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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 16, 2008 20:49:07 GMT -5
"The El Laguito factory has a brand called Trinidad, which they say is for you to give as personal gifts. It has become a legend." Castro: "I am not fully aware of that brand..." Isn't it wierd that the a very well known cigar factory in Cuba says it makes the Trinis for Castro to give as gifts yet he hasn't heard of the brand? Not sure what to think of any of this, but suffice to say that the Cohibas are way overpriced for what you get. More confusion, but then again, this is Cuba we're talking about. Everything there is snafu: Two names that have been spoken with great reverence in the Cuban context are Cohiba and Trinidad. These were the Marques (brands) specially rolled for Fidel Castro, for his personal use and for diplomatic gifts. The well-regarded El Laguito factory, employing only women rollers, was chosen to manufacture these exclusive cigars, first Cohiba in 1968 and then Trinidad (1980). Cohiba cigars were only released to the commercial world in 1982, and Trinidad in 1998. Ironically both marques first appeared as long, slim cigars (panatellas): Cohiba as Lanceros (Ring 38 x 192mm) and Corona Especiales (Ring 38 x 152mm); Trinidad as Fundadores (Ring 40 x 192mm). Fine as they are, none of them is easy to smoke, and these shapes are less favoured to-day. In 1992 (5 centuries after Columbus's epic voyage) Cohiba created the Linea 1492 range of sizes named "Siglo" - the Spanish word for "Century": Siglo I - Half Corona - Ring 40 x 102mm Siglo II - Petit Corona - Ring 42 x 129mm Siglo III - Royal Corona - Ring 42 x 155mm Siglo IV - Corona Extra - Ring 46 x 143mm Siglo V - Corona Grande - Ring 43 x 170mm and later (in the next century) Siglo VI - Short Double Corona - Ring 52 x 150mm This range, together with the more recently released, great Cohiba Robusto (Ring 50 x 124mm), has been highly successful, winning world acclaim. Trinidad usurped Cohiba as the "Fidel" and Diplomatic gift cigar in 1980, and was then launched commercially in 1998 - but still in only one size, the Fundadores. www.wesleys.co.za/archives19.htmGood link, CV. I'll be sending this one around. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 16, 2008 20:54:17 GMT -5
Then again we're both looking at trying one of these Trinidad Fundadore cigars. He said he's seen them for around $15/16 bucks or so. Dis, if you can find a Fundy for fifteen bucks in a Canadian retail store please let me know. In fact, they might be closer to $45-$50. Amazing smoke though. I've never had a Cohiba that came even close. Steven should have some stock with a little age on 'em. Do you have the date codes for the older stuff? All very cloak and dagger, lol. If that's the price, CV, I'll probably ask just to smell one if I can ;D I'm interested in seeing how much your friend charges for a box of H. Upmann's. My buddy is partial to Cohibas but I've become fond of the Upmann brands. As I was saying earlier, I may have to reserve a Fundy for a special occasion coming up. Won't be tomorrow, though we are doing cigars tomorrow night. Cheers. |
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Post by cigarviper on Oct 16, 2008 21:29:20 GMT -5
Well it's been a while since I bought one and prices on some cigars have come down, but it was in that range at one time. In better times I bought a box of aged Fundies I kept for special occasions. Thing was, good bowel days were cause for celebration - out came the Trinis, lol. At this point I have a couple of 10 year old Partagas Lusitanias waiting in the humidor for a very special occasion...like a grandkid or a jackpot win or maybe a 25th Stanley perhaps?
