Tuesday 18th August 2009

[cj121]

As I'm off work (bloody ankle) and working from home, I've got through a RA Gigantes and wee Bolivar CJ today. The Bolivar was an oily little bugger, I could feel it on my lips.

First experience of the RAG: nice smoke which required a bit of effort in terms of relighting until it was about a third way down, then smooth from there. Very enjoyable smoke.

[HabanoSy]

Nothing smoked so far today as had a hectic day at work...!?!

Going to kick back and relax now with a nice strong coffee and either a Ashton VSG Enchantment or a Padron 3000 Maduro...!?!

Enjoy your evening guys...

Cheers, HabanoSy

[Simon-JG-hr]

Working from home cj - good cigar break opportunities (as long as the work gets done ).

What'd'ya go for then Sy?

[HabanoSy]

What'd'ya go for then Sy?

Padron 3000 Maduro...

Couldn't bring myself to start the Ashton VSG Enchantments, bought these from JJ Foxs on the day of the H&F Summer Cigar party and they've been sat staring at me from my humidor ever since...!!!

One day, soon...!?!

Cheers, HabanoSy

[daverave999]

Padron 3000 Maduro...

Any idea what the '3000' refers to?

[SAB001]

Shit day

Had a shit day, dont normally smoke during the week but couldnt get cigars out of my head. Found a single cigar in the humi that I bought at Havana House in Windsor that was rolled for me by Senor Armando Risoto - a P2 size torpedo. Very loose draw unlike a P2 but a nice taste. SAB001

[HabanoSy]

Any idea what the '3000' refers to?

Don't quote me on this, but...

I believe in the Padron 'thousand' series, all the cigars are either robusto or robusto (plus) sized cigars, (that's not the shape, just the size). With the 2000 being the smallest and the 7000 being the largest...!?!

Cheers, HabanoSy

[ACMCC]

Yes I think your correct - size, smoked a Juan Lopez Sel. No.1 tonight very nice, had one in the humi from years ago - drawer was perfect, I think corona gordas are a great size...

[daverave999]

Thanks both!

[Big_T_UK]

Started the day with a Pimm's and a large espresso at Dunhill with a side order of a Romeo Y Julieta Exhibition No. 4. Took a couple of snaps outside in the glorious sunshine.

During my smoke I chewed the fat with James regarding a recent experiment with some non-Cubans. James, who knows far more about non-Cubans then I, got excited when we stumbled over a small but CHEAP supply of Graycliff cigars a while ago. I meant to post about this at the time but it escaped my memory. We purchased some Ch?teau Grand Cru - (Purple Label) and some Espresso - (Black Label). I had an opportunity to smoke on the day of the aforementioned purchases (late last week, part of the 21st birthday weekend I posted some ramblings about and snaps of on this forum) and chose the Grand Cru. It turned out to be a shockingly bad smoke. Possibly the loosest packed cigar I have come across, I could easily breath through it. Not so much a question of did it draw well, more a question of was there anything in the cigar at all! It was strong but had little flavour. All punch, no substance. I certainly do not intend to purchase more of this particular smoke. On Saturday I found an excuse to smoke the Espresso Graycliff at the Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells. I expected an equally bad smoke but was very surprised by how much better a cigar this was when compared with its inferior sibling. I wont say that it is a great smoke but I do consider it a passable non-special event social smoke. I would not pay the going rate for one but at the far cheaper price we sourced them at I decided to get some more, which I did today (obviously just the Espresso). The supplier had both of the Graycliff cigars on sale cheap from his own collection, he had purchased them on reputation and found them a disappointment similar to myself. In conversation with James at Dunhill we decided to compare notes when he tried the Espresso later.

Today was a Tanqueray Gin event at the Boisdale so I toddled along as a diligent member and took James as a guest. I drank more then my own body weight in Tanqueray No.10 and gin cocktails of various types. After some pleasent chat with members of staff and guests we adjourned to my table on the smoking balcony. I selected my beloved 1998 Hoyo double corona and James tried the Graycliff Espresso. He found it similarly passable to me but maybe he will chime in on here and share his thoughts in detail. I enjoyed the Hoyo as usual. James followed his Graycliff with a Bolivar Royal Corona (robusto in size) which he raved about.

I still have a desire to give a Cohiba Siglo VI a go but something always pops up and draws my attention away before I select the Siglo. Still hunting the Bolivar Swiss cigar, no joy so far!

Excuse the ramble, probably the gin still talking.

[HabanoSy]

Looks like a great time was had Big T...

Cheers, HabanoSy

[HabanoSy]

Still hunting the Bolivar Swiss cigar, no joy so far!

Ajay, at La Casa in Teddington has these...!?!

Cheers, HabanoSy

[Jimmeh]

Morning all, i too was informed that Ajay has a large selection of cigars that, shall we say, he shouldnt have? I believe it is a possibility that Trevor and myself shall try and make it to La Casa Del Habano on Saturday afternoon, and we shall see whats there.

With regards to the Graycliff = i had heard many (good) things about the brand, but hadnt tried it - so i felt it was worth the gamble for the price we acquired them for. I have to agree with Trevor with regards to both cigars - the "loose collection of leaves" was what i class as an "acceptable smoke" as i managed to finish it rather than abandon it half way, but it wasnt the most pleasurable; wheras the Espresso was actually enjoyable, but not very complex. It was just full front power - nothing else. The following Bolivar, which is brand ive mainly skipped around, was enlightening. I am going to have to look at smoking some more....

[Big_T_UK]

We are going to Teddington on Saturday then, GREAT! Lets get there early as he closes at six, madness. We need to picture message Patrick from there with cigars and a goofy smile. Make him actually use the new Nokia E71 he got given, lucky SOD! Wait, was it that model, cannot remember.

[Big_T_UK]

Second thought, regarding the Bolivar brand. The last one I had that I enjoyed was the Gold Medal. Have you tried it? Not our usual gauge I know but worth a try. Saturday maybe!