The PH Cigar Thread

[Goaty Bill 2]

In keeping with the spirit of PH, I was fortunate enough to have this delivered from Spain by a friend.
Limited edition humidor of Monectisto No 4s.
For anyone not recognising it, the car is a Ford Edsel.



A small box of very enjoyable Partagas Edicion Limitada 2014 has also been a treat.
Romeo y Julieta or Montecristo Churchill remain a favourite when at the cigar shop/lounge.

[Shakermaker]

This is a great thread.

I have in the past enjoyed a few cigars but never really had anyone to explain them properly too me - its something that started as a mate coming back from Cuba with a few cigars that he distributed but none of us really understood the methods needed. This thread has given me much to consider.

Really though the only cigar smokers I know are my dad's best friend who I see sporadically, but who travelled extensively for work so always has a few with him, and I think my wife's uncle enjoys them from now and then. Hopefully with a decent whiskey (something else I need to learn more about).

[Goaty Bill 2]

Shakermaker said:

This is a great thread.

I have in the past enjoyed a few cigars but never really had anyone to explain them properly too me - its something that started as a mate coming back from Cuba with a few cigars that he distributed but none of us really understood the methods needed. This thread has given me much to consider.

Really though the only cigar smokers I know are my dad's best friend who I see sporadically, but who travelled extensively for work so always has a few with him, and I think my wife's uncle enjoys them from now and then. Hopefully with a decent whiskey (something else I need to learn more about).

Fine cigars, like fine wines/whiskeys are most often best enjoyed in the company of others who share your taste for the experience.
In these days of anti-smoking, cigar terraces (and occasional cigar lounges) are surprisingly common, especially in London.

Seeing as this is PH (snobbishness matters ), I can in reasonable safety make the suggestion, that one tends to find a better class of individual on the cigar terrace to the usual crowd standing outside the pub door for a fag.
(I freely admit to meeting some pretty interesting people that way too, but I'm not at all a regular pub goer.)

In any case, cigars (and pipes) require time to relax and enjoy, which demands a comfortable and relaxing place to sit.
As such one often finds people with a good deal of knowledge and experience of both subjects.

[bunglesprout]

A cigar thread!! I do enjoy a nice relaxing cigar when I can although I am no aficionado by any stretch. As an everyday smoke when I have the odd quarter of an hour I enjoy a Montecristo Purito. When I have more time I have Monto No.5's and No.4's in the humidor, with a few Cohiba Siglos. I don't drink at all (not for puritanical reasons, alcohol makes me ill), so I enjoy a nice pot of coffee with my cigar. When I am close by, I call into Alfie Turmeas in Chester to stock up. Great shop and super helpful staff.

[Goaty Bill 2]

bunglesprout said:

A cigar thread!! I do enjoy a nice relaxing cigar when I can although I am no aficionado by any stretch. As an everyday smoke when I have the odd quarter of an hour I enjoy a Montecristo Purito. When I have more time I have Monto No.5's and No.4's in the humidor, with a few Cohiba Siglos. I don't drink at all (not for puritanical reasons, alcohol makes me ill), so I enjoy a nice pot of coffee with my cigar. When I am close by, I call into Alfie Turmeas in Chester to stock up. Great shop and super helpful staff.

It's a good morning that begins with a cafetiere of good coffee and a Monti no. 4

I see that Alfie Turmeas is part of CGars, and that they have a sampling lounge and hosted events.
I've always found Cigar events to be very enjoyable, if you haven't been, you should try one.
Two Sundays back, we enjoyed a very nice Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan at the whiskey/cigar club event.

[jonamv8]

Nice gift for birthday

[whoami]

^^^ I enjoyed one of these at a wedding on Saturday night. ^^^

[Goaty Bill 2]

whoami said:

^^^ I enjoyed one of these at a wedding on Saturday night. ^^^

A great cigar, but why do people wait for some poor bd to commit social life suicide to create an excuse to enjoy one?

[Mastodon2]

I've been smoking a lot of Drew Estate stuff this year, the flavour are rich, the prices are affordable and the construction is generally perfect and extremely consistent. My favourite this year has been the Kentucky Fire Cured stick, its amazing, so rich and dark like Latakia pipe tobacco, but in a cigar, tremendous.

[Goaty Bill 2]

Mastodon2 said:

I've been smoking a lot of Drew Estate stuff this year, the flavour are rich, the prices are affordable and the construction is generally perfect and extremely consistent. My favourite this year has been the Kentucky Fire Cured stick, its amazing, so rich and dark like Latakia pipe tobacco, but in a cigar, tremendous.

