This week’s group review was of the Los Blancos Nine.  The three of us sat down with this fine looking cigar to chat while reviewing.  It smells as good as it looks with a sweet and earthy aroma.  After lighting up we found that the cigar was entirely delicious.  The full bodied and high strength cigar with sweet earthy coffee flavor and with pepper and spice on the finish.  Unfortunately, the construction was not nearly as good as the flavor of the cigar.  Our samples required multiple burn corrections.  It was a real shame for such a good cigar.  Overall, I would say it is still worth a try.  Read on to see the full review.

9:06 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 5/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 8/10
Would I buy a Box: 4/5
Total: 40/50

9:07 PM
Terry1: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 5/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 8/10
Would I buy a Box: 2/5
Total: 38/50

9:07 PM
IamDarren: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 7/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 7/10
Would I buy a Box: 4/5
Total: 41/50

7:40 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: All right, I am giving the Los Blancos Nine toro a smell. Smells sweet, cedary, and earthy. The wrapper is so close to flawless – just 1 tiny vein. Well done!

7:40 PM
IamDarren: very tightly packed, hope the draw is ok

7:40 PM
IamDarren: nice sheen on the wrapper though

7:41 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: The foot band is on there pretty good, had to take it off at the seam. I am cutting now.

7:42 PM
IamDarren: hey alright! draw is good. Intersting mix of cedar and cocoa on the cold draw.

7:42 PM
Terry1: Very nice looking. I like the silver and black band. My draw is perfect. I’m picking up cherry on the cold draw. Unexpected but really tasty. Lighting up.

7:43 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: The draw is perfect after cutting. Earthy and fruity on the gold draw. Lighting!

7:43 PM
IamDarren: bring on the flame!

7:44 PM
IamDarren: rich creamy smoke. Very rich tobacco and earth flavor with a light pepper on the finish.

7:45 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Good description, you read my mind.

7:45 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I will just add that the smoke has a buttery consistency that leaves a long lasting finish. Produces a lot of smoke!

7:47 PM
Terry1: Wow! That’s tasty! Starts off with lots of smoke. Earthy, hint of spice, touch of sweetness. Everything in balance. Very nice start.

7:48 PM
IamDarren: starting to get a little sweetness here also.

7:49 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Yeah, this one is off to a good start. Starting to get some dark roast coffee flavor in there too. Very good.

7:50 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: What’s the price on these Darren?

7:50 PM
IamDarren: this stick reminds me of the Diesel line, very rich smoke that i want to chew in my mouth. Flavors are getting a little bit darker.

7:51 PM
IamDarren: retail for the robusto is 6 bucks. I got them on a bid site though at about half price.

7:51 PM
IamDarren: i believe these are the toro.

7:52 PM
Terry1: Agree with the dark rich flavors. My burn is all over. I’m going to let it go and see if it self corrects. Surprised there’s not more pepper. I’m liking this one so far.

7:53 PM
IamDarren: my burn is also a little lopsided but not too bad. Burn is going very slow, not even a half inch in yet.

7:54 PM
IamDarren: i think i’m getting some dark chocolate. The slight sweetness really helps make the body just right.

7:55 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: My burn is not good either. I’ll stick it out too, hopefully they correct themselves.

7:56 PM
IamDarren: interesting fact: the cigars gets the name “Nine” because it was actually reblended nine times before they decided to release it.

7:56 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Almost as indecisive as my girlfriend.

7:57 PM
Terry1: I’m getting concerned about the ash too. I’m down maybe a half inch and the ash is opening up like a rose. Interesting but not desireable.

7:57 PM
IamDarren: yeah mine already fell off at the 1/2 inch mark.

7:58 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Maybe they put all their effort toward the blend… forgot about construction.

7:58 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: So far, I would say that effort has been worth it

7:59 PM
IamDarren: i think mine has grabbed another gear, dark chocolate is now roasted coffee and the pepper is starting to return.

8:01 PM
IamDarren: still creamy though, i’m not sipping my water near as much as i thought i would.

8:03 PM
Terry1: I just read they apparently harvest the ligero early before it can develop a lot of strength and pepper. Makes a slightly milder cigar. I like that.

8:04 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Yeah, while I would classify this as full bodied, it is not nearly as full as I expected. Very good cigar… if only the burn would get under control.

8:05 PM
IamDarren: so far its working out well, the body on mine is slowly creaping up and there is alot of cigar left.

8:06 PM
Terry1: I get the pepper in the retrohale. Smoke is still creamy and rich. Coffee and some sweetness are present. The ash is a crumbly mess. Not a good choice if you smoke while driving.

8:07 PM
IamDarren: don’t worry, thats probably the next thing they will outlaw after cellphones….

8:08 PM
Terry1: I had to correct the burn. It was running too far up one side.

