JohnS' Smoking Diary 2019

[JohnS]

This Smoking Diary is dedicated to @Wertman (and other members who requested it in the Daily Smoke thread) and serves as a reference for the information linked to the cigars I have smoked, and will smoke, in 2019.

[JohnS]

1. Diplomáticos No.2 LGR Abr 2018

It was strange to smoke a cigar indoors, but that I did in the Corona cigar Lounge in Orlando, Florida at Corona Cigar at Dr. Phillips. Wow...what a store! And the Downtown store is bigger? I must have been the only guy in the place smoking a Habanos. Very typical Diplomaticos...sourdough, bell pepper (or capsicum), toasted tobacco and a little nut. I was just grateful to enjoy a cigar lounge today, the cigar experience was secondary!

2. Cohiba Shorts

I lit this up soon after finishing my Diplomaticos No.2 in the Corona Cigar Lounge at Dr. Phillips in Orlando. I think subconsciously I must of have been thinking that the patrons were all smoking large ring-gauged cigars and someone needed to redress the 'imbalance' in the room! Cohiba grass, hay and honey in a 10 to 15 minute smoke, what more could one ask for in regards to value?

[JohnS]

 

1. Partagás Lusitanias

This is the same Lusitanias that I picked up at the Port of Falmouth LCDH in Jamaica a few weeks ago. I'm so glad I ended up getting this as it did not let me down. Great Partagas flavours of sourdough, leather, coffee, a little wood and light tobacco all beautifully balanced.

2. Partagás Culebras

I ended up sharing this Partagas Culebras with my son, George and @Richard peters at Corona Cigar Lounge in Downtown Orlando. Surely the Culebras must be 'up there' as one of the most under-rated Habanos cigars? If you've never tried one, then you must simply hunt it down, they are that dependable in construction (yes, despite how they look!) and satisfaction. Well, at least that is, in my humble cigar journey experience, as I can't recall being disappointed by the last 4 or 5 I've had in the last few years.

[JohnS]

H. Upmann No.2 BRE May 2018

I picked this up in a 24:24 Clearance Monday six-pack sampler and 'boy-oh-boy' am I glad I did. Seriously, how good was this for only 6 months of age? You see, the H.Upmann No.2 can be a stupendous cigar, but most often they need time to settle, and even then they can be 'powerhouses'. This was surprisingly generous in its shortbread delivery and light in coffee notes, exactly how I like it!

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.1 ESL Dic 2017

I had this lonsdale at the Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge in Fort Worth, Texas with some other dear FoH members, Bruce, Ed and Mike. What a lovely place this is! The cigar itself was a tad stronger than what I prefer, that is, more cocoa and dark coffee than refined nut and milk coffee. No matter, the company and the environment were 'top notch'!

P.S. Although, I don't think this Monte 1 was a match for Mike's La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.2! ?

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Platinum Edition 2016 - Edición Regional Paises Bajos

Thank you @bugman78629 for gifting me this Netherlands 2016 Regional cigar, I definitely don't envisage that I'd ever have had a chance to sample it without your generosity! How does this compare to the last regular production La Gloria Cubana vitola currently available, the Medaille d'Or No.4?

Well, the LGC Medaille d'Or No.4 is known for being fruity, spicy, herbal, woody and yet it can be sweet and creamy too, especially if aged. This 54 ring gauge x 140mm cigar, known as a 'duke' size was indeed fruity, spicy and had some cream to it, as well as wood, but it was much more refined and subtle. In other words, I would expect to lay down any La Gloria Cubana sticks I have for some time to reach this level of subtlety.

The only misnomer I had with this cigar was in trying to take off the bands I tore the wrapper, but despite smoking the rest of the cigar with just the binder, I could still easily retrohale and nub it.

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial GOS Feb 2018 (thanks @Richard peters!)

Thank you Richard for gifting me this cigar. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial is known for being the 'king of cream' and despite being under 1 year old, this certainly was creamy, however I would imagine it would need more time to become more so. This was very mild, tasted of light cocoa, cedar, vanilla and a little clove and was very easy to smoke and retrohale.

