The PH Cigar Thread
Discussion
ArgfromTowie said:
Gemma Collins
Random.I think you may want to head over this way...
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Off to Rome on Friday for a few days, never been. Any reccomendations for cigar shops? I've heard of Fincato, keen to try out some of the Italian brands as I've heard they can be a totally different smoke.
I've also heard that tobacco is quite heavily taxed in Italy, anyone know this for sure as a brief Google request yielded little.
RIP Carrie Fisher.
I've also heard that tobacco is quite heavily taxed in Italy, anyone know this for sure as a brief Google request yielded little.
RIP Carrie Fisher.
Well, visited Fincato in Rome twice during our break, can definitely say it was the most impressive cigar shop I've been in.
Traditional and comfortable downstairs, an initially reserved propreitor (we had just come in out of the snow and looked a bit like drowned rats in his posh shop) yielded a glass walk in humidor upstairs after realising we were there to buy boxes and knew a little bit about what we wanted.
The corridor to the boxed cigar part is very museum like, really gets you in the mood. Chap upstairs (I'm guessing the son) spoke perfect English and was very patient and offered some advice on the Italian cigars I was ignorant of yet eager to try.
Wife who is normally very bored in such endeavours was made comfortable with a tea in a nice chesterfield.
Anyhoo, stocked up on a box of Monte 5s, a box of R&J Short Churchills as these are my everyday smokes. Also after reccomendations bought 10 Toscano Anticos, 10 Toscano Classicos and a pair of limited edition Nostrano del Brentas.
Smoked a Classico on the way back to the hotel - they look like twigs! Had to walk around the block three times as the burn was so long - probably about 90 minutes, with a great taste. Hard draw though and a full flavour but a very enjoyable cigar, one that I wish I had bought more of.
Second visit I picked up a pack of 20 R&J clubs, sometimes I just fancy a quick burn cuban, these are handy for that purpose when you need the taste but don't have the time. Good for joining cigarette smokers outside.
I'll report on the Nostranos when I deem an occasion worthy enough - they again look like twigs, irregular shaped.
In short I'd reccomend Fincato for a visit and to pick up some reasonably priced sticks, he is shut Monday mornings though and has a long lunch, so check timings before you make the walk.
Traditional and comfortable downstairs, an initially reserved propreitor (we had just come in out of the snow and looked a bit like drowned rats in his posh shop) yielded a glass walk in humidor upstairs after realising we were there to buy boxes and knew a little bit about what we wanted.
The corridor to the boxed cigar part is very museum like, really gets you in the mood. Chap upstairs (I'm guessing the son) spoke perfect English and was very patient and offered some advice on the Italian cigars I was ignorant of yet eager to try.
Wife who is normally very bored in such endeavours was made comfortable with a tea in a nice chesterfield.
Anyhoo, stocked up on a box of Monte 5s, a box of R&J Short Churchills as these are my everyday smokes. Also after reccomendations bought 10 Toscano Anticos, 10 Toscano Classicos and a pair of limited edition Nostrano del Brentas.
Smoked a Classico on the way back to the hotel - they look like twigs! Had to walk around the block three times as the burn was so long - probably about 90 minutes, with a great taste. Hard draw though and a full flavour but a very enjoyable cigar, one that I wish I had bought more of.
Second visit I picked up a pack of 20 R&J clubs, sometimes I just fancy a quick burn cuban, these are handy for that purpose when you need the taste but don't have the time. Good for joining cigarette smokers outside.
I'll report on the Nostranos when I deem an occasion worthy enough - they again look like twigs, irregular shaped.
In short I'd reccomend Fincato for a visit and to pick up some reasonably priced sticks, he is shut Monday mornings though and has a long lunch, so check timings before you make the walk.
Sorry for the double post guys and girls.
Mate is off to his place in Clearwater FL this weekend and I'd like to ask him to pick up some sticks for me - been a while since I've asked him to do this, does anyone know the status of the embargo on Cubans?
It confuses me as last year in DC I managed to pick up some R&J Reservas and some Cohibas from Georgetown Tobacco - pals since has said that they are in fact rolled in the Dom. Republic and branded as cubans - itself not a problem as they taste great, be happy to restock.
