Lanikai's Cigar Review .. with pics

[lanikai]

Thought I would do something different as far as a review.. only catch is, if you are not a Cigar Afficianado .. or a sometime cigar smoker.. then this thread is not for you

My experience with the "leaf of the Gods" started as it relaxed me on the Golf course.. but one day many years ago a friend brought back Bolivars and Cohiba's from Canada.. I was spoiled for life !!

Because smoking a Habanos is like comparing Hamburger without seasoning to a Rib Eye.. Keawe grilled, with all the trimmings... Unbelievable..

The only thing is at an early age the Cubans are good but not yet great !!.. it takes some years for the oils to come of age.. ergo improving the flavour and body..IMO.. there is nothing more sinful than firing up a Habanos that is boxed the same year you are lighting it up.. such a waste of years of dedication to growing .. harvesting and curing.. rolling and aging before they are released to the habanos vendors..

Geography also comes into play.. Hong Kong.. Singapore.. EMS~(English Market Selection, also the most expensive) .. Canada.. and Geneva,.. are some of the best vitolas I have had.. others from various parts of the World have not held the same standards.. so IMO .. Cuba has its Fav countries.... and of course knowing your counterfiets..

I have had young cigars that are just a waste to light up.. and then the same cigar from the same box after 3 to 5 years.. and .... euphoric !! .. so age is important.. also .. overaging can ruin certain ones .. IMO.. I regulate all my boxes (humidity).. like working in a garden it takes time and passion..

anyway .. more History and care tips later..let's get on with this threads choice..

The San Cristobal Line was relesed in Havana in November 1999 and introduced in Hong Kong in 2001.. and of course it was too early to tell the true greatness this brand could achieve.. even in 2003.. but the Principe had real promise.. I will leave the El Morros for another review.. (my fav for the larger gauge in the SC line.. I have the 2001 )

I recieved the El Mecaderes in 2005.. and had one in 2006.. (not impressed) .. I jus tried another from the same box last week.. ~SNAP~!!!! got it goin on SC!!

Big difference in flavour and body.. Medium stregnth ..(by Cuban standards) .. flavour is all there.. fruity.. woody.. a little spice..

So I ordered another Box.. code 2007 .. all I have to do is age it until 2011 or 20012 .. maybe have a few along the way.. just to gauge it's progress..

El Mercaderes

Size: Churchill

Stregnth: Medium ( Cuban standards )

Minimum aging 3.. 5 years is much better

Flavour: Starts fruity.. Woodsy.. then ends strong.. spice

Here it is ..

Seals are all in place

Box code

Beautiful Varnished Cedar Box...

Almost there..

Ahhhhhh.. the fragrance of a freshly opened box of Habanos.. gorgeous colour.. deep .. wrapper..

San Cristobal .. was the Original name of "Havana" in the 16th century.. there was a fort of the same name..

The El Mercaderes

In Summary.. the EL Mercaderes "Will" with age give you a very satisfying 2 hours of enjoyment ..

I actually would choose the EL Morro over the Cohiba Esplendido.. the Cohiba line is Good.. but needs many years to achieve it's full potential.. Cohiba to impress.. San Cristobol for pure enjoyment.. as this brand gives me more flavour and body than the Cohiba line .. I have many boxes of cohiba.. I would not turn them down.. but many young smokers follow this line for the "Brand Name" ..

so in closing I hope you enjoyed my first attempt at the cigar Review.. next up .. the Hoyo.. DC.. another one of my favs.. but then again what isn't..

btw.. finishing the Parti D-4.. mmm very strong full body.. full of spicey flavour..

Aloha~Cheers

Lani

[Shundi]

Beautiful!! Thanks Lani!

[tmg]

Nice change up for a review R.

So true, some of the best Cubans I've enjoyed were a box Partagas Serie D I purchased in London in 2000 and sat on most of them for about 5 years. Smoked a few early on -what a waste! and the ones after 4-5 years were heavenly. It's the patience part that always kills me.

I have to say there are some wonderful cigars coming out of Nicaragua right now that I've tried in the past year and half. But the kids keep me so busy these days that I don't get to enjoy a spoke nearly as much as I used to -so what do I know!

[HauteHippie]

What, no mouth shots?

I'm not much of a cigar smoker, but I do like a Macanudo here and there. And I've had a couple Cuban Hoyo De Monterrey that I thought were great. But Cohibas make me puke! I am sure, though, if I gave cigars a real chance I too would love the full bodied brands.

