Which Double Corona are you most looking forward to?

[dflan82]

interesting. i find winter the perfect time for a good DC.

long been a fan of the SR DCs and also Lusi's.

actually had a terrific Lusi a few nights ago. from a box of 13s i picked up in cuba last year. what was scary was that i looked long and hard for a decent box and i found plenty going back almost ten years but most of them were average at best and some were downright appalling. this was the only box i found that was worth buying. and it was a cracker. had a couple (yes, too young but...) and they really are fine cigars.

Ken, if my winter temps were more in line with yours, I would probably agree

I've got a stunning box of Lusi's that I picked up from Rob last year. Like you said, maybe a bit young but such an enjoyable cigar even in its youth. Shame to hear that there was so much rubbish in what should be great stock in Cuba.

[dflan82]

I was thinking of posting a similar question this morning. Whats peoples thoughts on the Punch Double Corona? I had some beautiful Lusitania's from 2013 which were divine. Any thoughts on the Vegas Robaina?

Punch Double Corona's have been so wonderfully consistent for me that they're my yardstick for all other DC's. I've got a couple of the 2014 MUL's chillin' for this summer. Last summer was a box of 2012's that were spectacular, as was the box of 2012's the summer before. All from Rob.

I've put away a couple boxes of Lusi's and HdM as well, but have not dipped into those yet. Like Ken says, they're likely too young, but they're still going to get sampled this summer anyway!

Wish I had a couple more 2012 boxes of the Punch DC though, just so I could let these 2014's get a few more years on them.

I love Punch DC's and have a few each year from my 2011 Cab. I also had a 2014 Punch DC last year which was very good so you can enjoy them fresh as well.

As for Vegas Robania, I have not had the DC (Don Alejandro) but I do enjoy the Unicos and Famosos. This is another one that I'll be trying this summer.

[RijkdeGooier]

This summer looking forward to

1 98 Hoyo

2 03 DA

3 03 Cohiba

4 03 Lusi

5 08 RAG

6 02 Punch

7 07 SLR

[planetary]

This summer looking forward to

1 98 Hoyo

2 03 DA

3 03 Cohiba

4 03 Lusi

5 08 RAG

6 02 Punch

7 07 SLR

Wow!

[earthson]

Just burned my last '09 RAG and it was painful to see it go. Have a few Punch DC from 12, but they're still too young - pretty muted. I haven't really been wowed with any of the other DCs I've come across, but I haven't had a SLR yet.

[JohnS]

This summer looking forward to

1 98 Hoyo

2 03 DA

3 03 Cohiba

4 03 Lusi

5 08 RAG

6 02 Punch

7 07 SLR

I find that I've gravitated away from longer (smoking time-wise) cigars lately, yet, for your selection I'd make an exception!

[RijkdeGooier]

I find that I've gravitated away from longer (smoking time-wise) cigars lately, yet, for your selection I'd make an exception!

John,

I agree, but love collecting the DC's as they epitomise the regular Cuban production for me.

In the end it all depends on time available plus prevailing outside weather.

A good 6 out of 7 of this line-up will probably be smoked over the coming summer evenings. There are already some dates scheduled with my friends throughout the Benelux/Germany.

[JohnS]

Michel,

I can live vicariously through you, my dear friend! I very much enjoy your blog...please, don't mind me (and my lament of the slow death of the corona vitola!), I'm sure I'll smoke a Double Corona or Churchill-sized cigar (or two, or three) in the next few months. I agree, these are always great when catching up with friends!

[Lamar]

I'm surprised more people haven't chimed in for SLR DC's. I've got boxes of aged and fresh Lusi's, Ramon Allones Gigantes, Vegas Robaina DA, not to mentioned Churchills (Esplendidos, Bolivar Gigantes, Sir Winstons) and by far my favorite among all of them are a 14' cab of SLR DC's I'm smoking through.

The SLR flavor profile is so distinct and delicious. The only thing that comes close for me are Sir Winstons.

[dflan82]

I'm surprised more people haven't chimed in for SLR DC's. I've got boxes of aged and fresh Lusi's, Ramon Allones Gigantes, Vegas Robaina DA, not to mentioned Churchills (Esplendidos, Bolivar Gigantes, Sir Winstons) and by far my favorite among all of them are a 14' cab of SLR DC's I'm smoking through.

The SLR flavor profile is so distinct and delicious. The only thing that comes close for me are Sir Winstons.

I think that it might be due to the fact that the lack of availability has the SLR DC's in fewer humidors. I will definitely be lighting a SLR DC up this summer as well...and several of each Churchill you mentioned too

[Randolph]

Can't wait to try out one of these '14 Punch DCs this summer.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Can't wait to try one! I look forward to enjoying one tomorrow evening!

