BOTL™ Cigar Forums - Brothers of the Leaf™ http://www.botl.org/community/forums/ BOTL.org Cigar Forums en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:47:21 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.botl.org/community/forums/images/tf_ideal/misc/rss.png BOTL™ Cigar Forums - Brothers of the Leaf™ http://www.botl.org/community/forums/ This is my hell... http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67502-This-is-my-hell?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:14:23 GMT ... and I love it. This drill is just AWESOME. But you might lose your sanity trying to chase it... ... and I love it.

This drill is just AWESOME. But you might lose your sanity trying to chase it down.

Quote:
The Drill: Draw and shoot 6 rounds into a 2 inch dot. (Repeat 6 times for a total of 36 rounds)

We want to emphasize the importance of trigger control in training. This is purposely a
difficult drill. It is simple to set-up and execute but burns through ammunition. The drill
involves a single target with 2-inch black dots on the target. Your goal is to shoot 6 shots
within each black dot without having a single shot outside of the dot in under 5 seconds.
Once you gain competency on this you should repeat this drill 6 times without missing.
Recommended distances for Production and Open divisions are 7 yards and 10 yards
respectively and we do not suggest exceeding these distances. A miss high or low is
usually a sight alignment issue. Jerking and not setting the trigger properly can cause
missing left or right. We do not find one method of missing more common than the
other. What does seem to occur frequently is missing the first or the last shot in your
string of 6 shots.


You have to consciously think about proper trigger mechanics while prosecuting this drill
– draw up the pre-travel to the break-point of the trigger (setting the trigger) and pull
smoothly through to break the shot and engage a rapid reset of the trigger to the breakpoint
once again. Start off slowly without time and then integrate time and increase pace
when you convince yourself that you can get 6 shots in the black. The other interesting
aspect of this drill is the impact that even minor imperfections of the grip have at
shooting. The smallest imperfection will likely cause a miss on the dot. Imagine the
impact this would have at a match!
-http://benstoeger.com/joomla30/index.php/drills/30-frank-garcia-s-dots
Dots available to print here.

Anybody try it?
Will you try it? Yes, yes you will. Not because I said so, but because you want to.


What are your favorite "glutton for punishment" drills? ]]> Firearms mwlabel http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67502-This-is-my-hell <![CDATA[CROWNED HEADS "6 Shooter" (NEWS)]]> http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67501-CROWNED-HEADS-quot-6-Shooter-quot-(NEWS)?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:33:52 GMT BOTL - For your reading pleasure... http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/17113 ... BOTL - For your reading pleasure...

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfe.../show/id/17113



Cheers.

Jon Huber
Crowned Heads ]]> Cigars JonHuber http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67501-CROWNED-HEADS-quot-6-Shooter-quot-(NEWS) Hello From VA ... http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67500-Hello-From-VA?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:55:41 GMT Just joined the forum, knowing full well this is probably a slippery slope and will cause my... Just joined the forum, knowing full well this is probably a slippery slope and will cause my retirement to be deferred another ten years.

Smoked cigars years ago in the early 90's, took a hiatus, and the bug is back. Many new brands and blends to try, looking forward to smoking many and finding my palate again. Cheers! ]]> Introductions sixspeedsam http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67500-Hello-From-VA vince flynn http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67499-vince-flynn?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:41:24 GMT dont' know how many of you are familiar with the author, vince flynn, whose character mitch rapp was the subject of a lot of great novels. but, it was announced today that vince passed away at age 47 after a long bout with prostate cancer. if you are a reader and enjoy action and a decidedly patriotic point of view, you owe it to yourself to read some of his many titles. rip vince. ]]> General discussion hdroadglide http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67499-vince-flynn My Week (In Smoking) In Review - 06/18/13 - Includes initial thoughts on Redux: BOTL http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67497-My-Week-(In-Smoking)-In-Review-06-18-13-Includes-initial-thoughts-on-Redux-BOTL?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:39:22 GMT Was a great week for me in terms of smoking! The past few weeks, I've only gotten in about 5 smokes a week, but this week the weather, my schedule, and Father's Day all produced a fantastic week of smoking and I got to enjoy 8 great smokes! Lots to discuss, so let's dive right in:

  • Quesada Jalapa Robusto - My week began on Tuesday when I got home from work on a gorgeous NJ day and saw the latest Cigar Aficionado in the mailbox. After a few minutes of back-and-forth with my lovely wife on lines from The Big Lebowski, I pulled out a Quesada Jalapa Robusto given to me by Terence Reilly from the humidor, grabbed a Rogue Dead Guy Ale from the fridge and came outside to enjoy the early evening! The first time I smoked this cigar, I didn't love it, but I enjoyed this experience. Smooth and creamy with surprising complexity, the Rogue Dead Guy Ale accentuated the flavors I was getting and really turned this into an enjoyable smoking experience.
  • Redux: BOTL Small Batch 2010 by PDR - I was obscenely excited to receive a package from Tim "Podman" Podwika on Wednesday and I had to immediately open it up and test one out. I wrote about this year's BOTL sticks here, and I have been eagerly awaiting their arrival. The only discernible difference between the Redux and the OR, from a visual perspective, is the new release has a triple cap. What a wonderful smoke! People will try to compare this to the original - which I won't do because I haven't smoked that one in awhile - but this, standalone, was an utter enjoyment. Copious amounts of smoke and great construction led to some wonderful flavor with a bit of spice on the back-end. Really glad I got a box of these as, especially for the price, these are fantastic. Kudos to all involved in making this happen.
  • Liga Privada Unico Serie Papas Fritas - When these first came out, I smoked them like crack. It was a cruel winter in New Jersey and these provided amazing flavor and warmth in a short time-frame so they could be enjoyed in dire conditions. As the weather has improved, my intake of these babies has dwindled. I'd say I went through 6 tins or so between mid-December and February, and still have 2 cigars from the 7th tin left in my humidor. Now, I am not sure if these haven't aged well, or if my interest in them has dwindled in the nicer weather, but I just didn't enjoy this as much this time as I have in the past. Not to say it was bad - it just wasn't AS good.
  • Iconic Leaf Recluse Toro - When I met Cigar Craig at Cigar Emporium in Lyndhurst, NJ in early April, I brought him some cigars to repay him for a bomb he had sent me long ago. Not one to be outdone, Craig handed me this Recluse. I've read varying stories about this cigar (including this one from Cigar Coop) so I had some expectations going in, but nothing too lofty. I'd have to say that this cigar did very little for me. Burn and construction were without problem - ash was sturdy, but the flavor just didn't intrigue me. If anything, I'd say I got a bit bored by this cigar as I smoked it. A decent medium smoke that is worth trying, but probably not one I see myself going back to regularly.
  • L'Atelier LAT 46 Selection Speciale - Saturday was a gorgeous day in NJ, but my wife had a baby shower to go to so I was responsible for watching the baby. Mid-afternoon I put him down for a nap and stepped outside to smoke the LAT 46 SS I had heard so much about. With the previous LATs I've smoked I felt they were decent cigars if not a bit over-hyped. This cigar quickly became my favorite of the bunch. While the burn wasn't great at first, it did even itself out before falling apart at the end despite my attempts to keep it on track. Despite this, the flavor was right in my wheelhouse and really intrigued me - basically a fuller version of the original LAT production with some nice spice to compliment the flavors. I'll probably try to track down another of these to ensure the burn issues were just a fluke, but these will likely become humidor staples.
  • Casa Fuente Corona Gorda - Father's Day arrived on Sunday and I suspected that I was going to only have time for one cigar so I went to my Fuente humidor and found a Casa Fuente sitting at the bottom that looked ideal for smoking. I really find myself gravitating towards CGs lately so this looked like it had lots of potential. While the Casa Fuente is a bit expensive for a regular smoke, I don't mind splurging for a few to put away for safe keeping in the humidors. This particular cigar has been sitting around for probably close to 2 years awaiting its death by fire. I feel like the rest has mellowed this out a bit as it was incredibly creamy with hints of spice throughout. Really ideal smoking experience for a warm, overcast Father's Day that left me wanting more.
  • Emilio Cigar Draig K Corona - And that more would come later that night. After heading to the beach for a bit with my wife and newborn son and following that up with a lobster dinner, we headed back home and I picked up another cigar and got out some The Glenrothes Select Reserve and enjoyed the end of the night. If anyone cared or even asked me, I'd probably tell them that the Emilio Draig K Corona was my favorite cigar of 2012. First, the pre-light draw is the most complexly flavorful pre-light draw I think I've ever taken. An absolute stunner. The retrohale gives a bit of spice/pepper/strength, but also provided some really interesting and complex flavors. This isn't a beginner's cigar and it requires ideal conditions to avoid a wonky burn, but when it hits, it is fantastic.
  • Reinado Habanito - I thought the Draig K would be my last cigar of the night, but after putting the baby to bed, my wife came outside just as I was wrapping up the Draig K and expressed interest in smoking a cigar and having some scotch so I picked out a Reinado Habanito that Antonio Lam gave me at NJ Cigar Fest and poured another glass of The Glenrothes and proceeded to continue to enjoy my first Father's Day! I'll preface this by saying I'm friendly with Antonio, but these are fantastic little smokes. Despite being my third cigar of the day, the flavors were so strong in this little guy that I was still able to savor them and included a surprising spice throughout that I was not expecting. Most surprising, perhaps, was that I think my wife legitimately enjoyed it as we almost smoked the band! Really great 30 minute smoke that I'll look to keep in my humidor for those quick smoke fixes!


