Merry Christmas!

Saludos,

Greetings carolers of Christmas and coronas. We at Habana Port would like to wish all a Merry Christmas! Enjoy that great cigar (or pipe) today.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Habana Port's Christmas Edition Cigar Samplers

Saludos,

Greetings, carolers & crusaders of coronas. Need a last minute stocking stuffer? Try our Christmas Edition Cigar Samplers! This Christmas-themed cigar sampler box is available for only a few weeks out of the year. Purchase pre-packaged assortments or choose your cigars a la carte and assemble them in one of these limited December-green boxes. So visit us in our humidor and let us show you the best options for your budget.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Roast Pig Smokes Tabacum

Saludos,

Greetings, patrons of pork. Below is a sneak peek at next month's lechón during the Fuente/JC Newman Toast Across America cigar event. This is an annual charity event that we host with these famous cigar manufacturers to help raise money for their Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. We will have more details soon.

We just wanted to whet your appetite with this lovely picture of epicurean delight. Oh, and by the way, even the roast pig loves our Tabacum cigar. www.tabacums.com.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Illusione Singulare Cigar & More

Saludos,

Greetings, conspiracy theorists & Illusione informed. We received a shipment of backordered Illusione cigars that are always in high demand. In addition to the once-a-year offering known as the Illusione Singulare (2011~2012) cigars, we also received the hl Candela, hl Maduro & mj12 Maduro.

While at this past summer's cigar trade show & convention in Orlando, we at Habana Port had a chance to speak with brand owner, Dion Giolito. He is certainly one of the cool cats in the cigar industry right now and an avid cigar nerd. So the major question we had for him was, "Why the constant backorders with hl Maduro?" (This is his most popular facing in our shop.) His immediate reaction certainly revealed that this was a sensitive issue. He stated that essentially the factory that produces Illusione (Raices Cubanas) is always in high demand, therefore his production is not as consistent as he would like it.

Fortunately, our customers at Habana Port are patient with us and have managed to adapt to this dynamic. This is why we always advise our customers to stock up on these cigars when they come in. Now they are available, guys, so come on in today.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Brick House Maduro Cigar

Saludos,

Greetings, gentlemen of JC Newman. The new Brick House Maduro cigar has arrived today. In follow up to the popular natural Brick House line, JC Newman Cigar Co. has decided to release a Maduro version. Available right now in one size, the Mighty Mighty (6.25x60), the cigar wrapper is adorned with a dark and oily Brazilian Arapiraca leaf. In the $6 range, this cigar should be a hit among large ring gauge fans and Maduro lovers alike. The flavor profile includes a dark, sweet, molasses-like spectrum.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Pipe Kit - A Complete Pipe Set & Guide

Saludos,

Greetings, pipe people. We would like to introduce to you our Pipe Kit - a complete pipe set & guide. Just in time for the holiday season, this comprehensive fine pipe set is the perfect gift for those who are interested in delving into the world of pipe tobacco.

Starting at $49.95, this set includes an Italian-made Lorenzo briar pipe, a pipe tool (tamper and scoop), a set of pipe cleaners, matches and a sampler of four different one-ounce pipe tobacco bags. As far as the pipe, we have dozens of different models from which to choose. Whether you want a straight-stem or a bent-stem, a walnut color or cherry color, a matte finish or glossy finish, the choice is yours.

We also offer a pipe set for those that want a filter system. Starting at $74.95, this set includes the same offerings as above with the difference of a Lorenzo Filtro pipe and the addition of a ten-count set of charcoal filters which are effective at providing a cooler, cleaner and drier experience.

What is also attractive about this pipe set is that it includes a primer of how to prepare and smoke a bowl of fine pipe tobacco. This simple set of instructions clearly teaches the user how to enjoy a bowl of pipe tobacco, how to maintain and clean the briar pipe, and how to store pipe tobacco. The inside of the box also has a great illustration of the anatomy of a briar pipe. There is also a glossary of different pipe tobacco varieties thus introducing the beginner to the different names of tobacco leaves. The set comes beautifully packaged in a kraft box so it is easy for you to get that last minute gift to leave under the Christmas tree.

