17th Nov2011

Montecristo Relief Organization Operation Hope 2011

by GoodFellasCigars

MONTECRISTO RELIEF ORGANIZATION

The Montecristo Relief Organization was established in 1999 by Altadis U.S.A. after the devastating hurricanes Mitch and Georges pounded their way through the Caribbean in the autumn of 1998 killing over 11,000 people and injuring millions. Aside from the severer loss of life, the destruction also claimed many people’s homes leaving many homeless and causing economic hardship.  Since its beginning the Montecristo Relief Organization has donated several millions of dollars to construct homes, schools, medical facilities, and provide scholarships and economic opportunities to victims of natural disasters in the Caribbean and the United States.

In recent memory a devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011 causing loss of life and immense damage. The Montecristo Relief Organization stepped into provide much needed funds to help the community of Joplin by matching the first $75,000 in contributions made by Altadis U.S.A., CBI employees, customers and, vendors.

Efforts like this are much needed as natural disasters strike the United States and the Caribbean. But, to fund to such efforts the Montecristo Relief Organization does not rely on donations alone and instead has created a yearly fund raising drive called Operation Hope. Operation Hope raises funds through the Operation Hope sample pack that has consisted of Montecristo cigars and an accessory such as a cutter or lighter.

For 2011 Montecristo has assembled a selection of 5 premium cigars matched with a Triple Flame Lighter in a sampler packaged in a beautiful gift pack presentation. Included in the Operation Hope 2011 Sampler are:

1 Montecristo75th Anniversario ~ Edmundo

1 Montecristo75th Anniversario ~ No.2

1 Montecristo Classic Collection ~ Toro

1 Montecristo White ~ Toro

1 Montecristo Reserva Negra ~ Toro

1 Cigar Savor Lighter ~ CS3 Tri Flame

All of this has an MSRP of $110.00 but retails for $55.00. This is well worth the price considering the deep discount a combined pack of a tri-flame lighter and highly sought after Montescrito cigars and not to mention the the warm fuzzy feeling you will gain by providing a charitable donation to the Montecristo Relief Organization

Category : Cigar News, Montecristo
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14th Nov2011

Viaje Fifty Fifty Red Label No. 2 (2011)

by GoodFellasCigars

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo

Binder:  Nicaraguan

Filler:  Nicaraguan

Shape: No. 2

Size:  6 x 50

Country: Nicaragua

Strength: Medium to Full

Price Range: Around $13.00

After bringing you the review of the Black Label here is our take on the second half of the Fifty Fifty Series but, first I will recap. To start off I will say a little background to what the Viaje Fifty Fifty series is about. It first made it’s debut in 2009 and after that it was meant to be an annual release for Viaje. The thing that sets these cigars apart is that they involve taking two different blends which they then combine into a single cigar. Overall this is a unique concept developed by Andre Farkas and his crew at Viaje. The Fifty Fifty series has always a pair of two when released, one Black, and one Red. The difference is usually the Black Label is to be considered a more full-bodied smoke referring to the body and strength. The Fifty Fifty is usually available in 3 sizes which are:

No. 1: 5 5 /8 x 46
No. 2: 6 x 50
No. 3: 7 x 47

And now to the cigar itself. The Viaje Fifty Fifty Red Label has a little pig tail just like the Black Label, a firm pack near the foot and a softer pack near the cap with overall smooth construction, and light amount of veins. The wrapper/foot had a woody smoke smell along with some sweetness. Then the pre-light draw was a lot smoother than what I experience with the Black Label and the pre-light flavors were a sweet and spice mix of tobacco.

Upon first light the smoke entered giving the palate a tingling, warming sensation that gave flavors of pink pepper, a spice that is spicy but, not overwhelming to the point of its an ass kicker. Along with the initial light the smoke gave the aroma of a pungent campfire smell which reminded me of the smell the foot and the wrapper had.

The first third of the Viaje Fifty Fifty Red Label kept the spice from the initial draw but, not as strong and along with the spice is a dark cocoa. The aroma coming off is of a rich, warm tobacco. The main profile of the first third though stays consistent with a spicy, musky, barnyard earth flavor having a decent amount of smoke come off with each draw. As for the ash it is black/dark grey just like the Black Label but, the draw is smoother here than the Black Label. The burn on the other hand is becoming jagged at the transition point in the second third.

Traveling through the second third I begin to noticed the spice going down which is making me think that were beginning to transition. I was sure right just before the half way mark I begin to pick up flavors of a mild peanut flavor that begin to make the smoke really creamy. At this point too the spice tone reminded me of a burning cedar that was great! It made a great, full, warm smoke on the palate. Going past the halfway point the burn started slowly correcting itself but, the ashy was still loose at flaky just like the Black Label.

