JohnS' Smoking Diary 2021

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo II GLE Dic 2020

I have smoked a number of Cohiba cigars in 2021 but I did not realise that it's been eight months since I last had a Cohiba Siglo II. This GLE Dic 20 example has been resting in my humidor for almost three months. Now, normally I wouldn't favour smoking a Siglo II so young, but since 2019/20 Habanos stock has been so uniformally sound in its smoking at younger stages, I figured I'd give this a try.

This cigar was actually quite amazing and it was for purely sentimental reasons that it was so. You see, the flavour blend on display here was a hark back to my very favourite Siglo IIs I've smoked in the past. These tended to be overtly grassy, creamy and smooth. The anomaly with this cigar today is how I got such flavours in a Siglo II barely eight months old? It was indeed quite wondrous.

So, whereas a number of Linea Clasica and Linea 1492 (i.e. Classic Line and Siglo Line) Cohiba 2019 and 2020 stock I've smoked has displayed a mocha coffee core and sometimes a buttered texture, this Siglo II was all lemongrass, cedar, vanilla bean and cream-textured from beginning to end over 75 minutes of smoking time.

If you are a Cohiba fan this is how you'd want your Siglo II to smoke. To put it mildly, today was a Habanos smoking experience of the highest class!

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Revolution 2015 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico SGA Nov 2015

As I wrote in my previous review on this cigar three months ago, the La Gloria Cubana Revolution is an Asia Pacifico Regional Edition release that followed the Diplomaticos Bushidos. Although listed as a 2015 release, like the Bushidos, it didn't hit the market until the following year, in the case of the Revolution, around mid-2016. Following the actualised hype of the Bushidos, this was a tough act to follow. Not unsurprisingly, the Revolution is not as acclaimed as the Bushidos, but reviews haven't been that bad either, flavour-wise.

The last LGC Revolution I had was quite good, after five-and-a-half years the flavours were melding quite nicely, complimented by a gorgeous cake-type texture.

Like last time, I again very much enjoyed the flavours of this cigar, even if I don't much go for the Montesco vitola (i.e. 55 ring gauge x 130 mm or 5⅛ inches in length). With La Gloria Cubana as a marca I find one can experience an array of flavours from the savoury pepper or spice to the neutral wood and nut to the sweet fruit and citrus with a combination of these, often across the spectrum. This LGC Revolution hadn't developed in flavour blend much past the last one I smoked three months ago. I again experienced a complexity of flavours which came together quite nicely; mainly cream coffee, wood, fruit and floral notes with a cake-textured feel on the palate. My initial LGC Revolutions within the first three years had some pepper but there was none evident here.

This was my last La Gloria Cubana Revolution. I have no regrets other than I very much wish I could source more variety within the La Gloria Cubana marca at the present time. Yes, that would be very nice...even if it's a case of wishful thinking!

[99call]

On 8/19/2021 at 5:17 PM, JohnS said:

This Distinguidos, I have to confess, flavour-wise was outstanding. I got peanut, cointreau-essenced orange citrus and mild shortbread through-and-through

Yep, Even when these get touted as the 'best of a bad bunch' they are just so much better than that again. I picked up some LRG DIC 18's as I wanted to indulge in that peanut hit, but kept on having to mutter to myself throughout the 5 or so that I've smoke 'these are so much more than peanut bombs'. I would back up what you've said entirely that these offer notes of high quality QDO, and Upmann. I feel really sorry for people who just blanket ban Cuaba without at least sampling a few Distinguidos and Divinos. 

 

[Chucko8]

5 hours ago, JohnS said:

 

La Gloria Cubana Revolution 2015 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico SGA Nov 2015

As I wrote in my previous review on this cigar three months ago, the La Gloria Cubana Revolution is an Asia Pacifico Regional Edition release that followed the Diplomaticos Bushidos. Although listed as a 2015 release, like the Bushidos, it didn't hit the market until the following year, in the case of the Revolution, around mid-2016. Following the actualised hype of the Bushidos, this was a tough act to follow. Not unsurprisingly, the Revolution is not as acclaimed as the Bushidos, but reviews haven't been that bad either, flavour-wise.

The last LGC Revolution I had was quite good, after five-and-a-half years the flavours were melding quite nicely, complimented by a gorgeous cake-type texture.

