While attending the Sam Leccia/Cain F Tour event in Tampa, I had the opportunity to meet Sam Leccia and local-area rep Bryan Scholle.  I told Bryan I had never smoked a Nub, and so he was kind enough to provide me with their sampler pack for review.

Although there aren’t a lot of note changes while smoking a Nub, overall, I think it’s a great cigar if you’re in a hurry or simply want to get to the “meat” of a cigar without a lot of fuss.  Here are my tasting notes from each stick:

My friend, Tom, over at Tampa Cigar Examiner reported this CRA news, but I think it’s important enough to share as well…

SMOKE THE VOTE CAMPAIGN
The LARGEST Cigar Enthusiast’s
Political Effort in History

By J. Glynn Loope, CRA Executive Director

2010 can mark a special moment in history for those that share the passion of a great cigar. It has to.

As we reflect on the hits and slaps we took from 2007 to 2009, it’s our moment to begin a fight back for freedom, defense of property rights, warding off local, state and federal government regulation, ordinances that dictate where we can enjoy a cigar (where we would otherwise be welcome) and an effort to defeat onerous taxation that only results in further economic harm upon our communities. Now, is our time.

A while back, Flor de Gonzalez sent me some samples of their 90 Miles Toro cigar.  My friend over at MyCigarAshes.com had spoken quite highly of the cigar, so I was looking forward to firing one up.  Although not an overly complex cigar, I really enjoyed it and think it’s definitely one you need to add to your humidor!

First off, let me thank everyone who has e-mailed me asking about when I’d be posting another review!  I took an extended break from blogging but will be posting regularly now, so thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Now, on to the review…

E.P. Carrillo recently sent me samples of the new “Short Run” Dilirios, which I’ve been dying to try ever after smoking his inaugural stick (read: Cigar Sage Review: E.P. Carrillo Edición Inaugural 2009).  His first cigar, in my opinion, was out of this world, so I was wondering how he’d manage to top it….well, he did!

I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on the Illusione Nosotros, which is a joint effort between Dion Giolito and Jonathan Drew (hence nosotros).  This cigar is rolled in Drew Estate’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, and has some great flavor!

As many of you know, last week I banned Drew Estate from Cigar Sage.  The ban was triggered by a lack of follow through on Drew Estate’s part on two fronts -1) a promise to provide Dirty Rats for review 2) non-response on a subsequent sample request for Joya de Nicaragua Cabinettas.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Al Argenti and our area Berger & Argenti rep, Joey Oliva.  While chatting, Al gave me some samples of the Clasico Churchill, which I’ve heard great things about.  I’ve been looking forward to trying this cigar and was very excited to light one up.

Evening, all.  It’s been a while since I’ve moved my blog to the new host, so I just wanted to make sure everyone who has subscribed has been receiving e-mails when I create new posts.  If you haven’t,  please leave a comment for me here so I can see what’s up. Thanks!

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Ah, you gotta love Facebook.  It’s such a great way to connect with cigar manufacturers both large and small!  Recently, I e-mailed Don Ursulo on Facebook to learn more about his Costa Rican cigars.  He sent me two of his new Double Maduros from the Gold Edition, which he’s introducing in the United States this year.

Pennsylvania-based Flatbed Cigar Company is the creator of the Panacea line of cigars, which is interestingly named.  Panacea means “cure-all,” (thank you to my 12-grade English teacher), although I’m not quite sure what these cigars are curing -mediocre tobacco perhaps?

Moving on, recently the company sent me three cigars to sample: the Panacea Black 560 Grande Maduro, Panacea Red 560 Grande Maduro and Panacea Green Robusto.  I found all 3 cigars just so-so and sadly wasn’t overly impressed with them.  However, if you enjoy the flavors I’ve noted from each cigar, Panacea might be the cigar for you!