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Joe, 'hope you get back into the water with something nice; I still have fond memories of the Mag 46s you shared with us in Vegas.

I got a box of the latest release of Liga Privada #9 Robusto, while I got a chance to meet Jonathan Drew and Nick Agua at a local event - real characters and good ambassadors for their company. The ash on this new release isn't nearly as snow-white as my older ones, but I actually think I enjoyed this even more than I did the older ones when they were first released. If these improve with age like the old ones, this is going to be a BIG winner; it's already really well balanced, rather complex, and absolutely delicious!
Today: Montecristo Petit Edmundo.

Total dud. Red Face Mad Red Face

Unsmokeable. Last of a 10 pack purchased in the spring of last year. Of the 10, 4 were absolutely wonderful. The other 6 were just like this one. They wouldn't burn correctly. Beyond canoeing. They submarined. The burn took off inside the wrapper and never spread out evenly. Bummer.....

Given my experience with this batch, I had a back-up, and had to make do with a Cohiba Genios Maduro 5. Nice smoke!

PH
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Today: Montecristo Petit Edmundo.

Total dud. Red Face Mad Red Face

Unsmokeable. Last of a 10 pack purchased in the spring of last year. Of the 10, 4 were absolutely wonderful...

It's a shame, isn't it? I've had almost as bad luck with the Grand Edmundo, and that's an LE!
quote:
...Given my experience with this batch, I had a back-up, and had to make do with a Cohiba Genios Maduro 5. Nice smoke!

Genios was your back-up?! I think you need to move this stick up the roster! Big Grin Wink The five years aging on the wrapper certainly makes these more than just approachable on release, but I'm convinced that they improve as well.
quote:
Originally posted by stickman:
Genios was your back-up?! I think you need to move this stick up the roster! Big Grin Wink


Trust me.... it's up there. Cool The "good" PEs I've had have been really good though. Based on my experience with this batch, I didn't want to be left without a good smoke today. I'm guessing that "roller inconsistency" has to be the cause of the problems I've had with these sticks. I'm reluctant to invest in more of them unless I hear some good news about more recent releases. I love the blend and the size of the Petit Edmundo, but it was an expensive and dissapointing dud, to say the least. I'd love to hear from the Godfather on this as well....

PH
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by stickman:
Genios was your back-up?! I think you need to move this stick up the roster! Big Grin Wink


Trust me.... it's up there. Cool The "good" PEs I've had have been really good though. Based on my experience with this batch, I didn't want to be left without a good smoke today. I'm guessing that "roller inconsistency" has to be the cause of the problems I've had with these sticks. I'm reluctant to invest in more of them unless I hear some good news about more recent releases. I love the blend and the size of the Petit Edmundo, but it was an expensive and dissapointing dud, to say the least. I'd love to hear from the Godfather on this as well....

PH


Stick, PH is simply amused at how we as the rest of the world lives. Wink Big Grin


...and then you have Marcb7! Red Face Winner
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by stickman:
Genios was your back-up?! I think you need to move this stick up the roster! Big Grin Wink


Trust me.... it's up there. Cool The "good" PEs I've had have been really good though. Based on my experience with this batch, I didn't want to be left without a good smoke today. I'm guessing that "roller inconsistency" has to be the cause of the problems I've had with these sticks. I'm reluctant to invest in more of them unless I hear some good news about more recent releases. I love the blend and the size of the Petit Edmundo, but it was an expensive and dissapointing dud, to say the least. I'd love to hear from the Godfather on this as well....

PH



Hey boys...lots going on in my world right now so have been out of touch.

Yeah the edmundo's from earlier years are better than current release. I would think demand has caused the quality to be inconsistant. I am still smoking 08's and havent had a bad one yet....but the 10's I have had were "fair" at best.

Some recent smokes Ive squeezed in over the past few weeks..

BHK 52,54,56
Montecristo A 98'
Cohiba Siglo VI 08'
Cohiba Genios 11'...going to be special.
Montecristo #2 91'
A few other run of the mill cubans...
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
...and then you have Marcb7! Red Face Winner

quote:
Originally posted by marcb7:
Some recent smokes Ive squeezed in over the past few weeks..

BHK 52,54,56
Montecristo A 98'
Cohiba Siglo VI 08'
Cohiba Genios 11'...going to be special.
Montecristo #2 91'
A few other run of the mill cubans...

