JohnS' Smoking Diary 2024

[joeypots]

8 hours ago, JohnS said:

I had two superlative examples of Bolivar Tubos No.1 in a row about a year ago. They were perhaps my best examples of Bolivar cigars I have ever smoked, and I say that without exaggeration!

The Bolivar Tubos #1 are brilliant cigars and a long time in a tube doesn’t hurt them one bit. I have the same box as you, John, and laid off of them about a year ago. They are worth rationing. I got a Tubos #3 a long while ago and I forgot about it. What a cigar. It is amazing how some of these regular production gems are gone, probably because people were sold and bought the double banded dollar gobblers. 

[JohnS]

I think you and I @joeypots are at a similar point in our cigar journey. That is, we both highly appreciate the value in what can get out of aging one's own regular production stock, long-term. Double banded dollar gobblers? Those were the days! 😂

[JohnS]

Partagás Presidentes SUL Jul 2023

I've mentioned in my last few reviews this year on the Partagas Presidentes that 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 third 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 around 75 minutes and had more strength and body, much like my last Presidentes from this SUL Jul 2023 box. There was typical coffee and sourdough to start off with, but in general the cigar settled with some Earthy, Forest floor flavours and spice on the edges. Yes, I would maintain that the early-2023 Presidentes was better.

It also had a flaky ash that held well for half an inch at a time, instead of the usual three-quarters to an inch ash one expects when smoking Habanos cigars. This explains why the ash is absent in the image above. It was there as I was about to take its 'portrait' but the ash separated itself from the rest of the cigar just as I was about to rest it on my well-worn FoH stand. 'C'est la vie', as they say!

By comparison, this particular Partagas Presidentes was again 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, despite stating this reminiscent connection to the distant past, this cigar won't seem as strong in flavour and body if you are an experienced cigar smoker. One can adjust and enjoy it all the same, just like I did today!

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Choix Suprême MOE Oct 2014

El Rey del Mundo, which means 'The King of the World' in Spanish, was once considered the premium marca of Habanos cigars in the mid-20th century, much like Cohiba is considered the premium Habanos marca today. Indeed, in the 1940's and 1950's, El Rey del Mundo had gained a reputation for prestige, excellence and a higher price tag. After the Revolution, the brand was still considered 'high-end', even into the 1970's. In the 1980's and 1990's trends changed, favouring stronger cigars and sadly lowering the opinion of El Rey del Mundo cigars as being 'too mild', even (incorrectly, in my opinion) more suitable for beginners.

Incidentally, another similarly mild marca; Rafael Gonzalez also enjoyed an 'elevated class' reputation alongside the El Rey del Mundo marca in the 'forties' and 'fifties'. Together, the brands are considered 'sister brands' to this day by Habanos S.A.

This El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme (and please do kindly pronounce choix like the French - shwa and not choy!) was acquired in 2015 and I have patiently waited until the box had aged into its tenth year before having my first cigar from the box. I did that last month. This is now my second cigar from the box.

Amongst cigar enthusiasts, the ERdM Choix Supreme is in fact, polarising. Some laud its subtlety and complexity, whereas others lament its fine balance which can lead to the cigar being bland, or its blend considered 'muddy'. One thing I can assert about this cigar; you want these with thinner, supple and lighter-shaded wrappers. I can't say I've had luck with ERdM Choix Supremes that had darker, thick wrappers. They invariably were either muddled in their flavour delivery, or had difficulty staying lit. Having said this, a 24:24 listing from April 2019 offered quality El Rey del Mundo Choix Supremes in both light-wrappered and dark-wrappered options. The dark-wrappered ERdM CS cigars were slightly more popular at that time. Of course, that was all well before the current crisis engulfing the Cuban tobacco industry caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian amongst other things, which made current-day 24:24 listings a very different venture to what it once was.

This El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme thankfully once again had a wonderful thin, colorado-shaded wrapper. This Hermosos No.4-sized cigar (48 ring gauge x 127 mm or 5 inches in length) had an understated aroma, started off mild and sweet but ended up savoury and spicy, paradoxically. Unlike my first cigar from the box, which was subtle all the way, this second ERdM CS had some notes of almond nut and shortbread in the first third, but it soon gave way to more herbal, leather, tobacco and spice or white pepper in the back-half of the cigar.

At nine-and-a-half years of age, I was again not surprised as to how approachable this was for an ERdM cigar in the way it started out. However, this second cigar from this box was not as well-balanced in its flavours as the first one was, and in my opinion, this is the type of cigar that requires that to truly 'shine'. Otherwise, it's not hard for things to go 'awry'. I would opine that this is one of the major reasons why the brand is reputed for benefiting from long-term aging and perhaps this was a major factor in its decline in popularity.

After finishing this cigar at around the seventy-five minute mark today, I think I will re-visit it again when it does reach its ten-year mark; which is about five months away.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No.4 ABO Ago 2018

This is just the fourth Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 I've smoked in the last two-and-a-half years and the first in 2024. I guess the changes induced by Habanos S.A.'s pricing re-structure in mid-2022 has made me more wary, even more reticent, to smoke regular production cigars like this because smoking the next cigar from the box represents an opportunity cost. Whereas before I would console myself with the thought of a re-acquisition in the immediate future, the possibility of that for a vitola such as the Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 is a lot less likely than doing so for a cigar such as the San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe for me, for example (which I incidentally acquired more of, just this very week). I guess you can relate to this predicament, as we are colloquially all in the same boat, so-to-speak, and purchasing Habanos cigars from hereon in will require more prudence. It is what it is, as we say.

When it comes to the Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4, what I typically look for is a tart 'fruitiness' that is a defined characteristic of this marca. The key to the 'fruity' flavours, I believe, is to ensure one gets a box of these with rosado-hued wrappers. It makes all the world of difference to the a RyJ Ex4 cigar, in my opinion.

This RyJ Ex4, at around the six-year mark, started off with a beautiful light cocoa, baking spice and marshmallow texture that was effortless to smoke and highly enticing. Frankly, I couldn't keep my hands off from drawing on this cigar in the first third! From the middle third onwards, the cigar picked up some intensity. There was some oat biscuit and anise again, which I've come to enjoy in this cigar as this box ages. I got an undesirable vegetal or herbal flavour that unbalanced the cigar one of the last times I smoked this cigar, but thankfully there was no evidence of that here today at all.

The last Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 I smoked (almost twelve months ago) had some spice in the final third but it was all quite mild. The very same thing occurred in the last third with this RyJ Ex4 today. Again, it did not deter me from my appreciation for the cigar at all. Like last time, I nubbed this RyJ Exhibicion No.4 down to its conclusion. With eight cigars left in this box now, I think I will re-visit it some time down-the-track, even though I really enjoyed this cigar today. That's what 'cigarmageddon' does for you. Otherwise, I would smoke another RyJ Exhibicion No.4 in the next month or so, wouldn't I? 'C'est la vie, non ?'

[JohnS]

Bolívar Petit Coronas ETP Mar 2017

I opened this box around three-and-a-half years ago, have gone through two-thirds of the box, yet this is just the fourth Bolivar Petit Coronas I've had in the last two-and-a-half years! It's not because they haven't appealed to me; rather, I think my box of mid-2015 Bolivar Tubos No.1 caught my attention in the meantime and have distracted me, especially in last twelve months or so!

This box is now seven years old and they've now entered a new stage of their development, in my opinion. My last two Bolivar Petit Coronas, smoked over the last eighteen months, were the first from this box to start off with a caramel marshmallow texture. This BPC had some nice notes of it too.

In the first third, this caramel marshmallow was supplemented by some malt. The last time I got some dried berries in the first third, but not so on this occasion. In the middle third I found more traditional Bolivar flavours of Earth and forest floor flavours, which dominated the cigar into the final third. Nevertheless, the cigar was no less desirable to smoke, which is what I did to the nub.

I was a little concerned that I finished the cigar in just under fifty minutes. However, it was quite light-bodied for a Bolivar Petit Coronas and it took next to no effort to draw down (the smoke). I didn't mind really. I'd take a cigar like this any day, trust me!

[JohnS]

H. Upmann Half Corona BRT Nov 2022

I recently acquired these BRT Nov 2022 H.Upmann Half Coronas because my number of early-2015 H.Upmann Half Coronas that I've been smoking in the last few years have dwindled down to just over a handful in number. Furthermore, I figured that I'd like to give some younger samples of this cigar a try; after all, it's been some time since I've done so (i.e. smoke younger H.Upmann Half Coronas).

So what do I remember about smoking this cigar younger, rather than aged as I have been doing of recent times? Well, I distinctly recall smoking cigars that tended to be replete in espresso coffee, toasted tobacco and white pepper. Sometimes it was one of these flavours that dominated, other times it was a combination of all three. This initial cigar, with its interesting colorado maduro wrapper shade, did not dominate in espresso coffee, toasted tobacco or white pepper. Rather, it simply had a delightful mix of cedar, coffee...perhaps some toasted tobacco but there was nothing to suggest flavours that would overwhelm the palate.

Sure, I would have to say the strength here was different to my recent early-2015 H.Upmann Half Coronas I've been smoking, but that's to be expected. The construction was on-point; there was some nice dime-stacked ash rings throughout the cigar and the smoke output and draw was fine. The cigar took me a barely believable sixty minutes to finish.

So do I prefer smoking this H.Upmann Half Coronas at eighteen months rather than nine years of age (or so)? Truthfully, I don't mind one way or the other. I know that sounds like a compromise but that's the way it is. This young cigar smoked fine...as have my older ones in the last few years. I'm happy (and fortunate) to have the option of smoking both.

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales LGR Jun 2018

It's somewhat ironic to admit that when I wanted to acquire some more Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales recently, I ended up getting some that were older than any of the stock that I have on-hand in my humidor. Prior to this purchase of a 10-count of mid-2018 RyJ Petit Royales, I had four box codes in various tallies ranging in age from mid-2019 to mid-to-late 2020. This all suggests that the Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales is not a huge seller. It's an assumption that could well be justified.

In regard to the reputation of this 47 ring gauge x 95 millimetres (or 3¾ inches) in length Caprichos, the Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales on our forum does not generally fare well. One does not see many members discussing it, posting it in the popular Daily Smoking thread or acquiring it and posting it in the similarly popular Cuban Cigar Purchase thread. Maybe that has something to do with the popularity of Romeo y Julieta as a marca in general, which is not great. In summary, it's a marca that has been labelled bland or muddled by our members. Some members have said in addition that the infamous 'cherry' notes in these cigars are mythical. Despite that, for me personally, the Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales represents one of the marca's better vitolas, in my view.

This particular RyJ Petit Royales did not dominant in cocoa, it wasn't a bland tobacco mess, and it didn't reflect that much in the way of berry fruits. Quite simply, it was a fine mix of mild cocoa, baking spice, some anise and some subtle toasted tobacco. It was all quite inoffensive but it was fine. Sure, I've had better...but I've also had worse!

I smoked this small cigar over an incredible seventy-five minutes. There was a point whereby the cigar increased in intensity in its spice, in the middle, but this soon dissipated. While I was smoking it I genuinely surmised that I was smoking a Romeo y Julieta Churchills; only this Petit Royales was 83 millimetres or around 3¼ inches shorter. Both the RyJ Churchills and Petit Royales share a 47 ring gauge but the Churchills has been around prior to the Cuban Revolution in the late-50s. The RyJ Petit Royales was only released to market in December 2017. No, one cannot call the RyJ Petit Royales a 'mini-Churchills!' Still, this cigar was fine. I'm happy I acquired it.

[JohnS]

Vegas Robaina Unicos EPO Mar 2022

Vegas Robaina is a marca that admittedly doesn't enjoy a notable profile, is unlikely to be in your 'go-to' rotation and like the other brands ironically re-classified in the last few years by Habanos S.A. as "other brands", and has had a few regular production vitolas deleted since its inception as a brand in 1997. It was named after the famous Cuban tobacco grower, Alejandro Robaina, whom the Cuban Government decided to honour as the pre-eminent tobacco grower in Cuba in the 90's by naming a marca after him. A little over 25 years later there is only the Piramides-shaped vitola, the Unicos (52 ring gauge x 156 mm or 6.1 inches) and the Hermosos No.4, the Famosos (48 ring gauge x 127 mm or 5 inches) left. Like many other Lonsdales, Coronas and Double Coronas in the last 15 to 20 years, the Clásicos, the Familiar and the Don Alejandro have since been discontinued.

In terms of special releases, Vegas Robaina hasn't had one since 2014, but in the seven years prior it did see eight Regional Editions released. There were also five unique special releases in the ensuing years since the advent of the marca, including a Cuba-only 83rd Anniversary Humidor to commemorate Alejandro Robaina's birthday and an ornate 5th Anniversary Humidor of 100 cigars consisting of 20 x Clasicos (42 rg x 165 mm or 6½ inches in length Lonsdales), 20 x Don Alejandro (49 rg x 194 mm or 7⅝ inches in length Double Coronas), 20 x Famosos (48 rg x 127 mm or 5 inches in length Hermosos No.4s), 20 x Maestros (50 rg x 141 mm or 5½ inches in length Gorditos) and 20 x Unicos (52 rg x 156 mm or 6⅛ inches in length Piramides). This Vegas Robaina 5th Anniversary Humidor was universally lauded upon release in 2003 as containing the very best Vegas Robaina cigars ever produced. After smoking a 20 year-old example of the Vegas Robaina Unicos from this special release humidor around twelve months ago, I can attest that this is not an understatement.

