The PH Cigar Thread
Discussion
I had three cigars this evening, I was smoking and putting the world to rights with my mates for about 4.5 hours.
I started with a Diplomaticos no 2, this was a good cigar with a mediocre one stuck on the end. The first half was mildly spicy, but had a poor draw and didn't burn amazingly. Once I got into the second half it pretty much changed completely in between draws, being a good smoker with a reasonable draw, good burn and plenty of smoke. The flavor was a rich tobacco, not really much else so not what I'd call a complex smoke. With so many cigars out there, I wouldn't rush back. Definitely a Cuban that doesn't live up to the hype - albeit a hype that exists mainly in the heads of non-smokers.
I then had a break for about 20 minutes, cleared my palate then went onto a Padron Maduro at the recommendation of my tobacconist. I'd wanted to try one, as they get rave reviews on cigarobsession. This definitely lived up to the hype, I am pleased to report. It didn't look anything special in the humidor, the band is plain, it wasn't particularly large, the colour not especially dark etc. However, a draw before lighting revealed it to be very loose, with practically no resistance. Toasting it and lighting it up, it proved to be as loose as I had thought it would be, yet this seemed to be an element of it's construction, and intended trait rather than a fluke of the rolling process. It burned absolutely perfectly, making a solid white ash that held on well, with a burn line that was so sharp and even it looked like it had been done with a laser. The flavours were big desert tones, cream, mild coffee and rich cocoa, all the way down to the band, where it started to get a bit hot and bitter, as practically any cigar would. The smoke output was voluminous, with the easy draw producing huge, pillowy clouds. Remarkably, it didn't burn quickly, which I had thought it would. This is another £10 stick that blows away the competition.
After another break, I had my last cigar, looking for something cheap, light and easy to smoke. I had a Flor de Oliva, I forgot to check the vitola but it was about a 46 x 6". For £8 it wasn't bad, but it wasn't remarkable either, but maybe it was just never going to blow me away after that Padron. It did fulfill it's required duty though, being a decent burner I could wave around for another hour while I was shooting the s
t with the guys in the lounge.
In all, a bloody great night.
I started with a Diplomaticos no 2, this was a good cigar with a mediocre one stuck on the end. The first half was mildly spicy, but had a poor draw and didn't burn amazingly. Once I got into the second half it pretty much changed completely in between draws, being a good smoker with a reasonable draw, good burn and plenty of smoke. The flavor was a rich tobacco, not really much else so not what I'd call a complex smoke. With so many cigars out there, I wouldn't rush back. Definitely a Cuban that doesn't live up to the hype - albeit a hype that exists mainly in the heads of non-smokers.
I then had a break for about 20 minutes, cleared my palate then went onto a Padron Maduro at the recommendation of my tobacconist. I'd wanted to try one, as they get rave reviews on cigarobsession. This definitely lived up to the hype, I am pleased to report. It didn't look anything special in the humidor, the band is plain, it wasn't particularly large, the colour not especially dark etc. However, a draw before lighting revealed it to be very loose, with practically no resistance. Toasting it and lighting it up, it proved to be as loose as I had thought it would be, yet this seemed to be an element of it's construction, and intended trait rather than a fluke of the rolling process. It burned absolutely perfectly, making a solid white ash that held on well, with a burn line that was so sharp and even it looked like it had been done with a laser. The flavours were big desert tones, cream, mild coffee and rich cocoa, all the way down to the band, where it started to get a bit hot and bitter, as practically any cigar would. The smoke output was voluminous, with the easy draw producing huge, pillowy clouds. Remarkably, it didn't burn quickly, which I had thought it would. This is another £10 stick that blows away the competition.
After another break, I had my last cigar, looking for something cheap, light and easy to smoke. I had a Flor de Oliva, I forgot to check the vitola but it was about a 46 x 6". For £8 it wasn't bad, but it wasn't remarkable either, but maybe it was just never going to blow me away after that Padron. It did fulfill it's required duty though, being a decent burner I could wave around for another hour while I was shooting the s
t with the guys in the lounge.In all, a bloody great night.
Mastodon2 said:
Diplomaticos no 2
Padron Maduro
Flor de Oliva
Interesting I've had complete opposite experiences with those. All the Diplomaticos I've tried have been very creamy tasting. Burned pretty perfect and felt just right.Padron Maduro
Flor de Oliva
I tried one Padron I can't remember the particular one off the top of my head but it was the cheaper one of the two they do. I'll try and dig a pic out. To be fair to the Padron it burned perfectly and was a thing of beauty to hold and so on but flavour wise I thought it was a bit meh. I have only had the one though. I possibly also built the idea up in my mind that this was going to be my ultimate smoking experience.
