CIGARZILLA

RIP tacHammer

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:35:00 +0000

Early this morning (12/08/2011) Cigarzilla founder tacHammer passed away.

To our BOTL, you will be missed.

RIP

http://www.giveforward.com/ricksrescue

Rolled Cigars for the next President of the United States

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:50:00 +0000

Bobalu rolled cigars wednesday 6/22/11 at Texas Governor Rick Perry?s residence. Private party for (4) couples. Pictured Bobalu cigar roller Robin with the Governor. They all enjoyed cigars on the deck at sunset. Gov. Perry gave our roller one of his private stash cigars given to him by Arnold. (Daniel Marshall Cigar) [img:e00d085906]http://livecigarrollers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rick-perry.jpg[/img:e00d085906]

E.P. CARRILLO SHORT RUN POPULARES: An Hour of Religion

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:27:00 +0000

It has taken me a long time to write this review; I wanted to smoke some other cigars and then come back to this one, for the sake of some objectivity.

This cigar demonstrates perfection in construction; I would hazard the guess, that level seven rollers are making these. These cigars are the product of gifted and experienced hands.

? The appearance is flawless; the triple caps, are so precisely applied, and the head and shoulders of this cigar, as well as the barrel, all the way to the foot exhibit an absolute fanatical level of attention to detail.

? The wrapper is simply stunning: oily, finely veined-simply outstanding, and not your everyday wrapper.

? The draw is quite free, and is mostly consistent in the ten samples plus, that I have smoked so far; some were a little more firm on the draw than others were, but never detracted from the experience. This cigar draws so freely, that I have to remember to draw delicately, so as not to ?harsh? the cigar out: smoke patiently, ?sip? the flavors and you will be rewarded!

? The flavors...are complex, and defy categorizations like ?woody, ?nutty? or the dreaded ?pencil-lead?; the cigar tastes like tobacco, the best tobaccos. For every flavor point, there is a counterpoint e.g. strength and spice are answered by subtlety and smoothness...what a lovely blend!

? The strength is a fuller-medium; this cigar demonstrates that it is NOT all about the ligero.

? The packaging and presentation are astounding: an unvarnished sliding lid box holds a cellophaned bundle of naked cigars with a red ribbon around them, and strategically placed pieces of aromatic Spanish cedar slices, to impart the subtle aroma of Spanish cedar. The bands are elegant, tasteful, and gorgeous.

I am sitting on the fence where boutique cigars are concerned, moreover boutique prices, especially in this market, but of all of the boutique manufacturers; only Ernesto Perez?s offerings are worthy of the prices, in my highly biased opinion.

I am unsure that I agree with Ernesto Perez?s comments about the cigar industry, as cited in Cigar Advisor, that it was never: ?...was never meant to get this big...", but alas, this is about the cigar, not the hair-splitting over the industry?s size.

In-summary, this is a [i:119b55772c]very[/i:119b55772c] special cigar, with unrivaled flavor, construction and tobacco selection; this cigar will turn the worst day into a special occasion, as it dissolves your troubles, and sensually engages your senses.

I just found out that I was losing my new job, so I smoked one of these, and it cleared my head, and consoled my spirit; it is a whole lot better than any drink, pill, or 1/2 hour session on a couch at $90.00+.

This cigar is head and shoulders a standout among boutique cigars. I deliberately shelved these for a while, and tried a bunch of other premiums-yes, they were good, some of them were Ernesto?s former creations, but this is in a class all of its own.

Giving this cigar a numerical score is not appropriate, it?s art; I don?t look at Michelangelo?s Piet? and say ?it?s a 9.5?.

Do NOT buy this cigar, because I want some left-over when I get a new job!

Hats off to Ernesto and Family; this cigar defines the "boutique" experience, at a reasonable price.

Perelman Cigar Cyclopedia now also available for Android

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:35:00 +0000

Hi all,

We've just released the Perelman CigarCyclopedia (www.cigarcyclopedia.com) for Android.