[Admin]

Wow....I'm a non smoker and even I feel an urge for a good sigar now. Great review, Lani !

[cornerstone]

What, no mouth shots?

Great review!

[rower]

Great review. Now that it is getting colder out I get fewer cigars as there is no smoking in the house. I am tempted to install two bathroom fans in the unfinished side of the basement and make a cigar room for myself. My brother-in-law did that and it turned out quite nice. I get over to his place about 2-3x per month. Mainly, Rocky Patels.

[lanikai]

Nice change up for a review R.

So true, some of the best Cubans I've enjoyed were a box Partagas Serie D I purchased in London in 2000 and sat on most of them for about 5 years. Smoked a few early on -what a waste! and the ones after 4-5 years were heavenly. It's the patience part that always kills me.

I have to say there are some wonderful cigars coming out of Nicaragua right now that I've tried in the past year and half. But the kids keep me so busy these days that I don't get to enjoy a spoke nearly as much as I used to -so what do I know!

Now I know you know your sticks S... Nicaragua is the only cigar outside of Cuba Worth a mention ... there is a valley there where the tobaco is grown .. and the soil and the climate are the closest to Cuba .. but Cuba has years of R&D that goes into there seeds..

after the crops were wiped out in the early nineties by the hurricanes.. they developed new seedlings.. (hybrids) to fight the deseases that affected the plants.. unfortunatey the leaf now is not as strong as they once used to be.. they are sill the most full bodied smokes in the World.. but back in the early 90's when you smoked a Rafael Gonsolves you would actually break out in a sweat and if you were not used to the stregnth.. would get very dizzy

I really love the Partagas Profile.. rich .. flavourful .. strong as an ox .. the EMS (English Market Selection) are really some of the best in the World.. You mates are very lucky !!

Once you get a rotation going you have to buy a box of whatever .. then put it away and "forget about it" .. like I did with my Montecristo petite Edmundos.. 3 years ago I bought the new release.. and jus remembered them last week.. time to give one a try..

Yes.. to all the non smokers.. imagine .. Cofffe flavours.. woodsy.. like when you drink brandy that has been aged in oak barrels ... chocolate.. spice.. nutty flavours.. vanilla .. floral.. fruity ... leathery smells.. all these comprise the brands .. very complex ..nothing like cigarettes .. cigars have a natural sweetness..

rower Posted Today, 02:15 AM

Great review. Now that it is getting colder out I get fewer cigars as there is no smoking in the house. I am tempted to install two bathroom fans in the unfinished side of the basement and make a cigar room for myself. My brother-in-law did that and it turned out quite nice. I get over to his place about 2-3x per month. Mainly, Rocky Patels.

ya gotta have a smoking den ... what do ya do when watching sporting events ?? gotta do it bro.... rocky patels.. very good.,. I have 2 that he custom rolled on a trip to Cuba's Cohiba Factory .. someday I jus may smoke them..

@Chief..... those pics are reserved for the cigar Afficienado mags.. that have the sexy female lips with red gloss lips gently about to put them around a vitola .. unless we got members here into lip gloss.. not me thanks

[dluddy]

I'm not a Cig guy R but I learned a lot from reading this. Thanks for sharing one of your other passions

[dvn]

Very nice review lani. I thought it is illegal to buy cigar from Cuba? would you sharing the link where to buy it? please PM me.

[retep]

Great review Lanikai!

And you`re so right about the aging of cigars.

Never had e decent cohiba but that`s just due to the fact they where all too young.

But i do have some magnificent cigars with age wich are truely heavenly.

My number one at the moment is the Sir Winston from 03, a very amazing cigar.

I also do have a box of the San Cristobal only not the mercaderes.

I will give them ago when i can find one with a bit of age on it.

Here 2 pics of my Cristobal`s

[lanikai]

Great review Lanikai!

And you`re so right about the aging of cigars.

Never had e decent cohiba but that`s just due to the fact they where all too young.

But i do have some magnificent cigars with age wich are truely heavenly.

My number one at the moment is the Sir Winston from 03, a very amazing cigar.

I also do have a box of the San Cristobal only not the mercaderes.

I will give them ago when i can find one with a bit of age on it.

Here 2 pics of my Cristobal`s

I also do have a box of the San Cristobal only not the mercaderes.

I will give them ago when i can find one with a bit of age on it.

