JohnS' Smoking Diary 2024

[Jimmy2]

As of late, Diplomaticos Regional releases have been solid 90/93 rated as for the ones I smoked. I would love for them to make some of them regular production! 

La Gloria Cubana...any new cigars in there line up would be welcomed! Love them! Have some Glorias with the beautiful box they came in but have not smoked any, yet...

I miss the the regular productions I have had over 10 years ago but they are long gone. I love both blends! 

 

[99call]

19 hours ago, JohnS said:

However, if you do like Romeo y Julieta you really owe it to yourself to try this cigar, in my opinion.

I'm not a massive R&J fan. But these have been incredibly impressive. Generously packed, hugely rich, long smoking, aromatic and true to marca. 

It's crazy to think these could be genuinely considered a bona fide afterdinner cigar.

Also they are (to my mind) the only general production R&J that perfectly melds to two opposite sides of blend spectrum. Like a Cazzie mixed with EX4.  They are an enigma

[JohnS]

Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill

Oliva famously gained credibility and publicity via its win for the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado with Cigar Aficionado in 2014. The Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill was Cigar Aficionado’s No.8 cigar of the year in 2018 and 2020, with scores of 93 and 95 respectively. I was quite impressed with the Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill cigars I smoked since the Habanos price changes in mid-2022 that I decided to acquire a 10-count box by the end of that year. The Churchill size is a vitola I quite like for when I feel like a long smoke and as we know, we aren't exactly 'flush with options' when it comes to Habanos Churchill-sized cigars.

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill is box-pressed but has a normal straight foot and a slightly curved head with a 178 mm (or 7 inches) length and 50 ring gauge, which is a little bigger than the traditional Habanos girth for a Churchill-sized cigar that is usually 47 rg. It comes with the now accustomed, yet impressive, Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper but it is the binder and filler which makes a difference to the Melanio line. Both the binder and the filler use Nicaraguan Jalapa tobacco which is said to impart more flavour and less strength.
    
As usual, on the cold draw I was impressed with the exquisiteness of this cigar's aroma, the sheen on its wrapper and frankly, how well these are made.

The cigar opened with some luscious chocolate and cedar and developed in the first third with the addition of milk coffee. In the middle third, I noted some leather, whilst in the last third the cigar was a tad more 'woody', but honestly not that much, the flavour blend stayed much the same. Throughout the cigar there was a nutty texture akin to almonds or walnuts and the strength of the cigar was mild. It was effortless to smoke and retrohale through the nose.

As I alluded to earlier in this review, Habanos S.A. have very few Churchill-sized cigars left; in fact, just three in regular production (Cohiba Esplendidos, H.Upmann Sir Winston and Romeo y Julieta Churchill). These all enjoy a ‘lofty’ reputation within the Habanos catalogue, Although, this wasn't brilliant as potentially those Habanos cigars, it was still a pleasure to smoke over two-and-three-quarter hours (yes, it was indeed fifteen minutes short of three hours). I very much enjoyed it and I'm glad I acquired a box.

In my opinion, I feel the Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill is a quality addition to my collection of other Habanos Churchills in my humidor. At least it's easier to replace than those other aforementioned Habanos cigars currently!

[JohnS]

DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado Carlota

In 2019, the original Nudies N1 Lancero and N3 Carlota were released. The N1 Lancero aimed to replicate the blend of the long-discontinued Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.1 and No.2. The N3 Carlota replicated the Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3.

They were well-received by our members, with the consensus opinion been that they were remarkably 'Cubanesque' for cigars utilising Non-Cuban tobacco. Construction on these cigars were consistently sound, the small team of rollers responsible for the rollout no doubt contributed to this consistency.

The DesNudos second version of Nudies had an additional Maduro-wrappered release for each vitola. I acquired a Colorado Maduro and Colorado Rosado version of both the N1 Lancero and N3 Carlota in March 2022 and left these cigars to rest for around eight months prior to smoking my first DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado Carlota, a 38 ring gauge by 152 mm (or 6 inches) in length vitola. This therefore, is my next one from the 15-count package I acquired, smoked fifteen months later!

The cold draw was in no way as 'grassy' in feel as the 2019 version. The very first puff revealed a wonderful sourdough, leather and citrus twang which was the core flavour of the cigar from beginning to end. There was no spice, there was no grassiness. The ash held together well and the cigar was medium-mild in strength. Unlike the original Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3, the overall texture or mouthfeel of this cigar was not 'toasty' in the least; rather it was more like a traditional Cuban cigar, more 'rounder'. In comparison to the last time I smoked this cigar, I would add that the flavours have obviously melded more.

In summary, this DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado Carlota, at almost two years of age, is a pleasant, simple and 'rounded' smoke from beginning to end. It remains very simple to smoke.

[JohnS]

DesNudos N3 Colorado Maduro Carlota

Having sampled the DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado Carlota recently, I felt it's only natural to want to smoke its fraternal twin, the DesNudos N3 Colorado Maduro Carlota as that is what I tend to do. If you aren't aware, the term 'Colorado Rosado' refers to what we know as a 'Natural shade wrapper' in Habanos cigars. 'Colorado Rosado' is the term used for Non-Cuban cigars.

The difference in wrapper shades, therefore, between these two releases is in fact the only point of variation between the cigars. In other words, the leaves inside contain the exact same blend. Keep that in mind the next time you smoke a DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado Carlota and a DesNudos N3 Colorado Maduro Carlota or Lanceros 'back-to-back' (or one after the other).

This DesNudos N3 Colorado Maduro Carlota certainly did have a core sourdough, leather and citrus twang blend, similar to the DesNudos N3 Colorado Rosado Carlota, but the maduro wrapper on this cigar imparted a completely different flavour upon the cigar because that aforementioned flavour profile was much more muted in comparison to the Colorado Rosado Carlota I smoked previous to this Colorado Maduro Carlota.

