I really want to try one of these. I'm just not ready to drop $70 to try one out, because they do give some serious warnings to how strong it is.

Here's the details from Cigar.com:

The original Cu-Avana brand was created by legendary cigar producer Manuel Quesada. The idea behind Cu-Avana was to create a blend that offered an exorbitant amount of flavor, while maintaining a smooth character and a mild body. Fans of Cu-Avana will agree that the goal was met, with both the natural and maduro versions offering a complexity rarely seen in milder cigars, obtained without sacrificing its mellow characteristics. Recently, enthusiasts across the globe have been seeking out stronger, more robust cigars and therefore it was time to add a full-bodied blend to the Cu-Avana line. To complete this feat, the reigns were passed to Nestor Plasencia, who developed a tasty, full-bodied treat originating from Nicaragua.

You'll feel the power of Punisher as soon as the stick touches your lips – it's natural to experience a numbing feeling even before you light this firecracker up. Breathe, it'll be ok. The cigar exudes a creamy smoke filled with copious amounts of spice and pepper and comes well-balanced with natural earthy sensations mixed throughout. Don't expect sweetness from this powerhouse and we highly recommend you enjoy this one on a full stomach. New enthusiasts and experienced aficionados be warned, this cigar is incredibly strong and super spicy.

You can grab a box of 13 for $70 over at Cigar.com HERE.

This would be nice to have around the house, if for nothing else but the occasional cigar, or just the sudden need to light something on fire. Here's a little bit about it from the site:

The Vector Tri-Pump Torch is a heavy duty table top collectible torch that means business. It puts out out an adjustable triple jet flame, perfect for light your cigar, cigarette, or anything else you might happen to need to light. This table top torch can be used both indoor and outdoor and comes with a 5 year warranty. With this heavy duty torch sitting on your table, you will never need another lighter again.

Not the cheapest torch at $98, but if you're interested, or would like to see a lovely lady show you how to use it, you can hit the Rotocade site HERE.

Over at Cigar.com they are having a sale on Obsidian cigars, which sound like they are fairly new to the market. Or, if not, new to me. Here's a little bit about them:

Feast your eyes on a blend more than two years in the making; a cigar so rich, so elegant, and so exceptionally bold that you'll find yourself with an unbearable craving for more.

From the makers of Pinar del Rio enters Obsidian, featuring Cuban-seed long leaves from Nicaragua and the Dominican masked by a creamy, dark, and super oily Brazilian Habano ligero wrapper. You'll find thick smoke swarming about your head while chewy notes of leather and hearty spices engulf your palate. Best of all, each special size creates a unique flavor profile of which you'll never tire.

Obsidian is a cigar you'll remember, a cigar you'll hand to your pals who will, in turn, graciously thank you for the premium gift. When you light this beauty up in public, you'll find cigar connoisseurs flocking to your vicinity due to its fantastic aroma. We love it. You'll love it.

The cigars only cost around $5 a stogie, so it's well worth grabbing one and checking them out. You can buy them over at Cigar.com by clicking HERE.

I can't say that I've ever had a Gurkha cigar, which I need to remedy soon. The Grand Reserve sounds like it might be the first one to try, The fact that it is made with with Luis XIII Cognac is what really piqued my interest. They're also not priced too badly at around $13 a stick. Here's the details:

The Grand Reserve is the flagship brand of Gurkha Cigars. This magnificent cigar is infused with the finest cognac in the world, and handmade from the finest tobaccos. The premium Connecticut shade wrapper gives this Honduran made cigar a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of spice and promises a pleasantly light finish you will truly enjoy.

Cognac Infused, Connecticut Shade Wrapper, Dominican Binder, Dominican Filler.

You can check it out on the Gurkha site HERE.

I have yet to go to one of these. Seems like I always have to many things going on, and the timing is just off. I might just have to make it a point to start planning for next year's event. Though I would like to go to Las Vegas, rather than New York.

Here's the details:

Tickets to the largest cigar celebrations in the world, Cigar Aficionado's Big Smoke Las Vegas and Big Smoke New York, are now available to purchase online.

The 16th annual Big Smoke Las Vegas weekend is scheduled for October 28-30 and will be held at the Venetian Hotel & Casino for the sixth straight year. Expect two nights of luxe evening parties featuring tasty libations, world-class cuisine from Sin City's leading restaurants and, of course, cigarmakers passing out premium cigars.

In addition, the Big Smoke Las Vegas weekend will feature two days of cigar-centric seminars. Full program details will be available online May 18.

Click to order your Big Smoke Las Vegas tickets

Last year's Big Smoke New York was held at the Pier 92 events center, located directly on the Hudson River, for the first time, and the cigar party will return there for 2011. Hundreds of The Big Apple's most enthusiastic cigar smokers will gather at the pier on November 30 to smoke premium cigars, eat delicious food, quaff wine and beer, and celebrate the good life.

More event information for the Big Smoke New York will be available online September 15.

Click to order your Big Smoke New York tickets

No idea if this opened up recently, or it's been around for years. All I know is that I'm upset that I didn't hit this place last time I was in Vegas. Here's the details:

Upstairs from Andre's Restaurant is the famed Cigar & Cognac Lounge, a world of intimate lighting, rich leather, the glow of the fireplace capturing a glint of amber cognac in a glass and the seductive aroma of fine cigars. If it seems like we're hamming it up a bit, let us assure you it's for good reason.

