Cigar Coop Prime Time Show

Prime Time Jukebox Episode 87: 2023 Grammy Awards Preview

The Grammy Awards are scheduled for Sunday February 5, 2023 and the nominations are out. On Episode 87, we take a look at the key categories and who the nominees are, then decide who we want to win and who we thin think the Grammys will pick.

We also pay homage to Jeff Beck, Lisa Marie Presley, and Robbie Bachman.

On this show, Dave smokes an Tatuaje El Triunifador Robusto and Will smokes the Blackbird Raven. We will also recap the Coop and Dojo end of year lists, plus we look at the Developing Palates Cigar Review of the week.

As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists:

• Full Episode 87 Playlist
• Dave’s Top 50

References

• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #30 – 26 / A Thief, A Boy and a British Pop Folk Icon
• OOPS! 50 of 2002: #35 – 31 / Hyper-Pop, An Indie Super Duo and Nashville
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #40 – 36 / Irish Guitar Rock, Hip Hop Turned up to 11 and A Gift from Australia
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #45 – 41 / Reinventing 60s Pop, Sonic Embers and Sexy R&B
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #50 – 46 / New South Music, A Broken Heart and a Gorilla
• Legendary Guitarist Jeff Beck Dead at 78
• Lisa Marie Presley, Daughter of Elvis Dead at 54
• Robbie Bachman of Bachman-Turner Overdrive dies at 69
• Steve Perry Withdraws Lawsuit Against Journey Over Band’s Trademarks
• In The Ghetto Elvis Presley With Lisa Marie Presley
• Cigar Coop Cigar of the Year
• Cigar Dojo Cigar of the Year
• Developing Palates: My Father LeBijou 1922 100 Años Corona Especial

• Kyabra Pyramid - The Kalling

The Smoking Syndicate: Quesada Corner: Manolo Quesada 75th Anniversary (Audio)

We are back with another edition of Quesada Corner. On this installment, we smoke the Manolo Quesada 75th Anniversary.

The 75th Anniversary is actually commemorating company patriarch Manuel “Manolo” Quesada’s 75th birthday. It’s a 6 3/4 x 48 vitola that was blended by Manolo himself.

The Smoking Syndicate: Quesada Corner: Manolo Quesada 75th Anniversary

We are back with another edition of Quesada Corner. On this installment, we smoke the Manolo Quesada 75th Anniversary.

The 75th Anniversary is actually commemorating company patriarch Manuel “Manolo” Quesada’s 75th birthday. It’s a 6 3/4 x 48 vitola that was blended by Manolo himself.

Prime Time Jukebox Episode 86 Audio: In Memoriam – 2022

On Episode 86. we look back and reflect on the careers and contributions of many artists who passed away in 2022.

We will also touch base on New Year’s Eve celebrations and Dave’s Top 50 and OOPS list.

On this show, Dave smokes the Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka by Dunbarton Tobacco and Will smokes the Tatuaje Escasos Regios.

As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists:

• Full Episode 86 Playlist
• Dave’s Top 50

References

• Prime Time Jukebox Episode 85: 2022 – The Year in Music (for more information on Dave's Top 50)
• OOPS! 50 of 2002: #35 – 31 / Hyper-Pop, An Indie Super Duo and Nashville
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #40 – 36 / Irish Guitar Rock, Hip Hop Turned up to 11 and A Gift from Australia
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #45 – 41 / Reinventing 60s Pop, Sonic Embers and Sexy R&B
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #50 – 46 / New South Music, A Broken Heart and a Gorilla
• Miley Cyrus & Dolly Parton Sing "Wrecking Ball" & "I Will Always Love You" | Miley’s New Year’s Eve
• Duran Duran - Medley * Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (Dec 31, 2022)
• Developing Palates:  Team Cigar Review: ACE Prime Maria Lucia 
• SPINGangsta Boo, Three 6 Mafia Rapper, Dies at 43
• Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer, Dies At 67
• Anita Pointer, The Pointer Sisters Singer, Dies At 74
• Philip Glass: Glassworks

Prime Time Jukebox Episode 86: In Memoriam – 2022

On Episode 86. we look back and reflect on the careers and contributions of many artists who passed away in 2022.