[JohnS]

Can't wait to try one! I look forward to enjoying one tomorrow evening!

They look great Randolph!

[Randolph]

Unfortunately John those are not mine . If I like what I try tonight I'll take a box.

[HavanaSunday]

Partagas Lusitanias followed by HdM DC's.

[DoubleDD]

All of them pretty much. Tonight I'm planning on a RAG. I love the Lusi, Punch, and HdM as well. If I have to pick my absolute favorite it's the Lusi.

[Gunson]

The one in my hand.

[dflan82]

Found time on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon to finally light up that Ramon Allones Gigantes that I had been looking forward to, so as promised here is the quick review:

This RAG was out of a handpicked clearance box. Code EML SEP 14. It was in my online locker for about 6 months and then I let it acclimatize in my humidor for about 20 - 30 days before not having the patience any longer. Not the prettiest stick in the box with a few nicks in the wrapper, but otherwise excellent construction.

With the anticipation for this cigar built up, I was a little concerned that it wouldn't live up to the hype that I created in my head. It didn't take long for this cigar to set my mind at ease and put a smile on my face. About a half an inch in and Ramon was singing that sweet stewed fruit tune that he's know for. Plum with a little blackberry intermingled with rich tobacco. Very vibrant flavors with body a touch over medium. The whole cigar could be like this and I would be extremely happy.

Heading into the second third, the cigar did get a bit darker with more of the tobacco coming through and only hints of the sweetness noted in the first third. A little bit of a damp clay soil entered the senses but it was not unpleasant. Still rich/dense smoke with a lovely aroma. Near the end of the second third, the flavors shot right back up with the stewed fruit taking hold again.

I did run into a bit of a burn issue when I was in the final third but it was nothing that my trusty FOH lighter couldn't take care of

I'll let the final picture tell you what I thought of the last third...

I would have lit up another one right after burning this down to the nub. Thoroughly enjoyable 2 hours...can't wait for the next one. Easy 94+ cigar all day long.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em, friends!

[dflan82]

All of them pretty much. Tonight I'm planning on a RAG. I love the Lusi, Punch, and HdM as well. If I have to pick my absolute favorite it's the Lusi.

Dave, how was that RAG from the other night?

[DoubleDD]

Dave, how was that RAG from the other night?

Pretty much damn spot on from what you just posted. I love these because they are generally smooth and have a solid core of stone fruit and sweetness.

[dflan82]

Pretty much damn spot on from what you just posted. I love these because they are generally smooth and have a solid core of stone fruit and sweetness.

Same here. I'm putting a Lusi in my desktop humidor to smoke in the next couple weeks. It's been a while since my last one.

[Randolph]

I'm currently sat in the back yard smoking a Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro with a small glass of Tallisker Dark Storm. What a cigar a December 2014 box ROTT. It's absolutely delicious. I'm half way through have have already noticed a number of moves in flavor, from the light to mild start and slowly transitioning into chocolate, molasses, espresso, and cedar wood. I wonder how she's going to finish off!

On a separate note I was in the north of Holland last week for a very short three days to attend a family funeral. I picked up a 3 pack of HdM Epicure No 2.at Abu Dhabi Airport on the way through. Oh how the three Epi's helped lift the mood for myself and those around me with its delicious creaminess and abundance of flavor with others appreciating the aroma - they really were a very special smoke!

I'm thinking of getting a box of Epi No 2 in stock, but before I do so does anyone have any feedback on the Vegas Robaina Famosos?

Randy

[Randolph]

An update....on the Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro - long and strong! Certainly not a cigar to have after a light lunch or a sandwich. This is certainly a cigar to smoke after a full meal! Down to the last third.... what a feast! I will be keeping the remaining 24 for special occasions.

[Randolph]

Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro

OK shes finished! Too strong to smoke to the nub.... but...an exceptional cigar that will no doubt improve over time!

Aroma: 10/10 - Mrs R commented on the aroma of Christmas

Flavour: 10/10 - Started off mild, moved to medium at the half way mark, in the final third a full bodied and full flavoured cigar

Burn: 10/10 - Slow even burn from start to finish with no relight or corrections needed

Construction: 10/10 - Not too tight and not too loose - perfect draw

Appearance: 10/10 - A beautiful monster. Dark, smooth, and a sight for sore eyes

Negatives: An extremely rich cigar. My blue flannelette singlet will need to be laundered twice before I can wear it again :-)

[TheMonk]

10/10 and still room for improvement?

[perkinke]

I have some '02 sancho panza CG's that are just excellent right now, thinking I may go brought the box by the end of summer. Also looking forward to my ryj churchills. My challenge isn't the weather, it's just carving out the time.