Beanz: Leaf

01/01/2025

It's time for the December installment of The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month. If you'd like to be entered into the drawing to be The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month for January, please share this post to your profile (and make it public so that we can see that you shared it). If you're chosen, you'll receive a free cigar to review (an accompanying picture of you enjoying the cigar is a must).

This month, we feature Keith Koverman. Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt picked out the Black Market by Alec Bradley for this month's selection. Keith's review of the cigar, followed by ours in the comments, is offered to you below. Stop in to the shop to sample the Black Market by Alec Bradley for yourself.

Keith's Review of Black Market by Alec Bradley:
"Construction is excellent with beautifully concealed seams on the Alec Bradley Black Market. Some big and small veins are easily apparent. The Colorado Maduro color is eye catching with its dark coffee bean color and that slightest twinge of a reddish hue. The stick is solid. And there is a beautiful oily sheen with some sandiness to the touch.

"The first puffs show off a bunch of natural sweetness. There is red pepper on the tongue. Smoke pours from the foot clouding my vision as I type with the cigar in my mouth. I also taste a rich earthiness. The char line is pretty good, so far.

"The flavors become more interesting after the first inch, and then there is that earthiness/sweetness which continues to embed itself into the main profile.

"I thought the cigar burned very well overall, nice and consistent with good taste and draw. Seven out of ten for me on this one."

12/20/2024

For all of you last-minuters, Beanz: Leaf has restocked our humidor just in time for the rush. If you're looking for a stocking-sized Yule log of a different sort, you'll find something for all of the aficionados in your life among our current Beanz: Leaf inventory of 21 different ci**rs (in terms of variety, a record for us, we think).

If you're looking for something new on your next visit, keep your eye out for...

- Habano Barrel-Aged by Perdomo
- Tabak Especial Limited by Drew Estate
- Buffalo Trace
- Blondie Acid by Drew Estate
- Firethorn Habano Rosado by Southern Draw

[Photo © by H. Armstrong Roberts]

12/16/2024

The Beanz: Leaf Cigar of the Month for December is the Black Market by Alec Bradley.

The Alec Bradley Black Market is a standout creation from Alan Rubin, founder of Alec Bradley Ci**rs, a brand known for crafting premium blends since 1997. Manufactured by the renowned Plasencia family in Honduras, this medium-bodied cigar exemplifies the artistry and complexity that have consistently earned Alec Bradley critical acclaim, including multiple 90+ ratings and recognition in Cigar Aficionado's "Top 10 Ci**rs of the Year" for 2022.

The Black Market features a meticulously crafted four-country blend, beginning with Honduran and Panamanian long-fillers, bound by a flavorful Sumatra leaf, and finished with a dark, oily Nicaraguan wrapper. This combination produces a distinctive flavor profile that evolves throughout the smoke. Notes of spice, pepper, and smoked hickory are balanced with subtle hints of espresso, cocoa, and roasted nuts, leading to a dry, lingering finish that is both smooth and satisfying.

The Black Market delivers a rich, slow-burning experience ideal for those seeking a complex, premium cigar. With its refined construction and nuanced flavors, it’s a worthy addition to the collection of any aficionado looking to explore the excellence of Alec Bradley’s celebrated portfolio.

Come in and grab one today!

12/16/2024

Sad for us lovers of the white stuff, but if you're worried about having to dig through the snow to get your favorite sticks you can rest easily: no shoveling required to get to Beanz: Leaf. Stop in today to grab some celebratory ci**rs for you and yours to enjoy during the festive season.

New in the humidor:
- New World Dorado by AJ Fernandez
- Inspirado Minis by Macanudo
- Black Market by Alec Bradley

12/03/2024

It's time for the November installment of The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month. If you'd like to be entered into the drawing to be The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month for December, please share this post to your profile (and make it public so that we can see that you shared it). If you're chosen, you'll receive a free cigar to review (an accompanying picture of you enjoying the cigar is a must).

This month, we feature Father Matt Feist. Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt picked out the Inspirado White by Macanudo for this month's selection. Father Matt's review of the cigar, followed by ours, is offered to you below. Stop in to the shop to sample the Inspirado White by Macanudo for yourself.

