Romacraft Intemperance Review

Intemperance
Made by: Romacraft
Wrapper: Brazilian
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: Avarice (4 1/2 by 52)

Romacraft puts out some amazing cigars. I have over looked doing a Romacraft Intemperance Review for quite some time. The Romacraft Intemperance Avarice is 4 and a half by 52 ring gauge cigar, and looks slightly different then the cigars I have smoked by Romacraft. The band is a single white strip with black lettering compared to the usual two tone band present on the Romacraft Cromagnon and Aquitaine.

Prelight

The foot has a light sweet cacao note. The binder is protruding just by a bit. There are some slight blemishes on the wrapper leaf. And the cap leaves some more attention to be desired, but is cleanly applied. Very firm pack, decent amount of resistance on the draw. No loose tobacco on the cut. Deep cacao on the draw possibly some woodsy notes in there.

1/3

The cigar took a while to toast, the primary flavor on the draw is cacao and black pepper is noticeable on the retrohale. There appears to be a slight cedar note on the finish which was unexpected. Medium to full body, low strength. The black pepper note is rising as the cigar burns. There is good smoke production, and great burn line. Pepper tingle continues to rise on the tongue. The cacao and cedar mix rose back to the front at the end of the first third. As that came up the pepper retreated.

2/3

As I reach the start of the second third the cigar has become balanced. All the flavors have mended into one mix of cedar pepper and cacao. Clean finish, this seems to be the Intemperance’s sweet spot. As the second third ends the strength is rising to a medium and the body is a full. The pepper is rising alongside the body.

3/3

When the last third begins, there is a light white pepper appearing on the finish. The black pepper has become the main flavor point though. Full body, and strength is rising but I would still put it at a medium. Black Pepper rose back up and the cacao note became detectable again at the end of the cigar.

Smoke Time: 55 minutes

Conclusion: 85

If you want a full bodied cigar with some strength, this is not a bad option. Especially given its price point. Good transitions, a little heavy on the pepper notes for my own taste. But if you enjoy the “cacao and pepper” profile with some strength this is a good option.

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

Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill – ON ITS WAY!

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium will be the first retailer to receive Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill and has just confirmed that its shipment of Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill is on its way. Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill is the second vitola released under Caldwell Cigar Co.’s limited edition The Last Tsar brand.  Be among the first to get a box of Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill by ordewring at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium here.

The limited edition The Last Tsar cigars are limited to the “First 49”, a group of 49 retailers that helped to launch the Caldwell brand.  Robert Caldwell, owner of Caldwell Cigar Co., has been  planning to make The Last Tsar a twice a year limited release to the First 49, with each release being a different format and possibly different blends.  This second release of The Last Tsar is highly anticipated given the success of the inaugural The Last Tsar Belicoso that celebrated Caldwell’s first anniversary.  Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill release is limited to 1.000 ten-count boxes with a picture of Tsar Nicholas II and “The Last Tsar” in Russian (последний царь).  The cigar is an homage to Tsar Nicholas II, who, along with his family, was murdered in 1918, ending the Romanoff dynasty that ruled the Russian Empire for centuries and ushered the Bolsheviks into power.

Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill is being produced at Caldwell’s new 3,000 sq. ft. factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. William Ventura , former Davidoff Master Blender is still overseeing the production of Caldwell Cigar Co. products (exc. Blind Man’s Bluff), but the enormous success that Caldwell cigars have received has forced it to open its own factory next door to Tabacalera William Ventura, which heretofore produced Caldwell cigars.

Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill is a classic 7″x 47.  The format is different from the Belicoso but the blend has remained the same.  Caldwell The Last Tsar Churchill uses the same wrapper leaf as the Eastern Standard line, which Caldwell describes as Arapiraca/Connecticut Shade Hybrid Maduro. The wrapper leaf was fermented longer and processed a little differently than the Eastern Standard making it difficult to work with.  As Robert Caldwell said: “it was a pain in the ass to make, we lost a ton of tobacco when making it because it was more of an experiment than anything to use that wrapper in that way.”

Caldwell has used unique and hard to source limited batch leaves in all of the Caldwell Collection, its line of premium cigars, but The Last Tsar blend is very unique and uses rare varietals.  The blend of The Last Tsar is undisclosed but we know it includes another rare tobacco called Carbonell which Caldwell has described as a “really cool tobacco that has incensy aroma to it.”  He further said that the blend is completely unique to anything he has smoked before, describing them as full-bodied, yet very refined. “They are going to be the fullest bodied cigar in the Caldwell Collection, yet palatable for most smokers.”

