The PH Cigar Thread
Discussion
This thread is due an update!
I've not had that many cigars of note recently, my lounge has a load of new stuff in, mainly from Drew Estate and Gurkha. but I've not sampled a great deal of it, but here is a quick run down of what I've had:
Drew Estate Undercrown in robusto - A great stick, rich and smooth with the excellent construction Drew Estate are renowned for. Medium-full but eminently smokeable, just so smooth, rounded and tasty. Probably my favourite cigar at the £15 price, where is where new world cigar competition is really stiff, which says a lot about this fantastic cigar.
Gurkha Ghost - Another great smoke. I'm not sure what size I had as Gurkha use silly names for the vitolas (Shadow, Angel Torpedo Tubo, Exorcist, Asura). They claim it has "cocoa and cinnamon", I can't remember any of that, I just recall it having a cured tobacco flavour similar to a Partagas P2 but without the mouth-watering strength and body. I remember it being quite dark and heavy to smoke, but it is a great Friday evening stick. I'd probably put the extra £3 in and get an Undercrown in future though.
Gurkha 125th Anniversary - Apparently contains "Vanilla, spice and chestnut" and was "rated 96" (out of 100) - that tells me all I need to know about why I don't trust magazine reviews. I got none of that from this stick, I just found it a bland, generic smoke. Not bad, but no reason to choose it over any number of other cigars in the humidor, but reading a 96 rating you'd think it was the closest cigar to God.
They've got the Gurkha Royal Challenge Maduro in, which I may have to try as the standard RC is my favourite mild, easy smoker cigar. I don't know if the RCM will be as strong, mainly because it's competing for my attention with some other very good maduros. When I want a mild, easy smoke I pick an RC, if I want more sweetness and complexity the RCM will have to work hard to get my attention.
The lounge is also stocking the Drew Estate ACID line, which are made with flavour-infused tobacco. A friend had the Kuba Kuba and I had a quick puff, it was like smoking a can of Lynx and left a chemical sweetness on my lips and tongue which was still echoing on my tastebuds 6 hours later. At the time I wasn't impressed, but I want to try a whole stick myself, it had a strange allure. Also in stock is the ACID Atom, which is an infused maduro stick which I'd like to try. Some people can get a bit snobby about these infused cigars, but they're America's most popular cigar in terms of numbers sold, so we owe them something at least for getting people into cigars and keeping fresh blood flowing into the market.
I've been smoking my pipes more than cigars recently, I've really been getting into luxury pipe tobacco, the range of flavours is amazing and I can always find something for my mood. I've picked up a few tins that I've been dipping into , a J.F Germain Plum Cake Mix, which is like smoking a plum cake with hints of star anise, it's a loose, very thin ribbon cut so packs and burns really nicely. I then bought a tin of Sam Gawith's Firedance flake, which I hated at first - way too floral, like smoking a Turkish delight, too wet and bit the tongue hard. However, a week of on-off drying and a week or two to sit in the tin and I gave it another go and it's phenomenal, the awful fresh taste giving way to a delicious blackberry with hints of brandy warmth. Finally I picked up some Sam Gawith's Celtic Talisman, a cherry and vanilla flavoured blend which didn't need much drying at all, but gives a delicious, smooth and gentle smoke. It's a lot more complex than some cherry blends, it's not a cherry powerhouse, it's a subtle, smooth and growing flavour. I'm loving pipe tobacco at the minute, it's just excellent and a brilliant change of pace from cigars. Pipes are a bit niche, even in a tobacco lounge and can be intimidating to those who haven't had a few pointers from an experienced smoker, but it's well worth giving it a go and persevering when the first two or three smokes don't give amazing results.
I've not had that many cigars of note recently, my lounge has a load of new stuff in, mainly from Drew Estate and Gurkha. but I've not sampled a great deal of it, but here is a quick run down of what I've had:
Drew Estate Undercrown in robusto - A great stick, rich and smooth with the excellent construction Drew Estate are renowned for. Medium-full but eminently smokeable, just so smooth, rounded and tasty. Probably my favourite cigar at the £15 price, where is where new world cigar competition is really stiff, which says a lot about this fantastic cigar.
Gurkha Ghost - Another great smoke. I'm not sure what size I had as Gurkha use silly names for the vitolas (Shadow, Angel Torpedo Tubo, Exorcist, Asura). They claim it has "cocoa and cinnamon", I can't remember any of that, I just recall it having a cured tobacco flavour similar to a Partagas P2 but without the mouth-watering strength and body. I remember it being quite dark and heavy to smoke, but it is a great Friday evening stick. I'd probably put the extra £3 in and get an Undercrown in future though.