Today's Vegas Robaina Unicos was the first one I had from a EPO Mar 2022 10-count singles acquisition I made due to the fact that my Vegas Robaina stock was starting to get a little low in my humidor. Then again, with only two regular production cigars left; the VR Famosos and VR Unicos, and given that I haven't had any Unicos stock in my humidor before, that's no surprise really. In fact, I can't recall the last time I had a Vegas Robaina Unicos. It was certainly before Cuban Cigar website had an inventory system in the mid-2010s. So, with no background information to go from, apart from the numerous Vegas Robaina Famosos I've smoked, I approached this VR Unicos with an open mind.

The cold draw revealed a deep-scented barnyard aroma which serenaded the senses. Put simply, it made you want to light up the cigar and smoke it, which I preceded to do, of course. The first third revealed an expected chocolate and coffee core flavour. I wouldn't say that the chocolate was luscious or sweet, nor would I say that the coffee was bitter and bold. Rather, they were more in the background, as there was a vegetal or grassy component to this cigar which started to come to the fore by the end of the first third and the beginning of the middle third.

By the middle third, this grassiness was easily evident; the other flavours ceded to it, but alongside the aforementioned chocolate and coffee I did get some oak and dates or prunes. I know, it doesn't sound like a combination of flavours one expects in a Habanos cigar or even amongst the other Habanos piramides releases such as the Diplomaticos No.2, the H.Upmann No.2 and the Montecristo No.2, but these flavours are very much characteristic of the Vegas Robaina marca, trust me.

In the final third, that 'oakiness' dominated the palate more. The grass notes were there but after two hours of smoking this VR Unicos I deduced that I had consumed its best moments long ago and so I didn't nub it, like I would have if I really connected with the cigar. Having said this, I've had Vegas Robaina cigars in the past that have been full of luscious, deep and resonant flavours, so I know that the next Vegas Robaina Unicos I have from this box code could well be superlative.

So what can we conclude, then? In essence, Vegas Robaina is a marca that can shine brightly, whilst also having its dimmer moments. Then again, could we say the same about a greater number of Montecristo vitolas? Perhaps we can, and furthermore, maybe we can surmise that these Habanos marcas that have core cocoa, coffee and/or chocolate flavours really need to be balanced to be at their best. Hmmm...yes, indeed.

[JohnS]

Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas EML May 2014

Let me tell you something about the Por Larranaga Petit Coronas. It's fabled for its potential caramel-laden qualities with age and it's known for having 'bite' (or was is known on our forum colloquially as 'mongrel') when young. But these are generalisations. Not all aged Por Larranaga Petit Coronas are full of caramel, nor are all young versions of this cigar fulsome in body. Having said this thus far, it's when you experience a simply marvellous aged, sweet caramel PLPC that you are 'hooked' with expectation, even anticipation for the next one. The trouble is, the next one may not be as abundant in caramel as you'd like.

This is the third cigar from this 50-count box. (Obviously as Por Larranaga Petit Coronas only come in 50-count packaging, paradoxically. They were once available in a 25-count option, but this was discontinued around 2002.) It began with a little caramel and honey in the first third, like the second one from the box that I had six weeks ago. Unlike my first PLPC, this one did have some notes of coffee and wood, alongside light toasted tobacco, in the first and second thirds. From the middle third onwards it was quite 'woody', like oak and had periods of some spice on the edges.

Whereas my second PLPC was quite 'toasty' in its texture on the palate, very easy to smoke and with plenty of smoke per puff, this third PLPC was heavier on the tongue; and especially so in the back half. The construction was faultless though. Ash rings and ash-lengths were at their consistent best. I took seventy to seventy-five minutes to finish this cigar today.

In summary, I would say that this Por Larranaga Petit Coronas was not as exemplary as my first one from the box but it was okay. Now, if it was full of caramel from beginning to end I might have had a different opinion of it, most definitely!

[JohnS]

Trinidad Coloniales APU Jul 2015

The Trinidad Coloniales was released in 2004 in a unique 'Coloniales' size. It has a 44 ring gauge and it is 132 millimetres or 5¼ inches in length. It comes in a varnished semi boîte nature box of 24 cigars, separated in four rows containing six cigars each. Initially, the Coloniales was packaged in a display box of 25 cigars in five cardboard packs of five, but this was discontinued in 2017.

This is my fourth Trinidad Coloniales from this box. The first three were smoked in the first three months, whereas this fourth one was smoked after a wait of six months. The first three cigars all shared a complex, savoury blend. This one was a little different. Sure it had some complexity, although you couldn't just label it as simply savoury. It had its sweet moments too.

The first third opened up with some familiar oak notes and coffee. The cigar was milder than my last one, in fact I would say it was quite a degree milder than the first three from the box, yet still rich in flavours, of course. Normally, I would expect a time lapse of a few years to notice such a change, or perhaps this particular cigar was an anomaly from the box. I guess well see when I smoke the next one.

The middle third settled into a quality hay and leather combination. This time I could make out some vanilla spice in the blend, which was quite pleasant. The burn and ash were once again consistent.

In the final third, the cigar continued on with those same hay and leather notes. It was all beautifully complex; that vanilla spice and some almond nut were present until the end.

Overall, this Trinidad Coloniales was quite flavoursome and highly desirable in accordance with my tastes when it comes to the Trinidad marca. The ash was again firm throughout, like every cigar from the box thus far. In summary, the mix of savoury and sweet flavours within the blend of this Trinidad Coloniales today meant it quite distinguished, in my mind, for an aged Trinidad cigar. I don't think I'll be waiting another six months to have my next cigar from this box!

[JohnS]

Cohiba Siglo II LTB Feb 2013

This is my third Cohiba Siglo II from this LTB Feb 2013 box. So that's now three within the first two months of 'cracking open' this box. I guess I'm a sentimentalist who can't get enough of those 'old school' Cohiba flavours!

What I am referring to of course is the balance between the grassiness and the cream texture that was again evident in this third cigar. This time there was some spice, some hints of vanilla bean and a touch of honey which balanced the cigar very well. As I mentioned in my last review on this cigar a few months ago, this core 'herbaceousness' was a common element of Linea 1492 cigars in the 1990s and 2000s. Currently, I would advocate that Linea 1492 cigars (i.e. Cohiba Siglo I, II, III, IV and V specifically) have more of a mocha coffee element to their blend.

