Size: 6 x 60 (Golden Bear)
Wrapper: Cuban Seed Corojo
Binder and Filler: Cuban Seed grown in Nicaragua
Strength: Medium – Full
Price: About $7.00/ single

Behind The Stick:

Yet again I come across another manufacturing empire and a person who has such depth to them I almost have to take a step back and re-assess the situation. Most of us have heard the name, and even know the short version of his family history but most do not know the story just under the surface. Ernesto Padilla is the son of a great poet named Heberto Padilla for whom he created this cigar blend in honor of. The year 1968, which was the year his father wrote the anthology Fuera del Juego (Out Of The Game) which had ultimately lead to his own imprisonment in 1971. Ernesto was born the following year, 1972, and in 1979 Ernesto and his mother were finally allowed to live in the US but the uproar that was caused from the initial arrest continued and the international pressure allowed Heberto to leave Cuba as well a year later. While living and teaching in Princeton, New Jersey Heberto was able to produce En mi jard�n pastan los h�roes in 1984, about the life of writers in Castro’s Cuba, followed in 1990 by the publication of his memoir La mala memoria, a story about Padilla’s life in Cuba under Castro.

Ernesto himself has had quite the background into the tobacco industry before making this blend, after graduating high school he went to school in Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale and the Miami School of Design with an emphasis in graphic design and even has works on display at The Gallery of Cuban Art at La Casa Azul in Fort Worth, Texas. Although his great-grand parents owned a tobacco farm on which his father grew up, his direct interaction with the industry (aside from family and friends) was when he got a job with Tabacalera Perdomo where he used his education and skills within the Perdomo marketing and product development teams.

The Series 68 is the only cigar in the Padilla tribute line that is hand rolled in Honduras and was also the final chapter in the trilogy Ernesto had released in direct honor to his father. The Golden Bear version is a mammoth of a cigar sitting a 6 x 60 and is so large that it is the only vitola within the 1968 line that does not have a band.

Even though Ernesto has created some great smokes, a few of them almost at the ‘go to’ level, he does not seem to quit. For those who also follow him on twitter, there has been a few words about a cigar line called Cabo as well as talk about new blends on the horizon. Given his history, production abilities and drive, I can only wait to see what Mr. Ernesto Padilla has up his sleeve.

Construction:

When I first saw this monster of a cigar, I thought to myself that this cigar HAD to be made for a specific reason – this is because I do not know of many other cigars that have even half the mass that this bad boy does. The Corojo wrapper which is harvested from the highest portions of the tobacco plant really gives the smoke its mildly oily, lightly red-hued leaf that does nothing but improve with age. Even with the size, this cigar is evenly packed from head to foot and the triple cap is flawless. Although a very large ring gauge, I think they pulled this one off.

Flavor:

Just from looking at this cigar, one may imagine it to be quite the ass kicker, and perhaps a little off in flavor due to the filler vs wrapper ratio. This is not the case, the filler really gives this smoke a nice strong (not overpowering) tobacco, semi-bitter earth type flavor which begins to pick up steam around the halfway point. As well, at this halfway point the mild spice from before exchanged places with a nice coffee flavor, dark and evenly balanced and surprisingly did not dry out my mouth even the slightest. My main ‘kudos’ goes to the wrapper, which even from the beginning just gushed a sweet, creamy and complex note to the already amazing blend.

Overall:

Enesto Padilla has quickly become one of my favorite brands, one of those types of companies where you can run out and grab almost anything under their name and it delivers. The 1968 series, the Golden Bear in specific, really seems to fit the flavor profile that I like so I may be a little biased in my decision but this one, although not a ‘go to’ stick, my humidor will have a permanent spot for 2-4 of these giants.

Every Cigar Has A Story, Every Smoke A Memory

Size: 5 x 50 Robusto
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Sun-Grown
Binder and Filler: Honduran and Nicaraguan
Strength: Full
Price: Just over $7.00 a stick

To start this one off, Jacob Krell saved my rear – I was more worried about reviewing the cigars I had rather than taking pictures of them for the site. All the pictures of the Carlos Torano Exodus 50 years on this post were done by Jacob Krell. Thanks again buddy.

Behind The Stick:

For some of the readers the years leading up to 2010 has been quite a build up, one that most if not all Americans can read about in history books but will never actually be able to relate to. These days marked over 50 years that Fidel Castro had taken over Cuba and caused some of the biggest issues for the people who were born and raised on the country. Since the beginning of his political career many tobacco families began the exodus from Cuba to other countries in order to continue their lively hood, their passion – Cigars.

