January Meeting Date & Featured Cigar Chosen

Date: Friday, January 8th 2010
Location: Growler's in South County
Featured Cigar: Devil's Weed Corona Grande 'Nicot'; 5.6x46

"Devil’s Weed is a supremely boutique cigar made in small-batch fashion in the Dominican Republic. To craft these cigars, a dark Connecticut wrapper grown in Ecuador is hand-selected, then draped around an aged mixture containing four types of Dominican long-fillers. Expect a refined, but eventful mild to medium-bodied bouquet with a clean, crisp finish that lingers just long enough on the palate. Notes of sweet tobacco and toast hit the taste buds, supported by a mellow, creamy core. Built for everyday enjoyment, Devil’s Weed is a nice addition to the daily rotation."

January will also mark the first year anniversary of our blog. Time sure does fly when you're smoking good cigars.

Happy New Year!

Adam

REVIEW CAO BRAZILIA GOL

CAO BRAZILIA GOL
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5" x 56
Wrapper: Brazil
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Medium to Full
Strength: Medium to Full

My cigar choice for December was the CAO Brazilia Gol. The Gol has an oily dark maduro wrapper with some medium veins. Solid construction with no soft spots. No problems with the burn or ash but as I got to the end of mine, the wrapper did seem to come off a little. Rich had the same problem. While a nuisance, it wasn't too bad for me as it happened only on the last 1/4 of the cigar.

With the price point what it is on CBID, this is a pretty good deal. 8.5/10

Matt

REVIEW DON PEPIN GARCIA M.F. LE BIJOU 1922

DON PEPIN GARCIA M.F. LE BIJOU 1922
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: PETITE ROBUSTO 4.5" X 50
Wrapper: Ecuadorian-grown Habano Oscuro wrapper
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Strength: Medium to Full

My Father Le Bijou 1922 is the new extension to My Father that I reviewed earlier. Insead of a as a tribute to Don Pepin and blended by his son Jaime, Le Bijou is a tribute to Don Pepin’s father. Le Bijou is French for "the Jewel" and what a jewel this is.

While this looks like it may be a short smoke, it is not. I used a full one hour and 20 minutes to burn my fingers. Solid like a rock with no veins, no flaws and a triple cap. This was a tight but not uncomfortable draw. I had the ash about 2 inches before it fell off in my lap. This is a firecracker of a smoke, rich and flavorfull with lots of spice and flavor. Tons of leather and tobacco and earth.

Hold on to your hats, another 10/10.

Matt

REVIEW ILLUSIONE 888

Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6 3/4 x 48
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Filler & Binder: Nicaragua
Body: Medium to Full
Strength: Medium to Full

I am still tasting this wonderful stick from this morning. I have been wanting to try one of these for a while and finally got the nerve. At 8.00 it is not cheap, but not too bad.

Firm construction with an oily sheen to it. Just the right amount of pepper on the palate and just a dream to smoke. I smoked this for about an hour and a half today and wished it lasted longer. Lots of coca and nutty flavors.

I almost hate to do this but another 10/10.

Friday questions

Since we are meeting tonight I thought I would stray from the usual cigar related questions.

What is your favorite fight scene in either a movie or a tv show?

Mine is this clip from Deadwood (HBO) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blki-DISUis

This is the most brutal, physical and natural fight I have seen. You can feel the life or death emotions in every gesture. If you were a follower of the show, even more so. Check out the clip and let us know your favorite.

Matt

REVIEW: ROCKY PATEL 1961 ROBUSTO 5X50

The RP 1961 is a stunning looking cigar. It has a beautiful double band with a black and red background. Dark and oily it looks like a dream. Perfectly constructed with minimal visible veins and a firm body.

Prelight draw has lots of spice and feels like it will be very full bodied. Lighting was a breeze and it held the fire with no problems and no touch ups. Even draw, not too tight, not too loose. It started out strong but mellowed out to be more medium bodied.

This is my new favorite Rocky blend. Seriously. I loved it down to my fingertips. 10/10

Matt

Review: Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve Churchill 7x54

Rich was nice enough to bring us some Churchills for our November meeting but I am just now remembering to post my review. I received the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve Churchill 7x54 and was it a joy to smoke.

Full bodied
Nicaraguan Habano wrapper
7 x 54
Burn=10/10
Draw=10/10

Flavors - Very rich and spicy. Lots of earth and tobacco (duh) with a hint of sweetness. Very different than most Romeo Y Julieta's. 9.5

Total 9.75 I am going to search these out more often.

Matt

La Aroma de Cuba Belicoso Review

Another JR Cigar stop today and enjoyed a La Aroma de Cuba belicoso.

La Aroma has been re-blended by Pepin Garcia and is being pushed by Ashton. JRs had all of the sizes and the price point was great between $5-$7 a stick. I chose the belicoso this morning.

Medium bodied
Chocolate Connecticut wrapper
5.5 x 52
Burn=10/10
Draw=10/10

The flavors were a salty-sweet pre-light with a very oily flawless wrapper. Good looking cigar with a nice band and a red ribbon at the foot. Hints of sweet chocolate and spice throughout. The draw, burn, tastes and medium were awesome for my morning smoke. I highly recommend this cigar for what it is--medium bodied and with no discounts for that-9/10 Enjoy

-Joe

Artueo Fuente Short Story Review

Went to JRs today and enjoyed a Short Story. It was a nice little smoke that lasted longer than I thought.

4 x 48
Perfecto
Medium bodied
Draw=fantastic
Burn=A little uneven with one correction needed.
$5.xx

This little cigar lasted 45 minutes. Pre-light had a sweet cedar taste, and the cigar after lighting was woody and sweet with a little spice. I'd recommend this cigar and I am intrigued enough to try this cigar in a bigger size. It looked like the Work of Art was the next size up.

8/10

-Joe

Happy Friday

Hey guys, I have two questions for you today.

1. What are you enjoying today? (I had the lovely Man O War on the way in and on the way home I will be having a Joya De Nicaragua Antano - man I love the full bodies!)

2. Is there a cigar that you can think of that your significant other enjoys the aroma of or at the very least TOLERATES it enough to be around and not make snide comments?

I for one can remember two occasions when my wife told me that she "liked" the aroma.
a. Acid Blonde (go figure)
b. Punch Grand Puro

Matt

5 Vegas Miami M-5 Review

Enjoyed a M-5 this cold evening. Put the lights on the roof and then stood back, enjoyed this cigar and a Lemp lager beer. 'Tis the season.
Size: 5 x 5.5
Corojo wrapper
Wrapper construction was perfect.
Draw was perfect.
I did have to correct the burn the whole way.

Smooth smoke. Fantastic flavors. Medium-Full bodied. If you have not tried one of these, please do. You will not be disappointed. The 5 x 5.5 is one of my favorites and this cigar was highly enjoyable. I have one more of these that I may not let sit in my humidor very long. Cigarbid=$3 per stick-Get one now!

8.25/10

-Joe

OCCS 1 Year Ago This Month

DATE: December 19, 2008

LOCATION: Sports Zone, South County

FEATURED CIGARS:
Rocky Patel Connecticut: 8/10
Kopi Luwak: 8/10
CAO LX2: 10/10
(pre-blog reviews)

IN ATTENDANCE:
Bob J.
Joe--Considered for Membership
Matt
Jeff
John--Officially Inducted
Rich
Adam

NOTES:
>Preliminary set of OCCS rules were outlined at this meeting.
>Matt introduced and gave out the famous OCCS Founding Father zippered hoodies.

Adam

Christmas Gift and December meeting

Hi all. Per our conversation last night, I have drawn names for Christmas gifts for people. John sorry you were feeling under the weather we missed you and Rich, I think you had already left by the time we discussed this.

Adam buys for Joe
Jeff buys for Matt
Joe buys for Rich
John buys for Jeff
Matt buys for John
Rich buys for Adam

RULES:

$10.00 limit!!!!!
Bring it to the December 18th meeting
No other rules

The gift can be anything you want. Cigars, drinks that night, foot, candy, Christmas ornament, whatever. Just have fun with it. If you can not participate, let me know and we will make changes.

Okay, second order of business is the December 18th meeting.

When: December 18, 2009
Where: Growlers off Lindbergh
Time: When ever you can get there. I will try to get there early but I can’t promise anything. If anyone else can get there early to reserve our tables, please do so. As of right now they do not have any private partys so it is still first come first serve on the tables.
What we are smoking: The Brazila Gol 5x56 The Brazilia is the fuller-bodied side of CAO. Its dark and spicy wrapper make it very flavorful with a long earthy finish.
For years CAO dreamt of a cigar that uses premium Brazilian tobacco, but finding good Brazilian leaf at the end of the cigar boom was not an easy task. At the time Brazilian tobacco was not at the top of its game. However, CAO stumbled on a beautiful dark wrapper leaf from the coveted Bahia region and the rest is history. After its launch this cigar brought attention back to Brazilian tobacco and essentially was the rebirth of Brazilian cigars in the US cigar market, as other cigar makers flocked to South America in attempt to recreate CAO’s success. The rich Brazilian wrapper gives the CAO Brazilia a full-bodied and full-flavored aroma that carries a long and spicy finish. It is a truly unforgettable cigar, and a powerhouse addition to the humidor.

