That Long Night I Spent With LFD Chapter One Cigar

 

 

Just because you like one of the boys in a family doesn't mean all the brothers have the same character. But I had to have a little fling with each to determine which got my attention ... It's the journey  of the discovery that turns me on the most.

I was intrigued with the La Flor Dominicana Chapter One because of my infatuation with the LFD Lingero & then my discovery of the Double Lingero. An attractive       6 1/2 x 58 Chisel box-pressed construction, the Chapter One sports a Brazilian Oscuro wrapper, with Connecticut Broadleaf binder with Dominican filler. I've seen others say the retail price is $10, but I paid $13 at a Staten Island lounge. 

 

My first reaction to this cigar was "POW" this baby packs a punch. The entire first inch has an incredible strong, full bodied powerhouse of tobacco strength with a prominent spicy red pepper punch. Even the wrapper leaves a spicy flavor on my lips. I started to think the cigar had a touch of harshness to it when i detected a scratchy smokey feeling sitting in the back of my throat. This peppery flavor stays with the cigar through half way, then practically disappears, and with it, the profile changes from full to medium. 

What emerges is earth and a little grassiness. Then all of a sudden a sour taste comes forward, but only lasts a few puffs. About 2/3s in I'm able to taste notes of coffee, cream and nuts intermingling with the underlying earthiness. Another pop of pepper emerges and then dissipates quickly and the cigar smoothes out to a delicious creamy tasty stick that I don't want to stop smoking.

 

I smoked a second cigar, this time with 15 year Rum which smartly stood up to the full character throughout the first half of the stick.  I was able to enjoy the rich flavors that complimented the rum & brought out a burnt sugar flavor. During the second half, I smoked the Chapter One with a Kona coffee that beautifully complimented the medium bodied flavor bringing out a mocha flavor I didn't detect the day before. 

 

Chapter One produces lots of smoke & has the most delicious aroma in a cigar. I enjoyed smelling the smoke a little more than  I enjoyed smoking this stick in the beginning. This is a long smoke. It burns slowly giving me lots of time to get to know this cigar, one puff at a time. 

For more information about all of La Flor Dominicana Cigars, go to: http://www.laflordominicana.com/

Wishing you long ashes -- The Robusto Cigar Babe

Chat with me on Twitter @RobustoBabe
& Share your pics with me on Instagram #RobustoCigarBabe

The Kristoff Maduro Torpedo - A Girl Likes A Challenge

Sometimes a girl likes a challenge.

Ladies tell me all the time how they have a "type." Me, while I enjoy cigars to be well put together and a little on the darker side, I am intrigued when I pass by a stick that looks a little different from all the rest. Sometimes it's the band that catches my attention. Or the sleek oily wrapper that makes my head turn. Or it's just the way it stands out amongst the hundred or so others. Heck, variety is a beautiful thing -- especially when it comes to cigars.

The Kristoff torpedo looks very different from other cigars. It  ends in a wrapped package-look at the foot with a pig tail that you screw off to reveal a ready made punch for smoking. Pre-lit, the stick has a beautiful deep tobacco & molasses smell with a dark Maduro wrapper.  Available in four sizes: Torpedo (6 1/8×52), Churchill (7×48), Robusto (5.5×54), and the Matador (6.5×56),  the Kristoff Maduro cigars contain a well-aged blend of Dominican Olor and Cuban-seed Nicaraguan tobaccos, encased in a dark, Brazilian Maduro wrapper. 

I have to tell you, I LOVE me some Brazilian  ... but, ohhh, yes we are talking cigars here ... LOL.

Not only was the look of the cigar a challenge (I had to ask Angelo at The Humidor in Bay Ridge) what to do with the pig tail, but the initial smoking aspect was a bit daunting.

The first 1/3 was hard to draw so I sliced off the punch hole, but it didn't seem to help. I puffed and re-lit the cigar thinking that the lack of smoke was because I didn't light it properly. Finally, the draw got better after an inch of ash appeared.