Like last time, I again very much enjoyed the flavours of this cigar, even if I don't much go for the Montesco vitola (i.e. 55 ring gauge x 130 mm or 5⅛ inches in length). With La Gloria Cubana as a marca I find one can experience an array of flavours from the savoury pepper or spice to the neutral wood and nut to the sweet fruit and citrus with a combination of these, often across the spectrum. This LGC Revolution hadn't developed in flavour blend much past the last one I smoked three months ago. I again experienced a complexity of flavours which came together quite nicely; mainly cream coffee, wood, fruit and floral notes with a cake-textured feel on the palate. My initial LGC Revolutions within the first three years had some pepper but there was none evident here.

This was my last La Gloria Cubana Revolution. I have no regrets other than I very much wish I could source more variety within the La Gloria Cubana marca at the present time. Yes, that would be very nice...even if it's a case of wishful thinking!

Smoking one right at this moment and then here it is on your thread also. I'm attaining flavours same as what you have mentioned, though definitely getting some touches of a lemon pepper vest in there as well. Delicious! 

[JohnS]

12 hours ago, 99call said:

Yep, Even when these get touted as the 'best of a bad bunch' they are just so much better than that again. I picked up some LRG DIC 18's as I wanted to indulge in that peanut hit, but kept on having to mutter to myself throughout the 5 or so that I've smoke 'these are so much more than peanut bombs'. I would back up what you've said entirely that these offer notes of high quality QDO, and Upmann. I feel really sorry for people who just blanket ban Cuaba without at least sampling a few Distinguidos and Divinos.

I always appreciate what you have to offer Stefan, in terms of views, knowledge and opinions, on Habanos cigars. Thanks for adding that Cuaba can be more than just a 'one-trick-pony'! 👍

7 hours ago, Chucko8 said:

Smoking one right at this moment and then here it is on your thread also. I'm attaining flavours same as what you have mentioned, though definitely getting some touches of a lemon pepper vest in there as well. Delicious! 

You said that the LGC Revolution was a beautiful cigar in terms of flavours and so what can I say Chuck, other than, you were right! 😉

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.1 GEL Nov 2020

If I had to guess what sells, in terms of annual volume, in the original Montecristo line when it was originally released in 1935, I'd say the No.4 followed by the No.2 would sell in the greatest numbers. The Montecristo No.5 would be next followed by a distance by the No.1 and No.3. The reason the last two would be less in demand, in my view, would be due to their vitola dimensions rather than how good a cigar they are. Lonsdales and coronas respectively don't currently sell in great numbers, hence their recent mass deletions in the last 15 to 20 years. After smoking this No.1, I find it a great shame how it's 'under-the-radar', but I'd say that would be less so amongst enthusiasts on our forum.

Following on from this, if there was a poll conducted to seek out the most under-rated Montecristo cigar I wonder if the Montecristo No.1 would top it. Yes, I would think the top prize would go to the often neglected and unheralded coronas-sized Montecristo No.3, but I would hasten to add that the Lonsdale-sized Montecristo No.1 wouldn't be too far behind.

Recent stocks of 2019/20 Montecristo No.1 have been smoking very well, as their sales on 24:24 listings in that time would attest to. I was low on Montecristo No.1 stock in my humidor so I acquired this GEL Nov 2020 quarter pack a few months ago. I'm glad I did too, after all, it has been a long twelve months since I smoked a Monte 1!

This Montecristo No.1 was beautifully complex in its flavours and hugely satisfying today. It had milk coffee, luscious chocolate, some citrus twang and a simply delectable creamy texture on the palate. It was around mild-medium in strength and gave off some toasted tobacco and leather notes on the retrohale from the middle of the first third onwards. I wouldn't hesitate to say that this Monte 1, after 105 minutes of smoking time, was only marginally behind the very best Montecristo 80 Aniversarios and Leyendas I've enjoyed in terms of its combination of coffee, cocoa/chocolate and creaminess.

It's a pity the Montecristo No.1 doesn't get more attention from cigar enthusiasts. After all, it's only 10 millimetres (or two-fifths of an inch) longer than a Cohiba Siglo III but a lot better value in terms of price in comparison.

