Rafael Gonzalez Coronas Extra (1981)

Produced: 1981
Made by: Coronas Gordas
Vitola: 505
Shape: Parejo
Ring Gauge: 46
Length: 5 5/8 inches
Purchased: Davidoff, London, UK, 2006.

Date: September 30th, 2006
Time: 6:00pm Pacific
Location: 2006 San Francisco Greek Food Festival, San Francisco, California
Conditions: Overcast, Temperate 68 degrees

The Locations
I’m starving! This frickin organic-vegetarian-natural-fiber-low-carb-low-fat-green-tea-mumbo-jumbo diet that L has me on is driving me nuts. I want some meat and fat… and I want it now! I’m desperate and if I suggest a steak at Harris’s or a burger at Myth she’ll cotton onto me. And so I deftly suggest: “Hey honey, how about we do something cultural & ethnic tonight and experience the Greek Festival”? By carefully omitting the word “Food” from the festival description, we were on our way down to the Mission District with visions of Souvlaki dancing in my head.

As we crossed over Market Street and approached the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (alarm bells will ring if I cross the threshold), I could see the billowing smoke from the open BBQ pits. Oh joy, this is going to be good.

The Greek culture really focuses on family and enjoying food and although I am not Greek, I really enjoy the cuisine. There’s something about the wine, food and erhhhh, their friendliness that is very inviting. Having grown up in a city that has the largest Greek population outside of Greece, I have an appreciation for mixing meat and yoghurt (not kosher, right?). The first person to correctly email me the identity of that city will receive a Cohiba Siglo VI!

As we entered the Cathedral grounds, I conducted a quick reconnoiter and started salivating. Food glorious food! BBQ’d Lamb, Pork, Octopus, Chicken all basted in amazing herbs and spices on open grills. At each station there were these elderly Greek gentleman (most of them named Nick or Nicky or Nicholas or Con) eagerly throwing meat at me as if they knew of my dietary purgatory.

We wandered around squeezing through the attractive all Greek crowd sampling the Pastitsio, Moussaka, Spanakopites, Tiropites, Stuffed Bell Peppers, Dolmathes, Greek Style Green Beans, and my favorite, a variety of spreads: taramosalata and skordalia. We had some mediocre Greek beer and then finished off with some spectacular pastries: Koulourakia, Galatobouriko, Baklava, Kataifi, Melomakarouna, Kourambiedes…. Pass me the pepto..

I grabbed a table near the fountain and watched the children dressed in their traditional costumes practicing for their upcoming dance performance. As L ran off to get some of those fried donut balls that are drizzled with honey and walnuts, I enjoyed the moment knowing full well that my menu for the next week would consist of wheat grass juice, cold tofu and raw grains…. It was at that point I reached for this Gonzalez.


The Smoke!
Muddy tan in color the cigar has a slight green tinge spot near the tip. It has solid construction with a beautiful yet understated cap. One hardly notices the band as the thin brown strip melds into the cigar. The lettering is miniscule and I struggle to read it even with my 2.5 multiple glasses.

This vitola is generally recognized as the best cigar made by Gonzalez. The full name of the brand is “Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez” and it was created by a Spaniard named Marquez Rafael Gonzalez in 1928 for the British market. Once again, pandering to the British Empire! I guess back in those days when there was an empire, if you made it there, you could make it anywhere.

By 1936 the brand was acquired by Rey del Mundo Cigar Company and production was suspended in the early 1960’s to be resurrected in 1965. In the UK and especially by the guys at Davidoff it’s always been very highly regarded and was recommended by Zino Davidoff as an essential part of any aficionado’s collection.

I apply a cat’s eye cut and quickly get this smoke going. Initially it has a grassy flavor and a slight salty taste. The first third of the smoke is very pleasant and strong. As I progress, it starts to transition from a very good smoke to a truly outstanding experience. Not a subtle smoke, the flavors turn sweet with a floral and herbal taste. The salt is still on the lips (very different experience) but the herbal aroma is exquisite.

The folks at Davidoff told me they peak after about 10 years of ageing, so I’m very interested to see if this has faded since it’s over 20 years old. The final stage is even more pronounced and quite persistent. Still strong it becomes woody and sweet….this is an OUTSTANDING smoke that does not require any more ageing…. Clearly it should be enjoyed NOW.

