Bolivar Supremas Churchill (1980)

Produced: 1980
Made by: Julieta 2
Shape: Parejo
Ring Gauge: 47
Length: 7 inches

Date: August 18th, 2006
Time: 4:45 pm Pacific Time
Location: Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California
Conditions: Sunny skies, 80 degrees
Purchased: Davidoffs, London, UK, 2006


The Purchase
This was purchased at Davidoff's off St. James in London. I obtained two of these from the back humidor in the store. They were the last two in a box that had been in the store since 1985. Apparently the original box had been acquired at auction.


The Locations
It's the eve of my 6th wedding anniversary and Leslie has made plans for us to spend the weekend in Napa. The three of us (including Amber) jump in the car and head north to Calistoga. On the way we stop at a couple of wineries in Napa.

The best of which is the private tasting at Far Niente. Not only were the wines great, we also wandered amongst the collection of incredible Ferrari's in the barn. At the tasting we sampled the following incredible wines along with some great cheese pairings. Ofcourse it didn't take much to make some acquisitions and waive our tasting fee.

We visited two other wineries: Miner and Sinskey. We were not impressed with either of them. Sinskey's wines are mediocre and tailor to the tourist buses, and our experience at Miner was nothing short of horrific. A young in-experienced sales woman (Salesperson NP) obnoxious, abnoxius and attempted to overcharge us for a half-case of their Pinot. We decided to retreat to our accommodations for the weekend, The Calistoga Ranch. For more on our experience at The Ranch, checkout this special review.

The Smoke!
This was a tubed cigar re-packaged in the UK by the then distributor Joseph Samuel & Son (taken over by HunterÂ’s and Frankau in 1993). It was distributed in a silver tube with Spanish cedar inside.

I have come to expect a spectacular smoke with these older cigars in tubes. And I was not to be disappointed with this one. I unscrewed the tube and the aroma that wafted out was distinct yet subtle, a very woody and aromatic smell. I carefully tipped the tube and the 25 year old Habanos emerged.




As you can see the condition of the cigar is almost flawless. It has a tan brown wrapper with a few bright yellow veins. The cap has a triple ring and is smooth and even. Pressing the tip I notice a fair amount of "give" indicating the draw will be easy. The cigar is firm and somewhat elastic to feel. The wrapper is oily and very smooth to touch.

I apply a traditional cut and light the smoke with a stick of cedar. The first few puffs are effortless and there is no need to relight. The burn starts evenly and the ash is a silver beige. At the beginning, the flavor is distinctly earthy where I can taste leather and even coffee. As I settle back I notice the flavors start to change and become more aromatic and woody. I start to sense cedar and even some pine in this smoke. Within 15 minutes the character and experience has totally changed.

I was reading the latest issue of Baseline magazine, and after 30 minutes with this Bolivar I have laid the magazine to one side entering an almost zen-like trance.

This is an amazing smoking experience. As I reach the last third of the Churchill the taste becomes stronger (but not bitter). I have only lost ash once getting to this point and realize I will be enjoying this right down to the very end.

The sun is starting to set behind the hills of the Napa Valley. As the twilight starts, this beautiful Bolivar comes to an end. Oh well, I now need to get dressed and head down to the Lakehouse for a gourmet dinner with the wife.

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

Ramon Allones Belicosos

Produced: 2005
Made by: Partagas
Size: Belicosos
Ring Gauge: 52
Length: 5 1/2 inches
Purchased: Cigars Unlimited, London UK, 2006.


Date: August 14th, 2006
Time: 4:30 pm GMT
Location: Hayfield Manor, Cork City, Cork, Ireland
Conditions: Clear skies, Warm 75 degrees, light breeze


The Purchase
This cigar was purchased at Cigars Unlimited, London, UK. To learn more about my buying experience, please refer to this post. Adrian strongly recommended this cigar.


The Location
I finally escaped the Hell at Heathrow and arrived in Cork. It seemed like touching down in Heaven when I arrived at the brand new Cork airport. The weather was uncharacteristically sunny, warm and frankly, so un-British and far-away from the security nightmares back in Britain.

After conducting my business meetings I made my way to the Hayfield Manor, a delightful old world establishment near Cork City and tucked away in it’s own secluded garden. It’s a balmy afternoon and sunset will be late this evening…. A perfect opportunity to have a single malt, check my email and….. light up a smoke.

I made my way to this delightful garden setting and was immediately assisted by Ann, a friendly Polish gal who delivered my drink and the largest ashtray on the planet…. I think it doubles as a salad bowl!











The Smoke!
I must warn you that this cigar is NOT aged. In fact, it is rather young. However, I couldn’t wait to try it. It is especially rare and you will have a hard time finding this one outside of the UK. These belicosos were made exclusively for the UK market and Adrian was instrumental in getting them produced when he was last in Cuba. The production has been very limited and is available only in a select number of locations in London.