As always it was great to see everybody and Rich, thanks very much for the great smoke, for introducing everyone to your guest Steve and for the great company.

Matt

What are you smoking today?

Had a Tierra Del Sol robusto (cigarbid.com) after work. Medium bodied and a little harsh. Great burn and draw. 5/10.

Happy Thanksgiving-
Joe

Review: MATASA 30th Anniversary Perfecto

History: Manual Quesada opened his MATASA Cigar Factory in 1974. They made a Dominican version of Fonseca. They now make blends for Fonseca, Cu-Avana, Casa Blanca, Cubita, Nat Sherman and others. They had an article in Cigar Aficionado Magazine about him and his family. Manual's nephew and two daughters are huge players in running the company and will most likely take over the company. If I remember correctly, the kids blended next cigar, the 35th Anniversary.

Anyway, the 30th...was a perfecto 5.7 x 24. The wrapper was Hershey chocolate brown, smooth as silk, oily with a par wrapper construction. Pre-light was a hint of spice and good draw. After lighting I new I was going to really like this cigar. The spicy/pepper was absent, but a great draw gave generous amounts of white smoke. This was a complex cigar. Great tobacco flavor with hints of cream. Medium bodied that finished full. About an inch into the cigar, something that I never experienced in a cigar before started to happen and continued until about half way---resin started bubbling/oozing out of the center of the head of the cigar. It wasn't enough to run off of the cigar, but it was odd. (Have any of you had this happen before?) I wiped it off after a while. Unfortunately, the resin was a taste was in the middle of the flavors for the rest of the cigar. It wasn't bad, but I'd love to try this cigar again (was a single purchase off of cigarbid.com) to see if this happens again and if not to really see what this cigar has to offer.

8/10 (with a potential of a 9.8/10)

Take care-
Joe

Review: Ashton Churchill 7.5" x 52

The Classic Ashton Churchhill Dominican with a Connecticut wrapper looks like something you would see featured on the cover of a magazine. It is a large cigar and the wrapper is smooth, free of veins and the color of caramel. It is a mild to medium cigar which is not normally my favorite profile, but this was great at 3:30 AM driving to Callaway County, MO to go deer hunting. Smooth like silk and with a short finish. If you have 2 hours to spare, this would not be a bad choice to pass the time with.

I do wish it had more punch, more pizaz, but like I said, it WAS early. If this had more spice and a fuller bodied profile, my humi would be full of them. That said, I can't fault it for being mild but at the same time, I just can't pull the triger on the perfect 10. Yes, it is almost that good. 9.73258745899/10

Matt

Review Gurkha Vintage Shaggy Toro 6 x 50

The Gurkha Vintage Shaggy Toro is an interesting looking cigar. It has a dark as night maduro wrapper with an open or "shaggy" foot at the end. Supposedly this is to make lighting and maintaining an even burn easier. I would have to agree with that. This was one of the easiest burning Gurkha's I have had.

The flavor starts out heavy with earth and coffee and mellows to a thick bready flavor. Burn was extremly easy with a decent draw. Medium bodied but I could have smoked this all day. Very smooth.

Besides the shaggy foot the most interesting thing about this was the band. Instead of the famous gold Gurkha band, there is a copper band. Very striking against the dark maduro wrapper. 8.5/10

Matt

November OCCS Meeting

Meeting Host: Rich
Date: Monday, November 30th
Location: Growler's Pub
Time: 5:30 ish

Adam

Your 2009 Top Pick

What is your top pick cigar of 2009? This does not necessarily have to be a cigar that was released this year--it just has to be one that you tried for the first time this year.

Mine? I'd have to say the Nica Libre. What a great smoke!!!

Adam

Best Win on Cigarbid

To the best of your knowledge, what is your best win on cigarbid?

Mine, I would have to say the Man O War Robusto for $49.00. That was a steal.

Matt

OCCS--1 Year Ago This Month

Meeting Date: 11/21/08

Meeting Location: Growler's Pub

Featured Cigar: Alec Bradley Maxx Traditional (8-8.5/10)
(pre-blog reviews)

Additional Smokes Reviewed:
> Oliva G (8-9/10)
>Indian Tabac Cameroon (no rating)
>CAO Brazilia (no rating)
>CAO Maduro 10th Anniversary Perfecto (9.5/10)

In Attendance: Jeff, Matt, Joe, John, Jeff

Adam

Rocky Patel Renaissance Review

Enjoyed a Renaissance toro this morning on my walk with the dogs. Beautiful day and I hope you all are enjoying some form of activity outside as well.

Appearance:
Striking cigar. A darkish brown/reddish Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The band on this stick is very elegant as well. Double capped with small veins and zero noticeable seams. As always RP knows how to put out a top notch made cigar.

Construction:
The cut was perfect, as the first cap went almost a half-inch down the cigar to allow for no error. Again, beautiful and seamless. The burn and draw were perfect throughout as well.

Flavor:
First inch of the cigar offered a good amount of spice with woodsy flavor in the background. The remainder of the cigar, the woodsy flavor was the main flavor, but not strong, with hints of charcoal, cream and charred wood. These other flavors never popped out, as I wish they would have. This was a medium bodied cigar that was very pleasant to smoke.

Afterthought:
My only wish is that the flavors would have been more pronounced. This was a freebee at the last RP event at JRs (buy 3 get 1 free). After searching the web, MSRP is $8.xx for the toro. A little too much for this cigar, in my opinion, but maybe after aging one for a while the flavors would be more pronounced. Overall a very relaxing and pleasant cigar.

7.5/10

Take care-
Joe

Inventory

What is everybodys inventory right now? I have one home humi and one work humi. I have my kick around smokes at my work humi (about 75) and my home humi (300 + 25 in the drawrer underneath with some humipacks) has the good stuff under lock and key (so don't get any ideas Adam).

Man, I need to smoke more.

Matt

What are you smoking today?

I plan on smoking a Don Lino Afrifa Tembo, 7.5 x 50, after work. I just received two singles from cigarbid. I've never smoked a stogie this size before and it looks like a rough and tough cigar. Ever had one?

What are you smoking today?

-Joe

REVIEW: Diesel Unholy Cocktail Torpedo 5 x 56

Just received a 10 pack of these from cigarbid.com. I was immediately impressed with the weight of this cigar--almost unreal for its size, and I noticed the bands are positioned the foot of the cigar (just like the Edge). Dark, leathery wrapper; prelight was sweet; and I could immediately tell this was going to be a spicy smoke. The cigar was indeed spicy from start to finish, almost over-powering at times. It didn't necessarily start off as a full strength smoke, but it certainly finished as such. A tremdously pepper & spicy cigar. This guy runs right along (if not a bit before) The Edge. 10/10

Adam

How do you refresh your tastebuds?

Jeff brought up a subject at the last OCCS meeting that I found very interesting. He told me that he heard that having a soda between cigars is a good way to clear your palate, or refresh your tastebuds if you will. I find that when I smoke multiple cigars in a row, I can't get the true taste or full taste of any cigar after the first one, especially when I smoke the cigars back to back as on OCCS meeting nights. I realize that it could be my personal issue, but Jeff's suggestion made me think that I'm not as wierd as I initialy thought (maybe anyway). Do you all have this same problem? If so, what are your remedies?

-Joe

October OCCS Meeting and El Baton Review

Another fine night of cigars and friends at Growlers. I hope our picture makes it into Cigar Aficionado. Cigars were plenty and even a cooler/humidor made an appearance. Good to see that everyone made it to another meeting, and Rich's first as an OCCS member. Also, happy birthday to Matt! I think he turned either 27 or 49, but not sure. John hosted this one and he brought an El Baton cigar as the cigar for the night.

El Baton is made by the J.C. Newman Company and I believe we had the double toro at 6 x60 (correct me if I am wrong). It is a Nicaraguan puro with a corojo wrapper. This was my second cigar of the evening after enjoying a delicious Oliva G maduro toro. I've heard great things about the El Baton, so I was eager to try. The El Baton started out as a smooth smoke and finished the same way. Even burn, no touch ups or corrections needed. The draw was good and cool all the way to the end, as was expected of the large ring gauge. The flavors I experienced were leather, earth and a tad bit of spiciness. Not sure of the price point, but I hear this is a good value cigar. I will definitely try again. I followed up the El Baton with a RP Sun Grown 6 x 60, which was also excellent.

El Baton rating=8.5/10

Take care-
Joe

check this out guys...jeff

Review Rocky Patel Patel Brothers Toro 6.5" x 52

I picked this up last week and couldn't wait until tonight to enjoy it so I smoked it on the way back from the funeral today. This is exactly like the 08 Winter blend and man is it good.