L returns with the donut balls and they are absolutely wicked. We wander some more and I notice some interesting glances at me….”there is no bloody way I am extinguishing this smoke”….Oopah, better head for the exits before things get ugly.


Rating: (4) OUTSTANDING
(5) Classic, (4) Outstanding, (3) Very Good, (2) Average, (1) Don’t Bother

Humidor: SMOKE NOW
Smoke Now, Smoke Soon:1–3 Years, Put Away:3–7 Years, Vault:7-12 Years, Inheritance Gift:12+ Years

Romeo Y Julieta Hermoso #1 EL 2003

Produced: 2003
Made by: Briones Montoto
Vitola: Corona Gorda
Ring Gauge: 48
Length: 6 1/8 inches
Purchased: Baranows, Melbourne, Australia, 2006.

Date: September 23rd, 2006
Time: 8:00pm Pacific
Location: Nickel & Nickel Vineyard, Napa Valley, California
Conditions: Starry skies, Warm 80 degrees


The Purchase
This cigar was recommended by Ben at Baranow’s.


The Locations
The “Indian Summer” is in full bloom in Northern California. It’s Jewish New Year, and what more fitting way then to celebrate at a barn dance! Our friends at Far Niente are putting on their annual Harvest BBQ & Barn Dance party at their sister vineyard Nickel & Nickel.

Both Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel produce some spectacular single vineyard wine. I especially like the FN cabernets (see previous experience) and this evening we sampled some very tasty N&N Pinot and what has to be the most delicious desert wine, the FN 1999 Dolce….this stuff is addictive!

This was a rare opportunity to mix it up with the wine elite of Napa and Sonoma. Everyone was dressed in their “wine country casual”, translation: designer jeans, Loro Piana plaid shirts, Bottega Venetta boots and the applicable over-sized baubles. Lot’s of beautiful people who “have a place in the city” and “some grapes growing” either in Napa or Sonoma counties.



We helped ourselves to the buffet and sat under the stars next to the century old Gleason Barn that was painstakingly rebuilt from it’s roots back in New Hampshire. As the sun finally set, they lit up bonfires to keep us all warm as we listened to catchy country tunes from a quaint quartet.


At our table I had the chance to learn about the FN philosophy from Larry Maguuire, the President & CEO of Far Niente…. Well, actually, I was also pandering in the hope of getting access to even more beautiful wines. The food and conversation was too good for me to barn dance (gosh, darn it, sorry L!), so when the desert wine was served, I pulled out this R&J and began to enjoy it al fresco.



The Smoke!
This is an impressive looking cigar. This specimen is in excellent condition, smooth and shiny, medium brown wrapper, no visible flaws and well constructed from cap to tip. It’s a little firm, suggesting that further ageing is required which is not unexpected for Edicion Limitada (“EL”) cigars.

The EL lines have been a marketing coup for Habanos SA. First introduced in late 2000, a limited number were introduced internationally. In each box there is a note that states “The wrapper used for rolling this Habano has been specially selected from the top of the plant and aged during two years”. When I first heard that Habanos SA was starting to produce aged puros in commercial quantities it almost caused me to lose control of bodily functions.

The 2000 EL’s consisted of Hoyo de Monterrey Particulares, Montecristo Robustos, Partagas Piramides and Romoe Y Julieta Exhibicion No. 2. There was definitely a mystique about these incarnations and it has been exciting to see what will come next. Early on they were experiments in new vitolas and blends and the intent was for these cigars to be aged and gain maximum enjoyment. As such, smoking them early did result in some less than perfect experiences.

Since 2000 new EL’s have been introduced under various brands and vitolas. I make the practice of acquiring the latest batch and “laying them down” for at least 5 years, and re-sampling them as time progresses. No question about it, they are starting to improve with an investment in time.

As I light up this RJ I have a tinge of regret as I feel I might be smoking this too early. The beginning is slightly harsh and the draw requires some finesse. Once lit, I never had to touch it again. This is a medium strength smoke and there is some pepper overtones and a pronounced tobacco taste. Halfway through it does mellow and become more woody and aromatic. This is a nice average smoke mixing in with the BBQ and delicious wines. With more ageing and being PUT AWAY this could become a VERY GOOD smoke.

Uh oh, we have run out of Dolce and our transport back to the city, Joe in his souped up Navigator, is calling me on the cell. The smoke is at it’s end and I toss it into the adjacent vineyard…. Shessh, was it still lit?


