cashews39

1. BRC 2. Siglo IV 3. PSD4 4. Monte #5 5. Lusi

Thanks! I've been thinking about giving those a try for a while now.

Any suggestions for someone who's only tried (and loved) HUPC? I have about 1/2 a box left, but that's sadly it. What else should I try? I did buy a 10er of Mag 50's last week from 24:24, just to give something new a try, but really haven't had anything from Upmann.

I was very happy to see the weekend contest, as it seems like it's been forever since I've smoked anything from hoyo. Epi #2's are definitely one of the cigars that got me into cubans in the first place and it's been at least a year since I've dipped into anything in my modest collection. My smoke was to be enjoyed while straightening my garage and with the intermittent company of my six year old son who has his mother's gift of gab. While on other days that might be less than ideal, today it was perfect. The cigar: Perfect draw with the resistance that I've only found with a cuban cigar. The initial puffs revealed coffee with cream and a touch of sweetness, almost a graham cracker taste at times, but not quite as sweet. The cigar is quite smooth, yet the flavors are bolder than a remember. Excellent start. 15 minutes in and the body has come down - much more in line with what I remembered. All cream and light bakers spices. Perhaps nutmeg specifically, but a little hard for me to pinpoint because the flavors are melding together. Even with the garage doors open there's little air movement and I can actually smell the cigar that I'm smoking, which is something that rarely happens for me. The aroma is fantastic. Fairly consistent for the next ~30 minutes, though I get an occasional puff that highlights a sweet cream. It's a welcome touch. I do with that the flavors were more squarely in the medium range as during the start, but it's still quite enjoyable, particularly while I'm busying away in the garage. The wrapper is burning a little unevenly at times, but nothing that causes any worry. During the final third I find myself smoking a bit more rapidly and whether this fact or something about the blend has changed, I notice that flavor is coming more alive. Tastes are more focused, though still inline with those I noticed earlier. All in all a very enjoyable smoke that I'll revisit again soon.

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for.

There's something I've always wondered regarding cigar nomenclature: As an example, I'll use Cohiba Siglo IV, which is a Corona Gorda. My understanding is that Cohiba is the marca and (I think) that Corona Gorda is the vitola. Do I have that correct? If that is correct, then what is the appropriate term for Siglo IV?

Siglo IV, although I don't have a huge amount. Probably ~2.5 boxes.

It might seem obvious, but make sure you practice in front of someone or a group of people - don't just rehearse it in your head. Standing up in front of someone to practice might feel awkward, but it goes a long way. In terms of content, try to open with a short personal story. Also - time yourself when you practice.

Does everyone consider recent vintage Hoyo Epi 2 to be mild/med? I find 2015/2016 to be much more flavorful than a few years back. I wouldn't call them full bodied, but solid medium. All relative to taste of course, just wondering if others have seen the shift that I have with one of my recent favorites.

Started keeping my humidor at ~60% RH per this thread and about 1000 others - what a huge difference! I'll never go back...

I generally have a box or two of nice cubans that are relatively inexpensive (PSD4, Epi 2) that I'll hand out. Sometimes even bringing a whole box to a tailgate to see many smoked halfway or worse. Doesn't really bother me since I go in with eyes wide open. With closer friends I'll break out some higher end stuff, knowing that they'll at least pretend to enjoy it as a courtesy. All that said my stock is mostly 3yrs old or younger since I just started on cc's recently. I could definitely see my attitude change as we dip into aged stock, though I hope to stay positive about potentially wasted sticks.

Does it work for nc's too?

I'll take a loose draw over a firm one any day. With loose I can slow down and enjoy it, with a draw that's too firm I find the best remedy is to toss it.

Wow..very interesting and logical perspectives. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure. I suppose it's whatever the rh is in my house - it's just an empty cigar box that I keep out. The box is really there just for physical protection more than anything else now that I think about it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk