The Haul!

Ok everyone, sorry for the long absence, have had class all week and it's hard to balance schoolwork with my leisure time.  I just recently ordered a Tatuaje 5-pack from Cigarmonster, which is always surprising me with great deals, and often free shipping!  I ordered it in the afternoon on Wednesday the 6th, and it arrived in the morning on Thursday the 7th.  Not too shabby for free shipping!! It may be because I live in PA, but that was faster than any other order I have ever received.  Great looking cigars for 19.95 and free shipping.  Check out the monster and score as well!!

Here's the Haul:

Ok guys, I've got a review coming within the next couple of days, so keep checking back!

-Dave

Happy July 4th weekend!

Have a good one everybody!  Enjoy, be safe, and most importantly, light up a fine cigar!!

Review From the Bench: Ashton Classic Pantela

Hey everyone!

Yesterday afternoon I enjoyed an Ashton Classic Pantela.  First of all, this is not what I usually smoke.  You usually see me reaching for the darker, fatter, and generally bigger smokes.  I was in Albany at school maybe about a year ago, and I wanted something different.  I asked the guy working there, and he suggested this cigar.  It's got a small ring gauge, is lighter colored, and would be a nice change of pace for me.  So I picked it up, and haven't thought twice about it until yesterday.

This cigar measures in at 6" with a 36 ring gauge.  It was just over 9 bucks at the shop in NY, but I've definitely seen it cheaper in other places.  It was a beautiful hot day outside, so I wanted something on the mild side, so I wouldn't get overheated.  I grabbed my Nook, and went for it.

This cigar had a beautiful light brown wrapper with almost no imperfections.  It looked great, and had great construction.  It was wrapped in cello, unlike most of my cigars.  So I just decided that all my smokes that come in cellophane, shall stay in cellophane.  This cigar isn't too old, but it's got a lot of miles on it and it's in great shape.  I can't say the same for some of my other un-protected sticks.

The cut was near perfect, and I get prelight notes of sweet cedar and hay.  Extremely easy to light, and I had this baby smoking in no time.

My first tastes of this cigar was pleasantly surprising.  It had a nice spice that lingered on the sides of my tongue, and a creamy mouth feel.  The ash was a great looking medium to light grey, and had a very fragile appearance to it.  The aftertaste that was left in my mouth was smokey, which surprisingly I don't find cigars have too often.  Almost like a barbecue grill smoke.

After that I didn't pay much attention to flavors...Just enjoyed the weather and the smoke.  I definitely enjoyed this cigar, as I smoked it down way farther than I usually do.

The sky was incredible too, I thought I'd take a picture.  Now tell me that cloud doesn't look like a dog's head...

Alright everyone, well I hope you enjoyed!  Sorry about all of the pictures, I just feel as if I'm better at taking pictures than taking notes about the cigar's flavor and profile.  My pallet is still developing and I know my taste may be off, but I still enjoy writing these reviews for myself.



See ya!

-Dave

Ahh I get to read once more!!

I know this sounds really dumb, but since I broke my Nook at school a few months ago, I haven't picked up a book!!  I didn't have it for more than a month before it got smashed by my fist in rage because of...something I can't even remember.  Didn't mean to hit it, was on my bed when my fist came down right on top of it!  Ok well I just got it back, and am absolutely thrilled.  I do enjoy having a cigar, but sometimes an hour and a half of just sitting around and smoking a great stick gets kind of long-winded.  My Nook definitely helps the time pass, and gives me something to keep me occupied.  I guess I'm one of those smoke while doing something kind of guys.

Please excuse the messy bedroom!

Currently I'm reading the last book in Suzanne Collins' "Hunger Games" series, which is fantastic so far.  It's a young adult book, which makes perfect sense for me because I fall into that category.  I'm about half way through, and should be done in a few days.  Any suggestions for other books I should read?  I like all kinds of books...fantasy, history, classics, modern, whatever!  So if you guys have a favorite book, just comment and let me know the title and author, and I'll acquire it and read it.  Thanks again for those couple who read my blog...it sure makes the writing worth it!

