Richmond, VA— Wayne Newton will join representatives of the USO Las Vegas in accepting a $20,000 donation from General Cigar on behalf of the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) on Monday, July 18 at 2:00 PM at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in the Venetian Hotel.

General Cigar and the IPCPR are making the donation to support the “$1K a Day” campaign created to help fund the USO Las Vegas facility in McCarran Airport. Doug Bradford, center director of USO Las Vegas says it takes about $900 a day to operate the facility, which has been visited by more than 17,000 people with military ties since its opening last Veteran’s Day.

The “$1K a Day” campaign is the perfect way for businesses and individuals to show their support for our nation’s armed forces,” said Bradford. “The importance of letting our men and women in the military know that we do not take for granted what they do for our country, every day, cannot be stressed enough.”

“Entertaining the men and women of our armed forces overseas has been one of the highlights of my life,” said entertainer and USO tour veteran Wayne Newton. “I have been associated with the USO for decades and am honored to join the organization in accepting General Cigar and the IPCPR’s generous donation which will go a long way in helping fund the USO’s new Las Vegas center.”

General Cigar and the IPCPR will be in Las Vegas for the 79th annual IPCPR tradeshow which brings premium cigar manufacturers and retailers together to celebrate the industry and debut new products.

“We chose to represent the premium cigar category by contributing to the USO because we value the organization’s heritage and long-term commitment to supporting members of the U.S. Armed Forces bravely serving our country all over the world,” said Dan Carr president of General Cigar. “We are honored to assist the USO in enhancing their presence in the city of Las Vegas which has graciously welcomed the IPCPR tradeshow for many years.”

The USO has more than 160 locations worldwide that serve as a home away from home for our military. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the organization and its mission to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families.

General Cigar’s commitment to supporting the USO stems from its comprehensive corporate citizenship program which is underwritten solely by the company. Since 1992, General Cigar has actively provided agricultural, environmental and educational support in the Dominican Republic and Honduras, where its premium cigars are handcrafted.

About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.

About the IPCPR
With more than 2,000 members throughout the U.S. and 31 foreign countries, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association is the leading non-profit industry organization representing retailers, manufacturers and distributors of hand-made cigars, pipes and accessories. Stores displaying the IPCPR logo are recognized as premier purveyors of premium tobacco products. Members of IPCPR have access to IPCPR market research, trade shows, services, publications, and participation in community, constitutional and legislative action programs.

About USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners: American Airlines, AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission and to learn more about the USO, please visit www.uso.org.

® Macanudo, Partagas, Cohiba, Punch, La Gloria Cubana, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.

Appearance: The first thing that stands out on this cigar, of course, is the band.  It looks like a cool Cadillac from the 50s.  It bears Nestors signature as part of the signature series, so you have to hope this will be a good cigar.  Especially if it’s anything like it’s older brothers, the Special Selection.  The ’06 Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper bears some serious veins, but little tooth.  This parejo shaped cigar bears a triple cap.  I’d wish for lighter veins in the appearance, but overall this is a nice looking cigar.

Taste: This started out with a mild wood and leather that stayed in the forefront of the palate for the whole of the stick.  Some sweet floral notes melded in and out.  Touted as a medium strength cigar, I’d put it closer to mild than medium.  It did pick up some strength towards the end of the stick which infused a little pepper onto the tongue as well.

Aroma: Unlit, this thing is strongly aromatic.  A chocolaty leather resonates through the nostrils and gives hope for the smoke to come.  The lit smoke was mild and a little floral.

Construction: Feeling the length of this cigar, it’s firm which suggests a tight roll.  The wrapper is well done and has visible seams.  The triple cap is perfectly executed and completely smooth.  After clipping, the draw was tighter than I’d like on both samples smoked for this review.  The ash held tightly and the burn was excellent.

Overall Impression: Sometimes you can’t judge a book by its cover.  While a very decent stick, this cigar didn’t live up to my expectations.  Maybe my expectations were a little too high, but when you throw out names like Pepin and Nestor Miranda, what else can you expect.  I think the tight roll had something to do with the milder flavors and think that if you get some sticks with a looser roll, you might experience more flavor.  As it is, with an average $7.50 price tag, I don’t know that I’d be reaching for this over some other sticks in the same price range.

Cigar Rating:

Here is the birthday message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps:

Appearance: First, as stated before, I love the lancero.  I think it’s an elegant cigar.  The La Aurora 107 Lancero definitely deserves the description of elegant.  This 7×40 cigar is capped with a traditional pigtail, which I think adds to its appearance.  The Ecuadorian wrapper has no tooth with a few prominent veins running along the length.

