Cohiba Edicion Limitada 2003

Enjoying these during the 3 days of vacation down in Mexico. The Cohiba Double Coronas was a powerhouse in the beginning of aged sherry, nuts, and high spices... then it falls short, rock bottom, because it's a fake... a 7 years aged with golden ash heart (see pic below). But I am still thankful to this generous gift from my friend as a birthday gift. Anything tastes better down by the Caribbean. The 06 Monte 2 was solid as usual, specially with 4 years on it's belt. I've been rewarding myself with a Monte Piramide every year for the past 6 yrs, buying a new one on my birthday to replace one. Quite a good learning experience.


Also picked up a new habit of venturing to a liquor which could pair well with the smoke. I'd found 2 these year, a tequila and a Kentucky bourbon. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 years. this treat is from a good tea friend who understands my passion for the leaves (tea & cigar). The inviting color of rich cherry copper and the big nose of coffee, cinnamon, aged port, oak and sweet wood infused me. With a good awakening from it's high proof, the youth and vigor from the middle notes did hold me back to reality. Perfect balance with a Partagas Serie P No 2.

Tequila Gran Centenario Anejo

I never dreamt of paring 100% blue agave tequila with habanos, until a stay at the Secrets, Riviera Maya, this past weekend for a birthday get-away. Thanks to my lovely wife for the special treat. There, we had a tequila tasting event.

Although there are a few (3-7 years aged) selections which could easily top this Gran Centenario, the oak/sherry woody aroma with the sweet tobacco finish really pared well with both my '06 Monte No. 2 and a Partagas Piramide. The only upsetting experience was purchasing this bottle at the resort, which they said is on promotion at $60 per bottle. Later we found the same bottle at the airport for $29.... Hack... what a sucker... or a sipper?

Bolivar Royal Coronas 1999

The last one from a box of 25. This Royal Coronas is one of the easier Robusto sizes, in flavor and readiness. Could be consumed within a year of aging or will slowly develop that peppery profile to a more smoother exotic woody / aged nutmeg character in 10 years of time. Easy to draw, with smooth creamy cool full smoke, very balanced and charming. A finger burner indeed.

Germain-Robin Fine Alambic Brandy

A very generous gift from Will and David, who understand my passion in cigar. Terrific pair made in Heaven! Great nose of grapes, sandalwood, honey nectar and bright vanilla. Smooth but with vigor and youth showing through. Nothing like a much too over refined single malt or VSOP, this California style Armagnac has great personality and old world charm. Reminds me of a bygone Armenian Shustov's Cognac character.


Paring with a '97 Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux. The exotic complex woody aftertaste balanced nicely with the bright floral liquor... what could be better? Thank you again Will for such a wonderful choice.

H. Upmann Magnum 48 2009 Limited Edition

My First Upmann Mag. this year from a cabinet of 25. Do I love it? Too soon to judge, plus the first one I picked-up was plugged.... I would at least give another 2 to 3 sticks before saying anything decisive. These sticks are packed solid. I want to know how many blends are in it and there ages? I am guess 4-5 different grades?

Coffee and raw coco beans overwhelm most of my palate. Spices of pepper and cinnamon at the mid-sec. Cool, refreshing and soothing smoke. Sadly it was too harsh and difficult to draw at the end.... just my luck.

Diplomaticos No. 2. 2009

A 2009 box of 25. Beautiful classic rustic Cuban aroma, oily with blooms on the wrapper. Construction is less than ideal comparing to a Monte 2, but still an amazing smoke if I could hold it at least 2 more years to develop?

Smoked it cold, around 39F. Amazing floral notes, aloeswood, creamy buttery and chocolate on the palate, still vigor and stubborn. For some reason, the 2009 are much stronger and fuller than the previous years.... Could be a good sign of a come back? Finally.

Romeo y Julieta DUKE Edicion Limitada 2009

All the hype in 2009... and it's worth a try. Nice draw, dark oily wrapper, more delightful and meatier than a reg. Robusto. Got a bitter notes at the 2/3, could be a result of smoking outdoor, 8F evening?

Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas 25/2006

Something about it, that's missing.... the pull is too dense? Still Harsh? Something.... Perhaps its too small and burn too hot?