Sunday Cigar

Nat Sherman Timeless Prestige Divino

Published

3 months ago

June 28, 2020

Juan Sanchez

Cigar Details

Wrapper: Honduran
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Upon my arrival at the Town house there were some cigars I favored and some that didn’t suit me. I’d no longer have that problem once the Timeless Dominican as it was then called back then was introduced. Michael Herklots who was the biggest reason for me finding a home at Nat Sherman was blending this cigar with Manolo Quesada and the prototypes were out of this world.

Herklots created samples and a survey and sent them out to a small group of retailers. The consensus came back and Herklots made some small tweaks to the blends for the cigars to find a broader audience. The initial sizes did not come out in the Divino, a perfecto that enhanced a lot of the core notes on the opening and closing of the cigar. When it was added, I became an instant fan of it.

I have a ton of great stories but one of my favorite includes Mr. Joel Sherman. Joel Sherman is Nat Sherman’s Son and was the CEO before selling the company to Altria. We were hosting a private event at the Town house back in 2012 and we would usually have our events after store hours. The doors are usually locked unless you were on the particular guest list. During this one event a middle aged man pulled on the heavy doors and knocked on the window once feeling the doors were locked. Normally one of us would open the door and politely explain that we were closed. This Particular night Mr. Sherman accompanied me to the door. The man explained that he didn’t know the store hours and was only in the city for the evening on business. He just wanted a cigar. Mr. Sherman said “No problem sir, reached into his pocket and handed the guy two Timeless Cigars. Mr. Sherman said unfortunately we’re closed but that should not stop you from enjoying your night, he then introduced himself. The man’s eyes became big and you can see the sincerity in his eyes. He thanked Mr. Sherman and I gave him my card. A Month later the same guy walked in during hours of operation and bought 5 boxes of the Timeless Cigars from me. Mr. Sherman did it so effortlessly that it stuck. Every event after that when we closed our doors and someone would yank on the door. I’d go with the same type of poise and I would speak to the person on the other side. If there was something I could do, I did it. To create a fan not just from your product but from you interaction when the lights are dim. When people don’t expect anything and you deliver, it sets everything apart.

In this episode we talk about the design of a cigar band, aging cigars, the V-Cut, the affect of a v-cut on a perfecto cigar, stories of the beginning of the Timeless Line, traveling with cigars, enjoyment of a cigar, Wu-Tang Clan as well as a brief history of the Nat Sherman store and brand.

If there are words or terms that you’re unfamiliar within this episode, we highly recommend you check out the Sunday Cigar Glossary.

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We would love to hear your thoughts on the episode. Leave a comment on the Apple Podcast App and don’t forget to rate the show.

Sunday Cigar

Rocky Patel Grand Reserve

Published

2 weeks ago

September 6, 2020

Juan Sanchez

Rocky Patel Grand Reserve

Cigar Details

Wrapper: Undisclosed
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed

In this recap of the season we talk about Amon’s Cigaragua experience, lighting a cigar, helping combustion, passion, customer service, cigar ettiequte when entering a humidor, duty free, Hand Rolled: A Film About Cigars, Lost City (film), Grand Closing as well as Cigars and Therapy.

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We would love to hear your thoughts on the episode. Leave a comment on the Apple Podcast App and don’t forget to rate the show.

Sunday Cigar

My Father Le Bijou

Published

3 weeks ago

August 30, 2020

Juan Sanchez

My Father Le Bijou, Photography by Amon Focus

Cigar Details

Wrapper: Habano Oscuro/Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan

The My Father Le Bijou is one of my favorite go to medium to full bodied cigars on the planet. Top 5 in my book. Not only is the cigar great but it ages fantastically. This is a complex smoke and one of the first few cigars that I discussed with Amon. I had given him an aged My Father Limited Edition 2010 in about 2014/15 I believe. Don Pepin, Jaime, Janny Garcia are some of the most beautiful people I have ever met. They know how to make great cigars. The Le Bijou has this silky smooth wrapper thats unmatched. The binder and filler are peppery but not overbearing. The progression and smoothness that it finishes off with is impecable. In body and in strength this cigar builds up so you have to make sure you have had a full meal. Their product and Brands are strong and are always consistent. This was fun and special to be able to record this experience.

In this episode we talk about the My Father Le Bijou cigar, foot bands on a cigar also known as secondary bands, Grand Robusto, strong cigars and pairing cigars with wine.

If there are words or terms that you’re unfamiliar within this episode, we highly recommend you check out the Sunday Cigar Glossary.

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We would love to hear your thoughts on the episode. Leave a comment on the Apple Podcast App and don’t forget to rate the show.

Sunday Cigar

Alec Bradley Mundial

Published

1 month ago

August 16, 2020

Juan Sanchez

Alec Bradley Mundial, Photography by Amon Focus

Cigar Details

Wrapper: Honduran
Binder: Honduran/ Nicaraguan
Filler: Honduras/ Nicaraguan

Alec Bradley is a brand in Cigars that has grown its own identity over time. Allen Rubin has done a good job of spreading the portfolio in to an intricate spectrum of taste. The Mundial is no different. The subtlety complex and progressive nature of the perfecto made me a fan early on.

Alec Bradley which is named after Allen’s children (Alec and Bradley) who are now young adults has created interesting blends with interesting vitolas. Reminiscent of the Tempus that AB created a half a decade earlier; its notes are of dark chocolate and pepper.

I had an opportunity to smoke with Allen in 2015 when he partnered with Mickey Blakes in Milford Connecticut. My boy Luis Rodriguez invited me up and I was honored to be in attendance. It was an amazing event with a packed house of about 250 people. After the event we hung out, had drinks and cigars. As the night went on and drinks were had, Allen opened up about his perspective of the industry and about the future. It wasn’t on a soap box or an inspirational speech, it was about how easy it is to lose our industry. Although I can’t remember a lot of what he actually said, when he spoke no one interrupted. We all nodded in agreement every time he made a point. It felt like a mob scene when the head of the outfit is talking and his organization are gathered around him like mannequins.

The sun came up and we all looked at each other in amazement that it was light out. We had gone 12 hours between the event and hanging. Guys from different walks of life who were fortunate enough to be under the same roof at the same time, smoking cigars and enjoying spirits.

In this episode we talk about attractive cigar bands, cutting the cigar, the Cuban cut, taste, what we pick up, pairing and hanging out with Allen Rubin at Mickey Blakes staff.

If there are words or terms that you’re unfamiliar within this episode, we highly recommend you check out the Sunday Cigar Glossary.

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We would love to hear your thoughts on the episode. Leave a comment on the Apple Podcast App and don’t forget to rate the show.