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Stogie of the Week La Flor Dominicana Double Claro #50

Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Dominican

Strength: Medium

Vitola: Robusto

Size: 5 x 50

Age: Medium

MSRP: $6.86

Released in 25 count boxes and will be regular production. Current release are available in three sizes; No. 50 (5 x 50), No. 42 (42 x 5 1/2), and No. 48 (48 x 6 7/8).

This week we are drinking

Paul's List

• La Aurora Cameroon -
• Ashton VSG -
• Cabiguan Guapos -
• Davidoss Millenium Lancero -

• LFD Lancero -

Tim's List

• NHC Seleccion Limitada Reserva by Tatuaje - I had mentioned during Episode 11 that I had smoked this stick during the pre-game but I didn't talk much about it. This 6.75 x 42 Nicaraguan puro is wrapped in Broadleaf and is sold exclusively by New Havana Cigars. This cigar began with a balanced mix of coffee, cocoa, and leather with the addition of some dark chocolate on the second half. Construction was perfect, the price reasonable, and I really think the vitola works for this blend. A definite "Fiver".
• Camacho Diploma Series Robusto - A full flavored stick with lots of leather, pepper, and wood. Decent burn, good draw. I would smoke it while working around the yard or with a peaty scotch. "The Angler"
• Oliva Serie V No. 4 - I loved this vitola! The larger sizes of the Oliva Serie V are great but this corona was a nice variation of the blend. Smooth with lots of pepper, some floral notes, and a nice Ligero sweetness. The burn was razor sharp, draw perfect, and the ash so firm, it actually stayed intact when it hit my deck. Might have to order two "Fivers".
• Gran Habano STK Zulu Zulu - A limited production stick (2000 boxes) has a Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with that unmistakable scent and flavor. A portion of the sales goes to benefit Invisible Children. An organization that looks to end the use of children as soldiers in central Africa. A word of warning don't let this CT wrapped beauty fool you, it has some kick on the last third.
• Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 Sungrown - Pepper, cedar, and nuts with a nice subtle raisin sweetness and a toasty finish. Such a unique flavor profile with Arturo Fuente quality in construction. "Box Worthy"
• La Aurora Prefereido's Emerald Tubo - Great smoke but I can not tell the difference between the tubo and the regular Perfecto. Both are create Cameroon Wrappers. "Box Worthy"

Stogie Tech: Cutters

Jim V. emailed the following question;

So I started listening to your podcast and was wondering of you all

had a recommendation on a nice cutter. I was looking at either the

Xikar XI1 or the Xikar XI3. Is one of those better then the other or

is there another one you all would recommend? - Jim

One of the most overlooked features of a cutter is design. It has to be easy to hold and comfortable to use. Xikar is one company that does a very good job at designing their products so they feel natural while being used.

Let's first begin by looking at the types if cutters available and the benefits of each.

Straight Cutter

The most common and versatile cutter is the Guillotine or straight cutter. It is also the first one to buy if you are in the market for your first cutter. Not all straight cuts are the same, however. Blade sharpness, construction, design, and price need to be considered. These cutters have either one or two blades cut the cigar in a linear fashion. Generally speaking a double bladed guillotine will give you a cleaner cut.

Xikar makes a great quality product and is guaranteed for life. One brand that stands out, however, Palio. Palio cutters tend to be more on the expensive side but are some of the best cutters for the money in our opinion.

It should be noted that sometimes it is worth having less expensive cutter. For example, if you are traveling. It might not last a long time but you wan't mind losing it either.

Scissors

Xikar makes a great pair of cigar scissors called the MTX Multi-Tool Scissors. Versatiile and they fold up small which makes them easy to carry. They are great for cleaning cleaning up a cut.

V-Cutter

The V-Cut is a wedge shaped cut into the cap of the cigar. They tend to be bulky and thick but provide a great clean cut for certain vitolas or if find yourself with a cigar hanging from your mouth a lot while fishing.

Hole Punch

Small and can be carried anywhere but can be difficult to use and is not as versatile as other cutters. Hole punches generaly have a circular blade that penetrates the cap of the cigar and by twisting you can create a small hole. A good hole punch will remove tobacco and not compress or push it in. Works well with some vitola's. Xikar make a decent one for the money.