Perdomo Conmemorativo Maduro

Robusto 5 x 52

Wrapper – Nicaraguan Maduro

Binder – Nicaraguan

Filler – 4 different Nicarguan

MSRP – TBD

Recently I had a chance to smoke and try out the newest from Perdomo called the Conmemorativo.   The cigar also features a binder and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Conmemorativo is set to be released in the 2nd quarter of 2011 sometime, more then likely a month or so before the IPCPR trade show.  Perdomo is still working what sizes that will be available for the new line although I have been told that the blend is finalized and the cigars are resting but they will be changing the band a bit, minor details.  The retail on the new line is still a mystery but knowing Perdomo, it will be fair and worth every penny.  Great products at great prices.

I decided to kick back at Blew Smoke in Gilbert AZ and smoke the Maduro Robusto. The Maduro wrapper is a triple fermented maduro from Jalipa Valley in Nicaragua.  Sounds Delicious.

Appearance: The wrapper on the Conmemorativo Maduro is classic.  A very nice, chocolaty colored wrapper with minimal veins and has a slightly dull tone to it.   The cigar is triple capped and is packed with tobacco.

Burn-Construction: After lighting up, I set my lighter down and didn’t need it again.  The burn was razor sharp for the most part, and the Conmemorativo produced a mouthful of smoke.  The ash was strong and gray and stayed with the cigar for a few inches. The draw was open with a tad of resistance, just the way I like it.

Flavor / Strength: Nick Perdomo has called this cigar the strongest cigar that they are currently making and honestly, I believe it.  The cigar started medium plus in strength and by the end was nice and full-bodied.  When I first lit up, I was immediately hit with some cedar spice and hints of chocolate and some flavors that I couldn’t put my finger on.  According to Arthur from Perdomo, this blend is loaded with four different filler tobaccos, “commemorating” the four growing regions in Nicaragua, and because of it, the blend was very complex and unique.

Conclusion: First of all, I am a big fan of Perdomo Cigars.  I love the way they do business and I love the mindset and innovative thinking of Nick Perdomo and Co.  They produce great cigars and with their vertically integrated facilities, they are able to produce quality cigars at great prices and Nick is great about passing those savings right along to the consumer. Quality is not determined by the price tag. The Conmemorativo is a definite winner for Perdomo and gives the smoker yet another, great option.  It is full bodied sure, but it is also very balanced and clean.  A combination that is not easy to accomplish especially with the four different fillers and complexity that you find in the Conmemorativo.  I am looking forward to smoking more of these in the future…

The cigar that was given to me is entitled the Vartan and it shares the namesake of the stores proprietor and legend Vartan Seferian.  As the story goes it is a blend designed by Vartan himself and then produced by the Davidoff family. The Vartan’s exterior is a smooth Connecticut-Habano hybrid wrapper grown in the ever popular Connecticut growing fields of Ecuador.  Both the binder and filler are comprised of Dominican tobaccos, and fill out the cigar nicely without any noticeable soft spots.

Construction:  As mentioned above the cigar has a smooth texture too it, and has a solid construction value, in that it does not have any soft spots.  I do have to mention for full disclosure sake, that mine had some unraveling issues towards the cap and foot of the cigar.  Thankfully, they were not major issues and could be smoked through without too much difficulty.

Draw: The draw was solid and allowed for some slight resistance in the inhalation.  I cut my cap minimally and was able to achieve an excellent draw, which goes to show the fine construction of this cigar.

Burn: The Vartan Blend burns smoothly throughout, and I was pleased to not have to touch it up at all.  Even with the wrapper issue, I was able to let it naturally burn through the unraveled parts without correcting the burn path, which was nice.  The ash was tight striated grey ash and would remain firmly on the end of the cigar until one was ready to doff it off into the ashtray.

