What did you smoke(and drink)tonight?

[Hank Koestner]

I think it is time for a thread like this!!

Last night, a Tatuaje Reserva J21 Robusto and Mount Gay XO. Great together.

Tonight, I had a Bolivar BF with a pour of 1997 Rhum JM. Very, very good.:D

[RobertBurr]

smoke was a custom blend I rolled myself from several indigenous stocks, accompanied by a nifty punch made of orange, banana, pineapple, cream of coconut, Flor de Cana Limon and Goslings 151 shaken with ice. Head kickin' good.

[Lew Barrett]

Padilla 1968 torpedo and Flor de Cana 18. Not bad at all.

[KINGSTON]

Dunhill Signed Range Torp with a Mojito made with 10 Cane.

[Hank Koestner]

This is the time of year when I dip into my small stock of more expensive smokes. A cigar in the early evening is perfect as the day cools down.
Tonight, an Fuente Anejo 50 with about 6 months of age on it. Delicious, complex and the flavors intensify as you smoke it, but it stays balanced. The rum pairing was so so, La Favorite Vieux helped the cigar, but the rum lost its subtle spiciness, Mount Gay XO was better, but still not the best choice. Next time, a taste of ED 15, although this may be one time that rum might not be the choice. The 12 might be better. There is an herbal, eucalyptus note to this cigar, along with earth and coffee and spice. I have to find a rum that won't interfere with the herbal quality.

Kingston, what do you think of the Dunhill signed range? I have been curious about them, seems like they might be a very flavorful medium cigar.

[Matusalem]

Cadenheads Green Label with a Romeo y Julieta Exhibition #4.

[Don Piero]

Was at a scotch tasting last night but unfortunately had to wait till after the tasting to enjoy a cigar outside (damn beaurocrats). Inside there was a vertical tasting of 5 Glenrothes with special guest presenter Charles Maclean. Outside I enjoyed a San Cristobol EL Princepe. Great evening, but I remember a few years back when we could smoke our cigars indoors at the end of the evening with the final scotch. Those days are now gone:(.

[Lew Barrett]

How was the San Cristobal?

By the way, although they are entirely unrelated, I smoked a San Cristobal (Pepin blend, if I recall) that I thought was delicious.

A Siglo III I recently smoked was disappointing. Back of the cave for them to be revisited next year. I have some Sig VIs I'm waiting a few weeks to dive into. I've never smoked that particular Siglo, but I'm very eager to try it, just waiting for it to recover from the voyage. I won't mess around with it. Straight to the ED.

[Don Piero]

How was the San Cristobal?

By the way, although they are entirely unrelated, I smoked a San Cristobal (Pepin blend, if I recall) that I thought was delicious.

A Siglo III I recently smoked was disappointing. Back of the cave for them to be revisited next year. I have some Sig VIs I'm waiting a few weeks to dive into. I've never smoked that particular Siglo, but I'm very eager to try it, just waiting for it to recover from the voyage. I won't mess around with it. Straight to the ED.

The El Principe is a great little cigar that is medium to full bodied; never disappoints. Sig 3 I've never had but the Sig 6 I tried was very good. Enjoy.

[Hank Koestner]

The Don Pepin San Cristobal is a very good one. I keep a couple of 3 sizes on hand. The Sig 6 is my favorite Cohiba. I have some 04's that were delicious, and I am down to the last few. They just get even better with age.

[KINGSTON]

Hank,

The Torano Blended Dunhill Signed Range is great. Medium bodied with a very meaty flavor. Try to avoid the original blend (conn. shade wrapper). The Carlos Torano Blend is a Nicaraguan Blend with a dark Colorado Color Wrapper.
Great smoke. I like the Torp but the toro gets all the attention.

[Hank Koestner]

Thanks Kingston,
I assume this is the Nicraguan blend you speak of , not the Dominican. I ordered The Torp, no Toros to be had or I would have orderd both.

Last night I smoked a San Cristobal Perfecto. Great cigar, I still prefer the robusto and the churchill. Went with ED 12, which paired nicely, the first try was Clement VSOP, and it was not bad, but the ED 12 was better.

[Hank Koestner]

Tonight, a Rocky Patel Decade Robusto, delicious cigar, I recommend that my fellow cigar smokers try one if you can. The Torp is even better.

I tried HC Barrelproof, Ok but not great, Then went with Appleton 12. Nice match in the second half of the cigar as the flavors intensified.

[Don Piero]

Saint Luis Rey Regios (06) with the standard El Dorado 15yr Old on my front verandah. Excellent medium to full bodied cigar. A bit of rum left over that I topped off on some Cappuchino Swirl ice cream that has dark chocolate chunks :).

[Hank Koestner]

Someday to have a good selection of Habanos......I keep my fingers crossed!

