We are currently undergoing significant changes in our recording studio capabilities (new location, new studio, new equipment) and a big changeup in hosts/personnel. We expect to be 'in business' again within about 40 days. Our new hosts (aside from myself, Gregg) to include Bob, 'Warhawk', and Rich. Please be patient... we have some really good programming ahead.

In this episode, we're doing something a little different. We started receiving "Farm Rolled" cigars from the Privada Cigar Club on a monthly basis. But before we go further we must acknowledge that there are a lot of cigar clubs out there; this is not to say one is better than the other. They all have their positive attributes. That said and out of the way, we selected one of the cigars so that we both had the same cigar (we get two packages) out of our monthly mailing from Privada. Very little information about the cigars is provided. The provided explanation is that this is to protect the farm and factory because the same cigars are actually more expensive with the added costs of a banding, the name, warehousing, and the supply chain yadda yadda. We know a few things... that it's from AJ Fernandez, that is has a San Andres wrapper, and that it's boxed pressed. So, OK, we we're giving these a try. And we were both very impressed. They were fresh, well packaged, and very tasty. The cost of the cigar through this club (minus minimal s/h) comes to about $5 a stick. How can you beat that? And. we suspect it's really a... well, you'll have to listen to find out. Our parting comment? This was a multi-nuanced smoke that we thoroughly enjoyed. Our hats are off to Privada.

Our overall rating (1-100): 91.5

Come and visit our web site, contact us, and listen to the rest of our podcasts: https://www.canoeingthedogrocket.com/podcast

In this episode we sample the Drew Estate Liga Privada Unico Year of the Rat. This cigar is highlighted by a lush Connecticut Broadleaf capa with a flavorful Brazilian binder and rich Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. And it's a tough cigar to get a hold of (thanks go to Anthony at Cordy's Cigar Box).

We also have a guest in this episode... we welcome Earl The Pearl. A bartender extraordinaire. He smokes this cigar with us and chats about mixing drinks.

The three of us rate this cigar at an overall 94 (out of 100). This is a top notch cigar... not cheap, but quite excellent.

More about this cigar: https://drewestate.com/drew-estate-launches-liga-privada-unico-year-rat-chinese-new-year/