Half Ashed Episode 090: Blessed Leaf Kairos

What this episode covers

Welcome to Episode #090, featuring the Blessed Leaf Kairos.  This week, we’re smoking one of my favorites, a blend created by the minds behind Ezra Zion Cigars and Casa Fernandez.  Here’s a bit of background: “The Kairos was put out by the “cigar ministry” arm of the Ezra Zion guys – BlessedLeaf.com.  They decided to add a line from which sales would support various Christian ministries and missions (for full disclosure, I (Kip) am actually a beneficiary of this ministry, as a donation was made toward my move into full time mission work in the Dominican Republic….so take my whole opinion for what it’s worth….however, I’m supremely confident that those who enjoy potent Nicaraguan tobacco will like it).  It is produced at the Miami Casa Fernandez factory, as is often the case with Ezra Zion blends.  The partnership works well for my tastes.  I’m a big fan of both companies, and enjoy the blends they’ve produced together.  Kairos has a great deal of symbolism in the packaging (which I can detail on the forum if anyone’s interested).  The blend consists of a Nicaraguan Corojo 99 Rosado wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler leaf from both Esteli and Jalapa.  It comes in a singular 6.25” x 52 box pressed vitola.  A total of only 4,000 cigars were produced in 20-ct boxes and 5-packs…..and I have box #1 (which I paid for).  When it was first released, I felt it ever-so slightly in need of a bit more “polish” or marriage in the blend.  I have not lit one up in a few months now, so I’m hoping the wait has paid off.  In typical Casa Fernandez / Ezra Zion fashion, this is not a cigar for those with weak constitution...” — Kip In the news, we cover stories from our friends at La Tradicion Cubana and TL Johnson, some interesting survey stats from CigarSense (Craig was not a fan…), CAO, Viva Republica, and a legislative update from Nebraska.  We also kick around some talk about a new study beginning to filter out from FDA.  As always, we also covered a few of the cigars we’ve enjoyed this week and wrapped up some further improvements that have been made for the Half Ashed site. In the next episode we will be featuring one of Craig’s favorites, so be sure to check back in Friday night at 9:30pm EST on halfashed.com where you can catch us recording and participate in the new and much improved chatroom.  If you would like to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints.  We love to get your emails!  Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive.  You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), find us on iTunes, or subscribe with any podcast app at our RSS Feed.  Video, as always, will be available at the Half Ashed YouTube Channel. P.S. – If you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those to us by sending an email to [email protected].  This email address goes directly to my wife, so you can simply suggest an unbanded cigar for her to source, or send me an email to [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in.  I will provide an address to send them.  Thanks!

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