I consider myself fortunate to have savoured opportune moments in the past, smoking Cohiba cigars that dated from the mid-2000s until the mid-2010s, that had distinctive Cohiba profiles intermixed with the benefit of long-term aging. When that happens, well...they become something else, so-to-speak. This Cohiba Siglo II again reminded me of previous cigars I've enjoyed that have evoked fond memories.

On account of the age of this Cohiba Siglo II, I knew that the cigar would smoke down quite quickly, like the last one I smoked from this box. In fact, I think I finished it within fifty minutes. Normally, a marevas-sized cigar would take me at least sixty to seventy minutes to smoke. The mouthfeel was once again very, very smooth on the palate. Yes indeed, the Linea 1492 line of the present day has changed and remains popular, despite recent price changes, but still, I'd take a eleven year-old Cohiba Siglo II like this one any day. Yes, any day!

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Taínos 2018 - Edición Regional Formosa BRO May 2019

The 2018 Asia-Pacific Regional Edition release from Taiwan (hence the band labelled 'Exclusivo Formosa') is an obvious and wondrous gift to cigar enthusiasts who pine for a time when Cuban cigars were 'less' in girth and 'more' in length. Note that I referred to this cigar as a 2018 release. It didn't actually hit the market until mid-2019. It also represents Taiwan's first Regional cigar. Wow...what a cigar to release first up!

The original El Rey del Mundo Tainos had the same dimensions; a Churchill-sized cigar at 47 ring gauge x 178 mm (or 7 inches) in length. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2006, as were many other Churchill (and Lonsdale) cigars in the meantime. In regular production we have only three left...the iconic Romeo y Julieta Churchills, the Cohiba Esplendidos and the seasonal H.Upmann Sir Winston. That's why I'm so glad that Pacific Cigar Company, the Habanos Regional distributor for the Asia-Pacific market, brought out a regional release in this vitola.

Yes, I'm especially enamoured that Pacific Cigar Company took a huge risk in re-releasing this iconic cigar. More so, I'm glad I have a box left, but I consider that I may lament that I did not acquire more for the future! After all, all the ERdM Tainos cigars I've smoked have been brilliant. This one continued that trend today.

It's been eighteen months since I last visited this cigar. Incidentally, this is the second cigar from a 10-count box that I've 'cracked open' after waiting three years for it to develop. The delay in re-visiting this cigar for that lengthy period of time was due to the fact that I've felt that some ERdM Tainos' I had in the first half of 2020 were slightly closed in their flavours. In 2021 I felt that the cigar had opened up much more with those trademark El Rey del Mundo candied almond nut, citrus, cake, shortbread and honey flavours. So, I consider it rather convenient that this cigar has now reached the five-year mark, a point which I consider noteworthy in the development of Asia-Pacifico Regional Edition releases, in general.

Today, this ERdM Tainos had that quintessential candied almond and honey flavours, once again, and didn't have that typical shortbread texture. Eighteen months ago there was a citrus cake core flavour that was more in the foreground than in the past. This 'cake-like' texture is something I'm actively looking for in resting these for this long. Today, this flavour had developed again to be like a vanilla custard essence one finds in quality sweet pastry. The texture was not like vanilla custard though. On the contrary, I would describe it as 'cake-like' still.  This was an easy and thoroughly enjoyable ride over almost two-and-a-half hours of smoking time and an exemplary smoke.

So, in brief, with this ERdM Tainos smoking so well today, I can only envisage these getting even better with more downtime, especially as that aforementioned 'cake-like' texture continues to become more prominent in its blend. As a marca, El Rey del Mundo has been colloquially described as a 'poor man's Cohiba', in recent times. Well, if this ERdM Tainos is the poor man's Cohiba Esplendidos, I'm fine with that. I'd take that anytime!

[JohnS]

Punch 8-9-8 2018 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico LMB Jul 2019

The 2018 Asia Pacifico Regional Edition Punch 8-9-8 has been hugely popular for Pacific Cigar Company since its release in 2019. El Pres has mentioned on our forum in 2020 that, along with the Taiwanese Regional Edition El Rey del Mundo Tainos, the Punch 8-9-8 has been one of the top selling cigars for 2020 worldwide.

When it first came out a few enthusiasts lamented that it didn't come in a 25-count traditionally curved 8-9-8 box, however, the 10-count Punch 8-9-8 packaging references the traditional packaging by including curved edges on its varnished box.

It's been eighteen months since I've had a Punch 8-9-8. Along with the 2018 PCC Taiwanese Region Edition El Rey de Mundo Tainos, I've waited a little over three years to 'crack' this box open.

This Punch 8-9-8 started off superbly, with a combination of hazelnut and a chocolate fudge or marshmallow texture. This time around, there was less savoury spice in the back half, and together with that hazelnut and chocolate fudge core flavour, and mild-medium strength, this cigar was only let down by the fact that it refused to stay lit after the first third. This would account for the fact that it took me an hour and fifty-five minutes to smoke this dalias-sized cigar.

I've had enough Punch 8-9-8s to equate it more to the Punch 48 LCDH in flavour than the Punch Punch (or Punch Short de Punch). A better comparison may be had with the Punch Double Coronas, and I've been fortunate enough to have smoked some aged examples of late from 2012. However, the construction issues (due to possible under-filling in the middle) on this Punch 8-9-8 would have to negate a fair comparison with the Punch DCs I've smoked in the last few months. Hopefully, I can rectify this situation the next time I reach for a Punch 8-9-8.

[JohnS]

San Cristóbal de la Habana El Príncipe BRM May 2022

I've smoked a heap of these San Cristobal de La Habana El Principes over the years that I figured it was time to acquire some more. Yes, even with these mouth-opening, dare I say even, astonishing price increases in Habanos cigars in the last few years, there's still some marcas and/or vitolas we're most likely to come back to, despite the price. Well...I guess the San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe is one of those cigars for me.

The main thing about this new acquisition of a 10-count of SCdlH El Principes is the fact that they're only two years old. All my other SCdlH El Principes in humidor are five years or older. I guess that makes for a nice comparison to how my other SCdlH El Principes are faring in their development.

This particular BRM May 22 ScdlH El Principe had a slight resistance in the draw. This is actually the ideal for Habanos cigars. In other words, they are aimed to be rolled that way. In comparison to Non-Cuban cigars, whereby the draw on those may be a tad looser, the average 'run-of-the-mill' Habanos cigar should take a little effort on the draw to gain flavour from the smoke. The construction on this cigar was about perfect; I got 10-cent dime-stacked ash rings and long ashes (well, for a minuto that is) throughout.