If you cannot make it to our shop to pick up your set, for an extra $5.95, we can ship this gift to the person and address of your choice. Call us at 985-809-1818 or email us at info@habanaport.com to order today.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Butz-Choquin (BC) Churchwarden Briar Pipes

Saludos,

Greetings, gangsters of Gandalf. Today we are featuring a few new pipe arrivals. In the spirit of the upcoming Hobbit feature film, we at Habana Port have stocked a few Churchwarden briar pipes from Butz-Choquin (BC), the famous French pipemaker. Churchwarden pipes are defined as those having a long stem. Many pipe enthusiasts feel that a Churchwarden provides a cooler, dryer smoke since it takes a while longer for the smoke to hit your tongue. Also known as the armchair pipe, it is loved by those who want to extend their arm and smoke at the same time. It is certainly a lazy man's model but we like to think of the CW as a true philosopher's pipe.

We have 2 BC Churchwarden pipe models now. The top one is the Calabash Jr. and the pipe below it is the Balzac. Very unique yet masterfully crafted pieces these Churchwardens from BC will treat you right. So come in today and check out these wizard-friendly styles.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2012 Cigar

Saludos,

Greetings, orators of Oliva. The Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial cigar made its annual appearance today. This is the famous Serie V blend from the Nicaraguan-based cigar manufacturer whose only difference is a Maduro wrapper. This cigar usually arrives in cigar shops around the beginning of December just in time for the holiday season. This year the Serie V Maduro cigar measures 6 inches by a 50 rg making this a typical Toro format. There was a 5,000 unit total production for this line so keep in mind that this is a limited-run cigar. We have not smoked this year's V Maddy yet but judging by previous years' blends the cigar should have a sweet and toasty note. We will let you know how it smokes in a future post.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Celebrating with Illusione Epernay

Saludos,

Greetings, knights of Epernay and Notre Dame. It's a celebration with an Illusione Epernay "on top of" Le Monde cigar. That is how we're feeling this morning after our Irish of Notre Dame secured a championship bid with a win over USC last night.

The Illusione Epernay line is typically the blend that wins brand owner Dion Giolito a Top 25 spot from Cigar Aficionado every year. This is a creamy and cedary blend. Very Cubanesque (along the lines of a Cuban Trinidad). We are the only Illusione cigar merchant in St. Tammany Parish so come in to Habana Port today and try this classic.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Happy Thanksgiving!

Saludos,

Greetings, tasters of turkey & torpedoes. We at Habana Port Cigar Merchants would like to wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. We hope you will dine today on some scrumptious food with friends and family. Don't forget your post-Thanksgiving cigar or pipe tobacco. It will aid in your digestion (or indigestion more likely).

As a reminder, we are closed today but will reopen tomorrow at 10 am. Until then, take care!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Padilla by Studio Tobac Cigar

Saludos,

Greetings patrons of Padilla. We are smoking the Padilla by Studio Tobac cigar right now. These have some nice age to them (at least 10 months) and are smooth. This is a cigar that was the first collaboration between Ernesto Padilla and Oliva's Studio Tobac division. The flavor is very balanced. There is a little bit of everything. Right spice, some coffee, some earth but all very clean. We only have a few 10-count boxes left from this one-time run so this cigar is definitely a buy-and-hold.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Gurkha Cigar Sampler

Saludos,

Greetings, gangsters of Gurkha. We are offering a limited number of Gurkha cigar samplers available for 15% discount off MSRP. If you like deals (and who doesn't) and Gurkha's cigar offerings, then this is the special for you. This sampler includes one Archive, one Grand Age, one Warlord, and one Avenger G5. Our normal price is $47 and this sampler is $40. But hurry in asap as we only have a few of these samplers.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

La Flor Dominicana Limitado V Cigar

Saludos,

We received the new La Flor Dominicana Limitado V cigar. Very clean and flavorful. This line is always a limited run and this is their 5th installment. $12 range.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Sunday Night Closing Note

Saludos,

Greetings HP fans. We're done for the day, my fine tobacco brethren. Thank you for your support. Hasta mañana.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Davidoff Mini Cigarillo Black Case

Saludos,

Greetings, zealots of Zino. We at Habana Port are proud to offer the Davidoff Mini Cigarillo 40th Anniversary Black Case gratis when you purchase 10 packs of the small cigars. $25 otherwise.

