The back story on the MUWAT is:

“The UZI story began on the very first final consumer blending session at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in late 2010 during a Cigar Safari tour with the B.O.T.L.(botl.org members) group. After conducting blending sessions for the previous 3 years at the Drew Estate factory we were amped up to extend the concept to JDN. I worked with the JDN team utilizing DE tobaccos, including a San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Binder and hearty Brazilian Mata Fina Filler, coupled with Nicaraguan fillers provided by JDN. The blend proved to be rich and earthy, with a bright, sweet undertone. As months of blending passed, I felt this blend was most noble in the 6×60 format and began calling this cigar “The Uzi.” We all had a good laugh at the name, but when I went back to their factory to pick up the round of 50 sticks, I said, “Damn, My UZI’s Weighs a Ton!” – and the brand was officially born.“

Now on to the cigar.  The appearance of the cigar is a hefty 6×60 cigar, firmly packed with no soft spots.  The wrapper is Mexican and has a nice sheen to it and almost the color of a typical maduro wrapper with minimal veins to it.  Simple black band with gray distressed lettering to it with “XXL” printed on it as well, giving it a trendy “chic“ look.  Prelight draw is good with a bit of a tightish draw that has some spice and hay to it.  A clip and a light and I am on my way.

First notes I pick up are the hay from the prelight draw with a small bit of pepper to it, likely from the Nicaraguan tobaccos contained within.  Also picking up a hint of chocolate from the cigar as well.  Producing a nice amount of smoke, just a hint on the side of a tight draw.  Burning well and staying very consistent throughout the first third of the cigar and I would put it in the medium bodied/medium strength category.  Nice light gray marbled ash holding well beyond an inch.

After cleaning an inch and half long ash off my lap I am now getting in to the second third of the cigar.  The strength has gone down a touch and the flavor has stayed pretty consistent.  The burn and draw have been great as well.  The chocolate has subsided and there is a bit of a cedar burn to the retro hale.

The finish was consistent with the second third, picking up a little strength and with a nice long finish to it.  This cigar smoked for well over an hour and a half and was very enjoyable.  Just the right amount of pepper to give it a “kick” with out being an overpowering cigar.

“My Uzi Weighs A Ton” can be purchased online and at all 5 Emerson’s Cigars locations in Hampton Roads or by calling us us at 1-800-842-2990 to place an order.

This year will also marks the 5th Anniversary of our Montecristo Golf Tournament which will be held in September.  This has always been a great event for a great cause with last years proceeds being matched by Altadis to benefit last years Tornado victims in Joplin, MO.  More information regarding signing up for this great event to come.

It is a little too early in the year to know what new cigars will be released, but if it is anything like last year we have a lot to look forward to!  This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Fuente and we expect that we will see some great cigars coming from them to celebrate this milestone mark.  After the success of the Four Kicks line, we are excited to see what is coming next from Crowned Heads, Jon Huber and Mike Conder have really embraced the new media involvement in this venture and has been a lot of fun for us to watch and participate along with them.  Also be on the lookout for OSOK from Room 101 Cigars, a limited edition line that should be in our stores mid February.  Like most years, we will see most of the new releases start to hit the market around August shortly after the IPCPR trade show, which we will be in attendance to seek out the best of the new cigars for our shops.

Stay tuned as we will be making some big announcements soon!

From the creative mind of Matt Booth at Room 101 Cigars comes his latest creation called OSOK, which is short for “One Shot, One Kill”.  OSOK is a collaboration between Matt Booth and photographer Edgar Hoill, who gets his nickname “One Shot One Kill” from his ability to capture breathtaking photographs with one “shot”.  Room 101 is not only known for having some great cigars, but some of the most creative packaging in the industry as well, as evident in the photo above.  OSOK will be available at Emerson’s Cigars Mid-Febraury in 3 different figurado sizes:

Room 101 OSOK Filero
Size: 52 x 42 x 4 1/2

Room 101 OSOK Trucha
Size: 30 x 50 x 19 x 6 1/2

Room 101 OSOK Chingon
Size: 60 x 44 x 8

Price will be between $8-$12 for the different sizes.  OSOK is rolled in Honduras and will feature an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Honduran Corojo Binder and Honduran and Dominican Filler.  This will be a very limited cigar with only 10,000 of each size available and we here at Emerson’s Cigars will be one of the few retailers to carry them.