The cigar lists as a medium to full cigar, but I felt that the stick was overwhelmingly full for at least half of the smoke. Upon lighting the Maduro, you'll notice a strong earthy taste with notes of leather with a gritty dirt taste. If you enjoy a strong earthy flavor, you won't be disappointed her. However, this isn't my favorite profile.

Thankfully, I kept smoking because halfway through the profile changed to medium, smoothed out and a nutty, coffee flavor emerged making the second half of the stick thoroughly enjoyable. As I smoked a little further, notes of dark sweetness emerged making me think of molasses, which better complimented the underlying earth that was present throughout the experience. 

In addition to the flavor profile shifting, the smoke changed too producing billowing gray smoke.  The stick finishes with more leather and coffee holding its profile all the way to the end. 

If I could have cut the cigar in half it would have become one of my favorite cigars -- but, I've been told by more experienced smokers I can't do that. And, I don't think anyone should miss out on fully experiencing a stick -- for better or worse. I smoked a second Kristoff Maduro the next day to see if my taste buds were off or if that dirty gritty taste was still there -- and it wasn't as much as the first time.  

A robust cigar this certainly is ... And in the end I enjoyed the way the cigar played with my taste buds, giving me an opportunity to expand my palate while easing in different flavors.  I have smoked a second cigar and paired it with a cinnamon latte (no whip) and it was a wonderful accompaniment. The coffee balanced out the fullness of the smoke in the early 1/3, while cutting down on the earthy taste that isn't my style. What was really special was the way that the cinnamon tantalized with the nutty sweetness that emerged in the middle of the stick. It was pure enjoyment letting the smoke sit in my mouth with the cinnamon latte.

I think I may have been a little too excited over the coffee and Kristoff -- but that's what happens when a girl tries something completely unexpected. I encourage you to go beyond your typical type and try something different. You never know what's going to turn you on unless you try !

*Note: a portion of this review was originally published on Cigar Tipsters. I recommend you check out their other cigar reviews too:    http://www.cigartipsters.com

For more information about Kristoff Cigars, check out: http://kristoff.com/

Wishing you all long ashes --

Robusto Babe
chat with me on Twitter: @RobustoBabe
share with me on Instagram: #RobustoCigarBabe

Hello CAO Mx2 - So Glad We Had A Beautiful Interlude

Being a lady who enjoys exploring cigars affords me some really unexpected and fun relationships.

My tweeps @CigarChairman  @CJT_24  @HN_JAD  @LuluandLaz  @smoking_cubans  @petzilla @cigartipster give me an opportunity to read whatever everyone else is smoking, while sharing my own loves. It's great that we mostly have different cigar tastes and some of us have an amazing palate (Chairman !). But we delight in learning from each other and sharing this common hobby and lifestyle.  You should really get your own cigar tweeps -- they are a wacky fun crew to chat with.

With that said, I saw one of my cohorts smoking a CAO Mx2 on Twitter. His description seemed to fit my flavor profile, but as they say, to each HER own when it comes to cigar tastes. It's great to smoke a favorite stick, but nothing compares to that chance meeting when you least expect it something catches your eye ... it's all about the interlude you share with that stick. So, when I was browsing the shelves at Mom's Cigars in Scarsdale, NY, on the way to a Latin dinner at Mambo 64,  I noticed this dark beauty just sitting there.  Well, helloooo CAO. So nice to meet you.

This dark little lovely had a very complex favor profile. It features both a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper and Maduro binder, with fillers from Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic and Peru. The wrapper is a dark chocolate color with a silky oil gloss. But it was the intoxicating pre-lit scent that drew me in ... quickly ... making me want it all the more.