8:09 PM
IamDarren: my burn and ash have improved, ash tightened up and is holding at an inch.

8:09 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I just corrected too. I could no longer get a good draw with it running.

8:10 PM
IamDarren: starting to get more pepper and a little spice in the back of my mouth. Also loosing a little creaminess.

8:13 PM
IamDarren: tastes like you took spiced tea and ran it through the coffee maker

8:13 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Mine is sweet and creamy with earth and pepper. Spice on the finish. Some coffee. Real good flavors!

8:14 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Have you done that?

8:14 PM
IamDarren: lol, no but it might be worth a try.

8:16 PM
Terry1: I agree with Matt’s description. I’m loving the flavors. I just wish the construction matched. Even after correcting the burn it’s still running up one side. Ash is a little more solid.

8:18 PM
IamDarren: pretty typical of a cigar with lots of ligero. Great flavor but shitty burn.

8:18 PM
IamDarren: mine is actually staring to mellow out again, go figure.

8:19 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I just had to correct this bugger again. Hopefully this is the last!

8:22 PM
Terry1: I’m about halfway and I’m starting to feel the strength. I’m going to switch to the Coke.

8:23 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Yeah, I agree. I am a little past halfway and this is a strong one. Luckily we had Darren to warn us!

8:23 PM
IamDarren: lol, i was wondering when it would kick in. I am also starting to feel it a little.

8:41 PM
Terry1: I’m starting to struggle with the Nine. Love the flavors it’s still producing. They do seem to be a little less intense. Might be the Coke. The strength is starting to get to me. I removed the band. Didn’t notice earlier that it’s almost like two bands.

8:43 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I think that attached double band thing is cool too Terry. I just did a third burn correction. I wouldn’t be doing it if it did not affect the draw. The cigar is so damn good, though.

8:44 PM
IamDarren: my cigar has continued to mellow. There is an underlying strength but the creaminess is now more than enought to hide it. Very enjoyable cigar.

8:45 PM
IamDarren: burn isn’t perfect but it has not required any corrections yet. fingers crossed.

8:46 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: My cigar is going in the opposite direction. Extremely rich chewy full bodied smoke. Tons of espresso, hazelnut, and pepper flavor. Spice on the finish that lingers between puffs. Awesome.

8:47 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Not much left on mine though, maybe a half an inch?

8:47 PM
IamDarren: ok speed smoker, i’m still a half inch from the band.

8:48 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Really? No wonder mine is building flavor  Speed up!

8:48 PM
Terry1: I’ve got about an inch left. I had to slow down.

8:48 PM
IamDarren: you know you are addicted to full bodied cigars when you speed smoke to increase the body.

8:49 PM
IamDarren: probably why yours isn’t burning worth a crap also.

8:50 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Lol. I am not allowed to be biased, though. I don’t think you can blame one half of the cigar burning and the other not on the speed of smoking.

8:50 PM
IamDarren: lol, ok i will give you that one.

8:51 PM
Terry1: Good point. Correcting the burn wastes a lot of wrapper.

8:53 PM
Terry1: Wow, I’m getting that hazelnut you mentioned. Very nice.

8:53 PM
IamDarren: maybe if you put your tounge on the side of the cigar that is burning too fast when you take a draw….. just an idea

8:54 PM
IamDarren: lol

8:54 PM
IamDarren: no thanks

8:55 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Glad to hear I am not the only one getting hazelnut. What do you think Terry? Something you would try again?

8:57 PM
Terry1: Tough question. Love the flavors but the strength is kicking my butt. My can of Coke is just about gone. I’d smoke it again if I got one but I wouldn’t commit to a box.

8:58 PM
IamDarren: I would buy them again. Maybe not a whole box but i would like to keep a few around.

9:01 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Fair enough. I like them too. I wonder how the smaller Robusto is? Pack a ton of flavor, well blended with complexities in there, construction was a nightmare. I would say these are awesome cigars but still have room for improvement. Not for the beginning cigar smoker.

9:01 PM
IamDarren: touche

9:03 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Mine is all finished up, down to a nub. This is the way a cigar is supposed to go… smooth at the beginning with flavors building right up until the end.

9:04 PM
IamDarren: i’m almost done now, i did get some hazelnut in the last few puffs. I think my stuffed nose wasn’t helping.

9:04 PM
Terry1: I finished mine. Flavorful to the end.

9:05 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Nice. I don’t feel under the weather anymore… this cigar cures illness.

9:08 PM
Terry1: For me the construction and strength hurt the rating. But if someone likes flavorful and powerful cigars, this one is easy to recommend.

VEGAFINA SUMUM.  The name says it all.

Sumum (latin): the highest, the greatest, the summit

 For some, it is an unreachable, challenge.  For us, it was a pleasurable accomplishment.