The maduro shade wrapper made this cigar more sweeter in its cocoa, but unlike the last time I smoked this cigar fifteen months ago, I can't say that it had anywhere near the same amount of anise or licorice. It was, however, quite easy to smoke, with full wafts of smoke per draw. It was effortless for an experienced cigar smoker to smoke.

I had the opportunity to sample a pre-release DesNudos N3 Colorado Maduro Carlota three years ago. At the time I summarised that cigar as follows: "In summary, think of some of the finest darker-wrappered Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4's you've smoked being combined with a Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No.3, but not as 'toasty'. Now that would be a fine cigar indeed. And indeed this was!" I can't help but think that the sweetness that the wrapper on this cigar imparted upon it was not too dissimilar. Trust me, I enjoyed it just the same!

[JohnS]

Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa

I wonder if it's an exaggeration to state that the Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa represents the current peak of the Nudies program. In other words, starting with the initial Nudies Lanceros and Carlotas in 2019/20, then moving forward to the second release 2021 versions that came out in Rosado and Maduro wrappers, I wonder if I could safely say that the Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa is the best cigar that this program has produced thus far?

Perhaps we could subjectively argue that the Desnudo Canonazo Amante VI, or Desnudo N5 Queen Corona or even the MOFOH Robusto Trinity have climbed the apex of excellence in this program for us? Ultimately, we need to consider that the Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa had sold out not once, but twice since its release a little over two months ago. Now, that's saying something!

The Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa came about because El Pres himself lamented the discontinuation of the Punch Ninfa in 2002 and his 50-count box had long gone. Sure, one could say the Quai d'Orsay Panetelas lasted until 2010, or even the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Gourmet until 2013 (although this cigar was one-third of an inch shorter in length the the traditional Ninfa size), but did anyone care about these cigars in the same way as the Punch Ninfas? I'd say no, mainly because the Punch Ninfas was an 'everyday' smoking-type cigar, a potential regular in one's rotation and that is what the Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa has been designed to be.

In El Pres' words, the cigar was blended to be "mid bodied and rich. There is a purveying raisin/fruity sweetness that melds well with other nuances of tart cooking chocolate, sourdough and just a touch of spice on the retrohale.  The cigar builds progressively but never loses it’s composure. The aroma is indeed something special and reflects the flavour profile. Only two sets of rollers/bunchers from our Fabrica 5 team are permitted to roll the Ninfas. They have been hand picked as the best of the best from our high performance Fabrica 5 unit. The construction quality reflects this. The blend is 100% Honduran and includes a special leaf that has enthralled us but until now we were at a loss as to how best to use. We found the right cigar for it to shine."

I smoked my first one today in a split with some other Sydney FoH members. So, that makes for a 25-count. It wouldn't surprise you to know that I thought it was excellent. Sixty-five to seventy minutes of smoking joy. The type of cigar I could light up again immediately after finishing the previous one.

I think I may need a few more to ascertain a general flavour profile. I can state that I thought it was somewhat 'graham cracker' in nature, a bit of nut, baking spice and molasses. I mean, the leaf is all Honduran but its not bad in how wholesome it is on the palate, like a Cuban cigar.

So there you go. I think I've said my piece. I may as well stop the review here and smoke another one. I hope to see you in a little while!

[JohnS]

Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa

Is the Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa the 'cigar of our times'? The cigar we need right now, amidst the struggles Habanos S.A. has been experiencing for some time to maintain a quality and regular production of their unique, luxury tobacco-based product? It may well seem to be so. For me, it may be the cigar we deserve when smoking Habanos cigars represents such a big opportunity cost, both in terms of the retail price and the efficacy of replacing one's stock, which isn't always that easy because it's difficult to know if one's favourite Habanos cigar is in hiatus or not.

Now, it's a rare thing that I smoke a cigar, indeed any cigar, back-to-back. But when this particular Nudies product sells out in its 50-count packaging not once, but twice and then proceeds to sell out once it becomes available in a 5-count pack...well, I can't help but wonder that there must be a reason for this unprecedented outcome within the Nudies program.

In my view, quite simply, the size of the cigar itself, being a Ninfas with a 33 ring gauge x 178 millimetres (or 7 inches) length is an homage to the times when long-and-skinnies were more widely available than they are now. Furthermore, this is a cigar that is by no means complex, and in my opinion this makes it the perfect choice of cigar within one's rotation when you need something more regular and available than a Habanos cigar.

This particular Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa was fairly similar to my last one in terms of flavours; 'graham cracker', a bit of nut, baking spice and molasses in the first half to two-thirds and a transition in strength and spice in the last third. The whole thing took me eighty minutes to smoke and honestly, I could easily smoke another one right now as I write this. Then again, so could you and maybe that is why they are currently 'sold out' at the time of writing this review.

[JohnS]

Ramón Allones Small Club Coronas ETP Mar 2017

The Ramon Allones Small Club Corona is a reputable (42 ring gauge x 110 mm or 4⅜ inches in length) minutos. I think I had around six or seven RASCCs mainly in the second half of 2022, and overall I rated them quite well for their flavours and smoking time. In fact, although I would opine that cigar enthusiasts favour the Montecristo No.5 or San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe more, I find the Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas is quite dependable and varies less in its quality, both construction-wise and flavour-wise. Despite the fact that I had a number of RASCCs in that aforementioned timeframe a year ago, this is only me second one since, for no peculiar reason other than I've had a whole lot of other cigars to peruse in the meantime.

When it comes to the RASCC you are really looking for its typical and distinctive dried fruit flavour, something akin to raisins. When that is present they're ideal. When they are not, I tend to still find them a decent option to smoke when I need a shorter smoke due to time.