The first 1/3 of Cao exuded cocoa, dark espresso and what I would describe as a pecan flavor. A touch of sweetness with a great complexity that pulls you in and holds you there. Towards the middle the stick mellowed a bit and took on notes of hay and a sour flavor, which isn't my favorite, but I've learned to appreciate the way a smoke changes with each puff. Then, when I thought I was getting a handle on the flavor, it changed back to a dark chocolate flavor with coffee  -- getting stronger with every puff.

I would have smoked this down to the nub, but it got too hot for my lips to handle, so I was forced to let it go. However, I can tell you I would have taken this one home with me. It could become a cigar to keep in rotation, when I want to sit back, admire his beauty and let the delicious smoke caress my palate.  If I wasn't the type of girl who couldn't commit to one smoke, I might keep Cao around. But, for now, I'll consider this stick for my regular cigar fling. My afternoon booty call.

For more information about CAO Cigars, check out www.caocigars.com

Wishing you all long ashes --

Robusto Babe
chat with me on Twitter: @RobustoBabe
share with me on Instagram: #RobustoCigarBabe

Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro ... This May Be True Love

You may have read somewhere on this blog that I really like Oliva V cigars. I do.
In fact, it was the first cigar to turn my head. I enjoy every version they've put out --
from the Oliva V Series ... the  Melanio ... the Maduro ... and now
the Oliva V Series Melanio Maduro.

This could be true love ... the one I've been waiting for ;-)


Oliva V Cigars have a fantastic smell before lighting. You can tell it's a premium quality cigar by the construction, minimized veins on the wrapper, gorgeous smell pre-lit ... it pulls you in with a tobacco, nutty scent. When I get a box of these beauties, the first thing I want to do is open and inhale the robust intoxicating scent...

Before I think of lighting this stick, I pull out my brandy glass and pour a tasters amount of amaretto. I actually find that this cigar -- more than others -- really responds well to the taste of almonds. It also tastes amazing with coffee that has been brewed with hazelnuts or spice. These flavors don't overwhelm the palate, they enhance the cigar's own natural flavors. When pairing cigars with liquor, remember, it's very similar to wine. The more robust the wine, the richer/stronger flavored food it goes with. So, think the same with cigars. If you pair a strong liquor like bourbon or scotch with a cigar, make sure it can hold it's own. The flavor of the cigar will mellow because the liquor is strong. The cigar should pull out various flavors in the drink, and the liquor should compliment the overall notes of flavor in the stick. This is my favorite part of smoking ... detecting the flavor dimensions in the cigar.

Upon lighting the Melanio Maduro, you'll notice a pop of pepper that's not overwhelming or too strong, but you definitely taste it in the initial draw. But along with it come flavors of toffee, nutmeg, coffee, great tobacco and a delicious creamy smoke that settles nicely in the middle of your mouth. When you draw in, let the smoke sit there a little bit before blowing out. You will love the delicious creaminess of the smoke. So enticing !

This stick is smooth, consistent in it's flavors and holds a fabulous ash. It's the kind of cigar you never want to let go and I find myself wishing I had a pipe or holders so that I can smoke it down to nothing. When I smoke outside my house or at lounges people tell me that I have a look of pure satisfaction, relaxation and a little dreaminess (you know, that look you have after really fantastic sex). It's one of those cigars that you should buy boxes of and enjoy at least once a week.

This is the cigar I sneak away to enjoy by myself.  You might see me at a lounge near my home (like The Humidor in Bay Ridge) or even (Diamante's in Fort Greene). Sometimes I like to relax between business meetings while in Manhattan (Club Macanudo & Circa Tabac).  It really has become my secret lover. My go-to cigar when I just wanna have pure enjoyment and absolutely no guilt !

*Note: a portion of this review was originally published on Cigar Tipsters. I recommend you check out their other cigar reviews too:    http://www.cigartipsters.com/#!olivia-series-v/c21q0

For more information about Oliva Cigars, check out: http://www.olivacigar.com/serie_vmm_oliva_cigar.aspx

Wishing you all long ashes --

Robusto Babe
chat with me on Twitter: @RobustoBabe
share with me on Instagram: #RobustoCigarBabe

Tell Them "Monte" Sent You ... Montecristo Monte Cigar

So, I have to admit, I really like to get suggestions from older guys who have been smoking for a long time. I love to go into cigar lounges in the late afternoon, go pick out my cigar, and settle down and watch the boyz smoke.