Flavor: The Vartan Blend smokes like a Davidoff to me in the fact of its simplicity of flavor.  Most Davidoff’s tend to pick one creamy flavor note and stick to it from start to finish, so does the Vartan blend.  It starts off with a little hint of bitterness and then builds into a strong leather tone for the rest of the smoke.  It is pleasant and creamy from start to finish, but rarely deviates from the leather notes.  At one point I detected an earthy tone, but it was fleeting.

Final Verdict: As of print this cigar is only available at the Ambassador store and their online website. The Vartan blend is a fine consistent cigar that reflects the Ambassador name well.  It is easy to see how this blend was produced by the Davidoff house because it tends to be consistent in both construction and taste.  While the price point for the robusto is around $14 and probably a bit steep for the average consumer, it does serve as a fine example of a premium smoke.  If you are looking for a complex cigar this would probably not be the stick for you, but if you are looking for a creamy mellow luxurious smoke, then the Vartan Blend is a fine cigar to enjoy on a lazy summer afternoon.

Pablo Enchinton, the company founder and president, has spent the last two years developing, blending, and creating his product for the market. At the company launch we at puffingcigars.com got to sit down with Pablo for a quick 1 on 1 interview to help bring some more insight to his brand and goals his company may hold.

“We started the process about two years ago but this has really been a dream of mine for the past 14years! Our main object is to create fantastic consistent cigars, to share amongst friends and to help create Moments of memories.

Our name came about while looking for a meaning of what I think a cigar symbolizes. The word PANA means friend in my Latin culture and I thought of how perfect it would be to launch a cigar company with the foundation of friendship at its core, in its name! Our mantra is to always smoke with a friend, a PANA Cigar.

Another reason for launching our company is wanting to cultivate something special for our 9week old son Andros Enchinton. The purpose is to create a family tradition for something that is so special to me, the cigar industry. It’s a heritage in the making and a growth for future generations.”

Mr. Enchinton, PANA Cigars, has tapped a cigar manufacturer in the Dominican Republic that would not only give him access to the best tobaccos but also full control of the blending process (many new cigar companies simply buy from a small profile of already made blends). There are two blends currently being produced, a Ligero Maduro and Connecticut Especial.

The Ligero Maduro is A special long filler blend of Ligero Cubano and Ligero Criollo with a Dominican binder packaged in a beautiful Maduro leaf. On the other range of the palate the Connecticut Especial is filled with a generous amount of Corojo and Piloto Dominicano, stored within an Indonesian binder, and packaged in a golden Connecticut shade wrapper. Both are topped off with a pigtail cap for easy removal and retail in the $6 price range (reviews to come shortly).

Distribution will first take place in his home state of Arizona and then move to other states along the Westcoast. PANA Cigars has decided to be a B&M supporter and has, currently, not decided to sell cigars directly or through companies that only operate online. This decision was made knowing the process to expand will be harder but was adamant that we needed to support the “backbone of the cigar industry”.

“We are definitely a boutique cigar and we wouldn’t want it any other way! I believe that this gives us a unique and personal experience to share with our cigar smoking community. Allowing us to meet face to face and share in the moments together.”

After having smoked both cigars produced by PANA Cigars we are confident that they will make quite the splash within the cigar community. Welcome to the cigar world.

So what’s behind the name of this particular cigar lounge? Let’s get that explanation directly from the website: “You are probably wondering what 21 Degrees stands for. The optimum temperature for cigars is 21 degrees Celsius, which is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the optimum humidity is 70 percent. We strive to have the best environment for our premium cigars in our spacious cedar walk in humidor so what better than 21 Degrees.”

Walking through the front door and with a quick glance you can take in the entire public section of the shop. The cash register is to the left, some accessories are located to the right and just passed that is the everyman lounge. This everyman’s lounge is done quite well with fully reclining leather seats that are perfectly situated in front of a nice T.V. However it’s important to note that the “everyman” lounge is only capable of accommodating about 4 people.

The well-stocked humidor is located at the end of the lounge next to the “everyman” section. Selection is great and you are able to find anything from the popular boutique to the … general General cigar. Prices are on par with out lounges in the area but they usually have a deals section that offers cigars at a great discount. This humidor also contains a number of lockers that are situated high above the cigars making it seem somewhat tedious to access.

Rocky Patel, love or hate his cigars, always operates in style and the cigar lounge bearing his name is no different. Walk through the vault door labeled “Members Only” and enter a world of great luxury. The RP lounge has a beautiful pool table, a great number of dark leather lounge chairs, group seating, a card table in the back, and a bar in the very back. Members get to share an area that appears to be about the same size, if not bigger, than the entire public section. 21 Degrees was built for its members and this can clearly be felt and experienced, which is not necessarily a good thing for the “everyman”.

I would like to take the time to acknowledge the great staff at 21 Degrees Cigar & Accessories. Everyone was courteous, personable and extremely knowledgeable. There was not a single tobacco fact or cigar (industry) question that we couldn’t get answered by the people who were assisting us.

21 Degrees Cigar & Accessories with the Rocky Patel Lounge is one great experience that everyone will enjoy. This is a great shop to become a member of if you’re longing to belong somewhere or just simply need a smoking haven. However the “everyman” might feel a little uncomfortable if he’s not one of the early travels to the lounge.

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21 Degrees Cigar & Accessories
(480) 551-2121
14144 N. 100th Street Suite B105
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Visit the 21 Degrees Cigar & Accessories website.

Bob and Dean describe their goal of creating a “nice little neighborhood tobacco shop” – and that’s the exact feel you get as you walk in Blew Smoke Premium Cigars.  Enter Blew Smoke and your eyes immediately fixate on the over 70 various pipe tobaccos neatly organized in the center of the store. Placed on all walls of the cozy Blew Smoke building you will find a large assortment of humidors, cutters, lighters, and every other toy a cigar smoker would need. To the immediate right side is a functional seating area that has been host to many poker games and fierce checkers matches. Just beyond the game table is a leather seating corner directly in front of a big screen LCD TV.

The most impressive thing about Blew Smoke Premium Cigars is the humidor, sitting at approximately 370 feet (out half the size of the shop). Bob and Dean both have a  pet peeve of entering a cigar shop to only find the exact same product as the lounge down the street. That being said, it was their intent to bring in cigars that are unique and and truly very boutique. The collection includes stogies that will please any palate and even include many hard to find cigars, or companies mainly found on the internet, such as Taboo Cigars. In all there are approximately 720 open boxes of cigars at Blew Smoke Premium Cigars. Much like the pricing at Big Sticks, the cigars tend to carry a price point that is even cheaper than the large online retailers.

Bob and Dean have created a relaxed tobacco and cigar shop that one can pop in and out of at anytime and choose from a wide variety of cigars, tobacco and accessories. Blew Smoke is a great place to listen to live music at on Fridays or sit in cozy, clean and quiet environment and read a book during the week. So stop by Blew Smoke Premium Cigars and support the little neighborhood tobacco shop.

Blew Smoke Premium Cigars
(480) 507-8800
785 W. Warner Road, Suite A-106
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Visit the Blew Smoke Website

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A quick glance around the shop and you pick up on the leather seating area that’s situated in such a way that everyone can engage in conversation. Or in this shop you’ll get an ear full of jokes and genuine conversation you usually share with friends. In the middle of the seats you can find jars of jelly beans, Cheeto Puffs, and pretzels that make you feel right at home. You’ll waste no time kicking your shoes off and hanging out with your new found friends at Oggie’s. Let’s not forget about the big screen TV  filling the room with the latest sports, news, and movies ( he even has his own movies to pop in). Side Tip: Take note of  the sports memorabilia on the wall and bite your tongue as you watch TV because saying the wrong thing will cause an uproar in the shop that will see no end.

Office space is also provided by Oggie’s in the corner of the lounge. Open up your laptop and enjoy the free wireless internet, there is a fax machine, and printer to use at your disposal.  What amazes me the most is the new computer at the desk you can also jump on for that must check email/twitter/work updates. As they like to boast “Make our store your office.”