This RASCC started off quite woody alongside with some characteristic light cocoa flavour. About one-third of the way into the smoke, the cigar ramped up in spice, which I found somewhat atypical. After this, the cigar settled down and exhibited leather and that 'raisin-type' sweetness we all know and love.

Again, the construction was spot-on here; both the burn and draw. Despite this Ramon Allones Small Club Corona having more strength in comparison to my last few, I still found it fine to smoke. I still continue to maintain that in my view overall, they represent decent value for a minutos-sized cigar.

[JohnS]

Bolívar Coronas Junior  MSU Jul 2019

The Bolivar Coronas Junior is another minutos (42 ring gauge x 110 mm or 4⅜ inches in length) which, like the Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas, I have found to be very dependable; even more so than the Montecristo No.5 and San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe. In relative comparison within the Bolivar marca, of the four Bolivar vitolas I have sampled in the last three years or so including the Bolivar Tubos No.1, Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Bolivar Petit Corona, I would rate the Bolivar Coronas Junior as perhaps the best (but maybe only just a little better than the others) for how consistent they've been for me.

I've not found my recent BCJs smoked as particularly 'Earthy'. This one certainly did have some Earthiness to it. Along with that were those other core Bolivar flavours that I've consistently found in these: light cocoa, leather, espresso coffee and cedar. This cigar was around medium-full in body which once again, had plenty of flavour. This particular Bolivar Coronas Junior took me an sixty-five minutes to smoke.

In summary, this Bolivar Coronas Junior smoked as reliably as my last one smoked from this box. It was a decent 91 to 92-point cigar.

[JohnS]

MOFOH Robusto Trinity

For a cigar that was only released two months ago, from the time of writing this review, it's quite amazing how popular it has become. Both the 25-count and 5-pack sampler options have had periods of being 'sold out' and unavailable. What accounts for the popularity of this cigar? Quite simply, when Non-Cuban cigar manufacturers market their creations as 'Cubanesque' and fail to live up to that promise, the MOFOH Trinity Robusto, by contrast, delivers.

According to El Pres, the final blend that was chosen by a small FOH tasting panel and Hamlet, was chosen from a sample of fifteen different blends. A few tweaks were made to make the cigar richer and sooner in the cigar's evolution.

The tasting notes are a mix of H.Upmann Connoisseur Number 1, El Rey el Mundo Choix Supreme and Trinidad Media Luna. There's the elegance and poise at the beginning transitioning gradually to a flavour bomb of fresh baked bread, citrus, coffee, honey/raisins. It will start light medium and build throughout to a point just over medium. Never harsh, great mouthfeel and palate weight all carried off with elegance and aplomb at a price point that cannot be matched.

How was this initial MOFOH Trinity Robusto sourced from a 5-pack sampler? Well, I think I would have to have another one or two to get a better gauge of its flavours, but in general, it was quite a creamy smoke, with plenty of flavour and plume per puff. For me, it was the Non-Cuban equivalent of a recent post-2020 Partagas Serie D No.4. In saying that, I highly rate the performance of all my PSD4s I've smoked during the Covid-19 era and afterwards, so this if high acclaim indeed to equate the MOFOH Trinity Robusto within the same class.

In summary, when price re-structuring prevents you from having a staple Habanos Robusto option in your rotation, well...the MOFOH Trinity Robusto is the type of cigar that provides a solution to that type of problem.

[JohnS]

Puro Desnudo N5 Queen Corona

Like the MOFOH Trinity Robusto, the Puro Desnudo N5 Queen Corona was released around two months ago (from the time of writing this review) and has similarly sold out when offered as a 5-pack sampler option. Could it be that its 42 ring gauge x 155 millimetres (or 6⅛ inches) length, that beautiful Coronas Grandes vitola that only the Cohiba Siglo III and Montecristo Tubos currently enjoy in the Habanos regular production catalogue, be that appealing and sentimental to our members? Perhaps, indeed it can!

El Pres has described the flavour profile as a cross between a Montecristo Number 3 and Trinidad Coloniales. Wow...what a combination! He adds further that it is medium bodied almost from the outset. Give it half an inch to find its stride. Beautifully elegant. There is cocoa and a touch of orange peel plus that fresh bakery experience that you are coming to expect from the Desnudo line. It will finish a touch fuller but there are no elbows or rough edges here. Hamlet refers to it as a masterpiece and I can't disagree.

In comparison to both the Puro Desnudo N7 Ninfa and MOFOH Trinity Robusto, I would say that those cigars are more 'rounder' and have more of a 'creamy' texture mouthfeel. The Puro Desnudo N5 Queen Corona does have more cocoa and yes, you could say it has orange citrus and bread, as well as being more intense in the final third. I would add that it is 'sharper' on the palate, the flavours being more fuller by comparison, most definitely.

Like the MOFOH Trinity Robusto, I would have to smoke another one or two to get a fuller picture of its blend. Of course, I fully intend to do that sooner rather than later!

[JohnS]

Vegas Robaina Famosos ARS Ene 2019

I've really enjoyed an AEM May 2015 aged box of Vegas Robaina Famosos since I opened it in mid-2019 and I've come down to my last three sticks of that box, so like the last time I smoked a Vegas Robaina Famosos from this box code four months ago, I figured I'd smoke some fresh samples of this vitola, at the present time, and let my 2015 sticks rest a little longer.

Today's cigar actually showed signs that it was approaching its next stage of development. My almost nine year-old AEM May 2015 Vegas Robaina Famosos box has tended to have sticks replete in quality lush tobacco and grass, dates, baking spice, bitter or rich milk chocolate and floral notes here and there. This now five year-old VR Famosos (by comparison) had a touch more rich milk chocolate but it also had subtle signs of baking spice and floral notes. Like my last cigar from this box, this particular example demonstrated signs of development, especially in its softer feel on the palate and its baking spice.