Also his local shop appears to be Fusion Cigars near the beach, but can anyone who knows the area reccomend anywhere better? Humidor quite full at the moment so probably after a generic box of 25 robustos/coronas from Monte, Cohiba or R&J.
Cheers!
Mate is off to his place in Clearwater FL this weekend and I'd like to ask him to pick up some sticks for me - been a while since I've asked him to do this, does anyone know the status of the embargo on Cubans?
It confuses me as last year in DC I managed to pick up some R&J Reservas and some Cohibas from Georgetown Tobacco - pals since has said that they are in fact rolled in the Dom. Republic and branded as cubans - itself not a problem as they taste great, be happy to restock.
Also his local shop appears to be Fusion Cigars near the beach, but can anyone who knows the area reccomend anywhere better? Humidor quite full at the moment so probably after a generic box of 25 robustos/coronas from Monte, Cohiba or R&J.
Cheers!
FerdiZ28 said:
Sorry for the double post guys and girls.
Mate is off to his place in Clearwater FL this weekend and I'd like to ask him to pick up some sticks for me - been a while since I've asked him to do this, does anyone know the status of the embargo on Cubans?
It confuses me as last year in DC I managed to pick up some R&J Reservas and some Cohibas from Georgetown Tobacco - pals since has said that they are in fact rolled in the Dom. Republic and branded as cubans - itself not a problem as they taste great, be happy to restock.
Also his local shop appears to be Fusion Cigars near the beach, but can anyone who knows the area reccomend anywhere better? Humidor quite full at the moment so probably after a generic box of 25 robustos/coronas from Monte, Cohiba or R&J.
Cheers!
Thanks for the Italy report, very interesting read.Mate is off to his place in Clearwater FL this weekend and I'd like to ask him to pick up some sticks for me - been a while since I've asked him to do this, does anyone know the status of the embargo on Cubans?
It confuses me as last year in DC I managed to pick up some R&J Reservas and some Cohibas from Georgetown Tobacco - pals since has said that they are in fact rolled in the Dom. Republic and branded as cubans - itself not a problem as they taste great, be happy to restock.
Also his local shop appears to be Fusion Cigars near the beach, but can anyone who knows the area reccomend anywhere better? Humidor quite full at the moment so probably after a generic box of 25 robustos/coronas from Monte, Cohiba or R&J.
Cheers!
The embargo is to all intents and purposes over. Anything for personal consumption is allowed.
The muppet currently residing in the WH may well try to reverse that though...
paulguitar said:
Goaty Bill 2 said:
paulguitar said:
I shall report back.
It has been four days.Final proof, if any was needed, that non-Cuban cigars are instantly fatal.
Montecristo Edmundo tonight I think.
Unfortunately, "a decent if rather dull smoke" describes the majority of non-Cubans I have tried.
I rather suspect that I have been fortunate in those that I have tried as each was at some form of cigar event and therefore probably a best of the best selection by the officiating aficionado(s).
While I try to keep an open mind, none have so far wowed me enough to drag me away from my preferred Cubans, especially when the price gap seems to be closing somewhat over the last year or two.
Still, to each their own.
paulguitar said:
FerdiZ28 said:
Sorry for the double post guys and girls.
Mate is off to his place in Clearwater FL this weekend and I'd like to ask him to pick up some sticks for me - been a while since I've asked him to do this, does anyone know the status of the embargo on Cubans?
It confuses me as last year in DC I managed to pick up some R&J Reservas and some Cohibas from Georgetown Tobacco - pals since has said that they are in fact rolled in the Dom. Republic and branded as cubans - itself not a problem as they taste great, be happy to restock.
Also his local shop appears to be Fusion Cigars near the beach, but can anyone who knows the area reccomend anywhere better? Humidor quite full at the moment so probably after a generic box of 25 robustos/coronas from Monte, Cohiba or R&J.
Cheers!
Thanks for the Italy report, very interesting read.Mate is off to his place in Clearwater FL this weekend and I'd like to ask him to pick up some sticks for me - been a while since I've asked him to do this, does anyone know the status of the embargo on Cubans?
It confuses me as last year in DC I managed to pick up some R&J Reservas and some Cohibas from Georgetown Tobacco - pals since has said that they are in fact rolled in the Dom. Republic and branded as cubans - itself not a problem as they taste great, be happy to restock.
