Lash Ash Newsletter May
- infothelastash
- May 2
- 10 min read
The Last Ash Newsletter
May 2025
As we step into May, the season invites us to slow down, savor the warmth, and reflect on the people and pleasures that enrich our lives. In this month’s edition, we bring you more than just cigar reviews and industry updates—we offer a moment to appreciate tradition, legacy, and connection. After all, cigars are about more than flavor; they’re about memory, ritual, and celebration.
With Mother’s Day upon us, we take a thoughtful pause to honor the women who’ve shaped us—whether with a gentle word, fierce determination, or unyielding support. While a fine cigar may not be the traditional gift, it can serve as a quiet tribute: a contemplative moment, a shared story, or a toast in her name. For those celebrating, we’ve curated a selection of elegant accessories and unique pairings that capture both strength and subtlety—perfect for honoring a remarkable matriarch or simply marking the day with intention.
This month’s issue also features new cigar releases, pairing tips for springtime sipping, and an inside look at the luxury accessories redefining the cigar lifestyle. Whether you're firing up a bold Nicaraguan or unwinding with a mellow Dominican blend, let May be your moment to enjoy the finer things—with gratitude, great company, and a touch of class.
Cigar Companion: The Best Hardware for Every Smoker
ST Dupont Biggy Lacquered Lighter
The Biggy Lacquered Lighter Monogram 1872 Black stands as a testament to sophisticated craftsmanship in the world of premium cigar accessories. With its high-gloss black lacquer finish that catches the light with subtle elegance, this substantial piece fits perfectly in the hand of the discerning aficionado. The iconic 1872 monogram, delicately etched in gold against the noir backdrop, pays homage to a legacy of excellence that has served gentlemen of distinction for generations. The precision-engineered flame adjuster ensures a consistent, wind-resistant torch that maintains its integrity even in outdoor settings, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
What truly separates the Biggy from lesser offerings is its remarkable heft and balance—substantial enough to feel significant without becoming cumbersome in your smoking ritual. The signature click of its cap has become recognizable in smoking lounges worldwide, announcing the commencement of a thoughtful experience. Each lighter undergoes rigorous quality control, with master craftsmen hand-testing every unit before it leaves the atelier. Whether displayed prominently on your desk or accompanying your finest cigars for an evening indulgence, the Biggy Monogram 1872 serves as both a reliable tool and an heirloom-quality statement piece that elevates every lighting ceremony to an occasion worth savoring.
Harmonie Whiskey Decanter and Tumbler
Hey aficionados! Today I've got to show you the absolutely stunning Harmonie Whiskey Decanter and Tumbler set that's been elevating my post-review relaxation sessions. This isn't just another piece of barware – this is functional art that deserves a spot in your cigar sanctuary. The hand-cut geometric patterns catch every bit of light in the room, making your favorite bourbon or scotch look like liquid gold. I'm particularly impressed with how substantial this set feels – there's a satisfying weight to both the decanter and tumblers that screams quality the moment you pick them up. The precision-ground stopper on the decanter makes that perfect seal with a subtle "whoosh" that whiskey enthusiasts will immediately recognize as the sound of proper spirit preservation.
What really makes this set a must-have companion for your cigar sessions is how it enhances the entire sensory experience. I've noticed that when I pour my Lagavulin from this decanter into these tumblers before lighting up my Padrón Anniversary, the whiskey actually opens up differently – those diamond cuts aren't just for show, they're aerating your spirit as you pour! The tumblers maintain temperature remarkably well, keeping your whiskey chilled without dilution throughout even my longest cigar reviews. Trust me, fellow enthusiasts, when you're filming those close-up B-roll shots for your channel, this set photographs beautifully on camera, adding instant sophistication to your production value. Before I sign off, make sure to check the link in my description for where to grab this Harmonie set – it's an investment piece that elevates not just your spirits, but the entire cigar experience.
Tudor Black Bay 58 Burgundy
The Tudor Black Bay 58 Burgundy is a refined evolution of one of Tudor’s most beloved dive watches, blending vintage-inspired design with modern engineering. This 39mm timepiece features a stunning burgundy red bezel and dial, a colorway that pays homage to Tudor’s early Submariner models from the mid-20th century. The compact case size and slim profile make it exceptionally wearable for a wide range of wrist sizes, while still maintaining the rugged, tool-watch DNA the Black Bay line is known for. The aluminum bezel insert adds a nostalgic touch, and the overall aesthetic strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary.
