DogWatch Cigar Radio

DogWatch Cigar Radio #285 July 30,2010

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:24:30 -0400

Welcome to DogWatch Cigar Radio episode 285 for July 30th, 2010. Meandering roads.
Brought to you by CigarTourism.com - Now booking trips to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Immerse yourself in the world of cigars in style and comfort. Colin Ganley will introduce you to your favorite cigar makers, show you where tobacco is grown, cigars are rolled, and we wrap up each day with tastings in the tropical air. CigarTourism.com

Also brought to you by FullersPullers.com, While you're listening to the show, take a few moments to browse Fullerspullers.com for the latest in boutique brand cigars.

This week Joe added the new La Reloba line of cigars from Don Pepin Garcia - a medium bodied blend available in 2 wrapper styles - Habano and Sumatra.

You can always expect to find one of the widest selection of boutique brands of cigars when you visit FullersPullers.com, the preferred retailer of Dogwatch Cigar Radio.

Cigar of the Week - Alec Bradley Prensado Robusto

The 5x50 Alec Bradley Prensado was built around a new wrapper, the Corojo dos mil seis (Corojo 2006). The wrapper was grown in late 2006 on the farm in Trojes, Honduras and was in fermentation and aging through mid 2008. Alex Rubin started smoking and learning about the nuances of this wrapper in July 2008 and worked on this blend for over six months.

Dark Side - El REY DEL MUNDO CHOIX SUPREME

At 5x48 the Choix Supreme may be the perfect size for enjoying this particular blend. The brand is believed to have been created by a German, Emilio Olmstead, who registered this brand and the Sancho Panza brand in 1848. Min Ron Nee, author of "An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars," says these are only to be appreciated by those with excellent palates and after 15 years of aging. Not always very popular, it comes and goes in importance with the buying public and yet it remains an enthusiast's pick at all times.

Herf Line review of Outlaw Tatuaje from Bill Featherston (ERdoc).

What else have you been smokin' Dale?

Tres Hermanos Toro - From the little shop in the French Quarter of NO last year....most folks who bought some in our group weren't too impressed - reported obviously young charateristics, so I held mine a year. Well worth the wait! Deep rich flavors in a full bodied smoke. Good construction, behaved well.

Cinco Vegas Limitados

Adrians Corona - The last of my Adrian samples from a year ago, and this was the best. Had I smoked this a year ago I might have bought some! Very smooth, nice woody tones with mild sweetness. None of the harshness or conflicting flavors of the other vitolas I tried.

La Estrella Cubana Torpedo - I was not expecting much of this cigar based on Bob's experience a couple weeks ago, but was pleasently surprised. Not a great cigar, but one I'd smoke occasionally. Some coffee & nuttiness around a core of mild leather. Med bodied, some rough edges, but a decent outdoor (fishing, hiking, etc....) stick.

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

Gurkha Evil Toro - Gurkha is known for their full flavored cigars and this is no exception. I broke out this beauty first thing one morning and was amazed at the pairing of the dark, citrusy Brazilian wrapper, milder Dominican binder and the spicey Nicaraguan filler. This is a strong cigar but because it is well blended and well aged it sits well on the palate and is a remarkably good choice with a cup of coffee or a petey scotch such as Islay. A fine cigar that drove me back to the store for more..

Esencia Churchill - Esencia has perhaps one of the least known and most underrated cigars on the market, except by those who smoke them. Getting an Esencia in a Churchill size is like getting the Super Burrito at your favorite mexican restaurant. The flavor just keeps coming at you in wave after wave of spice, leather andstraw that, while being somewhat reminiscent of the finer Cubans, is a large step beyond in the fullness of flavor, complexity and satisfaction.

Whats My Band - #919 - Montecristo Serie C.

Do you have a suggestion for the unbanded cigar of the week? Every week Bob and Dale include an “unbanded cigar” segment in their show in which they smoke a cigar without any markings and give their honest opinions. Bob then opens a sealed envelope and discovers the cigar’s name and manufacturer. If you have suggestions for the "What's My Band?" segment, please send them to liz@cigarmedia.tv.

July Palio Cutter Contest Winner: Robert Brown. Enter this month's contest by clicking here. (You must be a registered member to enter. Not a member? Join now!)

If you call and leave a cigar review on the herf line and it is played on the show, you will receive a DogWatch Cigar Radio patch! You can reach the Herfline at 321-594-4373 - or cigar.radio on Skype. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv.

Origin of the term HERF: From Cigar Craig, http://cigarcraig.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/the-origin-of-the-word-herf/

Music provided by the 25 Smokin' Figurados from their new album, "Lesson Two," and The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #284 July 23,2010

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:17:54 -0400

Bob interviews Mark Carlos McGinty, the author of "The Cigar Maker."

Cigar of the Week - Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie No. 7 Toro.

The Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta is a beautiful two-tone cigar. The two wrappers create not only a pleasing look but also a new tasting concept. The cigar is first rolled with the Ecuadorian wrapper and then the tip is covered with a rich, dark, sweet Nicaraguan wrapper. The smoker experiences a combination of flavors: a creamy, mellow taste coming from the burning side of the cigar and a sweet and spicy character from the rich Nicaraguan wrapper.

Dark Side - BOLIVAR BOLIVAR NO. 1 TUBOS.

Introduced in 1901, the powerful flavor of the Bolivar cigar range is almost as widely know as it's namesake, Simon Bolivar (1783-1830), the celebrated Venezuelan warrior who liberated what is today Venezuela, Columbia, Peru and Bolivia. The Bolivar cigar brand was developed by the Jose Rocha Cigar Company and manufactured at the El Crepusculo cigar factory, but was later acquired by Menendez, Garcia y Cia cigar manufacturers, and is now produced at the Partagas cigar factory.
In 1901, the Rocha company in Havana, Cuba commemorated Bolivar by naming a new brand of Havana cigars after him, and featuring his portrait on the label and cigar box. At one time the brand included the smallest Havana cigar - the Delgado, measuring 1 7/8 by 20 ring gauge.

Today it is one one of the most sought after Cuban cigar brands delivering quality construction, full flavor and tasty earthy characteristics with a spice overtone and just a hint of caramel sweetness. A well blended and rich habano for your humidor.

Length: 178mm
Ring: 42
Format: Corona
Weight: 9.29 gr
Year brand established: 1901
Tobacco Region: Vuelta Abajo
Cigar Factory: Partagas Factory

Herf Lines from ER Doc (262 Paradigm) and Angry Bill (Jaime Garcia JJ). If you call and leave a cigar review on the herf line and it is played on the show, you will receive a DogWatch Cigar Radio patch! You can reach the Herfline at 321-594-4373 - or cigar.radio on Skype. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv.

Origin of the term HERF: From Cigar Craig, http://cigarcraig.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/the-origin-of-the-word-herf/

What else have you been smokin' Dale?

Cain 550 Habanos 5" x 50 - made by Oliva in Nicaragua, these cigars were released a year ago and have become wildly popular. Three different ligero's make up over 80% of the filler blend, creating a rich, exciting carnival of flavors with enough strength & body to keep the seasoned cigar smoker on their toes. The Habano wrapper provides some smoothness and pepper flavors. Deep flavors of leather, roasted nuts and exotic spices provide a complex smoke.

Cubao Maduro No. 5 6.25" x 50 - Filler and binder are all Nicaraguan grown. Wrapper is an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro. Tons of great flavors with that "Nic Zing"! Full bodied and some strength, but well balanced. Rich earthy tones, natural sweetness and some great spices.

Torano Noventa Torpedo 6.5" x 54 - Wrapper & Binder are of the Habano varietal, grown in Nicaragua. Filler blend is also all Nicaraguan from the Pueblo Nueva, Esteli, Condega and Jalapa regions - all aged 5 years. A very smooth, medium bodied smoke with subtle flavors.

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

Fuente Reserva Xtra Fuerte Anejo - A deep, dark well of flavor and an intoxicating experience. I don't know how long I had been hanging on to this churchill sized cigar. Each time I started to pull it out to smoke I would read Anejo on the band and decide that it deserved more attention. On this evening though I decided to light it up knowing it would be my first and last cigar of the evening (since dinner).

La Flor Dominicana Chisilito - As many of you know, I don't go in for really strong cigars (not talking flavor strong but pure nicotine strength). And so LFD is not my usual smoke, but like many things in life, there are exceptions and the Chisilito is one of the outstanding exceptions. I truly enjoy the berry flavors and spices of this fine perfecto. Perhaps because it is a small perfecto it smokes much lighter than you would expect and that's a good thing because otherwise you might miss the wonderful swirl of flavors from this cigar. If you have wondered what the fuss is about but have have not been able to pull the trigger on a cigar line known for its power, the Chisilito might be the cigar for you. Plus, my wife liked the cigar for its room aroma. She reported a noticeable aroma of berries while I was smoking this cigar.

Padron Londres Natural - At $3.30 each you cannot beat these medium filler cigars from Padron. A true value and worth smoking.

CAO Cameroon - Another of the box pressed cigars on the market. Surprisingly tasteless, this cigar lacked body and character. It was a tag-along smoke for my morning routine neither interferring with nor adding to the experience of my Black Dog Coffee and soft boiled eggs. An average smoke.

La Estrella Cubana Oscuro- Origin: Nicaragua; Wrapper: Costa Rican Maduro; Binder: Brazilian; Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan; Cost: $34.99 per bundle of 20. This is certainly the value cigar for this week. Not a pretty cigar. The pre-light does not reveal much at all as the aroma is very slight. First tastes are chocolate on top of a subtle coffee mixed with occasional tastes of burning paper. The ash looks good and seems solid enough, no burn problems. Overall a milder cigar than you might think which is probably good, as the one dimensional flavor and slight harshness would really kill if this were a stronger cigar. Overall not too bad and worth the price paid. Honestly though, I could not recommend this to anyone with a palate.

La Reloba Habano from Pepin Garcia - really an outstanding cigar and a very nice change up from My Father Cigars. MSRP on a five pack is $28 making these I think, a very reasonably priced cigar. I recommend trying out the La Reloba.

2000 Partagas Lusitania (could also have been 1997???)

Whats My Band - #928 from Joe Fuller at FullersPullers.com- Viaje Platino Reserve No. 5.

Do you have a suggestion for the unbanded cigar of the week? Every week Bob and Dale include an “unbanded cigar” segment in their show in which they smoke a cigar without any markings and give their honest opinions. Bob then opens a sealed envelope and discovers the cigar’s name and manufacturer. If you have suggestions for the "What's My Band?" segment, please send them to liz@cigarmedia.tv.

Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #283 July 15,2010

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 10:05:14 -0400

Joining Bob Dale tonight is Colin Ganley of CigarTourism.com and European Cigar Journal

Cigar of the Week is The Crown Jewel Premium Boutique Cigar - Specially created by Master Cuban Blenders whose tradition and history date back to the early 1900’s. Our product has been uniquely blended utilizing only the finest and rarest leaves to include; a Silky Rich Ecuadorian Sun Grown Wrapper, an exclusive specially cultivated Dominican “Piloto Cubano” 5 year aged long leaf tobacco from the North Central Region of the Cibao Valley precisely blended with, a sweet selected Peruvian tobacco from the San Martin region of the Northern Amazon. The final product is then hand rolled by a select few of skilled Master Cuban Rollers. http://www.crownjewelcigars.com/

Herf lines from Adam Estrem and Angry Bill

This week's Dark Side - Dale and Colin review the Cohiba Lancero.
Cohiba is the flagship line of Habanos SA. Cohiba accountesd for 8.1% of the exports in 2001. Paying prices with 30% to 50% premium over other Habanaos has never resulted in a shortage of customers for Cohiba. Cohioba is the only Habanos cigar where the tobacco undergoes a third fermentation with the seco and ligero being cured for 18 months in cedar barrels. Altough smokable after 3 years, it is recommended to have at least 5 years of additional ageing before they reach their full promise.

What else have you been smokin' Dale?-

1997 Cusano Corojo -
Guantanamera 310 -
Liga Privada T52 toro -
Viaje TNT -
Oliva Serie V Lancero -

What Else you been smoking Colin?

Square pressed Epernay, Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary, Plasencia Reserva Organica

What else have you been smokin' Bob? -
Torano Copper - Wonderfully smooth smoke with lots of subtle flavors, savory leather, slight mild chocolate flavor. Pre smoke aroma is barnyard with a hint of cedar. Smooth well aged tobaccos.

Kristoff Sumatra - Although it is not a bad smoke, it does exhibit some nuances of youth, the binder burns very black which could indicate a short fermetation period and the flavors just dont really come together like in the Torano.

Gurhka Assasin - A dark devilish smoke with very smoky flavors of wood and leather. A heavy smoke with lots of body and a hidden strength. This cigar is a bit stealthy in its pure strength but the flavor is consistent throughout. Not for the mild smoker.

Whats My Band - #922 - Camacho Corojo

Colin - easy draw, thick wrapper burns uneven but smokes nicely, so good! I can't see it but it tastes great. chocolaty, spicy cedar, nicely complex and balanced, reminds me of a multi-country blend, well aged/fermented wrapper. Robusto. little dry.

Bob-Pre smoke aroma is distinctive barnyard.
Very promising. Easy draw. Much lighter than expected smoke from a very dark cigar. Very astringent retrohale.
But I never got any flavor from the cigar. In my book it was a complete bust.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #282 July 09,2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:38:12 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Monte Pascoal Double Corona
Origin : Brazil
Format : Double Corona
Size : 7 x 49
Wrapper : Mata Fina
Filler : Mata Fina e Mata Norte
Binder : Mata Fina
Monte Pascoal Corona $5.50
Monte Pascoal Minutos $4.25
Monte Pascoal Robusto $6.75
Monte Pascoal Petit Robusto $4.95
Monte Pascoal Belicoso $7.25
Tabacos Mata Fina Ltda is a business unit of the Orsi Family Group which also has a winery (Italy), steel company (Brazil) and real estate holdings (Brazil).
Established in 2007, Tabacos Mata Fina launched an ambitious project aimed at reviving Brazil famous cigar industry and gaining recognition for the quality tobacco and cigars produced in Brazil. The factory is located in Cruz das Almas - Bahia in the middle of the Recôncavo Baiano area, a privileged region for the
growth of the highest quality Brazilian Tobacco.
The name Monte Pascoal means Easter Mount, this was the first piece of land sighted by Portugese explorers in 1500 and it was on Easter.
Dark Side - SAN CRISTOBAL De La Habana LA FUERZA
Although existing prior to the revolution, this is a new brand launched in 1999. The San Christobol brand that existed rught up to the revolution is not related to the modern brand. Named for the original name of Havana, this brand is still too young by some standards for a conclusion on its worthiness. The La Fuerza is a 50 rg by 5.5 Parejo.
Interview - Wesley Gensel and Lorenzo from Monte Pascoal
Herf Line from ER Doc - Panacea Green
What else have you been smokin' Dale?-

Esteban Carreras Habano -

Esteban Carreras 187 -

Punch Uppercut -

La Escepcion -
What else have you been smokin' Bob? -
El Rico Habano - This is a harsh cigar with few redeeming factors. Although it has a lot of flavor, the harshness is overwhelming.

Esencia Petite Corona - A Wonderfully f\ull flavored cigar that continues to entertain well into the short nub. Introduced in 2008 this outstanding line of cigars is still at the top of my favorites list.

Nestor Miranda Special Selection Breakfast Break - still a very good cigar, sometimes after trying a cigar and then not smoking one for several weeks, you find that it was not as good as you thought, this cigar held up well and is still a faborite.

Casa Torano - Terrific mild smoke at an affordable price.
What Else you been smoking Craig? Padilla Edicion Especial 2006 Obsidian Belicoso - Good typical Nicaraguan flavors with a strong core of pepper and prototypical Padilla spice. Mediocre burn, high strength & fairly heavy body. Bitter finish quick into the final 3rd.

Padron Anniversario Coronas Natural 2005 - Bready sweetness with loads of caramel flavors. Matches the core of flavors expected from Padron but very unique to the wrapper leaf.
Whats My Band - #926 suggested by Bruce Berg - Turns out to be a Padron Londres. Bob - Nice spice, very smooth and medium bodied. Excellent tastes of roasted something or other. The retrohale accentuated the spice only slightly and the savory flavor of roasted something provided a strong base for the cigar. The construction was excellent and the burn was perfect with an excellent draw. The cigar made me want to smoke it till I ate my fingers. I would rate this an excellent smoke and one I would like to smoke more of.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #281 July 02,2010

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:31:21 -0400

A special Fourth of July episode celebrating some of our favorite interviews and one very special Dark Side.

Featuring:

Tony Hyman from the National Cigar Museum discussing the early marketing of cigars in America.

Jose Blanco of La Aurora talks about blending cigars and consistent manufacturing practices.

Pete Johnson creator of Tatuaje cigars talks about La Verite and truth in the cigar industry.

We srap up the show with a piece from 2008 that appeared in episode 27 of Adam Curry's Podfinder show featuring Mark Neff of Cigarmony.com and Dale reviewing that weeks Dark Side.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #280 June 25,2010

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 06:25:11 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Quesada Serie Limitada 35th Anniversary
Origin : Dominican Republic
Format : Toro
Size : 6 x 49
Wrapper : Equadorian Arapiraca
Filler : Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Binder : Cuban seed, Criollo-98 (DR)
In June 1974, Manuel Quesada, his brother Alvaro and their father, Manuel Sr., opened a cigar factory called Manufactura de Tabacos S.A. (Matasa) in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The Quesada family had worked with tobacco since the late 1800s in Cuba, but this was its first venture into cigar making. At the time, Dominican cigars were virtually unknown in the cigar world, but Matasa grew from making thousands of cigars a year to millions, thanks to the popularity of house brands such as Fonseca and Cubita, as well as a host of brands made under contract for other companies importing cigars to the United States.

LA GLORIA CUBANA MEDAILLE D'OR NO.4
Global economic woes and the worldwide spread of smoking bans are taking their toll on Cuba's famous cigar industry, with the just-completed harvest of the country's finest tobacco down 14 percent over 2009, local media said on Monday.

What else have you been smokin' Dale?-

Gran Habano Corojo #5 Robusto -

Perdomo Grand Cru Double Corona -

A. Fuente Chateau Fuente Sungrown -

Oliva Serie V Lancero -

La Reloba Torpedo -

Vegas Cubanas by DPG Toro -

What else have you been smokin' Bob? -
Arturo Fuente Anejo from 2009 - how luck was i to find an Anejo from last year in the bottom of my humidor. Full of tangy spices and a savory meety flavor this cigar is worthy of an expedition to track them down when they appear each year. But, you will want to save each one for at least a year before setting them ablaze. The extra year allows the flavors to really come together and round out. The 'fresh' Anejo is a good cigar, but an Anejo with one or more years on it is even better.

Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R - new sizes would most likely be on display at the upcoming IPCPR trade show in August. He said the new sizes would likely be quite fat.
Fuente launched the line in December as a trio made with old Ecuadoran Sumatra wrappers, grown by the Olivas in Tampa, Florida. Fuente said the leaves were eight to 10 years old.
"We set those wrappers aside when we first created the [Arturo Fuente] Sun Grown line," he said. These wrappers are not only old, but are from much lower on the plant, the second and third primings, than the traditional primings that he has used in the past.
The three original sizes are Vitola Fifty-Two, which measures five inches by 52 ring gauge, Vitola Fifty-Four, 6 1/4 inches long by 54 ring, and Vitola Fifty-Six, 5 5/8 by 56.

