cigar makes it so special ?

I think the Decade, like the Edge, we don’t tell anyone what the filler is, but we use filler from a particular country in the world that no one else uses. That makes it unique in flavor. We have a very very high priming of Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, very dark, very oily, that adds to a lot of the flavor. That tobacco has been aged for 17 years. It’s gone through extreme fermentation that makes it very clean, elegant and well-balanced. The beauty about the Decade is it delivers so much flavor while at the same time it’s so balanced on the palate.

TB RP TB

I think its one of the best cigars I’ve ever had personally.

Thank You!

We recently had an event at Havana House, our store, our best event to date, and I think that was partly because of the accessories we were able to give to our customers. We had the Decade humidors, Rocky lighters, wooden cigars, and other things. What do you think is next for Rocky Accessories, and do you think they are crucial to selling your products? continued

Rocky and Royal

After chatting with the new king of cigars, I decided to take a minute and reflect on my conversation with Rocky Patel. The only appropriate way to do so is with a cigar and whisky. The cigar was a Rocky Patel 15th anniversary, and the drink, the new Crown Royal Black. Canadian blended whisky typically has a bad rap compared to the powerhouses of Scotland, Ireland, and bourbon from Kentucky.

Fortunately for Crown Royal, they have come up with this intelligent and dynamic ultra oak-aged, smooth-blended, 90-proof whisky. Taking the first sip, I’m reminded of vanilla, sweet maraschino cherry, and toast. Coincidentally, the Nicaraguan and Ecuadorian wrapped Rocky is a perfect match with its fresh ground espresso, earthy and sweet notes.

Pairing these two enjoyments is a wise decision for dessert, as both have well-balanced sweetness and approachability without being too rich or cloyingly sweet. They both also have an intensely long finish, and would fare very well with a crème brulee, or anything with balanced sweetness and vanilla.

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RP

We are coming out with the Rocky Patel Luxury Lifestyle Collection. We are trying to be innovative.

It’s ironic that you asked me this, because just yesterday we sat down and were looking at different versions and samples of some unique humidors. We are going to go back to some really classic antique style humidors, and retro style ashtrays, classic antique type stuff. We are pushing back time again into what old cigars used to look like, what old humidors used to look like, because everything now is so modern. We are pushing the envelope on that side. Also, our clothing line has been very successful. We are looking to expand on that and do some innovative stuff in that area.

I’m always looking to push the boundaries and bring to the cigar consumer stuff that they enjoy and that is not always cigar-related. We are also looking at our own wine, too.

We were just in Argentina visiting wineries, interviewing people, and we are looking at some wines in California.

TB

Well that will be awesome. Last question. How do you feel about being in the retail industry now? You have your own lounge now, how’s that going for you? Do you enjoy it?

RP

I really enjoy it. I spend a lot of time there. The unique thing about “Burn” is that it really is an experience. When you go to “Burn” you feel that you’re transcended into a journey. You can’t tell if you’re in Cuba or India. It has fun architecture, lifestyle, comfort, wine, and spirits. We have the best of everything there. It has a wow factor. I wanted to make sure we did it right because you know most lounges look like a library. I wanted to show people that with cigars you can have a fun, lively, real experience. We have live music every night and I enjoy that we carry some of the finest cigars in the world. People from all over the world come and see us, and it’s cool, so I want to make cigars more fun. It’s not an old boring thing where you just sit around on a couch. I guess I made it a more lively exciting experience, and hopefully we can spread this to other cities around the world.

TB

Well, I think your doing a great job. I’ve always loved your product. My Dad has always loved your product, and we are proud to have it in our stores.

I really appreciate your time.

RP

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Thank you.

Tell your Dad I said hello.

CIR

Wine Ratings 2009 Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah

This wine is very opaque bright and lively, with a harmonious and very expressive nose. On the palate there is plum, strawberry, and blackcurrant flavors wit some oak, pepper and nutmeg in the back of the palate. Long, clean, crisp with a medium, layered body. This wine will be great for the next 5-10 yrs.

93 pts $15.00

Drew Fogeater Pinot Noir 2008 On the nose, this wine has dark wild raspberry fruits, blood red plums, fresh earth and wild flowers. On the palate, the wine oozes fresh fruit, earth, floral tones and a mineral edge. A bit young now, but one that will continue to shed some layers as the bouquet unravels for years to come. Decant when young or let breath for at least one hour.

96 pts $40.00

Red Car Speakeasy Syrah 2006 Dominated by cooler climate flavors because over 70% of its grapes hail from true cool climate regions. This evolving style is the result of trying to produce more sophisticated and graceful syrah.

The lush tastes of wild Maine blueberries, Ranier cherries, licorice and Kona coffee are balanced and refined. The mouthfeel is linear yet silky. Scents of crushed peppercorn, fresh grass, and clove come off the nose with a hint of orange rind. Elegance has spoken.