The dark Maduro broadleaf wrapper is a little oily with few veins. On the first light lots of thick, white smoke and plently of medium to full body. About half way through I got a lot of smoked meat flavors. Different but kind of neat. This would be a great cigar to have with some cheese and some of my favorite Scotch. Very unique. The last third was heavy on leather and earth with some more of the smoked meats.

This will have to become a humidor regular. 9.5/10

Matt

Review Torano Exodus Silver Torpedo 6.5" x 54

I smoked the Torano Exodus Silver Torpedo 6.5" x 54 on the way to a funeral today for one of my great customers, Joe Freeman. I thought it was appropriate to celebrate a good friend with a good cigar named Exodus.

The Silver is a great blend and with the Torano name, you know it is well made. With a Criollo wrapper it is a little peppery but medium bodied and smooth. I had to retouch the light a couple of times on the drive (no easy task in that kind of rain) but overall a decent smoke. Lots of leather and moss on the nose. I have had this in my humi for more than 2 years and I think it has aged pretty well.

8.5/10

Matt

Rocky Patel & JR Cigars

At lunch today I drove to JR Cigars to take advantage of the Rocky Patel event and meet the man himself. When I arrived, the place was packed. I talked to a couple of the JR guys and they said Rocky was in a meeting and will be arriving shortly.

I took this opportunity to pick out the cigars I wanted at the buy 3 get 1 free discount. I chose 1 Patel Bros robusto, 2 Patel Bros torpedoes, 1 2009 Autumn robusto, 1 Nording robusto and 1 1961 robusto. I already have had 2 2009 Autumn torpedoes and the JR guys gave me a 1961 robusto the last time I was in there. I now have a nice selection of all of the new RP cigars to try (except the Especials, but I have had 1 of each of the Cameroon and Corojo and they weren't terrible, but nothing 'special' either-$3.xx and another post for another day).

Rocky shows up before I can pay for my cigars and the store/walk-in humidor is jam packed full of guys taking Rocky's picture, getting autographs and shaking his hand. Rocky was dressed in a black pinstriped suit, brown shoes, white shirt and neon green tie. He was shorter and skinnier than I at about 5 foot 8 and 160 pounds. He was a nice guy that talked to everyone that approached him. On my way to check out I shook his hand and told him I appreciated the consistent quality of cigars he continues to put out there. He also confirmed for me that the Patel Bros is in fact the Winter blend and one of his favorites.

I pushed my way through the crowd, paid for my cigars, received my two free Renaissance toros and went back to work. I am glad I went, but wish that I had my camera to take a picture for the blog or had him sign an autograph to The OCCS. Again, I wish that all of you were there. Hopefully reviews of these new cigars will be on the blog in the next few weeks. I am now on my way to enjoy one of the Patel Bros robustos right now (I never got a chance to try one of the highly talked about Winter blends, so I am really looking forward to it).

Take care-
Joe

Anybody want to trade?

I have 4 Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Sixty (6x60) I would like trade for different stogies. I have had about five of these so far and don't care for them too much. I enjoyed one of them. I won a five pack of them on cigarbid for $19, so any cigar would basically do. I realize that these are popular smokes and thought you all may interested. Any takers?

-Joe

Mi Barrio - Don Peppin Blend from 601 (5x50 Torpedo

I walked into the cigar store in Chesterfield and she was unpacking boxes that just came it. Low and behold look what I found.

Mi Barrio is a limited edition, seasonal release, made by Pepin Garcia for the guys that brought you the 601 brands. Mi Barrio (my neighborhood) is a full bodied cigar thanks to it's filler and binder blend of all Nicaraguan tobaccos from 3 differnet regions. I at first thought this was the same as the La Gloria guy but after reading, found out it was Pepin.

Man what a smoke. This is a refined blow to the senses that keeps on giving. A little tight draw but what an ash. I almost had to get a hammer to knock it off. The flavor is still lingering after 2 hours. Lots of nuts and pepper but not strong, just smooth. Very full flavored.

9.9/10 (the only reason is the tight draw - as close to a 10 as you can get)

FYI at Tobaccos in Chesterfield she has 7 boxes of Cain "f" for 49.99, New unopened boxes of the New Rocky Patel Brothers, New unopened boxes of the newly designed Rocky Patel Nordings, Brick House and lots of other goodies.

The OCCS: 1 Year Ago This Month

10/17/08
Meeting Location: Jeffro's Place
Smokes: Nub Connecticut; La Aurora Barrel Aged; Carlos Torano 1916
(pre-blog reviews)
Movies: Iron Man; Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Dinner: Chinese Delivery


Adam

HC Habano Colorado Review and Outlaw Cigar

Outlaw Cigar was one of the coolest cigar stores I've been in. Giant walk in humidor with every cigar that I've ever heard of and many more. Huge lounge area complete with many leather chairs and couches and big screen TVs...paradise for kicking back and enjoying a stogie. The place was jam packed with cigar enthusiasts looking over the Xikar cutters and lighters and HC cigars. The staff was great. I was there for only a half hour (but could have spent hours looking and enjoying the atmosphere) and two staff members talked to me about HC and cigars in general the entire time. Prices were a little steeper than JRs, but more comparable to Alcorns. I wish it was in our neck of the woods! Wish you all were there too.

HC-Habano Colorado Belicoso
Had to partake as soon as I got home. The wrapper was a bit rough, kind of like the Casa Magna-might be the Colorado wrapper's signature, but the construction was very sound. Upon lighting, pepper-lots of it, was up front and center-wow! May have been the most pepper I've had in a smoke yet. Liked it! Medium to more full bodied and an absolute perfect draw. After 15 minutes or so the pepper died down just a little and hints of chocolate, coffee and must were in the background. The ash was dense, medium-gray in color, solid and held on; the ash did not fall away until almost halfway through and did not fall away for the remainder of the cigar after that-impressive. Slight uneven burn, but no major issues and no relighting or corrections. The best draw a cigar could have. Price was the only issue at $10.25 for the belicoso (robustos were $9). I have to give the HC Habano Colorado a 10/10 rating. The price point makes me want to give it a lower score (cheap guy here), but I won't.

-Joe

review: victor sinclair triple corojo

got a 5 pack of these the other day.thought i'd give them a whirl. most of their cigar i have not been to impressed with,but these are pretty decent smokes. i've only had one so far and i enjoyed the smoke. its a sharp looking cigar with a really niice white ash. its got some spice to it but hard to pick any defining flavors. wrapper has a marble look to it .nice even burn. i would buy a box of these. i give them a 7/10.........happy smoking guys.....jeff

Review: Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Consul 4.7" x 60

The other day I got a 10 pac of the Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Consul 4.7" x 60. I have had one before and really enjoyed it but it had been some time since I have enjoyed another. I will not wait too long again.

This is almost like a Nub in the shape and size but you heard it here first this is a powerhouse. Excellent construction with no soft or hard spots and a blunt torpedo at the end. No veins and very oily. Pre light you get tons of spice and on the first light I made the mistake of keeping my windows rolled down b/c of the rain. The smoke hit my eyes and my eyes started to water baby. Strong, spicy tobacco flavors with lots of pepper and cedar flavors. Not what I would consider complex as the taste stayed the same for the entire smoke (about 50 minutes) but very enjoyable. I had to touch up the burn a little but that could be do to the fact it was raining and I had to compensate with my windows being down then up, down then up. A great way to start the Friday. Especially after last nights Missouri sports disaster. Ugh, don't get me started...

Anyway, great smoke, good value on cigar bid for 3.70 each. 9/10

Matt

Review: Cu-Avana Intenso Churchill (7.0" x 48)

I normally like to stick with what I know and not buy something just on a whim. Let me tell you I am glad I ventured out on this one. I just got a box of the Cu-Avana Intenso Churchill (7.0" x 48) on cigarbid for 43.00. That is just over 2.00 per stick. Well worth it.

It is definatly a full bodied smoke. The Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper grown from Habano-seed is just covered in oil and the cigar is firm with no soft spots. No veins and a rich tobacco aroma on the pre-light.

On the light you get a whiff of spice and leather and then the power comes in. Not as strong as say the F, but very comparable to the Edge as far as strength. The ash was flakey and you had to watch it or it would fall in your lap but what a great smoke from start to finish. When you consider the value of the cigar I give this a 9.5/10.

Matt

who's with me......joking of course

i was chatting with this guy on facebook today,his name is NIC WING. he live in london and i was telling him about the CAINS. he mentioned to me that a local cigar store there was selling the COHIBA BEHIKE, i think thats right, for 2.300 hundred dollers a stick. they are discounting a box of 50 at a merre 55,000 dollers , so who's with me. come on guys buck up. happy smoke guys.........jeff

Cigars in the Movies

I am getting ready to watch one of my top 3 favorite movies of all time: Miller's Crossing (written and directed by Joel and Ethen Cohen). I remembered a scene in the movie that involved a cigar. Here is a link to a video clip of the scene in Miller's Crossing that starts out with the mob boss, played by Albert Finney, enjoying a cigar in bed. He noticed trouble, extinguishes his cigar, puts it in his robe pocket, annihilates all of the assassins with his Tommy gun and then takes his cigar out of his robe to finish it. Awesome! Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IEet3GLWzs

What is your favorite movie scene that involves a cigar? Name as many as you want.