Father Matt's Review of Inspirado White by Macanudo:
"Thanks to Beanz Leaf for selecting me to experience this fine cigar. Housed in a sleek metal tube, it exudes a sense of luxury. I opted for a crown cut to enhance the smoking experience. As I opened the cigar, I was immediately greeted by a robust, grassy aroma with a hint of hay. This initial flavor profile was quite pleasant. Being more accustomed to pipe to***co in recent years, I appreciated the size and ring gauge of this cigar. It's a comfortable size for occasional smokers like myself. To complement the cigar, I paired it with a glass of George Remus cask strength bourbon. The first third offered a smooth draw, revealing subtle notes of cocoa, leather, and a touch of cardboard. As I progressed through the second third, the cedar notes became more pronounced, accompanied by a slight dryness that was perfectly balanced by the bourbon. The final third maintained its quality, providing a consistent and enjoyable smoke. It's a well-constructed cigar that would appeal to a wide range of palates. Grateful for the opportunity to do this."

Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt's Review of Inspirado White by Macanudo:
"The Macanudo Inspirado White is a modern spin on a classic brand, aiming to strike a balance between approachability and complexity. Featuring a six-year-aged Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, an Indonesian binder, and a blend of aged fillers from Mexico and Nicaragua, this cigar embodies craftsmanship and value. The Robusto vitola delivers mild-to-medium strength with smooth, evolving flavors, though some complexity is sacrificed for accessibility.

"Upon lighting, the cigar opens with a creamy mix of cedar, grass, and black pepper, accented by subtle citrus. As it progresses, notes of almond, buttered toast, and vanilla join the profile, though a dry, papery texture occasionally intrudes. The middle third introduces a lemon-rind bitterness and subdued pepper, while the final stretch showcases the creaminess promised at the start, complemented by hints of leather and coffee. Construction is flawless, with a smooth draw, even burn, and sturdy ash. The golden-blond wrapper adds to its visual appeal, and the price makes it a great option for newer smokers or those seeking a reliable, affordable Connecticut. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the Inspirado White offers a satisfying smoke with enough nuance to keep you engaged, making it a worthy addition to Macanudo’s lineup."

11/14/2024

When you're a cigar aficionado, you come to recognize the importance of projecting the right attitude for the particular cigar and the particular scenario in which it will be smoked. Beanz: Leaf can help you with this challenge by providing to you only the very best that the cigar world has to offer. We're always looking for the next great stick, because we love ci**rs ourselves.

New in the humidor, just in time for your weekend...

* Short Run 2023 by E.P. Carrillo
* Pledge by E.P. Carrillo

11/07/2024

The Beanz: Leaf Cigar of the Month for November is the Inspirado White by Macanudo.

This cigar strikes a harmonious balance—both straightforward and intricate. It offers a touch of sweetness tempered by a hint of spice. Sophisticated and polished, it brings luxury without the steep price tag. The carefully aged to***co in each precisely rolled stick is likely what imparts such depth. The wrapper, a smooth, golden Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf, has been matured for six years, while the Nicaraguan and Mexican San Andres fillers are aged for four. This stick delivers an ideal draw, releasing hints of earth, gentle spice, soft creamy textures, and a rich to***co heart.

Come in and grab one today!

11/07/2024

Grandpa wishes all of you a Munster of a good time, and he guarantees you'll have one if you stop into Beanz: Leaf and check out our new additions.

* Antoño by Joya de Nicaragua (Gran Consúl)
* Reserva Real Nicaragua Midnight Twist by Romeo y Julieta (Twisted Toro)
* Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw (Robusto)

10/31/2024

It's time for the October installment of The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month.

This month, we feature Donald Schmidt. Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt picked out one of their favorites, the Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw for Donald to try. His review of the cigar, followed by ours, is offered to you below. Stop in to the shop to sample the Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw yourself. For a cigar that's so light in appearance, it's surprisingly flavorful.

If you'd like to be entered into the drawing to be The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month for November, please share this post to your profile (and make it public so that we can see that you shared it). If you're chosen, you'll receive a free cigar to review (an accompanying picture of you enjoying the cigar is a must).

