re: Let's talk Cigars

I was going to have each of these on the 2nd/4th but it's miserable outside. My son and I beat the heat by going to the lounge so I smoked them both today. (They were dry boxed for 48 hours.)

First up was The American Churchill (pre-250 version) which I've had in my humidor (68°/65%) since February resting for this weekend. The burn evened out about an inch in but the draw felt like sucking a golf ball through a garden hose at times. It was a bit too mild for my tastes. It smoked more like a $10 rather than a $23 stick. I have a 250 in my humidor and will revisit it on Labor Day. 1/5 draw, 4/5 light, 4/5 burn, 3/5 taste


I followed it up with the CAO America 250. It's been resting for a bit over a month since purchasing the box. Upon taking off the 250 foot band there was a messed up foot. This led to a runner. The stick had a stronger retrohale but quickly moved on to a harsh taste. The draw was the polar opposite from my first with the feel of drawing air. After 3 major touchups in the first 2/3 I gave up. This smoked close to the $8/stick I paid for it. I'll let the remaining cigars rest and at the worst, they'll be nice looking cigars to offer to novices. 1/5 Draw, 2/5 Light, 1/5 Burn, 2/5 Taste


On a bright note... The shop requires a $25/person spend for non-members to access the lounge. I finally tracked down a LADC Small Batch ($34) and they recommended the Rocky Patel 30th Anniversary Toro ($27). Both are now taking the humidor space vacated by today's smokes. The tobacconist is a bit eccentric and was dressed for the holiday. His Playlist was full of Revolutionary War Era music which set a great mood for what I was smoking. Frankly if we didn't live 20 minutes away I would gladly pay the $300 monthly membership fee. It's one of the few places my son and I can talk the day away.

Amazon Basin Daggers seem to be available everywhere. I'm struggling to decide between picking up a box of them or the Le Bijou 1922 Años.

It's been way too hot to enjoy a cigar lately. I am looking forward to the pool where we spend a week every summer. Nothing beats sitting in the shallow end with cognac and a well paired cigar.

Just got a box of these. They need some time in the humidor.