Taste: At first light, prominent pepper covers your lips and lets you know this isn’t a cigar to be overlooked.  After the first inch or so, the pepper subsides into a rich leather flavor.  Be warned, though, not to smoke this cigar too quickly as, with any cigar, you can build up tar which ruins the flavors.  About half way through, earth pops in to mix with the leather and this combination holds almost until the end where some cedar introduces itself.

Aroma: Cedar and cocoa waft from the unlit stick, but after lighting, this won’t be your wife’s favorite smelling cigar.  This is a medium-full smoke and the smoke’s aroma lets you know that.

Construction: This is a well constructed cigar.  Lanceros can be hit or miss because of its thin ring gauge, but of the three I’ve had so far, there were no problems.  A smooth draw also signifies a good roll.  The burn was solid.  Of course, this isn’t La Aurora’s first rodeo either since the 107′s older brother, the Preferido lancero, has been around for a little while.

Overall Impression: This cigar hits the mark.  Retailing for around $7, this has great flavor, is well constructed, and looks great.  While not overly complex, the 107 Lancero changes enough to keep you interested.  This is a medium to full flavor cigar that I think improves on the Serie 107 Aniversario line.  For those who were involved in working with La Aurora to bring this cigar to life, I thank you.

Cigar Rating:

South Dakota voters on Tuesday approved a law expanding the state’s indoor smoking ban to bars, video lottery establishments and Deadwood casinos.

Lawmakers in 2009 voted to extend the state’s current ban on smoking in most workplaces and public areas, but a coalition of bars and gambling businesses gathered enough signatures to force a statewide vote.

Supporters called Referred Law 12 a public safety issue, saying the measure will protect workers from secondhand smoke exposure which causes heart disease and lung cancer.

Opponents argued that it will take away the personal rights of business owners who choose to cater to customers who smoke.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9J8C7780.htm

As a cigar blogger (albeit not a regular one lately), I take my cigar smoking seriously.  I try to thoroughly evaluate any cigar I smoke so that I can properly transcribe my evaluations and observations to you my readers.  I give you my opinion on cigars based on the experiences I’ve had with the cigars I’m reviewing.  And the truth of the matter is that my opinion is just that, an opinion.  I try to remain as objective as possible and tell you about objective characteristics like burn, construction, wrapper appearance and the like.

But, does it taste good?  What is the aroma like?  Is this the best cigar I’ve had or is it just so-so?  I can answer those questions for myself and describe them to you, but can’t answer for you.  I like full-bodied cigars.  You might not.  I think that thinner ring gauges hold more flavor.  You might disagree.  I might like woody flavors whereas you like more spice.

So, if you ask me what my best cigar is, I’m going to give you my opinion.  If you ask me what my favorite cigar is, you’ll get my favorite answer for that day/week/month; however long my current favorite remains my favorite.  And, if you tell me what you like, I can guide you to things I think you might enjoy based on my experience and knowledge.

But, if you’re looking for the best cigar, you’re going to have to find that one for yourself.

If you already know, tell me what your best cigar is and why…  Maybe it’ll help others find theirs.

Litto Gomez shares my point-of-view and has published his own thoughts on things.  Read below:

Every single one of the foods or substances you see here may end up killing you…if you abuse them.

But, if we take them with moderation, they are harmless and make our lives really enjoyable.

For some draconian reasons, our law makers have singled out cigars, why?

I remember the reason was second hand smoking.  But, in parks? In the open air? What is this?!

If we let them cut away with it, they will continue to take away our life.  As adults [sic] we have the right to choose [sic] our lifestyle [sic]. As I recall, it was called freedom, and that’s what makes America the best country in the world.

If you don’t smoke and think that this does not concern you…think again, because one day, after they are done with cigars, a fat congressman while munching on his french [sic] fries will write [sic] a bill that will tax your favorite food.

We should not let them legislate our lifestyle.
It’s time to stop them.

Ask your local retailer how you can get involved and please join Cigar Rights of America.

I am Litto Gomez.

This is my personal opinion.  I am a concerned citizen that believes in freedom of choice.  I teach this to my children.

By J. Glynn Loope, Executive Director
Cigar Rights of America

The cause of liberty just took a step forward, as the City Council for Galveston, Texas voted 4-3 to roll back the city’s draconian smoking ban. Galveston joins a growing list of communities and states (and even countries…”thank you Netherlands!”) which are amending existing smoking laws, in response to voter backlash, economic demand, and political pressure.

