Cigar Reviews: King of Kings Broadleaf by Kings Cigars

Based in Pompano Beach, Florida, Kings Cigars is a Boutique Brand with a fantastic selection to choose from. They can be found across the United States and I picked up mine from Sticks Cigars Co. in Fort Myers with the help of Owner Thomas Green.

This is one of those brands that if you see them, grab them.

Link to the Manufacture site:

kingscigars.com

The Florida Cigar Club Meet & Greet 2017

On Saturday April 8th, 2017, The Weekly Tradition put together the second annual FCC Meet & Greet for the members of the club.

Here is my coverage of the event.

Shop Spotlight: Cigar Life

Cigar Life

Interview with Patty Medina

-Cigar Life was opened by Mario and Patty Medina in January of 2017

Cigar Reviews: Powstanie Broadleaf by Cigar Hustler

Powstanie, meaning Uprising, is a two blend line from the brothers of Cigar Hustler located in Deltona, Florida. Mike and Gregg Szczepankiewicz decided to create there own cigars a few years ago and boy was that a fantastic idea. There was a bit of sibling rivalry as both came up with a blend: Gregg created the Broadleaf and Mike the Habano. They were smoked and voted on and the Habano came up ahead, but at very close margin. Thus two new cigar blends were born and the decision to release both was finalized.

Link to the Manufacture site:

Cigar Hustler

Florida Cigar Club Top 10 Cigars of 2016

For over year I have had the idea of creating a Top 10 Cigar List, but I did not want it created from just my opinions. The great thing about being a cigar smoker is the ability to share your experiences and opinions of cigars with fellow smokers. The cigar culture, whether it be virtual or in-person, is such a fantastic way to discover new cigars and friends. For 3 years now I have been apart of The Florida Cigar Club and have created so many friendships since. 2016 has been such a great year for expanding my knowledge of cigars and enjoying the company of other smokers (Shout out to my brothers of The Weekly Tradition). A few months back I was promoted to an Administrator of The FCC and said to myself, "This is the year I will finally make a Top 10 List."

With the go ahead of the great Mike Palmer, I announced the first official Florida Cigar Club Top 10 Cigar List. Contributors had the month of December to tell me their current Top 5 cigars, which I then put into a Master List.

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/