Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tatoo Tuesday: Reviving the Concept of Personal Responsibility

Tuesdays are dedicated to the "tatoo," Tatuaje cigars that is. Tonight I fired up my last Tatuaje RC184, that hard to find 7.25 x 57 mammoth perfecto from Pete Johnson and Pepin Garcia. I find it a helpful companion as I peruse the various political and economic articles out on Real Clear Politics.com and Real Clear Markets.com.

Our country would be so much stronger if people would take responsibility for their actions. I sent a letter to our congressman, Michael Burgess, Sunday a week ago asking him to encourage Congress to handle the problems in the financial markets responsibly, laying aside partisan finger-pointing and leveraging economic experts to uncover the underlying issues that need to be addressed. I do not favor a financial bail out or any form of government interference in the markets. I do favor reforming government policies that contributed to the problems.

Overall I continue to believe the fundamentals of the economy are fine and the markets are functioning the way they should, despite the fact I'm personally down 25% this year. The markets go up. The markets go down. Long live the markets!

So, I spotted two articles that report what I have believed to be true written much more skillfully than I could ever dream. First, Jonah Goldberg writes on how both political parties contributed to the present problems in an article entitled "No one's clean in this mess." We need more balanced reporting like Goldberg provides.

My favorite article of the evening though comments on something no one is willing to talk about, personal responsibility. Written by Michael Graham, "Bear market for personal responsibility" lays the blame squarely at the feet of all those people who chose to walk away from their financial obligations. He points out the ever-growing pattern of people walking away from their responsibilities whether its their marriage, their bills, their children's education, or their lack of attentiveness. Walking away from their home mortgages is just another part of the pattern.

He writes:
"America is experiencing a collapse of the ethics market. Belief in the notion that people should be responsible for their own actions, or pay their own bills or keep their promises has plummeted. It’s time to pump moral and ethical capital into the idea of individual responsibility."

He concludes:
"This isn’t a failure of finances. It’s a failure of character."

Too bad we and our political leaders cannot show the same level of personal responsibility leading this country as Pete and Pepin show making great cigars.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Review: Arganese Nicaraguan Torpedo (Presidente)


Manufacturer: Arganese Dominicana S.A.
Country: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Repulic
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Size: 6 7/8 x 52
Overall Impression: B

You have to love entrepeneurs like Gene Arganese. Here's a man with a passion for cigars who transitions from having his own private blend to starting his own cigar company. A man committed to quality and affordability, Arganese has based his operations in one of the best regions for cigar growing in the Dominican Republic, hired the best torcedors, and personally oversees every aspect of production. He also has a natural gift for developing a compelling product line.

In the flagship Arganese line all cigars use Dominican tobacco for the filler and binder while providing smokers a choice of wrappers: Nicaraguan corojo, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, or Brazilian Matafina Maduro. The filler tobacco is 100% 1st generation Cuban seed. The Nicaraguan version is billed as a full-bodied cigar, however at most it is medium-bodied, which is not a criticism at all.

Appearance: The appearance is light brown with rough looking veins and a soft delicate-feeling wrapper.

Construction: The construction is the only real draw-back to the Arganese Nicaraguan Torpedo. I smoked 5 of these over a 2 month period with much the same result. Upon clipping the head, I found the prelight draw not so much tight or blocked, but limited. Once lit the draw produced little smoke. In each case the wrapper began cracking 1" in. I keep my cigars around 66% rh, so maybe these need a bit more humidity? The last two I tried, I cut the head a little further with no improvement. Despite the perception of a draw problem the burn line progressed evenly leaving a sturdy gray ash a bit over an inch in length. The cigar never required correction or relighting. Once nursed past the halfway point, the wrapper stopped cracking and proceeded normally.

Flavor: The flavor is the highlight of the experience and the reason I will continue buying Arganese cigars. It has complexity delivering a distinct nuttiness along with cedar notes and a creamy finish during the first half. Halfway through the nuttiness dissipated and some faint notes of chocolate were detected along with citrus. The aroma was cedary and nutty. Over the last third, it developed a nice salty finish.