The ordinance had only been on the books since January 1, 2010. Cigar Rights of America first noted the situation in Galveston during its seminar to the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association meeting in August of 2009. We highlighted through a video feed the absolute absurdity of the City Council’s deliberations over the proposed ordinance, and the lack of thought that went into the original policy. It banned smoking across the board in tobacco shops, bars, restaurants, and made outdoor smoking virtually impossible.

In February a coalition of bars and restaurants filed suit against the city and city council over the smoking ban, claiming that the ban adversely affected their property values, while also stating that the ban did not comply with state law by failing to conduct a ‘takings analysis’ before enacting such a rule. A truly outstanding action.

The new policy creates a category for smoking in “adult venues,” which in this context simply means no one under the age of 18 is allowed. The new ordinance also reverses the ban on smoking in private clubs, fraternal organizations, and outdoor seating areas, by allowing smoking within five feet of a building, instead of the original fifteen feet. The new policy also allows for on-premises alcohol consumption in retail tobacco shops. A truly great measure that is a victory for small business in Galveston, and a model ordinance for others across America.

Read the rest here…

This is evidence of the good that CRA does for the cigar smoking community. If you’re not a member, you should be.

So, for the first review of the summer, I bring to you the Calibre 58 from Miami Cigars.  Along the same vein as NUb cigars, these are short but stout.  The Calibre 58 is a Nicaraguan puro, and if you know anything about Nicaraguan puros, that almost guarantees a full-bodied smoke.  These were “initially created as a personal house blend of Miami Cigar to be used exclusively for promo’s [sic] but due to the demand [they] were forced to release them.”  These cigars are available in both rosado and oscuro wrappers as well as a parejo or torpedo shape.  Let’s see how they turn out.

Appearance: These are unbanded, which to me is a good thing, since they’re so short at  4×58.  No need to mess with a band when they’re that short.  Notice I didn’t say small, because a ring gauge of 58 is nothing to sneeze at.  The wrapper has few veins and no tooth.  A slight sheen to the cigar hints at age, but it’s not what I would call oily.  The cap of this torpedo is extremely well done as is the rest of the roll.  Unpretentious in its presentation, let’s see if the cigar backs up its lack of flaunted presentation.

Taste: This thing comes out swinging like Foreman before he learned how to grill.  Very strong cedar from the gate that subsides into a pure tobacco taste.  A strong wood and floral come to the forefront pretty quickly with a slight undertone of pepper, but not as much as you’d expect from this powerhouse.  I can honestly say I’ve never experienced these kinds of flavors from any puro, that were so abrupt in strength but smooth in flavor.  After the first inch, though, the floral went away and the woodiness came heavy.  Heavier than I like, but taste is purely subjective, right?  It didn’t really change much after that.

Aroma: Taking a huge whiff of this stick pre-light gave me a very strong aroma of chocolate, cedar, and tobacco.  This thing smells fantastic and reminds me of what a cigar should smell like.

Construction: I’ll say in both samples that I had before writing this review, these weren’t easy to initially light.  Not that they were extremely difficult, but it took some time to get a good full light on these.  Once going, the burn was good, though not great.  In the humid southern air of a somewhat cool North Carolina evening, though, it’s probably never going to be perfect, so take that for what its worth.  The cigar is well rolled.  The ash holds strong.  The wrapper doesn’t unravel even with the added humidity.  Miami Cigars has maintained its quality and proves it with the Calibre 58.

Overall Impression: I’m sold.  At just under $5 per stick, these are extremely enjoyable, even if not earth-shattering.  A good solid cigar with powerhouse flavor.  Just be careful not to smoke these too fast.  With all that strength, this can get pretty acrid on you if you don’t moderate.  I would definitely say that NUb has some strong competition in the market now.

Cigar Rating:

I’m not here to bring anybody down, but I do want you to think about this day and about where America has come from and where America is going.  Many of us get apathetic about the big picture.  I’m guilty of it myself sometimes.  I get busy.  Work is kicking my ass, and I barely have time to have a cigar many days let alone start worrying about the future of our great nation.  But, I have to remind myself of the responsibility sometimes.  I’m hoping to remind you as well.  America is still a great nation.  We’ve tripped up some, but we’re still standing tall.

I hope that as you enjoy your best cigar today, you think of the many military and civil servant heroes that have helped us maintain the freedom we’re so lucky to enjoy.  I hope that you think of the dream that America still is for so many others who don’t know freedom.  I hope you kiss your wife or husband, hug your children, pet your dog, and as you puff away, remember, that we are all lucky in our own way to be part of the American dream.

Happy 4th of July, y’all!!

Image by: Express Monorail