Cigar Reviews: CAO Flathead Steel Horse

If CAO was not diverse enough within its wide variety of lines, they have created this beastly smoke, a slight variation of its cousins in the Flathead line. Designed with bikers in mind, CAO offers the Steel Horse in individual boxes for easy transport. Make sure you have a punch cutter handy because this cap is flatter than the roadkill you just struck on your twin turbo chopper.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://caocigars.com/

Cigar Events: The Heights Cigar Shop Soft Opening

On Saturday September 3rd of 2016, The Heights Cigar Shop opened its doors to the local cigar smoking community for their soft opening.

-Co-Owner Benny Blanchard stands out front to greet any and all cigar smokers to his shop.

The following are only a few pictures of a new shop located in the Seminole Heights area of Tampa.

Cigar Reviews: Victor Calvo Habano

Victor Calvo Premium Cigars is a Florida local manufacture located in the city of Opa-locka. This boutique company has blanketed the entire state so be sure to keep an eye out if you are in the region. Their cigars are hand rolled in Tabacalera Tambor de Esteli, so these sticks come right from the source of tobacco growing heaven.

Link to the Manufacture site:

Victor Calvo Cigars

Meet The Rep: Heather Payne of Drew Estate

How did you become a representative for the Drew Estate cigar company?

I called Rex Snyder, the former Territory rep, when I heard he got promoted, and asked him if I could throw my hat in the ring. I then sent him my resume and proceeded to stalk him at all his local events.  My zealous persistence, sparkling personality and special level of crazy made me a perfect fit for the Drew Estate Island of misfit toys.

Cigar Films: Smoking History: Lighting Up 1982 Cohibas

-Credit: Smoking History: Lighting Up 1982 Cohibas

This is the real deal. David Savona, executive editor, and Gregory Mottola, senior editor, of Cigar Aficionado Magazine light up two cigars that will make any smoker jealous.

Cigar Review: Last Call by A.J. Fernandez

“It is the perfect cigar to start the day alongside a shot of Cuban coffee, as a quick smoke during time spent between the farms and factory, and is a great way to end the evening with family and friends.” -Abdel Fernandez, Founder of A.J. Fernandez

Until March of 2016 the only way you would be able to smoke this cigar is if you were given one. The man dealing out the sticks pre-release was none other than Abdel Fernandez, founder of A.J. Fernandez. Fernandez would give these exclusive cigars to a lucky few at Monday and Thursday night NFL games. After seeing the enjoyment on all the cigar smoker's faces Abdel decided to put them into production. They are the first of a brand new line coming to the company titled Portfolio Series. The Last Call is also a Brick & Mortar Exclusive.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://ajfernandezcigars.com/

Cigar Review: Barracuda by Gran Habano

Gran Habano has produced, yet again, another great cigar. The Barracuda is hand made and rolled in Miami in the company's new factory, S.T.K. Miami, and is superintended by George A. Rico. This cigar lives up to its name and you will understand why by the end of this review.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://www.ghcigars.com/

Smoker Profile: Thomas "Postman" Post

What was your first cigar experience?

First cigar experience ... Wow! That was quite some time ago. Let's see, I was about 25 at the time and playing a round of golf with friends.

Cigar Review: Platino by Cordoba & Morales

Cordoba & Morales is a company that has deep roots in Cuba and has been more than a century in the making. C&M derives its name from Azarias Mustafa Cordoba's, the owner's, grandmother Celestina Cordoba y Morales and they credit their knowledge to her. Celestina grew up a tobacco farmer and taught Cordoba how to continue his family's tradition.

Smoker Profile: Bob Dixon

What was your first cigar experience?

Sad to say AyC Grenadiers Coronas Light Cigars they come in a 5 pack and cost about $4 tried them a few years ago just to walk down memory lane, I threw them all out, they were terrible.

Cigar Review: Kentucky Fire Cured MUWAT by Drew Estate

There is little chance that you have not heard of Drew Estate's Kentucky Fire Cured cigar. This stick has accumulated a cult following since its release in December of 2013. After two and a half years of testing and smoking this cigar has definitely gained attention but does it live up to the hype?

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://drewestate.com/

Cigar Review: Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Barbershop Pole (2016)

“This year, I wanted to create a totally different version of the Filthy Hooligan... The 2016 blend will have a much wider appeal, and those who loved the two previous versions will not be disappointed; this is no ordinary candela.” -Alec Rubin, president of Alec Bradley. This very unique seasonal cigar is definitely an eye catcher. The Filthy Hooligan Barbershop Pole that came out this year marks the 4th "green" themed cigar that the company has created for the Saint Patrick's Day holiday. 

Link to the Manufacture site:
http://alecbradley.com/

Smoker Profile: Marcia Norvell

What was your first cigar experience?

