Viaje Skull and Bones Red Label 2016 Limited Releases – Little Boy, Fat Man, & Big Ivan arriving by next Tuesday!

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium is receiving  a very limited number of Viaje Skull and Bones Red Label 2016 Releases: Viaje Little Boy (4 1/4″ x 52 Short Robusto), Viaje Fat Man (4 1/4″ x 56 Gordito), and Viaje Big Ivan (5″ x 60 Gordo) by Feb. 16, 2016.  These highly sought after and coveted Viaje Skull and Bones Red releases have always been super full bodied, spicy and tangy, with a thick leathery texture.  This is the tenth Viaje Skull and Bones Red Label release and the first since the Viaje WMD in 2014.  Last year, the Viaje Skull and Bones release was the Collector’s Edition Ten Ton Tess made at PDR Cigars by Abe Flores in the Dominican Republic.  These new Skull and Bones Red releases are also now made at PDR cigars.  The Viaje Skull and Bones Red Label 2016 have a varuety of tobaccos from five different origins.  The wrapper is Mexican San Andres Maduro with a double binder from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua and the filler blend has leaves from the United States, Nicaragua, and Brazil.

From Andre Farkas @viajecigarcompany Instagram.

All Viaje Skull and Bones Red (Viaje Fat Man, Viaje, Little Boy, Viaje Big Ivan) come with Free Shipping.

Browse the Viaje Skull and Bones Red at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium online store here.

Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Review

Julius Caeser
Made by: Diamond Crown
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 6 by 52 (toro)

This will be the first cigar that I will be reviewing from Diamond Crown. As a company they are still coming up, but the Maximus and the Julius Caeser are their best know cigars. Tonight I will be doing a Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Review and covering the characteristics of this Dominican stick. lets get it lit up and see how it performs.

Prelight

The cigar has a firm pack with a couple soft spots near the band, large veins that may cause issues for the burn. Barely visible seams due to the high concentration of veins. The roller used a ton of glue on this cigar. The cap is covered, as is parts of the wrapper. There is a lot of tooth, and the wrapper seems quite thick. The foot is giving off oak, leather, and a mix of red and black pepper. Clean-cut, very little loose tobacco and a perfect draw. Prelight draw flavors are reminiscent of red pepper with an oak base. Let’s get it lit up and see how it goes.

1/3

The primary flavors are leather and oak, thin smoke surprisingly. There is a light red and black pepper mix on the finish as the foot suggested. The smoke production looks to be increasing. Medium to full body and low strength. There is a slight sour note on the finish as well, I see that going away pretty quickly though. Extremely uneven burn to start, it is running on one of the veins. It is in need of a touch up, unfortunate because I’m enjoying the profile despite this. Not a very sturdy ash, the thickness of the smoke has increased. Very smooth smoke, no major changes to the profile heavy oak and leather.

2/3

Leather is forward on the profile, oak has died down. There is a red and black pepper mix remaining on the finish. Smoke production is up. The burn is running on one of the veins again, it did need another touch up. Strength is up to medium, body is constant at a medium-full. No major changes to the flavors, low complexity at this point. But it is an enjoyable profile.

3/3

Strength is still at a medium, bodies out of medium full. Oak came forward and the profile leather fell down. The red pepper is up on the finish, and the burn has continued to be an issue. That is my main complaint of this blend, at this price point that should not be an issue. Is reaching the end of the cigar though cause come back to take control the profile, those of really been the only transitions throughout the cigar. There’s not really an issue with that because it’s been extremely enjoyable. My only thing is the burn, it took three touchups which is unacceptable for a cigar this price point.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Conclusion: 84

The cigar had a good burn time, great flavors although not very many transitions. And for that matter it was lacking complexity as well. I was expecting a lot more from this blend. Absolutely worth trying because the flavor profile is great, just be aware that you will have to touch it up. Diamond Crown as a company puts out some great cigars, this is a bad example “construction wise” of that.

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

Tatuaje TAA 2016 – Sneak Peek

The annual TAA Meeting & Convention takes place March 6 -10 in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico but there is already a lot of buzz about the Tatuaje TAA 2016.  Anthony’s Cigar Emporium is a TAA Member and will be there enjoying the good golf and great cigars.

Tatuaje TAA releases typically have not shipped until Fall.  Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje, has already sent out a preview of the coming blockbuster in his instagram account.  The Tatuaje TAA 2016 is box pressed and follows Tatuaje’s typical TAA blend with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over 100% Nicaraguan binder and filler.  This year’s size will be a 6 1/4 x 50 Toro.