Normally a Hermosos No.4 of this size (i.e. 48 ring gauge x 127 mm or 5 inches in length) would take me around 70 minutes to finish. This one took closer to an hour. What can I say? It was again, very easy on the 'senses'!

I now have under half a box of Vegas Robaina Famosos across three box codes. I would have to think that this vitola simply must be replaced down-the-track, despite the price. The reason? These sticks are so different to other Habanos cigars, they simply need to be 'on hand'!

[JohnS]

San Cristóbal de la Habana Harimau Malaya 2020 - Edición Regional Malasia RAT May 2021

The San Cristobal de la Habana Harimau Malaya is the first Regional Edition cigar that Asia-Pacific distributor PCC (Pacific Cigar Company) have released with a secondary band denoted to the country of Malaysia. The cigar is named after the tiger that comes from the region of Malaya, is unique in its characteristics, looks and size and is protected as an endangered species. In the same way, the SCdLH Harimau Malaya is unique for a San Cristobal special release because it is the first Montesco-sized cigar for the marca, even though Montesco vitolas are now quite common for Habanos Special releases.

The packaging is unique too. It comes in an ornate outer cardboard carton box which neatly houses a 10-count semi-boite nature box, of which of course there were 8888 produced (for good luck - this is a Chinese cultural reference). As mentioned, a Montesco-sized 55 ring gauge x 130 mm or 5⅛ inches length cigar now no longer seems as grand or intimidating to cut at the head as it once used to.

This is my fifth SCdLH Harimau smoked from this box; the last one was smoked six months ago. You see, I have smoked many, many San Cristobal de la Habana El Principes over the years; they are a favourite 'go-to' Habanos cigar of mine, for sure. My first two SCdLH Harimau I smoked were quite different to the SCdLH El Principe in their 'feel' on the palate. Those SCdLH Harimau were much fuller in their 'mouthfeel' and simpler in flavour. Perhaps this is the antithesis of the ScdLH El Principe and that is why I struggled to connect with this cigar, previously.

Construction-wise; again, it was 'spot-on' (in other words, fine). Yet, like when the Rafael Gonzalez 88 first was released nearly five years ago, the initial SCdLH Harimau Malayas I smoked were 'closed' in their flavours...a little one-dimensional but I wouldn't go so far as to label it 'offensive'. No, rather, I would advocate that being an Asia-Pacific Regional Edition surely it needed more time to develop to my preference.

So did particular SCdLH Harimau 'open-up', as my last one did six months ago? In a word, no. Frankly, and this is most unlike me, but this was just a 'muddled' mess. I wouldn't go so far as to say I despised it, but it wasn't exactly redemptive. It simply lacked appeal. Where were those gorgeous notes of baking spice, walnut, cocoa and raisin I had noted last time?. Last time, I got more of a cake-like texture. However; this fifth cigar, at just under three years of age, had a lovely grass/hay and cocoa to it in the first few puffs but never evolved over 95 minutes.

I have two sticks left from this box (as I've traded/gifted a few away). I don't see the point in re-visiting this for another two years after today. I'm hoping my next stick is very different to this one, most definitely!

[JohnS]

Cuaba APAC 2020 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico LTO Mar 2021

Pacific Cigar Company (or its more common abbreviation, PCC) brought out the 2020 Cuaba APAC in mid-2021 as an Asia-Pacifico Regional Edition, the very first Cuaba Regional Edition since the program was conceived in 2005.

The Cuaba APAC is packaged 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 (or streamlined/straighter at the head and foot) than your standard Cuaba.

This is my sixth Cuaba APAC, but my first in sixteen months after I smoked two in 2022 and three in 2021, which I found quite impressive. Those cigars shared a typical Cuaba peanut and orange Cointreau citrus profile with a smooth, mild and refined strength and body. They also had a quality cedar aspect to them together with some quintessential Cuaba toasted tobacco and even vegetal flavour on the edges. For Cuaba, these flavours are complex and I have admired that about this cigar, thus far.

My last Cuaba APAC was uniformly excellent. It had a core Cuaba peanut and orange Cointreau citrus, together with a herbal and toasted tobacco note which made it very different to a Cuaba Distinguidos, for example. I finished the cigar after close to two hours quite satisfied. This one was still herbal, but had nowhere near the amount of toasted tobacco. It did thankfully shine with its orange Cointreau citrus.

I do wish I had a few more in my humidor as I recognise now that these won't be easy to locate. Even so, if I do find them available, I know it will be costly, as aged Regional and Special Editions traditionally are. The Cuaba APAC is a solid cigar, that there is no doubt, but if I had a choice I would put my disposable income into acquiring other cigars, most probably regular production.

[JohnS]

Puro Desnudo N6 Cañonazo Amante VI

The FOH Puro Desnudo N6 Cañonazo Amante VI was among the initial offerings of the current generation of Nudies cigars. It shares the same dimensions as a Cohiba Siglo VI (or near enough) with a 52 ring gauge x 152 millimetres or 6 inches length. I believe the blend took El Pres and Hamlet a little longer to refine due to the larger ring gauge. The size was conceived as an everyman's stock-standard cigar option after the price of the Cohiba Siglo VI (which is a Canonazo) increased markedly after the middle of 2022.

El Pres description of the Nudies N6 Canonazo reflects its intention of being a quality option as a potential Cohiba Siglo VI replacement (or supplement), in my view. In his words...

Honey opening. Under Medium. Aroma of coffee beans, toasted tobacco, molasses.

The cigar strolls slowly through the first third and builds intensity. The second third is all bakery/croissant and espresso with a dash of cream. In the last third, a little bit of magic comes into play. Bread and butter pud, almonds and leather all come together.

We love this cigar. The tobacco is all 4+ years of age. Please ensure you rest your cigars the 30 days as you will notice a large difference in the smoking experience.

