SMOKE RING

Winston Churchill Cigar Tasting

2009-02-19T13:06:00.010-06:00

The Smoke Ring and Davidoff Cigars Presents

WINSTON CHURCHILL CIGAR TASTING EVENT

Wednesday, Feb. 25th, 2009
14019 Southwest Freeway #400
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
281-265-1387

Festivities begin at 5:30 and wont stop until everyone drops!!!
You DON'T want to miss this one, folks.

Some of the Best Pack Prices of the year AND one of the most enticing "freebie"packs yet, not to mention the great food and drink that will be available to compliment this fantastic cigar.Bring a friend and show em how we party at
The Smoke Ring.

www.smokeringcigars.com

The Winston Churchill. Named after one of the world's most notable cigar icons, the project was a collaboration between Churchill's grandson Winston S. Churchill and Davidoff's Henke Kelner.

The Winston Churchill is the only brand with full Cuban seed tobacco produced by Davidoff. The filler is a blend of Dominican Republic, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan tobaccos, finished with an Ecuadoran sun-grown wrapper.
Made in the Davidoff cigar factory!

After a series of extensive trials, the Master Blender at the prestigious Davidoff manufacturer has created a unique blend for each individual cigar format. But what would the finest tobacco blend be without the virtuosity of the torcedores – the cigar rollers.

No machine operates as harmoniously as the interplay of human hand and human eye. Selected wrappers, artistically cut to size, are rolled around the blended filling and the outer leaf, applying the optimum pressure.

The experienced rollers give the cigars their shape and uniform strength, which guarantees the perfect pleasure, pull after pull.In the final stage the Winston Churchill Cigars are cut, selected for colour, given their two distinctive bands, and carefully packed.

All the tobacco varieties used in this blend are from selected tobacco-growing areas in the Dominican Republic, Peru, Nicaragua and Ecuador, yet all have, in one way or another, seeds of Cuban origin, delivering a unique flavour and fuller-bodied notes. Such perfectly blended tobaccos result in a spicy, highly aromatic cigar which will give inspiration to lovers of full-bodied cigars.

Aficionados will also appreciate the sun-grown wrapper leaves from Ecuador with their multiple aromas and eye-catching dark-brown colouring. Only the very best, richly aromatic tobaccos and an exclusive wrapper leaf are used to make these cigars – they are, after all, named after perhaps the most famous cigar smoker of all times – Sir Winston Churchill.

Bands and packaging:

Each Winston Churchill format has two bands. The band around the body of the cigar displays the Churchill family coat of arms, while the second band bears the format name. Winston Churchill cigars are available in paper-wrapped and printed wooden boxes of 25 or in cases of 4.

(Content stolen & provided by I.T. Dave & then stolen by me.)

EXCLUSIVE CIGAR TASTING EVENT

2008-12-11T21:32:00.004-06:00

As the year rolls to an end you owe it to yourself to enjoy the most exclusive cigar in the world. Smoke Ring Sugar Land will host a cigar tasting of the Davidoff White Label cigar on Wednesday, December 17th, at 5:30 p.m..

If you know anything about cigars, you have at least heard of Davidoff. If you have not enjoyed one, your time has come! Don't you owe it to yourself to smoke a Davidoff? Davidoff has consistantly been rated a top cigar by every major publication in the cigar industry.

Included in the money saving pack is the much sought after, but seldom found, 100th Anniversary cigar! Also in the pack will be the first Maduro Davidoff has made...ever. And it is simply...phenomenal! Leave it to Davidoff to perfect the Maduro. If that isn't enough, the brand new Anniversary cigar for 2008 will be in the pack as well! Both anniversary cigars have 12 year aged tobacco!

As usual, there will be refreshments and food for those purchasing the pack. Please bring your own libation and Cecille will pour it for you.

DAVIDOFF CIGAR TASTING EVENT
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SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND
14019 SW FRWY #400
281.265.1387

Event begins at 5:00 p.m.

AVO Cigar Tasting Event

2008-12-01T10:23:00.006-06:00

What is more influential on the soul of a man than music? From a song a man can recall the warmth of the sun and smell of the sea, the kiss of a woman. The days of ones' youth are recalled in the tone of an instrument and the words of a singer.

Music moves us as patriots, and readies us for battle. Music incites energy as we prepare for the games of sport. Music forces us to recall birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, even the passing of our beloved.

Music has many companions. It is accompanied by good friends, laughter, drinking and celebration. And good cigars. All these things are essential to a good and pleasurable life. Simply said, life is music.

As an instrument of music and inspiration, the piano is powerful. Avo Uvezian plays the piano well. For a period in his life, he supported himself and his family by doing just that. As we know, the celebration of life tangles all good things together. Another thing Avo does well, is make cigars.

AVO, as a cigar brand, is my favorite line of cigars. For me, there is an AVO cigar for every part of the day...from my cigar with coffee in the morning, until that complimentary drink after a full and satisfying dinner in the evening.

The Smoke Ring in Sugar Land would like to extend a special invitation to all its patrons to attend a special Cigar Tasting in Avo Uvezian's honor, featuring of course, the AVO brand of cigars. Highlighting this special event will be the unveiling of the AVO Lounge Cigar. This cigar is another unique blend created by Avo Uvezian and Henke Kellner of Davidoff. The AVO Lounge Cigar is only available at AVO Lounges.....

Gerry Alvarez hereby announces the opening of the AVO Cigar Lounge at the Smoke Ring Sugar Land!

Please plan now to attend this special cigar event!

Gerry will of course have the usual $$ saving cigar packs for purchase. There will be raffles and door prizes. Appetizers and refreshments will be available. Just bring your choice of libation for the Smoke Ring hostess, Cecille to pour for you.

This event will be a great opportunity for a holiday get together with each other to share some food and drink, great smokes and stimulating conversation! Plan now, mark your calendars now!

AVO

2008-11-25T09:41:00.005-06:00

The Smoke Ring in Sugar Land extends an invitation for a special cigar tasting.

On December 4, 2008, the Smoke Ring will host an event for AVO Cigars.

Please watch your email for further information about this event.

ZINO PLATINUM CROWN SERIES EVENT

2008-10-08T08:27:00.000-05:00

The Event Of The Year! Don't Miss This One!

Introducing a new cigar to the ZINO PLATINUM line....The ROCKET!!

ZINO PLATINUM represents a fusion of time-honored cigar tradition.
ZINO PLATINUM cigars' various shapes, tastes, blends and aromas are all respectfully drawn from the best of classic cigar customs.
ZINO PLATINUM cigar smokers are youthful, ambitious, strong, proud, successful, fashionable and bold.
They move to their own beats and rhythms.

The superior tastes and refined elegance of ZINO PLATINUM CROWN SERIES exclusive cigars speak to urban and entertainment-driven smokers who are stylishly aware of themselves. Self-confident and successful in their professional and social lives, they are trendsetters and forward-thinkers who embrace risk, search for adventure and demand to taste the best that life has to offer.
This is the ZINO PLATINUM lifestyle.

Bold and beautiful cigars with full-bodied aroma and made from matured and aged tobaccos.

**Filler tobaccos are aged up to five years.**
**Binder tobacco is aged for four years.**
**Wrapper is aged for two years.**
**75% Ligero tobacco in the filler.**
**25% rare Peruvian in the filler.**
**100% Bold-Balanced-Excellent Combustion**

**Binder is a connecticut seed grown in the U.S.A.**
**Wrapper is a red-brown Connecticut see grown in Ecuador.**

Available in these engraved platinum cases

Thursday, October 16, 2008

SPECIAL ZINO PLATINUM CROWN SERIES CIGAR EVENT

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND

14019 S.W.FREEWAY #400

281.265.1387

FROM 5 PM 'TILL DONE

Gerry will have a special selection of ZINO Cigars available in a pack with a price that is too incredible to publish here!
Please make plans to attend and meet the premier ZINO representative Kris Miller!

This is a catered event with a bartender. Please bring your own drink of choice.

Cigars Are Healthy

2008-09-06T17:19:00.003-05:00

Cigar Rights of America

2008-09-04T11:23:00.005-05:00

This might be something you would like to look into.

click line

Special Event!! MNF--ZINO--September 8th

2008-09-04T11:05:00.002-05:00

What Makes A Perfect Cigar?

2008-09-04T10:49:00.005-05:00

What makes a perfect cigar? Light up with us and find out!

We cordially invite you to join us for a very special event. The House of Davidoff presents the “Life is a Mystery” U.S. Tour 2008 on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 6:30pm. Discover the history of cigar legend Zino Davidoff and uncover the mystery behind the man and his exquisite cigars.

We’ll be serving complimentary food, beverage and mystery cigar for your enjoyment. You will also have the opportunity to meet Raymond Scheurer, Davidoff ambassador extraordinaire, on a limited engagement direct from Switzerland.

Call today, 281-265-1387, or stop in to reserve your place at this exclusive event. A donation of $20 is suggested and will benefit school children in the Dominican Republic who attend Fernando Valerio School located in Villa Gonzalez and the Cesar Nicolas Penzon School located in Jicomé.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday, September 8 at 6:30pm. Seating is limited—don’t miss this one-day only event!

MNF-- ZINO--SMOKE RING

You are to invited to the The Smoke Ring Monday Night Football Kick-Off! We have a huge screen and "stadium seating"!

Of course the famous "Gerry-packs" will be available, along with freebies, raffles and prizes!

We'll have brats and hotdogs and other snacks and refreshments as well!

This is a special date so make note:

MONDAY September 8, 2008
Smoke Ring Sugar Land
14019SW Frwy #400
281.265.1387

Be advised..early seating is urged! No later than 5 pm suggested.

First game is featuring Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers!

Immediately following is the second game Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders!

Get there early and get the best seat! There will be two large screens for viewing and great seats!

The Smoke Ring will be open until the end of the games!

Best regards,
Gerry Alvarez
Smoke Ring
(281) 265-1387

August 15, 2008--Rocky Patel--Smoke Ring Annual Appreciation Day

2008-08-09T21:37:00.001-05:00

As Well as the legendary Rocky Patel visiting the Smoke Ring in Sugar Land on August 15, 2008, it is also the annual Customer Appreciation Day for the best cigar store in Sugar Land, Texas!

We're talking about a huge shrimp boil with all the fixins'!
Of course there will be raffles for cigars and cigar accessories as well!
Rocky Patel will be taking pictures and probably autographing them, too!

There is a rumor of a huge raffle that is still undisclosed.....

Mark your calendars now to attend this special event!

You really, really, don't want to miss this one!

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND
14019 SW FRWY #400
281.265.1387

AUGUST 15, 2008
5 pm 'till Done!!

Rocky Patel Visits Sugar Land, Texas

2008-08-05T22:56:00.003-05:00

The Smoke Ring in Sugar Land is proud to announce a visit to our store of a legend in the cigar business!

You really, really do not want to miss this one!

Rocky Patel will be at the Smoke Ring Sugar Land on August 15, 2008, for a special visit!

Mark your calendars NOW to attend this special cigar tasting and event!

More event details will follow in the next 10 days.

The Griffin's Cigar Tasting Event at the Smoke Ring

2008-07-23T22:00:00.017-05:00

The Griffin is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of beasts and the eagle the king of birds, the Griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Griffins are normally known for guarding treasure. In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine.

And so it is appropriate that this creature be on the band of one of the best cigars known.

This year’s special edition from The Griffin’s in the elegant Piramides format simply oozes charm. The tobacco blend for these medium-strength cigars consists of a combination of strong Piloto and San Vicente tobaccos, refined with a proportion of mild Olor tobaccos and a sun-ripened wrapper to round off the taste. The balanced and spicy aroma will fascinate every aficionado from the first draw. And for convenient smoking pleasure while travelling, each cigar is individually packaged in an attractive glass tubo and sealed with a cork. At the same time, the white special edition seal and the additional black ring show it off to its best advantage.

The Griffin’s Special Edition 2008

Length 14 cm

Diameter 2. 1 cm / 52 ring gauge

Wrapper leaf Connecticut - Ecuador - Sun-Grown
Binder leaf Sumatra Mexico

Filler Piloto Ligero

San Vicente Ligero

San Vicente Seco

Olor Ligero

Carbon Fibre Cigar Case

Carbon fibre is an extremely light, stable and durable material. In other words, it is just the kind of quality material that lends itself to the development of cigar cases.

These beautifully designed cigar cases with a fascinating surface structure characteristic of carbon fibre are the result of a special production process using precision tools. The two parts fit together so perfectly that cigars kept in Griffin's cigar cases will remain in perfect condition for several days without requiring any further moistening.

The cases are available for two or three cigars of the size Corona or Double Corona/Robusto.

Griffin's Cigar Cutter

This new kind of cigar cutter from Griffin's has a modern design and two round precision blades with different diameters. It also features a spring system for ejecting the cut off tobacco.

The cutter is available in two exclusive surface finishes: plain anodized aluminium or ruthenium-coated aluminium.

The perfect cigar cutter for the modern aficionado.

Now for the event, the tasting, the smoking of the Griffin's! Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 31, 2008!

Of course, the "Gerry-packs", comprised of samples of Griffin's cigars, will will be available at a ridiculously low price! And with each pack you'll get some freebies as well! Some of the accessories such as the carbon fibre cigar cases will be raffled off as prizes for those that purchase a pack!

This event will be catered for those purchasing a pack! Bring your own libation and a bartender will pour it for you, and there will be a "Griffin's girl" to hostess this event!

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND
14019 S.W.FRWY #400

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281.265.1387

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THURSDAY JULY 31ST
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5:00 p.m. 'till DONE

July 4, 2008 at the Smoke Ring

2008-06-27T19:26:00.013-05:00

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On Friday, July 4th, 2008, the Smoke Ring in Sugar Land will be open for regular business hours and will be having an Independence Day Special during the hours of 4 pm 'til done!

All you have to do is purchase $35 of cigars...any cigars you want, and Gerry will give you 2 free cigars!

And don't forget! The C A O Limited Edition Humidor is going to be raffled off also! There are a few AMERICA ANTHEM cigars left to puchase for the raffle entry, but you better hurry before your chance to win this $400+ humidor is gone!

As usual, there will be refreshments and beverages for you at the Smoke Ring, this Friday, July 4th, 2008!

CAMACHO CIGAR & TRAVEL PACK

2008-06-23T11:07:00.005-05:00

CAMACHO CIGAR TASTING EVENT

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND

14019 SW FRWY #400

281.265.1387

5 PM 'TILL DONE

The Camacho Cigar Travel Pack is a special feature of this event!
Roughly 18" by 10", this neoprene zippered bag holds 20 premium cigars with a value of $270.00! It's capacity also allows the lucky owner to carry an additional box of cigars, an ashtray...even a travel size bottle of your favorite refreshment!

For this event, receive a 10% discount on this purchase! 20 premium CAMACHO cigars and this handy travel pack...what a deal!!

Set the date on your calendar NOW! This Thursday, June 26, 2008, starting about 5 pm at the Smoke Ring Sugar Land!

J Fuego Delirium Cigar

2008-06-19T11:21:00.006-05:00

Wow. Just wow.
I had a new blend from J Fuego, The Delirium, yesterday. I'm not sure, but it may have kicked my butt.
I like all of Fuego's cigars, allot!

The appearance of this cigar was indeed dark, just like a Maduro should be. The wrapper is a naturally aged Brazillian leaf..and tasty looking.

Fuego indeed shows his trademark love for the Corojo leaf by placing it in the Coasta Rican binder and the Honduran and Nicaraguan filler.

What this blends yields is a rich, sometimes creamy and sometimes stout smoke. It certainly does transition in strength eventually mellowing out toward the second half of the cigar.

What I was not expecting was the nicotine hit it left with me. After a pleasant hour of easy draws and volumes of rich smoke, I was surprised to find that maybe I should sit a while longer and fully regain my bearings.

The Delirium left a somewhat parched, and a little bitter taste, which for me indicates that this cigar would be great as an after dinner smoke or with drinks.

J Fuego Delirium is certainly in my rotation of smokes as it delivered what I was hoping for in a Maduro/Corojo blend. The burn was even, the ash white and firm, and at least a medium and a half in strength and jammed with rich Corojo flavor.

Camacho Cigars Tasting Event

2008-06-12T17:29:00.026-05:00

Camacho Cigars

Simon Camacho in Nicaragua first created this outstanding brand back in the 1960's. Today the Camacho medium to full-bodied brand is manufactured in Honduras by Tabacos Rancho Jamastran, owned by the Eiroa family. Camacho Corojo cigars have been described as "The Best Habano outside of Cuba" by many cigar experts. Camacho cigars are made with the original Cuban Criollo and Corojo seed tobaccos grown in Honduras' Jamastran Valley, in the Eiroa's farms.

Today they have grown to become a successful, vertically integrated company based in Miami, Florida. They grow their own tobacco, manufacture their own cigars and boxes, and handle their own distribution. Camacho Cigars manufactures 16 cigar names, seven of which are their own labels.

Christian Eiroa: "Our story is very similar to most others that had to leave Cuba. My grandfather grew tobacco in Cuba. In doing so, he built a great relationship with the Oliva family (the tobacco people, not the cigar people). They were based in Tampa. My father left Cuba in 1959 and joined the army to participate in the Bay of Pigs invasion. He then served in Korea. Once finished, he went back to Tampa where he secured a job at Perfecto Garcia. When the Embargo was to commence, Angel Oliva offered my father to go to Honduras and try to grow tobacco. At this time, tobacco was being grown in many areas because the leaf brokers needed to find new sources of tobacco. After the first crop, my father decided to go on his own. Eventually, he had close to 2,000 acres where he grew tobacco in. Some in partnerships, some by himself. As time went on, he got into making cigars for others and in the mid - 80's he purchased the Baccarat "The Game" brand and in the mid 90's, Camacho."

From the Bay of Pigs to the mountains of Honduras...

Until the early 60’s, U.S. cigar manufacturers depended on Cuban tobacco. Because of the imminent U.S. embargo on Cuba, A substitute source was needed quickly, so the search began! Tino Argudin, who discovered the Jamastran Valley said: "We will never find neither soil nor region as similar to Vuelta Abajo (Cuba) as the Jamastran Valley in Honduras".Accompanying Tino Argudin was Julio Eiroa. Julio Eiroa, native of Cuba and son of Generoso Eiroa (tobacco grower from the early 1900’s), remained in Jamastran ever since.

It was only a matter of time before the Jamastran Valley and Danli would become the leaf tobacco and cigar capital of Honduras and Central America. Almost 40 years later, Julio Eiroa’s operation grew to 1,500 acres of cropland and 20 million cigars a year, employing a total of 3,300 workers. " Making cigars is not a business, it’s an art form and the only way to make good art is to make it all yourself," says Julio Eiroa.

DON JULIO AND CHRISTIAN EIROA

Julio and Christian Eiroa aren’t the first father-son team to disagree over how to run the family business. But the main players in Camacho Cigars Inc. and Tabacos Ranchos Jamastran are likely the only cigarmakers in the world rooting against their own products.

"We have a bet," says Christian, over the performance of two selections in the Camacho line. Julio likes the Camacho Select, a cigar made with a Cameroon wrapper that debuted in early May. His son’s favorite is the more high-powered Camacho Corojo.

"In the first 12 months, whoever sells more, wins. That’s the bet. Camacho Select versus Camacho Corojo," says Christian with a chuckle.

The two won’t disclose the terms of the bet, but each is serious about the outcome. Pride is at stake. The elder Eiroa, who lives in Honduras and runs Camacho’s tobacco growing and cigar-making operation, known as Tabacos Ranchos Jamastran, made the Camacho Select blend his way, kept the packaging Spartan and closed his ears to input from his son.

"When the old man first made a sample, I said, ‘Dad’"-Christian makes a motion in the air, showing how his father cut him off. "He said, ‘No. This is my baby.’" The good-natured ribbing got a bit heated last Christmas. Julio left Miami angry and early, flying back to Honduras.

Julio is not apologetic about being at odds with his son on occasion. "I don’t like full-bodied cigars," he says. "They’re too strong for me. I always go for the cigar that you can smoke five or 10 cigars a day."

Julio is Camacho’s patriarch, a 67-year-old with a stubborn personality honed by decades of doing things his own way. He used to own a small plane, which he would fly around Honduras, but a crash in 1977 nearly ended his life. It robbed him of some of his freedom, leaving him partially paralyzed.

"When I got in the accident, I was by myself, and then everything went down. There was nobody to follow me," he says. Christian was only five years old. "I got out of tobacco for a few years. When I got back, I started hiring Cubans from Cuba. It was a disaster."

Upset with how others were running his operations, Julio eventually reduced the amount of tobacco he planted and took a greater role in the growing. He now says he is getting nearly the same yield from far fewer plants. And he continues to be a perfectionist when it comes to the quality of the leaf. "Two years ago, I burned $2 million worth of tobacco, bale by bale," says the elder Eiroa. He didn’t like it, and wanted to rid himself of the temptation to turn it into cigars. Christian, 34, is stubborn in his own right. When he joined the family business in 1995, his father didn’t want him buying tobacco from overseas, but he began buying it anyway, realizing it was the only way the company could grow. "I got lines of credit from the bank, and I just started buying tobacco. He didn’t know what was going on," says Christian. "So there was always a difference in perception…there has always been a certain conflict."

Christian didn’t want to work with his father. "Family businesses are always hard. It’s never easy," he says. The situation proved too difficult for his older brother, Justo, who left the family business to work in the bottled-water industry. "They couldn’t get along," says Christian. "Too many arguments." Christian, a big, outspoken man with a sharp sense of humor, has the personality to match his father’s confidence. "There are a lot of silent treatments before the launch of each brand," says Christian. Julio has been known to yank a product or change speed at the 11th hour, often spoiling Christian’s distribution plans. He sometimes hides tobacco in Honduras, to throw Christian off when he visits.

"As competitive as our industry has become," says Christian, "speed to market is a big issue, and I think that causes a lot of our problems. He’ll say it’ll be ready in June, then I have to pull back the reins; everything has to come to a stop again. It drives me crazy."

Each Eiroa is confident he will win the bet. "My cigar is going to be selling 90 percent, and you’re going to be 10 percent," says Julio.

Despite the good-natured ribbing, each sees the value of the other in the business. "He’s a hell of a salesman," says Julio of his son. "We love the business, we work hard. But I tell him, he sells the first cigar, but then the cigar has to sell itself."

The Cigars

Camacho Triple Maduro

This is simply a wonderful cigar. Comprised of maduro tobacco through-out, and as dark as the night, this cigar might frighten some of the less adventurous of us, but it is surprisingly smokable! Our own Chris Hutts reviewed this cigar a while back. Click here to read what "Big Daddy" had to say about the Camacho Triple Maduro!
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Camacho Corojo 10th Anniversary

Introducing Camacho Cigar’s Camacho Corojo 10th Anniversary cigar selection - a smooth, creamy blend created by Christian Eiroa as a follow-up to his highly-rated Camacho Triple Maduro cigars selection. This box-pressed anniversary cigar commemorates the Eiroa Family’s 10 years of growing the world’s only Authentic Corojo Seed tobacco. The cigars are medium to full-bodied, blended with an all Honduran-grown Corojo-seed filler, binder and wrapper recipe.

Camacho Liberty

Camacho Cigars announces that this year’s Camacho Liberty cigar will begin to ship in June 2008. As with each issue, this blend is also different and very intricate. This year’s Camacho Liberty will be a medium-bodied, box pressed, "Barber Pole" cigar. Camacho Cigar will only be offering 2000 Limited Edition numbered chests totaling 40,000 numbered coffins and cigars.

Camacho Corojo Diploma Cigar

The Camacho Diploma is complete with it’s new presentation. They really went all out with the design of the new bands, a big change from the old simple Diploma band. This Honduran puros is comprised of the choicest Corojo leaf grown in the Jamastran Valley. Beautiful is the best word to describe this oily cigar with a slightly toothed wrapper. It was heavy, firm and the draw was easy with just a touch of resistance. The complexity of the Diploma doesn’t take long to show up, starting out with a strong black peppercorn flavor with a woody undertone. Along with this spice the cigar had some harshness, which fortunately mellowed out to a tolerable level after a few minutes. It was difficult to pin down the dominate flavor once the cigar warmed up. I tasted a nice blend of pepper, wood, and occasionally some sweeter flavor reminding me of a good whiskey. The Diploma is best smoked slow to respect the cigars strength, but even then I was feeling a bit light headed by the halfway point. After I was satisfied that I could discern the flavors in it, I picked up a small glass of port. The port paired nicely with the Diploma, taking the edge off the harshness. Other reviews I’d read discussed some burn problems but mine was flawless from start to finish.

Camacho Coyolar

Originally released in 2005 under the name "Say Uncle" the Camacho Coyolar Puro is the Eiora’s family first venture in using tobacco not from their farm. This cigar is full bodied and deserves your respect, after my first experience with this cigar I found out why.

1962 PRE-EMBARGO

The Camacho 1962 Pre-embargp cigar starts with a Vintage 1999 Jamastran Corojo wrapper that finishes a complex filler that includes authentic 1962 Pre-Embargo Cuban tobacco. The aged Cuban tobacco used in this cigar is taken from one of four remaining bales in the world. It has been a long time since we have encountered a cigar of this caliber. This is without a doubt one of the finest cigars we have ever had the privilege of smoking. The smooth Pre-Embargo filler is complemented nicely by the complex Corojo wrapper.

SLR Camacho

"Special Limited Reserve" cigars gives you a taste of Camacho's full-bodied side.This amazingly powerful cigar is offered in boxes of 25 and features Honduran wrapper, binder and fillers.

Corojo
Released in 2000, these cigars are genuine Corojo puros. This means they are made entirely of the same kind of tobacco, all grown in the Jamastran Valley in Honduras. This gives you a consistant smoke, every time, with flavor that does not fail till the cigar is too small to smoke. Offered in 13 distinct sizes, all packed in cedar boxes.

Havana
When this cigar first came out in the 60's, it was manufactured in Nicaragua until production was moved to it's present home in Honduras. Very close to the Camacho Corojo line, with Corojo Binder and filler, this cigar is distinguished by it's Criollo leaf, grown in the same Jamastran Valley the Corojo tobaccos are from. All 9 sizes come in boxes of 20. 3 other sizes H1, H2, and H3, which are aged for a longer period of time, are offered in boxes of 50.

Candela Monarca
At first glance of this cigar, do not be put off! It does have a green wrapper, you're not just seeing things! This robusto size stogie is a gem! Comprised of the corojo blend, it is wrapped in a candela leaf, a process whereby the leaf is quickly aged to retain the color of the leaf at harvest, but to make it smokable. What the cigar then becomes is a mild, cool smoke, but because of the filler and binder, a flavorable one as well. There are other candelas out there, but the Camacho Monarca is by far...simply the best one!

Camacho Cigars Signature Travel Case

This spectacular travel case comes packed with 20 Premium Camacho Cigars! There is room to carry an additional box of cigars, an ashtray, lighter & fuel.The case is of durable neoprene fabric.

SMOKE RING
14019 SW FRWY #400
281.265.1387

CAMACHO CIGARS TASTING EVENT

JUNE 26, 2008

5 pm 'til Done

Pictures

2008-06-08T20:52:00.008-05:00

Jim Hoffman.

The Bench.

Jim, Gerry, Bob.

601 Oscuro.

Demo Remo.

Demo Remo.

Demo Remo.

Demo Remo.

Davey Hoffman.

Colonel wins a box!

Bob Mayo!

Big Daddy!

MLC & 601

Eddie and his group.

Greek jams!

In the bus!

Jack.

Look at that ash!

Jack again!

Gerry & the Burbon King!

J Fuego, Gerry, Jennifer.

Vasos mugs!

Eddie & Cecille.

Ouch!

C A O AmericA Anthem Humidor Raffle

2008-06-07T21:55:00.009-05:00

CAO AmericA

The America is the newest exclusive blend by the highly acclaimed cigar distributor, CAO International. Announced on July 4th, 2007 (ain't that a coincidence), CAO AmericA boasts not one but two wrapper leaves. An extremely rare Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro is delicately interwined with a smooth Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf. A premium blending of Brazilian binder and 100% ligero filler tobaccos from Nicaragua, Italy, U.S.A., and the Dominican Republic bring forth a substantially complex and enjoyable medium to full-bodied smoke. Made with two American-grown wrappers, CAO's newest blend pays homage to our homeland.

At 8 ½ x 50, CAO Anthem cigars are the largest in CAO's AmericA line. This vitola is actually a limited release and is not currently in regular production. They're shipped inside a limited-edition, high quality CAO America humidor. One of the best smokes in the land, from sea to shining sea.
Only 18,000 were produced.

Country: Nicaragua
Length/Ring: 8 1/2 x 50
Shape: Presidente
Wrapper: Natural
Strength: Medium to Full

Not only is the cigar a limited edition, this humidor is as well. Eighteen vitolas sit inside their own coffin to fill the humidor. We have been running a sale on these coffins as an entry for a raffle of this spectacular humidor! The purchase of one coffin gives you a 1 in 18 chance of winning it! Buying more than one....well, you can figure that out, can't you?

The drawing is slated for, when else...July 4th, 2008! So in less than a month, some lucky (and smart) cigar smoker will win this humidor! Right now there are 9 of these cigars available. When the last one is sold, that's it!

Get into the store today and buy a C.A.O. AmericA Anthem cigar to at least have a chance of winning this humidor!

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND

14019 SW FRWY #400

281.265.1387

601 CIGARS ANNIVERSARY EVENT & BBQ RIBS & BEER

2008-05-29T07:56:00.006-05:00

On Sunday, June 01, 2008, the Smoke Ring Sugar Land will host the Anniversary Cigar Tasting Event for Eddie Ortega and 601 Cigars!

This event will be catered by Vasos BBQ, winner of more BBQ cook-offs in the history of the world...at least since man first invented fire.

Several guys at the Ring have challenged each other in a rib eating contest. They think they can pound 60+1 ribs in 2 hours.

Gerry will have the 601 packs priced so low you, you can't afford not to buy them!

601 Cigars...Ribs 'n Beer...Raffles...All this happens this Sunday, June 01, 2008

6-01

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND

14019 SW FWY #400

281.265.1387

SUNDAY

06-01-08

FROM NOON 'TIL DONE

601 CIGARS ANNIVERSARY EVENT!

2008-05-27T20:13:00.012-05:00

This is a 601 Habano Wrapper.

This is a 601 Cigar box lid.

This is Eddie of 601 Cigars.

BBQ ribs.

Beer.

BBQ Ribs AND Beer.

Keep reading.

On June 01, 2008, the Smoke Ring Sugar Land will host a special cigar tasting of 601 Cigars!

Re:Henke Kelner of Davidoff

2008-05-18T17:02:00.008-05:00

The Kelner/Davidoff seminar attendance quota is almost filled.
Out of 25 allotted slots, we have 4 left!

This event is scheduled for May 22, 2008. It's one you do not want to miss!

After Tuesday, May 20th, please call the Smoke Ring for availability for this once in a lifetime event!

Smoke Ring Sugar Land >>>>>>>>>>>>>>281.265.1387

Henke Kelner of Davidoff

2008-05-13T15:09:00.023-05:00

RE: APPROACHING LAST CALL!!! HENKE KELNER & DAVIDOFF EVENT

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!

You are encouraged to come by the Smoke Ring before the event, and we also encourage carpooling to the site.

As well, after the event, the store will be open for business with the usual cigar tasting event activities!

An Education in the Tasting and the Art of Blending Cigars A Very Special Workshop

You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to fully understand what it is you truly enjoy about the taste, the texture, and the aroma of an excellent cigar. Come join us for an event that will not only expand your smoking horizons, but also enhance your knowledge and understanding imparted from one of the most revered expert blenders of his time.

Cigar Aficionados, The Smoke Ring brings you a once in a lifetime opportunity to share in a special evening with one of the most influential and legendary forces in the tobacco industry.

Henke Kelner is widely recognized as the most famed and revered master blender of our time. His muse, wizardry and absolute genius are the inspiration behind the production of Davidoff of Geneva line of cigars:

*Davidoff
*Winston Churchill
*Zino
*AVO
*Griffin

We are proud and honored to have “The Maestro” orchestrate this truly magical evening consisting of education, culinary excellence and of course…. Truly World Class Cigars!

“A cigar is your friend. And what do you expect from a friend? Loyalty, consistency and balance.”

“Blending is not a formula, it is an art, and maintaining consistency is a science.”

“We don’t sell cigars; we sell smoke.”

Henke Kelner

Only 25 slots are available on a First-Come-First-Serve basis. This special event is brought to you exclusively by The Smoke Ring. Come to the store by 05/16/08 to secure your slot for $95.00 which includes:

*Admission to event
*Davidoff Robusto Collection (5cigars) a $79.95 value
*Two additional cigars Worth $25.00
*During the evening you’ll taste several cigars at various stages of production concluding with the full enjoyment of the taste and aroma that is a Davidoff.

Doors open at 6:30 pm and the seminar begins promptly at 7 pm at:

The Gardens 12001 Beamer Houston, TX 77089

May 22, 2008

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND

* 14019 S.W. FREEWAY #400 *

281.265.1387

http://smoke-ring.blogspot.com/

News & Reminders!

2008-05-12T09:00:00.004-05:00

Busy Busy Busy!

Click the links below for updates!

Henke Kelner & Davidoff Seminar May 22, 2008
Reserve your spot NOW!!

J Fuego Cigar Tasting May 15, 2008
Don't miss this one!!

Smoke Ring store expansion!!

Coming Soon...Special Event!!
"601 Cigars + Ribs 'n Beer" Sunday 06-01-08

JESUS FUEGO Reminder!

2008-05-11T13:22:00.007-05:00

Just a friendly reminder of the upcoming
J Fuego Cigar Tasting Event
at the Smoke Ring!

click here

Henke Kelner of Davidoff

2008-05-09T15:48:00.015-05:00

An Education in the Tasting and the Art of Blending Cigars

Very Special Event

"Chocolate. There’s something undeniably mystical and irresistible about chocolate. The word itself is sensual and romantic. The creamy, silky texture, the deep, dark, elegant color, the exquisitely sweet, rich flavor, the tantalizing aroma…. the seductive characteristics of chocolate can arouse the senses and send one’s pulse racing to new heights."

So, you’re thinking….” I thought I was opening an email about cigars or a cigar event at The Smoke Ring.”

Well, you did!

You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to fully understand what it is you truly enjoy about the taste, the texture, and the aroma of an excellent cigar. Come join us for an event that will not only expand your smoking horizons, but also enhance your knowledge and understanding imparted from one of the most revered expert blenders of his time.

An Education in the Tasting and the Art of Blending Cigars

A Very Special Workshop

Cigar Aficionados, The Smoke Ring brings you a once in a lifetime opportunity to share in a special evening with one of the most influential and legendary forces in the tobacco industry.

Henke Kelner is widely recognized as the most famed and revered master blender of our time. His muse, wizardry and absolute genius are the inspiration behind the production of Davidoff of Geneva line of cigars:

*Davidoff
*Winston Churchill
*Zino
*AVO
*Griffin

We are proud and honored to have “The Maestro” orchestrate this truly magical evening consisting of education, culinary excellence and of course…. Truly World Class Cigars!

Henke Kelner

Only 25 slots are available on a First-Come-First-Serve basis. This special event is brought to you exclusively by The Smoke Ring. Come to the store by 05/16/08 to secure your slot for $95.00 which includes:

*Admission to event

*Davidoff Robusto Collection (5cigars) a $79.95 value
*Two additional cigars Worth $25.00
*During the evening you’ll taste several cigars at various stages of production concluding with the full enjoyment of the taste and aroma that is a Davidoff.

Doors open at 6:30 pm and the seminar begins promptly at 7 pm at:

The Gardens 12001 Beamer Houston, TX 77089

May 22, 2008

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND
*
14019 S.W. FREEWAY #400
*
281.265.1387

JESUS FUEGO Cigar Tasting Event!

2008-05-05T22:36:00.015-05:00

".....I can't help hearing the lyrics to an old Jimmy Buffett tune playing in my head as the bus barrels down the winding blacktop of the Pan-American Highway, carrying a jovial band of U.S. visitors from Honduras's true capital, Tegucigalpa, to its cigar-making capital, Danlí. "Banana Republic," now a common pejorative for any impoverished tropical nation run by despots, was originally coined for Honduras, after all, and years after its domination by American fruit companies and its period as a hotbed of revolution in the Cold War years it is still easy to see why. The political travails of the 1980s left in their wake a democratic government, but poverty is still widespread, as evidenced by the shacks and shanties, some built right on the sides of mountains, along the road, and by the steady stream of natives who approach our vehicle at every stop sign, peddling trinkets and snacks. Nevertheless, this nation's people are proud: they work hard and without complaint, and these qualities have made Hondurans renowned in cigar making circles as possibly the most skilled workers outside of Cuba.

Honduras is Central America's pre-eminent cigar producer, placing second in the U.S. market behind the Dominican Republic and still outpacing its neighbor, Nicaragua, by a fairly wide margin. And yet, this nation has always had something of an image problem, the problem, specifically, being a lack of an image. Many cigars made in Honduras have long enjoyed a reputation for quality, but the nation itself has been slow in defining its own identity, possibly because, with some notable exceptions, the cigars are not characterized predominantly by Honduran-grown tobacco but instead by multi-nation blends. Perceptions are changing, however, as the American public grows more savvy about not just the cigars themselves, but the men behind them, men with generations of tobacco-growing and cigar-making experience to bring to bear. The truth is, whether they are working behind the scenes for other companies, heading up their own boutique brands, or plying their trade for large corporations, the cigar masters of Honduras are adding to an impressive legacy....."

"....down to the Banana Republics....

down to the tropical sun....

go the expatriated Americans....

hoping to find some fun....."

Those words may seem familiar to you if you recall them being sung by Jimmy Buffett. Haven't you dreamt of shedding the work shoes and lounging barefoot on a sugar-white sand beach ... staring at ice blue waters ... with a great drink, a great cigar ... catching the wafting scent of cocoa-butter in the warm humid breeze?

Keep dreaming, you'll get there someday!

In the meantime, you can enjoy the drink and the great cigar if you come to the Smoke Ring on May 15, 2008 for a fantastic cigar tasting!

Come and meet Jesus Fuego and his line of cigars. Jesus is a master blender. The Fuego family’s involvement with tobacco dates to 1876. Jesus Fuego has worked with numerous manufacturers. He is often credited as the "mastermind" behind a number of Rocky Patel cigars, including the Vintage 1990 and 1992 and Olde World. Fuego went out on his own last year and introduced his eponymous cigars in December.

Currently there are two J. Fuego blends. Both cigars are multinational blends. The Natural's are a medium strength, spicy blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran filler with a Criollo wrapper. The Corojo No.1's are a fuller bodied blend with tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica. All the tobaccos, Fuego said, are grown specifically for him.

The Natural is milder, what Fuego calls an every day smoke. "The people who smoke light will not feel it too strong," he said. "The people who smoke strong will not feel it too mild." The Gran Reserva is darker and stronger. Fuego prefers to call it full-flavored and said his aim in creating it was to eliminate harshness.

As usual ... there will be the famous and generous "Gerry-packs" featuring J. Fuego cigars, some "freebies", raffles, door prizes, a catered dinner ... just bring the drink of your choice and our bartendress will serve it up for you! Come to the Smoke Ring and enjoy some great cigars and conversations with Jesus Fuego!

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND
14019 SW FWY #400
*
281_265_1387
**

May 15, 2008
***
5 pm 'till Done
****

RETURN of the ORIGINAL RECIPE

2008-05-02T12:28:00.005-05:00

After almost a year of no-shows, near misses, and "Duh, I forgot", Marcus, "Chuck", aka Original Recipe," Upchurch will be returning to the Smoke Ring work rotation! I know, I know...damn exciting stuff!!

The cool part of it is that he will be featuring unheard of specials...hope Gerry doesn't find out about this!

I've heard through the grapevine that the first customer of the day will receive a special prize chosen by Mr. Upchurch himself. The doors open at 10:00 a.m. Don't be late!

While visiting the Smoke Ring this Saturday, ask Marcus Upchurch for a tour of the remodelling that broke ground just this last Monday, April 28th!

As usual, our lounge area will be available for relaxing with a drink or brew and snacks while watching sports on the widescreen TV!

Call a buddy! Bring a friend! Just make sure you're there this Saturday to welcome Marcus Upchurch back to the Smoke Ring!

The Return of the Original Recipe

SMOKE RING SUGAR LAND
14019 S W Freeway
Sugar Land, Texas

281-265-1387

10 a.m. Until Done!!!

Store Expansion!

2008-05-01T13:36:00.001-05:00

Jim & Gerry with the permit!

Storage room wall goes down!

Wide open spaces! Ready to rock & roll!

On April 28th, 2008, the Smoke Ring of Sugar Land, Texas, broke ground on an eagerly anticipated remodeling!
Since opening a little more than 4 years ago, The Smoke Ring has showed strong, steady growth!

Several factors have contributed to our phenomenal growth:

1) The best humidification system in the area,
2) The best cigars the world has to offer,
3) The best customers in the world,
4) The best customer service and attention to detail!

Come by for a visit and find out what others already know...the best Cigar Store in town?...The Smoke Ring!

ARA 07 Cigar Tasting Event!

2008-04-12T21:22:00.010-05:00

A.ra ar'a Refuge (ORIGIN Latin)
.

"Series 07 Uses the finest hand selected wrappers from Connecticut seeds grown in Equador in combination with Dominican filler and binder.

We provide the finest premium handmade, complex cigars to those who demand indulging and taking refuge in things that are of superior quality and excellence in life.

It is with love for cigars and respect for traditions that we produce our cigars."

Everyone has their "go-to" cigar...maybe 2 or three. The cigars you think about during the day while at work, unable to smoke. Maybe you have thought of those favorite cigars and how you would put together the best qualities of each into just one stick. The best of your smoking world in one cigar. Many have thought of doing that. Ara has done it!

There is a new cigar maker out there, guys! And his name is Ara. The Smoke Ring rarely has more than one cigar tasting event in a month. But the ARA 07 Cigar deserves special consideration! It is that good!

The ARA Series 07 Cigars

Torpedo 52x6

Toro 50x6

Robusto 50x5

Corona 43x6

Bombones 43x4 3/4

Panatela 38x6

Short Panetela 38x4 3/4

The Smoke Ring Sugar Land is legend for our cigar tasting events. It's only appropriate that a cigar that is a legend in the making will be offered exclusively at our store! Ara will be introducing his cigar brand, the ARA 07, to our customers on April 17, 2008! You cannot miss this event!

I have been smoking the ARA 07 since early 2007 when Ara first offered me one. Since that day, it has earned a place in my rotation. It is a mild enough smoke that the Bombones at 4 3/4 inches is the first cigar of the day I enjoy with my morning coffee. But the blend of the ARA 07 is complex enough that I fire one up during my afternoon breaks. The Panatela is my personal favorite!

Here is what others have remarked about the ARA 07:

Stan Neely, a reknown landscape designer and contractor, says,
"My day can be so hectic I only have time for a short cigar. So when the Bombones ( 43 x 4 3/4") was available, I bought the first box of them Gerry had!"

Gardner Story says,
"You know what? I'll tell you Doc...the Corona (43 x 6") is one of my favorite cigars now!"

David Voth, our adopted Canadian, remarks,
"The ARA07 is so good, I decided to have my birthday party at the Smoke Ring this year during the ARA 07 Cigar Tasting! If no one buys me a box as a gift, I'll buy my own of the Toro (50 x 6")!"

As usual, this event will be catered and tended. Please bring your own libation!

Apologies for the short notice...but you'll thank Gerry when you make this cigar tasting and light up an ARA 07!

Smoke Ring Sugar Land

14019 SW Freeway #400

281.265.1387

ARA 07 Cigar Tasting Event

April 17, 2008

From 5 pm 'till DONE!

ASHTON Taste of Excellence

2008-03-22T10:51:00.010-05:00

This is Ashton’s biggest and most important product release in many years. The launch for this cigar has been eagerly awaited for quite some time. However, it was important for ASHTON to wait until we had the right cigar, as well as the right cigar manufacturer for the job.

Jarrod Biocca , our ASHTON rep, said the Product Development team has been working long and hard on this project for the past 2 years. ASHTON has been working hand-in-hand in Nicaragua with Jose "Pepin" Garcia. For those of you unfamiliar, Pepin is a rising star in the cigar industry. He is a Cuban expatriate with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of cigar making. Pepin ran cigar production in Cuba for 30 years before departing for the U.S. in 2002. Now he is in Nicaragua making some of the finest cigars in the world today. ASHTON is extremely confident that their newfound partnership with Pepin will turn out to be a long and prosperous one.

Jarrod says, "The cigar itself turned out to be a dream come true! ASHTON truly could not be happier with the finished product! Blended entirely from rich and delicious Nicaraguan tobaccos, these cigars feature dark, oily Nicaraguan wrappers. The flavor is rich and full-bodied, exhibiting a perfect balance between strength and complexity. Each cigar is constructed impeccably and finished with a traditional Cuban Triple-Cap."

Available in 6 sizes!

There is a murmur across the United States in other cigar stores about our Smoke Ring's cigar tasting events! This event will be no different!

As usual, there will be the $$ saving Gerrypacks that you just gotta get your hands on to taste the incredible tobaccos ASHTON incorporates in these cigars!

While the San Cristobal is the focus of this event, all ASHTON product will be on sale! The box prices on VSG's, Cabinet, and Heritage cigars will blow you away!

This event will be catered, and Courtney will be tending bar pouring the drink you bring!

But this event is titled ASHTON Taste of Excellence for a reason. Jarrod has paired a 10 year single malt Talisker Scotch with spicy chocolates to compliment the San Cristobal Cigars! To participate in this tasting, you must purchase a $10 ticket that will serve as a gift certificate toward any ASHTON product. Purchase of the ticket will help to anticipate how much Talisker and chocolates to have on hand. There are 50 39 tickets available right now! So get to the Smoke Ring asap or call and reserve your ticket today!

Smoke Ring Sugar Land

14019 SW Fry #400

281.265.1387

ASHTON Taste of Excellence

Cigar Tasting Featuring

San Cristobal Cigars

April 03, 2008

5pm 'Till Done

Statistics

2008-03-21T15:30:00.000-05:00

Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.

Thank You!!

2008-03-17T00:15:00.002-05:00

Thanks to our great customers for the recent attendance at the ZINO PLATINUM cigar tasting!

Early Notice

2008-03-05T00:57:00.002-06:00

Gerry Alvarez Productions Presents: "G vs g"

2008-02-23T17:54:00.015-06:00

Lamar Hunt could not do it.

Don King would not do it.

P.T. Barnum would have done it, but he died too soon.

Sometimes a man has an idea...and he knows it's a great one. But as he muses, he caustiously ponders, "Is the world ready for this?"

Then he breaks the silence, " Oh, what the hell!"

Then standing atop the mountain he declares...

"So it has been said!
So shall it be written!
So shall it be!"

Gerry Alvarez Productions Presents

SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!

MARCH 2ND

2:00 P.M.

Don't miss your chance to see history as it is being made.

BE THERE!!

SMOKE RING

14019 S.W. FREEWAY #400
**

>"..in the parking lot!.."<

SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

281-265-1387

***Photo and and artwork by Mark Williams!

**Free admission to event with purchase of cigars!

Escape with C A O

2008-02-23T10:54:00.024-06:00

The Smoke Ring in Sugar Land is having a special cigar tasting event! Join us on February 28th, 2008 and

Escape With C A O!

The event starts around 5 and ends when you leave.
The event will be catered by Vasos BBQ! YOU bring the drink of your choice.

Smoke Ring
14019 S.W. Freeway
Sugar Land, Tx 77478
281-265-1387

The featured cigar of this event is the AMERICA! Introduced at the 2007 RTDA, it was an instant success!

The special attraction of this Smoke Ring event is the AMERICA HUMIDOR! This is a limited edition humidor, made only for retailers and the promotion of this new cigar! This humidor will be raffled as the Grand Prize! Purchase one AMERICA ANTHEM cigar and you're entered--18 chances to win!

We also have the ~~Tony will be there~~ Limited Edition Soprano's Collector's Box!

Are you thinking you don't have the time to come to this event? Gotta do this, gotta do that?

"Fughet about it!! Bettah be there!"

Smoke Ring

14019 S.W. Freeway

Sugar Land, Tx 77478

281-265-1387

SMOKE RING SUPER BOWL XLII TICKET

2008-01-28T10:41:00.000-06:00

Please join the Smoke Ring in Sugar Land for the Super Bowl this year on February 3, 2008!

Gerry will provide sandwiches, soft drinks, and his world famous chili. And of course...you can smoke great cigars while watching the game.

The game starts around 5:30 p.m. So get there early for a good seat and enjoy the game of the year in the best humidor in town with fellow cigar smokers for a great time!

Davidoff Event Photos

2007-12-14T15:02:00.000-06:00

Zino Davidoff White Label Cigar Event

2007-12-12T21:00:00.000-06:00

From flawless contruction, to the perfect draw, Davidoff sets the standard.

That quote by Zino Davidoff should provoke deep meditation from the reader. While keeping a sense of humor, one should also have in mind what really is important to him. We all work hard for what we have, what we provide for our family. And what is the price for a man wanting to reward himself in some small way, for instance, with the time to sit in quiet and relax with a great cigar? You must agree, that is a small price indeed!

In this new politically correct world there are fewer and fewer santuaries offered where a man can find such relaxation. Wrongly appointed officials are trying to make a legal consumable, cigars, illegal to consume! The weather is either too hot or too cold to smoke outside at home..and to keep the peace with "you-know-who", you don't smoke your stogies inside. Why pay hundreds of dollars on a membership club when you can enjoy the comfortable lounge at the Smoke Ring of Sugar Land? Here's your chance to do just that!

On December 13th, 2007, the Smoke Ring of Sugar Land will be hosting the cigar tasting event of the year! Kris Miller, the premier representative from Davidoff will host a Zino Davidoff White Label Cigar Tasting Event!

Here's some information on the cigars you'll be purchasing at the Smoke Ring:

The Davidoff brand is a world class favorite - cigars of outstanding quality that demand great tobaccos, aged at least 4 years and with 4 unique blends rich in aroma and smooth in taste. The tobaccos are cultivated in the rich soils of selected fields where more than five centuries of the fine art of cigar making is still respected. This classic brand began in Cuba in 1946, and is made today in a factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic that creates Davidoff cigars exclusively.

DIADEMAS

This special, limited edition anniversary cigar was issued to celebrate what would have been Zino Davidoff's 100 birthday.Unlike other Davidoff cigars, the Diademas Fina does not wear the familiar white oval band. From the start, the cigar burns perfectly and draws well, producing a very long, firm ash. Plus, it smokes very smoothly and trouble-free for well over an hour with an appealingly sweet aroma.

GRAND CRU

This Dominican cigar is a medium to mild-bodied smoke with a smooth, attractive, caramel-colored wrapper. The delicate blend of salty Olor, acidic San Vicente, and peppery Piloto Cubano tobaccos yielda a unique harmonious flavor pleasing to the whole palate. This symphony of tastes remains fairly constant throughout the smoke, and the cigar maintains a true pull and an even burn to the end.

DAVIDOFF SPECIALS & the DOUBLE R

"This cigar is an all time favorite, the cigar you pull out of the humidor when you think 'I must have a rich, spicy, perfect smoke.'" That's a typical comment about this great cigar. It fills the air with an absolutely beautiful aroma, and leave your mouth smooth as cream. The Davidoff Double "R" is a mild to medium bodied cigar that's well balanced, with a toasty finish.

MILLENIUM BLEND

Davidoff Millennium cigars are the most full-bodied of all Davidoff cigars. Blended from heartier, vintage Dominican tobaccos and Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper leaves, grown exclusively for Davidoff. These fine premium cigars arouse the senses with their perfectly-balanced, complex flavors and aromas.

DAVIDOFF WHITE LABEL CIGAR TASTING EVENT
December 13, 2007

As usual, we'll have a hostess serving you the libation you bring to this event. Vasos Restaurant will cater a sumptous feast to satisfy your hunger.

Gerry Alvarez and Marcus Upchurch will be putting together a sample pack of Davidoff cigars and an incredible price! There is always a bonus selection of additional FREE cigars if that pack is purchased! You're going to find it difficult to believe what that bonus FREE pack is this time!

A 10 cigar box of Griffin Specal Edition 2007 Cigars, a value of $100.00!!

ZINO DAVIDOFF WHITE LABEL CIGAR TASTING EVENT
***
Promptly begins sometime around 5 pm until it's over
@
The Smoke Ring
14019 SW Freeway
Suite400
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
281-265-1387

Jesus Fuego Gran Reserva

2007-12-12T08:19:00.000-06:00

after working alongside one of the industry's most respected cigar makers and blending his array of fine cigars for many years, Jesus Fuego made the conscientious decision in december of 2006 to finally launch his own brand.

carefully fermented and patiently aged, this rich sun grown 'corojo' wrapper completes the complex flavor of fillers and binder grown by Nestor Plasencia exclusively for this blend.

the 6" x 58 gran reserva had one of the most gorgeous corojo wrappers i've ever seen. dark and oily with an attractive reddish patina. the smoke was thick, creamy and marvelously smooth. "corojo" is my favorite, my "go to" cigar.

corojo is the name mostly and probably misused/used by many cigar makers for the wrapper. one would think then that all "corojo" would taste the same, but they don't.

this cigar--J.Fuego Gran Reserva 6x58 has what i look for in that special wrapper known as corojo!

try one today at the smoke ring!

Ultimate Cigar Cutter

2007-12-11T11:29:00.000-06:00

Saladini Cutlery - Art 3013, Tagliasigari da Tavolo -

The ultimate handcrafted cigar cutter... in olive and horn options.

Cigar Ring Gauge Sizer

2007-12-09T11:42:00.000-06:00

Cigar Quotes

2007-12-05T11:21:00.000-06:00

Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle.
George Burns

I'm at the age now where just putting my cigar in its holder is a thrill.
George Burns

There are men here and there to whom the whole of life is like an after-dinner hour with a cigar; easy, pleasant, empty, perhaps enlivened by some fable of strife to be forgotten - before the end is told - even if there happens to be any end to it.
Joseph Conrad

I did the cover of Cigar Aficionado, so I'm supposed to talk about loving cigars. I've smoked them a couple of times. My father used to smoke cigars. I love the idea and the concept, and I love the smell of cigars.
Gina Gershon

If you want a midget to look like a baby, don't put a cigar in his mouth.
Chuck Jones

I even smoke in bed. Imagine smoking a cigar in bed, reading a book. Next to your bed, there's a cigar table with a special cigar ashtray, and your wife is reading a book on how to save the environment. Raul Julia

Maybe it's like becoming one with the cigar. You lose yourself in it; everything fades away: your worries, your problems, your thoughts. They fade into the smoke, and the cigar and you are at peace. Raul Julia
A woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke.
Rudyard Kipling

I never can understand how anyone can not smoke it deprives a man of the best part of life. With a good cigar in his mouth a man is perfectly safe, nothing can touch him, literally.
Thomas Mann

What this country needs is a really good five cent cigar.
Thomas R. Marshall

A woman is an occasional pleasure but a cigar is always a smoke.
Groucho Marx

I didn't play at collecting. No cigar anywhere was safe from me.
Edward G. Robinson

I have made it a rule never to smoke more that one cigar at a time.
Mark Twain

I've got a great cigar collection - it's actually not a collection, because that would imply I wasn't going to smoke every last one of 'em.
Ron White

Cigarette sales would drop to zero overnight if the warning said "CIGARETTES CONTAIN FAT." Dave Barry

If I cannot smoke in heaven, then I shall not go.
Mark Twain

Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man's enjoyment of his cigar.
Mark Twain

The end of a good smoke is a little saddening. In some regard, it's a bit like losing a best friend who had time to sit and listen.
ZenWarrior

"If I had taken my doctor's advice and quit smoking when he advised me to,I wouldn't have lived to go to his funeral."
George burns at age 98

"If your wife doesn't like the aroma of your cigar, change your wife."
Zino Davidoff

Winston Churchill Cigars by Davidoff

2007-12-01T23:28:00.000-06:00

With their inimitable taste and superb aroma, Winston Churchill cigars will delight the most avid cigar smoker.
Master Blender Henke Kelner has created a unique blend for Davidoff. Highly complex in taste and aroma, these blends are unlike anything previously available from the Dominican Republic.
The tobaccos used in the cigars are from the Dominican Republic, Peru, Nicaragua, and Ecuador, all derived from Cuban seed. This blending delivers a unique flavor and fuller bodied smoke. The wrapper is a sun-grown Ecuadorian and dark brown in color. Only the best tobaccos and cigar rollers are used in the production of Winston Churchill cigars because, after all, they are named after the most famous cigar smoker of all times...Winston Churchill.

I have smoked one of each in the last few days. The wrappers look great, more like the old cuban wrappers rather than an Ecuadorian sungrown wrapper that it is.
The 5.5 x 46 Chequers was full bodied and fantastic.
The 7 x 48 Blenheim was medium bodied went through a few changes during smoking and was excellent.
The 5.5 x 52 #10 was also full bodied and had nice flavor.

Another fine cigar in my rotation!

ZINO CIGAR TASTING & EVENT

2007-11-24T12:47:00.001-06:00

Ricky's Padron

2007-11-07T20:55:00.000-06:00

ricky, (a regular of the smoke ring) who writes Cigar Command, reviews a great cigar.

go read about it!

http://www.cigarcommand.com/wp02/?p=59

AVO 787

2007-11-06T23:49:00.000-06:00

out of the event on october 18th, came an exciting cigar from AVO.

the AVO 787 is a phenomenal cigar.

the AVO 787 was developed by davidoff blender hendrik kelner, along with Avo Uvezian in response to aficionados clamoring for sophisticated and flavorful cigar. the 787 was released at the 2007 R.T.D.A. show in august. the cigar is packed 22 cigars to a box in a 7-8-7 format, hence the name. the filler is a blend of piloto, san vincente, and olor tobaccos from the dominican republic.

however, if the way you determine the quality of a cigar is by how easily the band is removed, you should move on to another stick. the reason you smoke cigars is for the taste, to relax and enjoy a pleasure many individuals are lost on, right?

get past the problem with the band and enjoy a spectacular blend of cigar tobacco. the AVO 787.

AVO 101

2007-10-16T16:22:00.000-05:00

if you believe you know cigars and are unfamiliar with AVO....you need some serious help!

your help is near! thursday, october 18th, the premier cigar rep, kris miller, will be at the smoke ring to aquaint or reaquaint you with AVO brand cigars!

i have always said that there is an AVO for every time of the day, from mild yet flavorful, to full flavor, to wham bam-sit down-after dinner-sip a drink with this one strength!

here's some "AVO 101" for the novice and the connoisseur:

avo is a top brand made at the famous tobadom factory, makers of davidoff. its silky and creamy aroma make it one of the best selling premium dominican cigars in the world.

Avo Uvezian is one of the most famed jazz musicians and composers in world, but what most people don’t realize about him, is that he is also a lover of fine tobacco. that is why when he pursued a blend by his own name, he knew he could settle for nothing less than perfection.

his first step in creating a world renowned cigar blend started with hendrick kellner, a man so famous in the cigar industry, his factory is commissioned by the top cigar manufacturers including davidoff . the original AVO blend is medium-bodied with a connecticut wrapper and mixture of 5 different tobaccos (mostly from the dominican republic) that give the cigar a creamy and silky texture. the aroma is rich with hints of wood and nuts. since its debut this brand has shown no signs of slowing down as more and more cigar lovers realize just how perfect these cigars are.

Avo Classic & Maduro
these cigars are a blend of 5 different tobaccos, mostly dominican. the Avo maduro line uses the same blend as the classic line, but with a connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper instead of the natural connecticut. both lines offer a mild to medium-bodied flavor. these 8 sizes are offered in cellophaned in boxes of 25, while 6 of them are also offered in tubes in boxes of 20.

Avo Signature
for Avo Uvezian's 75th birthday, Avo cigars created a new blend to celebrate. these cigars are adorned with a sun-grown ecuadorian wrapper and a dominican binder that contains a wonderful blend of dominican fillers. all 5 sizes are offered in boxes of 10.

Avo XO
with names that recalls musical terminology, this blend is like a complex orchestration of flavor for your your pallette. introduced in the early 90's, these cigars feature a connecticut shade wrapper around a dominican havana-seed binder. 6 different dominican tobaccos blended perfectly together make up the complex filler. 7 sizes are offered in cellophane in boxes of 25, of which 4 are available in tubes.

Avo 80th Anniversary Limited Edition Cigars
for Avo Uvezian, cigars are one of the pleasures of life that he loves to share with others. this is why he has created a very exceptional cigar to celebrate his 80th birthday. the anniversary cigar is a belicoso format - as was his first cigar composition at the beginning of the 1980s. like the birthday boy, the blend has great personality. a high proportion of ligero tobaccos accounts for the intense and aromatic notes. these full-flavoured characteristics lend a harmonious balance to the belicoso format.

Avo Domaine
a more full-bodied cigar than the classic, maduro and xo series, uses filler from Avo Uvezian's own plantation in the dominican republic. the unique nature of the soil there gives the tobacco its remarkable aroma and full-bodied character. select wrapper leaves from ecuador that undergo an additional fermentation process in the dominican republic round out the cigar. the domaine AVO Series has been created especially for connoisseurs and enthusiasts who know what it is to enjoy a full bodied cigar.

Avo 787
the AVO 787 was developed by davidoff blender hendrik kelner, along with Avo Uvezian in response to aficionados clamoring for sophisticated and flavorful cigar. the 787 was released at the 2007 R.T.D.A. show in august. the cigar is packed 22 cigars to a box in a 7-8-7 format, hence the name. the filler is a blend of piloto, san vincente, and olor tobaccos from the dominican republic.

AVO cigar tasting event

thursday, october 18th, 2007

***

promptly begins sometime around 5 pm until it's over

the smoke ring

14019 sw freeway

suite400

sugar land, texas 77478

281-265-1387

vote results

2007-10-04T20:44:00.000-05:00

just like in real life, a meager turn-out showed up at the polls.

thompson was the favorite and will choose halle berry as his running mate.

results of the SCHIP bill vote

2007-10-03T01:06:00.000-05:00

click the link and see who voted for or against you on the SCHIP bill!

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/110/house/1/votes/906/

house of representatives map link.

this link is the texas house.

these are the representatives from the houston and surrounding area.
which person "represents" YOU?
john culberson #7 (rep) nay

nick lampson #22 (dem) yea

sheila jackson-lee #18 (dem) yea

ted poe #2 (rep) no vote

ron paul #14 (rep) nay

gene green #29 (dem) yea

michael mccaul #10 (rep) nay

al green #9 (dem) yea

kevin brady #8 (rep) nay

these are our state senators:
kay bailey hutchinson (rep)-----texas sr state senator
john cornyn (rep)----texas jr state senator

presidential

2007-10-01T16:58:00.000-05:00

this video from youtube is 5 months old but is still relevant concerning issues political and in seeking the truth.

in the video fred thompson, the next president of the united states of america, responds to michael moore ~~al gore~~, the current docu-fiction specialist.

On May 7, 2007,Thompson wrote an article critical of Cuba's government-run health care, and of filmmaker Michael Moore's alleged violation of United States embargo against Cuba.

Moore responded on , May 15, 2007 with a challenge for a health care debate. Moore also cited the fact that Thompson was mentioned in an article by The Weekly Standard to own "box upon box of cigars-- Montecristo from Havana." Montecristo are Cuban cigars, owned and operated by the Cuban government, and as such are illegal; however, there is a perfectly legal variety of Montecristo-branded cigars, produced in the Dominican Republic, available in the United States. Thus, Moore asked "do you think the 'box upon box of cigars – Montecristos from Havana' that you have in your office have contributed to Castro's reported wealth?".

Later that day, Thompson responded with a video....

vito sightings

2007-09-29T16:42:00.001-05:00

vito and I.T. dave on the patio at the rocky patel cigar event and celebrity bbq event 09-29-2007!

vito and his biggest fan, tony cakes, in the store at the rocky patel cigar event and celebrity bbq on 09-27-2007!

both I.T. dave and tony cakes avoided being whacked, but will carry emotional scars for the rest of their lives.

eenie, meenie, minie

2007-09-29T11:46:00.000-05:00

lots of talk still about the trade houston fugged-up, that of taking mario williams over either reggie bush but especially vince young.

mario has yet to actually make a notable contribution to the texans, that of being a stand-out defensive end.

reggie played last year with a vigor proving his worth as heisman winner. but this year, seems already stale as the saints are 0-3.

vince on the other hand, has taken over the titans as if he owns them. he continues to engineer wins and has become a true leader for his team.

for some reason, i've always liked the saints, way back to the archie manning days. i don't want to see them change back to the "aints".

psa

2007-09-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

do you ever go into a restaurant or bar and not buy something to eat or drink?
ever go to a movie theatre, buy a ticket, and NOT watch the movie?

ever waited all day, thinking about that cigar after work, then go to the humidor, pick a stick out, and NOT light it up, just sit there and look at it?

it's understood that sometimes nothing hits your fancy, (whatever your fancy is).

so this is an announcement FYI.

comments are enabled on each post here. feel free to express just how much you admire the content, humor and effort.

pull up a chair at this bar and order a drink, watch the movie, light up a cigar and contribute. please. it's an ego thing.

philosophy

2007-09-26T21:40:00.000-05:00

wednesday evening at the Ring was a good time. the temps aren't that bad, and the humidity is down allot. so, four of us, andrew, al, gerry and i sat outside with drinks and smoked some fine cigars.

it made me realize that we don't take the time to just sit and talk about stuff. whatever comes up. not the kind of stuff you talk about when prompted by a TV program you're watching. but stuff that gets made up on the fly as the tempo of the conversation moves quickly from person to person, as some brilliant thought is triggered by whatever was last said....a joke, a political viewpoint, travel memories and aspirations.

aspirations....not just dreams we have, more the way we would like things to be. pointedly, the way things should be.

like being able to enjoy a fine steak dinner with a good whiskey, and then either during or following the prime rib, lighting up a fine cigar. but ~~the powers that feel they be~~ some nitwits are doing their best to infringe upon my and our freedoms. if you as a diner do not want to sit next to a cigar smoking individual, then move, or leave. take your whiney assed opinions elsewhere. because that's what they are, opinions.

and that gets us back to the title of this moment of enlightenment. it's about philosophy, beliefs, a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs. i do not believe that second hand smoke ever killed anyone. show me. prove it to me. granted, some nasally, teat-sucking, dimo-dumass might not appreciate the aroma of my cigar. but just because they might look like 5 pounds of mongolian shite in a 3 pound bag doesn't mean we should enact legislation to restrict their activities in public, although it would sure improve the landscape. just leave me and mine alone. that's pretty much all i want from you. my friends feel the same way.

tonight was wrapped up by two analogies given by brother brooklyn al, who, by the way is from manhattan. sayeth al:

(1)

" a man of wealth had spent his entire life working hard, making money. still in search of truth, he climbed the mountain to ask the great mahesh mahareshi mahesh mahi mahi yogi, the meaning of life.

finding the mahesh mahareshi mahesh m hi mahi yogi, he asked. "oh, great mahesh mahareshi mahesh mahi mahi yogi....what is the secret of living a long life?"

upon which the great mahesh mahareshi mahesh mahi mahi yogi asked, " do not drink alcohol. do not smoke anything. do not chase after women for fleshly favors."

the man then asked, "will i then live a long life?"

the great mahesh mahareshi mahesh mahi mahi yogi answered, "no, but it will seem like it."

(2)

a man died and went to heaven. approching the pearly gates, gabriel stopped him and said, "halt! you may not come in here! you are not allowed! you must go to hell!"

instantly he was sent below and received graciously by the devil, "welcome! please, come right in!"

the man asked why he was being treated so nicely if this was indeed hell.

the devil said, "you may do anything you like here. if you like to drink you will love mondays. you can drink anything you want all day long and no one will stop you! if you like to smoke you can smoke anything you want here on tuesdays...you can smoke cigarettes, cigars, pot, crack cocaine..anything, and it's allowed!"

then the devil asked, "and then there is wednesday. by the way, are you straight?"

the man said, "of course i am! i love women!"

the devil said, "well, i don't think you're gonna like wednesdays then!"

vote

2007-09-25T22:18:00.001-05:00

601 Party

2007-09-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

Mark Twain said,

"Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man's enjoyment of his cigar."

The sentiment fits into our event this month on September 27th, the fourth Thursday this month. But you can sleep later!

Come early and snag a leather chair, sit back and puff a 601 cigar, sip a beverage as you await the meal from Vaso's BBQ!

The Smoke Ring will be smoking on 09-27-2007!

Eddie Ortega of 601 fame will be visiting and show-casing his cigars once again for us!

Beth will be tending you and the bar!

Oh, and Bob Jarnot will be there too!

Also in attendance will be hostesses for those among us wanting to converse or debate social issues and current events.

So mark those calendars and tell the boss you won't be in Friday!

Cigar Smoking Event:
601 Cigars
Thursday, September 27th, 2007
(starts promptly around 5ish)

Smoke Ring
14019 Southwest Freeway
Suite 400
281-265-1387

Life is too short to smoke crappy cigars.

Smoke the best cigars at the Smoke Ring!

Smoke Responsibly!

The Indomitable Camacho Triple Maduro

2007-09-23T16:28:00.000-05:00

Ok I just tried this baby for the first time today. Make sure you're sitting down and firmly rooted because this is one strong cigar. Maybe not as strong as a JDN Antona or a LFD Double Ligero, but quite strong but very tasty.

First, this is a beauty to behold. A thick, rich, delicious looking wrapper with a silver foil band. I admired it for a while before I lit up.

It starts off like a kiss on the cheek but moves up to a light punch in the face. I had to slow down a few times, but was not put off by the flavor. The taste of this cigar is as thick and hearty as the presentation, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. It burned and lit extremely well for a thick and burly maduro like this. One hint I felt several times as I smoked it was the hiccups coming on, which is a sure sign I need to slow the hell down.

And for the tasting gourmands out there, did I detect hints of cardamom, essence of vanilla, peach cobbler, frog nuts and snail drippings and all that bullshit. Oh wait, no, it just tasted like a goddamn CIGAR, which is good enough for me.

Stay free and keep smoking to piss off the health nazis and pleasure police out there, my fellow brothers and sisters of the leaf!!!

fuhget about it

2007-09-22T22:36:00.001-05:00

the rocky patel cigar tasting event on 09-27-2007 was a blast!

joe gannascoli, of soprano's fame made an unfuhgetable appearance that afternoon, as he stepped into the Smoke Ring and said,

" G%#D*m!!! Somebody open a F&$%*n' window!!

beth took a wealth pictures but lost her camera. gerry has pictures on his camera but he doesn't know how to get them off of there!

however, i was able to snag this one from tony cakes showing the greek and vito!

Lost Wife

2007-09-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

from brother neill, aka grande potentate;

Two guys, one old and one young, are pushing their carts around Home Depot when they collide. The old guy says to the young guy, "Sorry about that. I'm looking for my wife, and I guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

The young guy says, "That's OK. It's a coincidence. I'm looking for my wife, too. I can't find her and I'm getting a little desperate."

The old guy says, "Well, maybe we can help each other. What does your wife look like?"

The young guy says, "Well, she is 24 yrs old, tall, with blonde hair, blue eyes, long legs, big boobs, and she's wearing tight white shorts, a halter top and no bra. What does your wife look like?"

The old guy says, "Doesn't matter - let's look for yours."

legal alert

2007-07-17T17:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.rockypatel.com/

A Taxing Situation

2007-07-01T21:40:00.000-05:00

The "Nanny State" is encroaching. Our freedoms are being restricted, as they say, for our own good. This issue isn't about "taxes." It's really about the Nanny State taking our freedoms away. They know what's best for us.

Do something now!

http://rtda.org/legislation.html