,

Introducing Ronnie Parisella – New FineTobaccoNYC Contributing Writer

0 0 3.6k

Here at FineTobaccoNYC, we’re always meeting new cigar lovers, and every once in a while we meet someone so passionate about cigars that we have to ask them to come on board with us to help promote this truly incredible passion that we share. I first met Ronnie Parisella at a cigar event out in Brooklyn and enjoyed conversing with him about New York tobacco politics and our favorite cigars. Ronnie is a representative for Cigar Rights of America, and Kelvin, Dave, James, Tim and I are glad to have him on board as a contributing writer. His knowledge of the culture, art, and politics of cigars is really impressive.

After more good conversation and shared vision, Ronnie expressed interest in writing for the site. So, look forward to seeing valuable articles from him this week and beyond.

As you can tell from his professional biography below, Ronnie is a talented businessman and a passionate cigar aficionado. Welcome to the team Ronnie!

— — —

Ronnie Parisella

Ronnie Parisella joined Power Consulting Group as the Director of Information Technology in January 2011. Power Consulting Group is an IT consulting and managed services firm founded in 1992 Based in NYC and specializing in Managed Services, Network Security and Disaster Recovery Planning for the educational and financial verticals. Power Consulting also helps its clients with federal regulatory work like HIPAA and PCI compliancy. In his role as Director of Information Technology, Mr. Parisella works with many IT industry leading companies, including Microsoft, SonicWALL, Symantec, Dell, Ingram Micro, VMWare and Hewlett Packard.

In his previous role as Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Primary Support Solutions, Mr. Parisella was responsible for the technology recommendations of such high-profile clients as Burberry, Forbes.com, The Galleon Group, National Financial Partners and Cerebus Capital Management.

Prior to founding Primary Support, Mr. Parisella was the Director of Information Technology for the New York New Media Association (NYNMA) (2000-2002). In this role, Mr. Parisella worked closely with entrepreneurs and technology leaders. At its peak, NYNMA boasted membership of over 9,000 of New York’s IT Investment community (C-Level executives, venture capitalists, angel investor and startups).

Mr. Parisella served as the Information Technology Project Manager for Scholastic Books (1998-2000). In this role he led Scholastic’s successful Y2K rollout (2,500 desktops in four months) including the design, management and implementation of the project. He also designed their Windows 2000 rollout. Mr. Parisella specialized in designing and integrating workflow procedures for Scholastic’s high-level deployment scenarios.

Prior to 1998, Mr. Parisella consulted for many industry-leading companies including Charles Schwab, MTV Networks, McGraw-Hill Companies and Philip Morris.

Mr. Parisella was recently highlighted as a top Information Technology Entrepreneur and as a leading CTO under age 40 by VAR Business Magazine. His work as a technology leader has led to him being a frequent commentator on IT best practices for small and mid-sized businesses.

In the community, Mr. Parisella is an Ingram Micro SMB Alliance Advisory Council Member, leads the the NYC Tri-State Area User Group for Autotask, and participates in many vendor-led initiatives.

Additionally, Mr. Parisella was appointed the chairman of the New York Chapter of the Cigar Rights of America more commonly known as the “CRA.” “Cigar Rights of America was founded on the principle of fighting for the freedom to enjoy cigars. CRA is a consumer-based, non-profit public advocacy organization that works with local, state and federal governments to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts”

Cigar Review: Viaje Fifty Fifty

1 0 2.7k

After dropping by the Cigar Inn, I decided to give a quick review of the Viaje Fifty Fifty. After my first Viaje white label, I was intrigued and excited about this brand. They make some truly flavorful, predominantly Nicaraguan cigars and I would highly recommend giving anything in their line a try. I brought with me a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee (I know, not the best), clipped, lit the cigar, and took a seat in the beautiful Cigar Inn lounge.

Here’s a bit about this particular cigar from the Viaje website:

Fifty Fifty is a special project that took a great deal of time to perfect. The idea behind Fifty Fifty is to offer the ability to enjoy two different flavor profiles while smoking the same cigar. Fifty Fifty’s components are a closely-guarded secret, but two distinct blends were formulated to make up the cigar. Joining the two blends was a challenge that was difficult to perfect. Each cigar is carefully crafted taking triple the amount of time a normal cigar takes to roll. The cigar comes wrapped in a dark, oily Nicaraguan cover leaf with two binders holding the filler in place. Fifty Fifty starts out as a rich medium bodied cigar before transition into a bold, full-bodied smoke. This is a first for the industry we know you will enjoy.