We will also touch base on New Year’s Eve celebrations and Dave’s Top 50 and OOPS list.

On this show, Dave smokes the Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka by Dunbarton Tobacco and Will smokes the Tatuaje Escasos Regios.

As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists:

• Full Episode 86 Playlist
• Dave’s Top 50

References

• Prime Time Jukebox Episode 85: 2022 – The Year in Music (for more information on Dave's Top 50)
• OOPS! 50 of 2002: #35 – 31 / Hyper-Pop, An Indie Super Duo and Nashville
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #40 – 36 / Irish Guitar Rock, Hip Hop Turned up to 11 and A Gift from Australia
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #45 – 41 / Reinventing 60s Pop, Sonic Embers and Sexy R&B
• OOPS! 50 of 2022: #50 – 46 / New South Music, A Broken Heart and a Gorilla
• Miley Cyrus & Dolly Parton Sing "Wrecking Ball" & "I Will Always Love You" | Miley’s New Year’s Eve
• Duran Duran - Medley * Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (Dec 31, 2022)
• Developing Palates:  Team Cigar Review: ACE Prime Maria Lucia 
• SPINGangsta Boo, Three 6 Mafia Rapper, Dies at 43
• Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer, Dies At 67
• Anita Pointer, The Pointer Sisters Singer, Dies At 74
• Philip Glass: Glassworks

2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #1: Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV (Audio)

The Number One Cigar of the Year for 2022 is the Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV! The Alec Bradley Fine & Rare is an annual limited-edition ultra-premium line that made its debut in 2011. Over the years, the Fine & Rare has been released in different sizes and different blends, but the one common denominator is that each release incorporates ten different tobaccos into the blend.  The BC-(13)4EV was planned to be the 2021 release, but its ship date was delayed until early 2022. They say good things are worth the wait, and that's certainly the case with the Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV as it was the best-performing cigar of the year, and secures Alec Bradley its first Number One Cigar of the Year on Cigar Coop.

BC-(13)4EV refers to the name of the blend. While the specific varietals of the leaves of the Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV are not disclosed, we do know that all of the tobaccos come from Honduras and Nicaragua. The wrapper comes from the Trojes region of Honduras. There is a double binder on the cigar - one leaf from Honduras and one from Nicaragua. The filler also utilizes a combination of tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. The BC-(13)4EV is a 7 x 50 Churchill. As always, production for the Fine & Rare comes from the Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras. The Fine & Rare is Alec Bradley's most premium offering with the BC-(13)4EV priced at $23.65.

The packaging for the Fine & Rare is always exceptional and the BC-(13)4EV is no exception. There are ten BC-(13)4EV cigars that come packaged in a wooden chest. Included in the chest is an 11th bonus cigar featuring a different blend and size.

The Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV is a complex cigar delivering a combination of natural tobacco, bread, fruitcake, earth, tea, cedar, and pepper. The flavors start off medium-bodied before going from medium to full in the latter stages. This is countered by medium strength. There are plenty of flavor nuances and flavor transitions. While this cigar certainly delivers the total package of flavor, construction, and complexity, it's the flavor that totally puts this cigar over the top.

This is the second cigar from Alec Bradley to land on the 2022 Countdown and the sixth year that Alec Bradley has landed on the Countdown. Coming from Honduras, it's the second Honduran blend to land on the Countdown (both came from Alec Bradley). Finally, the BC-(13)4EV gives the country of Honduras its fourth Number One cigar in the history of the Countdown.

Full Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ost

2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #1: Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV

The Number One Cigar of the Year for 2022 is the Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV! The Alec Bradley Fine & Rare is an annual limited-edition ultra-premium line that made its debut in 2011. Over the years, the Fine & Rare has been released in different sizes and different blends, but the one common denominator is that each release incorporates ten different tobaccos into the blend.  The BC-(13)4EV was planned to be the 2021 release, but its ship date was delayed until early 2022. They say good things are worth the wait, and that's certainly the case with the Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV as it was the best-performing cigar of the year, and secures Alec Bradley its first Number One Cigar of the Year on Cigar Coop.

