Cigar Federation
 

OK, Cigar Federation is not a place I have done business with in the past. It appears to me that they are an outlet for a lot of "boutique" cigars. That's cool.

I am curious about them, but skeptical at the same time. Why? Let me 'splain...

I lived the cigar boom of the mid-late 1990s and there were all sorts of cigars that came on the market. They would get what tobacco they could find (often the stuff that the long-time houses had rejected), and then they would put together their "you've-never-had-a-cigar-this-good" blend, sell it a outrageous prices, and people would buy it.

Yes, there are more educated smokers today - and I'd like to think that those here (myself included) are among that list! But is it possible that the right wording may even hoodwink the wary? They do call it marketing so that people buy things - sometimes things they do not even need.

So, yeah, I am a bit leery.

Anyway, somehow I got onto their email list... I have been seeing them advertise new things coming in on a regular basis. And, as I said somewhere else, a lot of the newer stuff I have not tried. I have dipped my toes in the water in that regard thanks to a couple packages I received in the last couple months.

So, talk to me about Cigar Federation's blends that they are exclusive to them. Anything I should seriously consider if I see it?
Something I should avoid?

Thanks

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Okay well for starters, I found an article that should help shed a little light on the background of Cigar Federation:

https://cigarnoise.com/ezra-zion-cig...ar-federation/

It would be misleading for me to say much about them before that acquisition though because I've only in recent years begun shopping at Cigar Federation. If I remember correctly, it was Weelock here at this forum that first sent me a cigar from that company and I remember it being so good that I made it a point to check more of their stuff out.

As far as their sourcing of tobacco, I honestly have no idea..I mean, if you read the page for each individual cigar they sell, they usually give a pretty decent back story for most of them, usually listing the types of leaf that goes in to the cigar, and sometimes even where specifically the leaves came from. But then, imho Cigar Federation also has a tendency to...embellish just how good some of their cigars are in their descriptions.

That said - I would say that about 70% of the time, those descriptions are pretty accurate because they have a *lot* of really really tasty cigars. I've really only had a couple cigars from them that I wasn't impressed with, and most of the time that was only because the cigars didn't have a strong enough body for my taste and that I think is just a matter of preference.

One of the good things I've found about them is that they have a lot of cigars that perform well above their price range, the Mexican Hot Chocolate being one that comes to mind.

With all that considered, for me, I'm not as concerned about where the leaves come from (provided it's not stolen or previously used as toilet paper) so long as I truly enjoy the cigar. I'm aware of some companies using unwanted/leftover tobacco and then labeling it as boutique but generally that's why I never buy more than a 5er of an expensive cigar so I can determine for myself whether it's worth the price before buying boxes.

Anyway, that's just been my experience and I'm sure others are different, but that's a really good question Todd and I'll be curious to see what others have to say in this thread about Cigar Federation!

P.S. their Leche de Mama line is one of my absolute favorite NCs, I always buy up as many as I can when they are in stock and recommend them to everyone that will listen! :D

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Todd, I feel ya. But like Michael mentioned, the few of their cigars I’ve tried have been tasty. But hard to drop the money on an something you’ve yet to try.

I’ve been looking at their monthly sampler as a way of trying some of their offerings.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I order occasionally from Cigar Federation or the related Ezra Zion. I’ve never gotten a bad cigar from them. But, I also have never gotten a cigar that truly lived up to the hype and price. I guess the over the top ad copy triggers my cynicism and I end up wondering if I got taken somehow. So, once in a while, I indulge my curiosity and buy a fiver. Who knows, maybe this is the cigar that will redefine the meaning of cigars as we know them?

Re: Cigar Federation
 

The over-the-top hype on each release is an Ezra Zion (EZ) trademark. Before Cigar Federation (CF) was acquired by them, CF sold mostly boutique cigars and had their own line of exclusive cigars and limited releases (ex., the Color Project), and many of them were quite good. EZ never sold any cigars except their own regular release lines and the occasional ultra-limited release (which usually numbered in the low hundreds of cigars), and many of these were quite good, and a few were even spectacular. But the EZ marketing tactic was always the over-the-top hype speckled with lots of BS. Since their limited releases were so few (maybe 4-5 a year), the marketing emails and hype was infrequent, and unobtrusive. But as their fanboy club grew, the price on their offerings started to jump up by $10 per 5 pack, so I bought fewer and fewer. I've smoked some great EZ cigars, and I've sold many that were disappointing after I bought them.