VegaFina Sumum is made of the very best tobaccos, hand selected at the peak of the season for their unique characteristics and aged with care. Qualities our expert blenders knew would create a stick with the most satisfying and rich flavors and aromas.  The result is a cigar with distinct body, toasty aroma and unique rich flavors.  A truly spectacular cigar that we could only name SUMUM.

 Carefully aged, this 2010 vintage is a very special cigar.

Wrapper:  Aged for 2 years.  The Ecuadorian grown Cuban seed wrapper tobacco is harvested at it’s prime and specially chosen for the dark, rich color.

Binder: Aged 3 years. The Santa Domingo binder has harmonious, almost sweet notes that create an exceptional aroma and a clean, firm ash.

Filler: Aged 3 Years.  Tobacco of Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Peru are blended, creating earthy and spicy notes with just a sense of coffee flavor.

Size:                      54 X 5

Packing:               10 cigars/box

RSP:                       $6.75/stick

Launch Date:      February 2012

Straight Up Cigars is all about saving money.  Reviews and information that help you make an informed decision on your next purchase.  So what’s the deal with cigar ashtrays?  They don’t seem like a necessary thing to buy.  After all, you can just drop your ash on the ground or in a cup.

For a long time I thought that way.  Then I was given a cigar ashtray for a gift.  What a difference it makes!  I can’t tell you how many times I had set my stogie on the ledge of my porch and it rolled right off in a strong wind.  Besides the obvious function of a cigar ashtray, a place to put your ash and set your cigar, there is also something elegant about.  It just feels right setting your cigar in a nice crystal, marble, or metal holster.

In the spirit of Straight Up Cigars, The Perfect Ashtray has offered us another way to save.  For a limited time you can use the coupon code SUPC10OFF at The Perfect Ashtray to receive 10% off your entire order.  They carry an assortment of cigar ashtrays, something for everyone at prices worthy of the Straight Up Cigars readers!

This week’s group review is the Jameson Black in robusto size.  We were all excited to try this one.  It smells great, the wrapper looks nice, and the cold draw was perfect.  It provided a lot of flavor right off the bat.  Then, after the first 15 puffs, it fell mostly flat in flavor.  My stick developed an acidity that was less than pleasant, the other two did not.  Two of the three sample sticks had poor construction and required several burn corrections.  Some Flavor developed in the final third, but it was too little too late for this cigar.  We don’t really know where this cigar went wrong.  My theory is that it may benefit from a punch instead of a cut, maybe the restricted air would help it build flavor?  We cannot recommend that you try this cigar, especially at the price that was paid for them.  Hopefully some of Jameson’s other cigars will have more to offer.  Below you will find our ratings and the full review.

StraightUpCigars – Matt:
Flavor and Taste: 11/20
Construction: 8/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 5/10
Would I buy a Box: 1/5
Total: 30/50

Terry1:
Flavor and Taste: 13/20
Construction: 9/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 6/10
Would I buy a Box: 2/5
Total: 35/50

IamDarren:
Flavor and Taste: 14/20
Construction: 8/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 6/10
Would I buy a Box: 2/5
Total: 35/50

7:32 PM
Terry1: I’m here and excited to try the Jameson Black.

7:34 PM
IamDarren: Hey Terry, i’m just grabbing all my stuff and heading out doors.

7:40 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Very rich tobacco and chocolate smell coming from this thing! The wrapper is dark and very oily. Looks and smells good!

7:42 PM
Terry1: Good looking cigar. Agree with the oily wrapper. I get a bit of chocolate on the cold draw. Draw is perfect for me. I can’t wait. I’m lighting up!

7:44 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Me too. I cut the head and the draw is perfect. Going to light up.

7:45 PM
IamDarren: ok just got mine clipped, going to light up.

7:46 PM
IamDarren: my draw is a bit tight but not too bad

7:48 PM
IamDarren: mine lit easily, producing a decent amount of smoke.

7:49 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Hard to pin down exact flavor on this one. Robust and earthy with a spicy finish. Leaves a lot of sour spice on the lips with each draw.

7:49 PM
Terry1: Smoke is creamy and plentiful. Getting that chocolate from the cold draw. Some sourness on the finish.

7:49 PM
IamDarren: agreed, very creamy and mellow up front but you quickly notice the spice especially when you retrohale.

7:50 PM
IamDarren: a touch of cedar with some milk chocolate in the middle, then fading out with spice.

7:52 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: My burn is off kilter as it is tunneling on one side. Hopefully the construction improves.

7:53 PM
IamDarren: burn is good on mine with a nice tight white ash. Flavors are mellowing a little with some more sweetness.

7:54 PM
Terry1: I’m getting a good amount of smoke but the flavors seem muted. A little spice, a little sweetness, then it quickly fades. It’s okay for now but we’ve had several cigars that started strong then faded by the end. If this one does that there won’t be any flavor by the end.

