Smoke a Cigar

Cohiba Coronas Especiales - Plugged

2009-01-18T00:27:00.009+08:00

I thought plugged cigars are a non-issue for the new batches of Habanos.

I've heard a few stories about the Cohiba Lanceros having the issue but thought I would be safer with it's other laguito the Corona Especiales, I was not.

What a waste.

To cap a bad cigar experience the burn was also uneven.

Cohiba Secretos

2009-01-03T23:04:00.024+08:00

To me despite the introduction of the Trinidad, Cohiba will always remain the forefront of Cuban Cigars.

I remembered the first time I smoked the Cohiba Robusto. That experience pretty much propelled my fascination and love for the marquee. It was robust,solid, powerful and wonderfully constructed. It was such a beautiful and beefy smoke.

Knowing it will be covered in Maduro I must admit I'm not only curious how it will taste but I knew this is a cigar I really wanted to get my hands on. I thought I try the Secretos over the Magicos considering the former is already going to cost RM60 (USD$17).

So how did the Secretos performed?

I'm not the biggest fan of maduro cigars. However I am a big fan of the Padron 1964.

The Maduro wrapper is veiny and the shade is not really dark but enough to tell apart from the regular Cohiba. Looks rather rustic and the extra band is really a nice touch in my opinion.

Once punched the dry draw was satisfactory. Not too tight nor too loose. So far so good.

Lit up the first few draws was marvelous. Strong lush smokes with dark almost peppery taste.

The taste and strength grows stronger and more pronounced after every draw.

However the bitter taste I usually get with maduro cigars did not really translate with the Secretos.

It ends very strong but did not overwhelm. What really amazes me the most with the cigar is how smooth the taste is from start to the end.

My verdict? Easily the best cigar I've smoked for 2008 and definitely a must smoke for all cigar lover.

Comparative to Padron 1964, I feel the Secretos is not as strong as the 1964 but I feel it's more balanced in strength and taste. However I would definitely be in envy if I knew anyone who has both in their collection.

I guess my only complaint with the Secretos is the pricing (and the not so even burning throughout) but then again for a cigar this good that is something you could quickly forget until of course when you are ready to purchase another one!

Davidoff Long Panatela

2008-11-27T22:43:00.017+08:00

I've decided to spend my honeymoon in Langkawi. As it is a Duty Free island you can get Liquors, beers and more importantly Cigars on the cheap.

This is my third trip to Langkawi and after strolling down Kuah Town I stumbled into what looks like a newly opened cigar shop.

The Cigar Shop, Cuban Attitude looks like a really nice place to get smokes and stocks a good range of cigars.

I grabbed a few cigars and decided on a Davidoff Long Panatela as well for a quick smoke with food later on.

I must say of all cigars displayed, Davidoff looks the most luxurious on the top shelf. The simple white band with gold lines makes it really attractive. With it costing RM20 I thought it was a decent buy, plus its a Davidoff you can't really expect anything on the cheap to start with.

If there is a chance to smoke a Davidoff than I might as well buy it at Duty Free prices.

Once we got out of Kuah Town we quickly drove to a nice cosy restaurant situated between Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang.

On inspection the Panatela seems very loosely packed and I was quite surprised that the head has already been cut. After we got through the main course I quickly lit it up.

Since it was very loose, lighting it up is akin to lighting a rolled dry leaf. It wasn't the easiest and was not enjoyable at all. Once it's all lit up I took a few puff while letting it rest a little as it got hot after a while.

As it progressed, the cigar is turning out to be a disappointment.

I don't mind mild cigars but this is rather tasteless and at times it tastes more like a lite cigarette than anything.

I did not give up and smoked it anyway hoping it will come around. It did not and the issue of it getting hotter only persists, it also left an almost carbon like aftertaste.

I definitely won't recommend the smoke especially with the price and forking a few bucks more would have gotten me a Cuban minuto instead.

An expensive poor quality cigar in my book.

