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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 16, 2009 23:37:17 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... The Petit Edmundo was made like a maxed-out shotgun shell. What a strong smoke. It just wasn't financially viable, CV. There was the option of taking another flight into Havana but it would have cost 175 Pesos over and above what the all-inclusive package covered. Still, we'd like to see Havana sometime in the future if only for a day or so. However, my buddy and I took the local bus to a couple of other resorts just to check them out and to check their cigar stocks, of course. One of those resorts was the Blau Colonial Hotel. The resort itself is an awesome setup. Scenic and clean. But ... Whereas the other resorts have walk-in humidors (my mouth is watering right now) built into their variety shops, the Blau Cigar store was solely dedicated to cigars. I learned later that the other shops would contact the Blau store for stock if they were running low. It's a pretty good setup. We walked in and met two Cuban women who really knew their cigars right down to the blends. Attractive and dressed to the nines, a lady named Tanya escorted us to their cigar lounge, where we sat down on leather armchairs in an air-conditioned room so we could enjoy the single cigars we just purchased. On the wall above the TV were black and white photos of celebrities who enjoyed their cigars. Surrounding a huge photo of Che Guevara were, Groucho Marx, Orson Wells, Winston Churchill and several others. As an aside, two couples walked into the smoking room. We got to talking and found out they were from Napanee, Ontario ... how odd is that? Totally off topic ... we were waiting for the Park 'N Fly earlier this morning in the Ottawa airport. One of the couples we started talking to actually lives on our street. No guff whatsoever. With the cigars about half-finished, we then strolled around the rest of the resort to check it out. The cigars seemed to be a magnet. Two gardeners, whose names I won't repeat, stopped to talk to us. Eventually, the conversation changed to cigars and how the two of them could 'cut us a few deals.' Apparently, they knew the guy who supplied the cigar store and they'd be able to get us whatever we wanted for 2 Pesos a stick. I asked him if the boxes would have the government seal on them and he said, no. So much for deals. Went along for a while and came onto the vendors row. One of them had a cedar humidor that he was asking 100 Pesos for. By the time I was finished haggling with the guy, he was going to 'cut me a deal' at 80 Pesos, to which I said (putting my hand on his shoulder at the same time) "... listen ... do you hear that amigo? It's a little bird chirping ... it's saying ... 50 Pesos ... 50 Pesos ..." We had a good laugh over that but it actually brought him down to 65 Pesos. The only thing else he wanted was one of my collared shirts, if I could get that to him the next day ... guess he has a problem trying to get decent non-Cuban clothing (which I tended to believe actually). Unfortunately I never went back, but it was just the same anyway; I really didn't know how well the humidor would work. Apologies for getting long-winded on you buds, but what a trip. See you for the game tomorrow, commodities in hand. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Mar 8, 2009 13:02:39 GMT -5
For those who are interested, I just signed up for a cigar smoker's forum. Brothers of the LeafHope to see some of you there. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 16, 2009 9:57:00 GMT -5
Had a Vegas Robaina Clasico last night. Excellent smoke. Nice clean burn and ash that lasted quite a while (didn't time it but it was easily over 75 minutes/close to 90 minutes)  Cheers. |
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Post by clear observer on Jul 15, 2009 11:34:02 GMT -5
Catholic guy goes into the confessional box. He notices on one side
a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On the other wall is a dazzling
array of the finest Cuban cigars. Then the priest comes in.
"Father, forgive me, for it's been a very long time since I've been
to confession, but I must first admit that the confessional box is much
more inviting these days."
The priest replies, "Get out. You're on my side."
;D
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Post by cigarviper on Jul 15, 2009 16:58:08 GMT -5
mmmmmmmm......draft draught Guinness.......mmmmmmmmmmm
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Post by CentreHice on Jul 16, 2009 3:55:02 GMT -5
Had my Trinidad Fundy today.
Best cigar I've ever had. Worth the money and the wait.
And it will be worth it again....but not too soon. Special occasions only....and I have to save up!
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Post by cigarviper on Jul 16, 2009 6:32:50 GMT -5
Have you tried the Cohiba Lancero, CH? IMO there's no comparison. Cohiba's are not bad but it's in a different league altogether.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jul 16, 2009 6:32:43 GMT -5
Glad you enjoyed it, CH. I've only had one but I remember it because of how smooth it was.