At an advanced age (for this profession) I graduated from a class of 53 people, only three women. Median age was 27. I, was 42. After 4 years of apprenticeship program of school as well as work, I wanted to celebrate in style and class! Cigars were hot then, so purchased three boxes of cigars. Shared with each and every graduate, as well as my supervisors that attended. Was, a momentous occasion, to say the least. It was a Cuesta Rey Aristocrat. A lovely first start. 

Cigar Pictures: Black and White

-One of my first cigar pictures from late 2012

The following pictures are of various cigars that I have smoked in the past months put together in a Black and White Series.

Cigar Review: Xikar HC Series Maduro2

Xikar, yes the name synonymous with great cutters and lighters, created the HC Series in 2008. The HC Maduro2 uses the same fillers as the Habano2 but utilizes a Pennsylvanian Broadleaf Maduro wrapper giving it deeper flavors and an added strength.

Link to the Manufacture site:
https://www.xikar.com/

Smoker Profile: Nicholas Parsons

What was your first cigar experience?

I think my first cigar experience, I was five. My dad came home from vacation and was unpacking his sea-bag. And inside was a box of Dutch Masters cigars. I remember when he had one, that it was a distinctive smell, different from his cigarettes. An enjoyable scent.

Events: The FCC Meet and Greet

Put together by Thomas Post, D Bear Allen (above), Blaine Rodenbaugh, and myself, this cigar event was the first Florida Cigar Club event for the local members in the Tampa Bay Area. Fun times, good beer, great cigars, and more then enough jokes were shared by the guests.

Smoker Profile: Jim Whitney

What was your first cigar experience?

Hav-a-Tampa, in the mid 90's...95, I think.

Cigar Review: Phenom No. 3 from FQ Cigars

FQ Cigars, or Fernandez Ouiroga Cigars, is a small boutique brand that has gained a lot of traction since their start in 2013. The owner, Matt Hunt, comes from a family history of tobacco farmers and individuals that selected only the best tobacco for cigars in Cuba. Combining his passion of cigars and his roots in the industry, Matt Hunt created this brand to stand for cigars that are rolled by only the finest tobaccos.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://www.fqcigars.com/

Smoker Profile: EXCLUSIVE Matthew Hunt (Owner of FQ Cigars)

What was your first cigar experience?

My first cigar experience was on a cruise with my brother where we had a Cuban in one of the lounges on board. It was an awful cigar but I fell in love with the feeling smoking a cigar gave me.

Cigar Films: The Cigar Connoissuer

-Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWiZ43q7iQU

Click to watch: The Cigar Connoisseur

The Cigar Connoisseur is a beautifully filmed and edited short movie that delves into a New York City cigar smoker's world. Marv Russell shares his thoughts and opinions of what cigar smoking means to him and others as he smokes in his favorite shop, NYC Fine Cigars.

Cigar Review: Persian King by Gran Habano

Miami based company, Gran Habano, has been a family tradition for four generations. With roots back to 1920, this cigar company created its factory in Honduras in 1998 which kicked off its entrance into the premium cigar market.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://www.ghcigars.com/

Smoker Profile: Blaine Rodenbaugh

What was your first cigar experience?

My first cigar experience was back in the early 80's with my best friend who smoked Dutch Masters Cameroon Elites. Back then insurance companies didn't consider

Shop Spotlight: Cutter's Cigar

Cutter's Cigars 

Interview with: Alex Bliss

-Alex Bliss opened Cutter's Cigar in October of 2015

Cigar Review: Alec Bradley American Classic Blend

The Alec Bradley Cigar Company was surprisingly erected in one of the worst times to start a cigar brand. In 1996, the cigar industry was filled to the brim with so many companies due to the cigar boom that started in the early 90's. Through years of fumbling through Alan Rubin, the owner, crashed through the market and produced the Tempus line in 2007. The rest, as they say, is history.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://alecbradley.com/

Cigar Review: Camacho Triple Maduro

Exiled from Cuba in 1961, Simon Camacho went to Miami and started his own brand of cigar. His cigars were mutually enjoyed all over the U.S. and worldwide, one of his biggest fans happened to be one Winston Churchill. The brand was aquired by the Eiora family in 1995 and now is part of the Davidoff group.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://camachocigars.com/

Smoker Profile: D Bear Allen

What was your first cigar experience?

My first cigars were Backwoods. I was 18 (40 years ago) and I liked to fish the rivers in Ohio. The cigars kept all the bugs away,

Cigar Review: Corojo Oscuro by J Fuego

J Fuego is a brand that was created in 2006 and has roots dating back to 1876 with the family's leaf growing company in Cuba. The family moved to Central America in 1995 where they rolled many cigars for an array of different companies. For the past ten years, Jesus Fuego has rolled and sold their own brand with many lines and blends.