I might not have got a pancake texture from this cigar, but I did get typical flavours of cocoa, coffee, molasses. There was no spice. This was about as well-balanced as one could get from a Habanos cigar. The cigar lasted fifty-five minutes. I tried to make it last an hour but I was burning my fingertips in my efforts to do so. That's the way it goes sometimes. It's certainly a better outcome that nubbing the cigar before the last third because it's badly constructed. And we all know what that feels like, don't we?

[JohnS]

Bolívar Petit Coronas UBL Dec 2022

I acquired this recent lot of late-2022 Bolivar Petit Coronas because I've been going through a box of early-2017 BPCs and I thought that I owed it to myself to make a comparison between some rested and youthful examples. Let me tell you, there is a difference!

I first opened my March 2017 box in September 2020 and after seven years they've come along quite nicely, in fact, I have a third of a box left. But I wouldn't classify my recent Bolivar Petit Coronas from that box as having that much 'bite' to them. Nevertheless, I must admit that I have been enjoying them of late.

This BPC is only eighteen months old and it was immediately noticeable that it had more strength and was fuller in body. Maybe it wasn't that much more 'Earthy' but it did have more in the way of forest floor flavours and leather. These flavours dominated the cigar; indeed, one couldn't say there was much in the way of malt and certainly this Bolivar Petit Coronas was not marshmallowed-textured in its smoking.

So what can one make of all this? Quite simply, sometimes we need to challenge our preferences, our biases, purely for the sake of challenging ourselves and trying something new. I've smoked enough cigars in my life to handle the change from my routine expectation of what a Bolivar Petit Coronas is. Frankly, I can't remember the last time I had a Bolivar Petit Coronas less than three years old. They are certainly quite 'moreish', which is an informal adjective that means something which has a very pleasant taste and making you want to have more. And I'm sure that if you are a fan of the Bolivar Petit Coronas you know what this means too.

[JohnS]

H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1 EPO Abr 2023

For the same reason that I acquired some Bolivar Petit Coronas recently, I had run low on some late-2018 H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1s and so it was time to re-stock my humidor with some more. Now, it's been some time since I've smoked a H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1 that was only around twelve months old. Honestly, I can't even recall the last time. Perhaps it was the last time we had Friends of Habanos Xmas Samplers available in 2018 (or thereabouts)? If you aren't aware was a FoH Xmas Sampler was, it was a variety of the twelve best Habanos cigars over a period of twelve months that was made available for acquisition at the end of the calendar year. Oh my, those were the days, weren't they? With the current supply crisis of Habanos cigars nowadays, such an occurrence does seem like a veritable 'pipe dream' doesn't it? ( A 'pipe dream' is an idiom which refers to an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story.)

We know that this is a young H.Upmann cigar because the spelling of the band has been updated to spell 'Connossieur', which is not a word that exists in formal English (or French). 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. There was also some nut and sweetness at times akin to something like licorice. In comparison to my recent late-2018 H.Upmann Connoisseur No.1s I've been smoking, this was fuller in coffee and cedar, without a doubt.

It was constructed very well, the ash was on-point and the cigar burned beautifully. I had no issue smoking this into the last third.

Overall, I still prefer an aged version of this cigar. I quite liked it mind you, but nothing beats the semblance of cream texture and aged cedar in a H.Upmann cigar for my tastes. Oh how I wish I bought more PLM May 2011 samples of this cigar. Now those were the days!

[JohnS]

Bond Roberts Petit 109

If you've habitually perused this forum and have not been aware that Rob Ayala, Rob Fox and Hamlet Paredes have announced an imminent release of a 50 ring gauge x 5 ⅞ inches (or 150 millimetres) Petit 109 and a 50 ring gauge x 7 ¼ inches (or 184 millimetres) 109 under the Bond Roberts brand, then honestly you've been living your life under a rock, colloquially-speaking. The Bond Roberts Petit No.9 Linea D No.06 launched in Miami, U.S.A at the end of April 2024. That launch party was a memorable event which garnered widespread media releases within our common cigar circle on-line publications (such as Cigar Aficionado, Cigar journal and Halfwheel, for example). The initial launch in the U.S.A was followed by one in Hong Kong, China and then Perth, Australia soon after.

I am grateful to @jay8354 and @Fuzz who both attended the Hong Kong launch event in May and were able to provide me this cigar to review. The heat and humidity in Hong Kong in May unfortunately was not conducive to enjoying this cigar at its optimal best. The website, Cigar Inspector reported that Rob Ayala, Rob Fox and Oscar Valladeres, whose factory in Honduras produces these cigars were present at this event; however, it was mentioned that Hamlet Paredes was missing in action. In fact, he was there but unfortunately became ill and had to retire to his hotel to recuperate. Nonetheless, I mention this small anecdote only to highlight the fact that even though Hamlet wasn't at the Hong Kong Launch event, literally-speaking, one could state that he was in fact there figuratively speaking in the legacy he has achieved in rolling this wonderful cigar for cigar enthusiasts worldwide to savour and smoke.

In Rob Ayala's own words, "The Bond Roberts cigar story is one of an ongoing striving for perfection in the cigar world combining the finest leaf and artisans of their craft. Bond Roberts is the culmination of a lifetime of experience by cigar alumni Hamlet Paredes, Rob Fox, and Rob Ayala. Excellence is the only measure. The Bond Roberts Petit 109 emanates from the high performance Fabrica 5 unit under the control of world famed blender Hamlet Paredes who brings his immense passion and experience in the finest Cuban traditions. Utilising uniquely aged and curated Honduran and Nicaraguan leaf, the Petit 109 delivers smooth and rich notes of raisin milk chocolate, sourdough and light coffee spice in a journey that explores the medium bodied realm."

From the very first puffs, it's hard to believe that aged and curated Honduran and Nicaraguan leaf can produce a cigar like this. By that I mean, what exactly accounts for the smooth, refined sourdough bread, leather and cream texture that was abundant in the first third? There was even a sweetness there that initially I thought was like a citrus twang, but upon reflection I pondered whether it was closer to a mellow honey sweetness? Anyway, this flavour profile continued in the middle third. In the last third, the cigar was still very approachable, which I must state as sometimes a really good cigar can 'ramp up' in its intensity in the last third. Frankly, this BR Petit 109 did not, and it was a most welcome occurrence. If there was any light coffee spice to be had here, at the end of the cigar, then it was minimal.

And so, with the BR Petit 109 being boxed and packaged as we speak, what more can we add about this cigar? One thing that needs to be said; it's simply a quality cigar that belies the notion of what a quality Non-Cuban cigar can be. In other words, you will smoke this and find it hard to believe it's not a Habanos cigar. Upon smoking it, for me, the BR Petit 109 most resembles a Partagas Serie E No.2, which is high praise indeed as Habanos S.A. has traditionally reserved Duke-Sized cigars as quality releases. Furthermore, the tapered head on this cigar is a homage to Nro.109 releases which also merit releases within the Habanos catalogue that signify quality.