I first smoked this cigar two months ago. It was so good, in my view, that I acquired a 5-pack to sample some more in the meantime. As the recommendation by El Pres was to let these rest for at least 30 days, I aimed for this mark, but only made it to twenty.

A number of you have had the chance to smoke this cigar, and the response on our forum has been universally positive. This is quite a popular cigar! The Puro Desnudo N6 Cañonazo Amante VI is said to be a combination of Upmann shortbread, coffee, leather, nut and light cream flavours. In other words, a suitably impressive Non-Cuban cigar on account of its complexity. This isn't a bad description. This cigar continued the fine tradition amongst Nudies cigars by producing plenty of smoke, flavour and being constructed well and this was quite pleasing.

What more is there to add? Quite simply, once you manage to burn through the shaggy foot, you'll quite possibly find a cigar that sought to replicate the Cohiba Siglo VI and has done a darn good job at doing so. Yes...indeed, it has done quite a fine job at that!

[JohnS]

Partagás Presidentes SUL Jul 2023

Prior to acquiring a 10-count of RSG Mar 2023 singles and this SUL Jul 2023 25-count box, the last time I smoked a Partagas Presidentes was from the 2018 Friends of Habanos Xmas Sampler. Do you remember them? Ah yes, the good old days when our forum host could actually access a guaranteed supply of Habanos cigars and subsequently could provide Sampler packs around the end of each year to try the best cigars of that year. What memories, folks!

That particular Partagas Presidentes from the 2018 Xmas Sampler had a pleasant mix of Partagas sourdough and coffee with a Fonseca-type marshmallow sweetness. By contrast, I remember my previous forays into sampling the Partagas Presidentes revealed a more typical 'old school' blend of Partagas Earth and Forest Floor and perhaps even leather and I remember at that point of my journey within this hobby that it didn't really connect with me.

My previous early-2023 Partagas Presidentes reminded me of recent Partagas Serie D No.4, the one cigar that I would have to nominate as being the best in its flavour delivery and construction since the advent of the Covid era in early 2020. The varieties that I've had of the PSD4 have been simple concoctions of Partagas sourdough, coffee and leather, intertwined in a seemingly perfect balance. Unbelievably, that Partagas Presidentes was much like that. Yes, I couldn't fathom it. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.

So how was this mid-2023 Partagas Presidentes, the second one smoked from the box, acquired as a box purchase in the meantime on account of good that one RSG Mar 2023 Presidentes was? Well, it smoked slightly longer at 90 minutes and had more strength and body. There were similar simple Partagas flavours of coffee, sourdough and leather in the first third, but from that point on, it was 'Earthy' and spicy. Yes, I would say that the early-2023 Presidentes was better.

By comparison, this particular Partagas Presidentes was more typical of the type I had in the distant past that were much stronger in body and strength, with old school flavours of Earth, Forest floor and leather. Still, I'm intrigued to find out how the third cigar from this box will turn out, so I figure I will be returning to this box soon.

[JohnS]

San Cristóbal de la Habana El Príncipe LGR Jun 2018

This is my ninth SCdLH El Principe from this box since opening it just over two years ago, but I've had other San Cristobal de la Habana El Principes in the meantime from other box codes. In fact, I've had three: the first was from a newly acquired LGR Jun 2019 box code which was too strong and spicy for my liking, and two others from my TOS Jun 2016 which were much more in-line with my expectations.

My last San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe from this box started off with that beautiful pancake-texture again. This time the middle was more coffee and molasses. The last third continued to be more dominant in cocoa until the halfway point of the final third saw the cigar become all cocoa and coffee, without any sweetness we come to normally adore in the San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe.

This one, smoked two months later, was outright terrible. It started off with a burn issue which I had to correct due to bunched leaves, and was bitter throughout. Somehow I persevered in to the last third but honestly, I shouldn't have bothered.

Sadly, I would say that this was quite possibly the worst San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe I've ever smoked, and that's saying something, on account of how many I've smoked over the years. Surely, the next one can't be this bad...surely!

[JohnS]

Montecristo Petit Edmundo SMA Oct 2018

I had the first Montecristo Petit Edmundo of this SMA Oct 2018 10-count box in October 2022. I had been going through an eight year-old 25-count ESO Sep 2014 box of MPEs of recent times and I must admit that younger MPE was quite brilliant to smoke. That cigar was perhaps a touch under medium, with dark cocoa, milk coffee, leather and vanilla bean notes. It took me a whopping eighty minutes to finish it due to the large volumes of smoke per draw.

The second cigar started off quite mellow in its milk coffee, cocoa and cream texture and I initially thought that it would remain that way throughout the smoke. However, halfway through the first third the cigar 'ramped up' in strength, with subsequent dominant notes of dark cocoa and leather. Again, there was a tremendous volume of smoke per draw so there was plenty of flavour on my palate after every puff and I didn't have to draw as often to savour the cigar.

I finished that cigar after a barely believable ninety minutes, which is a long time for a cigar of this size. I did enjoy that MPE, but it was very different to the ESO Sep 2014 box I've been smoking in the recent past. The difference is quite stark and quite remarkable, yet I'm glad I have both varieties of Montecristo Petit Edmundos in my humidor.

That second Montecristo Petit Edmundo was smoked in November 2022, and the third one was smoked around eight months later. Unfortunately, that MPE opened with burn issues and subsequently it started to wilt outwards in its ashing. I must admit, it's not something one sees often, but it did mean that it was caused by some under-filling in the foot. This in itself is less common than the under-filling occurring more towards the centre of the cigar, whereas an over-filled cigar which results in a tight draw will usually have that particular construction problem around the band.

Fast forward six months and the fourth one proved to be reliable in its construction. It also followed the trend of the first two cigars from this box in its dark cocoa and leather dominant notes, alongside some milk coffee and strong plumes of smoke. Again, that particular Montecristo Petit Edmundo took an incredible ninety minutes to finish. It was a good smoke; however, I have smoked a heap of Montecristo Petit Edmundos over the years and I do prefer them somewhat 'softer' and 'rounder' on the palate. Therefore, it goes without saying that I will seeking to age this box further to see how they develop.

