Thanks for the PDF. There was quite a bit of information I didn't know in it. We knew that there would be issues if trade began again with Cuba. This article just reinforces that speculation. Personally, I will wait a while before I start seeking legal Cubans if and when they become available. We notice the inconsistencies now with lower production, just wait until demand increases.

quote:

Originally posted by erj_pilot:
I may or may not be too accurate with this statement, but when people find out I enjoy cigars, they always ask if I've had a Cuban. I have.....exactly ONE on Christmas eve 2005 in Toronto, Canada when I was on a trip. So I tell them that to me, a Cuban isn't such a big deal because (and this might be the inaccurate statement) when the Cuban revolt occurred, most of the cigar makers took the Cuban seed and grew tobacco in Honduras, the Dominican, Nicaragua or wherever they wound up. The only difference would be the soil.

To be honest, that Cuban was waaaaay over-priced and my other cigar brands were just as good or better.

erj_pilot:

Email is in my profile.

While I agree with much of what you say, send me an address and I'll forward you a few things that might make you think slightly different.

Edit - by "things" I mean smokable.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ronin1069,

quote:

Originally posted by erj_pilot:
I may or may not be too accurate with this statement, but when people find out I enjoy cigars, they always ask if I've had a Cuban. I have.....exactly ONE on Christmas eve 2005 in Toronto, Canada when I was on a trip. So I tell them that to me, a Cuban isn't such a big deal because (and this might be the inaccurate statement) when the Cuban revolt occurred, most of the cigar makers took the Cuban seed and grew tobacco in Honduras, the Dominican, Nicaragua or wherever they wound up. The only difference would be the soil.

To be honest, that Cuban was waaaaay over-priced and my other cigar brands were just as good or better.

For me, my top favorite cigars happen to be from that "island". And I collect cigars from all sorts of places. My three go to sticks are cuban and I can see that for the rest of life. The famous twang is something I crave in a cigar.

Ronin, I appreciate the PDF. It confirms some things I've heard about the Cuban tobacco market. I've never had a Cuban, but from what I've read/heard the rest of the world has caught up or surpassed the Cubans in most every aspect as a result of the open market driving innovation. It sounds like there's "something different" about Cubans, but I've enjoyed what I've had so far from the sticks I've smoked.

Thanks for the article.

Did you know you can travel to the Robania farm as described and buy his custom rolls. This is what led Pete Johnson to develop his own personal blend that became the black label Tatuaje. While I have never seen a Robania custom roll in person I do know they can be had if you travel there.

Once the embargo is lifted the prices on real Cubans will sky rocket and the proliferation of fakes will also. Once the all mighty dollar gets involved the Robania farm will have more tractors, fuel, fertilizer than they know what to do with.

It will take years maybe even a decade but the law of economics will see production increase and quality continue.

Hey Erj i have some cohibas i wouldn't mind sharing if you want to meet up for a smoke sometime. Serious Cigars on 1960 and cutten is a decent lounge.

quote:

Originally posted by Jaywendland1981:
Hey Erj i have some cohibas i wouldn't mind sharing if you want to meet up for a smoke sometime. Serious Cigars on 1960 and cutten is a decent lounge.

Oooooooohhh...hell to the yeah!! Mom is visiting next week, so that's out and I don't have my June schedule yet. When I get it, I'll shoot you an e-mail.

Thanks Jay!!!!

This post brought to you by amazing cigars everywhere. Just noticed that this thread will shortly reach 4000 posts. Thinking we should organize some type of "cigar pass" in honor of.

Thoughts? The secret Santa seemed to work okay - I'm happy to do the coordination if you guys are interested. More discussion to follow...

Sure. Im in.

I'm in, but I doubt I would have anything worth passing on. I will be in Vegas next week on a trip and I plan on stopping by a store that carries Crux, so maybe I can get something worthwhile.

I'm in.

Ronin's Random Cigar Thought's of the day...

1: The Montecristo' White is becoming my favorite weekend breakfast cigar. Pairs wonderfully with coffee and if found at the right time, can be purchased at a good price.

2: I've been smoking cigars for years and just now learning about dry-boxing and lower humidities is like starting all over again. Smoked a Cuban Monte2 yesterday that I let sit solo in a cedar travel humidor for 3 days. WONDERFUL!!! A nice crunch at the foot, perfect draw, and a touch of salt. Now what? A separate humidor dedicated to 60% or so to keep a small supply of Cubans that I'll want to smoke within the week? This whole process has really given me a different perspective on 'resting' cigars that I might get online or as a gift from someone.

3: It seems like the cigar consumer is more concerned about the FDA ruling than the B&M's. Even my own shop, they talk about it, complain about, but what are they doing about it? Were it my shop, every single customer would be directed to a laptop or iPad that was linked to the two CRA petitions. If they don't care, I guess I'll stop worrying about it.

4: I used to buy cigar accessories just to have them. Finally I am to the point where I see them as a tool, each for a specific purpose.

- Good sharp cutter. I have really taken notice of this the past few weeks as I've been snipping dryer cigars. A dull or cheap blade is more likely damage the stick.

- Quality matches. Love a good cigar match, my go to for toasting the foot when wind is not in play

- Triple flame torch. Awesome for those windy days when matches are a no go and a single flame just can't do the job.

- Single flame torch. Great for lancero's or a smaller ring gauge where a 'triple' would be too much fire. The single flame is also a perfect go-to for detail touchups for the occasional runner.

Since you have written them out, I noticed that I subconsciously perform some of them. The cutter tool. The guillotine, punch, and "V" all have their time and place for different vitola cigars. Fire, matches are preferred but butane works in the wind. Single torch for the smaller sticks and I have a quad for everything else. I have not dry boxed anything yet, but I will have to try it as I have noticed some sticks burning irregular at times.

Had a great experience at a cigar bar in Jeffersonville, IN this weekend. The Match Cigar Bar and sister Riverside Cigars was a great way to end Friday night after the NRA Annual Meeting. Picked up some Monte Whites, La Imperiosas and a Liga Privada T52. We walked through the opening to the cigar bar side and ordered a Woodford Double Oaked from their large selection of bourbon. I'd not tried the Woodford DO before. It's interesting, very smooth with no whiskey "burn" at all. I drank mine neat but I think the best use for it would be in a Manhattan or Boulevardier. Th eT52 was good but I don't think worth what I paid for it. Lots of $10 sticks I like better. It did burn perfectly, needing no touch ups or relights. About half way through it smoothed out and was pretty tasty. I'd give it a 6 on a 1-10 scale.
Atmosphere was nice, leather chairs and scattered tables, an unlit fireplace in the corner. Great place to spend a hour or so, wish we had something like it near us.

The Liga series are overpriced. Some are worth it. Some not so much. They all use a wrapper that's aged in a unique way, still attached to the stalk, so there is definitely a different flavor profile than anything else out there. I really like the uf13s and they mellow out a bit with some age.

La Gloria tonight with a Mad Hatter IPA.

Box pressed perfecto Man O War Ruination this evening.

I'd be in Ronin. I might have to look into dry boxing... I've never done it, despite the good reviews it gets.

Going to an event tomorrow. Looking forward to meeting Willy Herrera from Drew Estate!

I'd be in for the cigar pass but I don't do anything super exotic FYI.

Currently puffing a Nica Libre Silver 25th anniversary. Not bad but a shade on the bland side IMO. It was part of an AJ sampler so for $3 and change it's hard to be mad about it.