[JohnS]

Ramón Allones Allones Superiores 2010 - La Casa del Habano Exclusivo ULA Sep 2014

If I had to put the Ramon Allones on a spectrum according to strength and body, I would put the Ramon Allones Superiores on the other side of the Ramon Allones Specially Selected. That is, the Superiores (commonly abbreviated to RAS) would be on the lighter or milder side and the Specially Selected (commonly abbreviated to RASS) would be on the stronger or fuller side. This ULA Sep 14 RAS, at seven years of age, therefore was atypical for a Ramon Allones cigar in how light, smooth and soft on the palate this was to smoke.

Everything about this smoke was subtle. The cocoa was like a fine dusting, the typical 'stewed fruit' Ramon Allones profile was light, the evidence for an aged cigar was there in the hints of baking spice, wood and floral notes on the edges.

For me, this was a stupendous example of a Ramon Allones cigar. I could quite easily smoke another from the box just thinking about it!

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Tacos 2018 - Edición Limitada UER Dic 2018

The Romeo y Julieta Tacos is a 2018 Limited Edition. At its world launch event in Madrid, Spain in September 2018 it was revealed that the Tacos' dimensions of 49 ring gauge x 168 mm (or 6⅝ inches) in length is a reference to the 1970s Tacos Imperiales. For a Limited Edition, I must admit, I did like this size, and more so in regards to its circumference or ring gauge being under 50 rg.

I have seen these RyJ Taco ELs come in Colorado shaded wrappers and Colorado-Maduro shaded wrappers. My Taco was of the Colorado-Maduro variety, and mottled to boot!

The cigar was not as full-bodied as my last RyJ Tacos smoked 10 months ago and in the ensuing period was a touch under medium in strength. Again, it was not complex in its variety of flavours, rather it had a core combination of chocolate, wood, leather and this time it had a little bit more 'fruit' to it but it was not sweet.

So was this 2018 Romeo y Julieta Tacos better than the 2016 Romeo y Julieta Capuletos? For me, it was simply a case of the two cigars being different. The reason I say that is because I am partial to Romeo y Julieta as a marca, if you don't have a natural disposition to RyJ then I would surmise that you would either love or hate this 2018 Limited Edition release.

As for me, whilst I enjoyed this 2018 RyJ Tacos, I would still reach for a regular production Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4, Petit Royales or Churchill before I reach for this Limited Edition soon. I still feel that a little more time down will do it good.

[JohnS]

Saint Luis Rey Serie A MOE Oct 2014

It's a shame that Habanos S.A have reduced a marca such as Saint Luis Rey to one regular production vitola, the Regios. Saint Luis Rey as a brand established itself in the 1940s in the United Kingdom and did not do so in other regions, nevertheless, the Regios and the Serie A are quite different cigars, in my opinion, especially as these can be quite complex in their flavour delivery. I find the Regios more approachable young, yet the Serie A can really take you on a journey when smoked with some age on it.

This cigar when aged can give you nuanced, subtle flavours and changes through the thirds. My most recent Serie A's showed notes of powdered cocoa, hay, lemon/orange citrus sweetness and apricot or peach stonefruit flavours in the first third, floral flavours and cream in the middle third and chocolate and espresso coffee in the final third.

This Saint Luis Rey Serie A, at seven years of age had more elements of the first third in it, however it had some notes of the others. The main flavours I got from it were cocoa, hay, orange citrus and a sprinkling of pekoe tea and spice but from the middle third onwards it was definitely more chocolate and espresso coffee. It was a wonderfully balanced cigar and upon finishing it I lamented that I have only four Serie A's left in my humidor. I plan to enjoy them with a little more age on them yet.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Coronas Especiales AUM Jul 2014

The Cohiba Coronas Especiales is a Laguito No.2-sized 38 ring gauge x 152 mm (or 6 inches) in length cigar. It is known for its pig-tail, like its Laguito No.1-sized brother, the Lanceros. Its origins go back to 1967, three years after the Lanceros was born. Initially, the Lanceros was only made available outside of Cuba as diplomatic and VIP gifts, it wasn't until the 1980s that the Cohiba Coronas Especiales, Lanceros and Panatelas were released to the public, being the first three cigars of the Classic Line. (The Esplendidos, Robustos and Exquisitos were added to the line in 1989)

Prior to being released to public the Cohiba Coronas Especiales was packaged in dress boxes of 25 and 50 cigars respectively; thereafter it was packaged in cardboard packs of 3 cigars and varnished boîte nature boxes of 25 cigars and 50 cigars with and without cellophane until some time in early to late 1990s. With the discontinuation of display box packaging (i.e cardboard boxes containing five cardboard boxes of five cigars) in 2017, the only packaging the CCE comes in today is a varnished boîte nature box of 25 cigars.