Link to the Manufacture site:

http://www.jfuego.com/default.aspx

Smoker Profile: Anthony Intelisano

What was your first cigar experience? 

A buddy of mine came over to my apartment smoking a cigar. I was 20 years old at the time and had no exposure to cigars. My only experience smoking anything was trying a cigarette from a friend in high school, which was not enjoyable and I didn't see the point in them. So out of curiosity I questioned him about cigars till he said next time he'll bring me one. They say you never forget your first cigar, but sadly I never paid attention to the label. I lit it up and remember the overwhelming pepper taste. I thought to myself, wow this is really good!

Smoker Profile: Steve McClelland (Owner of Smoker's Paradise of Clearwater)

What was your first cigar experience?

When I was 18 most of my friends smoked cigarettes, but I never did because I don't care for the smell of cigarette smoke. Then a new friend I met was smoking a small wood tip cigar, and I thought it smelled pretty good. The cigar was a Black & Mild. I asked if I could have one and he said yes. I enjoyed the aroma much more than cigarettes. This caused me to explore the world of cigars to see what I was missing out on. It's been a long time since I smoked a Black & Mild, but I still remember how I used to enjoy them when I was a novice cigar smoker.

Smoker Profile: David Colon (Co-Founder of Cigars Guns & Whiskey)

What was your first cigar experience?

My first cigar experience was on a business trip to Toronto during the summer of 1996. A colleague of mine who had been smoking cigars for quite some time, invited me to go with him to a local Tobacco store by the name of Thomas Hinds Tobacconist. Not only was this my first exposure to cigars, but it was my introduction to genuine Habanos. It was there that I purchased my very first Cohiba Siglo VI, for which I paid about a day's per-diem for one stick, due to the exorbitant taxes on tobacco in Canada. While it was my first time smoking and I didn't really know what I was doing, I quickly got the hang of it and started enjoying that amazing smoke. It was at that moment that my passion for fine cigars began to evolve and it has been a never ending love story ever since. 

Shop Spotlight: Smoker's Paradise of Clearwater

Smoker's Paradise of Clearwater

Interview with Steve McClelland

-The Smoker's Paradise of Clearwater takes a unique spin on it's logo and store sign

Cigar Review: New World by AJ Fernandez

This 2014 winner of Cigar Journal's Cigar of the Year award is rolled in the AJ Fernandez factory located in Esteli, Nicaragua. This cigar is rolled with 100% Nicaraguan leafs from the areas of Esteli, Ometepe, Condega, and Jalapa.

Link to the Cigar:

http://ajfernandezcigars.com/cigars/new-world/

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Smoker Profile: Bruce Gallagher (Co-Founder of Cigars Guns & Whiskey)

What was you first cigar experience? 

A friend of mine at work turned me on to cigars after I saw some books in his office.
He recommended that I visit Cigars International and start with a sampler pack and humidor setup. I think the whole thing ran me $45 shipped with 10 sticks. The first one I tried was the Cohiba Red Dot in Robusto, while I didn’t know anything about cigars or the cigar culture I did like this stick nice and creamy taste, etc. 

Smoker Profile: Mike Palmer (President of The Florida Cigar Club)

What was your first cigar experience?

Bought a bag of Backwoods with some older guys I was working with at in a warehouse. I was about 18 then, bought me a 40oz beer and that was lunch.

Smoker Profile: Ric "Ranger Ric" Berger

What was your first cigar experience?

My first cigar was many, many years back. It was in the beginning of my military career. All I recall is that it was good but I had to "cup the cherry" haha. I cannot remember the name or what it was, but it tasted great and smoked steady.

Smoker Profile: John Ferguson

What was your first cigar experience?

My boss gave me my first real cigar, to help with me stressing over my son having tests done on him.

Shop Spotlight: Coming Soon

There is a new section coming soon to The Smokemaster Blog. I will be interviewing, highlighting, and showing how cool the cigar shop that I will be spotlighting is.

Smoker Profile: Forrest Buhrmaster

What was your first cigar experience?

The first time I had a cigar it was two days before my 18th birthday and my father took my down to Ybor. I was incredibly excited to see what smoking a cigar would be like and could not wait. When we arrived we walked down 7th Avenue and went into a the tiny hand rolled shop next King Corona, at the time I had no idea what the shops were in that area.

Cigar Review: Carlos Torano Noventa Santiago

The Carlos Torano Noventa cigar was produced in 2006 as a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the company which started in 1916. 

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Welcome

Welcome,

My name is The Smokemaster and thank you for visiting my blog. The Smokemaster Blog will contain content regarding the fantastic hobby that is cigar smoking. Posts that you will see on this blog will embrace current news about the cigar industry and the local cigar community, my personal cigar reviews, and anything else I believe is worth sharing. More content will be posted soon so make sure you check back regularly.

Thank you,
The Smokemaster