Welcome back to the blogosphere Tim White

After suffering the same quizzical and confounding experience with Blogger as your's truly, Tim White is back in effect at Hitting the Cutoff.

The former author of The New Theravada brings back his fresh perspective on Metro area dining, baseball, New Jersey politics, booze and where to be seen on any given night.

Welcome back Tim!

- Matt Caruso

81% of Doormatt Readers against the Cigar Tax

It's official, 81% of our those polled by the Daily Doormatt are opposed to the current legislation that places a hefty tax on cigars in efforts to fund the federal child health insurance program.

Tell us you thoughts on why you voted yea or nay.

-Matt Caruso

The new face of the cigar smoker

Admit it. When you think of a cigar smoker, the thought is old, rich, and........old.

Not so. The cigar boom of the late 90's ignited a new class of cigar enthusiasts, who didn't view cigars as a passing fancy, but as an enjoyable affordable luxury.

Its the boutique brands that are high on flavor and have such "cloak and dagger nuances" (Mr. Razzo's literary contribution) that are seizing this market -- the ones we have been tasting as of late.

- Matt Caruso

HOW A TOOTHPICK IS MADE

Stay tuned for more great video.

A Visionary Taste at Cigar Nirvana

You'll recall last month my write-up on Cigar Nirvana in Trenton. I had the opportunity to do a one-month check-in with Kevin on a recent trip down there to see what he was up to.

Lots. In fact, Cigar Nirvana is hosting a tasting this evening and plans on doing some special events in weeks to come.

The Doormatt has even influenced his decisionmaking process as Kevin gleefuly pointed to the Camacho Triple Maduros that rested at the top perch in his expanding humidor.

Of course, I gave him a reason to call Dave Wagner at Oliva to get his hands on the new Serie V (shout out to Dave, a loyal Doormatt reader).

So I notice at the opposite end of the humidor, but on the top perch as well, are three White Spaceship-looking canisters. Ahhh the vaunted CAO Visions!

I was excited. Kevin pressed the button on the spaceship began to open. As the neon lights illuminated, the hatched opened. I was expected smoke and Flight of the Valkeries to be playing as Kevin withdrew a stunning Figurado - No. 141732 to be exact.

Woody, semi-sweet and toasty is how I would describe the taste and finish of these cigars. What impressed me so much about the Vision Prana was the stature of this cigar and its long burn. This became a crucial element as I found myself chatting up a New York Times NJ Correspondent that frequents not only Cigar Nirvana, but my home cigar shop Fume in Montclair.

The next hour plus turned out to be riveting - discussions on cigars, discussions on the power (and weakeness of bloggers), discussions on how Kevin can use non-traditional methods to boost visibility for his business venture and all the while, the CAO Vision stood the test of time.

I am in complete agreement with Tim Ozgener that his Visions are more than fancy packaging and more than hype. The Prana is worth its weight and wait and is an elegant and substantive smoke.

Plus, its cool to watch someone push the button and activate the spaceship.

Mr. C gives the Vision Prana a strong 90.5.

- Matt Caruso

Think the cigar tax won't have an impact on sales?

Readers of Cigar Aficionado are already weighing in (myself included). Check out their stats (grpah is from their Web site) and click here to submit your vote.

- Matt Caruso

Razzo's take on the Oliva Serie V and Serie O

In our "culture of convenience", quality for all products across the board has slipped. Such is not the case for the Oliva Serie O & Serie V brand of cigars. Don't get me wrong, there tons of really bad smokes out there just waiting for the cigar neophyte to purchase and turn their taste buds sour on cigar smoking. Oliva breaks the mold with its "boutique" smokes that are flavorful yet not overwhelming.

I smoked both the Serie O Perfecto & the Serie V Torpedo and discovered striking similarities. Overall I preferred the Serie O Perfecto, where as I'm a big fan of a more petite cigar but I thought both have a subtle aroma of nutmeg and all spice and both yield a consistent draw and delicate white ash. Its smoky nuances offered a similarly delicate pepper flavor that was slightly tannic on the palette.