You're invited to my wedding.

2008-07-22T16:39:00.006+08:00

You're invited to my wedding in Trong, Perak on the 26th of June 2008, and yes a Cigar smoking is encouraged and most welcome.

It takes about 3 ½ hours of driving from the Damansara Toll to Changkat Jering with a distance of about 240 km.
Taiping is a town in Perak.
Please use the North South Expressway to head to Taiping choosing the Ipoh Route.

From Ipoh head down straight without taking any exits. Once you have pass Ipoh please continue on where you will also pass Kuala Kangsar where the next exit will be Changkat Jering.
PLEASE TAKE THE Changkat Jering EXIT. Changkat Jering is exit 146.
IMPORTANT don’t exit to Bukit Gantang, the exit you should take is CHANGKAT JERING!!!!!

You will reach the Changkat Jering Toll Booth.
Once you have paid your toll charges, drive straight and take a right after the traffic light.
Head down straight without taking any other turnings. It is about 9.6 km from the traffic light where you’ll reach a police station which should be on your right and on your left about 50 metres is the wedding reception.
The area you’re on now is called Trong (or Terung in Map).

Look for the signage for “Sharil & Witta”. Follow the sign and Insyallah you should reach the place safely.
If you’re lost ask the people around for Puan Rohani’s house (you can even try asking the people in the police station). It’s big bungalow like house.

Smoking the Partagas P No.2

2006-08-05T10:53:00.000+08:00

Requires more aging even though a year has passed.

Asthetically a very beautiful cigar with an oily dark wrapper that is just captivating.

The Pyramid is well formed both in structure and flavour. However being youthful makes it lack in depth.

Keep it deep in the humidor as it's a waste to smoke it now but it would be a classic once come of age.

Dominican magic

2006-07-17T10:48:00.000+08:00

"So what was the cigar you're smoking? It smelled sweet. Very pleasant. Was it a Cuban?"

That was the respond I got from the Manager of a restaurant where I had dinner at with a good friend recently.

He was spending his night popping bottles of red wine and pouring them into decanters. For him to be inhaling sweet bouquets of red wine aroma but yet to notice the lit Opus X is a testament of what a special cigar it was.

A cigar that is exceptionally good and yet prooves to be good company that others wont mind being around with, a food maestro cum wine master nevertheless.

In which I responded "No it's a Dominican!"

My review of the Reserva D' Chateau here.

Cigars on Holiday

2006-07-12T12:10:00.000+08:00

I packed my traveldor (small humidor or a case that is mobile enough to be carried around) with some good smokes for my recently 5 days 4 nights vacation in Tioman, Malaysia.

L: Bolivar Petit Corona, Romeo Y Julieta Exhibicion No.4
Right, from Top: Punch Churchill (1998!, thanks Zafar!)Romeo y Julieta Petit Piramide, Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art Maduro, Montecristo No.4, Partagas P2, Arturo Fuente Anejo No. 48,Cohiba Siglo 2.

Smoked a few, it was quite humid and the cigar tends to absorb too much moisture if left out of the travledor for long periods of time.

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art Maduro
The wrapper is dark and had some shine due to the oil that surrounds the wrapper. It was a nice cigar to smoke especially if you want to get some attention (due to it's chili like shape) . The cigar was heavy with spice and had some bitterness to it. A nice dinner smoke that I would have like to pair with some good coffee for added punch.

Cohiba Siglo 2
Wrapper and construction was flawless. In comparative to the other bands from the other Cuban marquees I feel the Cohiba has the most modern looking band but once you have one in your hand the cigar feels timeless. I would say it is the best looking in terms of appearance in comparatice to other Cubans. It smoked really well, could use with more aging but as it is real smooth with wood and a bit of spice. I have a few more that I desperately try to age.

Silly post 'r' us: Me and P2 in action

Partagas P2
The wrapper is the oiliest compared to the bunch I managed to bring along. It smoked quite well but unfortunately the taste is quite under-developed and requires more aging to realise it's potential. Some hints of cinnamon and wood is noted.