Overall Impression: I rated the Arganese Nicaraguan Torpedo a solid B with points subtracted for appearance and construction. The flavor, though, is very enjoyable and I wish the draw would open up so I could enjoy more of that rich flavor and aroma. The price which is around $5 is a bargain. All in all Arganese is a very exciting newcomer to the premium cigar market. I'm anxious to sample his new lineup for 2008 especially the ML3 and CL3.

Monday, September 22, 2008

StogiE's Top 5 for August

When spreading the good news it's sometimes helpful to list and summarize that which you think will benefit others. So, sharing a monthly top 5 is my way of recommending my favorite cigars for the month. In no particular order here are my favorites for August:

1. Cubao No. 1 (Churchill 7 x 49) a Nicaraguan puro by Pepin Garcia for United Tobacco. I love these guys! Medium-bodied. Introduced this past summer at the RTDA. My rating: 91.

2. Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ Maduro Belicosos (Figurado 5.75 x 52) a Nicaraguan puro by Pepin Garcia for El Rey de los Habanos. My rating: 92.

3. 601 Green Label Oscuro La Punta (Perfecto 5.5 x 52) a Nicaraguan puro by Pepin Garcia for United Tobacco. Did I mention that I love these guys? These guys referring to Erik Espinosa and Eddie Ortega (and of course Pepin Garcia). Full-bodied. My rating: 91.

4. Illusione 2 "and crowned of thorns" (Figurado 5.25 x 52) a Nicaraguan puro from Fernandez y Fernandez for Illusione Cigars. Medium-bodied. The most popular size in the Illusione line appears to be the CG:4, which is an excellent cigar. BTW, has anyone figured out the code? My rating: 91.

5. La Flor Dominicana Cabinet Maduro No. 6 (Figurado 6.25 x 52) Binder and Filler from the Dominican Republic with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper from Litto Gomez for La Flor Dominicana. Medium to full-bodied. My rating: 91.

Nicaragua is the country of choice for me when it comes to cigars with the Dominican Republic second. Since I tend to enjoy medium to full-bodied smokes the products developed by Pepin Garcia most suit my taste.

My favorite producer is currently United Tobacco. With the 601 line (love the Blue and the Green labels) and the newly introduced Cubao line and Mi Barrio this company is consistently producing high quality, top-shelf cigars.

My favorite beverage for August, by a long-shot, is the Barbera 2006 from Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. This full-bodied red pairs perfectly with full-bodied cigars.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Review: La Aurora Barrel Aged Belicoso



Manufacturer: La Aurora S.A.
Country: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Repulic, Nicaragua
Wrapper: Corojo Oscuro (Dominican Republic)
Size: 6.25 x 52
Overall Impression: B

I first heard about the new Barrel Aged line from La Aurora last year when reading reports from the 2007 IPCPR. Being a big fan of the Preferidos line I was very anxious for these to become available. Patience is a virtue as the Barrel Aged did not start shipping until March 2008. Barrel Aged takes it name from the fact that all the tobacco used is aged four years in barrels previously used for aging rum.

I have sampled 6 or so of these and decided this medium-bodied cigar would be the perfect choice after my 30 mile bike ride along the Trinity Trail in Fort Worth. I had one left that has been resting in the humidor for a couple of months at 66% rh. I paired it with fresh ground Columbian coffee and the Eagles-Steelers football game. Fortunately (or not) the cigar proved to be more interesting than the game.

Appearance: La Aurora has done a great job with presentation on the Barrel Aged. The cigars are very appealing to the eye with a milk chocolate wrapper that is very smooth to the eye and touch with very faint veins. The band has the look of a barrel with shades of orange and red lettering.

Construction: I have found the Barrel Aged cigars to have solid construction with no soft spots or visible flaws. After clipping the head I found the prelight draw to have the right resistance. After lighting I found the draw to be just right resulting in lots of white billowing smoke. The burn line, though not razor sharp, was even from start to finish. No corrections or relights were needed. The ash was light gray and held to a tightly wound 1-1.25 inches.

Flavor: I found the flavor to be pleasant but not overly complex. Initially I detected wood and spice. About an inch in the flavor of dark-roasted coffee kicked in along with the wood. The finish was creamy with a touch of spice. The aroma was also pleasant and seemed to have a hint of sweetness in the nose. This flavor profile continued througout the remainder of the smoke with some mild spice appearing briefly at points along the way.