I have never seemed to find the same amount of satisfaction in my AUM Jul 2014 CCEs as I've encountered from some late-2005 examples I've enjoyed prior to this period, or indeed the outstanding LTO Sep 2020 CCE I had just two weeks ago.

This seven-year old Cohiba Coronas Especiales had solid flavours of milk coffee, light hay, honey and vanilla notes and stayed that way over 75 minutes of smoking time. It was quite good, in fact, better than most of the CCEs from this box code, but that LTO Sep 2020 CCE was more 'toasty' and lighter on the palate, which appealed to more, I suppose.

It's no surprise, therefore, which Cohiba Coronas Especiales I will be reaching for the next time I smoke one!

[JohnS]

Montecristo Leyenda LGR Sep 2018

The Montecristo Leyenda is part of the Linea 1935 series, a group of three cigars (the others are the Dumas and Maltes) which are the Montecristo version of the Cohiba Behike series. Its dimensions are identical to the 2015 Montecristo 80 Aniversario release, that is big...a Maravillas No.2 cigar with a 55 ring gauge by 165 mm (or 6½ inches) length. These have been marketed as been fuller in strength (or is it flavour, or possibly both?), but I consistently found these to be suitably medium to medium-mild. This Leyenda wasn't as light as an Especiales No.2, for example, but it was nowhere near as strong as some Petit Edmundos or even Montecristo No. 4's I've had.

Unlike my last Leyenda smoked four months ago, this had a pleasant marshmallow-textured creaminess to it which is something I actively look for in this cigar and appreciate. It also had notes of light cocoa, cedar, almond nuts and citrus twang. This time I had hints of white pepper from the end of the first third onwards, like the last few Leyendas I've had in 2018 and 2019. Like last time, the cigar did not get intense into the last third and I enjoyed it well past the band. It took a good two hours and twenty minutes to finish.

This wasn't as good as the last Leyenda I had because the cocoa in it was so light, affecting its balance, but it did have a marshmallow-textured creaminess to it which I certainly appreciated. Whilst I have stated in my last review on the Montecristo Linea 1935 Maltes that overall I feel the Linea 1935 is a disappointing release, due to its premium marketing and price point, I will continue to laud the virtues of the Leyenda and I will continue to seek it out and enjoy it on occasion, unlike the Maltes and Dumas.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo III MAR Ene 2020

The Siglo III is and remains my favourite of the linea 1492 series. The reason is simple, the vitola is 42 ring gauge by 155 mm (or 6.1 inches) in length and that, I feel, is the ideal cigar size for me. This was the first cigar of a quarter-pack acquisition from mid-2020. I had smoked a TUE Jun 2020 Cohiba Siglo III a month ago, acquired only in mid-2021 and that was outstanding so I was eager to try this MAR Ene 2020 Siglo III today to compare (them).

Today, the Cohiba Siglo III is only one of two regular production coronas grandes cigars in existence (the other is the Montecristo Tubos). The last one deleted from Habanos S.A's catalogue, the highly-regarded cigar enthusiast favourite, the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo des Dieux was discontinued in 2014 but most coronas grandes-sized cigars were discontinued in the early-2000s soon after Habanos S.A. was 50% acquired by Altidis in 2000.

Like my TUE Jun 2020 Siglo III smoked a month ago, this Siglo III again continued the trend of recent 2019/20 Habanos stock in smoking well with minimum time rest. It's long been said on our forum that Cohiba is a marca that benefits from long-term aging (think five years and over) but, of late, I've noted that Cohiba has smoked well a lot younger. Also, the Cohiba brand has been noted for its herbal qualities since its inception to the consumer market in the 1980s, yet I feel that recent Cohiba hasn't had as much herbal element in their cigars in comparison to Cohiba pre-2015. When I mention herbal flavours, I am referring of course to the quintessential Cohiba grass/hay. Grass indicates that the herbal flavour is sharper and more distinct in the blend, hay indicates that the herbal flavour is rounder and more melded.

