Since I'm bored, I decided to list my top 5 favorite cigars as of today.
1) La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Tabaqueros 652
2) Nub Cameroon 464T
3) 5 Vegas Classic Robusto
4) Fonseca No. 1 (Cuban)
5) Perdomo 10th Anniversary Reserve Maduro Robusto
What are some of yours?
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
F.A.T. 06/24/2011--Double My Pleasure
"Save it for a rainy day"
My early Friday became an excellent Friday. I was able to spend some time on the back patio with a couple of smokes.
The first cigar was a 5 Vegas Classic Robusto. I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I'd like this one. From the start, it was very pleasant. The smoke was very smooth on my palette, and it had a nice even draw for the entire time. I think 5 Vegas just gained a fan.
The second smoke was a La Aurora Series 107 Robusto. This had a very full flavor. This one gave me a nice buzz as I enjoyed a brief thunderstorm. As brief as the storm was, this cigar burned very quickly. Not that I time myself, but I finished this cigar in only 45 minutes. I can't say it was worth the money I spent. I purchased this one from a local cigar store a few months ago, and it's sat in my humidor for this whole time. I don't know if I'd buy this one again, but if you're looking for a full-flavored, short smoke, this is for you.
Still, any time spent smoking cigars is better than any time spent working on a Friday. Have a great weekend everyone.
JZ
My early Friday became an excellent Friday. I was able to spend some time on the back patio with a couple of smokes.
The first cigar was a 5 Vegas Classic Robusto. I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I'd like this one. From the start, it was very pleasant. The smoke was very smooth on my palette, and it had a nice even draw for the entire time. I think 5 Vegas just gained a fan.
The second smoke was a La Aurora Series 107 Robusto. This had a very full flavor. This one gave me a nice buzz as I enjoyed a brief thunderstorm. As brief as the storm was, this cigar burned very quickly. Not that I time myself, but I finished this cigar in only 45 minutes. I can't say it was worth the money I spent. I purchased this one from a local cigar store a few months ago, and it's sat in my humidor for this whole time. I don't know if I'd buy this one again, but if you're looking for a full-flavored, short smoke, this is for you.
Still, any time spent smoking cigars is better than any time spent working on a Friday. Have a great weekend everyone.
JZ
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day Weekend Exploits
Friday: Father's Day Weekend did not start off as planned. As I departed from work at noon on Friday, it was brought to my attention that my son's day care was having a Father's Day celebration. There went my afternoon....well, that was my immediate thought. Instead, I was treated to a root beer float when I got there, plus all the play time I wanted with my son in HIS environment. What a treat.
Still, I needed some time to decompress. When my wife (yes, I said it, "my wife") came home that evening from a long day at work, we both agreed to spend some time together. So there we sat on the back porch, nothing but the light of the citronella candle, discussing the topics of the day and the weekend to come.
I chose to light a Cain Habano Nub. I have heard a lot about this cigar, but until you try it, the descriptions offer no justice. This was a very mild cigar, but the smoke was pleasant. It was relaxing with a nice even draw, and a more even burn. There was almost no aftertaste. This was the perfect conversation piece with a relatively quick smoke.
Saturday: We were invited to Rachel's place for taco night. The weather last night was perfect. It was not too hot, but still the beer was cold. I was able to share 2 cigars throughout the night. Additionally, I enjoyed 2 beers that I really liked. The first one was Weyerbacher Blanche (a Belgian-style Wit beer). Stephanie, if you're reading this, I recommend it. It was light and refreshing as you expect from Wit or Witte beers. The second beer was Snapperhead IPA (by Butternuts Beer and Ale--makers of Pork Slap Pale Ale). By far, this was the best IPA I've had in a can. It had the perfect amount of hoppiness to provide a tart flavor on the palette, but didn't leave a bitter aftertaste. This was one of the most refreshing beers I've ever had, and I became a fan at the first sip (okay it wasn't a sip, but that sounded more elegant).
Back to the smokes....I enjoyed a Nub Cameroon 464 Torpedo. This is one of my favorites, and I look forward to every time I get to enjoy it. It was also my Father's Day gift from my son, so that made it extra special. The second smoke I enjoyed was a Romeo Y Julieta Habana Reserve Belicoso. This box-pressed cigar had a creamy flavor. This was a great ending to a great evening with friends that I don't get to see too often.
Now my Sunday is going to be well-spent on my couch watching Rory live up to his potential.
