Don Pepin Garcia Original Exclusivos Review

Original Exclusivos
Made by: Don Pepin Garcia
Country: Nicaragua
Vitola: 9 1/5 by 48

The picture does this cigar justice, it is an absolute monster. Coming in at 9.2 by 48 this is guaranteed to be a long smoke. With that I am going to make a guess and say it lasts around 2 hours, but the smaller ring gauge may keep it to a more normalized time. The Cuban Classic was a good cigar that I reviewed a month or two back, this is another line by DPG (Don Pepin Garcia). I know for a fact the lancero version of this cigar is delicious. That has my hopes up for this, lets see what it has to offer with a Don Pepin Garcia Original Exclusivos Review.

Prelight

For its size, the construction of this cigar looks perfect. Visible seams, lots of tooth on the wrapper, small to medium veins. The veins may cause some burn issues. There are a couple of wrapper flaws but it’s hard to detract it for that due to its size. That’s a large surface area of beautiful wrapper. The foot is giving off more traditional notes nothing impressive. Dry cocoa, mixed pepper, and light cedar. Absolutely perfect cut, brushed off with my finger and there was no loose tobacco. The prelight draw shows a robust dark chocolate with a mixed black and white pepper. Little red pepper tingling is present on the tongue. Abnormal draw but I think that’s just due to the size. We’ll see, it feels like a tunneling issue 2/3 into the cigar. There is a soft spot right there as well. Let’s see what it has to offer.

1/3

Low smoke production at the start because it has so far to travel, it’s slightly frustrating. The thickness and production is growing slowly though. Easy and even light, again I am not worried about this cigars construction, it seems to be rolled very well with the exception of that soft spot. Cedar and dry cocoa on the front, cashew on the center, and white pepper on the finish. Mild to medium body right now with the smoke production low. Strength is non-existent, I hope smoke thickness and body rises to a medium at least. Hard draw simply due to the size. As I get into the first third dry cocoa is on the front then there is a light sour hay note alongside cashew. The finish is white and black mixed pepper. Into the first third means 2 inches in by the way. Not very unique flavors but the size of this is the impressive part. No burn issues, not razor sharp but it’s holding well. Compact ash, seems to be falling off in 1 1/2 inch chunks.  At the end of the first third the smoke production is increasing again up to a medium, body hit a medium as well. The cigar is being pretty consistent, dry cocoa maintains the front. Hay and cashew are on the center still, and the finish is still mixed pepper.

2/3

At the start of the second third, medium body and low strength. Dark chocolate has begun to take the spot where the dry cocoa was. Cashew is on the center still and the finish is the mixed pepper with a slight leather. Good burn still, smoke production and thickness are both at a medium as well. Dry cocoa is back on the front at the end of the second third, leather and mixed pepper control the center and finish of the profile at this time. Body is holding at a medium and strength is still at a low. This is really enjoyable as I reach the hour and a half mark. The burn line is still going well, the cigar passed the soft spot with no issue. No changes to the smoke production or thickness.

3/3

I can officially say I have reached the last third! This cigar is like a marathon, but the flavors are consistent and enjoyable. Dry cocoa remains on the front and leather and mixed pepper control the center and finish still. The draw is still above average resistance, medium bodied and medium smoke production. Low strength and medium smoke thickness. Good burn line still, this has been a long but good cigar. Forward the end of the second third the dry cocoa remains on the front with a sour hay. The center and finish maintain the leather and mixed pepper notes. Last flavor update at the nub after over 2 hours. Dry cocoa on the front and the mixed pepper is up on the center and finish. White pepper on the front and black on the backside.

Smoke Time: 2 hours ad 15 minutes

Conclusion: 85

This cigar is a novelty, at 9 inches this is for a long event or golf. I can’t think of an occasion for it personally but it is well built for its size and it is tasty. Absolutely worth having, but when to smoke it will depend on the person. It is a endeavor to sit down and smoke this cigar.

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The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive – Arriving in approximately three weeks!

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, a Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) Member, will be receiving an allotment of the very limited The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive.  This year Crowned Heads is introducing a maduro Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a box pressed construction for its TAA Exclusive cigar.  Building upon the success of the last two year’s The Angel’s Anvil TAA Releases, Crowned Heads is re-releasing The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive.  Crowned Heads has had great success and praise with its limited releases, like the Las Calaveras and The Angel’s Anvil.