7:57 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Well said Terry. It is the strangest thing, there is actually very little flavor to the smoke. It tastes like… smoke, at this point. The tasty finish is all but gone right now./

7:59 PM
IamDarren: going into the second third, just dropped off the ash. Flavor on mine is still mellow but the chocolate is gone now and it is getting very earthy. The finish is picking up an herbal quality.

8:02 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Maybe a punch instead of a cut would help the flavors build better on this thing? My draw is a bit loose now. I let it rest for a few minutes and the tasty finish of sour and spice is back, but there does not seem to be any detectable flavor up front.

8:07 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I am in the second third now. Not liking what I am tasting. There is a serious acidity to it, it tends to linger. In fact, it is most notable when I set the cigar down for a couple of minutes.

8:08 PM
Terry1: I’m beginning the second third. Getting a little more spice in the retrohale. Some sweetness. I get a hint of something but I can’t figure out what it is. Draw and burn is still going well.

8:10 PM
IamDarren: Sweetness seems to be coming back again only in the form of caramel. I agree there is something else near the finish that i like but can’t pick out. It mixes with the spice so its hard to pick out.

8:10 PM
IamDarren: i would still only call this barely medium bodied. Defenitely not what i expected from this dark maduro.

8:11 PM
Terry1: Agree. Doesn’t taste like it looks!

8:12 PM
IamDarren: I’m a little worried about the Reds i got in my order. They might have even less body.

8:12 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Or smells, I was expecting sweet chocolate flavor from mine. Strangely, I am getting the exact opposite. I’m in the basement and the ‘gar cam from the same box I keep our other reviewers in, so environment is not a factor.

8:13 PM
Terry1: Is the black the stronger of the two?

8:14 PM
IamDarren: the first sentence in the description: One of our original releases, the Red Label is our mildest offering

8:15 PM
Terry1: The Red may taste like air.

8:16 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: That would be an improvement over the acidity

8:16 PM
IamDarren: lol, I have to say that this cigar is still enjoyable in my opinion. The caramel is still building and the spice on the end is tasty. I just wish there was more of it.

8:17 PM
IamDarren: Infact, going into the last third i am starting to get a little pepper now. Maybe this one will end with a bang….. i hope.

8:17 PM
Terry1: Getting into the final third. Bands came off with ease. Burn and draw still fine. No acidity in my sample. The sweetness and spice is building a little. I can actually taste something now.

8:18 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I wish we could trade samples so I could taste what you are an you taste what

8:18 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I am.

8:18 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I must have gotten the bad apple this time around.

8:21 PM
Terry1: Yeah it’s getting better. I’m getting more of the spice and pepper. I just wish the whole cigar was like this. Kind of like watching a boring chick flick then having an exploding car chase at the end. Not sure if the first two thirds was worth the final third.

8:23 PM
IamDarren: i would still prefer it over the Tat. I like the flavors to build to the finale.

8:24 PM
Terry1: Funny how many times one of us gets a stick that doesn’t perform like the other two.

8:25 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Yeah, it is both good and bad that it is not hand made cigars are not an exact science

8:25 PM
IamDarren: I sometimes wonder how well the sort the tobacco before rolling. While you might get the same kind of tobacco and the same priming. Cigars might have tobacco from two different growing areas.

8:26 PM
IamDarren: i’m really liking mine now. very rich, dense smoke. Some coffee up front now with a lot of spice and a touch of pepper on the finsh.

8:29 PM
Terry1: I’m liking it now as well. I get the coffee and every few puffs I get a roasted nut flavor. Mixes well with the spice and pepper. Strength has suddenly built up on mine. I can feel it more as I approach the end.

8:29 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I am finally getting some earth and coffee flavor with a little spice now! I am in the final third. Unfortunately the acidity in my sample does drown those flavors out though when I am inbetween puffs.

8:31 PM
Terry1: Geez, so how do we rate this one. The first and second half are very different.

8:31 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: My burn has improved to near perfect. The ash drops fast on this one, so I have 4 small ash droppings in the tray. One thing it does very well: produce smoke. The loose draw doesn’t leave me puffing very hard each time.

8:32 PM
IamDarren: my first two ashes were over an inch, but the 3rd was only 1/2 inch… not too bad on mine.

8:34 PM
IamDarren: Some people prefer more complexity in a cigar. I tend to sway back and forth. Some cigars I like because they always deliver great flavor but aren’t complex. Others I like because they take me on a journey.

8:34 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: That’s deep. You must have loved the OSA SOL then!

8:35 PM
IamDarren: lol, well it depends on the journey.

8:41 PM
IamDarren: approaching the nub and still liking it a lot. Coffee flavor is dominating now with a hint of spice. Pepper has actually faded a little.

