Tribute to Colt45

[Glass Half Full]

Bolivar Coronas Extra (GLA Feb 2008) (which is a correction for my fellow keepers of the @Colt45 collection).  (I had thought it was a BPC when we received it earlier, but I didn't have my Herics measure at that time, so just went by the length.  Many thanks to CCW, as always, for enabling this understanding & correction.)  

While the start was delicious it was not overly remarkable...  That is, until into the 2nd/3rd and 3rd/3rds, when it all comes together in ways difficult to describe:  deep spiciness and intensity of flavors (pure "Bolivar") while remaining smooth despite all of its considerable and pleasant original powers remaining in full bloom (or "boom" ).  The retros are truly remarkable.

With appreciation, again,...

[yadegari6]

RyJ Churchill (MSC Jan 2007) 

Very easily the best cigar I’ve experienced in 2023. Despite the age this cigar started immediately with a beautiful intermingling of cherries and cream. I don’t normally take note of the aroma but this is just beautiful. Middle third the cherry note continues but the cream is replaced with cedar. The final third is a intense candied fruit/stewed fruit flavor. Construction was perfect throughout. 

Had the pleasure of enjoying this on a zoom call with @Islandboy and @Glass Half Full, the company was just as exceptional as the cigar! Grateful to @Colt45 and @El Presidente for making this all possible.  

[Glass Half Full]

SLR DC (EST Oct 2017)

I don’t think I can add to all that’s been said in praise of this one, …except thanks.

And that it takes time, sweet time

[Glass Half Full]

Well, dipping in to The Collection, I returned to the well-anticipated cigar enjoyed a few months ago, in March:  the LGC MdO No. 2 (2002).  The very pleasant but ever so mild first two 3rds remain as quite a surprise, but they're again pleasantly overshadowed only by the wonderful power of the last 3rd.  

Again with appreciation, 

All the best,

[Glass Half Full]

Started today enjoying a favorite from the Collection shared (in advance) over a Zoom herf with @cigarnv.  

Partagàs Serie du Connaisseur 2 (GSO Feb 2006)

Couldn't have asked for anything more.  Subtle but flavorful "shortbread" start followed by increasing intensity in all the best ways.  With appreciation, 

[Glass Half Full]

Yesterday afternoon's Boli Coronas Gigantes (LOB May 2003).

The start was less than stellar (though perhaps due to expectations being too high), ...BUT the 2nd third brought great transitions, and the third was just full-on Bolivar in all the best ways (as you can see  ).   The memory of that makes me want to run and light another one, ...but there were just a few.  Thankful for the memories.  

[yadegari6]

Don’t normally smoke in my truck but It had been a couple weeks since I’ve had a cigar and I had a two hour drive from Cleveland to Columbus. Lovely mag 46(SMG nov 2007) that hit on all notes 

[Glass Half Full]

Enjoying the same cigar this evening ...and wanting to highlight a point @yadegari6 made:  

I am so thankful for the experiences that @Colt45 (and thanks to El Presidente) were made available.  The experience of significant age in some cigars has transformed my understanding of many marcas, and in many ways it's a wonder.  Makes me want to age so many, many things.

Tonight, I'm experiencing for the first time a well-aged HU Mag 46 (2007), which is a cigar I'd not given sufficient attention to in the past.

Entirely separately, I'm hoping that @Islandboy is still safe from immediate dangers, and hoping too that you have the opportunity (after the daily, daily, daily challenges to come) to enjoy something special on occasion to help bring some relief.  I recall needing some similar respite after my family's very serious hurricane challenges in 2004, and hope you find some times to recharge too.  Thinking of you -- and all in Lahaina.    

[Glass Half Full]

A perfect example (IMO) of how age can improve upon a cigar I did not give attention to in the past:  HdM Epicure No. 1 (GLA Feb 2008).  The first third in particular, was remarkable... Flavorful and well constructed throughout, but "hats off" to the first third.

[KCCubano]

10 hours ago, Glass Half Full said:

A perfect example (IMO) of how age can improve upon a cigar I did not give attention to in the past:  HdM Epicure No. 1 (GLA Feb 2008).  The first third in particular, was remarkable... Flavorful and well constructed throughout, but "hats off" to the first third.

Pretty sure I had GLA 08s as well. Best box of Epi 1s I ever had. 

[Glass Half Full]

Enjoying an HU Mag 46 (SMG Nov 2007) from @Colt45's collection this evening.  This is my first from this set since the passing of my dear friend @cigarnv.  

This is one of the more misshapen of the cigars we inherited (due to the time between my picking them up and when they'd been last well kept).  But it goes to show how resilient cigars can be, and how wonderful for reminiscing.  

This Corona Gorda is true to expectation as far as mild to medium in strength goes.  But the intense minerality and Umami (which together I've come to associate with my understanding of Cuban twang) is what I love.  

Thanks again Ross and family for the opportunity, and especially so as it now resonates with others with whom cigars have enhanced encounters. -c   

[El Presidente]

Great stuff Cliff. 

Some good people to smoke with up there.....when the time comes 

[Glass Half Full]

A Partagás 8-9-8 said to be from 2008. Just lovely, one of the classics, and a Dalias just feels so right.  

Enjoying this after returning from a trip to help younger son, Kev (now a gainfully employed, full-on adult, despite working in the music industry  ...How lucky is that? I'm lucky to learn from him :)  

With what I understand of @Colt45 being an accomplished musician, it seemed a great way to cool down after the trip.  (Kev's working a lot of hours, and most everyday, so had little time for the move; thankfully mom & dad could help w that -- thankfully for all of us )

What a great cigar to enjoy after such an experience.  

With appreciation (again), 

[Glass Half Full]

Partagás Serie du Connaisseur No. 2 (GSO Feb 2006)  

It's been a while since allowing a dip into Ross' collection. This cigar has been a favorite and, alas, this was the last of these with which I'd been entrusted. (The most recent prior ones -- the 2nd and 3rd to last enjoyed in April of 2023 -- were well enjoyed during a Zoom with my friend @cigarnv, as few others could completely revel in flavors as could he.) 

I could give a review, but I think @Colt45 perhaps did it full justice on 2nd February, 2014.  Here's what he said...

Such a wonderful thing.  

Pic attached.  Not the prettiest but just wonderful all the same; enjoyed with a Bichery En Val du Clos (2018)...

[El Presidente]

Well done Cliff 

[cnov]

I've really enjoyed reading the reviews since you split the collection, what a send off for a friends cigars.

Thanks for sharing the old review, he wrote well.

[WestCoastSmokin]

I did not have the pleasure of knowing @Colt45  but I guarantee he’s happy that you and the other two gentlemen ended up with his cigars and you guys are doing them justice. RIP COLT45