Now that EZ owns CF (and Nomad Cigars, too), the bombardment of emails all proclaiming that each cigar "is the best one ever made", "an ultra-limited, micro-batch" and "you gotta buy them now, these will sell out" becomes less and less believable with each email they send. I used to be a frequent customer of both sites, and now I won't even open their emails most days because I know it will be its "fake cigar news". Oh, and some of the limited run releases supposed to be limited in number, never to be made again . . . well now they are made again and not so exclusive or limited. Heck, as I go through my emails, I see there have been 5 "ultra-limited, micro batch" cigars released since April 27! :r

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Here is the latest from CF... I got their note that Stolen Throne is back in stock. I clicked the link, and here is what I found. Highlights mine. While I have not had this particular stick yet, this hype is a bit over the top for me.

**CIGAR FEDERATION EXCLUSIVE!!*

This is a momentous day! STOLEN THRONE IS BACK IN STOCK!

Stolen Throne launched last year and fast become the fastest growing and most popular new brand in the industry! They've been working with master blender Noel Rojas in Texas to create cigars that are truly phenomenal! (If you've smoked one, you understand how insanely good they are!)

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Heh. Yeah that's a perfect example of their emphatic/over the top marketing :D
But imo, despite the excessive exclamation points and hype, Stolen Throne Crook of the Crown is an excellent cigar at the end of the day. Easily the strongest Maduro I've smoked in the last year and packed with flavor. Planning to buy 20+ more if I can just find them in stock during a sale.

But yeah some of their stuff is hit or miss - and I agree, they write about each one like it's the best cigar ever created so I definitely understand the hesitation. I've always found that it pays to look up more than 1 review for a given cigar and/or look for feedback here at the Asylum.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Never even heard of 'em. :lr

Re: Cigar Federation
 

My point!

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Good grief guys, you are killing me. So many cigars at cigar federation and as luck would have it, you've picked one of the best cigars I've smoked from them as an example. :r

I maintain that the Crook of the Crown is a great cigar, I have a few left and if you guys want to try for yourself, pm me and I'll send one as proof. I don't care if they say they've hired Oscar the Grouch as blender and Elmo as head of marketing, a good cigar is a good cigar. :D

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I love CigarFed but I don’t love all their cigars but they do have some very nice hits imho to my palate.

I don’t get spun up on marketing as I see it no different from Cigar International and it reminds me of the good old early CI, JR, and Rocky spats.

CigarFed is Ezra Zion so if you like EZ, then you will like Cigar Fed.

I didn’t buy the Stolen Throne but it’s not exclusive to CigarFed. I didn’t get it as generally anything Indonesian is a non-starter with me.

Based upon gomeitsmybday endorsement, think I will pick up a 10 pack and it’s only because of a brother on this forum has tried the cigar or I just would not bother. Too many damn good cigars to try.

I did look up some alternate information on the cigar and found this review.

https://kohnhed.com/2019/06/10/stole...by-the-katman/

Is CigarFed boutiques over priced? They sell out as they are small batches so that means they are not over priced.

Is CigarFed exclusives a good value? I would say generally no as you are paying for a small lot tobacco which does not benefit from volume breaks and I wouldn’t say you can’t get cheaper better to your palate but if variety and something different is a value to you, then CigarFed cigars are a good value.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Modify above, can get cheaper, not can’t. Sheesh

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Dave hold off on that order!! I just remembered I added a Crook of the Crown to the sampler I just sent, so you can smoke it before deciding to buy. :tu

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Firing it up now!

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Hell, I guess I said it correctly originally but unnecessarily confusing. If I confuse myself, well, other normal people should be fine.....

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I am not saying they are not good cigars, I just am laughing at the hype.

And, I am wondering if some of their "exclusives" are all worth the price of admission.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Well, I finished the Crook of the Crown and I’m super grateful you sent me one to try. The cigar has a lot of good flavors with nuts, leather, wood, and a hint of sweet cocoa the Indonesian tobacco characteristic of dry finish was strong and that is typical of what I experience in Indonesian tobacco.

In retrospect, I would not pull the trigger on a purchase just due to the strong dry mouth finish. I don’t mind a bit of that but even with a beer it was making my mouth dry.

So far, the Steel is a definite buy and the Cowboy is a five pack buy as it’s STRONG! Well, off topic so nuff said. Another thread.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Fair review, I don't particularly mind the drier finish, but then I also don't mind a beverage that has a dry finish either, so more a matter of taste I believe! I'm hoping to grab more because I think they have some good potential for aging. Glad you managed to see that before getting a 10 pack.