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 17, 2008 5:20:15 GMT -5
Well it's been a while since I bought one and prices on some cigars have come down, but it was in that range at one time. In better times I bought a box of aged Fundies I kept for special occasions. Thing was, good bowel days were cause for celebration - out came the Trinis, lol. At this point I have a couple of 10 year old Partagas Lusitanias waiting in the humidor for a very special occasion...like a grandkid or a jackpot win or maybe a 25th Stanley perhaps? A good humidor. They're all over the place I find, but what to look for? Price? Not sure. Cheers. |
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Post by cigarviper on Oct 17, 2008 6:20:01 GMT -5
Well it's been a while since I bought one and prices on some cigars have come down, but it was in that range at one time. In better times I bought a box of aged Fundies I kept for special occasions. Thing was, good bowel days were cause for celebration - out came the Trinis, lol. At this point I have a couple of 10 year old Partagas Lusitanias waiting in the humidor for a very special occasion...like a grandkid or a jackpot win or maybe a 25th Stanley perhaps? A good humidor. They're all over the place I find, but what to look for? Price? Not sure. Cheers. The role of a humidor, keeping the humidity inside at around 70%, is simple but finding a good one is not as easy as it might sound. Firstly, it should have a tight fitting lid, so as not to let the humid air out. On the converse, if the lid is too airtight, you should make a habit of opening it at least once or twice a month to allow fresh air in. To simplfy, a balance between fresh air and a steady relative humidity level is the goal to maintaining and aging cigars. Some people with large quantities of cigars use "Tupperdors". A big Tupperware container. Throw in a couple of sheets of Spanish Cedar, a damp paper towel in a ziplock baggie and voila. Not the most handsome humidor out there but it can do the job in a pinch. There are tips for humidor shopping and different ways to maintain rh I can get into, but I gotta head for work. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 17, 2008 7:07:43 GMT -5
Dis, if you can find a Fundy for fifteen bucks in a Canadian retail store please let me know. In fact, they might be closer to $45-$50. Amazing smoke though. I've never had a Cohiba that came even close. Steven should have some stock with a little age on 'em. Do you have the date codes for the older stuff? All very cloak and dagger, lol. If that's the price, CV, I'll probably ask just to smell one if I can ;D I'm interested in seeing how much your friend charges for a box of H. Upmann's. My buddy is partial to Cohibas but I've become fond of the Upmann brands. As I was saying earlier, I may have to reserve a Fundy for a special occasion coming up. Won't be tomorrow, though we are doing cigars tomorrow night. Cheers. Here's what my buddy sent to me earlier this morning, CV. You're probably right about the price of Fundy's at a Canadian tobacconist, but here's a website that has a pack of five for $77 USD. Add shipping and taxes and we'd probably see that jump a tad. www.my-cuban-cigars.com/Trinidad-cigars-Fundadores-Pack-Of-5.htmlI suspect your friend, Steve, will be selling them for around $40 a pop. Will let you know though. Will be trying to leave work early to check out the store. Was there before actually, about 15 years ago. Cheers. |
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Post by cigarviper on Oct 17, 2008 16:58:42 GMT -5
If that's the price, CV, I'll probably ask just to smell one if I can ;D I'm interested in seeing how much your friend charges for a box of H. Upmann's. My buddy is partial to Cohibas but I've become fond of the Upmann brands. As I was saying earlier, I may have to reserve a Fundy for a special occasion coming up. Won't be tomorrow, though we are doing cigars tomorrow night. Cheers. Here's what my buddy sent to me earlier this morning, CV. You're probably right about the price of Fundy's at a Canadian tobacconist, but here's a website that has a pack of five for $77 USD. Add shipping and taxes and we'd probably see that jump a tad. www.my-cuban-cigars.com/Trinidad-cigars-Fundadores-Pack-Of-5.htmlI suspect your friend, Steve, will be selling them for around $40 a pop. Will let you know though. Will be trying to leave work early to check out the store. Was there before actually, about 15 years ago. Cheers. Beware online sellers. Tax on cigars is around 200%! |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 17, 2008 17:09:05 GMT -5
I think the Fundadore goes for around $30. Alright, ALRIGHT ... I'm make a liar out of you for a buck, twenty-five. $31.25 for a full Trinidad Fundadore at Smoker's Haven. Picked two of those up along with two Trinidad Coloniales. We'll be smoking the TC's tonight. The TFs will be going into a humidor until sometime next month. I remember the place from the early-80's, CV. Different management and a different layout. The first thing that hit me when I went in were all the hukas, bubble pipes and toking stones. Hmm ... where's the humidor I thought. Then this 70's kind of dude comes out and asks me, "are you going to eat that hotdog? Then Steve introduces himself and told him "Mike sent me." He knew who you were and took me and my friend into the humidor. Very competitive prices; upwards of 30% better than Holy Smokes. I also told him about the internet prices for TFs. He said that was normal but that we'd be paying upwards of 70% tax on any tobacco coming into Canada. I also asked Steve about prices for boxes of various cigars. He told me that would knock off the GST and that was about it. Still, when you figure he's undercutting the competition by 30% it isn't all that bad. We'll be going back especially when my H. Upmanns are $3 bucks cheaper per cigar. Thanks for the tip. Cheers. |
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Post by cigarviper on Oct 17, 2008 17:51:56 GMT -5
These days you have to diversify to survive. Glad you found it.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 17, 2008 19:15:15 GMT -5
Just finished our Trinidad Coloniales. A good smoke but I found the tobacco a tad spicy right off the bat. By that I mean, I got a strong taste that I would normally get when I got down to the end of a cigar.