8:45 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: The final third on mine isn’t too bad. Toasty flavor w/ coffee and some spice on the finish. The first 10 puffs and final third are decent, everything inbetween was a total wash for me.

8:46 PM
Terry1: I’m at the nub and I agree, the coffee dominates. Good ending. Glad the cigar produced some flavors at the end.

8:47 PM
IamDarren: yeah, overall it was good….just not great.

8:47 PM
Terry1: For the price and how it looked I really expected more.

8:48 PM
IamDarren: If I had smoked it a year ago I would have probably loved it. AJ had ruined me for less fantastic cigars…

8:49 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I hate to do it to a small company like Jameson, but my sample was sub-par and the rating will reflect that. Sometimes it hurts to be honest.

9:02 PM
Terry1: Well not a hit this time but Jameson does make some great cigars…just not this one it appears.

Since 1994 Robert Spoden at Bucanero cigars has been re-writing the standard of how cigars are made, shipped, and sold. With a no expense spared method of shipping, storing, and aging in Spanish cedar, Bucanero has put the pressure on the larger manufacturers who sell cigars at higher prices. In addition, Bucanero’s retailer-less method of sales has allowed for that savings to be passed on to the customer. Speaking of the customer, Bucanero’s customer service is unparalleled. Robert’s unique business model complements his unique cigar selection well. With tobaccos grown in 10 different countries, you will not find a more complete line of cigars anywhere.

Robert Spoden took the time to sit down and answer some questions I had about Bucanero Cigars.

 Straight Up Cigars: Hi Robert.  Can you give us a brief history of Bucanero and some of the challenges you faced when you were a new boutique manufacturer?

 Answer: Our country was founded on small businesses many years ago.  Today our cigar industry for the most part has been transformed. Similar to just about everything out there. Large publically traded tobacco companies now control the majority of cigars that are made and exported to our country.  As is the case in all large corporations the bottom line is the over riding factor in how the cigars are made.  When you produce 10’s of millions of cigars annually something has to change. Today there are so many cigar brands housed under a select few large corporations. Most now seem to under the control of European Conglomerates. Ask yourself have they changed from the cigars you once enjoyed years ago?

 That trend is continuing today with mergers and accusations creating even larger entities.

 Small family owned cigar companies since the cigar boom of the 90’s pretty much have disappeared. With that I believe has the passion in making fine cigars.  It is hard to compete with limited resources when nationally branding a cigar line.  The costs to do so limit’s a small company’s exposure to cigar lovers.  But the internet levels the playing field.  It is why we went direct via the internet.

Straight Up Cigars: Is there any one thing, or combination of things, that you feel has been the secret to Bucanero’s success in an industry that is full of other premium cigar manufacturers?

  Answer: I measure success by the way our cigars are enjoyed by our growing customer base.  Not by the quantity of cigars we produce and sell. Customer service and customer satisfaction is our priority.  People today want value.  Cigar lovers today have been inundated with slick costly advertising campaigns promoting the best cigars ever made. When in fact most are high volume low aged stogies.  I look at my company as a “cigar micro-blender” not a boutique, similar to a beer micro-brewer.  In most cases beer micro brewers can only be found in small regions of our country. Their distribution is either local or regional. We have an advantage since all that covet a Bucanero cigar can purchase our blends nationally buy buying our cigars online via our web site www.bucanerocigars.com  and do so at true wholesale prices. That is our advantage true value for outstanding well aged cigars that are blended with unique high grade tobaccos. All from small tobacco farmers (finca’s) that hold no commercial interest to the large corporations due to the limited quantities available upon harvest.

Straight Up Cigars: Has the decision to cut out the retailers and sell direct to the customer given Bucanero an edge over the competition?

 Answer: We may be the only cigar manufacture out there that went internet direct to stogie lovers after selling exclusively to retailers for 17 years. For many years we only sold our cigars to retailers coast to coast.  Our cigars had a high retail cost to cigar lovers and our brand always was known as a hard to find quality boutique priced in the $9 – $12 dollar range ( plus taxes). Since we make so many different blends most retailers would only stock a small amount of facings. Most retailers do not promote small brands and most cigar lovers rarely venture into the unknown when buying their cigars from a retailer’s humidor. Unless directed by the retailer to give one a try.  With large manufactures products lining the retailer’s shelves it only makes sense in what he or she promotes.  It is really good business sense to promote products where most of your money is tied up in inventory. I can’t blame them one bit.

 Today for those have discovered one of our Bucanero blends online or for the ones who had smoked Bucanero’s in the past via a retail store purchase most all have become loyal customers.  All have the opportunity to purchase one of our many blends and do so at considerable savings.

Straight Up Cigars: How do you feel about some of the industry trends such as the increased use of ligero leaves or the shorter and fatter vitolas?  Are these fads or are they here to stay?