@ Todd I totally agree, the marketing is certainly almost comical at times :)

Re: Cigar Federation
 

OK, I just received my first order from here... (I know, I am supposed to be up north, but nobody wanted to cover my service for me - nor do the Zoom Catechesis with my youth, so I came back for part of the day.)

Anyway, they look like nice cigars, but we will see what they taste like. I had gone over to get some Mexican Tacos(?), Red Hot Choke Me Peppers(?), Mexican Hot Chocolate(?), or whatever they are called, just to try them. Well, when I got there they were sold out. So, I figured what else should I try? I remember someone here liking the Whipped Cream, so I put a 5er in the cart, looked around for other things and ended up with some Jimi (or was it just, HendriX) in the cart.

I just realized why the 'schtick' at CF is familiar, it sounds like Lew Rothman of the old JRCigar magazine days.

HendriX
as described...
We're extremely excited to offer you the newest Factory Direct Boutique exclusive...HendriX.

Backstory: A few months ago, I was smoking with a buddy in the cigar industry. His brand is one of the most popular boutique brands in the world...with the rating and awards to prove it!

He gives me this cigar and tells me to try it. As I'm lighting it up he says "This cigar was gonna be the top price point cigar in our portfolio. MSRP was gonna be $15. But we decided to use a little bit different wrapper, so now we have a few bundles of these to smoke ourselves."

After smoking it for a few minutes (and LOVING it!) I told him, "I've got to have these for the FedHeads! This blend is so smooth and so rich. People will go as crazy for this blend as I am!"

After a little arm twisting...he finally agreed!

I also got Whipped Cream
The hype on this one was:

**NEW AND IMPROVED BLEND!**

The Factory Direct Boutique releases just keep getting better and better and better!

I'm just gonna flat-out say it. Whipped Cream should be a $10 cigar. Period!

The tobacco used in this baby and the Class 7 cuban rollers that handmade Whipped Cream are some of the best we've ever worked with.

And it shows in the cigar! Like, BIG TIME!

Whipped Cream is RIDICULOUSLY tasty! It will probably induce you to mutter a little profanity to yourself because of how amazing the flavors are when you first light it up. (You know what I'm talking about. We've all done it.)

Well, they both went into the freezer. I will have to review them later and let you know what I think. Considering the hype, they better seriously deliver. I will be honest, no matter what!

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I agree that the schtick is reminiscent of Lew’s old line of BS. I used to enjoy reading his catalogs! But, if you read Lew’s copy for a while, you could tell what he thought was really good and what was just being sold. I haven’t been able to pick that up with Cigarfed. Maybe I’ve gotten denser in my old age?

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I’m not sure about the whipped cream as those aren’t usually in my go to basket but I really enjoy the Hendrix. Matter of fact, I bought 10 more I like them so much hah.

That being said, I can’t really tell you what flavors are present just that I liked them so I guess that is a word of warning somewhat?

I will definitely be interested in your thoughts.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I miss Lews :( His critique of cigars following the boom was valid and I respected him quite a bit. But new age.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I have a few things coming from cigarfed as well. It will be nice to compare our thoughts and see if these sticks are just hype or not.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I just got 10 whipped cream in the mail yesterday. Had some issues with packaging that caused a few of the wrappers to crack/flake off. Sent them an email and pics. They’re sending me out a 5er to make up for it. :tu for customer service.

I’ve smoked two of them so far. Really like them except for the last 1.5”. Flavor turns harsh to me, but that could be me smoking them fast. I’d buy them again.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Thanks for the information! Sounds like they are a winner!

Re: Cigar Federation
 

You are absolutely correct in regard to Lew. Met the man once, back in 1989-90 school year. What a unique individual.

I also haven't been able to pick up where the schtick ends and the seriousness begins on CF.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

OK, I was emailed about a new cigar at Cigar Federation. I could not help but chuckle at the blatant hype... "if you do not buy these now, you WILL miss out" type hard sell.
Having said that, I love me a Lancero, and if I had the disposable income available, I might just try these. But...

Anyway, for your reading enjoyment.

Oh yes, my friend. Today is a GREAT DAY to be a cigar smoker!

Southern Draw has created some of the most popular cigars in the world! Their Jacob’s Ladder, Rose of Sharon, Cedrus, Kudzu Lustrum, and IGNITE releases have been some of the most sought after boutique cigars ever!

But...I think they’ve outdone themselves with the brand new SOUTHERN DRAW ROSES N’ GUNS!

Mark my words...SOUTHERN DRAW ROSES N’ GUNS will go down in cigar history as one of the greatest boutique cigars ever produced!

