And now for the review ladies and germs...
Well, this morning, I woke up in a weird mood. After having worked 8 days straight, and knowing I have another 14 straight to get through, I figured if I am going to smoke something;
I better make it special. I picked up an
Opus X Gift Tin a few months ago at a B&M in Dana Point, CA while on vacation. Although I paid a pretty penny for it, I am now glad to have done it! I pulled out the
Opus X Reserva De Chateau which boasts a hefty 7" x 48, so I knew I was in for a trial-by-fire test of my inner fortitude by smoking it
on an empty stomach at 0900 hrs in the morning.
Too long have I heard the old addage when it came to Opus, "Don't smoke it on an empty stomach!" Well, since I skated through the "Power Ranger" without any complications, the dreaded Opus "A," and several other Opus vitolas, I figured now is the time to put myself to the test with this bad boy and see if all the cautious warnings are worth their salt. In the end, I found it was not as dangerous as once imagined, and I walked away victorious!
Cigar: Opus X Reserva D'Chateau
Wrapper: Opus X Rosado
Ring Gauge: 48
Length: 7"
Origin: Carlito's Overpriced Rear-End!
(Told you I was in a goofy mood this morning...)
Start Time: 0900 hours
Inital Observations: This cigar, albeit overpriced, is one of my favorite brands ever. As of late, I've been too busy bombing and giving all of my coveted Opus away, so I've been rationing it, until a good friend turned me onto a few other sticks. Thus, I felt justified in burning an Opus or two since I have some more coming in. When I pulled this 7 inch badass out of the cello, I smelled it and knew I was in for one hell of a ride. As those of you know, you know a good Opus when you smell it, and the wrapper was nice and toothy, but had a big vein running up the middle. No complaints, no complaints, because it's all going to burn anyways right? Of course!
The Setup: I've got my book, my Cigar Magazine, my pint of
Riggwelkter Yorkshire Ale, my frosty pint glass, and of course the cigar.
The prelight draw was sweet and spicy, so I cut off the cap the only way a fine cigar like this should be cut, and went to work:
I toasted the foot and started enjoying the Opus experience, hazarding in my mind the fact that I might be on the floor doubled over in my vomit and crying within the next hour, but still willing to press on! As I drew on the cigar, I was surprised at how smooth it was! I was exhaling smoke through my nose like an experienced Cuban, and enjoying my book "The Bourne Identity." I was hit with a degree of that signature Opus X spiciness, but it was rather muted. Almost like I ate chili peppers a few hours ago, and licked my lips to reminisce the taste. It was wonderful.
Now about a half hour into it, and half of my pint is gone. Either it's the pint, the cigar, or the fact that it's only 0930 hrs and I'm smoking a freakin' Opus churchill, but I am beginning to feel lightheaded!! Goofy picture below, complete with crazy eyes, of course. Because I am a man on a mission, and in the fight of my life with this Opus!:
At about this time, Beyond the Band called me, and grossed me out by telling me how he was going to smoke a horrible
Rocky Patel Edge Sumatra, and how he was going to make some seriously sweet love to it involving butter and a lighter. I don't know what the hell that guy is into, and I herf with him!!! Anyways, my review was interrupted, but it's not always about the details and sometimes just the journey. Right??
I polished off my first pint, and cracked open an old favorite:
I'm on my second pint, and this cigar is making me feel a little lightheaded. Not to be confused with sick mind you, so I continued onwards waiting for the Opus ambush that leaves so many grown men lying flat on their couches, wishing they hadn't clipped the head of that toothy Rosado wrapper without eating a big steak dinner! This profile is so smooth, yet full bodied. It hits you in the stomach and the head, but is so enjoyable that it is definitely worth the time it takes to smoke.
I finally laid this badass down to rest with a little over an inch left. I'd smoked it well beyond the band, and I was still standing:
Well Carlito,
it looks like the Lawman fought the Opus, and the Lawman won!! :laugh: Thanks for reading! Now, onto my next Opus opponent: The BBMF. (Now If I could freakin' FIND ONE...)
EndTime: 1155 hours
