Produced: 1981
Made by: Laguito No. 2
Vitola: 513
Shape: Parejo
Ring Gauge: 38
Length: 6 inches
Purchased: Davidoffs, London, UK 2006.
Date: November 14th, 2006
Time: 9:30pm Central
Location: Hyatt Lost Pines, Austin, Texas
Conditions: Clear Skies, Balmy 75 degrees
The Locations
I’m attending the annual executive retreat in the Texas “Hill Country” just outside Austin, Texas. The Hyatt Lost Pines resort just opened in June and is nestled along the Colorado River.
A large and expansive property isolated inside a huge mesquite forest, the amenities are great for kids and families but it is infested with the largest beetles and flying bugs I’ve ever seen….welcome back to Tejas amigo!
A full 2 days of air-conditioned meetings, BBQ’s, iced tea and endless Powerpoint culminate in an evening session with James Carville and Mary Matalin. Polar political opposites that have been married for over 10 years, they gave their explanations for the latest election results as well as who they predicted would win in 2008. Buckle your seatbelts as both predicted that Hilary and Guiliani would run for President.
Mary formerly served as assistant to President Bush and counselor to Vice-President Cheney, and was the first White House official to hold that double title. She also makes frequent television appearances and has a particularly sharp wit and free-spirited repartee that makes for great entertainment. 
James Carville (aka The Ragin Cajun) is America’s best known political consultant and has a long list of electoral successes with a knack for steering overlooked campaigns to unexpected landslide victories and for re-making political underdogs into upset winners. He is best known for getting Clinton into power in 1992. My favorite quote from him is "When your opponent is drowning, throw the son of a bitch an anvil." And of-course he has starred in multiple films and one of my classic favorites “Old School” with Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn.
It was a great evening and after dinner I spent time with some of my corporate associates at the fire pit by the river and smoked this exquisite cigar.
The Smoke!
Not an intimidating cigar that looks that impressive, this Especial No.2 would definitely surprise anyone with it’s incredible taste and finish. Having been kept in great condition at Davidoff’s in London, this was the last in a box that had been acquired back in the mid-80’s. The wrapper is in excellent condition with no perfections. I apply a standard cut as there is a small beautiful tie knob on the cap. The draw is delicate and it lights up very easily.
The experience starts off sweet and fruity and this is quite a delight to smoke in the humid, tepid conditions by the river in this Texas swamp. This size, which is identical in size to the Cohiba Coronas Especiales is particularly comfortable to hold given it’s smaller gauge.
As the smoke progresses, it evolves some spice and strength and finishes in a pronounced and robust manner….wow, what a great smoke and so easy to enjoy….wish I could find more of these 81’s! This was definitely ready to smoke and do not require any further ageing. I never have to relight or tend the puro as the ash is firm and breaks only twice during the 2 hours of enjoyment.
Home tomorrow as I need to get back to SFO and meet up with an old friend from OZ….and perhaps enjoy a smoke or two…
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
