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Coffee Water Rum Whisky

I just got back from a two week vacation in the Philippines. During my trip, I stopped by the Peninsula Hotel in Makati, Metro Manila. According to the Habanos website, it’s the only LCDH in the Philippines. Indeed, I couldn’t find any Cubans anywhere else in Manila, not even the airport duty free shops. Unfortunately, the Peninsula has a very limited selection of Cubans. Mostly Cohibas, HU, HDM, RyJ, and Montes. No regional editions, and the only limited editions were RyJ Capuletos. No aged cigars, too. Prices are sky high (around $100 USD for one Esplendido). I bought one Cohiba Siglo IV ($70 USD) and one Capuleto ($50 USD). I didn’t smoke at the lounge because that would mean angry wife and kids. On my final night, I stayed at the Marriott Resorts World, near Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The bar sells only Philippine cigars and allows smoking outside in the patio. I didn’t try any of the cigars there because Manila is still hot and humid even in December-January.

I recently vacationed in Taipei, Taiwan from December 20-23, 2018 and stayed at the Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza (fantastic hotel, BTW). Right across the from the hotel is a cigar lounge called the P&L Club. The P&L Club is a very classy lounge with a large humidor and a wide range of Cuban cigars. I saw several full boxes of Trinidad La Trovas, Bolivar 2018 Limited Editions, Cohiba Siglo I-VI, Cohiba Esplendidos, Cohiba Lanceros, and PCC regionals. Unfortunately, no Punch Sir Davids, HU Sir Winstons, Talisman, Monte 80th, Monte Leyendas, or Monte Maltes. Prices are also exorbitant, as I paid roughly $50 USD on a La Gloria Cubana, $50 USD on a Cohiba Lancero, $30 on a HDM du Depute from 2009. I also didn’t like the fact that the only way to drink alcohol is to purchase full bottles. The staff, however, is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and conversant in English. On my final night, I asked a staff member to show me aged cigars, and he pulled out El Rey Del Mundo Tainos and Montecristo A’s from 2001! Those were about $80-$90 each. Alas, I didn’t buy the Monte A because I had no time to smoke them (wife and kids) and they were too big for my travel humidor.

Congratulations!

Thanks, Javi. The first one I smoked a couple of months ago had some orange zest, but not the one I reviewed. It might have been due to the coffee I was drinking.

I’ve been chasing a box of Edmundo Dantes Conde Belicosos for some time, so thanks to fellow BOTL @ElJavi76 for the hook up. Box code is TOR DIC 16. First third starts off with strong cocoa flavors and a spicy kick, especially when retrohaling. Later, I taste more almond flavors, similar to candied almonds roasted with sugar and cinnamon. Strength is medium-bodied during the first third. On the second third, the cocoa flavors subside, and the nuttiness becomes more pronounced. I also detect a hint of vanilla and cream on the finish. The cigar has become milder, too. I finally ash the cigar near the halfway point. The final third is more of the same almond, vanilla, and creamy flavors. Unfortunately, I experience a few tunneling issues, but at least the cigar was never harsh. Overall, a solid cigar that is worthy of the hype.

Congratulations, well done!

Edmundo Dantes Conde Belicoso—thanks to @ElJavi76 for the hookup!

Thanks for sharing and welcome to the FOH community!

Partagas Lusitanias MUA OCT 09

That’s very reassuring. Thanks for the clarification!

Are all boxes inspected before shipment? I’m asking because I received a box of Monetcristo Dantes from FOH with the seals intact. But as the pictures below demonstrate, the cigars still looked amazing.

Tomahawk ribeye, 2.5” to 3” thick. Grape seed oil instead of olive oil because it has a higher smoke point. Season with salt and let it rest at room temperature for at least one hour before grilling. Sear each side approximately 3-5 minutes at 500 F, then indirect heat for 15-20 minutes at 375 F for medium rare.

Sounds fun. I hope your friends let you win since you’re passing out Talismans.

Thanks for the review. Can someone please PM me on how to get these? I’d really appreciate it.

Welcome! I’m also from SoCal

I just got back from a vacation in Japan and visited the following cigar lounges in Tokyo: Le Connaisseur in Shibuya: roomy cigar lounge behind Shibuya station with a decent selection of standard marcas and vitolas. However, not too many regional or limited editions (only RA Club Allones, R&J Capuletos, Monte Dantes, La Gloria Cubana Revolution). I smoked a Monte Dantes (price was around 6000 yen) and thought it was okay but very spongy—I think the cigars there are over humidified. Torcedor near Maihama station: another roomy cigar lounge, but the selection is very limited. No regionals or limited editions. All cigars are wrapped in cellophane (weird). Half the cigars were NC. I smoked an Epi 2 and Siglo I and paired them with an Old Fashioned and glass of Longrow scotch. Total damage was around 8500 yen. Cigar Club in Azabudai, near Tokyo Tower: very small cigar lounge (mostly bar stools), but it had a wide selection of LEs and REs. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff that can speak good English and will show you aged stock if you ask (e.g., Bolivar Libertador with a 2013 box code). The only place I went to that carried Talisman (over 10000 yen a stick). I picked up a couple of sticks to sample back home. Prices are pretty uniform in Tokyo and cigars are expensive. I flew out of Haneda airport, which unfortunately didn’t carry any CC at the duty free shops, just Alfred Dunhill.

In no particular order: HUHC Connie 1 Connie A CORO Lusitania RASS Reyes

Wow, thanks for sharing. You crush it each time you post. I’d love to see your whole collection. Must be incredible.

RASS ETP MAR 17

Thanks for the advice Projectal, and Fuzz. My cigars are smoking great, especially considering that they’re mostly young. But what throws me off is that sometimes there’s a slight difference in taste within the same box, but I suppose that’s normal because it’s a handmade product and not because of storage conditions.

I store my cigars in their original boxes in a wineador at 68f and 64rh. I use Boveda 65rh packs to maintain humidity. Lately, I’ve noticed that some of the cigar bands are very loose, much looser than when the boxes were first delivered. Are the loose bands a sign that I am storing my cigars wrong?

I used to go to Le Connaisseur in Shibuya when I lived and studied in Japan. I went back there in October 2017 and it was a great experience. My friend who lives in Tokyo told me that the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku is worth checking out, but I’ve never been there myself. Have fun on your vacation!

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Any recommendations for downtown Los Angeles?