tmc123

It's strange, in Australia i've managed to sell all my old dress boxes on eBay. I guess people find it cool to find old tobacco paraphernalia that isn't olive green and covered in health warnings I keep my SLBs, i find them handy for knick nacks

Ahhh, the old beer can wizard staffs!

So i've come to the realisation of late i've been nearly using a punch everyday for the last couple of months and wanting to get a decent one. I've got half a dozen cutters from xikars to palios but for whatever reason I just end up reaching for the punch unless the draw is a bit tight. At the moment i'm just using a cheap lighter punch combo that was thrown in for free from my nc days but want to get something decent that will last a while as I the lighter on this isn't great so it's kind of just an oversized punch for me So, whats your favourite punch?

A box of '12 JL petit coronas which 80% of were plugged, usually a great cigar just these ones were awful. Only box that I've had trouble with apart from the odd one or two.

Have a box of Unicos from 2011 that are already losing some of the flavours I love. From my experience they tend to hit their straps in the first 3 years, then taper off a bit.

Don't store them in wine racking on their sides, especially if they are corked. Apparently the alcohol content eats away at the cork over time. Otherwise just the usual cool, dry and dark area should suffice PB

Islay isn't for everyone. It took me years before I saw anything in peated whiskey, reminded me of out of date cough medicine as a younger lad. Try the Caol Ila 12 if you want a stepping stone into peated whisky. I have a bottle open that I often reach for instead of many heavier examples. "Lighter bodied than many Islay malts, yet with all their typical peatiness".

Majority of us buy from overseas so no health stickers, taxes are painful though. The import tax is higher than the cost of the cigars normally.

H. Upmann Mag 46 Its been a while since i have had one and was interested to see how these are coming along. Cold draw - slightly firm, but not so tight its going to be an issue. Stewed apricots and light tobacco taste. First third - Touch under medium, started off very smooth through the nose. No pepper or spice whatsoever just light tobacco. Almost a fermented sweetness flavour coming through, like apricots dipped in rum. Not a huge smoke output though still a great start. Second third - The apricots/fruity sweetness has gone, replaced by spice through the nose. Slowed down on the puffing and the smoke was really billowing out which was great. Toasted tobacco and cedar lingers in the mouth after each puff. Final third - A bit of harshness coming through now, which isn't surprising considering these are only 2 years old. A slight bitter taste lingers on the palate which i'm not too keen about. Conclusion - I love Corona Gordas, especially mag 46's. There's just something about them that feels right to me. This wasn't the best example i have had, however with a few more years on them i feel they might really even out to a great cigar. 89/100

Cream : aged CoRo and des duiex Pepper: D4 and shorts

I have a pair for going out and a pair I wear to work which were my fathers, they look incredible after decades of service. Like all good leather products they get better the more you use them. Every young bloke should have a pair of RM boots and an RM belt. I prefer the rubber sole as the leather sole can be slippery if you wear them outdoors in wet conditions.

This. Can't remember the last time I bought a cigar in Australia.

Best: PL encantos Worst: Quintero Favouritos (have had some good ones from this box so think they are going through a sick period). One of the rare times I ended a smoke short of the nub.

Smoked more 2013s than any other year with coros. Even the 3 packs I have had have been great. Always keep some from each box to age but I don't see the need to age these much longer as they are smoking how I like them now. Where as some other years I wouldn't even consider touching them until 3-5 years down the track.

I had one box of Juan Lopez Petit Coronas which gave me greif but plenty from other boxes which were fine