This elegant black cigar case is perfect for storing your precious little gems. While you go out on the town on a Saturday night, you can be proud to take this case out of your coat pocket when you are ready to light a Davidoff Mini Cigarillo. So come into Habana Port to purchase yours or receive it at no charge when you buy a carton of the cigars (remember that you get a 10% discount on the cigars, too). Email us at info@habanaport.com or call 985-809-1818 to secure yours. www.habanaport.com

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Brickhouse Maduro Cigar

Saludos,

Greetings, brothers of Brickhouse. Our JC Newman rep visited us today and gave us samples of the new Brickhouse Maduro. Right now there will only be one vitola offered in this new line: the Mighty Mighty which is a 6.25x60 cigar. Lovers of Maduros and large ring gauges will enjoy this blend. We found the profile to have sweet, toasty notes with molasses layers. We enjoyed this cigar. We should receive the Brickhouse Maduro later this month. Stay tuned to our Twitter feed as to its arrival.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port 

Habana Port Votes 2012!

Saludos, 

Greetings voters of Viajes and vice. Tomorrow is Election Day in America. Whether you're on the right, on the left, Republican, Democrat or Independent, all of us at Habana Port can agree on one issue...we love our fine tobacco. In some jurisdictions it is illegal to sell booze on Election Day. Thankfully this prohibition does not apply to cigars or pipe tobacco. So in the spirit of Election Day, we are conducting a poll of our own: from now until tomorrow night, come in and vote for your favorite Tabacum cigar (our own cigar brand) whether it is Maduro or Natural. Wednesday morning when the final tally is done, we will tweet who the winner is.

As a further incentive, we will offer an extra 5% off singles and 12.5% off bundles of 20 today and tomorrow only.  So get out there and vote and after you visit the polls, visit our humidor and select your favorite cigar candidate. Here are their platforms:

Tabacum Maduro stands for sweet, toasty notes with layers of molasses and vanilla.
Tabacum Natural stands for earthier, cedary flavors with a drier component.

To read more information on the Tabacum line of cigars, click here and get the full story so you can be a more-informed voter, er, smoker. Either way you vote, both candidates can do you no wrong.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Buenaventura from Curivari

Saludos,

Greetings, callers of Curivari. Good fortune. Curivari wants you to experience these good vibes when you smoke this latest line from the boutique cigar maker. Buenaventura means good fortune or good luck and the smoker is rewarded with this cigar's very affordable price point. Medium in strength, this cigar resonates with bready-toastiness with some creamy and nutty layers. The founder of Curivari says that this cigar is meant to remind you of the great aromas of a bakery. So go ahead and experience Buenaventura.

Here are the details:

Vitolas: BV500 (5 1/4 x 50); BV560 (5 1/2 x 56); and the BV600 (6 x 60)

Strength: Medium

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler(s): Nicaragua

Taste Profile: Bready, creamy, nutty

Box Count: 10

To order online (and the get the best savings shop on our sister-site, www.CigarEarth.com, or click on this link.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Friday Night Light

Saludos,

Greetings, avid A. Fuente smokers. As we unwind from another busy Friday of cigar sales, we choose our pre-weekend night cigar. So we picked an aged A. Fuente Don Carlos Robusto cigar from the humidor. It starts out with a faint white peppery note and smooths out to light leather and earth flavors. We certainly recommend this high quality line from the Kings of the D.R.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

The Birth of a Cigar Smoker

Saludos,

Greetings, fans of fine tobacco. Below is a signed copy of a pencil drawing by our friend, GrayHawk. Born of the Choctaw and Houma Nations, Grayhawk views tobacco as his people have for millennia...a divine product. His picture illustrates his love for fine tobacco. We think it's great. The birth of a cigar smoker. By Grayhawk Perkins.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Toast Across America 2012

Saludos,

Greetings, fans of Fuente and devotees of Diamond Crown. Below is a sneak preview of the 10th Anniversary Toast Across America cigar set from A. Fuente & J.C. Newman. The sales of these cigars every year since 2002 have benefited the charity known as the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. We at Habana Port will offer another TAA event in November to help this great cause. Stay tuned.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Viaje's Skull & Bones Mystery 2012 cigars

Saludos,

Greetings, villains of Viaje. The Viaje Skull & Bones M?stery (Mystery) cigars have arrived including the new Vintage M?stery 2011. There is also the Classic (with its famous Glow-in-the-dark cigar band) and the Box Pressed. If you want to celebrate in style for Halloween and don't mind a very full & strong cigar, the Viaje Skull & Bones M?stery is a great cigar line. Be warned.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Alec Bradley Connecticut

