Is the cigar board dead?

[Lew Barrett]

C'mon, guys! No posts in ages....I keep opening the board and see my name at the top! Hank? Mat? Torp Nubber? What's the news? I got three Espendidos for Christmas from....well....a very good friend!

[KINGSTON]

I just got my hands on a San Cristobal de la Habana - Muralla (54/7).

Any one who know me knows Im not a fan of Cubans. This cigar really shocked me. Great draw wonderful flavor very complex. The cigar was very bold. I didn't get a chance to enjoy it with Rum (wish I could of).

I wish the Cuban Cigar industry would produce more cigars like this. Wonderful smoke. I don't think Ill be giving up my CAO, Pepin's, Torano & Padron's any time soon.... But I was impressed.

Has any one tried one of these stix? It was a Torp with a second band with the Casa de la Habana logo.

I don't think the thread is dead. I hope not. I don't post often because I work in the industry and I do not want to come off to bias.

[Hank Koestner]

No, the thread is not dead. I have not posted in awhile either. I did try a Muralla once about a year ago, and it is a fine cigar. I remember nice, subtle complexity. Last year I was gifted a few Esplendidos, and I still have 1 left, I smoked one on Christmas Eve. These are delicious, and they age wonderfully. I spread them out to enjoy them, as Cubans are a premium to have. Lew, I will be curious to here what you think, because I have read that some of the current Cohibas are inconsistent. I did smoke a Trinidad Robusto Extra recently, and it was delicious. A dram of ED 12 went well with it.

[Matusalem]

Still around, too.

Like Hank, I'd like to hear as well, although the Esplendido is one cigar I haven't heard many significant complaints about.

Not a huge devotee to the San Cristobal line, but find them a nice change of pace to squeeze in. I've only had the pleasure of smoking 1 Muralla. Maybe just in the size, but it reminded me a little of some custom rolled Cuban smokes. Speaking of which, I understand Habanos will open a factory devoted solely to custom or non standard release smokes.

I am however curious what San Cristobals (Murallas included) taste like after some significant sleep.

[Lew Barrett]

I smoked a San Cristobal in Victoria this summer on the aft deck of my boat, We all know how the same vitola can taste so different depending on mood and circumstance, and in this case I only have the one, a La Fuerza, (a long Robusto) to go by, but it was splendid in my memory! That it was a summer evening with nothing to do but sit on a boat and concentrate on the cigar didn't hurt. I'd like to try one again as that was my sole experience, and I don't remember much except that I liked it. .


I have a half dozen Esplendidos in my humidor at the moment. I've had three of them for about four years, whereas the "new" ones are from 2007. I'll smoke one of these new ones and report on it, as it's been a while since I have smoked one. With a half dozen on hand, I won't feel like I'm burning the Dead Sea Scrolls every time I smoke one, so I'll get to it soon! I also have a good number of Siglo III and a handful of the relatively new Siglo VI. I'll say that the IIIs are a great smoke, but the two VIs I tried were disappointing. Just the opposite of what online reviews led me to think. My Siglos, both models, are 2008 production.

I think Trinidads are the best Cubans I've smoked recently. Their smooth, creamy flavor suits my tastes. I''ve smoked a couple of Fundadores, a size I usually am suspect of but they were both tasty. I had a half a box of Colonials, of which two are left, and they are also fun, and not demanding to smoke, meaning they drew well. They are a bit lighter than most Cubans I think, but still plenty flavorful.

Oh....and I can't get enough of the 1964s. I just love them. Equal to, really probably better than anything else I have. Just a masterful line. Nutty, rich, finger burning good, everything you could want in a smoke. And unique in a way few other cigars are. Padron has a style, that's for sure.

[Matusalem]

I'll say that the IIIs are a great smoke, but the two VIs I tried were disappointing. Just the opposite of what online reviews led me to think. My Siglos, both models, are 2008 production.Personal opinion, but I think the Sig. VI was over-rated (by the few that raved over them), but at the same time there was plenty of shared sentiment to that of yours. I've had (1) that I suspect must be what some of the hype was based on but the rest had been nothing special (JMHO). I also found the Sublimes to be a bit finicky - definitely needed rest.

[Lew Barrett]

Personal opinion, but I think the Sig. VI was over-rated (by the few that raved over them), but at the same time there was plenty of shared sentiment to that of yours. I've had (1) that I suspect must be what some of the hype was based on but the rest had been nothing special (JMHO). I also found the Sublimes to be a bit finicky - definitely needed rest.