Following are pictures just posted on Pete Johnson’s instagram account of samples of the Tatuaje TAA 2016:

Lost and Found Forever Fresh – Coming Soon to Anthony’s Cigar Emporium

We just heard about the newest Lost and Found Forever Fresh release.  Not much is known yet, though the packaging says Indonesia 5.5 x 48.  Stay tuned for more details on the Lost and Found Forever Fresh.  Browse all Lost and Found releases at our online store here.

Tatuaje K222 – New Regular Production Cigar rolled in Miami

Tatuaje will be shipping out its newest regular production cigar, the Tatuaje K222 in the beginning of May, 2016. Tatuaje K222 will be a 5 7/8″ x 52 Toro and is reported to be a hybrid of Tatuaje’s Cojonu 2003 and Reserva J21 blends. Both of these blends use an Ecuadorian habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers.  The Tatuaje K222 is the first new regular production Tatuaje being made at My Father’s Miami factory since 2009.  Its production will be limited to 2,500 cigars monthly (100 25-ct. boxes).  Pete Johnson’s K222 project is in honor of his beloved Rottweiler named Kona who passed at 2:22PM, hence K222.  Order the Tatuaje K222 at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium here.

Tatuaje K222 on tatuajeinc instagram

Tatuaje K222 on tatuajeinc instagram

Tatuaje Krueger – 2016 Halloween Release

Recently, Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje, posted on his instagram a picture of the Tatuaje Krueger – the 2016 Halloween Release.  The Krueger will be a 7 1/4″ x 48 Churchill with a short belicoso tip.  The Tatuaje Krueger will have the signature “Monster Series” fiery Nicaraguan fillers wrapped in a Mexican San Andrés Maduro leaf.

From tatuajeinc instagram.

Tatuaje is also making antoher release in its Monster Series: Skinny Monsters.  Tatuaje Skinny Monsters are thinner vitolas from the blends famous Halloween releases: Included in the sampler will be the smaller versions of the first eight Monster Series releases: The Frank, The Drac, The Face, The Wolfman, The Mummy, The JV13, The Jekyll and The Hyde, along with Chuck and Tiff.  All of the Tatuaje Skinny Monsters will be a round 6 x 38 petit lancero size like the Tatuaje Black.  They will be packaged in 10-count samplers like the Tatuaje Pudgy Monsters and a few 25-count boxes will be made.

Browse the Tatuaje Krueger and other Tatuaje Monster Series at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium’s online store here.

Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed – Arriving in March

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, a Davidoff Appointed Merchant, will be receiving two box-pressed formats of our customer favorite Nicaragua line.  The Davidoff Nicaragua was launched in 2013 to much critical and customer acclaim and was the first Davidoff to use 100% Nicaraguan tobaccos.  Davidoff Nicaragua was still expertly handmade at Cigars Davidoff factory in the Dominican Republic using all Nicaraguan tobaccos.  It was ranked the Cigar Aficionado No. 3 Cigar of the Year 2013 and the Cigar Journal Best Brand of 2015.

This year the line will expand by two box pressed sizes the Robusto (5″ x 48) and Toro (6″ x 52).   Thus far, Davidoff Nicaragua has been a Medium-bodied, balanced smoke with great nuance and complexity; definitely Nicaraguan delivered in smooth Davidoff style.  The Davidoff Nicaragua blend came from aged Nicaraguan tobaccos from the volcanic soils Jalapa, Ometepe and Condega from lower primings for that smooth nuanced taste. For the new Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed sizes, their master blenders added famously strong Estelí Ligero for added strength and spice and have changed the color of the Habano wrapper from a Rosado to an Oscuro.

From Davidoff: “The Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed brings uncharted territories of taste, stirring the senses of those who discover them. The spice has been boosted with a fiery Esteli Ligero leaf that complements aged Jalapa, Ometepe and Condega tobaccos for a complex bitter, sweet palate stimulation.  A richer, sharper Habano Nicaragua Oscuro wrapper then rolls the experience into a dynamic box pressed format to liberate enhanced flavours and aromas.”

Browse the Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium’s online store here.