A very even burn with an easy draw. The ash was about 1 1/2" before it finally feel off.
I'll be heading back just on Steven's prices. Thanks again.
Cheers.
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Post by cigarviper on Oct 17, 2008 20:18:11 GMT -5
You'll find the Coloniales aren't anything like the Fundy. As for the strength, the last inch and a half is sometimes the best part. That's why I prefer robustos and smaller. Strong right off the bat. Another cigar that might interest you is the Hoyo De Monterrey Double Corona. It's another flagship cigar- the Hoyo DC. An afternoon watching football kind of cigar.
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Post by cigarviper on Oct 17, 2008 20:36:10 GMT -5
Oh yeah, the humidor. You can close the lids on a five dollar bill to check the seal. If you can pull it out from the sides or front it'll be leaky. Steven can probably give you a deal on a humidor too. Sometimes Costco brings in a $75 burl wood glass top that's pretty nice looking. Once you determine what size you need and know what to look for it's a matter of finding one that turns your crank. I went to the Odessa Antique fair years ago and bought this old Victrola cabinet minus the player. Stripped it down, cleaned it out and lined it with Spanish Cedar. I made the top for singles and below for boxes. Total cost about $150. I keep the rh steady with a Cigar Oasis Extend from Bob Staebel. This guy knows humidors. If you have the coin Bob can dazzle you with his mad skills.   |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 17, 2008 21:59:36 GMT -5
You'll find the Coloniales aren't anything like the Fundy. As for the strength, the last inch and a half is sometimes the best part. That's why I prefer robustos and smaller. Strong right off the bat. Another cigar that might interest you is the Hoyo De Monterrey Double Corona. It's another flagship cigar- the Hoyo DC. An afternoon watching football kind of cigar. I don't mind the strong taste, but it's something I wasn't really prepared for so soon in the cigar. I had a Humo Santos Robusto from the Dominican and it wasn't that bad at all. However, from what I understand, the Humo Santos brand is made exclusively for Holy Smokes (English for Humo Santos I've been told). Two other countries also make Humo Santo cigars for that shop as well. They are Nicaragua and Honduras. I tried a robusto cigar from each of these countries as well and they were terrible. The Nicaraguan cigar even split on me. I also tried a Don Tomas a little ways back as well ... a three-tobacco blend wrapped in a leaf from Cameroon. Again, terrible. I'll give that Hoyo De Monterrey Double a try one of these days for sure. Right now, though, those Upmanns cigars are still my fave. Cheers. |
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Post by CentreHice on Oct 19, 2008 21:19:16 GMT -5
ArganeseNot bad at all....and for around 9.75 for the corona. Domincan-grown from 1st generation Cuban seed....using Cuban production methods. Can't wait to try a Fundy, though.... 
