Brand evangelist, digital marketer, cigar and spirits expert specializing in consumer tasting and educational events. Matthias made the long trek from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2007, and in nine years has hosted more than 120 events and helped promote and launch dozens of cigar and whiskey brands in the U.S. In 2016, he joined the Cigar Journal Tasting Panel, blind-reviewing pre and new release cigars.
You New York readers will probably relate to the “Thing I love about New York #758”: discovering that a great new hole-in-the-wall restaurant/coffee shop has opened up near you. On my way to work in Midtown recently, I found this gem of a coffee/tea shop called Cafe Galet (33rd between Park and Madison Ave). They have a great selection of European style teas and coffees, as well as some really fantastic pastries. Prices are great, the shop has a fantastic vibe, and the owner is very nice.
It isn’t often that you find a great neighborhood shop. Almost makes me want to light up a cigar and sit outside with a cup of their coffee, which is brewed strong and smooth. One of the best cups of coffee you will find in Midtown (and I’ve been here 5 years).
Since the beginning of the summer, a lot of dust has been kicked up around the proposed FDA regulation of the premium cigar industry. In our “Cigar Wars” series, we’ve been tracking the movement on the blogosphere of discussions surrounding the FDA regulations.
By far, the biggest story to hit the web so far is “Cigar Lovers to FDA: A Cigar Isnt’ Just a Cigar” by the Associated Press’s Michael Felberbaum. From what I can tell, the story has been picked up by dozens, possibly hundreds of news outlets around the country. So word is getting around.
And now it’s beginning to hit some of the more political bloggers, like this post in the Washington Post called “FDA to regulate fine cigars, but opponents say stogies breed bipartisanship.” The basic argument is held in the title: protect cigars, because they’re the only thing that will bring the two parties together.
Indeed. No other ‘great equalizer’ seems to work. Maybe that’s the strongest argument yet for keeping premium cigars and their tradition protect.
Who knows – maybe the same argument will work for exempting Cuban cigars from the embargo!
The Supreme Court today upheld the majority of President Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act in a ruling today. You can read the full decision here – but careful, it’s almost 200 pages. I’ll be taking the next few days to read the full ruling and try to digest it.
Essentially, though, the Court has argued that the law is not constitutional on the grounds originally argued by the President’s administration: the Interstate Commerce Clause. Even so, Congress (apparently) has the ability under its authority to tax to use taxes to force Americans to buy insurance.
I’m skeptical, but open minded.
Will you be smoking a cigar to celebrate this ruling tonight? And what, if anything, do you think this decision means for cigar smokers in the U.S.?
Every now and again, a new cigar on the market really adds a bit of creativity to the spectrum of cigars and breaks the mold. This is the case with the Viaje C-4. I was originally turned on to this cigar by Billy at Cigar Inn, and after being a bit skeptical decided to give it a try. Having not smoked this cigar yet, I’m curious to see how it matches up with its $15 price point. I’ll also admit I’m a bit intimidated by the cigar. This is a white label project cigar, meaning very limited edition, and knowing Viaje’s tendency for full flavor and spice, C-4 could be a kick in the mouth. Blend Specifics
Size : 5 x 56 box press
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Corojo ‘99
Filler : Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Appearance & Construction
The first thing you’ll notice about this cigar, aside from the plain white label loudly declaring “C-4” is the fascinating rectangular box press shape. You’ll also notice that both ends are capped, requiring a rare double-cut. Aside from that the cigar is constructed well, with a good draw. Prelight draw reveals heavy spice, granola, and leather.
Then I run into a surprise. As I’m inspecting the cigar, I find what appears to be a piece of grass sticking out of the wrapper, so I give it a tug and find that it runs under the leaf around the cigar. It appears (pictured below) to be a piece of plastic that was missed. What a bummer for any cigar smoker who accidentally smoked that plastic, and what a bummer for Viaje to have the probably one C-4 with plastic inside to be sold to a cigar reviewer.
Huh??
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
This cigar kicks off with loads of leather and spice. Not a whole lot else to report there. But about half an inch in, the smoke calms down a bit and the leather becomes prominent, which I’m happy about. I really enjoy the leather profile and have noticed it in other Viaje cigars.
Around halfway (this is a slow-smoking cigar), the smoke remains smooth and I pick up just a hint of honey, which pairs pretty nicely with the leather. The burn is beginning to skew a bit, requiring a few touchups.
Conclusion
For the price, this cigar just isn’t worth it. Though I’m a fan of Viaje Cigars, they’ll really have to outperform if they are going to sell their sticks at $10+. BUT, if you are a big fan of the smoky, leathery profile, you might give this stick a try.
Michael Herklots, Executive Director of Retail and Brand Development at Nat Sherman, recently delivered the keynote address at Killingly Highschool. Herklots has been a major supporter of the Killingly High School Career Pathways Program, a program which offers students the chance to explore different career paths while still in highschool.
Those who know Herklots know that he loves to give back to the community. Every year, for example, he hosts a large fundraiser. This year, he raised $70,000 for the KHS Career Pathways Program.
During his speech, Herklots encouraged students to embrace the excitement that comes with advancing into new career territory. “You may learn that where you plan on going isn’t where you end up,” he explained.
