Cigar smokers?

Monday, had a 2011 La Gloria Cubana Edicion Limitada. Nice smoke. The rest of the week has been too flippin hot to smoke a cigar.

PH

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Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Monday, had a 2011 La Gloria Cubana Edicion Limitada. Nice smoke. The rest of the week has been too flippin hot to smoke a cigar.

PH

amateur....

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by marcb7:
... I will say I think the 2011 are going to be even better...

'Thought you might say that; they are at the very top of my search list. In general, I'm hearing very positive things about 2011 releases from our favorite island, including from a notable former employee of WS who knows a thing or two. The 'non-vintage' nature of the blends make year assessments difficult, but do you have a read on the 2011s you'd care to share?

I havent had enough yet Stick...but the ones i have had show lots of promise...could be another 08' in the making where most everything is really good!

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Originally posted by marcb7:
...could be another 08' in the making where most everything is really good!

Thanks for the response. I will definitely be on the lookout next month while I'm traveling.

Just finished a Padron 1964 Imperial (toro) Maduro. Started out rather pedestrian but morphed into quite an intriguing smoke about half-way through and closed out with a surprisingly refreshing finish, despite its very full-bodied nature. An excellent accompaniment to some research on Clyfford Still. Padron and Still: I dare say that I had a rather "Wine+Art-like" evening.

Also enjoyed my first Montecristo Edmundo earlier this week. What it lacked in complexity it made up with a pleasing elegance. Probably pretty young (not sure, as it was a gift).

Last weekend:

Cohiba Esplendido. Great construction. Good, even burn. Decent taste. But tough on the draw throughout the stick. Couple hard spots as well. Really decreased the enjoyment level. Seems quality control is still not quite up to par on this line (purchased a couple years ago).

Catching up a bit...
My Father Corona - excellent little smoke; as good as the robusto, maybe better, which is a big compliment IMO.
Undercrown !Viva! (Corona Gorda) - doesn't really seem to be related to Liga Privada much at all IMHO; very dry and savory, but well done IMO.
Oliva Maduro 2011: better than the last one I tried; lots of coffee and leather, but it lacks some harmony IMHO.
Liga Privada UF-4: not as exotic as the original T52, and not as complete as an aged #9, though I enjoyed it better than I originally liked the 9 - maybe it will evolve into something as good. Starts off with a pleasant bitterness, but the beginning of the 2nd third had a really interesting toast, cinnamon, and burnt sugar character. Very full-bodied. A worthy LP IMO.
Cohiba Siglo VI ('08) - my expectations are so high with this stick, but this example didn't quite live up to hopes. Beginning was rather unremarkable; middle = more typical character with some grassy green tea flavors - decent at least; last 3rd = best, with a luxurious creamy fruit and spice character - kinda' saved the day. Will age some more to see what develops.

Was the Siglo 6 one that you recently receied Stick? Or was it one that you have had for awhile? The reason I ask is, I had a Sig 6 recently from a box I got in a few months ago and it was in a weird phase, somewhat atypical for this vitola.

Recently for me....


Upmann Sir Winston 08'....not my typical size of cigar that I enjoy but this was wonderful...lots of orange rind and all spice flavors. Terrific stick to enjoy with coffee.

Cohiba Esplendido 05'....lovely!

Ramon Allones Special Selection 08'.....nutmeg and leather.

Cohiba Robusto 08'....only have about a dozen left of these....wish I had bought more...keeps improving with age. Love the grassy undertones, classic Cohiba!

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Originally posted by marcb7:
Was the Siglo 6 one that you recently receied Stick? Or was it one that you have had for awhile? The reason I ask is, I had a Sig 6 recently from a box I got in a few months ago and it was in a weird phase, somewhat atypical for this vitola...

It's from the box that you are aware of, received recently. 'Weird phase' sounds right to me. Everything else - look, feel, smell, construction - was spot on, but the flavors (especially the beginning) were definitely off-target for a Sig6. I'm happy to wait it out to see what emerges on the other side of this phase.

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Originally posted by marcb7:
Where exactly was it purchased? LCDH in Lebanon?

There are several things to look at KSC. Whats scary is that the bands are real, the box is real, but the cigars are not. I would need a few specific pictures which we can discuss privately when the time comes.

I have no doubt they are legit if your friend says they are....I just hate to see anyone get "taken" thats my only concern my friend.

marcb -

Said box of Behike finally arrived from Lebanon (colleague's visiting family). email me, if you'd like, and I can send pics to ensure all is truly legit. I would highly value your feedback

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Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by marcb7:
Was the Siglo 6 one that you recently receied Stick? Or was it one that you have had for awhile? The reason I ask is, I had a Sig 6 recently from a box I got in a few months ago and it was in a weird phase, somewhat atypical for this vitola...

It's from the box that you are aware of, received recently. 'Weird phase' sounds right to me. Everything else - look, feel, smell, construction - was spot on, but the flavors (especially the beginning) were definitely off-target for a Sig6. I'm happy to wait it out to see what emerges on the other side of this phase.

They will come around Stick....its not the first time I have had this 'issue' pop up....little bit of travel shock and also change in humidty shock. The burn on mine was off and I had to re-light it twice. Try another in about 6 months.

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Originally posted by KSC02:

quote:

Originally posted by marcb7:
Where exactly was it purchased? LCDH in Lebanon?