The Serie O did burn a little hot and the wrapper flaked a bit, still, I enjoyed it immensely. After all, it is mostly about flavor and consistency. With its' cloak and dagger nuances, Oliva Serie O brings it all to the table. Get out to your local tobacconist and take on this small giant.

- Jason Razzo

The Brotherhood of Cigars

I rarely refer to him as my brother-in-law. Though we have known each other only as long as I have known my beautiful wife Emily and the fact that he looks nothing like me, Eric has always been a brother to me. Someone who I feel like I have grown up with my entire life.

Recently the game of golf and cigars have become elements that have cemented that bond even further. I just got back from a wonderful vacation from Jamaica with my wife, my brother (in-law) and his girlfriend, my mother-in-law and my stepfather-in-law. To some, this may sound like a recipe for disaster, but the week flew by and it was a really special and memorable occassion.

Cigars played a pivotal role in this, as for the first time, Eric got a taste of true Cuban cigars. Romeo and Julieta #1's, Montecristo #2's and Cohiba Siglio III's were enjoyed every evening to compliment the warm brezzes, great food, entertainment, and company that made the ocassion so memorable.

It was all very appropriate. It was my younger brother Adam who first introduced me to cigars when he returned from a trip to Bermuda with a Montecristo #2. How many people in the US can actually say that that was there first cigar? So, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to enjoy, dissect, and discuss these fine smokes with Eric. Truly, cigars have been a tie that binds in the Caruso brohterhood.

What was your first cigar? Do you have a similar experience? Feel free to share.

- Matt Caruso

Meet our new Contributing Editor - Jason Razzo

With great pleasure, I announce the addition of Jason Razzo as Contributing Editor of the Daily Doormatt.

Through his camera lens, Jason has offered fresh perspective through still photography and video documentaries from various parts of the country. With his growing enthusiasm for cigars and his ability to get the most out of his interviewees, I look forward to more insightful and unique contributions from Mr. Razzo.

Jason and I met in 1995 in Dellplain Hall on the campus of Syracuse University. We became fast friends as Jason had the ability to make me laugh every time he opened his mouth. Whether it was a trek to Nancy's Coffee Shop in Armory Square or doing the WERW radio program Sunday mornings, one was assured of a memorable experience in his presence. Funny thing is, Jason stayed at Syracuse for only year, but it felt like he was there all four.

A graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Jason lives in works in Denver, Colorado and is an ardent skiier and outdoor enthusiast.

It's a pleasure to have you on board.

A $10 Tax on Cigars????

Ok folks, it's bad enough I get back from sunny Jamaica to the torrential downpours of New York -- but WOW am I burned about this cigar tax.



Taxing cigarettes in the name of public health is one thing, since there is a direct correlation between raised cigarette taxes and reducing youth smoking.



But taxing cigars in order to pay off the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP)? Talk about a rock and hard place -- on face value would any of us who enjoy cigars want to see America's medically underserved stop getting the medical coverage they need?

On the other hand, don't you see this as a ploy to finally get the "wealthy" to pay more taxes after the breaks the "wealthy" got years ago?

If politicos believe they are doing this in the name of health, they greatly are underestimating what this is doing to SMALL BUSINESS -- as the cigar industry is a small business empire, unlike the monolithic cigarette companies, whose assets are well beyond just cigarettes.

Action must be taken - if you enjoy your cigars and think this tax is unfair to small business click here and send a letter to your reps in Washington.

Best Cigar Company Boilerplate - CAO

I was scrolling through some press releases on the new CAO Web site -- which I gave a very positive review of a few weeks ago.

I stumbled to the bottom of a release and found the following sentence amidst the boilerplate:

"Founded by Cano A. Ozgener in Nashville as a labor of love 39 years ago, today CAO products can be found in every continent in the world with the exception of Antarctica. "

You mean you don't have the ability to sell yet in Antarctica, surely you jest?!?!