Romeo Y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 - Beatiful light tan wrapper (almost Conneticut like). Well constructed. It was very woodsy from the start with some subtle sweetness. It finished strong with spice. Medium Bodied.

With calm waves and great natural surrounding a cigar in hand just makes it more worthwhile.

Ashton VSG Tres Mystique

2006-04-07T17:55:00.000+08:00

A flawless wrapper no bumps, dark tan and smooth simply beautiful.

Pre-light the small but perfectly made cigar was sweet with hints of cinnamon and quite floral to the smell.

I had about an hour before I hit the road facing KL traffic so I felt the Tres Mystique was just the cigar to get through it.

Once lit the first few draw smooth and sweet toasted tobacco was tasted, I felt it was quite strong but the smoothness was very delightful any hints of harshness was not felt at all.

It got slightly salty along the way and the taste was full with a little spice to boot.

It was a knock around of a distinct tea taste with spice and everthing nice.

The cigar ended with spice lingering on the palette.

A small cigar with a big, big heart.

Fabulous from Fuente.

Partagas Serie D No.3 LE 2001

2005-12-28T08:24:00.000+08:00

Christmas eve, a bunch of friends and rounds and rounds of Chor Tai Tee and some cigar smoking.

Insults traded, just another night of good fun filled with laughter. This could have been any other night but after resisting it for so long I decided that the Corona Gorda will be smoked to make this night a little different than usual.

It was incredible how much oil the wrapper still retained after all this time. The band use to be drenched in oil from the wrapper initially, all dried up the letterings on it is all ragged tormented by the excessive oil that ran over it.

Seeing that alone jolted my eagerness to light it up.

The wrapper is oily and toothy the colour of melting milk chocolates, even and pretty. It's well constructed straight with a slight press. The band both the red and gold seems loose, could it have shrunked a bit through the years?

If anything about the the No.3 you'll remember it's the smell it emits. The foot smells of old wood and powdered cocoa, which is normal enough but at one whiff it seems to travel all the way through my mind registering soothing thoughts and pleasure. The balance is outstanding without any smell being too strong or too pungent.

A quick snip from the trusted cutter, I light the beauty with much anticipation.

Sweet wood runs through my tastebuds and this early part of the cigar I could already feel the nicotine buzzing through. I could feel a little bit of cold sweat building up but the sweetness of the tobacco made it all worthwhile.

Towards the middle smooth earth, cinnamon and spice could be tasted, it gets quite sweet at times but those flavours are quite balanced and it gets darker and richer as it goes along.

Towards the end it gets ligther and ends very smoothly with a burst of pepper.

The strength variation is quite composed and balance. A definite top draw by any comparison and what I like most about it is how its constant through out without a drastic change in style, taste and strength.

They say good cigars are meant to be smoke, this Partagas is by all means a great cigar and on that count alone should be enjoyed to the fullest. I could only suggest that it is accompanied with your undivided time and attention. It deserves only that from the cigar afficianado.

El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme

2005-05-31T23:59:00.000+08:00

It is somewhat Intimidating to smoke a cigar called the "supreme choice".

With expectation set on high I twiddled the cigar around admiring the aesthetics.

It was slight box pressed with a light brown wrapper. Pre-smoke of tea and cinnamon was it gave no indication that this smoke will be overwhelmed with spice.

Once lit a silvery ash slowly builds up, sweet aroma of dark tea and caramel lingers.

Light cedar and mocha butter danced around my taste bud on the first few puffs. The flavors were really smooth, light and flavorful was very easy and inviting.

King of The World Supreme Choice

Halfway down the strength was stronger, medium bodied at best but it seems to give the cigar a rejuvenated effect. It came to life with strolls of smooth essence of wood and tea. Delicious.

It finishes very strong, a nice blast of pepper and groundnuts.

