Liga Privada #9 Robusto. Sweet molasses, coffee, even a hint of hazelnut, dense, creamy smoke... love it!
Yesterday, took a mental health half day out of the office. Enjoyed a Oliva Serie V Churchill that I found buried in one of my boxes. I enjoyed this way more than expected. May be the couple of years it had on it helped? Paired wonderfully with a Flying Dog Raging Bitch and a Black IPA also from FD. Could be the 68° day didn't hurt my attitude.... 
PH
PH
1st cigar in 3 flippin weeks...Decided to have something of the "custom roll" variety
quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
1st cigar in 3 flippin weeks...Decided to have something of the "custom roll" variety
Now that they've rested adequately in their new home, how was it?
Solid 95 with room for improvement...but Im biased 
quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
Im biased
Meaning ?
2005 (ish) El Rey Del Mudno Choix Supreme - relaxed, balanced, smooth, slight tastes of coffee and hazelnut.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
Im biased
Meaning ?
Ill explain in Vegas my friend
Romeo y Julieta Churchill
Another stick that has shown beautifully with a few years sitting in the humidor. Nothing better than a few years on a stick to let the flavors integrate.
Another stick that has shown beautifully with a few years sitting in the humidor. Nothing better than a few years on a stick to let the flavors integrate.
quote:Originally posted by KSC02:
Romeo y Julieta Churchill
Another stick that has shown beautifully with a few years sitting in the humidor. Nothing better than a few years on a stick to let the flavors integrate.
Agreed KSC! I havent had one of these in quite sometime. RyJ was hit or miss for me a few years back so I dont have alot of these kicking around....
Last couple days:
My Father Special Robusto (really, really good)
Montecristo Petit Edmundo (stunning)
Earlier in this thread, I'd posted something about letting the cigar dictate the pace at which it's smoked. I failed to follow my own advice with the Petit Edmundo several times before. I'd bought a 10 pack some time back and the first 4-5 cigars were uniformly bad. They burned unevenly to the extent that they cratered, canoed and crashed and burned early on. I just wrote them off to bad rolling and smoked something else. I was resigned that the remaining cigars from this lot would just end up in the trash.
I ended up craving a smoke with a glass of Macallan 18 this weekend and fired up another thinking that if it wasn't any good, I'd have a couple puffs and call it a night. I toasted the foot thoroughly and lit the cigar. Determined not to have the cigar burn unevely I really took my time with the first few puffs and let the stick rest as it got started up. The cigar just needed to be smoked slooooooooooooooooooooooowly. It developed into a stunning smoke, and lasted around an hour and a half of absolute pleasure. I got the PEs with the idea of having a "short quick smoke" around, and in previous attempts to smoke them tried to power through the beginning of the cigar to get it burning. Wrong. These aren't quick smokes, despite their short size. Glad I figured it out while I still have a few left in the box. May be the best cigar I've smoked this year.
PH
My Father Special Robusto (really, really good)
Montecristo Petit Edmundo (stunning)
Earlier in this thread, I'd posted something about letting the cigar dictate the pace at which it's smoked. I failed to follow my own advice with the Petit Edmundo several times before. I'd bought a 10 pack some time back and the first 4-5 cigars were uniformly bad. They burned unevenly to the extent that they cratered, canoed and crashed and burned early on. I just wrote them off to bad rolling and smoked something else. I was resigned that the remaining cigars from this lot would just end up in the trash.
I ended up craving a smoke with a glass of Macallan 18 this weekend and fired up another thinking that if it wasn't any good, I'd have a couple puffs and call it a night. I toasted the foot thoroughly and lit the cigar. Determined not to have the cigar burn unevely I really took my time with the first few puffs and let the stick rest as it got started up. The cigar just needed to be smoked slooooooooooooooooooooooowly. It developed into a stunning smoke, and lasted around an hour and a half of absolute pleasure. I got the PEs with the idea of having a "short quick smoke" around, and in previous attempts to smoke them tried to power through the beginning of the cigar to get it burning. Wrong. These aren't quick smokes, despite their short size. Glad I figured it out while I still have a few left in the box. May be the best cigar I've smoked this year.
PH
quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
My Father Special Robusto (really, really good)
+1
quote:Montecristo Petit Edmundo (stunning)
...Determined not to have the cigar burn unevely I really took my time with the first few puffs and let the stick rest as it got started up. The cigar just needed to be smoked slooooooooooooooooooooooowly. It developed into a stunning smoke, and lasted around an hour and a half of absolute pleasure. I got the PEs with the idea of having a "short quick smoke" around, and in previous attempts to smoke them tried to power through the beginning of the cigar to get it burning. Wrong. These aren't quick smokes, despite their short size. Glad I figured it out while I still have a few left in the box. May be the best cigar I've smoked this year.
PH
Interesting. Thanks for the 411; duly noted.
