Cigar Review - PIO Resurrection

Cigar - Resurrection
Manufacturer - PIO
Cut - Punch
Flame - Match
Acquired - Stogies in Orlando

Online Review:
PIO Cigar Company started in Little Havana Miami in 1996, with four Cuban rollers in our factory in Miami Florida; Little Havana is Nationally recognized for manufacturing some of the highest Premium Cigars, and one of the Top Cigar manufacturers outside of Cuba.  Due to the high influx of Cubans in Miami, they have brought with them the old techniques and qualities of Hand Rolled Cuban Cigars used in Habana, Cuba before the Revolution in 1959.

More than 60% of the brands in the market today whether well known or not, depend on no more than 10 factories that are currently in Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

PIO Cigar Company, has produced its own cigar for more than 19 years in Little Havana, Miami Florida, producing no more than 300 boxes a month for the national market.  It is a real boutique cigar.  Most brands use the term boutique when in fact they produce over 3000 boxes of cigars a month.  My commitment to all of my patrons at a national level is to maintain the exquisiteness and value of each and every cigar; and that can only be accomplished by PIO Cigar.



Initial Thoughts
I was a little excited to try this Box Press from PIO, the staff at Stogies recommended it as a decent "local" stick that is put together in Miami. The initial aroma was a mix of floral, leather and a hint of spice. I felt that this might be a good stick. The initial draw had a nice hint of pepper but the after taste reminded me of ass. If I was not reviewing this for my readers it would have ended up in the trash.

The First Third
I prayed to Nuestra Senora de las Neives in hopes that the blessed tobacco would actually start to show a different flavor than stale ass, but alias this did not happen. Once you can get past the awful taste and look at the other characteristics of the cigar it actually isn't that bad. The draw is nice and smooth, the ash is a dark grey, heck even the aroma smells good,  the cigar even has the potential to hold a long ash. Although due to the taste I kept knocking off the ash hoping that the taste would change.

 As I moved into the second half of the cigar my prayers were answered. The taste of ass appeared to gave way to a dry floral and leather taste, or my taste buds are all dead. I had to touch up the burn slightly as it started to burn unevenly. The draw is still good at this point. I was wrong... a few puffs past the half way mark the ass taste returned. I will attempt to take one for the team in hopes that somewhere along this stick that it actually starts to taste worthwhile..

I didn't survive much further on this smoke.. the taste was repulsive, disgusting which is a huge disappointment because I loved the smell that was being produced.

Because I am a strong believer that I should try more than a single stick of a brand I will be looking to get another one but I will attempt to get it from a different location just in case there is an issue with the humidor or selection at Stogies.

For right now though I would not wish this cigar on anyone.

Cigar Review - Don Bienve Limited Reserve Maduro

Cigar - Limited Reserve Maduro

Manufacture - Don Bienve
Wrapper - Cameroon
Binder Puerto Rico
Filler - Puerto Rico
Where Acquired - Old San Juan
Drink of the night - Crown and Coke

Initial Observation -
When I picked up the Don Bienve I had not heard anything about it, asking about options for good Puerto Rican cigars in Old San Juan this was one that they recommended. The initial aroma from the cigar was of leather and pepper.

First Smoke -
Holy Pepper Batman!! This thing has a bite of pure spice through out the cigar, it seemed to mellow near the end but with every draw there was a tasty peppery bite. This cigar just kept impressing me, it was able to maintain a nice Ash until some drunk in the bar "accidently" bumped me. I think he was suffering from ash envy.

The Second Half -
The pepper bite was still very pronounced through the rest of the cigar, not as potent as the first half. It seemed to mellow and blend with aromas of coco and leather. There was some very minor touch up but not enough to really be distracted about.

Near the final third of the cigar the draw started to get a little tough, but nothing a quick pin prick didn't solve.

Conclusion -
I regret not picking up more of these sticks, I can't wait to visit San Juan again and pick up a box.

