So coincidentally enough, I ended up meeting NolanE at an offline this past weekend hosted by a non-forumite. Since I knew before I left for the offline that NolanE was going to be in attendance, I brought some Cuban Bolivar #4 cigars that I’d procured when I visited Barbados in 2010. The Bolivars smoked DELIGHTFULLY.
Gene, thanks again for bringing the cigars and it was good to meet you.
Yes, the Bolivars were wonderful, rich, round and undoubtedly genuine.
Not sure if you’ve got any traction yet, but I’d be interested. I’m in the East Bay.
Anyone ever want to smoke and maybe do a few wines and/or whiskies in Chicago, PM me
I am not a frequent poster around here I mostly read because I am a newb at wine. But cigars is a love affair in my life.
I used to smoke many Non Cuban, Illusione being one of my favorite marca but now I tend to stick with the Cubans while cheating rarely with the ‘other side’.
If you guys have the chance to have a source for Cubans try Por Larranaga in the medum light range of taste. One of my favorite marca.
If anyone is around Québec city one day I’ll be more than pleased to share a stogie at the lounge.
Illusione owner Dion Giolito is based here in Reno, where he has the Fumare cigar store. Excellent selection. I’m glad others have heard of them.
Watching MNF I had a Caldwell Collection Eastern Standard - Robusto . Didn’t do much for me. A friend was raving about it. Probably could use some time in the humi.
Jason
Are there any opinions on the Undercrown Shade?
Just got a box of 1998 Sosa cigars, fabulous mature robustos.
Its strange, i love young wines but i hate young cigars, give me age anytime
Got some news for you guys. I have a customer who used to come in with a group of guys every Thursday, pick a cigar and order a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. I gagged at the thought. Citrus and cigars? I learned something new when I tried it. The acidity in the SB works well to strip the tar off your taste buds and make the cigar’s flavors fresh and sharp. Both maintain their inherent flavors and didn’t compete with or diminish the other like I thought it would. (Wouldn’t recommend a maduro though.)
Wow, would’ve never thought of that pairing. Gotta remember to try it sometime.
Keep on saying, champagne and Cohiba, match made in heaven
Smoked an Illusione Epernay while in Nashville. Most excellent! Nice medium cigar. About a 50 minute smoke.
Jason
Gotta give props to Reno boy Dion Giollotto for his Illusione brand.
I’ve starting smoking cigars in a pipe. I bought a Churchwarden style pipe with a long shaft to cool the smoke.
It changes the flavor of cigars. I think it detracts from a good cigar but it can make average and mediocre cigars creamier and can take away some of the harshness.
I sampled four kinds of pipe tobacco at a local store and none really rang my bell. Two were aromatic.
Randy Bowman really hit it out of the park with his recco of AJ Fernandez New World. This value priced box pressed superstar is a potent complex and very well constructed gar.
Took advantage of the weather to enjoy a Liga Privada #9 and a generous pour of Elmer T Lee.
This all looks very tasty.
A positive note?
Por Larrañaga Montecarlo
Estaban Carreras Bronze Cross. Little bit of a shock when I lit it, getting a bitter hot draw. Now I remember why you toast the cigar before lighting it. Settled right down with a smooth draw and full flavors. On the strong side but tasty with multiple layers and flavors that build as I reach the half way mark. I chased flavors of pecans, cedar, cinnamon and occasional white pepper that accented heightened tobacco flavors right down to the nub, when the toothpick caught fire.
Full bodied. Will take on whiskeys, bourbons, single malts, ports and even drinks with juice or sweet sodas. Value priced too.