So why am I reviewing this in the public domain? These cigars are styled after the old world Habanos that the English used to enjoy when the Empire was, well, an Empire (apologies to my Pommie friends).
As I listened to Adrian’s description of these cigars, I realized that these quite possibly are the blend of cigar my maternal grandfather (Sydney Kaufman) used to smoke back in the day. The thought that I could be smoking something that Syd may have enjoyed in his billiard room in the old house in Brighton really peaked my curiosity. They looked very close to a handful of dried out puros my Grandmother gave me after Syd passed away some years ago.

Adrian warns me that these have a subtle taste and one needs to sample a few to really start to appreciate them. The cigar is a dark brown and a very comfortable size somewhat between a Torpedo and a Churchill. I make a traditional cut and light it up. The draw is smooth and the aromas mild, subtle and somewhat eloquent. This cigar has great constructions and balance.

As stated earlier, it is a young habanos and would benefit from some ageing. I plan to acquire a box and put it away for at least 5 years. I enjoy this smoke for approximately 2 hours as I watch a beautiful midsummer sunset in Cork.

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

Humidor: VAULT: 2010-2015
Smoke Now, Smoke Soon:1–3 Years, Put Away:3–7 Years, Vault:7-12 Years, Inheritance Gift:12+ Years

TomTom Cigars, London, UK

Date: August 12, 2006
63 Elizabeth Street
London SW1 W9PP

Before I head over to Cigars Unlimited, I dropped in on this trendy little store near Buckingham Palace.

I enter the store and Mariana, a young, tall and sultry Serbian lass looks up from reading her newspaper…. Oh boy, this is going to be an interesting visit!

I ask the standard question and she indicates they opened in 1997 and their inventory on aged product is limited. I follow her nervously into the humidor and she begins to unlock closets full of boxes of every brand imaginable. Partagas’s, Cohiba’s, Hoyo’s, Bolivar’s, Punch’s, Sancho Panza’s, on and on…. Where is Leslie when I need her??

Mariana proceeds to tell me that she will only sell aged cigars by the box. Being persistent I try to convince her that I am not her normal “fly-by-night” yank tourist, but a serious connoisseur that appreciates fine aged puros. She’s not impressed, but relents and lets me select two boxes from which I can make some limited selections. I dip into some Punch 50 Cabinets (1997) and Sancho Panzas Belicosos (1997).







After I make my purchases, Marianna starts to become very helpful and recommends Cigars Unlimited for aged product. She gets online and prints out directions to a number of other stores for me to consider.

If you are into fresh high quality product, lighters, fountain pens, cases, and, erhhh…. Tall sultry Serbian women, I would recommend Tom Tom’s.

Leslie, honey…. I’ll be home soon!!

+44-020-7730-1790
http://www.tomtom.co.uk/

Cigars Unlimited London, UK

Date: August 12, 2006
129 Walham Green Court
Moore Park Road
London SW6 2DG
Proprietor: Adrian Lesley

It’s raining this morning and I decide to grab a taxi from Mayfair over to this store just off Fulham Road. The sign on the front door says it will be a late opening today because the staff is on vacation. Around 10:55am Adrian, the proprietor, shows up with his cute dog and apologizes for keeping me waiting.

Adrian (and the dog!) welcome me into the store along with another regular. It’s a tidy, contemporary space with a great walk-in humidor. The regular settles himself down in a plush chair as Adrian warms the espresso machine. We exchange pleasantries and I begin with my standing opening line…. Do you have any aged Cubans?

From that one question, what followed was a fascinating education and journey of discovery into aged Habanos. Adrian is not your average tobacconist. He is a passionate aficionado, and is extremely well-connected in the international cigar community. He travels each year to Cuba, is a regular at the auctions and has extensive relationships at all levels of the industry. The store is dotted with photographs of rollers, factories and Adrian standing in tobacco fields in Cuba.

The location of the store is within walking distance of the exclusive Habanos distributor in the UK, Hunters & Frankau.

I was invited into the humidor and he opened up his personal lockers to share what has been maturing over the years. I’m astounded, not just at the age of the cigars, but the quality. He takes the time to demonstrate how he selects the “best of the best”. It’s a fascinating lesson in smell, feel and inspection from cap to tip.

At his recommendation I make some Limited Edition selections as well as a box of Trinidad Robusto Extras. As we are winding up the selections, he asks, “Would you be interested in some pre-revolution cigars…. My jaw drops…. Erhhhh, sure I stutter….

He shows me a collection that are dated from 1945. Punch Inimitables and Hoyo de Monterey Serie C’s. Both are extremely rare and in great condition. Would I be interested in purchasing? Needless to say I will be reviewing these in future reviews if I can acquire them.