Also his local shop appears to be Fusion Cigars near the beach, but can anyone who knows the area reccomend anywhere better? Humidor quite full at the moment so probably after a generic box of 25 robustos/coronas from Monte, Cohiba or R&J.
Cheers!
The embargo is to all intents and purposes over. Anything for personal consumption is allowed.
The muppet currently residing in the WH may well try to reverse that though...
As for US law, I read this the other day Puff.com.
I note that the last update was 8th of Sept, '17 so may be out of date, but a friend was recently banned for discussing his Cuban collection and the moderator apparently cited the rules in that thread post.
As he is not interested in selling, and has no interest in revealing his sources, it seems a bit odd, but it does indicate that things may not be so clear yet.
It certainly seems that making enquiries would be prudent.
I have noticed that a lot of American reviews, upon close examination, tend to refer to Cuban brands made in Honduras and The Dominican Republic.
Said friend above, has tried a couple of Cohibas while in the US. He has an extensive collection of Cuban Cohibas and was entirely dismissive of the non-Cuban versions, saying he wouldn't smoke one again if it were free.
I will admit (he doesn't read this) that he can be a bit of a brand/edition snob, purchasing almost exclusively limited edition and/or aged cigars. Thankfully, though he would remain a good friend in any case, he is also generous to a fault
To follow up on my own Doha query....
I picked up a fresh box of Trinidad vigia’s (12) - great condition and about half the price compared to buying from a uk shop.
Knowledgable sales guy, much more so than Dubai peeps. They don’t have the same depth of a collection as Dubai but it all looks fresh and well kept. Some limited edition Trinidad’s also but price wise a little too rich for my blood and i prefer the smaller size of the vigia.
All in all it’s definitely worthwhile stopping in by for a look if you’re passing through or visiting.
Now it’s just about finding the right time to kick back with a nice bottle and sample one....
I picked up a fresh box of Trinidad vigia’s (12) - great condition and about half the price compared to buying from a uk shop.
Knowledgable sales guy, much more so than Dubai peeps. They don’t have the same depth of a collection as Dubai but it all looks fresh and well kept. Some limited edition Trinidad’s also but price wise a little too rich for my blood and i prefer the smaller size of the vigia.
All in all it’s definitely worthwhile stopping in by for a look if you’re passing through or visiting.
Now it’s just about finding the right time to kick back with a nice bottle and sample one....
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 9th March 10:21
Goaty Bill 2 said:
Yes, interesting and detailed.
As for US law, I read this the other day Puff.com.
I note that the last update was 8th of Sept, '17 so may be out of date, but a friend was recently banned for discussing his Cuban collection and the moderator apparently cited the rules in that thread post.
As he is not interested in selling, and has no interest in revealing his sources, it seems a bit odd, but it does indicate that things may not be so clear yet.
It certainly seems that making enquiries would be prudent.
I have noticed that a lot of American reviews, upon close examination, tend to refer to Cuban brands made in Honduras and The Dominican Republic.
Said friend above, has tried a couple of Cohibas while in the US. He has an extensive collection of Cuban Cohibas and was entirely dismissive of the non-Cuban versions, saying he wouldn't smoke one again if it were free.
I will admit (he doesn't read this) that he can be a bit of a brand/edition snob, purchasing almost exclusively limited edition and/or aged cigars. Thankfully, though he would remain a good friend in any case, he is also generous to a fault
As for US law, I read this the other day Puff.com.
I note that the last update was 8th of Sept, '17 so may be out of date, but a friend was recently banned for discussing his Cuban collection and the moderator apparently cited the rules in that thread post.
As he is not interested in selling, and has no interest in revealing his sources, it seems a bit odd, but it does indicate that things may not be so clear yet.
It certainly seems that making enquiries would be prudent.
I have noticed that a lot of American reviews, upon close examination, tend to refer to Cuban brands made in Honduras and The Dominican Republic.
Said friend above, has tried a couple of Cohibas while in the US. He has an extensive collection of Cuban Cohibas and was entirely dismissive of the non-Cuban versions, saying he wouldn't smoke one again if it were free.
I will admit (he doesn't read this) that he can be a bit of a brand/edition snob, purchasing almost exclusively limited edition and/or aged cigars. Thankfully, though he would remain a good friend in any case, he is also generous to a fault
Goaty Bill 2 said:
Yes, interesting and detailed.