 Answer: Our industry is always changing. Years ago a 60 gauge cigar was a rare sized cigar. Today it is a popular size.  Years ago mild cigars seemed to be the norm. Today medium body and full body cigars have gained considerable market share. Larger cigars seem to burn cooler. Most should have more volume of smoke as they contain more tobacco. Smaller size cigars even in the same blend have slightly different characteristics than let’s say a 6 x 54 belicoso. Churchill’s once a favorite due to the length of leaf employed now seem to have faded from their glory years.

Straight Up Cigars: What is your favorite, and least favorite, part about working in the cigar industry?

 Answer: The lows: Crappy cigars that are marketed down the throat of cigar consumers. Over taxation. Smoking bans. The ongoing attempts to destroy the cigar lover’s passion via FDA regulations.

 The highs:  The freedom without corporate compromise to make our cigars like the good old days when a cigar should be something special. As it is a moment in time to enjoy ones passion without any disappointment.

 Having the opportunity to build friendships with our customers and taking the time to do so.

Straight Up Cigars: Anti-tobacco groups seem to be getting bolder and more relentless by the day have you felt any effects from the smoking bans and law changes?  As a cigar manufacturer, what are your thoughts on the looming possibility of strict FDA regulation on the cigar industry?

 Answer: If the FDA regulates the cigar industry only the largest publically traded cigar/tobacco companies will remain. Think about how happy they will be when this industry is handed to them on a sliver platter.

 FDA will require independent lab testing of each cigar blend. The cost as such today can exceed $300,000 per blend. We make 22 blends. Do the math.

 This process normally takes a couple of years. In many cases you must first complete the process and get the FDA approval before you can sell your products. To accelerate the testing process via an independent lab major additional expenses must be incurred.  The end result, cigar lover’s selections will greatly diminish. A monopoly will occur such as what exists today in Europe. The retail cost of cigars will dramatically rise.

 Cigars that are hand made have no finite mixture of a man made substance. They are made from the tobacco plant. In most cases nothing is added to the mix such as cigarettes. No chemicals are added just Mother Nature’s tobacco. Each year as in all cases Mother Nature creates a slightly different strain of plant. Look at wine and how one year to next the wines flavor varies. How in the hell can they test that?

 Maybe this is all by design. Cigar smokers should take this head on as a grass roots endeavor. Regardless if we are driven out of business cigar smokers are a brotherhood. Do not allow them to quietly steal your passion!

Straight Up Cigars: What can we expect to see from Bucanero in the near future?

Answer: We have been testing a line of new blends. To date we have rolled over 725 new test blends. When we finally select the ones we feel are winners we will introduce them on our web site. We are not in a rush to bring out new blends and entice our customers with sell the sizzle before you sell the steak advertising. As a small company we have to hit the bull eye. No flops and then quietly remove it from the marketplace.

 Isn’t that the way it should be?

Straight Up Cigars: Thanks for your time Robert and we wish you continued success!

If this interview has left you feeling motivated to spend 5 minutes of your time fighting FDA regulation, visit the Cigar Right of America website to quickly send a petition to your politicians!

Making their retail debut this week are Macanudo Café Gigante and Macanudo Maduro Gigante.

Created in response to consumer demand for large-ring offerings, both the Macanudo Café and Macanudo Maduro Gigante cigars measure 6” x 60.  Each will be packed in a 25 count box and sold for an SRP per cigar of $7.99, or $199.75, SRP per box.

“Macanudo fans have told us they get more bang for the buck out of large ring cigars, so we came out with the Gigante frontmark to round out the Café and Maduro lines.  With so many cigar smokers reaching for large-rings these days, the new Gigantes are sure to become top-sellers,” said Bill Chilian, director of marketing for Macanudo.

CAO La Traviata will introduce the popular “Luminoso” frontmark in a new Maduro version, making its retail debut later this week.

Following in the footsteps of the highly successful Ecuadoran-wrapped CAO La Traviata Luminoso, the new Maduro version features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper to lend a touch of sweetness to the critically-acclaimed blend.

At 4.5” x 50, the new Rothschild will be available for an SRP of $5.10 per cigar, or $153 for a 30-count box.

“CAO La Traviata ‘Luminoso’ is one of our top sellers, so it was only natural that we gave CAO fans a new take on one of their favorite cigars,” said Ed McKenna, CAO’s senior brand manager. “Rick Rodriguez and I are looking forward to receiving some great feedback about CAO La Traviata Maduro Luminoso on our website, caocigars.com.”

We smoked the Rocky Patel Conuco in robusto size for our group review last week.  What a pleasant surprise!  The format of the review was a blind review – Terry sent the cigars to Darren and I.  While smoking we tried to figure out what it was.  Before we finally got it, we guessed a lot of more expensive cigars than this one!  Our samples smoked well and tasted even better.  With flavors of toast, pepper, cream, and espresso it was very delicious.  At roughly $2 apiece, these are one of the best deals you will find.  I highly recommend giving the Conuco a try.  It is the perfect value cigar and really embodies what Straight Up Cigars is all about.  Below you will find our ratings and the text from our chat.  Enjoy!

