FOH'ers Daily Smoke

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Holiday weekend line-up!

Cohiba Corona Especiales REG Sep 19

Vegas Robaina Famosos BSM Dic 19

H Upmann Magnum 54 BRE Nov 19

Punch Short de Punch RAT Ene 20

QdO Coronas Claro TUA Ago 20

[JohnS]

Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas LGR Oct 2019

Rudyard Kipling, in his 1890 poem 'The Betrothed' wrote "There’s peace in a Larranaga, there’s calm in a Henry Clay; But the best cigar in an hour is finished and thrown away—" I think if Kipling were to write this poem for his fiancé today to explain his passion for cigars he might write, "There's caramel in a Larranaga, don't worry too much about Henry Clay, nor throwing them away in an hour. After all, they smoke so fine and so well!"

Caramel is the one characteristic that defines Por Larranaga and this attribute has been noted in cigar literature for a good twenty to thirty years in my research. The Por Larranaga Petit Coronas is noted amongst enthusiasts for needing five to eight years of aging before it starts to peak in its quintessential soft, caramel flavours. What I like about this late 2019 box is that they've had wonderful lashings of caramel at such a young age; yes, just 12 months!

This cigar had caramel, baking spice and herbal flavours throughout. I'd describe those herbal flavours as not been quite 'woody', nor was this PLPC 'toasty'. To me, it smoked like a PLPC may smoke at the three or four-year mark and the lack of 'bite' or 'mongrel' only makes this box currently appeal even more for my liking!

At one time Por Larranaga was the sixth highest-selling brand in the Habanos catalog (around the period when the Cuban government nationalised Habanos cigar production in 1960) and it certainly has fallen from its peak days due to machine-made cigars and cellophane packaging been phased out 20 to 30 years ago, along with trademark disputes; but I'm glad we have cigars like this around today!

Punch Short de Punch TPO Sep 2019

The Punch Short de Punch has only been around since 2019 but it's made quite a mark since been released. I think the reason is because of how true its been to the Punch marca and how well its smoked thus far.

Punch as a marca is noted as a brand that's certainly not for everyone. Polls on FoH consistently mark it as a cigar that enthusiasts either love and adore or don't connect with at all. Punch also takes time for its signature flavours to come to fore. For example, I have a cab of Punch Punch still resting in its fourth year; the Punch Short de Punch has demonstrated these indicative flavours from the 'get-go' seemingly.

The flavours I got from this cigar, and the greater majority of this 10-count box, were leather, sour cream, a clove spice which picked up in the last third as well as some cedar, which also picked up in the last third. Of course there's also the Cuban twang which Punch is known for, which can be best described a sour citrus tart unique to Habanos cigars.

Punch is a brand that was founded in 1840 and was named after the Punch puppet character from 'Punch and Judy'. At the time of the Cuban revolution it was the fifth largest Cuban brand behind Montecristo, Partagas, Romeo y Julieta and H.Upmann. Due to the blue mold crisis of 1980 and the rationalisation of sizes when Habanos S.A went into partnership with Altidis in the early 2000s, forty-four vitolas have been discontinued in the meantime. However, it still holds brand value as Habanos S.A has designated it as a Value marca alongside Bolivar, Ramon Allones and Trinidad when they re-classified Habanos brands in 2019. If they continue to release vitolas such as the Punch Short de Punch I can only see the brand continue to grow in profile in the near future.

Quai d'Orsay No. 54 MSU Jul 2018

The resurgence of Quai d'Orsay as a marca in worldwide Habanos markets since its re-branding in 2017 is something quite remarkable to reflect on. In my mind, it's akin to the Filet-O-Fish usurping the Cheeseburger as the second most popular hamburger for McDonald's behind the Big Mac worldwide. I mean, it's just not possible, is it? So what has caused Quai d'Orsay to become so popular in the last few years? I would advocate that the reasons why have to do with excellent marketing emphasing new releases that are a class above standard regular production Habanos cigars, new bands and excellent leaf going into those new releases; namely, the Quai d'Orsay No.50 and No.54.

