Tribute to Colt45

[Glass Half Full]

A few friends and I had the good fortune of purchasing Ross Bodnar’s (@Colt45’s) cigar collection.  Many will recall that Rob very thoughtfully and kindly counselled Ross’ wife, and facilitated her passing on Ross’ cigars here on FOH.  The FOH friends who shared the investment are @IslandBoy and @yadegari6.

Part of this good fortune – in addition to the cigars – is that it’s caused us to look back at the many posts and contributions Ross made to this forum – to learn from and be inspired by his and other’s passions. 

When Ross’ collection came to my care on the 1^st October, it had been kept without his guidance for much of the year.  It was over humidified, but as we’re learning, the impressive quality remains inherent.  The first job was to sort, re-pack and send each share out to the next keepers of the collection. 

Since then, we’ve each tried different approaches to settle the cigars.  I used two sets of two 320g 58% Boveda packs, alternating daily (with the “off” set being placed to “dry out” in a low humidity environment).  It had a good effect, as you can see in the SensorPush screen shot.  Others used dry cedar and dry boxing to achieve the same. 

The cigars have since settled though I am trying to wait to allow a full two months of rest.  However, @IslandBoy and @Yadegari6 each recently tried a cigar, and emailed wonderful reports.  

Hopefully, these and future notes on experiences with Ross’ collection can pass on to all a bit of his passion, and inspire more delving into past postings on FOH. 

All the best, -Cliff

Glass Half Full

 

 

[El Presidente]

Thank you for doing this 

[yadegari6]

I’ll go ahead and share what I emailed to @Islandboy and @Glass Half Full regarding the first cigar I smoked from @Colt45. Though I never interacted with Ross, it is quite clear that he was one of the members that make this community very special. 

When rummaging around for a cigar to smoke today I decided to try the Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra we received. At first on the cold draw and the first few puffs I thought this might’ve gone past it’s expiration date as it was musty and papery. Wow was I wrong as the flavors quickly rolled in. This ended up being an absolute powerhouse of a smoke full of flavor and complexity. It had quite a bit of spice, certainly much more than I’m accustomed to in Cuban cigars yet it was so perfectly balanced with interplays of floral, chocolate, cream, and toasted biscuit notes. It was incredible as each puff seemed to have some variation of these notes that were all different as the cigar progressed, no two puffs were the same. I can’t even imagine what these were like in their youth as this has the legs to go another decade in my opinion. Just a splendid cigar, certainly the most complex I’ve had in a while. In my top 3 of 2022 so far, cigars like this are what makes this hobby so exciting. Sad as this was the only one I received but now so excited to try everything else. You guys are in for a treat when you burn one. 
 

 

[KCCubano]

17 hours ago, yadegari6 said:

I’ll go ahead and share what I emailed to @Islandboy and @Glass Half Full regarding the first cigar I smoked from @Colt45. Though I never interacted with Ross, it is quite clear that he was one of the members that make this community very special. 

When rummaging around for a cigar to smoke today I decided to try the Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra we received. At first on the cold draw and the first few puffs I thought this might’ve gone past it’s expiration date as it was musty and papery. Wow was I wrong as the flavors quickly rolled in. This ended up being an absolute powerhouse of a smoke full of flavor and complexity. It had quite a bit of spice, certainly much more than I’m accustomed to in Cuban cigars yet it was so perfectly balanced with interplays of floral, chocolate, cream, and toasted biscuit notes. It was incredible as each puff seemed to have some variation of these notes that were all different as the cigar progressed, no two puffs were the same. I can’t even imagine what these were like in their youth as this has the legs to go another decade in my opinion. Just a splendid cigar, certainly the most complex I’ve had in a while. In my top 3 of 2022 so far, cigars like this are what makes this hobby so exciting. Sad as this was the only one I received but now so excited to try everything else. You guys are in for a treat when you burn one. 
 

 

Very good and underated sticks. I dont think they sold well due to the need for long term aging and many do not have the stock levels or patience. Glad u are able to enjoy Colt's cigars! 

[Duxnutz]

What’s is this cigar tracker thing called?

[targa88]

4 hours ago, Duxnutz said:

What’s is this cigar tracker thing called?

https://www.sensorpush.com/products/p/ht1

[PigFish]

Great story.Thanks for sharing.

RGCE one of my favorites. Been a long advocate on this forum of these cigars.