Southern Draw owners, Robert and Sharon Holt, blended up one of the most phenomenal blends they’ve ever done! In fact, when we smoked these samples with the CigFed staff...there was a 100% consensus that ROSES N’ GUNS was hands-down the best Southern Draw blend yet!

(You think I’m kidding...just wait ‘til you smoke it!)

We couldn’t get the tobacco info outta them. But...I do know that this stuff has been aging for years and years! You can literally taste the extra-vintage tobacco goodness!

SOUTHERN DRAW ROSES N’ GUNS is a 7.5x38 lancero. Full-bodied, med/full strength.

Flavors are absolutely phenomenal! The cigar opens with notes of dark chocolate, creamy espresso, heavy cream, black pepper, and cinnamon. Caramel notes slowly begin to emerge after an inch or so, complimented by coffee bean, candied almonds, hot chocolate, and vanilla bean. Last third, expect flavors of bourbon whiskey, custard, nutmeg, leather, and brown sugar.

SOUTHERN DRAW ROSES N’ GUNS should be on Top 10 Cigar Lists this year! (Probably—IOO—get #1 Cigar of the Year!) It’s just that damn good!

NOTE: TOTAL PRODUCTION FOR ROSES N’ GUNS is only 1800 cigars! So you’re gonna need to hurry like your life depended on it to get ROSES N’ GUNS!

Take my advice...get as many SOUTHERN DRAW ROSES N’ GUNS as you can as fast as you can!

Get Yours NOW!

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Haha yes I saw that today too...I'm a pretty big fan of Southern Draw, but if it is an exclusive, I suspect they'll get more in the future as well, so I think I'll wait until I see a review first.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Probably broke their exclamation point key typing that out.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Must’ve caught a roller on a bad day. Last two Mexican Hot Chocolate’s I’ve tried smoking have tunneled real bad. Cut an inch of unburnt wrapper/binder off the end only to find the filler burning. Not good.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

That sucks, Bob. :(

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I will say that I have had some excellent cigars from Cigar Federation. I really love the Whipped Cream that I purchased, whether it was that batch or they are all like that I cannot say. HendriX was a good smoke, and the Christmas hot cocoa (or whatever it was called is very good too).

But, it is the entertainment value of their products that truly got my attention this time... an entertaining read, with my notes in RED.

NEW 2021 LIMITED EDITION BLEND!* Of course it is, the better to get you to order immediately

"I got a fever and the only prescription is More Cowbell!"

It’s been almost 4 years since More Cowbell was released! (And subsequently sold out a day or so later!)

MORE COWBELL 2021 Ltd. is one of the creamiest and delicious blends you will ever light up! The tobaccos are extremely aged and extremely smooth!

But this is an EXTREMELY LIMITED small-batch production! So if you want to get in on this goodness...you’re gonna need to hurry!

MORE COWBELL 2021 Ltd. is a full-bodied, medium-strength 6.5x54 super toro. The wrapper is a silky Corojo 99 rosado leaf. Binder and fillers are from Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa.

Oh, and ALL of the tobaccos used are over 10-years-old! of course they are...just like that Cuban tobacco in those cigars Lew sold, was from pre-embargo days...just waiting to be found and rolled!

Holy Cow! (Pun intended!)

Flavors are rich and satisfying. Bold notes of milk chocolate, vanilla bean, creamed coffee, black pepper, aged leather, raw cane sugar, graham crackers, cinnamon stick, butter, macadamia nuts, and caramel! OK, if this is indeed true, these sound tasty.

MORE COWBELL 2021 Ltd. is a 92+ Rated cigar any way you look at it. One of these days a Factory Direct Boutique will grace the Top Cigars of the Year Lists. MORE COWBELL 2021 Ltd. might just be the first one! Ya, it's that good!

We know you're gonna absolutely love it! In fact, once you smoke it, you'll be wanting More Cowbell for sure!

GET YOURS NOW!

Total Production: 290 And this last is the final push. It is really one last push to get you to order immediately, for it you do not, they will be gone.

So, did I order mine? No! Would love to, but my cigar budget is now "CLOSED" for the season.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

:rolleyes: :lr

Thank you for their "entertainment". Todd!

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I buy cigars from Cig Fed but I am cautious. The Color Project cigars are almost always good. They are made by James Brown & Co. at Black Works. The "Ligero By Morning" was supreme. The others have been good to great. They are $10 each, and that puts them in the moderate value category for me. So many great cigars below that price point.

I used to get dismayed by their outlandish marketing, but I now realize that it's tounge-in-cheek stuff. They probably have interns writing those descriptions, competing for creativity kudos from Ezra....

