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 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

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:
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

The Light Up:
Here’s a product we’re all familiar with (or I’d hope you would be). My uncle surprised me with this beauty on New Years Eve and I was excited. Padrón has long been my go to cigar whether it be the 3000 maduro or any of the 1964, 1926 or pretty much any Padrón product. It’s been about a year since I enjoyed a Padrón. Call me crazy, but with all of the new boutique cigars on the uprise, I decided to try the newbies and see what the hype was all about. They were all good, but no Padrón! The cigar was gorgeous. A beautiful, shiny maduro which reminded me of fine Godiva chocolates. My first instinct was to look at the foot of the cigar for what I call the chocolate swirls (being the ligero in the blend). For the obvious reason these chocolate swirls made for a more flavorful cigar. I taught my uncle to search for them when I worked at the shop. I’m glad he listened, I taught him well!! The construction, appearance, smell and feel were all flawless, like the perfect diamond. I knew I was in for a treat. I made sure to break out my best equipment for the occasion (glad I brought them along). I carefully cut the head making sure not to cut off too much. You get nervous when you have such a beauty on your hands and want to make sure you do everything right. I lit the cigar with a cedar strip, just for some extra woodiness, not that it needed it! I began my journey into cigar heaven. At first puff my mouth was exploding with flavor. By the first quarter, I was looking forward to the rest.

The Mid-Stick:
Nearing the halfway point, the cigar was on a roll. A chocolate aroma was in the air, while cedar, cream and cocoa entertained my palate like a great show. The burn was perfect and the ash was an exceptional light grey. This cigar was everything a premium cigar should be and then some. Continuing on past the second half of the cigar was pure bliss. The only thing missing was some fine scotch, which oddly enough was no where to be found! No need, the cigar was keeping me busy and the holiday coquito ( a Puerto Rican Egg Nog which has coconut milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, evaporated milk, condensed milk and Rum. I’ll post a recipe soon!) was good enough.

The Finish:
What’s left to say? The cigar was everything I had remembered and hoped for. I’m really anxious to go out and get a Family Reserve No.45 Maduro (review coming soon). I’ve heard that cigar is wonderful, but back to the Exclusivo. Heading towards the home stretch, this baby never lost any flavor, aroma or strength. It’s what you’ve come to expect from a super premium product. Nicaragua has long been my favorite countries of cigar production. Padrón is the staple of the country. Just the subtle mention of Padrón sends cigar smokers to the store or their humidors, myself included. Price, who cares! This is one of those cigars you smoke on special occasions. Verdict: if you haven’t smoked one, you’re missing out!! A well respected 93!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
At first glance, this cigar is very well constructed. Although a little veiny, the gorgeous Sun-Grown Maduro wrapper shines like the sun with natural oils. The cigar smelled great and I was anxious to get started. Box pressed cigars have always been a favorite of mine, I guess they’re just a more natural fit for me. Using my Xikar cutter and Xtend lighter I began my mission, to sit and enjoy this treat. I’ve smoked this particular Perdomo before the re-blending and I must say at first draw, this cigar was much better than it’s cousin. After the first quarter of the cigar, the complex blend began to emerge.

The Mid-Stick:
After about 20 minutes into the experience, my mouth was exploding with flavor. Chocolate, cedar and earth tones seeped out of the foot of the cigar catching my senses and creating a plethora of smoke which captured my attention faster than a model in a Ferrari. I was on the path to yet another fantastic smoking experience. Although mostly medium-bodied, this puppy did kick into overdrive a few times proving that it wasn’t a true medium-bodied smoke, but a much fuller and potent mix.
The burn was even, lot’s of smoke in the air, the perfect moment!

The Finish:
Nearing the band, this beauty never once neared the point of harshness. Most cigars at this point tend to fizzle out due to reasons that are easily overlooked. I have smoked a few cigars down to a nub(no brand relation) and this was one of them. At a size of 5 1/2″ x 54 this was a powerhouse blended to perfection like your favorite scotch. The price wasn’t bad either! Hell at $5.50, you just can’t go wrong! Price, flavor, strength, construction, need I say more? Run out and get your own and see for yourself! A strong 90!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie

The Light Up:
Here’s my first cigar review and boy did this cigar surprise me! I walked into Corona Cigars the other day and grabbed this off the shelf. The cigar was beautiful and shiny like a new car! The wrapper was very oily and smelled wonderful. I was determined to get the full experience, so I took a seat in their lovely lounge and proceeded to smoke. I must admit, I haven’t smoked an Alec Bradley cigar since the original Trilogy came out, which has been quite sometime. Not because I wasn’t a fan, but because I was unfamiliar with the product, so I stuck with what I knew (as most of us do). I’ve seen their impressive ratings and decided to give it a try. The cigar started out with a bang! My first mouthful of smoke was intense with woody and creamy aromas floating around my palate, brushing against my tongue exciting my senses. The cigar was definitely a lot stronger than I had expected, thus putting me into a more euphoric state. The burn started off a little uneven, but straightened out with a little encouragement.

The Mid-Stick:
The Corojo 2006 wrapper grown in Trojes, Honduras was burning nicely. Half way through the cigar I was experiencing what most of us do with a great cigar, wonderful aromas of cedar, with a hint of chocolate like a hershey’s kiss. Other scents made their way out and into my nasal passage. At the point of no return, the cigar was burning nicely and I can now experience the full effect of the tried and true blend. I can tell this was blended for the experienced smoker as the cigar was very complex in nature.

The Finish:
Once to the band (as we all have had to make this decision before with a great cigar) I decided to keep on going. The cigar had maintained it’s complexity and strength from beginning to near end. I was still getting mouthfuls of smoke and the taste and aroma were still there, never once dwindling down the path of failure. I was impressed! At $11.75 and with the natural torpedo size of 6″ x 52, this was worth every cent! I loved the box pressed feel and look and would definitely add a few of these to the collection. Definitely not for the novice smoker! My overall opinion, go out and experience one for yourself! I give this cigar a well deserved 91!

Happy Smoking!
Jorgie