Tom's Cigar Reviews » Misc

Tom’s Favorite Cigars of 2011

Tom — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

It’s getting to that time of year when every blogger starts posting their top 10 cigars of 2011. I am jumping on the bandwagon a little early and doing just that, sort of… While there were quite a few good cigars in 2011, only a few really stood out from the pack in my opinion. They were just so far above the pack that they dominated and knocked everyone off of the list.

So without further ado, here are my top three cigars of 2011. Everything else just fell by the wayside.

3 – Tatuaje Anarchy

This is one of the few cigars that I called “Great.” It is full bodied with flavor and full strength with power. Everything just seemed to be in perfect balance. This cigar proves you can have power and flavor in harmony.

2 – Quesada Oktoberfest

I called this cigar “Damn good.” I liked it so much, it was reviewed twice. I reviewed HERE and again with Ed HERE. While the flavors aren’t terribly complex, this full bodied cigar was simply a beautiful smoking experience. My only complaint is their limited availability.

1 – Casa Magna Domus Magnus

I summed up this cigar as “Damn Good.” I don’t even know if my review does it justice. This medium to full bodied cigar packed in the flavors and complexities that just hit the spot. What more can I say? It is just a great cigar. Like the Quesada, my only complaint is it’s limited availability.

And there you have it. My top cigars of 2011. While I had many good cigars in 2011, these three really stick out at the moment. That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking to it.

The History of Tabacalera Falto

Tom — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I am often a sucker for small boutique cigar companies. They often are more focused on quality in smaller quantities. Such is the case of Falto cigars, which at times reminds me of Canimao, another small boutique company. These cigars require your attention due to their subtle flavor delivery.

The 28 minute video below get’s in to the history and mentality of Luis Falto and his cigar company. While this is a promotional video, I still found it interesting. The video is sub-titled, but I enjoyed it and thought a few of you may feel the same.

As always, you can click on the HD button on the player and view this in hi-def. Check it out.

Sunday Filler-Stinky Cigar Floor Ashtray

Tom — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Thanks to Stogie411.com, who on August 4th, 2011 had the Stogie Review guys on as guests. During the show, Walt put a question out to the live audience. I never enter cigar site contests, but this was an exception. Considering I have been following Stogie Review since 2007, I knew I would be an instant winner, which I was. The prize was this great Stinky Floor Ashtray you see here. I picked jet black powder coated finish of course.

The contest was sponsored by the East Coast Cigar Company, who promptly had the winning prize at my doorstep. I will use this ashtray for years to come. If your smoking area needs an ashtray, check out the variety of products that Stinky has to offer.

While your at it, pay attention to Stogie411.com, who has bi-weekly video casts not seen anywhere else. It goes without saying that Stogie Review is the king of cigar review websites. But every now and then somebody new pops up that is worth paying attention to.

By the way… Do you know the answer to the question that won me this prize? “What is the Stogie Review equivalent to a Rick Roll?” To my surprise, no one in the chat room knew. Duh… Winning…

The Perdomo Factory Tour Uncut

Tom — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

What is this, no cigar review today? I know, Friday I usually post a review, but as we all know, there are exceptions. I think this DVD release from Perdomo is worth mentioning.

While Perdomo cigars receive mixed reviews in the blogosphere just like anything else, I find myself smoking the Champagne quite often in the morning. They have quite a few blends that can appeal to a wide variety of cigar smokers. But this DVD goes beyond that…

Any cigar smoker, or anyone interested in cigars, will find this DVD educational. Hosted by Nick Perdomo, he starts in the tobacco fields of Nicaragua and goes through every step of making a cigar. By the time you get to the last DVD, he is showing you their process of making cigar boxes.

I didn’t realize that Perdomo is a completely self contained business. They control every aspect of their product. Nick covers in detail every aspect, from seed to completed boxed product. Along the way he interviews family/employees and translates to English for you when needed.

Keep in mind this video’s purpose is to showcase the way Perdomo makes cigars. There is no fancy editing or production. What counts is the audio and video quality is good, and you get an intimate tour of all that is Perdomo. Even if you aren’t necessarily a Perdomo fan, I think it is worth a watch.

The package has four DVD’s, each running around 45 minutes. They really could have squeezed all the contend on to two DVD’s, not that it’s a big deal. I paid around $20.00 for my copy via their “Introductory price.” How long this price lasts I don’t know. I think it was worth it. If this interests you, go to Perdomo’s website and get your copy.

4th Annual Smoke a JJ for JJ Day

Tom — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

As I’ve said in previous years… This is a cigar site and I try to keep the personal stuff out. But there are always exceptions.

Friday, July 22nd 2011 is the 4th annual Smoke a JJ for JJ day. It’s easy… Spark up a Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ and enjoy the time you’ll spend relaxing. Don’t have any Series JJ’s? No problem. Dig out your favorite cigar and smoke up.

For those of you asking “Why?” July 22nd would have been JJ’s fourth birthday. JJ is the son of Stogie Review founding member Jerry. He died of SIDS at 3.5 months of age.

So every year we have a Series JJ to relax, reflect, and show respect to JJ, Jerry, and family.

Long ashes…

Update – 7/22/2011

Wow what a great turnout for the occasion. Here is our little contribution from earlier tonight:

From earlier today-