Saludos,

Greetings apostles of AB. The new Alec Bradley Connecticut cigar line is mild yet flavorful with creamy, cedary notes. We are offering the Torpedo, Churchill & Robusto.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

EP Carrillo's INCH Series Cigar

Saludos,

Greetings, evangelists of EP Carrillo. This fledgling (but experienced) cigar company has been making a splash in the cigar industry since they debuted only a few years ago. The have just announced their latest release in time for the upcoming IPCPR Trade Show and Convention. Introducing the INCH. Here is the summary as released to retailers today in a company email:

INCH Series Summary


Our father helped pioneer the big ring gauge trend 15 years ago, and with the INCH Series, we're aiming to set the new standard for flavor in big ring gauges.

The INCH Series will initially come in 3 sizes - 60, 62, and 64 ring gauge - and two wrapper varieties: Natural (Ecuador Sumatra) and Maduro (Connecticut Broadleaf).

The signature size of the line and inspiration for the name is the 64 ring gauge, which measures 1 inch in diameter.  The thickness of these smokes will be highlighted by the cigar band - modeled after an antique ruler.

The INCH Series will be a regular-production line, but due to the limited availability of the filler leaves in the blend, we will only be producing around 100,000-125,000 cigars in 2012.

Sincerely,
EPC Cigar Family

So, Habana Port and CigarEarth.com fans, stay tuned to our feeds (@habanaport and @cigarearth) as to the arrival of these cigars. And if you live out-of-state, CigarEarth.com is your best bet for access as well as the lowest pricing on this line of cigars!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Jaime Garcia Sur Oeste Cigar

Saludos,

Greetings, mavens of My Father cigars. You may remember that we at Habana Port Cigar Merchants were part of a group of top retailers that was invited to visit the Garcia family's Nicaraguan cigar factory and tobacco field operations in March of this year. And what a trip it was. Well, there was a great result from the trip: many of us retailers brainstormed along with our My Father's sales rep, PJ Poehler, to come up with a My Father/Garcia family territory-exclusive cigar. So here are the details of the Jaime Garcia Sur Oeste as explained to us by PJ, super sales guy!

Monday, May 7, 2012

EXCLUSIVE TO OUR REGION:  NEW and Limited Sur Oeste cigar – Finally a lighter MFC blend for new and milder smokers!

During a recent trip to Nicargua, Jaime Garcia finally conceded to me and 15 retailers what we already knew: My Father Cigars needs to introduce a blend to attract new and milder smokers to the MFC line of products.  While this would greatly expand the MFC customer base, Jaime was only willing to make such a blend in limited quantities. 

The Sur Oeste, AND our special, exclusive arrangement with Jaime, is the result.

The Jaime Garcia Sur Oeste (Spanish for Southwest) is a very special blend developed and produced exclusively for the south-central region of the United States (ie: no retailers outside the Poehler territory will have access to it).  A Nicaraguan puros made in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Sur Oeste offers a medium-mild strength, a medium body and plenty of spicy Nicaraguan flavor.  Though milder, Jaime maintained a continuity between the Sur Oeste and other MFC brands by providing complexity and flavor robust enough to satisfy all but your most die-hard, full-body/strength smokers.

Coming under the Jaime Garcia brand mark, the “Jaime Garcia Sur Oeste” will ship in mid July in black and silver 18-count boxes (6 across/3 deep) as follows:

            Corona (5 5/8 x 46); 18-ct box; Retail = $6.00 ($6.59 in LA; $5.39 on CigarEarth.com)

            Robusto (5 x 50); 18-ct box; Retail = $6.40 ($7.05 in LA; $5.75 on CigarEarth.com)

            Toro (6 x 52); 18-ct box; Retail = $6.70 ($7.39 in LA; $5.99 on CigarEarth.com)

However, Jaime has only committed to initially making 1,200 boxes – 400 of each size.  This makes the Sur Oeste a particularly unique and rare cigar.  These will sell out.  Therefore, it seems only fitting that such a special and limited opportunity be extended first to our closest, and most important partners.  The small distribution of the Sur Oeste, in fact, will make it that much more exclusive and desirable! So, get on board to greatly expand your MFC customer base by pre-ordering your Sur Oeste for July delivery.

