Hoyo De Monterrey Churchill

The other night I smoked a HDM Churchill that was about 2 years old. I do not know for sure because it was given to me by a friend shortly before my wedding in June. I hadn't been smoking much, but none-the-less this was the best cigar I have had in months. I cannot wait to get my hands on some more and possibly put them away for a while.

The flavours were simply intense, with earth, spice and licorice building into a dense thick smoke. It had so much character that if I was asked by someone to illustrate the difference between Cuban cigars and non-Cubans with one cigar, I would unquestionably reach for this. It reminded me of Lagavulin Scotch, in the way that it just made sense on your taste buds, and since I had some Lagavulin I drank it with this.

Not only did it taste spectacular it also looked it. The oily, chestnut-coloured wrapper was in perfect condition and it drew just superb the whole way down. I didn't have a camera on hand at the time, so no pics.

I thank Seauin for giving this to me, and I thank, in advance, anyone I come across in the future should they have any! If you find one try it.

Adam

Way Too Busy!!!

I have been insanely busy as of late. I got a new job with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? at their office here in Vancouver. So that is taking up most of my time right now. I will be getting back to this soon, but as for now I am just too busy. I don't have a lot of time to smoke let alone write about it!!

Til' later...

Adam

Partagas Serie Du Connoisseurs No. 2

I am finally over my cold that has plagued me for the last few weeks.

To celebrate I lit my first cigar in a while, a Partagas Serie Du Connoisseur No. 2. I purchased this cigar online from TopCubans.

This is fast becoming one of my favourite cigars, at 6.5 inches by a 38 ring gauge it is a terrific size for a quick smoke. I find that the draws on all the Conn2's I have smoked have been perfect, which is absolutely crucial to enjoying a cigar of this size. The burn on this one was great, requiring just a minor touch up, and the ash was lengthy and white the whole way down.

The taste is decidely woody at the start, with some spice that develops throughout. I haven't smoked enough of these to say much more just yet, other than that I love them so far.

Cheers,

Adam

Still Sick.....

Man, this cold won't go away. I have the worst cough I can remember, I can't even walk let a lone smoke a cigar. I am hoping I get better by saturday and sunday, Sarah and I are going down to Seattle to celebrate my birthday.

I made reservations at Wild Ginger, which is supposed to be (according to most of my friends) a terrific asian fusion restaurant. The menu looks pretty appetizing, so we shall see.

While I am down there I hope to pick up some Padrons (anniversarios), or Fuentes (flora fina maduros), which are about the only non-cuban cigars I really enjoy, although I admittedly haven't tried as many NC's as Cubans.

I also hope to pick up some Red Hook Ale and some other microbrews I haven't tried, and some good wine from Pike and Western Wine . This is a great little shop right across from Victor Steinbrueck Park in the market.

So I have no control over the cold, but all the other things should be achievable. Wish me luck.

Sick

I haven't been smoking really anything at all.

I somehow managed to catch a cold in the midst of summer and am coughing ridiculously night and day. I also have been working a tremendous amount and spend my time off doing nothing at all!

So in the next week I will be writing more, but for now I will rest up.

Cuban Cigars Online - Top Cubans

My first order from Top Cubans arrived about a week ago, 5 partagas connoissuer no.2s. The shipment showed up in about 5 business days and arrived in good condition. The cigars were well packaged, individually wrapped by the shipper and put in a wooden box for 'safety' reasons.

The box itself got demolsihed, but Im ok with that. At least the cigars are fine, as that is the idea. I've included some pictures below, of the packaging and cigars.







The company was pleasant to deal with and followed up with emails regarding my order, confirmation and a notice that it was being shipped. I was lucky that I didn't get dinged with duties, although Top Cubans makes no guarantees to that effect, nor should you expect that.

I will soon be ordering more from them and will let you know how that goes, I am eyeing a box of Bolivar Petit Coronas.

Cuban Cigar News - Cohiba Behike Update

I know that a lot of people have been interested in learning about this item, but not so eager to order it. So far I believe you can place an order through Habanos dealers but there are no Behikes yet produced or physically sold. I am as anxious as a little girl with Brittany Spears tickets to see it though.

I somehow have the feeling that the Behike has simply not been purchased/ordered by anyone, but I do not know. Perhaps people are a little shy to dish out the $12,000 + that it will cost for 40 cigars?! I also believe that once it has been ordered that the type of people who buy it will not be letting the world know, although people suprise me everyday.

I will try to find out more.

See the follwoing link for my previous post with pics, and the Habanos release.

http://habanosblog.blogspot.com/2006/04/cuban-cigar-news-cohiba-behike-40th.html