On a final note: Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. If you're fighting/stationed overseas, please be safe and many thanks from me and my family.
Still, I needed some time to decompress. When my wife (yes, I said it, "my wife") came home that evening from a long day at work, we both agreed to spend some time together. So there we sat on the back porch, nothing but the light of the citronella candle, discussing the topics of the day and the weekend to come.
I chose to light a Cain Habano Nub. I have heard a lot about this cigar, but until you try it, the descriptions offer no justice. This was a very mild cigar, but the smoke was pleasant. It was relaxing with a nice even draw, and a more even burn. There was almost no aftertaste. This was the perfect conversation piece with a relatively quick smoke.
Saturday: We were invited to Rachel's place for taco night. The weather last night was perfect. It was not too hot, but still the beer was cold. I was able to share 2 cigars throughout the night. Additionally, I enjoyed 2 beers that I really liked. The first one was Weyerbacher Blanche (a Belgian-style Wit beer). Stephanie, if you're reading this, I recommend it. It was light and refreshing as you expect from Wit or Witte beers. The second beer was Snapperhead IPA (by Butternuts Beer and Ale--makers of Pork Slap Pale Ale). By far, this was the best IPA I've had in a can. It had the perfect amount of hoppiness to provide a tart flavor on the palette, but didn't leave a bitter aftertaste. This was one of the most refreshing beers I've ever had, and I became a fan at the first sip (okay it wasn't a sip, but that sounded more elegant).
Back to the smokes....I enjoyed a Nub Cameroon 464 Torpedo. This is one of my favorites, and I look forward to every time I get to enjoy it. It was also my Father's Day gift from my son, so that made it extra special. The second smoke I enjoyed was a Romeo Y Julieta Habana Reserve Belicoso. This box-pressed cigar had a creamy flavor. This was a great ending to a great evening with friends that I don't get to see too often.
Now my Sunday is going to be well-spent on my couch watching Rory live up to his potential.
On a final note: Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. If you're fighting/stationed overseas, please be safe and many thanks from me and my family.
Friday, June 10, 2011
F.A.T. 06/10/2011
This Friday's post couldn't come at a more welcome time. After a difficult 36 hours, I couldn't wait to get home and try one of the new cigars I ordered recently. In my mind, there is nothing more relaxing than coming home, putting on my most comfy shorts, fixing an ice cold Mountain Dew, and lighting up a nice Habano-wrapped stogie.
Today's treat is the Oliveros Eight Zero Robusto. I believe this was released to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the Oliveros company. The wrapper on this cigar provides a flavor similar to a Nestle Toll House chocolate chip. It leaves a pleasant after taste, yet still gives a nice smoky/toasty flavor on your palate. Nevertheless, this proves to be the relaxation I desired in an oasis away from the difficulties of my recent work environs. Cheers to a good weekend that lies ahead for everyone.
In case you're interested, the link to the cigar info can be found here. http://oliveroscigars.com/eightzero-page.htm
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Saturday Afternoon Treat
Usually, I'm writing about my F.A.T., but yesterday's smoke was less than desirable. Instead, I'm writing about the make-up today. This afternoon I enjoyed a Perdomo Patriarch maduro-wrapped robusto. The cigar was a gift (part of a package of 4) from my parents for last Christmas.
For a dark wrapping, this cigar was more on the medium-bodied flavors. It was slightly sweet, with a rich smoke that lingered on the palette. I picked up both hints of leather and cocoa. There was an absence of any spicy, peppery flavor, and the aftertaste was very delectable. On a side-note, I enjoyed this cigar with a Barq's Root Beer (nontraditional, but the bittersweet taste complemented the cigar well).
If you're interested, here's the link for Perdomo Patriarch.
For a dark wrapping, this cigar was more on the medium-bodied flavors. It was slightly sweet, with a rich smoke that lingered on the palette. I picked up both hints of leather and cocoa. There was an absence of any spicy, peppery flavor, and the aftertaste was very delectable. On a side-note, I enjoyed this cigar with a Barq's Root Beer (nontraditional, but the bittersweet taste complemented the cigar well).
If you're interested, here's the link for Perdomo Patriarch.
Perdomo Event on 06/24/2011
Hey folks,
I just saw that there will be a Perdomo cigar event on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Heroes and Legacies in the Arboretum (Austin, TX). The event will go from 4:00-8:00 pm.
You may be wondering why I care enough to blog about this.
1) I really enjoy Perdomo cigars (look for my post about Perdomo Patriarch coming later).
2) The reason I enjoy Perdomo cigars is because the folks at Heroes and Legacies suggested them to my parents as a Christmas gift for me.
3) No one reads my blog anyway, so it can't hurt to try and gain readers.
Check out Heroes and Legacies anyway. The guys at the Austin store are top-notch. They run a store lacking in pretense, and can find the right cigar for anyone (novices to experienced connoisseurs) without breaking your budget.
After you visit them, let me know what you think.
Twitter: PorkDaddy14
Facebook: thejaketx
I just saw that there will be a Perdomo cigar event on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Heroes and Legacies in the Arboretum (Austin, TX). The event will go from 4:00-8:00 pm.
You may be wondering why I care enough to blog about this.
1) I really enjoy Perdomo cigars (look for my post about Perdomo Patriarch coming later).
2) The reason I enjoy Perdomo cigars is because the folks at Heroes and Legacies suggested them to my parents as a Christmas gift for me.
3) No one reads my blog anyway, so it can't hurt to try and gain readers.
Check out Heroes and Legacies anyway. The guys at the Austin store are top-notch. They run a store lacking in pretense, and can find the right cigar for anyone (novices to experienced connoisseurs) without breaking your budget.
After you visit them, let me know what you think.
Twitter: PorkDaddy14
Facebook: thejaketx
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day Maduro
In the mood for an afternoon smoke, I searched through my humidor and stumbled across a Paul Garmirian Maduro Robusto. I cannot recall purchasing this particular smoke, but the size was perfect for the amount of time I had allotted myself.
This cigar kicked my ass. It was full of smoke and flavor. I became worried when I had to relight it once, but it returned to the smokiness it started with. Although it claimed to have hints of cocoa, I did not find this flavor. Instead, it repeated hints of mocha and then wood. Accompanied by a glass of sweet tea, this was a great start to my summer. Please see the link below if you're unfamiliar with this brand. PGCigars.com
On a different note: please say thanks to a serviceman or servicewoman today. They're putting their butts on the line so that we can keep ours on the couch.
This cigar kicked my ass. It was full of smoke and flavor. I became worried when I had to relight it once, but it returned to the smokiness it started with. Although it claimed to have hints of cocoa, I did not find this flavor. Instead, it repeated hints of mocha and then wood. Accompanied by a glass of sweet tea, this was a great start to my summer. Please see the link below if you're unfamiliar with this brand. PGCigars.com
On a different note: please say thanks to a serviceman or servicewoman today. They're putting their butts on the line so that we can keep ours on the couch.
Sunset Dinner at Grand Old House
Dinner at the Grand Old House, Grand Cayman on Wednesday 05/25/2011 with Kelly. A nice dinner (dry-aged ribeye for me, local wahoo for Kel), with an Austrian red wine (2008 Heinrich Burgenland Zweigelt) followed by a hand-rolled Cuban cigar and porto.
BBQ Indulgence in Grand Cayman
The smoker at Lone Star Bar and Grill in Grand Cayman (Seven Mile Beach). Kelly, Cara, David and I indulged on some hickory-smoked BBQ before D & C returned home. Good food, great times. 05/23/2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday Surprise
Thanks to my future-in-laws, I had some free time this Sunday. I ventured to Mr. Stogy's in Morrisville, PA. I purchased a Nub Connnecticut and a Nub Maduro. When I got home, I decided to be productive while enjoying the storms that were rolling in. Out of the 2, I opted for the Nub Maduro (4 x 60 Rothschild). Wow, was I in for a treat. I've been into the dark maduro-wrapped cigars lately, and this did not disappoint. The cigar had such a pleasant flavor. I have been a fan of Nub for the last year or so, and I couldn't have been happier today. The oily wrapper was dark and added great flavor to the whole cigar. The cigar burned evenly the whole time, and I never had to re-light it, even after setting it down for a couple of minutes. If you're new to cigars, I definitely recommend starting with Nub. Now I look forward to the Nub Connecticut (hmmmm, maybe tomorrow night).
F.A.T. Edition #4
This week's F.A.T. included a couple of friends. I had a repeat perfomance with the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Reserve Maduro (only this time it was the Torpedo rather than the Robusto). The flavor was very subtle with a lot of leather and cedar taste. I was joined by Andrew and Ed (thanks to Andrew for the cigars). Andrew had a Kristoff, and Ed had a Master by Carlos Torano. Great company and even more laughs.
