CAO Italia - Ed

Cigar: CAO Italia
Size: 5 x 56
Wrapper: Honduran Habano seed
Rating: 8

The Italia has gained my confidence! On my birthday in 2005, I smoked my first CAO Italia and was not very happy. That cigar was dry and didn't burn very well. The one I smoked this weekend was in direct contrast to that one. This cigar was rich and smooth that started and finished with a sweet, spicy touch to the palate.

When I smoke CAOs I am always astonished at how consistent the taste and smoke is; again, this cigar was different. The Italia was complex and changed taste a couple times, each time getting better.

Thanks to Damian for insisting that I give this cigar another chance!

Cigar Quote of the Week

"There's peace in Larranaga, there's calm in Henry Clay, and a woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke."

Rudyard Kipling

Fuente Opus X - Ed

Cigar: Fuente Opus X

Size: 5 5/8 x 46

Wrapper: Cameroon

Rating: 8

Journey with me to Chateau de la Fuente, or to Damian's back yard...they both have the same cigars. This was a special night; Damian, Ed, Larry and Sturge were ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in only the way we know how. With Fuente cigars and great beer. When I say Fuente cigars, I don't just mean any Fuente cigars. We had 2 Fuente Fuente Opus X, 1 Between the Lines Hemingway and 1 Grand Reserve. The aroma from the back yard would satisfy any aficionado.

This Opus has been in my box since November 2004 and I have been dying to light it up. This legendary cigar didn't let me down. It was spicy and creamy, all in the same puff and it only got better as I smoked. The rating of 8 reflects a common problem that I have had with the Opus the last 2 time I have smoked. Halfway throught the cigar is unceremoniously goes out. That always frustrates me and I have to reflect that in my rating.

I have one other Opux in my box and it has been in there 6 months longer than this one. It is one of the Tributes to Arturo Sandoval and I will post when I smoke it.

See some picutures below from the party.

Cigar Quote of the Week

"Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar."

Groucho Marx

Gurkha Nepalese Warrior - Ed

Cigar: Gurkha Nepalese Warrior
Size: 6 x 52
Wrapper: Cameroon
Rating: 8

This is one of those cigars that is a guaranteed great smoke. I haven't had one in just about a year and it has only gotten better with time. It is a rich, leathery cigar that is medium to strong and finishes with a roasted coffee flavor. I am going to echo a previous BLOG by saying one of the more satisfying features of this cigar is the perfect burn, drawl and ash. Having those 3 factors always working well helps you to fully enjoy the taste and aroma.