98pts $50.00

Fritz Estate Reserve Zinfandel 2008 Hand crafted from 30 year old vines grown on the Estate, this wine is a selection of the best barrels from their Zinfandel. Stimulating aromas of cranberries and ripe fig explode from the glass, followed by black cherries and subtle spices. With balanced acidity and firm soft tannins this Zinfandel expresses flavors of cherries and blackberries with underlying anise and violets.

94pts $35.00

2007 Caldwell Rocket Science Proprietary Red Elegant bright fruit with hints of anise. Classic Bordeaux varietals, earthy and dusty but overlaid by classic California fruit.

94pts $50.00

2007 Solnia, Rioja Spain Developing Amarone (rasin and candied fruit) characteristics and a little brownness in olor. Great Value. Scrumptious red fruits combined with old world tastes of Spain.

90 pts $12.00

2004 Marti Fabria Selecion Vineys Velles , Emporda Spain Another great one from Spain, this is the great Masa Carreras’ little brother. 70% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Tempranillo, 5% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon give this wine a balanced and age-worthy appeal. On the nose there is some Bbubble gum with bright red fruits on the palate.

92 pts $20.00

2009 Sineann Red Table Wine, Oregon, United States Never disappointing, Sineann remains one of my favorite producers. An interesting blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Merlot seems a little off kilter unless you taste this $20 gem. If you can find this proprietary red at your local shop pick it up. This wine with its soft fruit, white pepper and tobacco suits well for all your parties where you have guests that enjoy wine in general. This is the quintessential definition of a table wine with the finesse of the big cult classics.

98 pts $20.00

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It’s The ‘Case’ of

18 Cigars in Review

a Fine Cigar “Kristoff Cigars are reminiscent of Old World flavor” by Jerry Ison

Glen Case

had a successful eighteen-year run as a marketing executive for one of Chicago’s largest banks before deciding on a more rewarding career. One day, without warning, he announced to his wife over dinner that he was jumping into the cigar business.

“After I picked her up off the floor, she came around to my way of thinking and supported my efforts 110 percent,” Glen says, a bit tongue in cheek. “Really, she was totally behind the idea and we haven’t looked back since.”

Glen entered the cigar industry as an independent sales rep, but quickly realized his passion for cigars and all the other aspects of the cigar world demanded he do more. Within six months, he started his own line. In November 2004, Exclusive Cigars, Inc. was born.

The first Exclusive product was a bundled cigar, the Premium Selection, which came in a natural and a maduro wrapper. That cigar is still an Exclusive favorite.

Mid 2005, the Kristoff Original Criollo, first in its line, was introduced. Glen places great importance on family and the name, “Kristoff ” comes from his son, Christopher.

Another mild-bodied, Honduran Connecticut version of the original introduced later was named the Brittania after Glen’s daughter, Brittany.

Glen’s mantra has always been Quality, Consistency, and Availability. To maintain that standard, he held the company’s growth to a slow pace so as to not lose the integrity of the Kristoff cigars and their distribution. Exclusive sales were initially limited to the Midwest states of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Nevertheless, word spread quickly about the very smooth, full-flavored, medium-bodied Kristoff Cigar. Glen says he blends cigars based on what he likes to smoke. It’s a similar mindset to that of most great chefs who prepare the types of food they like to eat.

As far as Glen is concerned, it’s all about the flavor, balance and smoothness, not about trying to impress or prove a point with strength, pepper, and spice. “Oh sure,” he says. “There’s a market for that kind of cigar, but it’s not something I personally enjoy.”

This kind of approach that seems to be the difference between cigars that succeed and the failure of other brands. Glen is obsessed with the Old World Cuban methods of blending tobaccos and making cigars. Kristoff uses the traditional Cuban entubar method of bunching, and all Kristoff cigars are made using the tra-

ditional Cuban rolling techniques. That means an uncut foot and a fuma finished cap. Use of double and triple fermented habno seed tobaccos insures incredibly smooth, full flavored cigars without the bite or bitterness.

Glen introduced new blends in the years following the Kristoff success, but approached sales cautiously. Careful not to lose focus on Exclusive’s very strict guidelines of quality, consistency, and availability that made Kristoff successful, Glen was very selective and methodical when hiring sales reps in key markets. After the introduction of the Original Kristoff Criollo, then the Original Maduro, Glen introduced the Ligero line. These are the full-bodied version of the Original Kristoff Maduro and Criollo. Following the release of the Ligero line, Glen introduced the Kristoff Sumatra; a medium full-bodied cigar with velvety floral notes, spice, cinnamon, and a smooth sweet finish.

At this year’s Vegas show, Kristoff introduced three new blends: The GC Signature Series, the Corojo Limitada, and the Kristiana (whose name is a combination of Glen’s children, Christopher and Brittany).

