CRA Membership

Well Folks, I’m posting this a little late, but I finally got around to getting my CRA membership at the end of January and posted the pic above for the contest and actually won! I won an awesome CRA t-shirt! Thanks to Brian and the people over at CRA! You should definitely get involved with this great organization who is fighting for your right to smoke. The MAN is after our wonderful brother and sisterhood of cigar lovers nationwide! Join now and Fight for your Rights!
Visit http://www.cigarrights.org to join and enter my member number as your reference (211238) and you’ll receive two free cigars! Get on board for this great cause and protect our rights as Americans to live free and enjoy the fruits of labor!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

CRA News Alert – February 20, 2010

Pipe Smokers Celebrate International Pipe Smoking Day

St. Louis, Missouri – St. Louis, Missouri will be a center of the pipe smoking world at noon this Saturday, February 20.

That’s when International Pipe Smoking Day will be celebrated at the 22nd Annual Gateway Area Pipe Show at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center. Local briar lovers will be raising their pipes in a salute to their pipe smoking brothers and sisters around the world as a show of friendship and unity that reaches across all borders, according to the Bob Callaway, spokesperson for the St. Louis Pipe Club, sponsor of the show.

International Pipe Smoking Day was designated by a group on Smokers Forums three years ago as a day on which pipe smokers everywhere could tell their story and educate others about the rich history and traditions of the noble art of pipe smoking. The group dedicated it to the worldwide community of pipe smokers that is bound together by a shared love of pipes, pipe collecting and the social aspect of pipe smoking. They respect informed choice and the responsible adult use of smoking tobacco and envisions a world where governments act in good faith and integrity.

“International Pipe Smoking Day provides an opportunity for briar lovers everywhere to stand up and demonstrate with pride that we are still enjoying our pipes despite all the restrictions and increased tobacco taxes that the anti-tobacco forces have imposed on us. They just don’t understand the significant benefits that pipe smoking offers,” Callaway said.

International Pipe Smoking Day is supported by the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association of some 2,000 retailers of premium tobacco products; the International Committee of Pipe Clubs, which has members in more than 25 countries; and by the United Pipe Clubs of America, with its more than 20 member clubs in the United States. Many other pipe clubs in this country and abroad also will hold special events on or around February 20 to mark the day.

“Our motto is ‘Relax with Your Pipe’ and that’s the idea we want to get across,” says Vernon Vig, President of UPCA which, according to the organization’s website was founded in 2002 to promote and protect the interests of the American pipe smoking community .
“Pipe smokers are mature, considerate adults. We don’t want to bother anyone, and all we ask in return is a little common sense and consideration on the part of others,” said Vig.

IPCPR and UPCA urge all their members and member clubs to celebrate the noble art of pipe smoking on or about Feb. 20 to show the strong bond of friendship among pipe smokers.

Please also send in a short report on your event and take some photos that can be posted on the UPCA, CIPC and IPSD websites or used in the IPCPR Report. Send photos and/or reports to Tony Tortorici at tony@tortoricipr.com .

Last year’s publicity efforts regarding IPSD included a Page One feature article in the Wall Street Journal about the resurgence of pipe smoking. IPCPR will be distributing the news release above to national and local print and broadcast news media regarding IPSD and we suggest that you inform your local newspapers and TV stations about your specific event.

CRA News Alert – February 12, 2010
By: Glynn Loope, CRA Executive Director
As appeared in the Jan/Feb Issue of Cigar Snob Magazine

On November 29, 2009 Parade Magazine ran a piece on outdoor smoking bans. It posed an opinion poll to their readership on whether outdoor bans should be enacted. In its traditionally biased fashion, Parade notes the growth in such bans, pending legislation on outdoor smoking, and the proverbial citation of the regurgitated 2006 Surgeon General’s Report.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the polling place. Cigar Rights of America disseminated the poll to its members, Facebook and Twitter community and related mediums. Other like-minded organizations jumped in, and within days, what was to be a lopsided poll turned from being against cigar enthusiasts, into a 69% to 31% victory for the cause, against the imposition of outdoor bans.

Of course this occurs months after the most famous outdoor smoking incident of 2009 — and perhaps ever. When basketball great (and cigar enthusiast) Michael Jordan was cited for enjoying cigars during the President’s Cup golf practice round in San Francisco’s Harding Park, local officials contacted the PGA to warn of $100 fines and local “rules,” on no smoking on county golf courses.

The very language of the news accounts indicate what the modern cigar enthusiast is confronting. The media stated Jordan was “caught” with a cigar, and that local officials “sprang into action.” In my neck of the woods, that’s what local officials do for meth labs, not cigars.

However, there is now a sweeping tide by the health care ‘non-profit’ organizations to press for outdoor smoking bans. State and local governments across the nation are drafting legislation that will seek to ban the outdoor use of perfectly legal tobacco products.

For over a year, Cigar Rights of America has been involved in the fight regarding an outdoor smoking ban in the City of Los Angeles . In a plot that never seems to end, a current proposal would ban outdoor smoking at Los Angeles restaurants, but could leave the window open for those establishments that “morph” into a nightclub type setting. From Casper , Wyoming to the shores of Maine , outdoor smoking bans have become the new battleground. It is beginning with ordinances on property controlled by the local governments, such as parks and government buildings. But that’s only the first step. They then want to evolve into outdoor dining and bar areas, again trying to control legal activity, on private property.

So that they can trump Boston with their outdoor smoking ban, the City of San Francisco this month announced pending legislation to also ban outdoor smoking at dining, coffee and bar settings. The local golf course just isn’t enough.

Others pending in Asheville, North Carolina, and Burlington, Vermont are probably to be expected given the local political environment, but the New York City proposal seems to be running against the grain of their local public opinion, with a vigorous effort to defeat it being planned. Then there is Santa Cruz , California which is having local police issue citations for outdoor smoking on Pacific Avenue , where they average “a ticket a day for $20″ according to local news reports. Amazing.

It’s time to fight back on these measures. What a local government does with regard to property under its domain is one thing, and many governing bodies are split on such rules for public parks and beaches. However, when it comes to private property, vigorous efforts should be initiated to fight such ordinances and legislation. Here are some approaches:

Build coalitions with supportive merchant, chamber of commerce, restaurant and tavern associations. Make the argument about business, jobs, and property rights.

1.) Launch a letter to the editor campaign with your brethren cigar enthusiasts and local tobacconist patrons.

2.) Meet with local (or state) elected officials to let your opinion known. Political complacency is not an option. They need to know how many passionate cigar enthusiasts are out there — that vote.

3.) Give testimony at local hearings on such ordinances. If ‘we’ don’t show up, they only hear from the opposition.

4.) The official smoking ban playbook for the health care community promotes ‘no compromises’ — we can. Offer alternatives that protect your ability to enjoy a cigar outdoors.

5.) Note that the science is dubious and inconclusive regarding these matters, and that a vocal minority in the form of the health care non-profit community, shouldn’t be allowed to dictate public policy, and private property use for a legal activity.

Earlier in December, the City of Great Falls, Montana voted 4-1 to repeal its outdoor smoking ban due to the adverse impact on local businesses, with the support of the Montana Tavern Association. Local tavern owner Doug Palagi said that will enable him to expand his business to accommodate local and visiting patrons. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.

Let’s all join the fight!
Jorgie

Here’s a double cigar review, thanks to Super Bowl XLIV. I smoked two cigars while watching the nail biting match-up of the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. The first review is of the Rocky Patel I-Press and the second is of a classic which has been in hibernation in my humidor for over three years, the Fuente Fuente Opus X Super Belicoso. Congrats to the New Orleans Saints on a historic victory!

Rocky Patel I-Press Toro
The Kick-off:
Keeping these short and sweet. At first glance this cigar looked tasty! The wrapper was shiny and dark like chocolate. The beautiful sharp box press was eye catching and the entire cigar smelled sweet like molasses. Upon lighting the cigar, a cedar, woody aroma filled the air. The cigar had good body and was well constructed. The first quarter was phenomenal like the game.

The 50-yard Line:
Gaining ground like a running back heading towards the 50 yard line, this cigar was burning nicely. Cocoa and cedar were very present and you could taste the sweetness of the blend on your entire palate. My mouth watered with every mouthful of smoke. I was heading towards the end-zone.

The End Zone:
Heading into the end zone, the cigar was coming along wonderfully, a cigar smoker’s fantasy. This cigar surprised me like a blind sided hit from a linebacker. Powerful, yet smooth. Dominant, yet refined. It burned with the finesse of quarterback leading the team into victory. A wonderful choice for an epic night. At just under $6 per stick and a size of 6 x 52, you can’t ask for more. An 8 out of 10!

Fuente Fuente Opus X Super Belicoso
The Kick-off:
Digging into my humidor like a center digging in for the hike, I grabbed an Opus X that had been in my humidor hibernating for about four years. It still had that cinnamon and nutmeg aroma at the foot which enticed me even more. The Rosado wrapper was just as silky as the day I purchased it, it had aged well! After clipping the head at an angle (a trick I learned about at the local tobacconist which is said to help figurado’s burn better), I was ready to enjoy my after dinner treat. At first light the air filled quickly with smoke and the aroma of nutmeg. My mouth had begun to experience the nice spices in the blend as well as the predominant notes of cinnamon and cedar. The burn was a little rough, as most Opus X are known to do, but evened out by the first quarter of the stogie.