Don’t forget to pull away and find the humidor because Oggie’s carries a nice selection of cigars that is sure to please any pallet. You will find everything from General cigars down to the unique boutiques like Illusione, Oliva, and the entire series of Padron. Oggie’s caters to every budget so don’t be afraid to walk in with just a few dollars in your wallet. Sign up for his email list to receive some amazing deals that no one, anywhere, can compete with.

Don’t let the Scottsdale city or zip code scare you. Stop into Oggie’s Fine Cigars to get a piece of that quaint atmosphere you won’t find in any other cigar lounge. First time visitors will feel at home and… well… most of the others have made it their home. Thank you Michael and everyone at Oggie’s for making sure all the cigar lovers are taken care of regardless of their bank account size.

Oggie’s Fine Cigars
(480) 948-9950
13610 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Visit Oggie’s Fine Cigars website

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A Gentleman’s Store for the Masses

Cigar smoking has always been presented as a gentleman’s game.  It comes as no surprise that cigar lounges and stores try to capitalize on this image, and indeed Ambassadors’ does so well.  On their website they talk about how they are an everyman store, and they are that, as well as a gentleman’s playground.  Every customer has a place in their store, but the mentality of Ambassadors from its decor, to its proprietor is refinement and class.

The proprietor is Vartan Seferian, and he is the affable host of Ambassador Fine Cigar.  On the many occasions that I have frequented the store he has always been a welcoming and helpful host.   He will often ask a few questions along the line of “what body strength are you looking for,” and  ”what range in price are you looking to spend?”   This is usually followed by a delightful stroll through the humidor, in which he enumerates the many cigars that would fit the guests parameters, until you ultimately decide upon one.  There are other workers in the store as well that are knowledgeable, but Vartan really is encyclopedic in his knowledge of cigars, and is first rate in his ability to make the consumer feel like they belong.

The atmosphere of the store from the construction of the humidor down to the attire of the staff is suffused with class and dignity.  The rich dark wood cabinetry and shelving looks like it belongs in a captain of industry’s office or lounge, the ensconced lighting also has the subtle textures of old world meets new.  The Humidor is simple and elegant using large panes of glass to allow natural lighting in to highlight the selections, as if God himself approved and was personally highlighting his favorites.  The sitting area in the front is simple and plush, with a small area for customers to come in and sit a spell.  All of the staff wears fine suits, which indicates also to the customer, that while this may be an everyman’s store, it is a gentleman’s store first!  This to me is the unique factor about Ambassador Fine Cigar it; every inch of the store plays on a customer’s psychology.   Fast food restaurants use bright colors, like red, to be a tacit visual message to the consumer that this place of business is meant to be quick, i.e. get in, get your food, eat quickly, and leave.  Like the use of color psychology, Vartan employs the subtlety of opulence to create a higher price point in the consumer.

Vartan’s prices are set reasonably, if not lower than most, but very few individuals I have spoken to have ever walked out of there without dropping more than they expected.  It wasn’t because of the price, as much as it was about feeling the need to buy more expensive due to the environment that they were in.  Simply put, an opulent plush setting and well manicured staff equals a setting where the consumer feels compelled to reflect his environment and buy lavishly themself.

The negative aspect to the store is perhaps its club which is truly a “members only” affair.  Given once again that this store caters to a wealthy area it seems fitting that there would be a club for those of the plutocracy, and indeed there is.  When one of my friends inquired about this room and what it took to become a part, the worker said that it required you to spend quite a bit of money.  My friend then inquired how much, and the worker said that its not worth asking, because it was also “invite only” and left it at that.  So the moral of the story is that if you want to browse the main part and the sitting area up front you are more than welcome too, but unless you are part of the wealthy upper echelon you should probably not hold your breathe on passing the velvet rope.