Here 2 pics of my Cristobal`s

Great stick retep.. I have a box of the Muralla's .. they are awesome.. you must try an aged El Morro.. the strongest of the SC line.. your lips will turn numb at the end.. sweet.. woodsy.. nutty.. and if your not used to strong Cubans.. your lips will turn raw if you nub it, I smoke a large stick daily and my lips still turn raw with the Muralla.. Luci's too.... I have the initial release and they are powerful full flavoured !!

Beautiful wrapper on the Muralla...

The Muralla is exeptional too...what is the box code on yours ?

I have the Sir Winston's 01 and the H Upmann Monarcas ... you will find the only difference in the Sir Winstons and the Monarcas is the price.. same ligero.. and wrapper.. the Sir Winstons are much more pricey.. so I jus let them age and smoke my 01 Monarcas .. you have great taste in vitola's btw..

Edit add: .. you must try the Principe.. (if you haven't already).. awesome little petite with flavour to die for !! .. great for a 40 minute after lunch stick..

[el niche]

Hey Lani ,

Great review! Being Cuban myself everytime my Mother in Law visits her family in Cuba, I have her bring back as many cases as is allowed back home. Alot of good times with friends after that!!

[lanikai]

Hey Lani ,

Great review! Being Cuban myself everytime my Mother in Law visits her family in Cuba, I have her bring back as many cases as is allowed back home. Alot of good times with friends after that!!

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you are from the "Mother Land " of Habanos SA ??

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Welcome Friend.. .. Nice to make your acquaintance

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*pssst* (someone get this members vitals)

[Rxus]

Being Cuban (and proud of it) I feel honored by such a wonderful review and the great comments made to the fine art of cigar making specially referring to those still made in Cuba. It takes talent knowledge and a tradition that has been passed on through the generations. Personally I'm not a smoker but can appreciate the value and satisfaction they bring to many.

Lani light one up for me one of these days will ya'

[lanikai]

Being Cuban (and proud of it) I feel honored by such a wonderful review and the great comments made to the fine art of cigar making specially referring to those still made in Cuba. It takes talent knowledge and a tradition that has been passed on through the generations. Personally I'm not a smoker but can appreciate the value and satisfaction they bring to many.

Lani light one up for me one of these days will ya'

OLA!!

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. where you guy's been ??

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a couple of friends had the "privelege" of visiting the "Isle south of Miami" .. and were blown away by the warmth of the people.. and hospitality !!..

it is a dream of mine to one day visit the culture .. and factories.. they even were allowed to attempt to roll a vitola themselves.. The art of the Cuban Cigar is next to none.. the curing is different from anyplace else.. but the ammonia coming out of the bundles makes one dizzy I hear.. this is when the ammonia is released from the tobaco.. it happens too when your sticks reach their "sick" period.. it may or may not happen.. I only had a few boxes go "sick".. takes about a year or two for them to get well.. but worth the wait..

It takes 10 to 15 years to reach the "master roller" seat in the factory.. I can now tell which roller had his hand on certain boxes.. it's like you come to know them.. they have their own signature to their sticks.. from box to box.. some are tighter than others and the real Masters have such a magic touch to their art..

They only roll certain brands and ring gauges for years..

Cuba also has the best athletes "per capita" than anyother Nation.. baseball especially.. their training facilities are terrible .. but thieir hearts are that of champions..

[retep]

The Muralla is exeptional too...what is the box code on yours ?

I have the Sir Winston's 01 and the H Upmann Monarcas ... you will find the only difference in the Sir Winstons and the Monarcas is the price.. same ligero.. and wrapper.. the Sir Winstons are much more pricey.. so I jus let them age and smoke my 01 Monarcas .. you have great taste in vitola's btw..

The boxcode on the Muralla`s is ENE 06 great smoke but i will try too let them rest for a couple of years.

I have a box of aged Monarca`s (NOV 00) but find them stronger than the Winstons, less refined.

I have been thinking about buying a box of the El Morro`s can buy one from DEC 01 but was a bit reluctant.

It`s a bit of hit and miss with boxes from the 99 - 01 releases.

Will try an el principe on your advice one of these days.

And too all the Cuban members............................thank you!

[Cucumber_Jones]

Great review Lanikai. I like cubans as well - I live in canada so they grow on trees here.

I have to disagree about nicaragua as the only other place. Yes Nic has some great ones and I love Don Pepin's many blends coming from Esteli - I have many boxes. Arturo Fuente will have a word or two to day about his cigs from the Dominican. You cannot deny that he has made some amazing smokes.

