Litto likes air bending?

Apparently Litto Gomez at LFD is up to something a little different. Do you like old Kung-Fu flicks? Imagine a Kung-Fu cigar. Sound strange? Follow this link at Cigar Aficionado and read on.
Striking La Flor Dominicana

CAO La Traviata, New review!

I recently had the pleasure of having one of the new, highly rated CAOs, the La Traviata. Right off the bat you will notice that is not your standard issue CAO. The label actually has some history according to CAO : "The La Traviata brand began its life at the turn of the 20th Century in Cuba or, more precisely, in the Tabacalera Cubana, Agramonte no. 106, in Havana. Over 100 years later, CAO has resurrected the La Traviata name, abiding closely to its original Cuban roots in presentation and taste."
The dark, oily, Ecuadorian wrapper is not like anything currently in CAOs catalog, and I hope to see it on some of the future CAO offerings. Construction is great and a beautiful finished product. Filler is a great blend of Nicaraguan, and Dominican leaves, and a Cameroon binder. The initial light was poor and jagged for me, but quickly evened out. Pepper booms at the lighting, but mellows out with a few puffs. It was a surprisingly consistent smoke with many complex flavors like leather, cream, and an odd sweet tobacco flavor that was completely new to me(and made me want more). There is a strange familiarity to this stick, and it was actually quite comforting. Overall this is a great value for a mild/full cigar of this quality, and I am 100% ready for my next one. With that said, I would recommend this smoke to any cigar new-comers, but watch out, this one may get you hooked!

Headin out

I'm Going to be leaving to go visit the Briar Patch for the opening. Am I going to see you there? If you see me, introduce yourself and let me know what you think of the blog!-Noah

New Briar Patch store in Loehmann's Plaza

I think I have to go check this shop out. In the mean-time, here is a link (Loehmanns Briar Patch) to a Sacramento Today article with some details about the shop, and it's grand opening. Review to be posted soon!

Herfin' Usa

Fall is here and that means the arrival of cooler months. Now's the time to make sure your valued collection is prepared for winter too. Premium cigars are created using some of the finest long leaf tobaccos and as such, require special storage in a climate maintained at around 70 degrees and 70% humidity. Keeping your stogies at this level insures they retain it's oils and ages properly until you decide to smoke them. You see, with storage...consistency is the key. Fluctuations can cause irreparable harm to a fine cigar including cracks in the wrappers, leaving your prized possessions virtually un-smokable. It's time to prepare for the colder winter months. Here's how:

1. Clean and Inspect the Humidor:
Actually this is something that should be done periodically throughout the year, just like rotating your stock. Gently remove your cigars and use a can of compressed air to blow out the tobacco residue. Check the seals to insure you still have a tight fit. Then turn your attention to the cigars. As you separate each stick, inspect for any sign of tobacco beetles or mold. These two maladies can strike any cigar regardless of how well it's cared for. If you have a troubled stick, separate it from the rest and get rid of it as soon as possible.

2. Season the Humidor:
With the cigars out, it's time to re-season your humidor or "activate" it. Most quality humidors come lined with Spanish cedar, a wood selected for it's ability to retain moisture. The wood itself acts as a humidifier. With a clean rag that is dampened with DISTILLED water, wipe down the interior completely. This might need to be done several times as the wood will absorb the moisture almost immediately. Repeat till the wood is visibly moist then fill your humidification element and place it inside your humidor along with your hygrometer and keep the lid closed for at least 12 hours.

3. Organize and Supplement Humidity
With your cigars separated and your humidor seasoned, it's time for the final step. Start by adding supplemental humidification to your humidor. Once your heat kicks on in the house this winter, your humidor can lose it's humidity almost immediately. Boveda packets, Humi-Care pillows and Humi-Care jars are great additions because these active humidifiers will also REMOVE moisture in the event there's too much. Once all your humidification is in place, start putting your stogies back in. I recommend you place your non-cellophane cigars at the bottom of your humidor. Typically, the ones at the top are handled the most and with the cellophane wrapped ones up top you'll minimize damaging your sticks with your hands.

Till next time...keep herfin'
By Michael D.

Stogies Cigar Lounge-Lodi Ca.

I Recently had the pleasure of having a full week off work. I decided to go do some kayaking out on Lodi lake(Mokelumne River).After spending a 4 hours (and ten miles)of the day on the water, a frosty beer and cigar sounded great. I luckily remembered a small cigar lounge located in the older part of Lodi; Stogies Cigar Lounge! Stogies is a great concept, and I really wish that we had a place like this in Sacramento. The main area of the lounge is a medium, horseshoe shaped bar, and several large, overstuffed couches. There are several TVs usually playing sports, and an ample sized walk-in Humidor. Beer and wine is served, along with Port and other beverages, but sorry you scotch lovers; no hard alcohol is served here. I sat down and lightly talked with Cooper the bartender (sorry about the beer shower Coop!),and enjoyed several frosty glasses of Amber Bock, while burning a Partagas Black. Many "regulars" came and went, and normal bar-time conversations floated around the lounge. Cigar and brew selection was great, and I'm sure anyone can find a favorite here. Ceiling fans and exhaust fans are a-plenty, so don't be leery of smoking indoors here. Location is pretty good, and easily accessible from Hwy 99.
On your next Saturday off, you should go visit many of the great wineries located in lodi and the surrounding areas, and wrap up the trip with a premium stick at one of my new favorite places, Stogies.

Sacramento Herf September 23rd, 2009

I recently got an email from one of our local groups. Hopefully you will be able to attend. I have to work until 6:00pm that given day, but I am definitely going to see about getting off early.

Sender Name: Gregory Ceaser
Hi, I just wanted to send an invitation to a herf on September 23rd, 09 at Club Avalon in Sacramento on 15th and H. It's sponsored by the Good Life Social and Pleasure Cigar Club and will feature free cigars from Altadis U.S.A. Trinidad will be the featured cigar, free food provided by Sandra Dee's, live music and no cover. The herf starts at 5 PM. Hopefully you can get the word out to other cigar enthusiasts in the area. Thanks