[Glass Half Full]

As a brief update, please know that one or two cigars from the Collection were tried, and the consensus seemed to be that another month's rest would be best given all of the travels and settling needed to allow the best outcomes, without rush.  Hopefully that all makes good sense.  

...In the meantime, seems to me that perhaps our host, Ken, and many others could lean into this past posting from @Colt45.  Far be it for me to opine, as I am a (relatively) newer member; but IMO it's both worthwhile and fun to learn from and about people with more knowledge, after all.  ...Isn't that why most of us partake here?  

Here's the link.  I hope this isn't too forward...

 

[MasterYotti]

Is there a place I could look at what is left for purchase?

[Glass Half Full]

PM sent, with regrets.   Hopefully it's understandable why.  All the best, 

[Glass Half Full]

Acting on Rob’s suggestion to go big around the holidays, and inspired by a review by Charlie Minato I read yesterday on Halfwheel, …this afternoon I lit one of the cigars from Ross’s (@Colt45) collection — my very first from it -- a HdM Double Corona from 2004.

The pre-light scents are light, with a bit grass and slight barnyard.  I went with a V-cut, and the cold draw shows green tea, in my opinion.

First 1/3rd -- The opening brought me straight to Charlie’s review.  Granted his was a Reserva Cosecha, but his principal descriptor holds true for this older, “standard” cigar from Ross’ collection:

This cigar is chewy, in a very good way.

I have never thought of that word to describe a cigar, (much less a positive one …but it’s true!  The smoke from this envelops your mouth.  It makes my tongue move about to pick up senses.  Flavors are light leather and oak with coffee notes and a bit of rum. …Oh.  Wait.  That last bit may be an influence from my Jamaican coffee pairing   Retros are soft but just enough power to really enhance the experience, lots of cream, leather, and hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.

2nd/3rd -- Still medium to medium full, the nuts Charlie spoke of start to come up, though to me, they’re much more chestnut — very round flavors.  It remains “chewy,” in a delicious and fun way.  The strength ticks down a bit at the halfway mark, and the ever so slightly “burnt popcorn” Charlie referenced starts to show, though to me it’s more like half-popped, buttered popcorn kernels, if that makes sense.  It still coats the mouth in a good way.

Construction has been perfect.  It was never touched again by a flame after toasting the foot.

3rd/3rd -- Entering the last third, retros pick up more earth and mineral flavors to me.  I’m also getting the unsweetened espresso, notes of citrus, and paprika that Charlie noted — but (thankfully, IMO) not the “liquid smoke” which he tasted.  To me, it’s all softness and bright, with an undercurrent of pleasant medium plus strength.

This is the oldest cigar I have ever smoked.  I have never enjoyed an HdM cigar as much as this one, though they’re not a brand I’ve favored in the past so do not have a depth of comparisons.  It is one of the best cigars I’ve had, though a bit more medium than others I’ve thought were among the best.

My first 95+ pointer in some years — and a solid hour and 50 minutes, start to finish (though I was patient, as that suggests).  Chewy to the very end

With great appreciation to @Colt45 (and his wife, and to Rob) for making this experience possible.  I am very much looking forward to the many other wonderful flavors the future may bring

All the best, Glass Half Full

[Islandboy]

Last night I decided the time was right to light up one of the cigars from Ross’ collection, and being a lover of all things Bolivar, AND having never smoked a BCG before, I grabbed one of the LOB May 2003 Corona Gigantes.

It was a handsome cigar, much better looking than my well-worn dirty monkey ashtray . Running it under my nose, I got leather and cocoa, mmm.

Once lit, smoking this cigar was just a first class event from start to finish. The dominant flavor/aroma was chocolate, but it was a decadent chocolate, like what I would expect a confectionery reduction of some sort to smell like as it cooked down. There was both a richness and a finesse to the olfactory experience, a perfect balance. Midway through, some graham cracker flitted in and out, but aside from gaining some strength near the end, this was how the hour and a half went, leaving me completely mesmerized.

And of course, the perfection of performance was integral to the entire experience. Just like @Glass Half Full experienced above, I lit this once, and that was it. I even walked away from it a few times for about 5 minutes, and upon returning, this cigar awaited like a faithful companion. Draw and smoke output were both impressively perfect.

I have little experience with cigars of this age, and at nearly 20 years old, this is in fact the oldest cigar I’ve had the pleasure of smoking. But everything about this seemed oddly familiar, like I had been practicing for this moment with younger cigars all these years, and I knew exactly how to take it all in and fully appreciate the experience. I swear I could recognize exactly what the 20 years has done to completely eliminate any unwanted or out of place flavors that probably once existed here. What a class act this was, a bit challenging to put into words. 

