Leaderboard

Montecristo Grand Edmundos Edición Limitada 2010 (Thank you @Fuzz)

UEB 17 Churchills are 🔥

LMB FEB 2018 Partagas 898. This was one of a few gifted to me by a fellow BOTL here(you know who you are 😉). I've never had one until yesterday and this thing packs a punch. Partagas on steroids, there was an earthy, light spice, slight coffee presence in this cigar. These things have legs! Thanks BOTL!

Davidoff Signature 6000.

RASS GRM OCT 21

Last night

Late dinner, late smoke. Cheers

Fuente Angel's Share robusto. At least 3 years of age. Rich flavor and aromas, and great Fuente construction, with abundant smoke and nearly 90 minute smoking time.

PL Montecarlo LGR NOV 17

Partagas 898 SOA ABR 08 I think.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2014 Super Beli Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

First night in Zermatt. First cigar in a week is an Ambar, with a Negroni. I love this place already, and I haven't even been skiing yet. Cigar lounges all over. This one is right in my hotel.

These are my final entries for this blog this year. Again, I would like to extend my gratitude to all our members who peruse this blog series. I hope it has served you well. The next year's Smoking Blog Series will be my last. I have enjoyed providing information on my cigar inventory over the last six years, however; of late I feel that the need to provide an update on a cigar that I smoke 4 to 6 times a year (such as the San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe) with minimal development throughout at that time is not as valuable or pertinent in comparison to writing about a cigar that has developed more significantly and changed in relation to what I've smoked before in the series. For that reason, there will be much less content in next year's series. Furthermore, the time and effort required to maintain a quality standard has become harder for me as I age, as has trying not to repeat myself or safeguard my objectivity. (In other words, ward off any bias in my writing to preserve a decorum of critical expression.) So, onward to 2025 and the seventh and final year of this blog! Until we meet again, I wish you all a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you again after taking a customary break for my summer holidays. In the meantime...happy smoking!

Here’s every cigar James Bond has ever smoked He may not have been an aficionado, but Bond – from Moore to Brosnan – has still sparked up several times on screen Words: Jonathan Wells There is a scene in Die Another Day that likely had Bond enthusiasts tearing their hair out. It’s 2002 and Pierce Brosnan’s suave take on the super spy has just watched Halle Berry channel Ursula Andress – sashaying out of the ocean – before he offers her a sip of his drink. But the drink in question isn’t his classic martini. It’s not the Scotch-and-soda or old fashioned 007 favoured in the books. It’s not even a Craig-era Heineken. No. It is – prepare to shudder – a mojito. But we can see why. Before Craig, Brosnan’s Bond was the only incarnation to set foot in Cuba, and he did it twice (in both Die Another Day and Goldeneye). So, the rum-based, sun-soaked cocktail – while having little footing in Fleming’s fiction – is forgivable. It’s what’s in Bond’s other hand that will really rile the purists: a fat Cuban cigar. Because devout readers of Fleming’s books will know that, in all of the author’s 12 novels and two short-story collections that feature the spy, 007 never once lights up a cigar. In fact, Fleming seems to have a personal vendetta against them. He uses the smell of cigar smoke as a byword for cheapness or sadness throughout his works – and even has the villain of Thunderball, Emilio Largo, deploy a Corona brand cigar as a device of torture. It’s nasty stuff. And the Bond of the books, as Casino Royale reads, was a cigarette man. He went through around 70 a day, smoking “a Balkan and Turkish mixture made for him by Morlands of Grosvenor Street”. But he wasn’t overly fussy. Bond smokes Chesterfields in the Bahamas, Royal Blends in Jamaica, Diplomates in Istanbul and Shinseis in Japan. But never, ever cigars. And yet, Eon’s ongoing film franchise has never shied away from cigars. Brosnan was seen to entertain them everywhere, from the Cuban coast to the banks of Bilbao. Connery even sparked up once – albeit in the non-official Thunderball remake, Never Say Never Again. And Roger Moore, across his seven films, nearly made cigars synonymous with Bond. So, that’s where we’ll begin… The Montecristo Especial No.1 Cigar When Roger Moore stepped into the iconic role – for 1973’s Live and Let Die – he had one of the film industry’s most outrageous riders in history written into his contract. During his tenure as the man from MI6, who would go on to total seven films, he demanded an unlimited supply of fine cigars. Not only that, he also wanted his Bond to be the first to eschew cigarettes and plump for cigars instead. His chosen brand? Montecristo. And he smoked several on screen during his time as Bond. But perhaps the most popular was the Especial No.1 – which makes its fiery debut in Live and Let Die when Moore’s Bond uses it to light a spray of aerosol aftershave to kill a snake. Seconds later, he uses the same cigar to burn the wrist of rogue CIA agent Rosie Carver. It’s a memorable sequence. And, thanks to the cigar’s trademark earthiness and wet-wood aromas, also a memorable smoke. The Montecristo No.3 Cigar Of course, there was a murmur of discontent from literary fans. And, whether producers heard their qualms or simply didn’t want Bond’s cigars to become too cartoonish, by the time Moore returned in The Man With The Golden Gun, his cigars had shrunk. They still weren’t as small as the Montecristo Media Coronas the actor favoured in real life – but the more manageable No. 3 cigars made for realistic smoking on the big screen. In the film, Bond can be seen lighting up and discarding a No.3 outside the infamous Bottoms Up Club, in Hong Kong, moments before he meets Scaramanga’s henchman, Nick Nack. We also catch Bond enjoying a No.3 when he deftly pickpockets a Lebanese belly dancer in Beirut, as well as when he and Lieutenant Hip break into Hai Fat’s Bangkok compound. The Romeo y Julieta Churchill In 1965’s Thunderball, Q offers Bond a Romeo y Julieta. There’s no cigar to be smoked, however, as the aluminium case is simply a disguise for an underwater breathing gadget. But while Connery may never have lit a Romeo y Julieta on screen, the brand still shares strong links with the series. In the novel You Only Live Twice, M is found dining at Blade’s Club. And, although the spymaster is known for smoking a pipe, his dining companion, Sir James Molony, is sold on the idea of a Romeo y Julieta by the head waiter, Porterfield. “The best of the Jamaicans are quite up to the Havanas these days,” Porterfield says. “They’ve got the outer leaf just right at last.” On screen, Bond is all set to enjoy a Romeo y Julieta Churchill in the pre-title sequence of The World Is Not Enough, at a bank in Bilbao. However, before he can light up, 007 has to make his escape with the fortune of British oil tycoon Sir Robert King. It’s only in Die Another Day when Bond eventually sparks a Churchill alongside that mojito we mentioned above.