Have a few Upmann Monarchs (four) left in the humidor. Was going to save them for special occasions; Dis Jr getting married, first grandchild, NEXT CUP ...
Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jul 16, 2009 6:34:37 GMT -5
Have you tried the Cohiba Lancero, CH? IMO there's no comparison. Cohiba's are not bad but it's in a different league altogether. Have a few in my confessional box humidor aging just nicely. Had one about three days ago. Cheers. |
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Post by CentreHice on Jul 16, 2009 9:24:36 GMT -5
Have you tried the Cohiba Lancero, CH? IMO there's no comparison. Cohiba's are not bad but it's in a different league altogether. No, I haven't. But that'll be my next pricey cigar purchase. Thanks. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 10, 2009 13:39:42 GMT -5
Went to the reservation to check out cigar prices and there's a huge difference. Got a box of Upmanns Corona Majors for $70 less than I could get them here in Kingston.
On my way there tomorrow night to pick up 4 Cohiba Esplendidos for ... $9.99/stick ... the manager says her boss priced them by mistake. However, she's keeping them aside for me anyway.
Tried an Arturo Feuntes (Dominican) last weekend. Not bad, but it's not a Cuban.
Cheers.
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Post by CentreHice on Sept 3, 2009 22:51:11 GMT -5
 Had one of these tonight. El Mejor Emerald. Torpedo. Pigtail cap. Shaggy foot. That thing lasted well over an hour and never got harsh on me. For $8.95, that was a great smoke. |
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Post by CrocRob on Nov 28, 2009 9:44:56 GMT -5
Some family is going to Cuba tomorrow and wanted to know if I wanted some cigars. The answer is obviously yes but i was hoping for some recommendations on some reasonably priced cigars.
After looking back through the thread I might ask them to pick me up a few Trinidad Coloniales and maybe a couple others for me. Sounds like a reasonable smoke I can share with some friends on new year's eve.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Nov 28, 2009 12:26:14 GMT -5
Some family is going to Cuba tomorrow and wanted to know if I wanted some cigars. The answer is obviously yes but i was hoping for some recommendations on some reasonably priced cigars. After looking back through the thread I might ask them to pick me up a few Trinidad Coloniales and maybe a couple others for me. Sounds like a reasonable smoke I can share with some friends on new year's eve. I brought back some Coloniales the last time I was there, Red. It's a very smooth smoke, easy draw with excellent flavour. In fact, if you're looking for a smooth, flavourful smoke, you can't go wrong with the Trinidad line. I find, generally speaking, that they're a tad more expensive than other lines, but you'll see why when you light one up. Might take you about 30-35 minutes to smoke one depending on how fast you smoke it. I'm an Upmman's smoker, myself. That's just my preference though. I have a few Upmann's Magnums left and I'm looking at the box right now. 6.05 Convertable Pesos per stick. I'm really not sure what that is in Canadian dollars, but the Magnums sell for much more than that here in Canada. These ones take almost 50 minutes to an hour to smoke. The Cohiba line is outstanding. When he was allowed to smoke, Castro smoked the Cohiba Lancero. I have about six left and these take about 90 minutes or so to smoke. Interestingly enough, Red, they too are more expensive than other cigars, but it's the only line that actually makes my mouth water. If you want super reasonable cigars that are a good smoke, I'd actually ask your family members to bring back a few peso cigars. I was given two peso cigars by one of our waiters in Cayo Coco. "Here, this is what we smoke." Those two cigars matched any cigars I have in my humidor. And the reason I mention those is that you can probably get about 10 or so cigars for about 2-3 pesos. I've heard you can get about 20-ish for about 5 pesos, but I never tried. Might take about 25-30 minutes to smoke, but a great taste. The name of the peso cigars I had is la casita criolla. Green label with white lettering. Great draw, great taste and cheap. One thing your family should be weary of, though Red, they'll be approached by locals selling brand-name cigars extremely cheap (a box of 25 for 50 pesos or even single cigars for a couple of pesos or so). These aren't reliable cigars. You could be smoking tobacco that's fallen on the floor of the factory, or even several tabacco blends all at once. If folks do buy them then it's important that they know ahead of time what they're getting. Good to have a few brand-name cigars, but the peso cigars I had were outstanding. I still have the band because I plan on bringing 25 or so back with me this winter. They're not factory seconds, or a combination of blends. If they're good enough for the locals then they're good enough for me, you know? Hope your family has a great time in Cuba. Cheers. |
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