Despite recent larger price rises for Quai d'Orsay of 8% they are still very much in-demand. In fact, they've been colloquially termed the 'poor man's Cohiba' by enthusiasts and judging by how well the QdO No.50 and No.54 have smoked of late I can understand why. The Quai d'Orsay No.54 has been the more popular of the two new releases than the No.50, both on our forum and worldwide. Personally, I've connected more with the QdO No.50 than the No.54 in the last two years, but my last few QdO No.54s in 2020 have shown a large improvement for me in quality.

Quai d'Orsay is the only marca founded outside of Cuba and by request. The story goes that French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing wanted a uniquely French luxury cigar product to compliment other synonymous French luxury items such as French champagne, perfume and foie gras so he asked the French tobacco monopoly, SEITA to come up with the product. Tobacco Executive Gilbert Belaubre, rarely credited in these Quai d'Orsay origin anecdotes, was really the man responsible for the brand being light and Habanos as he was adamant that a French luxury cigar could not be machine-made and utilise Sumatra and Cameroon leaves (as one of the other project teams planned to do). Belaubre worked with Cubatabaco to come up with the brand in 1974. At first the brand consisted of light-wrappered cigars; in fact the Quai d'Orsay Coronas Claro had two versions as the lightest-wrappered product was called 'Claro Claro' and was marked 'Clarismo' on its box. This lightest-wrappered product was discontinued in the early 1980s as the extra expense didn't translate into an extraordinary cigar-smoking experience in comparison to the other cigars in the marca such as the Coronas Claro, Gran Corona, Imperiales and Panatelas.

For many years the marca utilised light wrappers in keeping with its light and mild strength and herbal, shortbread and citrus flavour profile. Quai d'Orsay became the second largest Habanos marca behind Montecristo in France but it didn't really dominate other non-French speaking markets. Fast forward a number of years, and with the brand down to one cigar in regular production; the QdO Coronas Claro, a change in using light wrappers and an upgrading of blend has meant that the Quai d'Orsay would have to be the hottest marca outside the current Global (Cohiba, H.Upmann, Hoyo de Monterrey, Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo y Julieta) and Value brands (Bolivar, Punch, Ramon Allones and Trinidad) in the world today.

This Quai d'Orsay No.54 had quality hay, light cedar, cream and spice together with a brioche texture which made it smoke superbly. As I progressed through the thirds I got more cedar/woodiness and spice but the brioche egg-and-butter texture to the cigar remained and solidified for me why this cigar is currently so popular amongst enthusiasts and is selling so well.

I have no doubt that the Quai d'Orsay No.50 and No.54 will continue to sell well in the near future. The re-branding has been so successful that Habanos S.A released a Hermosos No.2-sized Limited Edition Senadores in 2019 and Intertabak AG, the Swiss distributor of Habanos, is planning to release a Regional Edition Nro. 109 cigar to commemorate its 25th anniversary soon. Could it be possible that a similar resurgence could happen to Fonseca? It's not likely but with Habanos S.A I would reckon anything is possible!

Bolívar Petit Coronas ETP Mar 2017

This is my fourth Bolivar Petit Coronas from this box and it smoked similarly to my second one.

This BPC was similar to recent BBF in its profile, especially in its maltiness and stout flavours. Along the way it had that cocoa, wood and leather alongside a touch of earthiness (something like gravel, although this wasn't unappealing) and a little creamy texture to it.

This Bolivar Petit Coronas was so good that I again I became pre-occupied with researching the internet this afternoon and didn't notice the end of the cigar coming up well into the final third! I smoked it down nonetheless and reconciled myself to pay more attention to the next Bolivar Petit Coronas I smoke, which no doubt will be sooner rather than later!

[HDGSN]

Some from the Christmas vacation last week. The stand outs were the Punch 898 and the Dip 2.

El Principes - AME SEP 13

Monte 4 - LEP OCT 16

Reynaldo Robusto

Punch 898 - TUA DIC 19

Dip 2 

Alex Puntilla

QdO No 50 - MSU SEP 18

 

 

[TheFullMontecristo]

Media Siglo

[Mr.T]

A great MPE by the fire while the kids were sledding

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[Bijan]

Monte 4.