Construction 9/10
Solid built, mostly a good draw.

Ash 8/10
Best ash I have gotten so far,

Spirit Review - Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port

Spirit - 20 year Tawny Port
Distiller - Taylor Fladgate

Web Review-
Another magnificent and finely-balanced old tawny blend of outstanding richness and complexity. This rare Port is traditionally enjoyed as a dessert wine or at the end of the meal. Ideal for summer drinking, Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny may be served cool.

Appearance -
The Taylor 20 year port has a deep burgundy coloring. Pouring from the bottle reminds me of a thick syrup. The aroma from a fresh poured glass reminds me of oak, cherry and a hint of grape. Swirling the glass helps show off the thick legs as they run down the sides.

Taste -
Initial taste of the Taylor is like a mix of cherry, grape and velvet candy exploding in your mouth, followed by a tingling warm sensation dancing over your taste buds.

Cigar Pairing -
I have found that a good port goes well with a strong cigar. I like the flavor enhancements that it creates when smoking a strong Maduro.

Cigar Review - Remember Cuba Cigars, Consecha 2008 Brazilian Maduro

Cigar - Consecha 2008 Brazilian Maduro
Manufacturer - Remember Cuba Cigars
Sound Track - Blues
Flame Source - Torch
Cut - V-Cut
Wrapper - Brazilian Maduro
Filler - Dominican
Binder - Nicaraguan
How Obtained - Purchased from RCC



Website Description -
If you’re a larger ring gauge fan, this is one cigar not to be missed. Warm notes of toasted sweet vanilla and dark cocoa beans are immediately apparent on the palate that enjoys an opulent and well-rounded smoke. The smoke is full and creamy reminiscent of the old school robust style of Havana’s best cigars.

Appearance -

This is a beautiful cigar, the wrapper is dark, some veins, solid construction. The aroma of leather, vanilla and a hint of chocolate can be picked up from smelling the stick.


First impression -

To be fair, this is not the first time I have enjoyed this cigar. It has turned into my everyday go to stick not only for price but overall flavor. This time it was no exception, a quick v-cut and a torch to light it I was already feeling my troubles drift away on the smoke as it bellowed out from the cigar. Filling the room with a robust aroma of robust flavors. There is a small lingering after taste of pepper which I feel enhances the over all enjoyment of this cigar.

Half way mark -

I was required to touch up the burn near the halfway mark, mainly because I had to step away and it was slowly going out. By the time I crossed the half way mark the flavors have blended and the cigar has just gotten better. I find this a nice mellow yet flavorful cigar that continues to impress me.

This is the one cigar that I share with all my friends, trade with other cigar aficionados and give to complete strangers because I find the quality incredible.  On more than one occasion I have had people compliment on the aroma drifting from the cigar, and those that have tried it I have never heard a complaint.

Construction - 9/10

I have had one cigar out of 100 from Remember Cuba give any issues with splitting on me. In this case the cigar stayed true. The burn was even throughout the smoke and there was never a time I had to correct the burn.

Taste - 10/10

This is the reason I keep coming back to this Cigar. The blend that RCC uses is phenomenal and easily makes this one of the best cigars I have had.

Ash - 8/10

I can easily get an inch or two of ash off this stick. I attribute that to the solid construction that is proven time and time again.

Recently Remember Cuba started packing these in cedar boxes, these boxes show the commitment,  pride and love that Mr. Celuzza puts in each one of his cigars.

Pros - Reasonable Price, Great Construction, Flavorful

Cons - I never buy enough,

Cigar Tourist Review - Tobacco Museum Herminio Torres Grillo Handmad Cigars

I was in Puerto Rico a few months ago and spent some time enjoying the scenery, the waves crashing on the breakers, the salty ocean air, and the cool nights under the stars. While there I went to the city of Caguas which is home to the Tobacco Museum Herminio Torres Grillo.

