Midwest Cigar Summit Blog

Posted By Lucas Woith on May 25, 2012

On Friday afternoon, May 25, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a massive increase of tobacco taxes.  Under the bill (SB2194) tobacco taxes would increase across the board on cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, and roll your own products.  Proponents of the bill say it will raise $350 million dollars to fund health care programs for the poor, which would than allow the state to tap into another $350 million of funding from the federal government.  The bill passed today on a 60-52 vote, a day after the Illinois House approved a $1.6 billion cut in Medicare funding.

This bill will have a negative impact on tobacco taxes, as other tax increases have across the country.  It will drive people out of state, as Illinois would now have the highest cigar tax of any surrounding state (Wisconsin and Iowa have higher rates, but taxes are capped at $0.50 per cigar.)  This will also drive cigar enthusiasts online, where major cigar retailers are headquartered in Pennsylvania and Florida, the two states that have no cigar tax.

An overwhelming majority of cigar shops in state of Illinois are small businesses.  This will harm them, causing a loss of jobs.  You can only go to the well so many times before your bucket comes up dry.  Illinois is in a dire financial situation, but raising taxes on tobacco is NOT the way to close the gap.

I urge you to contact your state Senator, you can find out who it is, and their contact information by clicking here.  If you’re not an Illinois resident, you can still voice your displeasure with the bill by contacting Senate President John Cullerton at (217) 782-2728 and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno at (217) 782-9407. With a concerted effort, we can stop this tax increase.  Thank you for your support!

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Posted By Lucas Woith on May 18, 2012

When you ask someone what the best drink to go with a cigar is, you’re sure to get a large array of answers.  Depending on my mood, I might go with a number of drinks–scotch, port, wine, beer, or even ginger ale.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon.  I’ve never been a huge fan of bourbon, preferring single malt scotch.  Four Roses has changed that.

Four Roses Single Barrel has the perfect mix of sweetness and spice, with neither sensation being overwhelming.  The finish had a nice oaky flavor that went well with the cigar I was smoking, an Arganese CL3 from 2009.

If you like Woodford Reserve or Knob Creek, you owe it to yourself to try Four Roses Single Barrel.  It runs about $35 a bottle, and is well worth it.

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Posted By Lucas Woith on May 16, 2012

The Midwest Cigar Summit is proud to announce that Marco V Cigars will be available at the 2012 Midwest Cigar Summit.  Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN and Santiago, Dominican Republic, Marco V Cigars are one of the hottest brands in the country.

Marco V has an exclusive farm in La Canela which lies near the River Mao just west of Santiago, Dominican Republic.  La Canela is widely known in the cigar industry to produce the highest quality cigar tobacco in the world.   Not one leaf from this exclusive farm is used by any other cigar brand.  Due to the location, their exclusive farm is only accessible by horseback and has the ideal combination of soil and weather.    These factors foster the perfect environment for growing the tobacco that produces the unique and consistent flavors of Marco V Cigars.  With their vertically integrated cigar factory, they control the entire process of the cigar making from seed to smoke.  Their engineers control the leaf that is grown in the field, their tobacco processors control the aging, fermenting, and processing of the tobacco and their Master Blender controls the blending and rolling of their premium cigars.  Everything is done by hand.

These cigars provide you with an outstanding smoke at a very affordable price.  Stay tuned for more information on Marco V Cigars, and some unique promotions we’ll be running at the Summit!

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Posted By Lucas Woith on February 10, 2011

Cigar Review By:

Lucas Woith

With all the boutique cigar companies popping up, it can be hard to know which ones are worth trying, and which ones are not.  For the novice cigar smoker, it can be very daunting.

One cigar that I recently tried needs to make it in to your normal rotation, the Tres Carabeles by Hispaniola Cigars. Owner Hugo Melo comes from a long line if cigar makers, and he’s struck gold with this line.

It’s wrapper, a oscuro vuelta arriba, is absolutely stunning.  Dark, oily, with just a hint of veins, the pre smoke scent was a nice charred espresso, with a slightly compacted foot.