BC-(13)4EV refers to the name of the blend. While the specific varietals of the leaves of the Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV are not disclosed, we do know that all of the tobaccos come from Honduras and Nicaragua. The wrapper comes from the Trojes region of Honduras. There is a double binder on the cigar - one leaf from Honduras and one from Nicaragua. The filler also utilizes a combination of tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. The BC-(13)4EV is a 7 x 50 Churchill. As always, production for the Fine & Rare comes from the Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras. The Fine & Rare is Alec Bradley's most premium offering with the BC-(13)4EV priced at $23.65.

The packaging for the Fine & Rare is always exceptional and the BC-(13)4EV is no exception. There are ten BC-(13)4EV cigars that come packaged in a wooden chest. Included in the chest is an 11th bonus cigar featuring a different blend and size.

The Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV is a complex cigar delivering a combination of natural tobacco, bread, fruitcake, earth, tea, cedar, and pepper. The flavors start off medium-bodied before going from medium to full in the latter stages. This is countered by medium strength. There are plenty of flavor nuances and flavor transitions. While this cigar certainly delivers the total package of flavor, construction, and complexity, it's the flavor that totally puts this cigar over the top.

This is the second cigar from Alec Bradley to land on the 2022 Countdown and the sixth year that Alec Bradley has landed on the Countdown. Coming from Honduras, it's the second Honduran blend to land on the Countdown (both came from Alec Bradley). Finally, the BC-(13)4EV gives the country of Honduras its fourth Number One cigar in the history of the Countdown.

Full Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ost

 

2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #2: Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (Audio)

Coming in at #2 is the Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. If you have followed Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust and the career of its owner/blender Steve Saka, you know that doing offshoot blends based on existing lines is nothing new. In the case of the Paladin de Saka, it is an extension of the Sin Compromiso line. With this blend, Saka’s goal was to give Sin Compromiso a little more robustness and be smooth at the same time.

In terms of what the name means, Sin Compromiso means “Without Compromise”, and it has served as a slogan for Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. A “paladin” refers to a champion. It was a name traced back to the days of Charlemagne and refers to the members of his court. Paladin de Saka is one of the most premium offerings in the Dunbarton portfolio as it’s priced at $28.75 per cigar.

Production for Paladin de Saka comes from the Joya de Nicaragua factory.  Paladin de Saka is highlighted by its Mexican San Andres “Cultivo Tonto” wrapper over Hybridized Ecuadorian Habano “thin ligero” binder, and a combination of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Seedleaf for the filler. The Paladin de Saka uses analogous tobaccos found in the core Sin Compromiso line with the one addition being the Pennsylvania Seedleaf. The Paladin de Saka comes in a 7 x 52 box-pressed format. It features a firmer box press than the core Sin Compromiso line. According to Saka, the firmer box press was created as a result of the incorporation of the Pennsylvania Seedleaf into the Paladin de Saka blend. Saka stated the Pennsylvania Seedleaf can be on the bitter side, so the firmer box press was a way to offset the bitterness.

The Paladin de Saka delivered a combination of coffee, natural tobacco, cedar, earth, dark chocolate, and pepper. The cigar delivered a medium-strength, medium-bodied smoking experience.  The tweaks and adjustments that Saka made to the original Sin Compromiso really paid off. This took the Paladin de Saka to the next level.  While this cigar carries a hefty price tag, this cigar certainly lives up to the ultra-premium experience.

This is the second cigar from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust to land on the 2022 Countdown, and the second Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust cigar to land in the top ten. Dunbarton has landed at least one cigar on the Countdown for eight consecutive years. The Paladin de Saka is the highest-placed cigar on the Countdown for the company to date. Meanwhile, Nicaragua keeps a hold on its dominance on the 2022 Countdown. Of the 29 cigars that have been unveiled, 20 have come from that Central American country.

Full Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-osm

 

2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #2: Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

Coming in at #2 is the Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. If you have followed Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust and the career of its owner/blender Steve Saka, you know that doing offshoot blends based on existing lines is nothing new. In the case of the Paladin de Saka, it is an extension of the Sin Compromiso line. With this blend, Saka’s goal was to give Sin Compromiso a little more robustness and be smooth at the same time.