San Cristóbal de La Habana El Príncipe TOS May 2016

It seems appropriate to bookend my US holiday by smoking the same brand of cigar that started my trip a few weeks ago in Orlando, the San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe. The only difference is the weather here in Dallas this afternoon is around 45°F (7°C) with the wind, in comparison it was around 70°F (21°C) in Orlando a few weeks ago for my first SCdLH El Principe.

As a result, I couldn't help but smoke this quickly. I left home for Sydney a few hours later and I endured 100°F (38°C) heatwave conditions over the next few days.

A few days prior to leaving Dallas my son and I were caught up in a surprise thunderstorm which cancelled the Cotton Bowl between Boston College and Boise State. We wanted to walk up to Noble Ave from our hotel to get some Shake Shack for dinner, as this restaurant is not currently franchised in Australia. On the way back we were absolutely drenched. Was it worth it? Oh yes, definitely!

[JohnS]

La Puntilla Custom (thanks @Fuzz)

The La Puntilla custom, a throwback to our well-loved and missed long and skinnies and boy oh boy, aren't many of us grateful to Alex and Rob for this cigar! A 40 ring gauge by 160 mm long panatela, it doesn't actually conform to a recognised vitola, and I think that's quite apt, this stands out on its own. Rob has mentioned that the blend was aimed with a little Montecristo cocoa, a little Por Larranaga sweetness and nut but judging by the cold draw, this reminded me of an aged H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1.

The cold draw was distinctively salty and cream, like clam chowder, but the cigar itself settled into a combination of refined shortbread, light coffee and nut all the way, this was easily smokable into the last third. I must thank Fuzz again for gifting this to me from his recent trip to Cuba. If you have an opportunity to pick this up and/or sample it, do not hesitate to do so!

[JohnS]

H. Upmann Sir Winston (thanks @Richard peters!)

Thank you Richard for this gifted cigar. I smoked this soon after a La Puntilla custom long and skinny, and the main difference between the cigars in regards to blends was that the Sir Winston was more creamy and cedar, whereas the La Puntilla was more salty, or perhaps white pepper. Beautiful nut, coffee, H.Upmann shortbread and cream with a cedar spine throughout, what a great way to spend up to 2 hours, enjoying a churchill-sized cigar such as this one!

[JohnS]

Cohiba Robustos Supremos 2014 - Edición Limitada ARG Dic 2014

This was the cigar I chose to celebrate the 2019 New Year with and certainly it did not disappoint. I'm also grateful to have gifted one to @Luca, as both our cigars long-ashed, with Luca's getting to around 4 inches (100 mm) of its 5 inch length before breaking off. So yes, this smoked like a dream!

A few years ago I wrote a review on this cigar when it was about 6 months old, stating how important it was to give this time. To me it seemed like it was an 'amplified' version of a Cohiba Magicos. After 4 years of rest in my humidor, this has settled, with Cohiba grass and honey, citrus intertwined with a creamy light chocolate and core coffee spine, which to me was to prominent flavour throughout. This was easily a 95 point cigar!

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo VI ARG Jun 2015

It seems so long since I've had a Cohiba Siglo VI that having this one tonight felt like a guilty pleasure. Then again, Habanos S.A. has gone on a hiatus for possibly the last 18 months to 2 years with the Behike and Siglo VI so I shouldn't beat myself up I suppose. Sure, you can probably source the Siglo VI 'here and there' right now, but hey, they certainly were more easily accessible in 2015!

There is no strict and public data available on this cigar, but in my opinion, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the most popular Linea 1492 cigar for Habanos S.A. I've always felt that the Siglo VI has a blend slightly different to the Cohiba Siglo I-V, and I find it quite common amongst cigar enthusiast friends that the Siglo VI is rated highly and smoked more regularly than other Cohibas (well at least until the recent hiatus dried supplies up).

This was very typical for what I've come to enjoy from the Siglo VI. A mocha coffee spine with Cohiba grass/hay and honey, citrus and a slight buttered texture throughout the cigar. After I finished it I desired another, which is a hallmark of a appreciated and great cigar, yet I felt anxious for Habanos S.A to produce these in greater quantities again, and soon!

