Weekly Email – September 2nd, 2015

You remember the CAO Flathead… that hotrod-themed, box-pressed series of excellent cigars with names like Piston, Sparkplug, and Camshaft… Well, their two-wheeled counterparts have rolled in: The Steel Horse extension, which continues to feature the Flathead’s distinctive flat cap and Connecticut Habano Oscuro wrapper, but with a bold new blend of Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Dominican fillers and a rich Brazilian Arapiraca binder. Also, unlike the original line, these are parejo (or cylindrical) cigars rather than box-pressed.Two sizes so far: Apehanger (5½” x 58) and Bullneck (6½” x 66), and we’ve got ’em both. Get your motor running!

You know it, you love it: The Big Payback from Room 101, a delicious cigar at a helluva good price. This latest iteration is a real monster… The Big Payback Jaquemate*, which is a real mouthful at 8″ x 80 (though it is considerately tapered to prevent jaw trouble). Comprised of the same fantastic Nicaraguan puro blend as its forerunners, the Jaquemate is the a bombshell you should use to puff away the last few weeks of summer. Try one today…if you dare!* Jaquemate means, of course, “checkmate.”

The White Series by Montecristo needs no introduction, a wonderfully mild blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers finished with a splendid wrapper of Ecuadorian Connecticut. This new variation, the Vintage Connecticut, features an important distinction: the wrapper leaf is vintage 2008 Connecticut Shade which is actually from Connecticut, carefully grown and nurtured to maintain optimal flavor. (The majority of the Connecticut Shade is grown in Ecuador these days, from Connecticut seed; the growing conditions are similar, but the nutrients in the soil of Ecuador impart a subtly different tang to the leaves grown there.) The filler also features some Peruvian tobacco for a little additional zest.This excellent new release is available in three sizes: the 5½” x 44 No. 3; the 6¼” x 50 Double Corona; and the 6″ x 50 No. 2, (a belicoso). We’ve got them all, so come by and see what difference an authentic Connecticut wrapper makes.

Avo Uvezian never fails to impress, and these new releases are no exception: The Syncro Nicaragua series draws its name from the “synchronization” of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos, primarily those from the volcanic region known as Ometepe…the soil of which produces an exceptionally fine strain. This, combined with Nicaraguan and Peruvian leaves and an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, makes for an unbelievably enjoyable smoke with elements of citrus and floral notes that must be tasted to be believed. We currently have two sizes in stock: Robusto (5″ x 50) and Toro (6″ x 54). Get one while you can, because these are indescribably delicious.Also from Avo is a nice robusto sampler featuring four blends: Avo Classic,Domaine, Syncro, and the Mystery Note 326, a blend about which nothing has been disclosed…

Give ’em all a try! You can’t hit a sour note with an Avo.

On August 29th I found myself part of a Pittsburgh contingent traveling down Route 70 to see what treasures could be found at theColumbus Pipe Show, a gathering hosted by the North American Society of Pipe Collectors. There was a lot to see and examine, as well as a huge smoking tent to enjoy some samples from the day’s haul.

Lane Limited was present at the event and dished out countless tobacco samples to all who desired some. One of my choices was a recent release dubbed Medal of Valor, a nice cross-cut ribbon blended with a vast array of tobaccos from around the globe. According to the Lane rep, Medal of Valor is a reincarnation of their old blend Medal of Honor(which I’ve never personally smoked); they were unable to use the original moniker for some reason.

As I loaded my Ashton Rhodesian with this new-to-me blend, I took note of the pouch note, which delivered a familiar Virginia-and-Perique with a hint of some Orientals. I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the bowl developed, with several flavor notes coming between waves of earthy, nutty, and sweet hay from the Virginias. There are some exotic Oriental leaves in this blend, as well as a small amount of Latakia.

Before anyone turns and runs at the mention of Latakia, let me say that if I hadn’t known it was included in the blend, I’d’ve never singled it out; it’s that muted. Three of us smoked this new Lane offering, and we all agreed: it’s a home run, albeit mild enough to easily become an all-day favorite.

Look for Medal of Valor to be on our shelves very soon, along with some other new Lane offerings. I’m saluting Medal of Valor with a five pipe rating this week!

I hope you all have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend. Puff On!