QDO 50 UBL NOV ‘23. From our gracious host. Had while assembling yard furniture in the wee hours of the morn. Still trying to figure this stick out. Decent so far, but nothing to write home about. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Vegas Robaina Unicos EPO Mar 2022 Vegas Robaina is a marca that admittedly doesn't enjoy a notable profile, is unlikely to be in your 'go-to' rotation and like the other brands ironically re-classified in the last few years by Habanos S.A. as "other brands", and has had a few regular production vitolas deleted since its inception as a brand in 1997. It was named after the famous Cuban tobacco grower, Alejandro Robaina, whom the Cuban Government decided to honour as the pre-eminent tobacco grower in Cuba in the 90's by naming a marca after him. A little over 25 years later there is only the Piramides-shaped vitola, the Unicos (52 ring gauge x 156 mm or 6.1 inches) and the Hermosos No.4, the Famosos (48 ring gauge x 127 mm or 5 inches) left. Like many other Lonsdales, Coronas and Double Coronas in the last 15 to 20 years, the Clásicos, the Familiar and the Don Alejandro have since been discontinued. In terms of special releases, Vegas Robaina hasn't had one since 2014, but in the seven years prior it did see eight Regional Editions released. There were also five unique special releases in the ensuing years since the advent of the marca, including a Cuba-only 83rd Anniversary Humidor to commemorate Alejandro Robaina's birthday and an ornate 5th Anniversary Humidor of 100 cigars consisting of 20 x Clasicos (42 rg x 165 mm or 6½ inches in length Lonsdales), 20 x Don Alejandro (49 rg x 194 mm or 7⅝ inches in length Double Coronas), 20 x Famosos (48 rg x 127 mm or 5 inches in length Hermosos No.4s), 20 x Maestros (50 rg x 141 mm or 5½ inches in length Gorditos) and 20 x Unicos (52 rg x 156 mm or 6⅛ inches in length Piramides). This Vegas Robaina 5th Anniversary Humidor was universally lauded upon release in 2003 as containing the very best Vegas Robaina cigars ever produced. After smoking a 20 year-old example of the Vegas Robaina Unicos from this special release humidor around eighteen months ago, I can attest that this is not an understatement. Today's Vegas Robaina Unicos was the second one I had from a EPO Mar 2022 10-count singles acquisition I made due to the fact that my Vegas Robaina stock was starting to get a little low in my humidor. Then again, with only two regular production cigars left; the VR Famosos and VR Unicos, and given that I haven't had any Unicos stock in my humidor before, that's no surprise really. In fact, I can't recall the last time I had a Vegas Robaina Unicos prior to the first one I had from this box about six months ago. It would have certainly been before Cuban Cigar Website had an inventory system in the mid-2010s. The cold draw again revealed a deep-scented barnyard aroma which serenaded the senses, like the first one I smoked from this box. Put simply, it made you want to light up the cigar and smoke it, which I preceded to do, of course. The first third revealed a very light chocolate and coffee core flavour, in fact, much lighter than last time. Again, I wouldn't say that the chocolate was luscious or sweet, nor would I say that the coffee was bitter and bold. Rather, they were more in the background, as there was herbal component to this cigar which started to come to the fore by the end of the first third and the beginning of the middle third. By the middle third, this herbal quality was easily evident; but whereas last time the other flavours ceded to this core 'grassy' or herbal flavour, this time alongside the aforementioned chocolate and coffee I did get some wonderful notes of oak and dates or prunes. I know, it doesn't sound like a combination of flavours one expects in a Habanos cigar or even amongst the other Habanos piramides releases such as the Diplomaticos No.2, the H.Upmann No.2 and the Montecristo No.2, but these flavours are very much characteristic of the Vegas Robaina marca, trust me. In the final third, the 'oakiness' and herbal qualities of the cigar did not overconsume the overall blend. Instead, those luscious, deep and resonant flavours continued and made this Vegas Robaina Unicos a superlative cigar-smoking experience. So what can we conclude, then? In essence, Vegas Robaina is a marca that can shine brightly, whilst also having its dimmer moments. Then again, could we say the same about a greater number of Montecristo vitolas? Perhaps we can, and furthermore, maybe we can surmise that these Habanos marcas that have core cocoa, coffee and/or chocolate flavours really need to be balanced to be at their best like it thankfully was today.