The 50-yard Line:
Heading into the halfway point, the spices mellowed out and were replaced with more cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. Some coffee and cream notes were lingering in my palate, but not dominant. Roasted nuts had also made their way into the party and were well accepted! The burn was nice and smoke was thick. A well aged veteran. This classic smoke had impressed me yet again!

The End Zone:
Heading towards a certain victory, the cigar had developed nicely. The draw, burn and flavors ahd merged to create the perfect smoke for a great occasion. Although on the pricey side, $25 to be exact, this was one of those rare moments that a smoker breaks open his humidor for a rare, reserved treat. A most enjoyed moment! A 9 out of 10!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

After joining the CRA (Cigar Rights of America) and beginning my training for my CCT (Certified Consumer Tobacconist), I decided it was time to change the way I was rating cigars. I was so used to reading Cigar Aficionado’s 100 point scale that I complicated myself by giving the ratings such a broad spectrum. Cigars are too subjective for a 100 point scale, and there’s too much room for error using that system, so I was referred to the ICRS download page by Jorge Armenteros and found this to be quite useful in my reviews of cigars.

By using the ICRS, you critically examine all aspects of a cigar, gaining a broader understanding of the various components of that particular cigar. The evaluations made can be used to keep track of what you liked and disliked about the cigar. Quoting Colin Ganley, “Cigar magazines use their own systems and the ICRS is an alternative. I believe this is a very good alternative and in some cases, a much better one.”

I agree. Check out the ICRS yourself and you’ll see how much easier it is to properly review and understand what you have come to love, cigars! From now on, this is what I’ll be using, so stay tuned for some more great reviews!

Here is the rating system in a 1-10 point scale:

1 – Unpleasant Flavor
2 – Contains Bad Flavors
3 – Seriously Flawed
4 – Slightly Flawed
5 – Acceptable
6 – Good
7 – Very Good
8 – Excellent
9 – Nearly Perfect
10 – Best Cigar Ever

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

It’s official! I have begun my journey as a Certified Consumer Tobacconist! I am looking forward to learning and sharing my knowledge of cigars and the world of smoking with you! As I progress with the certification, I will be posting my findings and studies, so keep checking back with me for some great information. If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Consumer Tobacconist, check out the site: http://tobacconistuniversity.org

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
This cigar was made in commemoration of Rocky Patel’s birth year of 1961. This medium to full-bodied cigar was masterfully blended with a diversity of tobaccos. The final result is a smoke that’s rich with chocolate and cocoa notes, slightly spicy yet creamy. The Rocky Patel 1961 is the inaugural brand coming out of Rocky’s newest cigar factory in Nicaragua called Tabacalera Villa Cuba. The cigar had a gorgeous, silky Habano wrapper from Ecuador which complemented the Honduran binder and Nicaraguan fillers. At first puff, you can tell the cigar had some strength, but it was balanced enough not to bite your palate. You notice the chocolate and cocoa right away with a creamy aftertaste. A hint of spiciness is present, but not overwhelming.

The Mid-Stick:
Nearing the midway point, the cigar never strayed too far away from perfection. The wrapper had a enticing aroma which struck your senses like a blow from a heavyweight boxer. POW! Cocoa, chocolate, spice, and citrus flavors were noticeable and ever so delightful! The strength had now gained some ground. New flavors joined the party, almond and coffee. A pronounced sweetness was also present and made my mouth water. Heading towards the band and past the midway point, the cigar was burning nicely and had developed into one a hell of a cigar.

The Finish:
Once removing the band, I was pleased to be able to venture further. My palate was still tingling with excitement even though the peppery notes that were first present had dissipated into ash. The body was now in full effect and the blend had developed nicely. Burn, perfect! Aroma, appetizing! I had again ventured into smoker’s heaven. Although a little bitter at the end, Rocky had impressed me again! Verdict: go look around for one and add some to your collection. A well deserved 91!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
Don Pepin Garcia released the My Father Le Bijou 1922 cigars at the IPCPR show in New Orleans. The original My Father line was created by Jaime Garcia as a tribute to his father, likewise the Le Bijou which means “the jewel” in French was created by Don Pepin to honor his father who was born in 1922. The Habano Oscuro wrapper was thick and had a beautiful shimmer to it. Using all Nicaraguan tobacco and bearing a new secondary band, this cigar looked more appealing than the original My Father line. Now to the good stuff. Sitting on my back porch, I had in my hand another treat, the My Father Le Bijou 1922 by Don Pepin Garcia. This 6″ x 52 toro was dark and rich. The wrapper had a intriguing scent, like cream or vanilla. The construction was hearty with lots of tobacco packed tightly and wound into perfection by the skilled hands of tobacco artisans. At first puff, the blend was missing the customary Pepin spiciness. I expected there to be more strength like the original, but it lacked in that department a little as well.