I spent an hour and half with Adrian and his dog in this great store. I will definitely keep in contact with him and make future visits as this has been one of my best retail experiences.

+44-207-386-9000
http://www.cigarsunlimited.co.uk/

London Calling!

Heathrow Airport

Date: August 11th, 2006

Time: 3:30 pm GMT

Location: London, UK

Conditions: Overcast, rain threatening, Muggy, 80 degrees

The Situation
Has my passion for finding the best Habanos ever been in doubt?

My plans to attend a Board meeting and conduct some business in Cork Ireland have been in the works for over four months. It made perfect sense back in March to stopover in London to pounce on the "golden quadrangle" of habanos: Sautter's of Mayfair, Davidoffs', JJ Fox of St. James, and Alfred Dunhill's. Little did I know that the UK had turned into a terrorist quagmire.... a five hour departure delay in SFO, followed by the "mashup" of humanity at Heathrow. To give you a flavor of the "Hell at Heathrow", here is what I witnessed outside customs hall today after arriving:

• A small child probably about 6 years old crying hysterically looking for her mother... and nobody stopping to help her;
• A small indian gentleman convulsing on the floor having what appeared to be a cardiac arrest;
• Two women fighting over a trolley cart with luggage contents being spewed everywhere;
• The Pakistani cricket team (or a group looking like them) roughing up a Virgin Airlines luggage assistant.... (probably warranted)....

All I could I do is search for my driver to get me into the city. I did stop to help the little girl. I took her by the hand and left her with a female security guard packin the largest automatic machine gun I have ever seen (I haven't seen that many).

After an hour and a half drive, I finally arrived at the Connaught Hotel (right across the street from Sautter's). I checked in and immediately headed across the street.

John welcomed me in. He said that Desmond had some aged product "in the back" but he needed to have Desmond determine what I could acquire. I love this little establishment. It's a pity that Desmond isn't around that much anymore. Apparently he has "valve issues" and only comes into the store when he is visiting his doctor. I picked up a couple of Cohiba Siglio V's and started to walk down Mount Street toward Davidoff's.

I had better luck at Davidoff's. I scored in finding some pre-1981 Montecritso Especial No. 2's, Gonzalez Corona Extra's and some Bolivar Churchill Tubos... all in great condition and well aged. I moved onto JJ Fox and they had some aged product but Bill would only sell them by the box. He said he would look in storage and get back to me.... I won't hold my breath. Both JJ Fox and Davidoff are catering very much to the tourist trade and frankly, they have lost there appeal to me for aged product. These stores concentrate on higher margin items such as lighters, cases, etc.

I was making my way back to the hotel when I decided to stop into Alfred Dunhill's. It's a good clothing and accessories store and has a wide selection of new recent habanos. They showed me what aged product they had... some tired 1998 Hoyo de Monterey Double Coronas.... I decided to pass.

There was a group of regulars in the lounge enjoying a smoke. I decided to join them. Some young well-to-do turks that were sipping single malt and enjoying some new Cohiba's from their lockers. I spent the next hour chatting about our shared exploits, as well as taking calls from the US.... Apparently there is a worm outbreak and Microsoft has issued their highest alert level ever... looks like everyone will be patching their servers and desktops over the weekend....

It's starting to rain and I head back to the Hotel. I need an early start tomorrow as I have a number of stores I need to hit. I plan to visit the top establishments from the Hunter's & Frankau listing....

Dunhill Estupendos

Produced: 1984
Made by: Julieta No. 2
Size: Parejo
Ring Gauge: 47
Length: 7 inches
Purchased: Bogart’s House of Fine Cigars, Sydney, July 2006.


Date: July 22nd, 2006
Time: 11:30 am Pacific
Location: Walking from Nob Hill through Russian Hill down to Crissy Field, San Francisco, California
Conditions: Clear sunny skies, Hot, 82 degrees, light ocean breeze





The Purchase
This cigar was purchased at Bogart’s House of Fine Cigars in Sydney, Australia. To learn more about Bogart’s and my buying experience, please refer to this post. There is only a partial box left of these Dunhill’s as they were discovered in the collection of a deceased patron of the store. Out of respect (or was it stupidity) I only bought two.


The Location
It is another hot day on the Nob. Temps are scorching and I decide to take Amber for a walk down to Crissy Field. To get there, we will need to pass by some interesting neighborhoods (Russian Hill, North Beach, Fisherman’s)

I have to judge on what hill I will light up. I want to make sure that I am on my downhill trek toward the beach before I start inhaling…. At the top of Russian Hill we start the slow descent.