Ernesto Carillo Short Run and INAUGURAL

Whats My Band - #925 suggested by Adam Haught - CAO Brazillia Samba
Bob-Unbanded
Dark slightly dusty flavors, heavy smoke and a deliberate draw that got better as I smoked it. The cigar was very well made and burned well. This cigar needed more age although the experience was not unpleasant. But the flavors were a little harsh. Overall the cigar was too heavy and lacked excitement

DogWatch Cigar Radio #279 June 18,2010

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:17:17 -0400

Bob and Dale are joined by Colin Ganley of European Cigar Journal and Craig Schneider, regular guest host and soon-to-be columnist on cigarmedia.tv

Cigar of the Week - Nestor Miranda 1989 Torpedo 6-1/8 x 52

The Nestor Miranda 1989 is a cigar that celebrates the beginning of Miami Cigar & Company. The cigar is being manufactured by My Father Cigars (Pepin Garcia) based on a blend that Don Pepin created with Nestor Miranda. Mr. Miranda inspired Pepin's blending telling him what he wanted in terms of flavor and body and asking for it to be sold for a reasonable price in deference to the prevailing economic situation. The cigar is reportedly a combination of Nicaraguan tobaccos from Esteli and Jalapa and is available with either a rosado for those preferring a medium bodied smoke, or an oscuro wrapper for a more full bodied experience. The Nestor Miranda Collection 1989 comes in three (3) sizes:

Robusto 5 x 50

Toro 6 x 50

Torpedo 6-1/8 x 52

Dark Side - QUAI D'ORSAY GRAND CORONAS

Herf line submissions:

Angry Bill from the Law Dog Lounge reviews Nestor Miranda 1989 and Adam Estrem from the Newbie Cigar Blog reviews the Epernay.

Call and leave a cigar review on the herf line and you will receive a DogWatch Cigar Radio patch! You can reach the Herfline at 321-594-4373 - or cigar.radio on Skype. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv.

Origin of the term HERF: From Cigar Craig, http://cigarcraig.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/the-origin-of-the-word-herf/

Man at the bar interview

From Corona Cigar in Orlando, Florida, Dennis Murphy talks about the Nosotros.

Interview with Mark Misti of Crown Jewel Cigars

La Palina Launch Event Report by Colin Ganley

What else have you been smokin' Dale?

La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Oscuro Lancero - A wonderfully glossy, oily, dark oscuro wrapper from Ecuador covers the Dominican LFD grown filler & binder. The wrapper is elegant, in a "country" kind of way. Deep dark flavors match the appearance, yet the smoke is very complex. Some buttery/creamy flavors balance out the roasted nut, licorice, almond and exotic spices against the espresso and cocoa bean core. So obviously, very full flavored. As well, full body delivers a chewy, thick smoke. And don't forget to eat a bit before you spend the 80-90 minutes of power this small ring gauge cigar brings! It is strong and demands your attention.

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

Davidoff from Craig- great tasting cigar that really shows how good Davidoff,s really are. The burn was excellent, the taste was medium bodied but full flavored with savory roasted leather and grains.

LFD AirBender - "The Air Benders will come in four sizes. The wrapper is Habano from Ecuador and the filler and binder are from our farm in La Canela. The result is a very smooth, flavorful cigar with lots of body." - Litto Gomez

What else have you been smokin' Craig?

LFD AirBender

La Aurora 100 Anos

What else have you been smokin' Colin?

Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary

What's My Band? - A double header this week:

(1) Sancho Panza (a blast from the past - in 2005, this was the first cigar that both Dale and Bob reviewed during the show), suggested by Bruce Berg.

(2) #918, Isla De Cuba Blend 376, from Liz.

Do you have a suggestion for the unbanded cigar of the week? Every week Bob and Dale include an “unbanded cigar” segment in their show in which they smoke a cigar without any markings and give their honest opinions. Bob then opens a sealed envelope and discovers the cigar’s name and manufacturer. If you have suggestions for the "What's My Band?" segment, please send them to liz@cigarmedia.tv.

Music provided by Cory Ratzlaff, 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics

DogWatch Cigar Radio #278 June 11,2010

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 10:15:04 -0400

Bob interviews Sean Williams (El Primer Mundo Cigars) and Willie Herrera (El Titan de Bronze Cigars) about their new collaboration and ongoing business.

Also, Angry Bill from the Law Dog Lounge gets his own cigar review page on Cigarmedia.tv - Angry Bill will be bringing his unique style and wit to the pages of Cigarmedia.tv. If you have enjoyed his herf line reviews then you will love his blog reviews. Check it out today and leave a comment to let us and Bill know what you think.

Cigar of the Week - Padron 3000 Natural

Robusto, Size: 52 x 5 1/2

Wrapper: Natural

Package: 26 per box

Also available in a box of four. Also comes in a maduro wrapper. Not much information given out about the blend as Padron is very secretive; however, the tobacco is reported to be all Nicaraguan.
Padron began making cigars in Miami in 1964 but the family had produced cigars in Cuba since 1853. Padron was burned out of Nicaragua during the Sandinista wars of the 1990's and forced to move all operations to Honduras. In the 1980's Padron was boycotted by Cuban Americans and his Miami locations burned, bombed and defaced for a photo that showed him handing a cigar to Fidel Castro; Padron had travelled to Cuba to negotiate the release of hundreds of political prisoners. Castro asked for the cigar and Senior Padron gave it to him.

Dark Side - Jose L. Piedra Cazadores

Origin: Cuba

Manufactured: Machine Made

Gauge: Medium

Length: 153

Format: Cazadores

Ring: 43

Weight: 11.27 gr.

Herf line submissions:

Call and leave a cigar review on the herf line and you will receive a DogWatch Cigar Radio patch! You can reach the Herfline at 321-594-4373 - or cigar.radio on Skype. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv.

Origin of the term HERF: From Cigar Craig, http://cigarcraig.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/the-origin-of-the-word-herf/

What else have you been smokin' Dale?

Pepin Garcia JJ

Esencia Robusto

My Father La Reloba - Robusto 5x50 and Torpedo 6.25x52. New from the My Father factory in Esteli, this line is all Nica filler & binder with either a Habano or Sumatra wrapper. The two sizes I tried were in the Habano version. A wonderfully medium bodied smoke. Nice flavors of well aged tobaccos, good construction and a very enjoyable cigar. Priced right, in the $5-$7 range.

Rocky Patel Old World Reserve Lancero - This one tasted the way the original release tasted, rich, sweet and wonderfully spicy!

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

Macanudo something or other. Well made, burned very well, and was a pleasant smoke.

Zino Platinum Sceptor 2009 Master Edition Robusto - 5.25 x 50, tins of ten - $14.50 - Made in Santiago, Dominican. Filler is Dominican, Nicaraguan, Honduras and Peruvian. Binder is Dominican and the wrapper is Ecuador. Pre-light aroma was wonderful - barnyard components of straw, earthiness and yes a little manure. An excellent start for the day as this was my first cigar with my first cup of coffee. The wrapper is a dark Ecuadorian wrapper that almost looks maduro. This cigar really lit up my morning and I have to admit that although it is a little expensive, it is a fantastic cigar. Full flavored with a deep roasted savoriness that blends well with a hint of spice and sweetness. With coffee, without coffee its one heck of a smoke.

What's My Band? - Unbanded #924, La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial, suggested by Bryan Newbury at Centro Cigars.

Do you have a suggestion for the unbanded cigar of the week? Every week Bob and Dale include an “unbanded cigar” segment in their show in which they smoke a cigar without any markings and give their honest opinions. Bob then opens a sealed envelope and discovers the cigar’s name and manufacturer. If you have suggestions for the "What's My Band?" segment, please send them to liz@cigarmedia.tv.

Music provided by Cory Ratzlaff, 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics

DogWatch Cigar Radio #277 June 04,2010

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 08:30:23 -0400

DogWatch Cigar Radio Episode #277: Ding Dong Ditches & Dancing Delays

Bob interviews Bill Paley of La Palina Cigars.

Cigar of the Week - Illusione Epernay

Dion Giolito, the man behind the highly sought after Illusione cigars and Cruzado cigars, has created the Illusione Epernay. The Illusione Epernay pays tribute to the famous Epernay region in France, the Capital of Champagne, and has been blended to pair perfectly with a glass of champagne.

The Illusione Epernay originally debuted in 2008 through the European Cigar Cult Journal's 15th Anniversary limited release. From this blend, Epernay has been made with a combination of Nicaraguan Criollo and Corojo tobaccos. The Illusione Epernay is finished with a superior-grade Café Rosado wrapper.

Dark Side - Montecristo No. 3

Factory Name: Corona
Ring gauge: 42
Length: 14.20 CM / 5.5 inches

Herf line submissions: Angry Bill reviews Nosotros. If you would like to review a cigar or leave a message for the show, call the Herfline, 321-594-4373 or cigar.radio on Skype. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv

Origin of the term HERF: From Cigar Craig, http://cigarcraig.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/the-origin-of-the-word-herf/

What else have you been smokin' Dale?

It's been a boring cigar week for Dale. Oliva Serie G Maduro Belicoso on the way to work and Elogio LSV Extra Corona on the way home.

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

Bucanero Z- exotic spice, medium flavor strength with an absolutely unique flavor profile. So unique that I freely spend my own money on this cigar.

Ecuador Sumatra Wrapper
Nicaragua Fillers
Aged 5 years

Punch Gran Cru - Not a bad cigar but I had to regularly relight it and the draw required more attention than I prefer. From a flavor perspective, the cigar delivered slightly more than a medium flavor strength and lots of leather with toasted bread but it lacked any sort of spice or sweetness that would have made this a more complex smoke. In the end, I would NOT spend my own money on this cigar.

The Monte Pascoal is touted as “the real flavour of Brazil”. The cigar is from Tobacos Mata Fina Litda and is owned by the Orsi Family Group. Tobacos Mata Fina was launched in 2007 making this a new company in the cigar industry. Tobacos Mata Fina goes on to guarantee the best Brazilian tobacco available. Some interesting facts about the Mata Fina region of Brazil. It gets over 47 inches of rainfall a year and all tobacco in the region is sun grown. Wrappers are hand cut and dried in a barn while the binders and fillers are stalk cut.

Size: 7 x 49 (Double Corona)
Wrapper: Brazil (Mata Fina)
Binder: Brazil (Mata Fina)
Filler: Brazil (Mata Fina & Mata Norte)

What's My Band? - 916 From Liz: Casa Magna Oscuro (Honduras)

Every week Bob and Dale include an “unbanded cigar” segment in their show in which they smoke a cigar without any markings and give their honest opinions. Bob then opens a sealed envelope and discovers the cigar’s name and manufacturer. If you have suggestions for the "What's My Band?" segment, please send them to liz@cigarmedia.tv.

Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics

DogWatch Cigar Radio #276 May 28,2010

Sat, 29 May 2010 09:42:28 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Savinelli Liga Especial Torpedo - brought to you by FullersPullers.com

May Palio Cutter Contest Winner (Black Classic Palio): Gregg Rabb.

[Nicaragua: available in 4 sizes]
This line debuted in 2005 and is also made at Tabacos Puros de Nicaragua. It’s double banded with the words “Liga Especial” (in Spanish, “special blend”) below the same band as on the Savinelli Fuerte.

The Liga has a dark, oily wrapper and showcases both caramelized sweetness and a spicy finish right from the start. This parallel taste experience offers a complexity that’s easy to appreciate and is accented by the richness of the caramel-like flavors in mid-course.

The flavors are more muted in the second half and the spicy aspects come out more strongly toward the close. It’s once again a bargain at retail prices of $4.50-$5.75 each (before local tobacco taxes).

Growing from a small pipe shop opened in 1876 in Milan, Italy, Savinelli became so respected that the Savinelli pipe factory was opened in 1948 and remains in operation today. However it was not until the 1990's (taking advantage of the cigar boom) that Ruben and Robert Ysidro, heading up Savinelli here since the 19070's, began to branch out to the cigar industry.

Dark Side - Quintero Nacionales

Origin: Cuba Manufactured: Hand Made
Gauge: Medium Length: 140
Format: Nacionales Ring: 40
Weight: 7,6 gr. Score: 6.2
Presentation:

Semi Plain Box: (With cellophane) Boxes of 25; (Without cellophane) boxes of 25.

Cardboard pack: (With cellophane) Boxes of 5 in boxes of 50; (Without cellophane) boxes of 5 in boxes of 50.

Herf line submissions: Call the Herfline, 321-594-4373! - or cigar.radio on Skype, to leave a message or a cigar review. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv

What else have you been smokin' Dale?

Padilla Signature 1932

Tabacos El Triunfador #4

Jaime Garcia Reserva Especiale

Punch Rare Corojo

A. Fuente Rosado Gran Reserva

Cohiba Puro Dominicana

5 Vegas 'A'

G.A.R.

Jose Piedra

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills

La Aurora 107

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

La Aurora - 1495, 107 and a couple of new ones, the 107 Corona and an unnamed new cigar for IPCPR.

Davidoff Maduro Robusto - Blended by Henke Kelner. He used specially selected Dominican filler and San Vicente binder specifically to complement the unique flavor of its wrapper - a dark, Cuban seed, Nicaraguan leaf sun-grown in the Jalapa Valley to create a 'natural maduro. This is a cigar that demonstrates what can be accomplished when the right tobacco is treated in the proper manner. It does not have that dark or black look that we usually expect from a maduro but when you light it up, the flavor comes rushing at you in a glorious bath of dark bitter chocolate and coffee carried on a bed of savory roasted bread.

What's My Band? - 917 From Liz: Occidental Reserve

Every week Bob and Dale include an “unbanded cigar” segment in their show in which they smoke a cigar without any markings and give their honest opinions. Bob then opens a sealed envelope and discovers the cigar’s name and manufacturer. If you have suggestions for the "What's My Band?" segment, please send them to liz@cigarmedia.tv.

Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics

DogWatch Cigar Radio #275 May 24,2010

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:31:10 -0400

Bob talks about his trip to the La Aurora factory.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #274 May 14,2010

Sun, 16 May 2010 03:58:15 -0400

Guests this week: Craig Schneider and Troy Keifer

Cigar of the Week - La Aurora 107 Robusto (4.5x50)

The 107, which uses a Sun Grown Ecuador wrapper over 6-year-old fillers and a binder from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, will come in boxes of 21 with a suggested retail price between $6-$8, plus any local taxes. There will be 3 sizes: Robusto (4.5x50); Toro (5.5x54); and a Belicoso (6.25 x 52). The 107 will only be available at brick and mortar tobacconists.

Dark Side - Vequeros Especiales No 2
A post-revolution handmade brand that comes in 4 sizes, Seoane (short panatela 5x33), Mareva (petite corona 5.5x42), Especiales No1 (long panatella 7.5x38) and tonight's Especiales No. 2 (Panatela 6x38). First exported in 1997 after being offered as a local brand to visitors to the Pinar del Rio region of Cuba.

Herf line submissions: Angry Bill reviews the New Havana Limitado. Call the Herfline, 321-594-4373! - or cigar.radio on Skype, to leave a message or a cigar review. You can also send email to theshow@cigarmedia.tv

What else have you been smokin' Troy?

La Aroma de Cuba and Indian Tabac Corojo Boxer
What else have you been smokin' Bob?

La Traviata Divino - Around $5. After Dale's comments last week concerning this cigar, I had to try a couple to see if I agreed. Well, I don't see the same excitement in the cigar that he did. I still found it to be boring and easy to put down. Not that it had any disagreeable characterstics just that it had no character.

Jaime Garcia JG Reserva Especial Robusto - All character, all the time.
La Aroma de Cuba (new blend)

What's My Band? - #915 from Liz: New Quorum Toro NT (Nicaragua)

Every week Bob and Dale include an “unbanded cigar” segment in which they smoke a cigar without any markings and give their honest opinions. Bob then opens a sealed envelope and discovers the cigar’s name and manufacturer. If you have suggestions for the "What's My Band?" segment, please send them to liz@cigarmedia.tv.

Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados The Surfonics and Cory Ratzlaff.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #273 May 7,2010

Sun, 09 May 2010 05:38:44 -0400

Special guest Colin Ganley from European CIgar Journal - cigar-cult.com
Cigar of the Week - Dominicano from Nestor Miranda
With his new cigar, Nestor Miranda’s desire was to pay tribute to the tobacco and cigar heritage of the Dominican Republic. The collaboration brought together the tobacco growing expertise of Guillerom Leon of La Aurora, the blending and manufacturing genius of José "Pepin" Garcia and the marketing talents of Miranda and his associate Rene J. Castañeda. The cigar comes packaged in boxes of 20 and is produced in 5 vitolas and will be available in both a Rosado and Oscuro wrapper. Today's featured cigar is the 5.5-inch by 54 RG Robusto Grande.
Wrapper - Dominican
Filler - Nicaraguan

The FDA is coming after cigars! Aren't you fed up already? Enough is enough! Join Cigar Rights of America and start fighting for your rights before we are taxed and legislated to death. http://cigarrights.org/

Dark Side - Ramon Allones Gigante
Name: Gigantes
Factory Name: Double Corona
Ring gauge: 49
Length: 19.40 CM / 7.6 INCHES
What else have you been smokin' Dale?-

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Guerrero - 6.25" x 54, beautiful Habano wrapper over all LFD grown filler & binder. I smoked the Maestro previously & loved it, so had to try it's big brother. A bit more intense in aroma and strength, but the same great dark tobacco flavors. A long lasting cigar best reserved for the last cigar of the day after a full heavy meal & paired with an aged ruby port. Next up will be the Poderoso, the 5.5" x 42 corona size as I work my way through the line.

Joya de Nicaragua Fuerte Serie B Corona Gorda - 5" x 46, a wonderful value line from JdN that is based on the Antanos blend, but packaged in bundles and offered through a couple of the major internet retailer outlets. The filler blend is all long filler Criollo from Esteli, Condega and Jalapa, and it uses the same wrapper as the Antanos - a silky Colorado hued Nicaraguan grown leaf that provides plenty of spice and richness along with great visual appeal. Deep earthiness and spice in a thick & chewy full bodied smoke. Very well balanced in all three major characteristics; strength, body & flavor. $40 -$50 per bundle of 20 in 4 sizes.

CAO La Traviata Divino - 5" x 50, this is a cigar many folks liked right from the launch at IPCPR last August, but many more seem to be liking it better now, including me. An Ecuadorian grown Habano wrapper & a Cameroon binder over a filler blend of Nicaraguan & Dominican tobaccos - with some emphasis on the ligero - makes for a complex and interesting smoke that is smooth, creamy and full of cedar, leather & pepper flavors. As well, this line is another value offering with MSRP around $5-$6. The La Traviata name is another resurrected Cuban brand from the turn of the 20th Century & the artwork on the 24 count boxes is "old school Cuban" and true to the packaging from 1901-1904.

What else have you been smokin' Bob? -

Gurkha Status - Churchill, A wonderful cigar with distinct flavors reminiscent of old Havana. Kaizid Hansotio makes beautiful boxes, and fills them with tasty cigars. Gurkha cigars are sometimes expensive but they deliver tantalizing flavors.

Diesel - Unholy Cocktail, I had let this sit in my humidor for months as I avoided smoking something that I perceived as too strong. I was wrong, this cigar is strong but it delivers some powerful tastes and although it lacks complexity, it delivers.

La Flor Dominicana Limitado IV - Churchill, Smtimes we let our own misconceptions and fears keep us from trying new things. CIgars are no exception, however, after my positive experience with the Unholy Cocktail I felt empowered and perhaps a bit invincible. So I lit up another cigar I had been holding in the humidor as too strong for the moment. Too bad because I deprived myself of enjoying a tremendously flavorful cigar that delivered full on smoky spice flavors and kept me entertained for more than an hour.

Carlos Torano Maestro Baton, Torano makes terrific cigars that exhibit grace in the blending of their rich spice and leathery flavors. An elegant cigar with premier flavors.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #272 April 30,2010

Sat, 01 May 2010 06:56:16 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Cain Maduro

The Oliva Cigar Company and Sam Lecia introduced a new cigar during 2009, called the ‘Cain.’ It comes in three sizes: 550 Robusto 5.7x50, 654T Torpedo 6x54, and a 660 Double Toro 6x60.
The Cain is available in a Maduro or Habano wrapper. The CAIN is primarily ligero tobacco!
Sam Leccia (Mr. ‘Nub’) has challenged all of us to try this very interesting blend and see how it measures up to Oliva’s Serie V, which is a double ligero.The cigar is a blend of aged ligero tobacco from Esteli, Condega, and the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua, some of the tastiest growing regions in the world. Tonight we focus on the Maduro which sports a dark, rich, San Andreas wrapper to the 25% Esteli Ligero, 27% Condega Ligero and 30% Jalapa Ligero blend (I am no math major but that leaves 18% unaccounted for).