Overall Impression: I have rated the La Aurora Barrel Aged Belicoso a solid B. I have to admit to being a little bit disappointed, mostly because I have been spoiled with the high quality of the La Aurora Preferidos. Still, the Barrel Aged is a quality product and delivers a pleasant smoking experience. I will continue to purchase these individually.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

On Change #1

Exactly when should we believe the politicians are serious about change? It has been nothing but more of the same. Do you realize the politicians laugh at us because we swallow their lies so easily.

How's this for change: House Majority Leader Pelosi showed us more of the same today on a matter that should concern all of us most. As reported in The Hill:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, when asked Tuesday whether Democrats bear some of the responsibility regarding the current crisis on Wall Street, had a one-word answer: “No.”

Pelosi (D-Calif.) ripped President Bush’s “mismanagement” of the economy and a lack of regulation that led to the current situation.


Here's my opinion of change.

Change occurs when leaders stop shifting blame. When mistakes happen true leaders are willing to acknowledge their contribution to the problem. This is a good example. Pelosi ripped the president for a lack of regulation. Let me ask a question. Who is responsible for creating laws, Congress or the President? Correct, Congress. If we are lacking in sufficient regulations for the financial markets, the failure is with Congress. Pelosi, as Speaker of the House, bears responsibility in this regard, not the president.

When it comes to shifting blame, Pelosi once again proves she offers no change we can believe in, just more of the same.

A political party that claims to bear no responsibility for the problems facing this country is a political party incapable of solving the problems this country faces. Why? Because they are more interested in laying the cause of every problem at the feet of their opponents to gain electoral advantage.

They don't care about solving this country's problems. They care only about winning an election.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Worst Economy Since When?? Huh!!

I love/loathe presidential politics. I cannot wait until the presidential campaigns begin and I cannot wait until they end. Presidential politics both exhilarate me and exasperate me. It brings out the best in our country and the worst. It's a time when the lunatic fringe gets to be heard and a time when the ideas and views of well-centered, working-class people are disparaged.

We can't have a genuine fact-based discussion in this country about the economy. One side loudly and incessantly insists that the economy at present is in the worst condition since, yes you guessed it, the Great Depression. Where were you in the 30's? My parents and grandparents lived in the Great Depression. These people are clueless. The other side is too terrified of being taken out of context and shouted down with the worst expletives imaginable in a sound-bite driven culture and thus will not stand up and share the facts. That side occasionally tries to counter but then astonishingly steps back saying, "I know times are bad." What?!

Today's a good day to vent about the politics of economy given the problems at Lehman and other mortgage bankers. Oh, yeah, and how about that stock market decline,eh? Regarding the stock market decline today I saw terms such as "plummet," and "crash," and "free fall." Such descriptors for a measely 3.86%. Where were you in 1987 when we had a one day decline of 30% (actually 23%, but who's counting)? Or how about 2000 when the NASDAQ lost 75% of its value under that other administration?

People today think that 5-6% fixed-rate mortgages are too high so they roll the dice and opt for high risk adjustable rate loans or interest payment only schemes so they can buy houses they can't afford. Sorry, where were you people in the early 1980's when the best my family could get was a fixed-rate mortgage at 14%? Where were you people who today complain about 2% annual inflation when in the late 70's we were dealing with double-digit inflation? Don't tell me the economy is bad.

People complain about unemployment at 5%, but that has been the average rate year over year since the Great Depression. By the way, my high school educated son and daughter-in-law both serve as managers of well-known retail stores. They have a combined annualized household income exceeding $80k and bought a brand new house costing double what ours cost in one of the nicest suburbs in Fort Worth. They both started working for their current employers as minimum wage salespeople. They had no special treatment, no unfair advantage, no handout. They simply worked hard, cared about their jobs, and showed some loyalty to their employer. They are in their mid-20s.

While I realize that not all of us have the time and patience to bone up on all the economic facts and statistics or become experts in the trends, the ups and downs, of a free market economy, we do have the gift of a brain we can use to reflect on what we see around us and compare our observations to the self-serving pleadings of our munchausen politicians.