A quick search of the site came up with something really cool, which I attached below. In 2009, @Colt45, in response to the question “what is the best cigar you’ve had”?, said a 2003 BCG. I have to agree. 

Aloha,

Brad

 

 

 

[Islandboy]

One of these 2003 Sir Winstons has a few good nicks in the wrapper, that’s a good enough reason to fire it up on this Aloha Friday for me. So far, nothing overly complex, just good clean aged tobacco, smooth as can be. We’ll shall see where this takes me. Cheers!

[Islandboy]

A nutty richness is building, roasted almond and hazelnut. Very nice. As usual, it’s been light it and forget it with this one too. 

[Islandboy]

It’s been a nice mix of a really solid cigar, and being completely wowed, in ebbs and flows. Very nice experience. 
 

[Glass Half Full]

Partagás 898V (said to be 2008)

Wow.  This is/was a lesson in the wonders of aging in my opinion.

Unfortunately, as it was enjoyed during a Zoom herf, there was not an opportunity to take detailed notes.  However, I gather from everyone’s experience, this was a very different cigar from the 2020 I smoked earlier this evening.

Again, it started mildly, but picked up considerably in flavor after the half inch.  Again too, it was incredibly well constructed, …at least in my cigar.

As @Islandboy observed, the aged cigar traveled an opposite path from the younger one, passing straight to "round" early on though the ending was the best part.  To be sure, there was a hitch or two along the way, …but it made me even more a believer in the wonders of aging.

What began the same, with mild flavors, grew to be much more intense, in a good way.

What I experienced in the 2nd/3rd of the 2020 became a precursor to the 1st/3rd of the 2008.   Wow.  Baking spices in the extreme, in a very good way.  The 2nd third picked up in intensity for me, though less so for others.  ...The 3rd/3rd was so good it required a device to help prolong the experience.  ...As @Islandboy noted, it became almost full on mocha at the end.

Sorry for the less detailed review.  We were enjoying the conversation as well as the cigar.

Here are some pics, …and thank you to @Colt45 and his wife (and El Presidente) for the opportunity.

Sincerely,  - Glass Half Full

[Islandboy]

Cigars have a way of bringing people together, to share stories and have some laughs. And @Colt45's cigars certainly did just that last night. After having conversed via FoH and electronically for the months leading up to and following the transfer of Ross’ cigars, @Glass Half Full , @yadegari6 and myself finally have some faces to put to the names thanks to the wonders of technology in the era of Zoom. The time difference was a bit challenging, but the guys stayed up late to make it happen, and I think it’s safe to say a good time was had by all. 

We all chose the same cigar, as shown in the post above, to compare notes and share the experience. And while my cigar had a small construction bump in the road right at the midpoint, it quickly passed and it was a fantastic event. I think Ross would have been pleased.

[Islandboy]

I decided to fire up this little gem with coffee this morning, as I simply couldn’t resist the inviting barnyard aroma of these any longer. 

It was a bit of a slow starter, but about an inch in it really became a creamy delight with a vanilla element that became more prominent right to the end. Absolutely wonderful.

This was originally listed on our inventory sheet as a 2006 Epicure #1, but it appears there was just enough doubt to warrant the group to question this. However, after perusing CCW and busting out my ruler, I now think this is indeed an Epicure #1.

While it measures a few mm under the listed length, I’m observing the same thing with the Des dieux that I placed next to it in the ruler photos, so I’m going with George Costanza and attributing this to shrinkage - with age.

And it just so happens up to a year prior there were no bands, then the standard band shown for a couple of years, and in 2008 they added the second Epicure 1 band. So it seems to accurately fit the history of the bands. 

I also have no doubt that this was the perfect pairing with a cup of Sunday morning coffee.

Cheers!

[Glass Half Full]

VR Familiar (5 5/8" x 46), said to be from 2002.

The pre-light draw and opening 1/3rd had me thinking that perhaps this had passed its prime.  It was very pleasant, but a very, very subtle start.

However, the evolution to 2nd/3rd brings just wonderful flavors -- a burst of baking spices, tinged with light leather and brown butter.  A tad further and there is plenty of twang and a just a bit of cream, very pleasant and complex now.  Smoke production has developed considerably.  