According to the Cain website:
Esteli Ligero is the strongest of all the Ligeros and as such needs to be tempered with other flavors or types of Ligero to prevent overpowering the cigar. Condega Ligero is a medium body Ligero grown north of Esteli that exhibits complex richness and a tame strength. Jalapa Ligero is the smoothest of these Ligeros and grown in the northern most area of Nicaragus. The Jalapa Valley is a unigue tobacco growing region that enjoys less direct sunlight and produces a full body leaf with a broader range of flavor.

Dark Side - PUNCH ROYAL SELECCION NO 12

Length: 5 1/8 inches (129mm)
Ring Gauge: 42
Factory Name: Marevas
Shape: Parejo

A cigar of real substance that requires some aging for best results, 5 years being the recommended time.

The Punch brand was first registered in 1840 by a German named Stockman. This was at the beginning of an era that saw Cuba carved up by three major powers, US, Germany and Britian. The official Habanos web site skips over this part of history instead claiming the brand was founded by Don Manuel Lopez of Juan Valle & Co in the mid 19th Century with an eye to the booming British market. However, reality shows that the brand was transferred to Louis Corojo in 1874, the midst of the "10 Year War" for independence, one of many uprisings in Cuban history.

In 1925 Punch moved to the factory where Hoyo de Monterrey was made and this long association continues to the present day.

From then until 1930 the brand changed ownership twice finally settling in after the stock market crash of 1929 with Fernandez & Palicio y Cia S en C. . By 1958 Punch was a solid market cigar accounting for %13 of cigars exported. Punch shared the market with Belinda, Hoyo de Monterrey and La Escepcion. Punch has remained a leading brand of Habanos cigars since the 1959 revolution.

Many have claimed that the cigar was named for the famous British humour magazine Punch, however that magazine did not exist until 1841, one year after the cigar name was registered.
Punch’s distinct medium flavour created with a blend of tobaccos from the Vuelta Abajo region is available in a wide variety of sizes "totalmente a mano, tripa larga" - totally hand made, long filler.

Herf line submissions: Angry Bill calls in to talk about the Nosotros cigar and the H. Upmann Magnum 50. 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?

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Tabaqueros 650 - a new line from LCG, the 2nd edition in the Artesanos series. Unlike the Artesanos de Miami, this line is made in the El Credito factory in the Dominican Republic by a "hand picked group of 18 master cigar makers, chosen by Benji Menedez himself". The blend is all 5 year aged tobaccos from the DR and Honduras with a combination of Connecticut Shade AND Ecuadorian Sumatra wrappers. The lighter Connecticut wrapper covers about the first 3rd of the cigar, with the darker Sumatra wrapper visible from there to the head. The line is available in 3 sizes, named for their dimensions - 650, 652 Belicoso and 750, ranging from $8 to $9 before all the confiscatory tobacco taxes in your local area.

Punch Gran Cru Robusto Claro - This 5.25" x 50 beauty is filled with Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos, covered with a Honduras binder and wrapped with a Connecticut Shade leaf that is smooth, oily and aromatic. This is a cigar with tons of complexity in a smooth, lighter bodied style than other Punch lines. Lots of leather, sweet herbals and a touch of nuttiness. For me, a great mid-day cigar when you have the time to really let it carry you away.

CAO Brazilia Gol! - 5" x 56 - Bob mentioned this line last week and that reminded me to go back & smoke it again. I used to smoke these by the box a couple years ago, but with so many new cigars always coming out, had just not bought any in a while. Nicaraguan filler & binder are wrapped up in a dark Arapiraka wrapper from Brazil. Yummm!

What else have you been smokin' Bob?

Punch Uppercut Grand Corona - First thing I noticed was the sloppy application of the cap, certainly not a deal breaker and at $6.50 per stick I was wiling to overlook such a harmless defect. The interesting thing though was that it even registered with me since I don't normally notice such characteristics. Retrohale exhibits some interesting subtle spiciness which then becomes noticeable in the flavors. Noted a sour spice that is not like grass or straw but is really very pleasant with coffee.

Padilla Dominus Double Robusto - Corojo 2006 wrapper
Several complex savory flavors including spice and black pepper; this blend keeps your interest from start to finish. Excellent construction, great burn and has a long pleasant finish.

Graycliff Blue Label Profesionale PGX 6x50 - Smooth-burning, Indonesian wrapper and tobacco from Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The most pleasant Graycliff I have ever smoked. Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican fillers and a very tasty Indonesian Sumatran wrapper. One of the most beautiful cigars with no imperfections. Slightly more full flavored than other Graycliffs, I found this to be an excellent experience.

What's My Band? - #911 from Liz: Tabacalera Tropical Casa Fernandez JFR Connecticut

Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics

DogWatch Cigar Radio #271 April 23,2010

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 20:16:53 -0400

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

DogWatch Cigar Radio #270 April 14,2010

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 08:22:32 -0400

Colin Ganley, editor of European Cigar Journal, joins Bob and Dale this week. Cigar of the Week - Adrians Maduro Naturally aged and fermented maduro wrapper. Ecuador Havana 2000 wrapper. It's the same wrapper as the habano 2000 only aged longer and you can taste the difference. Costa Rican Filler and binder. Dark Side - JUAN LOPEZ PETIT CORONAS According to Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Havana Cigars: "Here is one of the few Havana brands which is offered only in handmade styles, started in 1876 by Juan Lopez Diaz. After his death, the brand was owned by Cosme del Paso y Cia. until nationalization.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #269 April 9,2010

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 09:07:17 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 - 50 Years Copper

Dressed in a captivating Brazilian Arapiraca sun-grown wrapper. This wrapper - highly regarded for its bold, spicy flavor - combines perfectly with the natural sweetness of the Nicaraguan filler tobaccos from the regions of Esteli and Pueblo Nuevo. Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Sun-Grown Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Honduras Esteli & Pueblo Nuevo.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #268 April 2,2010

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 07:14:59 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Rocky Patel 1961 Rocky Patel was born in 1961, and that was enough to inspire the creation of the ROCKY PATEL 1961 Cigar. Blended with a Habano seed wrapper from Ecuador, a Honduran binder and Nicaraguan fillers. ROCKY PATEL 1961 is the inaugural brand hailing from Rocky's newest cigar factory in Nicaragua called Tabacalera Villa Cuba.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #267 March 26,2010

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:40:03 -0400

Special guest: Colin Ganley talks about the Festival de los Habanos in Cuba, the Pro Cigar Festival in the Dominican Republic, and the joint venture between Swedish Match and Nestor Plasencia.
Cigar of the Week - Casa Magna No. 4. The Casa Magna line of cigars is the apotheosis of two of the greatest minds in the cigar industry. Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plascencia have created this cigar and the Robusto even got Cigar of the Year for 2008 from Cigar Aficionado. The Casa Magna Robusto was rated a 92 in Cigar Insider and Cigar Aficionado. This Nicaraguan puro is a medium-full bodied smoke rolled in Nestor Plascencia's Segovia factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The oily Colorado wrapper finishes off the Nicaraguan binder and filler. Available in Belicoso, Gran Toro, Robusto, and Torito sizes .

DogWatch Cigar Radio #266 March 19,2010

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:31:22 -0400

Special guest: Dr. Terry Simpson.

Cigar of the Week - El Baton.

From JC Newman Cigar Company, a rebirth of an old brand, intended to be bold and spicey. Nicaraguan Corojo Wrapper and Nicaraguan binder, filler.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #265 March 12,2010

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:34:25 -0400

Craig Schneider guest hosts with Bob and Dale this week.

Cigar of the Week - Murcielago.

The name, Murcielago, Spanish for “Bat,” came about when Ortega and Espinosa were on a visit to Mexico, and were taken to see caves, literally, filled with bats. The slightly box pressed cigars, wrapped in a Mexican leaf, have been produced in the following sizes:

Churchill 7-1/8 X 48
Toro 6-1/8 X 50
Belicoso 5-1/2 X 52
Robusto 5-1/8 X 50
Rothschild 5-1/8 X 50

DogWatch Cigar Radio #264 March 05,2010

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:26:08 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Jameson Declaration. The Declaration features an aged Habano ’98 wrapper paired with a Criollo ’98 binder and select filler tobaccos from the prime growing regions of the Dominican Republic. The unabashed enthusiast can expect deep, bold flavors and a memorable, medium-full bodied smoking experience.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #263 February 26,2010

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:19:09 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Aruhiba Torpedo from Aruba

DogWatch Cigar Radio #262 February 19,2010

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:41:19 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Joyas de Panama Coronita

Cigars One to One #028 February 17, 2010

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:13:54 -0500

Bob sits down with Kevin Edmiston of Winston's Humidor to discuss the process of opening a new cigar store. Kevin reveals some startling truths about working with manufacturers and the retail environment.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #261 February 11,2010

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:47:17 -0500

Cigar of the Week is the El Primer Mundo Habano Rosado Oscuro.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #260 February 05,2010

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:33:31 -0500

Cigar of the Week is the Illusione Nosotros.

Cigars One to One #027 February 3, 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:31:24 -0500

A conversation with Eddie DeJong of Vanderburgh Humidors

DogWatch Cigar Radio #259 January 29,2010

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:38:10 -0500

Cigar of the Week is the Cuban Crafters Medina 1959 Torpedo Limited.

Cigars One to One #026 January 26, 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:41:50 -0500

Bob talks with Andre Farkas of La Viaje Cigars

DogWatch Cigar Radio #258 January 23,2010

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:08:01 -0500

Cigar of the Week - La Viaje Oro Fuerza - 5" x 52 in boxes of 20 cigars. La Viaje is a relatively new small batch brand, and the Oro line is our focus tonight. The blend is all Nicaraguan, with the wrapper being a Criollo 98 leaf. Also avail in 5.5" x 44 Chico, 6" x 50 Delicado, 5.5" x 58 Gran Fuerza, 7" x 52 El Padre and 6" x 52 Torpedo sizes. Other lines in the La Viaje brand include the Fifty-Fifty and the Platino.
Dale and Bob discuss the Swedish Match/Scandanavian Tobacco merge, what is boutigue, rumors of a new Cohiba line extension being released at the Festival de la Habanos, the importance of water in the process of curing and fermenting tobacco, tobacco varieties can be identified by the vein pattern, crop rotation options in tobacco fields and the use of Lieberman machines in the production of premium cigars.
What else have you been smokin' Dale?- Liga Privada T52, Cain Maduro, Joya de Niacaragua, Illusione hl, Oliva Master Blend 3, Padilla Dominus, and a sneak peak at a new Tatuaje Cabinet line vitola!
An interview with Dion Giolito about the Nosotros
Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados, Beach Boys, Cusco, Everlast and The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #257 January 16,2010

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:23:57 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Panacea 560 from Flatbed Cigars

Bob and Dale reminisce and discuss the trip to Esteli, Nicaragua.
Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #256 January 08,2010

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:01:55 -0500

Cigar of the Week - El Titan de Bronze Redemption Sun Grown Habano

When is a Smoking ban NOT a ban? see article sent separatly from the New York Times - January 3, 2010, Blowing Smoke at a Ban by By DOUGLAS QUENQUA

What else have you been smokin' Dale?- Cabaguan Guapo Jr., My Father Le Bijou 1922 Robusto, DPG Cuban Classic (black label), Cain Habano

What Else have you been smoki'n Bob? - Had a cold all week, smoked very few cigars but did smoke a few from BowTie Cigars. Listen to the interview with Billie King, Jr for details.

Interview with Billie King, Jr of BowTie Cigars. A different twist on getting started in the business and some different cigars.

What's my band this week comes from Carl Holtman, it is the Frank Llanzea 1961 Pyramid.

Bob and Dale discuss the trends for the next decade and discuss the possible use of Cuban tobacco outside the Habanos lines and the possible use of non-cuban tobacco in the Habanos lines.

Music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados and The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #025 January 8, 2010

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:58:55 -0500

Bob and Tony Hyman continue their journey through cigar history. Tony has spent a lifetime collecting cigar memorabilia and historical documentation about cigars in America. Of course, the history of cigars in America overlaps with the history of cigars in Cuba and the rest of the Americas. You will find Tony to be interesting and he always offers up some unique insights concerning the cigar business and its impact on American business and society.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #255 January 01,2010

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:45:49 -0500

Cigar of the Week - J.L. Salazar Hermanos Series V - CHURCHILL (7¼" X 52) - J.L. SALAZAR y HERMANOS Reserva Especial cigars are typical Box-Pressed Cubans. They are silky, dark and perfectly box-pressed. he tobacco leaves are aged for over three years and specially cured through four special fermentations. The Filler is a sun-grown Cuban Seed Habano tobacco from Tabacalera Esteli. The Binder is a wrapper quality Habano 2000 leaf and the Wrapper is Ecuadorian grown Cuban Seed Habano leaf.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #254 December 25, 2009

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:31:14 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Esencia Robusto - medium to full bodied Nicaraguan puro cigar available in four classic Cuban sizes. Each has been crafted in an old world Havana style using a traditional blend of Criollo and Corojo leaf of only the highest quality. Production of the Esencia is limited to the availability of the very best in raw materials. Tonights choice, the Esencia Robusto is a traditional sized 4 7/8x50 making it for me, one of the perfect sizes of cigars. One of you ask? Although there is no one perfect size of cigar, there are some sizes that I find deplorable such as anything over 60 rg!
We have smoked a variety of these cigars in the different sizes and each one truly brings its own character to the table. An excellent example of how size/format influences flavor perception.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #253 December 18, 2009

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:51:29 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Cupidos Campana from Cuban Crafters
Cupido Criollo Compana are box-pressed with a Criollo wrapper and using Cuban-seed habano long leaf binder and filler, All the Cuban seed tobacco used in each cigar is from the Cupido Vegas, a small tobacco field in Esteli, Nicaragua that yields extra rich tobacco. Each cedar box is numbered and contains 25 cigars. It is also dated with the packing date and signed by all the cigar artisans that created these works of art. Only 9,000 boxes are made yearly for the worldwide market.

Cigars One to One #024 December 18, 2009

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:51:32 -0500

Colin Ganley sits down for a wide ranging discussion of the recently released Edicion Especial of European CIgar Cult Journal, the fate of the traditional print media, electronic book readers and a special cigar review lesson for Bob.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #252 December 11, 2009

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:37:00 -0500

Cigar of the Week - 7-20-4 from KA Kendall. Kurt Kendall has been a long time cigar smoker and tobacconist with a strong sense of history. For several years he looked upon the once proud cigar factory at 175 Canal Street in Manchester, NH that housed the R.G. Sullivan 7-20-4 Cigar Factory, maker of fine $.10 cigars. The factory name of 7-20-4 was taken from the original location of the R.G. Sullivan factory at 724 Elm Street. According to Tony Hyman, the brand prospered from about 1910 until closing down in 1963. Kurt Kendal has created the new 7-20-4 cigar as a tribute to what was billed as "the finest 10 cent cigar in the world". Kendall worked for two years to recreate, as nearly as possible, the original blend. Hear more about his efforts in the interview later in the show. Available in 5 sizes, Corona, Churchill, Robusto, Torpedo and Gran Toro the line is robust and full flavored with excellent construction and a beautiful Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, Columbian binder and fillers from several locations. Kurt is serious about the quality of this cigar insisting that is be aged an additional 120 days in the cedar boxes before being sold.

Cigars One to One #023 December 9, 2009

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:04:26 -0500

Heather Haddad and Charlie Torano discuss the new Torano Lounge, tobacconists, service and new Torano Exodus 50 Year (Copper).

DogWatch Cigar Radio #251 December 04, 2009

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:19:34 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Guantanamera 310 Robusto We were introduced to this cigar through our good friend Frank Herrera (CigarLaw) at the 2009 IPCPR. Guantanamera is a target of Habanos S.A. and Altadis for using the Guantanamera name.
Outstanding What's My Band segment that you don't want to miss!

Cigars One to One #022 December 2, 2009

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:42:06 -0500

Robert Emery of JJ Fox and TOR Imports in the UK discusses the state of cigars and the changing cigar market in the United Kingdom.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #250 November 27, 2009

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:39:28 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Torano Virtuoso Maestro
The Virtuoso is the first ever Sun-Grown wrapper cigar to be both made and grown by the Torano family. Torano describes this line as being the most full bodied cigar in their portfolio. With fillers from Nicaragua, Honduras and Panama, a binder from Honduras and that Pueblo Nuevo SunGrown wrapper from their own fields in Nicaragua, Torano says you will get a smooth and well balanced cigar full of peppery spice, roasted coffee and cocoa flavors. Since Bob has been on a Churchill kick lately, our last selection for November is the 7” by 50 Maestro vitola. Three other sizes are also available, all come in beautiful white finished cedar boxes of 25 cigars.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #249 November 20, 2009

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:07:05 -0500

Cigar of the Week - El Titan de Bronze Redemption Maduro Coronitas – We’ve featured El Titan de Bronze a couple times on DWCR. The cigars are made in Miami by level 9 rollers, all cigars are made using the entubado method and are finished with the traditional Cuban triple cap. Another master roller then inspects the cigars and packages them, ensuring the cigars meet the highest standards. From the Gold, the Maduro and Redemption lines, we have always been impressed, but now comes the Redemption Maduro! Nicaragua fillers & binder, gently finished in an Ecuadorian Sun Grown Habano Maduro wrapper, provides a smoke that is one of the best new cigars of 2009. Five traditional formats are available, and we’ve selected the Coronitas (5.5” x 44) to introduce this blend to our listeners.

Cigars One to One #021 November 17, 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:05:59 -0500

Jose Blanco is the man behind the La Aurora 1495, one of the best selling cigars from La Aurora. He has been in the business long enough to know a few things and shares many of those gems in this conversation.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #248 November 13, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:14 -0500

Cigar of the Week - Camacho Connecticut Figurado – Released at the end of May this year, Camacho brings out their first and only Connecticut wrapped cigar in response to consumer requests for a Camacho on the lighter side. However, there’s still plenty of flavor and spice, just not as much strength as is usual from the line. Perhaps some of the Oettinger Davidoff influence? The line is available in 6 formats – the 54-42 x 6.3” Figurado we feature this month, and a Robusto, Toro, Churchill, a “60” and the 11/18 Figurado. The filler tobaccos in the blend are Honduran and Dominican and a Honduran binder is used. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian grown Connecticut leaf that is refined and silky. Early reports peg it at mild-medium bodied with some recognizable Corojo base flavors and a smooth finish. Available in sturdy wooden boxes of 25 cigars, our Figurado retails in the $7-$8 range.

Cigars One to One #020 November 09, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:19 -0500

Miami Circus - A wild and entertaining roundtable conversation with Frank Herrera and Gustavo (CigarLaw,La Caridad Del Cobre) , Jose Bermudez (Cuban Crafters), Manuel Medina master roller of Medina 1959 and roller of La Caridad Del Cobre cigars. We will also have Jose Montagne of Guantanamera cigars. This was a rowdy group having a good time discussing cigars.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #247 November 06, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:01:29 -0500

Cigar of the Week - La Flor Dominicana Limitado IV – A 6.3” x 52 beauty, the Limitado IV is the next evolution in the Limitado series. Released in early April, the Dominican filler & binder grown by Litto Gomez is covered with an Oscuro Nicaraguan wrapper. Reportedly only 2,000 boxes were made - beautiful white & black wooden boxes of 48 cigars for around $430, singles usually available at your local B&M for around $10.00 (not including your state’s OTP taxes). Does a cigar with such an outstanding pedigree pass mustard with Joe and Bob? Listen to find out.

Joe Fuller joins the show to sit in for Dale.

Joe and Bob discuss the junk science of smoking bans based in an article from Tobacco Analyst

Discussions about the MasterCard anti-tobacco policies and how to buy a humidor spice the night.

Terrific segment from an upcoming interview with Tony Hyman of the National Cigar Museum discussing Cuban history and the United States role from about 1890 to 1930. The full interview will be published on Cigars One To One very soon.

Joe talks about the new DogWatch Cigar Club and what else he's been smoking.

Bob does another unbanded cigar selected by Liz and talks about the My Father Le Bijou 1922.