I do not accept the claim or condescension on the part of the political parties when they compare our economy to the Depression (we're not even in a recession) or characterize the economic times as difficult when I see the following:
- New home developments all over with new houses running 2000 plus square feet. People are too good to buy smaller used homes.
- Big package retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City moving high volumes of consumer electronic merchandise.
- People not only have multiple tv's but HD and large flat screens at that.
- People own multiple digital products and enjoy cable/satellite tv. We're too good to use rabbit-ears and watch local programming.
- Ordinary people selling out sporting events and concerts spending in the hundreds of dollars each event.
- People spending billions to watch movies in fancy theaters with the latest in sight and sound and seating. Growing up we had to wait for movies to be shown on tv.
- Heavy saturation of high-priced restaurants that always sport long waiting lines in the early evening. People are too good to fix their own meals.
- And cell phones, not only do adults have cell phones but somehow afford to buy them for their school-aged kids. More talk, talk, talk; less work, work, work.
- People spending for fancy cars what my parents paid for their house. They're too good to hang on to their cars after they get a little worn. Need new tires? Aw hell, let's just buy a new car. And people trade in cars while still upside down! Why do they do that? Did the president make them?
- Every one has computers and internet access. It is practical. This 21st century depression after all is the information age.
- States rake in billions on gambling games because people are willing to risk poverty to get rich easy.
- People pay a premium for designer-brand jeans and clothing accessories.
- Churches accumulate in the tens of billions of dollars in wealth and build palacial structures on suburban acreage because people are no longer content to worship; they instead demand a worship experience.

Are these the characteristics of a society going through difficult times?

I realize there are people going through very difficult financial times, some of whom did nothing wrong and due to no fault of their own are disadvantaged in such a way they cannot pull themselves through. I'm not talking about you.

I'm talking about those people who are unwilling to sacrifice by scaling back on their luxury when necessary, those who run up their debt buying non-essentials and now don't want to pay the bills, those who perhaps were laid-off and then complain about the government rather than learning a new skill or relocating where there is work. The generations that preceded us were willing to move across the country, even across the world, to find work. What makes us so special that we feel we are entitled to a handout?

Frankly, I don't think most people want a handout. By declaring that which is not wrong to be apocalyptic is how politicians not only win elections, but more importantly how they take away more and more of our freedoms once elected. Every time war is declared on something, government eagerly comes in to save the day with more legislation to run our lives rather than to defend and serve. The more the government gives, in reality the more they take away.

For me, I'm not afraid to say it, the economy is functioning the way it should. It goes through cycles. Deal with it. New technology does indeed decrease the need for labor. When companies are mismanaged they go under. Stock prices go up, stock prices go down. That's how the marketplace works. Adversity should make us stronger not make us sniveling wimps who want mama government to make us feel better.

Holding the government accountable when things in the economy go bad is not much different than holding the government accountable for bad weather. Can you imagine a politician blaming a sitting president for an abnormally cold winter in the northeast, promising to legislate nature so that all of us can be guaranteed plenty of sunny weather without sunburns or just enough rain to keep the lakes full without flooding? That could never happen could it??

Look, I don't want the government to give me what I deserve, just don't take away what I earned.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Review: Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 Gran Robusto


Manufacturer: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A.
Country: Honduras
Filler: Costa Rica, Nicaragua,
Wrapper: Corojo (Nicaragua)
Size: 6 x 54
Overall Impression: B+

The Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 is a darn good cigar; at a price under $5 per stick, it is in fact a very good cigar. I must say early on, however, it is a full-flavored, medium to full-bodied smoke. In every way it is typical of what you expect from a corojo wrapper with a flavor profile and heat factor that reminds me of LFD Double Ligeros. It is a stick for the experienced smoker.

Occasion: My wife and I just returned from an afternoon at Grapefest, a celebration of the arts, food, music, and fine Texas wines that occurs annually at this time in downtown Grapevine, Texas. After picking up a bucket of KFC and sides we returned home to enjoy our desserts, which for me is this lovely Corojo No. 5 Gran Robusto paired with a bottle of 2006 Barbera from Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and Sunday Night Football (Steelers vs. Browns).