The Smoke!
According to some, this is the best Dunhill Habanos ever made. It is well-known for it’s ageing potential given it is packed in a lovely white metal tube, airtight and wrapped in Spanish cedar.

The Cuban Dunhill brand unfortunately did not last long. These cigars were only available from 1984 to 1991. As a result, not many of these cigars can be found in stores or even private collections.

The cigar is medium firmness out of the tube. Oily feel with no blemishes. After I cut with a cat’s eye, there is a small rip in the side of the tip. A quick lick and it appears to be repaired. Extremely well rolled there are some small veins running the length of the stick. It is in excellent condition after being locked up for 20 odd years.

Medium in strength it has a very rich and sweet taste. I can taste honey, beans and nuts, wow… this is incredible! As we take a breather in the park near the Buena Vista, I let the smoke smolder out since we will need to walk up the hill at Van Ness.

We finally reach Crissy Field 40 minutes later and we sit on a bench by the bay and watch the endless yacht races underway near the Golden Gate. I relight the cigar and it is still as smooth as it was 40 minutes before. This has to be the best smoke I have had in the 20 years I have been sampling habanos. I immediately lament as I realize I only have one left in the humidor…. That will be a saved for a special occasion.


Rating: (5) CLASSIC
(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

Cohiba Coronas Especiales

Produced: 2001
Made by: Laguito No. 2
Size: Parejo
Ring Gauge: 38
Length: 6 inches
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, 2006.


Date: July 21st, 2006
Time: 5:00 pm Pacific
Location: Huntington Park, San Francisco, California
Conditions: Clear sunny skies, 80 degrees, light ocean breeze


The Purchase
This cigar was purchased at Baranows Lounge in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia. To learn more about Baranows and my buying experience, please refer to this post.


The Location
Finally had some time overcome the jet lag from Sydney. This is my first cigar since getting back stateside. Summer has finally come to the city. The rest of the US is baking under a heat wave…. Today in the city it reaches all of 80! I catch the cable car up California Street straight from my office to Huntington Park.

The park is jammed!! I manage to find a shady spot near the kids’ playground to setup shop. I get some side glances from some nervous parents. Don’t worry I tell one of them, I’m a regular smoker here…. The comment made them even more nervous….. must be my blackberry, briefcase and Wall Street Journal that is spooking them.

There are all sorts of people (and characters) out today. The homeless guy in the trench coat, a very old dude with no shirt on, the middle-aged woman wearing the thong bikini, the pit-bull devouring the shitzu by the fountain… yep, should make for good people watching as I smoke my cigar.


The Smoke!
Created in 1969 and marketed internationally in 1982, the Coronas Especiales is a shorter version of the Lanceros and tastes roughly the same.

This is a very elegant and rich cigar. The size is much more civilized and gentile to the monsters I have been trying lately. One should almost be wearing formal wear in lighting up this smoke.

The cigar does feel awfully soft, especially at the tip, almost loose. I have heard about problems with the draw and mixed quality and wonder if this will be questionable experience. It has no blemishes or veins and has some plume.

This cigar has been aged only 5 years, and I understand that very young ligero and seco leaves are used, which can be porous. If this is the case, the cigar should be aged for at least 8 – 10 years in order to get an acceptable draw.

I cut the cigar and I am very careful in my lighting. Judging the size and the length, I anticipate it will take some skill not to draw too hard or too frequently. I don’t want this to overheat and ruin the taste.

The taste is strong, spicy and has touches of cedar and chocolate. There is also a “grassy” herbal taste that has a strong finish. After about 30 minutes I realize that this is an extremely pleasant and calming smoke. Subtle tobacco flavors are emerging and my fears on the condition have evaporated.

I have some surprise visitors join me….. Leslie and Amber decide to come by. Amber runs off to protect the Shitzu from the pit-bull. The smoke is almost over and I decide to head home and then onto to dinner to Garibaldi’s a local, intimate restaurant. Looks like the weekend is going to start great!

Score: 90

San Cristobal de La Habana Muralla

Produced: December 2005
Made by: Nueva La Corona
Size: Muralla
Ring Gauge: 54
Length: 7 inches
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, 2006.


Date: July 8th, 2006
Time: 1:00 pm Australian Eastern Time
Location: Double Bay & Rose Bay, Sydney, Australia
Conditions: Clear sunny skies, 70 degrees
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, Australia

The Purchase
This cigar was purchased at Baranows Lounge in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia. To learn more about Baranows and my buying experience, please refer to this post. Spencer recommended this cigar as something I would enjoy.

The Locations
Another gorgeous day in Sydney. After breakfast we decide to walk across to the Opera House (watched the Mexican Naval ship docking) and then through the Royal Botanical Gardens. A really amazing place with bats (flying foxes) everywhere…. Watch out for the guano!