Yes, they ask me all the time, "if I'm buying the cigar for my father, husband, boss ... " and they are equally inquisitive when I sit down, pull out my Montecristo cutter, my own torch and light up. Their eyes are fixed on the band and me drawing in on the smoke. I think I even giggle a little when they tell me, "gee you have good taste." Because I do.

So, from hanging out with older guys in the afternoons between business meetings or younger guys on Saturday nights, everyone wants to give you a tip. I enjoy talking and asking questions about their favorite smokes (as my Twitter followers will attest) -- I just want to know what types of cigars people enjoy and why.

After spending a little time last week at my local place and sharing my favorite new cigars and why, a few of the older gentlemen told me that if I like a medium cigar with notes of flavor I HAVE to try the Montecristo Monte. So, I did. And ... well ... it had the smoothness of what you'd come to expect from this premium brand. It is well-constructed. The band is really attractive, with big letters. It looked "modern" if that is possible for a traditional brand. It features two binders: Dominican Olor and Nicaraguan Corojo - which are two of my favorites and it came box-pressed.

But, I must admit, it didn't have the complex flavor notes that I've come to enjoy from other cigar brands. It had two or three distinctive notes -- creamy slightly sweet smoke, with a little sour taste that sat on the middle of my mouth through the first 1/3 of the cigar with a healthy woodsy flavor. Then, 2/3 in, the flavor profiles disappeared a bit and the cigar was a bit too bland for my tastes. I know, some people will tell me that is called "smoothness" but I prefer a little more dimension during the middle of my smoking time. Then, all of a sudden, in the last 1/3 the cigar became stronger with more pronounced woodsy cedar notes that I really ended up liking in the end.

Would I buy it again? Maybe. It might be something I'd consider smoking with a dessert or sweeter wine. I was drinking a caramel latte with my Monte and the pairing seemed to enjoy the company.  If you are a daily smoker and you want to add a smoother cigar into your rotation, then yes, try it ... and tell me what you like about it.

Life is too short to smoke bad cigars ... enjoy the Monte my friends and thanks for stopping by to read about my cigar explorations ...


~ The Robusto Cigar Babe
Interact with me on Twitter: @RobustoBabe
& Come see my photos on Instagram: @RobustoCigarBabe

My Fling With a La Jugada Habano Cigar

In one of my other blog posts, i wrote about not making snap judgements about a brand because the cigar fell apart or didnt burn evenly. I'm glad i took my own advice and tried the La Jugada Habano again.  However, this wasn't love at first puff ... but, in any relationship, sometimes you gotta give a little. 

The cigar has a nice appearance with a strong pre-lit  tobacco and pepper scent. The first puffs yielded a very strong, powerful, full profile. If you know anything about me, I enjoy a medium plus multidimensional smoke. The Habano had a very spicy, strong tobacco, earthy flavor with some sour notes that i immediately didn't enjoy. I smoked a bit more through the first 1/4 and almost snuffed this one out. 

There was lots of smoke, thick, full flavor.  The ash stayed on during the first 1/3. But when the ash fell, WOW, what a change in the flavor profile ! 

 

The 2/3 profile changed to medium, earthy, pepper was in background but an overwhelming sweet flavor emerged. The sweetness was present on my lips & in my mouth with another dimension of flavor similar to cloves or ginger ( think pumpkin pie spice) . 

These flavors stayed throughout the remainder of the cigar till the end when a roasted almond flavor appeared and balanced the cigar nicely. 

