FYI: Smokers priced out of the habit

Article appearing on SMH online this morning. Ramifications for all!?

http://www.smh.com.au/national/smokers-priced-out-of-the-habit-20090704-d8e1.html

Cigar Review - Perdomo Habano Presidente

Cigar Review: Perdomo Habano
At first look, this monstrous cigar was imposing. The Perdomo Habano ‘Presidente’ is a Schwarzenegger-sized smoke at 7 inches x 56 ring gauge. Also available in a Maduro and a Connecticut wrapper, this Corojo turned out to be a medium-bodied smoke with subtle flavour changes that provided just over 2 hours of smoking pleasure. The Perdomo Habano, the flagship Perdomo blend is distinctive and is blended using leaf from Esteli, Condega and Jalapa, the three premier growing regions in Nicaragua.


There was some reassuring give in the cigar’s slightly veiny wrapper. The cigar cut well and the pre-light draw revealed light coffee and vanilla notes. The cigar drew very well and provided a strong cedar character with some spice and sweet notes thrown in. The palate smothering smoke was an enjoyable feature from the get go.


Further into the cigar, warm cedar notes continued to billow but moving towards the final third, they began to gently tone down. The last third of the cigar was most interesting. The cedar flavours began to slightly dissipate and were replaced by a citrus twist – although unexpected, this fruity ‘tang’ complemented the underlying cedar flavour.


I would be very interested to see how a shorter Perdomo Habano, such as the robusto, smokes. At such a size, this vitola requires an afternoon free of prior appointments in order to indulge and enjoy it in is its entirety.

Cigar Courtesy of Perdomo Cigars Australia.

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Perdomo Cigar Events? Bring ‘em on!
When I first met Jason Nelson, Director of Perdomo Cigars Australia, earlier this year, he mentioned that Perdomo Cigar tasting events would soon be occurring along the Eastern seaboard. Such events can’t come quick enough. Aussie cigar lovers need a taste of Perdomo cigars if they haven’t already tried them already. Their distinct flavour profile is refreshing and one that quickly grows on you. Jason recently introduced 5 cigar sample packs for those of us new to Perdomo who don’t want to invest in a box just yet.

Macau: A New Haven. ECCJ 2/2009

Heading to Macau? Going to drop some coin at Packer's latest gambling venture?
Read up on this former Portuguese colony in my brief overview which appears in the latest European Cigar Cult Journal


Macau: A New Haven
A quick ferry ride from Hong Kong delivers cigar enthusiasts to the gambling mecca of Macau. This former Portuguese colony may indeed prove to be a haven for cigar smokers as well as gamblers. (Summer 2/2009)

http://www.inlumino.com.au/european_cigar_cult.html

RA Cigar Lounge - How did they do it?

A few weeks ago I mentioned new Melbourne cigar lounge RA and their launch event held in conjunction with Baranows.

What is interesting is how RA, an indoor venue, gets around indoor smoking bans. RA has utilised louvered windows to get around the leglalities of being an indoor venue. Apparently, open louvered windows 'open' a space and make a venue an outdoor space (ar partially so).

I think some cigar operators should get down to RA and learn how to work with the legislation.

Link to Baranows Gallary. Try and spot the louvered windows in the background of some of the shots. More photos from Baranows' RA night to come.

http://www.baranows.com/uploadgallery/ranight/

Sydney Event Fri July 3 - More Details

From Bogart's House of Fine Cigars:
BOGART'S COCKTAIL EVENT

Where: VIBE HOTEL 100 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay
When: FRIDAY 3rd JULY, 2009
Time: 6.30 - 9.00 PM
Price: $85 pp.

- Cool Jazz featuring Sandie White, whose golden voice will wash away any ‘recession blues’! Compered by Richard Griner, who recently returned from Los Angeles and is now with Eastside Radio FM 89.7
- Enjoy 7 year aged Nicaraguan rum “Flor de Cana” sponsored by Vanguard Luxury Brands
- Launching of a new cigar by Macanudo.

Cigar Review: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial

Cigar Review: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial

Released in 2008, the Epicure Especial takes its place alongside other classic Hoyo cigars such as the robusto sized Epicure No. 2 and a personal favourite Le Hoyo du Prince (corona).

This Robusto Extra (50 Ring x 5.6”) began with medium spice, light honey and golden syrup flavours but more overt was a delightful cedar taste. These flavours evolved towards the middle of the cigar and provided a smooth, creamy taste with plenty of light smoke.

I’m not a fan of Eggnog, but having tried that all-American Christmas drink in a former life, I quickly associated the cigar’s middle third flavours with the nutmeg and cinnamon flavoured winter warmer. Suddenly, Northern hemisphere Christmas Eves, sitting around an open fire, singing Christmas carols, and Chevy Chase’s hilarious escapades in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation came to mind. Alas a rainy Autumn day in Sydney quickly reminded me of where I was! The final third burned well and continued a heavy creaminess until there was little of the cigar left to hold.

The Epicure Especial was an enjoyable smoke, but if a Hoyo Epicure No. 2 was sitting next to it in the humidor and heaven forbid I could choose only one, I would go the Epi 2. The Especial is a welcome addition to the Hoyo marca but has a bit more to do until it can knock a classic such as the Epi 2 off its perch. Perhaps some time hibernating in the humidor will progress its charm. Sleighbells ring....

Cigar courtesy of Pacific Cigar Company

New Event, New Interview

NEW EVENT:
Sydney cigar lovers will be able to warm away the winter blues at Bogart's 'Cigars and All That Jazz' night which is coming up on Friday July 3. It will be held at the popular Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay and is sure to be a hit.

Be on the lookout for more info closer to the date on Inlumino Cigar News Australia and from Bogarts.

Sydneysiders should lock it into their calendars now. This is the Bogart Team's first Friday night event in a long time and so should be a great way to end the week without having to worry about backing up for work the next day.

NEW INTERVIEW:
Rob Ayala of Brisbane outfit Cigar Czars generously gave me an insight into his experience of the 11th Habanos Festival for a story in Australian Bartender Magazine. Read Rob's assessment of the Festival, the new cigars and what is in store for later in the year.

Visit http://www.inlumino.com.au/australian_bartender.html to read this entertaining interview.