The Mid-Stick:
Passing the quarter marker, the cigar began to lose some flavor. The spiciness still remained and was almost unpleasant. The spiciness caught you right in the back of your throat. Some coffee and mocha undertones were present but overpowered. Some hints of sweetness were present and the ash and burn were consistent. I was sitting there contemplating the differences and realized there was no comparison. The original had outdone the current version.

The Finish:
Although the construction was flawless and appearance was gorgeous, I was a little disappointed. I had expected the follow up to blow the original My Father line out of the water. Maybe I got a lemon, who knows. I’ll have to revisit this cigar after aging a few and see what changes occur. The price point didn’t help either. At nearly $12.00 a stick these puppies failed to impress, hey you don’t until you’ve tried them all, right?. We’ll see how it compares the next go around, an 89 in my opinion.

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
Ernie Padilla has done it again! Using Corojo 2006 tobacco to blend his new Padilla Dominus brand, this all Nicaraguan-grown blend is fantastic. The Corojo 2006 wrapper has a beautiful shimmer to it and a rich reddish brown color reminiscent of a fine Cohiba. The tobacco was packed nicely and the cigar had good weight to it. I was anxious to see what this cigar had up its sleeve. The light up was tasty with notes of hazelnut and coffee. Strength was medium with some peppery accents. A quarter into the cigar, I was beginning to experience the complexity of the blend. There was definitely more ahead.

The Mid-Stick:
Coming up on the half way point, the cigar picked up some strength. The blend was now full with plenty of smoke. Coffee and hazelnut still lingered and were soon joined by a strong cocoa flavor. The wrapper was burning evenly and the aroma was tantalizing. The draw perfect.

The Finish:
Remaining consistent with his brands, Ernie Padilla was on the mark again, producing another fantastic cigar. The complexity and quality of his cigar is what keeps me smoking the brand. The cigar had neared the end and had remained smooth and creamy all the way through. Although the strength had increased towards the end, the cigar never strayed too far from the initial idea of a smooth full bodied blend. I would definitely recommend trying one for yourself if you’re a Padilla fan, and if not, you’ll soon become one! Although a little pricy at $9.00 for a Robusto, it’s still worth trying. A well deserved 91!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
I attended the My Father event here in Orlando briefly and was able to snag a few of these beauty’s. I had the honor of seeing Ms. Janny Garcia and what a beauty she was! The cigars were beautiful as well. I purchased two of the No.1′s and a No.2 which qualified me to received a free Cuban Classic cigar by Don Pepin. I’ll smoke and review all of these soon. The My Father line was created by Jaime Garcia to honor his father José Pepin Garcia. He secretly worked on the line until someone in the factory leaked the little secret and Pepin found out and obviously approved! The Nicaraguan filler and binder were grown at the Garcia farms in Nicaragua, while the wrapper was acquired from Oliva. I lit the No.1 up which happened to be a robusto, and right away the cigar was slightly peppery. Although a little spice is a Pepin signature, it wasn’t overpowering. Instead I received an earthiness similar to sweet feed or hay. The cigar had lots of smoke and great body with hints of cocoa and coffee lingering around my palate. I’d lean more to the fuller side of the spectrum rather than medium bodied. With smoke in the air and a fully belly from Carlos’N Charlie’s, I proceeded.

The Mid-Stick:
Heading towards the middle of the cigar, it’s heartiness emerged. The spice had returned and the new taste of caramel touched my tongue and gave it a jolt of satisfaction. This was another addition to the Garcia family masterpieces. The cigar burned exceptionally well, despite the windy conditions. I never once had to relight or retouch the cigar, signifying a perfect construction, a characteristic of the Garcia’s quality and knowledge of cigar making. Heading towards the home stretch, I wondered what else this secret would unveil.

The Finish:
Nearing the band, I realized there were no more secrets. She has left it all on the table and the evidence was plentiful. Grey ash laid scattered in the ashtray. The end was near, could this be that there were no more surprises left? I didn’t care, I ventured on past the band and enjoyed every inch. I understand why Cigar Aficionado announced this as their No.3 cigar of the 2009. It lays out everything in front of you and all that’s left for you to do is sit back and enjoy, no need for secrets! Would I smoke it again? Definitely! Verdict: Find one and enjoy! Decently priced at $10.00 and 5.2″ x 52. A strong 92!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie