Bryan White is the founder of 13^th Floor Cigars based out of Gilbert, Arizona. He has taken some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with PuffingCigars.com and gives us a little more insight to the man behind the brand.

In addition to the video interview Mr.White PuffingCigars.com took the time to do a quick Q&A session:

What’s the story behind the 13^th Floor?

The 13^th floor is something I’ve always being intrigued with and the superstition that surrounds it. Additionally there was a place my family (Dad, Mom, Brothers, and Grandfather) and I would visit and it was the roof of a hotel. This is where I was able to bond with my brothers, my family, and share great experiences. This is the spot where we would always talk about “What we wanted to do when we grow up” And in the back of my mind  – the answer was always create a great cigar

What do you plan on coming out with next?

Maduro. A lot of people have connected with me directly asking for a unique Maduro smoking experience. I am working on releasing a Maduro by the end of this year.

Why choose Willy?

There was a personal connection and we both saw eye to eye in the direction we can take the brand. ETB has a great reputation for the quality of cigars and they are produced in the USA (Miami). They were just so welcoming and open to my idea that I knew the partnership would work.

What’s favorite part about the whole process? Or like most?

I love the friendship and bonds that are made – the people that I have met and relationships I have been able to build are just incredible. It’s amazing how the people in this community are so passionate about the products and lifestyle.

If you were a cigar what size would you be?

Churchill, because I resemble more of a double robusto.

If you would like to connect with Brian directly:
Website: 13thFloorCigars.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/smokinonthe13th

Thank you to Casa Fume Fine Cigars in Gilbert, Arizona for sponsoring the review of the Illusione Epernay Le Monde. If anyone is looking for a respectable cigar shop to ship them cigars they might not be able to find locally, then please give them a call! 480.794.1581

Construction: Dion Giolito is a stickler when it comes to the fine details of creating a cigar. The people of Casa Fernandez (they make the cigar) are sticklers when it comes to creating a cigar. Does anything else have to be said? This cigar is beautifully constructed, tightly packed and ready to be enjoyed by everyone.

Draw: The draw of the Illusione Epernay Le Monde will reflect on the construction. As we know the construction is excellent, so it comes as no surprise that the draw is also… perfect! I would suggest starting any of the Illusione line with a punch or a v-cut as this usually creates a large amount of smoke. If you like your cigars extra smokey then just give it a snip.

Burn: The Illusione Epernay Le Monde had absolutely zero issues with the burn. Spark this cigar up and put the lighter away. The ash is a nice white with traces of gray and falls off when tapped.

Flavor: Let me start this flavor section off by saying that the combination of tobaccos due to the size is perhaps the best cigar that Illusione has produced. From start to finish you will get a clean, bright pure smoke that everyone (regardless of smoking experience) will fully enjoy.

The cigar will range in an earthy flavor, floral notes and subtle spice that keeps the smoke complex. Again, it is very consistent and you will notice these hints through the entire Le Monde. It also seems like these notes will introduce and reintroduce themselves in different sections of the stogie making sure every stick you smoke has its own unique characteristics.

Final Verdict: Your local tobacconist should have the  Illusione Epernay Le Monde retailing in the $10 range. Dion Giolito, the man behind Illusione, does a great job of protecting his cigars (and prices) from the internet – so don’t be afraid to support the local B&M. That being said, do not hesitate to pick up this great cigar. This stogie is perhaps the best blend, due to the blend, of the Epernay line. You and everyone you share this stick with will enjoy the clean and bright (with hints of fried ice cream) smoke!

Construction: Rustic red in color with just a slight tint of “maduro” qualities this cigar construction was top-notch. The wrapper was very “real” and not hidden with colorings, lasers (to remove veins) or any of the other tricks cigar manufacturers like to apply. There was a good amount of tobacco stuffed inside to make it impossible to find a soft spot and very few veins could be seen or felt.

Draw: If you do not prefer a lot of smoke then it’s okay to give this cigar a punch or V-cut. However for our smoking style, a cigar with a good amount of smoke, we would suggest giving this a cut.

Burn: D Crossier Imperium Class cigar creates a slightly jagged path during the entire burn process. From start to finish the ash created is pepper like and does a great job of holding on. Only on a few occasions did the ash fall off without a nice firm tap.

Flavor: Let’s begin the flavor portion of the cigar review by letting you know that the D Crossier Imperium Class is consistent from start to finish. D Crossier delivers a smooth cigar with a basic tobacco flavor profile that is spicy. As you smoke the Imperium you will notice a slight hint of sweetness that you can even locate during the retro-hale. The finish brings a small change of even more spice that is reminiscent of a Pepin created cigar.

Overall the body is in the medium range and will slightly creep up to the more full segment at the end depending on the smokers palate.

Final Verdict: With a recent shift in pricing we are not quite sure what the D Crossier Imperium Class (or Imperial as we like to say) robusto will run at the local B&M. Despite having that knowledge we still urge the smokers out there to pick this brand of cigars up and give them a try. Especially if you enjoy maduro cigars, spicy cigars or just a new cigar that is carving it’s own flavor profile path. You will not be disappointed!

The Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie cigar review and video is sponsored by Casa Fuma Fine Cigars in Gilbert, Arizona. This is a shop that is fortunate enough to carry this limited edition cigar. If you would like to try to get your hands on the Cabinetta Serie you can contact them at (480) 794-1581.

Construction: Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie is quite the beautiful two tone cigar. The wrapper is flawless with just a few medium sized veins that are difficult to feel with the fingers. The tobacco filler, with the pinch test, feels a little soft giving indication to an easy draw to come. A perfectly made horizontal line distinguishes the final 1/3 of the cigar and brings an interesting taste to the overall smoke.

Draw: Effortless with a punch cutting the Cabinetta Serie will produce a draw that is too loose. For the daring that like a large amount of smooth creamy smoke – feel free to cut this wide open.

Burn: When a cigar has a loose burn typically the ash tends to fall off on it’s own. The Cabinetta Serie is no exception to this phenomenon so be prepared to ash often. On a more positive note the burn produced a nice straight line that never required a correction.

Flavor: Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie was blended for the European palate. From start to finish that is exactly what it delivers and is a perfect fit at all hours of the day.

To best describe the flavors: You will get a creamy cigar that allows you to enjoy the quality tobacco that was used. Starting at the mid point and finishing off you may notice a slight woody taste. This whole process is in the light to medium body range.

Final Verdict: If you can get your hands on the Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie then do so! For one, this is currently slated to be a limited release cigar that might disappear after the initial run. Secondly, everyone can enjoy a cigar that is smooth, creamy, and straight forward. Regardless of the type of cigars you smoke you will love it and wish you bought more.

Jesus Fuego, president of Tabacos S.A., sits down with PuffingCigars.com at Tinderbox in Mesa, Arizona.

The Fuego family has been in the business of growing, blending, and rolling cigars for five generations (1876 to be exact). Odds are you have had the privilege of smoking some of the J. Fuego blends long before he started producing cigars under his name. He has worked with Rocky Patel supervising production in various factories and has helped collaborate on some of Rocky’s most notable cigars, such as the Olde World Reserve.

This self-proclaimed “Cuban Redneck” launched his own line in December of 2006 so that he could finally have full creative control on the cigars he was blending. Initially launching the Natural and Gran Reserva lines, Mr.Fuego has expanded with 777, the limited edition Origen and the HC Series for XIKAR (just to name a few). The value he strives to produce for  his consumers, or “Rockstars” as he puts it, makes J. Fuego and his family a great edition to the cigar community; you can expect to see wonderful things for a long time to come.

Construction: This toothy wrapper is oily, dark and beautiful to stare at. The tobacco was packed heavy and you will not find any soft spots on the La Flor Dominicana L-200. A single medium sized vein may be found but will not effect the burn.

Draw: The La Flor Dominicana L-200 was smokable with punch but performed perfectly with a cut or a deep v-cut. It had the right amount of resistance to prevent the small cigar from burning hot and the smoke was still plentiful.

Burn: The burn on the La Flor Dominicana L-200 was perfect and created a gray ash.

Flavor: When you are smoking a cigar that is smaller in size you decrease the chances of the filler tobacco playing a major role in the complexity or flavor profile. Generally speaking you then increase the chance of your palate only recognizing the wrapper that is used on the cigar.

This is exactly what happened as we were smoking the La Flor Dominicana L-200. From start to finish you palate will be filled with the aroma and taste of the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Sumatra wrapper, again generally speaking, is going to deliver the same consistent flavor regardless of what cigar your smoking it on.

With a small cigar that has very little tobacco to intrigue your palate some people will find this boring. Granted that the Ecuadorian Sumatra is spicy – this is really all it has going for it.

Final Verdict: La Flor Dominicana L-200 Cabinet Oscuro retails for around $6.25 and can be found online at the $4.50 price mark. This is a cigar one would buy if they like smooth cigars and/or truly enjoy the taste of Ecuadorian Sumatra. Others who strive for something more complex or demand more value for their hard earned dollars should not purchase the stogie. If you really want to try this type of cigar I would suggest getting a larger size for a couple of cents more. The tobacco then might just make this smoke worth it.

Construction: The Di Fazio Maduro looks good enough to take a bite out of. The wrapper seems to be made out of dark chocolate with a slightly rough texture.  Veins can be felt with the finger but do not play any major role in the burn of the cigar. All this rough looking dark tobacco is topped off with an elegant white band that screams for attention.

Draw: Ladies and gentleman we have perfection at its finest. The Di Fazio Maduro cigar can be smoked with a punch or cut and will provide you a great amount of nice smooth smoke.

Burn: The Di Fazio burned slightly jagged and created a peppery ash that held quite well.

Flavor: As of lately most Maduro cigars seem to produce the same sweet, coating, boring smoke that we do not find interesting in the least bit. This is exactly what the Di Fazio Maduro is not.

This Di Fazio Maduro produces a flavor profile that is best described as oaky with a very smooth clean smoke. There is no variation in this from start to finish. However towards the middle of the cigar, after it warms up a bit, you will start to get a dry chocolate taste that compliments the profile and keeps the cigar interesting. In the final section your smoke will get a slight hint of spice that may only be noticeable on the retro-hale or the lingering smoke hits your nose.

Again, not being a fan of Madruo cigars I have to compliment Di Fazio for not following the same sweetened beaten down path. To be quite frank – if we was forced to create a maduro cigar (if only we had the chance)  this is exactly what we would create.

Final Verdict: Di Fazio Maduro robusto has a retail price tag in the $8 dollar range and should absolutely be purchased. This is not the typical madruo you will find at your local B&M and would be a unique addition to any humidor. A smooth clean cigar with an oaky body that produces mountains of smoke can, and will, leave a smile on your face.  After fully reviewing both the Connecticut and the Picoso cigars I can say that Di Fazio is on the right track to stardom by creating cigar lines that do not fit the typical mold.

Construction: I always find my self staring at the blond silky wrapper as it sits nestled between the dark maduros in the humidor. The Di Fazio Connecticut is smooth with minimal veins that can barley be felt with the fingers. There is just the right amount of tobacco that gives the Di Fazio Connecticut some weight but leaves a slightly spongy feel.

Draw: With just the right amount of resistance this Di Fazio Connecticut creates mountains of smoke. This is the type of cigar that can be punched, cut or even bitten (if your in a jam).

Burn: The Di Fazio Connecticut has no issues burning down to the nub. On some of the Di Fazio Connecticut cigars the burn became slightly jagged but self correcting. So if you are a perfectionist you may want to keep a lighter near by. The ash was thick and white but some of the stogies did a little “self-ashing” at every inch to inch and a half. Overall I would say the Di Fazio Connecticut did a great job burning and we did nothing extra to correct the jagged lines (again self correcting).

Flavor: It’s always tough to sit down and go into detail on any type of mild, smooth Connecticut cigar. The reason being is that the good cigars, such as the Di Fazio Connecticut, will always be constant while enhancing the other flavor profiles introduced with beverages or food.

We can say that the Di Fazio Connecticut has a very unique taste you may not find on other cigars in this category. It starts out with a grassy taste that finishes with a creamy smoke.  You will then get a smooth wheat profile that again finishes with a creamy smoke that coats your palate.

So in short the Di Fazio Connecticut is a grassy/wheat consistent cigar that produces lots of creamy smooth smoke.

Final Verdict: Di Fazio Connecticut retails in the $7-8 range. This is truly a unique Connecticut cigar that stands out in the market and is a gem to keep in the humidor. You can smoke this in the morning, to enhance any drinks or when you feel experiencing something unique.A new smoker will enjoy the smoothness and creamy smoke while the advanced will cherish its unique wheat like profile. Buy a box (24) or you can even buy the half boxes (12) Di Fazio makes. You will not be bored, you will not be sorry and this is a Connecticut you have to pick up before the secrete is out.

Construction: The CAO Gold Vintage Cremant is a beautiful cigar (maybe because of the cool bands CAO always uses). It has a spongy firm feel to the touch and no veins can be felt with the hands. A light oily sheen covers the CAO making it impossible to see the wrapper lines in this caramel colored stick.

Draw: The CAO Gold Vintage has a perfect draw that some people might find a bit too easy. On the multiple cigars we have smoked we never had any burn hot on us. We suggest starting with a punch so you can gauge how easy or hard the cigar draws for you.

Burn: A few of the CAO Gold Vintage Cremant cigars needed a just a little touch up during the smoking process. It was not major enough to consider it a problem but keep a lighter near by. The ash was also inconsistent, some cigars had a great ash that stayed on while the others fell at every opportunity.

Flavor: The CAO Gold Vintage Cremant is one of the most delightful and consistent toro sized cigars we have smoked in a long time. On first light you are introduced to a very light sweet tobacco that has some nutty characteristics. The sweetness is a mixture of vanilla and caramel that is only amplified by the creamy smoke on the finish. The final component is a very nice spice that leaves you craving for more.

Towards the middle of the cigar, and consistent to the end, the nutty notes have warmed the Gold Vintage up. As the cigar is now smoking in the medium body range you will still get the caramel, the vanilla and perhaps a slight floral taste. The spice on the CAO has also changed and subdued a bit but the creamy finish still remains.

Drinking a coffee, espresso or any morning drink will only increase the enjoyment the CAO Gold Vintage brings. Thus making the cigar perfect for a morning start or paired with a light meal.

Final Verdict: CAO Gold Vintage Cremant retails in the $8-9 range. This is a cigar that everyone should try, buy and keep in their humidor. It pairs well with drinks and makes a perfect start to the day. The cigar also has qualities that usually do well with time, so hide this in your humidor and see how it does. It’s mild and complex enough that new smokers will enjoy it with ease and the seasoned aficionado will enjoy the subtle touches. Pick the CAO Gold Vintage up while you can and let us know your experience!

Construction: The Cameroon wrapper on the CAO Flavours has some medium sized veins running the length of the cigar. Veins on the Flavours will not effect the perfect burn of the cigar. Like most chopped filled cigars the CAO Flavours may feel a little soft in some places but do not worry as the cigar holds up like a champ.

Draw: The CAO Flavours Petite Corona provides the perfect draw with just a tad bit of resistance. Please remember to keep a cutter handy as the CAO Flavours Petite Corona is too small to punch.

Burn: Much like the other premium cigars CAO creates – the CAO Flavours produce a perfect burn. The ash is a bright white but is flaky due to being chopped tobacco. The ash will have a tendency to fall off and land in your lap with just a bit of movement. This problem is easily solved by ashing the cigar by yourself after a few puffs. Burn is very cool on this smaller cigar and will not leave you with a bitter taste.

Flavor: We aren’t going to go through all the CAO Flavours cigars. We simply do not need to because the wrapper does a very good job of telling you what your palate will experience. For example: The Cherrybomb has a primary flavor of cherry, the caramel have primary hints of caramel and the different variations of vanilla taste like vanilla.

The Cameroon wrapper is slightly sweet and pairs really well with any flavor that you decide to smoke. The Dominican filler is smooth and, again, compliments the wrapper and primary flavor chosen. These are all around light cigars that anyone can and will enjoy. They can be smoked as a dessert cigar, a morning cigar, or anytime you just want to give your palate a sweet treat.

Final Verdict: The cigar retails for about $5.xx and can be found online in the $3.xx range. These are the type of cigars that everyone should have (at least a couple) in their humidor. It is the perfect cigar to give out in social gatherings that every person can truly enjoy. Let’s not forget it is also good for the experienced smoker who wants to take a quick break away from the “usual” and give their palate a nice treat. The CAO Flavours are the best flavored cigar on the market and the quality can not be matched, so buy a box and keep these handy. However, please remember that the CAO Flavours should not be kept in the same storage area as your regular cigars. The Flavours can, and will, infuse both the cedar and other sticks. So as long as you can keep the cigars separate – then buy a box and enjoy the delight!