Famous Smoke's Cattivo Nero

This maduro cigar, one of the house brands marketed by Famous Smoke, was purchased in the Winter of 2005 (Jan.) and came with a huge shipment that has taken me 2+ years to go through. Most cigar smokers run through an entire box without blinking an eye, but I like to do things the Cheap Cigar way, and that is savor each and every cheap cigar (and the occasional premium cigar) in my humidor. Unfortunately, I was unable to enjoy this maduro-wrapped corona cigar. The first couple cigars I pulled out of the box (28 to a box, slide top, retails at Famous Smoke for $29.95) were harsh and bitter, nothing like their wonderful natural wrapper cousins, the Cattivo Biondo. The Cattivo Biondo was one of the most mild yet flavorful cigars that I have enjoyed. I honestly think of it as the Poor Man's Macanudo, but for about 1/3 the price and 4/3 the consistency. But back to the Cattivo Nero. What flavors came out of this cigar? Straw, no maduro sweetness, just bitterness. I could have revived a roomful of fainted people with this cigar's flavor. "To the humidor!" I thought, and so it went.

After a few months of aging, I lit one up, and again, harsh and bitter. Hmmm, looks like my cheapness is getting the best of me. This isn't even a good yard gar. "To the humidor!" And so it went.

Okay, it's 2007, more than 2 years since I last smoked this cigar. I gave away a few to people who were sponging cigars off of me, and a few more went to people I knew that had no idea what cigars meant. Wow, as a Christian, I'm not being very nice. Mu ha ha! Actually I was just giving them away to whoever wanted them. Still had a couple left in the old 100-count humidor. Lit one up, and you know, I should have expected it. Blecch!

This one is a loser from Famous Smoke.

JR Alt. to the Romeo and Julieta Bully

So does this guy do nothing but review cheap cigars and give them good ratings? Read on brother, read on.

JR Alternative to the Romeo and Julieta Bully
Size: Rothschild
Wrapper: Natural
Origin: Pepper Mill, Sanitary Station

Two word review: Yuck Yuck.

Why: Smoked one the usual way, right out of the bundle and fresh from the store.
My stomach hurts. I like a good strong, full-bodied cigar. Just not this one. It's ulcer- inducing. My tongue is numb. I pass out. Ten hours later, I wake up! Where am I? Why is my stomach inside out? Must put bundle in humidor to age for infinity.


Few months later: Took one out of the lower depths of my Made In China humidor. Why are so many things made in China? I'm Taiwanese in heritage, but I was even made in the USA. To all of corporate America, quit selling my country short and sending work to China. They're evil communists who care nothing about what they make. Garbage in, garbage out.

Political rant over. Back to cigar!

Okay, after a few months, cigars tend to mellow out a bit and the taste should improve. Not this cigar. My stomach still hurts after smoking this cigar. The taste was way too peppery, like eating Habanero peppers. No flavor, just full on spice. This sure is lousy. I ended up giving the bundle away. Probably should have thrown them out. JR Cigars, I want my refund!

Cheap Wine from Trader Joe's - Is Charles Shaw a true bargain?

Been purchasing a few bottles of wine here and there. I've found that I like a nice dry red wine. Chiantis are a bit light, but good with pasta (hmmm, coincidence? I think not!). Merlots are my favorite. I typically drink one 750 ml bottle in about two days. Being the connoisseur of cheapness, I decided to try the Trader Joe's $2.99 special, Charles Shaw Merlot.

Here's what I have found:

Aroma: Typical red wine, slight floral and pepper smells emanate from the glass after being poured.

Taste: Dry, more tannins. Hmmmm, not bad!

Aftertaste: Not much, doesn't linger.

Paired with Spicy Chinese food: Doesn't kill the flavour of the food, and doesn't lose any either.
Paired with Pasta: Enhances tomato sauce from jar.

Party Drink Power (PDP): Guests of mine usually have no clue of their wine, so this was more than adequate in getting them inebriated. Cheap and effective. Yahoo! PDP of 90. (Don't you love it when people give you a number rating that is meaningless?)


Overall analysis: Good for the amateurs like me who only know cigars, whiskey, and beer. Perfect for the average Metalhead. Not for the woman who only drinks white zinfandel. I say it's a bargain!