Friday, May 6, 2011
F.A.T. Edition #3
Today's edition: Perdomo Patriarch Corona Extra
This afternoon's F.A.T. was spent with the Perdomo Patriarch Corona Extra. I was accompanied by my friend Ed (who had his first cigar today--Nub Connecticut 464). This cigar had a nice dark Maduro wrapper, which left a pleasant taste in my mouth. At times, this cigar gave off billows of smoke that the Sioux would have used on the plains. Each puff was delectable, and I must admit, I had a pretty nice buzz going afterwards. Perdomo is 2-for-2 in my books now. I can't wait to try the sun-grown that I have in my humidor.
Have a good weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all mothers.
~JZ
This afternoon's F.A.T. was spent with the Perdomo Patriarch Corona Extra. I was accompanied by my friend Ed (who had his first cigar today--Nub Connecticut 464). This cigar had a nice dark Maduro wrapper, which left a pleasant taste in my mouth. At times, this cigar gave off billows of smoke that the Sioux would have used on the plains. Each puff was delectable, and I must admit, I had a pretty nice buzz going afterwards. Perdomo is 2-for-2 in my books now. I can't wait to try the sun-grown that I have in my humidor.
Have a good weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all mothers.
~JZ
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Lunch: Sakura Express with a House of Cupcake Chaser
Today's indulgence was sushi at Sakura Express in Princeton, NJ.
I ordered a shrimp avocado roll (yes, I know it's safe and cooked).
I also ordered a tuna cucumber roll.
The fish is so fresh every time we go in there. Today, the chef added a helping of sashimi to each of our platters. Needless to say, I enjoyed tuna sashimi along with a piece of escolar and a piece of mackerel. I'm still not an avid fish-eater, but I'm getting there. When the fish is that fresh, it's hard to be picky.
After we left Sakura, we then headed to House of Cupcakes. Just walking in that shop was like a preview of heaven. There were so many choices, yet I was able to make my choices pretty quick. I settled for the Boston Creme cupcake, and then brought home a peanut butter cup cupcake for Kelly and a chocolate Mum Mum cupcake for Pork. I would recommend this store to anyone who will be visiting Princeton.
Good night all.
I ordered a shrimp avocado roll (yes, I know it's safe and cooked).
I also ordered a tuna cucumber roll.
The fish is so fresh every time we go in there. Today, the chef added a helping of sashimi to each of our platters. Needless to say, I enjoyed tuna sashimi along with a piece of escolar and a piece of mackerel. I'm still not an avid fish-eater, but I'm getting there. When the fish is that fresh, it's hard to be picky.
After we left Sakura, we then headed to House of Cupcakes. Just walking in that shop was like a preview of heaven. There were so many choices, yet I was able to make my choices pretty quick. I settled for the Boston Creme cupcake, and then brought home a peanut butter cup cupcake for Kelly and a chocolate Mum Mum cupcake for Pork. I would recommend this store to anyone who will be visiting Princeton.
Good night all.
Monday, May 2, 2011
F.A.T. Edition #2
4/29/2011: Perdomo 10th Anniversary Reserve Maduro Robusto
This cigar was a gift from my parents for Christmas. After 4 months in my humidor, last Friday was the time to give this cigar a test drive. For this F.A.T., I came home to enjoy the beautiful weather on my back porch. Sitting by myself, I had a nice afternoon and enjoyed an incredible smoke. The dark wrapper on this cigar provided just enough spice to keep my palette full of flavor. With the breeze constantly blowing, I was afraid that I'd have to keep re-lighting. It turns out I was wrong; the smoke rolled off the end of the stick with great consistency. I really enjoyed this cigar, and I'm excited to try more of Perdomo's offerings. (I have one more of these, and 2 other Perdomos that I received in the same package).
On a special note: Thanks to the folks at Heroes and Legacies in Austin, TX, for suggesting these to my parents. Excellent choice(s).
4/24/2011--Easter Sunday in Bloomsburg, PA
Nub Cameroon 466 Box-Pressed Torpedo
For Easter, we drove up to Joe and Laura's in Bloomsburg. After an afternoon of gluttony, the men retired to the porch to enjoy the smokes that I brought with me. I had previously purchased this one to smoke at an earlier engagement, but that never happened. I am glad that I saved it for this day. This cigar was perfect for my full belly. It was medium-bodied and very easy to smoke. I never had to re-light it. Although the Nub is a short cigar, it was lengthy in smoke. Most everyone else was smoking churchills, and we all finished our smokes around the same time. I have been a fan of Nub for the last year or so, and this one just confirmed my loyalty. I would strongly recommend this to anyone, novice or experienced.