See ya around everyone, and expect a cigar review in the next day or two.

-Dave

Visiting my buddy in Philly

Oh hey! (all two of you who actually read what I write) I took the train to meet my buddy, who I've known since diapers, whO lives in Philly. I havent seen him in quite a while, since he moved quite a long time ago and only goes to school in Philadelphia. the train ride was nice, only about 25 mins and $10.75 for a round trip ticket. Not too bad! Well I get there...he has a few people over who are pleasant enough, then we go on the subway to get some cheesesteaks. These were not pats or gino's. This was lean beef, and was a bit dry. Great flavor tough! Definitely enjoyed the less soggy bread and the lean flavor of the meat. Ok well after that we take the subway back and stop at the beer store for some goodies. I grab 2 24oz. Pbr's...yeah I know :-( but they were 2.99 each!!! WTF!!! Also got some mikes hard lemonade (6 Pack) and some other drink...the total $26!!! Holy cow :-(. Well we get back and he has his girl over, so we play a drinking game...not sure what it was...similar to apples to apples but a bit more explicit. Well yada yada yada, I'm on his couch writing this little blurb. Who the hell would want to read this? I'm just blabbering about my day! Ok well I'll hopefully stop the bleeding in your ears (or eyes)and let you get back to more important things. Gonna venture through my buddies room to get to the bathroom (he's got a girl over) wish me luck!!!

Warm regards, and long ashes!!

-Dave

Review From the Bench: AF Flor Fina 858

Hey everyone, so it's definitely been a while!!

Starting to get back into cigars, because I have a little more time on my hands with school being out.  I'm a bit rusty, so cut me some slack!

Ok so I'm pretty positive that I've had this cigar before...just have never reviewed it.  It's been sitting in my humidor for quite a while, and I thought I'd burn it up.

Ok so this cigar is a medium to dark brown, with some prominent veins running through.  Nothing to worry about, but the veins are definitely visible.  The stick smelled of sweet tobacco, and a bit of hay.  With a perfectly clean cut, I'm ready to go!

This cigar had a surprisingly tight draw, which is definitely a change from the last few cigar's I've smoked.  Even though it was a tight draw, it lit up evenly and quickly, and produced nice amounts of smoke.

The first flavor I get from this cigar is a sweet earthiness.  There is definitely some pepper on the front end of the tongue, but virtually none through the retrohale which was strange.

A nice firm ash sits sturdily at the end of this cigar, and is very light grey in color.  I rolled it off in my ashtray after about an inch or so just to make sure it didn't fall into the pool!  (family wouldn't really appreciate that so much)

This cigar stays pretty consistent throughout with only minor changes.  Also, there is a bit of a sweetness left on my lips from the tobacco.

I let the cigar go out with a bit left, because it began to burn a little harsh, and there's no point in ruining my experience and suffering through it!

What a nice afternoon by the pool today!!

Thanks for reading guys!

-Dave

Review: Nica Libre 1990 Box Press

Hey all,

Just had this cigar the other night, and despite it's shoddy condition, it was a delicious early evening treat!

I've had this cigar for quite a while now, and it's a little beat up so I thought I'd smoke it before it's condition worsened.  I did review a different Nica Libre a while ago, but not in this size.  This stick's wrapper was a medium brown, and not terribly uniform in color.  It had some dark patches here and there, but were not unpleasant to look at.

This cigar lights up nicely, and has a very loose draw.  Plenty of billowing clouds of smoke which looked incredible on this still evening.

Even though I keep all my cigars at 70% RH, this one seemed a bit dry and crackly for some reason.  The first few puffs, I get an amazing flavor.  Strong earthy notes with a hint of cedar.  There is also a nice spice through the retrohale, but none whatsoever lingering on the tongue.

Not much of a flavorful finish, but towards the end of the cigar, it takes on an almost creamy finish which adds a bit of complexity to this 1-dimensional smoke.

Overall this cigar was not terribly complex, but the flavor that it did possess was exceptional.  Very nice smoke that I would definitely be keeping my eyes out for in the future.  I'm not sure about price-point because it was given to me, but I'd have to guess around 6-7 dollars a stick.

