Half Ashed Episode 099: 2000 Partagas Serie D Robusto

What this episode covers

2000 Partagas Serie D Robusto (#4) Welcome to Episode 099 of Half Ashed, featuring one of Craig’s selections – and quite a treat – the 2000 Partagas Serie D #4 Robusto.  Craig’s words about this special cigar: A traditional robusto which helped popularize the size in the 70’s. This classic cigar from Cuba is the only remaining specimen from a 16 cigar series from A-D & 1-4. Originally the rings escalated by letter and lengths shortened by number. This little trivia tidbit is a lesser known fact about what is now an incredibly popular cigar. Filled with classic “old school” tobacco based flavors, this cigar blossoms with “twang” and displays quite a bit of spice and bold sweetness when young. With a decade and a half of age, these samples are well rounded and smoothed out, while still being powerful enough to hold anyone’s interest. News In the news, we covered and explored a few items, including the stories summarized below. We haven’t talked much in the past about Cabal, but they’ve been busily building a growing following.  It’s a partnership between Chris Arolfo and Hendrik Kelner, Jr. as the flagship line for Kelner Boutique Factory in the DR.  Chris posted up this week that he will be releasing a new line – the Linda, in honor of his Mom who passed away with a rare brain disorder 2 years ago.  It will help support a research/support organization for Frontotemporal Degeneration.  No details for the cigar, but I dig the idea already. Jon Huber at The Crowned Heads has again hinted at another upcoming project for the company.  He put up a picture captioned: “Dark..bold..& beautiful. An old vitola called “Dukes” (5 1/2 x 54). Coming #2015”.  That’s all the info he’s given out thus far, but it did indeed look dark, bold and beautiful…. Longtime general manager of Davidoff’s Dominican operations Hendrik Kelner has handed over the reins.  He’s not leaving the organization, but taking on “a more global role within the company.”  Longtime employee and current VP of Tabadom’s cigar operations Hamlet Espinal will be taking over.  “Some of Kelner’s new global roles will include government relations, corporate affairs, chairing the blending and tasting panel at Tabadom and conducting educational tasting seminars around the world.”(story from Cigar Aficionado) The CMA, which we are a part of,  put out their list of awards today.  This inaugural year included three awards: Cigar of the Year: illusione Fume D’Amour Company of the Year: The Crowned Heads Cigar Media of the Year: Cigar Dojo New Orleans is trying to pass a smoking ban that would prohibit smoking at most businesses and public space throughout the city….the year IPCPR is coming to town…. Back to Nebraska!  A bill has been introduced – but no action taken – by State Senator Ty Larson that would restore the ability of cigar bars to allow smoking in their establishments.  It has language that differentiates cigars and pipes from other tobacco use and asserts that the exemption does not interfere with the intent behind the existing smoking ban.  We’ll keep you updated on this story as it continues….. Sam Brownback (gov., Kansas) has been busily making cuts to government in his home state…but has just this week proposed making ...

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