Ambassador Fine Cigar is truly an experience.  From one of the largest, most well stocked humidors in the valley, to all of the gentlemanly overtones the store is a great location to come and buy a stick from.  The environment invites the casual consumer to step outside their buying shell, while it offers the wealthy customer a place to come and discuss the daily grind after a long day at work (just don’t expect these classes to meet in the exclusive “members club“).  So if you are in the Paradise Valley part of Arizona, and you are in the mood for a great selection of sticks at a fair to great price, then Ambassador Fine Cigars does it with flair and style!

Ambassador Fine Cigars
(480) 905-1000
4912 E Shea Blvd # 108
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Visit the Ambassador Fine Cigars website

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Somewhere between a portrait of American life by Norman Rockwell and an episode of Cheers lies the nature and grandeur that is Casa Fuma Fine Cigars. When sitting down with friends, many a conversation has been had on what our ideal cigar store would look like, and I am glad to say that Casa Fuma not only accomplishes that, but exceeds expectations! From the first time you walk in, its like an man’s version of Disneyland, there is just something magical about it. It could be the inviting seating area, or perhaps the affable staff, or well stocked humidor, but whatever it is, it works!

Enter in past the permanent fixture named Walt, the grumpiest-kind old man, you will notice that the store is simple and elegant; it strikes a fine balance between refined and functional arenas. All of the furniture is either constructed of sturdy rich wood, or supple leather that allows one to sink into a chair or couch for a sinfully luxurious cigar smoking experience. If your pace is more of a sports bar appeal, then that can be accommodated too at the bar where many an individual come to blow of some steam via a nice cigar and a flat panel TV (6 TV’S), that has all of the latest in movies and sport packages. Of course some prefer to be close to Mother Nature and that can be delivered too via the outdoor patio. A very large outdoor seating area which features comfortable seating and canopy’s to create an enjoyable outdoor smoking experience.

The seating, both indoors and out, is set in such a way that it will accommodate any type of visit. A business man can use areas as his office. The small group can sit and converse in private and the largest of groups can mingle and socialize with ease. It’s also arranged so the business man can join the group or the group can turn into the larger party, assisted by the Cheer’s like atmosphere the patrons create.

“Get out of that seat, that’s Coach’s chair!” A group will yell as Coach, one of hundreds (or so it feels) of regulars, walks into the lounge. Everyone visiting is warmly greeted and invited in all conversation going through the Gilbert cigar lounge. The people, from your regulars to first time visitors, are instantly friends and treated as such. You will truly feel like this is not a cigar lounge but another extension of your daily routine – for many their second home.

The Humidor layout is also very nice, and comes replete with a veritable cornucopia of cigar choices for anyone to enjoy; from the novice to the cigar aficionado you can find a stick that is sure to be a pleasurable smoke. And if you aren’t quite in the mood to smoke it that second, why not buy a storage locker? Casa Fuma has their beautiful individually made storage lockers in various sizes to insure that each one of your sticks is in pristine form for the moment you want to pull it out and smoke it. Of course another important factor of the store is its price points, and I am thrilled as a frequent customer to report that the points are fair for the market, if not below the market on some very great sticks. Another incentive to buy is that you can become a Casa Fuma rewards card member and earn 1 point for every dollar spent on cigars, and cigar products. After a hundred dollars in purchases, you can get ten dollars back in store credit to use.

So if you are looking for a place that allows you to come and sit for a moment, or just come and pick a stick from a great selection, then Casa Fuma Fine Cigars in Gilbert, Arizona is the place to be. Not only do they have the best cigar store hours in Arizona (open to ten on weekdays, twelve on weekends, earlier and later for special events/sports), but they have a great selection of sticks at a great price. But perhaps the single most important trait to me, is that as an individual I can come and sit a spell, take a load off my feet, interact with some great individuals from all different walks of life, and smoke a cigar in an inviting environment; where as the old Cheers song goes, “everybody knows your name.”

