Living in Central Texas comes with unique challenges besides the heat and humidity. One of them being just about the highest allergy count this side of, well, I'm not sure. Sufice to say you're bound to miss a few days of work due to allergies. "Cedar Fever" is the biggie around here. Makes you feel as if you're coming down with the flu, only to have the doctor telll you it's only allergies. All this to say that more than the heat can have a negative impact on cigar enjoyment.
Lately though, I've been leaning towards much bolder cigars. I've been enjoying their full tastes much more than I did 2 or 3 years ago. I suppose the palette refines itself over time. But a couple nights ago, my allergies were in full swing. No stuffy nose; just a persistent headache. The kind that you just know wouldn't let you finish a good full-bodied smoke. So the choice needed to be on the mild side. I went for one of my remaining Rocky Patel Connecticuts (an exclusive at Cigars International).
CI makes it known they're the only place to get these sticks, usually with a full page in their catalog. I'm sure you've all seen it. And the photos aren't retouched, if that's what you're thinking. Nope, these Connecticuts are indeed a beautiful cigar. The band is understated in its simplicity, and the stick itself is roled very neatly. Not a vein to be seen. It feels good in the hand as well. You want to smoke this cigar!
Last night's was - I believe - my 5th. And just as all the others before it, it lit beautiifully. It burned evenly, and it produced clouds of white smoke. Nice ash, too. It held on until I was ready for it to come loose. But also just like all the others before it, I was very under-whelmed by the taste. It was just kinda smokey tasting, know whadi mean? No yummy adjectives came to mind at all: not "toasty" or "creamy," and certainly not "flavor-packed."
I have to say I'm surprised at how bland this cigar is. I'm truly an admirer or the Vintage and Sun Grown lines; but this one just lies there. I'd like to think I'll enjoy one more in the future, but I seriously doubt I'll buy any more. I won't shy away from the couple still hibernating in my humidor; but I won't put them aside for a special occassion either. For my money, a good-tasting mild cigar is the Carlos Toranos Casa Toranos. Next allergy headache, I'm grabbing one of those...
Lately though, I've been leaning towards much bolder cigars. I've been enjoying their full tastes much more than I did 2 or 3 years ago. I suppose the palette refines itself over time. But a couple nights ago, my allergies were in full swing. No stuffy nose; just a persistent headache. The kind that you just know wouldn't let you finish a good full-bodied smoke. So the choice needed to be on the mild side. I went for one of my remaining Rocky Patel Connecticuts (an exclusive at Cigars International).
CI makes it known they're the only place to get these sticks, usually with a full page in their catalog. I'm sure you've all seen it. And the photos aren't retouched, if that's what you're thinking. Nope, these Connecticuts are indeed a beautiful cigar. The band is understated in its simplicity, and the stick itself is roled very neatly. Not a vein to be seen. It feels good in the hand as well. You want to smoke this cigar!
Last night's was - I believe - my 5th. And just as all the others before it, it lit beautiifully. It burned evenly, and it produced clouds of white smoke. Nice ash, too. It held on until I was ready for it to come loose. But also just like all the others before it, I was very under-whelmed by the taste. It was just kinda smokey tasting, know whadi mean? No yummy adjectives came to mind at all: not "toasty" or "creamy," and certainly not "flavor-packed."
I have to say I'm surprised at how bland this cigar is. I'm truly an admirer or the Vintage and Sun Grown lines; but this one just lies there. I'd like to think I'll enjoy one more in the future, but I seriously doubt I'll buy any more. I won't shy away from the couple still hibernating in my humidor; but I won't put them aside for a special occassion either. For my money, a good-tasting mild cigar is the Carlos Toranos Casa Toranos. Next allergy headache, I'm grabbing one of those...
I am supprised. I have had a few of these and normally like nothing but R&J, Monte or Ashton for a mild smoke but I was shocked by these. I have only had 2 and I paired them with hot cocoa and Monte coffee which are both powerful flavors and they went well. This smoke had more spice in it then I expected. I guess I will try another to see if I am off. :thumbs: 