After lighting, at first puff, I sensed a little more of the charred espresso, a flavor I really like in a cigar.  There was also a slight hint of citrus.  As the cigar got to the 2nd third, I started getting a nice pepper taste, with a bit of espresso, while leather dominated the last 3rd.

I didn’t want this cigar to end, it was that good.  The construction and burn were flawless, with not even the slightest problem with the draw.  It burned evenly and consistently throughout.

For more information on this cigar, go to http://www.hispaniolacigars.com/products/tres-carabelas

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Tags: Hispaniola Cigars

Posted By Lucas Woith on February 8, 2011

Commentary By:

Lucas Woith

I’m often asked this question by cigar enthusiasts ranging from novice to experienced.  The answer isn’t nearly as straight forward as it might seem.  What’s a good cigar to me may repulse someone else, and vice versa.

Picking the right cigar is one of the hardest things for a new smoker to do.  This is where the guidance of a friend, or a retailer at your local brick and mortar store, is invaluable.  The great thing about the cigar industry is that there’s literally something for everyone, from mild to full, and even flavored, although we won’t get into those here!

I learned a great tip for a shop owner out here on Long Island…when it comes to suggesting a cigar for someone who’s inexperienced, ask about what they like to eat.  If they are a white wine and chicken kind of person, they’re probably not going to like a La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero, but they may very well enjoy a Rocky Patel Connecticut.  To the contrary, if they eat red meat, red wine, spicy foods, etc…they may very well enjoy the Double Ligero.

Further complicating matters, there are so many great cigars out there nowadays, from small, boutique makers, that most people have never heard of, but they’re every bit as good as the La Flor Dominicanas, Montecristos, and Romeo y Julietas of the world.  If you like the Punch Rare Corojo, try an Arganese CL3, it will blow you away.  If you smoke a Macanudo Hampton Court, try the El Primer Mundo Connecticut Shade.  That’s one of the best things about the cigar industry…the options are endless.

So to sum things up…there’s a BIG difference between a bad cigar, and a cigar that doesn’t appeal to you.  If I try a cigar and it just doesn’t do it for me, I discern between it being a bad cigar, one that uses low quality tobacco, is poorly constructed, etc or being a cigar that is a good cigar, just not for my tastes.

Davidoff Cigars are a prime example of this.  They don’t appeal to me, but does that mean they’re a “bad” cigar.  Absolutely not…they use some of the best tobacco in the world, and each cigar is expertly rolled…quality wise they are second to none…they’re just too mild for my palate.

Hopefully after reading this blog post, you’re better prepared to answer the next time someone asks you, “What’s a good cigar?”  And trust me…they’ll ask!

Category: Cigars, Commentary | No Comments »
Tags: Arganese Cigars, El Primer Mundo, Gene Arganese

Posted By Lucas Woith on February 7, 2011

Part 2 in a Series

By: Lucas Woith

Most of my work on this blog will be centered on the Midwest, namely Central Illinois.  However, with me being a resident of the east coast, now living on Long Island, NY, I will occasionally talk about a place out here.  One of the first cigar shops I visited after I moved here was Maxi’s Cigar Lounge, located in Franklin Square, NY, not too far from the Queens/Nassau County border.

When I walked into the shop one early morning in 2009, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  It was a small shop, and as I walked in, the first thing I see is cigarettes behind the counter.  Normally, this is a sign that I’m not in a “true cigar shop”.  However, this establishment had come highly recommended by Gene Arganese, so i walked into the walk in humidor.  I was met by a gentleman named Frank who offered to help.  He was not an employee, but was helping the owner out while he was running some errands.  I ended up purchasing an Arganese sampler pack, as well as a cigar I had never heard of before that came recommended by Frank, called Canimao.  Frank also recommended a cigar by Martinez Cigar Company, which hand rolls their cigars in midtown Manhattan.