The Brain Trust during our trip to Nicaragua at the My Father Cigar factory. Standing from left to right: Jose Ortega (V.P. of Sales, My Father Cigars), PJ Poehler (My Father Cigars Sales Rep), Jaime Garcia (Owner of My Father Cigars; son of Pepin Garcia)

So, Habana Port and CigarEarth.com fans, stay tuned to our feeds (@habanaport and @cigarearth) as to the arrival of these cigars. We are excited to offer a very limited offering in July. And if you live out-of-state, CigarEarth.com is your best bet for access as well as the lowest pricing on this line of cigars!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Protect the Cigar Industry! Sign the Petition!

TAKE ACTION NOW Help Protect Premium Cigars from FDA Regulation! On April 26, 2010, December 20, 2010, July 7, 2011, and again on February 13, 2012 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration publicly posted their intent to regulate cigars in the Federal Register, so it is incumbent upon the cigar enthusiasts of the United States to voice their opposition to any proposed new regulation of premium/traditional cigars by the United States Government. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration answers to one boss - The White House. Now that tens of thousands of this nation's cigar enthusiasts have voiced their opposition to Congress, it's time to send a message to the Office of the President. It's time for President Obama to tell the FDA - "Stay out of America's humidors!" H.R. 1639 has been filed in the U.S. House of Representatives; and a companion bill, Senate Bill 1461, has been filed in the Senate. Both are filed under the banner of the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act . This bi-partisan legislation would decree that premium/traditional cigars should be off limits to FDA regulation and, 'to clarify the Food & Drug Administration's jurisdiction' in the 'sale, manufacturing and distribution of traditional and premium cigars.' Such legislation could have a profound impact on protecting the industry, from the fields and factories of Central America , to the supply-chain throughout this nation, to the community tobacconist, to enjoying a cigar in the local shop, club or back porch. With over 85,000 American jobs associated with the premium/traditional cigar business, this is an issue of economic stability for thousands of Main Street America small businesses. The community tobacconist is an institution that spans the history of the nation. The federal government has no business threatening them with new regulations, user fees, and efforts that smack nothing short of modern day prohibition. We can assure you, nothing could rip the soul of the cigar industry apart, like FDA actions. For example, some of the (again) hypothetical possibilities, but that are not beyond the realm of reason include: No more walk in humidors (Canadian model); Limits on advertising and promotions; Banning the very word cigar or tobacco; Manufacturers having to submit blends to FDA for "testing," before heading to your local shop - imagine the impact on boutique cigar makers; Adverse impact on flavored tobacco products that are made for adults; And price impact due to new fees on manufacturers. This, is the short list.

CRA Needs Your Help! In order to be successful in our fight to enjoy cigars without the threat of smoking bans and high taxation, CRA needs your help. Please consider partnering with CRA through two important methods: Membership There is strength in numbers! The more members CRA has, the greater voice we have at all levels of legislature. Please help CRA by asking your fellow cigar enthusiasts to join CRA today! Membership starts as low as $35/year. Donate Our fight around the country is very expensive. We would like to ask all CRA members and cigar enthusiasts to consider making a donation to CRA in any amount you choose.

Facebook.com/CigarRights Twitter.com/CigarRights YouTube.com/CigarRights

CIGAR RIGHTS OF AMERICA | 5105 E. Los Angeles Ave | Suite 155 | Simi Valley | CA | 93063

Help Prevent FDA Cigar Regulation

Saludos,

Greetings vigilant fans of fine cigars. PLEASE SHARE CRITICAL INFO: Join IPCPR/CRA in asking President to prevent FDA Regulation of Premium Cigars - 30 days to get 25k signatures.

Click here to sign

--IPCPR staff (@theIPCPR)

Until the next post siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Cigars As An Investment Vehicle

Saludos,

Greetings faithful fans of Habana Port. Now we all know gold has seen record highs the past year but what about other investment vehicles? Some savy investors look to precious metals other than gold, fine cars, real estate, even art (including comic books). Some investors buy wines known as investment wines. These are usually vintage bottles that are rare yet famous and quite desired. Typically the price and value of the wine appreciates over time (due to rarity and other factors).

The same principle can be applied to cigars. A fine handmade cigar is a luxury and right now the premium cigar industry is ripe with many boutique and small-batch cigar lines. Many are limited in production so there is an intrinsic value to these cigars. Many scrupulous cigar collectors are purchasing these cigars and storing them while the price of these cigars increases in value after a few years.