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I was thinking of trying their stuff at one point, then I realized that their hype type reminded me of Thompson. Learned that lesson the first time. :r

Re: Cigar Federation
 

^^ This. Remember in the late 90s, after you ordered from Thompsons, and then you would get spammed with magazine and life insurance sales pitches?

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I have no reason to believe that they sell marketing info. But, your email does expand with additional ads for their other products (whiskey, coffee...).

Re: Cigar Federation
 

The FDB releases just keep getting better and more legendary! Seriously, where else can you get phenomenal boutique blends for this price? (And...they’re made by some of the top boutique makers and factories in the business.)
JACK & COKE has a crazy backstory...but I’m not allowed to tell you about it. Suffice it to say that things can get a little crazy sometimes while blending in Nicaragua.
JACK & COKE is an intoxicating blend of some of the rarest and most delicious tobaccos we’ve ever featured in the FDB lineup!
Sweet and peppery. Creamy and smooth. It’s loaded with colossal flavors and complexity!
JACK & COKE is arguably the BEST FDB release we’ve ever done!
JACK & COKE is a full-bodied, medium-strength 6.5x56 Super Toro. Wrapper leaf is a silky Corojo 99 claro leaf. Binder and filler tobaccos are secret!
First third opens with flavors of raw cane sugar, whiskey, vanilla, heavy cream, cocoa, and cedar wood.
The second third brings notes of aged caramel, leather, hazelnuts, graham crackers, black pepper, and cinnamon.
Last third is loaded with flavors of sweet iced tea, red pepper, heavy cream, whiskey barrel and toasted almonds.
JACK & COKE is insanely delicious! Believe me, you’re gonna love it!
NOTE: This is a VERY SMALL-BATCH Production! ONLY 470 JACK & COKE were able to be made!
Get Yours NOW!
Total Production: 470



I've never bought anything from whoever these people are. There's always an update with only nine bundles left. This is Thompsons 2.0

Re: Cigar Federation
 

I bought a box of the Rojas/OSOK coronas from Cig Fed a while back. Excellent cigar. I didn't read the description before I bought it though. Marketing never sways me one way or the other.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

The last Don Candido I smoked wasn't as complex as this jack and Coke is apparently.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

you gotta be more selective :noon

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Yea true, I always have liked the cheap stuff.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

googling don candido now...

Re: Cigar Federation
 

wow...pre revolution. good job, man! congratulations.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

the jack and coke limited edition (sold out now) had "essence of don candido" according to the Cig Fed description...just sayin.:)

Re: Cigar Federation
 

The ad-copy is always way over the top. Being a former ad-copy writer, I enjoy them. But every crazily described cigar I have ever bought from Fed has been very good to fantastic.

Re: Cigar Federation
 

:noon :lr

Re: Cigar Federation
 

OK my friends, while I do enjoy a few smokes from Cigar Fed..., this latest write-up is astounding. I cut and paste for you, only so far as it went that I decided, "Hmm, it appears to me they're trying to get the noob to buy."

Here you are read for yourself:

Most have only heard rumors of this cigar! It’s one of the rarest Ezra Zion unicorn blends of all time!

CHOCOLATE PORTER Ltd. was originally released over 6 years ago...and it’s taken us this long to procure the EXTREMELY rare tobaccos needed to make this extremely special cigar!

Frankly, I'd need an hour to tell you the backstory of this blend. It's taken us literally years of searching--countless miles traveled--and going to some places you've never even heard of--to get the ultra-rare tobaccos that are in CHOCOLATE PORTER Ltd.!

So yes, CHOCOLATE PORTER Ltd. holds a very special place in our heart. And yes, I have some secreted away in my personal humidor. (And no....I'm not gonna share any of it!)

But a word of warning...This is a cigar for the true aficionado! (The novice smoker probably needs to pass on this one!) The flavors and character are deep, heavy, and rich...with a complexity that is absolutely astounding!

MARK MY WORDS...If ever there was an Ezra unicorn cigar...this is it!

CHOCOLATE PORTER Ltd. is a full-bodied, med/full-strength 6x50 toro. Wrapper is a 9-year-aged chocolatey San Andres maduro. Fillers will remain a very closely guarded secret...but they are all between 7-11 years aged!

Re: Cigar Federation
 

Oh man! I would've totally fallen for this when i first got into cigars. My first cigar i ever purchased were pre-emvargo cubans cigars by Gurkha. i had NO clue! God bless you!

Re: Cigar Federation