He than led me back to the private lounge, complete with flat screen TV, leather recliners, and a Golden Tee machine.  It looked like a great place to hang out.  I started talking to Frank as a few other members wondered in.  The store’s motto is, “come as strangers, leave as friends”, and I could already tell that was happening here.  After a while, owner Jack Joshi came back, and we had a nice chat.  As I was getting ready to leave to hit another cigar store, Jack said he had just gotten a call from Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje cigars, and he was going to stop by for a visit. I figured I should stay for this.  We ended up talking with Pete for a few hours.

One treat about Maxi’s is spending a Saturday or Sunday morning there chatting with Mark Weinberg, who is very knowledgable about cigars, and will always offer suggestions and advice to a newbie cigar smoker.  Other senior members, including Larry, Jay, and Kenny are also usually around to help people with their cigar selections.  These are some of the best guys I’ve met in my cigar smoking times, and it’s an honor to call them friends!

Maxi’s is a gem in the Long Island cigar shop scene, complete with a great selection of cigars, knowledgeable and friendly members, and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.  If you’re ever in downstate New York, Maxi’s is a must visit shop.  It’s located at 749 Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, NY.  They are open from 8 AM until 10 PM (usually)

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Posted By Lucas Woith on February 7, 2011

Cigar Review By:

Lucas Woith

As part of this blog, I plan on reviewing at least one cigar a week.  Some of them will be new cigars and some will have been out on the market for a while.  Over the years, my palate for cigars has sharpened and evolved.  I am now able to pull different taste characteristics out of a cigar that I never could before.

Cigar reviews always confused me.  When I first started smoking cigars, I wondered how people could taste leather, chocolate, coffee, etc in a cigar.  I tasted…tobacco.  And smoke.

For my cigar reviews for this blog, I’m going to give sort of an everyday man’s version of a cigar review…something that will be helpful and informative for all levels of cigar smokers.

The cigar for my maiden review is the La Sirena, made by Miami Cigar & Company at the My Father factory in Nicaragua.  First off, I am a HUGE fan of just about everything coming out of the My Father factory.  Don Pepin is a genus in the cigar world, and he consistently turns out some of the best sticks around.

The first thing you notice about most cigars is the wrapper.  While the La Sirena features a beautiful Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, with slight veins, the first thing you notice about this cigar is the band.  It’s a piece of art, and on a robusto takes up over half the cigar.

La Sirena is the first full bodied cigar in the Miami Cigar lineup, and it does so by using Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo for the filler, as well as a Nicaraguan Habano and Corojo dual binder.  I love the corojo leaf as a wrapper, and it works out tremendously as filler and binder on this cigar.  You get a sense of the oils that make the corojo leaf so delicious, but you also get a slight sweetness from the broadleaf wrapper.

Upon lighting the cigar, I was immediately overtaken by a chocolate aroma, along with a slight fruit flavor that was hard to discern.  It wasn’t citrus, and I didn’t really get berry from it, but it was very pleasant, and a good companion to the chocolate flavor.  The draw was stellar, and as I smoked the entire robusto, I never once had burn or draw issues.

As I approach the second third of the cigar, I realize that the fruit aroma I had been trying to put a finger on is apple.  At this point in the cigar, the apple is mixing with a touch of the chocolate flavor, but the dominating flavor I’m experiencing is strong espresso.  This continues through to the end of the cigar, which I completely nub.

My overall verdict of this cigar…must try.  It’s powerful enough for the full bodied cigar enthusiast, but it’s not overpowering.  I probably wouldn’t pick this to be the first cigar you ever smoke…but it is a must try.

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Tags: La Sirena, Miami cigar & Company

Posted By Lucas Woith on February 3, 2011

Part 1 In A Series

By: Lucas Woith

One of the most important aspects of enjoying a premium cigar is atmosphere.  Depending on my mood and situation, I  may enjoy a cigar in my back yard, at a cigar lounge/shop, at a friend’s house, or at a local watering hole.  With smoking bans all the rage nowadays, the latter of that list can sometimes be hard to find.