Starting the last 3rd, a bit of cocoa comes in; full body remains, happily.  Retros are rich and creamy; a touch of walnut in the regular smoke; twang, twang, twang.

They never should have discontinued this cigar (though that's true of many, of course).  Construction, like so many of Colt45's collection, has been close to perfect.  One touch up; no relights despite leaving it a few times.  The 2nd/3rd was the best of this experience; flavors diminish a bit towards the end, though it remains very engaging; echos of lovely twang.  

This makes me want to age all of the Vegas Robainas I have (though perhaps not for 20+ years).  (I don't know if I have that much self control   The flavors, and that thought encouraged the beer selection for the last third; very malt forward; the pairing works wonderfully.  

Wait! The last bit surges in flavors; it brings a tingle on the lips.  Crazy transitions.  

What a surprising cigar.  Really appreciate this experience. 

[Glass Half Full]

Cohiba Robusto (MAS Mar 2008), with many thanks to Ross (@Colt45) for the opportunity.

Robustos have not been a “go to” vitola for me for some time.  Recent FOH conversations prompted my trying this today.

In the past, with younger CoRo’s, I remember being a bit non-plussed.  While perfectly constructed and delicious, they seemed a bit "all hay and sweetness" but without much power or finesse, and less in the way of transitions than I’d anticipated.  Of course, a lot of that could have been because I always start with high expectations from a Cohiba.  I've since decided to put all that I have of these away for a long rest, in hopes of enjoying what so many others have written about.  Given this one's age and (now) its long rest from its travels, I’m excited to see what these are really all about.

Cold draw:  Yes, the Cohiba “hay” is there but with more complexity, adding a bit of malt, all a bit more intense than I recall from other, younger ones.

Initial draw when lit is very open, and begins with a surprising intensity.  This has an undercurrent of power that almost “rumbles.”  Soft hay remains, but spices are much more pronounced than I’ve experienced in younger ones.  Retros are very rich.  Smoke production and draw are darn near perfect.

Transitioning to the 2nd third, I finally get the citrus/lemon that so many have spoken of.  Retros and the power generally soften a bit, in a pleasant way, plus a bit of the honey sweetness.  The transition is far more pronounced than I recall from others I’ve had.  Amazing what a different cigar this is when it gets some real age.

The end of the 2nd, beginning of the 3rd brings a welcome bit of bitterness — a bit like tasting some fresh ground nutmeg (just the spice; no sweetness).  Retros again pick up in strength.  Construction and smoke production remain perfect.   Almost a bit of unsweetened espresso notes flit in and out, with the same bits of delightful, bitter lemon zest that a great espresso can bring.

While this was not my favorite from Ross’ collection (so far, …and only because there have been some truly stunning other ones), this was eye opening to me for the transitions possible in aging a Cohiba Robusto.  (I never did get the cream in this that so many people speak of, though perhaps that disappears with the age.)  Grassiness again peaks in towards the end, though it’s enrobed in the pleasant, almost “espresso grounds” bitterness, but gives way to the full-on unsweetened baking spices of the opening.  Then, at the very, very last bit, a hint of sweetness pops up!  Fun transitions.

I have one more CoRo from the Ross’ Collection.  As delicious and fun as this is/was, …I’m thinking of waiting on that one for some time.  I’m curious just what a few more years bring to this cigar.

Again, with appreciation for the opportunity.

All the best, -c

[Islandboy]

Wow, I experienced something quite special last night, thanks in large part to a couple of Colt’s cigars. Unfortunately no images exist other than those etched in my mind, which is still a bit fuzzy, but I'll do my best to paint the picture for anyone who may be interested.

I got together with a few old friends, at one of their homes, with loose plans to partake in some story-telling with all the trimmings. Of course, a key element to ensure a good time would be had was the plan for me to take full advantage of a spare bed at the end of the evening, eliminating the possibility of me having to participate in any uncomfortable story-telling with the local authorities on the drive home 

There was exemplary food, some great wines and bourbons, a game or 3 of darts, and some late-night guitar jamming that resulted in a few new songs that have since been forgotten, perhaps for the better 

Then there were the cigars. Our host, Scott, was the only other cigar enthusiast, so I brought several pairs, including 2 of the ASB Mar 2007 HdM des Dieux from Colt’s collection. It should be noted that I had never experienced a des Dieux prior to this, but have certainly read many accounts of their legendary status. To say this cigar absolutely blew my mind would be a massive understatement.

