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Outstanding Cigars of 2004
Plus cigar tips, cigar reviews and more!
(Posted January 5, 2005)
NEXT ISSUE: Wednesday, February 2
*** IN THIS ISSUE ***
1. Feature Story: Outstanding Cigars of 2004
2. Survey Says: Do you remove the cellophane from your cigars when placing them in your humidor? If not, why?
3. Smoker's Ed (Cigar Terms & Tips): Flavor your cigars; Instant humidification
4. Rating Lunatic: Don Tomas Cameroon Perfecto #1; Te Amo Robusto Maduro; Padron 3000 Maduro
5. Cigars in the News: (From Washington Post online) New Year's Revolutions
6. Eyes on the Prize: Celebrity and Customer Cigar Sightings
*** FEATURE STORY ***
Outstanding Cigars of 2004
by Gary Korb
2004 saw the debut of some excellent cigars, and since this is the time of year when the "best of" lists are compiled and awards are being handed out, here's my Top-5 list (in no particular order) of some of the more outstanding cigars released last year, although I'm sure I missed some others. I say "outstanding" because I don't believe any cigar is "the best" anymore than I believe any one movie or record album is "the best;" each cigar is unique in and of itself, which this list embodies.
Davidoff Limited Edition 2004 Robusto Real "Especiales 7" - Another truly remarkable luxury cigar from Davidoff made in limited edition. The cigars are blended with 7 entirely unique tobaccos deftly hand-rolled inside an exquisite Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper. The cigar presents a full-bodied, complex and perfectly-balanced smoke. The wrapper is dark, oily and virtually flawless, plus it gives off a wonderful aroma for which Davidoff cigars are known and gives the blend just the right amount depth. This is one of those cigars you' actually have to smoke to fully appreciate, so be on the lookout for these cigars, because many retailers are already out of stock.
Nicarao - This is the first cigar that I can say truly knocked me on my keester. Named for the ancient Nicaraguan Indian chieftain, Nicarao cigars (pronounced Nik-a-ra-oh) are blended with 100% full-bodied, all Nicaraguan-grown tobaccos with a spicy, Cuban-seed Corojo 1999 wrapper. As soon as you light the cigar you feel its intensity. The first few puffs are very full-bodied, which eventually round off to a very creamy, aromatic and consistently robust smoke from end to end. As I wrote in my original review of this cigar in October, 2004, "this is not a cigar I want to smoke on a daily basis, but when I want to escape from reality." A truly remarkable cigar with a very distinctive body and character that I feel will give cigars like Fuente Fuente Opus X a good chase.
La Gloria Cubana Reserva Figurado - This was one of those cigars that I think I liked even more after I smoked it because I couldn't stop thinking about it. Made in very limited edition, the Reserva Figurado is a small Cuban Diadama-like shape wrapped in an oily, cocoa brown Ecuadorian wrapper with a needle-like flag cap. Although comparisons are extraneous, this cigar came as close to a good Havana as anything I've had in recent memory. The prevailing character of the cigar is woody with alternating notes of sweet cedar and spiciness, which gains in strength and spiciness as the cigar smokes. Especially during the last third, this cigar reveals its stunning beauty. The cigar also produces a lot of thick, hearty smoke - a trademark of La Gloria Cubana. A very enjoyable cigar, undoubtedly best-suited for more experienced palates.
The Edge - One of the most talked-about cigars of the Retail Tobacco Dealers Show in Las Vegas last year. Created by Rocky Patel of Indian Tabac cigars and blender, Jesus Fuego, the company line is "for professional smokers only," but if you're nearing the crossover to more robust cigars, these seductively smooth, yet potent cigars present an incomparable smoking experience. The all Honduran-tobacco blend is presented only in two shapes (Toro and Pyramid) with a savory Corojo wrapper or a dark, oily Maduro wrapper. Seasoned cigar smokers will appreciate the heartiness and bottomless depth to this cigar, not to mention its provocative aroma. The Edge represents another formidable and much more accessible contender to the Fuente Fuente Opus X and Padron Anniversary '64 and Padron 1926 cigars.
