In Celebration of Briar - 2009

7th October, 2008

Since not everyone who visits these pages reads the News page frequently, I thought it a good idea to announce that the latest edition of the “In Celebration of Briar” calendar is now available through Lulu Press. (Click on the photo for a preview of the photos and ordering details.)

This is the third year I’ve produced the calendar, based on the photographs in my ongoing portfolio by the same title. The first two were done in B&W, and though I’m still shooting in that mode, I’ve also added colour to the mix, and I’ve decided to showcase that work in the 2009 edition. I’m really excited about these photos, and am thrilled to share them. Seeing them together, I’m convinced that the long hours spent in this endeavour has been worthwhile; I estimate that I’ve got about 60 hours invested in these thirteen photographs, and their preparation for the calendar. Pfew!

Once again, Lulu Press will be producing the calendars “on-demand.” I realize it’s not cheap, but it’s the only way I can do this, and I’d rather do it this way, than not at all; there’s simply no way I can afford to print calendars of this quality using conventional offset methods. Actually, considering the quality of the paper and printing, I think these are a bargain. And, if you don’t need a calendar, the photographs look fantastic framed on the wall!

So, what are you waiting for? Order yours now, and avoid the holiday rush…

Key Largo Hits the Shelves

16th July, 2008

In the 15th April issue of the News, I mentioned a new blend, which at the time was "code named" Maduro Cut Cake. It wasn't a very imaginative name, though it was at least somewhat descriptive. A darkish blend incorporating a little cigar leaf, pressed into cakes, and sliced. See? Not very imaginative. But, it provided me something to call it, other than, "this new prototype with cigar leaf," and as I let people at shows sample it, the response was very positive.

Finally, some weeks later, a friend emailed me, writing, "Why don't you call it Key Largo?" It was perfect. A classic, in keeping with the theme established by Maltese Falcon, with a tropical feel, and there's more than a little cigar smoking depicted in the film.

Names lead to concepts which lead to artwork, and once again, illustrator and designer extraordinaire Daniel Bertalotto, of DOXA, did his usual fantastic job with the label art. I think it's really stunning. But, what about the tobacco? Now that it's finally on the shelves, I guess I should say a few more words about it here, for those who don't read the News page.

Key Largo is full of surprises. It's got wonderful, layered flavours of rich Virginias, oriental tobaccos, including a little Cypriot Latakia, and hints of earthy spice from the cigar leaf. It presents a creamy, delicious smoke, with a softer room aroma than might be expected from the ingredients. It's refreshing, yet full-bodied and satisfying. I've been enjoying the prototypes through three seasons, but it seems exceptionally well suited to our late summer smoking. This is a unique blend, and defies the usual classification. It's neither an "English Mixture," nor a Virginia, nor is it just another cigar-leaf blend, yet it offers something of each. Maybe someone else can find a pigeonhole for Key Largo to roost in, but I cannot.

I expect this one to age beautifully over at least the next couple decades. It'll develop increased fruitiness and complexity during the first year or so, and real magic will occur after five or six. And, yes, the coffee mug is available.

Enjoy!

The Falcon has Landed

28th January, 2008

I first began writing about Maltese Falcon in early November, and now, I'm excited to the point of bursting to announce that it is finally winging its way to the tobacconists' shelves.

This one sports a brand new look, thanks to the creative direction of my dear friend Neill Archer Roan, and a brilliant realization of Neill's direction by designer and illustrator Daniel Bertalotto of DOXA. The label is gorgeous, but it's what's inside that counts, right?

Originally conceived as a replacement for the old Raven's Wing, Maltese Falcon quickly evolved into something bigger. It's a rich, bold blend, with excellent body, a beguiling sweetness, and solid structure, ideal for those who enjoy a sophisticated, yet comfortable and refined English-style mixture.