The evening is filled with music from 25 Smokin' Figurados.

The discussion of body versus flavor is not over yet as herfline from Vic in Arizona demonstrates and Kurt weighs in with a review of the Cubao Maduro recommended on the show.

Congratulations to Shane Sondergard as the winner of a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #246 October 30, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:29 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Jameson Black Label Perfecto. This week's cigar is a 54 x 5" perfecto figurado from a line we've introduced you to before. The blend in this full falvored line is all Dominican tobaccos wrapped in a gorgious Brazilian Ariparaca wrapper. Brad Mayo, owner of Jameson Cigars has partnered with Luis Sanchez to offer these premium cigars that offer a very rich smoking experience.

One of the great all time comedians, Soupy Sales passed away this week.

Mark Franks asks us the question - What is a Habano Wrapper? We ask several folks to answer Mark.

The Connecticut Valley is hard hit by virus and other maladies of the tobacco crop.

What's My Band? Bob smokes a Tatuaje Serie P2, Dale smokes an Alec Bradley Tempus.

On the Dark Side - Romeo y Julietta Exhibicion #4 - Corona Extra - Hermosos No. 4 - 48x5.0 (127mm) - Mild, full-flavored Cuban Cigars with a well-rounded taste and good burning qualities. Enjoyable thanks to its fine aroma.

The 250th episode of DWCR is coming up at the end of November. Please call in to our herfline (321-594-4373) and give us your thoughts on the longest running, best cigar podcast out there!

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'?

Dales smokes Cuban Crafters Cubano Claro and a Bravo Silverdale.
Bob smokes: El PrimerMundo Habano Criollo Maduro Perfecto and 60x6 - I absolutely love the perfecto, I smoke it without cutting the closed foot and just lighting it and smoking through, not diffucult
Elogio LSV, from Nicaragua, sun grown oscuro wrapper, Nicaraguan puro by master blender Carlos Pareda - robust spice and slight sweetness make this on Bob's favorite daily smokes.
Cruzado Domenicos - from Nicaragua a Corona Gorda with Nicaraguan Binder and filler, a criollo rosado claro wrapper 5.6 x 46. I was left looking for the flavors that this cigar seemed to just tease from me, frustrating smoke because something about the cigar and its taste seemed to promise so much more yet it never came together leaving me wanting for flavors though not lacking quality construction.
Esencia Petite Corona -Esencia -Petite Corona-Filler/Binder/wrapper Nicaragua "5 1/8" x 42 - the size of this vitola makes it a difficult smoke for me. this size seems to really bring out the spice and pepper of the Esencia line and yet I have a tendency to smoke it too hot, my fault, not the cigars. I prefer this one with nothing at all, sitting in a peaceful location with no distractions and a clear head.

Congratulations to Don Gibson for winning this week's one year subscription to European cigar Cult Journal!

Congratulations to this months winner of a camofouge Palio Cutter, Chris Campnell.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #245 October 23, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:33 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the HC Series Criollo Lonsdale. One of the more talked about introductions this summer, Xikar brought out their HC Series Cigar Collection in three different blends. The HC Series is blended in partnership with Jesus Fuego. This month we feature the Criollo blend in the 6 x 46 Lonsdale format. Both the wrapper & binder are shade grown Criollo leaf from Nicaragua, with the wrapper having 4 years of aging. The filler blend is Nicaraguan & Honduran tobaccos. Together they deliver a medium bodied smoke with some leather & tea flavors, complimented by some caramel sweetness.

A little follow-up on the UPC conversation started last week identifies some manufacturers making it easier on the retailers.

Craig Rich joins us from the chat room to ask the hard questions! He interviews us on our own show!

Discussion on "body" in a cigar. We try to separate myth from truth!

On the Dark Side - Marque - Bolivar, Frontmark - Petite Belicosos Edicion Limitada 2009, Vitola - Petit Pyramid, 52 x 125 mm (4.9") This cigar has the Special Release Bolivar band (the word Cuba underneath the word Habana in the center) as well as the second gold & black Edicion Limitada band. The are packaged in dress boxes of 25 cigars. Also, the passing of of the former director of Cubatabaco, Fransisco Padron.

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Avalon 38, Oliva Series O Torpedo, Gurkha Centenary Blend Liga C-10 Micro Batch, J Sanchez y Gomez Herencia, Padron 1964, Cu Avana Intenso.

Congratulations to Tony Matsura, this week's winner of a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!

What's My Band? Bob smokes an Arganese Nicaragua Corona, Dale smokes a Gran Habanos 3 Siglos.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #244 October 18, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:38 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Cuba Aliados Miami Limited Edition. A cigar that doesn't get much press, but from the long pedigree of Reyes Family Cigars. Hand rolled in Miami, the filler is Nicaraguan, the binder is Dominican and the wrapper is a Habano leaf. The cigars have a cedar sleeve as well as a double band and are presented in boxes of 20 cigars.

We play a herfline submission from Angry Bill on last week's Cigar of the Week - the Cuchillos Cubano ~47~.

Bob discusses some of his time in Tucson - copper mining, the Titan Missle museum and getting booted from a casino for smoking cigars!

Vic Vitola returns! Yes folks, check out our website for his Wrapper Chatter column.

What's My Band? Bob smokes a 2008 Elogio Robusto, Dale smokes a J.Fuego Gran Reserva Belicoso.

A great cigar shop in Tucson is Jerry's, with nice house blends and a wonderful lounge area. Bob talks about a few cigars he was introduced to while there.

What Else hve the DWCR guys been smokin'? Cubao Maduro, Brickhouse, Punch Upper Cut, Brioso, La Esepcion, Cubano Classico, Alec Bradley Ovation Maduro, Nica Libre, Cuban Crafters Cubano Claro.

This week's winner of a one year subcription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Nelson Pidgeon.

Another herfline submission on the KA Kendall 724.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The surfonics.

Cigars One to One #019 October 13, 2009 - Leslie Mann, Director, Flame Division of Colibri

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:42 -0500

A candid conversation with Les Mann about the past, present and future of Colibri lighters.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #243 October 9, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:49 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Illusione Cuchillos Cubana ~47~. The Cuchillos Cubana is a mixed filler blend of 60% medium and 40% long filler tobaccos. They are handmade, use a premium quality Grade A wrapper and are Nicaraguan Puros! Available in cardboard 5 packs at about $18, this is a great value premium cigar. The ~47~ is a classic Churchill vitola, 3 other sizes are available in the line.

Joe Fuller joins us to discuss some changes in the DogWatch Cigar Club.

We enjoy a herfline review by Bill Featherton of the El Primer Mundo!

Bob & Dale struggle to define the recognition of nicotine in cigars. Is there a taste? Do we really just "feel" the nicotine?

How do you keep track of your cigars? We discuss old & new methods of keeping your cigar reviews, humidor inventory and wish lists!

What's My Band? Bob smokes a San Cristobal Clasico, Dale smokes a Gurkha Ancient Warrior.
On the Dark Side - H. Upmann Magnum 48 Edicion Limitada 2009.

A short segment of What Else we've been smokin' - CAO Gold, Jameson Red Label, La Tradicion.

This week's winner of the one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Steve Washburn.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #018 October 01, 2009 - Nabil Sabbah

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:56:53 -0500

Nabil Sabbah is a dedicated cigar maker producing an excellent cigar in Estelli in his own factory and a very talented blender. This is his story

DogWatch Cigar Radio #242 October 2, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:58:01 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Don Tomas Clasico Maduro in the 5 x 50 Robusto vitola. The wrapper is Connecticut Broadleaf maduro, the fillers are Honduran & Nicaraguan and the binder is Connecticut Broadleaf. The Clasico line was blended by Daniel Nunez and Estelo Padron to feature the best of Honduran tobaccos in a full flavored blend that fits today's serious cigar smoker.

If you listen to our show, you'd better be a CRA member! Join the group working to preserve your right to enjoy premium cigars.

We play an excerpt of Bob's interview with Nabil Shabbah, owner of the Elogio line of cigars, and this month's Producer's Pick bonus cigar.

Angry Bill provides us another entertaining cigar review on the Herfline!

Dale & Bob discuss cigar marketing - history, labels, packaging and where cigar marketing may go in the future.

What's My Band? A unique happenstance, Bob smokes a Punch Rare Corojo Rothschild, Dale smokes a Punch Gran Puro.

Bill Featherton sends in a herfline review of the El Primer Mundo.

On the Dark Side - some history on the large number of Cuban cigar brands in the 1800's. We review the Trinidad "T" Robusto.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? 5 Vegas Limitada, Perdomo Habano, Punch Elite, Partagas Black, Padron Family Reserve 45.

The winner of this week's one year subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal is Neil Scott.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #241 September 25, 2009

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:10:52 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Capadura 898 Series Churchill – Bob & I discovered this cigar at IPCPR and we both fell in love with it! It has that wonderful Arapiraca Campesino’s 1st Choice wrapper from Brazil over a Dominican De Olor binder and a filler blend of 4 Piloto Cubano tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The Capadura line comes from Luba Cigar Corporation in Miami, FL. Luba Cigar Corp. has a mission of importing and distributing Artesian handcrafted cigars from small tabacaleras, who maintain consistent quality and taste by using the same tobaccos from the same fincas, and fermented by the same processors every year. Also available in Robusto, Torpedo and Jumbo sizes, Capadura cigars come packaged in wooden boxes of 25 cigars. Our Cigar of the Week selection to end the month of September is a traditional 7” x 48 ring gauge Churchill.

Dale "the road warrior" is back from the Republic of Kalifornia, kudos to the Four Seasons hotel in Palo Alto for superior service!

Bob finds evidence that Manuel Zelaya's return to Honduras is causing disruption again.

We continue our discussion of the taste experience with cigars, delving into Spice and Heat! Based on the Tobacconist University curriculum.

Dark Side Selection Marque- Ramon Allones, Frontmark, - Asia Pacific RE 2009- Celestiales Finos - 46 x 137mm (5.4"), Vitola - Britanicas (perfecto). Standard band w/ the Exclusivo Asia Pacifico 2nd band. Packaged in slb of 25 cigars, 4,000 boxes made. Ramón Allones is a pre-revolution brand introduced circa 1845.
It is a Habanos Local brand with a minor market share. Comprises full strength cigars using tobacco from the premium Vuelta Abajo region.
There is a non-Cuban brand with the same name. There really was a Ramon Allones who developed the brand back around 1845 and is said to be the first to employ brightly colored lithographed labels on the boxes to distinguish his brands. At the time of nationalization, the brand was owned by Cifuentes, Pego y Cia the owners of Partagas. The brand was trimmed in 2002 when 10 models were dropped. The line includes machine and hand made full bodied cigars.

NY Mayor Bloomberg's continued war on tobacco - single cigar sales and bans in open air parks.

What's My Band? Bob smokes an Augusto Reyes Gran Cru, Dale smokes a Romeo y Julieta.

We get a nice email from Rob about the El Primer Mundo Rosado Oscuro Maduro, our Producer's Pick for the month!

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Gurkha Assassin, John Hay Statesman, John Hay Anniversary Series, Fuente Hemingway Short Story, La Tradicion Cubana Special Anniversary Series Figurado.

Congratulations to Mark Franks for winning the Silver Palio cutter in our Palio of the month contest!

The Expedition: Esteli 2010 trip is sold out, but so many more folks want to join in - stay tuned, there may be another opportunity????

We're pleased to let Richard Baum know he is the winner of a one year subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #017 September 24, 2009 - Gary Arzt

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:52:20 -0400

Gary Arzt is one of the most unusual and straightforward characters I have ever met, in or out of the cigar industry.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #240 September 18, 2009 - Who is the REAL Counterfieter

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:11:12 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Panacea Red Label Maduro from Flatbed Cigars in Pennsylvania. http://www.flatbedcigarcompany.com/ . Paul Bush first told us about this cigar back in April and we have been anxious to try it ever since. PANACEA Red was released in April of 2009, eighteen months after the launch of the Panacea Black, the first cigar from Flatbed Cigars. The Red label line is a Habano/Maduro. A Brazilian Maduro wrapper with a Dominican Habano binder. The filler is Seco Cubano, Ligero Piloto Cubano, Ligero Olor Dominicano, and Ligero Nicaragua. Comes in six sizes starting with the Grande Red 760 Peace Maker, coming in at 7x60, the 560 which is a 5x60 Robusto, the 7x50 Churchill, Torpedo at 6x52,a true robusto at 5x50 and tonight's selection, the Perfecto at 6x51 figurado that is pleasing to the eye and comfortable in the hand. A full body, medium-strong in the strength department. Mellow enough to enjoy mid-day, but can stand up to a steak dinner too.

We sold out the Expedition:Esteli 2010 trip in 4 days and are looking forward to traveling with our listeners to Cigar Nirvana!

We begin some discussion about the senses involved with cigar smoking. Tonight we touch on hearing, sight and aroma. Based on the curriculum of Tobacconist University.

On the Dark Side - Some news about a counterfeiting conviction brings out Bob's perception of who the REAL bad guys are! We also review the Romeo y Julieta Duke 2009 Edicion Limitada. Marca - Romeo y Julieta, Frontmark - Duke 2009 LE, Vitola - Robustos Extra 140 mm (5.5") x 54 rg. This is the 2009 Edicion Limitada with the standard RyJ band and the Edicion Limitada 2nd band. The packaging is the traditional RyJ dress box in quantities of 10 cigars. At around $15 per cigar and part of the latest trend from Habanos SA to go with larger ring gauge cigars, especially for the EL's, these have not received all the love that I believe Cuba would expect.

What's my Band? Bob tries to smoke an A. Turrent 2000 Churchill. Dale has better luck with a 601 Maduro Prominente (Blue Label).

A lot of cigars this week in the What Else Have We Been Smokin' segment - Dona Flor, El Primer Mundo Rosado Oscuro, A.J. Fernandez Signature Series, J. Fuego Gran Reserva Corojo No. 1, Padron Serie 1926 Maduro Robusto, Joya Cubano, Jameson Declaration, Liga Privada #9, My Father, Gurkha Assassin.

Congratulations to John Bartug for winning this week's one year subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal!

Next week we will give away another Palio cutter!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #239 September 11, 2009 - Dodgeball Baggage Repaired

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:22:17 -0400

Dodgeball Baggage - The Jury is out

The Cigar of the Week is the Cruzado Domenicos. From the mind of Dion Giolito, creater of Illusione Cigars, we get to sample his Cruzado line. The Domenicos is a 5 5/8” by 46 ring gauge Corona Gorda (Dion lists it as a Grand Corona in Perlmans) format. You’ll find Cruzado to be a tad lighter in body & flavor than Illusione. The filler is a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan Criollo and Corojo tobaccos. The binder is Nicaraguan and the wrapper is Nicaraguan Criollo (Perlman lists it as a Colorado Maduro). The wrapper shades will run from Cafe Claro to Cafe Rosado. Cruzado cigars are manufactured in the Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras and come packaged in wooden boxes with “partial dress” edge wrapping at 20 cigars to the box.

This show is dedicated to those who lost their lives 8 years ago in the 9/11 attacks. Never forget!

We announce the Expedition: Esteli 2010 trip to Nicaragua! Adventure with us for 5 days and 4 nights in the famous cigar fields and factories of scenic Esteli, Nicaragua. Colin Ganley, of European Cigar Cult Journal renown, will lead the group through the legendary rolling rooms, factories and fields. Dale Roush and Bob McDuffee, the presenters of Dogwatch Cigar Radio, will host events and activities throughout the trip. This is a unique opportunity to meet cigar-makers and view the entire process of creating premium cigars. The group will visit some of the world's top cigar factories which make the brands, Drew Estate, Padron, Pepin Garcia, Oliva, Tatuaje, San Cristobal, La Aroma de Cuba, EO brands 601, Cubao, NUB, Cain, Nosotros, Nestor Miranda Special Selection, Joya de Nicaragua and many others. In addition to the factories, the group will visit Pepin Garcia's tobacco fields full of tall tobacco plants being harvested and will have the opportunity to ask questions about, and photograph the entire process. Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit as many factories as one would normally take a lifetime to see.

More discussion about some of last week's topics brought up by Bob's trip to Miami.

Is it rude to tweet during jury selection? As juror? Defendant? Attorney?

Listener email prompts us to discuss resting internet/mail order cigars.

We play a piece of an interview with Eddy Fontana. Listen to the entire interview coming soon to Cigars One To One.

What's My Band? Dale smokes a Don Pepin Garcia JJ Maduro, Bob smokes a Don Lino Africa Kuro.

On the Dark Side - Craig's unbanded #2, is it Habanos or not? Craig, inquiring minds want to know.

Congratulations to Philip Panzarino for winning this week's one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Jameson Declaration, We The People, Avalon 38 and Torque, Battleground Foot Soldier, La Aurora 100 Anos Lancero, Henry Clay Sumatra, Heavenly Cigars Red Lion.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #016 September 11, 2009

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:16:18 -0400

Eddy and I have an insightful conversation about blending, maduro and his philosophy of cigars.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #238 September 03, 2009 - War of the Roses

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:21:16 -0400

Cigar of the Week - NUB 460 Maduro – Seems only proper to start September featuring the new cigar from NUB seeing as how Sam Leccia was one of the early supporters of the DogWatch Cigar Club after IPCPR last year. This year, Sam adds a Maduro wrapper to the NUB, and we’re tasting it in the 460 size – 4” x 60 ring gauge. Manufactured by Oliva Cigars, everyone by now knows all about NUB cigar. Sam has extended the line with this fine Brazilian Maduro wrapper – look for naturally sweet and deep flavors of chocolate, spice and nuts in a full flavored cigar that lasts surprisingly long & burns cool. But is the 60 ring guage format in a short cigar really worth the effort? Find out by listening to the show!
The Producer's Pick cigar in the September DogWatch Cigar Club selections is the El Primer Mundo. Sean Williams stops in to talk a bit about his new line of cigars.
Bob fills Dale in on his excursion with Colin Ganley around Little Havana in Miami.
Chip Eckhart is the winner of a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!
Bob & Dale seem to disagree about some of Bob's new found cigar knowledge - we discuss maduro wrappers, Cuban tobacco and other points of view.
The What's My Band segment is back! Bob smokes a Perdomo Habano Corojo Toro, Dale smokes a Perdomo Gran Cru Maduro.
How big are the Big Cigar Conglomerates? We discuss that the top 5 corporations now distribute over 350 different cigar brands!
On the Dark Side - Dale plays catch up with the unbanded cigar the Bob & Craig reviewed last week, the Cohiba Millenium Torpedo.
What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial, Gurkha Assasin, Gurkha Sherpa, Cain Habano, Padilla 1932, Kristoff Sumatra, Pinar Del Rio Seleccion, La Tradicion Cubana Deluxe Anniversary Series.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provide by The Surfonics.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #237 August 29 2009 - Ed McMahon Variety Hour(s)

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:42:10 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the Illusione CG:4 White Horse. A Nicaraguan puro from the mind of Dion Giolito who is becoming one of the most respected blenders in the boutique and 'small batch' areana of premium cigars. Dion is supported by the outstanding Casa Fernandez growers who produce some of the most consistent and flavorful leaf in the business. Available at FullersPullers.com
With Dale off on a romantic getaway Bob brings in a variety of guests to fill the void. First up is tobacconist and foodie Joe Fuller to talk about some new cigars from IPCPR. Doc Simpson joins the show after a long hiatus to talk cigars, mojitos and philosophy. Bringing the show back to reality is the affable Tom Barbalet to tell us about his humidor construction project. Bob wraps up the evening with Craig Shnieder and a blind review review of a hard to get Dark Side selection.

Congratulations to Mike Denson, winner of a Gold Palio Cutter and Mark Oship the winner of a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Magazine.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #015 Aug 23, 2009 - Robert Spoden, Bucanero Cigars

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:25:43 -0400

Robert Spoden and I talk about how the big cigar companies are ruining the business and how shape affects the flavor profile of a cigar.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #236 August 21, 2009 - Cigar Reviews from a Parallel Universe

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:28:30 -0400

Yellow Shoes and Bat Crap

DogWatch Cigar Radio #235 August 14, 2009 - Law and Order at IPCPR -REALLY THE RIGHT ONE!

