The London Lounge

OK I know we have Havana smokers in the club. Are any of you enjoying a D4 or Juan Lopez right now. Let's talk about them a bit.

Cheers

Few and far between, Mr. Alden. Especially with the embargo.

My wife and I lived, for a time, on the Continent, and my Friday afternoon ritual of a Monticristo #4, the International Herald Tribune and a view of the water remains among my favourite memories. The last cuban cigar I smoked came right from Castro himself, who presented it to a friend of during a state-sponsored business trip. It has been my only experience with a cigar so fresh as to have been made within 24 hours of my having smoked it. A different taste altogether. It was of course a Cohiba, rather longer, with a ring guage about like a double corona. The wrapper, as I remember, was greenish.

I am particularly fond of the way that the taste becoms almost chocolate-y somewhere around the mid-point of smoking a Havana-made Monticristo. I have found it near impossible to find the same taste with Honduran or Dominican smokes. Here in the States, I tend to smoke Partagas, when I can.

Cheers!
CCox

I'm also partial to the Montecristo #4, though I seldom smoke cigars. One of my fondest memories of Cuba is of sitting under a fan in a colonial style open barn, sipping a mojito and enjoying a #4.

I prefer Montecristo No. 4s and No. 2s (the torpedos), which I enjoy in a number of establishments I frequent. Like many New Yorkers, I have found that scofflawry imparts a special piquancy to the flavor of tobacco.

There is nothing quite like settling down for an hour or so with a fine cigar.
The world seems right, the conversation more civilized, contemplative and generous.
Life is just a bit better with a good cigar, whether enjoyed alone or with congenial company.
I'm settling in this evening with a fine Romeo Y Julieta Churchill.
Long one of my favorite cigars , the Churchill is just right for a relaxed evening at home. The Robusto, say a Partagas Series D or Cohiba, also has its proper place and time and between these cigars I find that they cover my needs and provide fine company.
I always found London's bars particularly enhanced a good smoke.
Two of my favorite bars are those in Dukes and the Connaught. They just feel right, particularly when the weather is cold and it is raining hard.
I think that in some ways, the English still have got it right when it comes to making life an occassion, through enjoying fine clothing , spirts, smokes.

On Friday after we get to the country I spend my evening with a book, a cigar, a single malt scotch, and a bottle green velvet smoking jacket worn with green velvet slippers. If I'm feeling especially energetic, I'll change into a pleated shirt and black bow.

Thanks to a friend in Florida, lately the cigars have been Romeo & Juliet Churchills. Aroma de Cuba coronas work equally well for me.

Will

A smoking jacket is on the minimal wardrobe list. Bottle green is a lovely color for one. Well done!

Uppercase

I confess to being a torpedo smoker ie Piramides and Campana. The "2003 LE" from Hoyo de Monterrey, Vegas Robaina "Unicos", and Bolivar "Belicosos finos" are my favorites. I have a good collection of Robustos but don't smoke them too often. It always seems to me that just as the fun is about to begin with a Robusto, its over too.

The bars in Duke's and Connaught are indeed a treat. Maybe we should do a "smoker's" guide to London bars, or find one that already exists on the net somewhere.

I will contribute two cigar bars which I am known to frequent...

Singapore: Connoiseur's Divan at UE Square. This is the showcase showroom for the largest cuban cigar importer in Singapore. They supply to the other bars and tobacco shops. Its a lovely place, with a reasonable selection of single malt (and otherr drink choices). Plus a knowledgable and attentive staff in a very elegant setting.

Hong Kong: the Cigar Shop at Sheraton Towers. Not surprising I like the place very much, as it is very similar to Divan in Singapore. Large selection of cigars and good drink list.

My personal favourite is the Cohiba Signlo 2, and Romeo Y Julietto Churchil.

um, I mean Cohiba Siglo 2...typo above.

I visited a shop that sells Cuban cigars in Bucharest, and saw them for the first time. I do not even smoke, and even I was sort of silenced before such legendary pleasures.

brescd01 wrote:I visited a shop that sells Cuban cigars in Bucharest, and saw them for the first time. I do not even smoke, and even I was sort of silenced before such legendary pleasures.

Why were you silenced? I used to smoke (well in the process of quitting) but not cigars, and my friendly neighbourhood store sold Cubans... I never was 'awed' by them. Maybe I'm not respectful enough?

I know nothing about cigars or smoking, but the embargo has always been strictly enforced and Havans are a forbidden pleasure. So I felt a little naughty even walking into the place.

Alden--
If you are a piramides man, try the new Partagas Serie P No. 2-- the batch I tried was, though young, very nice. In my opinion, one of the better new lines in years. It's good to hear that you like the Hoyo EL-- I have a few resting in the humidor and I'm anxious to try them.

JG

The EL 2003 is a superb cigar. Half way through a box and every cigar has been a Masterpiece. Always a Hoyo de Monterrey fan as their cigars combine rich flavor and medium, not overpowering, strength.

Other Torpedos of note:

Vegas Robaina "Unicos". When Robaina get these right, they are nothing short of spectacular but some boxes are real duds. Big risk factor.

Bolivar "Belicosos Finos". Magnificent, but powerful, smoke.

Cheers

Isn't it time the ebargo was gone. The US trades with China for godsake, and I don't recall hearing anything about Cuba chopping up prisoners for body parts!