Montecristo No. 5 Petite Corona

One of the first cigars I recall sparking up was a Montecristo, but I can’t tell you anything other than that.  Tonight, during another walk with our dogs, I lit up a Montecristo No. 5 Petite Corona that was given to me by the friend that also gave me the Cohiba.

This little stick had a wood and leather aroma on pre-light and a firm draw, but not a difficult draw.  The wrapper was slightly oily and begged to be enjoyed.   It cut smoothly lit up nicely.  The burn was mostly consistent and straight with only a small jagged line in the first quarter that corrected itself.

The Petite Corona presented a leather and earthy taste throughout the burn and was a pleasant change from the Cohiba from two days ago.  The smoke was smooth, but not overwhelming and this time, my wife didn’t complain about it

The ash was a salt and pepper of white and dark grey ash that stayed together for about an inch as we walked around our neighborhood and only fell off when I was admiring it as I walked.

I enjoyed this cigar.  I finished it in my back yard while the dogs played in the snow, savoring every puff.  It heated up as it drew to a close, which is normal, and finished with a full body.  A steady transition throughout the cigar.

Recommendation – Go get one, or five.  Keep them on hand as a surefire stand by when you want a cigar and have limited time.

CT

Cohiba Panatela

As family was gathered in my home this week, my wife and I took our dog for a walk in the crisp night air.  For the first time since I began my Christmas break at noon on the 24^th, I was able to enjoy a cigar.  Nothing too big, it was a short walk.

I had been given four cigars back in November, one of them a small Cohiba panatela.  I figured I would enjoy this bit of pleasure as it has been a while since I was able to enjoy a cigar.  I have heard it said that one of the over-hyped brands is Cohiba, and based on this short stick, I would agree.  Fortunately, though, I smoked a Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios this summer and it was sheer beauty.  But this panatela?  One word – disappointing.

Maybe it wasn’t a real Cohiba, I don’t know for sure.  The other reviews I read sang it’s praises.  But mine won’t.

It’s pre-light smell was smooth and woody. – like woodchips – that was good, kind of outdoorsy which was good for a winter’s walk.  The pre-light draw was tight and dry with some woody flavor.  The lit draw was initially tight, but became smooth, however, leaving it unattended for a minute or two required a re-light – and too many is just an annoyance.

The flavor was consistent, but not a pleasure.  It was harsh, not a full, just harsh, like smoking dried grass – and maybe I was.  I couldn’t pick out any distinct flavors, other than pepper.  

As it burned on, it softened and heated.  Quite a contrast from the pre-light feel.

My wife, who is not a cigar smoker and isn’t a fan of the sweet smell of a good cigar, expressed particular disgust at this particular stick.  She told me that it did not have a good smell at all.  I would agree.

Maybe it was too long between cigars, but I did not appreciate this one at all.  I left it unfinished in a snow bank in my yard.

Recommendation – Try one and see what you think.  I’ll try another to be sure this was a real one.  If it was, it was just a disappointment for me.

CT

The Smoking Gun (or cigar)

Earlier in the year (2012) I attended a local auction and came across two cigars.  Each measures near 14”/35cm and neither will I smoke.  I bid on them because of their novelty – their sheer size made them unique to me – so I took a shot and made some bids.  I purchased each for $5.00.

They have remained in their individual wooden boxes since my purchase, tucked away in a drawer in my parents’ old china cabinet that now stands in the corner of our living room.  Only recently have I started to look for more information about them, and I am coming up with little, so I am hoping my readers can help.

Here’s what I know so far:

Vieil Anvers – Oud Antwerpen

In 1868 Theophiel Verellen opened a tobacco cutting factory in Antwerp, Belgium.  He had one machine but as the company prospered, his brothers entered the business to help support the growth.  In 1894, the aforementioned cigar won first prize at the World Exhibition in Antwerp and the company boasted success like they hadn’t seen before.

As with every company, it has had it’s ups and downs with lay offs and periodic closures.  The company, however, continues to operate.  Since 1993, fifth generation growers, Erik and Frank Verellen, have been at the company helm.  Each brother has worked in every company position so they know their trade.

I have not been able to locate any information specifically on this cigar, but have found it listed online on a European site with the following description (translated to English using Google Translate):

Old cigar Old Antwerp Antwerpen Oud 34.5 cm in its green wood with green velvet cover inside very very well preserved it is also equipped with its ring, also sells cigar etui Old Antwerp Antwerpen oud wood interior red velvet cover with his cigar initiated without the ring sold 25 euros.

Asking 350 euros

This cigar has remained in it’s clear plastic sleeve, in the wooden box with the red velvet lid liner and has retained it’s tobacco smell, albeit a tad musty.  The out side of the box along the front reads “LONG-FELLOW” and there is a small gold-coloured clasp.

