February 24, 2008 - Daniel Honigman

Chicago 2016 Update: IOC probably won’t discipline Chicago 2016 for rules violation

Last week, it was reported that Chicago 2016 chairman Patrick Ryan met with International Olympic Committee member Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait in early February.

According to the IOC’s rules of conduct, bid city officials can’t meet with IOC members. At all.

Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky said Ryan, who serves as chair for Northwestern University’s board of trustees, traveled to Qatar and Kuwait as an emissary for the university’s new Qatar campus and on business for Aon Corp., of which he is executive chairman.

Philip Hersh of the Chicago Tribune reports that the IOC has plans to look into the matter, but they don’t seem to think it’s an issue.

While this may not mean anything in the long run, why risk it? There are seven other NU board members and dozens of trustees. Couldn’t anyone else have gone?

What do you think?

Cigar of the Week: Nat Sherman Metropolitan Maduro Selection University (Toro)

(Note: This review originally appeared on CigarJack.)

Brand: Nat Sherman
Line: Metropolitan Maduro Selection
Vitola: University (Toro) 6 x 50
Origin: Dominican
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Body: Medium-to-full
Strength: Medium-to-full
Box Price: $80.08 (Box of 25)

Last week, I reviewed the Nat Sherman Metropolitan Selection. To round out the Nat Shermans, I bring you its darker Sicilian cousin — or, in this case, its Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped cousin — the Metropolitan Maduro. (Thanks to Mike from Nat’s.)

Pre-light, the cigar was as subtle as its cousins. It smelled a touch spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. In fact, I was struck by its sweetness. Upon lighting up, I noticed hints of cinnamon and oak, but as I progressed through the cigar, it got a bit peppery. But for a Broadleaf, I wasn’t hit in the face. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised; it is a Nat Sherman.

Like the other Nats, the construction was quite good. With Broadleaf wrappers, I’ve found, I’ll sometimes get uneven burns. The Maduro burned evenly and didn’t go out once.

Verdict: Like the Metropolitan and Host selections, the Maduro is consistent throughout. It’s not overly complex, and its sweetness enhances the taste, rounding out the sharpness you would expect from a maduro. But if you like your cigars dark, this one is not for you. It would be a good beginner’s stogie, however.

Similar cigars: I’d compare this to the Occidental Reserve Double Maduro.