Cigar /Pipe Smoking thread

Regulator · Apr 10, 2024

Not the first one I’ve had, but a worthy addition to the Blackened family. Nice, easy draw, coffee vibes.

malinoisvol · Apr 10, 2024

Regulator said:
Not the first one I’ve had, but a worthy addition to the Blackened family. Nice, easy draw, coffee vibes.
View attachment 633496

How does it compare to the Blackened M81?

Regulator · Apr 10, 2024

malinoisvol said:
How does it compare to the Blackened M81?

Very similar, but a little bit milder. I’ve read up on the build, and I don’t remember it verbatim, but the build is very similar to the M81.

malinoisvol · Apr 10, 2024

Regulator said:
Very similar, but a little bit milder. I’ve read up on the build, and I don’t remember it verbatim, but the build is very similar to the M81.

I love the M81s. I've got to get to the Smoke Pit and see if they have any S84s.

Regulator · Apr 10, 2024

malinoisvol said:
I love the M81s. I've got to get to the Smoke Pit and see if they have any S84s.

They were widely released initially, unlike the M81 that was portioned out initially.

Tin Man · Apr 11, 2024

This windy afternoon, it’s time for an E. P-Carrillo.

Tin Man · Apr 12, 2024

Enjoying a post-breakfast H. Upmann 1844 reserva. The Ecuadorians did their best to produce this cubano wrapper. Neglect these, or remove the ash too frequently, and you’ll have to relight them. Not as forgiving as some other cigars. Advanced cigar smoking 101.

Tin Man · Apr 12, 2024

I’ve posted before of my preference for Claro (“Connecticut”) and Colorado Claro (“Natural”) wrapper cigars in warmer months. I will smoke a cigar with a Colorado Maduro (“Camaroon”) wrapper anytime. Maduros and Oscuros beckon to me in cooler months. Gimme that hint of cocoa and a fuller body when it’s chilly outside - I always smoke cigars out of doors. Last year, I headed the urging of @Gandalf and lit up a passel of dark wrapper smokes during warm months. I did enjoy these, but I’m still seasonally oriented. Still, the habanos are growing on me. The H. Upmann 1844 reservas have been most enjoyable these Spring mornings.

Tin Man · Apr 12, 2024

I understand the Ecuadorian habano to be a shade grown leaf from Cuban seed “cured” to a darker color. I find a distinction between these and “sun grown” wrappers.

loggervol · Apr 12, 2024

malinoisvol · Apr 12, 2024

Gurka Cellar Reserve 18 year.

Tin Man · Apr 12, 2024

malinoisvol said:
Gurka Cellar Reserve 18 year. View attachment 633926

How is it?

malinoisvol · Apr 12, 2024

Tin Man said:
How is it?

In a word - Underwhelming.

It does burn even and lot of smoke. Almost done with it and no re-lites.

Nkyvolfan · Apr 12, 2024

malinoisvol said:
Gurka Cellar Reserve 18 year. View attachment 633926

There are so many Gurkha offerings that I don’t know which ones to try so I just don’t. Kinda like RP.
Any Gurkha recommendations? I tend to favor a maduro or oscuro leaf. I like full body and lots of smoke.

malinoisvol · Apr 12, 2024

Nkyvolfan said:
There are so many Gurkha offerings that I don’t know which ones to try so I just don’t. Kinda like RP.
Any Gurkha recommendations? I tend to favor a maduro or oscuro leaf. I like full body and lots of smoke.

I cannot recommend this particular Gurka as it was a plane Jane. It behaved very well, but it will never take up space in my humidor again.

My favorite go to's are Ashton ESG torpedo and Blacked M81.

With all that said, I am a mere amateur in the cigar world.

Nkyvolfan · Apr 12, 2024

loggervol · Apr 12, 2024

malinoisvol said:
I cannot recommend this particular Gurka as it was a plane Jane. It behaved very well, but it will never take up space in my humidor again.

My favorite go to's are Ashton ESG torpedo and Blacked M81.

With all that said, I am a mere amateur in the cigar world.

malin, you have good taste . Both those cigars are really above average cigars. That ESG was wonderful and the blackened is great for the price. I would smoke the blackened over a lot of higher priced maduro’s.

Nkyvolfan said:
There are so many Gurkha offerings that I don’t know which ones to try so I just don’t. Kinda like RP.
Any Gurkha recommendations? I tend to favor a maduro or oscuro leaf. I like full body and lots of smoke.

I’m the same on Gurkas. So many to choose from and I’ve never saw a good review on one. I just don’t too.

I bought 4 Perdomo 20th anniversary today and I believe I gave 6.50 a piece for them. A really good cigar for the price. And, I bought 2 more Olmecs this evening and I think they were 30 for 2. But, I had to have another one or 2 because I really enjoyed the first one.

Gandalf · Apr 12, 2024

Nkyvolfan said:
There are so many Gurkha offerings that I don’t know which ones to try so I just don’t. Kinda like RP.
Any Gurkha recommendations? I tend to favor a maduro or oscuro leaf. I like full body and lots of smoke.

The Gurkas I have had made me leary of that brand.

Tin Man · Apr 13, 2024

Gandalf said:
The Gurkas I have had made me leary of that brand.

A college pal of my cousin said that they’re called Gurkhas after the sound cats make just before they throw up.

Gandalf · Apr 13, 2024

Tin Man said:
A college pal of my cousin said that they’re called Gurkhas after the sound cats make just before they throw up.

LOL - about accurate. The funny thing is that Gurkhas His Majesty's Reserve is one of the most expensive on the market - but like most things Gurkha, its a gimmick because it is infused with a bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII. They make some awesome cigar boxes too but for some reason dont put that focus on making killer cigars.

Now Rocky Patels are not anything super special but their premium sticks are solidly good (not great) and don't deserve to be on the same list as Gurkhas.

loggervol · Apr 13, 2024

Yum
Box pressed double corona, really enjoying and savoring this cigar. This is my second one of these and I am more confident in saying this is one cigar I highly recommend trying.

Besides the flavors, this is really well put together cigar. Great burn, a lot of smoke and an almost perfect draw. I took my time on this one and i didn’t have to relight. This is probably a 45 min smoke and I made it last over a hour.. this may sound stupid but it was just relaxing and a joy to smoke.

Gandalf · Apr 13, 2024

Lovely evening enjoying a 1964 and some Merlot. The padron lives up to its rep, tho my favorites are the 1926 Maduros.

Tin Man · Apr 14, 2024

Gandalf said:
Lovely evening enjoying a 1964 and some Merlot. The padron lives up to its rep, tho my favorites are the 1926 Maduros.
View attachment 634352

But… Weren’t you aghast when I lit up a maduro while drinking a glass of red wine? Didn’t you suggest that whiskey neat would be a more appropriate accompaniment?

Tin Man · Apr 14, 2024

After smoking a few of the H. Upmann 1844 reservas, I attest that, despite their enjoyable flavor profile, I’ve experienced inconsistency in draw and burn.

On the other hand, each of the E. P-Carrillos have provided an easy draw, clouds of smoke, and a smooth burn throughout. Admittedly, different flavor profiles, but the EPCs’ consistent quality is notable.