[Don Piero]

Had a restful Fathers Day today. Wifey made a great early dinner that was topped off with a Montecristo Edmundo on the front verandah. In honour of my dad I had some Stock 84 Italian Brandy which I remember my dad always having. Went for a bike ride with my two daughters afterwards and got home seconds before a rainstorm.

Happy Fathers Day to all Dads, enjoy your day.

[SuperCorona]

2 or 3 Cuba Libres (Appleton White and Jones Sugar Cane cola) paired with a '98 SLR Lonsdale cabinet selection. The sweetness of the drink contrasted nicely with the spicy smoke.

[Hank Koestner]

Had to try the new Nub Line, so I purchased a sampler. So far the largest of the sizes, 4 x 64 in a torpedo shape, the corojo and conneticut(have not tried the cammy yet) are very tasty. Problem is you can smoke these down to the Nub, but it is not easy as the 64 ring gauge is uncomfortable to handle. The corojo is medium bodied with lots of flavor, and the conneticut is milder but with good flavor. They burn very slowly, and although they are small in length, it takes the same time to smoke as a longer cigar. I will try the smaller rings, 60 and 58. Might like those better. Sipped the coconut water agricole mojitos with these, not bad.

[Lew Barrett]

I smoked my brains out this weekend as I went out on my boat. I drank a bit less as we were on the move from time to time, but I brought Zaya, ED 15 and Pampero with me and drank the Zaya bottle to the bottom with some friends. Tonight a Padron 64 with English Harbor 5, and tomorrow onto the big metal bird for an un-eagerly anticipated trip to Vegas for 4 days of trade show.

[SuperCorona]

Pampero Aniversario and a '02 RyJ Cazadores last night capped off a nice evening listening to a Dead show from '73.

[cigar-aficionado]

Pampero Anniversario and HC Barrel Proof over the weekend in Gibraltar smoking Bolivar Gold Medals and Monte 2's while eating some of the best steaks at Gauchos restaurant just outside Casemates Square:D

[Hank Koestner]

Tonight a Don Pepin Blue Robusto, with Pussers 15. Great pairing.

[Don Piero]

Great weather tonight in Toronto, little wind and about 70.

Had a custom rolled Reynaldo Pyramid and a Bolivar Bellicoso with some chilled Zacapa 23yo.

[Lew Barrett]

Just returned from Vegas (horrendously hot at 107F in the shade) and smoked less than I had hoped to while there. I brought a marvelous collection of cigars with me but just didn't find much time to light up. The Punch Punch I did smoke my first evening was delicious. The bar had nothing in rum I wanted, so I sipped a Tanq and tonic and was happy to blow smoke rings in the casino. I just knocked off a Padilla 1932 I got from CBid and I think I liked it, but I probably am too tired to enjoy much of anything at the moment. It was a strong, flavorful smoke, that I think shows a good bit of promise. I'll try another again when I'm feeling less zoned out.

[Hank Koestner]

I understand how you feel about Vegas. I lived there from 1982 until 92. I can only imagine what it is like now. I have no desire to go back. It was nice being close to the west coast and Arizona. I enjoyed those places immensly.

The Padilla 1932 is a favorite of mine. I have them in a few different sizes.
The blend will change though, because Padilla and Don Pepin have split. So, if you find you like them, pick up a few now.

[SuperCorona]

Yesterday afternoon's plans of seeing Kinky Friedman at the local cigar shop fell apart. A buddy of mine came over and we drank mojitos and smoked some '97 QdO Imperiales. The drinks were light and refreshing which kept our palates clean and able to fully enjoy the complexities of the vintage smokes.

[Lew Barrett]

I had a lancero and two fingers of my treasured (and horded) Santiago 12 tonight. Sublime, a really good smoke and sip.

[Hank Koestner]

One of my last Cohiba Sig VI and HC 7.cigar.gif Wonderful together. I believe that most times, a C rum and a C cigar work wonderfully together. The Cohiba has about 3 years of age on it, no heaviness in the body, just tons of flavor.drooling3.gif

[Hank Koestner]

Last night I discovered the Liga Privada #9 from Drew Estate.yay.gif I believe this cigar was mentioned in another thread. Excellent cigar.drooling2.gif Medium bodied, full of flavor that changes nicely as you smoke it. I intend to put a few of these in the humi. Tried Ron del Barrillito 3 Star with it, it was a decent match, but there could be a better one. This cigar will need a lighter bodied rum, as the heavier ones might overwhelm the great flavors in the cigar.cigar.gif

[SuperCorona]

We had a beautiful evening here last night with a northerly breeze taking the heaviness out of the air. I had to find something to match to my drink of the evening, Orangina & Appleton White. I opted for a '02 Rafael Gonzalez Coronas Extra, which has to be the most underrated corona gorda coming from Havana. Plenty of flavorful smoke, toasted nuts to start and a smooth cappuchino-like finish. The cigar and drink pairing was successful. Neither overpowered each other. The Orangina was a decent mixer, but next time I add some lime juice, too.

