Cigar smokers?

I was in Cuba last week and brought home a box of cigars for a co-worker (Montecristo No.4 at his request). Out of curiousity, what's the going rate for a box of these cigars in the US (given that I'm talking black-market)? Just wondering if I'm going to kick myself for not bringing back two...

Kick yourself, regardless of the price.

Just kidding. A box of 25 No.4s should only be about $150 or so, so it's not a big deal financially. It's amazing how the popularity of cigars rocketed in the '90s, only to fall dramatically back to earth in the last decade. Lots of legislation, negative public perception, and legislation meant to affect public perception have magnified the taboo of smoking of any kind, so it's definitely provided a downward pressure on cigars... even 'illegal' cigars.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
You can keep the whiskey but I have your back on the rest.

Why the hate on whiskey Joe? Perhaps you are not drinking the proper one ? I would throw golf into the mix as well, now we have something going!

1 inch into a Regalos 07' from HdM....not too shabby so far.

quote:

Originally posted by marcb7:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
You can keep the whiskey but I have your back on the rest.

Why the hate on whiskey Joe? Perhaps you are not drinking the proper one ? I would throw golf into the mix as well, now we have something going!

Agreed on the whisky. The fact that he spelled it with an "e" is probably a sign. As far as golf is concerned, I'd be glad to provide some entertainment in that arena. I play a game with which you all are certainly not familiar.

PH

So PH youre saying you get your money's worth...nothing wrong with that!

PH, I spelled it with an "ey" because that's what the spell checker wanted.

marc, I just don't like whisk(e)y. Makes me sick to my stomach just smelling it. Go figure.

Fair enough Joe, we'll bring some Rum for you, its brown, no one will ever know

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
As far as golf is concerned, I'd be glad to provide some entertainment in that arena. I play a game with which you all are certainly not familiar.

PH

I believe I know that game intimately well. Thus the reason for not swinging a club in 20+ years

Slated for today after work, My Father 2011 LE...just cant get enough of these.

My local shop is having a My Father day tomorrow, all boxes of Pepin and My Father (including the LE) will be discounted 20%, if interested let me know and I can give you the info

i haven't had a cigar in months. after the recent activity on this thread, i'm gonna line something up for this weekend. and i'm gonna go strictly on suggestions from this thread.

you've been put on notice, thread!

Noted, but you may not want to go with the Don Pepin Blue label however .....sorry stickman I couldnt resist.

Ya, bring it on. I'm prepared for abuse. Between being a Don Pepin fan and an Ohio State Buckeye football fan, it's tough being me right now. (Man, I need a cigar.)

I have before me...

a Davidoff that I know very little about. The wrapper says "Special <R> Geneve"

A rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto

And a 601 Reserva Limitada Maduro Robusto

Any thoughts? I'm looking at smoking one, or two, with some of the beers that were gifted to me last night, or a huge syrah.

I've never had the 601 (which hopefully proves that I'm not simply a Don Pepin whore ), but I'd start with the Davidoff (smooth and elegant, for sure) and follow it up with the Rocky Patel 1990 (fuller bodied and toastier). Beer... definitely... IMO.

today,

98 bolivar corona extra
Ramon Allones Superiores LCDH release
2007 cohiba robusto
2007 RASCC

The winner, by a long shot: cohiba robusto

Sancho Panza Corona 2001....too bad these are no longer made, when they burn well they are delightful. Paired nicely with Macallan 18, the toffee/molasses flavors melded nicely.

Earlier this morning, a 2007 cohiba robusto. Man, I love those things.

Just fired up a 2010 cohiba maduro 5 magicos. chocolate bomb! Very nice for such a young cigar!

Over the weekend: Tatuajue Petite Cazadores Reserva and Tatuaje J21 (robusto) Reserva. Both are outstanding for their rustic, savory flavors, but the J21's added complexity gives it the edge IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by maverickdrinker:
today...
2007 cohiba robusto
The winner, by a long shot: cohiba robusto

quote:

...Earlier this morning, a 2007 cohiba robusto. Man, I love those things.

I guess so! 'Sounds like a great weekend.

Fuente Anejo the Shark...great smoke.

I love the petite cazzy's....great little smoke with tons of flavor. Have had the J21 twice as well, nice robust flavor.

Yesterday I had a My Father LE 2011, plugged really bad...first one that I have had that wasnt outstanding...oh well.