Finally, this fifth one smoked three-and-a-half months later again smoked an incredibly long time, around seventy-five minutes. Quite simply, it was the perfect example of a Montecristo Petit Edmundo should be. It smoked well, it was burned well, the ash was ideal and the flavours were on-point. What more could one ask for? In a word...nothing. If I continue to smoke from this box and the cigars perform like this one today, then quite simply it will be time to re-acquire another box. We'll see!

[JohnS]

Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales SUL Jul 2023

The Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales was presented by Habanos S.A exclusively in Portugal in mid-February, 2023. Empor, S.A, exclusive distributor of Habanos, S.A. for Portugal, launched the new vitola Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales (and also the new Regional Edition for its market, El Rey del Mundo Templários) at the Habanos Gala Dinner Portugal.

According to Habanos S.A.'s official press release, the guests were able to get to know and taste the new Rafael González Coronas de Lonsdales 48 ring gauge x and 127mm (or 5 inches) length at first-hand, characterized by their soft flavour, and made “Totally Handmade with long filler” after a careful selection of leaves coming from the Vuelta Abajo region, the area where the world’s best tobacco is produced, paired with an extraordinary port wine, Sandeman Tawny 30 years old, of Sogrape S.A.

They added further in the press release that 2022 was marked for being the year when the brand Rafael González stepped into the worldwide market with a new image. Its packaging complies with the requirements of the European Union and is presented with a redesigned band and has significant improvements in its printing technology, resulting in accurate colour shades allowing for a more proficient view of the graphic details.

The official tasting notes for the event are below:

Tasting notes

Brand: Rafael González

Commercial Name: Coronas de Lonsdales

Measures: 48 ring gauge x 127mm length

Strength: Light

Wrapper: oily with a delicious aroma

First third: balanced, subtle and delicate expressions, with a perfect draw and combustion

Second third: with a very uniform progress, grassy and dark chocolate notes greatly balanced with medium tobacco taste

Third third: nice draw and tight ash, and enticing aroma, chocolate was definitely in there

Pairing proposal: Sandeman Tawny 30 years old

Source: https://www.habanos.com/en/news/habanos-s-a-presented-rafael-gonzalez-coronas-de-lonsdales-exclusively-in-portugal/

It's interesting that Habanos S.A. chose to launch the Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales alongside the Portuguese Regional Edition El Rey del Mundo Templários. You see, this is an indirect reference to these two brands' shared history. Rafael Gonzalez was founded in 1928 and named after its founder, but it did cease production post-Revolution in the early-1960s. According to Alex Groom in his recently published, El Habano Moderno, in 1965, Rafael Gonzalez was re-launched alongside El Rey del Mundo and was considered a sister brand of that marca. Both were high end luxury brands. I can't help but feel that Habanos S.A. is implying that with these releases, they are intended as an homage to those halycon days of luxury.

As for the name of the cigar itself; yes, I admit that it is strange. I mean, 'Coronas de Lonsdales'? Is it a Coronas or is it a Lonsdales? Is it named after the 5th Earl of Lonsdale, Hugh Lowther, who gave the vitola its name? Is it a reference to the fact that the Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales is a Hermosos No.4 and its common name is a 'Coronas Extra'? No, quite simply, I believe the name of this new addition to the Rafael Gonzalez marca is a reference to the discontinued, in the 1970s, Rafael Gonzalez Coronas Lonsdales which had a similar length but was 4 ring gauge sizes smaller in girth. (I.e. 44 rg instead of 48 rg)

I acquired a 10-count box of mid-2023 Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales recently and the first one was under-filled down the middle, so there were times when the smoke was simply acrid on my palate and was too intense in smoke output. In brief, it was terrible!

I smoked this second one from this 10-count box three months later and it showed signs that it belonged to the Rafael Gonzalez marca, with its blend of cocoa, Earth, leather. There wasn't really that much in the way of floral notes. Again, I surmised that it was perhaps slightly bolder and less subtle than a Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas. In my opinion, this new cigar is like what the Montecristo Petit Edmundo is in comparison to a Montecristo No.4 or in comparison to its marca, if you know what I mean (and I'm quite confident that I think you do).

Unfortunately, overall I didn't find this second example of a Rafael Gonzalez Coronas de Lonsdales all that appealing. It was relatively inoffensive, but I've had too many quality RG Petit Coronas and Perlas over the years to seek out this particular vitola and smoke it when it's like this. Perhaps I need to give it further time to settle? Yes, perhaps!

[JohnS]

Por Larrañaga Galanes RAT Nov 2020

The Por Larranaga Galanes is a 52 ring gauge x 120 mm (or 4¾ inches) in length Robusto. It's very close in diameter to the Punch Short de Punch, which has a 50 ring gauge, but they share the same length. In general, I've quite enjoyed the Punch Short de Punch and I've taken a serious liking to the Por Larranaga Galanes too.

I went through five cigars of this 10-count box (and so half-a-box) in the first twelve months of opening it but I've had only four in the last two years, at six-month intervals. I have written in previous reviews that some of my PL Galanes have been quite 'buttery' upon their opening and some have exhibited a core butter bread flavour; something akin to a recent Quai d'Orsay no.50 or 54 with its brioche characteristics. Other Por Larranaga Galanes have also had a milk coffee flavour in their opening to compliment that brioche-type butter bread taste on the palate, whereas others have had a characteristic dull oak wood flavour come to the fore.