Donald Schmidt's Review of Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw:
"I usually smoke a stronger, bolder cigar. I saw the light color of the wrapper and the pink band on this cigar, and expected a very light smoke. I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled this out. It smelled like a hay field in the summer. I lit it up and tasted mocha and coffee. The center of the cigar got spicy and zesty, almost like black pepper. Towards the end of the cigar I tasted a hint of nuts,maybe almonds. It was an easy draw and burned well. Just a little uneven burn at the end, but not too bad. I smoked it on Sunday morning with my coffee after breakfast. It paired well with my coffee. I really enjoyed this cigar and I will be smoking this one again."

Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt's Review of Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw:
"The Southern Draw Desert Rose is a limited-production version of the Rose of Sharon, blended by AJ Fernandez and crafted at his Estelí factory. Its Ecuador Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan binder from Condega, and Dominican and Honduran fillers create a seamless, soft profile, showcased beautifully in its box-pressed Belicoso Fino format. Cold puffs reveal notes of hay, cedar, and graham cracker, with a clear draw that transitions to a balanced flavor upon lighting. Initial spicy notes of crushed red pepper and earth are tempered by a creamy cedar base, leading to a medium-bodied profile with hints of fresh bread, leather, and a touch of citrus on the retrohale. The cigar’s complexity evolves in the final third, delivering black pepper, leather, and graham cracker, with a touch of heat from the tapered head. The Desert Rose is a well-crafted, medium-bodied smoke with excellent draw and a mostly even burn. It is one of our favorites."

10/24/2024

It looks like we're going to have another beautiful autumn weekend—save the rainy forecast for Friday. As Halloween is just a handful of days away, entertain your cigar-smoking pals by picking out an ill-fitting suit and a fancy hat and then commit to the bit that you now have a special cigar-smoking get-up designed to enjoy your stogies in style. Maybe you'll start a trend.

Of course, you'll need to stop into Beanz: Leaf to fill up that humidor.

Here's what's new in our inventory...

- Hellion by Oliva (Robusto)
- Master Select by Gurkha (Robusto)
- Alma Fuerte Robustus I by Plasencia (Robusto)

10/17/2024

Aficionado Matt, like the Colossus of Clout in days of yore, got himself a fresh haircut and he's pretty excited to grab a new stick from the Beanz: Leaf humidor and settle in for a smoke and Game 4 of the NLCS tonight.

We have some solid additions to our inventory, so whether or not you're a baseball fan, freshly coiffed, or shaggy and hirsute, no doubt that Beanz: Leaf has something for you to enjoy. Come in and check out our new and re-upped ci**rs.

* Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw
* Habano 460 by Nub
* 1844 Reserve by H. Upmann
* Man O' War by AJ Fernandez

10/03/2024

The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month for September was Tim Miller, who reviewed the Rocky Patel Connecticut.

Share the original post (not this one) to be entered into the drawing to be our October Aficionado of the Month.

It's time for the September installment of The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month.

This month, we feature Tim Miller. Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt picked out the Rocky Patel Connecticut for Tim to try. His review of the cigar, followed by ours, is offered to you below. Stop into the shop to sample the Rocky Patel Connecticut yourself. It's a solid smoke.

If you'd like to be entered into the drawing to be The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month for October, please share this post to your profile (and make it public so that we can see that you shared it). If you're chosen, you'll receive a free cigar to review (an accompanying picture of you enjoying the cigar is a must).

Tim Miller's Review of the Rocky Patel Connecticut:
"I have been a Rocky Patel fan for a while. I appreciate the value and consistency. The Rocky Patel Connectict is a nice mild cigar, great for days when you want something a little lighter. This would be a great morning cigar with a cup of coffee or espresso. Although mellow in body, it is long on flavor. The tasting notes I got were, roasted nut and leather. The construction and burn were consistent with a good smoke output. The draw was fairly loose. I paired it with a hoppy IPA, but anything bold or spicy would work. My burn time was about an hour and thirty minutes. Given the quality and reasonable price you can't wrong."

Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt's Review of the Rocky Patel Connecticut:
"The cigar’s band may not stand out, but its construction and firmness are notably solid. The wrapper had a few small veins and imperfections, though they did not detract from its overall visual appeal. The texture was smooth and dry, with a delicate sweetness to the aroma along the length of the cigar. A clean, easy cut was achieved using a basic v-cutter, and the lighting process was straightforward. The ash, a solid grey, held its shape well, and the smoke remained smooth and consistent throughout. Flavor-wise, the cigar offered a mild, creamy profile, with a hint of pepper on the first draw, transitioning into subtle coffee notes and a buttery finish. Occasionally, slight hints of caramel emerged, and toward the end, a pleasant woodsy flavor complemented the overall experience. Minimal maintenance was required, and the smoke output was light, making it a laid-back and enjoyable choice. The cigar featured some sweet, grainy nuances, and its mild profile would appeal to both light and more robust cigar fans alike."

10/03/2024

The inaugural Beanz: Leaf Herf & Slurp was a great time. Ci**rs were smoked. Bourbon was drunk. Hors d'oeuvres were eaten. Stories were told. Music was enjoyed. The weather was perfect, and the stragglers that hung around after the official ending of the event made us feel like we did something right.

When the weather warms in the spring, keep your eyes peeled for our next Herf & Slurp. We look forward to hosting you and sharing the joy of ci**rs and bourbon.

10/03/2024

Stop in soon to get ready for what looks to be a beautiful weekend. You're gonna need some ci**rs to properly enjoy the fall vibes: homecoming, playoff baseball, ohio state football, porch hangs, bonfires.

We have some new additions for you to check out:
-Rose of Sharon by Southern Draw
-Mi Amor by La Aroma de Cuba
-Prensado by Alec Bradley
-Habaño Bourbon Barrel-Aged by Perdomo
-Whiskey Row by Diesel

Hope to see you soon!

[Photo © Emerson Fittipaldi, July 27, 1997 at the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim by Paul-Henri Cahier]

09/26/2024

It's time for the September installment of The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month.

This month, we feature Tim Miller. Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt picked out the Rocky Patel Connecticut for Tim to try. His review of the cigar, followed by ours, is offered to you below. Stop into the shop to sample the Rocky Patel Connecticut yourself. It's a solid smoke.

If you'd like to be entered into the drawing to be The Beanz: Leaf Aficionado of the Month for October, please share this post to your profile (and make it public so that we can see that you shared it). If you're chosen, you'll receive a free cigar to review (an accompanying picture of you enjoying the cigar is a must).

Tim Miller's Review of the Rocky Patel Connecticut:
"I have been a Rocky Patel fan for a while. I appreciate the value and consistency. The Rocky Patel Connectict is a nice mild cigar, great for days when you want something a little lighter. This would be a great morning cigar with a cup of coffee or espresso. Although mellow in body, it is long on flavor. The tasting notes I got were, roasted nut and leather. The construction and burn were consistent with a good smoke output. The draw was fairly loose. I paired it with a hoppy IPA, but anything bold or spicy would work. My burn time was about an hour and thirty minutes. Given the quality and reasonable price you can't wrong."

Aficionado Sean and Aficionado Matt's Review of the Rocky Patel Connecticut:
"The cigar’s band may not stand out, but its construction and firmness are notably solid. The wrapper had a few small veins and imperfections, though they did not detract from its overall visual appeal. The texture was smooth and dry, with a delicate sweetness to the aroma along the length of the cigar. A clean, easy cut was achieved using a basic v-cutter, and the lighting process was straightforward. The ash, a solid grey, held its shape well, and the smoke remained smooth and consistent throughout. Flavor-wise, the cigar offered a mild, creamy profile, with a hint of pepper on the first draw, transitioning into subtle coffee notes and a buttery finish. Occasionally, slight hints of caramel emerged, and toward the end, a pleasant woodsy flavor complemented the overall experience. Minimal maintenance was required, and the smoke output was light, making it a laid-back and enjoyable choice. The cigar featured some sweet, grainy nuances, and its mild profile would appeal to both light and more robust cigar fans alike."