The PH Cigar Thread
Discussion
In that case I'd recommend a few starting points. The Oliva Serie V Melanio, which I did a mini-review of above and the CAO Brazilia (such a good go-to stick) are both full bodied, big flavour smokes, rich and oily. The Oliva Serie O is a little bit lighter but still has a lot of body and flavour. The Aging Room M356 is a great stick, but some people find it to be quite powerful in terms of nicotine, I didn't find it too bad. The Alec Bradley Nica Puro is similar, very intense flavours, body thicker than Beyonce and packing a nicotine punch that will have some smokers sweating and feeling green.
You'll probably find that your money goes a bit further with New World cigars, flavour profiles tend to vary a bit more than Cubans, which is hardly surprising given they are blended from a wider range of tobaccos from a more varied geographical area. Whereas Cubans tend to be centered around the cured tobacco flavour - in my experience only, I might add, the NW cigars tend to bring in more varied flavours, with a lot of earth, leather, chocolate, coffee and wood tones. Of course, not that these are not present in Cubans to a degree, but I at least find the difference marked. It works out well for me as I prefer the wide variety of complex flavours the NW offers.
If your tastes are centered around the Cuban cured tobacco flavour which is typified by the Partagas P2 (the strongest of it's breed that I've yet tasted), I doubt you'll find anything like it in the NW, I've not had anything like it yet. I was smoking a Punch Coronation this afternoon and noting that it had those P2 flavour tones, though obviously in much smaller quantities than the Partagas, and while I get those notes in NW cigars, the NW on the whole is quite distinctly different to Cubans. Variety is the spice of life though, and I love them all.
You'll probably find that your money goes a bit further with New World cigars, flavour profiles tend to vary a bit more than Cubans, which is hardly surprising given they are blended from a wider range of tobaccos from a more varied geographical area. Whereas Cubans tend to be centered around the cured tobacco flavour - in my experience only, I might add, the NW cigars tend to bring in more varied flavours, with a lot of earth, leather, chocolate, coffee and wood tones. Of course, not that these are not present in Cubans to a degree, but I at least find the difference marked. It works out well for me as I prefer the wide variety of complex flavours the NW offers.
If your tastes are centered around the Cuban cured tobacco flavour which is typified by the Partagas P2 (the strongest of it's breed that I've yet tasted), I doubt you'll find anything like it in the NW, I've not had anything like it yet. I was smoking a Punch Coronation this afternoon and noting that it had those P2 flavour tones, though obviously in much smaller quantities than the Partagas, and while I get those notes in NW cigars, the NW on the whole is quite distinctly different to Cubans. Variety is the spice of life though, and I love them all.
Mastodon2 said:
In that case I'd recommend a few starting points....
Dang that's a lot of info! Very many thanks! 
Now, where do I get them from? I generally get my cigars from CGars and a quick Google only shows the Alec Bradley there. Looks like JJ Fox does the Aging Room and Oliva Serie V Milano, but have not seen any place whose name I recognise that does the CAO Brazilia.
I think I'll start with a couple of Alec Bradleys and also a couple of the Inkas from Mitchell to get me started and then have a wonder down to JJ Fox for a sniff of their humidor.
Thanks again! And please do keep sharing!
Cuch
RichUK said:
Partagas P2 for me last evening. Utterly divine. Reminded my why I enjoy them so much.
Love these. Ok it's the weekend what are we all smoking? I've got a Tatuaje petite for the drive home then it'll be a visit to my local to pick something up. Not sure what yet. I fancy a BBQ so possibly a Bolivar or Ramones.
A busy night at my lounge, much sampling was done by all. I had another Aging Room M356, having had one previously, I wanted to give it another spin to really get a feel for it. I didn't enjoy it second time round, good construction and smoke output but man it was bitter, acrid and unpleasant. You get a lot of cigar for the money, but the last one I had was better in memory than this. Disappointment, I won't be bothering with these again.
I decided to wash that away with an Arturo Fuente Epicure, which I think is a great stick, never fails to impress.
There were a lot of Partagas P2 and E2s being smoked tonight, I really liked the P2 I had, but I'd have an E2 next time round - same blend, but the P2 is a piramidos, whereas the E2 is a standard untapered cigar, which I prefer.
I decided to wash that away with an Arturo Fuente Epicure, which I think is a great stick, never fails to impress.
There were a lot of Partagas P2 and E2s being smoked tonight, I really liked the P2 I had, but I'd have an E2 next time round - same blend, but the P2 is a piramidos, whereas the E2 is a standard untapered cigar, which I prefer.
