Stogie Geeks Episode 10 – “I’m a Yoga Instructor”

Stogie of the Week

Oliva CAIN F Lancero

Origin: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium/Full
Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7 x 42
Age: N/A
MSRP: $6.00

Background Information

This cigar used to only be made available at events by Studio Tobac. If you are like me, you are probably asking yourself, “Self, WTF is Studio Tobac?”. I found the answer:

Studio Tobac is the research and design group within The Oliva Family Of Cigars. Studio Tobac’s goal is to provide excitement and innovation to premium cigar smokers worldwide.

Here is some more information about this stick:

The lancero will not be in regular production and therefore will not be for sale to the general public. The Cain F Lancero will only be available in The Limited Edition Studio Tobac Cigar Sampler. Expect to see The Cain F Lancero packaged in an aluminum tube, making it one of the only lanceros ever available in the “tubo” format. The Cain F Lancero, and the entire Studio Tobac Cigar Sampler, will be available as a “gift with purchase” at Studio Tobac World Tour events in 2011.

This week we are drinking

Benjamin Prichards Double Chocolate Bourbon

Paul’s List

1. Punch Double Corona (2011) – This was a massive stick that burned very well and had great construction. Earth and cedar flavors that were very unbalanced and a bit young. However, you can puff away on this bad boy and it doesn’t turn hot or harsh, great smoking experience, just needs some age. Fiver (though I bought a box).
2. Ramon Allones Specially Selected (2011) – What a nice burning and flavorful little smoke. This stick poured smoke, had outstanding flavors (earthy, hint of some other flavor like a butternut or carmel) and is priced at like $6 a stick. How can you go wrong?Box worthy.
3. San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta (2011) – Hands down my most favorite of the bunch. I smoked a few from 2005 and a few from 2011. All VERY good. Earthy with a hint of floral notes, almost reminded me of pipe smoke (Esp. the room aroma). I smoked one in the car the other day and it was very enjoyable. I don’t think I will be able to sit on these for years… Buy two boxes, one to smoke, one to age. Crawl across desert for ones with age.
4. Bolivar Belicoso Finos (2011) – A much darker and deeper representation of the cuban blend. Flavors were great, a little spice, and okay construction. I have to smoke a few more of these to really get a feel for them, but I like them a lot. The box I got already had a year on it. Fiver (though a bought a box).
5. Montecristo Edmundo (2011) – We reviewed these on episode 4. Its a much lighter cuban stick, with very airy and smooth flavors. Not an in-your-face cedar and earthy festival, but just a nice smooth enjoyable smoke. Very smokable. Box worthy.
6. Paul Gamarian Gourmet Series Robusto – Excellent medium body smoke, one of my favorite little robustos that pour smoke, burn fast, and have great flavors. Great in the middle of the day or morning. Box worthy.
7. Paul Garmirian Reserva Exclusiva Gran Panatela – Deep rich flavors compliment a sublet spice and sweetness. Unbelievable clouds of smoked billowed from this cigar as I enjoyed it down to the nub. Crawl across the desert for this one folks!
8. Fuente King T Tubo – Harsh, sour tasting, tasted bad, no flavors. Lawn mulch.

