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Continue reading →: The Definition GEN 413 and the Limits of FlavorWhere Flavor Ends and Interpretation Begins This is a companion piece to the review I wrote for Katman. You can read it here. In that review, I kept the focus on the cigar and its dynamics, leaving out much of the broader commentary. This piece is meant to explore that…
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Continue reading →: The Montecristo Espada Oscuro’s… Ancestry?The Montecristo Espada Oscuro may look like a modern Nicaraguan release, but its architecture traces directly back to the Montecristo Nicaragua 2000 Limited Edition. When you compare the components, the Plasencia tobacco, and the structural style, a clear lineage emerges — one that reveals the Espada Oscuro as the youthful…
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Continue reading →: Definition Cigars 919 Maduro ToroDefinition Cigars has one of the largest portfolios in the boutique world, yet their blends remain remarkably consistent in authorship and identity. The 919 Maduro is a perfect example, a cigar that slipped under the radar not because of its quality, but because of the sheer volume of work surrounding…
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Continue reading →: Do the Math: You Smoke a Lot More Than You Think You DoMost smokers describe themselves as “casual.” But the numbers tell a different story. Once you see the numbers, will it slow you down? For me… HELL NO!
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Continue reading →: How to Vet a Boutique Cigar Brand Before You Spend a DollarBoutique cigars can be delightful, surprising, or occasionally confusing. This quick field guide helps you spot the difference before you spend a dollar.
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Continue reading →: Tatuaje 7th Corojo Almost a Year LaterUpdated Tatuaje 7th Corojo review: how this Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 blend transforms after nearly a year. Flavor evolution, structure, transitions, and why it earns a higher rating.
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Continue reading →: Anthony Bourdain’s Cigar Lounge LogicA tongue‑in‑cheek guide to the real cigar lounge rules — the unspoken etiquette, the social landmines, and the behaviors Anthony Bourdain might’ve roasted on sight.
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Continue reading →: The Rise of the Celebrity BlenderIn addition to cigars and a handful of other obsessions, I’ve always loved to cook—and, obviously, to eat. I’m not formally trained, but gourmet cooking and technique have been a quiet through‑line in my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been fascinated by chefs from around…
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Continue reading →: We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ GatekeepersI like to poke fun at myself, especially when I catch myself doing the exact behaviors that annoy me in other people. We all have a little gatekeeper in us. The trick is noticing it before we start handing out imaginary merit badges.
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Continue reading →: Don Emmanuel Anunnaki Anu: A Proper ReviewThe Don Emmanuel Anunnaki Anu isn’t just the larger sibling of the Ki with the same profile—it’s a completely different cigar with its own pacing, tension, and identity. Despite sharing the same blend, the Anu develops in a totally distinct direction, driven by its thicker ring gauge, denser construction, and…