Last nights was the delicious Padron 2000. I think I finally understand why people rave on about Padrons. This was lovely. Thick smokey wood flavours with some cocoa. Going to have to get some more of these in.
This morning I kicked off with a Gurkha. Nice enough. Which I can't upload because tinypic is playing the arse now.
This morning I kicked off with a Gurkha. Nice enough. Which I can't upload because tinypic is playing the arse now.
There are quite a few people who I tweet with who are into their cigars, I'd mentioned that I wanted to try a Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan and one the of the guys dropped me a line to say he'd send me one to try.
I got home from London today - always a trek when you travelling from deepest, darkest Gloucestershire, to find a package waiting for me.
.
On the left, a Partagas Lusitania and then top down -
Upmann Mag 50
Hoyo de San Juan
Partagas E2
Upmann Royal Robusto
An amazing cigar package from someone I've never met in real life (yet). The challenge now is to return the favour.
Also took the opportunity whilst I was in London to pop into Sautter Cigars in Mayfair for a Bolivar Belicosos, which was absolutely fantastic. Creamy, a gentle hint of pepper and a really powerful punch on the draw. A really good hour or so, made even better by the usual random conversations in the shop.
I got home from London today - always a trek when you travelling from deepest, darkest Gloucestershire, to find a package waiting for me.
.
On the left, a Partagas Lusitania and then top down -
Upmann Mag 50
Hoyo de San Juan
Partagas E2
Upmann Royal Robusto
An amazing cigar package from someone I've never met in real life (yet). The challenge now is to return the favour.
Also took the opportunity whilst I was in London to pop into Sautter Cigars in Mayfair for a Bolivar Belicosos, which was absolutely fantastic. Creamy, a gentle hint of pepper and a really powerful punch on the draw. A really good hour or so, made even better by the usual random conversations in the shop.
RichUK said:
There are quite a few people who I tweet with who are into their cigars, I'd mentioned that I wanted to try a Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan and one the of the guys dropped me a line to say he'd send me one to try.
I got home from London today - always a trek when you travelling from deepest, darkest Gloucestershire, to find a package waiting for me.
.
On the left, a Partagas Lusitania and then top down -
Upmann Mag 50
Hoyo de San Juan
Partagas E2
Upmann Royal Robusto
An amazing cigar package from someone I've never met in real life (yet). The challenge now is to return the favour.
Also took the opportunity whilst I was in London to pop into Sautter Cigars in Mayfair for a Bolivar Belicosos, which was absolutely fantastic. Creamy, a gentle hint of pepper and a really powerful punch on the draw. A really good hour or so, made even better by the usual random conversations in the shop.
That's a nice treat to come home to. Result.I got home from London today - always a trek when you travelling from deepest, darkest Gloucestershire, to find a package waiting for me.
.
On the left, a Partagas Lusitania and then top down -
Upmann Mag 50
Hoyo de San Juan
Partagas E2
Upmann Royal Robusto
An amazing cigar package from someone I've never met in real life (yet). The challenge now is to return the favour.
Also took the opportunity whilst I was in London to pop into Sautter Cigars in Mayfair for a Bolivar Belicosos, which was absolutely fantastic. Creamy, a gentle hint of pepper and a really powerful punch on the draw. A really good hour or so, made even better by the usual random conversations in the shop.
I had a Punch coronation. It was ok. Did the job. I've been dreaming about the Padron 2000 all week though so it's going to be some more of those this weekend I think. Shame about the weather.
Mastodon2 said:
There were a lot of Partagas P2 and E2s being smoked tonight, I really liked the P2 I had, but I'd have an E2 next time round - same blend, but the P2 is a piramidos, whereas the E2 is a standard untapered cigar, which I prefer.
Please could you explain the differences between the various Partagas varieties? I frequently see the D4 but what are the differences between the D,E and P series? Is it 'just' a shape thing or are there differences in the wrapper and/or filler?TheHoof said:
Please could you explain the differences between the various Partagas varieties? I frequently see the D4 but what are the differences between the D,E and P series? Is it 'just' a shape thing or are there differences in the wrapper and/or filler?
The letter is the shape, number is the blend. For example, a Partagas 4 is the same combination of leaves, regardless of which shape you buy it in.Mastodon2 said:
TheHoof said:
Please could you explain the differences between the various Partagas varieties? I frequently see the D4 but what are the differences between the D,E and P series? Is it 'just' a shape thing or are there differences in the wrapper and/or filler?
The letter is the shape, number is the blend. For example, a Partagas 4 is the same combination of leaves, regardless of which shape you buy it in.So it was a nice enough Saturday evening and I decided to try the Nica Puro. Smelled divine and felt firm yet supple between the fingers. Lit it up and puffed away. 