Partagás Serie P No.2 GEM Ene 2020 I acquired a quarter pack of GEM Ene 2020 Partagas Serie P No.2 in mid 2021 and proceed to smoke half of that acquisition within two months! If you know how to do math, that's three cigars. They were all quite solid in their construction and flavours, consistent in ash, drew and burnt well. At the time I remember having a nice interplay in balance between a mix of savoury and sweet flavours in those particular Partagas Serie P No.2s. So, why have I only smoked two of Partagas Serie P No.2 from this box code in almost three-and-a-half years? Well, one could say that there's a plethora of reasons. Firstly, I acquired a 10-count of TLE Feb 2022 Partagas Serie P. No.2s in August 2022 and smoked three of them. Secondly, if you've casually perused this blog, I have smoked a wide array of other cigars in the meantime. Amongst Piramide cigars, you would have to say that the Montecristo No.2 and Diplomaticos No.2 have the most following, with the latter of these two more so amongst cigar aficionados. The Partagas Serie P No.2 and H.Upmann No.2 would be in the next tier of following, if we were to categorise in terms of sales, in my view, with the Cohiba Piramides Extra and Vegas Robaina Unicos enjoying the least appeal. So, in terms of Piramides, the Montecristo No.2 would stand out by far, one would think, whilst the Cohiba Piramides Extra negates more of a following on account of its cost and competition from alternative choices within the Cohiba marca. The Vegas Robaina Unicos might not garner more publicity due to Vegas Robaina being a minor brand within the Habanos catalogue. I wonder why, therefore, does the Partagas Serie P No.2 and H.Upmann No.2 not have more of a following, in general? Maybe it's simply a case of the fact that there are other more high profile cigars within the Partagas and H.Upmann marcas. Amongst enthusiasts, the H.Upmann No.2 and the Partagas P2 do receive positive appraisal. The Partagas Serie P No.2 does stand out in within its marca due to its flavour profile. For me, the P2 emphasises a strong milky coffee base more and the sourdough is not its core feature. El Presidente has described them as having a milk coffee, raisins and salted nuts profile. I would concur that this description is a wonderful parameter or guide to help us understand as to what tasting notes an average Partagas P2 has to offer. As for this Partagas P2 I smoked today, I can attest that whereas the last one was a solid 88 to 89-point cigar, this one I would have to mark higher, easily 92 to 93 points. This time around the savoury flavours of salted peanuts were not as dominant as the sweet flavours of chocolate hazelnut (think Nutella), salted caramel and dried fruits. There was still some milk coffee in the blend, but not really any sourdough bread. Thus, in conclusion, at just short of five years of age this Partagas Serie P No.2 was better balanced, and indeed overall, than my last one I smoked at the beginning of 2024. It was also the last one from this quarter pack acquisition (as I gifted one, hence explaining why this was the fourth one smoked). At least I have a box of TLE Feb 2022 to keep me occupied in the meantime.