Rating: (2) AVERAGE
(5) Classic, (4) Outstanding, (3) Very Good, (2) Average, (1) Don’t Bother

Humidor: PUT AWAY: 2009 - 2013
Smoke Now, Smoke Soon:1–3 Years, Put Away:3–7 Years, Vault:7-12 Years, Inheritance Gift:12+ Years

Sancho Panza Belicosos (1997)

Produced: 1997
Made by: Campanas
Size: Belicoso
Ring Gauge: 52
Length: 5 1/2 inches
Purchased: TomTom Cigars, London, UK, 2006.

Date: September 16th, 2006
Time: 8:00 PM Pacific
Location: Pasadero Country Club, Salinas, California
Conditions: Warm and balmy evening, 80 degrees


The Purchase
This is a spare cigar I picked up at TomTom’s when I was in London a couple of months ago. It was from a box that was acquired in Barcelona back in 1998. I had enjoyed these in the past and decided to see how well they have aged.

The Locations
We are on our way back down the peninsula to attend L’s 25th high school reunion in Salinas. We check-in to The Tradewinds Inn in Carmel, a “Balinese” themed studio hotel that welcomes Amber with a cookie and all the creature comforts. Saturday we have lunch with the M-in-law at my favorite casual place, Casanova’s, after which I have a nap in preparation for the big trip back in time.

Class reunions are an eerie study of life’s twists, turns and decisions. There are the winners, the losers, the near misses, the regrets and even the departed. As L met people, some for the first time in 25 years, one could instantly read assessments of how they had faired in the game of life. The performance metrics for men are slightly different for women. With men, it’s all about the hair line, the waist line, the line of credit, and if your mate selection “has legs”. For women, it’s about the lines on your face, the lines of jewels and if the mate selection has been “fruitful”.

To make life interesting, I donated the five-pack below to the silent auction. It managed to reach $300 before the spinach salesman bagged them.

There were all types of characters (and creatures) at the event. Most of which trying to relive the “glory days” that had long gone. There was Mike, the guy that thinks he has done better than everyone else, but really hasn’t. Strutting around like a peacock, he donated more than 90% of the silent auction prizes trying to showcase his net worth in some bizarre display of self-promotion. Then there was Brent the insurance agent that is a straight shooter who was funnier as he became more inebriated and pinned everyone’s name tags on his jacket.

There was the born-again Christian who sang (off-key) some period ballad from 1981, the guy who never got married “hitting on” old class mates, the spinach salesman from Salinas fretting about e-Coli bacteria, the teacher that was staring at any available cleavage, the “business development consultant” looking for pity and handouts, the snobby wife paralyzed with embarrassment when her husband, dressed like Wyatt Earp (with 10 gallon hat and long jacket), told me he would prefer to be in the hills oiling his guns.

It was an unbearably long evening of being the dutiful husband. The salad was limp, the steak was blue and the desert melted… all this for a $100 a seat, what a deal! As I watched ageing, intoxicated, balding, flabby men “making passes” at L, I could only delight in the wrath they would incur from their wives who were also witnessing their Neanderthal slobbering. I decided to make my way to the 18th green to smoke this Habanos.

The Smoke!
This brand does have a fairly long heritage. First registered in 1848 by the same German who registered the El Rey del Mundo, it was named after Don Quixote's faithful servant. The cigar actually dissappeared in 1898, but was revived in the 1920's. After being bought and sold over the years by multiple merchants, by the 1950's it became the most popular brand Spain.

After the revolution, the cigar has lost most of it's popularity. This is mainly due to the fact that they do require ageing to be enjoyed. Sancho's are still popular in Spain, which is where this one came from, but now only 7 models remain.

This Belicosos is renowned for being one of the mildest pyramide shape cigars. This specimen is in excellent condition. Slighly waxy feel to the wrapper, it is well constructed with a particularly sharp point on the cap. I make a traditional cap and it lights up very easily. I immediately taste a very strong grassy flavor and it is almost salty to the taste.

As I smoke my way through, the ash is stiff and white. The woody flavors start to become more pronounced but the draw is uneven. Perhaps this is not as well rolled as I percieved. Inspecting the end (see photo) it appears the layering is somewhat uineven.

The woody flavors are starting to become sweeter now and it seems that with even more ageing, this puro could evolve into a very good smoke. I have to work at keeping this alight as I am standing on the 18th green and the ocean breeze from Monterey Bay is starting to strengthen.