The Griffin's Special XX - This was one of the best-looking cigars I came across last year. In my original review, I wrote, "the wrapper was so seamless I almost couldn't find the direction of the wrap." The Griffin's XX was made in limited edition (only 3,000 boxes produced) to celebrate the luxury label's 20th Anniversary. The wrapper is a specially-cured Ecuadorian Connecticut with a well-balanced, vintage Dominican tobacco blend. The aroma emits a rich cedar fragrance with a scintilla of vanilla, plus the ash is hard as nails. The smoke is moderately sharp with a very rich, woody taste, leaving notes of pepper and spice on the palate. Comparatively speaking, it's a marvelously complex unification of the milder Griffin's classic and the robust Griffin's Fuerte. (Note: Many retailers are already sold out of this cigar.)
“Grand Jury Prize Selection”
Plasencia Reserva Organica - Although this cigar officially debuted at RTDA in 2003, it didn't really surface until last year and is still in the early and very healthy stages of growth among consumers. This is perhaps one of the most unique tasting blends in that Plasencia Reserva Organica are the only 100% organically-grown premium cigars made anywhere. This process, re-introduced by Nestor Plasencia on his Nicaraguan plantation, involves the same farming and curing methods used by the Indians dating back over 500 years. When smoked, you experience a naturally pure tobacco taste that sets it apart from other cigars. The smoke is mellow with a toasty, mild to medium-bodied character. Another case of a true, one-of-a-kind cigar that to really appreciate, must be smoked.
I hope you'll get the chance to enjoy these fine cigars during the course of this year. 2004 was an excellent year for premium cigars, and as the cigars continue to improve in quality, I can only imagine what 2005 has in store. Look for more outstanding cigars of 2004 in next month's issue, too.
*** SURVEY SAYS DEPT. ***
Do you remove the cellophane from your cigars when placing them in your humidor? If not, why?
The most often question I'm asked is, "Should I take the cellophane wrapper off the cigar or not?"
My answer is yes, if you intend to store them over a long period of time. I've found over many years of personal experience that it really does help season the cigar. After having been in my humidor for 6 months, a Fuente 8-5-8 Maduro I smoked over the holidays was markedly better that the ones I smoked right "out of the box," and I find this to be true for most of my cigars. But that's me. How about you?
Send an email to: and type or copy & paste "Cello" in the SUBJECT line and add YES if you DO REMOVE the cellophane; NO if you DON'T, and please tell us why.
Survey Results for December 1, 2004: Do you have cigars specifically for giving to your friends?
This survey received a good response with a 60% majority saying that they had cigars specifically for sharing with friends, which in many cases were the better cigars. Only some of the respondents kept aside "cheapie" cigars for the inexperienced or moocher types. On the other hand, 40% said they didn't keep cigars aside especially for friends, but in one or two cases, did remark that a few cheapies were in the humidor, just in case. Here are some examples:
No. (I do not set aside cigars especially for sharing, all are available to friends). Life is too short to be stingy. - Todd Brawn
Yes. I have for a long time been the guy in a couple guy-buddy groups that is always counted on to "bring the smokes." Some of these guys truly enjoy a good smoke, but others simply want to have a smoke for the heck of it. So the solution is to share a couple different kinds of smokes. For the true smokers, about anything in my humidor will do. Some of these have aged for years and some are real ass-kickers. For those who just want a smoke, I usually supply a mild Dominican, something in a robusto or corona.
Everybody's happy! - dmangotti@
Yes. I save my best wines and cigars for enjoying with my friends finding it hard to justify lighting up a really great cigar or opening a splendid bottle of Pinot for just myself. The true joy is in the sharing of life's fortunes. I also have kept some awful cigars for those who mooch, it tends to discourage them. - Jim Schoenberger
Cigar Terms & Tips (Collect and trade em'!)
Wrapper - A high-quality tobacco leaf wrapped around the finished bunch and binder. It is very elastic and, at its best, unblemished. The wrapper also accounts for about 20% of the cigar's flavor.
Blends & Strength
Q: What is the difference in a mild, medium, and full bodied cigar? Is it the age of the tobacco, the wrapper, the process?