The MPE is a "hit or miss" cigar IMO. I have some tubo's from 2007 that have been just short of stunning each and every time I smoke them. I have had some 2010's that were far from good majority of the time...
Not sure what year the ones you have PH....but these can be delicious! Its a heavy smoke too...the 1 1/2 hrs was smoking this cigar at the perfect pace IMO.
Nice pairing with the Macallan 18 too.
Not sure what year the ones you have PH....but these can be delicious! Its a heavy smoke too...the 1 1/2 hrs was smoking this cigar at the perfect pace IMO.
Nice pairing with the Macallan 18 too.
These were purchased about a year ago? Didn't note the vintage. It was before I knew to look for these things. I'm looking forward to seeing if my next one is as impressive as the last. Will let you know.
PH
PH
quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Montecristo Petit Edmundo (stunning)
The cigar just needed to be smoked slooooooooooooooooooooooowly. It developed into a stunning smoke, and lasted around an hour and a half of absolute pleasure. I got the PEs with the idea of having a "short quick smoke" around, and in previous attempts to smoke them tried to power through the beginning of the cigar to get it burning. Wrong. These aren't quick smokes, despite their short size.
PH
PH, while I'm clearly the rookie attending our inaugural cigar off-line, and in an attempt to perhaps reach neophyte status, I recently shared a cigar with two seasoned aficionados, one from Spain and one from Cuba.
Two of the questions I asked, their answer became part of my now permanent cigar philosophy, and your post made me think specifically of their comments.
I asked how long does/should it take to smoke a cigar? One guy told me... The cigar does not know what size it is. You should not direct the cigar, the cigar should direct you. The other guy told me... The cigar has no concept of time, or care about time, and nor should you while smoking a cigar.
I also asked how much of the cigar should one smoke? They both said, AGAIN... you do not direct the cigar, the cigar directs you! Just listen, and you will know when to rest the cigar.
Needless to say, the three of us shared a lot of their dark rum, cigars and several hours of stories that night.
Great story w+a! I will keep that in mind during my next smoke.
On a different note, I wanted to reach out to some of our cigar aficionados out there for some advice.
Several years ago, I was given a cigar from a dear friend who had obtained a number of cigars, rolled by Fidel Castro's cigar roller (does he have only one?).
It is a beautiful torpedo cigar and akin to a Montecristo #2 in size. However, out the end of the cigar, it was not cut. The filler tobacco sticks out the end like tentacles. What do I do with this?
Thanks for your help!
On a different note, I wanted to reach out to some of our cigar aficionados out there for some advice.
Several years ago, I was given a cigar from a dear friend who had obtained a number of cigars, rolled by Fidel Castro's cigar roller (does he have only one?).
It is a beautiful torpedo cigar and akin to a Montecristo #2 in size. However, out the end of the cigar, it was not cut. The filler tobacco sticks out the end like tentacles. What do I do with this?
Thanks for your help!
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
you do not direct the cigar, the cigar directs you! Just listen, and you will know when to rest the cigar.
Love it!quote:Originally posted by Wine doc:
Great story w+a! I will keep that in mind during my next smoke.
On a different note, I wanted to reach out to some of our cigar aficionados out there for some advice.
Several years ago, I was given a cigar from a dear friend who had obtained a number of cigars, rolled by Fidel Castro's cigar roller (does he have only one?).
It is a beautiful torpedo cigar and akin to a Montecristo #2 in size. However, out the end of the cigar, it was not cut. The filler tobacco sticks out the end like tentacles. What do I do with this?
Thanks for your help!
Are you talking about the foot of the cigar? Is it "shaggy"? Is it a different color than the wrapper?
marcb7,
It is a bit shaggy and unfinished, yes. Both the wrapper and the tobacco within lead to a shaggy end, not a cleanly cut foot.
Should I just light this and smoke it or take some kind of cutting instrument to it? Thanks.
It is a bit shaggy and unfinished, yes. Both the wrapper and the tobacco within lead to a shaggy end, not a cleanly cut foot.
Should I just light this and smoke it or take some kind of cutting instrument to it? Thanks.
quote:Originally posted by Wine doc:
It is a bit shaggy and unfinished, yes. Both the wrapper and the tobacco within lead to a shaggy end, not a cleanly cut foot.
Should I just light this and smoke it or take some kind of cutting instrument to it? Thanks.
Definitely do not cut it. Light it and smoke it as a finished cigar. The unfinished foot allows you to taste the filler alone before the wrapper (and likely the binder as well) begins to burn. It just adds another dimension to the experience. 'Hope you enjoy it.
Just fwiw. Fidel Castro stopped smoking cigars back in the '80s. So this guy claimed to be Castro's former cigar roller? The only person I've heard described as such is Avelino Lara. Was this cigar a Graycliff? Lara stopped making Cubans back in 1996, but he created a cigar (international blend) for a high-end restaurant in the Bahamas called Graycliff. If I had to guess, that's what I'd bet you've got.
quote:Originally posted by Wine doc:
marcb7,
It is a bit shaggy and unfinished, yes. Both the wrapper and the tobacco within lead to a shaggy end, not a cleanly cut foot.