We should do a humidor porn thread - I have a 1200 count humidor - it is great being able to buy and store whole boxes.

[lanikai]

Great review Lanikai. I like cubans as well - I live in canada so they grow on trees here.

I have to disagree about nicaragua as the only other place. Yes Nic has some great ones and I love Don Pepin's many blends coming from Esteli - I have many boxes. Arturo Fuente will have a word or two to day about his cigs from the Dominican. You cannot deny that he has made some amazing smokes.

We should do a humidor porn thread - I have a 1200 count humidor - it is great being able to buy and store whole boxes.

Ahh yes.. Fuente Opus X .. but look and find out where the ligero comes from.. not the Dominican..

Edit Add:.. I should add that the Opus X is the only vitola outside of Cuba that I find can be aged to improve... not meaning it gets more full bodied than the Cubans.. and for 30 usd plus I will stick with the habanos SA brands.. although Fuentes does ahve great smokes..

if you are talking 1200 "box" Humidor .. then that is a good number of boxes..

I'll keep reviewing the "Big Boy's" .. then move onto the Robustos .. Torpedo's .. Lonsdales .. etc.

[lanikai]

The boxcode on the Muralla`s is ENE 06 great smoke but i will try too let them rest for a couple of years.

I have a box of aged Monarca`s (NOV 00) but find them stronger than the Winstons, less refined.

I have been thinking about buying a box of the El Morro`s can buy one from DEC 01 but was a bit reluctant.

It`s a bit of hit and miss with boxes from the 99 - 01 releases.

Will try an el principe on your advice one of these days.

And too all the Cuban members............................thank you!

don't hesitate on the El Morro's 01... 90 % of them will be outstanding.. the other 10% will just be great.. .. they are very consistant in their Quality

I think the Muralla needs age yet.. and the Mercaderes definately another few years.. but the 01 El Morro... it will not dissapoint !!.. darker chocolate wrapper than the other large size SC's

And yes, I am partial to the more full bodied Monaco's .. i have an box of Tubos (Monaco's) that I have not tried yet.. been sitting on it for a few years now.. the silver tube with the green lettering.. I still have an abundance of 03 Monacos so I will jus let the tubos age properly.. the rainy season is here so now the maintanence of my chests somes into play.. I constantly have to extract the moisture..

My 1999 Partagas Presidentes .. have finally come back from another sick period.. a year and a half ago... they are a very unusual stick for the partagas Brand.. and One more year for my boxes of Cuaba Salamones ... they are a deeper shade now.. and much red tint in them.. they should not be smoked unless at least 5 years old.. they smell like freshly cut grass when young..

[TeeJay]

I'm a non-smoker, but, am I right in thinking that the pleasure of a cigar is more from the flavor rather than simply drawing the smoke into the lungs as with a cigarette?

[lanikai]

I'm a non-smoker, but, am I right in thinking that the pleasure of a cigar is more from the flavor rather than simply drawing the smoke into the lungs as with a cigarette?

This is a good question TJ.. .. a good cigar is not meant to be inhaled.. and if it is a full bodied smoke you really would not want to inhale the draw.. it is not pleasurable at all.. try to inhale a Strong Cuban and ... well, let's jus say you have problems if you can without an adverse reaction.. these sticks are not "harsh".. just very heavy .. "Full Bodied"..

the "Palate" and how it is at the time of the smoke is all important !!.. What you eat before has everything to do with the pleasure and enjoyment of the smoke..the very strong full bodied vitola's need a very hearty meal to bring out the right chemistry of the palate.. the cigar taste jus sooo full of flavour..

And on Point .. yes it is about the "Flavour" ... some sticks work best with chicken or Fish.. others with red meat .. and a full course.. since I do not drink alcohol.. I love my cigars with Dr. Pepper.. Pepsi .. and other assorted soda pop .. the sweetness and carbonation really add to the smoke for me.. the carbonation rerfreshes my pallate.. believe it or not.. oh, and of course coffee

I do enjoy "light" bodied cigars .. if they have great Flavours.. but inhaling a good cigar is like pinching your nose shut while drinking fine cognac ... you cannot taste anything

and everyones palate is different .. as are our chemistries .. so when your palate is used to certain brands .. another stronger vitola.. will not do it for you.. in the past if I smoked a Cuban.. then the next day smoked a very good dominican.. I would not be able to get any taste from the dominican..finally I jus gave in and started collecting Habanos brands to age.. that is once my palate discovered the joy and flavour of the aged Habanos..

hope that answered your Question somewhat..