Just above freezing.

[JZBdano]

UTL SEP 19 JL2 

Top notch construction.  Bold and beautiful.  

@ChangBang

[Burningman]

3 hours ago, Bijan said:

Monte 4.

Just above freezing.

Now that's dedication!

Hat's off to you Sir

[Cigarsmoker81]

Is there anything better than a good breakfast  followed up by an amazing cigar with a beautiful sunrise view ? 
 

 

[NicPac]

[ChangBang]

2 hours ago, JZBdano said:

UTL SEP 19 JL2 

Top notch construction.  Bold and beautiful.  

@ChangBang

Only have had 2 from that box, but they're smoking real good!  How's a fresh one vs an aged one?  I'll prob smoke a plpc that you traded me sunday after work!

[JZBdano]

1 hour ago, ChangBang said:

Only have had 2 from that box, but they're smoking real good!  How's a fresh one vs an aged one?  I'll prob smoke a plpc that you traded me sunday after work!

It's been a while since I've smoked one of the 2015s.  I'll smoke one soon, but the last couple I didnt think changed much in the few years I've had them.  .  This one was very enjoyable, bold and bright flavors with a lot of Cuban twang.  This was the first '19 cigar I've smoked and the ones you sent are the only '19/20 sticks in my humi.  I've got a some packages in route and I'm excited because quality seems to be at an all time high right now.

I hope you enjoy the PLPCs as much as I have.

[X-Man]

Trying The Great Wall this afternoon, gift from a friend.plum sweetness, also taste kind of milky. The ashes are flakey. Not a bad cigar, but not great either.

[Dusk]

[potvin]

[Raskol]

C&C time. PLMC (2016) - 24:24

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[GVan]

Last night's excellent smoke!  SPNP (EOS MAR-19)

[Chucko8]

A little something from our host

[Rhinoww]

It’s the end of the year so time for a bit of quiet contemplation with my morning coffee. Much to be thankful for this year even with the obvious damage of the pandemic. As I was flipping through this thread as I do every few days I also have to say that I appreciate everyone’s contributions here.
 

It’s very interesting/helpful to see what folks are smoking and their impressions. I will admit that while I try not to follow trends too quickly, the proof of what people are smoking is more telling that what we are buying. At this point most of us have more cigars than time to smoke them so seeing the repeat cigars over time has been a helpful guidepost for me, for which I am thankful. 
 

A special note of gratitude is due to @JohnS  I am sure that I am not alone in particularly enjoying your write ups with an artful weaving of review and history. Much can be said in praise, but I will simply say thank you. We all know write ups and your research take time. Thanks for the effort. 
 

I hope that everyone here has a happy and healthy new year. 

[FatherOfPugs]

Gorgeous day. Plenty of time to smoke one of these gorgeous Hoyo DCs.

[CampDelta369]

My first SLR and ROTT at that. Cheers

[lovethehaze]

My first SLR and ROTT at that. Cheers

How do u like it ? I enjoy all Slr’s in general. But that’s me


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[CampDelta369]

7 minutes ago, lovethehaze said:

How do u like it ? I enjoy all Slr’s in general. But that’s me


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I really like the size of this vitola. I enjoyed the second third of this very much. I will rest them for a few months and revisit. The aroma of these were too much to ignore on arrival. I even got some grass and tea notes off the wrapper. ? 

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4 ABO Ago 2018

The Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No.4s from this box are like a gift that 'keeps on giving'! I've gone through one-quarter of this box and they keep on getting better!

For a cigar approaching two-and-a-half years of age, this was beautifully mild to mild-medium and flavoursome. The cocoa, coconut and cream was evident from the beginning and was well-complimented by noted Romeo y Julieta cherry evident towards the middle of the first third. There wasn't much complexity or development through the thirds on offer here, but there didn't need to be as this RyJ Exhibicion No.4 was great as it was.

Why, oh why is this cigar 'under-the-radar', so-to-speak? Perhaps it's because Romeo y Julieta is not everyone's 'cup-of-tea'; it regularly tops polls on our forum which cite inconsistency. If you can tolerate Romeo y Julieta as a marca, then you owe it to yourself to sample this cigar, especially when it smokes as superbly as this did today.

