After seeing this beautiful cigar, simply labeled “Sublimes,” at Hoboken Cigars a few times, I knew I had to give it a try. Maybe I’m just a suck for a good aesthetic. In any case, after first smoking this stick at an FTNYC event at Hoboken Cigar, I grabbed another to give a more proper review. Paired with this cigar was a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, a 3/4 lbs steak, and some nice traditional Argentine tango music. The review is below, but first a bit from the Sublimes website:
“Having been sold mostly in South Florida since 2004, our decision to go national was the only natural retort to the years of mounting local demand and popularity. Skillfully hand-crafted in Little Havana, Miami, the end result is a cigar boasting a complex array of flavors that come together to produce an excellent medium to full bodied smoke. Sublimes cigars are truly the epitome of taste and excellence.”
Most notable on this cigar is the gorgeous band – off white with elegant gold lettering, suggesting a sort of Latin sophistication. The color of the wrapper is a slightly dark, natural brown. The wrapper has lots of oil, and a bit of plume. Construction wise, the cigar is pretty much flawless, weighing well in the hand and with a well placed triple cap. The draw is perfect.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
This cigar opens up with smooth, slightly spicy smoke that hangs a bit on the tip of the tongue. Prominent notes are citrus, cedar, and as others have noted, hints of floral. As the cigar moves into the second third, a bit of black and white pepper are added into the mix. The cigar is medium to full bodied. At about halfway, the citrus really picks up. If this flavor sounds odd to you, imagine a dark chocolate that is married to orange peel. This profile has the same type of combo and is really enjoyable. The final third isn’t too notable, but as you can tell below, I smoked this till my fingers got singed. The ash held straight and tight all the way through.
Conclusion
Pick two or three of these sticks up. If you live in New York City, I’d suggest making the short trek to Hoboken Cigars to grab a few. This cigar would be good for veterans and novices alike.
The American cigar community continues its revolt against the FDA’s overreaching regulations. Michael Felberbaum explains for the Associated Press today what the regulations will likely look like:
“If it’s anything like the FDA’s regulation of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, that could mean banning certain flavors, requiring new health warnings, limiting the sizes and shapes of cigars, or imposing restrictions for marketing, advertising and retail sales. Cigars also may be restricted from being sold separately and the agency also could limit the amount of nicotine in the products.”
He goes on to describe the effect on the cigar industry in the United States.
“The premium cigar industry argues any number of the potential restrictions could hurt both cigar makers and specialty tobacco stores, whose products make up only a small fraction of tobacco sales, don’t pose the same concerns as cigarettes, and the range of sizes and shapes of cigars makes across-the-board standards almost impossible.”
He continues,
“Cass and Spann have joined with others in the cigar industry to seek a change in Congress to protect premium hand-rolled cigars from FDA regulation and save 85,000 small business jobs around the country. Resolutions in both the House and the Senate remain in committee.
In the House, the resolution sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, a Republican from Florida — home to many of the nation’s premium cigar makers — has gained more than 200 co-sponsors. The Senate resolution, sponsored by Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, also from Florida, has more than 10 co-sponsors.”
This Man O’ War cigar was given to me as a gift a few months ago. A.J Ferdenez is the blender behind the Man O’ War. I am relaxing on my favorite couch with a cup of coffee while I inspect the cigar.
The Man O’ War is well constructed with a toothy wrapper. The cigar is firm to the touch with no soft spots signaling that the Man O’ War should burn well. A modern label complements the thick oily habano wrapper with a gold Spartan helmet, black background with red and white, and “Man O’ War” in bold white below the helmet. Sweet spice and wood were dominant on the cigar’s foot. I used a straight cut and the cold draw was firm with flavors of pepper, earth, and wood. After lighting the foot, the aroma produced nuts and spice.
Taste and Smoking Characteristics
Upon lighting the cigar, the opening flavors were peanuts and spice followed by large plumes of smoke. Vanilla, anise, and cinnamon appear in the flavor profile balancing the cigar’s focus on spice.
The Man O’ War begins to calm down some as the spice retreats to the background. Flavors of bread and honey complement the other kitchen spices that are taking the forefront. On the retrohale spice dominates. There is a white ash that hold to 2” with an even burn.
The cigar is creamy marinating with distinctive spices. Cardamom and nutmeg emerge among the other baking spices with maple concluding a smooth finish on the palate. These additional flavors compliment and further the complexity of the Man O’ War.
Conclusion
I was very impressed with the Man O’ War’s complexity. The bouquet of cooking spices balance the sweet flavors in this medium-full bodied cigar. The Man O’ War reminds me of perusing my spice cabinet with the array of spices in this gustatory cigar. Overall, I highly recommend finding your inner Spartan warrior with a Man O’ War.