I look back at the club house and L is calling for me to take some photos... oh geez, when will this night end? The belicosos is closing down and even though it was an average smoke, it will definitely get better with more ageing. I turn toward the clubhouse to face the music... not to worry, I have a Cohiba Sublime to sample tomorrow.

Rating: (2) AVERAGE
(5) Classic, (4) Outstanding, (3) Very Good, (2) Average, (1) Don’t Bother

Humidor: VAULT: 2011 - 2018
Smoke Now, Smoke Soon:1–3 Years, Put Away:3–7 Years, Vault:7-12 Years, Inheritance Gift:12+ Years

Trinidad Robusto Extra (2004)

Trinidad Robusto Extra (2004)
Produced: 2004
Made by: Laguito
Size: Parejo with pigtail
Ring Gauge: 50
Length: 6 1/8 inches
Purchased: Baranows, Melbourne, Australia, 2006.

Date: September 10th, 2006
Time: Noon Pacific
Location: San Rafael, Marin County, California
Conditions: Clear skies, Warm 80 degrees


The Purchase
This cigar was highly recommended by Ben at Baranow’s. Wal told me he has archived away a number of boxes, as he believes further ageing will produce a classic smoke.

The Locations
It’s going to be a hectic Sunday and I have some “honeydews” (Honey can you do this…. Honey, can you do that…), one of which is a visit to the Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon (don’t bother looking in the dictionary).


I love dogs….but this is a ridiculous display of gratuitous consumption and capitalism at it’s finest. In addition to the adoption agencies there are dog massages, dog psychic readings, organic “Zen” dog treats (which taste pretty good), dog portraits / photographs, and even a Lawyer who will adjust your will because “After you’re gone…. Your doggie still needs you”! What am I going to do, leave my cigars to Amber?

With the all the barking and yelping, side-stepping of dog feaces and urine, the blazing heat in Marin (it must have been 80 degrees) and the endless oodling of “isn’t that dog adorable”, I turn to Leslie and plead to be excused so I can return to the car to smoke my Trinidad.

The Smoke!
As you are probably aware, the Trinidad brand was used as official diplomatic gifts from the Cuban Government to foreign dignitaries and politicians. Interestingly, Castro never used Trinidad’s for his personal gifts, as he always preferred to hand out Cohiba’s. This is his preferred approach that is still practiced today, and as a result, the Trinidad brand has never recovered in playing “second fiddle” to Cohiba…. An unfair designation for such a great cigar.

The Trinidad brand was created in 1969 and had no pre-revolution history. It’s probably the most mysterious brand and was relatively unknown until it was released to the public in 1997. Up until very recently, they were available only in the Laguito No. 1 size (gauge: 38, length: 71/2”). This robusto is part of the new breed of models that were slowly marketed beginning in 1997.

What an incredible piece of art this cigar is. The construction is beautiful and the pigtail on the cap is a sight to behold. It reminds me of the fried won tons that are thrown at you at a Yank Sing dim sum fest Sunday brunch. I would love to witness the rolling as it must require additional origami skill to get the twist just right. I feel somewhat destructive as I cut the cigar with my Zino and snip off the pigtail. I was tempted to use my “cat’s eye”, but became anxious that a misalignment might cause some unraveling.

The cigar has a light tan / chocolate appearance with some plume. There are no visible flaws or veins and has a firm feel but is not hard. I light up and the draw is good and even. The initial taste is sweet and mild and it starts to develop stronger as I progress through. The ash is spotted and stiff.

As I enjoy this smoke I note what a pleasure the gauge and length are. Calling this a Robusto is somewhat a misnomer, as it is more elegant and reminds me of a shorter and more substantial Churchill.

The first set of the 39th US Open is almost over and I need to get back to the big screen before the Swiss guy kills the Yank. It will have to wait, as I cannot bring myself to extinguish this VERY GOOD smoke. At the end, it becomes even sweeter and stronger with no bitterness. It would still benefit from some ageing and I anticipate in 5 years this will become outstanding.