With this early-2020 Cohiba Siglo III, I got even less Cohiba grass/hay than the TUE Jun 2020 Siglo III. It had a sweet honey core but the dominant flavour here was the citrus. I also got butter and mocha coffee. As the cigar smoked down into the middle and final thirds it developed more woodiness and some spice. It wasn't as glorious as the TUE Jun 2020 Siglo III I smoked prior to this one, but it was still excellent. I wouldn't decry or bemoan having a box of this MAR Ene 2020 Siglo III though, even after sampling the exceptional TUE Jun 2020 example.

It goes without saying that I again smoked this as far as I could take it. For its age, this Cohiba Siglo III truly was an exquisite example of how great Cohiba can be when it is 'on song', like it was today.

[JohnS]

Por Larrañaga Galanes RAT Nov 2020

What is it about new Habanos releases lately been all individual sizes from each other? It seems that ever since around 2015 when the Partagas Maduro No.1 came out we've had a whole spate of new cigars with new sizes. Consider the following; Partagas Maduro No.1, Cohiba Medio Siglo, H.Upmann Magnum 54, Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales, Quai d'Orsay No.54, Vegueros Centrofinos, Partagas Maduro No.2, Partagas Maduro No.3, Trinidad Esmeralda, Trinidad Media Luna, Trinidad Topes, Punch Short de Punch, La Flor de Cano Elegidos, H.Upmann Connossieur No.2 and the upcoming 2021 (or possibly later) releases - the Montecristo Wide Edmundo and Cohiba Ambar.

There was once a time when a vitola meant something. For example, in the case of a Numero 109 (50 ring gauge x 184 mm or 7¼ inches - Diplomaticos Bushido, Sancho Panza Eslavos), Sublimes (54 ring gauge x 164 mm or 6½ inches - Bolivar Libertador, Cohiba and Montecristo Sublimes) or even a Canonazo Especial (52 ring gauge x 166 mm or 6½ inches - Cohiba 1966 EL, Trinidad La Trova) the size of these cigars indicates excellence and quality. The Por Larranaga Galanes is a 52 ring gauge x 120 mm (or 4¾ inches) in length Robusto. I'm not sure what its size means but if it was slightly smaller in girth I'd like to think it to be like a Punch Short de Punch, which is 50 ring gauge, but the same length. Why it's not is anyone's guess.

It's been three months since I had the first cigar from this 10-count box. I wrote previously that my first one was quite 'buttery' upon its opening whereby it settled in the first half in its core butter bread flavour; something akin to a recent Quai d'Orsay no.50 or 54 with its brioche characteristics. This second Por Larranaga Galanes was similar and it also had a milk coffee flavour in its opening to compliment that brioche-type butter bread taste on the palate.

However, halfway through the first half that characteristic dull oak wood flavour came to the fore. Make no mistake, there was again no Por Larranaga 'Caramel'  to this cigar. The cigar took 70 minutes to finish and there was plenty of flavour and smoke to each draw. The construction on the PL Galanes was a struggle to contend with though, I had to re-light a few times and contend with some bunched leaves which affected the burn. The ash didn't hold together as well as what I would have liked either. Nevertheless, it didn't detract from the flavours of the cigar.

Based on the flavours I picked up in this PL Galanes again today I wouldn't be surprised if this new release turns out to be quite popular with our members, when they can actually be more readily sourced. Unfortunately, they aren't easy to acquire at the time of writing this review.

[JohnS]

Montecristo Especial LTO Mar 2021

Together with the Cohiba Lancero, the Montecristo Especial is the epitome of the 'long-and-skinny', a Laguito No.1 with a slender 38 ring gauge by 192 mm (or 7.6 inches) in length. I had the first cigar from this LTO Mar 2021 box about a month ago and it was exceptional so of course I was exuberant in the thought that I would smoke the second one today!

The Montecristo marca is one of my favourite, although I do prefer the majority of its vitolas in the 3 to 5 year window of rest. The Especial, and its shorter Laguito No.2 brother, the Especiales No.2, is an exception to this preference. I've found these long and skinnies tend to get rolled with quality seco leaf, hence the mocha creaminess you can get from them as they mature. However, having said this, I've found Montecristo cigars from 2019 to 2021 quite favourable to smoke with minimal rest.

This Montecristo Especial opened with a rich, luscious chocolate combined with a creamy milk coffee core and stayed constant over two hours. It had a little citrus twang in the opening third but the cigar 'stayed the course' and didn't develop through the thirds. Despite the lack of complexity I wasn't complaining, this cigar was again outstanding in its simple blend of flavours and I'm satisfied that it was.