It contains all information in the actual Perelman book, 16th Edition: 1,473 brands with detailed info, for offline use.

For Android, it is available at: http://www.cyrket.com/p/android/com.deviceiq.cigarcyclopedia2010/

For Blackberry, it is available at: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/15111

For iPhone/iTouch you can get it here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/perelmans-pocketcyclopedia/id356717371.

Cheers,
Ioan

Perelman Cigar Cyclopedia now also available for Blackberry

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:02:00 +0000

Hi all,

We've just released the Perelman CigarCyclopedia (www.cigarcyclopedia.com) for Blackberry.

It contains all information in the actual Perelman book, 16th Edition: 1,473 brands with detailed info, for offline use.

For Blackberry, it is available at: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/15111

For iPhone/iTouch you can get it here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/perelmans-pocketcyclopedia/id356717371.

Android version is in final testing, will be available later this year.

Cheers,
Ioan

Video: Cuban Cigar roller making Petite Figurados

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:50:00 +0000

Cuban Cigar roller making Petite Figurados (petite hemmingway)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzeSdeMNpc
more videos at Bobalu's Blog
http://livecigarrollers.com/blog/
Bobalu Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BOBALU-CIGAR-COMPANY/210340172179?v=wall

Video: Making Torpedos

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:42:00 +0000

Great video showing Bobalu's Cuban master cigar roller Armando De Armas making Torpedos.

[url]http://livecigarrollers.com/blog/cigars-101-torpedos[/url]

Like this? more cigar videos at
[url]http://www.facebook.com/pages/BOBALU-CIGAR-COMPANY/210340172179?v=wall[/url]

VIDEO: How we make it. CUBAN SANDWICH CIGARS

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:41:00 +0000

VIDEO: How we make it. CUBAN SANDWICH CIGARS

http://www.facebook.com/pages/BOBALU-CIGAR-COMPANY/210340172179?v=wall#!/video/video.php?v=120515001296126

Alejandro Robania - Cuban Cigar Patriarch dies at 91

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:51:00 +0000

Alejandro Robania, an Icon of the Tobacco growing industry in Cuba passed away the tender age of 91 and was buried Sunday. A half smoked cigar and a Tobacco flower was placed his casket. A man who loved growing some of the best tobacco in the world and enjoying the wonderful product that resulted from his labors. Mr. Robania is the only living Cuban to have a cigar named in his honor .

Frank Llaneza former owner of Villazon dies at age 90

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:15:00 +0000

tampabay.com [url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/tampa-cigar-magnate-dies-at-90/1082571]reports[/url] Cigar manufacturer Frank Llaneza died March 18, of heart failure at the age of 90 years old.

Frank is one of 6 members of Cigar Aficionado magazine hall of fame and has his own line of cigars.

CigarCyclopedia available for iPhone/iPod touch

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:33:00 +0000

Hi there,

We've just released the Perelman CigarCyclopedia (www.cigarcyclopedia.com) for iPhone/iPod touch.

You can check it out here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/perelmans-pocketcyclopedia/id356717371.

It contains all information in the actual Perelman book, 16th Edition: 1,473 brands with detailed info.

Cheers,
Ioan

Cigars Direct 3rd annual March Madness Basketball Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:31:00 +0000

Hey it's that time of year again...Time to win FREE Cigars and a little trash talking while participating in the BEST Bracket Challenge on the web!

Cigars Direct.com is looking for College Basketball fans and Cigar Aficionados alike. Welcome to our third annual March Madness Basketball Tournament. Sign-up by March 17th to be eligible to win 1 of 12 great prizes. Your entry is completely FREE and you are absolutely under no obligation to buy.

It's very simple the top 12 contestants with the highest total points will win! Don't worry if you're not one of the top 12 winners because with Cigars Direct everyone wins. We will be giving away more cigars this year than we ever have...I'm telling you don't miss out on this bracket challenge it will definitely be the talk of the web, I guarantee it!