I'm surprised at my enjoyment of this cigar, considering the rocky relationship we had in the beginning. But overall, when it came down to it, I didn't want this little bit of love to end. I was sitting outside as the sun was setting and an Autumn chill was developing -- but i didn't want to put down my Habano. It was THAT good. Burnt Fingers all the way here.

I'd like to smoke this cigar again with a pumpkin ale, a spiced rum, cinnamon coffee or amaretto as  I believe it would compliment the smoking experience in a beautiful way. I suggest you try it out for yourself & let me know what you think --

Catch me on twitter: @robustobabe 

Check out the La Jugada cigars @moyaruizcigars

 

I Went Looking For A Macanudo Cigar

I went looking for Macanudo Vintage 1997 cigar and found instead the Macanudo Maduro, which was 5½-inches long and had a ring size of 42. It is a slender cigar, so it is a little easier for a woman to smoke -- we usually have smaller mouths.

I'm always surprised when a woman asks me to help them find a mild cigar. My first question is always, "why mild?"  The first cigar I ever tried was medium to full -- and it was even better when I found a Maduro version. Ladies, please don't be afraid of the dark wrapper -- this could be the one that lures you into smoking Maduros. This cigar had a slightly sweet on the lips flavor with notes of roasted nuts that sits in the middle of your mouth throughout.

This Macanudo lists as a mild to medium cigar, and for the first 2/3s of the stick, I completely agree. The construction was nice, it lit easily, didn't need relighting and burned consistently throughout the experience. The last part of the cigar turned very rough -- not so much a full bodied smoke -- but actually producing a bitter aftertaste. 

All in all the Macanudo Maduro could be a good morning or after lunch smoke for the Maduro cigar lover.  I would smoke it again, but it wasn't what I fully expected from the manufacturer. 

 

Before writing this review I smoked a second cigar with a freshly brewed pumpkin spice coffee. While most people know that coffee compliments cigars nicely, what I enjoyed about this spiced coffee is that the cigar drew out the nutmeg out of the coffee and the drink complimented the slightly sweet nutty characteristics of cigar. So you can see, the cigar could be a nice addition to your morning coffee -- especially on a lazy Sunday in Autumn.

*Note: a portion of this review was originally published on Cigar Tipsters. I recommend you check out their other cigar reviews too:

http://www.cigartipsters.com

If First You Don't Succeed ... Smoke That Cigar Again

Some of you may have read on my twitter (@RobustoBabe) that i was " thoroughly disappointed in the #LaJugada Habanos #cigar that I brought to party last night. Burned uneven, hard to draw, fell apart half way". It's the non-Maduro on the right. 

When that happens -- and it does even with the BEST cigars sometimes -- don't let that experience stop you from buying that cigar again. When I first started smoking, I may have thought it was a "bad cigar brand" rather than a problem stick. Don't be afraid to tell the place you bought it, too, because they should let you have another.

This actually happened with the La Aurora Sapphire. I received a sampler pack as a gift and the Sapphire fell apart halfway through the smoke. A few weeks later I bought the cigar (cost about $20) and smoked it again. Better experience this time, but I still like the Ruby better. 

So, in saying this, I will do with this cigar what I do with all the sticks I review -- give it another try. I always smoke 2 cigars before reviewing. The first one is smoked with no enhancements -- no drinks. I want to experience the full flavors of the stick. The second cigar I smoke with two types of drinks that I suspect will enhance the flavor notes. So, lucky for me that I happen to have a second La Jugada Habanos cigar in my humidor. Review to post this week. 

When Brushing Doesn't Really Help

Ok, you may think this is a funny post for a cigar review site -- but I can tell you it's the thing that women tell me that they hate about smoking cigars ... the aftertaste.

So, you smoke a cigar ... it's got great notes of flavor ... you savor it to the end ... and it's over. But that cigar woodsy flavor stays in your mouth ... for a really long time. Sometimes I must admit, I enjoy keeping that smoky mouth flavor. It really compliments my coffee ... my salmon dinner ... BBQ chicken ... heck, even cheese.  But ... then ... it sort of stays around.

