TAKE THE PLUNGE, MOAB UTAH

GET OVER THE HUMP WITH OLIVA SERIE G CAMEROON

Sometimes the best things come in small packages! On this occasion, it happens to be the Oliva Serie G Cameroon. Purchased this smoke From Matt Rosen at WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE, Denver, CO. , the picture pretty much speaks for itself when it comes to the construction of the cigar.

In other Oliva News, the Serie V keeps on shining like a diamond. Ratings for the line came out in Cigar Insider and gave the torpedo an unbelieveable 94 and the robusto a 92. We have a feeling that when the Top Cigar lists of 2007 come out, Jose Oliva will be a happy man.

Arganese Cigars - First time through Cigar Insider's Gauntlet

I loved 'em. Sherpa loved 'em. Cigar Jack loves 'em. It was only a matter of time until the intrigue of a cigar company created by a land developer in Connecticut reached the experts at Cigar Insider a.k.a Cigar Aficionado Magazine's Think Tank (IMO).

Their take: they love them too.

Gene Arganese and the cigars that bear his last name are making their mark in the cigar world and recent ranking in Cigar Aficionado's Cigar Insider prove it.

From the September 11th Insider:

The best of the brand was the Robusto, which burned well, and showed a good balance of the sweet and savory. It scored 89 points, considered excellent by our standards.

That's some praise for the first time through the palettes of the experts who can make or break a cigar company. And oh by the way, what did the Doormatt say on March 12, 2007:

I wouldn't be surprised if Arganese wound up with a 88-89 rating on a Cigar Aficionado list in the near future.

The future is now folks. Now if I can only use that clairvoyance when it comes to picking lotto numbers.

The Strange & Unusual

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On the Road with Jason Razzo - Tobacco Row in Jackson, Wyoming

Located on the North end of the main drag, just down the street from the the famous Cowboy Bar, Tobacco Row embodies the true essence of cigar boutique. The humidor is about 10ft long 4ft wide and at least 8ft in height. Enclosed by a sliding glass door, it offers everything for the smoking pleasure miles from any metropolis. Overall the entire store encompasses about 200 sf, with every inch offering tobacco products and coffee.

I purchased two cigars, The Edge Torpedo Maduro 5 year & the Joya De Nicaragua Antano. I smoke the Antano last night after it had 24 hours in my very rich humidor. An excellent smoke with a firm aroma of leather and pinon notes.

A consistent burn with a turgid ash and even draw, there were times when I could not pin down what I was tasting from the tobacco, but towards the end it hit me with rich malted nut flavors that were lasting on my palette.

If you are ever in the the Jackson, Wyoming area, be sure to stop in at Tobacco Row and have a smoke. Don't forget to hit up the Cowboy Bar for some down home western suds. Be sure to order the BIG SKY MOOSE DROOL.

- Jason Razzo

La Flor Dominicana Factory Press II

The La Flor Dominicana Factory Press II Churchill is a superbly constructed cigar with an interesting shape. I truly like and gravitate toward box pressed cigars, but this cigar has an even more interesting shape. Its as if they took a rounded cigar, split it in half and flattened the top half.

This handsome cigar has a velvety- yet fibrous dark brown wrapper that is a bit tough to draw. Upon ignition, I was expecting a bolder flavor as most of the LFD’s I have been smoking as of late are part of the double ligero line. This has a mild flavor, and I pick up on some nutty flavors up front, concentrating on smoking it “through my nose” to get the full effect.

When the cigar opened up, I picked up on some cherry and creamy flavors.

Ashes are a beigeish brown and are sturdy.

All told, this limited edition smoke is suited for those who enjoy mild to medium body smokes. I give it a strong 88.

- Matt Caruso