Caldwell The Last Tsar

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Caldwell Sevillana Reserva Review

Sevillana Reserva
Made by: Caldwell
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: Corona Gorda (5.7*46)

One of my favorite things about this cigar, just from an appearance standpoint, is the fact that above the bull on the band it reads “Loyalty over Greed.” The Caldwell Sevillana Reserva is the newer edition of the original Sevillana which is part of the JV line the company produces. These cigars run slightly lower in price then the regular line Caldwell’s. I usually enjoy the non-reserva Sevillana’s quite regularly, hopefully this version will keep up to my expectations.

Prelight

Being a budget cigar some area’s must have sacrifices in terms of quality. However, with my prior experience with the JV line, I know that looks can be deceiving and hide gems. The cap of the Caldwell Sevillana Reserva is not perfect by any means, but it is sturdily applied. The cigar is firmly packed until band point, and then it is slightly softer. The foot gives off a very distinct molasses like sweetness. The prelight draw reveals a slight tingle on the lips and is giving off the syrupy sweetness noted on the foot.

1/3

The cigar toasted with ease and evenly. Starts off with medium smoke output, mild to medium body, and a mix of nuttiness and cedar for the primary flavors. It finishes on a low Black pepper. Pretty dry flavors, the nut is perplexing me. Best description would be a deep almond with a slight black pepper tingle on the finish. Razor sharp burn line. The dryness is quick to appear on the draw, but once it fades the flavors linger in the mouth. Very firm sturdy gray ash. Relaxing cigar, great performance, toward the end of the first third the cedar overtook the almond, and the finish of light pepper remains.

2/3

My favorite thing about the regular Sevillana is that it is a casual cigar, you can sit have a full conversation and then realize your enjoying what your smoking a lot. The Caldwell Sevillana Reserva holds onto those same characteristics. No problems with the cigar at all, perfect burn, and despite the dryness the flavors are still detectable. The cedar and nuttiness are still in control and the pepper finish is still present. This is a very consistent and predictable cigar. If you liked the profile at the start of the cigar, you will still be loving it. The pepper finish is noticeable on the retrohale if you can’t find it in the primary flavors. Toward the end of the second third the pepper tingle is coming up but is still muffled by the cedar and almond. The smoke has gotten thicker and creamier. Flavors are remaining constant.

3/3

No changes to note other than the pepper tingle has continued to rise very slowly. The almond is stronger than the cedar again, and this cigar just hit the one hour mark. Toward the end of the last third there was a low strength, but the flavors held till the end of the cigar. Smoke Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Conclusion: 87

This is a great consistent cigar. I had to dock a couple points for the basic aesthetics of construction. But this flavor profile and the burn time of the cigar is something that is rare and wonderful. The body of the cigar ended at a medium but overall the stick is a mild to medium body with low strength. Best place to smoke it would be among company and as a relaxing casual cigar.

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

Matilde Oscura – Now in Stock

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium has received the Matilde Oscura. The Matilde Oscura is the second addition to the Matilde family blended by Master Blender José Seijas and expertly constructed in his new factory in the Dominican Republic. At Tabacalera La Matilde, no corners are ever cut.  For the wrappers, a single leaf is used from foot to head and the cigar is also capped from a single leaf. This method not only creates a beautiful product but also improves the consistency of the burn.

The Matilde Oscura is a San Andres wrapped maduro which is a darker and bolder blend when compared to their original Renacer cigar, which had rave reviews and entered Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of the Year.  In the Matilde Oscura, the combination of Dominican, Nicaraguan and Pennsylvanian filler, held by a Sumatran binder and finished with an exquisite San Andrean wrapper will yield amazing notes of black and white pepper with hints of sweetness that will evolve to play a larger role as the tobaccos burn. Light up and let Matilde Oscura guide you through an unforgettable journey of flavors and aroma.

About Master Blender José Seijas: Seijas was the Vice President and General Manager of the large Tabacalera de Garcia factory in La Romana, Dominican Republic, maker of all Altadis products including Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta. In that role Seijas oversaw the production of a factory capable of making 60 million cigars annually. He would retire in 2012, but late in 2013 he would return with is own company – Matilde Cigars. With Matilde, Seijas has collaborated with his son Enrique and Ricardo Seijas and has his own boutique factory, Tabacalera La Matilde.

Available in Three Formats

Matilde Oscura
Made by: La Matilde Cigar Co.
Country of Manufacture: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: San Andres Oscuro
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, & US Pennsylvania
Dimensions: Corona (5 1/2 x 44), Robusto (5 1/4 x 50) and Toro Bravo (6 1/2 x 54)

The Matilde Oscura is a full-bodied, powerhouse cigar from one of the best cigar blenders and makers in the world.  Try one and you won’t be disappointed, just beware, it has a kick!

