Monday 2nd February 2015

[PeeJay]

Although I was off yesterday I had one of those headaches focussed around an eye socket that left me feeling nauseous all day so having shaken that this morning I was well ready for a nice cigar. I went for my first Cohiba Maduro Secretos, last November's cigar of the month in fact. I would never have guessed it at the time. It was a very pleasant smoke though I didn't get anything distinctive out of it. That could have been due to the curry I had for lunch!

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[cohibaIV]

Just got to 10 Manc St and now chilling with Monkyhead..

[MattKernow]

I love the look of that RA! Hope it was as good of a smoke as it looks!

MK

[PeeJay]

Now there's a guy I'm looking forward to meeting again. Living the dream eh CIV?

[butternutsquashpie]

Just got to 10 Manc St and now chilling with Monkyhead..

My sincere condolences. Despite all, have a great time, eh

[jim_twin]

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d`Or No. 4 for me, really enjoying the smaller RG at the minute [emoji6]




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[cohibaIV]

I love the look of that RA! Hope it was as good of a smoke as it looks!

MK

IMHO .. Awesome smoke

[cohibaIV]

Now there's a guy I'm looking forward to meeting again. Living the dream eh CIV?

Working Hard PJ...

[cohibaIV]

Say HI

[PeeJay]

Run and hide children!

[butternutsquashpie]

Say HI

Geez..... that's worse than Deano's 'smoking pics'........

[cohibaIV]

Next....

Monte 4 of Monks

[Budgie Smuggler]

IMHO .. Awesome smoke

Fresh from a '14 box?

I might not be able to resist mine now...


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[Undercover]

I'm sure people will be pleased to hear I'm nearly done with the Cigar Aficionado Top 25 of 2013, with no plans as yet for 2014. I'm on No.3, the Davidoff Nicaragua Toro. Apparently this cigar shows "complexity, elegance and balance, with floral notes, hints of coffee and leather and a very long finish."

It was certainly a beautiful looking stick. Almost a golden brown, very uniform and it felt well put together (clearly drawing on my many years of smoking cigars!). I cut it and the draw was spot on. The unlit cigar had a very light, sweet aroma - very pleasant but nothing stood out. Same with the cold draw, hints of something spicy or herbal, but nothing too obvious.

Ok, so I'd been looking forward to a cigar much of the day and maybe my judgement was a bit clouded, but this was outstanding at the start. It was comforting, smooth and relatively mild. There was a woody flavour mixed up with a creamy cup of coffee. It was very aromatic, reminding me of a light, fragrant Cuban cigar.

In the second third, the flavour picked up the leathery overtones which CA suggest, becoming much more robust and a little peppery at times. It was a very rich cigar taste and all was fine, until suddenly it went wrong! That smooth if slightly challenging leathery, peppery taste acquired something overpoweringly chemical. Unfortunately, if it reminded me of anything, it was the smokeless fuel briquettes we use on the fire at home.

Against my better judgement, I persisted. I followed advice and purged the cigar repeatedly, but it still took a while before the taste improved. I'm kind of glad I did carry on, because the final third was like an apology. It was a smooth smoke once more, with a complex blend of leathery and woody tones, an occasional layer of caramel and hints of coffee. I nubbed it to get the smoke I had been expecting, but still finished feeling a bit disappointed.

In three words, three thirds, this cigar was outstanding / cack / nice. I thought I was in for a real treat and was let down. When I look back, the first Fernando Leon (No.15) I tried smoked in a similar way, but there was something which made me think it deserved a second shot (and second time round I loved it). This could well be another cigar like that, but I don't feel the same inspiration to try again. At the same time, as I sit here tapping away, I do now feel more of that sense of satisfied well-being I get after a good cigar, so all is not lost.

Only 2 more to go ...

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[Budgie Smuggler]

I'm sure people will be pleased to hear I'm nearly done with the Cigar Aficionado Top 25 of 2013

On the contrary, I've really enjoyed these and hope that you do 2014 as well!


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