There are several things to look at KSC. Whats scary is that the bands are real, the box is real, but the cigars are not. I would need a few specific pictures which we can discuss privately when the time comes.

I have no doubt they are legit if your friend says they are....I just hate to see anyone get "taken" thats my only concern my friend.

marcb -

Said box of Behike finally arrived from Lebanon (colleague's visiting family). email me, if you'd like, and I can send pics to ensure all is truly legit. I would highly value your feedback

You got it!

Behike 54 while tending the garden yesterday.

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Originally posted by marcb7:
You got it!

Thanks much for the feedback, marcb. Much appreciated. I will seek more at this price.

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Behike 54 while tending the garden yesterday.

How are they doing? I have so few ('10s), I've been holding to age them.

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Behike 54 while tending the garden yesterday.

How are they doing? I have so few ('10s), I've been holding to age them.

I'm still holding my young ones.

This was brought over to enjoy in the courtyard by a friend.

Brilliant stick, and make sure you eat first.

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Originally posted by wine+art:
This was brought over to enjoy in the courtyard by a friend.

Good friend!

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Brilliant stick, and make sure you eat first.

Duly noted.

Montecristo Grand Edmundo EL 2010. Really nice smoke today.

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Originally posted by CSM:
Montecristo Grand Edmundo EL 2010. Really nice smoke today.

'Glad to hear of your good experience. I celebrated recently with this stick, and for the third time in a row had to deal with serious construction flaws - overpacked at the head - making for an unnecessarily stiff draw, serious canoeing - forcing me to regularly apply a touch-up light to the opposite side, which of course made it a fast smoke, burning too hot. 'Really sad, considering the top-flight tobacco.

Knowing that a re-purchase would likely be possible only for a short time, I've smoked through a box (one of each size) of Pete Johnson's Tatuaje Little Monsters (there are two of each in the box). If you enjoy smaller sticks, I highly recommend these. After a sample of just one, the Mini Mum (basically a short lonsdale or a long corona at 5 3/4 x 42) and the Baby Face (a short robusto at 4 3/8 x 50) are my favorites - both truly outstanding. The Frank Junior has an alluring smell unlit of a soapy floral character, but isn't quite as aromatic once lit - still really good. The Wolfie is smooth and enjoyable, and the Lil' Drac is my least favorite - a bit harsh. $75 for a box of 10 limited-edition cigars seems like a good deal to me, even for smaller sticks.

Recently:
My Father LE 2010: these seem only to get better; very, very pleased.
Liga Privada #9 Robusto: ditto. The definition of voluminous smoke, thus best smoked outside, IMHO.
San Cristobal Elegancia Robusto: pleasantly aromatic and very smooth. Not my usual preference, but a very nice change-up.

Cohiba Siglo VI

With a last name of Davidoff I will let you guess.

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Cohiba Siglo VI

Mmmmm. Yes.

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Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
Cohiba Siglo VI

Mmmmm. Yes.

A serious stick for sure.

Stick, I emailed you about us coming up for your music/art opus next Spring.

Did you get my email? ( you have too many addresses)

A few notables over the past week or so...

Opus BBMF 05'
BHK 54
BHK 52
H Upmann #2 08'

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Originally posted by wine+art:

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
Cohiba Siglo VI

Mmmmm. Yes.

A serious stick for sure.

Stick, I emailed you about us coming up for your music/art opus next Spring.

Did you get my email? ( you have too many addresses)

Yes, the gmail account is the best one.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
Cohiba Siglo VI

Mmmmm. Yes.

A serious stick for sure.

Stick, I emailed you about us coming up for your music/art opus next Spring.

Did you get my email? ( you have too many addresses)

Yes, the gmail account is the best one.

March it is.

I don't partake that often, but tonight a Padron 1964 Anniversary.

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
Stick, I emailed you about us coming up for your music/art opus next Spring.

Did you get my email? ( you have too many addresses)

Yes, the gmail account is the best one.

March it is.

Outstanding! We'll roll out the red carpet.

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Originally posted by VinT:
I don't partake that often, but tonight a Padron 1964 Anniversary.

You picked a nice stick to enjoy.

Kristoff Grand Cru last night with some Don Julie 70 that Jorge gifted.

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:

quote:

Originally posted by VinT:
I don't partake that often, but tonight a Padron 1964 Anniversary.

You picked a nice stick to enjoy.

It was lovely.

Last evening, on a terrace in Montreal, with an old colleague

Cohiba Siglo VI

Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona

Last night with a great friend.

Cohiba Siglo VI. A little tight, but very enjoyable.

Just picked up some Correnti #2's.

Any Toronto locals who have puffed on a Correnti?

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Cohiba Siglo VI.

Presently one of my 'go to' favorites.
They generally show consistently superb with a couple of years in the humidor. Love em'

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Originally posted by KSC02:

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:
Cohiba Siglo VI.

Presently one of my 'go to' favorites.
They generally show consistently superb with a couple of years in the humidor. Love em'

Outside of one off-showing, I couldn't agree more. I love 'em on release, and I love 'em more as they age.

I haven't smoked a cigar since our CT TX gathering in Austin in May. I was having some test done afterward (precautionary cardio work up) and just got out of the habit of smoking for some reason. Today might be the day I finally dip my toe back into the water.