All Matilde Oscura come with free shipping at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.  The Matilde Oscura is in stock and ready to ship immediately! 

Order the Matilde Oscura here.

Caldwell Blind Man’s Bluff Review

Blind Man’s Bluff
Made by: Caldwell
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: 5 by 50

The Caldwell Blind Man’s Bluff is a 5 inch by 50 ring gauge cigar, the pack feels even. Nothing to distinct about the cigar in particular, the band is quite attractive though. It reads “Blind Mans Bluff” on one side and “We Own the Night” on the other side.

Prelight

The cap is decently applied, and the nose on the foot reveals a slightly sour tinge followed by a sweeter scent reminiscent of hay. Extremely clean cut with no loose tobacco. The cigar maintains the light dry sweetness and the sour note seems to denote the age of the cigar. I would assume this to age well with my observations at this point.

1/3

The first notes that appear are a clean dry hay, very quick finish. Low-Medium body and absolutely no strength in sight. Faintly on the retrohale there is a ever so slight herbal spice on the finish. It is odd however, the cigar is producing a great amount of smoke, yet the body is very low in comparison. The flavors are holding through the first third. The finish remains quick and clean. The pepper is coming up on the finish and is more noticeable on the retrohale. However, the sweet dry hay still dominates till the finish. The body is rising slowly with the pepper.

2/3

As the second third begins the body has reached a medium, and the strength has come up slightly. The sweet hay is still recognizable on the draw but black pepper is the primary flavor. The finish is lasting longer, with the black pepper lingering. The ash fell as the first third ended and it was white and tight. Plentiful and rich smoke production is continuing. The pepper drowned out the hay as this third progressed. At this point it is medium bodied and low strength with black pepper controlling the profile. At the very end of this third pepper rose even more, but the slightly sour note showed its face. I believe the sour note will retreat with age. And if your not really looking it won’t be noticed. This will definitely be something that I would like to revisit in 2 or 3 months.

3/3

Surprise, at the very start of the last third the herbal spice came up. It’s enjoyable because after the black pepper note, this herbal white pepper scrubbed the black pepper note out completely, and there is an hazelnut note showing up on the finish. There is a slight sour note that catches me off guard occasionally, but the blend needs time to better mesh in my opinion. Still it is a well constructed cigar that you can tell was played with a lot when it was being created. Different would be my best way to describe the transitions encountered in this. One more note, as the cigar reached the nub the black pepper was coming up again with the heat of the cigar reaching its end.

Smoke Time: 55 minutes

Conclusion: 84

This cigar surprised me, the last third was the gem by far. I was expecting the cigar to maintain the sweet clean hay that was present in the first third. Medium bodied cigar with low strength, again I would like to see what a little bit of age does to this flavor profile. I recommend smoking one now and aging a couple more. Seeing a cigar develop is fulfilling, especially when you know it made the transition in your own humidor. If you have any questions on how I develop my scores, sign up and leave a comment, I would be more then happy to make a reference post explaining my reasoning behind them.

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

 My Father La Antiguedad Review

La Antiguedad TAA
Made by: My Father
Country: Nicaraguan Puro
Vitola: Toro 6 by 50

This My Father La Antiguedad review will focus on the TAA exclusive size 6 inches by 50 ring gauge. At first glance this cigar is well constructed and aesthetically pleasing. As would be expected from a cigar made exclusively for the TAA convention. The filler, binder, and wrapper of this cigar are all Nicaraguan classifying it as a Nicaraguan Puro.

Prelight

I am getting a sweet woodsy note on the foot of the My Father La Antiguedad. There is a nicely applied triple cap, the cigar is box pressed and to the touch, feels evenly packed. The prelight draw reveals an oakier note and there is slight resistance on the draw.

1/3

Cedar is forward on the draw, however the oak is detectable on the finish which is currently lasting until the next draw. There is also a subtle pepper that is mixed in with the oak on the finish. Once retrohaled the pepper note was noticeable, it is very faint at the moment. The cedar is rising as I move through the first third. The oak is still noticeable with the slight tinge of pepper on the finish. Medium bodied and no strength detectable at this point.

2/3

The primary note of this cigar is the cedar, and the oaky pepper finish remains as the 2nd third starts. As I move through this third black pepper starts to come up and deep leather replaces the oaky finish. At this point the cedar has died down. The burn speed is slowing down in the second third. The burn line has been solid throughout the cigar.