As for US law, I read this the other day Puff.com.
I note that the last update was 8th of Sept, '17 so may be out of date, but a friend was recently banned for discussing his Cuban collection and the moderator apparently cited the rules in that thread post.
As he is not interested in selling, and has no interest in revealing his sources, it seems a bit odd, but it does indicate that things may not be so clear yet.
It certainly seems that making enquiries would be prudent.
I have noticed that a lot of American reviews, upon close examination, tend to refer to Cuban brands made in Honduras and The Dominican Republic.
Said friend above, has tried a couple of Cohibas while in the US. He has an extensive collection of Cuban Cohibas and was entirely dismissive of the non-Cuban versions, saying he wouldn't smoke one again if it were free.
I will admit (he doesn't read this) that he can be a bit of a brand/edition snob, purchasing almost exclusively limited edition and/or aged cigars. Thankfully, though he would remain a good friend in any case, he is also generous to a fault
Cheers for that. I’ve decided (as none of the Clearwater shops have responded and clearly don’t want my business) to order some boxes from jrcigars and have them delivered to his place.As for US law, I read this the other day Puff.com.
I note that the last update was 8th of Sept, '17 so may be out of date, but a friend was recently banned for discussing his Cuban collection and the moderator apparently cited the rules in that thread post.
As he is not interested in selling, and has no interest in revealing his sources, it seems a bit odd, but it does indicate that things may not be so clear yet.
It certainly seems that making enquiries would be prudent.
I have noticed that a lot of American reviews, upon close examination, tend to refer to Cuban brands made in Honduras and The Dominican Republic.
Said friend above, has tried a couple of Cohibas while in the US. He has an extensive collection of Cuban Cohibas and was entirely dismissive of the non-Cuban versions, saying he wouldn't smoke one again if it were free.
I will admit (he doesn't read this) that he can be a bit of a brand/edition snob, purchasing almost exclusively limited edition and/or aged cigars. Thankfully, though he would remain a good friend in any case, he is also generous to a fault
On their site it says that some of the sticks (R&J reserva real for example) have a Dominican wrapper and a Nicaraguan filler, which is probably what I picked up in DC. They’ve been lovely smokes so I’d imagine other types will follow suit.
Cheers all!
For the first time in ages I found myself in London with an hour to spare so popped into JJ Fox's for a quick sampler.
I told the assistant what I usually smoked and asked for a recommendation of something different to try -
It was okay, nice to try but not something I'd hurry back to. The sampling lounge was very busy, but it hadn't been cleaned for a few hours, not the usual standards I'd expect from them tbh.
I told the assistant what I usually smoked and asked for a recommendation of something different to try -
It was okay, nice to try but not something I'd hurry back to. The sampling lounge was very busy, but it hadn't been cleaned for a few hours, not the usual standards I'd expect from them tbh.
Another St. Patrick's day and of course another Fox event to celebrate.
The featured cigar was the H Upmann Anejados
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I first tried one of these at a club event back in February this year.
It may well be my imagination, but they seem to have improved in one short month, though I always thought it a good cigar and worth trying / smoking again.
These were accompanied by Irish Green Spot and Yellow Spot whiskeys - Excellent choices by my very amateur reckoning, I really enjoy these.
As my cigar was finished far too soon, I went for my fall-back short smoke; a Partagas Petit Corona Especiales to finish the evening at Fox's.
A few of us moved onto the Mayfair cigar lounge where I selected a Bolivar Royal Coronas.
Coincidentally, it shares identical sizing with the H.Upmann above.
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I've not tried many Bolivar, but really enjoyed this as a final cigar for the evening. Full flavoured without being overpowering.
I will be trying these again soon.
It would be remiss of me if I failed to mention meeting up with Edward at the event. A pleasure sir.
He enjoyed a long cigar geek chat with Nick of Fox's.
The featured cigar was the H Upmann Anejados
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I first tried one of these at a club event back in February this year.
It may well be my imagination, but they seem to have improved in one short month, though I always thought it a good cigar and worth trying / smoking again.
These were accompanied by Irish Green Spot and Yellow Spot whiskeys - Excellent choices by my very amateur reckoning, I really enjoy these.