As you saw by the end...I still had a bit of a ways to go, but due to the condition of the cigar, it was literally falling apart in my hands.  Delicious flavor, and hopefully the next one will be a bit easier to manage!!

Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone enjoyed!

Happy Father's Day!

In memory of my father, and for all of the fathers out there,  have a great Father's Day!!

Ohhh Evan Williams

Well today (yesterday) I went to the gym, and after the gym my buddy and I wen tto the liquor store to buy some drinks for tonight...yeah so we both have ID's that may or may not be real, but they accepted his right before me, and then the guy gave ME a hard time...(swiped my ID (which is swipable in most establishemnts) and proclaimed that it was fake)  Ok well so I couldn't drink gin tonight...so I ended up with Evan Williams whiskey...oh god.  Well I spend 45 mins in the bathroom with my buddy who drank way too much...and me?  Well I played world of warcraft while watching him with a bucket and a glass of water by his side....what a night!  Ok well sorry for the random ramblings, but I thought this was interesting! Might have a stick tomorrow weather depending (probably will have one).  Gotta get back into them!!, I really miss smoking cigars in the nice weather, but with this boring summer of just taking some classes, I have TOO much time.  I'd much rather smoke a cigar either taking to someone or fishing than sitting and doing nothing but talk to my dog in the backyard. Even though my dog is awesome.  Ok well I sound like a fucking idiot right now so I'm gonna go to bed.  Thanks for reading all, and I hope everyone still accepts me =(

-Dave

ok another note...I listened to the mumford and songs while in my intoxicated state...fucking amazing.  And I just saw a chinese Add on my page...WTF!?!?  Sorry about the adds, I just want to see what the heck this addnsence thing is allabout.  okwell goodnight!

Incredible Mumford and Sons song!

Hey everyone, usually I don't post stuff other than cigars, and apologies for long absences, but every time I listen to this song something just comes over me.  So incredible!  I really wish that it was available for purchase...but I have found a way don't worry!

And expect another review within the next couple of days.  It's been a bit rainy here in eastern PA, but hopefully it'll clear up so I can sit out and enjoy a smoke.  Soon (hopefully) my nook will be back from getting fixed so I can have something to do while I'm enjoying the outdoors.

Have a good one everybody!

Tatuaje Vercou West Side

Alright everyone, so a couple of nights ago the weather was absolutely incredible.  Not too hot, not too cold, and to top it all off, there was an incredible full moon to look at.

This cigar was gifted to me a couple of years ago through a bomb, and I've been saving it for a perfect night like this.  This stick is a nice medium brown with small but visible veins in the wrapper.  Beautiful construction and presentation.

After I clip it with my awesome Palio cutter, the pre-light draw had perfect resistance, and tasted of sweet cedar.

The cigar lit up quite nicely, and had a nice burn line right from the start.  I absolutely hate when I have to keep touching up cigars...just takes away from the overall experience.  Plenty of thick clouds of smoke.

Flavors were nice and earthy with a subtle pepper on the tongue and through the retrohale.  Flavors stayed pretty consistent throughout, with the only changes coming toward the end of the smoke.

The ash was a quite solid light grey ash, and it held for about an inch at a time.

Towards the end of the stick, it mellowed out a bit, and had a nice woody flavor on the finish, and the pepper sat on the back and sides of my tongue.

And believe it or not, this is the BEST shot I could get of the moon...have no idea how to take pictures of the sky at night...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Overall this was a great cigar!  Not sure when I'm going to get the opportunity to have another, as no place near me sells them that often, but if I see one, I'll be sure to pick it up.

Thanks for reading!

-Dave

Sorry about the absence!

Hey guys, I know that I've been away for quite a while and want to apologize. I've been really busy with finishing up with this year at school, and it was quite a tough finals week!  Cigars have also been pushed to the back of my mind, but with the summer rolling in, I thought I would get the ball rolling again on my smokes and reviews, and give the few of you who might enjoy my blog something to read.  Thanks again, and you'll hear from me soon with another review!

-Dave