The Cuban is a myriad of flavors and strength, which seems to try and tackle my senses and thoughts in every other way.

A favorite in my book.

El Laguito Came to Town

2005-05-28T23:31:00.000+08:00

Ms Morales hard at work

Cigar making tools

Beautiful, beautiful tobacco

Finished product

Smoked a Canonazo freshly rolled off the table. Strong and flavourful with all that Cohiba goodness.

Yum.

Padron 1926 #1 Natural

2005-05-21T22:01:00.000+08:00

The local club was brimming with people smoking outstanding cigars, on my table alone a Punch Churchill and RyJ Cedro Deluxe #4 was being lit. The table opposite sees a Cohiba Sublime being smoked with his companion lighting up what apparently to be a Cohiba Siglo 3. Smart looking corporate looking expats on the other table is smoking their Cohiba Robustos.

The 2 year old is definitely of top quality. That Padron quality that is unmistakably theirs. Perfectly box press, the perfect wrapper. Beautiful.

Once cut the physical structure stood it's ground. No unraveling or any of that foolish stuff.

Easily lit, the first few draws released bountiful of smoke. Sweet, bold and distinct the aroma reminds of roasted coffee.

Subtle and delicious taste of smooth and leathery mocha entertained my taste buds for the first few puffs. Constant and delightful it gave flamboyant layers of earth.

Midway it's like having one of that perfect cup of cappuccino with hint of honey, spice and cinnamon . The flavors are deep and constant.

It finishes very strong, strong earth and pepper. Wonderful.

A medium bodied that has no intention of putting you off your feet but came on very strong of flavors that will leave you awed.

Viva Pardon, in a room full of Cuban cigars the 1926 makes it a point that Nicaraguan tobacco will always have its place among cigar lovers.

A great smoke.

Cohiba Siglo IV

2005-05-08T02:46:00.000+08:00

The sole Siglo IV has been calling my name ever since it made it's way to my humi. An acquaintance have gotten a box straight from Cuba, a bit unfortunate that I did not manage to get the box code from it.

Anyway the Corona Gorda's aesthetics made up for it, an evenly tanned and oily wrapper it is a fantastic sight. I can't help running my hands through it, the wrapper is unbelievably smooth.

Dry draws were clear with the right balance of resistance and smooth cinnamon aftertaste with a mild bite thrown in.

Once underway the first half was pretty mild I would have thought this would floored me instantly but the initial indication that a milder ride is more forthcoming.

A mild Cohiba?

Burn was pretty erratic initially but base on the band I would figure this was of a fresh production. Had to correct it a few times but the flavour that I was getting very pleasing.

Halfway through a light buzz prevailed, nothing explosive but not a pushover either.

Strong coffee and earthy notes with a long aftertaste of spicy cinnamon.

Simply Delicious.

Spicier towards the end but very smooth overall.

Rocky Patel Sungrown Petit Corona

2005-05-01T01:54:00.000+08:00

When I got this cigar the first thing I noticed was the wrapper. It is simply exquisite.

Dart tan, oily not a hair out of place. Dressed up with red bands, the cigar is impressive in the looks department.

Pre burning smell is just beautiful, tea with hints of dark berries.

Once lit up it is pretty much tasted how it smells, smooth, fruity with a small dash of pepper. Very consistent, medium bodied and some sweet notes. Beautiful.

The burn can get a bit erratic but nothing a few small touch-ups won't fix. It had no problem keeping lit which I liked very much and for a short smoke it delivered a top-notch performance construction wise. Fantastic.

It ends slightly woody but overall a winner from Rocky Patel.

Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas

2005-04-24T20:25:00.000+08:00

Espresso with spice. Smooth, bold and with good strength.

Small and sexy. I'm in love.

La Gloria Cubana - Medaille D`or No.2

2005-04-21T17:10:00.000+08:00

A trip to the local La Casa Del Habano got me acquainted with the cigar.

