Hops, Hops and HOPZ

I was originally going to run this review on Easter, but I couldn’t find the cable to my digital camera (again), so even though I lost out on the Hops joke….I think I made up for it in a pretty good day.

A few days ago, I received some of the new HOPZ cigars from Teds Cigars. Ted’s has been around since 1996, and I am sure you have seen their flagship product in your local cigar shop, The Maker’s Mark Cigar.

I’ve tried the Maker’s cigar before, so I had rather high expectations going into this review. I was particularly excited, because my wife had also picked me up a 6-pack of New Belgium's Ranger IPA. I sensed a pairing made in heaven.

The Cigar-

HOPZ

Shipped in a glass tube, the 6 X 50 Toro (Cameroon Wrapper, US Connecticut binder and Dominican Republic filler) looked good, solid leaf that was not to veiny. Opening the tube didn’t reveal to much of a hops nose, but there was something there. I don’t know if it was the Centennial hops as advertised, but the cigar smelt fresh. I particularly like the glass tubes, as I can keep the cigar in my humidor, without the oils/scents permeating and lingering into the wood.

Lighting was easy, as the draw on the cigar was very smooth.

The initial 3rd of the cigar was much lighter than I expected. While I could definitely get the floral tastes, it was not as overwhelming as I expected. Slightly sweet and creamy, there were also undertones of the outdoors that I associate with pine.

After a good 5 minutes, the cigar began to open up and I could really get not only taste of hops, but also its telltale flowery aroma with hints of cedar.

It was at this point I started pairing the Ranger IPA, and the true nature of this cigar came to light.

Score – 3.5

The Beer-

Ranger IPA

Appearance- Clear, Golden Orange in Color with small foamy head. The head held well almost all the way through the drink.

Nose- A nice pungent hoppy aroma that dominates the nose really got my taste buds flowing. Hints of fresh cut grass and citrus round out the scent and were very enjoyable.

Taste – A little drier than expected. The light complexity of the beer covered a Fruity (Orange and sourness of Grapefruit) palette, combined with a crisp, heavy hops taste (with minimal maltyness). There was a slight piney and citrus aftertaste that I usually associate with an American IPA, and while the “Pineyness” lingers, it did not distract from the beer.

Score- 3.5

The Pairing -

What is particularly interesting about this combo is how well they worked together. Traditional cigars are said to perfectly match with Scotches and Brandy/Cognacs, and I think HOPZ Cigars are going to expand that horizon by saying flavored/infused cigars can now tailor themselves to a new market.

By pairing HOPZ with an IPA, we are enhancing the flavors of the beer with the subtle nuances of the cigar and vice versa.

Not only did the flavors then jump out at me from the Cigar (enhancing/bringing out the hops infusion), but the beer actually took a step forward and took on another level of complexity. By pairing these two above average products together, you actually improve the overall experience.

While I rated both a 3.5 standing alone, I would score the pair as a solid 4.

I can really see this type of marriage as something that could introduce Beer Drinkers to Cigar Smoking, especially if Ted’s expands their range to include other beer types (I’m thinking roasted malt infused with a Guinness Stout pairing).

I realize that Cigar Purists are not going to to be big fans, but they need to realize that innovative ideas such as this expand the market and allow other people exposure into a world that might otherwise been closed off to them. Not only do I think this is brilliant on many levels, I applaud Ted’s for partnering with some of the best of breed when it comes to flavors (Maker’s Mark, Gran Marnier, Dumante ect…).

These are both excellent products and I look forward to the upcoming Missouri Beer Festival, where I can sample this cigar with even some local IPAs.

Great job to both vendors.

PS- For those of you wondering what is in the bags, that is the 3rd “Hops”, my newly arrived Hops Rhizomes. Stay tuned as I blog about the growing process.

Quote of the Day

“My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them.”

-Winston Churchill

More on Sir Winston can be found HERE

City Council rejects smoking ban

Finally there is hope for a town in MO.

I realize some people do not like cigarette or cigar smoke and they feel they should be able to go to a restaurant/bar and not have to inhale it.

HOWEVER, they do not own the establishment. They have no other investment, other than their time and the money they spend. In essence, they are “renting” under certain conditions, and those conditions are set by the OWNER….ie the person taking all the risk and responsibility of running the establishment. If the owner wishes to exercise his private property rights (no different than owning a home and smoking around guests that visit) and thinks he can make a living, be profitable and stay open by allowing people to smoke, then so be it. If you do not like it, go somewhere else.

Meanwhile, if you are a worker and you do not wish to work around smoke….find a job elsewhere. Working at a bar/resturarnt is not a right, but a priviledge. If you set the conditions of no smoking, and the owner rejects your offer, then you don’t get the job. If you take the job KNOWING that they smoke there, you made an educated and informed adult decission. Live with it.

Great job for the City Council of Webb City for realizing that personal property rights override the “Will of the People”. Especially when only a little more than 400 people in a population of more than 10K turn out out to vote on a measure.

Webb City council rejects smoking ban

WEBB CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Although Webb City voters supported a smoking ban, the city council voted against implementing the ban in the southwest Missouri city.

The council voted 5-3 Monday night against the ban.

Webb City residents voted 452-348 on April 5 in favor of the ban. Mayor John Biggs said the vote was only a straw vote to guide the council.

Opponents had argued the ban infringed on the rights of citizens, particularly business owners. Proponents say smoking is a health issue even for non-smokers .

The Joplin Globe reports that the ban would have prohibited smoking in public places or places of work. Smoking would have been allowed in buildings used by dues-paying members and stores that primarily sell tobacco.

If you’re going to be arrested, do it in style

PC Man Lights Cigar, Sticks Around After DWI Accident

A Port Chester man didn't flee like most others after a drunk-driving accident this morning on Willett Avenue.

Instead, he climbed out of his car, lit a cigar, and greeted a responding officer warmly when police arrived at 12:05 a.m. The officer asked Mattiello what happened, but the 48-year-old Port Chester man was mumbling, as well as unsteady on his feet.

According to the other driver, Mattiello had crossed the double yellow line as both drivers were heading east on Willett Avenue. The other driver didn't realize Mattiello was trying to pass, and the cars collided when the driver began to make a left turn, Lt. James Ladeairous said.

Diogene Mattiello, 48, of 54 Leonard St., was charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. Neither driver was injured in the collision.

WINNER

So far, this year has been dragging.

Obviously with economy, nobody has the kind of money we would like to buy smoke or booze…so that has been rough.

Throw in the crazy weather (leaving us snowbound and without Propane because we couldn’t get a delivery), getting thrown out of a bar during the Super Bowl (I don’t care if his niece was in the show…Halftime sucked) and now I’m heading to LA.  We needed a shift in luck.

Well, it came.

Starting with Thompson Cigar.  You might recall THIS post where I invited the readers to “Like” a comment I made on their wall.  Well, you guys didn’t disappoint, and we crushed the competition with 18 “Likes”.  Tomorrow, Simon and I will draw the lucky name for the Gift Code….but in the meantime, take a minute to thank the sponsor Thompson Cigar Company by visiting their site and making a purchase.

 

All last week we had been doing good on the blog with viewers.  On average, get get between 100-125 unique hits a day.  Then came THIS story about Diosa Tequila.  Our hits went through the roof, with a total of almost 800 in one day alone.  I’ve requested samplers of the tequila for review, and I am really looking forward to see if the product is worth the hype.

So, things are really looking good going into Sunday….so I accompany Debi to go play Bingo.  I know, I know….Bingo?  She likes it, and it is at the local VFW….so I can get beer and try out my new “club” membership.  The outcome…Debi hits $120 and I hit $40.  EXCELLENT.

Going into my last work day before my trip to LA, I was thinking things couldn’t get better.  Then I check my Email. 

Congratulations!  You are the winner of Four Roses: The Return of a Whiskey Legend at Tribute Books Reviews and Giveaways.

Tribute Books has giveaways if you spread the word for them.  You should check out their site and sign up.  HERE was my original tweet.

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, I went out and checked my mail….lo and behold, I received a sampler box from JD CIgars of their Temptation Line.  I have died and gone to heaven.  I’ve been waiting for these for awhile and I am looking forward to them kicking off sales.

 

 

Overall, things are starting to look up……and I want to personally thank all the Sponsors, Contest Holders and my wife for turning this year around. 

As Charlie Sheen would say WINNER

 

Cheers

This is what happens when you ban smoking in bars….

Seriously…the evil eye has been cast on smoking, and it’s no small wonder things like this happen.  People are not always going to go outside to smoke, and if you give them no alternative (ie, a unilateral smoking ban vs letting the business owner decide) they will take matters in their own hands.  Considering how tightly wrapped people are and how confrontational they have become…I could see this being a powder keg.

 

Cops: Bathroom smoking incident leads to stabbing

A man was charged with stabbing a security guard after he and his girlfriend were caught smoking in the bathroom of a west suburban Naperville bar early this morning.

At 1:32 a.m., Naperville police were called to 16 Jefferson Avenue after a report of a stabbing, according to a release from police. Blackfinn American Saloon is located at that address, according to an online directory and the police news release.

According to the report, the incident began when Adam Hearn, 31, and his girlfriend Kelly Cihlar, 25, had been caught smoking a cigarette in the bathroom, and the bar's security staff asked the couple to smoke outside.

Hearn then allegedly became verbally abusive, according to police, and the couple was asked to leave. As the couple was being escorted out of the bar, a fight broke out between Hearn and a security guard, police said, and Hearn pulled out a knife and stabbed a security guard in the abdomen. Other security guards then subdued Hearn until police were able to arrive, the release said.

The security guard was treated on the scene and then taken to Edward Hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries, the release said. Police did not give a condition for the guard.

Hearn, of the 900 block of South Main Street in Lombard, is charged with aggravated battery with a weapon, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, and possession of a weapon by a felon, all Class 3 felonies.

Cihlar, of the 2700 block of Mohawk Avenue in Woodridge, was also arrested and charged with obstruction of a police officer, resisting arrest, battery, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis.

The Tobacco Project

Tonight I was chatting with Chris, and we touched briefly on self sustainability and what will happen when the balloon goes up.  Needless to say, at those times you need to have barter material available and knowledge to carry you through the future.

I mentioned that I attempted to grow tobacco last year, but failed due to everything drying out while I was on trip.

This got me to thinking that I might give it another go….so off to The Tobacco Seed Company I went.

After perusing stock, this is what I came up with to try -

CUBAN (HABANO 2000)

One of the most popular cigar varieties for cigar enthusiasts.

This Cuban variety grows to about 5-6 feet tall and has wide, rounded  leaves. When cured the leaves have a reddish to light brown color. It makes a great filler for cigars.
Has a pleasant, mild aroma and taste much preferred for cigars and pipes alike.

 

CUBAN (CRIOLLO 98)

Another very popular Cuban cigar variety. Will grow up to 6-7 ft. tall. It's leaves are longer, more slender and slightly darker than the Habano 2000. It's cured leaves have a silky texture making it a good covering for cigars. It has a pleasant, mild aroma and taste. Also suitable for pipe smoking.

GOOSE CREEK RED
Named after a small river  that runs into the Charleston Harbor. The Goose Creek Red tobacco was native to this area.
This darker tobacco does turn to red as it dries and has a silky feel, making it ideal as a wrapper for cigars.

Finally, I am going to try one of the pelleted seeds as well. 

TENNESSEE BURLEY™ PELLETED TOBACCO SEEDS
One of the most popular commercial strains of Burley tobacco originating in Tennessee and still carrying its name.
It is used for its hardiness and smooth, rich flavor. Good for cigarette making and mild cigars. This variety grows fast and is a high yielding plant.

I also have a few other varieties in my seed bank, so I might look to put out one other.

So, stay tuned and see what comes out.

FOR the RECORD……this tobacco is for personal consumption only.  It will NOT be sold.

Time to get your Geek On

Not often do I get to write about (almost) all my passions at once, nor (potentially) stump Charlie on Music Trivia…..but today I do, with 80’s Music (Information Society), Smokes and Technology…plus a little intrigue.

For you young kids, before the days of digital media, music was played on a thing called RECORDS, and one of the nifty things bands did was trying an insert secret messages into their music….usually through Back-Masking.

Information Society took it one step further, and add a TON of Geek to it.  They hid a text message on a vinyl record. 

The Track is called "300bps N, 8, 1” from their Peace and Love Inc Album and I’m sure very few listeners back in the day understood what they were hearing (unless they watched the movie Wargames), as it would be a series of squelches, squeaks and wails.  But in reality….it was a message that would do ET proud.

If you take a standard modem, configure it with those settings  ( 300bps N, 8, 1 (Terminal Mode or Ascii Download), dial into it via phone and play the track from the album into the receiver, you'll end up with a plaintext file detailing a story that come right out of James Bond (or Bill and Ted).

Here is the text-

ats0=0
OK
atdt4921507
RINGING

RINGING

CONNECT

   SO WE'RE SUPPOSED TO PLAY IN CURITIBA IN 18 HOURS, BUT OUR BUS IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY THE LOCAL PROMOTERS. THEY'VE FORMED SOME UNHOLY ALLIANCE WITH THE BRAZILIAN COUNTERPART OF ASCAP; THE PRS. APPARANTLY THE PRS HAS THE LEGAL POWER TO ARREST PEOPLE, AND THEY WANT A PIECE OF THE NATIONAL TOUR PROMOTER'S MONEY. THE LOCAL SECURITY FORCE, "GANG MEXICANA", HAS BEEN BOUGHT OUT FOR 1800 CRUZADOS AND A CARTON OF MARLBOROS EACH. THE ONLY FACTION STILL OPERATING IN OUR DEFENSE IS "BIG JOHN", OUR PERSONAL SECURITY MAN, AND HE'S HIDING IN HIS ROOM BECAUSE A LOCAL GANG IS OUT FOR HIS BLOOD BECAUSE OF A 1982 KNIFING INCIDENT IN WHICH HE WAS INVOLVED. OUR 345-POUND ROAD MANAGER, RICK ONLY HAD THIS TO SAY: "YOU WANTED THE LIFE OF A ROCK STAR!". PAUL, JIM AND I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS ONE SITUATION WE WERE GOING TO HAVE TO GET OUT OF OURSELVES.

   WE CONVENED A HASTY CONFERENCE IN THE NOVOTEL LOBBY. PAUL SUGGESTED CONTACT- ING OUR NATIONAL TOUR PROMOTER IN SAO PAULO, BUT WE REMEMBERED THAT HE WAS IN RECIFE WITH FAITH NO MORE, WHO HAD JUST ARRIVED FOR THEIR BRAZILIAN TOUR. WE THOUGHT ABOUT CONTACTING OUR BRAZILIAN RECORD COMPANY IN RIO, BUT THEY WEREN'T HOME. OUR EVER-DILIGENT AMERICAN MANAGER WAS ARRANGING HELP OF NUMEROUS FORMS, BUT HE WAS IN NEW YORK, AND JUST TOO FAR AWAY TO GET ANYTHING MOVING IN TIME.

   AND THERE WERE 6000 KIDS IN CURITIBA WHO JUST WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND.

   WE KNEW IT WAS TIME FOR ACTION. PAUL WENT UP TO THE PRS GUYS AND INVITED THEM INTO THE BAR TO DISCUSS IT LIKE CIVILIZED MEN OVER A FEW BRAZILIAN DRINKS, OFFERING EACH OF THEM A CIGAR ON HIS WAY. THE AMUSED PRS HEAVIES SEEMED TO LIKE THE IDEA OF A FEW FREE DRINKS, EVEN IF THEY KNEW THEY WOULD NEVER GIVE US OUR BUS BACK. WHEN PAUL WINKED AT JIM AND I ON HIS WAY IN, WE WENT INTO ACTION.

   I STOLE OFF TO MY ROOM TO PREPARE WHILE JIM WENT INTO ACTION. CREEPING CAREFULLY THROUGH A SERVICE DUCT, HE MANAGED TO GAIN A VANTAGE POINT SOME THREE METERS ABOVE THE BUS, AND DROPPED CAREFULLY ONTO THE ROOF. AFTER USING HIS ALL-PURPOSE SWISS ARMY KNIFE (AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS THE "SKIT KNIFE") TO JIMMY OPEN THE ROOF HATCH, HE WENT THROUGH THE DARKENED INSIDE OF THE BUS AND REMOVED THE INSIDE ENGINE SERVICE PANEL. USING SOME SPARE ELECTRONIC PARTS HE FOUND WHILE ON AN ISLAND IN THE AMAZON, HE WIRED THE ENTIRE BUS FOR REMOTE CONTROL, NOT UNLIKE A REMOTE CONTROL TOY CAR.

   AT THIS POINT, HE ASKED HIMSELF "NOW HOW SHALL I GET OUT OF HERE?!?"

   PAUL WAS HAVING DIFFICULTIES OF HIS OWN.

   "COULDN'T YOU SEE YOUR WAY CLEAR TO LETTING US FULFILL OUR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS IN CURITIBA? THINK OF THE KIDS!"

   THROUGH OUR TRANSLATOR, FABIO, THE PRS MAN, ALDO, SAID;

   "NO. YOU AMERICANS THINK YOU OWN THE WORLD. HAH! WE'LL BURN DOWN OUR RAIN FOREST IF WE DAMN WELL PLEASE. WE NEED ROOM FOR COWS!! WE WANT A MACDONALD'S ON EVERY... OH, SORRY, YES ANYWAY, NO. WE NEED 40% OF YOUR CONCERT RECEIPTS TO GIVE TO DAVID BOWIE." HE SAID, WINKING TO THE LOCAL PROMOTER, PHILLIPE.

   AS PAUL CONTINUED THIS ELABORATE DISTRACTION, JIM EFFECTED AN ESCAPE FROM THE HEAVILY GUARDED BUS BY CRAWLING DOWN INTO THE CARGO BAY, CUTTING A HOLE IN THE FLOOR WITH THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE'S ARC-WELDER, SLIPPING INTO THE MANHOLE COVER SITUATED UNDER THE BUS, AND WALKING UP INTO THE HOTEL'S BASEMENT FROM THERE. JIM CALLED UP TO ME IN MY ROOM AND GAVE THE SIGNAL. WE WERE NOW TO MEET AT THE BACK ENTRANCE, WITH OUR TECH GUYS. BUT FIRST, PAUL WOULD NEED SOME HELP GETTING AWAY FROM HIS UNWELCOME GUESTS, AS THINGS WERE GETTING UGLY.

   "HE SAYS HE HAS LOST HIS PATIENCE, AND THAT HE CAN THINK OF OTHER WAYS OF EXACTING PAYMENT FROM YOU KURT AND JIM PHYSICALLY." OUR TREMBLING INTERPRETER SAID.

   THE MOMENT HAD COME. JIM BEGAN OPERATING THE BUS FROM HIS BACK ENTRANCE VANTAGE POINT. AS THE REMOTE-CONTROLLED BUS LURCHED TOWARDS THE PARKING LOT EXIT, THE SUPERSTITIOUS SECURITY YOUTHS FLED IN TERROR. PAUL WAS PULLING ANXIOUSLY ON HIS COLLAR AS THE PRS MAN BEGAN DESCRIBING HIS COLLECTION OF WORLD WAR II NAZI CERIMONIAL KNIVES WHEN A SUDDEN CRASH SPLIT THE TABLEAU.

   JIM HAD PURCHASED ME THE GIFT OF A COMPLETE BLACK NINJA STEALTH ASSASSIN OUTFIT IN ARACAJU. I HAD BEEN GEARING UP AND CRAWLING THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS ALL THIS TIME. AS I CRASHED THROUGH THE CHEAP IMITATION-STYROFOAM HUNG CEILING TILES, SKATES FIRST, I FLASHED NINJA STARS ALL ABOUT ME. IN THE ENSUING PANIC, PAUL ESCAPED TO THE PRE-ARRANGED BUS PICK-UP POINT. UNFORTUNATLEY, MY SKATES WERE A POOR CHOICE OF FOOT GEAR FOR ESCAPING OVER THE BROKEN GLASS. OF THE TABLE I HAD LANDED ON. WERE IT NOT FOR THE CONFUSION AND THE NINJA-STAR-INFLICTED WOUNDS DELIVERED TO THE BAD GUYS, I WOULD HAVE BEEN SET UPON WHILE FOUNDERING ON THE GLASS-STREWN CARPET. AS IT HAPPENED, HOWEVER, I LEAPT THROUGH THE OPEN DOOR OF THE CAREENING BUS AS IT DEPARTED THE CITY OF MARINGA FOREVER.

   IF ONLY WE HAD MANAGED TO GET OUR EQUIPMENT IN THE BUS, TOO . . .

   EVERY WORD OF THIS STORY IS TRUE.

                                                           - KURT HARLAND

NO CARRIER

Dear Legislatures- Can I have my $38 in Cigars?

These are the stories that really drive me nuts.  In it, we learn that the Missouri Foundation for Health is issuing (close to) $2Mill to conduct a survey targeting 52K Missourians.  This works out to $38 per person harassed (I would love to know the dropped call ratio on their telephonic survey), for a survey that was also conducted 4 years ago in 2007, for a survey on a subject the Surgeon General has already deemed unhealthy and is generally accepted as such across America.  People are going to smoke (at least until it is made illegal, then we will SURELY all quit), we take a risk when we do…and we are reminded of it constantly.  Just as skydivers know there is a chance their chute won’t open….I know there is a chance I might become terminally ill when I partake in a cigar.  I don’t need to see results of a $2Million survey (I couldn’t find the 2007 Survey on their website) to tell me this…I’m a product of public education and I can read and I can also make my own decisions. 

Further reading on their site shows there was a Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative from 2004-2009, a funding program that divvied up $23.9 Million in 78 Grants.  Holy Cow, that’s a lot of money.  A lot of that money comes from Sin Taxes on Tobacco, and there are some interesting stats located on the site as well

• Missouri ranks 2^nd to last in state funding of tobacco control programs.
• Missouri ranks 49^th in tobacco excise tax – 17 cents/pack compared to national average of $1.17.
• Missouri has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation; more than 24% of adults smoke compared to 20% nationally
• The state’s lung cancer death rate still remains high despite a significant decrease in the national rate.

Of course, there is no citation included with the above stats (hey, even I do citation from time to time) and I find them somewhat skewed.  The first two go hand in hand….but I would like know if this takes the statistical anomaly of population dispersion into account?  If you have a lot of people in NY buying High Tax smokes…you generate revenue.  Likewise, where does Missouri fit with Smoking Rates in the Nation…they just say “One of the Highest” at 24%, compared to 20% Nationally…4% makes that much of a difference?  Finally, I wonder if they are using statistics like MADD does (I highly recommend this READ), where ALL lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking…even though it is a leading cause, not the ONLY cause.

Oh well, below is the story that started this rant.  I realize these Health Initiatives are Sexy and that there is little you can do to stop Congressmen and Senators from promoting these laws.  I just hope the Government gets off MY tit sometime with funding this crap.  Like I said, give me my $38 back in Cigars.

$2 Million Study Examines Tobacco Use in Missouri

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI (kcur) - The Missouri Foundation for Health is providing close to $2 million dollars to fund a state-wide survey of tobacco use and its health effects. The largest adult health study ever conducted in the state will reach more than 52,000 Missourians.
The year-long study is a follow-up to a similar one conducted in 2007.
Missouri Foundation for Health program officer Matthew Kuhlenbeck says the telephone survey will cover not just tobacco use, but community demographics, access to health care, physical activity, and nutrition.
"And it really provides us an opportunity to better understand each county, as well as the factors that are affecting the health of each county," says Kuhlenbeck.
Kuhlenbeck says the information gathered in the survey will be used to assess whether community-level efforts like smoking bans and awareness programs, are reducing tobacco use and the health problems it causes.

The Worlds most interesting (wo)Man

We’ve all seen the Dos Equis “World’s Most interesting man commercials…..but I think I have found the Worlds most interesting Woman.

Amazing life: Fleeing Bolsheviks, fortunes won and lost, Tommy guns in Thailand and Shanghai romance

She was still a toddler when her father, Col. Pyotr Reksting, roused the family in the middle of the Siberian night. "The Bolsheviks are at the next town. They've shot everyone. You have five minutes to pack."

And so began a journey that ended in Victoria last week when Nathalia Buchan died at 100 years of age.

One of her earliest memories was of crossing frozen Lake Baikal by train. They switched to horse and carriage to cross the Chinese border, coming to rest in Harbin, Manchuria.

In 1929, with Japan muscling up to Manchuria, 19-year-old Nathalia fled again, this time alone, to Shanghai. Nathalia was educated by now, spoke seven languages, had attended the University of Peking. She became manager at DD's, a famed Shanghai nightclub that remains popular today.

One day a young Scot walked into the club. Having run away from school to fly biplanes in the First World War, Bill Buchan had landed in China after Lady Nancy Astor hooked him up with a telephone company undertaking a Far Eastern construction project. He entered DD's in a foul mood, was rude to the staff. "My mother, in the most polite way, put him in his place," says their son, David Buchan.

Bill liked that. Still, it was two years before he contacted Nathalia, sending her two huge opera baskets of flowers, piled taller than a man, when she was sick. It wasn't until Remembrance Day 1941 that they married, reasoning that she would be better with a British passport when the Japanese invaded Shanghai's international settlement, which they did less than a month later, the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked. "I will never let you down," he promised her.

Being Russian-born, Nathalia was given the option of freedom, but chose to follow her husband into the Lunghua concentration camp -- the one depicted in the movie Empire Of The Sun. "I will not be parted from the man I love," she said.

They remained in Lunghua until 1946, after the war, their survival due in no small part to the repeated kindness of the camp commandant, Capt. Tomohiko Hayashi. (David Buchan, who remains in contact with Hayashi's son -- a former Japanese cabinet minister -- says the commandant was unfairly portrayed in the film.) On one occasion, Hayashi sent an ailing Nathalia to hospital in Shanghai in his car, giving her enough money for medicine, lunch for herself and her guards, and a cake to bring back to Bill.

Still, she was in rough shape, weighing just 78 pounds, when liberated by American troops at the end of the war.

With Shanghai in chaos and China locked in a communist-nationalist struggle, the Buchans alit in Bangkok. Bill sold newsprint from B.C. before building up a tobacco business.

One day in 1946 they got a knock on the door. There, the story goes, stood two Vietnamese leaders -- Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap -- looking to buy arms with which to fight French occupation. "The Russians said you could help us," they told Bill.

Bill left for Czechoslovakia to broker the deal, but not before stopping at the British embassy to pick up a pistol for Nathalia; he

didn't want to leave her defenceless in lawless Bangkok. The man at the embassy -- described as looking like Peter Lorre -- gave him a Thompson submachine-gun instead. Every evening, Nathalia, still half-blind and emaciated from wartime malnutrition, would hobble onto the veranda on her crutches, place a pillow between the Tommy gun and her shoulder, and rip off a couple of bursts to keep the bandits at bay.

The Buchans built up the tobacco business, but lost everything when it was nationalized by the Thai government. So they started anew, grew another prosperous trading company after moving to Hong Kong in 1952. It was there that David was born -- and that his father died in 1958. Nathalia ran the business alone -- a European speaking Chinese dialect in a man's world -- until she sold it in 1962 after falling ill.

They had tickets to England, but someone convinced her Canada would be a better place to raise her son. They sailed -- David, Nathalia, her mother -- on the P&O liner Arcadia, a

31/2-week voyage. Vancouver was cold and rainy, but the clouds parted when they visited Victoria. "A sign from God. We will settle here," Nathalia said.

And so they did. David is still in Victoria, a manager in the provincial government. Nathalia never remarried. "I loved your father so much that I could never bear the thought of marrying anyone else," she told her son.

Canada gave Nathalia a quiet life, or at least quieter than the one in Asia. (There isn't space to get into the story of how she helped raise the actor Yul Brynner after he befriended her cousin in Shanghai. "He was literally living on the streets and stealing motorcyles, stuff like that," David says.) In Victoria, she was part of a small community of Europeans who drifted here from Asia after the war (Princess Peggy Abkhazi, of Abkhazi Gardens fame, was Nathalia's across-the-road neighbour in the Lunghua internment camp).

Nathalia lived in Glengarry hospital the past couple of years, had dementia at the end. But perhaps you saw her before that when she was still in her mid-nineties, poking down Oak Bay Avenue with her walker. Perhaps you looked right through her, not knowing she was this courageous, pious, compassionate, fiercely intelligent woman inching toward the end of a 100-year journey.

Nathalia Buchan, born in Russia on Aug. 29, 1910, died in Victoria on Dec. 27, 2010. She was to be buried at Ross Bay Cemetery after a service at Saint Sophia Russian Orthodox Church in Fairfield on Tuesday.

Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/Amazing+life+Fleeing+Bolsheviks+fortunes+lost+Tommy+guns+Thailand+Shanghai+romance/4061620/story.html#ixzz1AC0KxF4V

And in case you missed the Dos Equis commercials -

Tobacco vs Politics…which is more dangerous?

Ok, the following actor is not mainstream (he’s Bollywood), but he does bring up a good point….one that I somewhat agree with, but I disagree with the motivation.

You see, far to often, Hollywood (Bollywood/Actors and Athletes in general) think they know what is best for everyone.  Their way is right, and no matter what you think….if it isn’t in line with their core beliefs (or what their handler tells them), you are an idiot.

In this case, Sanjay Dutt has decided to quit endorsing tobacco products after he has realized “that young and impressionable minds can be influenced adversely through these brand promotions.”

While commendable, will Mr. Dutt also abstain from making any political announcements, displays of lifestyle (sexual preference) choices or quit wearing the designer clothing he is given to act as promotional items?  All of these can have an adverse affect on someone (even clothing, as kids are still being killed for their designer shoes).

Celebrities have no additional insight to the running of the world, instead they listen to their handlers/agents and make the majority of their decisions based on PR moves and selling seats at movies, tickets to games and/or records.  It’s all about the money, vs the love of doing it.

I could be wrong about Mr. Dutt, but I doubt it….I feel he wants a better image and to keep his name in the headlines, especially with one film completed and two in filming at the time of this release.

 

Sanjay Dutt to stop endorsing tobacco products

Press Trust of India

Wednesday, January 05, 2011 (Mumbai)

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has decided against endorsing gutka brands and tobacco products, saying he realised that young and impressionable minds can be influenced adversely through these brand promotions.
Sources close to the actor said Dutt had read newspaper reports about doctors asking him to stop endorsing gutka products in a letter.
"He had not received any such letter. But, he made up his mind to do so. He will not renew his contract with the gutka brand," they said.
According to the sources, Dutt is also trying to quit smoking.
"He would like to set an example for his kids. He has decided to stop using and endorsing products that are considered bad for health. However, all this will happen slowly, as there is also his existing contract with the gutka company to consider," they said.
"The actor has realised that young and impressionable minds can be influenced adversely through these brand promotions. He is planning to take corrective measures soon," they added.
Doctors organisations had last week written a letter to the actor asking him to stop endorsing gutka and tobacco.
The letter said the actor had witnessed pain of cancer in his family and hence should disassociate himself from addictive and lethal substances.
The doctors had reminded the actor of his influence on young impressionable minds and also urged him to consider his late father Sunil Dutt's campaign against cancer.
Meanwhile, city doctors have welcomed Dutt's positive response to their request.
"It means a lot to us that he has been influenced by our campaign. We hope more and more people are motivated to kick the tobacco habit," said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, associate professor, head and neck cancer department, Tata Memorial hospital.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110165565&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=77136&cp

Aging Tobacco to an Extreme

2.5m-year-old tobacco found

PALEONTOLOGISTS in Peru have discovered fossilised tobacco in the northern Amazon that dates back to the Pleistocene Era 2.5 million years ago, the scientists said today.

The compact block of tobacco, about 30 square centimetres was found by scientists from the Meyer-Honninger Paleontology Museum earlier this week in the Maranon river basin in northeastern Peru.

"This discovery allows us to establish that the plant dates back to the Pleistocene Era, and confirms that it originated in northern Peru," the museum said.

Tobacco was smoked and chewed by Native Americans long before the arrival of European explorers in the 15th century, the scientists said.

It was also used for therapeutic purposes - in everything from eye drops to enemas - and for rituals, such as blowing smoke into the faces of warriors before battle and on women before intercourse, they said.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/m-year-old-tobacco-found/story-e6frfku0-1225957251494#ixzz15q21ZEGe

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/m-year-old-tobacco-found/story-e6frfku0-1225957251494

Blind Tasting (A Cigar Review Part 2)

This is Part 2 of a recent experiment, one that puts to the question “What would people think if given a cigar with no band and no back-story/idea of what it was?”.

So, following Randy’s excellent review in Part 1, we now go again to our friend from  MySideoftheBar  to find out what he thought of Cigar 2-

• Temp 89, Humidity low
• Before light: Aroma, Tobacco and earthy
  
• Shaggy Cut which made for a very easy light as you would expect
• Easy Draw and a full body cigar
• First 1/3
  Great taste, nutty, woody or earthy
• Second 1/3
  Still nutty, woody or earthy but with a hint of spice
  Still a great taste
• Last 1/3
  Spice, almost sweet
• Not hot and still a great taste, could have used a roach clip to smoke every bit of this cigar.
• Parings:
  Would be great after a steak dinner and excellent with either bourbon or scotch, especially a smoky scotch.
  4 out of 5 stars for me as this was more my type of a cigar
  Problem only 3 out of 5 stars for a beginner

Again, excellent write-up.

So, what was the cigar that Randy sampled?

A Gurkha Vintage Shaggy

I went with the Toro Maduro and this is a staple in my Humidor.  Gurkha has quickly become one of my favorite brands, and as Randy pointed out, if you like a “heavier” smoke….I would check them out.

I also wanted to throw a quick blurb in here about Bestcigarprices.com.  The last box of Shaggies that I bought was through them.  MSRP is $190, but they have the price slashed to $125.95.  This is a great deal, and I can only say wonderful things about this company.  Shipping was fast, complete and the whole process was painless.  This was my first order with them, and there is always that first buy apprehension.  I won’t have that in the future and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to shop online.  Great job to them.

That wraps up this series.  I am looking for others willing to take a chance….if interested, drop me an Email at edbellmcse@gmail.com.

Cheers and Smoke’m if you gott’m.

Blind Tasting (A Cigar Review Part 1)

Recently, I had an idea.  What if we gave someone a cigar without a band, and they had no preconceived notions of what kind of cigar they got.

Everyone has a different palette and sometimes those ideas affect how we taste the cigar, scotch or food we consume. 

So I shipped out 2 cigars to some friends, and out of 4, Randy over at MySideoftheBar was first to respond and provided a great write-up. 

Here we go.

• Cigar: Smaller of the two, appeared to be a box Press
  
• Tasted: Afternoon, Temp. 88, humidity low
  
• Before Light:: Mellow Aroma
  
• Good Wrap loose Packed
  
• Very easy to light
  
• First 1/3 – Mellow with a cinnamon taste or a spice
  
• Second 1/3 – Still mellow and definitely a cinnamon spice flavor
  
• Last 1/3 – Continued to be mellow with cinnamon notes.j
  
• Tasted with a Jarlsburg Cheese, Olives, a light Vodka Drink and a Carmenere wine.
  
• Overall Evaluation: This was a surprising cigar as my experience with box pressed cigars is limited and not all that favorable before this smoke. To me this is a great “appetizer” cigar or one you would smoke first in the day. It would also par great with an appetizer tray and a nice Rose’ or Blush wine. The cheese I tried it with was Jarlsberg, a light white cheese which made the taste of cigar smooth. You could also even have a sharp cheese and it would bring out even more flavors of the cigar in my opinion. When tasted with an Olive it brought out more of the spice in the cigar.

A very nice write-up indeed.  Great Job Randy.

So, what was the cigar that Randy sampled?

A 5 Vegas Classic Fifty Five (5.5x55) Box Pressed Cigar.

These can be found at Cigar.com for just $4 a stick (even cheaper if you pick up a box). 

This is a really easy and mild cigar that holds together well.  If you are a beginner cigar smoker or someone looking for some excellent priced cigars to fill your humidor, this is the one for you.

We have another review coming up…..so stay tuned for Part 2.

Smokem’ if you Gotm’

Movies, Cigars, Rum and Masonry?

The heat has finally broken in MO, at least for the time being, and last night I decided to fire up Netflix and watch a movie outside, while having a cigar.

In preparation, I chose a CAO Gold Maduro paired with a glass of Pusser’s Rum.

CAO’s Gold Maduro is a tightly wrapped cigar composed of Nicaraguan binder and fill, with a Brazilian Wrapper.  The overall cigar is rather mild with hints of vanilla and spice.  The ash held together long into the stick and seemed to help keep the cherry cooler on the draw (this was a robusto).  The total smoke time was approx 45-50 minutes….just in time to get into the good parts of the movie.

Pusser’s Rum is a great one to stock you bar with, and I have reviewed it in the past (HERE).  I would like to add though, that the pairing of this drink with the CAO Gold was near perfect.  Both have a creamy texture and hints of spice and vanilla exhibited, blend almost seamlessly.  I was actually caught a bit off guard, as this was not intended, I just grabbed a random cigar from the Humidor.  If you have the resources (or even if you don't…find them) try this combination.

Anyway, the movie tonight was the Director’s Cut of Aliens. 

From here, I would like to go on record that Aliens is without question the best sequel ever done (Sorry Empire Strike Back).  It improves on the story, does enough to make it different and succeeds on every level. 

The Mid-80’s Model work is on par with (if not exceeding) that of Star Wars and it is just scary as hell (I still jump when the one “Survivor” opens her eyes…..”Kill Me”).

What also surprised me in watching this movie, how much they smoked throughout.  In the meeting rooms with the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and Ripley, Ripley when she wakes up from a nightmare,  with the Colonial Marines (watch Hicks) and especially Sgt Al Apone, who popped a cigar in his mouth as soon as he came out of hyper sleep.  It was these (any many other) added touches of realism that make this movie work on so many levels, and still carry through today. 

If I were to rate Aliens today…..it is still a SOLID 5 Stars, and definately in the Top 5 best Sci-Fi movies ever.

To round this out, I am sure you are wondering why I said Masonry.  I bet I have seen Aliens 100 times.  Last night, while enjoy myself outside (with a loaded double-barrel at my side….don’t ask), I noticed something I had never seen before.  It caused me to watch the scene 4-5 more times.  I include the grab below (click to embiggen)-

That’s right, Apone is wearing a Masonic Ring.  Ironically, it is the same one I have as well.

In the end, revisiting classic movies in new settings (for me, outside), with some new elements (Rum and Cigars), leads to a new found appreciation for this dying art (just check the crap Hollywood puts out now).  Give it a try sometime…….and keep an eye out for little bits of trivia.

Cheers.

Cigars in the news….

News stories about cigars are few and far between, yet we had one a few days ago and now another today.

Meet John Wright, the real Harry Stamper (there is the Armageddon reference for you Randy) of drilling.  According to THIS AP article, he has “has never missed his target over the years, successfully drilling 40 relief wells that were used to plug leaks around the world” and his task is to drill the relief well for BP.

While I won’t go into my personal beliefs about the Gulf Spill, what I appreciate is this guys confidence that he is going to do his part to rectify the situation.  I also love how he is going to celebrate….”with a cigar, a dinner party with his crew and a trip somewhere quiet to unwind with his wife.”

Roughneck jobs are not easy, and the article really does a great job giving some insight to the laymen of us. 

Here’s to you John Wright……Good Luck and the next cigar is on me if we ever meet.

Dr. Drew makes me LOL

So, I saw this snip of an interview with Dr. Drew, you know…the Celebrity Rehab guy.

Not only does it make me LOL, but it shows that when someone has an agenda to push, they will say whatever they can to make it looks like they are right.

In this case, Dr. Drew says “I craved nicotine for about five days after’, this right after he admits that he doesn't even remember when he got the cigars (he says he “thinks” when his kids were born).  Of course, he is partnering with Nicorette as a spokesman for battling nicotine addiction, so he needs that real world situation to bond with patients and views.  

I will go out on a limb, calling him a fraud and a liar.  He says that this affects everyone that way, yet I never felt those pangs.  I never felt compelled for 5 days after my first cigar (or cigarettes when I smoke those as well).  In fact, I smoked my first cigar and didn't pick another up for at least 4 years. 

Dr. Drew, quit trying to use child psychology on adults.  You are obviously out of your element here, so just throw the junk science stats out there and let people wade through them if they are so inclined, vs. trying to show you are “hip” like us and then trying to used said experiences as evidence why we should quit.

I smoke cigars because I like to.  Plain and simple.  I also turn off Dr. Drew because I have a choice as well, and I will continue to do so in the future.

(Editor’s Note) – Extra has killed the sharing of the video, but you can still view it by going to their site HERE

Reyes Cigars and Stargazing

This morning I got up early.  When I say early, I mean EARLY….as in 3AM.

While this is not unusual (just ask Simon), today I was on a mission.  I wanted to check out the Perseid Meteor Shower.
The Perseids come once a year (is visible from mid-July each year, with the peak in activity being between August 9 and 14), culminating in a 3 day extravaganza that can produce more than 100 meteors an hour. 
As an Amateur Astronomer, this is one of those that I always try to make time for.  I even woke up James, but he only last 30 min (25 min more than I expected) and he really isn’t patient enough to sit that long.
Anyway, standing out in my pasture and watching this event gave me lots of time to reflect and smoke a cigar.  The cigar in question tonight was one of the ones Randy from MySideoftheBar gave me, the Reyes Family Premier Perfecto.
I’ve smoked these sticks a few times, and have been just to lazy/busy to write it up, so here we go.
The wrapper (tobacco from Ecuador Sumatra) showed a little more veins than I was used to, but overall this a very good cigar for an easy smoke.  Easy to light and maintain (I didn’t have to relight once), I found the ash held together well  (although the burn was a little uneven) and temp was moderate to slightly hot throughout.  Loosely wrapped and an easy draw, the initial tastes of this primarily Nicaraguan tobacco were of coffee and earthiness that blended well as the cigar progressed.  A hint of spice and caramel rounded out the cigar and overall smoke time was about 45 minutes….perfect for me hanging outside.  Since these were the prize won by Randy (Remember THIS post?), price point was not an issue…..but you can find them over at Thompson Cigar for approx $120 a box.  Frugal shoppers could watch for sales and further reduce the cost.  At around $6 a stick, this isn’t a bad cigar and I would recommend it…..although not for a daily smoke.  Overall, a solid 3 out of 5 Stars.
The highlight of the evening however was not the meteor shower, nor the cigar…..but just the relaxing element of standing outside with no distractions.
While the meteors were good (about 45 or so….with 10 GOOD ones), watching Orion rise off the horizon was almost awe inspiring.  I think this is the first time I have ever watched him rise in the East, and at first I didn’t realize what I was seeing.  The three stars of his belt rose like a pillar almost straight up, and I realized that they make a perfect pointer to the V of Taurus.  It put things in a new perspective (I’m used to seeing the whole constellation just being “THERE” in the winter time) and was cool to watch.  Throw in Jupiter blazing in the Southern sky, and you have a perfect night all told.
Thanks Randy for the cigar, and I highly recommend everyone take an hour this week….look to the East and watch the stars.
Cheers.

The Day, the Candy Died

 

Well, the Federal Government has done it again. The need to control the populous and do “What’s Right” has prompted legislation that verges on insane.   What could they have done this time?  The ban on Candy Cigarettes.  I kid you not….a ban on CANDY, because

“The youth may often get swayed into thinking that the sweet flavored cigarettes are not harmful to health,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA’s Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA.” 

Give me a break.  We conducted a more scientific study here at Smokes and Booze right after Christmas (read it HERE) and found that our test subject was not enticed to smoke due to Candy Cigarettes.  In fact, in our test case….we showed that 100% of those tested didn’t want to smoke even though they liked the candy.

Now, I know you think we are making those numbers up….but that is no worse than this nugget from the FDA -

FDA commissioner stated that almost 90% of all US citizens take to smoking while still in their formative years.

Is that 90% of ALL US Citizens, or only those that smoke?  I would argue with either number.  Of course, they can manipulate the data and expand the “formative years” from 12-18 to 12- 25 (or higher).  Excuse me for not trusting Government supported Scientific Data, I know they have been so truthful with Global Warming.

In the end, of all the problems (Social, Economic and Health) on the market, this seems like the biggest waste of time and money to pass….so of course the Government did it.  I know I will still be looking for “Candy Sticks” online for James….and when I am a Grandpa, the kids will always know there will be candy smokes when the come to visit.

Until next time…..Smoke’m if you Gott’m.

Candy Cigarettes Banned By FDA

Thursday, June 24, 2010 7:21:39 AM by Pen Men At Work

June 24, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): With both the Family Smoking Prevention Act as well as the Tobacco Control Act of the USA, supporting the move, the FDA finally managed to ban the candy cigarettes within the borders of the country. All kinds of flavored cigarettes be it fruit, clove or candy has been prohibited from June 23rd 2010.

This had been seen as an effort to reduce the number of smokers within the country. Statistics reveal that one of the leading causes of death in America is smoking. The regrettable fact is that such deaths could have been easily prevented simply by giving up cigarettes.

The FDA aims to discourage children from picking up this deadly addiction by imposing a ban on the flavored cigarettes. Other favored tobacco products as well as menthol cigarettes will also be examined minutely before deciding whether a ban on them would have to be declared as well.

Margaret A. Hamburg, the FDA commissioner stated that almost 90% of all US citizens take to smoking while still in their formative years. The adolescents usually prefer flavored brands over the normal ones. The non availability of such cigarettes will help to break the trend effectively thereby reducing the percentage of diseases and deaths due to smoking.

However, the FDA understands that a simple prohibition will not actually help matters. It is, therefore, trying to enforce the ban strictly. Almost all the tobacco companies of the nation will be receiving instructions about the ban on candy and flavored cigarettes along with the notification that it will be strictly illegal to manufacture, transport or sell the banned items.

The FDA also proposes to educate the parents on the risks of candy cigarettes. “The youth may often get swayed into thinking that the sweet flavored cigarettes are not harmful to health,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA’s Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA.

Winston Churchill

 

Sir Winston has been in the news a bit lately.

First was the Auction in London of one his Cigars, fetching $3,126.  A funny side story of which was whether or not UK Customs was going to let it in (without a tax band) the country when it was being brought to auction.

The next mention was in an ESPN Article re: the great John Wooden being in Hospital (and later passing).

“In what might end up being one of his final sit-down interviews, Wooden, at the December 2009 Wooden Classic, answered Los Angeles Times columnist T.J. Simers when asked how he has managed to live such a long life:

But how does one live so long, he's asked, and he points to the whiskey Winston Churchill drank, the cigars George Burns had, and says, "How long did they live?
"There's no answer," he says, "but if I had to give one, I'd say life needs balance. And love." “

Neither of these compare to the latest story breaking in the UK though.

It appears that “Someone” has airbrushed and removed the cigar from one of Sir Winston’s most famous pictures, and then used said picture for the banner at the “Winston Churchill's Britain At War Experience” Museum.

Not only is this taking political correctness to the nth degree….but it also rewrites history in one of the most iconic figures in History.

HERE is the article and I post the pictures below for your perusal

I go to London at least once a year, I now know that I will not be visiting a museum that supports the altering of facts. 

Please join me in emailing the museum to show your displeasure   info@britainatwar.org.uk and if you want to see a great Winston Churchill museum, then visit the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library in Fulton MO.  There they do not sugar coat history and cigars are prominently displayed on his desk and throughout.