New cigar lounge in St. Louis

I just heard that Zino cigars is opening a lounge at Brennans in the Central West End.  Here is the link:

http://www.zinoplatinumstl.com/index.html

I have yet to have a Zino (or a Davidoff for that matter) but it is great to see a lounge (and future shop) open rather than close!

I don't get to the Central West End often (going on two years probably) but this could spark my interest in going.

Matt

Montecristo Relief Organization

I caught this press release on a couple other websites and wanted to make sure we had it up as well.  

In response to the devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri this week causing catastrophic damage, human suffering and loss of life, the Montecristo Relief Organization is immediately donating $25,000 to provide vital aid to victims and to recovery assistance.

Additionally, the Montecristo Relief Organization will match, dollar for dollar, the first $75,000 in contributions made by Altadis U.S.A. and CBI employees, customers, consumers and vendors. If you would like to contribute and have your donation matched by the Montecristo Relief Organization, please send your check made payable to the Montecristo Relief Organization/Joplin fund to:

Montecristo Relief Organization
Joplin Tornado Relief
c/o Altadis U.S.A.
PO Box 407179
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33340-7166

Help and support is needed immediately, so time is of the essence. The Montecristo Relief Organization will match donations made by June 15, 2011.  Funds will be distributed to both the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army designated for specific aid to the Joplin disaster. We thank everyone in advance for joining us in this vital relief effort.

The Montecristo Relief Organization was established in 1999 by Altadis U.S.A. after devastating hurricanes swept through the Caribbean killing thousands of people, injuring millions, and causing unimaginable suffering. Since its inception, the Organization has donated millions of dollars to build homes, schools, medical facilities and provide scholarships and economic opportunities to disaster victims in the Caribbean and the United States.

If you are able to donate, I can't think of a better way to do so.  There is so much bad press out there about cigars, it is nice to see some good news for a change.  

Matt

REVIEW: PARTAGAS CAMEROON

Cigar Name: Partagas
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: D.R.
Filler: D.R.
Size: 4.5” x 49 Robusto
Strength: Mild to Medium
Body: Mild to Medium
Price: $4.00-$7.00 (single)*

Smoking Time: One hour

*This cigar was given to me by Harold of Alcorn Cigars for review.  In no way did this factor in the rating of the cigar.       

Appearance: I don’t’ know if Harold had these sitting in the humidor since he opened the store or not, but the cello on these cigars is yellow with age.  That alone had my mouth watering.  The wrapper is the color of milk chocolate.  The band is simple and subdued.  Few veins but those that were present were not prominent.  There is some tooth present.           9/10

Construction: There were a couple of soft spots but I don’t think they will affect the smokeability.  These look well made otherwise.        8/10

Burn:   The burn was a little uneven but it held.  The ash held for more than an inch but was flakey.      9/10

Aroma: Tobacco.  That is really about it.  6/10

Draw: The draw was just right.  Not too tough, not too loose.        9/10

Flavor: Fairly one dimensional.  It tasted good, it is just not complex.  Tastes of tobacco and firewood.             7/10

Availability: Excellent availability.  You can get these almost anywhere.  However, I must say you probably won’t be able to find these with as much age.    10/10

Personal Overall Experience:  This is a good cigar and would be an excellent choice for someone new to cigars.  It is not too strong, not too weak.  I do wish it was a little more complex just because variety is the spice of life.  25/30.

Total: 83/100

Matt

May OCCS Meeting Notes

It was great seeing those that could make it out with us @ Alcorn's:  Matt, Joe, Michael, and yours truly.  We enjoyed a Crave Case of Whitecastles,  smoked the featured Tatuaje Miami Conjou 2003 (a gem of a smoke--thanks for the recommendation, Matt), watched the Cardinals blow their lead and lose, and played some Texas Hold 'em.  Great times.

Looking forward to Jeffro's meeting next month.  Keep in touch.

Adam

ONE PUFF REVIEW: La Gloria Cubana Serie N

ONE PUFF REVIEW: La Gloria Cubana Serie N

Wrapper: Capa Oscuro

Size – 5.5 x 5 JSB

A few weeks ago La Gloria Cubana held a promotion that allowed someone go get a free Serie N with a coupon in Cigar Aficionado.  The coupon was to promote of course the Serie N, one of their newest blends.  I received mine for free from Alcorn Cigars with this coupon. 

The appearance of the Serie N is impressive.  It features the ultra dark Capa Oscuro wrapper with a large cut out N near the wrapper.  It is also packed with tobacco and firm to the touch. 

The flavor starts out nice and mellow but explodes in the last half with a powerful burst of energy.  It really kind of caught me off guard.  The burn was nice and even and held it’s ash for more than an inch. 

This is a very good cigar.  I have not had many La Gloria’s in my time but I will put this one on my list to get more of.  Very impressive.

Matt

Gurkha Cigar Taster Club Member

I didn't want to say anything until I was selected but I can now announce that I am a member of the Gurkha Cigars Tasters Club.

About 2 months ago I came across a thread in the Cigarbid.com forum about Gurkha looking for people to review honest feedback on their cigars.  I applied with a sample review and a link to the OCCS website and I guess they were happy with what I can offer.  I was adamant that because I would be getting free samples, it would not necessarily deserve a positive review.  I will be providing honest feedback on the cigars I receive.

From what I understand there are approximately 100 of us around the country.  We will each be getting 2 cigars a month to review so once I start receiving them, expect several one cigar "tasting notes" on this blog.  They will not be a full review (unless I purchase an additional 4 and then review) mind you, only tasting notes.  Also, if there are any Gurkha events locally, I will be attending them.

I just wanted to give you all a heads up.

Matt

April OCCS meeting at Alcorn Cigars

Adam, Jeff, Matt and special guest Michael were able to get together and enjoy some cigars and cards at Alcorn cigars.  We missed Jon, Rich and Joe but as you can see by the ashes, we had a good time nonetheless.

Our cigar of the night was the La Traviata by CAO (review to come later).  Next month Adam is up and there have been rumors of going back to the races.  Time will tell.

Matt