Gipsy Dancer
Posted by Khal, 11.25.2004

Look carefuly at these 4 matches… Decades ago, it provoked an uproar.

The Seita (French ditributor) was marketing illustrated match boxes. The boxes showed a commercial for Gitanes (Gipsy) cigarettes.

Now, if you carefuly look at the picture, you'll see that a match is plugged in the Gipsy's butt, and three other matches are about to "light up" the dancer. When people discovered this hidded meaning in this picture, a feminist association sued the Seita. Soon after that, the Seita was forced to modify the picture.

I was in luck when weeks ago I found this "first release" match box. It's full of matches and well conserved. I post this picture for those who do remember this time (in the 70').

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Cigars & Cars
Posted by Ch. Habran, 10.25.2004

I own a very special box of Patadijn cigars: Each cigar's band shows the name and logo of a 20th century car brand (Simca, Chevrolet, Rolls Royce, Renault, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, etc).

I would like to get more informations about this item, as well as its current value. Could someone know these cigars? In any case, please contact me at Christophe Habran. Thanks.

Swiss Cigar Expo
Posted by CCC, 9.8.2004

We are back from the annual Swiss Cigar Expo. Just for you, we took a couple of pictures of the next big things. Find here some hot products.

Gimli's pipe from The Lord of the Rings is now available. Made by Vauen.

A limited edition (500 numbered humidors) from Humidif. Very coloured. It's decorated with insert and inlay marquetry showing common scenes of the Carabeen.

A new vertical Humidif humidor that keeps your cigars just like a jar.

A new cigars case from Montecristo especialy adapted to the new Edmundo vitola. And the well known Partagas Serie D No. 4 comes now with a new packaging. The 3 cigars case is CHF 36.

New packaging too for Montecristo. The No. 3 (CHF 100), No. 4 and No. 5 (CHF 60) are now available in boxes of 10 vitolas (as well as the Joyitas).

Last but not least: They're cute, they're small, they're like candies, due to the new Habanos standards they have bands (even if they're packed in SLB cabinets… Here is the new Petit Robustos from Hoyo de Monterrey. Shorts and thick.

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Old Swiss Cigars For Sale
Posted by Nicole Klein, 10.3.2004

For collectors: Ancient Swiss cigars packed in their original cases. 2 brands: Opal et Rössli.

Opal Sandblatt Corona (5 cigars) : 2 cases
Opal Sandblatt Torpedoform (10 cigars) : 5 cases
Rössli 20 Claro (5 cigars) : 1 case
Rössli Habana (5 cigars) : 2 cases

For more informations, please contact Nicole Klein.

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Cigar Factory Looking for Aluminium Tubes
Posted by Lino Rigon, 09.19.2004

Small cigar Factory located in Madagascar looking for aluminium tubes and paperboard boxes needed to pack our products. Any tubes/boxes makers or distributors, please contact Lino Rigon.

Broadcast from the Partagas Factory
Posted by CCC, 08.27.2004

Duplex from the official cigar shop at the Partagas Factory. Shortcut-Cigars brings you fresh news from the most famous retailer in Cuba.

This rare item is available now: A Vegas Robaina humidor signed by Alejandro Robaina. Retail price is 682.50 US$. Available to Habana at: Partagas Factory, Calle Industria N° 520, Habana Vieja. Tel : 00 537 33 80 60.

An Argentinian Night
Posted by François Max, 08.21.2004

This photography was taken in Argentina, in a small town named Carlos Paz. I had a couple of Los Mariposas in my pocket. It was passed midnight. Deckchair, hot weather, and old rum... I was far from home, alone with my cigar...

Cigars from Paraguay
Posted by CCC, 8.4.2004

If you hear "cigar", you automatically think: Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic... then Brazil, Mexico, the Phillippines... But did you know that Paraguay also produces cigars?

We recently received a selection of cigars from the Tabaquería Bogado (link may be off), located in Villa Rica, a small city close to Asunción in Paraguay.