-Joe

Camacho and Room101 Launch New Luxury Cigar Line

Camacho and Room101 Launch New Luxury Cigar Line

Shared via AddThis happy smoking guys.........jeff

Your Favorite Cigar Smoking Location

Of all the places you have smoked cigars, what place stands out as your favorite--and why?

Do you remember what you smoked, the occasion (if any), the time of day, the time of year, what you ate beforehand/drank with (if applicable), and who you were with (if anyone)?

Will you/can you duplicate this experience--and if so, when do you plan to?

Adam

Veins, good or bad?

I've hada few cigars where veins are present on the wrapper. I have not noticed a direct defect to the smoking experience of any of these cigars because of the vein. I read Matt's review of the Cain Maduro Torpedo and wondered if you all would give me some insight on the vein. Personally, the veins haven't bothered me yet, so what's the story? iS it purely asthetic?

-Joe

Cain Maduro Torpedo (6x54)

Joe, once again thank you for picking this up for me.

I don't know what trippel fermented means, but this is what the website says: "Triple Fermentation is a process by which we bring the tobacco up to temperature three seperate times. This was imperative in making Cain because of the mission to make a Straight Ligero cigar."

Anyway, whatever they did, they found a winner! On the inspection, the wrapper looked a little rough with a large vein running down one side and the head of the torpedo looked a little rough. However, the flavor, oh the flavor was supreme! Tons of spice with the aftertaste of the maduro sweetness. Beautiful draw with no relights. Not too tight, not too loose. Lots of leather, earth and some cedar on the "roll" and boy did the "roll" make my eyes water. Just an all around enjoyable cigar. I would give this a 10 but the wrapper still kind of holds me up. This is a strong 9.9/10

Matt

Cain F Review

Well, I'm still still drooling and a little buzzed, but here is my review.

After cutting, the prelight draw was fantastic and left my lips and tongue tingling-I could tell that this was going to be a spicy cigar. After lighting, the first 5 minutes were very full bodied, peppery and spicy, yet very smooth. Upon exhaling through my nose for the remainder, the peppery-spiciness was in full force, but not harsh or dry. The solid, even-burned light grey ash held together for two inches before falling away. The black pepper was the strong taste throughout, but there were also notes of leather, earth and a sweetness in the far background. A highly enjoyable cigar that left a clean palate. Down to the nub, this cigar was an EXTREMELY smooth smoke.

Before smoking, I had an enchilada meal from the Mexican restaurant down the street, a brownie and a cup of coffee. I'm glad I did because this stogie left me buzzed a little light headed and satisfied. Waring!-May cause a knotted stomach. I'm now ready for a nap.

There are two downsides to the Cain F: 1) it is limited and cannot be bought as a single cigar, 2) for some reason I've already stated that I will share my stash with Matt, Jeff and Adam. I hope you all enjoy as well.

Burn=10.
Draw=10.
Strength=10.
Construction=10.
Taste=10.
Price=$8 ($39.xx pretax for the five pack, but free with a box purchase of the regular Cain habano or maduro-which JRs was kind enough to mix and match me a sampler box.)
Size=Robusto 5 x 50
Burn time=Approximately 1 hour (pretty good for a robusto)

Overall Rating=10

(The picture of the Cain cigars to the left are the maduro and habano torpedoes and 6 x 60s surrounding the F. Click on the picture for Cain's website.)

Thanks

I just wanted to take a minute to say thanks to Adam, Jeff and Joe for Saturday night. Adam for hosting the poker and Jeff and Joe for the great samples of cigars. I posed my thoughts on the Nica Libre and Autum selection but I still need to enjoy the AJ Fernandez.

Thanks again.

Matt

Review - Old World Corojo Honduran, Habano Toro

Old World Corojo Honduran, Habano Toro - I had this while playing golf with Adam last week and have been meaning to post this but have been busy, sorry for the delay. I have been a fan of the maduro for a LONG time now but after this experience, I may switch.

This is a big, box pressed toro with a flawless, seamless, veinless wrapper. Oily to the touch and no hard or soft spots throughout. Prelight aroma of leather and grass (that could have been the golf course). Great even draw with a light ash. Aroma of peat, earth and dusty books. Spicy, medium bodied. VERY refined.

9.5/10

Matt

question of the day

I think I may have asked this Friday, but I can't remember what everybody said.

WHAT IS THE ONE CIGAR THAT YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR HUMIDOR?

Mine? Easy, the VSG.

Matt

Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro Toro & the September OCCS Night

Another great OCCS meeting. Jess and the cubans were awesome as usual, Matt Holliday hit a walk-off home run to help bury the Cubs even further and we had some super fellow patrons.

Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro Toro - This was the cigar of the night. It had a dark, thick maduro wrapper which had some veins and a bit of a rough texture. Slightly oily as well. The band was bigger than usual, but the design was cool. Overall, a good looking cigar. After the cigar was cut, the pre-light draw was great and had tootsie-roll and earthy hints that led to believe that this would be a rich cigar. After lighting, the cocoa, coffee and earthy flavors were there in full force. It was very rich and medium bodied. The cigar held its rich flavor down to the nub. The light gray ash was solid and held very well. Very rich and thick smoke with every draw with an even burn the whole way. If you're in the mood for a well-made rich cigar, this is it. At less than $3 a stick on cigarbid, this was a great value.
9/10

Thanks again for coming out. Looking forward to next month's meeting.

-Joe

About Cigar Chick

About Cigar Chick check this out guys!! happy smoking everyone,jeff

CAO MX2

I just read that CAO is discontinuing the MX2. I have only had one or two and enjoyed them, but it was never one of my go too's (I guess I am not the only one otherwise they would have kept making them).

Anyway, if you like them, get them while you can...

Matt

REVIEW: RP Edge Lite Torpedo <6 x 52>

Let me first say that I had no intention of buying and smoking an Edge Lite. I stopped in the Discount Smoke Shop on Manchester with my Uncle Dave before hitting the Par 3 Golf Course last Sunday morning (he buys his pipe tobacco there). They actually have a decent size walk-in humidor with a good selection. Anyway, I immediately went for the good old standard RP Edge, and I mistakenly picked up an RP Edge Lite (hadn't had my coffee yet, still kind of in a fog).

I was nothing short of pissed when we arrived at the golf course and I went to cut my RP Edge and realized it was an RP Edge Lite. Needless to say, since I had no other options, I cut, lit, and smoked it--and enjoyed every puff.

I noticed very little, if any, similarities between the Edge Lite and the regular Edge (I think this cigar could have been marketed under its own name). The Lite was well made, had a great draw, even burn, with very creamy smoke-but it lacks the spice of the Edge. I would say the Edge Lite is a medium strength, full flavor cigar, and I highly recommend it. 9/10

Adam

size does matter

i read an article the other day that made me think about the size of my cigars i choose. In this article it stated that a larger ring gauge cigar has different flavors than a small ring gauge cigar. take the same cigar in two different sizes and notice the difference. A longsdale or corona has less filler so you will pick up more of the wrapper than the filler,thus larger ring gauge,like a toro or a belicoso , you will taste more of the filler than the wrapper. pretty cool info and i am eager to try this experement. the article came with my cigar of the month club. hope somebody learns something from this. Bring a whole new perspective on ring gauge and how it affects your favorite smoke. HAPPY SMOKING EVERYONE......JEFF

review: nica libre

My fellow members, if i gave you a blind taste test between a Padron series 26' and a Nica libre, I'd be shocked if you could tell the difference.This is one dynamite stogie!!. Very smooth and very full flavor. hint of dark chocolate on the tail end, spice to boot. considerable less expenive than a PADRON at about 50 bucks a box too. mine was a torpedo. you can find these on cigarbid most of the time. This is most certainly a keeper. I believe PADRON does make thse to ,not sure though. HAPPY SMOKING JEFF

Newest Member

Rich Luebcke has accecpted our invitation to join OCCS. Here is his reply:


It is my honor to accept your invitation. You have a great group, and I hope I can add to it.
Theresa and I spent some time in Tobakko's yesterday, as I needed supply for our upcoming Corvette trip. I purloined your Cigar Aficionado mag yesterday and found a beautiful cutter. Imagine my surprise at being able to purchase the last one Tobakko's had!
I will work to get on the blog in the near future and understand what's already been reviewed.
Thanks again,
Rich

I for one, can't wait for our next meeting. Joe, I beleive you have the honors. Do we have a date and place yet?

Matt

August meeting and cigar review

Thanks to everybody that was there on Friday. As always, Jeff was a great host, Joe came through with the pizza, Adam brought the soda and I brought the smokes.

