[PapayaTapper]

(08-27-2015 04:23 PM)hwuzhere Wrote:  

(08-27-2015 03:15 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

(08-26-2015 04:49 PM)OregonToSoCal Wrote:  

(08-25-2015 06:36 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

(08-25-2015 03:39 PM)OregonToSoCal Wrote:  

I'm rapidly getting to that place as well. I keep thinking I'll find some good diamonds in the rough but almost all of the cheap cigars I've purchased have been well, cheap tasting. The only exception so far for me are Flor De Oliva Golds. They're the "budget line" sticks from the Oliva family and they're really good.

You ever go to Hi Times Wines in Costa Mesa? They actually have an excellent humidor and a couple of the guys there know their stuff. Plus their actually pretty reasonable for a brick and mortar cigar retailer. You can also catch some name brands on sale

I'll have to check my cigar journal to see if I've tried the Flor De Oliva Golds

I think I've heard of the place but have never been. I buy all of my sticks online since CA marks them up a billion percent with taxes and fees. I'll look it up though for sure, thanks.

Hi Times is great for wines, liquor, craft beers, etc. Hands down one of the best wine cellars in the OC.

Also not a bad place to take a date. They have a wine bar and do featured tastings all the time. If it's a pre-first bang date I like to have them meet me at my house then Uber over for a wine tasting, Uber back home and go for the close.

I bit off topic but how do you get them to meet at your place first? Hamsters must be on full throttle.

Well I usually say "I dont want to drink and drive, so just come park by my house and we'll Uber there and back" Girls are fucking cheap. Since Uber bills me as soon as I order the car they know they wont have to pay. Plus I usually suggest meeting at one of the local bars (there are 11 within a 3 block radius of my house) if they have never been to my house. Maximize logistics is short version

[OregonToSoCal]

Thanks, this is definitely going on my list of places to check out.

Love it

(08-27-2015 03:15 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

Also not a bad place to take a date. They have a wine bar and do featured tastings all the time. If it's a pre-first bang date I like to have them meet me at my house then Uber over for a wine tasting, Uber back home and go for the close.

[OregonToSoCal]

(08-23-2015 01:15 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

I smoke 1-5 cigars a week either sitting on my patio or at a local upscale bar/ restaurant that has an outside patio.

Can you recommend some places that are cigar friendly in OC? It seems like this area is getting less and less smoke friendly by the day

[PapayaTapper]

(08-31-2015 10:01 AM)OregonToSoCal Wrote:  

(08-23-2015 01:15 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

I smoke 1-5 cigars a week either sitting on my patio or at a local upscale bar/ restaurant that has an outside patio.

Can you recommend some places that are cigar friendly in OC? It seems like this area is getting less and less smoke friendly by the day

I'll PM you. Dont want to take this thread off course

[PapayaTapper]

From an article in Liquor.com by Matthew Arcella, managing partner of Davidoff Las Vegas(Davidoff Cigars).

Some of his picks are more expensive but his notes on the pairings ring true



http://liquor.com/articles/cigar-bar/#gs...291c0d24f1


'SCOTCH:
“Pair a smoky whisky like Laphroaig or Oban with a cigar that has some meat on its bones. I’d go for Central American cigars that are spicy, full bodied and aromatic. One of my top choices is the Padron 1964 Anniversary Imperial ($16).”

RUM:
“A smoke with a peppery Cameroon wrapper is perfect with a glass of Zacapa Rum 23 or Cruzan Single Barrel Rum. Try the CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon Churchill ($9), which burns evenly and has a great, rich flavor that won’t overpower your drink.”

COGNAC:
“For cognac, such as Remy Martin Extra, you want a cigar that wraps around the grape-based flavor notes. The Arturo Fuente Anejo Reserva No. 77 ($35) plays very well here. It uses a broad-leaf maduro wrapper aged in a cognac barrel. It’s a perfect match—especially after a big meal.”

COCKTAILS:
“When I have a fruit-based cocktail like a Mojito, I want to keep my cigar mild. I look for something with a Connecticut shade wrapper. The Davidoff Classic No. 2 ($15) is the benchmark for this kind of smoke. It has a lot of flavor, yet remains mild enough to compliment your cocktail.”

[Comte De St. Germain]

I have another recommendation for this thread though not Whiskey, but Mythos, a beer.



Truly the work of the Greek Gods.

[PapayaTapper]

Just tried a one of the new Punch Signature Series in 6 x 60 Not a fantastic cigar but for about $6 its a great value. Mild spice and leather flavors and a good draw.




Paired really well with one of my favorite go to scotches Lismore 21 The Legend Single Malt.



If you haven't tried this scotch I highly recommend it.

[Gmac]

This thread has been highly enlightening. Thanks gentlemen.

[Mr Finish]

I don't know much about cigars so I'll check out my local shop.
As far as whiskey goes, I like bourbon. Knob Creek is my go to; makers mark isn't bad either.

[PapayaTapper]

(09-06-2015 06:01 PM)Mr Finish Wrote:  

I don't know much about cigars so I'll check out my local shop.
As far as whiskey goes, I like bourbon. Knob Creek is my go to; makers mark isn't bad either.

I you're just starting out I'd suggest starting a cigar journal. That way can track what you like and don't like along the way. I collect the wrappers and make notes sort of like in this image (found on web...not mine, but similar) You dont have to be that detailed...just enough to help you decide whether you want to try or buy it again later





Here is another online retailer that offers sampler packages. That's a great way to try out a variety of cigars and find what you like.