For Easter, we drove up to Joe and Laura's in Bloomsburg. After an afternoon of gluttony, the men retired to the porch to enjoy the smokes that I brought with me. I had previously purchased this one to smoke at an earlier engagement, but that never happened. I am glad that I saved it for this day. This cigar was perfect for my full belly. It was medium-bodied and very easy to smoke. I never had to re-light it. Although the Nub is a short cigar, it was lengthy in smoke. Most everyone else was smoking churchills, and we all finished our smokes around the same time. I have been a fan of Nub for the last year or so, and this one just confirmed my loyalty. I would strongly recommend this to anyone, novice or experienced.
F.A.T. Edition #1
Apr. 22, 2011: Casa Fernandez Aganorsa Leaf Box-Pressed Toro
After a hard day at work, stressed beyond my max, I headed to Tobacco Leaf (Lawrenceville, NJ) for my F.A.T. (Friday Afternoon Tradition) of kicking back with a nice cigar to start my weekend. The owner of the store, Jolly, suggested this as a medium-bodied cigar. I enjoyed this cigar from the beginning. It was full of flavor, but nothing too overpowering. It had a pretty even draw, and it was y first venture with a box-pressed cigar. I would definitely try one of these again.
After a hard day at work, stressed beyond my max, I headed to Tobacco Leaf (Lawrenceville, NJ) for my F.A.T. (Friday Afternoon Tradition) of kicking back with a nice cigar to start my weekend. The owner of the store, Jolly, suggested this as a medium-bodied cigar. I enjoyed this cigar from the beginning. It was full of flavor, but nothing too overpowering. It had a pretty even draw, and it was y first venture with a box-pressed cigar. I would definitely try one of these again.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Scotch Times
Today my Scotch cherry was broken. While enjoying my Friday afternoon smoke, the owner of the smoke shop busted out a bottle of Laphroig 10-year old single malt. For my first real experience with Scotch, I must say that this was a very delectable spirit. This whiskey went down smooth and left a sweeter aftertaste. The honey flavor complemented the cigar that I was enjoying, and overall I had great company to induct me into the Scotch brotherhood. If you're trying to decide between Scotch and Bourbon, I would recommend this one to settle the inner argument. Salud my friends---enjoy your weekend.
Mi Amor
Today, spent my happy hour with La Aroma de Cuba's new line....Mi Amor. For a "medium-bodied" cigar, it hit me with a flagrant punch. For the hour-and-a-half that I was at the store, it was full of flavor the whole time. The flavor was subtle, not much spice, but left me with leathery tones and a smooth aftertaste. I will be enjoying this brand for quite a while. It was the perfect end to a lousy day.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl Beer #1
Tonight I am trying Southern Tier's unearthly Imperial IPA. It has a fruity aroma, but at first-taste, the hopiness takes over. It is powerful and leaves a subtle taste of honey on the palate.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Cigar Time with Kelly
It was a nice afternoon spent with Kelly. We went to Tobacco Leaf on Rt. 1 in Lawrenceville (I recommend for all of your tobacco needs).
Kelly smoked her first cigar. She had the Acid Gold Earthliness cigar. For a starter, it seemed to be full of flavor with every puff preceded by the sweetness of the wrapper.
I had a C.A.O. MX2 Toro. The cigar had a nice medium to full flavor, but a very difficult draw. The dark Connecticut wrapper was glossy and veiny, but fell apart as I smoked it. Also, the cigar had to be relit a couple of times. If I were to try this cigar again, I would probably pick the robusto.
Overall, the cigar lounge at this place was very pleasant and I will definitely visit again. I'm looking to make this my Friday Afternoon Tradition (aka F.A.T.).
Kelly smoked her first cigar. She had the Acid Gold Earthliness cigar. For a starter, it seemed to be full of flavor with every puff preceded by the sweetness of the wrapper.
I had a C.A.O. MX2 Toro. The cigar had a nice medium to full flavor, but a very difficult draw. The dark Connecticut wrapper was glossy and veiny, but fell apart as I smoked it. Also, the cigar had to be relit a couple of times. If I were to try this cigar again, I would probably pick the robusto.
Overall, the cigar lounge at this place was very pleasant and I will definitely visit again. I'm looking to make this my Friday Afternoon Tradition (aka F.A.T.).
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