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:25:20 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Don Tomas Clasico Presidente

DogWatch Cigar Radio Video - Alternate Smoking Locations Part 2

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:47:52 -0400

Smoking Island Construction

DogWatch Cigar Radio Video - Alternate Smoking Locations Part 1

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:46:17 -0400

One place to smoke cigars

Cigars One to One #014 Aug 06, 2009 - Jim Luftman, Blue Havana II

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:33:02 -0400

I visited Bue Havana II back in July and was impressed by Jim's commitment to service and cigars.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #234 July 31, 2009 - Competitive Edge

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:33:10 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the G.A.R. Gran Consul.

A listener letter reminds us of Service, and the best our nation has to offer.

Countdown to IPCPR....what to expect this year?

On the Dark Side - Partagas Serie P No. 2, box code TEB March 08.

Dale & Bob will take the Tobacconist University test for Certified Salesforce Tobacconist at IPCPR!

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? LaRiqueza #4, HC Series Criollo Toro, Illusione mj12, 100 Anos Perfecto

Bob does his own What's my Band - The Por Larranaga.

The winner of this week's contest for a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is John Magrisso.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #233 July 31, 2009 - DogWatch Cigar Basics 101

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:28:21 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Sabor Cubano Gran Torpedo.

DogWatch Cigar Club membership drive. As we mentioned last week, we've got a great new promotion for the Cigar Club starting today! For the next 15 members who go to FullersPullers and sign up for the club, you will receive with your first month's selection a great gift pack from our fine sponsors - a Puckifier from Cigarmony.com, a sample of coffee from Black Dog Coffee.net, a special, non-released Esencia cigar (Canonazo vitola) from BOTL and a special offer on a Palio cutter! We don't forget our loyal club members either - for all members enrolled as of Aug 1st, we want to thank you for your membership by including for you in your next month's shipment one of those special non-released Esencia cigars and that same offer for a Palio cutter.
We're packing for IPCPR! Watch for new cigar updates, interviews & some special video surprises from Aug. 9-12.

Cigar counterfeit ring in Alabama busted! READ MORE

We give away a Palio cutter to Troy Keifer. Be sure to sign up every month for a shot at all varieties of Palio cutters.

We discuss cigar basics - sizes, shapes, ring gauge, etc...

On the Dark Side - Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1 box code GLA Feb 08.

Habanos S.A. is ready to release the 2009 Edicion Limitadas - Bolivar Petite Belicosos, H. Upmann Magnum 48 and Romeo y Julieta Duke.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Oliva Serie G Maduro, Famous Nicaragua 3000, Illusione Epernay

This weeks winner of a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Joe Sbrocco!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #232 July 24, 2009 - Thunder Road

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:00:58 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Avo Domaine No. 20

Marc Aub from Brothers Of The Leaf LLC joins us to talk about Palio Cutters, new cigars, new contests and more!

What's my band? Bob smokes a Camacho H2, Dale smokes a Rocky Patel Summer Blend Lancero.

In the DWCR News - Several cigar internet sites hit by a DDoS attack this past week. Also an update on the Gaspar's break-in, a second suspect has been arrested.

On the Dark Side - Montecristo Especial No. 1, box code LSO June 07.

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Difazio Connecticut, Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ Robusto, Torano 1916, Torano 1959 Exodus, Casa Torano, Vengeance Maduro Ligero.

The winner of this week's one year subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal is Don Wilkins!

Opening theme and bumper music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #013 July 24, 2009 - Sean Williams of El Primer Mundo Cigars

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:47:33 -0400

Sean is one of the freshest faces in the cgar industry. His relative rookie status and passion for cigars brings an excitement and talent to the business. This interview was recorded at Buckhead CIgar Lounge in Atlanta, GA

DogWatch CIgar Radio #231 July 17, 2009 - Beat On Bob

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:56:23 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the La Tradicion Cubana Corona.

Colin Ganley sits in with us to discuss cigars, history and what's new.

Excitement building - we're headed to IPCPR in just 3 weeks. You can follow us on Twitter!

A herfline submission from Angry Bill and Pete Johnson!

Safely storing your cigars in the heat of summer!

What's my Band? Bob smokes an A. Fuente Cuban Coron, Dale smokes a Nicaraguan Presidente, Colin smokes a Bucanero Booty.

Suggestions for summertime storage of your cigar collection.

On the Dark Side - Diplomaticos No. 1, box code FJN July '05.

Congratulations to Gunar Carlson, this week's winner of a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme music Longboard Cowboy provided The Surfonics.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #230 July 10, 2009 - Cigars, Brining Families Together One Stick at a Time

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:21:16 -0400

The Cigars (that's right, plural...) of the Week are the Cubao No. 3 and the Savinelli Nicaragua Reserve Corona Gorda.

We resume the show after a week off. Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers.

What's my Band? Bob smokes an Illusione 68, Dale smokes a Don Lino Africa Dumas.

We play an excerpt from a Cigars One to One interview with Sean Williams of El Primer Mundo Cigars.

On the Dark Side - H. Upmann Magnum 46, box code SMG Nov 07.

From Angry Bill, a herfline submission on the Tatuaje T110.

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? OpusX Forbidden BBMF 2005, Camacho Liberty 2005, El Pimer Mundo Figurado, Liga Privada #9, 5 Vegas Miami, Oliva Serie O, Oliva Serie V, Illusione 88, Alex Bradley Select Cabinet Reserve, La Riqueza #2, Cabaiguan Guapo Junior Maduro, J Fuego Grand Reserve No. 1.

Congratulations to Grant Kimbell for winning this week's one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #229 July 3, 2009 - No Show due to family emergency

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:21:47 -0400

No Show due to family emergency

Cigars One to One #012 June 24, 2009 - Chris McCalla, Legislative Director for IPCPR

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:00:03 -0400

Chris McCalla opens up about the anti-smokers and his career in tobacco.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #228 June 26, 2009 - The ignorant traveller

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:24:12 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Occidental Reserve Natural Torpedo.

Frank Herrera of CigarLaw joins us to discuss the fallout from the recent FDA rulings on flavored cigarettes.

We play an interview excerpt with Chris McCalla of the IPCPR.

Altadis closing down the HavaTampa factory.

Congratulations to Anthony Young, winner of this month's Palio cigar cutter contest!

Bob learns about good cigar lounges, makes new friends and smokes a bunch of new sticks in Atlanta!

What's my Band? Dale smokes an Oliva Serie G, Bob smokes a Gran Habano Habano #3 Robusto.

Angry Bill gives us another great herfline review of a few cigars.

On the Dark Side - Montecristo No. 1, box code LSM Sep 07.

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Primer Mundo, Cubao No. 1, HC from Xikar, Rocky Patel Edge Maduro, Oliva Serie V maduro, Illusione 88, Tatuaje Triunfadore, La Aroma Special Edicion.

Vic Evans is this week's winner of a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #011 June 24, 2009 - Colin Ganley, cigar journalist extraordinaire

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:14:04 -0400

A lively conversation with Colin Ganley from CigarReasearch.com and European Cigar Cult Journal. Colin and I discuss the life of a cigar journalist and how to get stated in the business. Turns out it's not as much work as I thought.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #227 June 19, 2009 - Attack of the Cigar

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 10:16:54 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Oliva Master Blends 3 Robusto – 5.0” x50 ring gauge. The Master Blends 3 line is the third in a series of limited artisanal blends. Master Blends, or “Liga Maestro” are blended to bring out the richest characteristics of the Nicaraguan ligero filler, Nicaraguan Habano binder and Broadleaf Sungrown wrappers. A very complex cigar, it also is exceedingly beautiful and well constructed. Every year the Oliva’s set aside their very best tobaccos for this line. Starting with the very limited Master Blends 1 (only 250,000 cigars made) and continuing through today, these cigars consistently get top ratings, and well deserved. Beautiful packaging and 20 in a box, typical of super premium cigars, we hope you find them a treat to smoke! Buy Here

On tonight's show we have an excerpt from a Cigars One to One conversation with Colin Ganley. Cigar Research

On the Dark Side - Marca - Punch, Frontmark - Petite Punch, Vitola - Perla, Box code EMA Mar 08, 102 mm (4.0") x 42 ring gauge - This week we experience another Perla vitola, this time from the Punch Marca. FriendsofHabanos.com

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Perdoma Slow Aged, Rocky Patel Connecticut, Perdomo Gran Cru, Black Band A, Macanundo 1968 size prototypes. FumeeWorld.com FullersPullers.com

The winner of this week's one year subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal is Nelson Pidgeon European Cigar Cult Journal

Thanks to our sponsors that make the show possible:

FullersPullers.com - The preferred cigar retailer of DogWatch Cigar Radio

Palio Cutters - The Official Cigar Cutter of DogWatch Cigar Radio

Friends Of Habanos Cigar Forums

Black Dog Coffee

FumeeWorld.com

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme music Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #010 June 14, 2009 - Glynn Loope, Executive Director of Cigar Rights of America

Bob@cigarmedia.tv — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:46:14 -0400

A revealing and candid conversation with man responsible for puching CRA to fully operational status. We discuss the on-going fight for smokers rights, special DogWatch membership offer and what to expect from CRA.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #226 June 12, 2009 - Mystery #206

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:55:12 -0400

DogWatch CIgar Radio #226 June 12, 2009 - Mystery #206

The Cigar of the Week - Puros Indios Viejo Presidente – Here we feature a Churchill size cigar, 7.5” x 47 ring gauge, that highlights the flavors of the Ecuadorian grown Sumatra tobacco. While the filler is an interesting blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan and Brazilian tobaccos, the binder is Sumatra and the wrapper is a 10 year aged Sumatra. The packaging is in 15 count varnished cedar boxes. Rolando Reyes Sr. was born in Cuba in 1924, and at the age of 9 decided he wanted to be a tobacalera. At the age of 14 he went to work for the Jose L. Piedra factory, and by the age of 21 had his own factory, Los Aliados, in Havana. Immigrating to the US after the Revolution, then to The Dominican Republic and finally landing in Honduras, he established the Cuba Aliados factory in each location and made the Puros Indios brand world famous. Today Rolando Reyes Jr. continues the traditions with his father, and the Viejo is an extension of the line.

Cigars One To One presents an excerpt of a conversation with Glynn Loope, Executive Director of CIgar Rights of America.

What's my Band? Dale smokes a "Gee I forgot to write it down" cigar, Bob smokes a Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve Love Story.

On the Dark Side - Cohiba Siglo I Marca - Cohiba , Frontmark - Siglo I, Vitola - Perla, Box code GAS Mar 08, 102 mm (4.2") x 42 ring gauge - The Cohiba Siglo I is the smallest vitola in the Siglo line.

We interview Mark Brown, representing the SoCal CA, to learn about another successful smoking ban overturn and the groups upcoming First Annual Long Beach Smoke for charity! http://socalca.com

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? A. Fuente Chateau Fuente Sungrown, Tabacos Baez by Don Pepin, Cubao No. 1, Bucanero Full Sail, Perdomo Patriarch, Perdomo Gran Cru.

The winner of this week's one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Ron Doyle!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme music provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #009 June 7, 2009 - Tony Hyman of the National Cigar Museum, cigarhistory.org

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:52:01 -0400

Have you ever considered how cigars came to be boxed in such beautiful containers or what the cigar industry was like 100 years ago? You can find out about those and many other fascinating pieces of cigar history in the conversation with Tony Hyman of the National Cigar Museum and at his website: cigarhistory.org.

The Cigar Technicians Journal - 06_07-09 - Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars

Dale@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:54:35 -0400

I caught up with Pete Johnson at a Tatuaje Event at Barlow's Premium Cigars & Pipes in LaFayette, CO and we talked about the CRA, Pete's new cigar line La Verite' and his gamble in selling them on futures.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #225 June 06, 2009 - DogWatch Futures

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:02:01 -0400

DogWatch Futures

The Cigar of the Week - Arturo Fuente Cuban Belicoso Sungrown – 5.75” x 52 ring gauge Figurado. We kick off the month with a classic cigar from Fuente that has been around a long time and doesn’t get fanfare in today’s world of marketing the newer/bigger/stronger offerings. Fuente uses their own prime aged Dominican tobaccos for the filler & binder, then wrap it all up in a gorgious, dark, Ecuadorian Sungrown leaf that imparts wonderful sweet & mildly spicy elements. Packaged in the traditional Fuente dress box of 24 cigars, each cigar also has a cedar sleeve and the black ribbon at the foot indicative of the Fuente Sungrown line. The Cuban Belicoso is markedly Fuente in character, yet has unique flavors that beg to be explored.

Colin Ganley joins us in some lively discussions about Pete Johnson's new Futures project and what's coming up in European Cigar Cult Journal.

Join the CRA, get a free T-shirt! Use the code "dogwatch" on the CRA site!

Cigars One-To-One excerpt from Bob's conversation with Tony Hyman of the National Cigar Museum at cigarhistory.org.

What's my Band? Bob smokes an Alec Bradley Maxx Traditional Corona, Dale smokes a Gran Habanos #3 Churchill.

Interview excerpt from Dale's visit with Pete Johnson.

On the Dark Side - Marca - Cohiba , Frontmark - Maduro 5 Genios, Vitola - Estupendos, Box code EMA Aug 07, 140 mm (5.5") x 52 ring gauge - The Cohiba Maduro 5 is the recent Maduro wrapped line extension from Cohiba, out on the market about 2 years now. These are made in the Partagas factory & the line currently includes 2 other smaller sizes, the Magicos and Secretos. This line is wrapped with a dark, oily tobacco that has been aged for 5 years, thus reaching the Maduro, or "ripe" stage. Although maduro wrappers are darker in color, they do not have to be the very dark color we in the US are becoming used to seeing. In fact, there are purportedly 64 gradients within the Cuban wrapper color spectrum, generally broken down into one of 8 broader categories - Candela (green), Claro, Colorado Claro, Colorado, Colorado Maduro, Double Claro, Maduro and Oscuro (black). In terms of the Cohiba Maduro 5 line, we need to think more about a fully fermented and "ripe" leaf instead of thinking so much about the color of the leaf as has lately been defined by other cigar manufacturers.

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Tempus Genesis, CAO MX2, L'esprite La Verite', CAO Italia

The winner of this week's one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Chad Thunberg

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #008 May 30, 2009 - Mike Banks, Mr. Bundles.com

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 31 May 2009 07:56:47 -0400

Mike is an outspoken retailer and cigar wholesaler. If you have ever heard him on DogWatch Cigar Radio you know he pulls no punches when talking about cigars. In this conversation Mike and Bob discuss the state of retailing and cigars in America. Mike offers some unique insights on behind the scenes activities of retailers and manufacturers.

The Cigar Technicians Journal - 05-29-09 - Frank Herrera, Cigar Trademark Attorney

Dale@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 30 May 2009 07:19:04 -0400

Cigar trademark law discussion with Frank Herrera, Florida Cigar Trademark Attorney with RRA. The Future of Cuban trademark ownership when US embargo lifts, current trademark actions and Frank's blog - Cigar Law are today's Journal entries.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #224 May 29, 2009 - A Highly Combustible Bush

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 04:58:11 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the American Stogies Cuban Corojo Churchill– 7.0” x 49 American Stogies is a value priced boutique line under the Indian Head brand. American Stogies are manufactured by Nestor Placencia at his Esteli Nicaragua factory. The Cuban Corojo Churchill is a medium to full bodied cigar with a beautiful reddish-brown, oily Corojo leaf wrapped around all Nicaragua tobacco – a puro! The line is a great way to experience that “Nic Zing” that Dale speaks of so often. It is also a cigar that Bob & Dale recommend as an everyday cigar for those who like more strength and kick to their cigars, in a format that does not overpower and a price that does not leave you without lunch money for a week. Not elegant or refined the Cuban Corojo from American Stogies is entirely approachable and delivers enough complexity to hold the interest of cigar passionados.

Listener email from Adam on the effects of the SCHIP tax.

We run a portion of Dales's Cigar Technicians Journal interview with Frank Herrera of CigarLaw.com.

The winner of the Palio a Month contest is Marc Breton!

Excerpt of Bob's upcoming Cigars One=To-One Conversation with Mike Banks a long time retailer in Virginia who spends time discussing cigars and the difficulties facing all retailers.

On the Dark Side - Cuaba Divino Marca - Cuaba, Frontmark - Divino, Vitola - Petite Bouquet, Box code EMA Jun 07, 101 mm (4.0") x 42 ring gauge - Every Cuaba is made in the distinctive shape known as double figurado. This was the style that at the end of the 19th Century was all the rage for Habanos. A century later, in 1996, this rich tradition was revived at the Romeo y Julieta factory where Cuabas are made.Double figurados are at the pinnacle of the cigar maker’s art and for this alone they merit a place in every cigar enthusiast’s collection. Cuaba, like Cohiba, is a Taino Indian word dating back to the time of Columbus. It was the word for a highly combustible bush, which the Indians used to light their "cohibas". Cuaba is a post revolution brand, introduced for the English market in London.

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Drew Estate Liga Privada No. 9, Punch Rare Corojo Figurado, Tatuaje Havana VI No. 2 & Noella Reserve, Luis Martinez Silver Selection, CAO Brazilia, Padilla Miami Salomon.

Congratulations to Bill Berris, winner of this week's one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme music Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #007 May 26, 2009 - Jorge Luis Armenteros, President of Tobacconist University

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:04:51 -0400

An engaging conversation with the founder and President of Tobacconist University, Jorge Luis Armenteros. Mr. Armenteros is a cigar retailer in Princeton, NJ and in this episode he describes why he started Tobacconist University and his philosophy on successful cigar retailing.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #223 May 22, 2009 - For Those Who Served

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:26:54 -0400

Our Memorial Day show - please take time this weekend while enjoying family & friends to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our lifestyle!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

The Cigar of the Week: Padron 3000 Maduro – 5.5” x 52 From the Padron Series line, we offer the Padron 3000 Maduro. All the tobacco in this line is Sun grown Nicaraguan Habano. Padron uses wrapper leaves that are left on the plant a little longer, making the leaves naturally darker, producing a superior Maduro wrapper. The tobaccos in this cigar are aged at least 30 months to ensure a smooth blend and even flavoring. The Padron business model is all about consistency and passion. The Padrons do not rely on flashy packagingtrendy or marketing gimmicks to secure a place in smokers humidors. They do rely on time tested methods of consistent quality and excellent blending to deliver outstanding premium cigars for generations. The 3000 Maduro is one of 15 sizes in the Padron line and although the 1964 Anniversary Series and 1926 Serie get a larger share of the attention, the Padron Series offers exceptional quality and value. From the thin ring Panatela up through the A sized Magnum, the medium bodied Padron 3000 line delivers a smooth and cool smoking experience.

We have a bit of an interview with Jorge Luis Armenteros of Tobacconist University.

Listener email from Martin Couch and Scott Rohrer!

A moving herfline submission from Angry Bill.

On the Dark Side - Cohiba Siglo IV -Marca - Cohiba, Frontmark - Siglo IV, Vitola - Corona Gorda, Box code EST Feb 08, 143 mm (5.6") x 46 ring gauge - The Cohiba Siglo IV was introduced in November 1992 & was released for public sale in 1994, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus to the new world.

The winner of this week's yearly subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Justin Smith!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #006 May 16, 2009 - Robert Spoden of Bucanero Cigars

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 16 May 2009 10:11:43 -0400

An insightful and thought provoking conversation with the man behind Bucanero Cigars, Robert Spoden. Robert has been making cigars since the mid 90's and has seen it all in the cigar business. To fight back the current trends in retailing he is embarking on a new venture to sell his cigars directly to the public.
http://bucanerocigars.biz

DogWatch CIgar Radio #222 May 15, 2009 - Couples Counseling

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 16 May 2009 10:02:22 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Trilogy Native Cameroon Torpedo – 6.125” x 52 Some of you may recall that the Trilogy was first introduced as a 3 sided, or tri-pressed cigar in 2002. After 2004, the tri-pressed shape was replaced with traditional parejo and torpedo shapes, as the tri-pressed design did not appeal to consumers despite rave reviews for the cigar. Now available in Robusto, Churchill and Torpedo shapes in boxes of 20 cigars, the Alec Bradley Trilogy is a sleeper premium cigar priced for every day enjoyment. The Trilogy line is available in 3 different blends: the Authentic Corojo , Exotic Maduro and the Native Cameroon Torpedo that we are featuring this month. The Authentic Corojo is manufactured by Tobacos Puros de Nicaragua while the Exotic Maduro, and Genuine Cameroon, are manufactured by Carlos Torano in Honduras. The unique blend in the Cameroon is the result of using a rich and spicy African Cameroon wrapper paired with a Honduran binder and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Italian tobaccos.
Bob Smokes a 4 year old original three sided pressing of the same named cigar from Alec Bradley. See how they compare.

