Blog Archives
Don Pepin Garcia “Original” 6X62
Now let me preface this review with my humble opinion: To me, there are only three 60 ring gauge + cigars worth smoking and those are the Padron SI-15/#4, 601 La Bomba and the gigantic La Flor Dominicana Digger, but like everything else he does, Don Pepin’s first venture into massive girthtitude is a success!
As stated before, this Don Pepin Original is 6×62, but isn’t light on flavor or “airy” like most 60+ ring gauge cigars. In fact, in the first third, this smoke has the same spicy and full flavor that is common among the Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label cigars.
In the second third, the same spicy flavor was consistent but a hint of fruitiness was evident along the line of straw or raspberries. The draw on this monster is effortless and the burn through the second third is a little crooked but not bad.
In the last third, the fruity/berry flavor dies out, but the spiciness is ever consistent. The Draw remains perfectly effortless and the burn evens itself out nicely. This Full bodied smoke is definitely a required smoke for any Don Pepin or big cigar fan.
That should do it for this time around. As always, Happy Smoking!
The Mayor
Padron 1964 Anniversary Diplomatico Review
Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of accusations flying around the Mayor’s office. The chief of these accusations is that I like every cigar that I review. To be completely honest, I didn’t enjoy every single cigar I’ve reviewed and though I am open to trying any and every cigar out there, there are cigars and brands out there that I don’t particularly enjoy. That said, just because I enjoy a cigar does not mean everyone will share my opinion, just like some cigar enthusiasts might enjoy a cigar I don’t particularly care for. That is the beauty of smoking cigars, that every smokers tastes are subjective and I try to write from the stand point of informative, though I am not afraid to throw my own opinion out there from time to time.
That said I will be reviewing a cigar from one of the greatest cigar makers in the world, the Padron 1964 Anniversary Diplomatico. I will say up front that the Diplomatico is a cigar I’ve smoked before and is one of my favorite special occasion smokes. At $15.50 a pop, this 7×50 Nicaraguan boxed pressed monster is one that you want to save for those special moments like birthdays, anniversaries or other special celebrations.
The first third of this cigar begins with an effortless draw and a noticeable spicy flavor, yet it is not overpowering while there were also woody flavors as well. The one feature I love about Padrons is that they are consistent, and as usual, the Diplomatico kept the hint of wood flavor but the main feature of the cigar switched to a light sweet flavor that is very enjoyable. By the final third of this smoke, the light sweet flavor gave way to the smoky flavor that was consistent throughout the cigar. Overall this medium to full-bodied smoke had a good burn and excellent draw. As usual, I could find nothing to complain about and will be holding a few of these box pressed beauties in my humidor to smoke on Christmas and New Year’s.
The Mayor
Reposted with permission from thegarshop.com
Ashton VSG Robusto Especial Review
I don’t know about you, but for me, smoking a cigar is usually a pleasurable experience, a moment to kick back, relax and enjoy the company of like-minded people, whether a first time meeting or a long-time friend. But every once in a while, smoking a cigar can provide a complete spiritual awakening and cast a new light on all things around you. Don’t believe me? Then go smoke the Ashton VSG Robusto Especial, because this cigar is one of the best cigars I have smoked, EVER!
Before I get into the juicy goodness of this bad boy, let me give you a little background on the Ashton VSG (virgin sun grown). This 5.5×50 robusto is filled and binded with four to five-year old Dominican tobacco grown on the Fuente family’s plantation while the wrapper is grown on the Oliva family’s private estate in Ecuador exclusively for the Fuente family so they can make the VSG. What makes this cigar special is that it was blended for Ashton by cigar genius and master blender Carlos Fuente, Jr.
Now to the good stuff, the cigar. The goodness of the VSG begins immediately with strong sweet and sour flavors that are backed up with a hint of spice. The complexity of this cigar is truly amazing in that it is a strong cigar, but very smooth and the strength of the flavor changes with each puff. The draw and burn are perfect through the first third.
The second third of the cigar has the same complexity, with the hints of spice in the distant background while the sweet and sour flavor takes the wheel and becomes more pronounced. Thus far a medium – full bodied smoke with a flawless burn and effortless draw.
The sweet and sour flavor mellows out in the final third of the VSG, but never completely fades away. The VSG never got hot or harsh, even towards the end of the smoke and the burn and draw remained perfect. Overall a solid medium – full bodied smoke that I would recommend to anyone, even at the $11 price tag, a five flame cigar all the way.
Speaking of flames, the staff here at The Gar Shop have been working on some new projects with the guys from Gar Starz (see garstarz.com) and have come up with a rating system all our own – The Flame Rating. In essence it works like the everyday star rating system but incorporated our own little touch, with one flame being the worst and five flames being the best. So from now on, when I give a cigar a flame rating, everyone will know what I’m talking about.
Until next time, happy smoking!
The Mayor
Reposted with permission from thegarshop.com
Ortega Cigar Event hosted by Eddie Ortega
Join Smoke Inn Cigars, Vero Beach & Eddie Ortega on Friday January 31st from 5pm-8pm. Eddie will be at the shop offering GREAT deals on all his cigars!
Save 20 percent on all Ortega Boxes!
Buy 4 Get 1 FREE on all Ortega Single Cigars!
Buy a 10 count box Get 3 FREE!
Buy a 20 count box and have your choice of 6 FREE CIGARS & an Ortega T-shirt or an Ortega Ashtray!
-Box Discounts!
-Single Cigar Specials!
-Raffles & Giveaways!
-Great Food & Drink!
See you on the 31st!
Aging Room F55
Aging Room F55, which took the spot as Cigar Aficionado’s No.2 cigar in the WORLD for 2013, is a product of a relatively newer company on the scene, Boutique Blends. Using an actual Sumatra-grown wrapper with Dominican binder and filler tobaccos, the box pressed F55 delivers a medium bodied profile with notes of coffee and cedar.
Vero Beach Cigars, Cigar Accessories, Premium Cigars 