[Lew Barrett]

We've been traveling for about a week, with another week to go, and have either been quite occupied or just with problematic connectivity, so this may be my only post for a bit. I brought a wide range of cigars with me and have been pulling them out of my travel humidor and smoking somewhat randomly. Cigar chomping, as it were.

Most of our travel to date has been in southern New England, where Dark & Stormys are all the custom. Good thing, as the only rum of note I've found has been Goslings, although in Rhode Island there were a coupe of promising stores, but I didn't stop at them. I've had a chance to sample three different ginger beers, and I think that of the three, I like the Reed's best, then Regatta and the Barritts least although all three work fine.

Cigar smoking has been "in the car." Normally, I don't smoke in any car, but Avis gets a letter on this one. What a piece of crap. Any added cigar aromas will hardly be noticed, so I just decided to let it rip, with the good natured tolerance of my wife allowing for mile indulgence. All thoughts of "pairings" and refinement are out the window, so to speak.

Speak to you all later!

[SuperCorona]

After the early threat of rain passed, I fired up a Siglo II and took our sheltie pup out for a walk. I got back with half a cigar to go, so I washed it down with a little HC BP and one ice cube. The cube helped with the BP's heat and the flavors of the cigar and rum really shined.

[Don Piero]

El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme with a dram of 21yo ElDorado. Great combo and a cool nite in Toronto (had my sweater and cap on).

[Hank Koestner]

Interesting that Don mentioned this cigar, as I was given a couple to try. I will look forward to smoking this cigar this weekend, and will take the advice on the ED 21.

[Lew Barrett]

Recent smokes:

I have some Siglo VIs and some IIIs as well. I'm enjoying the IIIs way too much, but the VIs aren't doing it for me yet. I think they need parking for a year or two.

I've also been smoking a lot of Pepin's various blends, a benefit of membership on this forum, as they came to my attention here. And the Oliva G belicoso has become a regular for me. I tried a Jose Seijas robusto the other day, and liked it a good bit, especially the last half.

[SuperCorona]

Lew, be patient with the Siglo VIs. Mine from '03 and '04 are fabulous.

The Siglo III is the best bang for the buck in the Cohiba line, IMHO.

[Hank Koestner]

I also have a few Siglo VI's that were box dated at 2004, and they are delicious now. I will have to try some III's. It seems to me that most Cubans benefit from at least a year or 2 in the humi. I have some Bolivar BF's that are smoking wonderfully right now, and I imagine they will get even better with age. It is hard to leave them alone, when you know how good they are right now. I have noticed in some of the cigar publications that certain recent releases of Cohiba's are not smoking well right now. I also have a good friend who has tasted some recently, and says it really is a mixed bag right now, for the most current releases. cigar.gif
I was also able to smoke a Bolivar Edition Regional from Canada, a robusto size that was very good. A few of these in the humi a year from now would be nice. I enjoyed this cigar with a measure of Botran 1863 Solera rum, and to my surprise it was an excellent pairing. It seems that this might be a good cigar rum, except this one is not readily available anymore. I am using the Spirit Sipper tasting glass to sip from, and I found with this rum it concentrated the flavors better than in other glasses. I think It helped it stand up to the cigar.

[emeraldsmoke]

Smoked one of the new Padilla Miami blend last night with two fingers of Flor de Cana Grand Reserve and 1 ice cube.

[Matusalem]

My most recent combo was some Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva with a ERdM Choix Supreme (2002 cab production). For me the CS has consistently been a good to fantastic smoke. I've just about concluded the same thing with Diplo RE - for my own personal taste this seems to pair well with a large range of cigars.

Maybe already done or in the process, but it might be interesting to see a thread / poll to describe each of our top (choose a #) rum pours - not limited to great individual pairings - but a list of what we each find tends to work well with any / most cigars.

[SuperCorona]

I used to be able to get Diplo RE here, but haven't seen it for a couple years. It's great match with just about anything I smoke.

[Hank Koestner]

The Diplomatico RE is a good cigar rum. I like Matusalem's idea for the new thread. He who has idea must create thread. Old proverb.

[Matusalem]

The Diplomatico RE is a good cigar rum. I like Matusalem's idea for the new thread. He who has idea must create thread. Old proverb.Hank, I'm not familiar with setting up a poll. I will perhaps give it a try when I have some free time.

Somehow I feel some apprehension in inserting the best wording (asking the best question[s] ) - but I think some of that stems from me not being familiar with the whole poll format.
cheers.gif

[Matusalem]

And now thinking about it - a poll probably isn't the way to go... given that I'm not going to list every single rum iteration for people to pick. See this is why you don't want me as the point person - LOL.