- Casey Rogers (New Orleans)
A: Actually it's all of the above. Mild cigars are usually made with milder tobaccos, found in the middle of the plant and rolled in milder, natural wrappers like Connecticut Shade and Sumatra. Dominican made cigars were once considered the mildest cigars, but many mild blends come from Nicaragua and Honduras, too. Conversely, there are plenty of full-bodied cigars made in the DR.
Medium bodied cigars may have a little Ligero in them to spice them up and may also use a darker wrapper like African Cameroon, a sun-grown wrapper or even a Maduro wrapper. By exposing tobacco to more sunlight, you get a darker leaf with more flavor and natural sweetness.
Full-bodied cigars use much more Ligero (the strongest tobacco leaf) and often use a Maduro or a dark, sun grown wrapper.
The processing and the aging of the tobacco can also affect the strength as well as the smoothness. The longer the tobacco is aged, the smoother the cigar should smoke, but it can still be a good strong cigar or a mild one, depending of how the blender actually uses the tobaccos. The basic process of curing tobacco is essentially the same, however the specifics on how a blender gets the cigar to smoke and taste is classified. Blenders never reveal their secrets on blending.
Reader Feedback and Tips from Our Mailbag
Want some extra flavor in your cigars? Try this.
I use a shot glass full of bourbon. Not only does this flavor the smoke, but it keeps it fresh. -Bill Snyder
(I've done this, too. Works great with Kahlúa and fine Port -GK)
Instant humidification
For cigar smokers with too many cigars. buy soil moist granules found at garden nurseries at ten dollars a jar; it will last a lifetime. Then buy glass or plastic salt and pepper shakers or any other small tube-like container with holes in it. (Usually found at dollar stores.) Then buy a gallon of distilled water for a buck. Put a quarter of a teaspoon or less - you don't need much - of the granules in the container and fill with one-half or up to three quarters with distilled water. Wait about five minutes. The granules will expand and completely fill the container. The water will not spill out! Put the cap or cover back on the container and make sure the holes are uncovered. Put the container into a Tupperware container, plastic bag, or whatever you are storing your cigars in. Instant humidity without a mess! You'll get humidity levels at or about sixty-five to seventy percent. Good luck! - John Ringbauer
Got a good cigar tip? Send it in and share it with our readers by
sending an email to . Please be
sure to put "Cigar Tip" in the subject field.
*** SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION DEPT.***
Free Advice!
Have a question about the care and feeding of your cigars or another
cigar-related topic? Send your questions and comments to me at: . I will try to respond as quickly as possible, but some replies may take a few days.
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Shop-Talk Archives
Want to catch up on your Famous Smoke Shop Talk reading or reference an article, tip, or other bit of information that appeared in a past issue? Go to our Famous Smoke “Shop Talk” archives page.
*** RATING LUNATIC DEPT.***
December, 2004 cigar reviews from Famous Smoke Shop customers.
Reviews are selected at random and may be edited for length, not content.
Don Tomas Cameroon Collection Perfecto #1 (4" x 48 / Medium - full)
The first box was so good that before I knew it they were all gone. All 25 cigars burned and tasted great. Great price!! Tasted a bit fudgey and smelled of peanuts at start, then turned to spice and tea character. AWESOME!! Already ordered another box within a month. - Felix Flores, Taft, TX
Te Amo Robusto Maduro (5½" x 54 / Medium - full)
I first tried these out of desperation, while in Cabo, Mexico. WOW! What a surprise I had. The rich dark Maduro wrapper with its spicy flavor, and then there is the taste; it is like none other. These Robusto cigars burn even with a white silvery ash; the draw is ever so easy. "Quick, someone get me a pair of needle nose pliers, I don't want to waste even the smallest amount of this stick." YES it's that GOOD!!! - Roger, Hesperia, CA
Padron 3000 Maduro (5½" x 52 / Full)
My initial response was back in April 7th, 2001 when I had a box of these sent to Florida for the March break vacation. Now its Dec 17th, 2004 and what's left of my 3000s maduros are nothing but SWEET chocolate, cocoa, leather and loads of smoke. Will be smoking these babies in my igloo this Christmas. Merry Christmas Padron and my fellow aficionados. - Timothy Jaynes, Ancaster, Canada
AGREE/DISAGREE? Your opinion may be similar or completely different and is also appreciated, so don't be shy. Rate the cigars you smoke on our web site and write a review. You might even get your quote re-printed in our monthly mailorder catalog! What you say can help others make a more informed decision, even you!