“I’m excited about all the new cigars,” he says. “I believe they are some of the best blends we’ve come out with to date. The Kristania is my first blend in the premium, value–priced category. It is a delicious full-flavored, medium-bodied cigar, that retails for $5 to $5.80 a stick!”

In 2010, Glen began rebranding the company image under the Kristoff name. Until then, all marketing and advertising was using the Exclusive Cigars brand. However, everyone knew the company as Kristoff Cigars, so a change was needed. All premium cigars that were not branded as Kristoff - such as the Vengeance - were discontinued. Using a different look and feel, all advertising and marketing was shifted to Kristoff and this proved wise, as the company continues to grow and expand its marketing.

“Today, we have sales representation throughout the US, and portions of Europe,” Glen reports. “Our growth nationally and internationally has been an amazing blessing. I spend about 50% of my time traveling the country, meeting customers and doing events. While it is a lot of hard work, I truly enjoying talking to folks that have the same passion for cigars that I do...I like to say that I’m living the dream!”

And to round out the family aspect of Glen Case’s second career, the next premium cigar from Kristoff will be the “Teri” named for his so very supportive wife! CIR Cigars in Review 19

B E E R

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

Steel City Breweries

by Jan Lobota

I

traveled into Pittsburgh on Highway 60 onto 279 through the beautiful rolling hills of Pennsylvania and then to the center of Pittsburgh, arriving on Liberty Avenue in the center, which seemed like a ghost town on the weekend. It was a great time to see the city without the traffic.

Oatmeal Stout with a wonderful rich sweet roasty flavor, creamy mouth feel, and a clean finish; and second, the Old English Ale (the first I had ever tasted at a brewpub), which was heaven with a nice malty aroma and an intense malty flavor with hints of dried fruit at almost 8% a.b.v. and 45 IBUs. It got my full attention!

My destination was the Church Brew Works brewery, nestled in the historic neighborhood of Lawrenceville. The brewpub is located in the former St. John the Baptist church and school which was built in 1902 in the Northern Italian architectural style. The all red brick building featured enormous solid wood doors that lead into the great expanse of the interior; the size and beauty of it awed me. There were the hand-painted cypress beams on the vaulted ceiling and intricate Europeanstyle stained glass windows cast a beautiful celestial light into the place. The 30’ foot high pillars with massive arches guided me down the center aisle to the former altar, where the 15-barrel brew system sat. (I almost got down on my knees and prayed, for beer that is.)

Church Brew Works has won a number of award and medals from regional and national competitions and the Great American Beer Festival. The food was outstanding, the service was great, and the beers they served were all great examples of their styles.

The brewery usually has 8 beers on tap, which include Celestial Gold, a light lager beer for the masses. It has an alcohol content of 4.2% a.b.v. (Alcohol by Volume) and 18 IBUs (international Bittering Units). The Pious Monk Dunkel, a Munich Dunkel style beer with a 5.2% a.b.v. and 18 IBUs, was a fine example with a good maltiness, subdued hop bitterness, and well-balanced. The Vienna Lager was a light copper color with a nice dry finish, 28 IBUs, and 5.8% a.b.v., which is on the higher end of the style. The Bell Tower Brown Ale, drawn from an English beer engine, was awesome. It was a Southern English style brown ale with a 5% a.b.v. and 18 IBUs. The flavor had a great malty sweetness with hints of caramel nut. The two beers that impressed me the most were: first, the Toasted 20 Cigars in Review

Pittsburgh is a great beer destination with a number of fine breweries. Located across the street from the Church Brew Works is The Old Pittsburgh Brewery where Iron City Beer is brewed. At the Southside Works Marketplace along the river is the newer German Hofbräuhaus, where it is Oktoberfest every day. You can experience the true Oktoberfest adventure with oompah bands, communal seating, classic German food, and Hofbräuhaus beers such as Hofbräu Original, Lager, Munich Dunkel, Hefe Weizen, and seasonal beers. Across town is the famous Pennsylvania Brewing Company, the first craft brewhouse in Pennsylvania since 1986. The brewery is on the site of the former Eberhardt and Ober Brewery that was founded in 1848. Penn Brewery also has a wide selection of great beers from Penn Pilsner, Penn Dark and St. Nicholas Bock.

I can go on forever with the Steel City’s breweries, beer and history, but that would be another story. If you happen to go and experience the great city of Pittsburgh and its breweries, guaranteed they will definitely quench that thirst for great beer. Prost! CIR

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

80th Anniversary Zippo Lighter

P RO D U C T R E V I E WS

The Ultimate Tailgating Accessory for Men Don’t let Mother Nature’s heat destroy your tailgating experience by heating up your favorite suds. Come prepared with the Buccaneer All-In-One Insulating Tailgating Cooler with Grill. It has everything you need to have the ultimate tailgating experience any time of year and make you a hero with all of your beer-drinking buddies.