Our partner site at CigarEarth.com is a great cigar retailer that offers these precious cigars. Their e-commerce-based humidor offers a variety of rare cigars that will increase in value over time thereby making the investment a smart one for you, the buyer. All one has to do is visit the site and glance over the premium cigar category.

Some rare cigars that will earn you a return if you hold onto the cigars include EP Carrillo Short Run 2011s, the microbatch Four Kicks (which is only found in less than 120 shops around the world), the Padilla by Studio Tobac 2011, the La Verite 2008 by Tatuaje (a concept similar to a single-lot vintner and this is the first from Pete Johnson; very rare!) and Viaje's Holiday Blend 2011.

The rare first edition Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 "Book Box"

This cigar is almost guaranteed to see a great return on investment in just 5 years. Get them at CigarEarth.com while we have them.

Of course if you are a just a regular cigar fan and do not wish to buy cigars as an investment vehicle, CigarEarth.com offers great and competitive prices on regular production cigars like Acid Blondies and Montecristo cigars.

And what is finally great about the fine Certified Retail Tobacconists at CigarEarth.com is that you can email them at info@cigarearth.com and they will respond to you quickly. They don't make you feel like a rookie as they love to spread the passion of the fine cigar and take their time delightfully educating you.

So if you would like to diversify your investments, then consider the brown gold also known as the cigar, but make sure to buy from a trusted and knowledgeable retailer like CigarEarth.com who can show you what you need based on your preferences and goals.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Habana Port Heads South to Nica!

Saludos,

Greetings, pupils of Pepin. we would like to inform you lovers of the fine leaf that Habana Port has been invited to tour Don Pepin and Jaime Garcia's Nicaraguan cigar factory: My Father Cigars which constructs great blends like My Father, Jaime Garcia, Don Pepin (Blue, Black and Series JJ), and La Reloba. This factory also makes some of Tatuaje's cigar lines in case you did not know. We will leave next Wednesday, February 29 and return Saturday, March 3.

But don't worry...the shop will remain open. However, if you are interested in gazing behind the scenes as we tour the halls of a world-renowned cigar factory, then be sure to follow us as we post updates through our Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Google+ feeds. Click on the links to follow our smoke rings down in Nicaragua.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Habana Port's Top 15 Cigars of 2011

Saludos,

Greetings, aficionados de la hoja! Just like in 2010, we have smoked some incredible cigars in 2011. Again, the cigar industry is at a point where the supply and demand are equal so that translates to a supply of high quality tobacco. It is a great time to be a cigar smoker as there are plentiful choices for great-tasting blends.

Once more, it was a challenge for our staff at Habana Port to organize this year's Top 15 Cigar Rankings. We smoked and smoked and finally ranked the top 15 fine cigars that are available in our humidor (with the exception of La Flor Dominicana & a few others which are a limited or one-time run). We also based our decisions according to what our customers bought and enjoyed the most so this list is not entirely what our staff personally smoked. Take a look at the list and see what you think. We hope you agree with our choices.

NOTE: This list is more of a summary and we will update this post next week with pictures and more details.

No. 1 - Alec Bradley Black Market Toro

Dimensions: 6 x 50rg
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaragua

Our top choice comes from a company we think has transcended into the top tier of the cigar world. 2011 was a fantastic year for Alec Bradley and it seemed every line they released this year has been a homerun. The Black Market especially was outstanding. When we smoked it for the first time at the cigar trade show in Las Vegas this past summer, we knew it was going to be an instant classic. Right off the bat, this cigar has a complex flavor profile exhibiting notes of earth, dark espresso, wood and cocoa. This cigar is rolled beautifully and smokes evenly. Come in and try the cigar we consider the best of 2011 (and many customers agree, too).

No. 2 - Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo Maduro

Dimensions: 5 1/2 x 50rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua

No. 3 - Angelenos Gran Toro

Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 54rg
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador

No. 4 - La Flor Dominicana Colorado Oscuro No. 4

Dimensions: 5 1/4 x 54rg
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Ligero Sumatra

Our number 4 cigar comes from La Flor Dominicana, the cigar-maker who created the boutique movement. His Colorado Oscuro line only comes out twice a year and we were even lucky to get one 50-count box (even though we ordered more). Using a Ligero Sumatra-seed wrapper from Ecuador, the No. 4 was rich, tasty and just plain awesome! Another balanced smoke, there is earth, a bit of spice and a slight chocolate note. These ran out fast and unfortunately we won't know when they will hit our shelves again.