Mikes Cigars

[Mr Finish]

I'm going to give this a try, seems like something I could get into.

[OregonToSoCal]

I'm normally very suspicious of any cigars which claim to be knockoffs or "just as good" as their more expensive originals but I have to say the Montecristo knockoffs from Cigars International are very close in flavor to the originals. I had both and smoked the original one day and the knock off the next and was pleasantly surprised.

The build quality of the knockoffs isn't quite as good but the flavor is (at least to my palette). They're definitely worth a try and much cheaper than the originals.

[PapayaTapper]

Recently tried a new cigar line (Tatuaje) a buddy introduced me to and really enjoyed. They run about $12-$14 so I wouldn't call it expensive but not "daily / go to" either. Went really well with some with some really good bourbon.



Tatuaje Cojonu 2003


BTW "tatuaje cojonu" is Spanish for "tatoo with big balls" The name alone makes this smoke a new favorite for me

[cibo]

Padron with Laphroaig or Nikka Coffey Grain is a really good match.

I'm not as big on cigars as the whisky but that's a legit combo.

[OregonToSoCal]

I've always been pretty traditional in my cigar tastes and don't normally like flavored or gimmicky type cigars but recently got an Acid by Drew Estate sampler and absolutely love them. For those who aren't familiar these are flavor infused cigars. They're a little on the pricier side but deals can be had online. My favorites from the Acid line are the Kuba Kuba and Toast varieties.

[the Thing]

Not really whiskey, but at the moment I'm having a Santa Damiana Robusto with a cup of cappuccino generously spiked with hazelnut flavored Bailey's. Very good combo to relax.

[PapayaTapper]

(10-17-2015 12:37 PM)cibo Wrote:  

Padron with Laphroaig or Nikka Coffey Grain is a really good match.

I'm not as big on cigars as the whisky but that's a legit combo.

I'm not familiar with the Nikka (or any Japanese whiskeys for that matter) but its gotten great reviews so I just ordered a couple bottles for my stash...thanks for the suggestion!

[the Thing]

This thread will be all for nothing if I don't mention this.

You have got to try the Padron Family Reserve #45 Maduro Turo. At $40 a piece it's not the cheapest stick out there, but it was one of the best (if not the best) cigars I have ever smoked. Flawless draw, even burn and a great smoke.



I had it with a shot of Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt neat. A smooth yet complex whiskey that would go well with a lot of maduros.



These two were a very calming and involving experience but not overwhelming, with no after taste at all. This will probably be one of the best whiskey-cigar pairings you will ever experience.

[Deepdiver]

I like my cigars and scotch the way I like my women - tasty with a little bite to them ;-)

For the man on the go - lately the old Jameson's flask has been filled with J-Red as it has more bite with a strong tasty cigar...

Perdomo Travel Humidor pak for the man in the know and on the go.

[PapayaTapper]

(01-02-2016 11:08 AM)the Thing Wrote:  

This thread will be all for nothing if I don't mention this.

You have got to try the Padron Family Reserve #45 Maduro Turo. At $40 a piece it's not the cheapest stick out there, but it was one of the best (if not the best) cigars I have ever smoked. Flawless draw, even burn and a great smoke.



I had it with a shot of Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt neat. A smooth yet complex whiskey that would go well with a lot of maduros.



These two were a very calming and involving experience but not overwhelming, with no after taste at all. This will probably be one of the best whiskey-cigar pairings you will ever experience.

Thanks for the heads up on the FR #45. I'll have to try it

Just tried a Padron Damaso...smooth, very mild, great draw. Better suited for wine or perhaps cognac I think but still a great new addition to the Padron family and not as pricey as the #45 (found it for $14 a stick)

[realologist]

Anybody else tried any Acid cigars before?

I just tried one for the first time at the recommendation of someone. It was the Blondie Belicoso Connecticut Infused



Mild and very smooth but has a sweetness is just a little too much for me. Overall it's still a good smoke.

[Off The Reservation]

When I a done with my one year wagon later this year, I am thinking I will have an Avo Classic #2 with Lagavulin.

[redbeard]

I had to share this epic post from Don Jr. about cigars:



From Deadspin's: That Idiot On Your Hunting Message Board Might Be Donald Trump Jr.

[Ivanis]

(10-22-2016 04:24 PM)redbeard Wrote:  

I had to share this epic post from Don Jr. about cigars:



From Deadspin's: That Idiot On Your Hunting Message Board Might Be Donald Trump Jr.

This makes me like/admire Don Jr. about 1776% more.

Guns, cigars, hunting, and fishing... What a patriot!

[Comte De St. Germain]

(01-02-2016 11:41 AM)Deepdiver Wrote:  

I like my cigars and scotch the way I like my women - tasty with a little bite to them ;-)

For the man on the go - lately the old Jameson's flask has been filled with J-Red as it has more bite with a strong tasty cigar...

Perdomo Travel Humidor pak for the man in the know and on the go.

Can't believe I didn't see this post before. The Lot 23 is my favorite cigar of all time and my consistent go too. More oaky and not much of a bite, but that's why you smoke it with some liquor that does (or something that goes down smooth).

Of course made in Texas



or some Bourbon