Ryan Posted October 1, 2010 Posted October 1, 2010 After somewhat of a struggle with visas etc., Hamlet made it over to Dublin on Monday, he just left today. It was great having him here and I think he really enjoyed himself. On Wednesday night I put a couple of legs of lamb on the barbeque and he and Ignacio (H&F’s current Cuban Corporate Director) came over to my place for dinner with a few of the Dublin cigar smoking crew. I have to say Hamlet tells a great story and fair dues to him for sticking with it as he was the only one not drinking (I think somebody on this forum might be to blame for that ). I walked them back to their hotel in the early hours, giving them a quick unofficial tour of Dublin on the way. Last night, there was an evening organised in (ahem) one of the Dublin cigar shops. At one point there was a La Corona Policromia produced, this is a 50 year old cigar, very few of them left now and Hamlet had never seen the shape before, it’s like a skinny piramide but with an even taper along the entire length, that is, no “shoulder” as on current piramides or belicosos. Hamlet was asked if he could replicate it. As you’ll see from the pictures, it was no problem for him at all. I love the look on his face when he has it finished. He had no molds with him for any of the sizes he rolled and he made some lovely looking cigars. It’s a lovely thing to watch. I managed to bump into new FOH member Jackohalloran there. Jack, you must come to the next gathering and don’t worry, I was joking about the communal showers afterwards.. We finished up in Samsara around the corner on Dawson Street. If anybody’s in Dublin, it’s a great place for a smoke, big smoking areas in the front and back, and cigar friendly, still. I gave Hamlet regards from Prez and FOH. He flew back to England today for another month or so stint there. I saw him back to the hotel last night in a taxi, while he enjoys the travel, it’s getting to the point in this trip where he’s getting (very understandably) a little homesick. He has a five-month old at home. He sends his regards to all. It was a huge pleasure to have him over, he’s a fantastic guy and a great ambassador for Cuba and Cuban cigars. Dinner at my place. Clockwise from left, Ignacio, Yiorgos, Hamlet, Sharon, Rob, Harry, Oonagh, Ian, Mrs Ryan Rob Lights one of Hamlet's All the lads in the garden, it was a strangely mild might for Dublin we went outside Ignacio tries his first Irish coffee The walk back by the grand canal. A ten minute walk took 30.. Start of the evening last night A sample of Hamlet's work Hamlet, having copied the Policromia Side by side Samsara, see if you can spot Hamlet. There was a bit of excitment there last night, Howard "Mr Nice" Marks and his entourage walked in past us while we were there. Don't worry Prez, we took care of him!
Colt45 Posted October 1, 2010 Posted October 1, 2010 Andy, thanks as always for taking the time to share your experiences with the rest of us
laficion Posted October 1, 2010 Posted October 1, 2010 Bravo Andy, It sure looks like a great event, you all look very pleased with Hamlet's visit and his great cigars. You're a perfect host with the perfect recipe, great event, great foods & drinks, great friends and great cigars. Thank you for sharing, with us, these wonderful moments.
jsd Posted October 1, 2010 Posted October 1, 2010 Fantastic. Love the pics. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to smoke the Hamlets I won on this forum. I think they will meet their fate around the holidays in a few months.
anacostiakat Posted October 1, 2010 Posted October 1, 2010 Great pictures. Looks like a great time. Thanks!
jackohalloran Posted October 1, 2010 Posted October 1, 2010 Was a great night, really enjoyed it. Thanks for the heads up Andy. Hamlet is a upstanding gentleman. Got a few customs, had one earlier and the rest will age in the humidor. Look forward to the next herf.
yiorgosm Posted October 2, 2010 Posted October 2, 2010 Great two nights, Hamlet is a gentleman! Fair play to you Andy for having us over the first night and for all the cooking - and fair play to mrs Ryan too :-)
El Presidente Posted October 2, 2010 Posted October 2, 2010 Great work Andy ..yes, the last time Hamlet touched Alcohol was with me. It is a heavy responsibility to know that you can change peoples lives He is a good man as are you my friend.
skindiver Posted October 3, 2010 Posted October 3, 2010 I'm truly jealous! Jaime is a good friend, but because of the ridiculous US embargo, I can only see him in Cuba, not in my home. I'm sure he was a most welcome guest there!
CanuckSARTech Posted October 3, 2010 Posted October 3, 2010 Very well done, Ryan/Andy. Looks like a great time. Oh, that I were on that side of the frigid Atlantic. Bravo on a hosting well done.
mbrody Posted October 3, 2010 Posted October 3, 2010 Looked like a fantastic time! Great pics, thanks!
asmith Posted October 3, 2010 Posted October 3, 2010 Looks like a great event and a couple of faces and locations that I recall from my recent visit.
Mr. Japan Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 Very well done Andy. What a great time you all had.
OZCUBAN Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 Great post Looks like a great night was had by all ,and some real quality cigars were rolled cheers OZ
PADDYWHACK121272 Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 Thanks for posting Andy - was great to meet Hamlet - a true craftsman and a gentleman to boot!
mazolaman Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 I got one of his custom rolls the other day. it's a robusto,and I am looking forward to smoking it. Any body had one,if so,is there a particular profile,or is it a case of whatever he has to roll with? Sorry if it seems a daft question....
puros71 Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 Those cigars look absolutly marvelous. I smoked many of Hamlets cigars in Cuba and I have to say they are very beautifully constructed and tasty.
ajay Posted October 13, 2010 Posted October 13, 2010 Hi, Andy this is Ajay from La Casa Del Habano from London...talk to Hamlet when he got back and he did say that he really enjoyed the time in Ireland...much more then he had expected and was expecting the welcome he had...love you guys...did tell me that you drunk a lot!...thank god his gave up drinking a while ago... His a great roller and as seen makes rolls very good cigars...he will be at our shop on 28 -29-30th Oct...and one 28th we are thinking of having a vintage tasting...Montcristo dunhill seleccion suprema No4 cab 50's from 1960's....Montecristo seleccion No4 cab 50's, from 1965 1970's and Montecristo no4 from 1970's...this we are going to do a virtual tasting so we can taste the differnce.. I will post up with pictures... if any one is around just email me and i will send me details. Ajay
mazolaman Posted October 14, 2010 Posted October 14, 2010 So,has anybody smoked one,is there a particular flavour,or is it down to what he is given to roll with?
dicko Posted October 14, 2010 Posted October 14, 2010 looks like a great event! thanks for sharing. Hamlet is bloody impressive
harryleech Posted October 14, 2010 Posted October 14, 2010 Some great pictures of a great night... Andy is a fantastic host and a bloody good cook too! As my first night out after a month in East Africa, this was perfect. Mr. Ayala, I must warn you that your name was taken in vein on more than a few occasions that night (although in the best way possible!)
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