Oh, about that smoke. Rocky Patel Sungrown Torpedo 6x52. One of my favorites. Prelight aroma of cedar and spice. Perfect oily wrapper, firm but not solid. On lighting with my trusty Zippo, beautiful thick white smoke came billowing out and caught my nose with the spice (pepper) and on the roll I found there to be very earthy, minerally notes. Almost like wet earth in a cave. Flawless smoke from foot to tip and burnt my fingers again. 9/10

Matt

Bahia Blu L600 Toro Review

Another cigarbid.com purchase. 5-pack for $11, so $2.20 per cigar. 6.0" x 50 ring gauge. Smoking time-50 minutes. The cigar had a decent looking, not too impressive or oily, corojo wrapper. Pre-light smell and taste were of cedar and a little spiciness.
-The first ¼ of the cigar was medium-full bodied, thick smoke, spicy and cedar tastes dominating and a cool-even burn.
-The second ¼ of the cigar dropped to medium bodied and turned to a rich/sweet flavor, but the cedar notes were still present in the background. Still thick cool smoke at this point as well and the burn remained even.
-¾ of the way gone, the smoke is still thick, even burn and the cedar notes are starting to move back to the forefront again and while the sweet notes drop to the background a little. At this point the smoke is becoming a little hot.
-The great draw and thick smoke remained for last ¼ of the cigar. The smoke is hot at this point and I could almost be given up on it, but I take my time and smoke on. The cedar notes are back with a vengeance along with a bit of a resin/chocolate flavor.

Besides the ok looking wrapper and the hot burn towards the end, this was a pretty decent cigar. Complex in flavors, good draw, even burn throughout and $2.20. Not bad at all, and could be a decent every day smoke. This was cigar 2 of 5 and both were pretty good. I’d recommend trying for sure.

7.9/10 (I'd rate it higher, but I'll wait until I have smoked all 5. The consistancy is there so far, but the price has me a little skeptical.)
-Joe

trade show update

I have been trying to keep track of the cigar trade show going on in New Orleans this week and these guys sum it up best.

So far what I have read has made me excited for the Cain (made by Sam Leccia - who made the nub)and the S-this cigars. Check it out on the middle of the page of this link. Way cool!

http://www.stogieguys.com/

Matt

Recent JR visit...

Stopped by JRs after work Friday as usual. The guys that work there are extremely helpful and know there stuff. Anyway, what's what...

They have a box of the limited Oliva V series torpedo with the Maduro wrapper (the other Oliva Vs have the Nicaraguan wrapper). Have you all had one of them? It was around $11, so I bought a RP Renaissance instead. But almost splurged. Let me know if anybody would like me to pick one up before next weeks meeting.

Also, I asked if any events were coming up and they mentioned that Rocky himself will be there on a Friday afternoon in mid October. Rocky will be releasing two new cigars and will be promoting them at the store. I'll keep you posted once they know more details. They will also be selling raffle tickets for around $25 for a 40 someodd inch flat screen TV at the event. I don't need a TV, but I'll probably take a half day at work and head over.

One of the clerks said to try a blind taste test with the Indian Tobac Cameroon Legend Maduro against the CAO Brazilia. He swears that they are so similar that the price difference, the IT wins hands down. Worth a try.

-Joe

single vs multi

i've be pondering this subject for some time now and am looking for you imput. is a single torch lighter better than a multi torch lighter and which uses the least amount of fluid. does a single torch with a big ring gauge cigar use the same amount of fluid as a triple in the same cigar? is it worth thinking about or i'm i just rambling.....happy smoking...jeff

REVIEW: DAVINCI

every once in awhile,i go into a cigar store with no real idea what i'm looking for. i went into the dirt cheap in desloge friday and picked up a DAVINCI. WOW but what an awesome smoke.very full body spicy though out with a touch of carmal. smooth smoke from start to finish. thick white aromatic smoke,was a true delight 9/10 going to be a favorite of mine for sure.............happy smoking .......jeff

REVIEW: Victor Sinclair Series 55 Sun Grown

Well, I picked up a sampler of these guys about a year ago for next to nothing (admit it--everyone has been lured in by the cheap prices at least once!). I tried one when I first received them and was very unimpressed--terrible burn, poor draw, very harsh tasting. So I left them in the humidor for a year, thinking they may improve/mellow with some time. Nope. Terrible smoke from start to finish. Don't waste your time or money. On a similar note, most, if not all, of the Victor Sinclair cigars I have had have been poor to fair. Don't waste your time or money. 0/10

Adam

Rocky Patel Autumn Collection-2008 Review

So far, my cigarbid.com experience (two orders) has been pretty good. I recently purchased quite a few samplers and tried to stick with cigars I have yet to try. One such cigar I purchased was very good indeed—the Rocky Patel Autumn Collection 2008. As I was unpacking all of my cigars, the Connecticut wrapper and the Churchill size, 7” x 50 ring gauge, stood out from the pack. I had to try one right away. Beautiful Connecticut Shade wrapper that smelled somewhat sweet. After lighting, I was in 45 minutes of blissful solitude. This was one of the creamiest and smoothest cigars I have yet to try. There was an earthy taste here and there as well, like toasted walnuts or something. Medium bodied. The draw was excellent, but the burn was a little uneven for the first half of the cigar. What a pleasant cigar! I hope there will be a 2009 edition…
$4.20/cigar and a rating of 9.5/10

-Joe

Review Rocky Patel Renaissance Robusto

Man do I love Fridays. I usually pick out something nice for the drive into work and today is no exception. I chose the Rocky Patel Renaissance Robusto, 5x50. Prelight I noticed some oil on the wrapper with a somewhat veiny apparance. Aromas of spice and seimi sweet. On the light same aromas. Good draw with an uneven burn that corrected itself both times without relighting. Just the right amount of medium to almost full body throughout the smoke and a sweet aftertaste on the palate after the draw. 9/10

Matt

Man O' War Review

This morning I smoked a Man O' War Robusto 52x5.5. Pre light aromas of chocolate and coffie. Great burn, solid ash and decent draw. Medium to full bodied with full flavor. Very distinct chocolate, mossy and fresh cut grass flavors and aromas. I wish it was a little stronger, but all in all, very good smoke. Especially the cost of 2.36/stick on cigar bid. 9/10

On a side note, I can't wait to try the Man O' War Ruination. Has anyone had that yet and if so, how does it compare?

Matt

August meeting

Well, if it is okay with everyone, I will switch my October hosting with John as he will be out of town on what seems to be the only date for most of us to meet, August 14, 2009. I have a couple of ideas for the night, but I need to get confirmation on a couple of things as far as location and my supply of smokes.



If all else fails, we will still go to Jeff’s, but I am hoping to secure Alcorns for the night. Unfortunately, Cindy is on vacation until Saturday. Once she calls back I will know where we will be, what kind of food will be available and most importantly, what cigars we will be having.



Mark your calendars for the 14th and I will have more info after Saturday.



Matt

REVIEW: Sol Cubano Maduro Churchill

I picked a five pack of these up from Cigarbid.com. With shipping, total cost per stick was less than $3. Dark, oily wrapper; thick, white, chalky ash; heavy plumes of sweet smoke; spiciness and richness that approaches the Edge; full-body cigar. Wow--sums it up. Strongly recommend picking these up and trying for yourself--because you will get NONE of mine!! 9.5/10

Adam

july meeting

Well another night at Growlers has passed. It was good to see everyone once i got parked that is. And Jess is the icing on the cake. Anyway, This months selection,the DARK KNIGHT, is also one of my favs. medium bodied almost tasted of grapes,kinda sweet. tiny bit spicy,but not to much. 8/10.Second choice for the evening was a PERDOMO RESERVE DOUBLE EAGLE. Medium to full,very smooth with a hint of ceder. not to spicy and a very enjoyable smoke. All in all it was a great evening with my best friends. Happy smoking jeff

OCCS Roadtrip

I would like to propose the OCCS roadtrip. This is of course open to anyone willing to drive to KC for an an afternoon to Outlaws Cigars on the MO side of the city.

Xikar is having a HC Series Cigar event at Outlaws Cigars (the LARGEST cigar store in the midwest) on October 17, 2009. I am provideing links to all the events and sites. We can discuss it on Friday, but I was thinking leaving Saturday AM going to some good BBQ for lunch then hitting Outlaws for the HC series release. This is the cigar I have been so excited about. Full bodied, full flavored!

Here are the links:
http://hc.xikar.com/events
http://www.outlawcigar.com/sitesections/community/events/eventDetails.aspx?EventId=31

Matt

Alcorns

For those of you who have not been to Alcorns (off Watson), it is still a treat. They have sodas now and it looks like they have more cigars available. Nothing new, just more.

While I was there Friday, I talked to the female manager (I can't remember her name)and asked about reserving the lounge for an OCCS meeting. She said no problem, just call and let her know what night, what we want her to bring in for us and we can bring in food, watch a movie basically take over the lounge for the night.