Why go through the hassle of packing a bulky grill and heavy cooler when you can carry them both in one compact package? Chances are you forget the utensils all too often in the hassle of packing up everything. You don’t have to worry about that with the Buccaneer All-In-One. It comes with a pair of tongs, a BBQ fork, and a large spatula. With handy holders for all the utensils, they won’t get lost in all of the excitement of preparing for the big game.

There are not many companies that make it to their 80th year of existence. To celebrate this special milestone, Zippo has pulled out the stops and introduced a special limited edition. This distinctive-looking lighter features laser engraving over a black chrome armor finish. Each and every lighter has a stamp on the bottom that authenticates it as the real deal. They also feature a number on the side, from 1 (first off the production line) to 41,932, the last lighter that will be produced in this line. If you want one of these collectable lighters, you had better hurry since they most certainly will not last.

The cooler has room for an entire case of your favorite potent potables or beer, and it’s insulated so it keeps your drinks cold during the warmest of fall afternoons. The BBQ grill has enough space for burgers and steaks, and it’s made to last. It has a reinforced water-resistant base, so you don’t have to worry about it all falling through the bottom at an inopportune time. Best of all, this tailgate cooler has a shoulder strap so it can easily be carried anywhere and everywhere.

Leave all of the mess and hassle behind when you get this All-InOne Insulating Tailgating Cooler with Grill. It will keep you organized and allow you to have the ultimate tailgate party, enhance your entire game day experience.

The lighter also features an “80” on the front for the number of years they have been in business, and the Zippo name below that. It comes packaged in a handsome black box with red cushioning for the lighter; you’ll want to keep this presentation box to hold your lighter when not using it. While the outside of the lighter has undergone radical changes over the years, the inner workings of a Zippo have remained unchanged for the most part.

The lighters still employ the flint wheel ignition system that gives off that audible and iconic Zippo click with each and every light.

Whether you’re a collector or just love having the latest and greatest gadgets, the Zippo 80th Anniversary Armor Black Chrome Lighter is something you need to check out while you can still get one.

Pete Ekizian is the owner and operator of Executive Gift Shoppe, specializing in Zippo lighters for over a decade.

(See www.executivegiftshoppe.com/zippo-lighters.html for available selections.)

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P RO D U C T R E V I E WS

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

Rabbit Air – MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier

W

hen looking into buying a product that might make you breathe easier (both figuratively and literally), consider a company named Rabbit Air. They’ve been getting rave reviews and recommendations on a consistent basis. Aside from having years of experience in the business, Rabbit Air has an interesting array of products available to turn the air inside your house into something very pure and soothing. Why soothing?

Because you’ll know any breath you take will be free of mold, pollen, dust, and smoke.

One product I’ve been particularly impressed by is the MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA air purifier as it is extraordinarily quiet and extremely effective. Rabbit Air worked with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to create this functional and stylish product.

The MinusA2 has two models (the SPA-700A and the SPA-780A) that service 700 and 815 square feet of air, respectively. The unit can completely change the air either two or four times an hour, depending on your desired settings.

On top of the outstanding job the unit does in eliminating germs, toxins, and materials such as pet allergens, it is also a great addition to any man cave because of the smoke-eating properties it possesses. With one of these top of the line units running, your cigar smoking experience will become even more enjoyable.

As for other benefits from the MinusA2 or any other product from Rabbit Air, you can be certain of an outstanding customer experience with Rabbit Air due to their impeccable warranty. They stand by their products with a five-year warranty. In addition, any order over $300 gets shipping included free.

If you like to kick back and relax with a nice smoke, I’d recommend investing in the MinusA2 as it definitely makes the air around you that much better (not to mention it should help keep your significant other happy due to not having to worry about the smell of smoke).

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THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

P RO D U C T R E V I E WS

Le Veil dch-210 Cigar Humidifier

H

ow much is $123 actually worth when you are talking about cigar economics?

You might be surprised to discover it can equal up to $10,000 (or even more), depending on the situation. Unless you just buy cigars as you smoke them, you have an immediate need of the utmost importance - proper cigar storage that maintains the perfect environment for your sticks to age and makes them ready whenever you wish to enjoy one.

When making a trip to your humidor for one of the sensational cigars you spent your hard-earned cash on, the last thing you want is to experience a letdown of an over- or under-humidified stogie. A lot of us have experienced this at one time or another. People tell me this is part of the game, and that things happen from time to time. Whether it is the planets not in the right astrological line or whether you live in the blistering heat and humidity in Florida, there always seems to be some reason this situation is to be expected once in a while. I admit I used to subscribe to that line of thinking until I checked out a new and technologically sound humidifier from a respected company named Le Veil.

The Le Veil DCH-210 iCigar humidifier uses time-honored scientific standards but puts the rest of the industry on notice by adding outstanding technological advances to bring humidification into a smart new place in the second decade of the 21st century.