I'll start a regular ole thread! :)

[rumdog007]

After I had some of my Dos Maderas, I had some of my Ron de Barrilito 2 Star. Let me preface this rant by saying that I have long esteemed the RdB 3 Star and totally ignored the other offering, the 3 Star. A few days ago, I "discovered" it or, better, finally bought some from HiTimes and sipped it neat. In just 1 word...., it was great and I really liked it a lot. Tonight, I am using it in a Hemingway daiquiri and it is one of the best variations of this cocktail which I have tasted. I doubt that I will ever look for another "gold" rum as this one is perfect. Oh, I had a Punch cigar with my cousin, Almost, forgot...

[Don Piero]

Just finished a H.Upmann Mag 50 with an 18yo Talisker.
Getting a little chilly. Had a sweater, jacket and hat on. Very good cigar that starts off very strong and then changes to a more balanced smoke. This is a smooth cigar with lots of flavour but I had to remain seated g()fy due to its strength.

[Carbon]

Last night I had some Cruzan Estate Diamond 5 year neat for a bit, then mixed it with the Coke from Mexico (that uses sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup) and squeezed lime juice into it.

[Chris]

Had some things to celebrate the other night and dug out a Montecristo Edmundo out of the humidor and opened a bottle of 25 yo Caol Ila that I had been saving. While both of them were quite exquisite on their own, the pairing itself wasn't exactly perfect. On paper, the aged Islay malt and the mid bodied cigar seemed like a good match, but the problem was that the single malt, even in its advanced age, was just too much of a beast for the cigar to compete with, causing a lot of the cigar's flavors to come across as muted. The next time I think I will keep the two apart and choose a different pairing...perhaps a 601 green label with the malt and Angostura 1919 with the cigar.

[Hank Koestner]

Yes, Chris, I agree. Many times I have experienced the same situation. We always try to find a pair that complements each other, where one does not overwhelm the other, and vice versa. That is the fun and disappointment of pairings.

[MFP2241]

I'm currently on travel in Shenzen, China so my rum is a little out of reach right now. At my hotel the rum selection consists of Bacardi White, Bacardi Gold, and Myers Dark. Truly a sad state of affairs.

I think the views more than make up for it sometimes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/bocce_me/Shenzhen/IMG_3184.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/bocce_me/Shenzhen/IMG_3089.jpg

I did bring my two favorite cigars with me. Punch Rare Corojo (Corona) and Camacho 1962 (Corona), I must say that the Punches would be my desert island cigar, that and Ron Zacapa 23 anos, which is how I came across this site.

Till I get back to the states I shall suffer with my Reverb Crash Tiki cocktail.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/bocce_me/Shenzhen/10102008072.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/bocce_me/Shenzhen/10092008043.jpg

Allan

[gaprider0]

last night i had a rocky patel Decade Torpedo and a pyrat cask 23. very nice

[Carbon]

Oops I forgot to post before. Saturday night I had this weird cocktail with Depaz agricole, maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and I forget what else. It was weird, and I don't think I'll order one again. After that I had a dark n' stormy with Pampero Aniversario, in-house made ginger beer, and lime juice (good stuff).

[Alan]

last night enjoyed a San Cristobal de la Habana La Fuerza with a glass of El Doradao 12 neat while watching the Rays beat the Red Socks. Oh yeah!

[Chris]

Well, the Seahawks lost once again last night...to dull the pain I had a La Riqueza No.5 and a glass of Appleton 12 yo. The cigar's flavor profile definitely fits the brand name: rich, full-flavored, with an aftertaste reminding me of homemade butter. The rum was quite nice as well, and was able to hold its own against the smoke.

[Hank Koestner]

I was able to smoke a Partagas Luisitania gifted from a friend last night. A beautiful, long double corona with that rich Cuban taste. It had been aged about a year. I poured Trois Rivieres 1996 with it, and this was a great match. You have to be careful with the medium bodied Cubanos, as you can overpower them with the wrong rum. The rhum and cigar accented each other beautifully, and this was a great way to spend and hour and a half.

[Carbon]

Last night I made daiquiris with my Oronoco and agave syrup. I had some pineapple left over in my fridge, so I blended that up to put in the first one. It was a bit too thick to work perfectly, but still ended up being tasty.

[Lew Barrett]

Hi everyone! You would be forgiven for thinking I was dead. I have simply been less active online.

My cigar smoking is now confined to infrequent "cheating" upstairs in my un-leased office when everyone else has gone home. It's now too nasty to smoke outside, and there are few options for indoor smoking right in Seattle, although there are some further south.

