DogWatch Cigar Radio # 271: Sucker Punch Sally, Smoking Toads and Gorilla Fingers

Cigar of the Week -  Illusione MJ12 - Majestic 12 54x6

The Illusione line of cigars was created by a dream team of tobacco master blenders. Illusione cigars are constantly rated highly in Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider and the Illusione MJ 12 is no exception. Each cigar is hand-crafted to meet the needs of even the most demanding cigar smokers. The Illusione cigars are great smokes, have a pleasant aroma and wonderful construction, and provide an overall cuban-like experience. Each cigar has  the distinctive triple cap for which cuban cigars are so well known. The Illusione cigar is made from first generation corojo tobacco wrapped in a Cafe Colorado wrapper. These cigars are fairly hard to get because they are made in small quantities to ensure quality of product

Dark Side  -  RAFAEL GONZALEZ CORONAS EXTRA
Origin: Cuba Manufactured: Hand Made
Gauge: Thick Length: 143
Format: Corona Gorda Ring: 46
Weight: 11.41 gr.
Presentation: 2 Layers in a Box of 25

According to “An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars,” this brand is believed to have been created in 1928. Initially it was called “La Flor de Marquez,” after Marquez Rafael Gonzalez, a Spanish aristocrat, and was distributed in the British Market.  Later the Rey del Mundo Cigar Company acquired the brand and renamed it “Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez.”

Production was temporarily discontinued in the early 1960’s. In 1965 the Rafael Gonzalez was resurrected by the Rey Del Mundo Factory (now called the Romeo y Julieta Factory) and is still primarily produced by them today.

In the 1990’s, the brand was produced in a limited quantity and was very difficult to find. It is considered a high-end brand with floral, herbal, mellow woodiness and honey sweetness as the main flavors and a mild tobacco taste.

Herf line submissions:   This week Angry Bill called about the death of Alejandro Robaina.  Call the Herfline, 321-594-4373! - or cigar.radio on Skype, and leave a message or a cigar review. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv

What else have you been smokin' Dale?

Oliva Serie V Double Robusto 5 x 54 - Nicaragua tobaccos with ligero from the Jalapa Valley and Habano Sungrown wrapper. Very rich with subtle spice. All the Nic Zing one could want balanced with some dark chocolate, sweet coffee and well fermented tobacco flavors.

Pinar Del Rio PDR 1878 - Smoked another corona - same great creamy, nutty flavors with pepper & spice developing throughout the stick.

Esteban Carreras 187 - Craig Cunningham was in town yesterday & today, called to see if I'd smoked these yet. I love the savory, meaty flavors and smooth smoke. Full bodied with a chewiness to the smoke that's incredible.

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

Cubao Maduro Rothschild - Deep dark chocolate spice, A savory cigar that really brings out the traditional tastes of maduro, chocolate, espesso with a nice addition of spice to keep you on your toes. Produced in Esteli by Pepin Garcia. Company: EO Brands / 601
Line: Cubao
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Flavor: Medium-Full
Strength: Medium-Full

La Aroma de Cuba New Blend Monarch - New blend of the long time LAdC that I used to love. Taking off the band removed the wrapper. And not a little-the whole wrapper began to unravel. New blend had some spice but was also a little harsh; overall not as enjoyable as the old blend. Burned too hot and tasted too harsh. Made in Nicaragua by Pepin Garcia.

CAO Barizillia - Wrapper from Brazil and everything else from Nicaragua; pleasurable smoke with nice spice and a solid ash. Respectable and yes, I would buy another one.

What's My Band?  - #910 from Liz:  Rocky Patel Vintage 1990

Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics

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