Since I moved to Long Island, I have been lucky being near some great shops and lounges, names which resonate with cigar smokers all around the world.  Davidoff on Madison, Nat Sherman, Barclay Rex, Cigar Inn, Club Macanudo…legends in the cigar world.  However, in Peoria, it can be a tad bit tougher to find an inviting place to light up your favorite stick.

One location that never disappoints, Jimmy’s Bar, on Farmington Rd. in West Peoria.  Jimmy’s is the true definition of a hole in the wall.  Small, cramped (especially on Saturday nights) and dimly lit…but there’s no better place to spend a Saturday afternoon…which all too often leads to spending Saturday night, and sometimes Sunday mornings there.

The have a good sized beer garden in the back, and you’re usually guaranteed to find a couple other cigar smokers back there.  The garden is heated, and I have been out there in 30 degree weather and was comfortable.

Go to Jimmy’s on a Saturday afternoon, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to share a smoke with owner Jimmy Spears.  I’m proud to call Jimmy a friend, and he has been instrumental in assisting with the Midwest Cigar Summit.  A chance to sit with him and enjoy a beer and a cigar is one of the things I miss about calling Peoria home.

Jimmy’s also has an outstanding beer selection, specializing in Belgian imports.  They also feature the best Guinness in town, always poured expertly by their knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive bar keeps.  If you get hungry, never fear, just order up a pub burger, complete with grilled onions and pepperjack cheese and an order of Irish nachos, and you’re all set.

Jimmy’s has a great group of regulars who always welcome newcomers in with a smile and a story.  Smoking a cigar at Jimmy’s on a Saturday afternoon is a prerequisite to the Central Illinois cigar experience…trust me…I’ve had many a cigar there!

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Posted By Lucas Woith on January 31, 2011

Commentary By:

Lucas Woith

Midwest Cigar Summit, Executive Producer

People often ask me why I smoke cigars.  For the longest time, I would give them an answer about how my father got me into it shortly after I turned 18.  But over the past few years, I have realized that it is so much more than that.

When I was younger, my father had a high stress position in the public relations world, often working long, late hours, and traveling for work.  I really came to cherish the time we spent together, and as I grew into my mid teens, we would spend countless spring, summer, and fall evenings on our back patio, accompanied by our faithful black lab Hayley.  He would light up a cigar, and we would chat about our days and weeks.  It was a great time.

At that young age, I always loved the smell of cigars, which was weird to me, because I was raised in a strict non smoking house…at least for cigarettes!  I couldn’t wait to have my first cigar, I just had to turn 18.

About a week after I turned 18, in October of 2000, we were on a family vacation in Key West, FL, one of the old time cigar capitals of the world.  I relished the opportunity to watch the old Cuban exiles silently rolling cigars, all while their lit cigar never left their mouths.

And so came the time to have my first cigar, and I picked a Macanudo Hampton Court.  I laugh at this selection now, as it’s been years since I’ve smoked a Macanudo, but at the time it was the perfect cigar for a newbie…mild, consistent with a great draw.  My dad and I, accompanied by my mother and brother, went to Mallory Square in Key West for their famed sunset celebration.  My dad and I lit up, and I was hooked.

Not hooked in a physical sense, but in a mental way.  A feeling came over me, one I couldn’t put a finger on until many years later.  It was calming, relaxing, and soothing.

As I learned more and more about cigars, and gradually went from a casual smoker to an “aficionado” I developed more of an appreciation for the art that is a premium cigar.  This appreciation reached a peak in March of 2009, when I was invited to Santiago, Dominican Republic, as a guest of Gene Arganese, owner of Arganese Cigars.  Myself and four other members of the Gentleman’s Cigar Society took the trip, and saw the production of a premium cigar, from seed to cigar.

It was an amazing trip, literally life changing…being able to see the entire process…from a handful of seeds, to the finish product being boxed.  Meeting the people, seeing the passion they put into each cigar, seeing the timeless methods used…no electric, no automation, all hand done.  One word that kept popping into my head was passion.  These people had a passion for what they were doing, from Gene on down to the cigar rollers and to the shipping clerks.  Passion, pure and simple.