[JohnS]

1. Juan López Selección No.2 MEL Dic 2016

The Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 has enjoyed a revival on FoH in the last year. Who could have guessed that this robusto could rival the great Cohiba Robustos (or even the Partagas Serie D No.4) for the most popular cigar of that size on our forum in the past 12 months?

This was the first cigar from a new box so I was excited to give this a try, despite the fact that I haven't had the best smoking experiences with this cigar in the last few years. Unfortunately, my poor run of luck continued as the draw on this was very loose and as a result the burn was uneven and required touch-ups and re-lights. This detracted a little from my enjoyment of the cigar, however, the flavour redeemed the experience a little for me, as yes, I did get that citrus orange chocolate and cream coffee blend around that JL2 toasted tobacco core. I hope the next JL2 from the box is better, especially construction-wise.

2. Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 BUP Mar 2018

Unlike my previous cigar, the Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 which was loose, this on the contrary was tight in comparison, but thankfully it was not plugged. I found the tight draw did not diminish my enjoyment of this cigar as thankfully the flavours redeemed this smoke somewhat, much like the JL2.

This was light and mild, distinctive Hoyo de Monterrey flavours were evident - light milk cocoa, cedar, clove, cream and vanilla and I must say that these milder, sweeter flavours really resonated with me. Immediately after smoking this, I told myself how important it was to let these rest a little and give it a little time until I reach for the next one, for I fear that I'll finish the box more quickly than I would like, based on the flavours from this first cigar from a new box! 

[JohnS]

H. Upmann Connossieur A (2018 Xmas Sampler Series)

The first cigar I've sampled from the 2018 Xmas Sampler and of course I'm going to start off with one of the most reputable. Well, it did not let me down! Quality shortbread, almond nut and light coffee all the way. The only surprise here was that the body of this H.Upmann Connossieur A was slightly stronger than what I'm used to, and more so on the palate then through the nose. But it didn't alter how much I enjoyed it at all.

Juan López Selección No.2 (2018 Xmas Sampler Series)

The second cigar I've sampled from the 2018 Xmas Sampler and this was light on orange citrus and chocolate and more heavy on toasted tobacco and coffee. Also, much more intense than would I would like, I couldn't retrohale this in comfort, for example. In regards to strength, it was medium to medium-full but the flavours in general were okay, I'd have love this to be more refined but it's a bit much to ask for a cigar less than 12 months old like this one.

Ramón Allones Specially Selected (2018 Xmas Sampler Series)

This was the third cigar I sampled from the 2018 Xmas Sampler series and it was exactly how El Pres described it in his recent 24:24 write-ups. All raisin, coffee and tobacco and did I mention intense? Yes, very intense. If I compared the likes of some Ramon Allones Superiores or Ramon Allones Gigantes I've had in the past year then I'd say that this Specially Selected Robusto was at least twice as potent in body and strength. For my preference I'd need a minimum of 5 years rest to get this cigar at my desired point prior to smoking.

[JohnS]

1. Por Larrañaga Montecarlos LGR Oct 2017

Sometimes a cigar surprises you and this was such a time. The wrapper on this, in comparison to my other Por Larranaga Montecarlos box (which contains mottled, oily and almost colorado maduro wrappers on each cigar) was rustic, yellow/brown and non-descriptive, if you saw this in a Bricks and Mortar store you'd surely move on to the next box.

However, one puff on this cigar after lighting and I was truly in heaven. This was caramel, honey, milk coffee and toast goodness all the way. I just could not believe how spectacular this was! I shared one with my brother-in-law @Cuzz and he felt exactly the same way!

2. San Cristóbal de La Habana El Príncipe TOS Jun 2016

In comparison to the Por Larranaga Montecarlos I had prior to lighting this cigar, this was a major disappointment, but only because it was a standard El Principe. Cocoa, molasses and coffee throughout, it was a little more intense than what I prefer but overall it was fine, I didn't pitch it or dislike it.

[JohnS]

Sancho Panza Non Plus ABR Sep 2011

I haven't had one of these for a few months and I was keen to enjoy the unique cream, salt and wood flavour profile that you get when these are rested for sometime. Flavour-wise, this was superb however the draw was a little tighter than I'd prefer. Hopefully the next one from the box draws better.