Have always wanted to try something from this brand and after a cut and light from the beautiful lady there I head to a the bar next door. I

t was pretty mild at the beginning with a light ticklish of spice, reminded me much of Diplomaticos #4.

Half-way down the flavor step up a gear with more of wood and berries lingers albeit it is not so determine and very weak in my opinion.

A fair smoke with a good finish but the cigar is forgettable.

Oliva Master Blends Churchill

2005-04-17T21:37:00.000+08:00

A beautiful cigar with an insignia marked on the sexy sun-grown wrapper.

It produces some of the best creamy disposition I've tasted, the smoke was plentiful and the draw was firm and free.

Displaying some gentle spice that could be felt all the way through the gums. The finish was strong with a cedary aftertaste.

A cigar that changes it's pace as it goes along.

Fantastic.

Trinidad Robusto Extra

2005-04-10T14:38:00.000+08:00

Perfectly rolled with an outstanding looking wrapper. Perfect in a sense it made feel proud to be holding one of these.

Once lit off I couldn't help to notice the draw is just perfect in fact I could easily say the best I've had off any cigar. Bless them rollers who rolled this, my don't they draw perfectly. For a thick and long vitola it does not take long to get into motion as after a few draws the tastebud has already been washed by sweet Oak and cedar.

Light and easy seems to be the tempo with the Trinidad.

It's not as spicy as the other Cubans I've and it medium bodies at best. A smooth player from end to end, a little edgy at times but nothing a bit of aging won't fix.

Good young will definitely be great aged.

Por Larranaga Petit Corona

2005-04-06T20:52:00.000+08:00

To my reckoning the band is among the most beautiful band I've ever seen. A simple but beautiful gold ring adorns the tan wrapper. Classic.

A pre-light draw displayed some strong spice and that ever so familiar grassy twang. Once underway full flavors invaded my palette. Delightful.

The Petit Corona is not shy and it comes with an intention to rule. The smoke gushing in with a strong spice, grass, cedar and teak all at one go. It's amazing how this small vitola packs that much of punch.

The cigar if of medium strength and is slightly stronger towards the end. Some tannic notes are spotted which I suspect is due to the age, a year or 2 the cigar is definitely a superstar.

Get it while you can its 04' crop is definitely a winner.

Fuente Fuente Opus X Reserva D' Chateau

2005-04-03T14:50:00.000+08:00

As most with cigars that came out from the Fuente factory you can't ignore the consistency. I placed it beside the Ashton VSG of the same vitola and the ways both cigars are rolled are uncanny.

This are cigars rolled by masters, I couldn't help but admire on how beautiful the cigar looked. Lighting one is sending it to its beautiful death, sorrowful but the event would eventually come anyway.

Pre-light drawing reminds me of sipping black tea, tangy but leaves a woody taste. The wrapper had this cinnamon smell, which is haunting.

Toasting the foot it doesn't seem receptive to the flaming torch. An oily wrapper, a guaranteed cool smoke. Of drawing the first time as with most lengthy cigars I've smoke gave little impression in taste. Some woody taste lingered but nothing notable. A few more draws a little pepper bomb strikes, I could feel the heart beating fast the kind of feeling you get when the car speedometer has hit maximum. Fantastic.

It belted out some citrus notes; it tasted like your drinking tea with honey and lemon. Halfway some cinnamon emerges, I could fell some tanginess but the aftertaste was surprisingly very mild and tarry was nowhere near.

The last third it got very delicious. This is where strength was at its peak, nubbing it almost floored me but I kept my ground and the cigar was held its construction even towards the end.

A cigar of a different breed that does not keep much relying on the traditional grassy and coffee notes to excel in taste. Safe to say, with more age this cigar would definitely deliver more than expected but at this time it's already good as it is.

A confirmation of what Carlos Fuente does best, making great cigars.

Toothpick worthy this cigar.