The Angel’s Anvil 2016 TAA Exclusive is a 5 1/2 x 54 Toro, and box pressed (unlike previous year’s releases). The blend of The Angel’s Anvil TAA Exclusive 2016 has changed and uses a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper (instead of the previous Ecuadorian Habano wrapper) but still uses all-Nicaraguan binder and filler and is still made by Ernesto Perez Carrillo’s Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic. Like the last two releases of The Angel’s Anvil TAA Exclusive, there will only be 1,000 boxes of 20 produced, so make sure you don’t miss out on a box.  You can pre-order at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium here.

Picture from Jon Huber’s Twitter. Click to browse at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum

Now available at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, the Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum is the first Nicaraguan blend from the Cellar Reserve Family of Cigars. This full flavor, medium body cigar has a lot of sweetness and nuttiness right off the start. The Ecuadorian Wrapper pairs perfectly with the Nicaraguan binder and fillers for an exquisite and complex smoke.  The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum showcases 12-year-old Nicaraguan fillers from the areas of Condega, Estelí and Jalapa, wrapped in an Ecuadorian oscuro leaf with a Nicaraguan binder. It is made at American Caribbean Tobacco S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua.

From Gurkha: “Due to the enormous success we’ve had with the Cellar Reserve lines made in the Dominican Republic, we felt that it only makes sense to expand the flavor profiles by adding aged Nicaraguan tobaccos.”

The Gurkha Cellar Reserve 12 Year Platinum is now available at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium here.

Click picture to browse the available vitolas at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Lost & Found Skin Suit Review

Lost & Found Skin Suit
Made by: Caldwell
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 5 by 50

This like the International Date line was a release of 2400 cigars, and it is captioned as “Creamy, Smooth, Nutty.” We’ll see if the cigar holds true to that description, but this does seem like it will be similar to the International Date Line. If I had to guess, and with the descriptions being so similar from the company, I would say this is probably just the robusto size of the International Date Line. Perhaps I am wrong, but there is only one way to find out. Lets get this Lost & Found Skin Suit Review started.

Prelight

In comparison to the International Date Line, the construction on this looks a lot better from the get go. The wrapper looks nice and there are no issues with it. The cap is well applied but leaves room for improvement. This wrapper has mainly medium sized veins which is different then the other two cigars this week. The foot is giving off a floral note with macadamia nut underneath. The cut went smoothly with just a bit of loose tobacco needing to be wiped away. The prelight draw is showing similar flavors, that sweet floral note is intriguing and not what I was expecting, the undertones of macadamia nut are more complex then I was thinking as well. When the description said nutty I was expecting cashew and hay with light cream. I may have had the comparison of this to the International Date Line wrong. Its already starting off much more complex, lets see how it goes.

1/3

Firmer pack then the International Date Line, but a great draw. Slightly bitter mix of cocoa and macadamia nut on the front. Clean herbal cedar in the center with a light leather and red pepper finish. This has been the most balanced cigar this week. Tons of smoke about medium thickness. The burn line is going allright. There is a little sour note in the center that I called clean herbal cedar, I am working on a better description on it but that is the absolute best part of the profile. There is a bit of floral-ness to it and subtle white pepper giving it the clean character, but cashew and cedar seem to be its base. Very complex center, my advice would be to enjoy it and not pick it apart because it is tasty and deserves to just be enjoyed. At the end of the first third the slightly bitter macadamia nut is up on the front, the complex center is falling. And the finish is coming up with leather and a mix of red and black pepper.

2/3

Burn is the straightest out of the Lost and Found lines this week. Compact ash which seems to be a characteristic they all share.  The body is holding at a medium to full and the strength is at a low to medium. I believe the strength will reach a medium, but time will tell. Bitter macadamia nut and cashew hold the front the center is still faintly holding the floral/white pepper/cedar but the leather and mixed pepper finish is overpowering it. The smoke thickness is still a medium and the production is still high. Despite the description cream isn’t a big player in this profile yet. At the end of the second third light white and red pepper have worked their way into the front with the macadamia nut. The complex center is gone heavy leather replaces it and cream from the smoke is entering the profile on the finish as the smoke thickness is increasing.

3/3

Great smoke production and thick smoke. Medium to full body, low to medium strength. I am questioning if it will reach medium at this point (strength wise). Straight burn line, and no performance issues. This is a good cigar, wonderful transitions and good complexity. Light cocoa came back in with the macadamia nut on the front at the nub. The mixed pepper was staying in the center. And the finish is leather and cream. Wonderful cigar.