Anyone that knows me, knows that I could (and do) talk at length about the amazing camaraderie and generosity of the cigar industry. I say it often, I’ve never met a jerk who was a cigar guy.
The first questions I am often asked by new or novice cigar enthusiasts in regards to humidors and cigar care are:
Will they stay fresh?
How long do cigars stay fresh/last?
What is the best way to keep cigars fresh?
I answer in a series of questions that will help me pick the right storage method for this particular person:
How often do you enjoy a cigar?
How many cigars do you anticipate storing at once?
Do you plan on storing boxes?
Do you plan on ordering cigars by mail?
A cigar humidor is a product that can be bought easily, but in order to get the best out of the cigars you plan to keep in it, you really should cater the humidor to the intended use. If a person is looking for a humidor for home and plans to enjoy a cigar about once per week, a small (25-75 cigar capacity) humidor will be perfect. That person won’t smoke frequently enough to need to keep a selection and supply on hand, so why by a humidor that is too large? Additionally, maintaining a humidor that is too large for your anticipated inventory is difficult and inconsistent.
Another person might be looking for a humidor for his/her office and likes to light up several times per week, and they share. I would recommend a medium sized humidor with a capacity between 100 and 200. This way, you could store 10 cigars in 20 different varieties if you like. More than enough room for someone who occasionally buys or is gifted boxes, and can handle adding a dozen sticks at a time or more.
If you do not currently own a humidor, that may be the best investment in your hobby. Humidors will last for decades if cared for. Small, quality desktop models with capacities starting at about 25 cigars could be had for as low as $50. Larger humidor capacities carry larger price tags. High end, premium humidors can cost $5K or more.
What to remember when buying a humidor: Choose function over style. Choose quality over size/capacity. A smaller humidor will be easier to maintain than a larger one. Most casual smokers will be served by a humidor with a capacity of 100 or less – Built-in hygrometers are rarely good. Do not get suckered in by a nice one. Choose the humidor for where it will be kept, match decor if possible
Why are they made of wood? All quality wood humidors are made using a specific type of wood. Spanish Cedar is universally recognized as the best wood to store, maintain and age cigars. Spanish Cedar’s natural properties have special significance to cigars; the wood retains a high amount of moisture, while releasing little to no aroma. Cigars absorb the aromas of their surroundings and can then impart that ingredient into the taste of the cigar.
How long will cigars last if kept in a maintained humidor? Indefinitely. On a recent trip to Camp Camacho in Jamastran, Honduras (Central America), I had the opportunity to speak (through an interpreter) with Sandra Ochoa, General Manager for Camacho Cigars and one of the most knowledgable women I have ever met in the industry. Sandra stated that through using the traditional (2+ centuries old) tobacco process, the majority of impurities are removed from the tobacco leaf. Impurities are what cause a tobacco leaf to become stale and lose it’s flavor/potency. Sandra stated that if a premium hand rolled cigar ever gets dry or becomes brittle, it can be revived to it’s former glory by keeping it in a humidor until it’s moisture & sponginess returns. Needless to say, it may take some time to revive a dry cigar, but it all starts with the right environment.
What is the ideal environment to store cigars? Almost generally, the 70/70 rule applies for storing and aging premium hand rolled tobacco. 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% relative humidity are ideal for tobacco. There is of course some preference to this rule, you can adjust the RH% up to 5% either way, same as the temperature, vor varying results.
Tobacco Aging? What are you talking about? Tobacco is a natural product that lives, breathes and ages. Cigars are loaded with natural sugars and oils that supply the cigar with flavor, strength, character and the foundation to improve with age. Freshly rolled cigars are not a delicacy, a 20yo cigar is. This is due to the marriage of ingredients that improve the taste and complexity of the smoke. An important item to understand about tobacco and tobacco care is that the leaf is naturally “hygroscopic” meaning it has the ability to readily draw in and release moisture from it’s environment. This traditionally has made cigars difficult to maintain.
OK, Big Ronnie, we get the broad strokes, but what do you rock? Big Ronnie’s “Babies”
Cigar Caddy – 5 Cigar (Portable) Cigar Caddy – 18 Cigar (Portable) Cigar Caddy – 40 Cigar (Portable)
Glass Top – 100 Cigar (Office) Boveda – 150 Cigar (Home)
Boveda – 150 Cigar (Home)I also have the 10 and 15 cigar sizes from Cigar Caddy somewhere, but I can’t find them. Ha.
My Portable Humidors I use my portable humidors whenever I travel, the 18ct fits nicely in my preferred carry-on bag, and the 5 stick I roll with on the daily. It fits nicely in my briefcase. The 40ct big boy is reserved for car trips when you want to bring enough to share.Typically, only the cigar obsessed will go the portable route, but once you have one, you’ll use it. You won’t feel bad about leaving the 5ct in your golf bag or glove compartment knowing that it’s humidified and your cigars inside are fine.
