Singapore

[monkey66]

I am on a flying visit for a few days.

First problem was some tempting stuff at Duty Free at Heathrow T3. I got a box of Monte No1's that were on offer and an 05 date code for ?160. Had to walk away from box of 10 Monte D LE 2005 at ?120 before I went mad with spending.

Now there are a couple of great Cigar venues here and I have no idea weather I will get to them (evening meetings etc) but I did just enjoy a Reyes on my balcony (view pictured) with a cup of mint tea and some dark choc. It is very hot and humid here and my body clock doesn't know which way is up.

Hopefully I will get to some of the other places before flying back to blighty on Friday night. Will report as I go.

[Deano]

I would've taken those Monte D's I reckon.

[monkey66]

yeah... I am having some regrets but a decision had to be made and I went for 25 over 10.

I will find out if it was a good one when I light up one of the No1's.

[pedro_han]

yeah... I am having some regrets but a decision had to be made and I went for 25 over 10.

I will find out if it was a good one when I light up one of the No1's.

Singapore? Nino mentioned Jimmy many times on his journals

[ACMCC]

Been to Singapore many time's....love the place, been staying at the Grande Hyatt lately, nice place, which hotel did you take those pics from?

[kingcohiba]

whatever you do monkey66, don't spray paint any cars over there! i heard they do not like that kinda stuff in singapore!

[monkey66]

Im staying at the Stamford. Jimmy's is on the list.

Just had DimSum for breakfast!

[monkey66]

OK. After 2 days of non-stop meetings and evening beers I managed to escape tonight (I am still in shock from last night when I found myself having to drink with potential clients in an 'English' pub getting indigestion on pizza, fish and chips and tortillias ...i am in Singapore for gods sake).

Anyway tonight I called off tired and went for an adventure. I contacted Jimmy's http://lacasacubana.com/ but got a fairly snooty response about members only and closing at 8.30pm (it was 7.30 already). So i then moved onto plan b - The Old Cuban http://www.oldecuban.com/ and was so glad i did. First of all they are located in the middle of Chinatown which was alight with a night market and second of all what a great place.

Chilled and non-snobby with a great humidor and selection of drinks, very attentive staff and great smoking area (overlooking the night market). After some time (and advice from a young Japanese girl who worked there - the owner/guru was out of the country) I setteled on a Cohiba Esplendido Reserva selection 2003 as they were 20% off due to overstock (see the pictures for their stack of boxes).

I was directed into one of the smoking areas with big leather seats, warm terracotta walls, low lights and images of Che on the wall. My young lady came in with my cigar, a blow torch, cutter, punch and fresh ash tray. She gave me the cigar to inspect/approve and then proceded to punch (at my request) and return for me to 'check the draw'. She then lit it with a big blowtorch (which she left on the table) and returned it to me.

I was sat with my back to 3 brit/american ex-pats and after about 5 mins I introduced myself and we spent the next 90 mins or so shooting the breeze. They are apparently in there most Thursday evenings ...so if anyone is passing. i ordered a coffee and an Ammereto to compliment the Esplindido.

A few words on this cigar. I think these have peaked from an ageing point of view. The smoke was faultless, clean, smooth and creamy with an excellent burn to the end. Really enjoyed this big stick but it was a little too smooth and one dimensional. Dont get me wrong it was a very good smoke, just not a great one. I suspect it was probably better a few years younger and If you have any (and it was like these smoke them now). It appeared to have been perfectly stored and was technically faultless. Perhaps the piramadies/robusto from the same box have more bite (anyone else experienced these Reservas 2003?).

I left Olde Cuban in a state of euphoria from a truly memorable smoking experience and headed out in search of some food. Settled for a local (rough) Chinese cafe where I was the only non-Chinese person there. Had sweet and sour fish (so fresh) with roast chilli and a big Tiger beer ....bliss.

I might get tomorrow afternoon free before I fly back in which case I am returning to Chinatown to explore properly and perhaps another smoke .

[jdawg]

sounds like a great experience, mate...thanks for sharing.

[Nuno Sa]

Nice experience, i wish i had a place like that here.

I had spme Tiger beer in Nepal and liked it very much, i think they only available in big bottles.

[peanutpete]

sound like a very nice night

[El Catador]

(I am still in shock from last night when I found myself having to drink with potential clients in an 'English' pub getting indigestion on pizza, fish and chips and tortillias ...i am in Singapore for gods sake).

Hi Monkey
T'wasn't 'Ye olde Penny Black' on Boat Quay by any chance?
The pub that's only yards from some some seriously hot Singapore chilli crab vendors!

Highly envious of your visit to the 'Old Cuban', never realised there was anything of such a high calibre out there. Thanks for posting the pictures, keep 'em coming.

[ACMCC]

Good find Monkey... will visit that place next time I'm their...
looks like they had some good smokes in stock, by the photos... get some local food, it's good!

What's the humidity like! bet the humidors have de-humidifiers in them...lol last few time's I've been - 97/98%

[Luis]

Cool thread and pictures ! Spent many years in SEA (mostly Thailand) and Singapore would be my top choice in the area !

Thanks for the Old Cuban report, definetely on the todo list when I get a chance to visit again.

[mb55317]

Sounds like you had a memorable evening. Those sticks looked real nice, how do they compare price wise?