*** CIGARS IN THE NEWS ***
(From Washington Post online)
New Year's Revolution
Hooray for you! You made your resolutions. Now, here are some fun ways to break them.
By Andrea Sachs, Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, January 2, 2005
IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR again, when you promise to drink less and exercise more, eat healthier and carve out more family time. But before you start the new year with such virtuous goals, we think you should indulge just a wee bit more at destinations that encourage excessiveness. (Many are also great winter escapes, so you can go now -- before your conscience tells you otherwise.) With that in mind, here are 10 ways to break those resolutions, plus one you just might want to keep. Remember, you can always be good in 2006. [For the purposes of this issue, I've only included number 7 -GK]
I resolve to quit smoking.
Light up a Carlos Torano Torpedo and puff away. The Dominican Republic grows and hand-rolls some of the best cigars this side of the Caribbean. There are cigar plantations and factories throughout the country, though most congregate around Santiago and the Cibao Valley region, near Puerto Plata. In Santiago, you can visit the E. Leon Jimenez and La Aurora cigarette/cigar operation and shop at the factory store. Or sample stogies -- and rum cocktails -- at Cafe Cito (1/4 mile west of Playa Dorada's main gate), where the house cigar is Cuevas Hermanos. And at the resortopolis of Punta Cana, watch the cigar transform from tobacco leaves into giant ash at the Domenico Cigar Manufactory (809-552-1414).
*** GIVE THAT MAN A CIGAR! DEPT.***
If you live in or near the verdant Lehigh Valley of PA, stop by our
retail store at 1100 Conroy Place in Easton, PA for one of our cigar tasting events. For details and more information call 610-559-8800.
It’s Like eBay® for Cigar Lovers!
Now you can get the cigars YOU want at the prices you want to pay by logging on to CigarAuctioneer.com. It's FUN, it's FAST and the ACTION is great! You'll not only find RARE cigars, closeouts, and discontinued cigar brands, but now you can bid on humidors, cigar lighters and more!
*** EYES ON THE PRIZE DEPT.***
Cigar Sightings
Yep, it's "The Killer", Jerry Lee Lewis, smokin' what is I think a Romeo y Julieta?
- Bill Taylor, Romney, WV
Photographers Scott Rovak of the St. Louis Cardinals (L), Major League Baseball Photos Director, Rich Pilling, (C) and Tom Gannam (R) of Associated Press, enjoy a cigar before Game 3 of the 2004 World Series in St. Louis, MO.
- Scott Rovak
Sent in by Jeff Click
Other Famous Cigar Smokers Caught “Infumare Delecto”
New Year's Eve smoke with Indian Tabac Fire!!!
A consumer from Indianapolis, Rick, and Ru Ruiz, 2005
-Ru Ruiz
My wife (currently deployed in Afghansitan) smoking a fine cigar for the first time, unfortunately, without me...but a PUNCH is a PUNCH!
Best regards,
Mick Chang
WANTED! Cigar-smoking photos of you and your friends
Have You Made A Cigar Sighting Recently? It can be from a movie, TV show or a celebrity you've seen elsewhere or in-person puffing a primo. If you can name the brand of the cigar, even better! Or send in a herfing photo of you and your friends to me at and please put "Cigar Sightings" in the subject line. Limit: 1 sighting or photo (preferably, a .JPG) per email.
That's all folks. Until our next issue on February 2,
Happy Smokes & Happy Holidays!
Gary
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Shop Talk illustration at top of page by Robert Ingram.
Copyright © 2005 Famous Smoke Shop - PA, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Portions or all of this information may be reprinted freely, provided this
link, http://www.famous-smoke.com, remains intact.
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