Eek Yes, and then we have the godfather. Big Grin :thumbs-up:
Had a mixed pack of some of my favorites show up in the mail today, Fuente, Padron and took a flyer on a 5pack of some Gurkhas. Never had them before, but what the heck the price was right. Trying to decide what to fire up tonight.

I've been meaning to ask, what is are the thoughts on keeping the cellophane on individual cigars when mixed in the humidor? Is the worry just geeky cigar guys or is there really something to it?
quote:
Originally posted by snipes:
I've been meaning to ask, what is are the thoughts on keeping the cellophane on individual cigars when mixed in the humidor? Is the worry just geeky cigar guys or is there really something to it?

The cellophane slows down any aging, as you probably would surmise, and it prevents cigars from influencing other sticks around them. Beyond that it's your preference.

Personally, I keep my 'forbidden sticks' separate, as I don't want them to taste like Nicaraguans, multi-nationals, etc., so if you're going to put your Fuentes and Padrons (never seen one in cello', fwiw) in with CCs, I'd leave the cellophane on them. Gurkha - I'd leave 'em on regardless, as I don't think they improve with age. If you've got any Opus X, I'd recommend removing the cello', as I think they need whatever aging you can give 'em. 'Just my 2 cents.
quote:
Originally posted by stickman:
quote:
Originally posted by mangiare:
I'm definitely not a regular but enjoy the occasional smoke

Montecristo #2 2011

What did you think? I hear they're some of the best in years.


As I previously stated, I do not partake regularly but I picked up a box of these and decided to try one this weekend. It's a heavy big smoke but delicious. The burn and pull was perfect (IMO). I definitely would not recommend this cigar for the faint as it got heavier (and tastier) toward the end but I'm assuming they need some time. Bottom line - thoroughly enjoyed it.

A question to the more seasoned smokers: how long before these cigars mellow out a little? and/or reach prime smoking window? TIA
quote:
Originally posted by mangiare:
A question to the more seasoned smokers: how long before these cigars mellow out a little? and/or reach prime smoking window? TIA

Good question. You should notice a difference within two years of the box code, but about 5 years for 'maturity' is the conventional wisdom for most, standard sticks... and then you have the godfather! Big Grin Wink I hear that some of the best sticks with '03 box codes are still improving... so they tell me. I'll be curious to hear what marcb7 has to say on the subject.
10-12 years for Monte #2's on average....I have some from 91' that are devine right now. No sharp edges at all, the smoke just melts in your mouth.

I had a Monte 2 from 08' a few months back to check on it and in my opinion, a terrific stick but one that I will enjoy with more years on it. This is not the case for "all" cubans however, some smoke better young (3-5yrs from box code) in my opinion, or at least for my tastes.

IMO, there isnt a better cigar in the world than a Monte 2 with age....
A touch of fall in the air this morning with a wonderful wind out of the north. This is my last weekend in Dallas this month, so the timing is perfect. Cool

Enjoyed an excellent Romeo Y Julieta Churchill that was gifted to me from a friend recently in Cuba. I'm told it is 20 years old, and regardless, it is truly a wow cigar.

The owner of the landscape company that takes care of my home stopped by to check on his crew this morning and said it was the finest smell he can ever recall from a cigar. I gave him one of my BHK 52, and we enjoyed the fine morning with our sticks and espresso.

Today is going to be a great day!
quote:
Originally posted by marcb7:
10-12 years for Monte #2's on average....I have some from 91' that are devine right now. No sharp edges at all, the smoke just melts in your mouth.

I had a Monte 2 from 08' a few months back to check on it and in my opinion, a terrific stick but one that I will enjoy with more years on it. This is not the case for "all" cubans however, some smoke better young (3-5yrs from box code) in my opinion, or at least for my tastes.

IMO, there isnt a better cigar in the world than a Monte 2 with age....


