Havana Diary Day Three

[El Presidente]

Jose invited me and Arthur to lunch at his house Tuesday. Arthur went off to Pinar Del Rio to view the plantations so he had to unfortunately miss out on one of my favourite places in Cuba...Jose's house. Situated on the rio Almendares I feel as much at home there with him and Ingrid as I do at my own deck at home. As I arrived I saw "La Bestia", Hamlet, and I knew it was going to be a great afternoon amongst close friends. Jose cooked some beautiful pork on his BBQ as Hamlet handed out some of his finest custom cigars. Red wine, laughter, music, fine food and cigars....it really is one of my favourite times here. James Suckling popped over to join us and an interesting discusion was had on various issues of the nights previous release (Monte Open). We probably differ on our thoughts of the cigar but as always he is eloquent and passionate. I know James gets a ribbing occasionally but I do like him.

Unfortunately we had to leave Jose's house early at 3pm for a private vertical tasting of Partagas 898 Varnished at the Partagas Factory. Hunters and Frankau provided an aged 1998 8-9-8 while Partagas provided 2008 8-9-8 rolled by Ignacio from the factory. The event incorporated 30 people and was organized and hosted by Alex which was a tremendous effort. It was nice to spend time with Alex, Jemma Freeman, Simon Chase, Nino, Jimmy, Amir + a host from HSA and respected cigar lovers from around the world.

We used traditional tasting sheets and it was decided to start the tasting with the aged released. Mine was full bodied with traditional Partagas spice (pepper) and it sucked the mouth dry in a show of ruthless power. This cigar has years to go in terms of aging and perhaps it was a touch on the dry side which influenced its power delivery. The group was mixed as to whether it was a good cigar. I very much enjoyed it.

The second cigar from 2008 was gorgeous. More rounded, less brutal, it was a classic example of how much improvement has been made in the delivery of cigars which are "Ready to smoke". I think the majority opinion was that the 2008 surpassed the 1998 in terms of a smoking experience. Keep in mind we are talking about now. I suspect that if we increased the moisture content of the 1998 by 20% and decreased the moisture content of the 2008 by 20% (dryboxing) we would have close to mirror image cigars.

From Partagas it was back to the hotel. It was a free night here and so we sat in the cane chairs on the patio of the Nacional and caught up with people from over he world. We caught up until 6:30 am.

Arthur still hasn't seen El Morro. Perhaps tomorrow

[Trevor2118]

Arthur still hasn't seen El Morro. Perhaps tomorrow

The odds on this happening are getting longer and longer.

[Jimmy2]

Great read again Rob...

[laficion]

.

I'm sure that Arthur will one day see El Morro, one day,.

Rob, when you see Nino next time, Please him that Guy, Rick and Arnold " Hate Him ". He'll

understand. Anyway, as always, great story and thanks for shareing with us your "Havana collections

2009" Keep them coming . Have a great Gala Dinner tomorrow and Please, tell us how you

liked the Trinidad Robusto T that they will be giving out at the dinner

Have a great one my friend.

[yossie]

Please research about El Origen del Cubano . I guess It's a group of rollers.

[laficion]

Sorry, I made a boo boo, The Trinidad was last night, what I wanted to say was the Cohiba

Gran Reserva for the Gala Dinner. anyway you can tell us about that one too. All the others

too, those too, The one you have in your mouth too, anyone too!!!!!!

TELL US ANYTHING; JUST TELL US

OUFFFF

[greenpimp]

Loving the reports Rob.

Curious lack of pictures this year...

[habanablue]

The odds on this happening are getting longer and longer.

Get the taxi driver to drive past it on the way to the airport!

[terrantheman]

Rob you are definitely getting me thirsty for a fine cuban cigar i.e. 898 baby! I'm thinking El Morro ain't happening for your buddy?

[Colt45]

Thanks for another great report

[Tampa1257]

Since you have stated that you like the guy, I'll ease up on Suckling, as I personally believe that he has the palate of a Billy Goat.

Catching up with people from all over the world sitting on the patio of the Nacional until 6.30am is no small feet! I am sure a few Mojitos and rum were consumed.

[Stalebread]

The Havana Diary is great!

I've truly enjoyed all three days and am looking forward to whatever comes next.

[Guest rob]

Damn you. Damn you big time.

Today I:

Played golf on an Australian Top 5 golf course (and played to handicap).

Drank 18 year highland Single Malt Whisky.

Bought a case of the 2006 Penfolds Bin 389.

Had an 898 varnished from 2007.....

and as much as I'm living the good life here at home - I feel I'm missing out big time.

Keep 'em coming mate.

[Freefallguy]

Good reading and fine times my friend. Carpe diem!

[sinnyc]

I'm very interested in hearing about the Trinidad as well!

- Tim

[Dogwatch Dale]

Since you have stated that you like the guy, I'll ease up on Suckling, as I personally believe that he has the palate of a Billy Goat.

ROFLOL......That'll make my co-host feel good....he thinks he's the only one!

[n2advnture]

Since you have stated that you like the guy, I'll ease up on Suckling, as I personally believe that he has the palate of a Billy Goat...

ROFLMAO!

Are Bob & James related Dale?

[n2advnture]

Rob - No mention of the Trinidad Robusto?