Wow, it was so long ago that I wrote the First Part of “A Cigar Before Dinner”, that I almost forgot the write the second installment. What I had in mind with the first article was to suggest eight Cuban cigars that would be a perfect choice for a short 30 minute smoke to start off a great a fine cigar dinner. Why Cuban cigars? Well, partly because I do live in Europe, and so, have had much more experience with Cuban cigars, and two, I guess to dispel the myth that Cuban cigars are powerhouses reserved only for the seasoned smoker on a full stomach.

Well, we can’t have a part one article hanging around all lonely without a part two, so here are four great Habanos that make a great starter course:

El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme (Cuba)
Yes, you have read correctly! In my opinion, this cigar is not the powerhouse that is popularly believed to be. It’s almost a Robusto in size, but with slightly off dimensions that make it unique. The charm of this cigar is its light body and fine aromas. It will not overpower the senses before a fine starter.

Saint Luis Rey Corona (Cuba)
This not so popular corona has an exceptional balance of strength and aromas. If you can, get the tubos format, which tends to preserve its original “roundness”. This cigar does not lack body, but remains an easy and enjoyable smoke before dinner. It will last 40 to 45 minutes.

San Cristobal de la Habana Principe (Cuba)
Ahh… this cigar is very similar in format and body to a Ramon Allones Small Club Corona, but it remains even lighter bodied. Still, its aromas will delight even the even the beginners.

Trinidad Reyes (Cuba)
This is a well known short Habano with a very small ring gauge. Though it constitutes a very brief pleasure, it is sure to impress with its rather gourmet attitude. It is thus perfect for fine dining.

Oh man, I love eating out!

I was getting ready for Monday night football and decided I would allow the rough looking Aliados Robusto that had been stabilizing in my humidor for about five weeks to keep me company during the game. I had read in several vendors’ websites about the Aliados and I believe they were touted as Rolando’s labor of love; I had good expectations, but in the end, the cigar turned out to be as boring as the game—unless you’re a Seattle fan, of course!

The Aliados looked pretty sloppy to begin with. From cap to foot, I couldn’t imagine that much time and attention had gone into the making of it. Regardless, the wrapper had a very attractive color and a pleasantly sweet aroma of cacao and butter. The large ring gauge gave me the sense that this would be a fun smoke little smoke.

It wasn’t until I lit the stick and took a few puffs that I began to have suspicions of disappointment. I mean, it lit rather well, but the smoke it gave off had some hints of harshness that really shouldn’t be there so soon in any cigar. The predominant flavor was just woody and with something like a bitter cedar overtone. Though I was suspicious, I smoked on.

The ash really began to spell disaster pretty soon after lighting. It was as crumbly as it gets and I didn’t even get past the first third before it fell off. Simply put, it exploded upon impact with the ashtray; something that have rarely seen, even in the drugstore cigar I smoked in the Cigar Basics Video. The burn was definitely irregular by now, and I began to wonder if I wanted to waste my taste buds on this stick.

Into the second third, as if for a minute, I thought perhaps the cigar would redeem itself. The smoke became a bit more aromatic, and I sensed some distinct notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. Still, the bitter cedar was clearly present and the smoke was a tad harsh and ashy.

At around the beginning of the last third, the smoke became very ashy and took on a definite ammonia twang. By now, I started to consider which cigar I would smoke next to try and cover up the terrible taste I had in my mouth; thus, about twenty minutes after lighting the cigar, I decided to pull the plug before the stick lost whatever dignity it had left.

If there’s anyone out there that absolutely loves this cigar, I’d be really interested in your comments. As it stands right now, I’d be happy to never have to face another one of these again. Life’s just too short to smoke bad cigars!

Well, here’s a couple of really good deals from our friends at Cuban Crafters. This time I’m having a hard time picking out what to get. Right off the bat I can vouch for the Don Kiki Red Label, the Cuban Crafters Chairman, and the Cuban Crafters Cameroon Robusto.

There are a few other interesting deals though, like the Carolina Churchills, the Salute to Arms editions, and a few buck a gars that don’t seem bad a t all.

There’s just too much to chose from, so HERE’s a link to all the specials and you can knock yourself out.

I ran across a board topic recently asking what everyone’s favorite cigar drink was. I was pretty surprised that though many mentioned port or whisky, no one actually mentioned cognac. Now if you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you will have noticed how much I love single malt Scotch whisky. I equally appreciate fine port from my neighboring country to the west as well as the fortified Spanish sherry. All that said, I still have to admit that for me cognac holds a very special place, and so much so that I’m very good at picking out my favorites in blind tastes.

Not too long ago, Pierre Ferrand, a world renowned producer of fine “Grande Champagne” cognacs, introduced a special edition, particularly conceived to complement a superior cigar. Ferrand, an avid cigar aficionado himself said of his “Réserve des Dieux”, that he wanted a cognac that was in balance with a structured cigar. He wanted to match the structure and complexity of Grande Champagne cognac with that of today’s best smokes.

Well, I’ve got to tell you that they succeeded. This exquisite libation has a licorice and cedar nose that is also reminiscent of Assam tea. The palate is round with notes of vanilla, leather, spices and yes, tobacco. Woody notes laced with leather appropriately dominate the finish.

I can’t say enough good things about this 25 year old “Réserve des Dieux”, and for $70 dollars a bottle it’s a cigar companion that is well within reach. Highly recommended.