Ramón Allones Small Club Coronas ETP Mar 2017 The Ramon Allones Small Club Corona is a reputable (42 ring gauge x 110 mm or 4⅜ inches in length) minutos. I think I had around six or seven RASCCs mainly in the second half of 2022, and overall I rated them quite well for their flavours and smoking time. In fact, although I would opine that cigar enthusiasts favour the Montecristo No.5 or San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe more, I find the Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas is quite dependable and varies less in its quality, both construction-wise and flavour-wise. Despite the fact that I had a number of RASCCs in that aforementioned timeframe two years ago, this is only my third one since, for no peculiar reason other than I've had a whole lot of other cigars to peruse in the meantime. When it comes to the RASCC you are really looking for its typical and distinctive dried fruit flavour, something akin to raisins. When that is present they're ideal. When they are not, I tend to still find them a decent option to smoke when I need a shorter smoke due to time. This RASCC started off with less woodiness than is typical for its age, yet with some characteristic light cocoa flavour. About one-third of the way into the smoke, the cigar settled down and exhibited leather and that 'raisin-type' sweetness we all know and love. It was truly superb, trust me! Again, the construction was spot-on here; both the burn and draw. Despite this Ramon Allones Small Club Corona having a touch less strength in comparison to my last few, I still found it flavoursome and fine to smoke. I do wish that there was a Ramon Allones vitola with this blend in a Marevas size, but that's a story for another day.

Bolívar Coronas Junior MSU Jul 2019 The Bolivar Coronas Junior is another minutos (42 ring gauge x 110 mm or 4⅜ inches in length) which, like the Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas, I have found to be very dependable; even more so than the Montecristo No.5 and San Cristobal de La Habana El Principe. In relative comparison within the Bolivar marca, of the four Bolivar vitolas I have sampled in the last four years or so including the Bolivar Tubos No.1, Bolivar Belicosos Finos, Bolivar Petit Corona, I would rate the Bolivar Coronas Junior as perhaps the best (but maybe only just a little better than the others) for how consistent they've been for me. I've not found my recent BCJs smoked as particularly 'Earthy'. The Earthiness is in this Bolivar Coronas Junior was on the lighter side of things. Along with that were those other core Bolivar flavours that I've consistently found in these: light cocoa, leather, espresso coffee and cedar; however, this time there was a strong note of currants down the centre for at least the first two-thirds. The last third was more typical in its leather, Earth and coffee. This cigar was around medium in body (which was a change from my last BCJ smoked nine months ago which was definitely medium-full in strength) which once again, had plenty of flavour. This particular Bolivar Coronas Junior took me at least sixty-five minutes to smoke. In summary, this Bolivar Coronas Junior smoked even better than the last few from this box. It seems to me that at this five-and-a-half year mark this box has 'turned a corner'. It was, without doubt, the best Bolivar Coronas Junior cigar I've had thus far. Easily a 94 to 95-point cigar. Yes indeed, it was that brilliant.

