Women in Cigars Celebration - Romeo y Julieta, Julieta (2009)

THE EVENT
To quote the Cubans, a cigar is like a woman, it needs to be admired, caressed and "warmed up" before placing to your lips to enjoy.  As the CEO of Habanos remarked, women are an indispensable part of the Habanos legacy and future.  70% of the people involved in the growing, production, distribution and marketing of cigars are women.  To celebrate women, Habanos developed a vitola especially sized, cured and packaged for women.


THE LOCATION
For the presentation of the new vitolas "Julieta" we are to spend the evening at the Museo de Bellas Artes.  A beautiful modern building just across the street from the Museo de la Revolution... a stark contrast where one can view graphic photos of combat kills and executions by the glorious Cuban army. 

One mid-eighteenth century day in London, the Venetian painter Canaletto found himself a bit strapped for cash and decided that drastic measures had to be taken. Whipping out a handy blade, he sliced in half a rather long landscape he'd painted, to sell both halves separately. Now one half of Chelsea from the Thames hangs in Blickling Hall in Norfolk. The other half is in Havana in the Museo de Bellas Artes.  There are many pieces from from all over the world that reside in this expansive and rather clinical museum.

There is the usual gauntlet of young people we walk through to get our goodie bag and glass of champers.  I stroll around for a little while and discover some Cubano art that is all naked exotic women only wearing flowers in their hair.  A young lady who works for the museum comes up to me and asks in Spanish if I have any questions.  She speaks English and I asked who the painter was...?  She curtly replies it is the greatest impressionist in the world- Jose Rolando Raul Martinez....erhhh, well you get the idea.  She briskly does a 180 and trots off mumbling some form of obscenities under her breath.  I decide to find my table...



We have fairly good seats and settle down for a great dinner which always consists of lobster somewhere on the menu.  All the wines are Spanish a different bottle and cigar is matched for each course.  The final unveiling is for the new Julieta vitola which for a new small smoke is quite delicious and very much designed for women.  Even the aluminium packaging is designed to fit easily into a purse.

THE CIGAR
I wouldn't devote my traditional Saturday afternoon smoke to this stick, but then again, for the 20 minute drive home from the office, it could make for quite the dalliance.  It's smooth, sweet and lively.  It's very well rolled but as I hold the cigar it is just a tad too dainty for me to hold.  I'll definitely gift the pack to L.




As I sample the smoke the ever-present music and dancing begins....these people know how to enjoy life, just hope I can make it back stateside in one piece.


Rating: (2) AVERAGE
(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

San Juan Y Martinez Tobacco Plantation, Pinar del Rio, Cuba

THE EVENT

We are travelling to the district of Pinar del Rio which is arguably the best tabacco growing region in the world, San Juan y Martinez.  It only occupies a couple of thousand hectares and consists of very small hamlets such as San Luis.  It is in this 20 square mile area where will spend our time, very close to the Vega Robaina.

The drive from Havana can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, and today we have a police escort as well as an ambulance in the convoy.  It is a frustrating challenge to travel on the motor-ways in Cuba as there are goats, donkeys, dogs, cars and of-course people just wandering along the road oblivious to the instant peril that could befall them.  

As we saunter along the Soviet-built roads, we pass by reminders of the heroes of the revolution such as Fidel and Che.  We are also reminded of how much the cigar is the DNA of Cuba!

We spend a couple of hours at the plantation of Gerardo Medina Relova.  A delightful man who has devoted his life to the cultivation of tobacco in the Pinar.  All of his tobacco is sent to Cohiba and he is generally recognized as one of the best in Cuba...of-course behind Alejandro Robaina.  I noticed in his living room he had once received the Habanos Man Of the Year award and he proudly lifted it off a table to pose for this picture.

We walked around the plantation and inspected all the steps in tobacco production.  The local workers are friendly and warm and enjoy joking around with us.  

La Casa del Habano, Havana, Cuba

THE PLACE

I'm on my way to an organized city tour as part of the Festival and decide to drop off at the flagship La Casa del Habano store on 5th Avenue.  Richard from Telford's has a locker here and it has a reputation for being the best of the best.  We are to meet Carlito Robaina to confirm lunch with his father on Saturday at Vega Robaina.

The store occupies an entire building and includes multiple lounges, private rooms, alcoves, a bar and an intimate restaurant that serves some of the best grilled lobster in the city.  The diversity and quality of cigars is awe inspiring.  In addition to the established Habanos brands, there are local blends that can only be found in Havana.  

It's impossible to zero in on any one particular cigar and I start to become dis-oriented before John A sits me down to have a cup of coffee.  The small touches are exquisite as I notice the cup of espresso is resting on a cured tobacco leaf.