Smoke Time: 55 minutes

Conclusion: 90

I was enjoying this cigar and smoked it a bit quicker than usual. This is, in my opinion, the best of the three Lost and Found cigars this week. I was expecting the panda to have that title but this out performed it. This is a bundle buy, medium to full bodied and low to medium strength. Great flavors and overall very enjoyable.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

Lost & Found International Date Line Review

Lost & Found International Date Line
Made by: Caldwell
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 6 by 52

Second up in the exploration of Lost and Found cigars this week, a Lost & Found International Date Line Review. As far as entertaining packaging goes this is the least impressive. However, that makes me think that the company believe the cigar speaks for itself. Lets see if that holds true, the packaging describes the cigar as “Creamy, Smooth, Nutty, and Rich” this is another area that will be interesting to see if the description holds true.

Prelight

Medium to large veins, of all of the Lost and Found cigars this week the wrapper on this one seems the most delicate. There are a couple blemishes, the cap needs some work. It is possible I have an odd ball but at the moment in terms of aesthetics I am not impressed. However, if the cigar can hold up to the description on the packaging then it may be interesting. The foot is giving off a light barnyard with a mix of macadamia nut and cashew underneath. An allright cut the cap seems to be falling off, I do not expect it to stay on. The prelight draw shows the mixed nuts as well as a light white pepper. This is about what I was expecting from the prelight.

1/3

The cap did fall off but there isn’t any unraveling going on. Very even pack but not to firm, there’s a good give. Lots of oak and slightly bitter macadamia nut on the front leather and a mix of black and white pepper on the finish, quite similar to the panda but very different flavors on the front. There is a cashew note developing in the center of the profile as I get into the first third. Good smoke production and easy draw the smoke thickness is increasing and I foresee it entering the profile in the next third. At the end of the first third the mixed pepper alongside the leather on the finish has changed, black and then a bit of red pepper bite.

2/3

The body started at a medium to full, but as I enter the second third it is actually coming back to a medium, low to medium strength. Not a perfect burn but no touch ups needed yet. A grass note has mixed in with the oak on the front, the macadamia nut is gone. The center is cashew and leather, the cream comes up alongside the mixed pepper on the finish. The mixed pepper is a balanced black and red and the moment. At the end of the second third the oak has come up and the cream has taken the center of the profile.

3/3

The burn line continues without issues, but by no means perfect. Heavy oak on the front with cream and cashew entering in the center of the profile and the finish is still a combination of leather and mixed pepper. The mixed pepper has a great little red pepper bite. Body stayed at a medium and the strength stayed at a low to medium.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Conclusion: 87

It beat my expectations by a long shot, but it didn’t quite surpass the panda. The flavors were great and construction was ok. If the panda had this cigar’s draw it would have been even better. This is more medium throughout, and a calmer experience then the panda. These cigars certainly carter to different audiences.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

Lost & Found Panda Welfare Review

Lost & Found Panda Welfare
Made by: Caldwell
Wrapper: Sumatra Seed
Vitola: 4 by 50

Packaged in a take-out box, and then wrapped in paper that looks like last weeks dinner? Creative packaging as usual with the lost and found, the cigar itself is the real focus though. 4 by 50 this is a shorter smoke but it feels pretty dense. This is sold by Caldwell but the stories behind the cigars vary. The only real info I have on this blend is its Sumatra seed wrapper. This week I will be covering three of the Lost and Found releases, the Panda Welfare, the International Date Line, and the Skin Suit. Lets see what they have to offer, first up is a Lost & Found Panda Welfare Review.

Prelight

Deep Cocoa with some leather coming off of the foot, it smells very thick if that’s possible. But something to back up that description is the tooth on this wrapper, it is going to be a very thick creamy cigar, I am assuming high smoke production and a great mouth feel. Medium to large sized veins, but the tooth is so heavy I don’t foresee the veins messing with the burn. The cap is well applied, but not perfect. Pretty even pack, the cut went well with some loose tobacco to be wiped away. The prelight draw is consistent with the foot’s notes, cocoa and lighter leather with the promise of heavy cream.

1/3

An absolute blast of jasmine on the front with a mix of leather and cocoa entering the profile in the center. The finish is a light white pepper that is accompanied by the leather that was present in the center. Medium smoke production and medium smoke thickness, which is surprising for the amount of tooth on this cigars wrapper. The body is at a medium and rising, and the strength is at a low. I expect both of these to rise. As I reach the end of the first third the floral note is dropping as is the light pepper finish.

