Five years old!

I just came to realize, that it has been five years since i started writing World of Cigars... Wow! Time flies when you're having fun, eh?

I want to thank all of my readers and supporters for the ride. It has been a pleasure so far, and i can't wait for the next five!

I will try to dig something special from the depths of my humidor to review as the "5th anniversary celebration cigar". Keep reading!

cheers,

Mikko

Unique humidor project - 1950's school desk

I wanted to share this item with you, as i consider it to be extraordinarily fantastic!

It is a refurbished school desk from the 1950's transformed into a cigar humidor/station by Alan Gwiz. It is beautifully restored and built, and really a unique piece of the world of cigars! Check out these pics, simply beautiful!

You can find more on this and other projects by Alan from the Gwiz Shop at gwizshop.tumblr.com. I will be following his work closely and update you all on every development there is to report.

Great work Alan!




cheers,

Mikko

Time to pick up speed!

Hello all!

My apologies for being away for quite a while, but i plan to start writing more as soon as i get my gear organized! I will soon post something i would like for you all to participate. I will try to send a newsletter on that soon also...

stay tuned!

Cheers!

Cigars and Casinos

Smoking and casinos used to go hand in hand but recent changes in smoking laws in the US have seen even some casinos cave in to the non-smoking push. While most Vegas casinos still allow smoking in some areas, the tide seems to be shifting in the favor of the non-smokers, so the days of enjoying a fine cigar while gambling in Las Vegas casinos may be numbered. Knowing where in Vegas you can and can't smoke isn't an issue for fans of online casino games but others should do their research before visiting Sin City.

As far as where you currently can and can't light up your Cohiba in Vegas, every casino currently offers at least some areas where smoking is still allowed on the gambling floor. This includes areas where slot machines are located as well as popular tables games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette; pretty much any place you can gamble offers some areas where smoking is allowed. The biggest exception are poker rooms, as the vast majority are completely smoke-free now so if you're a poker fan you'll have to leave the cigar behind (or keep it unlit) when at the poker tables.

In general the newer casinos such as the Wynn, Palazzo, and Bellagio have the most designated smoke-free areas, while older Strip casinos and downtown casinos are the best bet for the smoker who likes to enjoy a cigar or cigarette while playing. Most areas of convention centers are now entirely smoke-free, as are showrooms and other public areas. Many restaurants are smoke-free as well, but some do have designated smoking areas.

As online casinos fans already know, a convenient way to get the best of both worlds is to play blackjack online and smoke all the cigars your heart desires from the comfort of your own home. You won't get comped free drinks and can't enjoy the lights and excitement of Las Vegas but you can enjoy your favorite casino games without ever leaving your favorite chair. Online casinos also offer generous new player bonuses that can add free money to your gambling bankroll, something next to impossible to get in Vegas these days no matter how much you gamble.

Review - La Galana Torpedo Clásica - 89/100

The La Galana Torpedo are an oddity amongst many other cigars, as they are manufactured in Cologne, Germany. To my knowledge, the La Galana factory is one of the very few in Europe nowadays. The factory is owned and run by Annette Meisl, a friendly and a beautiful lady with a burning passion for cigars.

What comes to the Torpedo Clasíca cigar itself, it is a great smoke, starting from the look and feel... The cigar has a rustic wrapper with some veins and a shine, which reminds me of polished mahogany. It feels firm in hand and creates expectations with an earthy and woody fragrance unlit.


Spicy start to the flavor, showing off powerful tobacco and dark earthy tones, which smooth down going to the second third. Some distant whispers of heated wood and mushrooms. Like sitting on the porch after a sauna, watching the rain play on the leaves and trunks of late summer's trees. Finishes off with bitter liquorice.


A heavy, full bodied cigar with a somewhat linear profile, but a great smoke nonetheless. Some resemblance to a few old school Cuban cigars, although made from Nicaraguan tobacco. Goes well every time of the day, but really comes to life after a heavy and rich-flavored dinner or with a sweet drink in hand... 


Origin: Germany


Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nigaragua


Points: 89/100

Review - Bolivar Petit Belicosos Edición Limitada 2009 - 90/100

The limited edition Petit Belicosos from Bolivar is only of some resemblance to the "general" release Bolivar. This dark, veiny cigar carries a lot of power in a small package, most of it coming from the young tobacco - the rest is just pure Bolivar.

Definitely a full bodied cigar with complexity all over the board. There is some acidity in the beginning, but soon it gives way to powerful flavors of leather and some strong herbs and spice. Going forward, the intensity decreases, but not by sacrificing the rich flavors. Towards the ends, a lot of oils gather to build up a nice bitter chocolate ending. 

A little off balance, but nothing a few years in proper conditions would not correct. Huge potential!

Origin: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Filler: Cuba

POINTS 90/100

Review - Partagas Serie D.3 Edicíon Limitada 2006 - 93/100

This Corona Gorda can easily be recognized as a part of the Serie D family. As its siblings D4 and D5, the D3 holds its head up high amongst the other contestants from Cuba. 

By looks, it resembles the D5, although a different vitola. It is beautifully wrapped and has a flawless triple cap. The size fits my hand perfectly.  First fragrances rising from the unlit cigar are those of cocoa, chocolate and espresso. 

A few years have done splendorous things to the smoke - it has a smooth and mellow character with sweet creaminess and chocolate. Half way through, the cigar opens up with some beautiful espresso followed by faint spice and a leathery finish.  A cigar with finesse and character, no doubt.

Origin: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba

POINTS 93/100

50 Cigar Bands

Here is a great piece on pre-embargo Cuban cigar bands by Cary Georges. Check it out and let the nostalgia sweep over you. Just click the link below:

LA Times - 50 Cigar Bands

Thanks Cary!