I explore the back restaurant where I am accosted by one of the staff.  One has to be very respectful of the Cuban's religious devotion and compliance to rules and regulations, which most of the time are created by the person enforcing them.  I have learned that everyone in Cuba has some level of enforcing their will and the easiest way to engage is just to smile and extend your hand in friendship.... they usually melt and embrace your warmth.



If you ever find yourself in Havana and want to visit a quiet establishment where you will receive personal service without the tourists, LCDH on 5th Avenue is the place.

12th Festival Habanos Welcome - Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill Launch

THE EVENT

Tonight is the welcome event of the Festival and the main event is the launch of a new Romeo y Julieta known as the Wide Churchill.  We are all dressed to the "nines" as we make our way into a beautiful old opera house that has been restored to it's original grandeur.  
What a cosmopolitan group (present company excluded) as it is the elite of the cigar world.... Habanos officials, PGA Golfers, Hollywood "types", people wearing turbans, old guys escorting their grand-daughters, erhhh, "friends" by the arm and of-course Cuban Government officials with an ever-present smirk over their faces.

The evening begins in the Gran Teatro de la Habana right across from the revolution museum.  Totally restored and dressed up for the biggest event of the year, I grab a seat in the very front row of the Teatro.






























The concert is fantastic and features Chuco Valdes as the headliner.  Born in Cuba in 1941, Chuco is a pianist, composer and arranger.  In 1972 he founded the group Irakere, one of the most important latin jazz bands ever formed.  

Chuco is considered one of the top living pianists and composers today and is included in the top four list of best jazz musicians in the world.  The videos capture some incredible and vibrant jazz that is an absolute joy.  He was joined on stage by a delightful singer, Mariza, a captivating entertainer from Lisbon and Ivan Lins, a musician and composer from Rio.
After the concert we ventured next door to enjoy the new Wide Churchill and partake in just a little food and Havana Club...  As we entered the venue, we were welcomed by a line of young delightful greeters, presenting us with our gift bag full of Wide Churchill cigars.

Davidoff Dom Perignon (1978)

Produced: 1978

Made by: Julieta 2

Size: Parejo

Ring Gauge: 47

Length: 7 inches

Purchased: Alexanders, Melbourne, 2005.

“Smoke less, but better and longer – make a cult of it, even a philosophy!”, Zino Davidoff


Today is my birthday and the day before I leave for the 13th Annual Habanos Festival in Havana.  Knowing all to well that I will be sampling a huge variety of incredible Habanos over the next week, I decide to make this smoke a special occasion.

We are having dinner at Taverna Tony's in Malibu.  This is an old reliable place for some great Greek food.  And I am an expert in Greek food, since I was born and raised in Melbourne.... which has the largest population of Greeks outside of Athens.  In fact, I am travelling with a group of Greeks to Havana as part of the Pacific Cigar Group Distributors.


I have been coming to Tony's ever since it was changed from the Tex Mex joint that Ali McGraw started over 25 years ago.  Tony is great and always greets me with open arms, and yes, he is the only 5 foot 300 pound greek guy that I will actually hug.  


Back in the day he would let me and my friends smoke cigars up in the indoor balcony.  We had some really great evenings, with great food and wine, which is always very well stocked.

The Taverna is somewhat of a hangout for the Hollywood crowd (at left Tony is helping Ms. Spears), but don't let that deter you.  It's very private and low-key and the service is spectacular.




THE SMOKE
Of-course any Cuban Davidoff comes with an incredible amount of expectation and promise.  Much of this is due to Davidoff himself.  Synonymous with luxury, the Davidoff brand for years has produced the finest clothes, fragrances and cigars.  Davidoff cigars have been long heralded as the symbol of luxury and decadence.  And they are headquartered in my favorite city, Geneva, home of the Cafe de Paris, Rohr Chocolates, Gerard Pere et Fils, and the UN.

Davidoff was a man with a great sense of humour and a well-developed feeling for the beautiful things in life. An artist; who understood people, and respected them. Who never lost sight of his purpose; to enrich life through enjoying its good things.  Who even as a successful businessman remained true to himself and to his principles. Zino Davidoff believed in simplicity, in the complete enjoyment of life. 

This Dom Perignon I'm smoking (and which Zino is holding in the photo above) lives up to his mission.  It is showing it's over 30 years in age and frankly, it's probably past it's prime, but I can't help feel it's a great smoke.  As I get to the half-way point it strengthens and develops more character.  I only have 8 of these left and decide that perhaps they should be smoked over the next couple of years.  
Another winter storm is starting to hit SoCal and I need to finish my packing for Havana... now where are those ziploc bags?