Blend specifics:

Size: 6×50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan (2x)
Filler: Nicaraguan

Appearance & Construction

This cigar has really solid construction. The band, though elaborate, is not too busy. In the forefront is the Viaje triple leaf, and circling the band in gold lettering is “Fifty.” Veins are minimal and there is a light spring to the touch. The wrapper smells of sweet natural tobacco, with hints of coffee. The draw is fairly resistant but not prohibitive.

Taste & Smoke Characteristics
This is one powerful Nicaraguan cigar. On lighting up, I’m greeted with full bodied, full strength smoke that is not overpowering, but is very sweet has a tinge of spice, and leaves a nice tingling on the front of my tongue. The texture of the smoke is silky smooth and earthy, the flavor is sweet, with notes of coffee and a bit of cocoa. About an inch in, I can tell this cigar is bold. As others have noted, this cigar is pretty complex, so you won’t want to puff it too quickly or the flavors will probably be a wash.

At about halfway through, the flavors remain strong. I should also note that the burn on this cigar has been straight the whole way through, revealing dark salt and pepper ash. My only complaint is that it just hasn’t delivered as far as the volume of smoke goes—I find myself really working to get a good amount.

And just like that a few puffs later, the smoke problem vanishes and I get a better sense of the taste. I’m also glad that I have something to drink, because this is one powerful cigar. The final third really opens up and introduces a slightly savory note which matches really well with the smooth sweetness. I do not want this stick to end.

Conclusion

If you are in to powerhouse cigars that don’t overwhelm the palate, this is a cigar for you. Although it had a bit of trouble opening up early on, when this cigar kicks in, you are in for a treat. Not many cigars can combine tremendous strength and full flavors with complete smoothness of texture.

Final Grade: A

,

Cigar Review: Savinelli Nicaragua Reserve

1 0 4.9k
Savinelli Nicaragua Reserve

My first Savinelli cigar was the Extremely Limited Reserve, a fantastic cigar that I’d highly recommend. After that, I knew I needed to smoke more Savinelli cigars, but I didn’t know where to look — they’re still pretty difficult to find. My luck changed, however, at a FineTobaccoNYC HERF at Hoboken Cigars, where I found a box of the Nicaragua Reserve hiding on the lower shelves. Needless to say, I was excited.

Blend Specifics

Wrapper: Habano 2000 Corojo

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Savinelli Nicaragua Reserve Band

Appearance & Construction

Is this cigar box pressed or not? The head of the cigar doesn’t seem box pressed at all, but you’ll notice the photo of the foot reveals that the cigar has definitely been pressed to some degree. Nothing wrong with that – just wasn’t expecting such an inconspicuous press. Aside from that, this is one beautiful cigar. The dark brown wrapper has a variety of shades, from milk-chocolate brown to dark, bark brown. The band carries the Savinelli crest, and the back of the band denotes “Nicaragua Reserve.” The cigar is oily, slightly spongy, and gives a bit when squeezed. My only complaint is that the draw seems a bit restrictive.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

Cigar kicks off with some coffee notes, and a light spice. About an inch in, the flavor is pleasant but hasn’t changed much. I’ve picked up a hint of floral, and the texture of the smoke has become slightly creamy. Good, but not a profile or strength I’d consider special. About halfway through, I’m not picking up many new notes – some hints of sweetness and nuttiness. In the final third, the smoke is still smooth and enjoyable, but little has changed.

Conclusion

As much as I hate to say it, this cigar was a disappointment. Did it taste “bad?” No. But “bad” isn’t the standard that I would hold a brand like Savinelli to. They make good cigars. I would just have a difficult time placing this one among their best. I recommend avoiding this cigar HOWEVER in the same breath I have to recommend their ELR or Liga Especial blends.