The draw was easy but the wrapper seemed to burn at a much slower rate than the filler, and after burning evenly for a bit started going very side ways! A single point on the wrapper seemed to tuck in and stop burning all together while the rest carried on on its merry way. Annoying.
While focusing on the uneven burn and thinking that Visita a Mendoza 2009, while very nice seemed a little too light for the Nica Puro, it dawned on me that I was feeling a little sweaty. Well, the sun had come out from behind a cloud so I guess that was to be expected. A few mins later a very pleasant breeze picked up and I signed contentedly. This would be a fine evening if only I could get this dang cigar to burn evenly!
Hmmm ... My forehead is still a bit clammy, actually am sweating a bit now. 2/3rds of the way through the cigar and I give up trying to even it out by smoking it one way up and then the other. However it does need a bit of nursing as it seems to die out a easily. So a couple of puffs every 30 seconds or so to keep things going while staring into space. Ah the feeling of zen (though I do wish I did not have to puff quite so often)....
Now that I have stopped fussing with the cigar I notice that I am still sweating. In fact my stomach feels a little odd as well. Oh well, it is now gone 7 pm and I have not eaten since breakfast. So not too surprising that enjoying a bull bodied cigar and a (big) glass of wine is going to make you feel "different" and I had a vague recollection that it was described as a bit punchy.
A little after 7 the wife pops into the garden to see how things are going. I turn my head towards her, stare at her blankly, collect my thoughts with some considerable effort and this is when it actually hits me .... I am really sweating, the knot in my stomach has become ridiculously large and my throat feels very tight! I manage to gasp out one word... "Water!" and make a mad dash into the house and straight to the tap! (What felt like) 5 mins of dousing my head and face in cold water and rising my mouth out and I stumble back into the living room, snatch the pint, yes, pint of cold water from the wife's out stretched hand (she does look after me well
) and almost down it in one! Then sit myself down on the sofa and slowly, very slowly regain my composure while the wife sits there with an expression that alternated between a smirk and bewilderment! 
So ... That's what you meant by:
PS: I still have one more of these to smoke!
But it will be after a big sodding steak and very full bodied bottle of Roja and no more than 1 puff a min! 
The draw was easy but the wrapper seemed to burn at a much slower rate than the filler, and after burning evenly for a bit started going very side ways! A single point on the wrapper seemed to tuck in and stop burning all together while the rest carried on on its merry way. Annoying.
While focusing on the uneven burn and thinking that Visita a Mendoza 2009, while very nice seemed a little too light for the Nica Puro, it dawned on me that I was feeling a little sweaty. Well, the sun had come out from behind a cloud so I guess that was to be expected. A few mins later a very pleasant breeze picked up and I signed contentedly. This would be a fine evening if only I could get this dang cigar to burn evenly!
Hmmm ... My forehead is still a bit clammy, actually am sweating a bit now. 2/3rds of the way through the cigar and I give up trying to even it out by smoking it one way up and then the other. However it does need a bit of nursing as it seems to die out a easily. So a couple of puffs every 30 seconds or so to keep things going while staring into space. Ah the feeling of zen (though I do wish I did not have to puff quite so often)....
Now that I have stopped fussing with the cigar I notice that I am still sweating. In fact my stomach feels a little odd as well. Oh well, it is now gone 7 pm and I have not eaten since breakfast. So not too surprising that enjoying a bull bodied cigar and a (big) glass of wine is going to make you feel "different" and I had a vague recollection that it was described as a bit punchy.
A little after 7 the wife pops into the garden to see how things are going. I turn my head towards her, stare at her blankly, collect my thoughts with some considerable effort and this is when it actually hits me .... I am really sweating, the knot in my stomach has become ridiculously large and my throat feels very tight! I manage to gasp out one word... "Water!" and make a mad dash into the house and straight to the tap! (What felt like) 5 mins of dousing my head and face in cold water and rising my mouth out and I stumble back into the living room, snatch the pint, yes, pint of cold water from the wife's out stretched hand (she does look after me well
) and almost down it in one! Then sit myself down on the sofa and slowly, very slowly regain my composure while the wife sits there with an expression that alternated between a smirk and bewilderment! So ... That's what you meant by:
Mastodon2 said:
... The Alec Bradley Nica Puro ... body thicker than Beyonce and packing a nicotine punch that will have some smokers sweating and feeling green.
PS: I still have one more of these to smoke!
But it will be after a big sodding steak and very full bodied bottle of Roja and no more than 1 puff a min! Cuchillo said:
So it was a nice enough Saturday evening and I decided to try the Nica Puro. Smelled divine and felt firm yet supple between the fingers. Lit it up and puffed away.