They have quite the sense of humor over there.

CALLING RED SOX NATION?

Apparently no one is answering in the second half of the season. Perhaps they should not allow Neil Diamond to sing during the seventh inning stretch.



What Baseball wants, it often gets. Perhaps the rise of the Yankees and the fall of the Sox is in the cards, after all, it would be so much more interesting in late August and September if their games actually meant something.

Red Sox v. Devil Rays 07/05/07


Besides, its not baseball without Fenway or the Stadium in the mix. For the record, I'm a Yankee fan but a fan of baseball overall and I finally had the chance to fulfill a childhood dream and take in a game at Fenway Park courtesy of Keri G Wayland, Mass. Yo girl, nice hook on the tix! I was most impressed with the historic feel of the place and the fans, they love their team to death which other teams for example, The Colorado Rockies do not have, loyal fans that bleed for their team and yes, I did see someone bleeding at Fenway.

Fenway Park, "the best park in the whole world" as the locals say


Well, we will see about that!

- Jason Razzo

Photos & Video courtesy of Doormatt correspondent Jason Razzo

GRAN HABANO COROJO #5

Now that we have met Jose Agosto, and toured the humidor of his boutique cigar shop, Gloucester Cigars in Boston, Mass, I should mention one of his cigar picks. I dedcided to go with the Gran Habano Corojo #5 mini Hondorus series and for the price ($5) I have to say, I'm most impressed.

An excellent aroma of leather with hints of nutty oak, a cigar that yielded flawless construction, consistent draw with a firm dark ash, and smokey flavors hinting toward smoked wet cherry wood. Anyone who has burned wet cherry wood knows the smell.

Folks, if you make the journey to Boston, Mass, just stroll down down NewburyStreet until you hit Gloucester street, there you will find every treasure you have been looking to put in your humidor! Be sure to check out Jose's vintage sneaker collection.

- Jason Razzo

Meet Jose Agosto, owner Gloucester Cigars, Boston, Mass

More pics from Oliva at Fume in Montclair

Jose Oliva and Fume customer discuss the nuances of the Serie V










A look at the types of ligero used for the Serie V










Amidst the smoke, Jose Oliva educates customers at Fume in Montclair.

Jose Oliva Visits Fume in Montclair, NJ

It was no ordinary Thursday night in Montclair, NJ as Jose Oliva debuted his new Serie V Ligero Especiale line of cigars at Fume on Bloomfield Ave.

As Jose would explain to me a store like Fume, with a loyal crowd of regulars who are as passionate and educated about cigars as those who make them, was the perfect place for him to unveil new products and generate buzz.

The buzz on the Serie V is already out there. "A winner," said Cigar Aficionado's Senior Editor David Savona in an email to me earlier in the week.

"9 out of10" rates fellow cigar blogger Cigar Jack.

As I was handed a robusto by Dave Wagner, sales represenatative from Oliva Cigars, I overheard Jose talking about how the cigar industry has largely misinterpreted the desires of cigar smokers for a "full-body" cigar. In creating the Serie V, Oliva aimed to develop a smoke that was rich in flavor, but not overbearing and obnoxious.

Well Jose, the V must stand for Victorious because these cigars hit the target. The shiny wrapper, the tight packaging but easy draw, the immense flavors of coffee, cedar and spice that hit you up front but mellows out at the finish like a well contructed Pinot Noir makes this cigar a definite favorite of the Doormatt.

I don't know what was more enjoyable - the cigars or watching Jose interact with the patrons. I mean think about this for a second -- here's a man whose name is on the box and in unveiling his newest line of cigars, he is standing amidst the cigar lockers in a local tobacco shop in suburban NJ on a Thursday night and shaking every hand and giving everyone a glimpse of what Oliva Cigars is all about.

Find another industry where the leaders do that. Not too many, but the successful ones are finding ways to dip into the power of word of mouth marketing.

