Visiting Croatia! Cuaba LE 2008 - anyone else try one recently?

[ChanceSchmerr]

Week 2 of our MUCH need vacation after my thesis was finished and handed in, and after a great week in Tuscany, Venice and San Marino, we drove 8 hours around the coast to arrive here in Dalmatia. Staying in an apartment here Trogir, a stone's throw from Split, and it's excellent, exactly what we were hoping for - except of course, for the damn mosquitos LOL

Anyway, enjoying some down time on the terrace before our latest trek to Dubrovnik and Kotor, Montenegro over the next couple of days, and I first lit up a Monte 4 Reserva, that I picked up after I tried my first one a couple years back that was spectacular. This one was crummy, had to pitch it halfway through after a half hour of harshness I'll never get back.

To wipe that taste out - I then lit up a Cuaba Piramides LE 2008. Searching in vain in Florence for La Escepcions (although I did stock up on some RA Short Piramide REs ), I came across a tabacchi that had a few of these. Not having smoked one in years (and having a box lying in my czar locker for years), I figured I'd pick a couple up to see how they are ageing.

Gotta say - one FINE smoke! These were punchy and discombobulated when I first tried them 6 years ago, but they have really levelled off and matured, leaving a smoothy, rich flavour profile. Tastes like a good Cuaba (which are rare in their own right), with sweet baking spice notes (like a cinnamon sugar cookie), but with an extra level of richness that really adds to the overall enjoyment. I'd give it a 94-95 at this point, and seriously considering bringing my box home from the locker to start smoking soon, as I don't think they will get much better than this.

Anyone else find the same experience that are smoking these? Would love to hear your thoughts...

PS - I hate how the photo uploader spins my photo around sideways. LOL

[CaptainQuintero]

I think I have half a box left, limiting myself to one a year now. I have to agree though, very rich and yummy.

If you want a good replacement the Distinguidos I've found to be even better!

[bugman78629]

Looks like a great time.......Save me a La Escepcion if you get your hands on 'em, I've been wanting to try one for quite some time.

Have a safe journey

[TheMonk]

I quite enjoy this smoke as well - I had heard less then great things, but I picked up a couple whilst in Andorra earlier this year, and I've already regretted not buying a box. I do however believe that the ones I smoked will improve even further, given a couple more years.

[CdnLimitada]

I have 2 boxes of these. Only 1 left in the first box. The second is going to be a slow burn. My pops and I had a couple while golfing this past week. Superb.

Really enjoy them.