Leslie wants to see an art exhibit on contemporary botanical paintings (yawn!). After that delight, we walk over to the NSW Gallery to see more art…. Boyd’s, Olsen’s, Nolan’s…. It is at this point I start the negotiations…. “Honey, if I let you shop in Double Bay can I light up this cigar??” Done deal! No more art, however, it’s going to cost me!

On our way over we swing by 100 Wolsely Road, Point Piper to reminisce about our stay in Sydney back in 2000 - 2001 and then we hit Double Bay. The house, now owned by the guy that built Monster dot com has been torn down and replaced by a monstrosity.

We arrive in Double Bay and as Leslie darts in and out of stores like Christensen, Belinda and other trendy boutiques, I settle down on a shaded bench in this small park to finally light up this Muralla.


The Smoke!
This cigar is large in girth and length. Well made construction with no visible flaws (some small veins) it feels surprisingly comfortable to hold. Spongy, firm to the feel and the cap is very well rolled. A medium brown color, I make a standard cut with my Zino. It cuts crisply with no unraveling…. A good sign of freshness.

Once again I feel a little intimidated putting this large stick between my lips. I prime the cigar and take my first few puffs. The draw is surprisingly easy for such a large stick. The burn is even and the ash medium grey and very firm. It grows to 4 inches before it falls (on my lap!).
The first 45 minutes I spend on this comfortable bench in this beautiful setting in Double Bay. As I watch the trendy well-to-do go about their Saturday morning shopping I am enjoying this smoke which is quite mild. It has a woodiness flavor and the aroma reminds me of the leaves we would sweep up and burn in bonfires on those Autumn days growing up as a kid. This is a sweet smoke with no bitterness.

Three quarters through, I let the smoke die as we catch a cab to our favorite restaurant in Rose Bay. The Pier restaurant is situated on (you guessed it) a pier in a small marina. They only serve the best seafood in Sydney. I re-light the smoke as we sit on the deck savoring the incredible scene on the harbor…. Boy, does life get any better? The cigar re-lights well and there is no loss in flavor. We finish our champers (aka Champagne) and retreat into the restaurant to have Sydney rock oysters, lobster and blue eye.















As we linger, I realize I am running late for a very important appointment. Bogart's has some aged Dunhill’s I might be able to acquire. I leave Leslie to shop Oxford street as I head back to the city search for more great habanos!

Score: 89

Cohiba Limited Edition 2004 Sublime (2nd Review)

Produced: 2004
Made by: El Laguito
Size: Corona Gorda
Ring Gauge: 54
Length: 6 5/8 inches
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, 2006.


Date: July 7th, 2006
Time: 2:30 pm Australian Eastern Time
Location: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Australia
Conditions: Clear sunny skies, 70 degrees
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, Australia
Link to first review of this cigar.

The Purchase
This cigar was purchased at Baranows Lounge in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia. To learn more about Baranows and my buying experience, please refer to this post. I explained to Wal that I have not been impressed with these sublimes. He insists that these are destined for greatness and convinces me to try his selection. This cigar was from his horde.


The Location
We arrived in Sydney from Melbourne today on our way back to San Francisco. Leslie is off visiting a friend and so I decide to go for a walk along Circular Quay. It's a brilliant sunny Sydney day.

The Smoke!
I approach this cigar with some angst. Although there are many reviews online that indicate that this is a great cigar, my experiences have been to the contrary. I have a "bullet" punch as the cut. The cigar looks like it is in great condition. Spongy, firm to the feel and the cap is very well rolled.

I sit down on a bench facing the harbour bridge and carefully fire up the cigar. This is a monster of a cigar. Just putting something this big in your mouth would scare any self-respecting male! The draw is satisfactory and the burn is even. The ash is light grey and firm.

The taste.... well, it is aromatic and strong... perhaps too pungent. As I progress through the smoke I start to sense some bitterness in the finish. Oh no! It appears that this sublime is somewhat better than the last review.... but not much.... I'm sure this will spark some debate. My opinion is that the sublime is an excellent example in construction the habanos art form that "looks good on paper" but just does not reach it's anticipated result. Perhaps it needs more ageing? If I had my choice, I'd stick to the Siglo VI....

Score: 89

Cohiba Panatela

Produced: 2001
Tobacco Provence: Vuelta Abajo
Factory: Partagas (Fernando Perez German factory)
Length: 4 5/8 inches
Ring Gauge: 26
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, 2006.

Location: Baranows Lounge, Victoria, Australia
Date: July 6th, 2006
Time: Noon Australian Eastern Standard Time
Conditions: Sunny and Cool, 60 degrees


The Purchase
This cigar was purchased at Baranows Lounge in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia. To learn more about Baranows and my buying experience, please refer to the post on the Ramon Allones double corona.