One of the families that were able to make their way out to Cuba was the Torano family who was able to open two factories outside of Cuba, Esteli, Nicaragua and Danli, Honduras where they were able, and encouraged, to enhance their gift and perfect their skills working with tobacco outside of their homes in Cuba. These factories produce some of the more highly acclaimed cigars in the world some even surpassing their Cuban counterparts with flying colors. This specific cigar has been toted my many, as well as the creator, as one of the finest Torano blends ever produced – lets see if it lives up to the hype.

Construction:

Beautiful – That is just about the only way I can describe this stick. From head to foot it looks as if the dark, slightly oily wrapper was made to go on these cigars. Perfectly placed triple cap tops off the stick while a clean cut on the foot begs to be lit. I did notice a few burn issues along the way but nothing that made me toss the stick to the ground.

Flavor:

The flavor profile was good, but I can’t quite say that it is one of my favorites. I will say though, the flavors are very well balanced but they still didn’t seem to jump out at me. Semi sweet flavors reminding me of caramel or dark chocolate are the prominent notes but mild saltiness and a bit of bitter was not far behind. The finish was long and distinct, leather and a dirty, earth type flavor but in the final portions of this cigar it really began to shine.

Overall:

The Carlos Tora�o Exodus 1959 50 Years has proven to be a triumph 5 decades in the making and a cigar proudly offered as the finest Tora�o ever created. I have to say, this is a good cigar but it isn’t a ‘great’ cigar. I wish I could dress it up more and build some sort of a catchy line to get you to buy it, but I just can’t create one for you all. I would love to keep a few of these on the shelf to age or even as a once in a while treat but has not reached the go to cigar status yet, for me at least.

Every Cigar Has A Story, Every Smoke A Memory

One viewer by the name of Jacob contacted me a few months back and really stepped up when it came to the infancy of this site. A lot of viewers first came here directly due to his kind words and assistance though other blogs, twitter and even a few different forums and for that I must say thank you. For some of the regular viewers you’ve noticed that I have tried to add a few more things aside from just a straight out cigar review, one of which was including guests to toss in a review or two.

Jacob, as before, stepped up and said that he had an email he wanted me to check out, and immediately I knew I wanted to have him do regular postings for this site. As before, please comment at the end of this post if you want us to keep this going.

I enjoyed doing my first guest review so much that I asked David to let me participate some more on his website. I thought we would change things up some and throw in an occasional review of cigar related businesses in our various communities. David and I happen to live on the opposite sides of Missouri. He is in St. Louis and I am in Kansas City. Many readers of this website are located throughout the country and have great places located by them. I want to show you what is in my back yard and I hope what follows will be cigar shop related reviews submitted by more guests and David. Of course the cigar reviews will continue on a regular basis. Perhaps this might lead to a contest in the near future! If you come through Kansas City during your travels in life I want you to know of our outstanding cigar community right here in the Midwest.

Name: d*luxe Lounge & Cigar Deck
Location: 160 South Main
Historic Downtown
Parkville, Missouri 64152
Telephone Number: 816-741-1400
Hours of Operation: Open daily 4pm – 1am
Sat 11am � 1am
Sun 4pm – 1am
Website: http://www.dluxelounge.com/

d*luxe Lounge & Cigar Deck is located next to the Missouri River in the beautiful historic downtown area of Parkville, Missouri. The historic downtown area of Parkville, Missouri is a fantastic mix of shops, boutiques, restaurants, spas, bed and breakfast, and other businesses. The area is a mix of 1800′s through 1900′s architecture and features cobblestone walkways. It is truly a one of a kind place in all of Kansas City.

d*luxe Lounge & Cigar Deck is an upscale business featuring food, drinks, and cigars. The building features a nice outdoor deck that surrounds 67 feet of the business. From the deck you have a wonderful view of the riverfront park, historic downtown Parkville, and the Missouri River. When you walk in the front door you first notice the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bar sits in front of you and features every alcoholic beverage you could dream of on display. Tables and chairs surround the tiled bar area. No matter where you sit in this area you can see one of the three flat screen televisions and see out onto the cigar deck. The next thing you notice is the large humidor cabinet featuring exceptional cigars and accessories. Behind the humidor cabinet is the lounge area. Step up onto the carpet and you will find leather sofas covered in pillows. The lounge is very relaxing, inviting, and has an ambiance that makes you want to stay all night. Menus cover the food, drinks, and cigars that are available. You can order it all right from the comfort of your seat.

Food: The food created by their chef is something that I would expect to see in the fanciest restaurants of New York City, Miami, or San Francisco. Usually when you see food as fancy as this you think small portions and high prices. The portions here far exceed what you would expect for the price. They have subtle menu changes daily so you can expect some exciting variations.

Drinks: d*luxe has so many varieties I just can’t list them all and get into all the details without making a two page review. You can get a great idea from their website. Some highlights are they feature 40 varieties of Scotch. Chimay Beer created since 1862 by Cistercian Trappist monks of Chimay, Belgium is available and has such a unique origin.

