1970's Rafael Gonzales PC

canadianbeaver · February 26, 2012

We recently had the privilege of acquiring a selection of vintage cigars. We did not know what to expect and quite frankly I was worried about storing them properly. So we decided to smoke the oldest ones first. I smoked the 1970's RG PC, and Matthew smoked the 1945 Don Arco Epicure.

Our first reaction to the taste was how different these were to anything we tasted before. We were not sure if we liked them or not - the only thing we could compare this to was new cheese and Blue cheese? And in cigar terms? Uh, not so much.

Matthew said his tasted like "an old shoe". We decided to give them a chance because the draw, light and smoke was so perfect. He liked his more and more as the smoke went on but abandoned his after 3/4.

I am talking about the RG, because that was my stick.

#1. First 1/3: Box press, perfect even burn, like burnt toast, smooth but strong. Layers of mustiness, wine and a bitter after taste that was a bit hard to take.

#2. Second 1/3: Really improved. Single malt scotch, dark chocolate and gingerbread. Continues with the even burn and smoke.

#3. Last 1/3: Really settled down, as opposed to getting stronger and stronger, maybe because it got moister and the box press became round. Pumpkin and cedar. But both Matthew's cigar and mine made our tongues burn.

Great cigar but to be honest we like our new cigars just fine.

Lisa

Colt45 · February 26, 2012

Thanks for the report. I've only smoked a few truly vintage cigars, and in each case I feel they were past it - the main

characteristics being that of camphor / mothball.

laficion · February 26, 2012

Great review and great way of putting up the photos Lisa, Bravo !!

As for vintage cigars, it can be a very complicated venture.

It's very important to know if the cigars have been stored in

an excellent manner as to Temp. & Humidity and how long, has there been

any interuption in these conditions ? It's always good to know a bit of the

history of the cigars and how they have passed their time throughout the years.

It can be a great and unique experience or a very tastless & disappointing one.

canadianbeaver · February 26, 2012

Great review and great way of putting up the photos Lisa, Bravo !!

As for vintage cigars, it can be a very complicated venture.

It's very important to know if the cigars have been stored in

an excellent manner as to Temp. & Humidity and how long, has there been

any interuption in these conditions ? It's always good to know a bit of the

history of the cigars and how they have passed their time throughout the years.

It can be a great and unique experience or a very tastless & disappointing one.

These were sent to me Dball so I am sure any storage issues after the fact were from mailing and from me. He sent a beautiful typed description of each cigar and brought cigars to Montreal and generously shared many with the whole gang. I better smoke the rest sooner than later!!

laficion · February 26, 2012

These were sent to me Dball. He sent a beautiful typed description of each cigar and brought cigars to Montreal and generously shared many with the whole gang.

Lisa, I was speaking in general terms.

What is missing in my comment is,

The gesture, the friendship, the generosity of a friend will always make them special

Whatever the result may be.