Cohiba Siglo III

Cohiba widely renowned brand among many cigars lover. Some swear by it, like my father, who would smoke no other. Some irk at the premium it commands, while others justify smokes that suites their tastes.

I picked a Siglo III to break away from my usual. Cohiba is always well constructed with good draw. Creaminess, or smooth as some may call it, always come with it. A medium to full body smoke with peppery taste. Yet I fail to detect chocolate, coffee, earthy, etc, as many reviewers claim. Aside from the slightly tight draw, it is a good smoke to end the evening, satisfying my crave.

Cohiba - Siglo III
Length: 6.1"   Ring Size: 42

Cohiba - Siglo III
Length: 6.1"   Ring Size: 42

Hoyo de Monterey - Grand Epicure LE 2013

HhM is my favorite brand to smoke. From Epicure 1, to Petit Robusto, to Short Pyramid, each of them holds a special place on my palate. Although lately, H.Upmann range has been flirting me with their fantastic smoke, I will gladly smoke a HdM anytime. Who says you can only love one?

Had been tempted to buy a box of HdM Grand Epicure LE 2013 for a while. Review puts it as a great smoke, but the price is scaling towards the high side. Bought a loose stick 2 weeks back, and ready to taste this baby.

Hoyo de Monterey Grand Epicure LE 2013
Length: 5.1"   Ring size: 55

First of all, I've never been a big fan of cigars with big ring size nor length. But this cigar doesn't waste time to impress you. 1 cm into the burn and the complex flavors start flowing in. It is rich and full bodied. The draw is smooth and burns well. By one third, the nuttiness tingles my palate, a soft spot for me. There is also an accompanying sweetness to it. There are a hint of spice but not strong.

Full bodied, rich and nutty.

Halfway through the smoke, I'm already hooked on this fabulous cigar. The great smoke continued all the way to the end. Took me over an hour to finish this cigar, leaving me with greater desire to buy a box.

Nubbed!

Fake cigar?

Partagas Shorts is my favorite short smoke when I don't have much time. Although it is short smoke as the name implies, it always delivers.  It is also economically priced at around S$9-S$10. I have yet to find a another comparable petit corona size cigars. Closest smoke would be Bolivar PC and Trinidad Reyes, but wasn't impressed then. Maybe I should try them again.

I recently bought a box of Shorts off my regular website and gotten a questionable cigar. It was skinnier than usual, almost like a Reyes. Yes I know Cuban cigars are handrolled, but the difference is too obvious. I wondered if the roller ran out of fillers and decided to make do with it, or did I get a fake. There were at least 2 such skinnier than usual cigars.

The skinny cigar stood out
like a sore thumb

Loosely packed?

After 2 months in the humidor, it was time to try it. Initial puffs were real harsh, leaving a bad after taste. It was also pretty loose draw, as I speculated. Yet it still has the taste of Partagas. After several puffs, I decided to put it out and cut it open. So far the looks and taste has brought nothing but doubts.

Partagas Shorts fillers

To my surprise, the fillers were not bits and pieces as seen on other sites. All the leaves were wholesome except for the tiny bit on the bottom left. Giving the benefit of a doubt, I may had cut a little too deep, causing some fragments.

In the end, I believe it was a genuine cigar even though there were many signs hinting otherwise. So my guess is either the roller lady was having a bad day, or QC was sleeping on job. This makes me appreciate Cuban cigars even more. Just like any of us, it is just another bad day. So smoke on!

H.Upmann encounters

My trip last week brought me to Macau & Hong Kong. When the night falls, there is always time to enjoy a cigar. However, with smoking restrictions rampant across Asia, finding a relaxing place to have a smoke is scarce.  Even Macau, where chimney smoking gamblers from China use to congregate in casino has implemented smoking ban in casino, spa and club, beginning 1st January 2015.

Cigar Emporium located in Venetian carries a good range of cigars. You will be spoilt for choices here as they carry most of the popular Cuban brands. The next best offer is their "tasting" rooms, where you can smoke the purchased cigar. If you need a drink to go with the smoke, the bar across the shop will be glad to serve. I had the pleasure of trying a H.Upmann Robusto LE 2012 together with a cup of cappuccino. It was a flavorful smoke I thoroughly enjoyed. Just the rich brown wrapper alone would make me salivate.

H.Upmann Robusto Limited Edition 2012

In 2009 when Hong Kong introduced smoking ban in public places, the owner of Club Cigarism converted his office into a cigar club. Their shop is tucked away on the 2nd floor behind Sogo in Causeway Bay. They offer pretty limited range, but do have some good choices. Also displayed in their humidor are couple vintage cigars which were interesting. They have a tasting room that can fit maybe 15 people in the 600 sq ft place.

Partagas Serie D No. 4 - Vintage Cigar since '90s
Going for US$145 per stick

I picked out H.Upmann Connoisseur No 1, a smoke recommended by a friend. The cigar only had 2 years of age but it was wonderful. Every puff was hitting my sweet spot with excellent draw. I must add this cigar to my list to buy.

H.Upmann Connoisseur No. 1
Length: 5.0"   Ring Size: 48

Nostalgic

It all started about 20 years ago when a group of friends tried their first cigars. We were all hooked on the delectable aroma and that blossomed into our occasional smoking session. As a poor student back then, it was tough enough getting by life on the meager allowance, let alone enjoying a cigar in a bar. Every smoking session was a pure enjoyment of a good smoke and company.

Fast forward to the present, the same group of friends are still hanging out and enjoying good smokes together. Over the years, many things had changed, but not our love for aromatic cigars.

During a trip last week, I entered a cigar shop and requested for Punch Super Selection No 1. This was the cigar that got us hooked on cigar. It was our favorite smoke then, and sadly it was discontinued in 2009. I was tipped off by a friend the shop may carry some and I had to try my luck.

True enough, the shop had 10 sticks left from 2006 batch. I bought them all albeit a little pricey. I intend to smoke it with the same friends for nostalgic sake!

Punch Super Selection No.1
Length: 6.1   Ring Size: 42