Author: juice826

Latitude Zero – Experimental Lancero

img_0928What’s up Ruffians? Today you’ll be reading about my experience with the Latitude Zero Experimental Lancero. I recently purchased a 5 -pack of these smokes for $10 on CigarBid.com and decided to don my white lab coat and begin some experimenting for myself.

This cigar grips your curiosity and keeps it until you take that first puff. The Experimental Lancero boasts a 2009 Ecuadorian Cameroon wrapper and an eye-popping 3” yellow cigar band. Equally as impressive is the Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 binder and Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 long fillers that comprise the body of this stick. Olivia Tobacco company hit pay dirt when this combination was put together.

Prior to receiving the Experimental Lanceros, I did some research and read some reviews from several brothers and sisters of the leaf. It was truly a mixed bag of compliments and complaints. I read plenty of reviews raving over the complex flavor and oaky aroma. For every one of those reviews, I would come across a review complaining about construction coming undone do to the size of the cigar label or the cigar needing a month to rest to get the best flavor. These reviews left me a little skeptical about the Experimental Lancero but still excited to try out a new smoke.

After receiving the cigars, I sat down in my relax spot and sparked it up. I waited until I was almost ¼ through the smoke before I made up my mind. This stick passed the test. It was a beauty. I am a fan of a Medium to Full Flavored smoke, so this was a hit for me. The flavor was smooth and enjoyable. Many people have described it as having “cedar undertones” but my pallet could not distinguish that. The construction was great and attributed to the even burn and quality of the cigar. The issues regarding the cigar label did not directly affect me. Though the label is large (3”), I had no issues with its removal. Furthermore, the cigar label removal didn’t result in any damage to the cigar as I had read in previous reviews. My experience with the Latitude Zero – Experimental Lancero was great. I enjoyed the cigar so much, following my initial purchase, I shared my 5-pack with some friends and purchased another 5-pack for myself.

If you haven’t already, go out and pick up a 5- pack of these tasty treats and experiment for yourself. The results will not disappoint.

Sprezzabox Men’s Accessories

sprezza1There are tons of companies springing up these days offering deals on clothing that would knock your socks off. Most of these companies boast a premium clothing package, valued at $150+, delivered to your door monthly at roughly 50% -60% off. Sounds great, right? For approximately $60 a month you could be decked out without ever leaving the comforts of home. The only issue is when you finally get your package, you aren’t 100% sure that everything will fit.   There’s nothing worse than showing up to a social event in a pair of 36 waist jeans that fit like 34s.

Insert Sprezzabox. The “store to door” men’s accessory gurus. Each month Sprezzabox assembles a dynamite assortment of goodies, valued at $100 or greater, that is sure to add a bit of spice to your wardrobe. What makes this package different than the competitors?   No sizing issues. The best part about accessories is that they do not need to have much of a fit. Each package comes with a variety of items up to and including a neck tie, cufflinks, grooming kits, beard and shave creams, and pocket squares.   You don’t just get the clothing accessory to accentuate your outfit, you also get enough grooming equipment to ensure you are dapper from head to toe.

Each box is eloquently packaged and delivered directly to your mailbox. For this service, you have the option of paying $300 up front (approximately $25 a month) or for those who aren’t interested in being committed for a year, you can opt to pay $28 a month and cancel your subscription at any time.   This may not be the bottom to top set up you are looking for but, it is an alternative to that ever looming $60 monthly bill. For the price of roughly a few pitchers, you could slowly diversify your wardrobe and smash all the formal/ social scenes.

After you receive your monthly box, the savings continue. Sprezzabox often provides you with a discount code to purchase products from the vendors that make up your monthly box. Though discounts vary, you will still be able to capitalize on the deals for roughly 30 days after you receive your box for the month.

For this holiday season gift yourself a subscription to Sprezzabox. I hope this tip has been helpful and as always Ruffians, stay Distinguished.

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Sprezza Necktie: Retail $30

Bedford and Broome Pocket Square: Retail $18

Weekend Casual Socks: Retail $10

Gents Lounge Tie Clip: $25

MRKT Sunglasses Case: Retail $15

Niche Multi-Wash: Retail $3.99

 

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Countless Mara Necktie: Retail $65

Sprezza Cufflinks: Retail $20

Paul Evans Socks: Retail $20

Classic Business Card Holder: Retail $15

Fashion Anchors 6-Pack; Retail $3

Frey For Men Detergent: Retail $4

Swallowed by the Sea Monster

Ballast photoFolks, put on your sea legs! This week I am reviewing Sea Monster Imperial Stout by Ballast Point Brewing of San Diego.

While fishing around for a dark beer, I was lured in by the bright color of an anglerfish. At that moment, I wasn’t sure if I was hunter or the hunted. So I defaulted in confidence that I was the hunter, reeled in a bottle of this Sea Monster, and hurried home to give it a shot.

Upon opening the beer I got hit with pleasant scents of coffee and light chocolate. When I poured the beer into my glass, I wished I had my eyes shined like Riddick, because this monster poured pitch black. At the top of the glass, caramel brown foam formed, giving it a very attractive dual tone appearance.

When this beer first hit my lips, I was immediately taken aback. The scent definitely matched the flavor. Coffee and chocolate were the first things I recognized followed by a slight bitter finish. I relaxed and enjoyed it to the very last drop. That was until I noticed I was a little too relaxed. I ran back to the bottle and looked for the ABV. That’s when I knew, I was the hunted. At a healthy 10% ABV, this Sea Monster had me right where it wanted me. Yet, I had no regrets.

Overall this is a good beer for all of us dark beer lovers out there. Proceed with caution on this one. It will not be an all-night beer but, it is definitely a good beer to have 1-2 of without over doing it.

Ruffians I recommend you go pull this Sea Monster from the “drink”. Just don’t let it drink you. Cheers

 

Rating: 4 ½ / 5  Pints

ABV: 10%

Brewery: Ballast Point Brewery

Website: http://www.ballastpoint.com