OSOK will be available mid Febraury online and at all 5 Emerson’s Cigars locations in Hampton Roads or by calling us us at 1-800-842-2990 to place an order.

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Obelisco Collection – $44.99 -  Hailed by Robb Report as one of the “Best of the Best” cigars released in 2010, Artesanos de Obelisco marries masterful cigar making techniques with impeccably balanced, full-bodied flavor. Team La Gloria and Emerson’s Cigars are pleased to offer you this handsome window box which displays the 5 treasures contained within.

New Release Collection – $25.99 – Celebrating the best of General Cigar’s recent and new releases, this multipack was created to provide cigar enthusiasts with an introduction to a world of new unique tastes from General Cigar’s team of cigar masters. Inside are recently launched, critically acclaimed favorites: Macanudo Cru Royale and Hoyo de Monterrey Reposado en Cedros, nestled among these 2011 releases: CAO OSA Sol and La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especialle. And as a bonus, there is an included cutter, making this a pack that new and tenured smokers will surely enjoy.

La Traviata Amatista Jar – $49.99 – La Traviatahas received high praise from cigar media and is firmly placed in the smoking repertoires of tenured smokers the world over. This limited edition Amatista jar with seven Fabuloso sized cigars will make a perfect gift.

Hoyo de Monterrey Reposados en Cedros 3 Pack – $25.99 – Masterfully handcrafted by Honduran artisans, Hoyo de Monterrey Reposados en Cedros debuted it’s innovative “Immersion” aging process last year and became a favorite among tenured smokers. This year, General Cigar is highlighting the complex, medium bodied taste with a 3 pack containing the popular Sueno, Liso and Marco front marks.

Partagas Collection – $44.99 – Partagas Cigars are renowned for their signature taste and model construction. To highlight the venerable brand, General Cigar has created a Toro-sized cigar only available as part of this unique offering. Also included is a custom-branded Partagas triple torch lighter, complete with fuel window and cigar punch. Factor in the souvenir tin which pays homage to the original Partagas factory, and it’s a great bargain!

Best of Central America Sampler – $29.99 – The “Best of Central America” sampler features cigars selected not only for their extraordinary flavors, but also for their high ratings in Cigar Aficionado. Each cigar has received a rating of 90 or above, designating these cigars as some of the finest smokes on the market. A steal at $29.99, this pack includes Punch, Hoyo de Tradicion, CAO Gold, CAO LX2 and Sancho Panza.

Best of the Dominican Sampler – $29.99 -  The “Best of the Dominican” celebrates its most exemplary releases with this unique selection of classics such as Partagas, El Rico Habano, La Gloria Cubana, Bolivar and Macanudo 1968. Each of these cigars has been regaled by Cigar Aficionado with a rating of 90 or above, deeming the cigars contained within as essential for the serious smoker.

Next up are the Holidays Deals.  These featured deals include huge savings on cigar samplers and several deals that include free items when you make a box purchase.

AVO Take “5″ 5 Cigar Robusto Sampler $39.99 – Includes:

Nicaragua Sampler – $24.95 – 5 Cigar Toro Sampler Sampler Includes:

Rocky Patel Box Special – Buy Any 20 Count Box Or More Of Rocky Patel Cigars and Receive A FREE 5 Pack of Edge Corojo Torpedos!