Davidoff Raconteur LE Review

The Raconteur LE
Made by: Davidoff
Country: Ecuadorian, Mexican, and Nicaraguan
Vitola: 6 by 56

This new 2016 limited edition from Davidoff sports an amazing secondary band reading “Never never never give up.” This is a quote from Winston Churchill himself, which is well justified on this cigar because it is a Winston Churchill limited edition. Of course with the name comes expectations, but in my opinion that secondary band adds an amazing touch to this cigar. Visually beautiful, lets see what it has to offer with a Davidoff Raconteur LE Review.

Prelight

Firm even pack, some lumps from binder stems. Visible seams and large veins. Light tooth on the wrapper. Perfectly formed cap, wonderful detail on construction. Light cedar and a floral note on the foot. Great cut, no cap flaws, this cigar fits very well in the mouth for a 56 ring gauge. The prelight draw reveals the floral note up front with some light hay, white pepper finish and a cedar undertone in the profile. Very easy draw, could use a bit more resistance. Let’s get it lit up and see how it goes.

1/3

I have never had a cigar that toasted easier than this one. And it is pouring off tons of medium thickness smoke. Cedar and hay are heavy on the front with a gentle floral note rounding the front out with perfect balance. The floral note is a very light lavender mixed in with the cedar and hay. Very tasty and very complex. The finish is white pepper at the moment but the front has control of the profile. Did I mention the smoke production on this, it is a chimney. Decent burn, cedar and hay have come up on the front. White pepper still controls the finish, mild to medium body it is rising slowly though. Low to medium strength, which I predict to rise with the body. Beautiful white compact ash, very sturdy.

2/3

At the start of the second third, body and strength are up to a medium. The front has retreated, the finish is up. There is a peanut and white pepper mix controlling the finish. Hay and cedar maintain the front, just softer than the first third. Smoke production is constant, and the burn line is still allright. The ash fell at about the halfway point. One thing to note is that this cigar is burning very quickly. That is a testament to how much I am enjoying this blend, as well as the fact that it is burning quickly in general. The front and the finish are back balanced.

3/3

The body is still at a medium, the strength is level with it. The peanut and white pepper note now includes cashew. Hay and cedar on the front have retreated. No touch ups have been needed the entire cigar. The burn did slow down a bit as I reached the end of the stick. Wonderful smoking experience, great flavors, and very well-balanced.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Conclusion: 95

Construction was perfect, could’ve had a little bit more complexity. Transitions were well-defined, and really pleasant flavors. Needless to say if you find them at your local store and buy them. At limited production of 6000, these are going to go quick because they’re a good cigar and that’s all there is to it. It absolutely justifies the price point that it is set at.

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

Illusione Gigantes Review

Gigantes
Made by: Illusione
Country: Nicaragua
Vitola: 6.5 by 56

This is a great company that is under recognized in my opinion. Illusione has put out several great blends but for some reason they tend to fly under the radar. The Rothchildes is a great example of one of these blends, the MJ12, the Epernay. In this Illusione Gigantes Review, I will be covering the bigger bother of the Rothchildes. Lets get it started.

Prelight

There is one thing to immediately note, the Rothchildes and the Gigantes are not on a mission to impress aesthetically. Very big veins, toothy, wrapper imperfections, and an excessive amount of rollers glue categorize the looks of this cigar. That doesn’t sound like a great start, but I know that if the Gigantes is anything like the Rothchildes there is a surprise in store. The foot gives off cashew, cedar, oak, and a lightly sweet cocoa note. That is further confirmation that this is going to be on a similar page as the Rothchildes. Firm pack with a couple of soft spots. The cap fell off as soon as I cut it, but no unraveling due to the excess of rollers glue. There is a very open draw, and the prelight flavors are a dry mix of cedar and cocoa with a black pepper on the finish.

1/3

Extremely easy to light, there is a mix of dry cocoa and cedar on the front (cocoa holding more power). A cashew and macadamia nut finish with black pepper lingering in the mouth. There is some leather in the center of the profile that helps balance the transition from the primary flavors to the finishing notes. Medium to full body and low strength. Wonderfully thick smoke production, and the burn is getting underway great. There is no cream playing into the profile because the flavors are very strong holding back influence of the smoke. As the first third burns down the leather comes up in the profile overtaking the mixed nut finish which has fallen. The dray mix of cocoa and cedar is still on the front. Great burn, great smoke production, and overall great experience so far. Toward the end of the first third leather dominates the profile, and there is a light finish of white and black pepper. Great transitions and complexity so far.