The tenants in the building our business occupies were victims of a business slowdown (sorry to bring that up HMMR) and so for the last month or so the offices upstairs have been vacant. I decided to move some chairs in there and smoke in the joint when I had spare time. It's a terrific space; old turn of the century building very high beamed ceilings, brick walls and skylights, and a huge room, about 2500 square feet. I moved two chairs into one corner with an ashtray, and it's quite a strange, almost surreal setting. I won't be able to do this forever as sooner or later the space will be leased again, but for the moment it's quite the private cigar club! I should post some pictures because it's a oner of a situation.

Anyway, I smoked a Siglo III and sipped Pampero there this evening and thought I needed to check in on my friends at the Ministry. Now that winter is here, I'll be less scarce. Oh...the Pampero is what I had in my office downstairs. I've been on a Mount Gay XO kick of late, and really enjoying that rum. As for cigars, everything everybody has said about Pepin is true. How does he come up with all those blends? A San Cristobal I smoked last week was excellent. But really, how many brands and blends can we endure and can he develop before he loses the plot? So far though, I have yet to smoke too many of his that I haven't enjoyed one way or another, but of late I've been getting some mediocre burns with running. Anybody else experiencing that with some of the Don's cigars?

[vincennes1897]

Last night I enjoyed a few glasses of Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 and an A. Fuente Hemingway Signature Maduro. It was a Great hour! drooling2.gif

[vincennes1897]

I moved two chairs into one corner with an ashtray, and it's quite a strange, almost surreal setting. I won't be able to do this forever as sooner or later the space will be leased again, but for the moment it's quite the private cigar club! I should post some pictures because it's a oner of a situation.

Pictures are definitely in order! That sounds like a great little set up.

[Lew Barrett]

Pictures are definitely in order! That sounds like a great little set up.

They will be forthcoming!

[Alan]

My most recent cigars were paired with both El Dorado 12 and 15. I smoked a Bolivar Corona Extra and a Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi. These were smoke back to back while lounging on the back Lanai this past weekend in near perfect 78* weather watching the coulds roll by and listening to the Cuban Latin Jazz show on the radio.

[perfectform]

Guess this is being brought back from the dead. :) Last night was a Montecristo Sublimes EL 2008 and a Mount Gay Extra Old....

[Bluehammer]

Cruzan Blackstrap and ginger ale...nice in this desert heat. Smoked a Cubao #5. Nice little spice with the cool beverage.

[perfectform]

Last night I made up a big Cuba Libre with Appleton VX and paired it with a Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2...

[ignite223]

Sipping a Montecristo 12yr with lime. Brings out the flavor of the Casa Fuente cigar

[RonJames]

Brinley's lime rum, sprite, and hefty wedge of lime over ice. Refreshing.

[Seminole]

I know this question is probably sacrilegious to you cigar purists, but do any of you recommend any particular rum with the Drew Estate lines (particularly Acid and Natural)? Not really a big fan of the flavored cigars, but I thought I would get a couple samplers and try them out, at least as an every once in a while break from the standard cigars. I personally don't think any rum would pair well with these types of cigars, but I'll take opinions from you guys.

[havanitascigars]

Smoked a 4-year old Camacho Negro with Zaya.

[pkazimir]

yesterday evening it was a nice Barcelo Imperial with 1 ice cube and a Monte Cristo no. 4 (not sure about the number)

[Gecko]

Last night was a great night for a smoke and a rum and coke. I went by the marina where my boat is docked last night and discovered that the owner of the marina who is a good friend (see my album with guys having a smoke in Cuba photo), had just gotten a new 45' sailboat. Well in true island style we had to have a drink or two and a smoke to celebrate his new asset. Last Night I enjoy a few Bacardi Silver's with Coca Cola and a Bolivar Belicosos Fino.

As the greyish white ash built up, white smoke curled into the fall evening air. This is what life is all about, great company, a great traditional cocktail and the perfect Cuban habanos as the sea laps again the boat. Did I mention that it was a new moon (orange in colour!!!!)

Now I know what Ed must have to put up with every day..... what a lifeg()fyg()fyg()fy

[Jerry]

:D A Black Russian made with Xolotl Coffee Liqueur blended with a 20 yr old rum and 360 Degrees Double Chocolate Vodka.. Most yummy!

[malice]

Last night was a nice pour of Zaya. Tonight was a healthy pour of Flor de Cana 12 year. Tomorrow...? Do I fall back on the tried and true Zacapa 23? I do mean to revisit the Mount Gay XO and the Ron Matusalem...

[Gecko]

Hey the Ron Matusalem is alway good. In fact I'll down a dram or two tonight.