The only letdown was a number of re-lights from the cigar going out, which I found a tad disappointing. Other than that, I didn't hesitate to nub this once again. I wrote in my last review on this cigar that I thought that the only two better Montecristo cigars I've ever enjoyed, other than this one, was a 2016 Montecristo 80 Aniversario and a 2020 Montecristo Supremos Edicion Limitada. I still stand by that statement. In the flavour department, this Montecristo Especial is the best Montecristo cigar I've sampled in 2021 from my humidor. Then again, the Montecristo Especial and Especiales No.2 have consistently enjoyed an enhanced reputation amongst enthusiasts within the Montecristo marca.

I believe this is one of the reasons why the Especial and Especiales No.2 never hang around long enough on FoH 24:24 listings when they invariably come up. In the case of the Montecristo Especial, I can't even recall them been available in the last five years or so, they are that rare.

[smbauerllc]

2 hours ago, JohnS said:

Cohiba Coronas Especiales AUM Jul 2014

Recently fell in love with these. Has quickly become one of my favorite Cohibas, but a little cost prohibitive to smoke very often like i can with my Siglo II's.

Great reviews as always. Very informative and enjoyable to read, and get to read about a lot of smokes that are either very rare to find, or outside my price range so I have only just heard of their existence before, so I can live vicariously through your reviews.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[joeypots]

6 hours ago, JohnS said:

I wouldn't hesitate to say that this Monte 1, after 105 minutes of smoking time, was only marginally behind the very best Montecristo 80 Aniversarios and Leyendas I've enjoyed in terms of its combination of coffee, cocoa/chocolate and creaminess.

It's a pity the Montecristo No.1 doesn't get more attention from cigar enthusiasts. After all, it's only 10 millimetres (or two-fifths of an inch) longer than a Cohiba Siglo III but a lot better value in terms of price in comparison.

High praise indeed. I think the MC marca is almost my favorite being just a hair behind Cohiba. Factor in cost (Has anyone noticed price hikes recently?) and Monte Cristo is a no brainer for me. They age well and the 42 RG ones are great sizes, the #1,2 and 3 being my favorites. 

[JohnS]

Partagás Maduro No. 3 TUE Mar 2021

The Partagas Maduro No.3 was added along with the Partagas Maduro No.2 in 2018 to form the Linea Maduro with the Partagas Maduro No.1 introduced in 2015. It is a unique Maduro No.3 size with a 50 ring gauge by 145 mm (or 5¾ inches) length. This was my second Partagas Maduro No.3 from the box after smoking my first one around six weeks ago.

I've had quite a few Partagas Maduro No.1s since acquiring a box in September 2020 so I was again quite keen to smoke this cigar to compare it to that original Partagas Maduro cigar after smoking my first Partagas Maduro No.2 from the box a few months ago. The Partagas Maduro No.1 has been a refined cocoa, chocolate, coffee, anise and sour cherry smoke according to my palate, in general. I wouldn't necessarily classify it as a classic Partagas-flavoured cigar. Having said this, I would categorise 2019/20 Partagas Maduro No.1 as a quality cigar well worth your time in acquiring.

This second Partagas Maduro No.3 had a similar flavour profile to the majority of TUE May 2020 Partagas Maduro No.1s I've enjoyed in late 2020/early 2021 and the initial Partagas Maduro No.2s I've smoked recently. Again, what stood out for me was the refinement that was on display here, with less body or fullness of flavour (than the Partagas Maduro No.1s I've smoked), in this Partagas Maduro No.3 today, which I'd classify as the most refined of the Partagas Linea Maduro Series. The flavours were again a combination of cocoa/chocolate, sourdough, anise, sour cherry and coffee...quite distinctive and quite enjoyable.

In regards to smoking time, give yourself around 90 to 100 minutes for the Partagas Maduro No.3. This one took me around 95 minutes to finish. In contrast, give yourself around 60 to 65 minutes for the Partagas Maduro No.2. The Partagas Maduro No.1 requires a little longer, perhaps 80 to 90 minutes to smoke.

[JohnS]

Trinidad Media Luna BSM Nov 2019

The Trinidad Media Luna is a Marinas size with a 50 ring gauge x 115mm (or 4½ inch) length. "Media Luna" is the name of the Hostel with an important architectonic value located in the street of the same name in the city of Trinidad, Cuba.