So, that being said, I think we have another valid option for our meetings.

Matt

Review: Tatuaje Miami - Noellas 5.1 x 42

I picked a couple of these Friday night to celebrate a good week at work. I have had one Tatuaje and thought it was great and all the other blogs rave about them so I had to give it another try. I got one of the smaller sizes just because of cost (8.00).

Let me first start off by saying this is probably one of the best looking cigars I have ever had the pleasure of smoking. Along the lines of the Casa Magna, it has enough oil on it to to put the Exxon Valdez to shame. Tripple cap, great construction and just a beauty. After the cut the dry pull was medium bodied and had a lot of earthy notes to it. I lit it up man o man the smoke. Thick, rich, creamy smoke. It was trying to light a damp bundle of sticks. (not that it WAS damp, but just the level of smoke involved). As I smoked it went from a medium-full to a medium. Honestly, I was a little dissapointed in the taste and flavor. While it was clearly one of the better made cigars, it just did not have the umph that I was expecting and enjoy. Quality I give it a 9.5, flavor 8, value 7. Overall I would give it a 8.5.

Matt

OCCS member cigar review: Oliva NUB Maduro

A couple of Friday's ago I stumbled into JR Cigars after work to find a couple of NUB representatives there promoting the Maduro. After the buy 1 get one free and the free sample the rep handed me - plus a cigar NUB t-shirt, I left extremely happy. I got home and lit up the maduro.

Size: 4 x 60. Beautiful dark wrapper. Full-bodied cigar that had strong hints of chocalate and also some peppery and sweet hints throughout. Smoking time was about 50 minutes. Cost was $6.75. At this price and quality, it shot up quickly to my top five. Wow, what a great smoke! I have smoked all 4 (after donating one to Adam) and will buy more my next trip to JRs. 10/10!

-Joe

Top 5 cigars

Along the lines of last week question, I would you guys consider your top 5 favorite cigars? That would be all things considered, taste, flavor, price, availability, etc. Mine are:

1. Ashton VSG
2. Casa Magna
3. Rocky Patel Edge Maduro
4. Olivia Serie V
5. Sol Cubana Cuban Cabinet

Matt

Review: Fire by Indian Tabac

This stogy is a great every day, medium to full body, spicy, fairly rich smoke. I picked up a 12 pack of Maduro Robustos (4.5 x 52) from Cigarbid.com, and at less than $3 a stick (including shipping!!), you can't go wrong. This particular size is a relatively quick smoke--which is great for after lunch or for watering the lawn after dinner. 8.75/10

Adam

OCCS June Meeting Notes / Gurkha Coffee Review

It was great to see everyone @ Joe's Meeting. Thanks to Jeff for the use of his place again--and for picking up Valkyrie for all of us to enjoy (I thought it was a pretty good flick!). It's nice to sit in the comfort of a friend's home, without a bunch of bull-shit going on in the background, and enjoy fine cigars, great food & company, and a good movie. Nothing like it.

Thanks to Joe for the frickin' awesome Dicky's BBQ, not to mention the mind-blowing Casa Magna. I realize the Casa Magna has already been reviewed by the OCCS, but I think it is worth repeating: 10/10. Period.

On a totally different subject: I picked up a pound of ground Gurkha Americana Coffee (I think Gurkha currently has 5 or 6 different coffees out there). The Americana is pretty good coffee, although I do not think it lives up to the Gurkha name. I expected more from it--maybe to be found in one of Gurkha's other coffees, but the Americana, in my opinion, is not much different than a good Folgers or other name-brand coffee.

Adam

Don Peppin Garcia - My Father

Last night Jeff and I went to the new Alcorns store. Man was it much improved. There is so much room there it is not all elbows and assholes. The woman behind the counter said they are not done with it yet as they will be bringing in more cigars, soda cooler, etc. They had a great lounge with 3 couches and the big screen tv. VERY nice.

While there I thought I would treat myself to a Don Peppin Garcia My Father #4 7.5" x 38 ring guage. Don Peppin likes to model his cigars after the Cuban style. I have only had a few Cubans in my day and I would say he surpassed them. This is a beautiful cigar, dark, oily and firm. It had a solid gray ash and the aroma, oh, my the aroma. Very nutty, very cedary (it had a cedar sleeve) and a perfect burn right down to the nub. 10 of 10

Matt

July 2009 Meeting Date Set, Cigar Chosen

The OCCS July Meeting will be held on Friday July 31 at Growler's Pub in South County (been too long since the last Cuban Sandwich).

The July Cigar will be the Excalibur 1066 Dark Knight I (which happens to be one of my first favorites).

"The Excalibur 1066 is an extension of the popular Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur line. It features a blend of Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos along with Cameroon wrappers. A superior Cameroon cigar that’s consistent and dependable with a pop of flavor on the finish.

The Dark Knight I is a compelling addition to the line that has cigar enthusiasts drooling. The unique dark, oily "extra dark natural" Havana-seed Connecticut wrapper is a delight, featuring a complex, rich, and layered smoothness."

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!!

Adam

Casa Magna

While golfing with Joe on Sunday, he was kind enough to bring me a couple extra Casa Magna's. This was my first time smoking one and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. In my opinion, it was also worth the #1 rating in CA. The wrapper is a beautiful reddish hue and is flawless in construction. My first taste was full of spice and flavor, medium to full. I had a little issue with an uneven burn, but was easily corrected with a little re-light. I nearly burnt my tounge with this and even put little burn marks on my driving glove from holding on to it for too long.
With a little againg I think this could put pressure on VSG being my personal #1 ESPECIALLY when you consider the value of this smoke. At $5.25 each you just can't get a better smoke (although Adam would disagree with the Edge Maduro). 10/10

Matt

OneOff

Right now this smoke is by far my favorite. Not sure if it is the simple band, the big ring, the perfect length, the great taste--and draw, or the insanely cheap price, but I can't get enough of these things. They are not always on Cigarbid, but when they are I try to get at least a five pack or so. I am giving some serious consideration to making this the featured cigar at my meeting. 9/10

Adam

There be Plume in them there hills!

I went to grab my usual Friday morning smoke and with it being Memorial day weekend, I decided to grab something special. I selected an Ashton VSG that I have been ageing for 2-3 years now. Nothing like seeing Plume to brighten your day.

Matt

May 8, 2009 Meeting Notes

Thanks to Matt for the Gurkha Blue Steel--what a smoke!! Although it was not as full-bodied as I am used to with a Gurkha, it was quite a treat. Great draw, even burn, and great taste from start to finish. 8.5/10

Too bad about the loud crowd towards the later part of the meeting @ Growlers, but what can you do (I sound like an old man bitching about the damn kids these days...). Great to see everyone, and I am very much looking forward Joe's meeting.

OCCS member at The Cuban Cigar Factory in Las Vegas

I checked several cigar shops out in Las Vegas and The Cuban Cigar Factory was the friendliest, most inviting and coolest shop I visited. (I lost the list of cigar shops that I intended to visit, so by no means did I visit all of them and there may be many other cool shops).

The shop was half lounge with big screen TV and very comfortable leather chairs to relax in. And the other half of the store was a pretty good sized walk-in humidor. They also offered plenty of cigar paraphernalia at the counter as well. Many of the cigar shops on the Las Vegas strip were small, poorly taken care of (usually around 50% humidity if displayed) and EXTREMELY overpriced. I bought a very dried out Partagas 1845 perfecto...for $14 pre-tax at the hotel's cigar shop where we stayed at (The Monte Carlo)!!!! The Cuban Cigar Factory displayed their humidity level and it was over 70%.

When I walked into the cigar shop (which appeared to be completely empty) around 10:30 on a Tuesday morning I was welcomed by a very rich and lovely cigar smell. Then, a head poked out from behind the big screen TV and welcomed us to come on in. The head turned out to be Nelson Ventura, the store's Master Cigar Roller. Behind the TV was a little working area with presses, tobacco cutting equipment, glue, stacks of tobacco leaves and a smell that I wish I sweated out of my pores. Nelson was back there making cigars for purchase from the store. He gave me a tour of the store and the humidor explaining things as I asked questions. Nelson was very friendly and laid back. We then walked back to where he was rolling wrappers on the cigars. I watched and was impressed by his speed and ease about it. He was kind enough to let me take a couple of pictures while he was in action. I bought a double corona maduro that he rolled. It was a Dominican puro, very moist and rich. I ended up waiting until we got back to our hotel and smoked it in a lounge chair by the pool. It was a very excellent smoke that was full, thick and moist all the way down to the fingertips. Pretty cool!

I could not find a link to their store but here is a video by a website that does a show on cigar shops and they did one at The Cuban Cigar Factory. It is episode number 4, so scroll down to find episode number 4. Here is the website:

http://www.lasvegashtv.com/Episodes/Default.aspx

-Joe

May meeting

Well, it looks like it will be May 8th for our May meeting. As usual, I think Growlers will be our best bet. To insure we get a table in the back, I am either going to reserve a table (if they let me) or I will get there by 3pm to hold us a table. Joe, if you feel up to it, feel free to join me.

