Cigars

There's Cuban stockpiling to consider to. There's no way to know for sure, and it's considered more myth than truth, but sources (don't ask me which) say that Cuba has been stockpiling for years for the inevitable boom in Cigar demand once the embargo is lifted. I for one hope the hearsay is true - it could help with the dry-period of which Dale speaks...

Which sources? WHO ARE YOUR SOURCES?!!!!

It's possible, I suppose. I do wonder how they can stockpile though. Raw tobacco? Maybe, they use aged tobacco in the Cohiba Maduro and that's a new invention (Cuban Maduros!). Stockpiled cigars, no way. They don't have the storage capacity and aged cigars fetch a premium. It's not something they would just sit on as they are a very poor country and even regular production can be hit or miss.

Cuban stockpiling exists* because Havana makes absurd decisions. If there is a cigar you like, buy a lot of them. It might not be around in a year or two. They are making loads of new cigars with big ring gauges because it's what the American market likes. In order to make those, they are discontinuing almost anything less than 48RG. If you like coronas, lonsdales or the like, you should be buying now.

And building a bunker to keep them in.

*edit: By stockpiling I'm referring to end-of-the-cigar-world survivalists like myself, not banana republic governments.

they are discontinuing almost anything less than 48RG. If you like coronas, lonsdales or the like, you should be buying now.

Whom, may I ask, told you this? It can't be true...

Smoke 'em while they are fresh, tonight at Easts, at the Britannia.

^^Just an observation. The last 5 or so years have been harsh to the smaller RG. Look at the discontinued lists and look what has been introduced. Behikes are mouthbreakers and the majority of the ELs are fatties. They've even brought out a 'wide Churchill'.

Yeah, I suppose. So it's probably to do with the fashion of the day, rather than Habanos SA trying to wipe out smaller RGs all together. In fact, it's blaitantly the consumers fault shakes fist threateningly at the consumer - less demand for smaller RGs = loads of fatties on the market.

Its like Montechristo with their newish Open Eagle range, big ass smokes that are very mild.

Just had a quick break from work, went on the roof and smoked my first Bolivar junior corona.... absolute bliss.

Good choice!
Love Bolivar coronas

First box of cigars I bought was 25 Bolivar Coronas (not juniors though). Not my favourite smoke to be honest. They're nice, but not something I'll be buying again in a hurry.

a box is a big commitment.
i tend to stick to buyign a few randoms, trying them and then getting 5s if i like them.
my fave smoke at the moment is the Oliva Serie G moduro robusto. might actually invest in a box (by invest i mean smoke through fairly swiftly)

In the States now and loaded for bear with smokes. I brought a load and bought some here planning on going through 2 a day on average. Been here four days and haven't smoked a single one.

Stupid colds.

Yes Dale! Glad I'm not the only one. I haven't smoked a single stick since your BBQ due to a blocked nose... It's been so sunny too. :(

Recommended summer smoke - Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto!

Similar to Epicure #2, but slighltly more punch. Smoked x2 over Easter - enjoyed the first more, but had drank a bottle of red before.....

Also loving the El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme at the moment too - good value cigar.

Choix Supremes...hmmm, I bought a box based on the fact that I loved the ERdM Petit Coronas, I didn't love them though I know a couple of people who do. I will definitely try and get a Hoyo Petit Robusto - I really liked the Epicure #2s.

I have been all bunged up for the last couple of days to0 - put the right kybosh on a bank holiday smoke.

Really into the Trinidad Robusto T at the moment, i am a big fan of all Trinidads, but these are a great smoke.

I have been all bunged up for the last couple of days to0 - put the right kybosh on a bank holiday smoke.

Really into the Trinidad Robusto T at the moment, i am a big fan of all Trinidads, but these are a great smoke.

Agreed - good call.

If you know anyone going to Cuba, Trindad's seemed to represent the best deal (Cuban Convertibles to £/$) of any of the major marques. i.e. compared to what they cost to buy in the UK.

So, defo stock-up if you / a friend is heading to Havana!

Just got back from the States although my luggage is still in Texas somewhere. This is why I always put the cigars in the carry on.

I finally smoked a Cohiba Robusto and Monte 2 on Saturday but that was really all the smoking I was able to do for the entire trip. Bit of a let down on that front.

I did bring back some nice non-Cubans though.

Just got back from the States although my luggage is still in Texas somewhere. This is why I always put the cigars in the carry on.

I finally smoked a Cohiba Robusto and Monte 2 on Saturday but that was really all the smoking I was able to do for the entire trip. Bit of a let down on that front.

I did bring back some nice non-Cubans though.

Quick tip - put cigars in carry-on luggage anyway, as it's waaaaay colder in the baggage hold than in the cabin.

I've had cigars ruined by packing in checked-baggage.

Depends, of course, on how many you're carrying! ;-)

Dale, did you get any beads?

I had a Cohiba Maduro 5 yesterday, and was so surprised at how mild and easy-smoking such a small and dark cigar was. Lovely.

I picked up some beads but I've got a cooler that isn't sealing well that I think will take the Lion's share of them. I'm probably going to order more and have a mate ship them over.

Summer approaches. We need to do a proper herf; one where cigars are measured in boxes and tongues feel like leather for days following. Some of us might not survive.

I propose Saturday the 28th of May. Mainly because the next two Saturdays I won't be able to do it. I figure if we can settle on a date then we can start bitching about locations.

Summer approaches. We need to do a proper herf; one where cigars are measured in boxes and tongues feel like leather for days following. Some of us might not survive.

I propose Saturday the 28th of May..........

Bravo - I whole-heartedly support your suggestion!

My mate's in Cuba now - he keeps texting me about what cigars he should buy. He seems to be saying that a 12 box of Trinidad Short Robustos are being sold for under $170 dollars - which is a respectable price. I definitely can't afford that at the moment, but I've told him to buy them for himself if he can afford it. He's also saying that he can get 25 Cohibas (he didn't say which - he doesn't know a lot about cigars) for £50ish "from the back door of the factory" which sounds a bit dodgy, but I'm still tempted to buy some...

28th should be a go-er for me but just checking the timing of a previous engagement