WYPirate

Fermentable sugars are the key to alcohol content, and yeast strains hardy enough to survive the process. From the video, it seems Brew Dog already had a strong beer when they were cask conditioning it (probably around 16-18% ABV). The "Ice decanting" process they used simply removed the dilutive properties of the water, "concentrating" the alcohol. Almost like a distillation. One has to be careful messing about with fermentable sugars, going overboard can create a disgustingly sweet product, there is science involved. The strongest I've made was a Scottish Wee Heavy that came to a 14.5% ABV. It was DELICIOUS if I say so myself.

I've been using a Cigar Oasis XL in my fridgeador for nearly 2 years now. I can leave the humi alone for 2 months at a time with confidence. The only fault with the COXL is the lack of extra fan ports. Without fans, I have "humidity zones" in my 'dor 65%RH on the top shelf, where my top shelf cigars rest, with the RH increasing in 5% increments the lower in the cabinet you get. I need to make some modifications to get the RH balanced.

It was my birthday, I wanted to smoke a special Habano, and had no idea what to light up. So, I created a poll, with a few choices of what semi-aged stock Habanos I had left in my humi (save for the box 'o Siglo IIs I have squirreled away). My remainders conisist mainly of Tubos from the 12 Days sampler FOH compiled. I've been really happy with what I've smoked so far, the Siglo VI was no exception, yet no star either. I have no idea of the age of this particular example. My humi runs at about 65*F at 65% RH on the top shelf (where my Habanos reside). Upon extraction from it's tubo, the Siglo VI was a firm cigar, with consistant construction throughout. Cold, it smelled of clean tobacco, slight powdery cocoa, and a hint of hay. Cold draw revealed a sweetness with a slightly dry finish. Lighting the cigar, it came to life with cocoa, stewed fruit, dried hay, with a medium finish. Draw/burn was even. However, due to my own neglect, the cigar went out on two occasions. Re-lights were not a problem. I was unable to detect any substantial changes to the profile of the cigar through it's burn. This particular Siglo VI was consistant from foot to nub. I suspect it's lack of character was due to it's youth, not to it's storage conditions (there was a nice crystalline bloom sheen). Being a tubo from a FOH sampler, it's difficult to determine it's age/aging potential. I will say with my limited Habano experience, the Siglo VI tubo is a great cigar young, but has some potential with age. Hopefully developing some legs to give it's smoker a walk in the complexity park. I enjoyed this cigar, and it was a great special occasion smoke. I imagine the HdM Mag 46 Tubo will have to do for my 40th. Till then, cheers, and happy herfing

God be with you, your family, and your son. Thank him for his service, and thank you for supporting. I too am a combat engineer (21C) NCO, and can understand the apprehension/fear for his safety in his line of work. Him being a platoon sergeant, trust in his ability to give those under his command; direction, purpose, and motivation. If your son follows the Creed, and Be-Know-Do principles, he'll have a crack platoon in due time. War is serious business, and the young'ins will soon realize that. My prayers are with you and yours. "Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom." -Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF

Heh heh, too late Tampa, but your summation was pretty on par. While I have yet to post my review (I haven't really stopped drinking), I will say the Siglo VI was not the show stopper I expected it to be. It was a great cigar, but the Siglo II's I've got blew it away on many fronts, young as they are.

Well, thanks all who chimed in and cast their vote! I'm turning 38 tomorrow, so drinks are on me. Looks like preliminary votes are pointing toward the Siglo VI, and unless Al Franken has anything to say about it on tomorrow's official deadline, I'll be reviewing that cigar. Thanks for your suggestions, and comments. Maybe I'll feel brave and do a vid review, we'll see. I stuck the Siglo VI under my nose a little while ago, and my mouth started watering. More on that later..... HA! Centennial Post!

Thank you love! Looks like the FOH crew has selected the Siglo VI for my birthday smoking pleasure. Cheers all, and happy b-day to you theholmesmob!

Looking good so far, all. I wish I had date on these choices, but they all came from the 12 days sampler pack. Dates not included. :/

I've got a yearly event coming up Friday, and am pondering which cigar to light up to celebrate. I dearly value everyone's opinion here so I'd like to post my choices, and with the suggestion that gets the most votes, I'll give it a review and post it here. Thanks mates.

Do purchases of $200+ also get tickets entered into the Ultimate Competition?

Well, when I win the ultimate competition and come down to meet the FoH crew, I'll just have to smoke a rack or two of baby backs for each of ya'll, double for the First Lady. I don't suppose I'll doing much more for the 4th this year than grilling a 3lb rib-eye, enjoying a Habano or two, setting off some aerial fireworks (we get the GOOD stuff in Wyoming), and getting completely pissed. Good thing there's no balcony off my back patio. ....Ken....