Which brings me, of course to the importance of blogs and Web sites, which I stressed to Jose and to Dave, are a great way to reveal the same passion and insight on a company and could be the only way for cigar leaders to mass produce the character and charisma that most of these cigar families seem to have. Jose was very interested in the discussion and perhaps a blog is on the way for their Web site.

As you will see in the video clip, Jose talks about everything from quality control among cigar rollers to what his best market is (Texas) to what area of the country has the most knowledgeable smokers (the Northeast).

It was a real pleasure to meet Jose and Dave as this was an educational and enjoyable experience. Big shout out to the Famous Alberti Brothers at Fume -- great job fellas.

Sharpe James gets OWNED!

Sharpe James just got owned, my friends!

The video is so great - I love when he goes up to the parking attendant and says "Free Parking, right?"

It's almost comedic genius; a disgraced mayor gets indicted on 33 counts of various criminal activities, where he stole money from the taxpayers to spend on exotic vacations, where he cut all sorts of deals for developers and reaped the kickbacks...uh I mean commissions (?) and this SON OF A BITCH IS ASKING ABOUT FREE PARKING?????

He needs a wheelbarrel to carry his cojones, my friend.

And oh by the way, check his business associate, Tamika (pictured, courtesy of nj.com)

Here's to a better Newark!!!!

Fume in Montclair to host Cigar Magnate Jose Oliva

He's making some of the hottest product around, including the Master Blends 3 Figurado -- which earned a 91 ranking in Cigar Aficionado and oh by the way, his new Serie V is looking to dominate as well. He's Jose Oliva and he's coming to light up Montclair, NJ.

This Thursday at Fume, meet Jose Oliva and find out exactly what the buzz is about. I'll be there to take pics and ask some questions.

As stated, the Serie O Perfecto is the official cigar of the Doormatt's walk home from work, so I am definitely looking forward to chatting with Jose and trying out this new blend.

Lots going on this week and I will be heading to Jamaica on Saturday, which means we may have a special guest editor next week!

Cigar Bar ----- at Disney World

NOW, it is truly the happiest place on earth!

According to Cigar Insider, the Orlando, FL family destination has partnered with Sosa Cigars to open Fuego -- a sports bar inside Disney's Pleasure Island.

So it's not like the cigar bar is directly across from the It's a Small World Afterall ride, but clearly Disney is looking for another avenue into the upscale crowd to come to Disney. This will also make Fuego the only bar at Pleasure Island that allows a smoking environment.

You know, I haven't been to Disney in decades. This just might be the trick to get me down there!

CAO's New Web site - impressive

By now, if you have been reading this site long enough, you know how hard I have been on the Web presence of most of the major cigar manufacturers and how important have a clear and content rich Web site means everything in terms of brand identity.

CAO just re-designed their Web site and THEY GOT IT RIGHT!

The Web site tells the story of the products with some great use of some bells and whistle that truly captivates the readers attention. For example, when a viewer selects one of their cigar lines, say the Italia series, they see a crystal clear picture of the label along with a well-written (and edited) synopsis of the genesis of the line. A viewer can then select anatomy at the bottom of the screen and see a dissection of the cigar and the origins of the tobacco blended to create the product.

Here's the best part -- no changes in the actual page, which means no delay in reloading.

The one area that is in need of development is the Ozblog - the official blog of CAO's head man Tim Ozgener. As I have said before and actually posted on his blog, he should write more. Or others within CAO's leadership should contribute to it. Here's there chance to really show the heart and soul of the company and let readers and consumers get a glimpse of the thought process in creating these wonderful smokes.

CAO gets an A- for their Web site. Kudos to Tim Ozgener and Jon Huber, Chief Marketing Officer at CAO for their work.

Their competitors must take notice on how to do things the right way.

La Parma II in Huntington NY

While the Doormatt takes a little blogging break, Jason Razzo carries the load. Check him out behind the scenes at La Parma II in Huntington, NY (out on Lawnguyland)