Video Reviews

[El Presidente]

We film this weeks video reviews this afternoon and will have one posted tomorrow and one on Monday.

Today we will review the Asia Pacific Regional Releases. Specifically the Por Larranaga Belicoso Extra and the Por Larranaga Robusto (2007 release). We will try and ascertain the similarities and differences between the two and how they stack up as cigars to smoke now and potential for future aging.

We will attempt to do a weekly series of video reviews sometimes with different guests as the same crew will not always be around.

If you can come up with some reviews you would like to see....some questions you would like to have answered...perhaps cigar comparisons, interesting concepts etc....post on this thread so that we can have a 3 month plan of ideas to work toward.

I promise the video reviews will get better each week as we get a handle on the technical issues and the format

[Guest rob]

Is it wrong of me to be excited and enthusiastic about this? I feel like a school kid again

[CIGARHead]

Im really enjoying your video reviews Rob. Maybe in the weeks to come you could do a review on the current Cohiba Lanceros....but give Ken, or Smithy a Vegueros with a Cohiba band on it and see how much coffee and cream they taste.

[Colt45]

The first thing that comes to mind for me is that I wouldn't mind seeing comparisons of similar sizes within the same

line. For example, HdM DC and Churchill, LGC Tainos and M d'Or No.2, etc.

Thanks, and keep up the grueling work.

[mkz]

LGC Tainos

I´ll vote for that one too!

I also want to see Ken smoking an Guantanamera in the nude...

[rckymtn22]

I´ll vote for that one too!

I also want to see Ken smoking an Guantanamera in the nude...

Wasn't seeing Ken's belly enough!

[perfectform]

The video reviews helped to give me a nice guideline when I want to document some of my own reviews. I feel your videos are definately an asset to the rest of us.

[Evo03]

How about doing some reviews focusing on how current stock is smoking? I always ask Rob and Lisa "what's good at the moment?". One week review 4 popular robustos from boxcodes that are shipping, next do half coronas, petit coronas, lonsdales, etc.

Might make it easier for some of us to decide what to order. And compare different marcas.

[zuma]

I also want to see Ken smoking an Guantanamera in the nude...

Bloody hell!

Once seen, doubt a lobotomy will erase the image...

[habanablue]

How about some blind tastings for fun? could be a quick excerpt between more serious reviews. Test out Ken's legendary palate!

[WYPirate]

Looking forward to your review of the Regional Releases Rob!

[Lanthor]

I would like to see you do something similiar to what you did with the RASS and the Boli RC, but with the Monte #2 and the Upmann #2.

[Fuzz]

On a side note, how about a video tour of Czar House?

[Spartan]

On a side note, how about a video tour of Czar House?

That would be cool

[Ken Gargett]

I´ll vote for that one too!

I also want to see Ken smoking an Guantanamera in the nude...

you are a very sad person who desparately needs a life. however, i'm just here to help.

[Warren]

On a side note, how about a video tour of Czar House?

What you would see is Lisa disappearing around corners trying to evade the camera.

[SmokinAl]

Is it wrong of me to be excited and enthusiastic about this? I feel like a school kid again

Yes, I think it probably is. Rob, have you thought about getting a hobby?

[Matthew]

I really, really like these video reviews.

For this week's video review, could you comment as to how these compare to your recollection of the German-release PL Lonsdale? Also, compare to regular production PLPCs and offer a little comment on the recent evolution of PLPCs?

It would be fun if you highlighted/displayed a few other items while you are smoking; for example, maybe there is a cool ashtray or lighter or humidor you can show us...

[aavkk]

I also am a huge fan of the video reviews. It adds another dimension to the experience. I like all the ideas mentioned specifically blind reviews. I think it would be cool to see a vertical review of a popular smoke like a Siglo IV from 05, 06, 07, and 08. This would be a great way to show the evolution of flavors and also get a feel for the quality of the new stock.

[purosdave]

The first thing that comes to mind for me is that I wouldn't mind seeing comparisons of similar sizes within the same

line. For example, HdM DC and Churchill, LGC Tainos and M d'Or No.2, etc.

Thanks, and keep up the grueling work.

Or take it even a step further and compare Upmann Sir Winstons vs. Monarcas. Now that's a video review I would like to see!

[Dogwatch Dale]

Bob & I are reviewing the PL 2007 RE on our show this week. Well, at least we were....a bit intimidated now! We'll see how it compares to your efforts, although we probably won't be able to spend as much time on it as you will.

The idea of a blind review is a good one. I'd love to see some of those!

[Van55]

It's obvious that you guys have great fun doing the video reviews, and it's great fun to watch.

I do think you need to do something about the audio, though. It's difficult enough for us Yanks to understand your accent and idioms without the volume low and the wind blowing through the microphone.

[Mr. Japan]

I would like to see you do something similiar to what you did with the RASS and the Boli RC, but with the Monte #2 and the Upmann #2.

I'll love this but also with a Diplo 2 that has a maduro wrapper.

[Don Candido]

It's obvious that you guys have great fun doing the video reviews, and it's great fun to watch.

I do think you need to do something about the audio, though. It's difficult enough for us Yanks to understand your accent and idioms without the volume low and the wind blowing through the microphone.

For the audio, I am assuming your camera has an audio input jack? Figure out if it is stereo or not (probably is).

Quick and dirty: get a cheap Sony Stereo mic with the same audio connector on it. These mics run on a battery. If you place one of those mics up on the center of the table and plug it into the camera, you should have your audio issues resolved.

If you want better than that, it can be done with a lapel mic for each person, a small mixer to take the lapel mics and mix them all together to stereo and a cable to go from the mixer to the camera. This is far more involved and expensive.

(I was a recording engineer in another life)

[El Presidente]

For the audio, I am assuming your camera has an audio input jack? Figure out if it is stereo or not (probably is).

Quick and dirty: get a cheap Sony Stereo mic with the same audio connector on it. These mics run on a battery. If you place one of those mics up on the center of the table and plug it into the camera, you should have your audio issues resolved.

If you want better than that, it can be done with a lapel mic for each person, a small mixer to take the lapel mics and mix them all together to stereo and a cable to go from the mixer to the camera. This is far more involved and expensive.

(I was a recording engineer in another life)

Thanks DC. I think we have solved the Audio issues with a new Sony Bluetooth Microphone which we leave on the table. It comes with a wooly condom to minimize the noise from the breeze.

Doing some new reviews at Kens this afternoon.