After telling everyone of the the origins of the cigars, and raising a glass to Colt, we lit these up at the start of the great dart challenge (the math proved to be the real challenge). After just a few puffs, I knew something really special was happening. Scott and I started trading wows and OMG’s in between throws, and there were several times when I was stopped in my tracks, almost awkwardly in fact. Try to imagine my companions seeing me standing there with the cigar under my nose, eyes closed, head tilted back, and my mind in a momentary trance, and them having to say “Brad, you’re up” several times before I snapped out of it. They got used to doing this after the third time, lol.

This would prove to be the perfect companion to pair with an hour and a half of dart hurling, and just a huge highlight of the entire evening enjoyed with friends. Rich, balanced hazelnut, cream, hay, honey and vanilla made this cigar one of the best I’ve ever experienced, if not THE best. Cheers!

 

 

[joeypots]

On 2/20/2023 at 5:01 PM, Glass Half Full said:

Amazing what a different cigar this is when it gets some real age.

It's going to be a lot easier to age Cohibas since cigarmegedon. Thanks for the review.

9 hours ago, Islandboy said:

It should be noted that I had never experienced a des Dieux prior to this, but have certainly read many accounts of their legendary status. To say this cigar absolutely blew my mind would be a massive understatement.

 

Legendary and affordable. It’s tragic how many once easily obtainable fantastic cigars are now discontinued. The des Dieux is one of those cigars that could be had with a few years of box age at a price that wouldn’t break the bank.

Thanks for the review.

[Glass Half Full]

Enjoyed an HU Sir Winnie from @Colt45's collection this evening, said to be 2003.  Surprisingly subtle, throughout.  Shortbread flavors, and gentle transitions, but soft as can be through the first half.  Twang picks up considerably in the second half, and notes of cookie dough (especially in retros) come in; but subtlety remains, in a pleasant way.  Needing to try a younger example again to better understand the differences time brings... At this point, I can't imagine a more subtle but intriguing cigar.  This is not a "Wow!" cigar by any means; it's more of a "hmmm..." very pleasant experience, almost a subtle experience of twang.  

The last third brings the "wow" (lower case; but in a good way):  Intensity picks up very nicely, a bit of bitter cocoa nibs, ...but it's the retros that stand out:  it's all about the twang.

[Islandboy]

On 2/26/2023 at 3:26 PM, Glass Half Full said:

Enjoyed an HU Sir Winnie from @Colt45's collection this evening, said to be 2003.  

It sounds like we had pretty similar experiences with this one.

I heard an interesting comment from someone who recently saw a photo of this cigar from the collection, asking if this was a Sir Winston or a Monarca (or Monarch). Being the first I’d heard of the Monarca, I turned to the CCW for details. It indeed appears H Upmann offered 2 churchills, one being SW and the other being Monarca, and both were in production at the same time this particular band was used. So in other words, 2 identical looking cigars. I’m still sort of wondering if this was indeed the case, or if there was any way to tell one from the other. They even seemed to have similar flavor profiles, according to what little I’ve been able to find out. 

If I’m not mistaken, this may have been one of several cigars in Ross’ collection that was without a box, and required an educated guess to ID? I wonder if anyone here could shed any more light on this?

[Glass Half Full]

LGC MdO No. 2, said to be 2002.

This one was not the prettiest of the Colt45 collection by a long shot.  Over-humidification had caused some twists and turns, and there was enough early "plume" that I'd been keeping it apart from all others since receiving it.  ...Also, another of our group had tried one last fall, after just 2 months rest, and had less than stellar reports.  

Flavors after 6+ months of rest are very mild but enjoyable.  The last 3rd is the best, though I could imagine giving one of these to someone who just wanted to understand twang, as that's my primary takeaway.  I'm guessing that the original, masterful construction is to thank for the recovery and enjoyable while mild experience.  Baking spices and twang; easy, flavorful retros though.  ...This might be an example of over-aging, though it's my first MdO 2, so I do not have a good comparison, plus it was the ugly duckling out of the ones that remained.  Still, love the feel of a Dalias 

Despite the mild first two thirds, it has been a pleasure, and really enjoying the richness and intensity of the last bit, which has become almost bold; tingling on the lips

Took my time; a tad over 2 hours.  Not the best of the collection, but good fun, and much appreciated.

 

Edited March 8, 2023 by Glass Half Full
It was a No. 2 (not a 4).