Thursday, August 27, 2009

A Nice Tight Review


Greetings Friends,

The cigar blog that posts reviews about cigars and other industry-worthy news known as Nice Tight Ash (@NiceTightAsh on Twitter) has just added a video reviewing our Devil's Weed Cabinet Selection Raleigh (our robusto, 5x50). We at Molina Cigar would like to thank Charlie (the reviewer and @mountchuck on Twitter), and all the guys at Nice Tight Ash (@tight_ash, @bulldogrifleman, and @btmisles). Take a look at the video review below.



Click here for the actual video on their website, and I highly recommend checking out this cigar blog. It is well laid out, clean and informative. Brothers of the leaf like these keep the cigar industry fresh and invigorated. Thanks again, fellas, and I look forward to other reviews and posts!

Saludos,
Luis

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

AP Story on the Increase in Home-Growing Tabaco

Greetings Friends,

Maybe we are so far ahead of the curve or maybe citizens are so fed up with high taxes on cigars and other tobacco products that the Associated Press (AP) just released a story about the increasing trend of Americans growing their own tobacco lately. To read the story just click here.

Let's hope the feds do not make home-growing illegal. But they should know that the more they tax a particular item, the more dire consequences they cause (namely a large loss of tax revenue and/or a large loss of revenue from American business).

Regarding the same subject, if you're wondering why we have not posted any recent updates about the Great American Backyard Tabaco Experiment, there is a reason and namely that is because our digital camera broke and we have yet to replace it. But just know that as of Day 121, the plants are about 3 feet high and have had plenty of small caterpillars and eggs taken from them. Those pests are persistent!

Saludos,
Luis

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Great American Backyard Tabaco Experiment, Day 104

Day 104. A voracious tabaco-consuming caterpillar.

Greetings Friends,

Today's post will reinforce to you Green Thumbs what can happen to your crop if you don't keep constant vigil.

Before we describe the dangers of a ruined crop let us give you an update of our experimental plot. We are in the midst of a typical New Orleanian summer pattern: hot and humid days with a temporary downpour (usually in the afternoon). As a result, we haven't had to spend money (or time) on watering the crop. In addition, the water quality is better than tap. It is amazing to literally watch the growth of these plants. Unfortunately, the wind can pick up before a downpour and some of the plants get turned over. However, the plants that bend in the wind correct themselves and begin to grow straight again. Take a look at the pictures to see the progress.

Day 104. Full-view of the crop.

Day 104. The Eastern Half.

Day 104. The Western Half.

Day 104. The MVP is about 9 inches in height.

And now to illustrate to you faithful some of the dangers of gardening (especially if you take the organic route of farming). FYI, the plant shown here is one that has grown in the backyard since last November. It is well over 7 feet tall and has already flowered. Anyway, pests are a constant danger to your tabaco plants and are a fine food for many caterpillars and other bugs. I took a look at the plant today and found about 5 caterpillars of the same species, each in a different stage of its life cycle before the cocoon stage. I am not sure what species this is but can only guess it is a type of butterfly. If any of you DW faithful know what species this is, let us know in the comments section.

First, if you find a small globe on a leaf, this is an egg. This is the time to prevent any damage to your plant. Get rid of it or transplant the egg to another spot (if you're the PETA type). A butterfly or moth has just laid an egg on top of the food source for the caterpillar that will soon hatch. Once it hatches, the particular species likes to eat the leaves of the plant. If left alone, entire leaves can disappear thus decreasing your harvest yield for fine smoking tabaco. This species, once hatched, has a spiky thorn on its backside (most probably for protection and defense). The more it eats, the faster and larger it grows. The largest one I found today is about 3 inches long. This particular caterpillar is actually quite an interesting specimen.

I have yet to see its cocoon stage and can only guess it will form the cocoon somewhere on the plant. I am letting these pests stay here so as not to lead them on to our fledgling crop. Again, a little oversight goes a long way in yielding a successful tabaco crop. Take a look at the caterpillars below.

Day 104. A caterpillar egg lying on its food source. Smart mom.

Day 104. A newly-hatched caterpillar. About 1/4 inch in length. Notice the hole it ate in the leaf.

Day 104. A medium-sized specimen.

Day 104. A full-grown caterpillar. Next is cocoon time.

Day 104. The damage these guys can wreak.

Saludos,
Luis

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