I found out about this museum from the website Puerto Rico Day Trips which describes it as follows:

"The Museo del Tabaco is just across the street from the Popular Arts Museum. The first you’ll notice as you walk in is the smell of the drying tobacco leaves. The second thing you’ll notice is the room off to the left with artisans making hand-rolled cigars. Pretty cool.

The displays in this museum explain the history and importance of this agricultural product. Tobacco was once big-business for Caguas and the surrounding area, and provided many jobs. The museum contains tools, photos and lots of tobacco paraphernalia — even a replica tobacco-drying shed.

There are a number of artisans on hand everyday. Some of these artisans even rolled cigars for the Cagaus company in the early 20th century, and have now trained some of the younger generation in this craft. You can purchase the hand-rolled cigars in the museum — $10 for 25 cigars. The signage in this museum is all in Spanish, but you can ask the guide for English explanations."

A few of the things that I enjoyed about the Museum was the tobacco related artwork, the historical information related to the Puerto Rico tobacco trade, the on-site cigar rolling and availability to purchase cigars. 

The diorama to the left shows the floor of the cigar factory where the employees rolled the tobacco, and the paid reader who would read books and news papers to the workers to help pass the time. The picture does not do the diorama justice. 

Also on display was a retired box press machine, and some of the tools that would have been used in the cigar factory over the last 100 years. 

There was also a glass separated room that was home to the Puerto Rican employees who still practiced this craft. When I was in there the employees were separating the main vein from the tobacco leaf that was going to be used as the wrapper. 

The day that we went they were not in the process of rolling a new batch, but I was still able to pick up a bundle of 25 cigars, which I affectionately call my Fugly's because they would not win a contest based on their beauty.  At about $0.40 per a stick they are an outstanding value, I only regret that I picked up a single bundle. 

Cigar - House Blend Tobacco Museum Herminio Torres Grillo

Wrapper - Puerto Rican

Filler - Dominican and Honduran short filler. 

How did I get them - Picked them up at the Museum in Caguas Puerto Rico. 

First Impression- 

These are what I refer to as my Fugly's because they will not win any beauty contest based on wrapper appearance. These are the cigars that at first glance you are unsure what to think of them, but these Fugly's actually surprised me with an even burn, smooth and bold flavor through out. 

They are a good 30-45 min cigar, and flavorful enough to still be tasty after a nice strong maduro. If you do make it to Puerto Rico and can make it to Caguas I would highly recommend that you pick up a bundle or two, I know I will when I am back that way. 

Cigar Review - Stanza dei Sigari House Maduro Box Press

Cigar Review - Stanza dei Sigari House Maduro
Drink Pairing - Woodford Reserve and Pepsi
Sound Track - Blues
Flame Source - Match
Cut - Straight Cut
How Obtained - Purchase at Stanza dei Sigari

Appearance -
Dark wrapper with a few pronounced veins in the construction.
Hints of leather, spice and some chocolate.

First Impression -
This is the second time that I have tried this cigar, the first time was when I was at Stanza dei Sigari in Boston. The wrapper is a nice dark leather smelling maduro wrapper. This is a box pressed cigar, normally these are not my preferred smoke. There is a tight draw when I first light the Cigar, I am hoping that it eases up a little bit. The initial flavor profile of this cigar has sme spice, but is mild for a maduro. This cigar also leaves a slight bitter taste on the lips.

Not even to the half way mark and I am starting to see an uneven burn, I hope it will correct itself before I need to touch up the burn. about 1/3 of the way in I finally had to touch up the uneven burn. A few puffs later the cigar has gone out.

Half way mark -
The flavor still has not impressed me, this could be due to the fact that I have had to relight this stick twice as I got to the half way mark. The draw is still tight.

Construction - 5/10
The wrapper never split, but with uneven burn, relighting issues and a tight draw I have had much better than this cigar at a lower price point.

Ash - 1/10
The best I got was about an inch, and that was due to uneven burn. Would not stay burning long enough to even try for a decent ash.