My Desktop Humidors I have had 3 desktop humidors since I began enjoying cigars. My first was a gift from a former business partner. I wound up over seasoning it, and it warped. Sad face. My 2 current humidors pictured below are a common glass-top humidor, and a premium desktop model made by Boveda.
Great, now I’ve a selected a humidor, but it’s dry. How do you season it and get it to the correct relative humidity (RH%)? There are at least a dozen reputable ways to keep humidors properly humidified. I have tried many over the years and despite the proliferation of propylene glycol beads, I still believe the best way to “manage” this process is with the products made by Boveda. They are small, liquid-filled packs that you simply place inside your humidor. Produced in different RH% levels of 65%, 69%, 72%, 75% and 84% (for seasoning). These packs will last at least 4-5 months in a properly seasoned humidor. They cost about $4/each and you will need between 2 and 5 for your humidor, based on capacity. You start with 1 pack for the humidor and add an additional pack for every 50 cigars your humidor holds. (i.e. 100 cigar humidor would use 3 packs). These packs are dry on the outside, and can be placed directly on your cigars, saving valuable real estate inside your humidor.
What is seasoning? The goal of your humidor isn’t only to keep your cigars fresh for smoking, but also to create an environment for aging, so you ensure that your investment in premium cigars gets even better with age. Again, there are many ways to season a humidor, but the method I prefer is also from Boveda. They make 85% RH seasoning packs specifically for preparing a humidor for cigars and humidification. The same metrics for humidification packs above apply here, except for seasoning, you need to leave the packs in your closed humidor for 2 weeks. Do not open it during this time. Once complete, load your favorite cigars and preferred RH humidification packs and you are all set.
Now I know how to buy a nice humidor, and which seasoning/humidification packs to pick, but what about cigars? That is completely up to you. The premium hand rolled cigar industry is filled with dozens of manufacturers who have wide ranges of cigars appealing to all taste palates. I would say, wander into your local cigar shop and ask anyone in there what they like. Most cigar lovers, especially ones in shops can’t wait to talk about cigars with anyone, especially women. You will be a rare commodity in a cigar shop, don’t let that stop you, guaranteed you will get personal attention.
Lame answer Ronnie, give me some recommendations! Fine fine fine, here are some of my favorite lines. I didn’t include any Cubans. Sizes are up to you.
Ashton Maduro
Camacho Liberty
Camacho Triple Maduro
Arturo Fuente Natural
Arturo Fuente Sun Grown
Padron 1926
Padron 1964
Nub Connecticut
Davidoff Colorado Claro
Drew Estate Kuba Deluxe
Drew Estate Acid Maduro
Nub Connecticut
Nub Habano
Room 101 San Andreas
OK, OK, OK, not bad (for a first article), but what’s next? In the next edition of Big Ronnie’s Cigar 101 we’ll be talking accessories! Cutters & lighters & cedar spills oh my! With BBQ season right around the corner, there will be many cigar-appropriate occasions.
I’ll be covering how to prepare and we’ll review some do’s and don’ts.
Please be sure to let me know if you have any specific questions. I’d be happy to help you pick something you or your man will like. Reach out at rparisella@gmail.com.
In recent months, my cigar smoking has taken me away from the Cigar Inn on 52nd and over to the Nat Sherman townhouse on 42nd and 5th avenue. The store now features plenty of room to sit down and enjoy your smoke, and the world-class ventilation really helps keep the smoke enjoyable. I’ve recently been on a bit of a Padron kick, so I figured I’d give the Padron 3000 a short review.
Construction & Appearance
The 3000 has a similar appearance to other Padron maduro cigars. A dark, almost rustic brown Nicaraguan wrapper with tooth, a few veins, and the standard Padron band. With this cigar you’ll also find nearly perfect burn all the way down, usually requiring no touch-ups at all. The draw is slightly loose, which can account for the power I usually get from the larger ring gauges. Off of the foot of the cigar you’ll also notice a strong natural tobacco aroma that has heavy notes of leather and spice.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
This cigar opens up with a big, dry spice, with hints of sweet tobacco and some leather. If you’ve had the 2000, 6000, 7000, etc, you know that the size and ring guage on this cigar makes a big difference in the taste. As I move further in to this cigar, it is obvious that, though not as sweet and chocolaty as the 2000, this cigar has (in my opinion) better balance of flavors than the 6000 or 7000. At about 2/3, the strength and body of this cigar continue to build, with notes of coffee, cocoa powder, spice, and leather. My only complaint smoking this stick is that it, because of the ring gauge, this cigar can be a bit overpowering.
Conclusion
This isn’t, as other reviewers have noted, a cigar for beginners. The new cigar smoker will get smoked-out very quickly. But, for the veteran, this is a must-try. I’d also recommend the 2000 series.
