The thick and the thin of it

[Ginseng]

I had some time to myself this evening and the weather was fair so I dug around for an interesting pair to entertain me. I came up with two cigars that are as different as Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. And hence, the title of this post.

The Thick

Por Larrañaga - Robustos de Larrañaga, ER Asia Pacifico 2007, EMA OCT 07

I was never really a fan of the lauded PLPC. Everyone seems to love these but there was never any magic for me. Much like most of the Punch marca. I gave it a game try having consumed some 3 or 4 cabs in the search for what was eluding me. In the end, I decided that I was not this cigar's Prince Charming and that my kisses would never awaken this Habanos.

However, during this time, I was pretty excited about the Asia ERs and so I purchased two cabs of the Robustos in yet another attempt to unlock the mystery. The robusto format was another classic vitola and there was a chance that here I would finally find the PL magic. Curiously, the sticker fell off in my cooler somewhere.

As you can see, the cigars are beautiful. Gorgeous supple wrapper and excellent construction. But alas, having nearly finished the first cab, my impression is that if there is something mystical here, it would take more time, perhaps much more time to unwind. The cigar has been slumbering for fourteen years and it still smokes and delivers like one that is still far too young to smoke. Although there is not a hint of underfermented or poor quality tobacco, it is still somewhat tight and doesn't burn as I'd like. Honestly, it's like a fresh rolled. This is surprising as I keep my deep coolers at about 60% or a bit under year round. 

The cold aroma is light with citrus and buttery bread notes, and upon lighting, gives off the impression of a lemon-iced scone over medium tobacco. Clean on the palate, and the smoke, what there is of it from a firm, deep pull is simple yet aromatic. So, refreshing and satisfactory, but simply too much work to coax out. I had hoped the years would have worked their magic as they had for other cigars of this vintage, but they hadn't. Dry boxing to 52-55% may be my next move. 

I was thinking about breaking open a box of Magnificos, but I honestly think it would be a losing proposition. I believe that based on the Robustos, I dare not light one of those until 2025-2030. 

The Thin

Rafael González - Cigarritos, LSO OCT 07 (yep, same production month as the PLR-ER!)

I enjoy my fair share of small cigars. And I mean small. Clubs, Minis, Exquisitos, Joyitas, and these uncommon little gems, the Cigarritos. Imagine a 50-SBN about as big as a stack of 4 CD cases and you'll realize this is a small cigar. Fully handmade at 26rg x 115mm in the Laguito No.3 vitola de galera, this is not throwaway or Black and Mild wannabe. It is a god's honest, Havana cigar in miniature form. Note: One part of the sticker has fallen of the box lid. Coincidence? Perhaps they had a bad batch of glue that month?

The wrappers are rustic, oily, and supple. Construction is consistent and precise. Just look at the tiny head and cap on this thing! The construction is bona fide standard vuelta and identical to, if much smaller than, that on the Robustos de Larrañaga. So darn cute.

It's always a bit hard to burn one of these. They were discontinued in 2010 and are difficult to find nowadays. Such a shame. Had I been forward thinking, I'd have put up 10 or 15 SBN. But then again, this could be said so many times about so many beloved Habanos that have been relegated to our memories. I truly feel like Habanos, on the whole, have changed so much in the last 20 years and the accessible variety, vibrancy, and just lovable wackiness has given way to bigger, fatter, more expensive. Such a shame.

As for the smoking, cigars of this size are likely all seco so don't expect much development or complexity. What the Cigarritos will deliver is a reliable 30 minutes of rich, unctuous, strong tobacco character. Sipping is the only way to smoke these and handled properly, even the shallowest of draws reveals the genuine magic of Havana leaf. The experience is delightful, ephemeral, like a kiss in the dark. You know it won't last and you savor it all the more because of it. You just cannot find this kind of experience anymore.

[NSXCIGAR]

I wish I had discovered the Cigarritos before they went extinct. 

[Chibearsv]

I was afraid this post was going to be your kilt selfies....phew

[Ginseng]

Well, I do have skinny...legs.

[CaptainQuintero]

  Great stuff, reminds me of the 3 lonely RA Ramonitas and sad half box of Bolivar Demi Tasse I've left. I don't want to finish them and only have memories

[Ginseng]

2 hours ago, CaptainQuintero said:

  Great stuff, reminds me of the 3 lonely RA Ramonitas and sad half box of Bolivar Demi Tasse I've left. I don't want to finish them and only have memories

The Habanos life is bittersweet, is it not?

Demi Tasse (aka the infamous "Demi Tassy")  El Rey  Del Mundo is more like "The King of the Under-World" now.

[CaptainQuintero]

1 hour ago, Ginseng said:

The Habanos life is bittersweet, is it not?

Demi Tasse (aka the infamous "Demi Tassy")  El Rey  Del Mundo is more like "The King of the Under-World" now.

Where are all the Demi Tasse regional editions we were promised lol, we got short changed!

[El Presidente]

Beautiful write up Wilkey 

[Sandman]

Thanks for the reviews. I’ve smoked about 6-7 boxes of the Robustos. I honestly believe that the PL Robustos were much better 10 years ago. I feel the same about the Lonsdales from 06. Lonsdales have barely any strength left to them, and the Robustos seem to have lost much of those full, lush sweet flavors. All palates are different, so just my take of course. 

[Ginseng]

20 hours ago, Sandman said:

Thanks for the reviews. I’ve smoked about 6-7 boxes of the Robustos. I honestly believe that the PL Robustos were much better 10 years ago. I feel the same about the Lonsdales from 06. Lonsdales have barely any strength left to them, and the Robustos seem to have lost much of those full, lush sweet flavors. All palates are different, so just my take of course. 

Fascinating contrast. As a matter of fact I just dredged up my Lonsdales. I'm going to have to give them a taste this week. It has been several years since my last sampling. The Robustos never really hit for me. In fact, they seemed to have changed little from the start. Habanos are such a mystery!

 

Oh, I'm guessing most folks will have missed my reference to an El Rey del Mundo "De Mi Tassy."

Here is Rob's/Punch Joe's post on one of the funniest typos I've seen. I still chuckle at it. Typos in the Cigar Business

Enjoy!

[Sandman]

13 hours ago, Ginseng said:

Fascinating contrast. As a matter of fact I just dredged up my Lonsdales. I'm going to have to give them a taste this week. It has been several years since my last sampling. The Robustos never really hit for me. In fact, they seemed to have changed little from the start. Habanos are such a mystery!

I’d be quite interested to hear your take on the Lonsdales. Nice flavors, and that caramel like sweetness, but no strength at all. I smoke 1-3 cigars a day, so maybe my palate just desires more strength in a cigar. Let us know!

[Ginseng]

I will fire one up this week!