We will be trying the Gurkha Blue Steel Robusto (5x50). This review is from Cigar.com (let's see how right they are).

"Gurkha Blue Steel is a slight departure from most other Hansotia blends, but only in terms of price. The blend consists of tri-country filler stemming from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Columbia. This concoction is then finished with a rare, expensive Costa Rican maduro wrapper, adding an incredibly rich character to the blend. Upon lighting, you’re met with toasty nuances of earth and wood with a slightly peaty aftertaste. The finish is enjoyable and long as the thick smoke emits a cedar-like aroma. Less than 50,000 sticks of Blue Steel were produced, making this product a rare, inexpensive treat from Gurkha."

Matt

Verdadero Organic Review

While looking for the OneOff brand on Cigarbid.com, I came across this brand of cigar. The Verdadero claim to be made with 100% organically grown fillers (as, I suppose, the OneOff brand used to be/still is (?)).

Whatever the case may be, I found this smoke to be one of the most flavorful and enjoyable light bodied cigars to date. I was surprised just how good this cigar was, and I blame this cigar for making me rethink keeping my humidor stocked with almost exclusively medium to full bodied cigars.

Think I paid at or less than $3 a piece for these guys (picked up two five packs), and I recommend giving them a try. 8.5/10

Adam

May Meeting

I just wanted to get everyones input on dates for the May meeting. I was thinking either the 1st, 8th or 22nd. Do any of those work BEST or NOT at all for you guys?

We will be having it at Growlers and either I will get there at noon to save us a table or I will have it reserved.

Matt

April Meeting: 5 Vegas Relic

I suppose we need to start making reservations at Growlers from now on. I can't believe how packed it was--and that the entire smoking section was "reserved". What a crock.

Anyway, thanks for stepping in for Joe, Jeff--and thanks for the 5 Vegas Relic. Wow!! Superb smoke from start to finish. Although I expected the cigar to be a bit more full-bodied than it was, it certainly did not disappoint. I have placed my bid for a five pack of these and can't wait to smoke another. (This is the first cigar I have smoked that was capped on both ends.). 9/10

We missed you Joe, and I hope you are feeling better. Don't think that claiming you are sick gets you out of your cigar oblication to the group... Hope you had a great birthday.

John--I am honored that it was with us you spent the most time you have ever spent sitting at bar before.

It was suggested--and unanimously agreed upon--at the meeting that our blog should contain some pornographic material. Jeffro is working on it. And thanks to Jeff for getting the automatically updated Blues window on the blog--bad ass.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next month @ Matt's meeting.

Adam

John Stewart is on my list!

Okay, with this freaking SCHIP has pushed me over the edge and now this! I rarely watch the Daily Show with John Stewart and I just happened to be feeding Evelyn last night and it was the only thing on. So mister freaking High and mighty John Stewart starts bashing Rush Limbaugh. That I don't have a problem with. What I have a problem with is him calling "All cigar smokers douch bags". That is like calling everyone that has a tatoo a member of a gang. Just lumping us together b/c we happen to enjoy something he doesn't agree with. I don't care if he was making a joke or not. I'm mad as hell and I am not gonna take it any more! DICK!!!!!

Matt

Arturo Fuente Opus X Fuente Fuente

My wife got me (with the help of Adam) two Arturo Fuente Opus X Fuente Fuente to enjoy after my daughter, Evelyn, was born. Let me just say this: WOW. It has been a LONG time since I have gotten a buzz from a cigar but this one made me lightheaded. Perfect roll with a triple cap, reddish in color and a flawless wrapper, 6x49. The power immediatly siezes you on your first taste. Large notes of cedar (it had a cedar sleeve), earth, peat and leather. Exceptional draw, perfect burn down to my fingertips. Solid white ash that you had to knock off with a hammer. Worth every penny that Robin spent. I am going to hang on to the other one she got me for a while and see how it ages. 10 of 10

Matt

Saint Luis Rey Reserva Especial

I had one of these the other night and really enjoyed it. It was fairly inexpensive (under$3??). I believe it was a belicoso. Even burn, smooth draw, wonderful taste, and all around a nice smoke. Anyone had one before?

-Joe

April Cigar Meeting

Date: Friday April, 3rd
Time: around 5 or 6 to close if needed
Where: Growlers
Cigar: Mi Dominicana (Size-TBD)

Congartulations again to Matt and Robin AND Evelyn! Jeff's birthday will be the night before and Joe's birthday will be the next day. Lot's to celebrate, see you there.

-Joe

future new member?

CONGRATULATIONS GO OUT TO MATT AND ROBIN FOR THEIR NEW BABY GIRL. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL BUDDY.GOTTA BREAK HER IN EARLY SO I WOULD WAIT A FEW WEEKS. I WOULD SUGGEST A MILD CIGAR. CONGRATS AGAIN ......HAPPY SMOKING EVERYBODY.......JEFF

N EWS ON ALCORNS!!!

two things 1}alcorns on lindberg is not closing,the land is for sale 2}alcorns on watson is moving. in about two months they will be relocating to a place now called LIT CIGAR on big bend. two floors,first is for retail and the second is for a private lounge not open to public accept on cigar nights. this lounge is going to have three big screen tvs. poker tables and pool tables and an open bar and a fireplace. the retail portion on the lower level is going to have 3 TIMES the amount of cigars Harold has now.i'm sure we will be told when this is going to happen and i can't wait......happy smoking everyone....jeff

CHANGE TO AN OLD RULE

WE ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE GUIDE LINE ABOUT THE MONTHLY SELECTION. AS IT STAND,THAT MONTHS HOST BRINGS A SELECTION THAT NOBODY HAS HAD,SO THE CHANGE TO BRING A CIGAR THAT THEY ENJOY AND WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE.WICH I GUESS WILL GO INTI AFFECT NEXT MEETING.SO NO MORE WORRIES ABOUT FIGURING IF SOME HAD THIS ONE OR THAT ONE,CAUSE SOME OF US HAVE TRYED AFEW MORE THAN OTHERS...HAPPY SMOKING EVERYONE.........JEFF

MARCH MEETING

looks to me like GROWLERS is going to be our main hangout with Jessie as our waitress. fine with me, my first smoke was the club selection,PADRINO by OLIVEROS, very fine smoke,but mine had a bit of a tight draw. i tasted a tiny hint of saltyness and a bit of wood and leather 8/10 next was a RP RENAISSANCE, mighty fine stogie! spicy throughout and almost a tad floral and sweet. great draw 9 1/2/10. last was a RP WINTER COLLECTION, this is a winner!! full bodied with lots of spice flavor, in my opinion,I enjoy this more than an EDGE.All in all it was a very nice evening.........happy smoking everyone....jeff

2010 Big Smoke Las Vegas

So far, Matt, Jeff, and Adam have committed to attend the Big Smoke in Las Vegas in 2010. All three members signed their commitments at the February Meeting (2/20/09) in the OCCS Official Journal.

Looking forward to it, and hope more of the members will get onboard with us!!

Adam

Alcorn's For Sale (?!)

I just went into the Alcorn's on Lindbergh and noticed a FOR SALE sign directly under, and chained to, the Alcorn's gas station price sign. The gentleman (not Harold) working the counter inside offered no information (imagine that) when I asked him about it. Hope Harold has another place lined up--what a loss that would be...

Adam

Questions

Matt-
What is the name of the waitress you would like to have at Growlers? I may get there a little early again.

Anyone-
Which Alcorn should I go to? It looks there is one on Watson and another down Lindbergh close to 55.

->Joe

REVIEW; ROCKY PATEL WINTER COLLECTION

PICKED ONE UP AT ALCORNS CAUSE IT CAUGHT MY EYE AND THANK THE LORD FROM ABOVE THAT I DID. I WOULD SAY THIS IS FULL BODY CIGAR, VERY VERY SPICY.BEAUTIFUL BROW WRAPPER AND OILY. EVEN BURN,PERFECT DRAW.NOTES OF COFFEE AND I LITTLE LEATHERY AND NUTTY. THIS IS A KEEPER. AWESOME SMOKE.ABOUT 8:00 BUCKS,BUT WORTH EVERY PENNY HAPPY SMOKING EVERYONE JEFF

alcorns,the other one

i went to to ALCORNS thursday night for cigar night. it was don pepin night. Featured cigars were the BENCHMADE which is made from remains from ashton and tatuaje or short filler,which gives it a lot of flavor. san cristbal which was a full body cigar and then there was the LA AROMA DE CUBA, which is a favorite of mine,its a medium bodied cigar. room in this place is scarce with five or more people. lot of belly rubbing. decided to stay for the raffle and won a 25 count humidor. Al in al it was cool place just tiny will go back for sure. and Harold informed us there is no heat....HAPPY SMOKING EVERYONE.......JEFF

Schedule of March 09 Meeting

I would like the schedule the March meeting on the 6th or 13th or we could meet in a delivery room with future date unknown. The meeting will be at Growlers, everyone seems to enjoy Growlers. The cigar of the evening will be a cute little number by Oliveros, a Padrino Edition Italiana Maduro 54 ring. The cigar is medium to full bodied.