Cheers

[perfectform]

This is what life is all about, great company, a great traditional cocktail and the perfect Cuban habanos

Now I know what Ed must have to put up with every day..... what a lifeg()fyg()fyg()fy

Hear hear! That about sums it up. Sounds like it was a fantastic evening!cheers.gif

[Sharks]

Well I just finished off a great Cohiba Siglo VI and a drop of Zacapa XO.
Life is good cheers.gif

[havanitascigars]

I had a Padilla Habano and some Zaya... because I was off early today, I followed that up later on with a Gurkha Empire III and some Zacapa. Great way to unwind after a very hectic week.

[itsme_timd]

I enjoyed an LFD Limitado III with a Cuba Libre and then finished with a bit of HC7 on the rocks.

I love the LFD cigars and this one smoked for almost 3 hours. Not as strong as some of the other LFD's I've had but flavors were spot on.

[jjwest]

I was working on some Mai Tai rum combos:
Myers Plantation White & Coruba
Coruba & Mt. Gay Sugar Cane
Coruba & Diplomatico Blanco
Diplomatico Reseva & Reserva Exclusiva
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva (for both rums)

and to finish a very late night of mixing (drum roll)...

A Zacapa XO Mai Tai - easily the best of the evening,
sipped with the strains of "While My Wallet Gently Weeps" in the background.

After reading the thread about long opened bottles, I have decided to accelerate the use of my last bottle of pre-Shoppers Vineyard ZXO I bought in Mexico last April for $112 usd. Along with the Clement Shrubb used, it was pushing towards being the "$200 Mai Tai." Thank God it was so insanely good.

Edit: Just for the record, I started mixing at 10 pm and finished my last Mai Tai just after 3 am, so I paced myself well and was not 3 sheets to the wind by the time I got to the ZXO.

cheers.gif

[itsme_timd]

I smoked a Cubao earlier today while at the cigar shop reviewing some contracts.

Tonight I had an aged La Gloria Cubana #1 Habano while trying a Dark N' Stormy for the first time - both were very good.

[Rojo Camacho]

had myself a tatuaje noella reserva and some santa teresa 1796 last night. mmmm mmm!

[B206Driver]

I love the idea of combining good cigars with good rum. The perfect Caribbean Combo. For the Blackhawks hockey game tonight I think it will be Pusser's British Navy with a Torono Signature. Stay thirsty and long ashes to all.

[itsme_timd]

Here's my pairing for tonight - some Matusalem Gran Reserva and a 2005 Camacho Liberty. Great rum and a phenomenal cigar.

http://i45.tinypic.com/24q6883.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/1znu74h.jpg

[Rojo Camacho]

nice timmy.
i had my tatuaje black tubo, but alas, no rum :(

[Anjanettea]

This evening I'm enjoying the Gurhka Empire Series VI (nice so far) and Ron Zacapa Centenario cheers.gif

[Anjanettea]

Friday evening at Cigar Inn, I had St. Lucia's Chairman's Reserve with the RP 2009 Summer Collection. I also had whiskey, and probably couldn't tell you if it was a nice pairing. gzzg

[Steven St-Amour]

I will tell you that I finished the night with a MonteCristo #4 with a glass of Pusser rum which I started drinking it neet, then added an ice cube and then tried a dash of Ginger beer.
But earlier in the evening I was out with some old acquaintance two guys totally different in their approach to cigar and rum, and much like me before I found this website that took me out of my confort zone. Buzz likes the finest in Rums so he share a bottle of Ron Barcelo Imperial from Dominican Republic, that was some fine sipping rum, with a cigar I wouldn't pay a Loony for a Guantanamera, but he loved it, he claims it goes with everything he drinks, it's a lite smoke that allows him to endulge every night. While Chris shared some Cohiba's LE2006 Piramide a very fine cigar with his drink of all times Lambs Navy Rum, just can't talk him out it. Chris says over the years he couldn't always fine the best rums here in Canada but could always get his hands on LNR, he travelled with his range of cigars on each trip and found that they all blended well with his rum.
One trick they shared with me is you take a good sip of your rum, roll it all over in your mouth, the take a good drag out of your cigar, roll it your mouth and then take a sip of rum, this way they say all cigars blend with your rum.

My conclusion at then end of this gathering is to each your own, I myself will keep in touch with my friends and never refuse a Grog from Buzzy while extending my hand to Chris in appreciation of a fine cigar. It's a win-win friendship. party2.gif

[itsme_timd]

Buzz likes the finest in Rums so he share a bottle of Ron Barcelo Imperial from Dominican Republic, that was some fine sipping rum, with a cigar I wouldn't pay a Loony for a Guantanamera, but he loved it, he claims it goes with everything he drinks, it's a lite smoke that allows him to endulge every night.

