Half Ashed Episode 151: Unbanded 028

What this episode covers

Unbanded 028, from Kevin H. Tonight, we’re smoking another Unbanded from the generous Kevin Hasselwander – thanks, Kevin!  The following are Craig’s notes about it before lighting.  Tune in for the grand reveal!  A 6-½”x44 heavy in the hand, colorado colored cigar. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that it was a Cuban cigar by the texture & appearance of the (seemingly Habano) wrapper. It’s very firm and has a rustic triple cap. The appearance at the foot looks as if it’s a “book” style of bunching which, partnered with the density & weight, makes me somewhat anxious about how it draws. The unlit draw & aroma please, with the perfect resistance and a slight spicy sweetness in the sensation. We shall see how it progresses! Cigar News * With all the FDA goings-on, there have been quite a number of concerns about cigar donations that go to American service-folk.  A number of manufacturers have made it known that they have ceased their donations for fear of the practice being deemed against the sample restrictions outlined in the new regulations.  It remains a gray area, but a couple of legislators have requested specific clarification from the FDA, and are introducing at least one bill that would specifically allow the continuation.  It’s certainly NOT against the regs for individuals to donate cigars…but it could be construed as such for retailers and manufacturers.  We shall see in the days ahead…. * We don’t talk a great deal about Las Cumbres lately, Jose Blanco’s parent of the Señorial line.  But, he is launching a few new lines/extensions – a Connecticut version of the Señorial, a maduro Freyha, and the Freyha 12.  The first will feature an Ecuadoran CT wrapper over Dominican Piloto Cubano binder and Criollo 98/Piloto Cubano fillers.  The maduro Freyha, named the Freyha Nocturnal, will feature a CT broadleaf wrapper over San Andres binder and similar fillers to the Señorial CT.  Finally, the Freyha 12 celebrates her 12 years in the industry with a singular 7” x 52 churchill that carries an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over Dominican corojo, criollo 98 and Piloto Cubano filler. * The popular Two Guys’ “Firecracker” has been announced for 2017.  It will be coming from Fratello this time around.  The 3.5” x 50 vitola will have the same blend as the Fratello core line (Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, Ecuadoran Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan/Peruvian filler.  MSRP is reported to be around $6.  This year’s edition was made by RomaCraft, in the CroMagnon series.  * Check near the end of the show for Craig’s review of the recently released ScrewPop Ashtray! What Else We’ve Been Smoking * Craig * 03 Cohiba Siglo VI * Casa Trompeta Bahia!   * Kip * Fratello corona * Quesada España corona * Caminos

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