Beneath its handsome exterior, the Black Bay 58 Burgundy houses Tudor’s in-house MT5400 movement, now METAS-certified alongside its COSC chronometer rating—marking a new chapter in precision and magnetic resistance for the brand. It also features Tudor’s updated 5-link bracelet with the micro-adjustable T-Fit clasp, providing added comfort and customization on the wrist. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time luxury watch buyer, this model offers incredible value with top-tier specs, a rich heritage, and a versatile, stylish presentation that pairs equally well with a suit or a wetsuit.
Cigar of the Month
OZ Family Cigars Bosphorus Laguito No. 6
The Bosphorus Laguito No. 6 from Ozgener Family Cigars is a striking testament to the brand’s balance of tradition and innovation. This 6 1/2 x 54 beauty is a refined extension of the original Bosphorus line, showcasing a bold Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over a dual binder setup—Ecuadorian Connecticut and Nicaraguan—plus a hearty Nicaraguan filler blend. From first light, the cigar delivers a rich, medium-to-full-bodied experience, with notes of leather, cinnamon, roasted nuts, and a subtle cocoa sweetness. The construction is impeccable, with a slow burn and a draw that's smooth yet deliberate, rewarding those who take their time.
What really elevates the Laguito No. 6 is how it evolves as you smoke. The first third is spiced and nutty, but as it transitions, there’s a creamy texture that wraps around the darker, earthier tones. It’s a cigar that tells a story—complex but never chaotic, sophisticated yet accessible. Tim Ozgener continues to carve a unique path in the industry, and this vitola proves that Ozgener Family Cigars is more than a legacy brand—it’s a force redefining boutique excellence. If you enjoy cigars that build and surprise with each puff, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
Cigar Industry News and Events
Marlon Wayans Lights Up the Industry with New Cigar Brand Launch
Comedy legend and Hollywood mainstay Marlon Wayans has officially entered the premium cigar world, surprising fans and aficionados alike with the launch of his own cigar brand: Wayans Reserve. Known for his sharp wit and fearless performances, Wayans brings that same bold personality to the cigar space—curating a brand that blends heritage, luxury, and a modern flair designed to appeal to both seasoned smokers and a new, curious generation. The debut line, simply titled “The First Laugh,” features a trio of blends crafted in collaboration with a boutique factory in Nicaragua and reflects the emotional and artistic journey of launching something deeply personal.
What sets Wayans Reserve apart isn’t just the celebrity name—it’s the authenticity of the project. Marlon, a longtime cigar lover, was hands-on throughout the development process, from blend testing to band design. The cigars themselves are impressive: a medium-to-full-bodied profile leads the lineup with notes of dark cocoa, leather, and a peppery finish—perfectly balanced and nuanced, much like his comedic timing. Each vitola in the line is named after a phase in his entertainment career, such as "The Stage," "The Set," and "The Standing O," making this a deeply thematic and storytelling-driven brand.
Smoke-Onos Cigar Festival
The 2025 Smoke-onos Cigar Festival lit up the hills of Drums, Pennsylvania this May with four days of premium cigars, big personalities, and unforgettable vibes. Hosted by Best Cigar Prices and Best Cigar Pub, the event kicked off with an industry mixer and a sold-out golf tournament, drawing cigar fans from across the country. From the moment you arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement—smoke curling through the spring air as aficionados mingled, laughed, and shared their favorite blends. Whether you were a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the festival welcomed you like family.
The main event on Saturday brought out over 30 vendors and brand reps, including names like Perdomo, Oliva, and Drew Estate. Cigar lovers were handed over 20 premium sticks with their ticket, and got to sample even more at each booth. Live music set the tone, and the pop-up lounges gave attendees a space to relax with a drink and talk shop. One of the major highlights was Nick Perdomo himself unveiling a new cigar release exclusive to the festival, making the crowd go wild. From rolling demos to food trucks and whiskey pairings, there was something to keep every palate entertained.
Sunday’s Herf Recovery Brunch closed the weekend on a high note, offering a chill setting to reflect on the experience over good food and one last smoke. What made Smoke-onos special wasn’t just the cigars—it was the community. There was an authentic passion in every conversation, a camaraderie that you don’t often find outside these kinds of events. If you’re serious about cigars—or just love being around people who are—mark your calendar for next year. Smoke-onos isn’t just a festival, it’s a pilgrimage for the leaf.