The features of this compact consortium of humidification excellence include: dual re-calibrating technology for the hygrometer attached to the humidifier; a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that can be charged via your computer USB port; an ultra-quiet fan; liquid crystal display (LCD); temperature display; the ability to run on A/C or D/C power; and a water alarm indicator. In addition, the device maintains humidors as small as 25 cigars and accommodates those that hold 200+. With the plethora of options of this baby, you can believe there are already patent rights issued and/or pending for some of its advances.

I must recommend this intelligent, stylish, and functional humidification device to anyone with a collection of cigars they want to keep in pristine condition for as long as they choose. We all know that some cigars taste better when they are aged, and that without the proper equipment to help us age them, it is most definitely a lost cause. Don’t leave yourself with that letdown feeling!

You can find this outstanding product (and many others) at:www.leveil.us/humidifier/dch200.htm

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P RO D U C T R E V I E WS

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

ZorbX Odor Eliminator

W

e can probably agree that just about everyone reading this periodical enjoys smoking cigars or is in love with the mystique that surrounds the cultivation, tradition, and culture that is associated with our beloved tobacco. Part of the wonderfulness of cigars is the effort, planning, and care that go into making an outstanding stick. The artistry is akin to the work of creating a work of literature.

There is a difference, however; the odor associated with the enjoyment of our piece of flammable agricultural art.

While most of us enthralled in the cigar culture do love the smell of a good stogie as we enjoy it, we generally do not want to keep the odor with us long after we finish smoking. Everyone can agree that stale smoke does not smell like the proverbial rose. I’ve known people that will not smoke a cigar for fear of retribution from their peers, or management at work, or fear of retribution by the management at home (the wife or husband).

The issue of cigar smell has been an age-old problem that has brought many people to attempt to not just destroy or hide the smell but to eliminate it entirely.

I never thought I would use adjectives like “excited” in relation to something that is supposed to eliminate odors but I must admit, after trying it out, I have rave reviews, which I will get to later.

My personal story revolves around every Saturday night when my wife is kind enough to let me take some time to relax at home to watch boxing, football, etc. while she goes to hang out with her family. I truly consider myself lucky to have such an awesome wife because she tries to accommodate everything I love. One rule she will not break, however, or even consider bending on, is smoking a cigar in the house. I can understand her dislike of the smell, but I just want to smoke once a week while she goes on her Bingo sabbatical. Figuring the smoke smell would dissipate by the time she got home, I’ll just say I tried my hypothesis and I was very wrong…

Enter ZorbX an odor eliminator that comes in a sleek and subtle clear bottle with black writing and a modicum of visual effects. The smell is somewhat faint but it definitely does what it advertises eliminates odor rather than just hiding it. A few pumps of the bottle brings the eradication of cigarette smoke or cigar smoke, and it also does an outstanding job on cat smells (we have a few felines). It was wonderful because the scent was not overbearing. The product simply worked, without screaming its arrival in the room.

It’s also non-toxic, so if your two year-old gets into it, you won’t have to spend hours on the phone with the poison control center or in the emergency room.

Generally speaking, I give it 9 out of 10 stars, as it beats any other I have ever used, hands down. For my personal needs, I’d give it 15 out of 10 because now Daddy’s night home just got a lot more comfortable as I can* enjoy a cigar in the living room because ZorbX eliminates the smell before my wife gets home!

Ah, if only they made breath mints. *If my wife happens to read this article, I’m sure I will end up in the doghouse but I’ve got to give credit where it is due, and maybe my sacrifice will help millions of other men with similar afflictions CIR

Cigars in Review 25

La Gloria’s Teamwork It was 1992 when Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s La Gloria Cubana began to take off. El Credito, the little Miami cigar company founded by his father in 1968 with only one roller, would soon become a powerhouse.

by Frank Seltzer

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La Gloria Cubana grew throughout the cigar boom of the 90s and by the end of that decade, Perez-Carrillo sold his company to Swedish Match (General Cigar). At the time of the sale, Perez-Carrillo brought in a national sales manager with 18 years in the cigar business to help continue La Gloria’s growth. Michael Gianinni joined El Credito in January of 2000. He and Ernesto spent the next 9 years growing the business adding to the base La Gloria with lines like the Serie R and the Artesano de Miami.

In March of 2009, Ernesto left the company he had built to form a new company of his own with his children, E.P Carrillo.

Gianinni had moved into the marketing role for General Cigar and with Ernesto’s departure became the face of La Gloria. Gianinni was not alone however. He had begun a partnership with Rick Rodriguez, an apprentice to legendary cigar maker Benji Menendez and officially titled a cigar master in training to look at ways to showcase the cigar lifestyle to consumers. In November of 2009, while at the Big Smoke in Vegas, Michael and Rick joined Yuri Guillén– who had been running the El Credito factory in Santiago since 2003, and the three decided to form Team La Gloria as a means of pushing the brand forward. At one point during the Vegas trip, the trio was sitting around a slot machine and in a few minutes came up with the idea of what would become the La Gloria Serie N using Nicaraguan tobaccos.