So, let me know what works best.

John S. Email jsaks@charter.net

February 09 Meeting

It was great to get together with the OCCS members and guest at Growlers. Growlers can't be beat. The cigar presented was a Rocky Patel 10th anniversary, it's ring size and length is one of my favorites. The RP was a cigar with a medium body that provided a robust balanced smoke without being overpowering. The construction and burn were great. All in all, this Rocky Patel was an impressive smoking experience!
John S

February Meeting @ Growler's Pub

Another successful meeting, gentlemen, and OCCS is a year old--hard to believe it has already been a year, huh? Here is to many more OCCS years to come!!

It was great to see everyone--Jeff, Matt, Joe, John, Greg, Bob, & Mark (Greg's Father-in-Law), and I hope everyone had a good time.

We are glad to have you as a member, Joe, and I look forward to enjoying countless more cigars with you in the future. And thanks for reserving our tables Friday night!

The featured cigar was Rocky Patel's Decade. I previously posted my review of this cigar, and the one I smoked on Friday was superb. In fact, it was the perfect compliment to my Cuban Sandwich.

Just to clarify:

1. John is to host (i.e. plan) the March OCCS Meeting, which, due to Baby Hall's arrival on 3/17, should be scheduled on either 3/6 or 3/13.
2. Joe is to host the April Meeting (Jeff will turn 39 on April 2!)
3. Matt is to host the May Meeting.
4. Jeff is to host the June Meeting.
5. Adam is to host the July Meeting.

Matt-I have ordered your OCCS shirt and I will get it to you as soon as it comes in (sorry about that). And I know you will ask for a hand if you need it with any last minute preparations/chores for Baby Hall's arrival.

If it's not too much trouble, and if you do not have a problem with doing so, would everyone mind entering their birth dates in their profile (at least the month and day)? I figure this would be a good way to make sure the OCCS celebrates member birthdays in a timely fashion. And by celebrate, I mean smoke cigars.

I cannot wait until the next meeting!!!

Adam

review: ROCKY PATEL RENAISSANCE

picked one of these up at PARADISE LIQUORS, MAN OH MAN! GREAT TASTING CIGAR ,HINTS OF COFFEE AND A BIT OF LEATHER. GOOD DRAW AND AN EVEN BURN MADE THIS CIGAR A DELIGHT TO SMOKE. and at $7.50, i was worth the price jeff

May meeting

I know I am WAY ahead of schedule, but I just found a good deal on some new cigars I think we would all enjoy. For my host meeting (May) I am going to bring some Gurkha Blue Steel Robustos! IF you can, try to avoid them until May.

Matt

Rocky Patel Decade Review

I realize we have discussed this cigar in the past, and the general consensus was one of almost disappointment (especially given this cigar's great reviews in Cigar Aficionado).

I must suggest, however, that you guys give this smoke another chance. I smoked another Decade at Matt's place Saturday night and was completely impressed. Rich, medium to full body, bursting with flavor from start to finish, a great draw, and what I now consider a "finger burner" smoke. I now say that this smoke is better than RP's Olde World Reserve (and in the past, I would have said that the Olde World is much better than the Decade).

Give the Decade another chance or two and see what you think.

Adam

New OCCS Member Inducted: Joe P.

During the January Meeting (hosted by Jeff), it was decided by the founding fathers that Joe P. would be granted membership into the Original Chapter of the Cigar Society.

Joe, you certainly do not have to join, but we would very much like to have you as a fellow member of our club.

January meeting

We had a full house Friday night. Joe, thank you much for the pizzas, they where awesome!!. My first cigar was a Kinky Friedman TEXAS JEWBOY. Very good smoke over all. medium body. good draw. my second was a Grand Habano 3 Siglo, Spicy great flavor very good draw,a little uneven on the burn,but a great cigar othwise. my last cigar and my favorite of the evening was the Kristoff, WOW!! what a great smoke. so many different flavors medium to full body. Was a great night overall. thanks to everyone who attended. Jeff

February OCCS Meeting

Gentlemen:

I was thinking of planning the Feb. OCCS meeting @ Growler's, as I've got a hankering for a Cuban Sandwich, AND it makes sense to hold the First OCCS Anniversary (right?) Celebration at the Original Meeting Place.

How does the 20th or 27th suit you guys?

The February Cigar will be the Macanudo Diplomat Maduro Perfecto.

Please let me know if either date will work for you, and please let me know if you have smoked one of these cigars before.

Adam

5 Vegas Cask Strength II

Well, I had to wait 4 days before I could smoke one of these due to my head cold. Needless to say, it was well worth the wait.

This is by far one of the most full-bodied smokes I have ever enjoyed--and I enjoyed the hell out of it. I was surprised by the hints of sweetness at times, and the different tastes from this thing when I rolled its smoke were pretty cool (it was almost difficult to roll at times, due to its strength!). It certainly gives The Edge a run for its money, and I would have to say that this cigar is a 9/10.

Adam

John S. Is In!!

Gentlemen:

An email exerpt regarding John S.'s membership into the OCCS:

To the Original Chapter of the Cigar Society
I am happy to accept membership in the esteemed Original Chapter of the Cigar Society. I am honored to be the first nominee picked to be a member by the founding fathers. I, accept all responsibilities as a member of the Society. I am looking forward to the next meeting and a fine cigar smoke.
As a famous man once said Cohibas aren’t just for breakfast anymore!
John S.

Welcome John!! Looking forward to seeing you, and everyone else, at Jeff's on the 23rd.

Adam

January meeting selection

Have you all made your selections for our January meeting? I am planning on bringing in Gran Habano 3 siglos Fumas Robusto. Does that work for everyone? If not, I may have another option.

Also just to clarify, should I bring 3, 4, or 5 cigars?

Matt

NO WILL POWER

ok guys, i broke down and smoke one of my CASK STRENGHT AND LET ME TELL YOu SOMETHING. HOLY SHIT!!! that is an awesome smoke! leathery and very robust.Great draw, thick smoke. pretty even burn hope someone starts selling boxes cause i'm getting one happy smoking jeff

New OCCS Member Inducted: John S.

During the December '08 Meeting (hosted by Matt), it was decided by the Founding Fathers that John S. would be granted membership into the Original Chapter of the Cigar Society. It was also decided to consider Joe P. for membership into the OCCS.

John, you certainly are not obligated to join our club, but we would very much like to have you as a fellow member.

Membership rules are pretty simple:

1) all members take turns (on a set rotation) planning the monthly cigar meetings

2) the monthly cigar meetings are to be held on a Friday Night (to be held anywhere the meeting planning member would like, provided the place is cigar smoke friendly, obviously), and it is the meeting planning member's responsibility to ensure the majority (if not all) of the members are able to attend the meeting on the date he chooses

3) the meeting preparations should be finalized two weeks in advance

4) the meeting planning member is responsible for bringing one cigar of the same type for each member (including himself); these cigars should be "new" to everyone; the idea behind this is very important to one of our group's main purposes: to expand our cigar palates; the cigar supplied by the planning member will be the cigar reviewed at the meeting by each member and recorded in the Original Chapter of the Cigar Society's Official Cigar Journal (and eventually on this blog); it is the meeting planning member's responsibility to ensure the cigar he choses for the meeting has not yet been smoked by the majority, if not all, of the group memebers; the cigar can cost as little or as much as the meeting planning member wants, the cigar can be any type, the cigar can can be from any maker, but the cigar must be hand made. >> depending on future membership count, this rule may be revised due to involved cost factors; not yet counting John as a member, we currently have 3 members in our group

5) any member can bring a non-member cigar smoker of good character to our meetings, however, the invitation must be made known to all other members prior to the date of the meeting

6) women are not allowed membership into our group, nor or they allowed to attend our meetings (which I am sure is going to really upset a lot of women...)

7) a pledging candidate's membership is left to the discretion of the current OCCS members, with the Founding Fathers having the final say

John, should you decide to accept membership into our club, you would be responsible for planning the March 2009 meeting (keeping in mind Matt will be welcoming his child into the world, I believe, on March 17th).

I think that's all of the rules--besides the most important and obvious rule that everyone must enjoy cigars & have a good time. Matt & Jeff, please correct me if I am wrong.

Anyway, we hope to officially welcome John into the OCCS at the January Meeting, held at Jeff's place.

Looks like we are officially Official.

Gentlemen: let the OCCS blogging begin.
I figure we can post any and all OCCS information here, as this is a relatively easy way of keeping track of things for all of those interested to see.
Next Meeting: January 23 @ Jeffro's place. I haven't heard what movie we will be watching, but Joe did mention he would bring his famous "chili pizza" for us to enjoy.