Casa Fuma Fine Cigars
(480) 794-1581
1464 E. Williams Field Rd. Suite 105
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Visit the Casa Fuma Website

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Dean Laffey, representative to Fuego cigars,  will be at Casa Fuma from running specials on the entire J. Fuego line. Including the new 777 Brazilian Corojo,  the limited edition Origen, and even the original Gran Reserva. Casa Fuma Fine Cigars is one of a few shops in Arizona with the Origen cigar, be sure to stop in and review one yourself before they are gone.

Dean will be pairing the Jesus Fuego Cigars with Mojitos featuring Flor de Cana rum from Nicaragua.

Last but not least, Casa Fuma is going to have some BBQs set up outside for your grilling convenience. Our good buddie Bobby will have his famous BobbyQue sauce here for your meat. Bring your favorite dish, dump some Bobbyque sauce on it and grill it up on your huge smoking patio.

There will be prizes, special pricing, BobbyQue sauce, good cigars, and tons of fun for everyone.

Casa Fuma Fine Cigars is also one of the few shops in Arizona, or accross the country, that carries the new MJ12 cigar by Illusione, Work of Art Maduro, Perdomo Gran Cru, and let’s not forget about the amazing estate collection.

Casa Fuma Fine Cigars is located at:
1464 E. Williams Field Rd. Suite 105
Gilbert, AZ 85295
480.794.1581

Timothy Torres is a Cuban born, fifth-generation, cigar blender and roller who operates a business in this Mesa district called Habanos Torres.

Humble Beginnings
With little money and a heart full of passion, Mr.Torres followed his childhood dream of making cigars  for the “true fine cigar smoker“. His location was opened off a busy street in Mesa with just enough space to hold a humidifying cabinet, a humble rolling/aging room, and a small cash register. Patrons would have no trouble walking across the entire store in just two strides.

Overcoming size has never been an issue for the 5 foot, plus a little, Tim Torres and his shop. Customers enjoyed the hand rolled cigars immensely; most would bring their own lawn chairs to set up a makeshift lounge in front of the establishment. Habanos Torres would stay open past normal business hours to accommodate the “HERF” that was never planned but always seemed to happen. With a faithful customer base and sales increasing, it was time to expand his cigar rolling into the type of cigar lounge Mr.Torres had always dreamed of.

Dreams Become Reality
“Welcome, welcome – come in, come in – privilege to show you around.”

Tim boasts out with the largest smile on his face as we enter his brand new, just completed, cigar lounge.

The main seating area is located in the middle of the shop. Four dark comfortable couches surround a coffee table with Stinky ashtrays. Just passed the couches are  two tabletops that would allow for more intimate conversation. Against the only window is a game table with a beautiful chess set almost too intimating to touch. Everything creates a cozy atmosphere that makes it easy to relax for hours.

A wall lined with the Torres hand-rolled cigars leads the way to a well-lit cedar room. The rolling table is perfectly set so you can see the man in action from any angle.

“You want me to roll, you want something special made?”

Another smile appears on his face hoping he can make you something special, something you can enjoy.

“Look at this.”

Tim continues the rolling room tour by showing off one of his molds that has been in his family since the 1840′s.

After answering a bombardment of questions regarding my pallet and favorite smoking characteristics, I get the promise of a cigar that will make me happy. A brief moment later Tim hands over a dark Robusto using his 30-year tobacco leaf. Cigars from Habanos Torres start at about $8 and settle around $40 but have the ability to go up depending on any special requests.

“There are princes, dignitaries, presidents who don’t have the honor of one person rolling a single cigar with a special blend just for them. Their cigars may come in a golden box and cost a lot of money, but they weren’t made just for them, based on their preferences. To see that kind of satisfaction on someone’s face, to know they appreciate something I have made for them — that’s what I love,”

Habanos Torres is a great little cigar lounge, ran by one of the most friendly people you will ever encounter, set in an area that makes you feel like you entered a time machine. Make the trip to Habanos Torres and experience the great atmosphere.

Habanos Torres Cigar Factory
(480) 833-0087
48 S. Robson Rd. Suite 101
Mesa, AZ 85210
Visit Habanos Torres Cigar Factory Website