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