We have an interesting email from Dave with a tough experience from one of our bonus cigars.

Robert Spoden of Bucanero Cigars sits down with Bob for an interview - we run a short piece tonight. The full interview is available as episode #005 in the Cigars One-To-One lineup.

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Gran Habano Corojo #5 Lancero, Dale smokes a Cusano Corojo Toro.

On the Dark Side - Marca - Saint Luis Rey, Frontmark - Regios, Vitola - Hermoso No. 4, Box code GTL May 07, 127 mm (5.0") x 48 ring gauge - The Saint Luis Rey brand was created in between 1938 & 1940 and is noted as leaning towards the lighter side in strength. The Regios has a reputation for smoking good while young and reaching most of it's potential in just a few short years. Saint Luis Rey is one of the pre-revolution brands that exemplify what cuban cigars re all about. A full bodied cigar developed in 1938 by the British firm Zamora y Guerra.
Some say that its name was taken from a Thornton Wilder play “The Bridge of San Luis Rey”, which was popular at the time. However it is more likely that it refers to the town of San Luis in the heart of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco region, which is particularly famous for the superb wrapper leaves produced there.
Whatever the truth may be Saint Luis Rey cigars enjoy a reputation among cigars lovers for the intensity of their flavour throughout the range. They are made with leaves from the Vuelta Abajo and Semi Vuelta regions.

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Camacho Corojo Maduro, Illusione Epernay, Cusano 18 Maduro, Sabor Cubana Robusto, Buchanero Booty Maduro.

The winner of the one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Daniel Claque.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #005 May 12, 2009 - Luis Molina, Molina Cigars makers of Devils Weed Cigars

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:40:59 -0400

A conversation about the art of cigars, cigar hstory and of course the Devis Weed Cigars.
http://www.molinacigars.com

DogWatch CIgar Radio #221 May 08, 2009 - The Men, The Myths, The Cigars

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:11:27 -0400

The Men, The Myths, The Cigars

The Cigar of the Week is the E. Zarzuela Premium Toro Fuerte. The Premium line from E. Zarzuela is a boutique brand blended by Master Cigar Maker Felix Rodriguez and Eddy Fontana Zarzuela based in Miami. Between them, they have 25 years of cigar manufacturing experience with more well known names such as A. Fuente and La Gloria Cubana. This is the same Dominican Republic manufacturing team producing such DogWatch famous brands as Kristoff and Vengeance 98. This well constructed vitola features a dark Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a Piloto Cubano binder and a filler blend of Nicaraguan Ligero and Piloto Cubano tobaccos. Cigar passionados and everyday smokers will find the E. Zaezuela Premium to be an outstanding example of the deep flavors available in boutique brands. The cigars are manufactured and aged in the Dominican Republic and presented in boxes of 24 cigars.

We run a portion of an interview with Luis Molina of Molina Cigars, the man behind Devil's Weed cigars, this month's Bonus Cigar!

Some cigar myths discussed......

What's my band? Bob smokes a Montisino Maduro Robusto, Dale smokes an American Stogies Cuban Corojo Toro.

Herfline submissions from Big Slim and Angry Bill!

On the Dark Side - Marca - Romeo y Julieta, Frontmark - Exhibicion No. 3, Vitola - Corona Gorda, Box code UAS Mar 06, 143 mm (5.7") x 46 ring gauge - This cigar is one with a reputation for needing only a short aging period to reach it's peak, and at 3 years old now, we're hoping this one fulfills that expectation. The tobaccos in RyJ are from the Pinar del Rio region, and are purported to be some of Cuba's finest cigar leaf. As one of the major brands that Habanos SA markets, it is one of the most widely recognized Cuban brands. The Exhibicion No. 3 was introduced in the mid 1980's and is usually a great cigar to introduce cigar smokers to the Cuban style - pleasing, easy to smoke and flavorful.
What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Oliva Series V Maduro, A. Fuente Chateau Fuente, Drew Estate Java Corona.

This week's winner of the one year subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal is Steve Washburn.

Next week is National Police Week - take the time to thank those who go to work every day not really knowing if they'll go home to their families.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #004 April 24, 2009 - Jordan Drake, Digital Life Radio

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Wed, 06 May 2009 06:57:29 -0400

A conversation about technology and of course cigars with a young passionado, Jordan Drake. Johnathan produces a podcast called Digital Life Radio and also does a local radio talk show. I hope you will enjoy this conversation with thr talented and outspoken Jordan Drake as much as I did.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #220 May 01, 2009 - It's A Wonderful Wonderful Life

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 02 May 2009 06:23:20 -0400

Cigar of the Week - Camacho Diploma Corojo 11/18 – The Ultra Premium lines from Camacho are competing well with other big name cigars, and this 11/18 size in the Diploma Corojo line has got it all going on! Deep, rich, full flavors from authentic Corojo tobacco grown on Camacho farms in Honduras, a unique shape that really highlights those flavors and an elegant packaging presentation all position this cigar for success. The all corojo tobaccos are Quinto Corte, or from the fifth priming, meaning they are the top most leaves on the plants and picked last so they receive the most exposure to the elements for maximum flavor. The figuardo shape goes from 48 to 54 and back to 48 ring gauge in a 6” length, but not quite what we think of as the traditonal perfecto style - more of a subtle graduation of the cigar's curves. They come in varnished pyramid shaped boxes of 21 cigars.

Paul Bush of Flatbed Cigar Company joins us for discussion of his cigars and the cigar business.

Whats My Band - Dale smokes Bob's #111 Alec Bradley Occidental Reserve Natural

Jeff Fisher wins a Palio Cutter.

Matt Carbaugh wins a one year subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal.

On the Dark Side - Marca - Romeo y Julieta, Frontmark - Churchills, Vitola - Julieta No. 2, Box code MAS April 08, 178 mm (7.2") x 47 ring gauge - This size is the same as last week's Bolivar Coronas Gigantes, however, RyJ is credited with developing this size and that's why the factory name for this vitola is Julieta No. 2. The reason for all the confusion today, is that they developed this size in honor of the famed British statesman Sir Winston Churchill - you'll note the "s" at the end of the word in the frontmark. Romeo y Julieta is an old brand, dating from 1875. Widely known as a full flavored marca, RyJ still makes a large number of vitolas and has various packaging presentations. It is one of the most widely recognized and appreciated marcas within the Habanos S.A. line of brands.

Listener email supports Bob's opinion of Spanish Cedar.

An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Post Revolution Havana Cigars by Min Ron Nee should be in every cigar passionado's library. It's a wonderful reference book, and the latest printing was only 10,000 copies. 492 pages of history, descriptions, photos and MRN's opinions. I recommend you get one soon, before they're all gone. Cigarmony.com and use the discount code for 5% off - DWCR2009.

Next week's COW is the E. Zarzuela Premium Toro Fuerte. The following week we'll be smoking the Trilogy Genuine Camerron. Next week's Dark Side offering will the Romeo & Julieta Exhibicion No. 3 UAS March '06!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #003 April 4, 2009 - Jesus Rodriquez, DiFazio Cigars

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:22:52 -0400

Conversation with Jesus Rodriquez, Director of Marketing for Di Fazio Cigars. Although a new player in the cigar industry, Di Fazio Cigars brings a fresh perspective and some fine cigars.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #219 April 24, 2009 - Wood, nuts and monkeys

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:09:03 -0400

Episode 219 - Wood, nuts and monkeys.

The Cigar of the Week is the Gurkha Vintage Shaggy Maduro Torpedo. It’s easy to see how the Gurkha Shaggy got its name. The unfinished foot looks like it’s several weeks overdue for a trim! However, for those who wonder how much the wrapper leaf affects a cigar’s flavor, pay particular attention to the taste of the cigar when you first light it. The initial puffs are all 6 year old Dominican filler & Nicaraguan binder, and we’ll bet you can tell with your eyes closed when the 8 year old Dominican wrapper starts to burn. The Torpedo is a 6.5” x 53 ring gauge size which delivers smoothness and complexity. A long finish, some tangy spice and a unique visual appeal all add up to the Vintage Shaggy.

Journalist extraordinaire Colin Ganley joins us to set the record straight on leaf grading and the purchasing process, his recent visit to Cuba and the inside scoop about the Cuban Cigar Seed Institute.

What's my Band? Colin ships in a mystery cigar that stumps the Master and his apprentice - the Pinar Del Rio Exclusivo.

On the Dark Side - Marca - Bolivar, Frontmark - Coronas Gigantes, Vitola - Julieta No. 2, Box code POS May 07, 178 mm (7.2") x 47 ring gauge - This size is often called the Churchill, but the true vitola name is Julieta No. 2. Among all the Bolivar habanos, this Bolivar Coronas Gigante is distinct for it's aroma and complexity, or is it?

The winner of this week's one year subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal is Felix Erazo!

What else have the DWCR guys been smoking? The Di Fazio Connecticut. Hear the complete interview with Jesus Rodriquez of Di Fazio cigars in Episode 003 of Cigars One-to-One.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #218 April 17, 2009 - Hefin' and Snifflin'

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:02:34 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Ambos Mundos No.1 Robusto. The newest cigar line from Pete Johnson/Tatuaje is positioned to fit in the value end of the cigar spectrum. The line consists of 2 versions, each with a distinctly different wrapper. The No. 1 uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, the No. 2 uses a Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. They both use Nicaragua long filler & binder. Currently each is available in a Robusto and a Toro size. The translation of Ambos Mundos is “both worlds”. The phrase is probably most famous for the hotel of the same name in Cuba where Ernest Hemingway did some writing. The tobaccos selected for this blend are the same as in the other Tatuaje lines, however they are not the Grade A tobaccos. These tobaccos would be graded B or perhaps C due to coloration, texture or similar reasons, yet they will deliver similar taste and performance to the grade A selections. The advantage to the smoker is lower price in a long filler cigar.

Perdomo is joining the ranks of cigar makers who are absorbing the SCHIP tax. Remember these folks when you go to spend your money on cigars!

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Viaje Oro Fuerza, Dale attempts a Savinelli Nicaragua Reserve.

On the Dark Side - Marca - Juan Lopez, Frontmark - Seleccion No. 2, Vitola - Robusto, Box code SMG ABR 08, 124 mm (4.8") x 50 ring gauge - The Juan Lopez line was founded in 1876 by Juan Lopez Diaz. It's one of the minor brands, but with all handmade vitolas exhibiting excellent workmanship. As a line, Juan Lopez is thought of as med-full flavored with a characteristic aroma all it's own.

Heather Haddad joins us for the What Else segment! The guys & Heather review Avalon Juke Ebony Figurado & Avalon Hellbound Mojo. Also, Adrian Spicy Sumatra and Esteban Carreras 10 Anos.

A herfline submission from Cody on the Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic.

The winner of the European Cigar Cult Journal one year subscription is Steven Boyd.

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #002 April 4, 2009 - Joe Fuller, FullersPullers.com, A Retail Perspective of CIgars and the FP Habanos98

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:21:35 -0400

Joe talks about the pressures on cigar retailers, anti-smoking laws and the FP Habanos98 cigar.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #217 April 10, 2009 - Hefin' and Snifflin'

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:14:32 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is Redemption Coronita by El Titan de Bronze.

We catch up with Abe Flores (Pinar Del Rio cigars) and chat about the biz!

Listener emails and herfline submissions cover topics from the CRA, Australian BBQ bans, smokers health care costs and cigar reviews.

On the Dark Side - Vegas Robaina Famosos LPM June '07.

What's my Band? Dale smokes a Topper Old Fashioned Perfecto, Bob smokes a Casa Torano Maduro.

We play a portion of an interview with Joe Fuller, pick up the full length version on iTunes!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

Cigars One to One #001 April 4, 2009 - Brad Mayo, Jameson Cigars

Bob@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 06:25:17 -0400

Conversation with Brad Mayo, Jameson Cigars

DogWatch CIgar Radio #216 April 4, 2009 - Jameson Black Label Robusto

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:43:37 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Jameson Black Label Robusto.

Bob interviews Brad Mayo, owner of Jameson Cigars for a separately published feature, and shares some snippets.

Rob Ayala from Friends of Habanos joins us to talk cigars!

Listener Email - Bob is corrected on his view of the worldwide adoption of the Metric System, and we hear of some real life effects of the SCHIP tax.

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Onyx Reserve Belicoso and Dale smokes a Topper Old Fashioned.

We have a Herfline review of the Kristoff Ligero Maduro, and another of the Don Pepin Blue label Firecracker.

On the Dark Side - Diplomaticos No. 2 OEB Feb 07

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Jameson Red Label, Cabaiguan Guapos Junior, The Brick, E. Zarzuela, Pinar Del Rio Sungrown, Illusione ECCJ, Esencia Petite Corona.

Congratulations to Roger Berg for winning this week's yearly Subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by 25 Smoking Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.

Closing theme music is Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #215 March 27, 2009 - Litto Gomez Diaz Oriental

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 07:43:18 -0400

Our show tonight is dedicated to Justin and all the other great Americans, who paid the ultimate price in Iraq.

The Cigar of the Week is the Litto Gomez Diaz Oriental.

We read & respond to some listener email - What to do with all those bands and cigar recommendations.

Congratulations to Richard Baum for winning the Palio Cutter of the month!

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Sancho Panza Valiente, Dale smokes a Tessa Factory Direct!

On the Dark Side - Vegas Robaina Unicos USE Sept '07 and Bob talks about the myth of Cuban Cigars..

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'= Gurkha Triple Ligero, Trinidad T Robusto, Pinar Del Rio Sungrown, Esteban Carreras 10 Anos.

This week's winner of a yearly subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Kerry Maelicke!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

A very special rendition of Amazing Grace on Scottish Bagpipes and a herf line from Angry Bill.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #214 March 20, 2009

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:22:43 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro Torpedo. DWCR reviewed the Lot 23 cigar over three years ago and thought it was time for another look.

Happy Birthday to Alejandro Robaina - 90 years old!

Craig Cunningham, owner of Esteban Carreras Cigars joins us for a interesting conversation about his cigars and the cigar business.

A Herfline submission from Angry Bill on the Ambos Mundos.

Avo is releasing it's 9th Limited Edition - the Campanero.

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Rocky Patel Winter 2009 from the Seasonal Collecton. Dale smokes a mystery cigar?!?!?

On the Dark Side - Marca - Bolivar, Frontmark - Belicosos Finos, Vitola - Campana 140 mm (5.5") x 52 ring gauge. Box Code TEB JUL 07

Bob has tips for keeping your lighter in tip top shape!

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Padilla 68, Illusione ECCJ, Cubao #4, 5 Vegas, Vengeance Ligero Maduro, Kristoff Ligero Maduro.

This week's winner of the one year European Cigar Cult Journal subscription is Steve Waibel!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme All or Nothing provided by Immortal Alice

DogWatch CIgar Radio #213 March 14, 2009

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:04:32 -0400

The Cigar of the Week was the San Cristobal Guajiro.

Colin Ganley co-hosts the show while Bob is on vacation, and he smokes the San Cristobal Monumento.

We dive deep into a discussion about Colin's experience at the 11th Festival de los Habanos in Havana.

A short review of the new cigar releases - Montecristo Open, Trinada Robusto T and the Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva!

Colin describes what it's like to attend the Festival.

We discuss vitolas that are being discontinued and speculate on the direction of Habanos S.A.

A U.S. House Committee has passed their first version of the Family Smoking Revention and Tobacco Control Act, preparing to give the FDA control over the tobacco industry.

Colin gives us a preview of the cigar reviews, interview with Padron and collecting cigar accessories articles in the latest ECCJ.

Jeffery Busse wins this week's yearly subscription to the European Cigar Cult Journal!
Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme All or Nothing provided by Immortal Alice

DogWatch CIgar Radio #212 March 6, 2009 - Dale Gives Bob a BOA

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:04:56 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Oliva Serie G Double Robusto.

We also smoke this month's Bonus cigar, the Esteban Carreras 10 Anos,

Congratulations to Chris Cambell - he came up with the longest cigar name and wins a sampler pack from DWCR!

We listen to a Herfline review from Angry Bill on the Pinar Del Rio.

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Felipe Gregorio Dominicana Boa, Dale smokes a Topper Cosmo Perfecto.

Doctor Terry Simpson joins us to talk cigars, junk science and economics!

On the Dark Side - a brief review of the cigar industry in Cuba since the revolution. We also preview the new cigar releases from Habanos S.A. from the 11th Festival de los Habanos.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Casa Magna, Cruzado, Padilla Series 68, Montesino, The Brick, Jameson Red.

This week's winner of the year long subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal is Jay LeDao!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme All or Nothing provided by Immortal Alice

DogWatch CIgar Radio #211 February 27, 2009

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:05:07 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the A. Fuente Hemingway Short Story.

Joining us tonight is Mark Neff, owner of Cigarmony.com and one heck of a cigar aficionado!

Some email from Brian leads us to discuss what to look for in a desktop humidor.

In preparation for the SCHIP taxes on April 1st, we recommend cigars to stock up on, particularly cigars that will be affected most.

On the Dark Side - From the 11th Festival de los Habanos comes a new release, Montecristo Open. Mark leads us through a review of Cohiba Esplendido

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1973, Padilla Series 68 Corojo Toro, Oliva Master Blends 3 Robusto, Tatuaje Ambros Mundo Habanos Robusto, American Stogies Corona, Tessa Factory Direct, Occidental Reserve.

We spend some time talking about which cigars smokers might want to stock up on in advance of the SCHIP taxes hitting on April 1st.

Congratulations to Hartford Hight, our European Cigar Cult Journal subscription winner this week, and to Robert Gianelli for winning the Palio Cutter for February!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme All or Nothing provided by Immortal Alice

DogWatch CIgar Radio #210 February 20, 2009 - Double Fisted Figurado

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:05:10 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the La Gloria Cubana Reserva Figurados Flechas Especiale

For our brothers of the briar, it is International Pipe Smoking Day!

What's my Band? Bob smokes a JFR, Dale smokes a Don Thomas Classico

Congratulations to Jeff Bower for winning this week's yearly subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal Magazine!

On the Dark Side - Por Larranaga Belicosos Extra Regional Release, Asia Pacific

What else have the DWSC guys been smokin'? Don Pepin Cuban Classic 1970, Dona Flor, La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel, Devil's Weed Nicot, Padilla Miami.

In the DWCR News - China's enhanced snow closes highways. Some Canadian tobacco signage laws conflict with historic preservation laws. Another conflicting situation, Canadian bar must serve a pot smoker or be fined, but if he does, he loses his liquor license.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #209 February 13, 2009 - Deliberately Herfing with Colin Ganley

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:05:14 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Tatuaje Havana VI Artistas

Colin Ganley joins us before his adventure to the Festeval de los Habanos, and smokes the Cohiba V.

Angry Bill delivers a Dark Side Review, Jerry Cruz deliberates the Triunfadore, Ron Fedel rants on junk science and Adam Haught reviews the Outlaw Calendar Girl.

Bob, Dale and Colin provide their unique perspective on cigar bar exemptions, blunt wrap makers fighting back and Gurkha's new "smokesperson".

Congratulations to Sean Miller, this weeks winner of a year's subscription to European Cigar cult Journal!

On the Dark Side - Dale reviews the Cohiba Robusto and the crew discuss the famous tobacco growing region of Pinar del Rio.

What else have the DWCR guys been smoking? Camacho Corojo 11/18, Oliva Serie V Lancero, Tatuaje Havana VI Almirante, Famous Nicaraguan 3000, RyJ Churchill, Ashton ESG, San Cristobal, Esencia Corona Gorda, Jameson Black, Monte Cristo #2.