Gotta love Maryland! Apparently, while we were sleeping, the knuckleheads in Annapolis have made it illegal for out of state retailers to ship cigars directly to consumers into the "Free State."

House Bill 88

Unbelievable......

PH

Wow. That sucks.
Sorry, PH.

That's a matter of opinion. Have you ever seen someone without most of their tongue excised or gasping for their last breath from tobacco-induced cancer? Guess what? They curse they day they picked up tobacco. I hope none of you ever see that day.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
That's a matter of opinion.

Bill 88 deals with the out-of-state shipping to consumers issue. It is not an act of limiting the supply of cigars but that of limiting it to local retailers. No different than the same issue regarding wine shipments. Same government/distributor control activity. I don't see the connection to health.

I understand what you're saying, Board-O but that is not the issue here.

It's my opinion too that that sucks. This is a commerce and government, not health, issue.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
That's a matter of opinion. Have you ever seen someone without most of their tongue excised or gasping for their last breath from tobacco-induced cancer? Guess what? They curse they day they picked up tobacco. I hope none of you ever see that day.

Board-O,

I appreciate your point but have you seen this occur in a recreational cigar smoker, say 1-2 a day? I have done quite a bit of reading in medical journals and have yet to find any indication that a cigar a day can be that harmful. Perhaps, no one has investigated it further?

Personally I chaulk a cigar a day to be similar to the effects of a glass of wine or two a day on ones body.

In regards to this bill, it doesnt shock me, my state doesnt allow me to bring wine in without paying tax on it.

PH, good thing you know some people outside of your state that can lend a hand if need be

quote:

Originally posted by marcb7:
In regards to this bill, it doesnt shock me, my state doesnt allow me to bring wine in without paying tax on it.

The obvious solution would be to allow the shipments, but require the retailer to collect and remit sales tax for the state in which the purchaser resides. If I choose to have my winery shipments sent legally to MD, I'll have to pay tax where before I did not. Then I simply have to make an economic decision as to the value of not having to drive to DC to get it. On a $500 case of wine, I'd pay $30 in tax. In my case, given the 2 hour round trip and the $10 or so in gas it would cost me, it is a no brainer to ship to my home and pay the tax. On a $5,000 case of wine? Probably not.

PH, good thing you know some people outside of your state that can lend a hand if need be

Indeed!

And thanks for the thoughts, Board-O. I'm sure every alcoholic going through DTs rues the day he picked up his first drink. I'm not sure that this fate awaits too many who post here either!

PH

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:

And thanks for the thoughts, Board-O. I'm sure every alcoholic going through DTs rues the day he picked up his first drink. I'm not sure that this fate awaits too many who post here either!

PH

Hey, I'm no saint. I know I should weigh a lot less than I do...but I don't seem to be able to accomplish that.

what do you desktop humidor gents use for humidity control? i've used the original "sponge" for years, but i'm seeing these gel options that seem interesting, accurate, and hassle-free. any experience? suggestions?

tia

I use humidity beads. I think march uses gel packs. Not sure about everybody else.

For small desktop humidors, I use Xikar 'Crystal Clear' jars. For a larger container (cooler) for full boxes of cigars, I use larger 'Humi-care' jars, backed up by Boveda packs (69% for me).

Boveda Packs mostly, a few jars in the cooler with the packs.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
I use humidity beads. I think march uses gel packs. Not sure about everybody else.

+1 on the Beads (used with a Poly solution). Humidity levels stay much more stable and NO bacteria issues since I switched over a year ago. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Last evening on a downtown Montreal terrace, people watching with a work collegue, and drinking Alexander Keiths Rickards Red. What a nice evening.

Bolivar Royal Corona Habana

My Father "Le Bijou." Nice smoke.

PH

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
My Father "Le Bijou." Nice smoke.

:nodding: Fantastic oscuro wrapper! Was this the petite robusto? I'm a big fan of this little 4.5-inch smoke, but I look forward to trying the toro sometime soon.

It was the Toro. Only one at the local shop. Good to the last inch....

If you have any difficulties sourcing a Toro, let me know. Glad to hook you up.

PH

With cigar season upon us I was wondering if anyone from the Toronto or Montreal crews had any interest in a source on Cubans (boxes only) at 2 1/2 times CUC cost. If so email me at sandmmcrae@rogers.com.

Please don't flame me too badly. Not sure how most people source their cigars or what they pay. Just trying to be helpful.