Smoking in Cherating

2005-04-02T00:54:00.000+08:00

Last December I went on a 3 nights holiday to Cherating, Pahang, Malaysia. We stayed at the Holiday Villa Resort by the beach. The Hotel was not that impressive but that did not deter me from enjoying some fine cigars while I was there.

Arturo Fuente 858 SG Robusto
Great looking. It took a while to light once underway it burns evenly. It was a smooth smoke, medium body. Coffee is dominant in taste. Wrapper was a bit thin but the nice draw makes up for it.

A good afternoon smoke.

CAO Black Lonsdale
Beautiful wrapper! Just outstanding to look at. Burns well, peppery but it lacks depth. Slightly tannic towards the end otherwise a good smoke.

CAO Brazillia Samba
Decide to light up while walking along the beach. Burns nicely and despite the windy conditions it was even and was lit all the while.

Oily wrapper and the torpedo was rolled hard but the draw was good.

A spicy smoke with a slight sweetness.

Arnaldo Brinones Double Corona (2004)
Brinones is a master roller in Cuba, he came to KL so I had a chance to get a couple of handrolled to try.

Kept it to smoke on my last night in Cherating.

The wrapper was very beautiful, toothy and very oily. It was a little light on weight but the roll is straight with a tidy placed cap.

Lighting it up was easy, draw was abit too lose but smoke is plenty. Cedar and spice with hints of green tea. Pleasant but still requires more aging.

Arturo Fuente Short Story

2005-03-26T01:03:00.000+08:00

I love perfectos. Holding one in the hand is quite exciting. A good rolled perfecto is a good indication of how much a manufacturer cares for their cigars.

Upon getting a box of the Short Story I quickly noticed how beautiful the box looked. Fresh from the box I noticed the cigar weren't dry quite suprising since the box went through more than 20 days of postal nightmare.

The Humidipak that came with it does work no doubt about that. It was a long day and after a naan and tandoori dinner I light up the Short Story.

The Cameroon wrapper was toothy well uniformed end to end. I'm not at all suprise it is afterall a Fuente. I expect no less.

Once underway it's fun, yes fun to see how the burn evolves. The aroma was quite aromatic, sharp but very pleasant of cedar and coal. The cigar starts of cinnamon and chalk. Halfway a bit of tea is sensed, a bit grassy but quite bold and well rounded. It was consistent throughout, and light cedar ended the cigar.

A perfect cigar to end a long day when time is well....short.

Wear your seatbelt

2005-03-23T23:37:00.000+08:00

Tonight he'll take it slow, letting the accelarator go as he comes in into the corner.

The car skidded all the way through the 3 lanes from right to left. Amazing with so much of space and trying to find traction the car just wouldn't stick and there we are heading straight to the divider.

All that 3 lanes I was thinking we'll make it, this is not the first time anyway that the car has skidded but after the last stretch I was ready for impact. Once car has touched concrete blood was oozing from my right hand, my head bumped on to the roof of the car with my shoulder hitting the passenger's seat. I pratically flew in front. My brother the driver got his face smacked blue black on the sterring wheel. His girlfriend has slight wrist injuries only to have her top smeared with my blood. When we finally came out of the car I really thought I was really dying, if there is anything near to death that was it. My head was tripping with dizziness, my leg was numbed as hell and my blood was everywhere and I simply do not know where it came from. I was walking like a man on a high and felt like blacking out. The thing about suffering from shock is you are totally exahausted and dehydrated.

I was in a confused state, I was spitting a bit to get some taste going in my mouth. Numbness is so dominant I need somebody to help me walk to another car which took us to the clinic.

The next day I spent much of my day drinking Isotonic drinks and plain water to recover some of the dehydration. Shit, what a weekend. I called my girlfriend to grab my Opus X Petit Lancero from the humidor which I have saved for my birthday come November. I thougt what the heck, afterall I almost died yesterday.

Lit up the beauty and thought to myself how good the cigar is and how being alive is not too bad either.

Wear your seatbelts folks.