Cohiba (Dominican) Churchill

Today's bit of wisdom: If someone offers you a great deal on used pizza, walk away. That is all.

I met Curt for a Manhattan (Makers) and a couple cigars at a different cigar bar than the one we normally frequent. This one was called Amra's, and it was a really nice place. Super chill, with big leather couches and little separated areas around a huge bar.

Since it was 65+ degrees out, we sat on the patio, which was great. Unfortunately, we then got harassed by several homeless guys who were wandering down the street. I think its impossible to smoke a churchill-sized cigar and have someone believe that you don't have any money to give them. But on the plus side, the waiter kindly but firmly told all the guys to get the hell out, which was cool. (Editor: Nick enjoys his men kind but firm...) Anyhow, onto the Cohiba.

I recieved this cigar as a gift from a fellow cigar smoker on a message board that I post on. It was an amazingly generous gift, and I have been looking forward to this cigar for a while. He said he had aged it over a year, and then it aged in my humi for 5+ months, so I was expecting big things. (Editor: Nick's wife did not have the same expectations about him)



However, this is a difficult cigar for me to review. I really enjoyed the smoke thoroughly, but then again it was a gift. If I had paid the ridiculous price for this cigar ($15+), I would not be happy. Its flavors were all smooth and pleasant, but there were no flavors that really jumped and made you say "wow". I would probably best describe it as a cedar taste, maybe a little nutty flavor. It didn't change much over the course of the smoke, which is too bad, since that is the main appeal of a churchill to me.

So I am going to have to give this cigar a low rating, because I wouldn't buy it again. However, as a freebie it was amazing. (Editor: Your Mom was similarly reviewed) So keep that in mind as I tell this DR Cohiba that I've had the time of my life. (Editor: Did you paste Patrick Swayze's face on a cigar again?)

Cohiba (DR) Churchill
Size: Churchill (7" x 49 ring)
Taste: Medium-Mild
Draw: Good
Burn: Even and consistent
Flavors: Cedar with a little nut
Overall Rating:
Bad deal for the money but great smooth flavors make this a cigar for the Road House.

Camacho Coyolar Puro

This was supposed to be my birthday cigar back in January - First I couldn't find my cutter, then the cork broke in my favorite Scotch... then I couldn't find the lighter I'd had moments before... (Editor: Next time, take the hint. End it all.)

Suffice to say, I put this one away, and wrote off the evening, and went to bed.

This weekend, some nice mild weather inticed me to bring it back out.

I've heard gleaming reviews of the Coyolar Puros - it's an oft reccomended stick, and pretty highly rated across the board... so I was expecting a treat.

The cigar itself wasn't bad, but I think (hope) I got a lemon. Draw was good, but despite a perfect light, the burn turned out terrible in the end. I might have been able to salvage it with a few touch ups, but I was out on a walk and didn't really feel like heading back to the house for the lighter. (Editor: By "walk", of course, you mean, "cruising the boulevard for ladyboys." I assume.)

Incase anyone has ever wondered, this is a bad burn:




The extreme bias on the burn is what really makes me think (again, hope) this was a lemon - issues with half of the filler in the cigar could lead to something like this.

Truth be told, it wasn't a bad smoke, just a little disappointing. I came in with high hopes, and was let down somewhat.

First, for what's touted as one of the champs of full bodied cigars, I found it a little lacking. It was flavorful at first - a good punch of spice and pepper, but it quickly mellowed out into woody tones and just kind've seemed content to stay there. (Editor: There is a giant herd of deer across the road from me. Maybe 11 or 12. That's pretty cool. I wonder if- oh, sorry. Your mind-numbing prose caused me to lose focus. Please, continue.)

The price was in the $5-6 range, so it wasn't a huge investment - I hope to try one again some time and confirm that this was just an isolated incident. Until such a time, I'm going to have to give this sucker a 4.


And for now, you CAN put Baby in a corner.*


* - Yes, I made a Dirty Dancing reference. No, I'm not proud of it.

(Editor: :-( )
Camacho Coyolar Puro
Size: Torpedo (6" x 54 ring)
Taste: Wild (Allegedly)
Draw: Good
Burn: TERRIBLE
Flavors: Peppery, Mellows in the middle.
Overall Rating: