When a cigar aficionado hears the name Camacho, they are immediately reminded of a rich aroma that can only be found in tobaccos grown at Ranchos Jamastran in Danli, Honduras. This region in Central America has ideal soil conditions and a climate that rivals the coveted Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba. It is at this factory in that you will find the famous Eiroa family. The Eiroa’s have been growing tobacco for generations, and got their start in Cuba. When Communism plagued the island, Don Julio Eiroa fled taking with him some of the greatest experience and knowledge the tobacco world has ever known. Don Julio and his son Christian now operate Rachos Jamastran together in Danli.

The tobacco that sprouts from this seed is rich and spicy with lots of muscle. Camacho Corojo is a connoisseurs cigar in that it is appreciated by enthusiasts who have over a decade in the hobby and a distinctive and experienced palate capable of differentiating all of the complexities of this cigar. Camacho Corojo is full-bodied and full-flavored. The annual production of Camacho Corojo is limited making them difficult to come by at times.

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Gary J. Arzt

In my last column of 2008 I neglected to wish you all a happy holiday season and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. This is it!

I spent another very enjoyable New Year's Eve at Erik Espinosa's (EO Brands: 601, Cubao) home with the same people whose company I have enjoyed the past three (3) such occasions. It's an eclectic mix of family, friends, and industry friends, and this year was no different.

Not only was it a New Year's eve celebration but we were sort of celebrating the high ratings achieved by these two (2) great cigars...and their inclusion in Cigar Insider's "Best of 2008" and other lists!

Nismish Desai, from Rocky Patel, with his wife and daughter; Neha and Maya, were joined by Steve Saka, CEO of Drew Estate, and his wife, Cindy as well as Abe Debeneh, of Smoke Inn(s), and ...

Jose Orlando Padron

It is a testament to the tragedy of modern Nicaragua that the world is better acquainted with the names of its rebel groups and dictators than its world-class coffee, rum, and tobacco products. But with time and a little luck that will soon change, and the name Nicaragua will conjure, among other happier aspects of this remarkable country, its award-winning aromas and tastes: the organic coffee grown on the misty mountaintops of Selva Negra farms; the golden rums barrel-aged by Flor de Cana; and, of course, the sun-grown Habano tobacco harvested annually in Esteli by one of the best-respected names in the cigar business, Jose Orlando Padron.

Padron was well on his way to becoming a world-famous cigar maker when he was introduced to Nicaraguan tobacco. The year was 1969, and his young Miami-based company was thriving. Since starting Padron Cigars in 1964 with a single roller under his supervision, Padron had been buying tobacco from multiple sources in the Caribbean and North America to produce blends that approximated the taste of cigars in his native Cuba.

That began to change shortly after being contacted by a Nicaraguan who requested a meeting in a Miami hotel room.

Red meat is big these days, especially with cigar smokers. And, any place that has outdoor dining has my patronage; at least, once! Well, Prime Blue Grille, a creation of 'expatriate' Smith & Wollensky executives has had it many, many times. Dining on the terrace overlooking the entrance to the Miami River, opposite Brickell Key, is dining at its best. And being greeted by Jamie Zambrana, or any of his staff, is knowing hospitality at its best.

Here's a beautiful shot of the Gurkha G3 & K. Hansotia Triple Ligero X3 taken by Michael Sherwood of Stiletto Studios in Clearwater, FL.

To see the high quality larger picture and read more about Gurkha G3 & K. Hansotia Triple Ligero X3 Cigars ...