Rating: (2) AVERAGE

(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

Partagas Serie D No. 4 Reserva (2000)

Ring Gauge: 50
Length: 4.88 inches
Purchased: Gerard Pere & Fils, Geneva

Date: February 15th, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM Pacific 
Location: Point Dume, Malibu California
Conditions: Sunny and warm, 73 degree



It's President's Day and I'm on the beach watching the Men's Downhill at Whistler.  And even though only .09 second separates the medal winners, it's not very exciting and I yearn for the days of Klammer and Russi.... now they were skiers!

I decide to break into the black lacquered box of Reserva's that I haven't opened in a long time.  When I first smoked one of these back in 2001, I was that impressed as it was extremely mild and somewhat subtle.  

The 8 years in the back of my storage in Mill Valley has served them well.  They are still shiny, spongy firm and the construction is flawless.  I cut with a cat's eye and begin to savor a remarkably good smoke.  Still subtle and mild but with and increased intensity in the finish. I'm going to smoke this down to the very end.

Rating: (3) VERY GOOD
(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

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Por Larranaga Magnifico UK Regional Special (2007)

Produced: October 2007
Made by: Belvedere
Ring Gauge: 50 Length: 6 3/4 inches
Purchased: Cigars Unlimited

Date: August 12th, 2008
Time: 9:00 AM Eastern
Location: Masonic Center, San Francisco, CA
Conditions: Sunny and mild, 69 degrees


The Locations

After living over half my life in the USA, today is the day I finally become a US citizen. Prompted by the upcoming Presidential elections and my desire to vote, I passed the civic test, took the blood test and dressed up in my best suit to join 2,000 other folks to be sworn in.






A big part of the ceremony is the announcement of countries. As each country is announced (in alphabetical order) those present from that country stand and receive applause. The most people that stood were from China. There were 6 of us from Australia. Only 1 person from Sweden.

After the ceremony I registered to vote and we were off to the Big Four to celebrate with a glass of champagne.

The Smoke!
This is somewhat a sweet and rich smoke. The size is very comfortable and the draw is ok.

The taste is above average but not great. Surprising given the hoopla around this cigar in the UK.

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

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

Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro

Produced: Unknown
Made by: Prominentes
Ring Gauge: 49
Length: 7 5/8 inches
Purchased: A gift fron Don Alejandro himself!!

Date: February 26th, 2008
Time: 11:00 AM Eastern
Location: Vegas Robaina Plantation, near Pinar Del Rio in the Vuelta Abajo, Cuba
Conditions: Sunny and warm, 85 degrees


The Gift
This cigar was given to me by Don Alejandro "DA" himself when I paid a visit to his plantation. The video below records the actual event.




The Locations
We are on our way back to Havana after 3 days in the Pinar Del Rio district. I tell our guide I want to see if I can find Vegas Robaina. With nothing more than a suspicion that his plantation is somewhere near Vinales we gradually narrow our search to a small district east of town. Asking people along the way, who are eager to jump in our car to give directions, we eventually drive up to a large iron gate guarding the entrance to where Robaina grows and cures his great tobacco.

After a brief tour of the drying huts by someone who claims to be the "Head Of Communications", we "gate crash" a meeting DA is having with a group of Frenchmen, who happen to be the Habanos distributors for France. Dressed for the occasion in my Richard Pryor t-shirt and sporting a 7 day beard, I introduce myself to DA.


An extremely gentile and gracious man, DA reaches into his jacket pocket and presents me with one of his own specially rolled DA cigars. I cut the cigar and DA then beckons to me and lights my cigar. He is not satisfied that I have lit it properly and then proceeds to re-light the puro....I couldn't believe my eyes and I feel like a complete idiot!!

We spend the next 20 minutes talking through an interpreter about his cigars and his view on what makes a great cigar. An unforgettable experience that would be hard to duplicate.

The Smoke!
This is indeed a powerful smoke. I have no clue how long this cigar has been seasoning but it tastes mature and aged. The draw is very even and the aroma was exquisite...spicy and pungent. I smoke this one down to the butt long after we bid our farewell to DA.









Rating: (3) VERY GOOD
(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 Siglo IV (1995)

Produced: 1995
Made by: Coronas Gordas
Shape: Parejo
Ring Gauge: 46
Length: 5 5/8inches
Purchased: Vancouver, Canada, 2002


Date: December 2006
Location: Tampa, Florida & San Jose, Costa Rica
Conditions: Warm, Muggy, Thunderstorms

















The Locations
It's been awhile since I posted a review and have no excuses other than I have been travelling too much and smoking some great aged habanos. Always in search of the elusive, I made a short trip down to San Jose to see what all the fuss is about.