9:26 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 9/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 10/10
Would I buy a Box: 5/5
Total: 47/50

9:26 PM
IamDarren: Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 8/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 10/10
Would I buy a Box: 5/5
Total: 46/50

9:27 PM
Terry1: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 9/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 10/10
Would I buy a Box: 4/5
Total: 46/50

StraightUpCigars – Matt: This thing has a sweet and earthy smell to it. A dark wrapper for habano that is oily and only has small veins.

8:06 PM
IamDarren: I’m good to go here

8:06 PM
IamDarren: very dark for habano, reminds me of the Diesel Unlimited

8:07 PM
Terry1: I’m ready to light up.

8:07 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: very funny, you must have read our previous posts?

8:07 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: We said it smells just like it.

8:08 PM
IamDarren: great minds think alike

8:08 PM
IamDarren: lighting up

8:08 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Agreed. Draw is perfect pre-light. Lighting…

8:09 PM
IamDarren: mmmm tasty! quite the array of flavor up front on this one

8:10 PM
IamDarren: coffee, spice, a litte toasty, a touch of creaminess

8:10 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Lots of flavor right off the bat. If I didn’t know better, I would bet my wallet on Diesel

8:10 PM
Terry1: Good draw. Lots of smoke. Good opening flavors of earth, sweetness, wood. Great start.

8:11 PM
Terry1: It’s not the Diesel. I wouldn’t be that obvious.

8:12 PM
IamDarren: i don’t know what it is but I LIKE IT!

8:12 PM
IamDarren: good draw, plenty of smoke, tons of flavor. Keep it comin.

8:13 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: toast, pepper, and cream with some espresso – then spice on the finish. wow.

8:14 PM
IamDarren: Man O’ War?

8:14 PM
Terry1: Flavors are coming fast! Hard to pick out what I’m tasting.

8:14 PM
Terry1: Not the Man O’ War.

8:16 PM
IamDarren: is this one available online?

8:16 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I think I know what this is… this the Oliva Cain!

8:16 PM
Terry1: Not the Cain.

8:16 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: damn.

8:16 PM
IamDarren: burn is getting a little out of control

8:18 PM
Terry1: Mine still buring good. Pepper is creaping up. Like the sweetness in the aroma.

8:18 PM
IamDarren: yeah mine is loosing some of the toastyness and picking up some sweetness

8:19 PM
IamDarren: love the spice on the finish

8:19 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Mine is burning good too, ash fell off quick. Mine is getting sweeter too. Some raisin flavor in there.

8:20 PM
IamDarren: just nocked the ash off. I can see whats causing the bad burn, the core of the burn is not in the center of the cigar. Hopefully it gets better.

8:21 PM
Terry1: Finally I didn’t get the bum stick. Sorry Darren.

8:21 PM
IamDarren: defenitely transitioning in the flavor though, i place a lot more weight on the flavor than the construction. Really liking the complexity.

8:22 PM
IamDarren: this thing is really mellowing out. Creaminess is really taking over with the sweetness and spice.

8:23 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Mine is very mellow too.

8:23 PM
IamDarren: is this an online or B&M cigar?

8:23 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I would place it in the mild/medium body right now.

8:23 PM
Terry1: Agree. Pepper has faded leaving a nice spice and sweet cream.

8:24 PM
Terry1: It’s an online exclusive.

8:25 PM
Terry1: I’d be surprised if you haven’t smoked this before.

8:25 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I think this is the Perdomo Habano, I don’t recall seeing those in a B&M.

8:26 PM
Terry1: Not the Perdomo Habano.

8:27 PM
IamDarren: there aren’t a whole lot of cigars that use a Habano maduro wrapper like this one…. but i’m still stumped.

8:27 PM
Terry1: County of origin is Honduras.

8:29 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I betcha this is a Gran Habano then, Seleccion?

8:30 PM
Terry1: Nope, try again.

8:30 PM
IamDarren: made by Torano?

8:30 PM
Terry1: Nope, try again.

8:32 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Hmmm, Alec Bradley? Harvest? We have had one with burn issues

8:32 PM
Terry1: I’ve gotta say I like being the one who knows.  Not the Alec Bradley Harvest.

8:33 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Mine is still quite mellow. I would really love if some of that beginning flavor makes its way back in.

8:34 PM
Terry1: Still a lot of flavors. My cigar is performing perfectly.

8:34 PM
IamDarren: my burn has straightened up nicely, and I still like the flavor. Very sweet and creamy. I think i may be getting just a hint of chocolate or cocoa but its very suttle.