Recognized by Santé as an "Outstanding Restaurant Bar," the Lounge boasts a jaw-dropping selection of rare Cognacs and Armagnacs in stunning bottles—some from as early as 1802. The adjacent wine cellar houses 15,000 vintages that have been honored with the prestigious Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

So settle in by the fire with your drink, and choose from an impressive array of fine imported cigars. For the ultimate experience, let us recommend the perfect Cognac and cigar pairing. It's the perfect way to cap off your dinner at Andre's, a show in the Monte Carlo Theatre, or to simply wind down before turning in for the evening.

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

You can make reservations at the Monte Carlo site HERE.

This sounds awesome. Whisky, cigars, and Vegas. I'm not sure how it gets much better than that. Here's the details:

Imagine

Sampling a dram of whisky from the world’s most unique, finest premium whiskies from the top-tier brands.

Conversing with and learning from whisky aficionados, high-end connoisseurs, and collectors.

Dining, shopping, and playing at one of the top resorts in the world’s entertainment playground, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Welcome to the world’s first, super-premium, elite whisky tasting experience, the ‘Nth 2011 Show’.

Special Events

Attendees of the ‘Nth 2011 Show’ will have the opportunity to attend special events:

Whisky and cigar pairing. Brand ambassadors and cigar aficionados will tutor this event, during which participants will pair top-tier brands with premium cigars.

Whisky and chocolate pairing. Sample a flight of the world’s rarest whiskies, desserts and premium chocolates at this truly delectable, sensory pairing event.

Whisky Mixology. Enjoy the tantalizing world of whisky through the eyes of Patricia Richards, award-winning Master Mixologist of Wynn Resorts, as she takes you on a planetary journey of innovative culinary cocktails, you can learn to make at home.

C-STEM – Carmer Spirits Tasting Enhancement Method.

INTRODUCING THE FIRST NEW SPIRITS TASTING METHOD ON RECORD.

Invented perfected by the Founder and CEO of The Whisky Attic in Las Vegas, Professor Adam Carmer.This new method will improve your ability to recognize flavors, aromas, bouquets, phenolics, fusel oils, barrel influence and much more.Professor Carmer has shared and taught this method to industry experts, Masters of Whisky, Master Tasters, Distillers, Celebrities, advocates, politicians, other professors and enthusiasts.For the first time he will hold a forum, exclusively for attendees of ‘The Nth 2011’ Show.

Gordon & Macphail -  One of the oldest and most prestigious independent whisky bottlers, will launch a very old and very rare Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the Nth 2011 show.  A few lucky attendees will have the unique opportunity to sample the remarkable whisky.

Women and whisky seminar – Prepare to be romanced by these fine whiskies as we tantalize your tastebuds with a series of samplings of classy and sexy brown spirits. What has often been viewed as the traditional male drink of choice is now gaining interest among fashionistas everywhere. The event will explore several categories of whisk(e)y, empower your palate to appreciate this chic category, and tempt you with classic cocktails made just for the trend-setting woman who embodies stealth wealth. Leave the bling behind for this one ladies as the perfect accessory will glimmer in your glass!

The Nth 2011 Show i son Friday March 18th and Saturday the 19th, 2011. The main ticket cost is $525, and the the Master Classes are $55. You can check it all out at the site HERE.

I like how Cigar.com made their 2010 list. Instead of one big one, they broke it down into multiple categories: Mild, Medium, Full, Value, Super Premium, and New Release.

Each category lists three cigars, and there's a sampler pack for each that runs from $15 to $40.

You can check out the winners over at the Cigar.com site HERE.

Neptune is having a pretty good sale. I'm not sure what all of the cigars are, but you get 15, so there has to be a few good ones in there. Here's the details:

We've selected an assortment of 15 cigars to sell at $2-3 per stick, and we throw in a crushproof, waterproof Cigar Caddy and a much needed double blade cigar cutter (free!). The brands included in your grab bag vary, but you will get 8 premium cigars that retail between $4.50 to $12 a stick and 7 less expensive smokes that retail between $2 to 4.50 per stick. You would normally have to spend between $40-$80 to buy these cigars individually, but you're getting them for 40 to 60% OFF with a big discount on the Cigar Caddy travel humidor and a free cutter!

10-cigar Caddy – The perfect humidor for the outdoor or water sports aficionados. This crush-proof humidor comes with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Not only it is watertight to depths well beyond 100 feet, it is made with a fiber-glass reinforced ABS resin that is virtually indestructible. Protects up to 10 Churchill length cigars. Includes humidifier.

The whole thing will cost you $52.95, and you can grab it HERE.

CAO is looking for real people to spotlight in our latest Ad campaign, ‘CAO Real’. Tell us your story explaining how you are a Real CAO smoker. Please include a photo of yourself in your ‘Real’ environment. Don’t run down to’Glamour Shots’ at the mall. We want to see you just as you are. Submit your Real CAO story and photos today – You just might be in the next Ad!

You can hit the CAO site HERE to enter.