2/3

As the second third starts the floral not is dying down and the slightly bitter cocoa has progressed to the front of the cigar. The burn line is allright, given the size of the veins I was expecting more issues in this area. Tight compact ash, and the white pepper that was on the finish in the first third has dropped along with the floral front. Leather and cream has the finish at the moment, but I am hoping that floral note returns. Strength rose with body and they are at medium and medium full respectively. The smoke thickness has increased but the smoke production continues to be about a medium.

3/3

As I reach the nub, this is a rather small cigar, the floral note has returned on the front and the cocoa has dropped as leather and white pepper move in to control the finish. It is interesting that the light white pepper on the finish and floral note on the front seemed to come and go together. The body ended at a medium to full and the strength was joking at a medium.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Conclusion: 88

It left me wanting a bit more but it was a good cigar. For its price point it’s right on with expectations. The uniqueness of flavors added a lot to the enjoyment of the cigar. This would be good for a medium bodied smoker looking for something a bit heavier than the normal.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

Herrera Esteli TAA Maduro – Arriving this month!

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, member of the Tobacconists’s Association of America (TAA) will be receiving the TAA Exclusive Herrera Esteli TAA Maduro this month.  The Herrera Esteli TAA Maduro is a 6″ x 52 Toro featuring a maduro Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan filler blend.  The blend is entirely new following the Herrera Esteli Nicaragua and the Herrera Esteli Norteño lines, and the first time the Herrera Estelí name has used a maduro wrapper.  The Herrera Esteli TAA Maduro will be sold excluively at TAA retailers.

From the man at the helm of Herrera Esteli, master blender Willy Herrera: “This is my first blend since joining Drew Estate that utilizes Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco.  Drew Estate fans know that we’re famous for our use of Connecticut Broadleaf tobaccos, especially in our Liga Privada No. 9 and Nica Rustica lines. I’ve been experimenting with blends that incorporate this incredible wrapper since coming on board and finally have a blend I’m really excited about.”  Willy joined the Drew Estate team of brands to add a line true to the authentic Cuban roots of cigar making.

The Herrera Esteli TAA Maduro is formally know as the Herrera Esteli Toro TAA Exclusiva.  The SRP is $12.00 and is packaged in 12-ct. boxes as depicted below.

Click picture to browse the Herrera Esteli TAA Maduro at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Diamond Crown Julius Caesar Review 2

Julius Caesar
Made by: Diamond Crown
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 6 by 52

The last time I visited this cigar was at the start of February, I don’t expect many differences but lets see what happens. The previous score this cigar received from me was an 84. I would like to see it perform better but the only way to see if that’s going to happen is to get this Diamond Crown Julius Caesar Review 2 going.

Prelight

Visible seams, small to medium veins, and well-done cap. There is an excess amount of rollers glue around the cap and on the body of the cigar. Beautiful dark wrapper, the foot is giving off a white and black mixed pepper. The front is a mix of leather and oak. Let’s see if that holds consistent on the prelight. Firm pack with a couple of lumpy spots. Loose tobacco on the cut but no issues with the cap. The prelight flavors are showing more oak and leather. Let’s get this lit up and see how it preforms.

1/3

Leather, lots of leather on the front with lots of cream playing in from the thick smoke. Mixed pepper on the finish with black over the white pepper. There is a lot of tooth to the wrapper and it’s making for a great mouth feel. Medium to full body, and I believe that it will hit full by, or in, the second third. Low to medium strength I expect that to rise with the body. This cigar is really like smoking a creamy leather bound book.

2/3

At the start of the second third the body has not made it to full. The strength has risen to medium. And the flavors really haven’t changed. The mixed pepper finish is up a bit, but that leather and cream are so dominate they lower the complexity and overall experience of the cigar (in my opinion). If consistent flavors are a go to for your preference, then this is a good cigar. But in terms of complexity it leaves more to be desired. The end of the second third has cream coming up to match leather on the front which is a nice change. There is an oak note that came up on the center for a bit but the mixed pepper is beginning to dominate. The body also managed to reach full.

3/3

Not the best burn line but no touch ups have been needed. Cream came up a bit but its back falling and the leather is back in control of the front. The mixed pepper is coming up on the center and the finish. The little bit of complexity that this did end up having at the end of the second third is gone now. Back to mainly leather and then a higher mixed pepper finish. The body dropped back to medium to full and the strength has held at a medium.