The Location
Wal joined me at the bar as I lit this little smoke. Spencer prepared a "short black" coffee for us and we spent some time chatting about cigars and the business.

The Cigar!
I could count on one hand the numberf of panatelas I have smoked. They are small and remind me too much of smoking a cigarette. After smoking predominantly large gauge sticks, it takes some adjustment to smoke these smaller habanos.

This panatela is old (2001) and lights up well. It draws easily (surprise!) and burns quite evenly. It has a smooth flavor and it is aromatic. The smoke lasts all of 20 minutes and was quite enjoyable. As a quick morning smoke, especially with coffee, it was surprisingly good.

Score: 90

Cohiba Siglo VI Tubos

Produced: August 2005
Tobacco Provence: Vuelta Abajo
Factory: Partagas (Fernando Perez German factory)
Length: 7 5/8 inches
Ring Gauge: 49
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, 2006.

Location: Rocheford Winery, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Date: July 4th, 2006
Time: 2:30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time
Conditions: Sunny and Cool, 60 degrees


The Purchase
This cigar was purchased at Baranows Lounge in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia. To learn more about Baranows and my buying experience, please refer to this post.


The Location
Leslie and I decide to escape the city of Melbourne for one day and drive out to the Yarra Valley. Our first stop is the Healesville Santuary. We spend a couple of hours walking around looking at emu's, dingos, etc... I'm bored and want to smoke this siglo I have in my pocket. Of-course it is illegal to do so in the pristine location in the foothills of the Great Divide Ranges.


So I suggest we head for one of the wineries to grab a bite to eat (and drink!) and hopoefully light up a nice smoke.

The Yarra Valley has spawned many new wineries over the last 10 years. According to Nick (my Melbourne wine guru), most of these have mediocre product and were created in the image of "Napa" to satify "the bloody tourists.



We stop off at Rocheford and have a glass of wine with some cheese and greek salad. Once finished, I walk outside onto an expansive verandah to survey the incredible view of the vineyard and the rolling mountains in the distance. The weather is perfect as I reach for the siglo....







The Cigar!
This has to be the consistently best cigar being made. If one was forced to smoke only one cigar, this would be the one.

The wrappers are a smooth light brown with no blemishes or veins. They are perfectly constructed and the cap is a piece of art. It feels spongy and comfortable to hold. Opening the tube and the aroma is quintessial cohiba. I'm sitting on the verandah surveying the vines as I light this smoke. It lights easily. Only one attempt is required and I'm on my way.

It draws easily on the first puff and starts to burn very evenly. It has a complex flavor and it is mild and aromatic with coffee, wood and vanilla. I get halfway through and the ash has still NOT broken.... it's pure white and compact. As we walk down to the vines I'm thinking this is as good as the aged esplendidos tubes I have... not as mild, but just as flavorful. It's certainly better than any sublimes I have tasted... you cannot go wrong with this cigar.

Score: 94

Ramon Allones Gigantes

Produced: June 2003
Tobacco Provence: Vuelta Abajo
Factory: Partagas
Length: 7 5/8 inches
Ring Gauge: 49
Purchased: Baranows Lounge, Melbourne, 2006.

Location: Toorak Village, Toorak
Date: July 3rd, 2006
Time: Noon Australian Eastern Standard Time
Conditions: Partly Cloudy and Brisk, 50 degrees


The Purchase
It's a cold and cloudy day in Melbourne and I decide to run out to Hawthorn to visit Baranows Lounge before we start the shopping in Toorak and South Yarra.

The Cigar!
Ramon Allones established this brand under his own name in 1845. Extremely stylish cigars, whose sizes and shapes are carefully selected to be elegant. Similar to Bolivar, these cigars are strong and pungent. They are medium to full flavoured, extremely complex with rich chocolate and leather overtones. Smooth, rich cream and peppery spice are present, with a pungent floral aroma.

Tasting Notes
I have never been overly impreseed by these cigars in the past.... but this one is a delight. Ben prepared the cigar with a cat's eye cut and I made my way to Toorak (with Leslie) to do some shopping and fire this up.

This gigantes is a very well balanced and impressive cigar. Floral, nutty and herbal flavours are present with a sweetness to it. Possibly the best Double Corona in production today. It also is very well rolled and the wrapper was oily, and somewhat spongey. The draw was perfect although the ash was very grey and spotty.

I walk along Chapel Street enjoying the smoke. The street is filled with people shopping and I'm content to stand in the cold as Leslie darts in and out of stores. The smoke last at least 2 hours and I finally decide to toss it so we can get some pasta at Cafe e Cucina.