The Monty #2 is a favorite of mine as well. I have one lined up for tonight after the kids go to bed.
Just got back from Prague, where I took advantage of a chance to try several different sticks, including:
Romeo y Julieta Corona - nice wheat and malt flavors, voluminous smoke, rather aromatic; recommended
Hoyo de Monterey Coronation - smooth, nothing offensive, but nowhere as good as an Epicure #2, IMHO; pass
Cohiba Siglo II - decent smoke, rather polished, but none of the character that I love in the Siglo VI; granted, the stick was very young, but not worth the $ IMHO
Upmann No.2 - odd in that the tobacco tasted rather mature, yet occasional sour notes stuck out, and a bit of a stiff draw; probably just needs time
Partagas 898 - a little one-dimensional, but deliciously spicy and full-bodied nonetheless and the best construction among all these sticks; if I were to base purchases only on these experiences, this would be the #1 pick.
Cohiba LE 2011 (1966) - very dark, savory flavors; almost maduro character, leather, dried leaves; fought canoeing the entire stick! Honestly, this reminds me more of the Genios than any other CC, but I actually prefer the Genios. While an enjoyable stick, nowhere near worth the $$ IMHO.

In fairness to all the sticks, all but the Cohiba LE 2011 were probably a bit too moist, and all the sticks were either 2010 or 2011 releases, i.e. too young. I had high hopes for the Siglo II, and I really wanted to like it more; it just didn't deliver IMO. Ditto for the 1966.
Agree on the 66' Cohiba....it is similar to the Genios and I do think it will be fantastic with age but for the price, Ill smoke 3-4 Genios instead...The 898 is a pretty good cigar, pairs quite well with single malt in my opinion but one of those cigars that requires me to be in the 'mood' for it.

The Upmann 2 requires 3-4 yrs and is actually a terrific stick IMO.

The rest are passes for me as well.
quote:
Originally posted by marcb7:
Agree on the 66' Cohiba....it is similar to the Genios and I do think it will be fantastic with age but for the price, Ill smoke 3-4 Genios instead...

Ironically Genios are disproportionately expensive in Prague - in the neighborhood of $25-30+ a stick! Others (including the 1966) are more in line with the prices available online; I'm just glad the Genios are cheaper online!

quote:
The Upmann 2 requires 3-4 yrs and is actually a terrific stick IMO.

I believe it. Minus the inexplicable acidic notes that popped in and out, the base flavor of the stick was quite good, even at just a year old.

I should also say that I didn't find several that I wanted to try, including Punch Punch, Bolivar Royal Corona, and Ramon Allones Specially Selected. Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta can be found in nearly every shop, but the others are scarce. Partagas can be found, but usually it's a little over-priced, and Trinidad and Cohiba Maduro 5 are ridiculously expensive.
Supply and demand huh Stick?

The BRC is a fantastic stick...and at 10$ a piece its a bargain. Some places have it as cheap as 7$....I cold smoke these almost every day IMO.

The punch punch is not something I care for...have yet to have one that I truly enjoyed...but only a handful tried, some with age and some without. Perhaps a bad run. Its funny becase I had a lead on a box from 95'...but passed at just over 12$ a stick.

Ramon Allones is probably the most under rated and under the radar Cuban out there....I like pretty much everything he makes.

Tonight I enjoyed a Cohiba Espendido from 03'....I knew I should have bought the 4 boxes of these when I had a chance.

And for you non cuban fans...my buddy from our local shop gave me a new stick made by Joyo De Nicaragua....called Cuenco y Blanco and IMO it resembled a Epicure #2, if it was bandless I would have guessed that most likely first.....best cigar made by this company ever....should age effortless too....I had the Robo and the Toro...the Toro is easily 91 points currently with a few points to go I think.
quote:
Originally posted by marcb7:
And for you non cuban fans...my buddy from our local shop gave me a new stick made by Joyo De Nicaragua....called Cuenco y Blanco and IMO it resembled a Epicure #2, if it was bandless I would have guessed that most likely first.....best cigar made by this company ever....

I tried what's essentially their corona gorda at a Drew Estate/Joya de Nicaragua event (Jonathan Drew was in attendance) and was duly impressed. Thanks for the recommendation; I'll try the vitolas you mentioned.
J and I are heading to Exuma for 6 days sans children (first time)!!!
I called my good friend who is a cigar nut to help me out and he just dropped off a very generous baggie. I'm not sure what the years are but considering his stash, I'm sure they have some age on them:

Romeo y Julieta 1875 short Churchill
Trinidad Toro
Monte Cristo Open Eagles
Partagas Serie d #4

Will report back with my inexperienced comments Banana

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