No. 5 - Padilla La Terraza Maduro Toro Grande

Dimensions: 6 x 60rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro

Can't spend too much money on a high-quality smoke but want a tasty cigar? Well you're in luck. Ernesto Padilla has blended a stellar smoke that costs under $5. He told us that the La Terraza line was his hardest blend to create up to this point in his career. Why? It was difficult to create a rich and flavorful cigar without spending big money on the tobacco. Many customers have agreed with us by proving it with their wallets. The Padilla La Terraza Maduro Toro Grande has been a big hit and we agree. Toasty, sweet notes dominate the blend but it is very clean. As a result, the cigar rounds out our Top 5.

No. 6 - Viaje White Label Project (St. Patrick's Day Edition)

Dimensions: 5 x 50rg
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Candela (but unknown country of origin)

No. 7 - E.P. Carillo New Wave Connecticut Brillantes

Dimensions: 5 x 50rg
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

No. 8 - Tatuaje Black Label Petite Lancero

Dimensions: 6 x 38rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Criollo '98)

The Tatuaje Private Reserve (Black Label) used to be Pete Johnson's private blend. That was until news came of them being available to the public in ceramic jars in early 2008. Even though the Black Label's blend remains a secret, it is known to be a Nicaraguan tobacco blend. The Tatuaje Black Petite Lancero was released in Summer 2011 and comes packed 25 to a black wooden jar. Measuring 6 inches by 38 rg, the Petite Lancero is very flavorful and is recommended only for connoisseurs. It has an earthy and slightly cherry note (especially midway into the smoke). The Tat Black definitely deserved a coveted spot in our annual Top 15 Cigar List.

No. 9 - Cain F 654T

Dimensions: 6 x 54 (Torpedo)
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua

No. 10 - Toraño Vault (Blend A-008) Torpedo

Dimensions: 6 1/8 x 52rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan

The Toraño Family Cigar Company introduced their newest blend called the Vault at the cigar trade show in July. The Vault originated from the family’s cigar “blend book” which was started by Carlos Toraño, Sr. in 1982. The blend book, which is now almost 30 years old, has a record of every blend concept the Toraño family has ever worked on. Among the blends recorded are many which the family has released over the years, together with some blends which were deemed to have tremendous potential, but fell short of the family’s high expectations. This book has come to symbolize the Toraño’s blending expertise, creativity, and is now securely stored in a safety deposit box in a bank vault. The blend known as A-008 is medium to medium-strong and exhibits notes of earth, leather spice and cream. Very complex, this is definitely one to try.

No. 11 - A. Fuente 8-5-8 (Natural)

Dimensions: 6 x 47rg
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon

No. 12 - Nestor Miranda Art Deco Robusto Grande

Dimensions: 5 1/2 x 54rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo '06)

No. 13 - Perdomo Exhibicion Connecticut Torpedo

Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 54rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut

No. 14 - J. Fuego Sangre de Toro Toro

Dimensions: 6 x 50rg
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun grown Corojo

No. 15 - JFR Corojo Titan

Dimensions: 6 x 60rg (Torpedo)
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Corojo 1999

JFR (Just For Retailers) is a naked premium cigar made by Casa Fernandez (Tabacalera Tropical) and is found only in brick-and-mortar shops. This has been a popular smoke with our customers and deserves a spot in our Top 15. The Corojo Titan is a medium-to-strong blend with hints of earth and leather. This pig-tail cap cigar is another popular 6 by 60 format. Packaged naked and 50 to a box, you should try the JFR Corojo Titan if you enjoy fuller-bodied smokes.

Honorable Mentions

Five cigars who do not make the Top 15 list but definitely deserve praise make our Honorable Mentions List. These cigars are also fantastic and deserve a light if you have not had one. Congratulations to these and all the cigars who made our Lists. And to you smokers, let us know what you think of these cigars!

Honorable Mention - Jaime Garcia Super Gordo

Dimensions: 5 3/4 x 66rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Honorable Mention - Tabacum Toro Gordo Maduro

Dimensions: 6 x 60rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Honorable Mention - Tabak Especial Negra Corona

Dimensions: 4 3/4 x 46rg
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Honorable Mention - Alec Bradley Fine & Rare

Dimensions: 6 x 52rg
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras (Trojes)

Honorable Mention - La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet Chisel

Dimensions: 6 x 54rg
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ligero Cameroon

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port