Bolívar New Gold Medal 2023 - La Casa del Habano Exclusivo ESU May 2023 The Bolivar New Gold Medal is the latest La Casa Del Habano release, coming to market in 2023. It's a Grand Corona with a 48 ring gauge by 6½ inches (or 165 millimetres) length. It is packaged in a peculiar 10-count box complete with a spacer. Why is anyone's guess but at least one can re-use the box for storing any spare Double Coronas they would have in their humidor. The original Bolivar Gold Medal was an iconic Lonsdale size, the same vitola as the Montecristo No.1 (and with a 42 ring gauge). It was discontinued in 1992. Curiously, it came back as an exclusive release in 2004 for La Casa Del Habano Germany, produced in a run of 1000 boxes. In 2007, it was given a general La Casa Del Habano exclusive release but was later discontinued in 2011. In 2023, a new version was introduced, the New Gold Medal. While it has the same length as its predecessor, it now comes in a larger ring gauge, utilising a Partagas 15 vitola, previously used only for the 2012 special releases Ramon Allones Imperiales. According to Habanos S.A.'s media release, the Bolívar New Gold Medal is hailed as one of the finest Habanos in the current selection, renowned for its full flavour, strength, and body. Its distinctive Earthy essence is a defining feature, complemented by spicy, fruity, and roasted tobacco notes. The amalgamation of these nuanced flavours has elevated it to the status of a new cult favourite among Habanos enthusiasts. Observations while smoking: Starts off light initially but gradually intensifies. Exhibits the robust strength characteristic of Bolivar cigars. Displays promising potential for aging. The Bolivar New Gold Medal, with a 48 ring gauge, is distinct from the former Bolivar Gold Medal, having the same length but possessing a thinner 42 ring gauge. As mentioned, the original Bolivar Gold Medal was discontinued in 2011. This release has quickly become renowned for its elaborate presentation. Apart from the ornate box design, each cigar is housed in a golden foil paper, the well-known Bolivar band and a La Casa del Habano band. In fact, most of the cigar is encased in this covering, necessitating either a full removal of the golden foil paper prior to smoking or carefully tearing around the head to cut the cap. I once again opted to remove the golden foil paper with this cigar today, prior to lighting, as this is the second Bolivar New Gold Medal I'm smoking, three months after the last one. The first few puffs of this Bolivar New Gold Medal once again affirmed what a truly quality release this is. Full of flavour and yet mild, the opening featured notes of fruitiness, licorice, cappuccino coffee, and leather. There was no spice or pepper; no harshness on the edges at all. The smoke was quite 'rounded' on the palate. It was very similar to my last Bolivar New Gold Medal I smoked in its opening, except that this cigar wasn't as 'Earthy' as that first one in its first third. In the middle third, the strength increased a touch in intensity, now revealing some Earth, with the leather also becoming more dominant, as is quite typical for a Bolivar cigar. The cappuccino coffee and licorice sweetness continued along nicely too, but towards the end of the second third there was a notable change in how much more 'Earthy' the cigar became. In the final third, the Earthiness combined with some roasted steak, forest floor, espresso coffee and leather to reveal its classic Bolivar marca roots. These were quite potent and at this point of the cigar I slowed down to properly savour its flavours. These changes through the thirds suggested that this cigar was quite complex for its youth. For me, it most resembles the blend found in a Bolivar Libertador LCDH, only more refined and more classier. I continue to assert that this is a phenomenal Bolivar release, one that you'll be glad to have in your humidor if you happen to acquire it.

Diplomáticos No.2 TOS Dic 2015 Within this blog series I have smoked through and finished an impressive EML Ago 2014 Diplomaticos No.2 box. This TOS Dic 2015 Diplomaticos No.2, therefore, has waited patiently for nearly eight years to be 'cracked open'. The TOS series of Diplomaticos No.2 in the second half of 2015 and 2016 were well-noted and highly popular with our forum members when they were been produced and available. Within the first twelve to twenty-four months they were known for their simple combinations of flavours; yet, there was a general consensus pertaining to their higher quality. A little over a year ago, I was eager to discover for myself exactly how complex (or simple) and flavoursome they were by smoking the first one from this TOS Dic 2015 box. This, therefore, is the fourth one from the box after the first (and both the second and third) one was so rousing in the positive memories it evoked in me. In other words, it was great cigar that brought back great memories. And I'm sure we all know how that feels. I find that, in general, Diplomaticos cigars can vary markedly between flavours that are savoury (such as capsicum or bell pepper, paprika spice) and flavours that are sweet (cinnamon, nutmeg). My Dip 2s from my EML Ago 2014 box were more on the savoury side. How was this fourth cigar from this TOS Dic 2015 box, especially since the first was on the savoury side? (However, the second one and the third one were not, exclusively!) So, yes, this Dip 2 was not as savoury as my initial Dip 2, but it wasn't quite like my last two cigars smoked from this box, either. The cigar opened with sourdough core flavour mixed with some sweet cinnamon and nutmeg. As the cigar progressed into the middle third, that initial sweetness gave way to a dried fruit flavour (i.e. something akin to currants). In the last third, there was a touch of wood and spice evident but honestly, not too much. I wouldn't say that this example of a nine year-old TOS Dic 2015 Diplomaticos No.2 was in anyway comparable to a number of the EML Ago 2014 cigars I smoked immediately prior to opening this box. Those were much more traditional in their capsicum (or bell pepper), toast, paprika spice and wood. Nonetheless, this Diplomaticos No.2 was sensational. It was the type of cigar whereby you lament that you can't smoke anymore of it because you'll burn your fingers. Like each of the last three times I've smoked this cigar, there was a fair amount of smoke per puff and the cigar packed a heap of flavour. This is important to highlight; after nine years, this cigar has not lost its efficacy in how flavoursome it was. The ash was ideal, as were both the burn and draw. So, all-in-all, this Diplomaticos No.2 continues to support the adage that a quality cigar has the potential to develop and age well, given that it has been reputable within its early stages of that development. In addition, there is a common predisposition to compare the Diplomaticos No.2 to the Montecristo No.2 among cigar enthusiasts. With these TOS Dic 2015 Diplomaticos No.2 I've smoked since late-2023, that point is definitely 'moot' and does not bear expanding upon at all. They've been quite simply great examples of Diplomaticos No.2s. But if you want to smoke them like this, bear in mind how long it's taken to reach this point, thus far. Nine years rest is a long time, but in my opinion, well worth it.