Gurkha 125th Anniversary - Apparently contains "Vanilla, spice and chestnut" and was "rated 96" (out of 100) - that tells me all I need to know about why I don't trust magazine reviews. I got none of that from this stick, I just found it a bland, generic smoke. Not bad, but no reason to choose it over any number of other cigars in the humidor, but reading a 96 rating you'd think it was the closest cigar to God.
They've got the Gurkha Royal Challenge Maduro in, which I may have to try as the standard RC is my favourite mild, easy smoker cigar. I don't know if the RCM will be as strong, mainly because it's competing for my attention with some other very good maduros. When I want a mild, easy smoke I pick an RC, if I want more sweetness and complexity the RCM will have to work hard to get my attention.
The lounge is also stocking the Drew Estate ACID line, which are made with flavour-infused tobacco. A friend had the Kuba Kuba and I had a quick puff, it was like smoking a can of Lynx and left a chemical sweetness on my lips and tongue which was still echoing on my tastebuds 6 hours later. At the time I wasn't impressed, but I want to try a whole stick myself, it had a strange allure. Also in stock is the ACID Atom, which is an infused maduro stick which I'd like to try. Some people can get a bit snobby about these infused cigars, but they're America's most popular cigar in terms of numbers sold, so we owe them something at least for getting people into cigars and keeping fresh blood flowing into the market.
I've been smoking my pipes more than cigars recently, I've really been getting into luxury pipe tobacco, the range of flavours is amazing and I can always find something for my mood. I've picked up a few tins that I've been dipping into , a J.F Germain Plum Cake Mix, which is like smoking a plum cake with hints of star anise, it's a loose, very thin ribbon cut so packs and burns really nicely. I then bought a tin of Sam Gawith's Firedance flake, which I hated at first - way too floral, like smoking a Turkish delight, too wet and bit the tongue hard. However, a week of on-off drying and a week or two to sit in the tin and I gave it another go and it's phenomenal, the awful fresh taste giving way to a delicious blackberry with hints of brandy warmth. Finally I picked up some Sam Gawith's Celtic Talisman, a cherry and vanilla flavoured blend which didn't need much drying at all, but gives a delicious, smooth and gentle smoke. It's a lot more complex than some cherry blends, it's not a cherry powerhouse, it's a subtle, smooth and growing flavour. I'm loving pipe tobacco at the minute, it's just excellent and a brilliant change of pace from cigars. Pipes are a bit niche, even in a tobacco lounge and can be intimidating to those who haven't had a few pointers from an experienced smoker, but it's well worth giving it a go and persevering when the first two or three smokes don't give amazing results.
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.
I didn't have a chance to get a Christmas cigar in, but I did buy myself a nice Xikar Allume tabletop lighter a few days before Christmas. I'm looking forward to getting back to my local lounge to put it to work.
It's a solid piece, in a dark gunmetal finish called "Stealth G2", triple jet with a side-bar ignition, very easy to click and feels like a really nice action. It's perhaps bit much for something I will take to the lounge and take home with me but it just felt so good in the hand, it's about 3.5" tall and weighs a fair amount. Xikar offer lifetime warranty on all of their products too, which is handy should it ever go wrong.
It's a solid piece, in a dark gunmetal finish called "Stealth G2", triple jet with a side-bar ignition, very easy to click and feels like a really nice action. It's perhaps bit much for something I will take to the lounge and take home with me but it just felt so good in the hand, it's about 3.5" tall and weighs a fair amount. Xikar offer lifetime warranty on all of their products too, which is handy should it ever go wrong.
jinkster said:
Do you all smoke inside the house? Man cave or outside?
In the garden in summer, or at my local cigar lounge which is part of a local specialist tobacconist. LiamD said:
Can any of you seasoned smokers recommend some cigars for me and some friends to smoke for NYE, would the word beginners be right when it comes to cigar smoking? 
You'll want something mild to medium in body and strength at most and tubed so you can purchase them ahead of time of whatever NYE event you're attending and not worry about them drying out. Visit your local cigar shop and they might have zip lock bags and humidity pouches you won't be restricted to only tubed cigars. Pick up a cheap butane jet lighter while you're there and ask them to cut whatever cigars you buy ready for smoking.Something like a Romeo y Julieta no 2 is a good shout, as is the Por Larranaga Petit Coronas. You're really best off asking your tobacconist what he has in though. Don't be tempted to go for something massive or really strong, you'll end up not enjoying it and might put yourself off for the future. Remember to smoke slow, don't draw into the lungs and don't rush it. Set aside an hour at least. Enjoy!
Edited by Mastodon2 on Monday 26th December 22:21
paulguitar said:
Thanks, the Bolivar Libertador were quite different to any other Boli's I have had before, more subtle and smooth. Has anyone here tried the Partagas Serie E no 2? Epic cigar!