[JohnS]

Por Larrañaga Montecarlos LGR Oct 2017

My first one from the box was so good that I couldn't wait to try another, which I did the next day. This was similarly spectacular, only a little more stronger in coffee flavours in the back half. The caramel and honey notes were evident throughout and most satisfying!

[JohnS]

1. La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4 ETP Oct 2015 (thanks @Luca!)

Thank you @Luca for celebrating a milestone by gifting me this awesome thin ring-gauged cigar! This had everything you could wish for...it was already aged over 3 years, it was marvellously complex and smooth and it wasn't affected by the humid conditions of a showery summer's night.

The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4 is often characterised for its fruit and spice, and this was evident in this instance, but its also noted for its herbal, woody and cream flavours. I was fortunate to hit upon a combination of these with this cigar. I shared one with @IanMcLean68 and @Fuzz this night and the LGC Medaille d'Or No. 4's from this box were universally praised as more than worthy of the special occasion.

2. Partagás Shorts GEO Mar 2015 (thanks @IanMcLean68!)

Thank you @IanMcLean68 for gifting me this cigar. I couldn't exactly recall the last time I've had a Partagas Shorts, but I believe it was sometime in mid-to-late 2017. This was almost 4 years old, from a reputable box code, and boy it was delicious! Partagas sourdough, light black coffee, leather and cedar were the main notes I got from it, but at times it was a little sweet on my palate (like licorice), especially in the first third. The smoke output was stupendous, I just could believe how much smoke this offered per draw!

[JohnS]

Punch Punch (2018 Xmas Sampler Series)

The fourth cigar I've had from the 2018 Xmas Sampler Series and I must say that it has been the best, so far. Punch Punch has had its share of years spent in the 'doldrums', but ever since 2016 they've enjoyed a revival on our forum. For me, this smoke embodies the fine characteristics of what we enthusiasts colloquially refer to as 'Cuban twang', the acidic addition from the minerals of the red soil of Cuba which can be described as 'citrus tart'. In my opinion, it's unique in the Habanos marca range, and perhaps only the Punch Double Corona can shadow it.

This had gorgeous spiced cream from the first puffs and it was an instant 'hit', that is, I knew it was better than your average habanos very quickly. Together with a little cedar and leather, and the previously mentioned 'Cuban twang' essence, this was very easy to nub. I even gained a benefit from not touching up the wrapper in the middle third, as the burn self-corrected and I didn't have to risk charring the wrapper. However, I don't think it would have mattered, this Punch Punch was that good!

 

Partagás Serie E No.2 (2018 Xmas Sampler Series)

The fifth cigar I've had from the 2018 Xmas Sampler series, this has been touted on our forum as a 'Behike replacement' in the past 12 months. Of course, nothing can truly replace a Behike, but since it's been on hiatus, I must admit that the Partagas Serie E No.2 is not a bad replacement. So what was this like? If you enjoy the pepper or spice of Partagas Serie D No.4's, then prepare to be disappointed as this is more refined than that, although there was little white pepper or spice evident in this cigar. It certainly has that core Partagas sourdough, leather and coffee flavours and comes in 5-count semi-boite nature (or wooden) boxes if you are interested in sampling it!

H. Upmann Connoisseur No.1 (2018 Xmas Sampler Series)

The sixth cigar I've had from the 2018 Xmas Sampler Series and this was another great option for smoking a cigar when you have 45 to 60 minutes on hand. It had very typical H.Upmann shortbread and coffee flavours, perhaps less on cream and shortbread and more on espresso coffee due to the youthfulness of this particular cigar. There was also some nut and sweetness at times akin to something like licorice. This is a good option if you want to sample a milder H.Upmann and it is slightly smaller than a Robusto in its size.