The Serie N was one of three new lines added in 2010, the Serie R Pequeño was more of an extension. The Artesanos de Tabaqueros which combines Connecticut and Ecuadoran Sumatra wrappers was Rick Rodriguez s idea but to make the double wrappers work, Rick turned to Benji Menendez who made it become a reality. The Artesanos de Obelisco blend came from Michael and Yuri but again it was Benji who suggested the size to intensify the flavors.

Making the Serie N was not easy.

Michael had the idea to bling out the cigar with a little Connecticut Shade “N.” How hard could it be? Turns out, very. After the debut of the cigar at IPCPR last summer, Team La Gloria was down in the factory,

says Michael “Yuri said we should stay away from the rollers because they are very angry with us. We went into the factory anyway and saw there were three ladies cutting the N’s out. The N’s were like all over the rolling table, in their hair and even on their faces.

Ricky is looking at me like we gotta get out of here. First day, three ladies did a thousand cigars. The second day we went back in and there were 10 ladies, the third day15 ladies.

We had over 250 thousand cigars already rolled and they said you know this shipment is going to be late. We finally got them out but it was not easy.”

Yuri says the factory is becoming more exciting, “I feel proud of what we are doing. We are changing the mindset of the people in the factory. All the way around.

A thousand people working and thinking. We have supervisors innovating every day they have given me many many new ideas.

So many sometimes it is overwhelming.” In fact, one of the new Team La Gloria products out did not come solely from Yuri, Michael and Rick but from ideas shared by others in the factory.

El Perrito is a 5 ½ x 38 little powerhouse of a stick that came from two of the supervisors in the factory. They shared their idea with Yuri and Michael and the cigar was launched in May 2011. But also during that time the team lost one of its members. With CAO becoming more integrated into General’s portfolio, the company asked Rick to spearhead that brand and develop blends for the line so he moved over there, teaming up with Ed McKenna and developed the CAO OSA line.

Back at La Gloria, the Team is also pushing new media. The Team La Gloria website (lagloriacigars.com) has a blog and behind the scenes videos. Michael says they have about 5,000 people following them on either the web or Twitter adding, “It is a kick in the ass for us.” CIR

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M E D I A

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

Triple Album Review: 2011’s Three Best Albums

By Bryan Infante

Cake“Showroom of Compassion” (Upbeat Records) Cake, indie iock heroes from the 90s, finally released a new album after seven inactive years. Showroom of Compassion, as the new material is titled, was met with reasonable skepticism. After all, how many (almost) two decades-old bands return from hibernation with an album that matches their best work? Cake, it seems, does; and without compromising their signature sound. Still present are the painful harmonies contrasted by mariachi-style trumpet compositions and a buoyant rhythm section. But there is something different about this album. John McCrea, Cake’s scrupulous and political lead singer, has been long admired for his casual use of cynicism and of satire. On the new album though, he places these ingredients secondary to, well… compassion. And ultimately, Cake’s latest effort is so fresh and suitably mature because of that very element. Showroom of Compassion will be remembered as proof that some times, bands do age gracefully.

Best Tracks: “Long Time” “Mustache Man (Wasted)” “Easy To Crash”

Charles Bradley“No Time for Dreaming” (Daptone Records) Daptone Records is celebrated for signing present-day artists who embody the sound and spirit of classic soul and funk music. Charles Bradley is no exception. His voice is passionate and raw, which is why he’s affectionately nicknamed the “Screaming Eagle of 32 Cigars in Review

Soul.” But honestly, any true soul singer is passionate, raw and exposed. Bradley stands out because he is urgent. Not urgent in a political “What’s Going On” people-are-suffering sort of way. It’s more, “Hear my message—you could really learn a lot from it.” He speaks compellingly about the importance of here and now and he makes the listener understand that, in a world that’s “going up in flames” (see opening track), love and genuineness are paramount.

Best Tracks: “The World (Is Going Up In Flames)” “I Believe In Your Love”

Radiohead- “King of Limbs” (self-released) Seeing that every Radiohead album since 1995 has been labeled Album of the Year by hordes of critics, it’s no surprise that King of Limbs made this list. In true Radiohead fashion, this record sounds unlike any of their previous work.

It’s the least guitar-driven, relying more heavily on a percussion-based rhythm section (almost resembling the electronic genre glitch-hop). King of Limbs has less coherent lyrical content than other Radiohead albums, but makes up for this potential drawback with fantastic instrumentals. The music has many layers, each full of unique and subtle nuances, meriting King of Limbs as one of the best albums of the year. For the full-length, track-by-track review, go to my blog: www. cigarsinreviewinfante.wordpress.com.