My two standout cigar moments in 2024 both include new, 'de luxe' releases; namely, the Quai d'Orsay Imperiales and Bolivar New Gold Medal. Sure, I had my fair share of outstanding, aged regular production cigars (off the top of my head - LUB Oct 14 H.Upmann No.2, APU Jul 2015 Trinidad Coloniales and LTB Feb 2013 Cohiba Siglo II) but these two releases stood out for their combined youthfulness and quality.

My cigar moments of the Year were suprisingly both Cohiba. Cohiba Siglo III (2023). Pure honeyed bliss. 97. Ken and I reviewed one the week prior and it was a 95. I went back to the well and pulled this one. Cohiba Siglo VI (2012). Everything you wanted in a Cohiba. 99

Snook? Catfish? This reporter is no pescatorial genius Cuban fisherman surprises everyone by showcasing two enormous snook caught in Havana The fisherman proudly posed with his catches beside his boat Gaviota, from Cojimar, in East Havana. A Cuban fisherman garnered admiration by displaying two enormous catfish he caught in Havana. The photo was shared on the Facebook account Pesca en Miami, where dozens of people congratulated the fisherman, whom they identified as Alexis.

Snook + Catfish = Swordfish Math checks out.

D4 RAT MAY 21 - exceptional.

Progressive proof book for cigar label titled Gilsey House

Agreed, I picked up 6 or 7 boxes of the MSU 2019 Boliva Libertadors and they have all been particularly good.

@zeedubbya you are correct. MSU/ TUA were from the Partagas factory, according to @LizardGizmo ‘s fine compilation. I had printed it on an 11x17, but as with everything else in this house if it isn’t epoxied to the cat it gets lost in the shuffle! I have 9 sticks left from a box of P2 and half a 50 cab of RASS from MSU 19. All magical. CAH