The draw was easy but the wrapper seemed to burn at a much slower rate than the filler, and after burning evenly for a bit started going very side ways! A single point on the wrapper seemed to tuck in and stop burning all together while the rest carried on on its merry way. Annoying.
While focusing on the uneven burn and thinking that Visita a Mendoza 2009, while very nice seemed a little too light for the Nica Puro, it dawned on me that I was feeling a little sweaty. Well, the sun had come out from behind a cloud so I guess that was to be expected. A few mins later a very pleasant breeze picked up and I signed contentedly. This would be a fine evening if only I could get this dang cigar to burn evenly!
Hmmm ... My forehead is still a bit clammy, actually am sweating a bit now. 2/3rds of the way through the cigar and I give up trying to even it out by smoking it one way up and then the other. However it does need a bit of nursing as it seems to die out a easily. So a couple of puffs every 30 seconds or so to keep things going while staring into space. Ah the feeling of zen (though I do wish I did not have to puff quite so often)....
Now that I have stopped fussing with the cigar I notice that I am still sweating. In fact my stomach feels a little odd as well. Oh well, it is now gone 7 pm and I have not eaten since breakfast. So not too surprising that enjoying a bull bodied cigar and a (big) glass of wine is going to make you feel "different" and I had a vague recollection that it was described as a bit punchy.
A little after 7 the wife pops into the garden to see how things are going. I turn my head towards her, stare at her blankly, collect my thoughts with some considerable effort and this is when it actually hits me .... I am really sweating, the knot in my stomach has become ridiculously large and my throat feels very tight! I manage to gasp out one word... "Water!" and make a mad dash into the house and straight to the tap! (What felt like) 5 mins of dousing my head and face in cold water and rising my mouth out and I stumble back into the living room, snatch the pint, yes, pint of cold water from the wife's out stretched hand (she does look after me well) and almost down it in one! Then sit myself down on the sofa and slowly, very slowly regain my composure while the wife sits there with an expression that alternated between a smirk and bewilderment!
So ... That's what you meant by:
PS: I still have one more of these to smoke! But it will be after a big sodding steak and very full bodied bottle of Roja and no more than 1 puff a min!
The draw was easy but the wrapper seemed to burn at a much slower rate than the filler, and after burning evenly for a bit started going very side ways! A single point on the wrapper seemed to tuck in and stop burning all together while the rest carried on on its merry way. Annoying.
While focusing on the uneven burn and thinking that Visita a Mendoza 2009, while very nice seemed a little too light for the Nica Puro, it dawned on me that I was feeling a little sweaty. Well, the sun had come out from behind a cloud so I guess that was to be expected. A few mins later a very pleasant breeze picked up and I signed contentedly. This would be a fine evening if only I could get this dang cigar to burn evenly!
Hmmm ... My forehead is still a bit clammy, actually am sweating a bit now. 2/3rds of the way through the cigar and I give up trying to even it out by smoking it one way up and then the other. However it does need a bit of nursing as it seems to die out a easily. So a couple of puffs every 30 seconds or so to keep things going while staring into space. Ah the feeling of zen (though I do wish I did not have to puff quite so often)....
Now that I have stopped fussing with the cigar I notice that I am still sweating. In fact my stomach feels a little odd as well. Oh well, it is now gone 7 pm and I have not eaten since breakfast. So not too surprising that enjoying a bull bodied cigar and a (big) glass of wine is going to make you feel "different" and I had a vague recollection that it was described as a bit punchy.
A little after 7 the wife pops into the garden to see how things are going. I turn my head towards her, stare at her blankly, collect my thoughts with some considerable effort and this is when it actually hits me .... I am really sweating, the knot in my stomach has become ridiculously large and my throat feels very tight! I manage to gasp out one word... "Water!" and make a mad dash into the house and straight to the tap! (What felt like) 5 mins of dousing my head and face in cold water and rising my mouth out and I stumble back into the living room, snatch the pint, yes, pint of cold water from the wife's out stretched hand (she does look after me well
) and almost down it in one! Then sit myself down on the sofa and slowly, very slowly regain my composure while the wife sits there with an expression that alternated between a smirk and bewilderment! So ... That's what you meant by:
Mastodon2 said:
... The Alec Bradley Nica Puro ... body thicker than Beyonce and packing a nicotine punch that will have some smokers sweating and feeling green.
PS: I still have one more of these to smoke!