I had five or six Trinidad Media Lunas from this box code in the second half of 2020 and I have not re-visited them since. A number of these were outstanding 90 to 95 point cigars so I was happy to try another today to see how they were coming along.

This started off with some cookie dough/cake and coffee core flavours together with a little gingerbread-type sweetness. It soon settled into a coffee, wood, leather, Earth and salt savoury core in the middle and stayed that way until the end. From beginning to end there was an exquisite buttery texture to this cigar which was rich on the palate. In fact, the cigar was so flavourful, it took me a whole 85 minutes to savour!

Make no mistake, this 50th anniversary regular production petit robusto is a quality addition to the Trinidad marca. I thought that the Trinidad Topes I had around two weeks ago was an exceptional cigar but frankly-speaking, this was even better, if you could believe such a thing.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales RAT Ene 2020

At the current time, if there's one cigar I turn to when I want to enjoy something 'Habanos' for less than an hour and not think about it too much, but instead just enjoy it, it would have to be the Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales.

This Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales was from my 15-pack tubos box and it was every bit as good as the many good-to-great ones I've had this year. Again, it was the balance of chocolate, anise sweetness, turkish delight, rosewater and cherries which I found so easy to connect with. I guess it's either your 'cup-of-tea' or it's not. For me, it definitely is!

After 40 minutes the usually story of not wanting the cigar to end again came up but alas, of course, it did. Thankfully, there's always the next Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales to look forward to!

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire TEO May 2018

In my last few reviews on the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Maire I had written that when it comes to the Le Hoyo series I sometimes wonder why the du Gourmet, du Roi, du Prince and des Dieux were discontinued but the du Maire remains. I surmised then (and I still do) that the cold hard facts is that the du Maire continues to sell, while the other aforementioned cigars of the Le Hoyo series did not, but I still reminisce and pine for a des Dieux or du Prince at times; whereas I never pine for a du Maire other than when I need a cigar to smoke for a 20 to 25-minute duration.

Much like my most recent El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse, which is the same vitola as this cigar at 30 ring gauge x 100 mm (or just under 4 inches) in length, the draw on this was ideal, not tight in any way, and smoke output was very, very good. Flavours were typical for the Le Hoyo line - wood, light milk cocoa, tobacco with vanilla and cinnamon spice to make this experience memorable for me.

This small cigar was quite satisfying today, but even so, I'm not inclined to sample another soon. I have five sticks left from this small slide lid box (the other entreactos cigars in regular production, the El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse and Romeo y Julieta Petit Julieta both come in 25-count dress boxes) and I think I may rest them a little while longer prior to re-visiting them again.

[JohnS]

Trinidad Esmeralda GEM Nov 2019

The Trinidad Esmeralda is a Dinoras size with a 53 ring gauge x 145mm (or 5¾ inches) length. Initially I thought that the name 'Esmeralda', meaning Emerald in Spanish, was a gemstone reference, but the origin of the name has been included in the internal advisory note which comes with the box. To quote directly, "The charming name of Esmeralda is a reference to one of the famous streets of Trinidad city."

I've written previously that the Esmeralda is one of those cigars that doesn't need any further accolades to assuage one of its virtues, in my opinion. It's simply a quality cigar that, for me, delivers satisfaction time-and-time again. The Esmeralda exemplifies the best qualities of the Trinidad marca because it is so true (to it). It's like the Cohiba Siglo VI of the Trinidad range. This Esmeralda, like my last one smoked four months ago, had perfect construction, perfect burning and yes, perfect flavours. It smoked like a premium cigar should; providing full flavours of coffee, wood, butter and salt with a hint of nuts and earthiness on the palate at around a medium strength. I nubbed the cigar to my fingers after 100 minutes of smoking pleasure.

To best summarise these new 50th Anniversary Trinidad releases in terms of blend, think of them as refined medium-strength cigars (the Media Luna being the strongest of the three, ahead of the Topes and Esmeralda) with a premium brand onus on delivering rich flavour (typically a combination of coffee, wood, dough or cake, spice, earthiness, nuts and butter). They are the type of cigars that you would finish a night with, in my view.

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse MLU Dic 2018

This box of El Rey del Mundo Demi Tasse has been so varied in its construction and flavour delivery that I've only scored one cigar 'five-out-of-five' in my Cuban Cigar Website Smoking Diary and I'm down to my last two! This is over a period of almost two-and-a-half years, mind you.