Flor. I don't have them that often as I used to pick them up when I was in the Farnborough area and the lady hasn't had them in for a while but for the price I can't really fault it.
I had a Partgas 2 and the H Upman equivalent. I want to say number 2 as well. I find the Upmans really take you on a ride when you smoke them the flavour profile jumps all over the place. When I'm in the mood for it it's a really enjoyable experience. Again I'll post some pics up later.
This weekend I'm not sure what I'm going to have. I'll venture into town and see what they have to offer. I might have another Upman.
This weekend I'm not sure what I'm going to have. I'll venture into town and see what they have to offer. I might have another Upman.
I must say - Bugger !
I arrived at work on Wednesday - for 30 days having passed through Schiphol where I usually pick up a few cigars for my rotation but didn't have time to pick any up.
I have a few Monte Cristo No2 in the humidor from last rotation but apart from that I will be mainly smoking Henri Wintermans Half Coronas for the next month.
On the bright side at least I have plenty of them to keep me going and I might be able to get some Cubans with a bit of luck.
I arrived at work on Wednesday - for 30 days having passed through Schiphol where I usually pick up a few cigars for my rotation but didn't have time to pick any up.
I have a few Monte Cristo No2 in the humidor from last rotation but apart from that I will be mainly smoking Henri Wintermans Half Coronas for the next month.
On the bright side at least I have plenty of them to keep me going and I might be able to get some Cubans with a bit of luck.
I smoked this the other night, another Alec Bradley Texas Lancero.
The second I've had, sweet with a chocolate flavour on the pre-draw, once let it's a coffee / chocolate mix, turning into a stronger roast coffee bean flavour in the second half. Despite being a 7"x70 ring, the burn was very clean, ash dropping in solid 1" chunks. This was a legitimate 2.5 hour smoke, no re-lights. The guys at my lounge love them, there are loads of cigars to choose from but it's rare that I go on a busy night and don't see at least one being smoked. Not subtle, not complex, not loaded with transitions, but for a big old stick to burn through a good gas on with mates, it's a great choice.
Next Friday the late night smoke has a special 20% off Montecristo Edmundos, so I may end up having one of those while I'm down.
The second I've had, sweet with a chocolate flavour on the pre-draw, once let it's a coffee / chocolate mix, turning into a stronger roast coffee bean flavour in the second half. Despite being a 7"x70 ring, the burn was very clean, ash dropping in solid 1" chunks. This was a legitimate 2.5 hour smoke, no re-lights. The guys at my lounge love them, there are loads of cigars to choose from but it's rare that I go on a busy night and don't see at least one being smoked. Not subtle, not complex, not loaded with transitions, but for a big old stick to burn through a good gas on with mates, it's a great choice.
Next Friday the late night smoke has a special 20% off Montecristo Edmundos, so I may end up having one of those while I'm down.
Yah! First cigar of the year on Saturday 
Wife was off on a "Girls Night Out" so there was me with (what was probably the world's strongest Rum 'n Coke) and a Diplomaticos petit corona (which has been sitting in the humidor for the best part of 3 years I think!
) sitting in the back garden with the cat doing his best Bill Oddie / David Bellamy impression with the birds and me just chilling out with some tunes. Very civilised.
The Diplomaticos was not as strong as the Bolivar, nor as creamy white as the Cohiba that I am used to. However it was very pleasant on the palette, the smoke was a little "muddy" to look at was but was creamy non the less. Burnt very evenly and remained cool all the way to the last 2 cm! Yes, I know am a cheapskate!
Thanks to whomever recommended the occasional blow to keep things cool and even. Worked a treat!
Cannot wait for my next cigar!
Wife was off on a "Girls Night Out" so there was me with (what was probably the world's strongest Rum 'n Coke) and a Diplomaticos petit corona (which has been sitting in the humidor for the best part of 3 years I think!
) sitting in the back garden with the cat doing his best Bill Oddie / David Bellamy impression with the birds and me just chilling out with some tunes. Very civilised.The Diplomaticos was not as strong as the Bolivar, nor as creamy white as the Cohiba that I am used to. However it was very pleasant on the palette, the smoke was a little "muddy" to look at was but was creamy non the less. Burnt very evenly and remained cool all the way to the last 2 cm! Yes, I know am a cheapskate!
Thanks to whomever recommended the occasional blow to keep things cool and even. Worked a treat!
Cannot wait for my next cigar!
Cuchillo said:
Burnt very evenly and remained cool all the way to the last 2 cm! Yes, I know am a cheapskate!
I do this with all my cigars. I've paid for it so I'm going to enjoy it is my philosophy. That being said I'm sat alone in the garden when I smoke so no need to follow any perceived etiquette. I've had my nieces and nephews over this weekend and they've worn me out, with swimming and adventure playgrounds and the like. Sunday morning I got up early so I could get some adult time with a book before they bounced out of bed.