This ninth cigar from the box was very much like my last one I had from this box. The flavours I got were a typical combination of milk coffee, butterscotch, dull oak wood and spice. Perhaps I could add that any butterscotch 'sweetness' was more on the minimal side within the first third, whilst the latter two flavours were more prominent in the last two-thirds of the cigar. I think that if this PL Galanes was less 'heavy' in dull oak wood and spice I would have enjoyed it a tad more.

For me, now that I've nearly gone through a 10-count box, I consider the PL Galanes a decent 'change-of-pace' cigar, mainly because of its blend. If you are looking for that typical Por Larranaga caramel sweetness you can get in aged Por Larranaga Petit Coronas or Montecarlos, then I would advise to look elsewhere as again it isn't present in this cigar.

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan OLM Oct 2014

The Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan is a large Geniales. It has a 54 ring gauge x 150 millimetres or 5⅞ inches length. It comes packed in a variety of options; a Slide Lid Box of 10 cigars, a Slide Lid Box of 25 cigars and finally a display box of 15 aluminium tubed cigars in 5 cardboard packs of three cigars each (this was released a little later in 2015).

When they first came to market in late 2014/early 2015 I enjoyed quite a few of these but this HdM Le Hoyo de San Juan is just the seventh I've enjoyed since early 2018. I have been distracted by the de Rio Seco for a little awhile, plus maybe some excellent, recent HdM Epicure No.2s and thus this explains why I've had so few HdM Le Hoyo de San Juans.

I opened this box of Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan at the end of October 2023, after nine years, and I did a rare thing for this blog series in returning to the box after one week. I wanted to see if the second cigar from the box was similar in flavour delivery to the first one or not, and I figured I could gauge that question better if I had a second cigar closer in sequence of time than what is usual for me. Normally, that might have been at least four to six months before I re-visited this box again, but since this box is so close to ten years of age I don't think it would hurt to try a few cigars sooner.

While that first HdM Le Hoyo de San Juan had a subtle creamy texture, characteristic tea notes and a cinnamon or vanilla sweetness, the second one didn't have much of a creamy texture past the first third and it was more fulsome in forest floor flavours from the midway point and especially in the last third. It was much more typical of a traditional Le Hoyo cigar I would say. The third one, smoke two months after my last HdM Le Hoyo de San Juan, was much more like my first one from the box in how cream-textured it was. In general, yes; it did have forest floor characteristics and notable cedar/wood, but from the second third on it settled nicely and that cream texture we all know and love made me appreciate the prolonged rest that I gave this box.

So how about this fourth, smoked three months after the third? In a word, these are indeed coming along nicely. A little bit of cream to open, a core cedar thereafter interspersed with sweet tea. Yes, this was a real nice smoke over 100 minutes. I think I'm going to enjoy smoking through the rest of the box.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Espléndidos UAO Dic 2018

If I were to ask you what cigar do you think of when you think of Cohiba as a marca, do you think of the Esplendidos? Or possibly the Lanceros? Perhaps the Siglo VI? If you were to think of Hoyo de Monterrey it's easy to picture the Double Corona as its flagship cigar. Similarly, Montecristo has the Montecristo No.2, H.Upmann, the Sir Winston and Romeo y Julieta has the Churchill. But Cohiba? Perhaps consensus on its flagship isn't so easy. You could make valid arguments for the Lanceros, Esplendidos or Siglo VI. In regards to the Gran Reserva series, introduced in 2009 and one could make an argument that these come out in brand flagship cigars, we did indeed get a Cohiba Siglo VI, Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona, Montecristo No.2, H.Upmann Sir Winston but the Cohiba Esplendidos and Romeo y Julieta Churchill were reserved first, ironically, for the Reserva series, which pre-dated the Gran Reserva series by six years, coming out in 2003.

The Cohiba Esplendidos is a Churchill-sized cigar, with a 47 ring gauge x 178 mm (or 7 inches) length. It was first introduced in 1989 and of course means 'splendid' in Spanish. It's a shame that there aren't more Churchills around in the present day. Twenty years ago (or thereabouts), the Habanos catalogue had 13 more in regular production, but the partnership in 2000 with Altidis saw a streamlining in the vitola so that today we are left with the Cohiba Esplendidos, H.Upmann Sir Winston and Romeo y Julieta Churchill (perhaps you could argue for the Montecristo Churchill Anejados being available in the current day, but I'd consider this a special release and whilst it is available, it doesn't carry the same reputable strength as the current three Churchills).

In comparison to the Linea 1492 range, that is the Siglo I to VI (and the Medio Siglo), I have tended to find the Clasica Linea range more stronger and richer on the palate in flavours in general. I have smoked a few aged Cohiba Esplendidos from 2006 in the last few years and so the last time I smoked a Cohiba Esplendidos from this box code was in mid-2021. I found it 'classy' then, so how has it progressed in the meantime?

In the first third I got some milk coffee, mocha, honey and some grassiness, which I quite liked actually. The strength was just under medium-mild, construction was on-point, as was the ash-length and it wasn't hard to decipher that this was a 'classy' cigar in the way it was smoking.

In the middle third, the cigar settled in its mocha and milk coffee core, balanced by a honey sweetness. At this point there was some vanilla bean that came through to counter-balance and compliment the grassiness.

In the final third, the cigar continued to exhibit a rich complexity. There wasn't much of change in flavour profile or intensity; the cigar just continued to smoke well right down to the nub.

So, in summary, this Esplendidos had a classy, rich and vibrant complexity over two hours of smoking time. It goes without saying that I very much enjoyed it and it was even better than the last time.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.4 Circa 2006

I don't think the Montecristo No.4 needs much in the way of an introduction. It was released in 1935 alongside the Montecristo No.1, No.2, No.3 and No.5 and the rest is history, as they say. Well, there's a bit more to it than that. When Alonso Menéndez purchased the Particulares Factory, it made two brands: the Particulares brand, which was well-known, and the Byron, which was lesser-known. Immediately after this acquisition, the Montecristo brand was launched. Two years later, after acquiring the struggling H.Upmann brand (at the time), Menéndez re-branded the H.Upmann marca by introducing the H.Upmann No.1, No.2, No.3, No.4 and No.5. With the distribution assistance in the United Kingdom of two distributors whom merged to form Hunters & Frankau in the early 1960s, and the subsequent promotion of the brand by Alfred Dunhill in the 1970s, the Montecristo No.4 became the best-selling Habanos cigar in the world and has remained there ever-since.