Taste - 2/10
This is a mild maduro, there is not a lot of flavor in the cigar, some pepper notes, but the after taste is disgusting.

Number of times to relight - 6 and all after the first 1/3 of the cigar.

Conclusion -
I really hoped that letting this sit a week in my humidor would allow it to be a better cigar. I am having a hard time understanding why I actually thought this would get better and why did I buy a total of 3 of them. I am going to let my remaining one set in the humidor for a few more months and hope that it gets better.

For a $14 cigar I am not impressed with this, I have had plenty of cheaper cigars that have had better burn and draws.

Limiting the impact of a Security Breach

Limiting the impact of a Security Breach

Every couple of days a new announcement is made in the media about some company being compromised because of information security failure. This failure could be related to numerous issues but usually all come back to some end user act that has caused this issue. This issue could be a mis-configured security settings, loss of company assets, lack of skilled security resources, lack of user education, lack of understanding of the risk, and even gross misconduct of an employee.

According to DatalossDB, a website that lists known breaches, since March 20, 2015 there have been 10 incidents. Out of those 10 incidents 6 have stated that the total records lost is around 161,685. This does not include the records compromised by Uber, Kreditech Holding SSL, Twitch and FINRA at the California Department of labor.

As a consumer there is little you can do to protect yourself from your information being compromised when an organization is breached and the information is stolen. There are things that can be done to lessen the impact, but depending on what was taken the impact will still be felt. For example the impact to your personal data will be greater if Personal Identifiable Information (PII) or Personal Health Information (PHI) is stolen than if username and passwords are compromised. Although if you are like the majority of people with an online presence than there is a good chance you reuse your username/password across multiple sites.

In order to protect yourself online as a consumer I would recommend the following behaviors

1. Monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions
2. Monitor your credit report regularly
3. Practice password management
1. Do not reuse your passwords across multiple sites
2. Use strong passwords
1. 13 Characters
2. Special characters such as #$%^&)(!
1. Try not to use them as the last character in the password
3. Do not use dictionary words
3. Use a password storing app
1. Great to store complex passwords
2. Still can be compromised
3. Create a password & pin combination, store only password in the app
   For example, the password stored is C!gaRsR0k, and the pin is 1234. The complete password for the site is actually 1234C!gaRsR0k. This will still protect you if the application is compromised. If you use a different pin for each website than even reusing C!gaRsR0k you will not be at risk of other accounts being compromised
4. Change your password regularly
5. Do not store your password as a password hint on the site
4. Use two-factor authentication when available
   This is similar to the example above about password and pin. Some websites offer this option as increased security. 

These wont protect you 100% of the time, but they will give you more security and allow to mitigate the impact quicker. 

In order to protect yourself online as an organization there is a lot that can be done to keep you out of the headlines. These include: 

1. End users education, train your employees to be better stewards of your data. 
2. Use Encryption when possible to protect PII, PHI and critical data
3. Do not store passwords in plain text. 
4. Use two factor authentication, if you are using Office 365, or Google this is free!
5. Monitor and respond to your logs and alerts. 
6. Verify configuration settings
7. Hire a 3rd party to help secure your environment. 
8. Understand your risk. 
9. Compliance and regulatory requirements are more then a checkbox. 

Again following these steps wont protect you 100% of the time, but they will help defend your data and hopefully lessen the chance that you will end up in the media. 

Stay Safe, Stay Smokey

Lounge Review - Stanza dei Sigari

Lounge Review - Stanza dei Sigari
Website - http://www.stanzadeisigari.com/index.html
Location - North End, Boston MA

First Impression -
When you first visit Stanza you will take the stairs down from the street level and pick one of two doors, entering either one takes you on a time warp through history with cigar related memorabilia displayed proudly on the walls and in glass cases. One side of Stanza has more of the sports lounge atmosphere while the other feels like a traditional speakeasy where you can sit with friends and have good conversation over cigars and spirits.