Tim’s List

1. La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial Robusto – Holy pepper batman! The stick wasn’t bad it just lacked some balance. By the second third the pepper settles down and some of the other flavors began to emmerge. The last third was where this cigar shined. The smoke ended with some cedar, nuts, and a nice toasty finish. “The Fiver”
2. Padilla Signature 1932 Robusto (2007) – I love everything about this stick. It’s rich caramel color, the earthy/spicy scent of the wrapper, and the balance and complexity that is rare. Flavors of leather, earth, and cinnamon during the first third transition smoothy to coffee, cedar, and spice on the last third. The sweet creamy finish is unmatched! One caveat, I smoked my last one for this review! “The Oasis”
3. More Bait Fish! – It’s friggin cold here and these are fanatastic. I may just have to change my review of this stick being a “Fiver” to “Box Worthy” because the fiver just not enough.
4. El Tiante Rosado Piramide – This cigar is the creation former Red Sox pitcher, Luis Tiant. A gift from friend and loyal podcast listner, Big Al! A woodiness with just the right amount of spice. Construction was a A+. Recommend checking out a couple of singles or a fiver in different sizes.
5. Tatuaje HCS Larga – Almost forgot I had this stick. After seeing a recent review by The Cigar Coop, I decided to go digging in my humidor and try it myself. Not a bad stick but not fantastic either. In the end worth a try. “The Fiver”
6. La Riqueza No. 4 – Back in December, I had reviewed the La Riqueza No. 1 by Pete Johnson & Pepin Garcia. I loved the flavor profile but had some issues with burn and draw. Consequently, I really wanted to try this blend in a different vitola and was able to pick up some of the No. 4 (Corona Gorda) from a fellow BOTL. Fantastic rich flavors and a nice finish. Lots of cocoa. Perfect burn. Look at that two inch ash! “Box Worthy”
7. La Gloria Cubana Serie R – A gift from you Paul. I believe this had a couple years of age on it. While this is not my typical flavor profile, I still enjoyed it. Lots of earth, hay, and leather but it was not in your face like some other smokes with similar profiles. A nice change of pace. I think the age provided some balance and smoothness. “The Angler”
8. C&C Corojo Toro – Thanks to C&C for the sampler packs. This is probably the best $4.50 stick I have had in a while. A+ for contruction. Nice Corojo spice that sneaks up on you. “The Fiver”

Stogie Tech: Building A Wine Humidor – Part 2 – Preparation and Shelving

Once you’ve settled in on a refrigerator and it arrives at your house, first do a happy dance! Its an excited time, but before you go crazy be sure that you prepare it properly before putting humidification systems or cigars inside:

• Clean it thoroughly – I recommend that you remove all packaging and open up the fridge first. Follow all of the instructions carefully. For example, you will likely not be plugging it in for at least 24 hours to let it settle. In the mean time take a clean sponge, some distilled water, and either baking soda or vinegar and wipe it out. They tend to have a smell. After you wipe it down leave the baking soda in the fridge for at least 24 hours to soak up any remaining odors.
• Decide what to do with the drain plug – On all fridges there is a hole in the bottom that empties out into a tray. This is for condensation. You can plug this hole with silicone (do this then let it try, keeping the baking soda inside to absorb the smell, and before you put any shelves inside). You can also just put a piece of tape over the hole. You will also want to put some beads at the bottom to absorb any condensation that may happen.
• Remove the shelves – Once you can power on the device, do so and leave in the baking soda. Remove the wire shelves from the fridge. I recommend that you don’t use any of the shelves, they are not made for cigars and really won’t help you. They are tailored towards wine bottled, and will just eat up space.
• Buy or make shelves – After you’ve powered on your fridge, set the temp to the highest setting (typically 66). Now its time to either do some woodworking or buy some shelves. I bought some spanish cedar online for about $100, but you can order less ( I ordered too much). I just cut two pieces of shelving to size to make up one shelf and drilled some holes in them. You can also line the entire inside of the fridge with Spanish cedar if you like as well, which is a great option and will make for a great humidor. I’d also recommend covering up the glass door with Spanish cedar, as light is not your friend and should not enter your humidor. If you’re going to buy shelves, consider the following two web sites:

  1) Wineadors.com
  2) Chasidor Humidors

  They list which models they make shelves and drawers for so you can choose the ones for your model, if available. They can also custom make shelves and/or drawers. Figure out what you want to store, boxes or singles. Typically you’d put in a couple of drawers for singles and some shelves for box storage. Another great idea is to use spanish cedar trays, which is what I use in my Avallos. They are $10 a piece and hold about 50 sticks.

Now, no matter what you decide to do, make sure you wipe down all of your Spanish cedar trays, shelves, or drawers with distilled water first. Then put them in the humidor, then put in your humidification device. Then let it settle and hold a constant humidity and temperature setting.