The Legendary Opus X

Even if you are new to the cigar world.. you have probably heard of the Opus X brand by Arturo Fuente. They were one of the first super premium cigars that I was introduced to by my cigar buddies.Opus XThe cigar maker, Fuente, makes several other lines of cigars but this one has a legendary mystique.  They limit the quantity of boxes purchased by each retailer. Making them harder to find and driving up the price tag. I’m lucky enough to know a few local shops where they sell them at a reasonable price. Ol’ Times cigars in Casselberry always seems to have some in stock and are priced as competitive as anywhere. The Smoke that I enjoyed this weekend was a limited edition “Lost City” Opus X.Lost City Opus XThis cigar was a gift from a very good friend last year. I’ve had it sitting in my humidor waiting for the right opportunity to break it out. It just happens that the same friend was in town this weekend for a UCF football game. The weather was perfect and we had several hours to tailgate… What a perfect time to enjoy this amazing smoke. I’ve had a lot of different Opus over the years, but this one was extremely good. It was beautiful to look at and had a perfect draw. The initial taste was smooth but strong. The cigar burned slow and even, while the flavors continued to develop. I wish it only lasted longer. Which is always a great sign!Lost City Opus X

In conclusion… JK definitely recommends. It comes with a stiff price but  it’s worth it for the serious smoker or a special event.


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Cordoba and Morales Family Reserve..a solid new smoke!

I had the pleasure of being introduced to the Cordoba & Morales brand by the owner himself. Azarias was at a charity golf tournament supporting the troops with the help of many cigar enthusiasts. I wanted to like the cigar before I even smoked it based on how nice and outgoing he was with me and the other attendees.  I was pleasantly surprised by the smoke he handed me that day and promised to try another soon. Cordoba and Morales Family Reserve

I decided to bring two “Family Reserve Robustos” with me on my morning boat trip… Once again I was very pleased with the smoke. The cigar has a great appearance and beautiful wrapper. The draw is great and there is a very consistent strength throughout. I really enjoyed the change of pace from some of my normal smokes. I can see this being worked into my regular rotation.Cordoba and Morales Family Reserve

In Conclsuion… JK recommends!

Make sure to grab one the next time you’re in a local shop. I know they are available in most central florida locations (Definitely at Cigarz on the Avenue, Ol’ Times Cigars of Casselberry, and The Cigar Lounge in Oviedo). 


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I don’t always drink beer with cigars, but when I do…

Most cigar connoisseurs don’t think beer and cigars mix well. I happen to be a big fan of a good beer..besides being a huge cigar enthusiast. Therefore, I have tried several beers with my cigars to see which ones work together best.beer and cigars

In my opinion, the stronger/richer beers work well with a cigar. Some of the best are made by Sam Adams. One of my all time favorites is their seasonal brew “Octoberfest”. The demand for this particular beer has really risen in recent years. I make sure to buy a few cases as soon as it comes out (Usually end of August-September). They make a limited supply so dont wait till the last minute. Grab yours while it’s fresh. As a backup option, they brew their “Boston Lager” year round and its also a great one. These beers can hang with your strongest smokes, such as the Padron 5000 or any full bodied cigar.

from www.samueladams.com

If you are not a heavy beer drinker and prefer to stick with the light stuff… then I would recommend my favorite light beer “Amstel Light”. I feel like it gives you more flavor and can hang with a cigar better than the rest (Miller, Bud, etc.). You might want to pair it with a light or medium smoke such as the San Cristobal Elegancia.

from www.amstellight.com

 

In conclusion: I always prefer a mixed cocktail or diet coke when having a good cigar… but if you are in the situation where beer is the option then try some of the above choices. You wont be disappointed.


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Tailgating and cigars… the perfect marriage!

There are very few places or times that are better to smoke a cigar than tailgating.tailgating and cigars

 

In Florida, college football and tailgating are a BIG deal. I grew up playing and loving the sport. Once I stopped playing I realized that supporting my Alma Mater, The UCF Knights, was the best way to stay involved. I slowly built up my tailgate setup over the last 7 years and made a point to include cigars as a part of every tailgate experience. I can remember going to a very good friends tailgate several years ago, where he offered a big selection of cigars to his tailgate guests. It took the entire party to another level. I decided that I would take his lead and do the same. I think the good times are enough evidence that I made the right call.

tailgating and cigars

Having a cigar at a tailgate with one of the greatest tailgaters/ cigar enthusiasts, John Byrnes.

Check out John Byrnes’ ultimate tailgate vehicle The Ambu-Gator by clicking here… and feel free to find him at the next Gator Game and purchase a souvenir. 

When preparing for a tailgate, I always make sure to have at least two choices for my friends/guests. I always bring a full bodied cigar that I prefer, such as: Padron 5000, San Cristobal Supremo/Toro, or a Ashton VSG. I also bring a more medium bodied cigar for the occasional smoker that would prefer a lighter smoke. Some of the cigars I bring include: The Brickhouse Robusto, San Cristobal Elegancia Pyramid, La Gloria Cubana Serie R(Even tho this is more on the full bodied the majority of people enjoy them). I usually lean toward a larger size cigar because this is a time where there is no rush. You usually have hours outside pre-gaming…so bring the big ones!

tailgating and cigars

Me with some ECU Alumni Mike and John at the Thursday night game. Cigars can even bring together opposing fans!

I know a lot of people have travel humidors that they use at tailgates. I happen to have several sized old humidors on hand. The one below usually holds enough for me and my crew to have 1-2 throughout the day. I recommend bringing a good torch lighter because you will be outside and fighting the elements. It’s probably a good idea to bring more than one cutter as well. I bring the cheaper ones in case they get lost in the shuffle.

tailgating and cigars

Nothing too fancy.. but keeps the cigars good all day!

 

If conclusion… if you have the opportunity to tailgate, whether it’s for a football game or other event, than make sure to incorporate “cigar time” with your friends. It will only enhance the experience!


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Lunch with an old friend!

My office is now located in downtown Winter Park Florida, which is very cigar friendly. It is almost impossible to not be tempted by a good cigar after having lunch across from one of my favorite spots..”Cigarz on the Avenue”. It has the perfect setup for a nice cigar experience during the day. There’s seating out front for people watching, comfortable seats inside with a great mix of conversation with the regulars, and outback in the courtyard for a more quiet setting. There’s also a great restaurant next door for coffees, wine, beer and food @ Palmano’s.

Well, today I found myself in a familiar spot sitting inside Cigarz..having one of my favorite regular smokes. The Padron 5000.

padron 5000

The Padron line of cigars are extremely consistent and never let me down. The 5000 is one of the more reasonably priced versions. It has   the same type of great taste and strength as its more expensive relatives (Such as the 1964 Anniversary,  The 1926, and Family Reserve) This comes from its Nicaraguan tobacco…  and the quality of the brand. I’m a HUGE fan of Padron and you will consistently see my recommendations for their different lines of cigars. This one is always going to please the palates of the more experienced smoker. It is definitely strong and has the spiciness associated with Padrons. I would not recommend it to a novice, but it is definitely one of my “most purchased”.

padron 5000

 

Conclusion: JK always recommends all Padrons!


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