Max brackets per user: 1

* In addition: For the entire month of March and the first week of April we are giving all participants 15% OFF anything in the Store. Just use this Promo Code when checking out: baller

Prizes:

Place Product Retail Cost
1st [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=4089]2009 Opus X Fuente Charity Box[/url] - 22 Count $1,194.95
2nd [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=395&idproduct=429]Opus X Fuente Fuente Box of 32[/url] $926.40
3rd [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=396&idproduct=1282]Anejo No. 77 "The Shark" Box of 20[/url] $584.95
4th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=222&idproduct=1222]Padron 1926 Serie No. 35 Maduro Box of 24[/url] $274.95
5th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=3724]2009 Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario Box[/url] $224.95
6th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=463&idproduct=1555]Ashton Aged Maduro No.30 Box of 25[/url] $209.95
7th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=888&idproduct=4120]La Flor Dominicana Ligero Salomones Bx of 10[/url] $182.95
8th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=394&idproduct=404]Hemingway Short Story Box of 25[/url] $149.95
9th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=293&idproduct=1908]Partagas Sabrosos Box of 20[/url] $103.95
10th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=893&idproduct=4114]La Flor Dominicana Mysterio Box of 5[/url] $79.95
11th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=864]Opus X 1992 Rare Estate Reserve Robusto Tin[/url] $79.95
12th [url=http://www.cigarsdirect.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=3134]Ashton Variety Sampler[/url] $49.95

Here is the link to sign-up:
http://www.cigarsdirect.com/Basketball-Challenge/default.html

Any Info about National Brand Nicaraguan?

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:07:00 +0000

Hi Folks,

Been thinking about trying out some different smokes. I've been smoking Fumadores (Pepin Garcia Product) from Holts for the past couple boxes that I've ordered. They're awesome but they're mixed filler cigars so I thought I'd look around a bit...

I was doing some searching for a new cigar and saw these - http://www.neptunecigar.com/pr/national_brand_nicaragua_toro_650.aspx

They're made by Camacho and I've tried searching but haven't come up with any reviews. I've only had one Camacho before and it was very good. Too expensive for my everyday cigar though.

I like Medium-Full to Full Cigars so these might just do the trick...

Anyone tried one?

Punch Rare Corojo - Pita - Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Country of Origin: Honduras
Size: 6.12 x 50
Wrapper : Ecuardorian/Sumatran
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: DR/Hon/Nic
Strength/Body: Medium/Full

I recently received some of these cigars and they were the first I tried in 2009. The consistency and quality of these cigars never ceases to impress me. When I received them I was a little concerned they didn't have the flavor of past runs but once I put them down for a couple of weeks in the humidor all those fears were allayed. The wrapper is a rich Ecuadoran, Sumatran wrapper grown under unique conditions. Cigar master Frank Llaneza created this cigar, to whom I will be forever grateful. Some people have a problem with the name as there isn't any corojo tobacco in the blend. No matter what these cigars are called they are excellent smokes, a medium/ full bodied smoke. The flavor is rich, slightly sweet with a hint of cocoa. This size for some reason has more flavor than the other sizes of this line in my opinion. Production of these cigars in the past have been limited due to the wrapper availability but have been more readily avaliable in recent years.

[img:0c1ddde0a2]http://www.cigarzilla.net/images/PunchRareCorojo.jpg[/img:0c1ddde0a2]

Beautiful Cigar Art- Pen and Ink

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Beautiful cigar Art- Pen and Ink.

a 12x14 printed on 80lb paper perfect for a 16x 20 frame for $35-55.