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Oct 19, 2008 21:37:25 GMT -5
ArganeseNot bad at all....and for around 9.75 for the corona. Domincan-grown from 1st generation Cuban seed....using Cuban production methods. Can't wait to try a Fundy, though.... I'm probably only going to wait a little while longer, CH. My friend and I bought a couple of Fundadores on Friday. He has them in his humidor and we were going to smoke them in late November. However, I'm hoping we can find a good place to smoke them inside a lot sooner. Will let you know how they smoke. BTW, the Colonailes lasted about 45 minutes or so. I haven't looked them up as yet but my buddy was telling me they were somewhere around a 40 ring. Not a bad smoke, but like I was saying to CV, I found the cigar to be a bit spicy right from the start. That is, for me it tasted the same as if I had gotten down to the end of the cigar. What kind of smoke was the Arganese? Still looking at giving that tequila mix a try too mate. Cheers. |
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Post by CrocRob on Oct 19, 2008 22:32:29 GMT -5
My mother got back from Ireland, and picked me up a couple new tweed hats. Figure I need to break them in with a cigar this coming weekend. Yes, it's gimmicky and cliche but I love it. Reminds me of an old film. I'm gonna head over to the store this week and take the knowledge I'm learning here and see if I can pick out something I like.   Yes, I'm far too excited about new hats. Mostly just wanted you guys to know that the knowledge is useful.  |
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Post by CentreHice on Oct 19, 2008 23:38:06 GMT -5
What kind of smoke was the Arganese? Still looking at giving that tequila mix a try too mate. Cheers. The Arganese was very good. But I was smoking outside...and it was a bit chilly. I think you lose the overall effect outdoor when it's cool. The Patron Cafe Tequila is very sweet...some would say syrupy. I like the zing of the tequila. Like drinking a Mexican coffee candy. Not for everyone, I'm sure. |
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Post by CentreHice on Oct 19, 2008 23:40:11 GMT -5
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Post by jkr on Oct 20, 2008 17:05:20 GMT -5
My mother got back from Ireland, and picked me up a couple new tweed hats. Figure I need to break them in with a cigar this coming weekend. Yes, it's gimmicky and cliche but I love it. Reminds me of an old film. I'm gonna head over to the store this week and take the knowledge I'm learning here and see if I can pick out something I like. Yes, I'm far too excited about new hats. Mostly just wanted you guys to know that the knowledge is useful. What's that stuff stashed under the desk? Did they just roll under there when you were finished with them?  BTW, I like hat number one as well. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Nov 30, 2008 19:44:27 GMT -5
Well, guys, my buddy and I each smoked a Trinidad Fundadore Friday night after some supper at the pub. It was without a doubt the best cigar I've ever smoked and I knew it as soon as I lit it up.
If I had to rank the best ones for me:
1. Trinidad Fundadores,
2. Upmanns Majestics,
3. Cohiba Lanceros.
I know Upmanns makes a 7" cigar and I intend on trying them in January when we're in Cuba.
From what I understand (if I can find the link) the TF's are made in the same place as Cohibas, but less the 3rd fermentation stage.
Excellent smoke. Thanks for letting me know about them, CV.
Cheers.
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Post by cigarviper on Dec 1, 2008 10:03:09 GMT -5
Glad you enjoyed the Fundy, Dis. I only wish it came in a larger size. The feel of that slender cigar always makes me feel like a nancy-boy. After a nice steak meal my favs are the Partagas Serie D#4, Bolivar Belicoso Fino or the Partagas Churchill. If you get a chance to try a Partagas Lusitania, it is aptly named.  |
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Post by CrocRob on Jan 2, 2009 16:56:50 GMT -5
You'd probably enjoy the Fonseca line. Mild Cuban smoke for the occassional smoker. Various sizes and price ranges represented. Finally got around to trying out your recommendation on New Year's Eve. It was a decent smoke, perhaps a little too mild for my liking, but in the end I think my date appreciated that. |
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Post by cigarviper on Jan 2, 2009 22:21:18 GMT -5
You'd probably enjoy the Fonseca line. Mild Cuban smoke for the occassional smoker. Various sizes and price ranges represented. Finally got around to trying out your recommendation on New Year's Eve. It was a decent smoke, perhaps a little too mild for my liking, but in the end I think my date appreciated that. That's as mild as Cuban cigars get. Maybe you'd enjoy the Romeo Y Julieta line. A little stronger with the Cazadores being the exception. That smoke requires a full stomach. |
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Post by CrocRob on Jan 3, 2009 1:48:32 GMT -5
Finally got around to trying out your recommendation on New Year's Eve. It was a decent smoke, perhaps a little too mild for my liking, but in the end I think my date appreciated that. That's as mild as Cuban cigars get. Maybe you'd enjoy the Romeo Y Julieta line. A little stronger with the Cazadores being the exception. That smoke requires a full stomach. That's generally what I buy because I'm used to it. I got a box a few years back from a friend returning from Cuba, and have generally stuck to the line as a default. I do enjoy trying new varieties, though! |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 3, 2009 8:35:54 GMT -5
Off to Cuba this Thursday. I guess we're allowed 50 stogies per person and I got a humidor for Christmas.
And away we go.
Cheers.
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Post by cigarviper on Jan 3, 2009 17:41:06 GMT -5
Off to Cuba this Thursday. I guess we're allowed 50 stogies per person and I got a humidor for Christmas. And away we go. Cheers. I'll be coming along with you in spirit, Dis. You don't sleep commando do you? |
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 3, 2009 21:19:52 GMT -5
Have a great time, Dis.