These cigars are wonderfully rustic, roughly rolled in a robust, thick, heavily veined wrapper with an oily sheen, almost like varnish. The scent of cranberries and candied cherries is unlike anything coming from other terroirs at this time.

We received robustos (Don Alejandro, no kidding!) and coronas (Don Victor), which are available in boxes of 20, of 5, or as singles, in cardboard or wood packaging, as well as some little cigarros which came in the same shipment.

We tested the Don Alejandro and unfortunately the tasting proved disappointing. The first minutes are amazing, unlike anything else, revealing flavours identical to the aromas—cranberries, red currants—then the cigar quickly loses its structure, an increasing acidity brutally overwhelms the nuances. If the Tabaqueria Bogado manages to rebalance its blend, hang onto the flavours and rein in the aggressivity, this robusto will be a stick that generates a lot of interest.

If you would like more information about these cigars or you would like to contact the Tabaqueria Bogado (their web site is only sometimes accessible), contact us.

Pinar del Montreal
Posted by Alain, 07.30.2004

No kidding! Check by yourself at the pictures. Soon, vegueros and torcedors will take place in the subway stations instead of the musicians. The price of the cigars will decrease! And Montreal will become the capital of the cigar!!!!!!

Okay... forgive me... I know I'm in need for holidays. What I will do right now.

Till then, have fun!

Alain

The New Trinidad Line
Posted by CCC, 06.09.2004

Trinidad Robusto Extra
This cigar has the same claro wrapper one finds in Davidoffs. Starts off with animal flavours emanating from musk, but also some pepper and licorice. Light but tasty smoke. Strong aroma of toast, combined with a slight bitterness. Roasted flavours predominate at mid-smoke and hold through to the end.

Trinidad wanted this new vitola to conform to the norms for recent Habanos—no reference point for classic aromas. Trinidad is betting on the lightness and new taste. Definitely a cigar for youth or neophytes who are looking for an easy, uncomplicated smoke with a little strength.

Trinidad Reyes
A frankly disappointing cigar. It is aggressive and bitter, not very aromatic and without any complexity. We really didn't like this new Reyes. However, we'll give it another try soon.

A Fancy Partagas
Serie D N° 4
Posted by Dr Joe Vanore, 05.11.2004

Appearance: Very rough construction. Burn: Irregular with a thick burn-line (No fermentation; no aging).
Ash: Surprizing! It appeared typical, dark grey, and held ok for the first inch.
Draw: Was very tight.
Strength: Mild to medium bodied.
Flavor: Was almost like cigarette tobacco, some unidentifiable sweetness. A harsh residual sweet aftertaste. Somewhat chewy.

Even though the tastes were unidentifiable, the smoke seemed ok with a cup of gourmet coffee and flavored creamer. For a "home grown", it appeared to have a fairly good construction. Started to note pepper and spice (or crap) about one inch into the smoke. Was aromatic and with some unusual taste. Burn started to tunnel and went out close to the 1/3 mark. My palate was left with a harsh aftertaste. I did not re-lite it. I decided to dissect the rest of it, instead.

Wrapper: Upon closer inspection, some of those blemishes were actually green mold. Probably unfermented and poorly stored leaf.
Binder: This was a supprize too. It appeared to be a seco leaf, or a small volado. It was a very good looking leaf. (see picture). I had never seen one like that as a binder ever before. The under side of the leaf was very dark maduro colored matte finish brown, the outter side was much lighter stantard claro tan.
Filler: It was shredded. Shredded what? It was hard to tell. It looked like floor scraps. Green specs, yellow un-ripened tobacco specs, shredded wrappers, after looking at how attrocious the filler was, I then knew why the taste was so bad. It fell apart like confetti.

Extravaganza
Posted by Khal, 11.1.2004

As a passion object, cigar can become kind of fetish item. Take a look at these pictures and you'll discover unusual cigars. The original web site is located here. That's for the design… but what about the taste? Hummmm…

Another extravaganza: Find here how to make a 100% tobacco leaves capuccino. However, you better not try… this is insane.

