Thread: Cigars - Got the Itch

So I was over visiting JoeD and CarrieM and JrJoeD this past weekend, and after dinner Joe offered me a cigar. I selected a beautiful Bolivar - I don't remember the name, but it was a maduro in a glass tube. I'll more than likely PM Joe to ask what it was so I can get some. In case that doesn't make it clear, it was excellent.

Last night I decided I had to buy some cigars; I was looking for that one Bolivar. I was unable to find any, but my search brought me to the "Make Me an Offer" section at Cigars International. I put in some offers for the Bolivar tubo's they had, but was unable to get a box for what I wanted to spend. Then another box caught my eye.

I spotted a box of 25 Chateau Real Maduro's by Drew Estate. The size was right up my ally at 5.2" x 46. They are listed at $108 on CI, so I put in an offer for $75. It was deliberating last night, but I woke up this morning to see that it went through. I've heard good things about Drew Estate cigars but have yet to try one. I figure even if it's just pretty good, it's still not bad at $3 per stick.

Now all I need to do is wait for them to arrive, shuffle my humidors around, and then wait for some warm weather.

Anyone stocking up to let their sticks rest a few months before the summer hits?

A few months? How about a few years. I don't smoke anything with under five years of age on them. A only exception I've come across in recent years were the 2008 Bolivar Royal Corona, they were ready to rock right off the table.

You are a more patent man than I. I'm quite sure I won't go through the whole box in one season; the summer before last I bought a few boxes, smoked some, smoked some more this past summer, and still have a bunch left. I always want to try new boxes within a few weeks, but I smoke pretty rarely so most get a fair bit of a rest.

Originally Posted by Bayamontate

A few months? How about a few years. I don't smoke anything with under five years of age on them. A only exception I've come across in recent years were the 2008 Bolivar Royal Corona, they were ready to rock right off the table.

I smoke a few things when they are young to get an idea for their development. Otherwise I agree, unless it's a RA SCC/SS, 5-10 years is required.

I only smoke Cubans as a rule. I think the Bolivar, Punch, and Monte Cristo are my favorites with the Bolivar #3m( I think) being my favorite. My second pick is the Punch Royal Coronation with a nice 15y/o scotch or a really good red wine. i got sucked in while in the Caribbean so, I was spoiled with Cubans and as such thats all I smoke in order to limit the habit.

I smoked a Dunhill Cabinetta during the summer 25+ years old that was still amazing. The oldest cigars I've smoked was a 1951 Bolivar (smaller than a PC) has was excellent as well. Proper storage is paramount.

Originally Posted by Bayamontate

A few months? How about a few years. I don't smoke anything with under five years of age on them. A only exception I've come across in recent years were the 2008 Bolivar Royal Corona, they were ready to rock right off the table.

+1 on the Bolivar Royal Corona's! The cigar Holli is speaking of is probably aged a good 5 yrs. They are Bolivar Fuerte SRO Corona Tubos.

Originally Posted by Spect

I smoke a few things when they are young to get an idea for their development. Otherwise I agree, unless it's a RA SCC/SS, 5-10 years is required.

Suggested, never required. This is all subjective of course, but the 1996 RASS were ready to smoke by 2000 while the RASCC (old blend) required more time than newer versions, I'm currently smoking 2005s.

Originally Posted by Bayamontate

I smoked a Dunhill Cabinetta during the summer 25+ years old that was still amazing. The oldest cigars I've smoked was a 1951 Bolivar (smaller than a PC) has was excellent as well. Proper storage is paramount.

It really depends on the tobacco, after about 70-80 years my experience is the homogenized stuff common at the time tends to be a bit dusty tasting. I've got a few from ~1910-1920 I'm going to light up soon. I haven't had a lot of experience with well aged cigars but I think there will be a 'peak' point like wine.

Originally Posted by Bayamontate

Suggested, never required. This is all subjective of course, but the 1996 RASS were ready to smoke by 2000 while the RASCC (old blend) required more time than newer versions, I'm currently smoking 2005s.

I don't like RA's over a year old.