Yes... I've brushed my teeth ... my tongue ... brush again ... still that cigar is there. My guy friends tell me I'll get used to it.

Well when I first started smoking a cigar, I hid it from my mom. I know ... so childish. I'm an adult right? But she was REALLY freaked about it because I never smoked cigarettes, so why now a cigar?  Ha ha ... So, if I was smoking before seeing her, everyone on the street would see me with a can of Lysol, a tooth brush and a giant tube of smokers toothpaste. But still, she could smell it on my breath !

Now I found a new buddy ... ACT DRY MOUTH - RINSE is the only mouthwash that really instantly takes away that robust cigar aftertaste and no one ... yes even Mom ... can't tell that I just smoked a stogie.

It's Nicknamed the Chocolate Stick ...Casa Fernandez Aganorsa Leaf Maduro

Reading ads for the Casa Fernandez Aganorsa Leaf Maduro, you'd think you'd be cracking open a milk chocolate bar -- but it's really not like that -- it's much better.

The wrapper is a dark maduro and a pre lit sniff yields the scent of a good cup of java mixed with the seduction of cocoa. 

 

Right off you know the cigar has nice complexities with a deep cocoa taste upon lighting with a medium profile and some really nice roasted nut and coffee flavors. The slightly sweet chocolate sits on the front of your mouth with the coffee & nuts overtaking midway through the smoking experience. Throughout,  you will enjoy a smooth flavor profile and a cigar that burns nicely and never needs relighting. 

I'd say my favorite part of the cigar came towards the last 1/3 when the profile shifted from Medium to a little fuller and I thoroughly enjoyed the cigar all the way to the end.

The third time I smoked this Casa Fernandez, it paired well with coffee -- and Makers Mark 46 -- with the cigar pulling out the burnt sugar flavors in the bourbon and the coffee complimenting the cocoa profile, while rounding out the nutty notes. 

While my hunt for Casa Fernandez Aganorsa Leaf Maduro cigar took me a few months to find it, this was definitely worth the prowl. I have high marks for this stick & look forward to trying more from this brand. If you see this cigar, definitely buy one ... hell buy two. You won't regret it.

I just know you'll enjoy it !

Long Ashes My Friends --

Robusto Cigar Babe

@RobustoBabe
 

Learning to Pronounce This Cigar is the Hardest Part

I'm always intrigued when a company runs ads highlighting the correct pronunciation of a product. In this case it's for La Jun Ga Da ... I mean La Hung Ada ... No wait, the ad said La Who-Ga-Da !
It's really La Jugada from Moya Ruiz Cigars.

The wrapper is a dark maduro wrapper with barely visible veins. It had a nice scent pre lit - you could smell pepper. 

I was thoroughly surprised with the deep dark cocoa taste upon lighting the LaJugada cigar & strong pepper spice in initial 1/3 of smoking it.  The spice sits midway in your mouth & over takes most everything else until the ash falls. Even with the dominant taste very full, you will able to detect cocoa & earthiness throughout the smoke. 

I'd say my favorite part of the cigar came when the profile shifted from Full to Medium & the flavor notes balanced out. Then I was able to enjoy roasted nuts, light spice, a little coffee. The stick stayed medium bodied through the remainder of the smoke, with the final finger burns yielding that strong black pepper flavor again. 

The La Jugada burned nicely, never needed relighting  ( even though I like to socialize). It yielded a medium amount of white smoke. The second time I smoked it, surprisingly, it didn't pair well with coffee -- but it did taste good with Captain Morgan Black -- with the cigar pulling out the licorice flavors out in the drink. The Black Rum stood up to the strong pepper notes in the cigar and rounded it out. 

While strong pepper & earthiness aren't MY favorite flavor notes, I did enjoy the stick once I got into it. I recommend that you try for yourself. 