Final Grade: B-

Cigar Review: Nat Sherman Timeless

1 3 5.7k
Nat Sherman Timeless

Timeless represents one of the newest additions to the Nat Sherman line (though a lot has been happening lately with the Sterling and the 1930). It isn’t though, the only thing to change at Nat Sherman in the past few months. Since Michael Herklotz joined the Nat Sherman management, the entire company has undergone what I would call a sort of rennaissance. Once known among NY cigar smokers for terrible service and a tiny selection, Nat Sherman is now probably the friendliest cigar shop in Manhattan. Their selection is now fantastic, with great prices and personalized service. What’s more, they’ve added seating on the main floor, so instead of feeling like you are being ushered out of the door after (or even before) a purchase, smokers are now invited to relax, chat with Nat Sherman staff (all of which have wide knowledge of tobacco), and enjoy their smoke in comfort.

I have to say, I was very excited to review this cigar after hearing great things about it. So, here are the details.

Blend Specifics

Wrapper: Honduran Criollo
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Appearance & Construction

This cigar is beautiful and bold. The dark charcoal fill on the band blends perfectly with the deep brown of the cigar’s wrapper. It is triple capped and well constructed. As you might sense from the photos, this cigar, though bold, is elegant in design. The pre-light draw reveals a good draw with hints of natural tobacco, leather, nuts, and coffee.

Taste & Smoke Characteristics

This cigar opens with smooth, medium bodied smoke. General notes of the kick off include a subtle spice, milk chocolate, and buttered caramel. At around halfway through, the body of the smoke picks up, the buttery flavor becomes a bit more salty, and an added flavor emerges: peanuts. Throughout this smoke, I found myself enjoying the complexity of the notes that seemed to fade in and out, highlighting the experience in different ways.

The burn

Conclusion

This cigar is the perfect addition to any humidor. It has a unique flavor profile, elegant design, and all for a reasonable price. I’m excited to see this cigar reviewed in more mainline magazines, and also excited to see it in travel cases at more of our FTNYC events in the future.

So, buy this cigar. But if you live in NYC and haven’t visited the Nat Sherman Townhouse on 42nd and 5th Ave recently, then get over there and see what is creating so much chatter in the cigar community.

Final Grade: A-

,

Cigar Review: Emilio AF2

1 0 4.5k
Emilio AF2 Toro

After reviewing the Emilio AF1 and finding it to be an absolutely fantastic cigar, I couldn’t wait to light up the AF2 and compare. That being said, you’ll notice a lot of comparisons to the AF1 in this review. Not to spoil things, but I’d recommend picking up a 5 pack of both blends.

I performed this review on my back patio with a cup of coffee and background music from my favorite Spanish guitarist, Jesse Cook.

The Emilio Cigars website says of the AF2:

Our AF2 blend, produced and blended by A.J. Fernandez is certain to delight.  Crafted from rich Nicaraguan fillers combined with the strength of Pennsylvania ligero and a beautiful Ecuadoran Habano Oscuro wrapper.  These cigars are available in cabinet boxes of 20 in four sizes:  Robusto, Toro, Torpedo, and BMF.

Blend Specifics:

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania USA

Appearance & Construction

The AF2 sticks with the minimalist theme laid down originally by the AF1. This stick, however, has a bronze fill with black lettering spelling “EMILIO AF2.” The aroma off of the foot of the cigar is a real treat, with really rich notes of natural tobacco, moss, and something resembling buttery caramel. I also pick up a spice that I’m not aware of until it hits my nose and I sneeze. Doh. As other reviewers have noted, it is interesting that the AF2’s oscuro wrapper is not darker than the AF1. Still, it is a rich brown, with lots of tooth that makes me want to light up.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

Like the AF1, this cigar dishes up loads of tremendously smooth smoke after being lit. During the first third, expect to find a distinct mix of leather, spice, dried fruit, and a hint of that dark chocolate you’d expect from the AF1. Body and strength wise, this cigar is a solid medium. Imagine the AF1 with a faint spice and a bit more of an edge. At halfway through, the salt and pepper ash is holding strong and the burn is razor sharp. In the final third, the smoke becomes even more rich, and the notes of dark chocolate so evident in the AF1 come to the forefront. No complaints with that!

Conclusion

The AF2 does not disappoint. Between the AF1 and the AF2, I would probably have to recommend the AF1 first. It made quite a first impression. But, if you love the AF series from Emilio, the AF2 is a stick to keep stocked in your humidor. It delivers copious amounts of smooth, rich smoke and a flavor profile comparable to, but distinct from the AF1.

Final Grade: A-/B+

«‹ 232 233 234 235›»