Score: 92

Cohiba Millenium Reserve Piramide

Produced: February 1999
Tobacco Provence: Vuelta Abajo
Factory: Partagas
Length: 6 inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Purchased: Vancouver Cigar Company, 2006.

Location: San Benancio Road off Route 68, between Salinas and Carmel California
Date: May 20th, 2006
Time: 3:30pm Pacific
Conditions: Partly Cloudy and Mild, 72 degrees

We are celebrating Kelly's graduation at her Mom's house off of Route 68. Leslie, Amber and I drove down from the city for the day to join the BBQ and hopefully, light up a great smoke! The drive which normally takes 2 hours, lasted much longer as we had to endure three separate accidents on the 101 as we made our way past San Jose and into Monterey County. We finally made it to enjoy the BBQ with all the fixins.

The Cigar!
After the meal, I went outside and sat by the pool and fired up my very special smoke. It is a Cohiba Millennium Reserve Piramide. I aquired the jar (25 cigars) from my pals in Vancouver and this stick looks especially good. Three new shapes were officially launched during the Millennium Festival in February 1999, at La Havana, Cuba.



Each new shape is presented in a special porcelain Jar (made in Spain by Bidasoa, the same who made the famous Cohiba Jars for the 30th Aniversario) containing 25 special Puros. The cigars have a special ring “2000” made exclusively to commemorate the event. The Millennium Reserve Commemorative Jar - Cohiba Piramides, only had 6000 units produced.




Tasting Notes
I light the cigar and from the very first draw I realize this is going to be special. Mildly aromatic and smokey, the pyramide is subtle and flavorful. Tasting of spice and chocolate, it starts to mellow as I work my way through.

I'm sitting by the pool and a number of people join me who are cigarette smokers. Conversation around the real estate market starts, but I find it hard to join in as this smoke is so distracting. I am totally spoiled and wonder how long it will take me to get through this jar.


Score: 95

Cohiba Esplendidos Tubos

Produced: May 1994
Length: 7 inches
Ring Gauge: 47
Purchased: Miami, 2001.


Smoking Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Date: May 2nd, 2006
Time: 7:30pm Pacific
Conditions: Clear evening and Hot, 92 degrees

I am at a corporate planning session at the Scottsdale Princess Resort. We have just finished a long and productive day and are having a buffet dinner by the pool. It's hot and sticky out tonight and the cold beers are very welcome!

There are a group of us standing around after dinner and I pull out my bag of sticks. I share them around... mainly Serie D's and some cohiba robustos. Once everyone has a smoke I reach for what I have come to believe as one the best smokes I have in my collection... a Cohiba Esplendidos.



The Cigar!
Cohiba Esplendido is the flagship brand of Habanos, created in 1966 for President Fidel Castro himself and was made at the then top secret but now world famous El Laguito factory. Cohiba's origins all began in the mid '60s when one of Castro's bodyguards enjoyed a private supply of cigars from a local artisan. They so pleased the President that the creator, Eduardo Robera, was asked to make cigars of his blend exclusively for the Castro.

In 1968 the brand was given the name 'Cohiba' and for 14 years was reserved solely for government and diplomatic use. Three principles have made Cohiba Havana's premier marque and, arguably, the world's finest cigar. Firstly, the best selection of leaves, next a unique third fermentation and finally, the best rollers.

The tobacco leaves for Cohiba Esplendido are the selection of the five finest Vegas Finas de Primera in the San Juan y Martinez and San Luis zones of the Vuelta Abajo region. All sizes of Cohiba Esplendido are totally handmade.

I bought a box of these in metal tubes from my Miami pal whose family works at El Laguito. He no longer is in the business and has recently retired in the Dominican Republic.


Tasting Notes
I unscrew the metal tube and slide out the puro with the cedar still wrapped around it. The aroma from the open tube almost knocks me over. What a delightful experience... finally letting this stick see the outside after being enclosed for almost 12 years.

Under the balmy hot conditions it doesn't take much to get this lit. The stick is still oily and the wrapper has a couple of veins showing. The feel is moderate firmness and the cap is well rolled. I cut a "cat's eye" on the cap and gently light this beauty. The first draws are soft and smooth. An inch into the smoke the ash is pure white and tight.

The enjoyment gets better as the taste is rich on the palate, this Churchill is the father of all Churchills. Its aromas convey hot cocoa and refined spices pleasing to the palate. Rich and strong, this is the perfect way to prolong an evening after a long day of corporate debate.


Score: 97

Partagas Serie D #4

Produced: June 2003
Length: 5.5 inches
Ring Gauge: 52

Date: January 16th, 2006
Time: 1:30pm Pacific
Location: Nob Hill, San Francisco, California
Conditions: Overcast and Cold, 52 degrees
Purchased: Miami, 2003.