Best Tracks: “Little By Little” “Lotus Flower” “Codex”

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W I N E

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

A Sommelier, Wino, and Hillbilly Share One of California’s Finest Bottles -Tony Bellatto, WSET Advanced Sommelier

Y

ou don’t have to be a record producer to be moved by good music, a Cicerone to enjoy artfully crafted beer, or an executive chef to seek out the finest grub. Experiencing the best of the best is truly one of life’s great pleasures but only, perhaps, if you have meaningful friends to share with. Having your best friends and family around can make your backyard into the rooftop bar at the Ritz, turn a frozen strip steak into Wolfgang’s mesquite cote de boeuf, or even make a twentydollar bottle of cultish California taste like it might cost two hundred. Now imagine what a $500 bottle of one of Napa Valley’s most sought after wines might be like in company of the very best of friends.

Sometimes in the hustle-bustle of being a sommelier and running a wine shop, I get bogged down by ratings, pretension, and wine gobbledy-gook, like what effect does unique volcanic soil of chalky white ash, a western facing slope, and twenty-five 82 degree days have on the wine’s body. What varietals should I be looking for? It gets tiresome. Sometimes, the best way for me to evaluate wine and get a honest-to-goodness opinion is with my two best friends. Neither has the education or experience that I have, but they both have a discerning palate and an unaffiliated, honest perspective.

The wine was Colgin “Cariad” 2006. The cigars, Cuban Montecristo # 3’s. The food, deep-fried peanuts and whiskey sticks. The music was Credence on vinyl.

The friends, a career hippie and dental school student (Doug), a petroleum engineer hillbilly (Alex), and me… Youngstown’s resident tattooed, smoking sommelier.

On the rolling slopes of St. Helena in Napa Valley lies the Madrona Ranch.

The distinctions here are essential in shaping the complexity of the Cariad. Most of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot come from this vineyard and this fact lends itself to the Bordeaux-like structure and flavor profile. This wine has extreme terroir. While filled with earth and materiality, it completely displays the classic California fruit that you might expect from St. Helena. The Petit Verdot for the “Cariad” blend comes from Thorevilos Vineyard. Meticulous vine care and low yielding vines produce a Petit Verdot that adds the salt and pepper and the beautiful finishing notes in this outstanding wine. continued on next page

Cigars in Review 35

Doug typically likes his wine soft and well rounded.

Ripe fruits and shy tannin are much more his style, so it was no surprise to see Doug a little overwhelmed by the tannin and acidity in this monster. The wine was surprisingly well balanced for its youth. Most of these Cali big dogs take 15 to 20 years to develop the balance that this wine showed. And although it had the high tannin and acid, it compensated with 15.6 degrees of alcohol and a clever rush of strawberry and blackberry so bright even Doug eventually came out of his Caymus coma and began to really enjoy the complexity and power that brings this high flyer back to Earth.

Alex typically likes his alcohol in the form of Budweiser, but having lately been interested in learning about wine he has shown promise, as his palate is refined for not knowing it yet. As we drank and smoked, he started talking about the venison, and the deer jerky that he and his family had made. Thinking about the venison as he talked, the gamey and roasty notes of the

wine came to light and made me realize that a wellprepared dish of venison or something gamey like quail or duck would be well-matched with this Cariad.

Colgin is a wine unlike most I’ve had before. The depth and complexity are “right there” as the tannin and acid are balanced now and will last for many years to come. Although we opened the bottle earlier than it may have liked, it still showed very well. At less than 500 cases, it was surely well tended to and artistically crafted.

As the night continued full of laughter and memories, I wrote down tasting notes, Alex talked about killing the deer with a bow and arrow, and Doug’s teeth became a deeper and deeper shade of purple. I realized that it really didn’t matter what we were drinking, because the wine did its job, creating a moment in my life that I will never forget, a snapshot in time that I will remember forever, and that is worth all the money in the world to me. CIR

Thinking about the venison as he talked, the gamey and roasty notes of the wine came to light and made me realize that a well-prepared dish of venison or something gamey like quail or duck would be well-matched with this Cariad

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CIGAR

R AT I N G S

THE CIGAR LIFESTYLE

Cigar Ratings

Honduras Cigar Company: Torano Family Cigars | Vault Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Honduras/Nicaragua Filler: Nicaraguan Ring Gauge: 50 Length: 6 Price: $8.00

Eye pleasing Colorado shade wrapper. Little to no veining. Spices, dry pepper and butter cream. Undertones of sweet fruit mix with aromatic wasps of beautiful white smoke. Black liquorice round out a great cigar.

96

Nicaragua Cigar Company Rocky Patel Cigars | RP 15th Anniversary Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Jalapa Filler: Nicaraguan Ring Gauge: 52 Length: 6.5 Price: $10.50

Nice inviting semi oily wrapper. Light airy draw. Earthy notes of red bell pepper can be found. Leather, hints of cocoa, wood and floral notes throughout. Has a nice toasted woodlike flavor on the finish. Expect large plumes of smoke. Perfect burn.