Stanza's humidor is in the back of the lounge, near the walk through between the two sides. Stanza has a decent selections of premium cigars, but the prices seem a little higher then what I can get in Chicago, and Chicago has a large tax on cigars. Most Cigars are in the $18-$25 range, the house blends were $10-$14. Drinks on the other hand appear to be inline with large cities, similar to what I see in Chicago. Stanza does offer a $5 cut fee if you bring in your own cigar, although if you are buying drinks the staff usually overlooks the cut charge.

Sitting options ranger from small intimate tables, to arranged leather seating for larger groups. I did find that sitting along the exterior walls it was a few degrees colder, which on some of the colder Boston nights the seating was uncomfortable. Sitting in the back of the lounge or away from the wall the temperature in the lounge was consistent.

Service at Stanza depends on the the night, how many is in your group, and where you are sitting. I have had wonderful service where the staff was always checking in on the table, there was 3 of us, and it was about half full. I had great service as a single patron on a slow night, but on a busy night, if there is one or two in your party the service is abysmal.

Overall Stanza was a great place to end up after a evening meal of Italian and if you are looking for a comfortable place for a cigar.

Pros: Relaxing atmosphere, decent selection and price on drinks, cigar selection,
Cons: Cigar Prices, inattentive service, limited parking, can be crowded on a busy night

J Fuego Cigar Company - Heat Review

Cigar - Heat
Manufacturer - J Fuego Cigar Company
Drink Pairing - Taylor Port 20 yr
Flame Source - Match
Cut - V-Cut
Wrapper - Honduran
Filler - Blend of Ecuadorian, Sumatra and Nicaraguan
How Obtained - Cigar Trade


Online review -
J. Fuego Heat cigars are made for the ultimate Corojo fanatic, or anyone who wants a full-flavored, perfectly-balanced, top quality smoke at a reasonable price. Jesus Fuego is a master at growing and fermenting the awesome Corojo leaf that binds and caps this Ecuadorian Sumatra & Nicaraguan Criollo long-filler blend. As close to the flavor and character of genuine Cuban cigars as it gets, this edition blows the doors off its Havana cousins for a truly remarkable smoke.

Appearance -
Dark brown wrapper with a few pronounced veins, dark filler.
Smells of leather and spice.

First impression -
Mild, flavorful start.
Wife approved.

Half way mark -
Slowly gaining more of a full bodied flavor, smooth and easy to smoke. Picks up a little spice through the middle. Some sweet tones.

The last third of the Heat the flavors tasted more evenly blended and fuller. Mixed with the port, these two provided a flavorful palate as I finished them both.

Construction - 9/10
Solid construction throughout, had no issues with the wrapper breaking or cracking. Had to relight once near the start. Nice even burn across the cigar, no need to touch up based on uneven burn.

Taste - 8/10
I like the strong full bodied spicy cigars, this one while listed as Medium provided a good balanced flavor. I would give this another chance.

Ash 5/10
I could never keep a long ash on this one. I tried but at about 0.5" it would always fall.

Overall I enjoyed this well constructed cigar. I felt the pairing with the Taylor 20 yr port helped bring out and enhance the flavor of it.

Welcome to Cigar Intelligentsia

Greetings and welcome to the first post of Cigar Intelligentsia. Feel free to pull up a chair, light up a cigar, sip on your drink of choice and learn a few things.

This blog will cover the following topics

1. Personal Review of Cigars
2. Personal Review of Spirits, Beer and Wine
3. Pairing review between Cigars and Spirits, Beer and Wine
4. Technology 
1. Security Concerns
2. Technology Reviews
3. Technology Current Events
5. Cigar Lounges
6. Travel Destinations 

Please contact me at cigarintelligentsia@gmail.com if you would like to: 

1. Submit an idea for a topic.
2. Request link to your website. 
3. Recommendation of a Cigar or Alcoholic drink. 
4. Would like me to review your product. 
5. Request for me to visit your favorite lounge.
6. Just to say hello.

Enjoy the ride.