Episode 189: El Titan de Bronze

What this episode covers

El Titan de Bronze Tonight we’re smoking the Sungrown version of the Redemption line out of El Titan de Bronze in Miami. We have the 6” x 52 toro, which features a Sungrown Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. The line is also available wrapped in a “Dark Habano” or Mexican Maduro wrapper. I picked these up in a friend’s collection selloff last year, and I jumped on them because I remember back in 2012-ish really digging these sticks. At the time I found them sometimes aggressive, but *always* enjoyable. I have had some strong opinions on progression of these through time, and I believe they have a good bit of age on them (truly unknown, as I haven’t asked the seller). Let’s see how tonight goes…. Cigar News Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla) has introduced a bill ( S.9 – Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019 ) which would exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. Actually, it is essentially a re-introduction as the bill’s content is the same as has been previously proposed. The bill does create a definition for *premium* cigars – which is familiar if you’ve been with us for a while. To qualify, a cigar must be: * Wrapped in 100% leaf tobacco, as well as filled by 100% tobacco filler * No filters nor tips * Does not meet the existing legal definition of a cigarette * >= 6 lb. per 1,000 cigars and either: * 100% leaf tobacco binder & hand rolled * 100% leaf tobacco binder & hand-lain on a singular machine that finishes the cigar, OR… * homogenized tobacco leaf binder & made in the US and hand-lain on a singular machine that finishes the cigar Several other co-sponsors have signed onto the bill, from both sides of the aisle. We shall see if this gathers any momentum beyond awareness…. The ongoing lawsuit brought against the FDA by CRA, CAA, & IPCPR has been delayed again, this time due to the government shutdown. The DOJ has requested and been granted a stay due to the circumstances. The stay will endure until 14 days after funding resumes. This week’s “three-pipe problem”. I often hear – and have been guilty of saying myself – that a tobacco seems like it’d age well (whether a cigar or pipe blend). Upon hearing someone say this recently, I wondered what is it that makes us say that? Despite having said it myself, I can’t lay any tangible, measurable quality to it. What sayest thou? What Else We’ve Been Smoking Craig – Jericho Hill Kip I popped a(nother) tin of 2004 Abingdon this week. Since I’ve been opening up some 12-15 year old tins as of late, I’m continually impressed by the condition of Pease (hence, C&D’s) tobacco in the tin. I’ve encountered a number of problems with some brands over the years – mold, rust, imperfect seals, etc. I’ve not had any issue whatsoever with these 2002-2005 Pease blends, which gives me great hope as those were prime cellar-building years for me. With the sheer volume I set aside, I’m comforted that my investment seems sound. As for the tobacco, what a delight. I love Abingdon when fresh, with its bold, smoky presence in the bowl and charred, campfire aroma before light. But with age, there’s a sweetness that isn’t there when young that I genuinely adore. It borders on – but never crosses into – a floral character. It is sublime for my palate. Fonseca Nicaragua. I loved ‘em two years ago. I picked up some recently and find them a bit overpowering and aggressive, with a wonky burn. I hope this is settles out of the remainder after some time of rest….

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