http://www.jeffgoinsart.com/art/the-good-life/

http://www.jeffgoinsart.com/art/bulldog-with-cigar/

http://www.jeffgoinsart.com/

Email for custom work-

THE BLACK BAND PROJECT - CAMACHO CIGARS

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:52:00 +0000

I participated in the black band project and listened to how I didn't know squat about cigars, didn't know what is good and was a creature that was highly influenced by the ad people. Well maybe they were right. I have been smoking various blends of Camacho cigars for years. Their Corojo Pyramid was the first Camacho I smoked. It had wonderful flavor and was the first cigar I have ever tasted that had a kind of cocoa dust flavor on the finish. I thought it was delicious. The Coyolar Rothschild blew me away with flavor and strength that "I thought" were right up my alley. I guess I need to rethink my tastes. After listening to a foul mouthed punk that my 16 year old daughter could beat down, I felt that I should at least be sent the few cigars that were promised at the end of the last video. Well that was in late April I believe. I was told that 6-8 weeks. It is now August 13. I called camacho today and was told due to the overwhelming response that deliveries of the cigars were on hold. Thats right folks. The young lady that answers the phone said that about half of the people who participated have received cigars and the other half hadn't. She had no idea when they would be sent or if they would be sent. They had such an overwhelming response!! This just goes to show the people that put the black band project together know little or nothing about their target audience. Any one of my cigar buds could tell you that for free cigars most cigar junkies would endure the chinese water torture. It's not that a few free cigars are going to make any difference. Most of the guys I know lose more cigars than that every month. Maybe its that they realize somewhere in the back of their nicotine soaked brains that Uncle Jorge didn't really come across some tobacco in his drying barn that has been overlooked since 1948. Especially since during the cigar boom years that anything vaguley resembling a tobacco leaf was rolled into a shape and slapped into a box and sold for cigars. I am just tired of the b.s. in the cigar industry and disappointed that the maker of some of my favorite smokes would pull a stunt like this. Cigars are overpriced, overtaxed and overrated. If the cigar makers are truly worried about their industry they might try and restore some integrity to it.

EXCALIBUR LEGEND - CHALLENGER

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Country of Origin: Honduras
Size/Shape: 5.25 x 50 Parejo
Wrapper: U.S. Connecticut grown Havana seed
Binder: U.S. Connecticut grown Havana seed
Filler: Dom. Rep ligero/Nicaraguan Ometepe
Strength/Body: Full
This cigar blew me away on the first pull. I have enjoyed every Excalibur I have smoked for their flavor, smooth character and excellent construction. I was wondering though what this cigar could bring to the table as the Excal line has everything from mild to medium to full bodied/full flavored smokes. I found out on the first hit. A BLAST of spice is about the only way I can describe the first pull. Delicious spicey flavor that lasted for the first inch then smoothed out and gave way to a full bodied creamy smoke with notes of leather and cedar that still retained some spice. This was an outstanding cigar and a very unique flavor profile. I normally lean towards full bodied cigars and this is a great one. I give this cigar a Fletchman double thumbs up. They are a bit pricey so not an everyday smoke for my budget but a definite special occasion cigar for me.

Don Melo Senoritas?

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:42:00 +0000

Just visited Honduras and picked up a 10 pack of Don Melo Senoritas. They are really small cigars and they came in a nice wood box ( reason for buying them). Was wondering if anyone has ever heard or seen these before because I cant find them sold online anywhere. The only Don Melos I can find are callled something like centerians or something.

New to cigars looking for a full spectrum start

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:10:00 +0000

I've always occasionaly smoked cigars but they were normally cheap and small sometimes a random macanudo now and again. Recently took a trip around the carribean and picked up a bunch that just ran out. I also just got a humidor but I'm stuck on where to start with filling the dang thing. Money is a litttle tight so I'm looking for medium to lower prices if possible. Just looking for a wide array that would cover the whole flavor spectrum so i can find some favorites. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also I'm having a little trouble keeping my humidity on the 70 percent mark and I'm using a water humidifier and was thinking about switching to crystals if it would help.

can you save a cigar?