I started off with a Partagas Short. I'm more of an evening smoker so I don't tend to buy a lot of the shorter smokes but occassionally if the weather forecast looks like it will be nice I'll get a couple in. I've had a few shorts in the past and they tend to have a bit more pepper compared to the D4 and other larger Partagas. This one had the usual pepper profile but also had a sweet element to it. This could be partly down to the caramel coffee I had with it who knows? Apart from needing a few blasts of the lighter it was a brilliant start to my sunday. I came in fresh to be greeted to cuddles and pancakes. Thanks to the kids and missus on that one.
After much kid related stuff and a rerun of The Parent Trap, some fish finger sandwiches and then cries of "it's not bedtime because the sun is still up daddy". Little one and her cousins were all in bed and it was time for some more relaxation. The missus was watching some cack on E. Looked like a Kardasian show so I retreated back to the garden for some Luther and a Black Market Robusto. This time with a rum and coke. This was one of those moments when the cigar gods shine down on you. A perfect burning, effortless smokeless.
Very recently returned from a holiday in Cuba. The resort offered a Cigar Bar, air conditioned and purified, with an assortment of brandies, whiskies and the like available all inclusive of course.
Now, not being a cigar smoker (packed up the cigs some 10 years ago) I thought it would be rude not to try a Cohiba in this bar.
In my opinion it was the resorts best kept secret, never a problem finding a seat, gentleman's club decor and a barman that served you when your glass was dry. He even managed to supply cigars from his brother's plantation, free of charge!
Cohiba was a little strong for me but Romeo proved the favorite.
Now, not being a cigar smoker (packed up the cigs some 10 years ago) I thought it would be rude not to try a Cohiba in this bar.
In my opinion it was the resorts best kept secret, never a problem finding a seat, gentleman's club decor and a barman that served you when your glass was dry. He even managed to supply cigars from his brother's plantation, free of charge!
Cohiba was a little strong for me but Romeo proved the favorite.
That sounds fantastic vxr8mate, I'd love to go somewhere like that. Next time I'm on holiday I'll either go somewhere I can buy cigars, or take a travel humidor with enough cigars for at least a stick a day.
I'm smoking at my usual haunt on Friday, I don't know what I'm having, except perhaps a Montecristo Edmundo, which are 20% off for the late night smoke this week. I'm really looking forward to getting the sticks lit up and having a having a crack on with the other regulars.
I'm smoking at my usual haunt on Friday, I don't know what I'm having, except perhaps a Montecristo Edmundo, which are 20% off for the late night smoke this week. I'm really looking forward to getting the sticks lit up and having a having a crack on with the other regulars.
red_slr said:
Any tips for getting the humidor to a stable 70/70?
I am struggling to get mine to 70%.
I get it to 65% no problem but if I try and go any higher it goes to 75% or above.
Its only a small 20 stick box too which is probably not helping!
What system are you using at the moment? Is your hydrometer calibrated? Is it digital or analogue? The size of your humidor shouldn't really make it any more difficult to keep the humidity, is it in good condition? Is it old? I am struggling to get mine to 70%.
I get it to 65% no problem but if I try and go any higher it goes to 75% or above.
Its only a small 20 stick box too which is probably not helping!
I'd give these a shot https://www.cgarsltd.co.uk/boveda-humidifier-60g-p... I use them in my smaller humidor and they are fantastic. Both of my hydrometers in the smaller and the larger humidors are digital and display minimum, maximum and present humidity. Minimum with the above pouches is 69% maximum 73%. I check both of my humidors on a regular basis.
Recent smoking highlights of mine include a Vegas Robaina Unicos, it was bloody lovely.
Digital. (Humi-Care one)
Humidor is a few months old now. Seasoned it as per various you tube videos.
Its from cgars.
https://www.cgarsltd.co.uk/prestige-chateau-humido...
Humidor is a few months old now. Seasoned it as per various you tube videos.
Its from cgars.
https://www.cgarsltd.co.uk/prestige-chateau-humido...
logoman said:
I havent posted for a long time, but thought you might appreciate my Le Mans 2007 sticker job.
Very cool, gains bonus cool points for only really being identifiable by cigar smokers - IE, the social elite, high society etc Edited by logoman on Saturday 23 May 12:34
Good show!
