Potty training, power outage during heat wave and food poisoning. Three things that can take you to the breaking point. It has been one thing after another this month. All three of those things has had an impact on my smoking schedule. Luckily, that is all in the past and we can start looking forward to covering IPCPR and the 2nd Annual Chattanooga Tweetup. First up is IPCPR which I’m looking forward to what everyone has on tap as I haven’t really paid much attention to any press releases plus it will be fun to properly initiate Charlie.

Hoyo de Monterrey Reposado en Cedros – Team Hoyo released the Reposado back in 2010. I had never heard of it until a few months back when Team Hoyo started promoting it more. Not sure why they waited two years to make a push for this solid gem. Solid medium-bodied, mildly spicy, sweet, and cedar at it’s core. All at a reasonable price. General should continue to give more love to Team Hoyo so the Reposado pops up on the radar instead of flying below it.

Reinado Grand Empire Reserve – The newest release from our friend Antonio Liam and I’m thankful that he took the time to send me one to try. Wonderful creaminess, slight spiciness and a fragrant bouquet of aromas really draws your attention to the Empire Reserve. One of the most unique smokes I’ve had in awhile. Very refreshing.

Tatuaja Havana VI Verocu #5 – My 2010 Cigar of The Year and one of my favorite short smokes. With so many choices out there I’ve gotten away from smoking these at the pace I was. Recently I rediscovered them as I was looking for something else in my humidor and the Verocu #5 is aging nicely. Still one of the best out there.

Flor de la Antillas – If you follow Jose Ortega on Facebook you’ve seen the Flor de la Antillas and his friend Sparky all over the place. Signature Pepin pepper upfront and then transforms to a creamy woody concoction that was unbelievable. I did have some issues with the burn where is almost became work like keeping it lit and if it wasn’t for the flavors probably would’ve put it down early. Maybe a bum stick…we will find out. One of the most flavorful cigars I’ve have in awhile.

Davidoff Special R – What Week in Smoke would be complete with a Davidoff Special R? Its been awhile since I had smoked one. It was getting ridiculous how many I was smoking. Still a decadent and flavorful cigar that has a level of refinement that isn’t found in other cigars.

CroMagnon Knuckle Dragger – My supply of Knuckle Draggers is slowly dwindling down. I’m hoping I can ration them out till September when CroMagnon is supposed to be shipping again. Still my favorite of all the CroMagnon sizes and the best cigar Skip produces in his portfolio of cigars. Perfect size where the blend just shines in.

Don Pepin Garcia Series JJ “Little Robusto” – I tried to “Like” and comment on every photo on Facebook. I tried to “RT” and reply to every mention on Twitter. I can’t thank all of you enough for participating in Smoke a JJ for JJ Day this year. I wish those who criticize our industry would recognize the good the industry does. I can’t think of any other industry where this could happen. I want to thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, love and support. For a moment yesterday, seeing all of your tweets, pictures, and status updates made me forget that I was hurting. Thank you.