From Barrel to Ash: Exploring Whiskey, Rum, and More
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a high-proof, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon that brings the bold flavors of Kentucky straight to your glass. Known for its full-bodied and intense profile, this expression from Heaven Hill Distillery is a standout in the world of premium bourbons. The "barrel proof" designation means that this bourbon is bottled directly from the barrel without any dilution from water, allowing drinkers to experience the true essence of the whiskey as it was aged in the oak casks. Each release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is different, with varying proof levels depending on the batch, but they all share the same remarkable depth and complexity. This is a bourbon that appeals to connoisseurs who crave the full intensity of their whiskey without the smoothness often achieved through dilution.
One of the key features that sets Elijah Craig Barrel Proof apart is its robust and layered flavor profile. Expect rich notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and vanilla on the nose, alongside the signature oak and spice that come from the long maturation process. On the palate, the bourbon hits with a strong burst of heat, which is balanced by deep flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted nuts, creating a harmonious complexity that lingers on the tongue. The higher proof gives it an edge, making it a bourbon that can stand up to ice or water if you prefer to tame the heat a little, but it’s also just as impressive neat. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of those whiskeys that offers a new experience every time you revisit it, with each sip revealing something a little different.
For those who appreciate the finer nuances of bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a must-try. While it’s not the most approachable for beginners due to its high proof, it has become a favorite among seasoned bourbon drinkers for its exceptional character and authenticity. It is often released in limited batches, making it a highly sought-after bottle for collectors and aficionados alike. Whether you enjoy it straight, on the rocks, or in a cocktail that can handle its boldness, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof continues to define what it means to experience a premium, cask-strength bourbon. Its unique combination of heat, flavor complexity, and authenticity makes it a whiskey worth savoring, and for many, it remains one of the best barrel-proof bourbons available.
Pairs Well With:
My Father Le Bijou 1922 – Full-bodied with a Nicaraguan kick, this cigar offers earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that mirror the bourbon’s depth and spice.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro – Creamy and slightly sweet with a nutty core, this cigar rounds out the bourbon's intensity and offers a smooth counterbalance.
RoMa Craft CroMagnon – A powerhouse smoke with loads of dark wood, pepper, and leather. It can stand toe-to-toe with ECBP without either dominating the other.
Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5
Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 is a strikingly inventive release that pushes the boundaries of what rye whiskey can be—and it does so with elegance, precision, and a bold spirit that cigar enthusiasts will appreciate. This limited-edition expression begins with a straight rye aged between six and eleven years before being finished in French oak barrels that once held extra añejo tequila. That’s a finish you don’t see every day, and it makes a world of difference. Bottled at a respectable 104.2 proof, the whiskey opens with aromas of dried citrus peel, herbal mint, and a whisper of agave sweetness. On the palate, it’s a rich and layered experience: there’s the classic rye spice and oak backbone, but it’s beautifully wrapped in flavors of vanilla custard, roasted pineapple, and a lingering hint of white pepper and lime zest from the tequila casks. The finish is long, warm, and slightly tropical—almost like sipping a rye whiskey on a beach at golden hour.
For cigar pairings, this whiskey is a dream for those who love complexity and a bit of a twist. The tequila cask influence adds brightness that complements darker tobacco profiles, making it an excellent match for maduro-wrapped cigars with chocolatey or coffee-forward tasting notes. Try it with a Padron 1926 Maduro or the A.J. Fernandez New World Oscuro—both have the structure to hold up to the rye’s punch while teasing out its subtle fruity and herbal nuances. The extra añejo tequila finish gives the whiskey a refined, almost dessert-like quality, making it just as enjoyable with a Connecticut Broadleaf as with a spicy Habano. Angel’s Envy has long been known for its innovative finishing techniques, but Cellar Collection Vol. 5 is a true masterclass in cask alchemy—and a must-try for whiskey lovers who like their pour to tell a story alongside their cigar.
Pairs Well With:
Padron 1926 Serie MaduroDeep cocoa, earth, and espresso notes from this iconic maduro amplify the whiskey’s sweetness and spice while standing up to its high proof.
A.J. Fernandez New World OscuroFull-bodied with leather, black pepper, and dark chocolate—perfect to match the rye backbone and tease out the tequila’s influence.
Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu BlueNicaraguan spice with a Cuban-esque flair—bright enough to reflect the tequila finish, yet robust enough to match the rye heat.
Comments