All Posts By

Barry

Cigar Review: Las Calaveras 2024 Redux

Small Batch Cigar sent in the Cigar of the Month Package both the Las Calaveras 2024 and 2025. We reviewed the 2025 last week but we decided to use the 2024 as a redux review.

September 10, 2025

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Red Meat Lovers Fritanga

Red Meat Lovers Fritanga is the newest size from the line made by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. The name Fritanga is a style of Nicaraguan street food where meat is grilled on an open flame. This 5th size joins Beef Stick (6 x 48), Filet Mignon (5 x 54), Ribeye (6 x 52) and Porterhouse (6 x 60).

September 9, 2025

Bourbon Review

Bourbon Review: Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond Aged 7 Years

Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond was announced by Heaven Hill back in June, 2025. Despite Heaven Hill stating this bottle will be more readily available it took me 3 months to track it down. Was it worth the wait?

September 3, 2025

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Las Calaveras LC 54

Crowned Heads Las Calaveras returns for the 11th time. The EL 2025 marks the second time the company has utilized a San Andres has announce its eleventh installment to the once highly sought-after Las Calaveras series, Las Calaveras EL 2025.

August 31, 2025

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Paul Stulac Red Screaming Sun

Paul Stulac Red Screaming Sun is new to me thanks to the Small Batch Cigar Club. The name Paul Stulac is known to me, but I never really know any backstory. We share it and out review….

August 22, 2025

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Wildfire B-Sides

Wildfire B-Sides came to me in the Small Batch Cigar Club and it has long since been a brand that has been on my radar but I’ve yet to try. Until now that is.

August 19, 2025

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: West Tampa Dark Time

West Tampa Dark Time comes from West Tampa Tobacco Company. The cigar was showcased at the 2025 PCA Trade show in New Orleans. Is this one worth your time or a waste of time?

August 17, 2025

Bourbon Review

Bourbon Review: Green River Bourbon Single Barrel

Green River Bourbon Single Barrel like many other brands are only a available via a program. Thankfully my go to shop took part in this program and they got a bottle that is pretty high in proof which is right in my wheelhouse.

August 13, 2025

Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Patina y Viso Verdigris

Patina y Viso Verdigris marks the beginning of Patina y Viso Horny and this is our review of the inaugural blend. Is it an aphrodisiac or a form of birth control?

August 11, 2025

Cigar Review, Nicaragua Cigar Review

Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Disciple Toro

The Rocky Patel Disciple was released in 2021 alongside the Rocky Patel White Series at the PCA Trade Show. Why did I avoid this cigar until now?

August 8, 2025

Older Posts

It all started in 1998 when I walked into a cigar shop for the first time in Brooklyn, NY. A desire to try something new led to life long friendships and a career in the cigar industry. I served as a shop manager, blogger, shop owner, writer, marketing coordinator, sales and was an award winning podcaster. After 25 years, I decided it was time to leave the cigar industry. Cigars are still as a passion of mine as is bourbon so I continue the legacy with this website.... Cheers & Long Ashes!