La Flor de Cano Grandiosos 2013 - Edición Regional Asia Pacifico ROL Oct 2013

The La Flor de Cano Grandiosos is a 2013 Asia Pacifico Regional Edition that has started to open up past the five year mark. This ROL Oct 2013 release is just over 7 years of age, and it continues to develop wonderfully in its floral, citrus, almond nut and light cocoa 'on the edges' blend. I also got some nice complexity through the thirds, with butter cake and cream in the first third, the core floral, citrus, almond nut and light cocoa blend in the middle and a pick-up of spice in the final third.

The strength of the cigar surprised me a little though and I expect them milder at this stage of their development. Oh well, it no doubt means that this box has 'legs' for many a year to come!

Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales RAT Ene 2020

The Romeo y Julieta Petit Royales may have been released in late 2017 but it's certainly left an impression on Romeo y Julieta fans since its come out. A diminutive 47 ring gauge x 95 mm (or 3¾ inches) in length Caprichos, it's been likened to the H.Upmann Half Corona and Montecristo Media Corona for its size, but it deserves its accolades for its faithfulness to the Romeo y Julieta marca.

If we include the 2014 Partagas Serie D No.6 (50 rg x 90 mm) alongside the 2011 H.Upmann Half Corona and 2015 Montecristo Media Corona (both 44 rg x 90 mm) there aren't too many cigars of this size in regular production; nor have there been in the past post-revolution as both the Bolivar Petit Bolivar (42 rg x 95 mm) and Partagas Half a Corona (42 rg x 90 mm) were discontinued in the 1970s.

It doesn't seem that long ago that the Romeo y Julieta Princess; a 40 rg x 102 mm (or 4 inches) in length perla was deleted in 2012 and replaced that same year with the Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchill; a 50 rg x 102 mm petit robusto which has its loyal fans yet I would argue that the RyJ Petit Royales currently has much more sales.

The reason for the demand is simple...quality flavour in a 30 to 35 minute smoke. This small cigar provides a long creamy finish on the palate together with distinctive RyJ flavours such as chocolate or cocoa, cherry fruit and spice whilst never seemingly rising above medium strength.

If you are inclined to enjoy Romeo y Julieta as a marca; if you aren't likely to find them been just toasted tobacco sticks, then do yourself a favour and try this cigar and see for yourself what the fuss is all about!

Partagás Maduro No. 1 TUE May 2020

The Partagas Maduro No.1 (a 52rg x 130 mm or 5⅛ inches in length Discretos) was first released in 2015 as a LCDH and Habanos Specialist release but its popularity spiked markedly when it was re-designated as a regular production cigar in early 2020 when it was joined in its own line by the Partagas Maduro No.2 (a 55 rg x 120 mm or 4¾ inches in length Short Piramides) and Partagas Maduro No.3 (a 50 rg x 145 mm or 5¾ inches in length Maduro No.3). All three Linea Maduro cigars have contrasted significantly from the Cohiba Maduro 5 series because they've been more approachable to smoke with much less time down.

The maduro wrappers used in the Partagas Linea Maduro series refers to a process whereby wrapper leaves undergo an extra fermentation. The result does add an element of cocoa or chocolate to these cigars but they don't overwhelm the blend; rather they compliment the quality sourdough I invariably find in these cigars. This was very easy to retrohale, it had some nice notes of light mocha coffee, nutmeg, cedar and hay as well as some spice, but only a little.

Overall, I've tended to find this TUE May 2020 box of Partagas Maduro No.1 mild and easy to smoke. I liken them to a Partagas Serie E No.2 with a maduro wrapper imparting a quality cocoa flavour to a sourdough, mocha coffee and leather core blend. In my mind, it's quite easy to understand why these have been so popular in 2020.

[Kongelunden]

These VR famosos have become quite a favorite of mine. Amazing smoke, especially considering their young age. Enjoyed yet another great one from a recent box (BSM ABR 20), with rich taste of tobacco, cocoa and mocha. I will simply have to find another good box of these in 2021 ?