Category Archives: Staff Reviews

Affligem Tripel – like Raiders of the Lost Ark

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Doug Shumaker

This is a beer for adventurous types – guys can channel their inner Indiana Jones and ladies, their inner Marion Ravenwood.  Stay with me here… First, the beer – the bottle is caged and corked (like a champagne – cool!) and … Continue reading →

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Oliva Serie V – Torpedo 6 X 56

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Tim French

Torpedo 6 X 56 Wrapper: Habano Sungrown Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Jalapa Valley Ligeros Background: Oliva Serie V is a high rated, proven powerhouse. It has earned 92 and 94 ratings by Cigar Aficianado in 2007 and 2008 as well as two top … Continue reading →

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Matilda – Goose Island – like nothing you’ve ever had

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Doug Shumaker

Goose Island’s Matilda is a Belgian style amber ale.  Now just for a moment forget that you read the preceding sentence.  Very often a Belgian Ale is ignored by the beer-drinking population due to preconceived notion of it being dry, … Continue reading →

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Subtlety Makes Tinder Box Reserve 1928 Pipe Tobacco Stand Out

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Brian Olmsted

The subtlety of Tinder Box’s Reserve 1928 tinned pipe tobacco makes it really stand out. It has three great things going for it, a natural sweetness, a fantastic aroma, and no aftertaste. It is the first tinned tobacco that Tinder … Continue reading →

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Rogue – Dead Guy Ale

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Doug Shumaker

Rogue’s very popular Dead Guy Ale is a bold and balanced craft brew in the style of a German Maibock.  The pour shows a big tan head with a cloudy, deep honey colored beer.  The aroma is forward with floral … Continue reading →

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Intro To Beer Tasting

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Doug Shumaker

One would think beer drinkers need no help in tasting beer.  If you are tapping a keg of Blahblahblah Light you probably don’t even care.  If it’s like a dog’s nose (cold, wet) then yup – it’s good.  But when … Continue reading →

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Rockford Tinder Box/Vino 100 Owner Designs Signature Ascorti Pipe

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Brian Olmsted

It isn’t very often that a tobacconist is asked to design a signature briar pipe, but that is exactly what happened to Dennis Lambert, owner of Rockford’s Tinder Box/Vino 100. Dennis is a longtime friend of Roberto Ascorti, son of … Continue reading →

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Tinder Box Cherry Almond Pipe Tobacco – Get Set to Enjoy

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Brian Olmsted

Cherry Almond Tobacco Cherry Almond is one of four cherry-flavored aromatic pipe tobaccos at the Tinder Box. While all four cherry-flavored tobaccos are great and have their own distinct qualities, Cherry Almond’s aroma has been described by curious noses as … Continue reading →

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La Aurora C-1 a Good Smoke, Great Value

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Brian Olmsted

La Aurora C-1 – A Fine Smoke, Great Value One of the best-kept secrets at the Tinder Box is the C-1 cigar from La Aurora. This Dominican 6 X 60, which is priced at $6, is a very good cigar … Continue reading →

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La Sirena

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Tim French

King Poseidon 6×60 Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro Binder: Nicaraguan Habano & Corojo Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 & Corojo ’96 Strength: Medium/Full The La Sirena is a medium to full bodied cigar that is full flavored and complex. The dark oily … Continue reading →

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