8:34 PM
Terry1: Flavors are not as intense as the beginning but still a good mix for me.

8:35 PM
Terry1: It has tobacco from four countries.

8:36 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I completely agree, still a good flavor profile with espresso and cream dominating and a little raisin in there. Much less spice than the beginning. Man that beginning…

8:37 PM
IamDarren: made by Plasencia?

8:37 PM
Terry1: I’m not sure I could handle a whole cigar the way this began.

8:37 PM
Terry1: Not a Plasencia.

8:38 PM
IamDarren: grrrr

8:38 PM
Terry1: I’m about half way and I can start to feel a little strength.

8:39 PM
IamDarren: Guillermo Leon?.?.?

8:40 PM
Terry1: Nope. A whole lot cheaper than that one.

8:42 PM
Terry1: You guys haven’t guessed the manufacturer yet. Think mass production.

8:42 PM
IamDarren: please don’t tell me this is an RP cigar

8:42 PM
Terry1: Finally! Yes!

8:42 PM
IamDarren: finally an RP I like!

8:43 PM
Terry1: You throw enough darts you’re bound to get a bullseye!

8:43 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Is this the edge?

8:44 PM
Terry1: Not the Edge.

8:44 PM
IamDarren: 1961

8:45 PM
Terry1: Not the 1961.

8:45 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: What?!?!

8:45 PM
Terry1: We’ll be here all night if you guess all his blends. lol.

8:46 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: haha!

8:47 PM
Terry1: The blend has Honduran, Costa Rican, Nicaraguan and Panamanian tobaccos.

8:48 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: This is that Conuco cigar! I didn’t know that was made by RP.

8:49 PM
Terry1: You are RIGHT!

8:49 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: We could have been here all night if it was not for the last hint…

8:49 PM
IamDarren: lol, you got it first… i finally found it right as you typed it

8:50 PM
Terry1: I know. I wanted to narrow down your searching.

8:50 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: This is a funny quote: Unlike other Rocky Patel cigars made under different brand names, such as Cruz Real and Nicarao, the Conuco Robusto that I smoked was actually pretty darn good.

8:50 PM
Terry1: Not bad for a $3 cigar, sometimes less.

8:51 PM
IamDarren: only 60 bucks a box retail! nice

8:51 PM
IamDarren: very nice find

8:52 PM
Terry1: Pure luck on my part.

8:52 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Have you had one before Terry?

8:52 PM
Terry1: No. It was an impulse buy.

8:53 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: What a hidden gem. These are delicious.

8:54 PM
IamDarren: i want to know who actually makes them for RP.

8:57 PM
IamDarren: did some searching and came up with nothing. Looks like Rocky wants to keep it a secret.

8:58 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: What a bargain. You did good on this one!

8:59 PM
IamDarren: i feel bad for the awesome blender that signed his life away to Rocky. At least I can get them cheap!

8:59 PM
Terry1: I’m enjoying it. It’s getting a little strong for me thou in the last third.

8:59 PM
IamDarren: just going into the last third here, loosing some sweetness but still very enjoyable.

9:00 PM
IamDarren: i love the draw on this puppy, and it has been producting a ton of thick creamy smoke.

9:01 PM
Terry1: I like the size too. This is the robusto.

9:02 PM
IamDarren: well lookey here: http://www.cigarauctioneer.com/conuco-robusto-5-pack-cigars/item-26572?auctionnum=574161

9:02 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: I am into the final third and getting creamy, peppery, and espresso flavored smoke – the finish is spicy again. It is full bodied at this point. Looks like it will be a good end to a good cigar.

9:03 PM
IamDarren: 8 bucks for a fiver is very very tempting.

9:05 PM
IamDarren: damn… here comes the sweetness again! This thing is defenitely a candy bar stick.

9:05 PM
Terry1: Yeah, the regular Famous price is only $11.70 for a fiver. Good deal for this cigar.

9:07 PM
Terry1: It’s interesting how dark the ash is. Almost black.

9:08 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Yeah, it does have an ugly ash, and it falls off early too. But that is a small price to pay for such a good cigar.

9:09 PM
IamDarren: i will order some if you guys are interested. I love to save on shipping. Then i can send them in the next trade.

9:10 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Yeah, if you are already making an order, go for it.

9:28 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: The perfect SUC cigar, lots of flavor, low price.

Jan 17 2012, 9:26 PM
StraightUpCigars – Matt: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 9/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 10/10
Would I buy a Box: 5/5
Total: 47/50

Jan 17 2012, 9:26 PM
IamDarren: Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 8/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 10/10
Would I buy a Box: 5/5
Total: 46/50

Jan 17 2012, 9:27 PM
Terry1: Rating:
Flavor and Taste: 18/20
Construction: 9/10
Wrapper: 5/5
Price Point: 10/10
Would I buy a Box: 4/5
Total: 46/50