I’m switching things up again this week. My schedule made it difficult to set aside the time it takes to do a video, so I thought I’d borrow a page from Ben’s book do a written review. Or is that steal a page? I’m also swiping most of his format for this review as well. […]
Brian’s The Week In Smoke, Issue 109
It’s once time again for another issue of Brian’s The Week In Smoke. In case this is your first Week in Smoke, be advised that it covers many (though not necessarily all) of the cigars I’ve smoked in the past week (or the past month, or however long it has been since the last issue), […]
Brian’s The Week In Smoke, Issue 108
Thanks to some poor lifestyle decisions made by a younger Brian and the present day dental consequences, I haven’t been able to enjoy that many cigars over the past week. So how can you post a new Week in Smoke? Asks the reasonable reader. Easy, is my response, these are all smoking visualization exercises, what […]
Manolo Estate Serie 32 Habano
I considered a number of cigars for this, my first video cigar review of 2017. But then I thought it wasn’t right to not make good on a promise I made last year. Months ago (I’m not even sure how many) I was sent these samples of the Manolo Estate Habano Serie 32 to review. […]
Brian’s The Week In Smoke, Issue 107
Man, that week went by quickly. It seems like I had barely enough time to finish a cigar or two before I was staring down the barrel of another Monday. But I’ve gotten in a few sticks in since the annual top ten lists went up. So… It’s once time again for another issue of […]
The Box-Worthies: Brian’s Top 10 Cigars of 2016
2017 is here, and just when you think it you’re safe from 2016, up pops my list of the top 10 cigars of 2016. I hope the sudden shock and inevitable controversy that follows is not too taxing on your health. Remember, breath deeply and evenly when you’re yelling at me over the internet. Stress, […]
Brian’s The Week In Smoke, Issue 106
This time of year can be a lot of fun, but it doesn’t always afford me many opportunities to enjoy a fine cigar. Or a lot of time to write about (or video) the cigars I do get to enjoy. But I did my best to shoehorn in as many as I could. The silver […]
La Palina Illumination Robusto
At IPCPR 2016, La Palina introduced the Illumation to their extensive line cigars. Considered a “Goldie light” by La Palina, its made at El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami, FL using mostly the same tobaccos as the Goldie. The only difference is they replaced the medio tiempo tobacco with a higher priming ligero leaf. […]
Jose Blanco 12/2/16 Interview
Jose Blanco was one of the people we missed at this year’s busy trade show, and that’s something that has been bothering me ever since. So when I heard he was going to be in the area doing a blending seminar, I made a point to grab my handy GoPro and brave Atlanta traffic to […]
Brian’s The Week In Smoke, Issue 103
If there’s a theme for this Week In Smoke, it’s a mix of new cigars and relaxation. Heavy on the relaxation. Maybe a little procrastination too. It’s been a busy summer, and I for one am ready to welcome a less hectic season of bourbon and heavier beers. Sure, I drink both year round, but […]