NUB Gift Pack – Buy Any 24 Count Box Of Nub Cigars and Receive A FREE Nub Gift Set! Gift Set Includes:

Oliva Sampler – Buy any 20 count box or more of Oliva Cigars and get a FREE Oliva Sampler. Includes 4 cigars plus a cutter:

Xikar Gift Sampler – $69.99 – Includes:

• X8 60RG Cutter
• Inpress Lighter
• XIKAR 5ct Travel Humidor

Ashton Holiday Deal 10 Cigar Sampler – $66.90 – Includes:

These great deals can be found online at Emerson’s Cigars as well as at all 5 Hampton Roads locations or by calling 1-800-842-2990(option 1) to place an order.

Founded in January, 2011, Crowned Heads, LLC is a premium cigar company committed to producing cigars of artisanal quality that are defined by a combination of excellent flavor, balance, and consistency. Operated by cigar industry veterans, Mike Conder and Jon Huber, the Crowned Heads staff has over 50 years of combined experience in the premium cigar business. Four Kicks is manufactured at Tabacalera La Alianza S.A. under the supervision of one of the cigar industry’s true icons, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo.

Four Kicks is now available in boxes of 24 and in 6 packs. Also available in a 4 Cigar Line Sampler containing 1 Cigar in each of the 4 sizes!

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium to Full Bodied

Four Kicks can be purchased online and at all 5 Emerson’s Cigars locations in Hampton Roads or by calling us us at 1-800-842-2990 to place an order.

2011 Oliva Series V Maduro Toro

First we have the 2011 Limited Edition release from Oliva, the Series V Maduro Toro.  This year Oliva decided to get away from the traditional Belicoso/Torpedo shape and go with a 6×50 Toro.

Wrapper: San Andreas Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full Bodied

Davidoff LE 2011 Geneva 100 Robusto

To celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Geneva, Switzerland store, Davidoff has released the Limited Edition Davidoff 100 Year Geneva Robusto.  Packed in 10 count wooden humidors, the presentation of this cigar is just as impressive as the cigar itself.  Having tried this cigar at IPCPR this year, it was definitely one of my favorites, medium bodied and very flavorful and will be enjoyed by all.  And with a limited production of 1000 boxes, these won’t last long!

Wrapper: Dominican Criollo
Binder: San Vicente Mexico
Filler: Ecuadorian Grown Dominican
Strength: Medium

Both the 2011 Oliva Series V Maduro Toro and the 2011 Davidoff 100 Year can be purchased online and at all 5 Emerson’s Cigars locations in Hampton Roads or by calling us us at 1-800-842-2990 to place an order.

Cigar: San Cristobal Elegancia
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Appearance:

The reddish hue of the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is quite attractive.  The cigar is triple capped and exhibits an evenly packed foot.

Pre-Light:

The aroma off of the foot as well as the pre-light draw are quite similar: a simple sweet hay note and a very light spice.

First Third:

After lighting and taking the first puff, I was absolutely blown away at how unexpectedly full this cigar was at the beginning, particularly through the nose.  No, it wasn’t as full as the regular San Cristobal, but it was certainly a surprise considering the wrapper.  There are similarities to the regular line, but the Elegancia has more of an emphasis on white pepper accompanied by a toasty sweetness.  A tangy, mineral-y taste that I find in many Nicaraguan cigars (and those from another little island country – I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’ve never smoked those!) is also prevalent.  After the first few puffs, the body is a solid medium, and strength is mild-medium.

Second Third:

The path this cigar is on divulges far, far away from the first third – almost a Jekyll & Hyde experience!  The pepper and tanginess almost completely disappear, and are replaced by toasted nuts, grains, and a buttery creaminess that remains on the roof of my mouth after the exhale.  The pepper is much softer, and the tastes blend together nicely.  Several puffs struck me as pecan-like.  While the body has tamed down to a mild-medium, this is a milder cigar that does not sacrifice flavor for a lower strength.

Final Third:

A bit more complexity finds its way into the last third.  While the pepper does make a return, it is slight, and is accompanied by an oak and charred grain/popcorn taste.  The strength and body ramp up slightly, but it is still quite different from the first third in this regard.  The creaminess and sweetness both work their way out, and eventually the experience has come to an end.