All-in-all, a really great week of smoking culminating in my first fantastic Father's Day! Next week promises to be a short week as I'll be in Texas at a wedding all weekend and might not have time to partake as much, but I will see you then! Until then, Long Ashes. As always, you can find the full article including photos and links here. ]]> Domestic Cigar Reviews MattSRoss81 http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67497-My-Week-(In-Smoking)-In-Review-06-18-13-Includes-initial-thoughts-on-Redux-BOTL Fellow brothers I need your help http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67495-Fellow-brothers-I-need-your-help?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:02:42 GMT Hey fellas, so I've had a desk top humi now for awhile and I was looking to upgrade but I'm on a tight budget. Well I was looking around and found a Milano Personal Display Humidor Dark Mahogany with Spanish Cedar Trays & Interior for half the price I've seen other cabinets go for.... That being said, does anyone know how MiLANO's are as far as quality, how well it holds humidity, construction, etc.? Is it a good price for $130 to my door? Thanks for the help in advance guys ]]> Storage nystogiesmoker22 http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67495-Fellow-brothers-I-need-your-help you Punk and your T-52!!! http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67493-you-Punk-and-your-T-52!!!?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:57:25 GMT http://youtu.be/e-uEb244v2g ]]> Cigar Video Meatcake http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67493-you-Punk-and-your-T-52!!! Once and done storage, YMMV http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67492-Once-and-done-storage-YMMV?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:15:45 GMT Dunno about other BOTLs, but I don't worry about the small things when it comes to my humi. I cram a bunch of boxes in a fridge humi along with some 65RH boveda packs. No fans, just a temp/humi gauge here & there. I'm lazy. Never gets above 74F/72RH in the summer, or below 58F in the winter. My house is heated and air conditioned. I use the freezer section for singles, and the only time I ever have issues with sticks is when I expose them directly to the boveda packs. Otherwise everything smokes flawlessly.

Please don't take any of this as bragging, I'm just trying to make the point that you don't always hafta sweat the most minute little temp or humi variance to have great sticks. This has worked for me for over a year without drama. Anyone else taking this approach? ]]> Storage LigaPrivadaFanboy http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67492-Once-and-done-storage-YMMV <![CDATA[C&C Corojo (Robusto)]]> http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67491-C-amp-C-Corojo-(Robusto)?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:14:14 GMT C&C Corojo Robusto (5 x 50)

Hey, friends! I'm back with another review for you all. This time it's another C&C from my friends at StogieBoys. This cigar is one of my favorites so far from C&C.
I smell the foot of the cigar and detect hay, cocoa, and earthiness with a mild sweet scent. The pre-light draw is open with notes of earthy hay and spicy sweetness. The cigar is rugged and rustic looking with slight toothiness. Toasting the foot is easy and instant tobacco spice reaches for my senses, but a run starts as soon as the cigar is smoking.
An earthy spice aroma surrounds me from the evenly streaming foot smoke. The burn line evens out as fast as it began. Spice is felt at the back of my palate and my throat. Retro-haling is smoky and peppery. The earthy hay rises up as a little sweet earth and baking cocoa tickle the tongue on the finish for an even amount of time. Spice backs off from the draw as a slight woodiness appears. It lingers on the finish following thru until the next draw. Draw smoke is chunky. The baking cocoa picks up alongside a slight creaminess. The predominant flavors are cocoa, cedar, and tobacco spice. Earthiness dabbles around in the finish.
Approaching the second third, the cocoa brings out its old friend, the coffee bean. Cocoa remains thru the draw into the finish. The spice has settled down and only remains on the finish, which has become shorter. The draw smoke has become thick and creamy and the ash is holding well. No major flavor changes have occurred yet.
The finish has become a bit dry with more cocoa and woody notes. More earthy coffee flavors enter the draw. The burn line is a little uneven now, but not outrageously so. A bit of smokiness enters the draw and retro-hale as the ash finally falls to the ground; nearly half the cigar's length. Spicy tobacco and earth return to the draw quite suddenly as the spice also returns full-force thru the retro-hale. Red pepper spice now flirts with the smoky notes.
The thing about these C&C cigars is that they have quality flavor and construction at a minimal price. They remind you that you can enjoy a good cigar without busting your wallet (which is perfect for me).
Earthy sweetness appears on my lips and the tip of my tongue; cocoa and spice dominate the finish. Woodiness and the earthy coffee notes simmer on my palate awaiting there turn to be complimented. The tobacco spice ramps up once more as the nicotine comes creeping thru the seemingly endless, ever-flowing smoke.
Beginning the final third, the woodiness takes the reigns with the cocoa taking the back seat. The ash is not hanging on well. All of the previously noted flavors begin to swirl around together with tobacco spice and cedar-like woodiness at the forefront. The aroma has become a little less tasteful, even though the remainder of the cigar is only lukewarm.
All flavors are quite even: Cocoa and coffee, cedar and tobacco spice; an even playing field for the end of this cigar. A smooth creamy draw and quite the even burn line. A very good first impression for the C&C Corojo. I would definitely grab some of these cigars if the flavor profile sounds like it's up your alley.
Thank you again, StogieBoys for another chance to review a good, decently priced cigar. Thanks again to all of my readers and BOTL for supporting me!

Full Review with Pics Below:


http://martincigars.blogspot.com/201...-c-corojo.html ]]> Domestic Cigar Reviews Mr. Martin http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67491-C-amp-C-Corojo-(Robusto) What is the world coming to? http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67490-What-is-the-world-coming-to?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:43:16 GMT OMFG Midway has SCAR HEAVY mags in stock!!!! Limit 2 per order but still, $37 is a steal. $300... OMFG Midway has SCAR HEAVY mags in stock!!!!

Limit 2 per order but still, $37 is a steal. $300 each on gunbroker at the height of the panic. I already have 20, so I'll pass on this. Go gitem boys! :santa2: ]]> Firearms LigaPrivadaFanboy http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67490-What-is-the-world-coming-to Cincinnati, OH 6/24 - 6/26 http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67489-Cincinnati-OH-6-24-6-26?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:58:04 GMT I'm interested in a meet-up if you're in the area and will be available on 6/24 & 6/25. Technically, I will be in the Florence, KY area.

I'm also interested in a B&M suggestion, although I can use BOTL's cool B&M Finder feature.

Let me know if you're in the area and can meet-up. ]]> Meetups JDog http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67489-Cincinnati-OH-6-24-6-26 <![CDATA[Calling all Chicago BOTL & DE Fans]]> http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67486-Calling-all-Chicago-BOTL-amp-DE-Fans?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:28:56 GMT This Saturday the 22nd, Karma Tobacco & Cigar Lounge in Merrillville will be having a Drew Estate event with JD and Will Herrera. The event starts at 5pm and it's a great shop. They owner always feeds us well and takes good care of us. Come on out and show some support. I know I'll be there. ;)

https://www.facebook.com/events/440035182728896/

http://www.karmacigar.com/index.php/about-us ]]> Other Events Hoshneer http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67486-Calling-all-Chicago-BOTL-amp-DE-Fans Hi All http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67483-Hi-All?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:47:55 GMT Hey guys, I've been signed up here for a while and never got around to posting... silly work getting in the way of all the fun.

My name is Kerry, I'm from Naples, Florida but currently live in Estero (near Fort Myers). I've been in and around the cigar business for about five years now but currently work for a tech company in Silicon Valley.

I look forward to being part of the community! ]]> Introductions KerryS http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67483-Hi-All <![CDATA[Blind Man's Puff Review: Oliveros | Sun Grown Reserve Robusto]]> http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67482-Blind-Man-s-Puff-Review-Oliveros-Sun-Grown-Reserve-Robusto?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:08:43 GMT Oliveros | Sun Grown Reserve Robusto | Score 92

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5"
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Habana Cuba Cigar Co, Dominican Republic
Blender: Rafael Nodal
Number of reviewers: 5 ----- Milton (mjohnsoniii) Will (Dubv23) Nicholas (volpow61) Craig (WyldKnyght) Derek (lilninjabuddy)
Price: $5.00
Contributed by: James (Engineer99 - SF)

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 90

"This cigar looks good. Very smooth with tiny veins that are almost unnoticeable. The wrapper has a bit of an oily sheen to it that you'd see on darker wrappers. This one begs to be lit." - Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Aroma: 93

"Cedar, slight cocoa and a little barnyard. A promising start!" -Derek (lilninjabuddy)

Construction: 91

"This cigar felt like a well constructed stick. It felt consistently packed and firmly rolled. The seams were tight leaving the cigar feeling smooth. There was even a double cap added for a nice touch. The only downside was that the cigar was not perfectly round but instead almost oval." -Will (Dubv23)

First Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

"Light mellow nutty flavors with hints of pepper. Lots of light creamy smoke. Great draw, an even burn and nice light grey ash." -Craig (WyldKnyght)

"The first third was filled with favorable notes of cocoa, coffee and some pepper on the tongue. The cigar focused more on flavor than raw strength so tasting the nuances between each flavor was not a problem. This profile stayed pretty consistent throughout the first third and at times added a floral note through the retrohale." -Will (Dubv23)

Second Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

"This third offers a subsided spice with a very heavy dose of citrus and some cream with hints of nuttiness." -Nicholas (volpow61)

"Moving to the second third, the primary flavor is a creamy iced coffee, with a caramel sweetness and some leather and wood. Just a hint of pepper appears which is a nice development. Dry wood is prevalent on the retrohale, adding another dimension to the flavor. Hints of baking spices also appear. As I work my way into the second third the baking spices grow stronger. Cinnamon, cardamom and just a hint of cloves. Smoke production remains adequate though not voluminous and burn remains wavy but not at all problematic. No touch-ups are necessary. The cigar is very sweet but the dryness of the finish prevents it from being too sweet. This is a cigar you have to retrohale on. The baking spices and wood on the retrohale balance the sweetness on the lips in a wonderful way." -Derek (lilninjabuddy)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

"Although it seems full in body, the smoothness in the last third keeps me, almost, in awe. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between flavors. The raw leather has become somewhat prominent at this point and is "almost" overpowering, but the spices (herbs with some celery seed, maybe?) keeps it fairly smooth. The smoke is still thick and creamy with a razor sharp burn." -Milton (mjohnsoniii)

"The final third made a big shift in flavor. The cocoa and sweetness subsided and the flavor shifted to a savory meaty flavor that I have experienced in cigars like Viaje in the past. Along with the main savory profile their was a nice pepper on the tongue... like a seasoned steak. This would have been the perfect third but the cigar developed a light harshness. Thankfully it did not linger nor detract too heavily from the experience." -Will (Dubv23)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 95

"From start to finish the draw was great." -Craig (WyldKnyght)

Burn: 93

"The burn was even for the most part." -Nicholas (volpow61)

"Other than the touch up during the final third, the burn was pretty even." -Craig (WyldKnyght)

Overall Experience: 92
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

"First off, I began looking for another cigar even before I finished this one. This cigar was one that I'd definitely keep in regular rotation (given it's price point). It could very well be a top tier and expensive stick but could also fit in an average cigar smoker's budget, IMO. It had all sorts of different flavors that came and went and never gave me a dull moment. Maybe with some age, the flavors will marry and compliment each other just that much more. By far, the best 90 minutes I've spent all week!" -Milton (mjohnsoniii)

"This cigar looked good, smelled good and tasted good. It was complex and the profile was a great mix of sweetness, savory flavors and spice. If it wasn't for the second and third portions of the cigar and the balance and lack of separation in flavors, this cigar would have scored even higher. I would like to try these again though to see how they develop." -Will (Dubv23)

"Overall a nice cigar with a very good flavor profile. One that I would puff again if the price is right." -Nicholas (volpow61)

"Very good cigar, would definitely smoke again." -Craig (WyldKnyght)

"A somewhat bewildering experience. The smooth change from delicious to harsh happened so quickly, and without reason. Maybe I had a dud. If the cigar had finished the way it started, I would heartily endorse it. It had nice transitions, and while not a complex cigar, it certainly kept me interested." -Derek (lilninjabuddy)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 65

Total Score: 92 (Very Good)

For the full review with pictures and other reviews visit: BlindMansPuff.com ]]> Domestic Cigar Reviews rhetorik http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67482-Blind-Man-s-Puff-Review-Oliveros-Sun-Grown-Reserve-Robusto ALOHA From Maui http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67481-ALOHA-From-Maui?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:30:01 GMT Just wanted to introduce myself, to my fellow BOTL & SOTL. I'm just another f4mily man, who loves to smoke & collect stogies. ALOHA Everyone !! :waving: ]]> Introductions f4milytime http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/67481-ALOHA-From-Maui