3/3

The cedar came back up as the last third began, and the leather note diminished. The more noticeable black pepper stayed. The body is still at a medium. And strength is at a low at the most. This is making a great midday smoke. This flavor profile held strong till the nub. The cigar stayed at medium body and low strength throughout the end of the final third.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Conclusion: 89

This would make a great cigar if your just enjoying yourself and looking for something that will keep your attention. The woodsy notes and subtle transitions made me feel like I was up in the mountains relaxing. For the cigar smoker that prefers cigars on the lighter side, or the full body smoker looking for a intriguing change this would be perfect. I will definitely be revisiting this one soon. Medium bodied all the way through with low strength. 
Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

La Nox by La Flor Dominicana

La Nox
Made by: LFD
Wrapper: Brazilian
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Dominican
Vitola: Toro 6 1/2 by 50

The LFD La Nox is constructed beautifully, there is a good amount of tooth on the wrapper. The foot has a sweet floral note. My first impression is that this will be a complex smoke whose strength matches body.

Prelight

Slight tingle on the lips and the Prelight draw has the floral sweetness that was detected on the foot.

1/3

A medium-full start, black pepper on the draw followed by a light cacao and ending on a herbal white pepper. Well rounded. The finish is what is impressive because it balances the primary flavors. Smoke production is good, near no resistance on the draw. Tooth visible in the ash. As the cigar progresses through the first third, the slightly sweet cacao is rising and the initial Black pepper is falling. Strength is at a low. Thick creamy mouth feel. The white pepper and cacao are dancing, attempting to blend.

2/3

The body remains at a medium-full, the cacao is now on the front. The black pepper has faded completely and the white pepper has come up. The difference between the two being the black pepper tends to be overwhelming versus a white pepper presents a more subtle clean herbal bite (reminiscent of mint). This cigar is very well balanced. Not going to retrohale this guy in fear of a severe nasal cleansing. The cacao and white pepper have blended into a complex thick smoke. This is a perfect example of balance with a low strength and medium-full body.

3/3

Medium strength stayed consistent for the rest of the second third. Even burn, Cacao has come up even more. White pepper has died down with the return of the more familiar black pepper unfortunately. This cigar peaked in the second third until the “La Nox” band point. Both bands were removed with ease.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Conclusion: 92

Delicious. Wonderful mouth feel accompanied by smooth and well blended transitions. The main flavor takeaway was a battle for control between the herbal tingle of the white pepper and the sweetness of the cacao. One of the most balanced cigars I have had in a while. Even burn, great construction. Medium-full body with low-medium strength. Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com

Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 Limited Edition – Shipping November 2nd

Year of the Monkey 2016 – 6 1/2″ x 50 Super Toro

As a Davidoff Appointed Merchant, Anthony’s Cigar Emporium will be receiving the Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 Limited Edition soon after it begins shipping November 2nd, 2015.   The Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 is a 6 ½”  x 50 Toro with a pig-tail cap. The Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 is exquisitely packaged in distinctive, handmade Chinese bamboo 10 ct. boxes with motifs that reflect the aesthetic origins of Chinese culture.  The unique and very complex, medium to full bodied blend composed by Dividoff Master Blenders under the direction of Henke Kelner features proprietary varietals from four different countries: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru.  The wrapper on the Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 is an Ecuadorian Habano Rojiza Corte 3.  The binder is Mexican San Andres Negro.   The filler is a blend of five leaves: Ometepe Visus (Nicaragua), Piloto Visus, San Vicente Ligero, Hybrid Corojo/ Olor Ligero (Dominican Republic), Peruvian Seco (Peru).

From Davidoff: “With a cigar in the hand and a twinkle in the eye, you won’t find a more entertaining companion to celebrate the Chinese New Year with than the Monkey. For the Monkey, there is never a dull moment. They, like Davidoff, see time as something to be filled beautifully, and filled to overflowing. A lively and irrepressible spirit, the playful presence at any gathering. They are simply lovable enthusiasts, eager to experience all the various flavors life has to offer, flavors which Davidoff are equally eager to supply.”

The total production of the Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 was strictly limited to the availability of the exceptional tobaccos used to create this blend, though exact figures have not been publicly released. This is truly a connoisseur’s smoke, and the past lunar new year releases have been worth the hefty price tag.

Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 Limited Edition
Made by: Davidoff of Geneva
Country of Manufacture: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Rojiza Corte 3
Binder: Mexican San Andres Negro
Filler: Nicaraguan Ometepe Visus; Peruvian Seco; Dominican Piloto Visus, San Vicente Ligero, Hybrid Corojo/Olor Ligero
Dimensions: Super Toro (6 1/2″ x 50)

Make sure that you get a box before they are gone for good by reserving your cigars at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.  All boxes of the Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 come with free shipping.