This ErdM Demi Tasse had some lemon citrus to it but it was the core fruit and shortbread profile, together with its honey sweetness which really appealed to my senses. This was a wonderful 35 minute smoking journey today. I wouldn't hesitate to say that this was the best cigar from the box thus far. What a shame I only have one left!

[JohnS]

Cuaba APAC 2020 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico LTO Mar 2021

If you haven't heard already Pacific Cigar Company (or it's more common abbreviation, PCC) is bringing out the 2020 Cuaba APAC in mid-2021 as an Asia-Pacifico Regional Edition, the very first Regional Edition since the program was conceived in 2005.

The Cuaba APAC will come in a 10-count box, with PCC distributing a run of 8888 boxes. The cigar is a Tacos vitola, a 47 ring gauge x 158 mm (or 6¼ inches) in length Perfecto, the same size as the LCDH Hoyo de Monterrey Elegantes, 2020 Mexican Regional Edition Ramon Allones Perfecto and the regular production Partagas Presidentes. The Tacos vitola differs a little from regular production Cuaba Perfectos in the shape of the head, which in the case of the APAC, is more conical than your standard Cuaba.

I was fortunate enough to receive a Cuaba APAC to sample from El Pres around three months ago, and yes...I was extremely grateful for the opportunity. What's more, it smoked very, very well. This Cuaba APAC Regional Edition is the first cigar from my own 10-count box acquisition. From the very first puffs I was delighted to savour that Cuaba peanut and orange Cointreau citrus profile. What's more, whereas normal Cuaba is medium or above, this was smooth, mild and refined. In fact, it was excellent, every bit as good, if not better than a quality Distinguidos in my view. Apart from the peanut and orange Cointreau citrus I was enamored with the quality shortbread and cedar aspects to this cigar. The flavour profile remained consistent until the final third when I got that quintessential Cuaba toasted tobacco with some grass or vegetal flavour on the edges. For a Cuaba, again like my last Cuaba APAC RE I must admit, I was very impressed in regards to its flavours.

Will these sell? Is PCC taking too large a risk, especially as Cuaba is commonly maligned in the Cigar Enthusiast community for its construction and performance issues related to their harder-to-roll vitolas? My opinion is that the curiosity of an initial Cuaba Regional Edition will cause more interest than normal, at first, but longer-term success depends on how the cigar is received thereafter once consumers have sampled it.

[JohnS]

Punch Short de Punch RAT Nov 2019

The Punch Short de Punch is a recent 2019 release by Habanos S.A. In my opinion, there's nothing 'short' about it. Firstly, its length is only 4 mm (or ⅙ of an inch) shorter than a robusto and secondly, it normally takes quite some time to smoke. Whereas a robusto would normally take me around 70 to 75 minutes to smoke the average Punch Short de Punch normally takes me around 90 to 105 minutes to finish! This RAT Nov 2019 was the first cigar from a new 10-count box.

Overall, I've rated the Punch Short de Punch quite highly since their release. In my view, they're best enjoyed within the first 12 to 24 months. In regards to flavours, like the previous Punch Short de Punch cigars I've had, this was again all classic Punch...the sour cream, leather, cedar and Cuban twang was all there from beginning to end. For me, this PSdP was so good that, I immediately assented to committing to another box acquisition as soon as practically possible.

This was by no means a complex cigar, but if you like Punch in general then I'd recommend that you definitely give this a try.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.4 BOE Abr 2019

I have had a good run with a variety of UEB 2018 box code Montecristo No.4s in the past few years so I was excited to acquire this quarter pack from FoH to compare a 2019 Monte 4. This was my first cigar from that quarter pack.

The cigar had a strong colorado hue to its wrapper but that wasn't it most standout feature. Rather, the box-pressed shape of the cigar was the most curious characteristic of this cigar; but for me, it held appeal as I don't mind box-pressed cigars on occasion.

How did it smoke? Quite well, actually. It was a little on the light side in terms of strength and body, and more so in cocoa and coffee flavours but the nut and citrus twang notes on this Monte 4 were quite interesting.

So in summary, this was fine for what you can get and can expect in a Montecristo No.4. It's without any hint of cynicism that I wouldn't be surprised if my next Monte 4 from this box code was markedly different and replete with cocoa and coffee flavours!