So when I light up a cigar, I don’t just think about smoking a cigar.  I think about those evenings with my dad, I think about the extended weekend in Santiago with Jeff, Mark, Perry, and Harry.  I think about that night in Mallory Square, and I think about the people…all the people I’ve met in the cigar industry…from some of the most famous names like Rocky Patel, Litto Gomez, Pete Johnson, and Carlito Fuente, to the rollers and factory workers in Santiago, on down to the person at the brick & mortar shop that sold me the cigar.  I don’t think about it as being just a cigar…I think about how lucky I am to be smoking a handmade piece of art…and I think about the passion which has been ignited in me by the flames of the leaf.  And that, my friends, is why I smoke cigars.

Category: Cigars, Personal Memories | 4 Comments »
Tags: Arganese Cigars, Carlito Fuente, Gene Arganese, Gentlemans Cigar Society, Litto Gomez, Macanudo, Pete Johnson, Rocky Patel, Santiago

Posted By Lucas Woith on January 30, 2011

Commentary By:

Lucas Woith

Executive Producer, Midwest Cigar Summit

As a cigar enthusiast, and an American, it pains me to see what American is becoming these days, in terms of the rights of cigar enthusiasts.  We are consenting adults, enjoying and consuming a completely legal product, and yet, more often than not, we are cast aside like the dregs of society.

With the budget shortfalls hitting just about every state in our union, more and more states are looking at increasing tobacco taxes in order to raise revenue.  Pennsylvania is now the only state with no tax on tobacco, and they reap the benefits, with most major online retailers headquartered in PA.  New York recently raised their state tax on cigars to 75% of the wholesale price.  Think about that…if a cigar shop buys a box of cigars for $100 wholesale, within 30 days of receiving that shipment, they have to submit $75 to the state of New York, whether the cigars have been sold or not.  Florida, who holds a rich cigar making history, still has no state excise tax on cigars, but they do tax all other tobacco products (which is fine by me!)

So what is an acceptable tax rate on cigars?  Ask 100 people, and you will get 100 different answers, probably ranging from 0% to 1,000%.  I’m not naive enough to think we will ever repeal tobacco taxes on the state level.  It is often extremely difficult to remove a tax once it’s on the books.  However, one plan of attack is to work with state legislatures to enact caps on the taxes, at say $0.50 or $0.60 per cigar.  That way, states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Alaska, New York, and  Rhode Island, which all have tax rates of 70% or greater, can keep their draconian taxes in place, but make them more manageable for the cigar shops in their states.

I have had the pleasure over the years of getting to know many people around the cigar industry, ranging from company owners, sales reps, and brick & mortar owners.  For every wealthy person in the cigar industry like Rocky Patel or Carlito Fuente, there’s hundreds of hard working people that are lucky enough to be able to do their passion as a job, but are far from raking in the big bucks.  These taxes, and smoking bans, hurt Americans, and they hurt small businesses.

So what can we do?  There’s no easy answer, but luckily there are groups such as Cigar Rights of America, of which I’m honored to be an Ambassador, as well as a lifetime member, that are doing the grass roots efforts that have been successful in the past for other causes.  They are fighting battles in all 50 states, from city halls, to state houses, to the US Capital, all aimed at securing our rights to continue to enjoy a legal product as we see fit.  I’m honored to call Glynn Loope and Brian Berman of CRA friends, associates, and colleagues.  I strongly urge everyone to go to their website, www.cigarrights.org and sign up to be a member, if you’re not already.

I hope you have enjoyed our first blog post…and not to worry, not all of our posts will be this serious and deep!  We will be posting news about the Midwest Cigar Summit, cigar industry news, as well as all kinds of other tidbits that we think you’ll find interesting.  Thanks for reading!

Category: Cigar Law, Cigar Taxes, Smoking Bans | No Comments »
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