Should I just light this and smoke it or take some kind of cutting instrument to it? Thanks.
Ok, there are two schools of thought on this. Cut it or Smoke it.
Here is my opinion. If its aged I light it and smoke it as Stickman suggested, as it will give another dimension to the cigar and sometimes its meant to make the cigar better. The smoke getting pulled through the cigar blends with the other tobacco's under the wrapper.
If it is young, like some of Viaje's cigars, they do this on occasion and leave the foot shaggy, I will actually cut it. The reason for it is because it tends to be bitter and I dont want to drag that flavor through the entire cigar.
With that said most of the stuff Viaje make sucks anyways so it really doesnt matter...IMO.
Let us know how it goes.
Stickman...nice facts there in regards to Graycliff!
65-70 up here the last 3 days....
Smoked the CA cigar of the year over the weekend....got through half of it if thats any indication....needed to cleanse my pallet the following days...
Yesterday...Bolivar RC 08'
Today...My Father LE 2011
Smoked the CA cigar of the year over the weekend....got through half of it if thats any indication....needed to cleanse my pallet the following days...
Yesterday...Bolivar RC 08'
Today...My Father LE 2011
Had a RjJ Wide Churchill on Sunday. Verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry tasty.
PH
PH
Those are really coming into there own PH...i have 2 boxes and when i 1st tried it i wasnt too pleased....lots of tobacco there....but i had one 3-4 months ago and was quite happy!
ps: 3 bottles of 95 Krug arrived today
ps: 3 bottles of 95 Krug arrived today
I really enjoyed it, marcb7. A little tight initially, and had me a bit nervous but it settled down nicely and was a real treat. Good news on the Krug. Shipped direct??
PH
PH
quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
ps: 3 bottles of 95 Krug arrived today
...then there are us poor bastards that must work for a living. When I finally saw the email...sold out!
If the weather improves I plan on having a 2003 Cohiba Double Corona LE later this afternoon.
quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
If the weather improves I plan on having a 2003 Cohiba Double Corona LE later this afternoon.
:green-with-envy:
My Father Le Bijou 1922 - Torpedo Box-Press. Thank you godfather.
My Father LE. Golly, what a great smoke.
PH
PH
quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
My Father Le Bijou 1922 - Torpedo Box-Press. Thank you godfather.
Pretty tasty little stick isnt it Joe....glad you enjoyed it...my pleasure!
Wonderful stick.
quote:Originally posted by marcb7:quote:Originally posted by Wine doc:
marcb7,
It is a bit shaggy and unfinished, yes. Both the wrapper and the tobacco within lead to a shaggy end, not a cleanly cut foot.
Should I just light this and smoke it or take some kind of cutting instrument to it? Thanks.
Ok, there are two schools of thought on this. Cut it or Smoke it.
Here is my opinion. If its aged I light it and smoke it as Stickman suggested, as it will give another dimension to the cigar and sometimes its meant to make the cigar better. The smoke getting pulled through the cigar blends with the other tobacco's under the wrapper.
If it is young, like some of Viaje's cigars, they do this on occasion and leave the foot shaggy, I will actually cut it. The reason for it is because it tends to be bitter and I dont want to drag that flavor through the entire cigar.
With that said most of the stuff Viaje make sucks anyways so it really doesnt matter...IMO.
Let us know how it goes.
Stickman...nice facts there in regards to Graycliff!
marcb and stick,
Many thanks for the info. Consensus points towards smoking as is. Looking forward to it, and I will let you know. Stick, your knowledge is quite impressive, and I will ask my friend with regards to its origins. Graycliff, it is not. I have several Graycliff, and it is not that. It is just a singular, aromatic, beautiful cigar with no band.
Thanks again.
I'm thinking a Cuban BHK today at lunch with our Irish beer will be in order.
All this Alsace talk has caused me to decide for an all Alsatian wine night. I will let D pick the menu for such.
All this Alsace talk has caused me to decide for an all Alsatian wine night. I will let D pick the menu for such.
Tatuaje The Face
Over the weekend..
BHK 56
Cohiba Siglo VI 08'
BHK 56
Cohiba Siglo VI 08'
quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
Over the weekend..
BHK 56
Cohiba Siglo VI 08'
'Sounds like a helluva' weekend!
Partagas Serie P #2
PH
PH
quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Partagas Serie P #2
PH
Was this a 2010? If so..how was it?
It was received just a few months back, marcb7. I only purchased 10, so they didn't come in a box. This was one from the damaged shipment that I told you and stickman about a while ago. Unfortunately, this one had a couple of pinholes in the wrapper that made it difficult to assess accurately. It was OK, but the draw was a little too easy due to the extra ventilation.
PH
PH