[JohnS]

Montecristo Especiales No.2 LAU May 2016

Why is the Montecristo Especial and Especiales No.2 so, so good? These long and skinny cigars, which share the same dimensions as the Cohiba Lanceros and Cohiba Coronas Especiales, just never seem to disappoint, no matter if they are young (12 to 24 months), rested (2 to 4 years) or aged (5 years and over). This was a little over 2-and-a-half years old but it smoked so smoothly. I shared one with Trevor Leask, the founder of Cuban Cigar Website, and we both were in agreement...for Montecristo it was quite, quite good. I enjoyed the Montecristo cocoa, milk coffee and nut but it was the floral edges and baking spice which I really enjoyed, something which I equate to cigars that are refined and rested or aged.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Secretos (circa 2008 - thanks @Trevor2118!)

This was gifted to me by Trevor and I must admit, this was the best Cohiba Secretos I've ever had! Aged from 2008, it was the cream in this that blew me away, and boy oh boy did it combine beautifully with the coffee, grass, hay and honey! The only downside was that this was over in 35 minutes, if only the cigar was an inch longer, it would have been perfect!

[JohnS]

La Flor Dominicana 1994 Rumba (thanks @Çnote)

Thank you @Çnote for gifting me this cigar to sample. This was a big cigar in terms of its length and size and combined, 6.5 inches (165mm) by 52 ring gauge round which made it a long smoke. This cigar genuinely surprised me in its flavours as it was unlike any Cuban I've had before, it was unique in its combination of flavours, refinement and strength.

In regards to flavours, it was like an aged H.Upmann in its bread, cedar and white pepper flavours, but add to that a little chocolate and umami or savoury-type flavours of processed or dried meat. @99call introduced a topic on umami flavours recently and coincidentally I picked it up in this cigar. You can reference that thread below...

In terms of strength, no, it wasn't a powerhouse, it was around medium but it was full of flavour. The flavours were subtle and refined though, it was as if this cigar was blended to be a little above the rest in terms of competition, in my mind. You know, a little more 'classy'. One thing I must give it, an accolade for its unique combination of flavours.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Pirámides 2006 - Edición Limitada (thanks @Trevor2118)

Again, I must thank Trevor for gifting me this aged cigar. This 2006 Limited edition was the precursor to the Cohiba Piramides Extra, the regular production cigar released in 2012 in a slightly larger size. This had very little trace of the chocolate found more prominently in recent maduro-coloured Limited Editions, instead it dominated in mocha, honey and citrus notes, with a little grass/hay at times. Toward the end of the second third this picked up in spice and intensity, especially through the nose when retrohaling, but the wrapper burned inconsistently and didn't self-correct, so I had to let it go a tad earlier than what I would have liked. Therein sums up the joys and pitfalls of our wondrous hobby!

[JohnS]

Cohiba Coronas Especiales AUM Jul 2014

I've waited some time to sample these as this long and skinny (38 ring gauge x 152 mm or 6 inches) really benefits from some time rested. The cigar started off as expected, nice notes of mocha, honey and vanilla. As it approached the second third the cigar changed to reveal some spice or perhaps white pepper, with some grass/hay. The final third exhibited more intensity, more woody and peppery. In conclusion, I've had some glorious Coronas Especiales in the past older than this, especially in the back half, and I intend to give the next one a try in 6 to 12 months to see how they're coming along.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.2 PMS Abr 2015

This Montecristo No.2 has come from a 10-count box rested from my OLH. The previous 4 were very good to outstanding, this in comparison was okay. The reason? The cocoa,coffee, nut and cedar elements typically found in Montecristo No.2's was all there, it was just that the flavours were a tad muted in their combination. Towards the back half it showed some leather and dominated in cedar more, but I prefer more cocoa/coffee flavours all the way through. Still, I hope the next one from the box could be my panacea!

[JohnS]

Rafael González Perlas PMS Abr 2015

I just love these perlas! I smoked this on a very humid day while working outside in the yard and it was just perfect for the occasion. It had a lovely combination of cocoa, floral, honey and baking spice notes and I nubbed it until the end. It sure made my yard work more enjoyable!

San Cristóbal de La Habana El Príncipe TOS Jun 2016

The first one from the box a few weeks ago was average in comparison, but the next one was fantastic. This had everything I could ask for...that typical San Cristobal cocoa, coffee, sweet molasses and spice all the way through. I savoured it over 45 minutes and a long cup of espresso coffee. What a glorious way to start the day!