Tasting Notes
It's MLK Day and it's cold in the city. Not much wind blowing so I decide to walk Amber over to Grace Cathederal and light up the Serie D at the maze. This particular cigar has always been one of my favorites. Over the years their quality has fluctuated, but one is always assured of a decent smoke. The best "Serie D's" came out in the mid-80's and I enjoyed all the sticks I had in my collection. Those cigars were a lighter wrapper and a more subtle smoke. The cigars produced from 2000 onwards have a darker wrapper.

Today's smoke is in a dark brown, oily smooth wrapper that has been sitting in perfect conditions since I acquired the box some years ago.


I fire up the cigar and the first few draws are ok, but nothing to write home about. As we sit on the bench outside the Cathederal, the taste starts to transition into that familiar pungent and aromatic Partagas I love.

Just as I start to enjoy the smoke, a few passers-by actually wander over with scowls on their faces. Obviously tourists, they start to inform me that it is illegal to smoke cigars in the city of San Francisco and on the grounds of the Cathederal. The cigar starts to transition to coffee and spice. I ignore the tourists and continue to enjoy this great smoke, Therer is little after taste and I enjoy the smoke right up until it is finished.

Score: 92

San Cristobal de la Habana La Punta

Produced: October 2002
Length: 5.5 inches
Ring Gauge: 52

Date: January 15th, 2006
Time: 3:00pm Pacific
Location: Huntington Park, San Francisco, California
Conditions: Clear and Sunny, 59 degrees
Purchased: Miami, 2003.

Tasting Notes
I drove out to Marin to get a selection of smokes for the upcoming week. Tomorrow is MLK day and I plan to partake in a special smoke. Once back in the city, I wander up to Huntington Parkto enjoy this beautiful Belicoso. It has a light chocolate brown wrapper and a solid firm feel. I cut the cigar with a "cat's eye" cut and noticed the sweet woody smell even before I light up.



I fire up the cigar and the first few draws are spectacular. Strong, sweet and typical Habanos. Beautiful white and hard ash with a slow consistent burn. It's a beautiful sunny day in the park. Lot's of people enjoying the weather and I'm half way through this incredible smoke when it's character changes and becomes even more spicy. It's not harsh, just a smooth transition to coffee and spice. Therer is no after taste and I enjoy the smoke for at least 2 hours.

Score: 92

RD Gomez, Torpedo Grand Reserva

Date: January 14th, 2006
Time: 1:00pm Pacific
Location: Huntington Park, San Francisco, California
Conditions: Overcast-drizzle, 56 degrees
Purchased: Gift from my wife's friend who's brother owns RD Gomez.

Tasting Notes
Nothing much happening this Saturday. It's raining off and on in the city so I decide to crack open this box of cigars a friend of Leslie's has left for me to try. Decide to take Amber out to the park and fire up one of the sticks. They are individually wrapped in cedar and then in plastic wrap. The first impression is promising, kind of sweet and pungent. Wrapper is oily and smooth. Once at the park I light her up... not bad for the first couple of draws, howver I notice the ash is brown and flakey, not a good sign of how this will progress.


Complete a couple of loops of the park, waiting for Amber as she has to sniff every tree. The smoke is starting to become tart and I start to believe that if the rain starts up again, I won't be disappointed in putting this one out. As we start back to Mason the rain begins and I toss this one in the trash. Probably will use these as "re-gifts" at the next company picnic.

Score: 86

Cohiba Limited Edition 2004 Sublime

Produced: 2004
Made by: El Laguito
Size: Corona Gorda
Ring Gauge: 54
Length: 6 5/8 inches



Date: January 8th, 2006
Time: 11:30am Pacific
Location: Embarcadero, San Francisco, California
Conditions: Clear sunny skies, 60 degrees
Purchased: Vancouver Cigar company, Yaletown, Vancouver BC

Tasting Notes
I've had a couple of these and have had mixed tastings. This one wasn't bad. It's a big stick with an even bigger taste. The draw was smooth and it remained lit as we walked (Leslie and Amber) from Nob Hill down to Fisherman's Wharf and then along the shoreline to the Ferry Building at the Embarcadero. A beautiful sunny and cold day with a light breeze that increased the chill. Once again, I'm not overly impressed by this cigar. Perhaps it's the gauge size or the wrapper, which appears somewhat stiff, whatever it is, the pure physical size of this monster may not make the most flavorful experiences.

Once at the Ferry Building I let the cigar smolder out while I had a great hot dog from "Let's Be Frank". Picked up some mushrooms and salads from Delicia (Japanese Deli) for dinner and started the long walk back through Chinatown. Re-lit the cigar after I exited the building.... a big mistake. It took another 10 minutes to get back to a point where the taste was good. All-in-all, a great walk with a good smoke and with my two favorite girls!

Score: 86