[TeeJay]

This is a good question TJ.. .. a good cigar is not meant to be inhaled.. and if it is a full bodied smoke you really would not want to inhale the draw.. it is not pleasurable at all.. try to inhale a Strong Cuban and ... well, let's jus say you have problems if you can without an adverse reaction.. these sticks are not "harsh".. just very heavy .. "Full Bodied"..

the "Palate" and how it is at the time of the smoke is all important !!.. What you eat before has everything to do with the pleasure and enjoyment of the smoke..the very strong full bodied vitola's need a very hearty meal to bring out the right chemistry of the palate.. the cigar taste jus sooo full of flavour..

And on Point .. yes it is about the "Flavour" ... some sticks work best with chicken or Fish.. others with red meat .. and a full course.. since I do not drink alcohol.. I love my cigars with Dr. Pepper.. Pepsi .. and other assorted soda pop .. the sweetness and carbonation really add to the smoke for me.. the carbonation rerfreshes my pallate.. believe it or not.. oh, and of course coffee

I do enjoy "light" bodied cigars .. if they have great Flavours.. but inhaling a good cigar is like pinching your nose shut while drinking fine cognac ... you cannot taste anything

and everyones palate is different .. as are our chemistries .. so when your palate is used to certain brands .. another stronger vitola.. will not do it for you.. in the past if I smoked a Cuban.. then the next day smoked a very good dominican.. I would not be able to get any taste from the dominican..finally I jus gave in and started collecting Habanos brands to age.. that is once my palate discovered the joy and flavour of the aged Habanos..

hope that answered your Question somewhat..

Indeed it has, thanks for the clarification If a cigar smoking does not involve drawing the smoke in, I might be tempted to cultivate a taste for them I don't smoke cigarettes as I've never really seen the point, nor found the flavor pleasant, but, if smoking a cigar is different to smoking a cigarette, I might just give it a try I drink a lot of Pepsi, so I'll be sure to give that combo a try Thanks again for the info

[retep]

don't hesitate on the El Morro's 01... 90 % of them will be outstanding.. the other 10% will just be great.. .. they are very consistant in their Quality

That settles it then.................................next purchase will be the El Morro`s.

Lanikai, what do you think about the new release of the Magnum 50`s from H.Upmann.

I find them great and think they will be excellent in a few years.

I`ve got one box of the initial EL release of the Magnum 50`s from 2005 and they are so good.

Only got one box so will only smoke them once in a while.

[lanikai]

That settles it then.................................next purchase will be the El Morro`s.

Lanikai, what do you think about the new release of the Magnum 50`s from H.Upmann.

I find them great and think they will be excellent in a few years.

I`ve got one box of the initial EL release of the Magnum 50`s from 2005 and they are so good.

Only got one box so will only smoke them once in a while.

definately a must (El Morro) .. i put them up there straight away with the RA Gigantes.. Saint Louis Rey DC.. and Hoyo DC.. and the Luci's and Punch DC.. in the same class..

Forgot one of the most tasty SC's.. Oficio's (corona) I would grade this with the discontinued partagas corona.. exquisite !!

Yes the Magnum 50 L Edicion is very good !!.. my fav is still the magnum 46.. amazing how when relatively new.. (2 years old) they can be rather plain.. but with 3 to 5 years.. (progressively get better),.. funny how the oils can turn overnight after resting for a while.. I don't even put my boxes in the Airtight Chests I have until 2 months after recieving them.. I let them rest for at least 3 months after I recieve them.. that plane ride .. really traumatizes the oils.. zero humidity in the plane cargo hole.. freezing cold..

alway's, (if you can) get the "Cabs" instead of boxes.. the 50 count Cabs are said to have better Quality than the boxes and I strongly agree.. it is widely know that the cabs are alway's a better smoke.. weather a petite Corona or one of the big Boy's.. it's jus that the cabs can get very pricey.. the Punch churcills I have come from 2 50 count cabs.,,. and the colour compared to the boxes of Punch churchills are like night and day.... most of the aged boxes I have are cabs.. simple reason that they taste much better..

The magnum 50 is more woody where the mag 46 is more complex in flavours.. and they have the potency and spice that I love.. but either one .. hard to go wrong.. the regional releases (I have the swiss Regional) ..RA's are great ..

One petite corona you must check out .. Por Laraunaga (sic)... not easy to get because they are a small Brand Co. and their release of thes are few and far between .. but complex, and gets more full bodied in a short time..