The El Baton Double Torpedo is made by the J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Nicaragua. This purchase came from one of the finer tobacconists here in central New Hampshire. Here are some stats on this cigar:

ring: 56 length: 6.26
wrapper: Nicaraguan
filler: Nicaraguan binder: Nicaraguan

This cigar was easy to light and draw. From start to finish it was a good smoke. It had a good even burn and a medium to heavy taste. Watching the ash it held for about an inch or so before it fell off. The ash itself was flakier than expected. The taste was consistent throughout,but kind of harsh. I kept waiting to be impressed by the complex notes of flavor…but it didn’t happen.

When all was said and done, this was a decent smoke for the cost. The price paid was just under $6. I would put this in the category of a good starter cigar for those less experienced.  It’s also a good pick if you are in a financial pinch and can’t fork out $10+ per cigar (like some people I know).

From my rating system of “meh” to “stellar,”I’d put this at “good.” While I enjoyed the draw and steady burn, I was left with gruff aftertaste you just don’t get in the premium cigars.

–Brimey

Tags: El Baton Torpedo, Review

What would the world be like if there weren’t fine cigars to puff on?  I hesitate to think on that for long.  Cigar smoking, for those who take the time to appreciate it, is not a distraction, it’s an art.  To appreciate the love, time, and skill that goes into a premium hand-crafted cigar is to appreciate the finer things in life.

My love of the cigar goes back over 20 years.  All long the way it’s been a great journey as my tastes mature and change.  It makes the destination unimportant; What you’re enjoying along the way is worth the longest detour.

Along my travels I came across this kid.  I found him in a dorm room when I decided to head back to college and finish my education.  As hard as I tried to be a good role model and lead him towards the light…. At some point I pulled him into the world of stogies.  What I didn’t know then is this escape from reality would become Justin’s reality.

Now, he resides in Vegas and comes across the finest, most expensive cigars that he enjoys on a daily basis sitting in front of a camera, sharing his thoughts with the world… While I, choosing what seemed to be a noble path in pedagogy, live a simpler life.  A life of occasional mediocre cigars, but nothing too uppity.

So, it occurred to me— If the once mentor (now student) could provide a review here or there… perhaps Justin could “throw me a bone” occasionally?  This would take form of a humble brown package sent by UPS to my humble grotto here in New Hampshire?  What would a considerably older Yoda observe, compared to Master Skywalker on the same cigar?  I thought it would be worth a try.

So, unless there is a massive email campaign to take me off of LasVegASH TV, you might hear from me from time to time.   Right Master Justin?

“Smoke a cigar or do not smoke a cigar.  There is no try.” –Yoda

Justin attend the official unveiling of the new custom bike from CAO Cigars, Lady Liberty. Justin talks to Jon Huber about the bike, CAO, Twitter and more.

UPDATE: I have a new version of the video that does not have the extra stuff at the end.

On Thursday, June 11 we had a Cigar VIP herf at the Chicago Brewing Company on Ft. Apache. This was a great event. We had quite a few people turn out for it. I would guess we had over 30 people enjoy cigars, drinks and company. For $5 you were given two cigars and a raffle ticket. The cigars where Romeo Y Julietta Habana Reserver and a H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon. Not a bad deal.

The raffle prizes were 6 packs of cigars, 4 packs of cigars, $25 gift certificate to many local shops and the grand prize was an autographed baseball by Yogi Berra. It was a great event and I look forward to the next one.

I took a few photos from the event.

Thanks to Bob McDuffe, host of DogWatch Social Club, via twitter @CigarRadio, there is news that the smoking ban for conventions in Vegas is being amended. This new bill, marked as AB309, will allow conventions to allow smoking again. This is great news for the annual industry trade show IPCPR as well at the Big Smoke, put on by Cigar Aficionado.

The IPCPR show is in talks to return to Vegas in 2011. This is great news for our local tourism and economy. The IPCPR show brings in thousands of cigar smokers and their spouses who not only spend money at the show, but also hotels, shows, food and other attractions. Allow this and other shows like it to be held in Vegas.

For more information, go here

Tags: las vegas, smoking ban

So now that I finally pulled the plug and installed WordPress, pretty happy so far with it, I can concentrate on the content of the site, the really important part of it.

I have 2 reviews recorded already and need to get them posted. One is by myself and the other one is with Sean. I also have the new HC series from Xikar that was sent to me that I will be reviewing. There are 3 different blends. I also have the FDW from Arganese and some cigars from Los Blancos to get reviewed.

On Saturday, June 6th, Jerry of Stogie Review will be in town and along with Tom, we will be hanging out, smoking and maybe get them on video to talk about something.

I do appreciate all the support and hope you like the new things coming up. JC and I are planning out next episode of Las VegASH TV, and should be filming that soon. I need a good name for those videos, any ideas? The best idea will get some cigars from me.

I decided to use WordPress to run the site and I am getting it all set up with posts and the template. Pardon the chaos while I get this set up.

Getting all of our videos posted, man there are quite a few of them. This is taking some time. Also need to work on the template. I like the base of this temp one, but need to customize it to my liking.

**UPDATE MONDAY June 1 ****
Emails are now working, if you signed up for an account, please request your password again via the login screen.

Justin and Donald sit down and smoke one of Dons favorite cigars, the Drew Estates Natural Dirt.

Justin sits down with Carlos, a long time friend of JC to talk cigars and working at the ice skating rink.

Justin interviews Joe Gannascoli about his Cugine line of cigars at an event at the Las Vegas Cigar Lounge. Justin and Joe also talk about his favorite cigars, smoking on the set of Sopranos, upcoming fatherhood and his charity work.