Swiss Cigar Accessories Show
Posted by CCC, 10.9.2004

Find here the highlights of the Swiss Cigar Accessories Show who took place last week in Lausanne.

If you didn't noticed, it seems that illustrations will be in fashion next year. 2005 will be coloured. Zino had previously started a line with its famous real tobacco leaf. Now the company is launching a brand new collection showing a real painted Egyptian papyrus sheet set under a layer of varnish (matt or glossy). Quality of the boxes meets very high standards.

You already know how good the humidors made by The Griffin's are: these sumptuous boxes are built like limos. Do you remember their last carbon anthracite line?

Prepare yourself for something new and very "urban" Made with the same woven fibre: The new Carbon Collection in a pearly colour.

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Looking for Tubos
Posted byAlain Descours, 08.13.2004

I am a collector of cigars tubos.

However, I do not know anybody sharing my passion.

Would there be among the readers some people collecting like me cigars tubes? I would like to contact you. We could thus exchange some pieces, etc.

In addition, friendly smokers, if you do not collect your tubes, make a good deed and you will make me happy. You can contact me by email for shipping details. Thanks!

Montecristo Edmundo — The Tasting Sheet
Posted by Khal, 08.11.2004

Edmundo starts up abruptly, with a sharpness that brings a disagreeable dry sensation to the mouth and strident smoke that tends to mask any aromatic nuances. After a few minutes, it seems a little less bad-tempered, but the smoke remains one-dimensional: hints of pepper and green wood, but without depth or body (possibly due to inadequate ageing). Because of this, the Edmundo is not representative of a typical Cuban cigar, as in the original Cuban brands, but has more in common with recent labels. For this launch of a new Montecristo vitola, Habanos seems to be betting on an uncharacteristic blend, more consensual, perhaps able to please many, but lacking the Cuban features which an alert connaisseur will miss. The Edmundo is a vitola for the masses, without surprises and unfortunately without any subtlety.

The New Partagas
Serie D No. 1
Posted by Riri, 8.4.2004

The new Edicion Limitada 2004 will become available soon. Have a sneak and click on the picture: you'll discover the famous and awaited Partagas Serie D No. 1 (Shown beside a Churchill Deluxe and a Lusitania).

Looks like the aficionados from Brussels are always aware and on the good spots. Now, Riri, we're waiting for a complete tasting sheet. ;o) Thanks a lot Riri and enjoy your new acquisition.

Patoro EL Toro
Patoro EL Corona
Tasting sheet
Posted by Khal, 06.26.2004

Patoro Toro
This limited edition Patoro proves to be friendly and has good intentions, however errs with its lack of personality. The first puffs are pretty light, but offer up some interesting nuances worthy of attention, subtle and fleeting. Simple woody and peppery notes are apparent, as well as the aroma of green shoots which evolve into hints of dried herbs and oriental notes (essence of thuya wood).

Despite the lack of aromatic depth, the smoke from this Toro settles nicely on the palate, making for a light, delicately scented cigar with simple ambitions—simple but not disappointing. With its somewhat reserved nature, this Toro will make an excellent summer vitola for a pleasant aperitive or afternoon smoke.

Patoro Corona
Thin and slender, this long ebony stick shows a slight excess of strength upon lighting, starting out with a register of roasted aromas. The strength settles, leaving a nice balance in its place, which gives the smoke good body and aromatic depth (white pepper, roasted coffee, green wood). The vitola quickly hits its stride and offers a full return and a very pleasant feel. The smoke takes on volume and releases amber notes, pencil wood, earth. A full-bodied, warm, slightly acidic Corona which evolves toward spicy fragrances. The most successful limited edition of the lot.

Family Portrait
Posted by CCC, 06.09.2004

The New Trinidad Sampler Case
Appeared in 1969 (and still, semi-officially), the Fundadore, only representative of the brand, was in charge of Trinidad's reputation during all these years. Recently, Trinidad decided to produce not less than 3 additional siblings: Reyes, Coloniales and Robusto Extra. Now, you can get the complete family in a new Trinidad Sampler wooden case, including a cutter. Notice the differences between wrappers colors.