In terms of what the name means, Sin Compromiso means “Without Compromise”, and it has served as a slogan for Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. A “paladin” refers to a champion. It was a name traced back to the days of Charlemagne and refers to the members of his court. Paladin de Saka is one of the most premium offerings in the Dunbarton portfolio as it’s priced at $28.75 per cigar.

Production for Paladin de Saka comes from the Joya de Nicaragua factory.  Paladin de Saka is highlighted by its Mexican San Andres “Cultivo Tonto” wrapper over Hybridized Ecuadorian Habano “thin ligero” binder, and a combination of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Seedleaf for the filler. The Paladin de Saka uses analogous tobaccos found in the core Sin Compromiso line with the one addition being the Pennsylvania Seedleaf. The Paladin de Saka comes in a 7 x 52 box-pressed format. It features a firmer box press than the core Sin Compromiso line. According to Saka, the firmer box press was created as a result of the incorporation of the Pennsylvania Seedleaf into the Paladin de Saka blend. Saka stated the Pennsylvania Seedleaf can be on the bitter side, so the firmer box press was a way to offset the bitterness.

The Paladin de Saka delivered a combination of coffee, natural tobacco, cedar, earth, dark chocolate, and pepper. The cigar delivered a medium-strength, medium-bodied smoking experience.  The tweaks and adjustments that Saka made to the original Sin Compromiso really paid off. This took the Paladin de Saka to the next level.  While this cigar carries a hefty price tag, this cigar certainly lives up to the ultra-premium experience.

This is the second cigar from Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust to land on the 2022 Countdown, and the second Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust cigar to land in the top ten. Dunbarton has landed at least one cigar on the Countdown for eight consecutive years. The Paladin de Saka is the highest-placed cigar on the Countdown for the company to date. Meanwhile, Nicaragua keeps a hold on its dominance on the 2022 Countdown. Of the 29 cigars that have been unveiled, 20 have come from that Central American country.

Full Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-osm

 

2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #3: Tatuaje T110 Reserva (Audio)

Coming in at #3 is the Tatuaje T110 Reserva. Back in 2009, Tatuaje Cigars released a powerhouse of a Petit Robusto cigar known as the Tatuaje T110 (which is believed to mean Thermonuclear 110 with 110 being the approximate length of the cigar in mm). It was a shop exclusive to a retailer in Hawaii.  Known for its high priming blend, the cigar achieved incredible cult status. Eventually, in 2011, Tatuaje Cigars’ owner Pete Johnson would create a regular production blend based on it known as Fausto. The Tatuaje Fausto has certainly had its share of success, but the T110 blend still maintained a legendary status despite not having been released in many years. All of that would change in 2021 when Pete Johnson not only would bring back the original Tatuaje T110, but introduced several offshoot blends (all on a national basis) – the Tatuaje T110 Capa Especial and the Tatuaje T110 Reserva in 2021 and the T110 Tuxla in 2022. Today we take a look at the Tatuaje T110 Reserva.

While the original Tatuaje T110 blend consisted of an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, the T110 Reserva uses Connecticut Broadleaf. The remainder of the blend features all Nicaraguan tobaccos. As mentioned the T110 is a Petit Robusto and it measures 4 3/8 x 52. Production comes from the My Father Cigars factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This recent wave of T110 releases was a limited production and it's unclear when we will see these again.

The Tatuaje T110 Reserva delivered notes of coffee, chocolate, earth, wood, citrus, herb, and mixed pepper. While flavors such as coffee, chocolate, and pepper are known to Broadleaf, there were some intangibles that gave this cigar a unique flavor profile. In terms of the boldness level, the T110 Reserva is not overwhelming. It starts out medium strength before progressing to medium to full strength. At the same time, the flavors were on the upper end of medium to full-bodied. Some aging seemed to dial the boldness back on this cigar, but not at the expense of the flavors delivered.

This is the second cigar from Tatuaje to land on the 2022 Countdown.  Tatuaje has had a very successful run over the years on the Countdown. This is not only the seventh year a Tatuaje has placed on the Countdown, but this is the fifth top ten, and fourth podium (aka Top 3) spot. Finally, this is the third cigar on the 2022 Countdown to come from the My Father factory. Nicaragua continues to dominate the Countdown. Of the 28 cigars that have been unveiled, 19 have come from that Central American country.

Full Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ord