Presentation/Appearance: These cigars jump out at you when browsing the offerings at the local B&M. They have a dark, oily appearance with a classically-designed label consisting of red and gold borders, red lettering in the center against a white backfrop, and white lettering on the sides against an aqua backdrop.It also sports a 2nd red band with gold border and gold lettering with the words "Corojo No. 5." The product presentation is first rate. On close inspection, the cigar itself has imperfections in appearance. There are visible veins and seams on the dark wrapper along with a blemish or two. No matter, this is a cigar calling on the courageous to take it home for a ride.

Construction: I found no soft spots and the cap was easily removed. It feels sturdy and packed. The draw has just the right resistance and fills the mouth and air with rich smoke. The cigar burns evenly and produces a gray ash that holds up to an inch. Even though the ash holds well it is delicate and a bit crumbly. At the halfway point, the burn line did become a bit erratic but required no corrections.

Flavor: I love the flavor profile of corojos and the Gran Habano is no exception. The flavor of cedar dominated up front with notes of pepper on the long finish. After the first ash drop, about an inch in, I detected salt on the finish. The aroma is rich and seems to have the smell of burnt wood similar to what you would smell if you were burning wood chips on your grill. Hickory, perhaps? I especially enjoyed the aroma of spice which opens up the nose. Over the final 3rd the flavors, which had been so bold up front, became muted with the overall flavor effect changing to tobacco and red pepper, which applies some heat to the roof of the mouth. This last 1/3 is somewhat average compared to what had preceded.

Overall I find the Gran Habano No. 5 to be an enjoyable, medium to full-bodied cigar with the flavors out front, nothing subtle. If the flavors had been as bold over the final 3rd as the first 2/3s, I would rate this experience a solid "A." At $5 per stick the Corojo No. 5 is a great value for the right occasion or mood. It may be too bold for an everyday smoke.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Review: Liga Privada No. 9


Manufacturer: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate S.A.
Country: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua/Honduras
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Size: 6 x 52
Overall Impression: B-

I saw the Liga Privada No. 9 at the B&M a few months ago for the first time. Being unfamiliar with this special blend from Drew Estates, I picked up several based on the look and feel of the cigar. I know alot of folks find the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper to be unattractive, however I find the dark rustic appearance appealing. Combine that with the heft this cigar carries and the classy presentation on the band I was hooked.

According to Drew Estates this cigar was created for the smoking pleasure of the company's president, handcrafted by their factory's best torcedors, and not infused. All in all I think the first half of the cigar hits the mark. After that it is an average smoke at best.

I have smoked 5 of these over the past two months and can report a consistent experience. I have kept them stored at 66% rh. As mentioned above, the Liga Privada No. 9 sports the typical look and feel of a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper: very dark brown in color with a slightly rough texture, and some small, but noticeable veins. There is a nice oily sheen to it and again the overall look works for me because I know the wonderful flavor and aroma the wrapper leaf offers. Ultimately I don't care about the presentation as long as it puts out.

Construction: Nice heft, felt solid head to foot, no soft spots. Good cap. Prelight draw had about the right resistance. Prelight flavor to me was good ole barnyard. In my previous experiences with this cigar, the star of the show has been the construction with the flavor coming in good but not great. Using my Lotus triple flame table lighter the cigar lit easily. For the first half the burn was mostly even, slight variation, producing a solid gray ash up to an inch in length. After the first ash, I noticed a small hole in the filler. It did not negatively affect the draw, burn, or flavor however. The draw and burn remained consistent to the end. No relights or corrections needed.

Flavor: With the first few draws I detected espresso notes and a hint of sweetness on the finish. The draw produced plenty of smoke. Some leather and mild spice was detected in the nose. After about the first inch the smoke started delivering an aroma of roasted nuts. At this point the dominant flavor changed to leather with a citrus finish. So far a top shelf smoke. After the halfway point, the flavors detected in the first half dissipated giving way to earth with a peppery finish. Normally I nub my cigars but not in this case since the flavor was rather bland.

Overall impression: I like this cigar, however at $10 per stick it is pricey for what it delivers. Still I'll keep one or two around for when I'm in the mood. Not recommended for aging.