But it will be after a big sodding steak and very full bodied bottle of Roja and no more than 1 puff a min! It happens. I imagine these will be quite nice after some rest in a humidor. from memory the couple I had were nice tasting but like you said required some attention. I don't remember it being that strong but then mine was a birthday stick and I'd stuffed myself silly on roast and chocolate cake lol.
I got through quite a bit this weekend. I started friday off with another Padron 2000. This is my new favourite stick at the moment. Really strong, thick smoke, excellent construction and taste. I can't fault it at all.
Saturday after lots of running around with the little one I relaxed before bed with a Charatan 21st Robusto.
Sunday I kicked off with a quick Chinchalero. Still had a few of these left from my mates BBQ so one of those with a coffee before the girls woke up. Not great not bad.
After putting some shelves up and painting the hallway the girls went out so I thought why not. Retired to the shed with a Mexican Te-Amo and a book. I had a Cuban Te-Amo and it smelt and tasted like straw. The Mexican one however was quite nice. Bit like a sweet Juliany.
I've also picked up some vanilla pipe tobacco. I may try some of that this weekend.
Saturday after lots of running around with the little one I relaxed before bed with a Charatan 21st Robusto.
Sunday I kicked off with a quick Chinchalero. Still had a few of these left from my mates BBQ so one of those with a coffee before the girls woke up. Not great not bad.
After putting some shelves up and painting the hallway the girls went out so I thought why not. Retired to the shed with a Mexican Te-Amo and a book. I had a Cuban Te-Amo and it smelt and tasted like straw. The Mexican one however was quite nice. Bit like a sweet Juliany.
I've also picked up some vanilla pipe tobacco. I may try some of that this weekend.
I had one of these last night. From the same guys who make the Ageing Room cigars. A Swag SOBE cigar. I was told it was kind of similar to the AR's but no where near as strong.
Presentation wise this is a wonderful looking cigar from the packaging to the actual stick. The banding came off easy which is always a worry when most of the stick is covered (looking at you Alec Bradley).
Now the actual smoke was a bit underwhelming. The AR's give off a lovely toasting smell when you light them and strength aside they taste wonderful. This on the other hand was a bit forgettable. Smoked easy enough. Needed a couple relights and it certainly lasted a long time but nothing really jumped out at me.
I would have again if someone offered me one but I doubt I'd buy another.
Presentation wise this is a wonderful looking cigar from the packaging to the actual stick. The banding came off easy which is always a worry when most of the stick is covered (looking at you Alec Bradley).
Now the actual smoke was a bit underwhelming. The AR's give off a lovely toasting smell when you light them and strength aside they taste wonderful. This on the other hand was a bit forgettable. Smoked easy enough. Needed a couple relights and it certainly lasted a long time but nothing really jumped out at me.
I would have again if someone offered me one but I doubt I'd buy another.
Looks like the weather is nice, I hope it holds out and I'll have a Punch Coronation after work.
I've been hitting the Oliva Serie V sticks hard these past few smokes, really enjoying them at the moment, funny to think I was unimpressed when I first had one.
I also had an Alec Bradley Black Market Punk last Friday, I can't say it was up to much, just tasted bitter and had a sort of ash tray flavour on the finish. It was almost a blessing that it seemed to burn quite quickly!
I've been hitting the Oliva Serie V sticks hard these past few smokes, really enjoying them at the moment, funny to think I was unimpressed when I first had one.
I also had an Alec Bradley Black Market Punk last Friday, I can't say it was up to much, just tasted bitter and had a sort of ash tray flavour on the finish. It was almost a blessing that it seemed to burn quite quickly!
Baryonyx said:
I've always thought the packaging on the Swag cigars looked great in terms of design, but the brand name spoils if for me.
Agreed. It does sound like something you'd see advertised in the back of a hip hop magasine next to genuine replica 2Pac ice chain $19.95. Mastodon2 said:
Looks like the weather is nice, I hope it holds out and I'll have a Punch Coronation after work.
I've been hitting the Oliva Serie V sticks hard these past few smokes, really enjoying them at the moment, funny to think I was unimpressed when I first had one.
I also had an Alec Bradley Black Market Punk last Friday, I can't say it was up to much, just tasted bitter and had a sort of ash tray flavour on the finish. It was almost a blessing that it seemed to burn quite quickly!
I found that with the Punks. No where near as nice as the Robusto. I've been hitting the Oliva Serie V sticks hard these past few smokes, really enjoying them at the moment, funny to think I was unimpressed when I first had one.
I also had an Alec Bradley Black Market Punk last Friday, I can't say it was up to much, just tasted bitter and had a sort of ash tray flavour on the finish. It was almost a blessing that it seemed to burn quite quickly!
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