They sound 'interesting'.
I must try one. I smoke a pipe as well, and tend to prefer blends such as Dunhill Nightcap or Early Morning Pipe, so may enjoy those.
Albeit, it sounds a bit weird for a cigar, if you don't mind my saying

The weekend provided another cigar tasting at the whiskey club.
H. Upmann Connoisseur A


Not like other Upman cigars I have smoked, and while pleasant enough, not as enjoyable as I might have expected based upon previous experience. Others generally had a better opinion of it than I did.

This was matched with a selection of three Cognacs provided by one of the Godet brothers of La Rochelle.
In the 15th generation, the passion for the family tradition is as strong as ever.

[Goaty Bill 2]

A more active week than normal for cigar tastings.

Sampled the Romeo Y Julieta Limited addition 2016 Capuletos last night at Fox's.
If you generally enjoy Romeo Y Julieta, then this is well worth trying.


Paired with 15 year old and 25 year old Glenfarclas Whiskies.

[whoami]

How does it compare, flavour wise, to a Short Churchill?

[Goaty Bill 2]

whoami said:

How does it compare, flavour wise, to a Short Churchill?

Very similar in general, but being a limited edition all the leaves are cured for at least 2 years before rolling. It also has a darker shade grown wrapper.

I found it started perhaps a bit milder than 'usual' and developed well during smoking without becoming at all over-powering or bitter.
Overall, probably similar enough that I personally would likely choose a wide or full length Churchill simply on a value for money basis, though mine lasted a good 90 minutes (and I do tend to chuff my way through them rather mercilessly).
For those with more experience or better appreciation of fine cigars than myself I would definitely recommend trying one for the experience.
Certainly they will only improve with age if one has the storage space (and wallet of course) to put aside a box.

[whoami]

Goaty Bill 2 said:

whoami said:

How does it compare, flavour wise, to a Short Churchill?

Very similar in general, but being a limited edition all the leaves are cured for at least 2 years before rolling. It also has a darker shade grown wrapper.

I found it started perhaps a bit milder than 'usual' and developed well during smoking without becoming at all over-powering or bitter.
Overall, probably similar enough that I personally would likely choose a wide or full length Churchill simply on a value for money basis, though mine lasted a good 90 minutes (and I do tend to chuff my way through them rather mercilessly).
For those with more experience or better appreciation of fine cigars than myself I would definitely recommend trying one for the experience.
Certainly they will only improve with age if one has the storage space (and wallet of course) to put aside a box.

Thanks Bill - box ordered.

[jinkster]

Cana anyone recommend a reasonably priced humidor. I don't smoke often but when I do I don't want the cigar to be ruined.

Thanks

[Goaty Bill 2]

If you look in the mainstream shops, prices can be absolutely eye-watering.
But size is important.
How many cigars are you looking to store?

These guys My Smokingshop and their own brand humidors may be a good place to start for budget humidors.

I got a larger version of this (click photo for link) a couple of years ago and it's been fine.

It's not a work of art, but neither is it something to be ashamed of in your front room or office.

[Goaty Bill 2]

whoami said:

Thanks Bill - box ordered.

I hope you read a couple of 'professional' reviews as well?
Of course you did
If you like your RYJs, I don't think you'll be at all disappointed.

[Goaty Bill 2]

What better excuse to meet with other cigar smokers and enjoy a Romeo y Julieta Churchill than at a Churchill 'birthday party' event?
Pol Roger and Hind to accompany.





The event was a few days early. Churchill was actually born on the 30th (tomorrow).

[Goaty Bill 2]

This year's cigar club Christmas dinner;

Saint Luis Rey-Marquez 54 gauge by 5 9/10 (Geniales vitola) pre-dinner cigar.


My 'pot luck' cigar Bolivar Belicosos Finos 52 gauge by 5 1/2 and made for an excellent after dinner smoke.



A Ramon Allcones Robusto XXL (same vitola as the Saint Luis Rey) was the 'official' after dinner cigar.
Being pressed for time having to catch a train, that is now residing in the humidor for another day.


After dinner whiskey was 25 year old Littlemill Private Cellar Edition

Having an after dinner cigar and drink at a restaurant dinner table, (with live music), is a long missed pleasure.

[Rossetti]

Only started smoking cigars, rarely straying from RyJ Petit Juiletas, which I find are very nice. That said, I'm quite tempted by the Churchills. Recommended for the novice smoker?