The only Partagas I've had was a P2, what a heavyweight. I asked my tobacconist what the quintessential "cured tobacco flavour" cigar was, on his list of recommendations was the P2, he was bang on the money. Such a strong flavour that it made my mouth water, not a smoke to be taken lightly but very pleasant if the mood takes me.paulguitar said:
I have been deviating lately away from Cuba and have been having some Nicaraguan cigars. Some really great ones, I particularly enjoy the Oliva serie V, bit I am lately pining for some Cohibas and seriously considering going all out and getting myself a 15-pack of Esplendidos…….
The Oliva Serie V is a fantastic smoke, very nice indeed - probably one of the richest, oiliest smokes I can think of. I might have one at my cigar lounge next weekend.jinkster said:
I'm running 2 of the 75 Boveda packs, maybe i'll take one out in order to get the humidity a tad lower. When I put new cigars in the humidor it did drop to 72 and then back to 75. Would you recommend I take out 1 of the Boveda packs?
Personally I'd just pull both a put a 69% sachet in. I run my humidor at 69% or thereabouts and it has the cigars in great condition. I find getting into the 70s to be too much, certainly by the mid 70s I find the cigars are too wet and don't smoke as well.40 is a pretty small gauge, which may limit choice somewhat, but definitely add the Trinidad Fundadores and possibly also the Coloniales, which is a little thicker and shorter. I love the rich, woody body of the Trinidad smokes, they're my favourite Cuban sticks. I tend to prefer new world for bang to buck, superior construction and range of flavours, but the Cubans definitely have some nice stuff.
First cigar in a while for me last night, I had a La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Buil.
While the hype for this cigar has reached the stratosphere, I was a bit cyincal, I shouldn't have been. A rich and full bodies as a Partagas P2 or a CAO Brazilia, but with incredible depth and complexity of flavour. Extremely slow smoking too. Normally I'd have two cigars in a sitting but the richness coupled with length of time it took to smoke it meant I was done after one stick.
While the hype for this cigar has reached the stratosphere, I was a bit cyincal, I shouldn't have been. A rich and full bodies as a Partagas P2 or a CAO Brazilia, but with incredible depth and complexity of flavour. Extremely slow smoking too. Normally I'd have two cigars in a sitting but the richness coupled with length of time it took to smoke it meant I was done after one stick.
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:
Finding your ideal cigar 
A truly great feeling. Every time I visit my lounge I can't help but have a Drew Estate Kentucky fired cured, they're fantastic. There's a regular there who buys Alec Bradley Texas Lanceros by the box and stores them on site, doesn't smoke anything else and guarantees he will always get the stick he wants. number2 said:
Loving your choice DT ;-) quality cigar...
Having some me-time .myself this late evening...
Very nice. I enjoyed the sun in the garden the other day with a Cohiba Siglo II, as I have a few of them in the humidor. A nice, easy smoke, not massively flavourful in the way the new world stuff can be but still nice. I've still got a mountain of Punch Coronations to get through and I do like those. Having some me-time .myself this late evening...
Manners2001 said:
I entered the world of cigars following 3 weeks in Cuba about 8 or 9 years ago. I did, at one point, have a pretty well stocked humidor however I have let it run down as I have a serious problem - the taste left in my mouth the morning after! Generally I prefer a Monte Cristo Edmundo (or Petit Edmundo if time doesn't permit) which I realise is probably a medium to full tasting cigar.
It doesn't help that I generally smoke a cigar in a situation where I would be having a 'few' drinks, so to wake up with a slightly sore head and a mouth that tastes like a badgers behind really isn't pleasant!
Any suggestions?
Brush your teeth when you're done. I tend to spend a good 6-7 minutes after a cigar, rinse repeatedly with lots of water and have a drink of something before bed. It doesn't help that I generally smoke a cigar in a situation where I would be having a 'few' drinks, so to wake up with a slightly sore head and a mouth that tastes like a badgers behind really isn't pleasant!
Any suggestions?
number2 said:
The next day, as has been said, brushing teeth and tongue; a good mouthwash will help too - CB12 for example. Eating something will also go some way to cleansing the palette.
Off on hols now, and am looking forward to trying some new cigars that I've brought along, and picking some more up along the way! Palma for a few days then off to Es Trenc for a week.
Happy smoking chaps
Great selection, that should be a pleasant trip indeed. Off on hols now, and am looking forward to trying some new cigars that I've brought along, and picking some more up along the way! Palma for a few days then off to Es Trenc for a week.
Happy smoking chaps
paulguitar said:
I think I may have a Cohiba tonight.
I am back in the UK after 119 nights on a cruise ship working, and I bought a car today!
Superb, light one up. I am back in the UK after 119 nights on a cruise ship working, and I bought a car today!
It's been a while since my last smoke when I had a Cohiba by a fire in the garden. I may have to head to my local lounge for a stick or two.
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