Smoke Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Conclusion: 83

A little less impressed then the last time I did the review, there wasn’t much of a change and how much can I really expect over the course of a month. This just solidified the findings of the last review. This is a good cigar to visit occasionally but not overly impressive.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

Ashton Symmetry Prism Review

Symmetry Prism
Made by: Ashton
Country: Dominican Republic,Ecuador, Nicaragua
Vitola: 5 5/8 by 46

Ashton cigars are a sign of prestige, whether you want to admit it or not. There is a bit of class associated with going to a cigar bar and smoking a VSG, ESG, Cabinet, but this is a cigar that is newer to the company. In this Ashton Symmetry Prism Review, keep your mind open. The history of the cigars held to a pretty traditional approach. This was a new take on a classic company. Lets see what it brings to the table.

Prelight

Well done cap, medium sized veins, slight tooth to the wrapper. A mix of cedar on oak on the front with a light floral note and slightly sweet finish. Very clean cut very little loose tobacco. The prelight draw is hinting at a very different profile then the foot. Showing oak, black licorice, and a slightly sweet raisin on the finish. Soft but consistent pack, let’s get this lit up.

1/3

It was very easy to light, tons of smoke production, cedar and oak on the front with a grassy note following and leather and black licorice on the finish. The foot gave different notes then the prelight draw, and the prelight draw gave different notes then the actual profile. Slight white pepper lingering on the finish. Medium to full body and low strength. Smooth and enjoyable at the moment. As the first third progress’ the complexity rises as the licorice moves to the center of the profile and the cedar develops on the front. White pepper came up on the finish as the leather dropped and the strength has risen to a low to medium.

2/3

As I reach the second third the cigar is still rising in strength just starting to reach a medium. Body is holding at a medium to full. The burn line has been perfect the entire time with a very thick and sturdy ash. The center is changing the floral note and licorice are dropping as a mixed nut comes up. Cashew and salted peanut are the flavors. Great profile, and still thick creamy smoke. The white pepper is still lingering on the finish. As I get to the end of the second third there is a citrus note coming up alongside the white pepper. Cedar remains on the front and mixed pepper in the center of the profile.

3/3

Cedar has come up on the front and the mixed nut is dying. The white pepper finish is coming up and there is a light leather back with it. The strength stayed at a medium and the body was constant at a medium to full the entire cigar. Great profile, and it ended well balanced and appropriately. The burn line is a testament to the construction and the prestige of the Ashton cigars, wonderful throughout.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Conclusion: 89

This cigar was a good flavorful, and entertaining mix. The company was very successful at introducing another successful blend to their portfolio. If you enjoy the high complexity and the variety of flavors this is a no brainer for a box purchase, it is worth trying out beforehand though.

Also, a shout-out to Lenny in Rocky Point, he said he has yet to try and Ashton and this would be one that I would absolutely suggest for him. Hope everyone enjoy’s their weekends.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

AVO 90th Classic Covers 2016 Vol. 3 – NOW IN STOCK!

It’s spring and another year for Avo Uvezian’s annual birthday limited editon.  Anthony’s Cigar Emporium has just recieved its shipment of the very limited AVO 90th Classic Covers 2016 Vol. 3 from Davidoff.

AVO 90th Birthday 2016 Limited Edition Release: The AVO 90th Classic Covers 2016 Vol. 3 is the newest release from the Improvisational Series Limited Editions. The Vol. 3 is a 6 x 54 Gran Toro made with scarce vintage tobaccos.  The AVO XO blend has been “covered” with tobaccos from Ecuador and Mexico.  The wrapper leaf is an Ecuadorian Habano 2000 covering a Mexican San Andres binder. The filler blend from the AVO XO series is comprised of six different leaves, each Dominican: San Vicente Mejorado Visus 14 (D.R.), San Vicente Mejorado Visus 2 (D.R.), Piloto Seco (D.R.), Hybrid Corojo/Olor Visus (D.R.) – Aged 10 years, Criollo Seco (DR) – Aged 11 years. By utilizing 6 different tobaccos from 3 countries, some over a decade old, the AVO Classic Covers 2016 Vol. 3 delivers a remarkably unique and richly complex flavor profile filled with creamy notes of cedar, earth, butter and a hint of dry fruit. Medium-Full in strength.

The AVO 90th packaging resembles Avo Uvezian’s personal vinyl record player, concealing two rows of 9 cigars covered by detachable vinyl record lid. Once the cigars are removed, the box remains as an ashtray for collectors to use and display – a personal gift from Avo. Only 3,500 boxes made.

Click Picture to browse the AVO 90th Classic Covers Vol. 3 at Anthony’s online store.