The cigar band features a poetic-looking man on a yellow background surrounded by gold-coloured framing,  There is a small black shield with a lion, topped with a crown.  A yellow banner below the picture reads “CHOISI.”  The right side of the band also reads “ANTWERP.” There is also a small pricing band below the cigar band that reads Fr. 50.00 (approx. $55). 

I wouldn’t light this one up.  It’s too dry and I don’t even have a cutter that large!

La Tour Du Monde

I have not been able to locate any specific information on the cigar or the company.

The cigar band features a colour photo of a brunette woman, surrounded by a blue and gold frame throughout.  On the left and right side of the band there is a German flag.  On the backside of the band it reads “MORRITA” and the price band may read “50” although it isn’t entirely clear.  The bottom of the box reads Fr. 60 which seems to correspond with the sticker on the inside of the lid that also reads 60-.

The cigar is now quite dry and has held no noticeable aroma.  Lighting it would likely result in serious facial burns as the lit end races toward your face.

If anyone has information, I’d love to hear from you to help me solve the mystery.

CT

Waiting Patiently

Not mine, but wouldn't that be nice?

It has been months since I posted.  My last post was a month after I started and, fortunately, this is just a fun past time for me, and no one is counting on my updates and reviews.  No expectations to achieve, no deadlines to meet.  It’s me and you, whoever you are.

Since the review of the Rocky Patel Edge Maduro I have indulged in several more pleasures.  I have kept all the bands and hope to make a spectacular collage of memories at some point, but for now it’s no more than a brief recollection of the past few months.  When it’s put together, I’ll post it.  It certainly includes some Cubans – they are legal here.

Mine, waiting patiently for some overdue attention.

I have developed a new approach to stocking my cigar collection as well.  In addition to the free ones I periodically (*rarely) get from friends, I have decided that for each one that I smoke, I buy two.  This way, I am ahead of the game.  I am not in the position to start buying full boxes of cigars nor do I have the place to properly store them all.  Currently, I have 15 on hand just waiting to be lit up.

Today I began Christmas vacation time and I hope to enjoy one or two or three cigars.  I am a casual partaker of such pleasures, and appreciate the times that I can indulge.  Where I live is quickly becoming smoke free…and right now it’s cold outside so I have little space to light up.  There’s no such thing as a cigar bar or lounge here, and I don’t smoke in my house until such time that I have a den or office that I can do so without it filtering into the rest of the house.

When I have the chance, I’ll be back with some real life reviews of the sticks of my choice for the given day.  Until such time, if you have a review that you’d like to have posted, shoot me an email of your review with photo of the cigar…full credit will be given to the writer.

CT

AJA Perfecto

My wife and I were on a ride through southern Pennsylvania when we came across a small shop tucked away in a newly developed business section called South Pointe in Canonsburg, located south of Pittsburg.

AJA Cigar Company is a small company started by Andrew Andronas.  As the website says, Andrew “developed the idea of cigar catering after spending some time with a Cuban family off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Mr. Andronas was able to develop an outstanding business relationship with a Master Cuban Cigar roller whose family business has been practicing of art of cigar rolling for over 150 years.” 

Each hand rolled cigar is from Cuban seed, grown in Dominican and Nicaraguan soil, and uses an Ecuadorian wrapper.  Their cigars are rolled in small quantities to protect the integrity of their product.

After visiting with Andrew’s parents who were cleaning up the shop after a gathering the night before, I picked up a hand rolled AJA Perfecto for a couple bucks.  At first glance, there’s little to grab your attention.  It’s a small naked cigar without a band.  A cigar that isn’t wrapped up in flash, just a veiny wrapper that is a mocha brown color and narrowed at the head.  I didn’t indulge in this little delight until I was back home. 

The initial draw was smooth and mild with a soft nutty flavor.  The draw remained easy and smooth throughout this small cigar, which was “perfecto” (lame, I know) for a break in the afternoon, which is just what I did; pulled the car over in the park and took a much needed break from the day.  The simplicity became more complex as it progressed, adding sweet notes to the creamy smoke.

The second half introduced a stronger but smooth flavor.  I picked up on subtle wood tones and a hint of sweet chocolate with quite mild pepper.  The burn on the stick throughout was near perfect.  The ash remained tight with a light grey complexion.  The thick smoke tended to linger in the air, allowing the aroma to remain, but did not coat my mouth.  Being a small stick, the head tended to get hot and softer and the experience came to a close.

Recommendation: Stop by AJA Cigar Company and check out their stock.  If you like a mild smoke, go for it!  Larger sizes were also available.

Have you been to AJA Cigar Company?

CT