Better late than never. My Secret Santa gifts. Thanks Santa!
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My first cigar of 2016.

How is that Gator? I've been hoarding my 2008's, never tried the 09'

When released the 2008 was knocked for being too mild so they ramped up the strength for the 2009 release. But the new blend sacrificed strength for flavors / complexity. I prefer the 2008 and you're right to hoard them. The 2009 has more pepper, leather, the other flavors from the 2008 are hiding in the background and come out occasionally.

I have 2008 stashed and chose to smoke my last 2009 before smoking the 2008s. If you want to try a 2009 definitely smoke a Churchill the 2009 robusto is all pepper and leather with none of the nuanced 2008 flavors.

A Christmas cigar

That CAO is infused or flavored, right? How was it?

Is any one smoking? It's been way too cold and windy here to sit outside. Besides that, I have too many projects going on right now to be able to enjoy a cigar. Maybe Friday I will be able to sit down and relax!

Our local Ace Hardware store has an incredible sale going on right now. Fiet LED bulbs for 99 cents each! I got 24 of them and started changing out the incandescents. It gave me a reason to be out in this chilly air, so I grabbed a Schizo maduro to accompany me while I worked.

I don't believe it is infused it was an excellent cigar bold and spicy and a nice burn

http://caocigars.com/blog/a-ho...commentsstart317=150

Hi to all in the cigar lounge/thread ...

Haven't had a cigar for, well maybe 8 years. I was further disgusted with myself upon re-discovering the humidor in a dark and dusty corner - and the dry, crackly remains of an unknown robusto (no band) within.

Robusto's used to be the favorite, though I have no memory of the details; maybe Macanudo and perhaps something else ...

But, with $16.37 remaining on a gift card balance, what say you for a recommendation for a Friday night light?

A My Father Connecticut or a Man O War Virtue. Something light to start off with. A Fuente would fit the bill nicely too. The first 2 I mentioned though have good flavors profiles too.

Welcome aboard!

quote:

Originally posted by cjevans:
Hi to all in the cigar lounge/thread ...

Haven't had a cigar for, well maybe 8 years. I was further disgusted with myself upon re-discovering the humidor in a dark and dusty corner - and the dry, crackly remains of an unknown robusto (no band) within.

Robusto's used to be the favorite, though I have no memory of the details; maybe Macanudo and perhaps something else ...

But, with $16.37 remaining on a gift card balance, what say you for a recommendation for a Friday night light?

A nice Kristoff Maduro don't drop the whole $16 on some high end consumer chased stick, you can get two Kristoffs for that, or one and a nice glass of scotch....

I have had this for two years. Age has turned these into a great cigar. Glad it's not my last one.

I would need extreme self control to keep a My Father in my humidor for 2 years!! Did the pepper die off with the age?

Last night I sat on the front porch and smoked a Camacho SLR maduro in chilly but comfortable conditions. High close to 60* tomorrow with rain. I might be able to sneak something in. In my free time...

The pepper remained Pepin strong from beginning to end. The flavor profile was pepper and cooking spice. Originally it had a floral component that while subtle it still limits the cigar for me as I choose to smoke it with some pretty specific drinks to accompany it. Tea, and sometimes an IPA. I read an interview with Pepin Garcia and he said he blended it to have a floral component. The floral was completely gone leaving a great traditional My Father.

Not sure if others saw this but halfwheel has their Top 25 of 2015 out. Similar to CA this is limited to the cigars they reviewed during the year, and Hw reviews mostly limited / new cigars so a lot of regular production cigars are not on the list.

http://halfwheel.com/2015-awards-top-25-cigars/103529

This is my evening cigar! There was a box found at CI a few weeks ago and was gifted one. Camacho triple maduro 6x60. I figure this should last a couple hours if not three!

Pre-light draw tasted like raisins. Now that it's lit the smoke is extremely smooth, a hint of pepper and a medley of cocoa, nut, and earth.

Visited a shop I like in Toledo today. Brought home a Kristoff Sumatra and a Churchill, a Crowned Heads gran toro and a Nish Patel ligero. Going to try the Sumatra tonight.

quote:

Originally posted by Appliance Brad:
Visited a shop I like in Toledo today. Brought home a Kristoff Sumatra and a Churchill, a Crowned Heads gran toro and a Nish Patel ligero. Going to try the Sumatra tonight.

Kristoffs are some of my favorite cigars

Well the Sumatra was tasty, milder than expected though. A blast of pepper when I lit it then settled down to a nice smooth smoke. Had to touch it up once but burned and drew well. Haven't been disappointed with a single Kristoff I've smoked.



Paired it up with a Founders Imperial Stout that was released in November. Pam had the Thirsty Dog Imperial Stout.

Padron 40th with Surly Double Bastard Espresso Depth Charge. My god what a combo!!!

Turning into 2 cigar football game. Now nursing a Cuban H. Upmann.