I was on the smokes last night, I started with a Gurkha Royal Challenge and followed that with a Montecristo Edmundo. I've seen Gurkha get criticised for being all about the packaging, the admittedly amazing boxes and tubes etc, but this one proved to be a good stick, and a fairly cheap one at the £10 mark. It was a very light colour, almost a mild claro green under the shop lights, but in the lounge with the dim lighting you couldn't really see that. It was mild in flavour, short on finish, with a perfect draw and good smoke production. No real big flavour notes, maybe a little ceder wood hint here and there, but mainly it was just cured tobacco. Would make a great afternoon smoke, if you've got an hour to burn and don't want something too strong or heavy on flavour.
My second cigar of the evening was a Montecristo Edmundo, which was a much richer experience. This was an interesting one as the guys in the shop reckoned it was a real grade A box, and I had to agree, every cigar was absolutely perfect in construction and appearance, mine even had a bit of plume around the cap, which I was quite interested to see - I know plume isn't an indicator of quality, doens't change the flavours etc, but it was at least an interesting note. Flavours were mainly earthy and leather notes, no spice or pepper. Deep, rich and smooth, but easy to smoke as there was no bite on the tongue.
I have been thinking about adding a pipe to the collection, so that when I go to the smokes I can have a single cigar and a bit of pipe tobacco, which is much the same as smoking a cigar but with different flavour profiles. It's also massively cheaper, I could buy enough loose tobacco to have a few bowls for a few quid, or get a tin of good stuff for about £11 which could last me weeks. I had my mate taking me through all of the tubs of loose tobacco, talking me through the manufacturing and curing processes, letting me have a smell of the different types and having a bit of pipe chat. That stuff smells absolutely incredible, as I had noticed when him and some of the other guys in the room are smoking, it's so sweet and creamy. I had initially thought pipes were a bit "old man", but when he said "It's quick, easy to smoke at your own pace, gives you a perfect draw every time and is way cheaper per hour than smoking cigars", I was already half sold on the idea. Basically as it is, I only go along every now and I have no real desire to smoke anywhere but in their lounge, but adding a pipe to the mix will make it even more cost efficient and probably more enjoyable too. Did I mention that it smells amazing? I could have had my head in the cherry and vanilla tub for an hour and not gotten sick of that.
I have had a busy few days (much busier than usual) as:
Thursday
Partagas D Serie 4
Used to be a favourite but less convinced by them now. A bit hit and miss; the base of the cigar has a bad habit of being almost plugged but then opening up just in time.
I used to keep these and HdM Epicure No2s in the humidor at all times but I find I'm going off both of them a bit. Might keep those I have and see how they are when I come back to them.
Friday
Cohiba Maduro V Genios
Sensational. Hadn't meant to have a cigar but was out and was in spectacular condition (well aged, nice and squidgy). A little less than even in the early burn than I expected (last had one of these when I got a box ~3 years ago) but so tasty.
Today
The cigar fairy delivered a box off RJ Short Churchills this morning. I was sceptical about RJs as when I last had them years ago, they were never great. The SC responds very well to some time in the humidor (I like them squidgy so keep it ~70%rh) and is perfect for most occasions.
I had a Wide Churchill this afternoon as I had a few calls to make. Slow initial burn and a bit thin but when it gets into its stride, much better. I can't help but think the SC is the better stick, however.
Thursday
Partagas D Serie 4
Used to be a favourite but less convinced by them now. A bit hit and miss; the base of the cigar has a bad habit of being almost plugged but then opening up just in time.
I used to keep these and HdM Epicure No2s in the humidor at all times but I find I'm going off both of them a bit. Might keep those I have and see how they are when I come back to them.
Friday
Cohiba Maduro V Genios
Sensational. Hadn't meant to have a cigar but was out and was in spectacular condition (well aged, nice and squidgy). A little less than even in the early burn than I expected (last had one of these when I got a box ~3 years ago) but so tasty.
Today
The cigar fairy delivered a box off RJ Short Churchills this morning. I was sceptical about RJs as when I last had them years ago, they were never great. The SC responds very well to some time in the humidor (I like them squidgy so keep it ~70%rh) and is perfect for most occasions.
I had a Wide Churchill this afternoon as I had a few calls to make. Slow initial burn and a bit thin but when it gets into its stride, much better. I can't help but think the SC is the better stick, however.
Had a Punch petit corona ... Blurgh does not even begin to describe it. Too tight on the roll. A hard draw. Rather dry (even thought it was bought at the exact same time and stored in the same humidor as the Diplomaticos. The smoke at best was weedy and what came out was very muddy. Tasted of nothing special and (thankfully) had no finish. If I did not know any better I would swear that the cat had managed get into the locked humidor and curled one out in there! 
This is probably the 3rd of 4th Punch I have had over the years. I have yet to try one that did not make me want to, um, punch something!
This is probably the 3rd of 4th Punch I have had over the years. I have yet to try one that did not make me want to, um, punch something!
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