The new PANACEA Flying Badge San Andres is here. The size is a 6.5x54 Hitch Pin (the rest of the cigar world calls it a Toro Grande).  A very nice size. Not too large, or too time consuming, but large enough where you will get to relax a bit and really enjoy the smoke.  There are the usual hints of molasses and dark chocolate, but also bit of nutmeg.  This San Andres wrapper is very earthy and offers an "old fashioned" cigar experience.  The cigar's profile is similar to our black label Maduro, but does not have the spicy/peppery notes you experience (on and off) with that blend.  The construction is what you have come to expect from Flatbed Cigar Co.  It is a firm, smooth rolled, cigar with a perfect draw.  Speaking of that.  I was asked the other day why I always use a pocket knife to "cut" my cigar rather than a cutter, punch etc.  I use a knife because it is so much easier to control the size of the opening or "cut".  To be sure, the knife needs to be very sharp...as does a cutter or punch.  In my experience, it doesn't take long for a traditional cutter, be it two blades or one, to become dull.  Same with a punch and both are very difficult to sharpen.  A pocket knife is simple to keep razor sharp. I use the sharpening stone that is in my kitchen knife block. When ready to cut your cigar you simply hold the edge of the blade where you want to make the cut, and rotate the cigar slowly.  You can make as big or as small an opening as you like.  You can even notch in a V cut if that is your preference. The other nice thing about a pocket knife...is there are so many additional uses for it. I carry a two blade, 2 5/8" folding knife.  It has a 2" clip, and a 1 3/8" coping blade. It's very light too, weighing less than an ounce.  Reserve one blade for only cutting your cigar (I use the clip blade), and the 2nd for all other uses. Remember to keep it sharp.  If you do, you'll love the precision at which you can make a cut and no more torn caps and unraveling cigars!

Herf on!!

Paul