Montecristo Robusto Millenium
Posted by Khalamkar, 06.08.2004

Phenomenal complexity from the first drag. This cigar is as delicate as lace, composed of a myriad of flavours. The clear smoke reveals a country-style freshness, with wildflowers and sugary notes. While straightforward, the smoke is also creamy, filling the mouth nicely with a peaceful quality—nothing but sweetness and light. Along with the smooth floral and herbal notes are touches of licorice. The smoke is amazingly sugary and opens up generously from the aromatic depth right at the start, getting thicker, followed by rich hints of dried wood and wood shavings. The last third is typically Cuban and conventional. This is an exceptional cigar. (Jar found at the Partagas factory's shop. Thanks to Mister S.)

Sein Yadana cigars...
Are they made in Burma or Laos?
Posted by Sylvain B., 05.13.2004

Enjoy these pictures of unusual cigars and cigarettes found in a small bazaar in Laos. However, it seems that Sein Yadana cigars are made in Burma.

Notice that the emerald emblema is not printed on a band; A small paper tag is pasted (with several glue) directely on the wrapper. These cigars are dry like a stick.

Didn't taste them yet...

Discipline, discipline...
Posted by Khalamkar, 05.10.2004

I made this bank for a friend who's trying to save his money in order to get his very first humidor (and cannot afford it for now). I hope this bank is gonna help him to reach the 400 dollars he needs.

Patoro EL Robusto
Tasting sheet
Posted by Khal, 04.24.2004

"Green" and very energic from the start, this cigar has a non conformist personality. The smoke is very peppery and warms the tongue with pleasant spicy hints. The Patoro EL Robusto is dynamic, a bit hot, but its smoke is not agressive.

Just like a kid...
Posted by Khalamkar, 04.23.2004

Hey buddy! Take a look at this piece of art: 30 assorted Cohiba in the same box, including an humidifying system. 4 Esplendidos, 6 Robustos, 6 Media Coronas, 6 Coronas Especiales, 8 Piramides made with 3 years old tobaccos are wearing a nice "Reserva" black band.

Gandalf's Pipe
Posted by CCC, 2.9.2004

The third pipe (corresponding to the launch of the third part of The Lord of the Rings) is now a real thing. After Bilbo's and Aragorn's, Gandalf's Pipe is now available, priced at 285 francs (rack: 40 Frs).

Sam's Piligrimage
Posted by Samuel, 01.17.2004

Sam the Wanderer decided to see from a bit closer how the sticks he smokes are growing. So he went to Cuba and met Mr. Robaina. The lucky guy did receive from the Master a Robusto (with a twisted head ) made for Robaina's own needs) and a full box of Unicos longer than usual. Pictures please!

The other side of Vegas Robaina
Posted by Samuel, 1.4.2004

A new post who's still concerning the "other world": it's about Cuban tobacco, but not cigars. Take a look here at some Vegas Robaina like you've never (or rarely) seen before.

Patoro EL Churchill
Tasting sheet
Posted by Khal, 03.28.2004

As an inveterate smoker of habanos, I took a chance and tried out this cigar from Dominican Republic kindly offered to me by my friend Samuel. This cigar has a delicate beginning, creamy and gentle, quickly evolving towards peppery, spicy and subtle forest notes (humus, peat), with the second third in a woody register (pine, tuya wood). A Patoro blessed with amazingly fresh smoke and surprising complexity for a cigar from this terroir. The final third brings on flavours of licorice and musk and, unexpectedly, strength decreases in the final third. An astonishing stick.

Patoro EL
Posted by Samuel, 01.27.2004

Patoro launches a limited edition of its yet hard-to-find vitolas. These new babes are wearing black band, cedar protective sheet and foot band. The full set consists of 4 sizes: A Churchill, a Toro, a Corona (it seems a bit large to have such name) and a Robusto. Tasting comments will follow.