I suspect they are stepping on some toes with people who already have their fingers in the Cuban contraband pie Two flight attendants from a Russian airline accused of smuggling after returning from a trip to Cuba The two individuals did not declare the goods they were carrying upon arriving in Moscow. Two flight attendants from the airline Rossiya, identified as "Alexander" and "Boris," are at the center of a smuggling scandal after attempting to bring large quantities of Cuban tobacco into Russia. The incident occurred after they both returned from a three-day vacation in Varadero. According to a local news outlet, the crew members took advantage of their employment status to secure discounted tickets and fly to the Island, a popular destination for Russian tourists. However, upon returning to Moscow, they attempted to go through the "green corridor" at the airport, which is reserved for passengers with no declared goods. His behavior caught the attention of customs authorities, who conducted a routine inspection of his luggage. The outcome was revealing: Boris was carrying 80 Cuban cigars, including a box of Habanos with 25 cigars, as well as other packages containing ten units each. In total, the value of the products was estimated at over 130,000 rubles (about 1,230 dollars). Alexander, for his part, was carrying 70 H. Upmann cigars, also divided into packages, with an approximate value of 180,000 rubles (around 1,702 dollars). Legal implications and possible aggravating factors Smuggling large quantities of tobacco is considered a serious crime in Russia. According to Article 226.1 of the Penal Code of that country, the undeclared importation of strategic goods, such as tobacco, can result in penalties of up to seven years in prison. Authorities have also noted the possibility of aggravating circumstances, as there are suspicions that this was not the first time the crew members engaged in such illegal activity. In the Russian black market, Cuban cigars represent a profitable business. It is estimated that transporting 50 cigars from Cuba can generate profits of up to $300, highlighting the motivation behind smuggling. Cuban Customs in the Spotlight The fact that the flight attendants managed to smuggle 150 cigars without being detected by Cuban customs raises serious doubts about the effectiveness of controls on the island. Tobacco, one of Cuba's main exports, is often subject to strict scrutiny at customs due to its high value in international markets. One possibility is that Boris and Alexander benefited from their status as airline staff, as crew members are usually subject to less rigorous inspections. Another theory points to internal corruption, a persistent issue in a country where low wages may incentivize illicit practices. It is not ruled out that smugglers have bribed customs officials to ensure the smooth passage of goods. Other cases of smuggling in Russia This is not an isolated case. In recent months, Russian authorities have uncovered smuggling attempts ranging from branded clothing to valuable antiques. According to the media outlet TURPROM, the so-called "shuttles" - passengers transporting contraband goods from abroad - have also been intercepted on multiple occasions. In response to these incidents, Russia has intensified its customs controls at airports and ports. Trade restrictions and the economic situation have increased the frequency of smuggling, prompting authorities to bolster surveillance to combat these practices. As of the closing of this report, the airline Rossiya has not released any official statements regarding the incident.

It is interesting you mention this @Chas.Alpha. I was trying to think of some newer cigar runs I recall and MSU 2019 was one of them — the P2 and D4 also being excellent from this code and year. I believe this was Partagas factory and if I recall correctly the Ramon Allones Phoenicia 40 humidor release was from the fall of 2019 from Partagas factory. I become more and more convinced it’s possible some of the leaf for these ultra special releases “leaks over” into other Marca. Indeed a big thank you to @LizardGizmo for getting the code list. Maybe, if a person wanted to chase good runs of tobacco it would pay to look toward boxes which match up to the time of these super rare releases? Just a hunch.

Reminds me of the OG Scooby Do Creapy Case of Old Iron Face. Shoulda rode them 90 mi north.

So “The Old Man and the Sea” was about catching a snook catfish. Who knew? 😁

Just cracked a fresh bottle.

I love a good cigar brand portfolio display, CC or NC.

