The E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut marks the beginning of the expansion of the E.P. Carrillo line. This introduces a Connecticut Shade wrapper cigar into the E.P. Carrillo portfolio. One of the challenges of any Connecticut Shade cigar is finding a good balance of flavor against what typically is a mild strength smoke. The E.P. […]
Cigar Review: Illusione Singulare Phantom 2010
William Cooper Reviews, Uncategorized 1 Comment Illusione, Memorable, Review
Earlier this month, when I reviewed the lIlusione 88 Candela, I made the comment that I had not paid enough attention to Dion Giolito’s Illusione line. I have another confession to make – while I feel Illusione has some the highest quality cigars out there, they just have not fit in with my taste profile. […]
Event Recap: La Gloria Cubana Serie N Virtual Smoke
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments Events, General, La Gloria Cubana
Last night was pretty busy night from my perspective as I attended a terrific Oliveros event at Outland Cigars in Charlotte, NC. However, I really wanted to make a point to catch the webcast of the La Gloria Cubana Serie N virtual smoke featuring Team La Gloria Cubana (Michael Giannini, director of marketing; Rick Rodriguez, […]
Cigar Review: Savinelli Special Selection 2005
William Cooper Reviews, Uncategorized No Comments Memorable, Review, Savinelli
Last month, I got my introduction to Savinelli Cigars and when I sampled the Savinelli Nicaragua Reserve, I really enjoyed it. Therefore, I was pretty excited to sample more from the Savinelli line. This time I was fortunate enough to try the Savinelli Special Selection 2005. After enjoying this blend, I raised the question – […]
Cigar Pre-Review: Pre-Release of the Swag Limitado 99
William Cooper Pre-Review, Uncategorized No Comments Oliveros, Pre-Review
Swag Limitado 99 Pre-Release In my motto – “it’s all about the cigars – the smoke, the craft, and the people”, it really is the people that make the cigar industry the best industry in the world. Over the past few months, I’ve gotten to meet some great people. Fabian Barrantes, Director/VP of Marketing of […]
Virtual Event: La Gloria Cubana Serie N Day is TONIGHT
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments Events, General, La Gloria Cubana
If you have been following my ramblings, you know that 2010 was La Gloria Cubana’s year – they were the only brand to have three cigars in my Top 20 for Cigar of the Year. Much of what I liked was the innovation that was demonstrated by “Team La Gloria Cubana” (Team La Gloria members […]
Pleasure Police Green Alert: Maryland Cigar Tax Increase Appears to be Dead
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments CRA, Green Alert, Pleasure Police
It’s been a great month for cigars with all of the new releases coming out. It’s important not to take our eyes off the Pleasure Police though. Glynn Loope, Executive Director for the Cigar Rights of America posted an important post for all cigar enthusiasts nationwide – the proposed Maryland cigar tax increase appears to […]
Cigar Review: Avo Limited Edition 2011 85th Anniversary (Avo LE11)
William Cooper Reviews, Uncategorized No Comments AVO, Davidoff, Memorable, Review
The time has come. If you have followed my ramblings, you know I was a huge fan of the Avo LE10. In fact, I named it my 2010 Cigar of the Year. When talk of the Avo LE11 began hitting the internet, I was excited. There was no question – I had to try this […]
Cigar Preview: Update – La Palina El Diario (Details at Smoking Hot Cigar Chick)
William Cooper Uncategorized 2 Comments 2011 Preview, La Palina
One cigar line that has been really garnering a lot of attention is the new La Palina El Diario – meaning “everyday smoke”. La Palina’s William Paley is intending this to be a cigar that one can reach for as a quality everyday cigar. Unlike the current Family Series and 1896 lines which are produced […]
Cigar Review: Perdomo Cuban Bullet v2.0 Cuban Seed Sun Grown
William Cooper Reviews, Uncategorized 1 Comment Nice to Have, Perdomo, Review
As I follow various cigar brands and the people behind them, when it comes to Perdomo Cigars there is no question about their commitment to bring a quality product to the marketplace. I’ve witnessed Nick Perdomo’s care and commitment first hand, and from a consumer point of view, he’s done a great job at providing […]