Conclusion:

It’s good.  Quite good.  While I personally prefer stronger cigars, I was still able to appreciate the level of taste and complexity that the Elegancia offered.  Ashton and Pepin have succeeded again, this time in bringing a milder smoke that can be enjoyed by almost any palate.

Special Event:
Emerson’s Cigars on Granby Street in Norfolk will be having a Cigar Lunches On Granby St. event on Friday, October 21st, featuring Ashton cigars!  The event includes an Ashton cigar, pizza from Granby Street Pizza, soda/water, as well as special deals, all for $7.  The event runs from 11am-2pm, and tickets can be purchased at the store, online, or at the door.  Come on out, it’s the best lunch deal you’re going to find (you don’t even have to give me a tip)!

San Cristobal Elegancia is available in 5 sizes in 5 packs and 25 count boxes from Emerson’s Cigars by clicking here and can be purchased at all 5 Emerson’s Cigars locations or by calling us at 1-800-842-2990 to place an order.

Liga Privada Undercrown

From Drew Estate’s we have the latest addition to the Liga Privada line with the Undercrown.  The Undercrown was blended on the factory floor after employees were told to smoke less Liga Privada due to it’s limited nature.  The employees then decided to create their own blend using leaf that was more readily available and the resulting cigar became the Undercrown.

Wrapper: Otapan Negro Último Corte
Binder: T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano
Filler: Select Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Strength: Medium to Full Bodied

Emerson’s Cigars is pleased to offer Undercrown in 25 count boxes and 5 Packs by clicking here.

E.P. Carrillo Edicion Limatada 2011

Next up from the man behind El Credito and La Gloria Cubana, Ernesto Perez Carrillo, we have the Edicion Limatada 2011 also known as “Dark Rituals”.  This is the third yearly release of the Edicion Limitada line.  This bad boy measures in at 6 1/2 by 56 and features a dark Oscuro Maduro wrapper. This cigar is a must have for any E.P. Carrillo fan or anyone searching for that Full Bodied cigar to spend an afternoon enjoying!

Wrapper: Oscuro Maduro
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium to Full Bodied

The E.P. Carrillo Edicion Limatada 2011 is available online in 5 Packs and 10 count boxes by clicking here.

Both the Liga Privada Undercrown and the E. P. Carrillo Edicion Limatada 2011 can be purchased at all 5 Emerson’s Cigars locations or by calling us at 1-800-842-2990 to place an order.

There are a few main differences I noticed right off the bat, first being that this year’s Family Reserve is smaller in size then it’s predecessors(this being a 5 1/4 by 50).  Secondly, was the price, at $20 per cigar is slightly less than the previous years releases.  The 85th is a beautifully constructed box pressed cigar with minimal veins.  Firmly packed with just the right resistance to the pre-light draw with hints of cedar and chocolate.

Once lit, I got a slight blast of pepper and chocolate with a nice cedar finish.  Normally I gravitate towards fuller strength/bodied cigars, and this was right up my alley.  It wasn’t overwhelming, but there was definitely a burn to the retrohale.  Huge plumes of smoke from each draw, liking this cigar a lot so far!

As I make my way in to the second third of this cigar the burn and draw are perfect, nice light gray ash that has held for just over an inch before falling off.  To me, it seems like this a stronger cigar than the previous Family Reserves.  Haven’t had to touch it up once and really having a hard time setting it down to avoid power puffing it.

In finishing the cigar I just didn’t want it to end, it was perfect start to finish.  A lot of flavor, and while it was full strength, I didn’t find it overbearing on the palate.  Finish was definitely long and left a reminder that I just smoked a great cigar.  This is one I highly recommend for cigar smokers who like a full bodied/strength cigar.  If you are a Padron fan, you definitely will enjoy this one and I can see this cigar getting a high rating as well!

The Padron Family Reserve can be purchased in 10 count boxes and 5 packs at Emerson’s Cigars by clicking here.