Week in Smoke – TGT Edition

Week in Smoke11 Comments on Week in Smoke – TGT Edition

Week in Smoke – TGT Edition

Welcome back! My self imposed hiatus is over. Where have I been? I needed a break. In recent episodes of Week in Smoke I talked about how I was worried about my job when my boss and my employer “parted ways” after a significant technology audit. It had me stressed out. A simple “good morning” from someone would set me off. My blood pressure was high, I wasn’t sleeping well, all the noise in my head was suffocating. I was miserable and made everyone around me miserable and something had to be done. On a whim, I picked up the book 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story by Dan Harris. I knew who Dan Harris was as I usually watch the weekend edition of Good Morning America and the title seemed, reasonable to accomplish. It didn’t promise some 180 degree, turn your life around now type scheme but a simple 10% increase in happiness. Not to spoil the book for you but Dan discovers meditation and like him, I’m not the hippy crunchy granola type either but I decided to give meditation a try. And surprisingly enough, its been working for me. I put my iPhone in airplane mode, fire up the calm.com app, plugin my earbuds to listen to some nature sounds (I like the sound of rain) and for 10 minutes (I try for twice a day), I breath. Thats it. I just focus on breathing. Within a couple sessions, I started to feel better. Six week later, my blood pressure is even better than it was before, my shoulders are less tight and other aches and pains aren’t as bothersome. The same problems I had before I started were still there, I’m still concerned about my job, but with less noise came less worry about it all. I feel more focused and energized and became pleasant to be around again…I also started gardening but I’ll save that for another time.

Quiet night in the studios with a @cabalcigars esoteric, dunkin coffee a #michaelpollan book.

Cabal Esoteric – The Cabal brand isn’t a household name yet but if you have been paying attention to my social media accounts you know how much I’ve been digging the brand especially the Esoteric. Very familiar but very different as well. Sure, some well pronounced signature Davidoff notes but something more. Its like a Davidoff Special R with some edge and some flare. I don’t make many purchases outside of Drapers but this is one I had to track down.

Let's fire up this Las Calaveras @cigarwes1 glad to find them locally.

La Calaveras by The Crowned Heads – The latest and greatest from our friends at The Crowned Heads and it sure is impressive. Complex and smooth throughout. I enjoyed the peppery heat that builds up over time thats masked by subtle sweet woodsiness. Beautiful looking cigar with great packaging, smokes even better than it looks. Again, I don’t make a lot of purchases outside of Drapers but this one, I’m glad I tracked them down. Get em while you can as they are limited.

Cloud covered start to the day. Seems appropriate to start with a @camachocigars Ecuador @davidoffcigars

Camacho Ecuador – It still remains true that I’m not a fan of the new Camacho bands. I get it, the bands are bold just like their cigars. The newest release from Camacho is the Camacho Ecuador. If you are looking for bold unique flavors; look no further than the Camacho Ecuador. Bold without being over the top. Peppery and smokey throughout with a hint of brightness (think citrus) to keep things interesting. Aroma is just as awesome with a wonderful bouquet of floral notes. A few years ago, I made mention that Camacho’s best days were behind them. Guess I’m eating crow now cause Camacho hit it out of the park with their new Camacho Ecuador.

Good morning. A beautiful companion for morning garden work.

The Big Payback by Room101 – A Room101 cigar for around $5? Surely you jest? I do not. My first one of these was after I had smoked the above Camacho Ecuador and it got lost in the Ecuador’s bold wake. The next day, first cigar, clean palate with a cup of coffee and we are talking a totally different animal. Strong woodsy core with a little power jabbing you throughout. Not bad Mr. Booth…in fact, hell of a job.

Smoking a Tattoo by @tatuajeinc ... Love these things. It's not Little Boris love but what is?

Tattoo by Tatuaje Cigars – I recorded my usual video interview with Pete when he was in DC back a few months back and he talked about the Tattoo. I know Pete has some video related things in the works and I didn’t want to put him in an awkward situation if publishing our video caused him any conflict, plus JerseyJay made me ask one uncomfortably morbid ass question. Anyway, the Tattoo is a solid medium bodied cigar with flavors that really click for me. Creamy cedar and dark cherry notes seem to be the core profile. Its a favorite of mine that I’m sure will be a crowd pleaser.

Gotta treat the beard right.

Whiskey Ink & Lace – As you can see from the above Tatuaje Tattoo picture the beard is still in full effect. Its going to be a tough summer. During the harsh winter I discovered beard oil and how the essential oils in them keep your beard moisturized and promotes healthy growth. Originally I was just using tea tree oil but then discovered the internet and the good folks at Whiskey Ink & Lace. I ordered their handcrafted ‘The Gent’ line of beard oil and beard balm as well as their beard shampoo bar (not pictured). Clean the beard with the shampoo bar, run a few drops of beard oil through it and finish off with a few pinches of beard balm and the beard is ready for a night of smoking cigars. I gotta say…chicks have been digging the softness and smokey woodsy aroma of my beard.

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11 thoughts on “Week in Smoke – TGT Edition

    1. And the Cabal stuff is REAL nice, I love smoking something different and delicious. Chris took his time and did an amazing job. Good peeps as well.

  1. Welcome back Cruz! Beard is looking sharp!

    Will have to keep my eyes out for the Camacho Ecuador and the new Crowned Heads. I’ve had the Tattoo and as you pointed out, its stellar. You didn’t even mention the $5 price tag!

  2. Great week in Smoke Jerry, I can’t wait to get my hands on the new Crowned Heads Release, as well as Tattoo. Love the beard keep up the great work. Also the New Camacho Lines for me have been spot on.

  3. Welcome back Jerry! On your recommendation I downloaded 10% Better. Very interesting read. I have tried meditation before but it drives me crazy. Unless of course I am smoking a cigar but I don’t think that counts. The book takes a skeptical, journalistic approach and reaches some profound, if humble conclusions. Worth a read. Peace to you, Jerry, my Brother of the Leaf.

  4. Hi Jerry sweet beard.
    I recently retired in the Philippines and I’m living in Northern Mindanao. I having a hard time tracking down cigars. I can visit Cagayan De Oro from time to time and go to SM mall or Ayal Centrio mall to find cigars.
    I am going to Manila July 1 so I would like to ask you to direct me to a good cigar shop “meaning nice selection” that’s in the Manila area. If you have any such info please pass it on to my Email as my iPhone doesn’t allow me to click the follow comments button, thanks.
    Pleasant smoking David

  5. Okay…I picked up the Camacho Ecuador and the Dan Harris book.

    The Dan Harris book is pretty cool. I like the tone of the book. Its not your typical self help book. You more or less just follow Dan on his journey and some things sound interesting you take to heart but I’m not ready to take the meditation plunge. LOL

    The Camacho Ecuador was AMAZE-BALLS!

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