Varadero?
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 3, 2009 21:42:14 GMT -5
Have a great time, Dis. Varadero? Cayo Coco, man. As I was saying to Franko offline; cigars, rum and a lot of cheap shrimp. Figure a box of Fundadores and a box of Upmann's (not sure which style). Leave on January 8th. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 16, 2009 17:28:09 GMT -5
Well, picked up some Cuban cigars while I was there this week. My buddy and I must have smoked at least 15 cigars over the seven days we were there. I think it's important to a favourite brand but not to limit yourself to it. There's just too many great cigars out there. There's also some real duds as well. Some interesting tidbits. * All cigar prices are regulated by the government; therefore, it makes no difference if you buy them from the resort humidor, or the duty-free shop at the airport. All monies go directly to the Cuban bank systems and not the proprietors. * Black market cigars are readily available from everywhere. This is why establishments have to destroy all of their wooden boxes once the cigars have been sold. It's also another reason why you may choose to rip the labels in two once you're finished your cigars. * As I was saying we must have smoked at least 15 cigars while we were there (maybe more like 17 or 18 when I think about it), mostly in the lobby while the waiters were delivering Mojitos and Zombies ... all inclusive ... and the chicks ... however, I was approached three times by resort workers to see if I wanted to buy any 'cheap cigars.' One of them was a waiter in the main dining area who showed me some of the products he had hidden in his pantry stand. They looked very official in every way, except they were missing the official government seal on the boxes. I was also approached by a lifeguard on the beach and a pair of gardeners at another resort. In every case with me they failed to secure the deal. As I was saying, these cigars look and smell like the real thing. Heck, from what I hear they're not all that bad a smoke. They'll also be about 1/3 of the price you'd pay at the resort store. However, while it may be a decent smoke, you just won't know what you're buying. Yet, all these guys had something in common ... they'd look around to make sure the coast is clear, give you the spiel real quick-like and then say "let me know." As I was saying to CV earlier today, I picked up and paid for 50 cigars, and had two given to me by one of our waiters, Fidel. He said these two cigars were unavailable to visitors and are what a lot of Cubans smoke. All of the remaining cigars I have are government controlled. They came in a box with the government seal intact. Most cigars I smoked were anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 the price we'd pay here. Here's the tally: * 25 H. Upmann's Magnum 46, what a good smoke. * 12 Trinidad Colonialies, smooth as silk and not as strong a cigar taste as the Upmann's blend. * 9 Hoyo de Monterey Epicure 1's, one of the best I've ever smoked. Up there with the Trinidad's. * 4 H. Upmann Monarchs, I had one of these one afternoon and didn't want another cigar until the following evening ... boom!! What a smoke, and * 2 from that young waiter, Fidel. Will be smoking one of them on Sunday with the buddy I went to Cuba with. I paid nowhere near the prices we would here in Canada and used my credit card to buy them. If you're going to buy a lot, then the credit card is the way to go. The transaction will show up on your statement in American dollars ... yes, that's right ... American dollars even though we thought they'd have nothing to do with that currency. And the exchange rate will work more in your favour. Tried some cigars I didn't particularly care fore. I don't like the Montecristo blend of tobacco. Apparently, the most popular cigar in the world is the Montecristo No.4 and I found it to be a terrible smoke, though some guys would find it a good one for sure. I was also given a Montecristo Petit Edmundo about 24 hours ago, and I found that too was harsh. The cigars I listed above are different blends, but very smooth smokes. I don't know what the local Cuban ones taste like but we'll give them a try hopefully Sunday. Some cigar lore; one of the most famous Bolivar smokers was Che Guevara. However, when we went to the cigar store (that had it's own smoking room not far from the walk-in humidor) the lady there said that Che smoked "cigars with no label." Interesting. Also, the we got mixed answers when asking Cuban cigar vendors which cigar Fidel Castro gave out as diplomatic gifts. Some said it was the Trinidad Fundadore while others insisted it was the Cohiba Lancero. It was also confusing trying to determine which cigar was made specifically for him, although the Cohiba line seems to be the most popular answer. Cheers. |
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Post by cigarviper on Jan 16, 2009 22:16:24 GMT -5
The Montecristo #2 is world reknown as their flagship premium cigar. I've had many and didn't like any of them. That Petit Edmundo though...
Did you tour the Partagas factory?
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