We recently posted a story about how China now represents more than one third of the cigar smokers of the world. And it seems like the cigar industry is beginning to react to that news. Focus Taiwan reports that Honduran cigar manufacturers like Rocky Patel and Don Humo Cigar Company are trying to establish ties with importers. They hope to gain access to the large Taiwanese cigar market, but the long-run goal is direct access to the massive Chinese market.
In our quest to support New York brick and mortar shops, as well as to serve our readers, FineTobaccoNYC is now compiling a weekly list of cigar specials to aid you in finding the best bang for your buck. Weekly deals will be posted every Tuesday until further notice. As this is a new feature of our website, the first edition will be smaller, so check back every week, and watch the list grow!
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If you have a weekly cigar deal you want everyone to know about, please 1) email me at matthias.ftnyc(at) gmail.com and then drop it in the comments below.
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.
As popular and Congressional pressure mounts on the FDA to exclude premium cigars from its tobacco regulations, more articles from around the country are centering on the difficulties that FDA regulations pose for local brick and mortar tobacconists.
The latest of these articles comes from Tampa, FL, where regulations would hit particularly hard. In “Proposed rules roil cigar industry,” (June 25th) Jose Patino Girona of The Tampa Tribune interviewed B&M owner Alfred Moreno, as well as a few patrons, on their view of the proposed regulations. Most notable, probably, is Moreno’s lament that the regulations, especially banning the walk in humidor, would severely cripple a family industry.
“This is our heritage,” Moreno said. “You’re taking a national heritage if you restrict us.”
We recently posted a story about how China now represents more than one third of the cigar smokers of the world. And it seems like the cigar industry is beginning to react to that news. Focus Taiwan reports that Honduran cigar manufacturers like Rocky Patel and Don Humo Cigar Company are trying to establish ties with importers. They hope to gain access to the large Taiwanese cigar market, but the long-run goal is direct access to the massive Chinese market.