93

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Honduras Cigar Company: La Palina Name: El Diario Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Honduran Filler: Nicaraguan Ring Gauge: 58 Length: 6 Price: $10.00

Beautiful looking wrapper with a somewhat airy drawn. Firm construction. Cinnamon and spice will tickle your palette the first half of the cigar. Earthy tones and notes of apricot round out a delectable cigar.

93

Honduras Cigar Company: Alec Bradley | Family Blend Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Indonesia Filler: Nicaraguan/Honduras Ring Gauge: 50 Length: 5.5 Price: $6.95

Nice oily wrapper. Draws very well. Nice and creamy with a nutty texture. Plenty of leathery and meaty notes. Flavors of dark roasted coffee with a long finish. Has a consistent even burn.

92

Nicaragua Cigar Company: Ashton | La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Ring Gauge: 50 Length: 5 Price: $7.50 A impressive cigar. From the near flawless wrapper to the plentiful flavors found through out. Sweet raisins and spicy overtones mix to make up this truly fine cigar.

92

Nicaragua Cigar Company: Fire Rescue Cigars | Hydrant Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaraguan Ring Gauge: 52 Length: 5 Price: $8.00

Nice maduro wrapper with slight veining. Spicy start with a hint of sweet apricots. Dry spices and pepper are consistent throughout. A beautiful white ash and aromatic plumes of smoke.

91

Dominican Cigar Company Crossfire Cigars | Toro Habano Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Ring Gauge: 50 Length: 6 Price: $6.99

Attractive habano wrapper. Slight veining. Kicks off with a great black pepper and hay like flavor. Gently gives way to more of a walnut tone. Spices and occasional citrus flavor round out this well balanced cigar.

91

42 Cigars in Review

Honduras Cigar Company | Di Fazio Cigars Cigar | Connecticut Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Indonesia Filler: Honduras/Nicaragua Ring Gauge: 60 Length: 5 Price: $8.00

The wrapper is very well constructed. nice draw; Light and Airy at the beginning, this smoke developed into creamy butter nut flavors with a firm toasty backbone. This cigar, despite its intimidating size, is very approachable and great to get into with a glass of creamy California Chardonnay at a sizzling summer BBQ.

91

Dominican Cigar Company: La Tradicion Cubana | JML 1902 Wrapper: Pennsylvanian Binder: Honduran Filler: Dominican Ring Gauge: 54 Length: 6.25 Price: $N/A

Dark matte wrapper. Pleasant to look at. Some veining. Excellent flavors ranging from spice and wood notes to cinnamon with hints of carmel and coffee. A palette pleaser of a cigar.

91

Dominican Cigar Company | Palomino Cigars | Santa Ana Wrapper: Dominican Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican Ring Gauge: 52 Length:6 Price: $7.00

Attractive looking barber pole wrapper. Great draw and a nice even burn. Starts off with a peppery overtone that quickly includes hints of hazel nuts. Undertones of sweet molasses emerge throughout the smoking experience.

Flavors of spice and several toasty notes round out this well made cigar.

90

Columbia Cigar Company | Camino Real Cigars | Cabinet Selection

Wrapper: Columbian Binder: Columbian Filler: Columbian Ring Gauge: 50 Length: 6 Price: $5.00

A nice cigar. Spicy flavors combine with earthy notes. Hints of bark and under tones of sweet licorice.

Perfect burn. A good quality cigar from Columbia.

89

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Nicaragua Cigar Company MOB Cigars | Sinn Series Wrapper: Ecuadorian Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Ring Gauge: 50 Length: 5 Price: $8.00

Pleasant looking wrapper. Well constructed. Starts off with a green bell pepper and spice mixture and a fruit like after flavor. Some dry leathery notes and a nutty undertone.

89

Dominican Cigar Company: Aroma de Vuelta Abajo | El Galan Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Dominican Ring Gauge: 52 Length: 5 Price: $5.44

Semi smooth with vegetal tones. Consistent bark and light earthy flavors with several bitter notes.

Consistent even burn.

88

Dominican Cigar Company LGC | Retro

Wrapper: Honduran Binder: Mexico/Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan/Dominican Ring Gauge: 47 Length: 5.75 Price:$6:00 Toothy looking wrapper. Dry spicy start. Airy draw with a nice burn. Grassy and hay like flavors mingle with a gentle sweetness akin to figs. Wood, nuts and earthy flavors can also be found.

88

Dominican Cigar Company Gurkha | Evil Wrapper: Brazilian Binder: Dominican Filler: Nicaraguan Ring Gauge: 52 Length: 7.5 Price: $8.00

Semi Lumpy wrapper. Earthy overtones with some tea like flavors showing through. Produces large dense plums of smoke. Hints of leather and fleeting wisps of citrus also show up but never materialize.

87

44 Cigars in Review

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46 Cigars in Review