What's my Band? Dale smokes a Fuente Curlyhead, Bob smokes a CAO Brazilia Amazon.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme All or Nothing provided by Immortal Alice

DogWatch CIgar Radio #208 February 05, 2009 - Pidgeon on a Hot Tin Roof

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:27:57 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Vengeance Maduro Ligero.

Nelson Pidgeon co-hosts with us this week! He also is the Treasurer of the Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club in Boston. (add web url)

The Esencia Corona Gorda wins Cigar of the Year award from Two Guys Smoke Shop!

We re-visit evening out your humidification devices in your larger humidors.

The Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club of Boston - http://www.shpcboston.org/

Herfline submissions from Bill Bevins on the Joya de Nicaragua Antano, Bill Featherston on the Greycliff Chateau Grand Cru Piccolo and Ron on the Rocky Patel Seasons.

Lots of discussion on SCHIP, wage hikes in Honduras, more proposed cigar taxes in PA - how do cigar smokers cope with all this additional burden?

Some good news - CRA members and other cigar smokers help Long Beach, CA legislators see the light - smoking lounges are now exempt from the local draconian smoking ban!

On the Dark Side - La Gloria Cubana Tainos!

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? CAO Criollo, Esencia Petite Corona, La Flor Dominicana Factory Press, Rocky patel Edge, J. Fuego 777, Illusione 1.

Handmade vs. Machine made cigars.

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Nestor Miranda Special Selection lancero, Dale smokes a Don Tomas.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #207 January 30, 2009 - DogWatch News Weather and Cigars

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:50:24 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the La Aurora 1495 Series Corona.

Lots of herfline submissions - cigar reviews, SCHIP and Habanos!

Special guest Tom Barbalet joins us to talk more about encouraging cigar manufacturers to be more open with consumers about the tobaccos and other details of their product offerings.

Congratulations to Jefferson Grosso for winning the January Palio of the Month contest!

Big news in the cigar industry - Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is leaving General Cigar to start a new cigar business with his son & daughter.

On the Dark Side - The 2008 Regional Edition Bolivar Short Bolivar!

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Camacho Corojo Maduro, Cubao #5, Nestor Miranda Special Selection Lancero, Tatuaje Frank, Ashton VSG, A. Fuente Chateau Fuente Sungrown, Ramone Allones Specially Selected (2004), La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero, Jameson Black.

Single Cigar sales under fire all around the country. Dallas city council attacking cigar manufacturers as being the cause of illegal drug use!!!!

It has finally happened - smoking outlawed in personal apartments and condos in one California city.

Bruce Stark is this week's winner of a yearly subscription to European cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #206 January 22, 2009 - Rim Shot

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:47:18 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the 601 Habano Oscuro La Punta.

We share some listener email - questions and suggestions!

Michael Rosales of Adrian's Costa Rican Cigars joins us to talk about his lines of cigars!

Check out the Petition to Cigar Manufacturers link on our site and let the cigar makers know what YOU want to know!

More news about anti-smoking legislation from South Dakota and Colorado.

On the Dark Side - Cohiba Siglo VI.

On the herfline - Dr. Dan Para reviews the Litto Gomez Diaz Lusitano.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Adrian's Premium Costa Rican Ecuadorian Shade & Havana 2000, Esencia Petite Corona, La Aroma de Cuba, Jameson Black, Quorum

The What's my Band segment returns! Bob smokes a Punch Punch and Dale smokes a

Congratulations to Jason Slaughter for winning the weekly subscription the European Cigar Cult Journal!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #205 January 6, 2009 - Questions Without Answers

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:29:58 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Lancero

Heather Haddad joins us to discuss the Smoke Free Texas legislation.

We invite Andy Kilroy to explain his new website - Smokeasys.com Check it out for info on smoke friendly locations around the world!

The SCHIP bill has made it through the House, on it's way to the Senate.

Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 Cigars of 2008 list is out, and a $5 non-cuban cigar tops the list!

On the Dark Side - Obama plans to restore Cuban-American visitation and remittance rights with Cuba.
We review the Partagas Serie D no. 4

A herfline review of the Esencia Petite Corona from Wild Bill......

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? La Aroma de Cuba, San Cristobal, La Flor Dominicana Ligero, Los Blanco Premier Sumatra, Avalon Juke, Camacho Diploma Maduro, Don Tomas Clasico, Adrian, Oliva Series G.

In the DWCR News - Update on the sale of Torano factories. The American Lung Assoc says the US Flunks on Tobacco Control Report Card. Baltimore passes laws against the sales of single cigars, but Mayor who pushed the bill is charged with fraud, misconduct and perjury!

Congratulations to Robert Kroupa for winning this weeks subscription to European Cigar Cult Journal magazine!
Check out Bob's gadget want list at http://www.evernote.com/pub/bob_mcduffee/WantList

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke
Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #204 January 9, 2009 - Third Hand Bad Science

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:30:29 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1970. Unless you are new to premium cigars or have been living in a cave, the name Don Pepin Garcia is sure to invoke visions of tasty smoke wafting ghost like through the air. Pepin Garcia is the talent behind many of the most popular cigars in today's market. The Cuban Classic line (or Black Label as it is sometimes called) is the third line of cigars created under his own name, the first being the Blue label and the second being the Serie JJ. This Cuban Classic line hit retailers shelves in late 2006 and quickly rocketed to superstar status among passionados. The wrapper is a Habano Rosado variety and both the filler and binder are Nicaraguan. Don Pepin Garcia cigars are rolled in Pepin's Tabacalera Cubana factory in Esteli, Nicaragua and his El Rey de los Habanos factory in Miami Florida. The Cuban Classic Black Edition is available in six sizes: Perla (4.25x40), Corona Especial (5.5x38), Robustos (5x50), Belicosos (5x54), Figurado (6x60 and the Toros (6x52). All of the Don Pepin Garcia lines are rolled in the traditional Cuban style and the boxes are each stamped with a date code. In tribute to the Cuban traditions that Jose Garcia came from, and the American market which has been so kind to him, the band on each cigar has a Cuban and an American flag overlapping on each side of the center motif.

Dr. Terry Simpson joins us to discuss the latest "third hand smoke" pseudo science. This is junk science thrown out as another rally point for the anti-smokers. Dr. Simpson says that publicizing this misinformation is at best irresponsible. We also discuss the state of the Alaskan cigar business and of course, we get a lesson in current politics.

Another way to get involved - the Tobacconist Preservation Act is a proposed piece of Federal Legislation to preserve the rights of retail tobacconists to conduct business with their customers who must be able to taste, smell and sample their products in their stores. You can go sign a petition electronically to help move this along - www.thepetitionsite.com we'll put a link up on our site.
We discuss the Tobacconist Preservation Act and the role that Heather Haddad of FumeeWorld.com has taken on to help promote what could become a critical piece of federal legislation.
Sign the Tobacconist Preservation Act at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/2692569

On the Dark Side - Marca - Saint Luis Rey, Frontmark - Doble Coronas, Vitola - Prominente, 194 mm (7.6") x 49 ring gauge. This brand was created in 1938. The Doble Coronas is a highly scoring Prominente vitola, often listed as one of the top 3 in this format. The character is typically between that of the lighter Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona and the fuller Ramon Allones Gigante.
What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Ted's Made by Hand natural and maduro, Aurora 100 Anos robusto, 5 Vegas Limitada 2008, Tatuaje Reserva J21, Isla de Cuba.

Scandanavian Tobacco Group buys Latin Cigars Nicaragua and Latin Cigars Honduras factories. More consolidation in the cigar industry announced last week - Noble Cigars, a division of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group (Which acquired the CAO brands last year) acquired Latin Cigars Nicaragua and Latin Cigars Honduras on Dec 31 for an undisclosed sum. Those factories were owned and operated by Torano cigars and the Fidel Olivas family. Torano and Olivas will continue to operate the factories, which make a combined 20 million cigars annualy, including all CAO brands, Torano brands and others.

Check out Bob's gadget want list at http://www.evernote.com/pub/bob_mcduffee/WantList

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke
Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #203 January 2, 2009 - Have a Herfing New Year!

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:35:25 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the El Titan De Bronze Grand Reserve Maduro.

We jump into the new year with great abandon and no planning!

On the Dark Side - Punch Petite Coronas.

Gaspar's Cigar Shop
3765 So, Westshore Blvd
Tampa, Fl 33629
http://www.gasparcigars.com

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Cabaiguan Coronas Extra, San Cristobal, Wango Tango, Dona Flor, Trinadad Toro, Padron 40th Anny, La Requeza #3, Tatuaje Frank, Rocky Patel Renaissance.

Herf line submission from our friend AngryBill.

We discuss lighter maintenance, and other sundrey issues.....

More news, views and the monkeys run wild!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #202 December 26, 2008 - Post Christmas (Cement) Mixer

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:12:11 -0500

Our 2008 Post - Christmas show!

The Cigar of the Week is Panacea Maduro Perfecto.

On the Dark Side - Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Number 2.

We ramble aimlessly in the glow of post-Christmas festivities.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Dona Flor, Jameson, Cabaiguan Guapo Jr., Camacho Corojo 11/18, Tatuaje Frank.

Herf line submissions from a couple of local law enforcement types and a scathing review of Cohiba!

Happy New Year!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

DogWatch CIgar Radio Special Video Cigar Review December 19, 2008 - by Paul Binkley

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 07:21:08 -0500

Part of our 2008 Christmas show!

Congratulations to Paul Binkley for a very close 2nd place with this video review from France of the Fonseca Delicias!

Paul will receive a sampler pack of Esencia CIgars for this wonderfully done review.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #201 December 19, 2008 - Merry Christmas and a Herfing New Year

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 07:04:26 -0500

Our 2008 Christmas show!

The Cigar of the Week is the Kristoff Maduro Ligero Torpedo

Colin Ganley joins us to discuss the latest cigar happenings and the new crops in the cigar countries.

We briefly discuss the Cohiba trademark lawsuit and other issues surrounding branding.

Herfline submissions from Marcian and Bill!

Nelson Pidgeon wins the "200th show and 3 years with BOTL" contest! We play his reviews. Congratulations also to Paul Binkley for a very close 2nd place with his video review from France!

Another great example of some of the reviews we received is this one from Jay about last week's cigar -
Just listened to the show tonight and I just happened to smoke the RyJ Habana Reserva Churchill on Saturday night. I thought that the cigar started of very light with some nice creamy spice for about the first inch. After that the smoke went to a nice full creamy smoke with a little hidden spice, but that was then end of it. I was going a little slow and I had to relight several times throughout the cigar. I started smoking it fast at about 3-4" left and the flavor came back a little bit and it stayed lit. After about 1:45 minutes I sat the last 2.5" down as I wasn't wowed by the flavor. A good smoke and I have a few other sizes to try out in the humi but just not blown away by it. The hidden flavor to me was a little like eating a cinammon powdered donut (creamy, doughy and a little sweet spice).

On the Dark Side - Ramone Allones Specially Selected.

Colin passes out a Christmas gift to all our listeners - oral health tips!

Bob renders his cigar version of the Night Before Christmas.

Dale has a suggested list of Christmas presents for Bob.

Dr. Simpson steps in to help us wrap up the Cigar of the Week!

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? A. Fuente Anejo 46 & 49, Tatuaje Havana VI Almirantes & Victorias, Dynamite 450 Maduro, Torano Noventa La Espiranza, Gurkha Dragon Fire.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #200 December 12, 2008 - And One More Thing

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:39:33 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve Toro.

This is our 200th show! Who would have thought......

Major kudos to Kendall Culbertson of Outlaw Cigar for being awarded the Community Business of the Year in Kansas City!

Lots of smoking legislation news from around the world.

On the Dark Side - Por Larranaga 2007 RE Robusto.

The 2009 Festival del Habanos (Feb 23-27) schedule is announced.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? La Flor Dominicana Ligero, Jameson Black Label, G.A.R., Tayuaje Havana VI Artistas, CAO LX2, Pinar Del Rio Oscuro, Nub Habanos, A. Fuente Anejos 46.

Make sure you enter our "200th Show and 3 Years with BOTL" contest to win a box of Esencia cigars and a guest spot on the show!

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Rocky Patel Autumn Collection Toro and Dale smokes the RP Summer Collection.

Herf line submissions from Jeff and Ron!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme All or Nothing provided by Immortal Alice

DogWatch CIgar Radio #199 December 05, 2008 - Not That Button!

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:37:35 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ Belicoso.

Abe Flores of Pinar Del Rio Cigars joins us to talk about his passion for the leaf and his lines of great smokes.

A herfline submission from Big Slim brings us a short discussion about plume on cigars.

On the Dark Side - Partagas 8-9-8 Cabinet Seleccion Varnished.

More herfline submissions from Angry Bill, reviewing the Couvee Rouge and Canimao cigars.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Torano Noventa, Jameson Black Lable, A. Fuente Sungrown Cuban Belicoso, Elogio LSV, Pinar Del Rio Oscuro, Oliva Serie V, Esencia.

News views and some insanity!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #198 November 29, 2008 - Two Turkeys and Leftovers!

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:17:12 -0500

The Cigar ot the Week is the Canimao Robusto.

Jake "The Wonder Boy" joins us for the night, smoking a LFD Double Ligero Lancero!

We give away 4 Cigar Caddy's tonight, a 2 cigar Caddy to Shane of Great Mills, MD, a 5 cigar Caddy to Wayne of Washington, MO, a 10 cigar Caddy to Keith of Hilliard, OH and a 15 cigar Caddy to Robert of Covington, KY! Thanks to Jamie and his crew at Cigar Caddy for supporting the tropps and DWCR!

The December DogWatch Cigar Club selections are on their way - look for the Don Pepin Garcia JJ, the Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve, the Kristoff Maduro Ligero and the Panecea Maduro Perfecto as our Cigars of the Week next month.

On the Dark Side - H. Upmann Magnum 50

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Dona Flor, Jameson Black, Arganese ML3, La Aroma de Cuba, El Tiante, CAO Italia, El Cobre, Torano Noventa, Elogio LSV.

Congratulations to Brandon from Vancouver, WA for winning the November palio Cutter of the month!

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Padron Palmas Maduro, Dale smoes the maduro version of the A. Pontilla.
Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #197 November 21,2008 - Blame the Monkeys!

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:25:39 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Couvee Rouge.

Heather Haddad from Fumee joins us to talk about her new shop, a special Christmas offering and the DogWatch Sunday's!

Only one more week to get entered for our Cigar Caddy and Palio of the Month contests!

The IPCPR is fighting the good fight in Dallas and South Dakota.

On the Dark Side - a look into how Edicion Regionales are selected, and we review the Partagas Lusitania.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Devil's Weed Nicot, Jesus Fuego, Illusione MK, Oliva Serie V Lancero.

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Cuban Crafters Cameroon and Dale tries out the A. Pontillo.

More news, views and the monkeys run wild! Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #196 November 14,2008 - Triple Play!

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:17:11 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Partagas Black Label Bravo.

Colin Ganley sits in to smoke the COW, and also brought along a pair of Graycliff for a side by side vintage vs new taste test.

Mel Gonzales of Canimao cigars joins us via telephone to talk about his cigars!

On the Dark Side - Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? We focus in on the La Flor Dominicana Cheroot.

Don't forget to sign up for the contests this month - a palio Cutter and 5 separate Cigar Caddy's!

What's my Band? Bob smokes a La Gloria Cubana Wavell, Dale smokes a Verona del Sur and Colin smokes a Pinar Del Rio Oscuro.

Three hosts, three cigars and three hours - hope you enjoy this week's DogWatch Cigar Radio!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme All or Nothing provided by Immortal Alice

DogWatch CIgar Radio #195 November 07,2008 - No Tossers or Wankers!

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:16:26 -0500

The Cigar of the Week is the Jesus Fuego Gran Reserva Corojo #1 Belicoso.
The Belicoso vitola is a 6" x 54 ring gauge beauty. The blend is combination of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Costa Rican fillers grown specifically for Fuego and topped with a Corojo wrapper. The cigars are rolled in Honduras.

Andrew and Waymond sit in a spell from The Old Toby Podcast!

We catch up with Doug Wilgar at the Big Smoke in Las Vegas. He fills us in on the big after-Big Smoke party at The Las Vegas Cigar Lounge.

Friends of Habanos joins DWCR as a show sponsor this week, and we welcome Rob Ayala to talk about FOH and the world of Habanos cigars.

Check out our new contest for the month of November - we're giving away 5 Cigar Caddys!

On the Dark Side - H. Upmann Sir Winston.
Marca - H. Upmann, Frontmark - Sir Winston, Vitola - Julieta 2 178 mm (7.0") x 47 ring gauge

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'?
Elogio Petite Corona
Esencia Petite Corona
Olde Colonial Havana Lancero
the Frank from Tatuaje
ML3 from Arganese.

What's my Band?
Bob smokes a Drew Estate Chateau Real Maduro
Dale smokes the last of a box of Cabaiguan.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme Longboard Cowboy provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #194 October 31,2008 - Politics, Monsters and Cigars

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:56:21 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Ashton 898.

We review two Xikar lighters, the Trezo and EX. Also Bob interviews Kurt van Keppell, president of Xikar.
Bob and Dale discuss the intricacies of lighting cigars and Bob wonders if some of the taboos against raditional lighters is justified.

The CRA gets involved in the LA smoking ban issue and a letter writing campaign to the Mayor of Boston.

In a fast paced and informative discussion, Dr. Terry Simpson joins us to talk about the US political scene.

Herfline submissions, including one from Angry Bill about the Halloween release of The Frank, Ron from New Jersey and Andrew from the Old Toby Podcast!

On the Dark Side - Frank Correnti Cigars, a special treat from our neighbors up North!

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Sudeste Corona, Ted's Made by Hand Robusto, Tatuaje P1, Canimao, Fuente Cuban Belicoso, Esencia Corona Gorda, Camacho Corojo 11/18, El Cobre Robusto, Cabaiguan, Argenti Exile, Pinar Del Rio Oscuro, Isla de Cuba.

What's My Band? Bob smokes a Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserva and Dale tries a Chui Cesar from Veron del Sur.

Congratulations to our contest winners - Jamie Samarco wins the October Palio Cutter and Nick Noel wins the Puckifier of the Week!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #193 October 24,2008 - Cigar Bans Outlawed

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:34:29 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Exile Robusto.

Kendall Culbertson of Outlaw Cigars joins us to discuss his struggle to obtain an exemption to the Kansas City smoking ban for his shop. A positive example and lessons learned for all cigar retailers!

We play herfline submissions from France, Australia and New York!

On the Dark Side - a little news and the St. Luis Rey Serie A

What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Sudeste from Silo Cigars, J. Fuego 777, Nub Cameroon, Cubao Lancero, Devils Weed Nicot, Cusano Sungrown LXi.

Congratulations to Robert Brown, this week's Puckifier winner!

Several news items and a great What's my Band segment!

Another great herfline submission from Guy in France.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #192 October 17,2008 - Around the World in 2 hrs

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 10:51:37 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Don Carlos #3

Joe Fuller joins us to talk about what's new at FullersPullers.com

Collin Ganley joins us to discuss the European Inter-Tabac cigar trade show and other journeys.

Rick Patch wins the Puckifier of the Week contest!

No Dark Side this week, but in the What's my band segment, Bob & Dale smoke a Jose Piedra Nationales.

We review this week's happenings in the wake of the cigar board discussion of last week.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #191 October 10,2008 - Puffin' The Boards

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:02:30 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro

We have a panel discussion with Chris Trotter and Marc Aub about the recent acquisition of several cigar discussion forums.

Dale talks about the experience judging the International Cigar Competition at the Cigar Smoke Easy event. Congratulations to all the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners!

The IPCPR puts out several press releases around recent smoking ban legislation, and DWCR is happy to see the support!

We have herfline submissions from Bill about FullersPullers and the La Aroma de Cuba cigar.