2/3

As I get into the second third the strength has come up slightly to a low-medium. The body is holding at a medium-full. The front has change significantly and now has the cashew and macadamia notes that were on the finish alongside the leather. The finish has more power in the profile now with the mixed white and black pepper notes. This has been a very well balanced cigar. No issues with the burn, still solid smoke production. Great cigar and it is well rounded and well balanced, a hidden gem. As I reach the end of the second third the dry cocoa returns on the front and the pepper finish retreats. The leather and mixed nuts have been pushed back to the center of the profile. No further changes to body or strength in this third.

3/3

As the last third got underway the nuts came back up to overpower the cocoa on the front. the mixed pepper finish held and the leather seems to be rising again. The body is holding constant as is the strength (at a low-medium). There have been no burn issues throughout the cigar. No draw issue, no problems, the only deductions really occur in the area of appearance which is significant. Good complexity, left some room for improvement in that area. The transitions were well presented but could have taken place more distinctly. As I reached the nub the flavors came back to match the second thirds profile. A heavy leather controlling the front and the center, with a mixed white and black pepper finish.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Conclusion: 87

Well the flavors and performance of the cigar were wonderful, but the aesthetics hurt the score. And I believe that is part of the reason this cigar fly’s under the radar. I could easily smoke these once or twice a week and not get tired of them. However, I would not bring one of these to an event. Its not beautiful but it is very enjoyable. Worth buying a couple to test out for yourself and have for the end of a busy day. It carries that feel to it, the “accomplished hard work” feeling.

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

Caldwell Long Live the King Jalapeño Review

Long Live the King
Made by: Caldwell
Country: Dominican Republic
Vitola: 7 1/4 by 40

Lancero February is here! It is not a trend that is widely recognized, but among some of the forums this month is known for the lancero size. To get it started I’ll be doing a Caldwell Long Live the King Jalapeño Review, in lancero size (Jalapeño). I have done several reviews on Robert Caldwell’s blends over the past several weeks. This will be another one for the books but the first in a lancero. Let’s see what it has to offer!

Prelight

Caldwell cigars Long Live the King is made with a beautiful dark and slightly toothy wrapper.  Barely visible seams, a mix of medium and small size veins. Wonderfully constructed cap with a tight pigtail. Very even pack and the foot gives off a cayenne pepper with almost a maple like sweetness. Great cut, slight amount of loose tobacco. Easy draw, the cayenne pepper is more detectable now with the signature tongue and lip tingle. There is a syrupy sweetness on the prelight draw that is a great note. Hope that develops once this is lit.

1/3

Absolutely easy to light, and a blast of oak on the front with a cedar undertone. The syrupy maple like sweetness is accompanied by a slightly sour note in the center of the profile and the finish is the cayenne pepper that the foot hinted at. Medium bodied and low strength, I expect both of those to rise. High complexity, this start has me excited, let’s see where it goes. As the first third gets underway the sour note dropped off the profile and it became more balanced. Thick creamy smoke, this is a very enjoyable Cigar currently. Only issue is a construction based one currently, very flaky ash but in terms of issues that’s a very small one. This is not a cigar that you can sit down for very long, I can tell that it wants to die when I have given it brief breaks. Toward the end of the first third the oak has come up almost drowning out the cedar. The center of the profile maintains the syrupy note and it is blending with the creamy smoke. And the finish is holding a pure cayenne pepper note, very well balanced.

2/3

Such a flaky ash unfortunately, an absolutely delicious profile just having to care for the ash is a detractor. Cedar has come back to match the oak on the front. Syrupy center holds and the cayenne pepper finish has picked up a slight cashew note. As I get to the end of the last third the oak is back up on the front. The syrupy center is still holding wonderfully. And the finish is back to the pure cayenne. Medium to full body and medium strength.

3/3

Flavors are maintaining, and the body and strength are constant. The burn still is trying to go out on me, but with proper care no touch-ups are needed thought the cigar. The oak came up even more at the end of the cigar drowning out the cedar and the sweetness in the center of the profile began to diminish. The finish of the cigar rose to include a mix of red and black pepper. Not the best ending but a wonderful cigar overall.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Conclusion: 90

A great cigar worth trying if you haven’t, this is another one that Robert Caldwell hit a home run with. Only consistent issue was the construction, really the ash and the required nurturing of the cigar to keep it lit. The profile was great, it was well balanced. Definitely grab one next time you are wandering a shop looking for something new.

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