As part of a corporate review of a potential business partner (need to be hush-hush), I first stopped in Tampa to conduct some meetings. What a surprise to be taken to Bern's Steakhouse and have some great steaks,




The wine cellar is the largest on the East Coast and the Cheese Cave is a hedonistic dream. After dinner we lit up some Siglo IV's and drank some old cognac....of-course all of this was not factored into my evaluation of the potential business partner.


The Smoke!
Of all the Siglo's, the IV is the thickest and is generally the most balanced. Most of the Siglo's are somewhat mild, but this smoke is definitely spicier and really packs a strong flavor at the end. It has a very oily and well-varnished feel and is really a great size and length. This smoke was great after the steaks and it's draw was very consistent allowing us to smoke these down to the butt.

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

Humidor: SMOKE SOON: 2008 - 2010
Smoke Now, Smoke Soon:1–3 Years, Put Away:3–7 Years, Vault:7-12 Years, Inheritance Gift:12+ Years

Montecristo Especial No.2 (1981)

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

Bolivar Lonsdale (1998)

Produced: 1998
Made by: Cervantes
Vitola: 507
Shape: Parejo
Ring Gauge: 42
Length: 6 1/2 inches
Purchased: Baranows, Melbourne, Australia, 2006.

Date: October 27th, 2006
Time: 9:00pm Pacific
Location: Greek Theatre, University of California, Berkeley, California
Conditions: Starry Skies, Mild 73 degrees



The Locations
It’s late Friday afternoon and L picks me up in SOMA so that we can get to the Greek Theatre for Tom Petty’s next to last concert of his Highway Companion tour. The Bay Bridge traffic is horrendous, so we stop short at The Salt House to wait it out.

Located in a century old renovated building, the restaurant is buzzing with young groovy urban types and a mass of waiters (there are 2 for every customer). Opened last week, they are still ironing out all the kinks so they take us without a reservation (a rarity in SFO). We are seated next to the owner (who also owns Town Hall), his wife and their baby daughter, who I nickname “carrot top”. Although our food took too long (apparently they overcooked my steak?), when it ultimately arrived it was fantastic…best chook L has ever had…which is saying something!

We arrive at the Greek in time to see the Dandy Warhols finish their last couple of songs. We have great seats (Section C, Row 1) and I mingle with the Berkeley crowd, a mixture of wealthy hippies, “liberal conservationists”, and some guy who sits next to me and starts meditation chanting! Being the conservative that I am, I decide to go incognito in my OBL getup…

As the air starts to reek of “Berkeley Buds”, Tom takes the stage… a no nonsense high energy performance of his greatest hits including “American Girl”, “Breakdown”, “Don’t Do Me Like That”, “Refugee”, “You Got Lucky”, “Runnin Down a Dream” and my personal favorite, “Free Fallin’”. Just as the show is hitting a fever pitch, Tom has to ruin it by introducing his special surprise guest….. Yes, it’s Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and they break into their duet “Stop Draggin my Heart Around”. Time has not been kind to poor Stevie, who is now obese, bloated and floats around the stage like some large grotesque humpty dumpty in a black billowing silk dress. She struggles through the song and is overly appreciative of performing at this sold out concert. Thankfully she joins the back-up singer almost off-stage.

After the duet, Tom kicks into some classic tracks from The Yardbirds . I motion to L we should head for the exits as a 50 something groupie (showing way too much cleavage and cellulite around the belly button) begins to heave her kielbasa all over the seats behind me…a clear signal that the show is almost over and I sense it will take us hours to get back to the city…besides, I want to smoke the Bolivar I have in my pocket.



The Smoke!
The more I smoke them, the more I am getting a greater appreciation for Bolivars. Without exception, every aged artifact I have smoked from this venerable brand has been great. This Lonsdale would keep the tradition going. It’s medium-firm and has a light brown color with some veins.

Well constructed, this cigar is in great condition and lights up almost instantly. The draw is smooth and straightforward and a pearl white ash develops. It’s a complex smoke and has a cedar woody taste. Combined with the taste, the size creates such an elegant and aristocratic smoking experience….where’s my smoking jacket when I need it most?


As we enter the city I wish this smoke could last longer. It seems the better smoking experiences tend to be with these smaller sizes. It now develops a nutty taste that is almost like butter…very unusual and quite delicious. This is indeed a VERY GOOD smoke that should be smoked soon.

Next week I will be reporting from Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke in Las Vegas!

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

Humidor: SMOKE SOON: 2007 - 2009
Smoke Now, Smoke Soon:1–3 Years, Put Away:3–7 Years, Vault:7-12 Years, Inheritance Gift:12+ Years