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Fri, 01 May 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Hi, I have a box of cohibas, that I bought from the Canadian PX, so I don't doubt their authenticness. But since they had to be shipped all the way to Afghanistan, then stored in a PX in their box, I'm sure they sat for quite some time. I aquired this box that I was very excited to try out. They are so dry! I don't expect them to be wonderful, but I do want to try and enjoy them.
I have a humidor in the mail on the way to me, if I put these cohibas in it for an extended period of time, can they be saved or salvaged? How long would it take?
Thanks

Good place to start smoking

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Hi all, great place. I found it yesterday and I already feel welcome.
So much knowledge here, and I plan on picking your brains.

My first question for you all is this:
I recently started smoking, I've had a few sticks that I like, and a few I didn't. The first one I ever had was a really nice cuban (I have no idea what it was) when I was living in germany. It was what I think a perfect cigar should be, so now I measure everything else up to that.
It was mild, very smooth, and smelled beautiful.

With the recent ones I've had, they seem to be too harsh, I feel the need to spit after ever few draws.
I have a few new ones to experiment with in the mail right now, mostly mild to medium from various companies.

My question is assuming that I like mild smooth and flavorful smoke, what are some sticks that I might want to get my hands on to test out?
I was intregued by iguanas, gurka Grand reserve, and some of the Vegas collection.

Any ideas? Thanks!

PEDRO ESTEVEZ - HABANO LANCERO

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Country of Origin: Honduras
Size: 7 1/2 x 38 - Lancero - Parejo
Wrapper: Ecuadoran grown Habano
Filler: Viso-Nicaragua, Ligero-Mexico, Seco-Honduras
Binder: Honduran
Medium body

I received a sampler of these cigars from the folks at Habnos y Hermanos. I for one have not been a big Lancero fan. I really never saw the attraction as my experience with this shape usually included a hard draw, and a hot crooked burn. Theses cigars really educated me on the difference between a cigar roller and a true master. The two lanceros I recieved were uniform and straight with a beautiful caps. The draw was effortless with excellent flavor eminating from the habano wrapper. The burn was razor sharp with a firm gray ash. The smoke was cool as the draw was no work at all. I took my time with this cigar and have a complete new appreciation for this shape. The rest of the cigars of the sampler were equally as well constructed. I have smoked a lot of good cigars over the past several years but have never had a bundled cigar even close in quality of construction. The flavor was excellent in all cigars. Check them out before the schip hits the fan.

HATUEY - SPECIAL RESERVE -CABINET COLLECTION

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:49:00 +0000

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size & Shape: 5 x 50 - Parejo
Wrapper: Corojo - Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Dominican Habano
Strength & body: Medium leaning towards full.

[img:515ad9ba5c]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3455498161_ed9cd8acee.jpg[/img:515ad9ba5c]

The first thing I noticed about the cigar was the construction. The reddish hued corojo wrapper was smooth with few veins. The cap a tripple, cuban style, very well executed. The body was solid but not hard with no soft spots. The the quality of construction and skill of the roller were top notch as I have come to expect from Hatuey. The ash was a light grey and firm. On light up the first draws are smooth with the slightly sweet corojo flavor that build gradually to a medium strength with ample flavor. I enjoyed this cigar from begining to end and highly recommend them.

P.S. I just finished the perfecto of this line. It was the best cigar I have smoked this year. The flavors were the same profile as the robusto but more intense. :D :D :D :D

Cigar Expo 2009

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:43:00 +0000

FYI - Information and tickets for Famous Smoke Shop's Cigar Expo 2009 is now available at [url=http://www.cigarexpo.net/]CigarExpo.net[/url].

Thanks Guys,
Gary

$444,000 box of cigars?

noreply@blogger.com (cigarzilla) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:17:00 +0000

[url=http://www.keyc.com/node/18370]According to keyc.com[/url];
[quote:4c8fddc518]Some serious money was spent to today on a cigar. During Cuba's annual cigar festival, one man paid more than 444 thousand dollars for a box containing Cuban cigars.[/quote:4c8fddc518]
wow.