The final third has the spice go down a little bit more where it becomes a underlying tone kind of like it comes around after each finish of a draw. The main profile here is a big mix though, starting with the warm nut with a tad bit of musky. As I get more into the final third the full transition becomes apparent with the profile being bitter espresso that is decently strong with some bite to it on the tongue. Along with all this is a dry earth flavor and as always the underlying spice that’s still kinda there. More bitter than spice though at the end. The tobacco loosens up too making the draw even easier and the burn also evens out more too.

The finish is slightly dry, mainly being bitter along with a earthy nut and lastly with the underlying spice being there. Overall the Viaje Fifty Fifty Red Label profile was great going from spicy to creamy to finally a bitter, nutty earth flavor. The only downfall was the same ones as the Black Label being the jagged burn and flaky ash except, the Red Label had a better draw. I suggest people still try this Viaje because it’s a great concept having a cigar that has a beginning that’s totally different from the end.

Review on the Viaje Fifty Fifty Black Label No. 3 (2011)

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Rating: 3

Category : viaje
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01st Nov2011

Illusione mj12 Maduro

by GoodFellasCigars

Wrapper:  San Andreas Maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan  Corojo/Criollo

Filler: Nicaragua Corojo

Shape: Toro

Size: 6″ x 54

Country: Honduras

Strength: Medium – Full

Price Range: $10

Dion Giolito, owner of Illusione Cigars unveiled a Maduro line of the Illusione at IPCPR 2011.  This line comes in four sizes cg:4, 888, 88, and mj12. Dion Giolito takes an interest in conspiracy theories and that is reflected in the names of most of his cigars. For instance  the mj12, The Majestic 12, is the supposed code name of a top secret committee form in 1947 by an executive order of President Harry Truman composing of military leaders, scientists, and government officials. This committee set out to investigate UFOs after the events of Roswell. Rumor has it that The Majestic 12 is still in operation.

In keeping with the alien theme, the original mj12 is stylistically wrapped in silver foil. The silver foil alludes to the silver foil found at Roswell in 1947. In contrast, the maduro version is wrapped in a black paper.

Illusione cigars made a splash with the Natural version of the mj12 and now adding a maduro version has yet again made a fantastic leap into the proverbial pool. The mj12 Maduro has changed the changed the game by adding a great twist on the maduro concept. What comes to mind to when thinking about a maduro cigar? Got it? Well I’m guessing home baked spiced gingerbread did not come to mind. This cigar oozes rustic home cooking and it works fantastically well. Enough of making everyone crave gingerbread snaps, lets get to the smoke.

At first look the Illusione mj12 has a very inviting coloring of gold tones mixed in with a  brown spectrum. It is quite firm to the touch and does not compress when slight pressure is applied. The aroma coming from the cigar before being the lit up consisted of a very pleasant and oddly comforting light barnyard and hay mix.

With Lake Superior just feet in away of me I lit the foot of the cigar and commenced on a very relaxing smoke filled journey that believe it or not did not involve aliens. The first thing that is noticeable is a warmth that is emitted form the cigar with underlying flavors that would need some coxing of a couple more draws. From this coxing one could pick out spices most notably allspice wrapped in wonderful warmth. The finish had much more flavor to it. Spiced gingerbread and tones of cinnamon was residing toward the back of the mouth. The draw though was decent and the burn was slightly wavy. This was a good start to the Illusione mj12 Maduro.

With the coming of the second third the flavor profile added smooth bitterness of black pepper, adding more of a bite to the cigar. The finish of gingerbread and tones of cinnamon seemed to tone down but, this may be due to the flavor of the draw coming closer to fruition. The draw which improved became a quite solid. The burn became less wavy evening out. Over all the second third was fairly consistent with the the first third. Which even though not changing incredibly a lot it was still very good considering the unique flavor profile coming together so well that it has to keep your interest.

Transitioning into the final third the flavors intensify. The Illusione mj12 Maduro is still quite smooth, keeping the flavors of the previous two thirds but with the addition of wood tones. Complementing this nicely the finish resurged with a welcomed vengeance of toasted allspice, cinnamon with the expected spiced bite that comes with those classic flavors. The draw opened up quite nicely, producing a good amount of smoke. The burn remained fairly even. One has to smoke the Illusione mj12 Maduro all the way through. It would be a shame not to experience the greatness of the final third of this cigar.

Over all the Illusione mj12 Maduro is a fantastic cigar. It oozes the essence of home baking that is very much welcome as the weather starts to cool and, for this reason The Illusione mj12 Maduro is fittingly November’s Cigar of the Month. Illusione really hit this one out of the park by adding such a unique and unexpected spin on the maduro concept. Hopefully this cigar starts a flavor revolution in the cigar industry, going for the unconventional and bring us cigars that we will never expect but never forget.

A special thanks to MansonPhoto from MansonPhoto.com for the pictures please rate and comment on the photos because he would love your feedback!

 

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Category : Illusione
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