I have put the rest away, hoping they might develop into something more than the flat tasting, unappealing and overly costly sticks that they seem to be at the moment. I have the better part of half a box of them, as a friend and I bought a box of each size and split them. The IIIs won't make it through the winter, but the VIs will probably be there later. That's the problem I think Kingston is suggesting; you can pay some hefty bucks and come away disappointed. But then, I'm not a big Opus X fan. If I bought a box of those believing they would be my personal nirvana, I would surely feel about the same. I know it's unpopular not to like them, but what can I say? It was probably unwise to buy the box at those prices without having more assurance. I wouldn't buy a lens for my camera for $500 without knowing what it would do for me, but with cigars? Hey burn it!

[SuperCorona]

Give the Siglo VIs a few years to come around and they won't disappoint. I purchased 2 boxes from the original release. At the time, they were inconsistent. First one was pretty good and the next two were flat. I didn't smoke another one from the box until last year. They are now incredible. Be patient with the larger ring gauges.

BTW, it's good to be back after a few months absence.

[Lew Barrett]

Give the Siglo VIs a few years to come around and they won't disappoint. I purchased 2 boxes from the original release. At the time, they were inconsistent. First one was pretty good and the next two were flat. I didn't smoke another one from the box until last year. They are now incredible. Be patient with the larger ring gauges.

BTW, it's good to be back after a few months absence.

And welcome back! There's little else to do but park them, and that will hopefully effect the needed "cure." One hopes that a super premium cigar will be ready to go after a few weeks of resting time after it's trip to the end destination, but that seems not to be the case with these. The 1964s are ready to go from the day you receive them, though.

[Hank Koestner]

I have a few Siglo VI left from a box dated Feb 04 that I have had for 3 years, and a few Esplendidos also, from around the same time. Both are delicious right now. I will still let the few left age a little longer. I have some IV's I have had for over a year now, and they are getting good, too.
I recently smoked a new Siglo VI that was edgy. It tasted young. I guess the Cohiba is meant for some aging.
The Opus X is a very good cigar, but not as outstanding IMHO as thier reputation. On the advice of a friend whose opinion I respect, the couple I have will get at least a year of age before I smoke them. The concensus is that they really improve with age.
As a side note, Juan Lopez #2 and Ramon Allones Specially Selected are very tasty right out of the box these days.
Tonight I smoked an R&J Churchill Tubo that was outstanding.love1.gifcigar.gif
Wecome back, Super Corona!

[TheRumelier]

I got offered a box of Cohiba Reserves(?) yesterday for $400. Is that a good deal? When I asked the guy where he got them from, he said from a Cuban guy who lives on the island. Obviously I turned the conversation to rum. The supplier has a cousin coming from Cuba this week. Then I dispatched the seller to his house with an order for some rum. I will eagerly wait to see what happens.;)

[MattG]

Believe it or not I have never actually sat down and enjoyed a cigar and rum together! I usually have a whisky or Brandy with my cigars!..I shall be trying rum with a nice cigar very soon! ;)

[Alan]

Well Matt be prepare to get hooked. Rum is an excellent companion to cigars. One of the best IMO.

[Hank Koestner]

Rummelier, can you remember exact which Cohibas they were? They might command that price, but they may not.

MattG, you will find that many combos of rum and cigars will go well together. Check some other posts in the cigar forums for some suggestions, as many of us have written a bit on the subject.party2.gifcigar.gif

[MattG]

Will do Hank! thanks!
I must say I only have a cigar once in a blue moon though!
I usually would smoke a 'Romeo y Julieta' NO.3, Anyone got any other brands to recommend??:P

[SuperCorona]

I got offered a box of Cohiba Reserves(?) yesterday for $400. Is that a good deal? When I asked the guy where he got them from, he said from a Cuban guy who lives on the island. Obviously I turned the conversation to rum. The supplier has a cousin coming from Cuba this week. Then I dispatched the seller to his house with an order for some rum. I will eagerly wait to see what happens.;)

Rummelier, that price sounds too low for legit Reservas. I'd be very suspicious of that box and would definitely pass on them.

[Matusalem]

Rummelier, that price sounds too low for legit Reservas. I'd be very suspicious of that box and would definitely pass on them.Actually, these do turn up now and again (legitimately) just above the price described, but I would remain very suspicious just as SuperCorona suggests.

I don't mean to sound drab or overly dry, but what are the chances of a random Cuban guy... on the island, having a legit box of Cohiba Reservas? The one that does have em' is likely riding around with them in the trunk of his gold plated Bently!