So how do we conclude this review? How about by citing the price point and the intention behind it? As multiple press releases have stated, unlike the high prices found on the vintage Cuban cigars that Bond Roberts usually auctions, these prices range between $16 and $25. "With recent Habanos S.A. price rises across the globe, the concept of Bond Roberts Cigars is to deliver a first-rate product at approachable price points, ensuring that purchasing a box of premium cigars is not beyond anyone’s means,” Rob Ayala said at the Miami Launch event. What more can one say? Have your cash ready and on-hand next month. You'll be glad you did.

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos No.2 TOS Dic 2015

POU Jun 2013 Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4s, LUB May 2014 H.Upmann No.2s, EML Feb 2015 San Cristobal de la Habana El Principes, LGR Ago 2017 Por Larranaga Montecarlos. In and of itself, these cited vitolas may not mean anything in particular, but as a collective they represent examples of vitolas that have had premium value for how exceptional they've been in comparison to their peers. To that end then, one could easily add the TOS Dic 2015 Diplomaticos No.2, of which I am grateful for sampling one for this review.

Within this blog series I have smoked through and finished an impressive EML Ago 2014 Diplomaticos No.2 box. This TOS Dic 2015 Diplomaticos No.2, therefore, has waited patiently for nearly eight years to be 'cracked open'. The TOS series of Diplomaticos No.2 in the second half of 2015 and 2016 were well-noted and highly popular with our forum members when they were been produced and available. Within the first twelve to twenty-four months they were known for their simple combinations of flavours; yet, there was a general consensus pertaining to their higher quality. Approximately eight months ago, I was eager to discover for myself exactly how complex (or simple) and flavoursome they were by smoking the first one from this TOS Dic 2015 box. This, therefore, is the third one from the box after the first (and second) one was so rousing in the positive memories it evoked in me. In other words, it was great cigar that brought back great memories. And I'm sure we all know how that feels.

I find that, in general, Diplomaticos cigars can vary markedly between flavours that are savoury (such as capsicum or bell pepper, paprika spice) and flavours that are sweet (cinnamon, nutmeg). My Dip 2s from my EML Ago 2014 box were more on the savoury side. How was this third cigar from this TOS Dic 2015 box, especially since the first was on the savoury side? (However, the second one was not!)

This Dip 2 was not as savoury as my initial Dip 2, but it wasn't exactly sweet either. Once again there were notes of sourdough and wood, with the sourdough more dominant. Any bell pepper or capsicum, a note that Diplomaticos cigars are know for, was minimal. Like each of the last two times I've smoked this cigar, there was a fair amount of smoke per puff and the cigar packed a heap of flavour. This is important to highlight; after eight-and-a-half years, this cigar has not lost its efficacy in how flavoursome it was. The ash was consistent and the burn and draw were both fine.

Furthermore, there were once again notes of 'toastiness' and the cigar did have a core sourdough flavour, unlike my last few Dip 2s from my EML Ago 2014 box. In terms of any paprika spice I can say that there really wasn't that much evidence on hand here, throughout the smoke, of it.

So, all-in-all, this Diplomaticos No.2 continues to support the adage that a quality cigar has the potential to develop and age well, given that it has been reputable within its early stages of that development. In addition, there is a common predisposition to compare the Diplomaticos No.2 to the Montecristo No.2 among cigar enthusiasts. With these last few TOS Dic 2015 Diplomaticos No.2 I've smoked since late-2023, that point is definitely 'moot' and does not bear expanding upon at all. They've been quite simply great examples of Diplomaticos No.2s. But if you want to smoke them like this, bear in mind how long it's taken to reach this point, thus far. Eight-and-a-half years rest is a long time, but in my opinion, well worth it.

[JohnS]

Rafael González Perlas SOP Ene 2022

I acquired this box code two months ago, and smoked the first RG Perlas 'right-off-the-truck'. If you don't know what that means, it's usually abbreviated in acronym form (ROTT) and it means to smoke a cigar as soon as you receive the box. In other words, without rest in order to gauge its body, strength and stage of development. To assess those things, you'd be more likely to have become well-familiar with cigar, smoking it over a number of years so that you're more likely to know what to expect. So what was I expecting from this SOP Ene 2022 box, initially? Well, I certainly wasn't expecting it to be so light, nor 'grassy'! With this knowledge on-hand, I was looking forward to smoking this second cigar from the box today.

The Rafael Gonzalez Perlas is probably the mildest minuto/perlas/reyes option one could go for. Habanos cigars this size are a little more intense in flavour delivery than their larger brethren, but the Rafael Gonzalez Perlas (and Petit Coronas) tends not to be as intense, generally. They tend to be reliable, possibly because they don't sell in great quantities. In other words, they're a cigar for the enthusiast 'in-the-know'.

From the first puffs of this second cigar from this box, it was immediately obvious that the flavours were typical for a Rafael Gonzalez Perlas, which of course is a good thing! The cocoa was light, there was some earth, but this time I got some floral notes and baking spice, which was most welcome. From the first third onwards, I picked up some spice which I found surprising. I say that as I usually don't expect that from this vitola. It didn't detract from the enjoyment of the cigar overall, however, mainly because it was minimal in amount and 'on the edges'. (In other words, the spice didn't overtake the other flavours.) Unlike my first cigar from the box, this RG Perlas wasn't really 'herbal'.

Overall, I quite appreciated how light and easy this Rafael Gonzalez Perlas was to smoke over fifty minutes. And so, I continue to be glad that I acquired more Rafael Gonzalez Perlas for my humidor collection.

[JohnS]

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

Ever since I added various vitolas of the Arturo Fuente Hemingway series line to my regular rotation in 2022, I marvel at how consistent they are, both in construction and delivery of flavours. The one feature of this series is their Perfecto shape, which is a 'throwback' or an homage to the popularity of this vitola amongst Habanos cigars prior to the 1930s.

The Short story was introduced a few years after the 1983 debut of the Hemingway Series and it has since become the top seller in the line. All Arturo Fuente Hemingway cigars feature West African Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler and binder. (That is, the Natural-wrappered varieties.)

According to the Arturo Fuente company, the extra workmanship involved in producing these cigars means that they take longer to make and also utilise leaf that is aged longer than normal leaf.

Like the similarly-shaped Cuaba Perfectos, lighting the heavily tapered foot is sufficient to light the cigar. The Short Story is tapered gradually from being 42 ring gauge at the head to being 49 ring gauge at its widest near the foot. It has a short length at 4 inches or 102 mm. This doesn't necessarily mean its a quick thirty to forty minutes smoke however. On the contrary, the AF Hemingway Short Story usually takes me around an hour to smoke, as today's example once again did today.