As my cigar was finished far too soon, I went for my fall-back short smoke; a Partagas Petit Corona Especiales to finish the evening at Fox's.
A few of us moved onto the Mayfair cigar lounge where I selected a Bolivar Royal Coronas.
Coincidentally, it shares identical sizing with the H.Upmann above.
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I've not tried many Bolivar, but really enjoyed this as a final cigar for the evening. Full flavoured without being overpowering.
I will be trying these again soon.
It would be remiss of me if I failed to mention meeting up with Edward at the event. A pleasure sir.
He enjoyed a long cigar geek chat with Nick of Fox's.
DoubleTime said:
To follow up on my own Doha query....
I picked up a fresh box of Trinidad vigia’s (12) - great condition and about half the price compared to buying from a uk shop.
Knowledgable sales guy, much more so than Dubai peeps. They don’t have the same depth of a collection as Dubai but it all looks fresh and well kept. Some limited edition Trinidad’s also but price wise a little too rich for my blood and i prefer the smaller size of the vigia.
All in all it’s definitely worthwhile stopping in by for a look if you’re passing through or visiting.
Now it’s just about finding the right time to kick back with a nice bottle and sample one....
Superb, I love a Trinidad, they're my choice of Cuban.I picked up a fresh box of Trinidad vigia’s (12) - great condition and about half the price compared to buying from a uk shop.
Knowledgable sales guy, much more so than Dubai peeps. They don’t have the same depth of a collection as Dubai but it all looks fresh and well kept. Some limited edition Trinidad’s also but price wise a little too rich for my blood and i prefer the smaller size of the vigia.
All in all it’s definitely worthwhile stopping in by for a look if you’re passing through or visiting.
Now it’s just about finding the right time to kick back with a nice bottle and sample one....
Edited by DoubleTime on Friday 9th March 10:21
Goaty Bill 2 said:
Another St. Patrick's day and of course another Fox event to celebrate.
The featured cigar was the H Upmann Anejados
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I first tried one of these at a club event back in February this year.
It may well be my imagination, but they seem to have improved in one short month, though I always thought it a good cigar and worth trying / smoking again.
These were accompanied by Irish Green Spot and Yellow Spot whiskeys - Excellent choices by my very amateur reckoning, I really enjoy these.
As my cigar was finished far too soon, I went for my fall-back short smoke; a Partagas Petit Corona Especiales to finish the evening at Fox's.
A few of us moved onto the Mayfair cigar lounge where I selected a Bolivar Royal Coronas.
Coincidentally, it shares identical sizing with the H.Upmann above.
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I've not tried many Bolivar, but really enjoyed this as a final cigar for the evening. Full flavoured without being overpowering.
I will be trying these again soon.
It would be remiss of me if I failed to mention meeting up with Edward at the event. A pleasure sir.
He enjoyed a long cigar geek chat with Nick of Fox's.
Apologies for the late reply to this post; I spent the weekend freezing myself to bits at Goodwood.The featured cigar was the H Upmann Anejados
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I first tried one of these at a club event back in February this year.
It may well be my imagination, but they seem to have improved in one short month, though I always thought it a good cigar and worth trying / smoking again.
These were accompanied by Irish Green Spot and Yellow Spot whiskeys - Excellent choices by my very amateur reckoning, I really enjoy these.
As my cigar was finished far too soon, I went for my fall-back short smoke; a Partagas Petit Corona Especiales to finish the evening at Fox's.
A few of us moved onto the Mayfair cigar lounge where I selected a Bolivar Royal Coronas.
Coincidentally, it shares identical sizing with the H.Upmann above.
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
I've not tried many Bolivar, but really enjoyed this as a final cigar for the evening. Full flavoured without being overpowering.
I will be trying these again soon.
It would be remiss of me if I failed to mention meeting up with Edward at the event. A pleasure sir.
He enjoyed a long cigar geek chat with Nick of Fox's.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and my very great and most sincere thanks to you for a most enjoyable evening.
I greatly enjoyed the H Upmann Anejados; it was the first Upmann I have had in a while and a very interesting and progressive stick. I suspect I shall have to have another soon to reinforce my opinion. I know v little about whisky (but am learning which I like and which I don’t) but was similarly impressed with the pairing that Fox’s had chosen. I’ll probably buy a bottle of each to keep at home for medicinal purposes.
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