Bob interviews Gene Crawford of Olde Colonial Havana Cigars. The story of a club cigar gone commercial. http://www.oldecolonialhavana.com

On the Dark Side - a poor experience with a Partagas Lonsdale. Also, Bances cigars, a Cuban tobacco brand made in Toronto Canada.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Olde Colonial Havana, Camacho Legend-Ario, Toscano Extra Vecchio, Verona Del Sur, El Titan de Bronze Maduro.

Congratulations to Dan Stevens, this week's Puckifier winner!

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Jesus Fuego 777, Dale enjoys a Juan Lopez Belicoso.

In the DWCR News - Altadis will be closing it's Selma AL cigar factory, cutting 213 jobs due to smoking restrictions and rising tobacco taxes. Cripple Creek Colorado casinos fined for allowing smoking.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #190 October 3,2008 - Plate with a hole in it

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:57:47 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the La Aroma de Cuba Monarch  Chris Trotter of the Cigar Alliance podcast joins us for a discussion about the "new cigar media".  Marc Aub of Esencia Cigars sits in again for a while to chat about cigars, blending and give us perspectives of a cigar brand owner.  On the Dark Side - El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme, and the OFAC gets a little busier in 2008.  Dr. Terry Simpson is back! The good Doctor talks some about the effects of nicotine.  What Else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Esteban Carreras, Camacho Triple Maduro, Camacho Select, Camacho Corojo, A. F. Don Carlos and more!  In the What's my Band segment, Dale smokes a Cusano LXI and Bob tries out his first Macanudo 68.  This weeks winner of a Puckifier is Dan Wilkens! Congratulations Dan!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #189 September 16,2008 - The Book

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:33:38 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Tempus Centuria
Tempus is Latin, meaning Time, and this line from Alec Bradley is so named for the time it took to develop. The Centuria is one of 5 traditional sizes in this line, it's a 7 x 49 Churchill. The cigars are rolled in Honduras from a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran grown Criollo '98 and Corojo '99 Viso and Ligero. The wrapper is a 7 year aged Honduran Criollo.

Mike Banks (mrbundles.com) joins us for a lively discussion of the Cubanidad, Signature House Blend, El Titan de Bronze Redemption and the Miur Selecta Resrev cigars. Mike also discusses cigar making, history and personalities.

Michigan House Bill 4163 is defeated, at least for now.

Impact of the recent hurricanes on Cuban tobacco production .

On The Dark Side - Marca - Davidoff, Frontmark - Mille 5000, Vitola - Corona Gorda 143 mm (5.7") x 46 ring gauge The example tonight is about 30 years old, coming from the late 1970's. Tasting notes: A light colored, very fragile looking wrapper with a yellowed band gives hints of things to come. The wrapper has lost any oily sheen it may have once had. The cigar was extremely firm, common with well aged cigars. The cap clipped neatly and the cold draw provided little flavor but was easy and smooth. Once lit, it was obvious the cigar has been stored properly all these years. Oils immediately became obvious on the wrapper above the burn line. The flavors in the first portion were all subtle - herbaceous, nutty and lightly sweet. The room aromas have a wine-like bouquet. The smoke is lightly creamy and very mild in body. In the 2nd third, the cigar remained elegant with some flavors of caramelized onion joining the floral, herby mix. In the last third, the sweetness became like honey, the floral notes turned more woody and the savory nut flavors intensified. The finish was short, sweet and smooth. I fear my palete is not refined enough to pick out all the subtle flavors from this exquisite cigar. It is a cigar for the true aficionado, to be savored in quiet solitude and not polluted by any interference from strong drink or food. A delightful departure from the typical strength of today's cigars.

We also discuss Isla de Cuba Classic, Isla de Cuba Aged Maduro, Isla de Cuba Wango Tango, Rocky Patel 1992 Vintage, Cubao, El Titan de Bronze Gran Reserva Maduro

What's My Band #8 and contest winners Michael Howe, Bob Skinner and John DeFalco

Herf line submissions from Angry Bill and Big Slim.

Thanks to our Sponsors this week, FullersPullers.com, Palio Cutters, DogWatch Cigar Club, Black Dog Coffee.net, FumeeWorld.com, Dr. Terry Simpson and Cigarmony.com!

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio LIVE This Thursday, 9-25-08

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:32:00 -0400

Special Thursday Night DogWatch Live!

DogWatch CIgar Radio #188 September 19,2008 - History 101

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:50:04 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Vengeance Series 98 Robusto.

Chris McCalla, Legislative Director for the IPCPR, joins us to discuss the Kansas City smoking ban and the positive effect the cigar community, lead by Kendall of Outlaw Cigar, has had on revising the legislation to exempt cigar shops.

A herfline submission from Warren brings up the topic of cellophane and storing your cigars.

Cigar history 101 - Bob discusses the importance of tobacco on an emerging nation!

On the Dark Side - no reviews tonight, but some news on the 2008 Habanos Collection release, the 2008 Antique Humidor release and the Casa del Habano Partagas Salomones.

More details coming our of Cuba on the extreme devastation from hurricanes Gustov and Ike. Cuba petitions the U.S. to lift the trade embargo for 6 months to assist in rebuilding infrastructure.

What's my Band? Bob smokes a Diamond Crown Pyramid #7 and Dale tries a Rocky Patel made Nicarao.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Jesus Fuego Delirium and 777, Sancho Panza Double maduro, Cubao, Oliva Serie G, Dynamite 652, Cabaiguan Guapo 46, Camacho, H. Upmann Signature.

Clifford Venier wins the Puckifier this week.

Another great herfline submission from Guy in France.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #187 September 12,2008 -Fixed File

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:28:44 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the La Riqueza.

Opening theme music provided by : 25 Smokin' Figurados from their album Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke

Closing theme provided by The Surfonics

DogWatch CIgar Radio #186 September 05,2008 - The Cigar of the Week is the Ancient Warrior Torpedo by Gurkha

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:50:25 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Ancient Warrior Torpedo by Gurkha.

Matt Walker joins us to talk about the Cigar Smoke Easy event, including the International Cigar Competition, coming up in Washington State at the end of September. www.cigarsmokeeasy.com

Heather Haddad is our special guest! She updates us on the opening of her new cigar shop and discusses the results of the research survey produced by Cigar Research and the Association for Women Cigar Smokers.

Hurricane Gustav hit Cuba hard and the season is really just getting started.

On the Dark Side - Partagas Salomones Espanol.

The three 2008 Edicion Limitadas from Habanos S.A. will be released shortly!

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Joya de Panama, El Rey del Mundo, Olivadados, Pinar Del Rio Oscuro, Primos by Los Blancos, Signature House Blend from Mike Banks.

Bob interviews Chris Kelly of Tesa Cigars.

Adam Bennett wins the Puckifier of the Week contest from www.cigarmony.com

In the DWCR news - Oliva is close to releasing the Serie V Maduro. Davidoff releases it's first maduro cigar, the Robusto Maduro R. A. Fuente celebrates 96 years of the Arturo Fuente Cigar Company with the release of the Don Arturo Gran AniverXario - a cigar aged for 7 years in the Fuente aging rooms.
Thanks to:
Dick from Arizona with a review of the Ancient Warrior and a few words about the DogWatch Cigar Club
and
Jason Shaffer on the Sancho Panza and the FP Habanos 98

DogWatch CIgar Radio #185 Augut 29,2008 - The Cigar of the Week is a special side by side review of a 1998 Partagas Tres Petite Corona and a 2008 Partagas Short, two very similar cigars with 10 years of age difference.

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:01:28 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is a special side by side review of a 1998 Partagas Tres Petite Corona and a 2008 Partagas Short, two very similar cigars with 10 years of age difference.

Colin Ganley joins DogWatch Friday Night Live! to lead us through noting the differences that aging a premium cigar can offer. Lots of discussion about vintage cigars, where to learn more, different approaches and opinions!

We play a recording of some of the CRA kick off speeches from the Freedom Tour event in New York.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Pinar Del Rio Sungrown and Oscuro, Aurora Barrel Aged, Torano Casa Torano, Benchmade, Indian Tabac Super Fuerte Maduro, Padron Londres Maduro, Cubao, La Aroma de Cuba, American Stogies Break Time Torpedo.

What's my Band? Colin sets us up with a Tatiana Chocolate flavored cigar!

Congratulations to Craig Rich for winning the August Palio of the Month contest!

Steve Washburn wins the Puckifier of the Week contest from Cigarmony.com!

DogWatch CIgar Radio #184 Augut 22,2008 - The Cigar of the Week is the Leon Jiminez #4

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:48:15 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Leon Jiminez #4.

Colin Ganley joins us to discuss the CRA Freedom Tour events and the Capitol Cigar Society Gala Dinner!
CapitalCigarSociety

Check out Rich Perelman's WeAreNotCriminals.com blog site to learn how to help fight the proposed LA smoking ban!
WeAreNotCriminals

We play the interview with Reinhold Widmayer and Colin Ganley of ECCJ from the IPCPR.

Herfline submissions on the Gispert cigar and pairing drinks with your cigar.

On the Dark Side - check out Cigarcyclopedia's semi-annual review of international cigar retailers. The Dark Side review is the 2006 Trinadad Torre Iznagas from the Habanos Collection.
CigarCyclopedia

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Nub Habano, Olivadados, Tatuaje Black, Cubao, OpusX Super Belicoso, Black Pearl Rojo, Los Blancos Connecticut, Bravo Columbian Gold.

In the DWCR News - The DNC will party with Rocky Patel Cigars in Denver Monday night, Rocky also will supply cigars to the RNC. The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation Online Auction raised $75,000 for impoverished families in the Dominican Republic. Daniel Miranda, son of Nestor Miranda passes away.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #183 Augut 15,2008

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:30:08 -0400

he Cigar of the Week is the CAO MX2.

Herfline submissions from around the U.S. and France!

We talk with Daniel and Luis Tiant of El Tiante Cigars.

On the Dark side - 1992 Bolivar Belicosos Finos.

Bob interviews Al Argenti, maker of Exile Cigars.

What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Black Pearl, La Aroma de Cuba, Joyas de Panama, Vengeance Maduro Ligero, Bravo Columbian.

Congratulations to Craig Rich, winner of the Puckifier this week from Cigarmony.com!

In the DWCR News - Albequerque's Neds on the Rio Grande bar fights to gain exmption as a cigar bar. United Long-term Caregivers union and it's leader, Tyronne Freeman are spending hundreds of thousands of member dollars on family business, cigar bar expenses, even with companies that don't seem to exist! Dale & Bob finally received confirmation of membership with CRA.

What's my Band? Bob & Dale blind taste the Spirit de Cuba and the Devil's Weed cigars.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #182 Augst 09,2008

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:19:16 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Gispert Belicoso.
From Barlow's Diamond Crown Lounge - an Interview with Eric Newman, President of Diamond Crown Cigars.
Winners of the Arganese Sampler Packs are Nathen, Alan, Marcian and David,.... congrats!
We interview Marc Aub of Esencia and Palio fame at IPCPR.
In the DogWatch Cigar Radio News - Federal Cigar, famous for their matchbook election polls, is sold to Rick Gadway. The Central Jersey Italian-American Club wuill host it's first Annual Cigar Smoke Out. A new cigar line from La Gloria Cubana to be made in Maimi. Reason Magazine ranks the worst "nanny state" cities in the U.S. Imperial Tobacco reports financials after 9 months of Altadis merge.
Bob finds the worlds oldest jokes.
David Ekels wins this weeks Puckifier from Cigarmony.com!
What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? La Riqueza Corona Gorda, Olive Serie G Torpedo,Garcia El Centurion, Devils Weed Jerez, Habanos H2000

DogWatch CIgar Radio #181 Augst 01,2008

TheShow@dogwatchcigarradio.com — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:29:51 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Sancho Panza Caballero. NHL players create innovative way around Tampa smoking bans - Mobile Lounge Cigar Company! Lots of interviews - Gene Arganese (Arganese Cigars), David Blanco (Los Blancos Cigars) and Glen Case (Exclusive Cigars). Lots of contests too! Enter for a chance at a Palio Cutter, Arganese Sampler Packs and a Puckifier! On the Dark Side - mid 1970's Saint Luis Rey Lonsdale. What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Flor de Cesar, G.A.R., Fuente Gran Reserve Robusto, Fuente Cuban Belicoso, El Tiante, FP Habanos 98, Don Leoncia, CAO Brazilia, DEvil's Weed, Oliva Serie G. Doc Simpson joins us to discuss the propossed FDA control of tobacco. The Value Review of the Week is the Mayorga Gordito Torpedo. Cigar's #3 in the What's my Band segment - Rosa Especial and Spirit of Cuba.

DogWatch CIgar Radio #180 July 19,2008

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:23:04 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Gran Habano 3 Siglos Gran Robusto
We interview Joe Fuller, Abraham Flores of Pinar Del Rio Cigars and Luis Molina of Molina Cigars

Colin Ganley, back home for a while, joins us to talk IPCPR impressions and vintage cigars.
Big money is ready to assault our smoking rights again.
We have interviews with Joe Fuller and the Molina Cigar guys!
On the Dark Side - 2001 Montecristo #5.
What else have the DWCR guys been smokin'? Kristoff, Vengeance 98, Camacho Maduro, Arganese CL3, Pinar Del Rio Oscuro, LFD Double Ligero Chisel, Cigar Live Green & Red label, Don Leoncia, Flor de Cesar.
Herfline cigar review submissions from our listeners!

Day Three at IPCPR

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:14:53 -0400

Stone Cold Humidors- We interview David D'Aprile of D'Aprile Humidors and Steve Norell of US Merchant Service

DogWatch CIgar Radio #179 July 19,2008

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:17:39 -0400

Nub me tender

Day Two at IPCPR

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:11:52 -0400

We talk with Rocky Patel and Chuck Leaf

Day One at IPCPR

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:12:03 -0400

We talk with David Diaz (Doc Stogie Fresh) and Joe Ganascolli

Saturday at Casa Fuente with Dr. Terry Simpson

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:12:12 -0400

We talk about Cuba, women who smoke, why we herf, books,fashion and all manner of things cigar while smoking the Fuente God of Fire.

Announcing the Escencia Cigar from Brothers of the Leaf

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:12:21 -0400

Its a short show, late on Fridat in Las Vegas

Dogwatch Cigar Radio Retrospective - A VIDEO Look Back

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:21:59 -0400

A slide show of some of the moments we have experienced over the last three years.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #173 July 04, 2008 - I Survived a Japanese Game Show!

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:12:38 -0400

Cigar of the Week – La Flor Dominicana Doble Ligero Chisel Maduro, On the Dark Side:Marca - Romeo y Julieta , Frontmark - Cedros de Luxe #2 , Vitola - Corona 142 mm (5 1/4") x 42 ring gauge. We go video and lots of cigar talk. Bob reviews the Camacho Havanna and Dale smokes a Bolivar.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #172 June 27, 2008 - What's My Band!

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:12:47 -0400

Cigar of the Week – AVO #5 Tubo

DogWatch Cigar Radio #171 June 20, 2008 - Special guest Heather Haddad

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:13:03 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Partagas #1

DogWatch Cigar Radio #170 June 13, 2008 - Re-engineered to fix sound problems

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:12:57 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Montecristo Serie C Robusto

DogWatch Cigar Radio #169 June 5, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:13:21 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Punch Champion

DogWatch Cigar Radio #168 May 30, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:13:29 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Hoyo De Monterrey 1066 Gallahad, smoking neighbors, Michigan soke ban and the Peoples Republic of Boulder

DogWatch Cigar Radio #167 May 23, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:46:32 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Oliva Serie V Lancero and special guests Walt and Jerry from StogieReview.com

DogWatch Cigar Radio #166 May 16, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:46:38 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Illusione f9

DogWatch Cigar Radio Dark Side Special

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:46:42 -0400

From the vault, missing Dark Side segment from the May 02, 2008 Episode with Mark Neff. We discuss the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure #2, Bolivar Salamones Regional Release and the future of the Cuban Embargo.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #165 May 09, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sat, 10 May 2008 10:23:48 -0400

Cigar of the Week – Padron 2000 Maduro;

DogWatch Cigar Radio #164 May 02, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:55:00 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the Los Blancos Sumatra Torpedo, Special Guest Mark Neff, Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure #2, Flor de Oliva, Jamieson, Camacho Select, Dunhill SIgned Range, CAO Brazillia, Romeo y Julieta Habano Reserve Belicoso,DogWatch Dark from Black Dog Coffee,Illusione 2, Montecristo Serie C

DogWatch Cigar Radio #163 April 25, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:54:48 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the Fuente Doulble Chateu, special guest Brian Hewitt, Luis Sanchez Silver Selection, Savinelli Liga Especial Torpedo, Rocky Patel Decade Robusto, Padron Londres Maduro, 601 Maduro (blue label), Camacho Select Robusto, Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic Perla 1952

DogWatch Cigar Radio Enhanced Interview with Pete Johnson April 18, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:06:25 -0400

iTunes enhanced version of the Pete Johnson Interview on April 18, 2008

DogWatch Cigar Radio #162 April 18, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:25:48 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the La Gloria Cubana Glorios, insightful interview with Pete Johnson of TatuajeCigars, discussion about cigar value, a trip to the Dark Side and What Else We've been Smok'in. We have listeners emails and a question from the herf line.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #161 April 11, 2008

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:25:41 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the Rocky Patel Decade Tenth Anniversary, interview with Luis Sanchez of La Tradicion Cubana, a trip to the Dark Side, What Else We've been Smok'in and the Value REview of the Week. We have listeners emails and a report from the herf line.

DogWatch Cigar Radio #160 04/05/08

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:25:59 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the Camacho Select Lonsdale, Doc Simpson joins us for the Dark Side and more cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #159 03/28/08

Bob.McDuffee@gmail.com (Bob McDuffee) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:26:09 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the Augusto Reyes Nativo Lancero, Dark Side and more cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #158 03/21/08

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:49:51 -0400

Bob is BACK and the Cigar of the Week is the La Aurora Sublime, Dark Side and more cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #156 03/14/08

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:49:44 -0400

A Bob Free Episode: The Cigar of the Week is the J. Fuego, Mark Neff sits in for Bob, Dark Side and more cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #155B 03/07/08

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:50:17 -0400

Part B of a two Part Show: The Cigar of the Week is the St. Louis Rey Series G Maduro No 6,Colin Ganley, Value Reccomendation, Dark Side and more cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #155A 03/07/08

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:50:38 -0400

Part A of a two Part Show: The Cigar of the Week is the St. Louis Rey Series G Maduro No 6,Colin Ganley, Value Reccomendation, Dark Side and more cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #154 02/29/08

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:50:56 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the El Tiante Series 23,Value Reccomendation, Dark Side and over 2 hours of cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #153 02/22/08

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:51:28 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the CAO Black VR Maduro, Brian and Walt from Stogie Review join us as well as a surprise visit from Dr. Terry Simpson, all that and over 2 hours of cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #152 02/15/08

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:17:19 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Camacho Corojo Maduro, this is a short one but its loaded with cigar talk

DogWatch Cigar Radio #151 02/08/08

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:17:23 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Montessiono fro Tobacalera y Fuente, Cohiba Wild plus moderate insanity and more cigars

DogWatch Cigar Radio #150 02/01/08

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:17:29 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Las Memorias Cubano Gordo 5 x 64, Ted's Made By Hand, OpusX Perfeccion #5, Anejo #50, Kinky Freidmann Jew Boy and Willy,Tatuaje Havana VI,Adan y Eva Figurado #3,Top Cigar Toro! plus extreme insanity and more cigars

DogWatch Cigar Radio #149 01/25/08

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:17:33 -0400

The Cigar of the Week is the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Toro.Dr. Terry Simpson,Colin Ganley,Padron Anniversary,On the Dark Side - Partagas Serie du Connaisseur 1,The Value Recommendation of the week is the Oliva Serie V Lancero! plus extreme insanity and cigars

DogWatch Cigar Radio #148 01/18/08

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:17:37 -0400

Cigar of the Week is the La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especiale El Jocko Perfecto plus extreme insanity and cigars

DogWatch Cigar Radio #147 01/11/08

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:17:41 -0400

Cigar of the Week Hoyo de Monterrey 75th Anniversary, Diamond Cron Maximus, Sam Spuss from Australia, extreme insanity and cigars