Browse the Davidoff Year of the Monkey 2016 here.

Henry Clay Tattoo – 2015 Limited Edition Now at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium has received the Henry Clay Tattoo – 2015 Limited Edition.  Henry Clay is an old and storied brand owned by Altadis that has been neglected since the cigar boom of the late 1990s.  However, cigar aficionados like Pete Johnson have quietly smoked the rustic Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapped, all Dominican filler, soft box pressed cigar as an everyday smoke and a humidor staple; especially the 5 ½” x 42 Breva. The Henry Clays have always provided a good value for everyday smokers and connoisseurs who enjoy a fuller bodied Dominican Cigar.

Pete Johnson, owener of Tatuaje has collaborated with Altadis USA, the owner of the Henry Clay brand, to produce a very special 2015 limited edition Henry Clay at Altadis’ Tabacalera de García factory in La Romana, Dominican Republic. This is a departure from Pete Johnson’s Tatuaje brands that are made by the García family’s factories in Miami and Estelí, Nicaragua that feature Nicaraguan tobaccos. It seems as though Pete has always had an affinity for Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers. The La Casita Criollo brand is 100% Connecticut Broadleaf and Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers are used in the Reserva formats of the Selección de Cazador, and on the Cojonu 2012. For Altadis, collaboration with blenders alongside its famous Grupo de Maestros master blenders is something that the company has had recent success with. The Montecristo Espada was made by the Plasencia family in Nicargua and the ROMEO by Romeo y Julieta Aging Room Small Batch F25 made by Boutique Blends.

The Henry Clay Tattoo comes in a single vitola, a 6” x 52 Toro. It is blended around the classic Henry Clay Connecticut broadleaf wrapper from a 2010 harvest, but the filler blend also contains Nicaraguan tobacco, unlike the classic Henry Clays. The binder is a Dominican Piloto Cubano from 2010 and filler leaves include Dominican Olor (Vintage 2012), Dominican Piloto (Vintage 2012), and Nicaraguan Criollo (Vintage 2013) from the Ometepe region. The cigar is full bodied. The Henry Clay Tattoo is also box pressed like the classic Henry Clays but feature a pig tail cap. Production of the Henry Clay Tattoo – 2015 Limited Edition was strictly limited to 50,000 cigars packaged in 20 count boxes. All 50,000 cigars (2,500 boxes) have been sold by Altadis to retailers at the 2015 IPCPR Convention, so make sure you get some now because they may never be seen again.

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium still has a few boxes of Henry Clay Tattoo left before they are all gone.  All Henry Clay Tattoo boxes come with free shipping.

Browse the Henry Clay Tattoo – 2015 Limited Edition here.

Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark

Anthony’s Cigar Emporium has just received four boxes of the Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark.

Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark Box

The Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark comes in red 20 ct. boxes bearing the Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario logo and “The Man’s 80th,” being one of two cigars blended by Carlos Fuente Sr. commemorating his 80th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos brand.  The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos was blended by Carlos Fuente Sr. and to this day supervises the brand maintain superb quality and consistency.  The Don Carlos has a sweet-spicy Cameroon wrapper and an all Dominican filler blend of leaves coming from Arturo Fuente farms, but so far Arturo Fuente has not made publicly available the details of the blend of the Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark.  According to sources, it is a modified version of the regular Don Carlos that was blended by Carlos Sr. for his own private use with a very special aged Cameroon wrapper and aged fillers from Fuente farms in the Dominican Republic.

From Cigar Aficionado: “Each generation of the Fuente family has created their own blend,” explained Sam Mendez, general manager of the Fuente cigar factory in the Dominican Republic. “The founder, Arturo Fuente’s personal cigar was a 6 inch by 47 ring corona gorda. The Fuente family started producing it commercially in his honor as the Flor Fina 8-5-8. Of course the Fuente Fuente OpusX is Carlos Fuente Jr.’s personal blend. But Carlos Fuente Sr.’s personal cigar is the Don Carlos Robusto. He continued to secretly tweak the blend, but only for his personal use.”

The Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark is a smaller version of the famous Opus X Shark vitola.  The Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark is also a box pressed Belicoso but measures 5 3/4″ x 52, just smaller than the 5 5/8″ x 54 Shark.

photo credit: Cigar Aficionado

photo credit: Cigar Aficionado

Make sure to order your box soon.  They are sure to sell out quickly with no assurance that there will be any more shipments.

All Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark come with free shipping at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium.

Browse the Don Carlos Private Blend Eye of the Shark at Anthony’s Cigar Emporium here.