I've never had the 'pleasure' of a Guantanamera but have heard plenty about them. Definitely proof of 'to each his own' from what I hear. One of my favorite everyday mixing rums is Brugal White - I know many others that think it is horrendous but I love it as a mixer. gzzg

[Patapouf]

I've never had the 'pleasure' of a Guantanamera but have heard plenty about them. Definitely proof of 'to each his own' from what I hear. One of my favorite everyday mixing rums is Brugal White - I know many others that think it is horrendous but I love it as a mixer. gzzg

I agree with you to some extent on the Brugal White. Probably not THE best mixer, but very good.

[srnadel]

I'm going to have an Illusione 2 with Ron Centenario Fundacion 20yr.

[Kдpt'n]

Punch Super Selection No.1 (ORE SEP 03) & Barbancourt 8 Years. Nice - single and in combination.

[srnadel]

I think tonight I will have a an Upmann Magnum 50 and Appleton 21yr.

[cigar-aficionado]

Had this before but only been able to buy it in Cuba but now Mitch at Cgars Ltd has this in stock in the UK.

This is one of Cubas finest and ranks alongside the Havana Club 15 year old but not at the same price. On pouring you get an immediate floral aroma of honey and caramel and this gets stronger and more mellow as you warm the rum. The taste is 100% Cuban with a sweet overtone and some distinct toffee flavours around the palate. To get the very best from this rum you should warm it in your glass like you would a fine brandy.

I paired the rum with a Montecristo C and the pair went wonderfully together...almost too well as 4 glasses later I am feeling really good about the coming weekend and the world in general.

This is a true sipping rum and should be drunk neat or with a few ice cubes, nothing else as this would spoil what is an "A" grade rum. As I already said I have drunk this in Cuba, when I could find it as it is not the easiest to obtain, and to find it now available in the UK is a real bonus.

Don't underestimate the power of this rum as you find yourself wanting to pour more of it, and only realise how good it is when it comes to getting up and walking

This is a rum for the true aficionado of rums and would pair well with most Havanas but really goes well with something with a little bite to it, possibly try it with a Bolivar or a Ramon Allones as it would take a lot to overpower the flavours of this wonderful rum.

If you like a fine rum to go with your cigars you could really do no better for the money than trying the Ron Vigia 18 year old.cheers.gif

[havanitascigars]

The next time I am in Cuba... which is not often, damn US embargo... I will have to try this rum.

In the meantime... tonight I enjoyed a La Gloria Cubana Series R from 2004 with some Matusalem on the rocks (2). And all is good in the world.

[havanitascigars]

It is my day off so I am going to double up today. First will be a Montecristo from 1993 with a daiquiri made from Zacapa. Then I will be have a CAO LX2 with some Appleton 12 year old on the rocks.

[Anjanettea]

Saturday evening I had CAO's La Traviata with some Ron Atlantico (rum from Dominican Republic). Sunday evening I'm having more of the Ron Atlantico and a Matasa 30th Anniversary.cheers.gif

I did try some of the Starr African Rum yesterday and it really reminded me of Vodka. I'll have to buy a bottle the next time.yay.gif

[pkazimir]

had a good "rum old fashioned" cocktail with Barcelo Gran Anejo. Amazing stuff! yay.gif

[itsme_timd]

Participating in the rum chat now and tasting the FdC 7 Grand Reserve.

Since it's a Nicaraguan rum I went with a Nicaraguan cigar, a Liga Privada T52. Stellar combination.

[srnadel]

I just clipped a Fuente Queen B and poured a glass of El Dorado 15. It's going to be a nice afternoon.

[itsme_timd]

I just clipped a Fuente Queen B and poured a glass of El Dorado 15. It's going to be a nice afternoon.

Excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon for sure!

[Hank Koestner]

A Bolivar Belicoso Fino with first a pour of Zacapa 15, then Neisson XO. Both made for tasty pairings.

[Lew Barrett]

I think tonight I will have a an Upmann Magnum 50 and Appleton 21yr.

I'm not checking in as much as I used to, but I am still keeping an eye on you all!

The Mag 50 has become one of my new favorites. Here's a review I wrote for another website:







I had some hesitation sparking off the May 09 smoke I'll report on now, largely because it only arrived here two days ago, but curiosity got the best of me. I have no way to compare to the EL (the Magnum 50s initial EL release) so this report stands on it's own.

Background:

As a double robusto (roughly 50 by 6.5) that this is a big cigar, and as a corona gorda smoker (as a favored size), this unit qualifies on the big side for me. It didn't stand against this cigar though it is a hefty smoke.

I'm not one who cares about construction or "pretty" too much, but I am a stickler on draw, a place where a lot of disappointment is potentially possible in my experience. No worries, this first smoke drew with relative ease, just the way I like it. A huge plus in my book. Equally, this is a good looking cigar. My medium colorado cigars show good oil and a smoothm toothy wrapper. Perhaps just slightly underfilled, but that's much to be preferred (by me) to a cigar that is too tight.


