Wednesday 19th August 2009

[Simon-JG-hr]

Thought I'd get in early. I haven't actually started yet (physically can't for twelve minutes BST)...

I shall be back in Plymouth tomorrow, and shall be looking to enjoy at least one, possibly two fine sticks. I shall be taking photos of my Plymouth herfing spot (as previously described - on the water's edge).

I'd like to give my Trini Reyes an airing - as it may be just the antidote with a strong coffee after a near three hour train journey.

What else to take though (I'm using this as a sounding board thread too... )... By the water, should I really take the opportunity to test out the Monte Open Regata - but then again I had reserved that for the London herf over the Thames.

Alternatively, there is a Licenciados 'Toro' that was kindly sent by HabanoSy that is also dying to be tried. As are the Vegas Robaina Famosos in my humi... too many choices.

[G-man]

Close your eyes and reach in pull out whatever you touch first and smoke it. That eliminates the choice game LOL
Whatever U decied enjoy the day Simon.And smoke 1 for me

[Paulie]

I had my first Piedra this morning, I know a lot of people here enjoy them and rate them quite highly so I thought I should give one a spin and see how it goes.

Have to say I did not enjoy it at all. It lit up ok but the first few draws were just stale and old tasting. The further it went on it got slightly better but not by much. It just did not have that 'Cuban thing' about it and if I never knew it was a Cuban I would never have guessed it was.

I gave up on it after about halfway and just let it go out naturally. My overriding thoughts at the time were "was that worth the bother?". To explain myself regarding that statement I mean I would of been just as well not having it as it was an almost empty experience just for the sake of it.

I have three more that I bought from a recent order and will try another one in a few weeks time but I do not think much will be different.

A shame as it is a cheap stick and my expectations were high, perhaps too high considering the price?

[celsis]

I'm about RyJ Short Churchill and tonight it'll be a Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Sixty. If I can get the bloody thing in my mouth!

[Boss Hog]

As the weathers turned nice round here, thought I'd work from home today at my 'outside' desk in the garden.
Started early and have already enjoyed a R&J Short Churchill and am currently tucking into a Rocky Patel decade after a light lunch.

[Simon-JG-hr]

It's started to get damp here in Plymouth, and the wind is coming in across the Sound, so cigar smoking is becoming tricky (impossible...)

Here's my smoking spot in Plymouth though, literally a minute from my apartment:





Sat looking at the view (longing for a cigar) as I type.

[Robusto]

That looks very civilised, Simon. A great place to smoke and relax.

[cj121]

A nice way to enjoy a cigar there Simon, watching the boots come in, the boots going oot.

Have you no smokes on you at the mo'?

[Seriesteve]

A couple of Specials for me tonight Mmmmm Birthday week
An aged Cohiba and a Partagas SD No 4 Reserva (the widowmaker) had only two or three of these so far what a Cigar
Aye only 3 Hrs and counting

[Simon-JG-hr]

It is indeed a nice spot.

I've got three sticks on me at the moment (well, it's closer to two now - I've just finished a Don Gabriel sent by celsis - report to follow).

The sun has come out, and I've found a slightly more sheltered spot - so I was able to get the cigar lit in the end! A couple of pictures will be up very soon...

[Simon-JG-hr]

So, sun now out... my latest spot to enjoy a cigar. The original spot, on the other side of the quay can be seen on the left (where the large parasols are):



Had a nice chat with a fellow cigar smoker upon arrival. Just spotted a couple of other lighting up some long panatellas.

My DG, next to the beer that it was enjoyed with, a Kirin Ichiban (a Japanese beer):



Must dash, laptop battery about to die...

[misterbulgarin]

I had my first Piedra this morning, I know a lot of people here enjoy them and rate them quite highly so I thought I should give one a spin and see how it goes.

Have to say I did not enjoy it at all. It lit up ok but the first few draws were just stale and old tasting. The further it went on it got slightly better but not by much. It just did not have that 'Cuban thing' about it and if I never knew it was a Cuban I would never have guessed it was.

I gave up on it after about halfway and just let it go out naturally. My overriding thoughts at the time were "was that worth the bother?". To explain myself regarding that statement I mean I would of been just as well not having it as it was an almost empty experience just for the sake of it.

I have three more that I bought from a recent order and will try another one in a few weeks time but I do not think much will be different.

A shame as it is a cheap stick and my expectations were high, perhaps too high considering the price?

You get the odd piedra which is a bit crap, like any cigar brand. The majority ive smoked have been a real treat, flavorwise and behavior wise. but that doesnt meant theyre all good, I think my last one had some funky ass wrapper, and was half-assedly burning. What can ya do eh

I think im gonna dedicated the bottom of my drawer to piedras, for mates and family, and me of course

[HabanoSy]

An aged Cohiba and a Partagas SD No 4 Reserva (the widowmaker)

Some real beauties there SS...

How does the D4 Reserva compare with the normal D4...!?!

Always fancied trying one but in my mind could never justify the extra cost...!!!

Cheers, HabanoSy

[HabanoSy]

Here's my smoking spot in Plymouth though, literally a minute from my apartment:

A very nice spot indeed Simon...

Can see the hours just flying by whilst being sat there enjoying a fine Puro and a nice cold beer, or two...!?!

Cheers, HabanoSy

[Seriesteve]

Some real beauties there SS...

How does the D4 Reserva compare with the normal D4...!?!

Always fancied trying one but in my mind could never justify the extra cost...!!!

Cheers, HabanoSy

They were only Thirty Quid a pop when I got them
But they are Special, I wrote this the last time I had one...
..... a perfect full draw just enough resistance, very rich, full bodied, deep and earthy, hot spice and something else I'll call it tobacco absolutely gorgeous , the Cigar was alive igniting itself all the time a very nice red glow at the bottom of the ash as it met the leaf, the ash was dark for the first three qtrs. of an inch, then got a lighter grey after that. The flavours stayed consistent throughout , with a hint of coffee from about half way to the end.
Lets hope tonights as Good and I must remember to eat before it this time too heavy for an empty stomach