Cigars: They have something for everyone and feature some great cigars. Stradivarius, Partagas Benji Master Series, Xikar, Punch, Cohiba, Oliva, Nub, and Rocky Patel to name a few. If you need to pick up a lighter or cutter they have a great accessory selection too.

d*luxe Lounge and Cigar Deck has been open for 8 weeks now and is being newly discovered by people everyday. Smoking is currently restricted to the outdoor deck area. They are working with the city on having an indoor cigar smoking lounge in the basement area. For private events cigar smoking is allowed inside the lounge. They are in the process of building their walk-in humidor in the basement area to provide customers with a larger cigar selection. The basement also features a small wine cellar that has a door from one of the banks robbed by Jesse James. They have a business center in the basement for entrepreneurs to use free of charge while visiting.

The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They treat you like you own the place and provide an experience that you can’t find anywhere else. They will host your special events and feature a live DJ occasionally. Expect to watch a cigar roller create his own cigars every Friday night.

The lounge sofa area fills up quickly every night so make a reservation for that special occasion or celebration. This is a unique one of a kind gem in the Kansas City Metro area and is a place you must visit. When I first visited I thought this is a place I would expect to see in New York, Miami, New Orleans, or Las Vegas. Kansas City finally has an upscale cigar lounge that accepts you as you are and has prices for anyone’s budget.

Size: 4.5 x 50 (Petit Robusto)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro
Binder and Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full
Price: Just over $7.00 a piece (in a 5 pack)

Behind The Stick:

This stick is the creation of one of the soon to be cigar masters of our time, the son of the great Don Pepin Garcia, Jamie Garcia himself. Perhaps it was his childs imagination, ambition or simply the blood line gift but through many turns and events in life his son was able to create this cigar in honor of many of our favorite manufacturers name, his father. Using the term Le Bijou across the band meaning in French ‘The Jewel’ which I can only assume is an honored name within their family. He also added the year 1922 to the bottom band commemorating his fathers birth in, of course, 1922. For some who know about tobacco (I’m still learning, I had to research) the Golden Hair tobacco or Pelo de Oro has been known for being a very difficult plant to produce at all, yet alone in large numbers which is due to their high susceptibility to disease. By no stretch of the imagination, this is not an impossible feat to undertake for we see the Garcia family ahead of the pack with flying colors, but at the same time, to be produced in the quantity that they were as well as keeping some of the highest levels of quality and consistency, Jamie is really making a huge step forward in his tobacco career and I can not wait to see what he will create in the next few years to come.

Construction:

I am not sure if it is something that Don Pepin Garcia has instilled into his son, but this is yet again another cigar to come from their factory that has been created with near flawless quality. Evenly packed from head to foot with a surprisingly dark, slightly oily wrapper adorned by a set of dual bands with subtle peach and gold color causing the wrapper to pop and appear even darker than it normally is. This cigar really does scream ‘Smoke Me!’

My one complaint would be that most of my 5 pack seemed to be almost over packed, not as in bulges or blemishes but the stick itself just seemed to be very solid with little to no give except near the foot. Even with this concern of mine, I only had one stick that had even a minor burn issue which corrected itself and I blame that on myself during the lighting process.

Flavor:

The flavor profile within the Le Bijou was nice… not exceptional, but nice. Bitter and sweet flavors with a mild-mild spice slowly starts off the stick reminding me of earth or dirt mixed with mild spices. This wasn’t a bad flavor combination but as the stick began to warm up I noticed the cigar smoke was absorbing the moisture in my mouth and I went through a bit more water with each stick than I would consider normal. Again, this was not a bad factor for I could see this going very nice with a dark or slightly spicy beer and would easily cause one to enjoy both a bit more.

Once the cigar had a chance to warm up the spice from before seemed to step up a notch, reminding me more of what a Don Pepin stick is all about. The natural tobacco flavor began to shine as well, the bitter notes from before also deciding to leave my palate but were replaced with a mildly sweet and salty flavor that was refreshed each time I licked my lips. These sticks are fairly new to the shops (IPCPR I believe was their big debut) and mine have been sitting for only 2 months or so. I will return later for another review once I am able to let a few sit for 6 months or so.

Conclusion:

I was able to get this smoke from Corona Cigar Co in a 5 pack and I will admit although a great smoke, I think a 5 pack is more than sufficient, I could not see myself smoking these as my daily go to stick. The rich and full flavors as well as a good hour to an hour and a half burn with little to no issues makes this stick very appealing even to the beginner smoker. I will try to keep some in the humidor but as I said before, this was a stick I enjoyed smoking but not one I am going to put pennies aside so I can save for a box purchase.

Every Cigar Has A Story, Every Smoke A Memory