This is just the seventh Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story I've had since mid-2022; however, this box has seen an ever-reliable outcome of mild and sweet, balanced flavours that has very much resonated with me and I again I was curious if this would continue with this particular Arturo Fuente Short Story today, considering it has been four months since I've had one.

This AF Short Story again opened with a beautiful sweet hit akin to white chocolate, mixed with cedar and hay. In fact, I must add that by this stage of my journey with this vitola, I was expecting this sweetness from the 'get-go' (i.e. right from the beginning) and I was elated that this is what came to pass. In the middle of the cigar the smoke settled into its usual leather and hay combination. This is a normal transition in line with what I've experienced with other AF Short Storys I've smoked in the last year-and-a-half to two years. What can one say about this? Frankly, I've said all this before in previous reviews but if you get consistency in construction you're likely to be pleased, but when a cigar is consistent in its flavour transitions even, and across different boxes, well you'd have to agree that this is quite impressive. Having said this; this time, the transition was less leather and more hay as the sweetness from the first third receded in to the background. Nonetheless, it was still appreciated.

Towards the end of the cigar, the hay and sweetness dropped off and it was mainly all leather. Last time, I got a touch of spice, which I normally don't get in AF Short Storys, but there was none to be had here, this time around.

Again, I've said it before, but in my opinion, the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story easily competes in excellence with short-sized Habanos cigars. If I didn't smoke a variety of Habanos and Non-Cuban cigars within this blog series I would definitely smoke the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story more often. It goes to show how highly I think of it. It's quite simply an awesome, versatile cigar!

[JohnS]

Punch Double Coronas LOM Jun 2012

I believe this is just my sixth Punch Double Coronas I've had in the last seven or eight years! Having said this, I recently opened a LOM Jun 2012 box of Punch Double Coronas and this is my second one from that box in the last two months. In the meantime, I've smoked a number of regular production Punch Punch, Punch Short de Punch and even Punch 48, but not the Double Coronas. Thankfully, this LOM Jun 2012 dress box of Punch Double Coronas was on hand, which I waited for some time to age prior to smoking one.

Of the four Double Coronas in regular production; the Partagas Lusitanias, Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas, Ramon Allones Gigantes and Punch Double Coronas, I've found that the Punch Double Coronas has been the most difficult to source. It makes me wonder how Habanos S.A. used to produce these in 50 cabs (prior to their discontinuation in this packing format in 2017)! It's not exactly a cigar that our forum members talk about smoking often, over the years, for example.

In regard to its reputation, in comparison to the other Double Coronas, the Punch Double Coronas is generally thought of as being reliable, consistent, complex, well-suited to aging and only just behind the Partagas Lusitanias in relation to its ranking, in order of preference. Some experienced cigar enthusiasts on our forum, on the other hand, in fact put it ahead of the Lusitanias. Apparently, the late former head of Pacific Cigar Company, Sir David Tang, who passed away in 2017, was said to smoke through 6 to 7 Punch Double Coronas a day during work. I'm not sure exactly of the veracity of this story. It certainly sounds apocryphal. Then again, there may be some truth to it as PCC brought out the special release Punch 'Sir David Tang' in a Pacos size (i.e. half an inch or around 13 millimetres shorter than a regular production Double Coronas, but with the same 49 ring gauge) in 50 cabs in 2018 to commemorate his legacy.

If you do happen to smoke a Punch Double Coronas young, say 12 to 36 months, you'd likely find that they will have an array of flavours such as wood or cedar, leather, earthiness, citrus and nuts but mainly they will dominate more in those woody and leather flavours. As they age well over the 10 to 15-year mark you can get them more softer in those wood flavours, more fruity and a disposition to tart flavours.

This Punch Double Coronas once again started off with a nice cream texture, like the last one I smoked two months ago. This time, I got a distinctive flavour that has been discussed before on our forum when it comes to the Punch marca: that being, Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum. If you don't know what flavour that's supposed to be, think of it as a combination of banana and pineapple, or jackfruit. Soon enough, the cigar was joined by some cedar, leather and currants. In the last third, it again became more intense in leather and Earth flavours, until these two flavours dominated the last half of the final third. As a result, I didn't nub the cigar but by then, I had enjoyed the best aspects of this cigar, which took me two-and-a-half hours to finish!

Again, I appreciated the evolution or complexity of this Punch Double Coronas today. I do wish I had another box stashed away, though!

[JohnS]

Padron Family Reserve No.50 Natural

The Family Reserve series was launched in 2008 with the release of the Padron Family Reserve No. 44. The Padron Family Reserve No.44, No.45 and No.46 commemorate the anniversary of patriarch Jose O. Padron launching Padron in 1964. As with the greater majority of Padron releases, the line was released in a Nicaraguan natural and Nicaraguan maduro wrapper. The Padron Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro won Cigar Aficionado’s 2009 Cigar of the Year award whereas the Padron Family Reserve No.45 Natural was the Cigar Aficionado No.4 Cigar of the Year the following year in 2010.

The tobacco leaves for the Padron Family Reserve series are aged a minimum of ten years. Since the release of the No. 44, there have been five versions of the Padron Family Reserve series – each in a Natural and Maduro. Following the 2009 No. 45 release, there was the Family Reserve No. 46 in 2010, the Padron Family Reserve 85th to honour Jose O. Padron’s 85th birthday in 2011 and the Family Reserve No.50 in 2014, recognising the company’s 50th anniversary.

The Padron Family Reserve No.50 Maduro was the Cigar Aficionado No.7 Cigar of the Year in the year of its release in 2014. The Padron Family Reserve No.50 Natural was listed as the Cigar Aficionado No.5 Cigar of the Year the following year, in 2015.

The Padron Family Reserve No.50 has a 54 ring gauge and is 127 millimetres or 5 inches long. Like the greater majority of Padron cigars, the No.50 has a notable box-press to it. I acquired this cigar in a 5-pack Sampler box, together with the Nos. 44, 45, 46 and 85. Family Reserve cigars are also available individually in 5-count and 10-count options.

I took my punch cutter and applied it to the head of this cigar, due to its large 54 ring gauge. As usual, the draw was a touch loose (as is typical for Padron cigars) and it was effortless to smoke from the first puff to the last. There was also plenty of smoke output per puff. Again, this is quite typical for a Padron cigar. As for flavours, as I've mentioned in my recent reviews on the Padron Family Reserve Nos.85, 44, 45 and 46 (all Natural), overall it's been said that the Family Reserve Series is not as flavoursome as other Padron lines. This is categorically untrue. What should be stated is that the flavours are much more subtle, more nuanced. This No.50 Natural had notes of cocoa, coffee, cedar, leather, earth and a dark or black cherry sweetness that I also found in both the Padron Family Reserve Nos.45 and 85 I smoked eight and nine months ago, respectively. I wouldn't say that there was any real notable pepper or spice to be had in this cigar. It was constructed well and it continued to be flavoursome well into the last third.

I've really enjoyed smoking these Padron Family Reserve cigars of late. In comparison to fuller Padron cigars, the No.50 was again easier to smoke, in my opinion. I've now finished this 5-pack Sampler box, containing the Nos. 44, 45, 46, 50 and 85 and I would have no hesitation in acquiring another. They are quite simply put, great cigars that represent a quality option when one is looking to smoke a Non-Cuban cigar.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.2 SOR Jun 2020

When it comes to certain Habanos cigars, their reputation is so firmly ingrained into our collective subconscious that I don't think one could imagine being without them, no matter their state, their performance or their gratification. For example, it's often noted that the Montecristo No.2 and Montecristo No.4 are amongst the highest-selling Habanos cigars annually but would you necessarily reach for one if you wanted a Montecristo cigar? Perhaps yes and yet, perhaps no but one thing I do know is this...someone out there is buying these cigars on a consistent basis!

And why is that, do you think? We've mentioned a number of times just how inconsistent the Montecristo No.2 and Montecristo No.4 are. I believe the answer lies in both their variance of performance and flavour profiles. What I mean by this is that when it comes to the Montecristo No.2 it varies more than other Habanos cigars, in my view, in their wrapper shades, their construction quality, their dominant flavour characteristics that you want to smoke one on occasion, just in case you 'land on' a superlative example. It's worth noting that since the re-structure of Habanos S.A.'s regular production catalogue in mid-2022, both in terms of an increase in pricing and decrease in supply, cigars such as the Montecristo No.2, Partagas Serie D No.4 and to a lesser extent, the Montecristo No.4 have been readily available.

Personally speaking, my humidor has five different box codes of varying amounts (around three to six sticks of each now) of Montecristo No.2 so that I can take in and experience the differences one gets in Monte 2s that are dark-wrappered, light-wrappered, young, mid-aged or aged and a combination thereof. Having said this, I have in fact been enamoured with my aged PMS Abr 2015 10-count box of Montecristo No.2s of late; so much so that I have smoked six sticks from this box code since the beginning of 2022. What was the last young Montecristo No.2, therefore, that I smoked? None other than an example from this very box code (SOR Jun 2020) at the end of 2021!

So what are you looking for when you smoke a Montecristo No 2? You may be seeking a strong cocoa/coffee flavour profile, or maybe more leather, nut and /or citrus twang, for example. Perhaps a fuller-bodied cigar or a lighter one? The Montecristo No.2 is the type of cigar that can deliver this variance of outcomes.

This SOR Jun 2020 Montecristo No.2 cigar was the second of its type smoked from a quarter-pack acquisition from our host. It had a light wrapper but it was well-balanced in its flavours. It had a nice combination of cocoa, milk coffee, nut and a some hints of citrus twang which reinforced why I keep these in my humidor and why I keep coming back to them, much like the last time I smoked this cigar. The one difference of note from that last cigar smoked in late 2021 was the intensity of cocoa in the last third, otherwise it was quite good for a Montecristo No.2.

I'm curious to learn how the Montecristo No.2 has been faring in production since those major changes I mentioned in mid-2022. I aim to acquire some more soon to compare, even despite the large price increase since the last time I purchased some.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.4 GEL Feb 2022

I couldn't well have a Montecristo No.2 without having a Montecristo No.4 immediately after it, could I? No, evidently not.

In recent reviews of the Montecristo No.4, I had opined that the Bolivar Petit Coronas, Cohiba Siglo II, Montecristo No.4, Por Larranaga Petit Coronas and Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas are the only premium marevas left in regular production. That's five in total. Yes...five! If we add the Sancho Panza Non Plus, the cigar that has somehow reappeared in 2022 after being discontinued in 2019, well...maybe that makes six. I did say, "maybe!" (Please note, Cuban Cigar Website currently has the Sancho Panza Non Plus as discontinued. The most recent examples carry a box code no later than June 2023.)

One could argue a case of the inclusion of the Bolivar Tubos No.2 and maybe even the Montecristo Petit Tubos in the 'upper-tier' classification but I would argue that the Bolivar Tubos No.2 makes a rare appearance on our forum and the Montecristo Petit Tubos invariably never does. In fact, what is a Montecristo Petit Tubos, is it a Montecristo No.4 in a tube? It probably isn't but I raise the question to highlight why that particular cigar is around nowadays and not the Partagas Petit Coronas or Ramon Allones Petit Coronas, perhaps. How about a re-release of the Diplomaticos No.4 or even the H.Upmann Petit Coronas?

What about the other Marevas (and Petit Coronas)? The Línea Retro includes the H.Upmann Regalias, the Romeo y Julieta Club Kings, Partagás Capitols, Hoyo de Monterrey Souvenir de Luxe and Punch Triunfos. Then there's the 'Cheap and Cheerfuls' which includes the Hoyo de Monterrey Coronations, Partagas Mille Fleurs, Punch Coronations, Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs and Romeo No.2. I don't quite know how to classify the Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe No.3 and Petit Coronas. Quite simply, I wouldn't categorise these aforementioned cigars in an 'upper-tier' classification either.

So consider this, of the Bolivar Petit Coronas, Cohiba Siglo II, Montecristo No.4, Por Larranaga Petit Coronas and Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas what would you smoke the most of? One thing I know, and that is, there's one cigar in that list that may possibly out-sell the others combined on an annual basis, worldwide. However, do you reach for a Montecristo No.4 as often as the rest of the world does and why does it sell so well?

I would make a case that, whilst they vary in quality, and more so than other Habanos cigars, they offer a generic cocoa, milk coffee, perhaps nut, leather and/or citrus twang flavour profile which is very approachable. Perhaps, this is why they sell so well; Monte 4 are more approachable than other cigars in its vitola group.

This Monte 4 was the second cigar from a quarter pack acquisition (i.e. six cigars) of a GEL Feb 2022 box code. The first one was smoked two years ago and honestly it was generic, but still...it satisfied me over 70 minutes. I wouldn't say that this second one was 'other-worldly', but it was quite okay. It did smoke for a long time (80 minutes), but I think the intense cocoa and leather flavours in the last third necessitated a slowdown. I believe that if this Monte 4 was less intensive in cocoa and leather flavours and more replete in any nut and/or citrus twang flavours, I would have rated it higher.

Still, even though I enjoy and smoke the Bolivar Petit Coronas, Cohiba Siglo II, Por Larranaga Petit Coronas and Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas semi-regularly, the Montecristo No.4 is always in my humidor. And I mean...always!