First Third:

The cigar started off a bit slowly but immediately showed good promise. Lots of smoke, an ash that hung in, but more importantly, what I'll call a defining meaty quality and rich tobacco flavor. Not sweet to start, not bitter either, a great burn line. No touch ups for the first third, just a good clean burn and old fashioned taste. What I call a "grown up" cigar.

Second Third:
The meaty, smooth medium bodied tobacco flavors continued right along with a small touch up required, but no smoking issues to speak of, and that great draw consistently working. Easy, adult, subtle smoke, no bite and maybe notes of coffee/chocolate though to be honest, I'm never really confident using these sort of descriptors. But I am perfectly confident saying this cigar became a rich, satisfying smoke early into the second third.

Third bit:

Picked up some of that wonderful Cuban nuttiness, but just a bit less even burn...maybe because the cigar was barely rested in my humidor. Still,not a big problem, this cigar smoked well beginning to end with a bit of unraveling at the nub.
Of course, the power ramped up a bit towards the nub, and the cigar also picked up a bit of spice/pepper as they tend to do when they get roach short. I nubbed the sucker.Long, pleasant finish to top it off.

The bottom line:

I haven't smoked too many Upmanns heretofore, but having enjoyed this so much, I'll be damned if I can say why. This cigar will alter that oversight. As young as these are, they can only get better...maybe in as short a time as a month or two, since these are just off the truck. I'm very glad I pulled the trigger on these and I'm wishing I hadn't split the box, but I did it with a good friend, and I'm sure he'll like them too. A very good cigar, highly recommended if your tastes echo mine the Magnum 50 is a savory, delicious and mature smoke for the Habano lover.
Lew

[havanitascigars]

Just received some Havana Club 7 year old. Enjoyed it
(on the rocks... 2 cubes) with a 2004 Monte #2, also from Habana. A great way to end a very hectic week. I need more moments like this.

[mac]

cheers.gifTonight I enjoyed a few Dark and stormies and a wonderful Nicaraguan smoke that I'd not sampled before. The Oliva serie V is a bold full favored cigar that I enjoyed a bunch. Highly recommended five stars !!!!!!

[Toiletduck]

Well, I just tried my first rum (other than cpt. morgans or bicardi) tonight actually still enjoying. Pusser's Bristish Navy Rum. I'd have to say I like it. I'd have to say I am impressed with it, no major burn, no harsh bite or after taste in the rum at all. I am glad I chose to start learning/tasting rums!

[Anjanettea]

Cafe Mocha Frappe (Barista Cigars) and ice tea my mom made.

[Don Piero]

Had a Monsdale (Lonsdale rolled by Enrique Mons) for the first time. Had it with the Eldorado 21. Superb mild aromatic cigar that was over matched by the rum. Probably would have been better with a sweeter rum.

[joergen]

I had a 'De Olifant - Corona/Panatella'. Machine made in Holland. Actually quite nice.

[RumInTheMorning]

don pablo cigars from las vegas blvd and bacardi and diet coke with limes

[Sylbaris]

Treated my new friend Jumbo to a snifter of Vizcaya and he treated me to one of these royal hand rolled submarines. I still don't want to come up for air. Pure cigar heaven!

[El Phadrino]

Any suggestions for a beginner? Shouldn't be too expensive and - of course - match with one of my rums ;)

Here is my "collection": http://www.ministryofrum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4479

Any advice would be appreciated!

[itsme_timd]

I enjoyed Cohiba Siglo VI with some Zafra tonight, most excellent.

Any suggestions for a beginner? Shouldn't be too expensive and - of course - match with one of my rums ;)

Here is my "collection": http://www.ministryofrum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4479

Any advice would be appreciated!

There are a lot of great cigars available and most pair very well with rums. In general Cuban cigars will be mild to medium so you'll want to pair them with a lighter rum. Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars are (generally) stronger so they can pair better with a more robust rum.

El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme is a very affordable cigar with a light, smooth body. It has a slight sweetness which pairs very well with rum.

The Partagas Serie D No. 4 is a fairly strong Cuban cigar, but the term is relative for Cubans. This is one of my favorite Cubans.

Montecristo #2 or #4 are great cigars, mild to medium in flavor and body.

I'm not sure what non-Cuban cigars are available to you so it would be harder to recommend something there. Tatuaje is a popular brand here in the states and I think they have European distribution. If you want to kick it up a notch look for the Fuente OpusX, they run $12.00 - $25.00 here in the states.

This should get you started, enjoy!

[El Phadrino]

Many thanks for this short introduction! glass.gif

Tatuaje is not available here but all other brands are. Enough material for getting started ;)

[mrmcneill]

When friends come together -why not pull out the big guns. The oak in the rum really compliments the dark tobacco!