Cigar store offers tranquil repast Alastair Baker News Editor - Dec 26, 2024 Lined in a rich tapestry of red tones and topped with a sparkling chandelier comes The Cigar Lane, Red Lodge, stocked with many varieties of cigars and much knowledge about them. The place oozes elegance and luxury and has an air of 1920s Prohibition. The Cigar Lane is run by Tommy and Paige Lane who opened the business back in October. “I've enjoyed cigars for many many years but this is my first venture,” said Tommy, resplendent in clothing that includes a waistcoat and pocket watch, and recalls a proprietor of a high-end Speakeasy. “We moved here in June and I was driving around town looking for a cigar but there was no place that offered premium cigars. We wondered why there wasn’t a place doing this? It seemed like it would be ideal for it,” he explained. “The town offers everything else,” added Paige, herself decked out in a casual suit. After a little investigating the Lane’s discovered why cigar shops hadn’t impacted Red Lodge as much as they felt they should have, and it was down to an very old and very high Montana excise tax that was changed in 2023 to make selling cigars more manageable for businesses. With this encouragement, they searched for an outlet and came across a space that was once Bob’s Barber Shop. Now bathed in warmer inviting tones that are so aesthetically pleasing to the mind that buying a cigar has now become an experience, both Tommy and Paige are keen to share their love of cigars with others. "If you go in looking for a cigar, Tommy can help you out," said Paige. "More often than not, people are novices in the art of the cigar smoking, and not sure what they want," said Tommy. “I engage in the practice of reverse engineering. I ask if they remember what they were smoking and what they were drinking at the time. Smoking cigars is much like drinking wine, it is all about pairings, certain flavors, notes, and aromas. It’s about your palate being developed over time. You can pair cigars with liquor, beers, spirits, tea, and coffee. Let’s find out and let’s pair it with what you’re drinking. A good cigar for me might not be a good cigar for you. Everyone has to find the right one for themselves. It is a journey. I ask qualifying questions; have you ever smoked a cigar before? If not, I’ll point to a chart that walks you through the process from how to light it, and to ensure that you never inhale. We want you to enjoy the experience,” said Tommy. “One of the things that makes our boutique shop so unique is that Tommy is not only selling a cigar, he is selling his knowledge,” said Paige, who also went on that same journey some years ago. “For me, I’m still learning. Tommy has been smoking cigars for 20 years. The first time I had a cigar was in Whitefish, 4-5 years ago. Tommy brought several cigars, and one was a Mocha flavored cigar and it changed everything. Now it is a holiday tradition. So for me when a novice walks in, I’ll talk about the infused cigars because they have a touch of flavor to them, and are more of an aromatic experience, which is a lot of fun,” said Paige. The Cigar Lane carries a wide range of cigars set within fully self contained and self regulated humidor cabinets, all set to the desired humidity and temperature. “We cherry picked the cigars,” adds Tommy. “Only premium cigars. They never go out of style.” Amid the humidors you will find examples from Big Sky Cigar, a Montana based company, whose cigars have Nicaraguan and Mexican tobacco, that offer a wide variety to satisfy just about every palate. “The River Series, a sampler pack, is also a great way to introduce yourself to this incredible brand,” said Tommy. Other cigar samples include the customary house cigar along with flavored cigars mixed with oils, such as Mocha, Sweet Bourbon, Sweet Cherry Brandy and Amaretto. There are also spirit-infused cigars. “The flavor experience does not have a lot of kick as the taste and smell are subtle. Examples are Jim Beam Vanilla Bourbon, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, and Chocolate Moonshine that goes great with coffee. There is also 99 Blackberries & Knob Creek Maple Bourbon, and Sugar Tit Apple Pie Moonshine,” said Tommy. They also carry many of well-known cigar makers such as Ashton, Arturo Fuente, Cohiba, Rocky Patel, and Romeo Y Julietta to name a few. “A lot of the cigar selection is based off the local response. Tourists usually go for the Big Sky Cigar selection. And a lot of return customers do as well,” he added. “We want to service the local customer first. And we’ve had wonderful feedback. I was surprised how large the cigar smoking population is in Red Lodge,” Tommy said. “People have been more than welcoming,” said Paige. “We’ve caught the flavor of the town.” "People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it and Tommy is so passionate about cigars. The fact that he gets to talk about it, introduce people to it; he has a lot of fun. So when you walk in the door and he is passionate about his craft, it carries a lot of influence. He wants to teach them that cigar smoking is entirely different than other forms of smoking. It is like he is a man on a mission,” she said. The Lanes have also remodeled a 1975 Silver Streak Luxury Liner into a members only mobile cigar club called ‘The Cigar Parlour.’ Memberships will be available beginning January 2025 and also available for private events. The Cigar Parlor will have 24-hour access to members. There are also plans afoot to run cigar tours in a 1929 Model A, taking a route either via Highway 78 to Roscoe or up to Vista Point, once the Beartooth Pass opens in 2025. The Cigar Lane carries plenty of accessories from humidity packs, mini humidors, and cigar cutters. The store doesn’t carry cigarettes or vapes. Customers can special order cigars not usually carried in the shop, as well as pipe tobacco. Winter hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The Cigar Lane is located at 206 Broadway Ave So. Suite A., Red Lodge, Montana. Source: https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/apgstate/cigar-store-offers-tranquil-repast/article_d559c5db-a732-5bfd-8ba2-e9d7285f1636.html

Christmas nights cigars 80's Romeo y Julieta Cazadores - Cherry, Coconut, Cocoa (40 + years old and still strong as hell, cigar wrapper has oil spots all over. Smoking this cigar makes you palate salivate. I smoke 2 cigars every night and the last third of this cigar has me breaking a little sweat! You know a cigar is strong when you get the hiccups 98' La Flor de Cano Coronas - Strawberry sponge Cake, Cocoa, Almond roca (These and outstanding cigars and one of the few handmade in the line) Blah Ok Good Tasty Heavenly

Merry Christmas FOH

We’re driving from Cali to Cincy and just spent Christmas in steamboat. Great place!

GR Sir Winston after a great day with family and a delicious tenderloin roast.

Picked up a few loose sticks.