Padron redeux

Had that second 7" Padron after dinner tonight.  Much better overall experience!  Probably helped that I was smoking on a full stomach.  No sense of being overpowered this time round, and the cigar had all the characteristics one expects of Padron:  flavorful, good burn, well constructed.  But watching evening fall out on the deck of the cabin, with a single malt to complement the experience...  ahhhhh.  The single malt was actually a bit of an experiment.  It seems to be more or less a generic single malt (at least it's priced like a generic):  McClelland's.  Not memorable, but an easy drinking Highland single malt nonetheless.  I'm happy I tried it, and will likely do so again.  Priced competitively with blended whiskeys, but better.  And there are always more expensive versions for company or special occasions.

Anyway, a very nice way to spend an autumnal evening.

Cheers.   ...   Steve

Savinelli Liga Especial

Popped down to the cigar store for the usual Wednesday evening gathering, and brought along a cigar I'd bought several weeks ago but hadn't had opportunity to smoke.  But voila!  The Savinelli guys were there featuring a selection of their cigars, with great discounts, a raffle (if you bought a box) plus wine, cheese and sandwiches.  So I picked out a Liga Especial Robusto.  Nice, even smoke.  It's about as heavy a cigar as I can handle right now, and I was glad I'd eaten beforehand.  Enjoyable evening.  I think I liked the 2005 a bit better, but that was a while ago and the mountain ambiance may have affected my overall enjoyment.  That and the fact that I like smoking outside considerably more than smoking inside.  Then too this one wasn't accompanied by a nice cold glass of scotch.

Cheers.   ...   Steve

Couple o' Smokes

Last night I smoked a smaller version of the Fuente cigar. Smoked nicely, but I didn't especially care for the flavor. Maybe I need to stick with the bigger Fuentes. Not sure how exactly to characterize it, but it seemed more of a dry flavor, not round and rich like the ones I like best. That said, it was mild on the nicotine front (no nicotine buzz or anything) and passed the evening enjoyably enough.

Had a glass or two of Chivas Regal to go with it, which doesn't seem to stand up especially well. This is the first time in a decade or so that I've had Chivas and it isn't as good as I remember it to be. Spoiled by single malts, perhaps.

And tonight I'm smoking a Savinelli Special Selection 2005. Had an RYR earlier this year (at Wimbledon) and enjoyed it. Well thought of by Judge, who doesn't think much of Savinelli generally. Tonight's Savinelli is probably one that wouldn't get the Judge stamp of approval. Too mild. But I like it quite a bit. Not the most flavorful cigar in the walk-in humidor, but tastes good and burns nicely. Took several attempt to get it started, but once started has burned admirably.

So sitting on the cabin deck, listening to the nightly chorus of crickets, frogs and other critters, I'm a happy camper. But will get something other than Chivas for next time.

Cheers. ... Steve

Romeo y Juliet Anniversario

This is a relatively short cigar, maybe 5", and well proportioned. I have to say, it isn't one of my favorites. It lighted easily but seemed to be quite tightly wrapped, so that I really had to pull on it to get a mouthful of smoke. It looked great throughout the smoke, smooth white ash and a consistent, even burn. But to me, the flavor was dry, almost astringent.. I didn't really care for it. Perhaps a lighter scotch than the Dalmore Cigar Blend would have been a better pairing. Whatever, it's a cigar that I'd smoke if proffered by a friend, but not one that I intend to seek out in future.

However, the cigar box for the Anniversario is a thing of beauty - high gloss, beautifully put together. My wife wanted the box, which is why I bought the last two cigars of the R&J Anniversario line at Tobacconists of Cary. There is an object lesson in there somewhere.

Cheers. ... Steve

Padron

I like Padron cigars as a rule, have smoked quite a few of them. I didn't keep track of what version of Padron cigar this one was (wasn't planning to keep track until I started this log on a whim) but it was about 7" long and of proportionate ring gauge. Nice looking cigar. Very good start - great flavor, good draw. Flavor became sharper as the cigar was smoked past its halfway point. Right about there I realized that this cigar was a pretty heavy duty smoke. In fact, it kicked my butt. I didn't finish it completely, neglected my Dalmore and went inside for a lie down. Seriously kicked my butt. That said, I think it's a really good cigar. I need to be more aware, and modify my smoking style for higher intensity cigars. I have another like it, so will try it in the next few days to see if I adapt.

Cheers. ... Steve

A Fuente Gran Reserva

I picked up this cigar more or less at random at Tobacconists of Cary. It's a long cigar, and too big for my freebee cutter to get around completely. Started smoking it over an hour ago - it's a lot of cigar! Not surprisingly, it was a bit of a stiff draw for the first half of the cigar - must be eight inches long or so. But it's tasty and mild (getting stronger as it gets shorter, of course). Only negative is that it hasn't burned completely evenly... not really significant runners, but in the last half, not completely even burning. Overall, very happy smoke. Probably 20-30 minutes worth left at this point, so it's a great cigar for a mellow, relaxing evening.

The scotch tonight is a Dalmore "Cigar Blend" - I like Dalmore generally, and this is no exception. The regular Dalmore wasn't available, so picked this up on a grin. No regrets.. not sure I'd buy it again (premium priced) but enjoying it nonetheless.

Cheers! ... Steve

Frist post!!

So I've lately begun smoking cigars on irregular basis. Seems like it would be a good idea to keep track of what I've smoked and what I think about cigars as they come my way. I don't know much about cigars, but have been introduced to them by a real connoisseur (thanks, Judge!) over the last several Wimbledon experiences. Now we have a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, and it's been a great way to end a day - sitting on the deck as night falls, smoking a cigar and sipping a glass of Scotland's finest on the rocks. Oh yeah.. will likely comment on various whiskeys as well. Of course, my judgements will be clouded by a complete lack of intelligent knowledge and a substantial haze of alcohol... so if you aren't me, discretion is advised.

Cheers! ... Steve