This particular Montecristo No.4 was gifted by @baragh (thank you, dear friend!). Initially I thought it was dated from circa 2010 on account of its band, which I thought was a Standard Band C, and was used from 2006 to 2012 with variable embossing. In fact, this Montecristo 4 had the Standard Band B, which was used from 2003 to 2006 and had no embossing. It is also lighter in colour in comparison to subsequent Montecristo cigars bands that have been put into production.

Now, my personal inventory on Cuban Cigar Website suggests that I have gone through seventy-seven Monte 4s since 2017, but only about 25 since the beginning of 2020. This humble-looking Montecristo No.4 tops them all. In fact, there is no contest. This cigar is up there with the very best Montecristo No.4s I have ever smoked.

The reason is simple really. It comes down to its taste. Nothing can compare to how beautifully creamy this was, on top of its light cocoa, light coffee and enticing floral notes. You're just not going to smoke a Montecristo No.4 like this one unless it has aged for some time. Of course, there's no guarantee all these flavours are going to come together either, like this one did.

So, if you have some Montecristo No.4 on hand, and there's no doubt that you probably do, why not leave some on the side to age long-term on the off-chance that they develop like this Montecristo No.4. I can assure you that you'll be glad you did!

[JohnS]

Montecristo D 2005 - Edición Limitada Circa 2005

The Montecristo D Edicion Limitada was released in 2005. You should not confuse it with the more well-known Montecristo C Edicion Limitada, a Coronas Gorda-sized LE from 2003 that was critically panned upon release. The Montecristo D is not that well known in comparison to the H.Upmann 50 that was released as a Limited Edition that same year, and became a regular production cigar three years later in 2008. Perhaps you remember the other 2005 Limited Edition release, the Romeo y Julieta Petit Piramides. Then again...perhaps not.

A 43 ring gauge x 170 millimetres (or 6¾ inches) Dalias, the same size as a Partagas 8-9-8 or Cohiba Siglo V, the Montecristo D Edicion Limitada was packaged in a traditional 8-9-8 cigar box, albeit in a 3-4-3 10-count formation, unlike say, the Punch 8-9-8 Asia-Pacifico Regional Edition, which was released in a varnished semi boîte nature box of 10 cigars; albeit with curved edges (as is standard with boxes that are packaged for 8-9-8 cigars).

Cigar Aficionado listed the Montecristo D at number 17 in its Top 25 list in 2005. They noted that it was a powerhouse and spice cigar, yet sweet with an almond chocolate character. Almost twenty years later, how is this cigar faring? Before we get that point, I'd like to first thank @khamy for providing this cigar for me to review.

Upon lighting, this Montecristo D greeted me with a beautiful creamy chocolate that was simply wondrous. It wasn't too dissimilar to the early-to-mid 2000s Montecristo No.4 I had prior to this cigar. There was no semblance of spiciness anymore, but there was evidence that this was once a powerhouse cigar on account of oak and toasted tobacco flavours that made themselves at home, so-to-speak, from the middle of the first third until the end of the cigar. Those core flavours of oak and toasted tobacco were very light though. It didn't detract or hinder from how delightfully creamy and milk 'chocolate-y' this was.

To top things off, the construction was fantastic with the burn and ashing consistent and on-point. If you don't know what 'top something off' means in English, the Cambridge dictionary states that it means, "to finish something in an enjoyable or successful way."  I mean English has subtleties to it that make it difficult to learn as a second language, the idioms therefore make it even harder because they're not always universally recognised, even amongst English speakers. Just be thankful I don't employ Australian terms such as, 'fair dinkum', 'she'll be right' or 'furphy' within this blog series. (And don't bother asking me who she is, or what was wrong with her...the idiom means that circumstances will turn out fine!)

In summary, I was 'stoked' (i.e. well-pleased) that this was a brilliant example of a Limited Edition cigar. 'Bloody oath' (i.e. it's true), it 'deadset' (i.e. truly) was!

[JohnS]

Punch Punch Circa 2009

I'd like to acknowledge @jay8354 for gifting me this cigar to review. You see, it's not often that I get the chance to smoke an aged Punch Punch that is around fifteen years old. They are quite different from Punch Punch that is less than five years old, in my opinion, which represents the majority of Punch Punch I've smoked. Alas, when the Punch Punch 50 cab packaging was discontinued in 2017 I managed to acquire a 2016 box which I hope to smoke from in the near future. We'll see as to exactly when.

The opening was a mixture of cream and sweet Cuban 'twang'. This was simply delectable. If you happen to have a box of aged Punch Punch, and they open like this, you would be 'hard-pressed' not to smoke them one after the other! At some point in the first third those typical Punch flavours of cedar and leather 'kicked in' until the conclusion of the cigar. However, there wasn't any spice here to be had.

It wasn't complex in any way. In fact, it was somewhat rudimentary in its flavours but I suppose after fifteen years the flavours have diminished in intensity and blended within each other. So therefore, this cigar has well and truly 'evened' out over time. This didn't detract whatsoever from how good a cigar this was though.

If I was to consider, though, what I'd prefer in terms of aging when it comes to the Punch Punch I would have to honestly answer that I don't have a preference either way. The fact remains that I value equally the exemplary examples of Punch Punch I've had over the years, both young and old. That's only because I've had my fair share of great Punch Punch under five years old too.