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Barry

Press Release: Buffalo Trace Collaborates With Chris Stapleton For Traveller Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton today unveiled Traveller Whiskey, a new, premium blended whiskey that represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration of collective artistry. Proudly blended and bottled at the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery under Wheatley’s expert supervision, Traveller is the result of countless hours of testing, tasting and dedication to craftsmanship that have produced powerful songs and world-class whiskeys. Of the collaboration, Stapleton shared, “Partnering with […]

January 8, 2024

Press Release

Press Release: Aganorsa Leaf Announces Rothschild Size of Supreme Leaf

Aganorsa Leaf has announced the newest size of Supreme Leaf—one of their most exciting and sought-after cigars ever produced. Using the same blend of entirely Aganorsa Leaf tobaccos grown on farms in Nicaragua and packed in the same vibrant colors as the original production, Supreme Leaf’s latest vitola is a 4.5 x 50 box pressed Rothschild. “The vast majority of the vitolas released in Supreme Leaf have been between five and six inches long and […]

January 4, 2024

Dominican Republic Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Kristoff Tres Compadres Robusto

The Kristoff Tres Compadres is a tribute cigar to three friends. Kristoff owner Glen Case memorializes his friends who passed away. Rolando Villamil, the factory manager at the Charles Fairmorn factory where Kristoff produces its cigars, and Chuck Finch, Case’s best friend since high school. Add Glen Case to the mix and you got Tres Compadres. Made at the Tabacalera von Eicken S.R.L. in the Dominican Republic these Nicaragua Puros feature the companies new packaging […]

January 4, 2024

Press Release

Press Release: Espinosa Cigars Announces Espinosa Sumatra

Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announce the release of the Espinosa Sumatra. Made at the La Zona Cigar Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua; the Espinosa Sumatra is the newest eponymous core line release, joining Espinosa Habano and Espinosa Crema. Said Erik Espinosa, “This is just another example of us finding the right cigar to fill a void in our portfolio. It’s right in my wheelhouse, nutty but with the spice note I love.” The Espinosa […]

January 3, 2024

Bourbon Review

Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Port Finished Review

According to the bottle of Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Port Finished, “This truly small-batch bourbon starts with traditionally grown corn, rye, and malted barley. All of our staple grains are grown for us on the Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington. The grains are mashed & distilled in our Woodinville distillery, then trucked back over the Cascade Mountains to our private barrel houses, where Central Washington’s extreme temperature cycles promote the extractions of natural flavors from the oak. Prior to being coopered, the barrel […]

January 3, 2024

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Perfecto

In 2020 at the Tobacco Plus Expo Aganorsa Leaf debuted the limited edition/limited production Supreme Leaf. When the brand was first unveiled the purple, yellow and orange box was straight out of MS-Paint and didn’t have a look of a cigar that would stick as one of the most anticipated limited release. The Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Perfecto is the 7th release in the line since its inception. Prior releases have been Robusto (5 x 52, […]

January 2, 2024

Bourbon Review

Bourbon Review: Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel

Blanton’s is known for three offerings all of which are increasingly difficult to find as the bourbon market grows. The basic entry is the Blanton’s Original which is followed by Blanton’s Gold and lastly today’s review Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel. There is a fourth offering only available in the international markets called, Blanton’s Reserve which comes in at 80 proof. According to the Buffalo Trace website, “Named after former distillery president Colonel Albert B. […]

December 29, 2023

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Stillwell Star Holiday Blend Y2023

In 2022 some people say Steve Saka finally jumped the shark with the release of Stillwell Star. The cigars are rolled with a small amount of pipe tobacco which created a new segment in the premium cigar marketplace and it was met with mixed reviews. But Steve Saka not being one to back down raised the ante with the release of a limited edition holiday blend. The Stillwell Star Holiday Blend Y2023 which is limited […]

December 27, 2023

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: HVC Seleccion No. 1 Poderosos

The HVC Seleccion No. 1 line is produced at Fabrica de Tabacos HVC, SA; which is brand owner Reinier Lorenzo’s boutique factory exclusively rolling for HVC. According to their website, “The Seleccion No. 1 is features binders and fillers from the most famous regions of Nicaragua: Jalapa and Esteli; covered with a beautiful dark San Andres Maduro wrapper from Mexico. The blend is a medium full body cigar with a rich flavor and clean to […]

December 27, 2023

Top 5 Liquors of 2023

Top 5 Liquors of 2023: Number 1 – Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Our Number 1 selection in our Top 5 Liquors of 2023 is Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey and it changed the way I drink my bourbon. I use to be fearful of higher proof bourbons with concern the high ABV would mute the flavor. It turned out to be just the opposite as it opened a whole new tasting experience. According to their website, “The Horse Soldier brotherhood was forged in fire during the first days […]

December 22, 2023

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It all started in 1998 when I walked into a cigar shop for the first time in Brooklyn, NY. A desire to try something new led to life long friendships and a career in the cigar industry. I served as a shop manager, blogger, shop owner, writer, marketing coordinator, sales and was an award winning podcaster. After 25 years, I decided it was time to leave the cigar industry. Cigars are still as a passion of mine as is bourbon so I continue the legacy with this website.... Cheers & Long Ashes!