Cohiba Siglo II GAS Abril 08 70 degrees F/64%RH This particular cigar had some wrapper and binder damage to the foot. It was torn about 3/4", so I was sacrificed to the Gods for this review. Construction is otherwise solid, with a beautiful cap. There is a slight sheen, and the sparkly beginnings of bloom. Nose at cold: Deep cedar core, with strong, damp redwood forest earthiness, with a grassy background. Took me at least 10 minutes with this mareva up my nose to figure that out. The kind of damp earth that comprises of centuries of decaying old growth. Not at all unpleasant, but an organic cleanness. I'll be rolling that odor around my brain for weeks. After another whiff, there's a ever so faint hint of sherry oak. Draw is a bit open, but not hollow. Flavors of clean tobacco with a grassy undertone are present. 1/3: This is a fascinating cigar to watch. It practically smokes itself. Due to the foot damage the initial burn was a bit uneven, this cigar corrects itself on it's own. The thick, blue-white smoke is very aromatic. Floral sweetness and a cedary twang coat the pallette, while the grassy dutch-cocoa linger on the medium finish. Also detecting a charry note on the finish. Very pleasant. 2/3: Flavor profile has changed to cedary sweetness and black cherry. The finish is creamier, and the grassiness had subsided. Though I've had to relight twice so far the burn has been razor sharp. I've paired this gem with a finger or two 10yo The Macallan Cask Strength with a water back. The stone-fruit and pound cake flavors of the single malt plays very well with the Siglo II. Aroma of the smoke is floral and of ladie's powder. 3/3: Creaminess has remained. Cedar and stone fruit still up front, with a touch of honey in back. This cigar was a complete pleasure to savor. While still a bit young, completly enjoyable. I belive aging will bring a lot of mellow. It's strength has made me somewhat heady, or it could be the Scotch. Good thing I'm sitting down.

Buffalo Trace is a great distillery, and a few of their offshoot offerings are worth a sip too.

Ken, if it's any consolation, the wife says, "nice legs". Stay hydrated mate.

Hendricks for me when it comes to a Gin & Tonic (with a slice of hot-house cucumber of course). If I'm in the mood to shake up a martini made with gin, it's Bombay Sapphire and a twist of lemon, or perhaps a Santa Barbara Olive stuffed with Bleu Cheese.

Thanks fellas. HAH! Nah, just need to smoke up all those NCs I have in there I've got one from the Robusto Sampler I've been dying to try.

Back when my exposure to CCs was just getting started, I had purchased some sampler packs from Cigar Czar (Robusto Sampler, and the 12 Days of Christmas Tubo Sampler). I had planned on smoking through these and basing my first box purchase on what I really liked out of the packs. My mind was made up the moment I cold-drew on a Cohiba Siglo II from the 12 Days Tubos pack. Holy Hanna, love at first puff! Complexity, finish, draw, construction, I was floored. It was time to squirrel away some money, and right when I had what I needed, FOH had a sale. Perfect timing El Prez! The order was placed with Lisa, and 11 days later the box arrived. JOY! Behold.... These are going to be put up for a year or three, with one to be smoked after they've rested for 30-60 days and a couple more to share with a good pal of mine. Thanks to my new friends at Cigar Czar and the great folks at FOH! Cheers, Jeff

That's the mostly likely reason for your lack of smoke ring. Did your brisket still pick up the smoke flavor? Nice work BTW!

Nothing like a good 'ol pig pickin', NOTHING!

From the looks of things, the cigar smoked you! Smitty, I completely know where you're coming from at 4:00 or so. The Cohiba Siglo II Tubo from you guys I smoked the other day put me in that same mindset, with a little of the .....DUH..... you guys just video'd. I just sat there as I smoked it, thinking nothing. Sitting, staring at the cloudless sky, watching jets fly overhead, listening to birds chirp in Spring, feeling the breeze. Making no attempt to dissect what was wafting across my palette. Just letting the experience as a whole take complete control. That's what smoking a fine cigar is all about to me. Thanks for sharing your abbreviated review. Hope the next two thirds were as good as the first.

You may not realize it but you're likely spot on. I've seen several postings of these "related videos" on the side-bars when I watch FOH vids. Just a guy, smoking a cigar....in leather. As for smoking in my car/truck, I don't. I use my vehicle to get from one place to another, and don't need any distractions in doing so. It's enough just keeping away from the idiots who drive with one foot on the dash.

Was a beautiful, brisk Saturday morning here, great time for a dog-walk, a smoke, and reflection of the week-days passed. There is a nice river-side trail here with many miles to enjoy a quiet smoke with my Britanny, Duke. Today, I chose a Boli #2 from the 12-Days Tubo pack. Date unknown. A whiff presented some coffee, tobacco, and a hint of mint/menthol. Cold draw was the same. Construction was firm, and the draw was perfect. I guess it could be called "Cuban Draw". Slightly firm, yet not tight or open. Burn was a bit uneven, yet the cigar corrected itself every time. The walk as I enjoyed this cigar was a bit less relaxed than I'd hoped. Duke smelled something in the air he was straining on the leash to get after. So, between puffs, I was trying to keep him under control. Through these distractions I did detect the "Boli Citrus" flavor notes behind the coffee bean and tabacco. The finish was medium with the minty cleanness lingering on the palate. This did not change until the last third of the cigar, where the Boli #2 began to show more orange peel and more floral notes came forward on the nose. I really enjoyed this cigar. I've still got an #1 Tubo and a Boli Royal Corona left to savor on a later date. I've got the MCLMM-ador absolutely stuffed with NCs, and here I am depleting my Habano stock at a rate that alarms be a bit. That ought to tell ya something. As I neared the nub, I finally found what Duke was after. He didn't seem bothered by us, so we had a squat and I finished my cigar. This old bull has been around quite a while, somebody has quite a vertical collection of fine antlers he's cast. How he's made it this long is a wonder.

No, no, I think this type of conversation is healthy. Just wish we could all be at a big table doing it. Sure, your example, with multiple layers of flavor that were consistent through the duration of the smoke, I would consider complex. That said, I may not find it as interesting as a cigar that was "layer cake" of complexity.