 

My Weekend With Mi Amor

Drove out to Cigar Superstore, formerly Mom’s Cigars on Sunrise Hwy in Valley Stream to check on an order I placed for Casa Fernandez Maduro. It wasn’t in yet, so Raj the manager showed me the Java cigar, which was supposed to give a little taste of coffee or chocolate. I guess it’s supposed to be a gentle stick that doesn’t leave a tobacco aftertaste. But I couldn’t get past the sickly sweet taste on my lips and the weird fake sugar aftertaste. I had to retire the cigar & go make another purchase.

Dont get me wrong, I’ve had flavored cigars in the past — Mulberry Cigars in Little Italy probably do it best — I just couldn’t get into it. early on in my discovery of cigars I even learned from a little old man how to flavor my own cigars. It was a labor of love that yielded a delicious flavor to round out a moderately priced stogie. It is a fun little side hobby of mine.

But today, it’s all about La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Reserva. It’s hand crafted in Don Pepin Garcia’s Nicaraguan factory. It’s got a Cuban seed wrapper grown in Mexico. It’s considered Medium bodied, but I find it could easily be classified as full body– but with distinct nodes of dark cocoa and coffee beans. It’s got an initial spicy and smooth earthy notes, and it’s truly one of my new favorites. I bought mine for $12, but I’ve bought it for less online in the past.

The Cigar Lover's InfoGraphic

Everything Changed After Key West

For many years whenever my guy friends were smoking a stogie, someone would always pass it to me. I could never understand why they smoked cigars — until my trip to Key West. That trip changed everything, including my view & taste for cigars.

I remember I was drinking a cup of coffee and someone passed me an Oliva V cigar to try. I took the usual puff and was all ready to say “yuck” when I couldn’t believe how much flavor I could taste. I took another sip of my coffee, then another puff, moved my tongue around in my smoky mouth and tasted a toasty, nutty, toffee nodes of flavor. I turned to my companion and asked if he had an another one to spare.

We took a ride back to the cigar shop on Duval Street. I went over to the owner, told him how cigars never did it for me, until trying the Oliva V with a cup of Java. After a long discussion about what I’ve tried in the past ( mostly Cubans) and then what I enjoyed about the Oliva V Series. He then gave me a great deal on an Oliva sampler pack.  A couple of cigars later, with Cigar Aficionado magazine in hand, I was hooked.

Now I spend my free time at cigar tastings, meet ups, parties, events and private soirees that gives me great opportunities to review and write about all the cigars, cocktails and like-minded people I meet along my journey. I've even hosted companion parties, where I pair my favorite cigars with preferred liquor and explain how they compliment the taste and notes of flavor for each.

The funniest thing for me is the reactions from my girlfriends. they look at me like I’m nuts when everyone is sitting around smoking their ciggies & I pull out a stick to enjoy With my wine, coffee or cocktail.

But, men — haha — they have no problem seeing a lady cut her own cigar, pull out a torch and light it. I end up meeting some great people who are happy to share information, good sales info & sticks to try because they are happy to see a chick enjoying herself with a premium cigar.

Best Ash of the Night

It’s a little bit off heaven when you can walk into your fav spot in Wildwood NJ & they always have a good stogie to enjoy.

Me, I’m a Maduro girl, so the Padron 1964 Anniversary has become my smoke of choice lately. It’s always consistently smooth, great draw & almost never goes out — even if I’m spending all my time talking when I was there to relax with my smoke & my bourbon.

A Little Box Of Heaven

I received this sampler pack as a present and I happily smoked every cigar. My favorite is the Ruby, which has a delicious smooth toasty flavor, with nodes of coffee and cocoa.

My second favorite of the pack was the Gold, because of its steady ash, smooth, cloud-like draw and even taste.

The Sapphire fell apart upon lighting it, so I don’t know if it was dried out or just a bad stogie.

All in all it was a great sampler pack that I savored every cigar. In the stores, these cigars cost between $20 & $25. The pack gave me the opportunity to explore a new brand and I really liked it !