Rating: (3) VERY GOOD
(5) Classic, (4) Outstanding, (3) Very Good, (2) Average, (1) Don’t Bother

Humidor: PUT AWAY: 2009 - 2013
Smoke Now / Smoke Soon:1–3 Years / Put Away:3–7 Years / Vault:7-12 Years / Inheritance Gift:12+ Years

Cuaba Distinguidos Millenium Reserve (1998)

Produced: 1998
Made by: Romeos
Size: Perfecto
Ring Gauge: 52
Length: 6 1/8 inches
Purchased: Vancouver Cigar Company, Vancouver BC, 2006.

Date: September 1st, 2006
Time: Noon Pacific
Location: Salinas, California
Conditions: Clear sunny skies, 70 degrees


The Purchase
This commemorative jar was purchased at Vancouver Cigar Company in Vancouver, BC. It was widely believed that these jars were sold out years ago, but in January 2006, Habanos SA discovered 12 jars that had been overlooked in the back storage area of their distribution facility in Havana. VCC was allocated one of these jars, and my dear friend Trevor gave me first dibs….. Thanks Trev!

The Locations
I’ve recently been livin “high on the hog” and so this Labor Day weekend I’ve decided to bring it down a notch, or three! Due to a violent allergic reaction to Cat saliva, I never stay at the mother-in-laws. As a result, I find myself in the dead of night gingerly approaching the Salinas Courtyard Marriott. It’s conveniently located off the tranquil CA101 next to the Costco, Burger King, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donut, In n Out, Krispy Kreme, Home Depot…. Starting to get the picture?

The Courtyard is the low-end brand for Marriott, the “McDonalds” of the overnight sojourn: 50 thread count sheets, rubberized shower curtains, flakey soap, instant coffee, hermetically sealed toilet seats….such an inviting ambience.


After a sleepless night thanks to the Under 18 year old El Salvador boys soccer team, I have breakfast with Leslie (yes, she and Amber stay at home with Mommy) and we pay a visit to the only cigar store in Salinas, The Cigar Box. The proprietor, Ed Crosby (no relation to Bing), doesn’t exactly welcome us with open arms.

Ed is rather a sad person, and as you can see from the photos, so is his store. I ask him the standard question and he immediately accuses us of being ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms) agents.



I try to warm Ed up by complimenting him on his smoking Indian, or is that a smoking Pharaoh, that is wearing sunglasses and respectfully holding the Stars & Stripes…. ?? He just grimaces and returns to watching a ball game.

It’s my custom to always purchase at least something when I visit a tobacconist. It’s similar to feeling compelled to making that donation during Lent or Yom Kippur when they pass around the collection plate and the guilt or shame really eats at you. In Ed's case, his inventory, or lack thereof, is making this a particulary difficult donation.

Ed has been meticulous in targeting his customer segment: the Agricultural Field Laborer and the Fallen Urban Cowboy. I end up by acquiring a Dominican that I will “re-gift” at some corporate function. We tearfully bid Ed adieu and go for a walk on Carmel beach so that I can enjoy my Cuaba.


The Smoke!
According to Habanos SA, approximately 6,000 porcelain jars were made, with them all being sold out by 2002. I was strongly advised not to open the jar and put these away for at least 10 years. Of course I couldn’t resist, and so I selected a couple to sample now, and have safely deposited the jar in my vault…. See you in 2016.

This is a fascinating looking cigar. It’s tapered and has a very comfortable fit between the fingers. I’d heard that these Cuaba’s were not as good as the other Commemorative Jars, the Cohiba Piramides (previous review) and the Montecristo Robustos. I was to be pleasantly surprised. The wrapper is in excellent condition and has a dark tan color with absolutely no flaws.

A somewhat waxy feel the puro has almost a brilliant sheen. I applied a traditional cut, as the tip is far too tapered for a cats eye. The smoke lights up easily which is deceptive when one surveys the bulbous end, anticipating that it might require a number of attempts.

The first few draws require some work, but after 30 seconds, the experience is flawless. Stronger than the other two jars, this has a distinctive tobacco taste that has hints of wood and leaves. It has a consistent flavor all the way to the end and is really a very nice smoke that will definitely benefit from more ageing. If blogs, web 2.0 or I still exist ten years from now, look for my follow-up review on this Cuaba.

Rating: (3) VERY GOOD
(5) Classic, (4) Outstanding, (3) Very Good, (2) Average, (1) Don’t Bother

Humidor: VAULT: 2013 - 2016
Smoke Now, Smoke Soon:1–3 Years, Put Away:3–7 Years, Vault:7-12 Years, Inheritance Gift:12+ Years