There are many charities that do a lot of great things. But I can't think of many that not only allow one to give to a great cause, but to also get a couple of great cigars. The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation does just that. When someone purchases one of their Toast Across America packs, 100% of the proceeds go to the foundation. Thanks to the generosity of the Newman (JC Newman Cigars) and
Fuente (Arturo Fuente Cigars) families, all of the administrative costs are underwritten, which means every cent goes to the cause.

So what is the cause and what are the cigars in this very limited edition cigar set? Let's first talk about the charity. For over 30 years the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation has been making a difference in the Bonao Region in the Dominican Republic. Although this area has long provided the world with some of the greatest cigar tobacco, the same can’t be said for the living conditions of many of the inhabitants. Things that most Americans take for granted, such as electricity and clean drinking water, were things that were a rarity in this region.

What started as a project to expand a local school has grown into a 23-acre Community Center, including a Primary School, a high school, a health clinic, an amphitheater, sports and recreational facilities, an organic farming area and safe drinking water stations. They have also added a community electric supply network coupled with a solar backup system.

Some of the results of their efforts include a 1% school dropout rate, compared to the national average of 20%. Standardized test scores at the Cigar Family Schools have not only doubled since the school opened, but they are the highest scores in the region. Students are also taught both English and French, a feat most American schools can't accomplish.

As I looked over the charities latest quarterly report, they reported some great news from 2012. They boasted a school-wide GPA of 90 (38 before the foundation), a less than 1% student absentee rate, and a dropout rate of 0%. Probably the most impressive statistic is the fact that 92% of all graduates enrolled at the university or vocational school.

So now that we know how great the charity is, how about the cigars in the Toast Across America pack. Well, they certainly don't disappoint. This year there are two amazing cigars enclosed in a beautiful handmade cigar box. An Arturo Fuente Destino al Siglo Anniversario Torpedo (6.5 X 52) and a Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo (6.5 x 52) make up this special duo. Both of these cigars were specifically made for the toast pack, which adds to the value of this wonderful cause.

I didn't think it would be right if I didn't smoke one of these cigars while I typed this so I "forced" myself to smoke one of the Black Diamonds. Let me say it was a great decision. This cigar often gets lost in the shadows of its Connecticut Shade cousin, but this stick is what a good maduro is all about.

The wrapper on this cigar is five year old Connecticut Broadleaf, while the binder and filler are listed as being Dominican. Although I don't know what the exact makeup of these tobaccos are, I do believe it is a nice mix of both olor and Cuban-seed. There is a subtle sweetness to this cigar that one might attribute to some Brazilian tobacco, but it isn't as pronounced as it would be with Mata Fina.

The cigar smokes easy and the burn was even to the very end. I was impressed with the coolness of the smoke. There were some nice cocoa and espresso flavors, but everything blended together nicely. As  a fan of maduros, especially those encased in well-aged Connecticut Broadleaf, I found this one to be medium strength. Definitely a cigar that I would recommend as a first maduro for the novice smoker. I smoked it for about 90 minutes and not once did I have to relight or touch it up.

If you would like to pick up one of these toast packs, you will have to act quickly. They are scheduled to hit our shelves next week, but with only 150 units, they will not last long. They will be distributed to 30 different stores* (see below) so there should be some in every market. Just ask the folks at your local store if they have it or are getting it in.

Just remember, the best part about smoking these limited production cigars is all the good your money will do for the children in the Dominican Republic. You will literally be making a difference, one cigar at a
time.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida Regional Manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.

*stores carrying this pack: 4th St.. St. Pete, Ocoee, Crosspoint Dr. Naples, Oviedo, Ponte Vedra Beach, E. Tamiami Tr. Naples,  Apalachee Pkwy Tallahassee, Kennedy Blvd Tampa, Ocala, Gandy Blvd Tampa, Newberry Rd Gainesville, 5454 Thomasville Rd Tallahassee, Altamonte Springs, San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Alafaya Trail Orlando, Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Palm Beach Gardens, Viera, Brandon, Bradenton, Fleming Island, Coral Springs, Port Orange, Wesley Chapel, Oakland Park, Fernandina Beach, Largo, Jupiter, Palm Coast