Return of the Opus X (Greek Mike)

Brand: Arturo Fuente Opus X

Line: Perfeccion X

Length x Ring Gauge: 6 ¼ x 48 Double Corona natural

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Strength: Full Bodied

Date: 9/23/2011

There was Return of the Jedi, Return of the King and now there is Return of the Opus X. There was a tremendous amount of hype surrounding this cigar back in 2003. I tried it, I was unimpressed. The expensive price tag made me forget this cigar altogether until recently…….

I came across an Opus X.  Truly this cigar was not the same cigar in 2003. As years pass, everything matures and takes on a new character. This cigar is a testament to improvement with maturity.

Some recommend drinking just a glass of water to accentuate the complex taste of this cigar. Personally, I had a tall, refreshing “boot” of Hefeweizen beer in the German beer garden in Franklin Square (Plattduetsche, aka “Place of Germans”, very poetic). I found the combination to be almost heavenly. The cigar was extraordinarily smooth (dare I compare it to a Johnny Walker Blue Label), with complex notes that change as you smoke the cigar. Overall it is among the smoothest cigars I have ever smoked. The taste was amazing, with a nice bouquet and a decent after note. Towards the end (the last fifth of the cigar, because once you have this cigar, you need to smoke it to the nub), the cigar did seem a tad ashy, and the draw became too hot to handle.

This Dominican puro (filler, binder and wrapper all from the Dominican Republic) is considered the best of the best. While it is a great cigar (and better than some Cubans), but I feel a lot of its mystique can be attributed to its availability. If you do have the wallet for one, it is worth pursuing. I would recommend you smoke this cigar at least once in your life (much like the CAO Odyssey). This cigar is definitely in my top 5.
Overall, I give this cigar a 9.5/10

Joya de Nicaragua (Greek Mike)

Brand: Joya de Nicaragua

Line: Celebracion

Vitola: Torpedo

Length x Ring Gauge: 6.0 x 52

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (puro, wrapper, binder and filler: Nicaragua)

Strength: Full bodied

Date: July 3, 2011

Notes:

Joya de Nicaragua, the jewel of Nicaragua. In my humble opinion, one of the greatest cigars to ever grace your palate, a fine product from this Central American country (almost makes me forget about the mess with the Contras).

This is one of my favorite cigars. It’s a cigar that I smoke most often, and that I use as a gauge for others. It is full bodied, spicy and complex. It starts off smooth and packs a punch in the end. You can enjoy it with beer, a beautiful red wine (cabernet sauvignon, or a malbec from a good year, like 2003 or 2007), or Jack Daniels Single Barrel (my drinks of choice). It is a versatile cigar that can complement whatever libation you like without masking its taste, or aroma.

Well constructed with a silky-wrapper, they age extraordinarily well. You almost feel guilty lighting one up, but once the flame is going, you sit back, relax and take in the bouquet, aroma and taste of this rich Nicaraguan puro.

The draw is smooth and consistent. The last third is not ashy or hot and the taste actually gets more complex as you smoke.

This is an all around great cigar, also if you consider the price, it is unsurpassed.

Overall: 9.8 out of 10 (among my top 3)

Montecristo White (Greek Mike)

Brand: Montecristo

Line: White

Vitola: Rothchilde

Length x Ring Gauge: 5.0 x 52

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade; binder: Nicaraguan; filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan)

Strength: Medium

Date: July 4, 2011

Notes:

Cigars and you: Partners in Freedom. Smoking cigars during a BBQ on July 4^th is quintessential Americana. When else can you enjoy amazing beer (i.e. Banana nut bread beer, thank you Ari), and a great smoke while waiting for mouth-watering, juicy burgers to cook on the grill. Truly it was a cornucopia of sensory stimulation (that’s what she said). The cigar aroma, the great beer, and the scent of juicy burgers…..every day should be Independence Day (or at least, we should have BBQs every day). On July 4^th, I celebrated my freedom by enjoying a Montecristo White in New Jersey (thank you Mayor Bloomberg).

For those of you who know me well, I am a fan of Nicaraguan tobacco. Its got a spicy kick that rivals (if not surpasses) its Cuban counterpart. This cigar really borrows its taste from the Nicaraguan binder and filler. The cigar was well constructed giving it an even, smooth burn with an easy draw.

Not too complex, it complements the beer (my libation of choice for this cigar) nicely. There was a hint of spice to this overall, medium bodied cigar. I really enjoyed the relaxing smoke. I would smoke this at a ball game (not allowed in NYC), or at a BBQ.

Plus side: smooth draw, well constructed, medium bodied with a little spice.

The only shortfall: the last quarter got hot and ashy, which is sort of common with cigars from Altadis (see: non-cuban Romeo y Julietas, or the H. Upmans). They all start out smooth and end ashy.

Overall: 7 out of 10

Diesel Unlimited (Greek Mike)

Brand: Tabacalera Fernandez

Line: Diesel Unlimited

Length x Ring Gauge: 5.5 x 54

Country of Origin: Honduras (wrapper), Nicaragua (filler).

Strength: Full bodied

Date: June 25, 2011

Notes:

Diesel, a form of petroleum, an internal combustion engine, Kevin Nash, over-priced jeans and now, a full bodied cigar.

After a hearty barbeque, and copious amounts of Kentucky bourbon (coke + wild turkey = tasty), this cigar was the spicy, sucker-punch of awesomeness. The thick and hearty filler (from Niacargua) and the smooth Honduran wrapper make this cigar one of the best blends AJ Fernandez has put together.

The cigar itself was very well constructed, with a consistent, even draw. It left a beautifully long white ash. The taste was also very consistent throughout the smoke, even the last third was not too hot.

Smoking this cigar is like eating another steak after a steak dinner. You need to take a seat afterwards and digest. It’s a wonderful cigar that can be complemented with some “light” reds (i.e. Pinot Noir), a Kentucky Bourbon (the smokiness is a great contrast to the full body cigar) or even a beer (i.e. brown ales or a porter).

Overall: 9.0 out of 10.

Partagas Natural Double Corona (Greek Mike)

Brand: Partagas

Line: Natural

Length x Ring Gauge: 7x54 (Double Corona)

Country of Origin: Filler: Dominican Republic; Binder: Mexico; Wrapper: Cameroon

Strength: Medium Bodied

Date: May 19, 2011

Notes:

Company, Location and Alcohol. These three factors greatly influence the taste and experience of a cigar. Sitting in Lexington Bar and Books among friends enjoying a smoke is just what the doctor ordered after a stressful week. Mind you, stress has many more adverse effects than an occasional cigar. I feel justified in advocating that form of “medication”.

Lexington Bar and Books (Lexington Avenue and 73^rd street), is an oasis for cigar smokers in midtown Manhattan. Despite a dress code (you will be buzzed in if you are deemed appropriately dressed), this place has an excellent array of drinks (from a flambé Vespa, to a Brazilian sangria, to an impressive array of whiskeys, wines and scotches), cigars and of course James Bond movies playing almost continuously. The staff is friendly and very attentive. The music was not too loud and in good taste.

Smoking with a few medical school chums, we enjoyed Partagas Double Corona that aged in my humidor for 3 years. The draw was smooth, the taste was exquisite. Like wine, some cigars improve their taste with age. In a humidor, the tobacco leaf emits its oils in 70 degrees F and 70% humidity. These oils enhance the taste, and texture of the smoke.

The cigar was a long, enjoyable smoke with no harsh aftertaste (I attribute this to the aging). I normally steer clear of any tobacco from Mexico (I had bad experiences with Te Amo cigars), but this mix really works well. It was complemented with a Single Barrel Jack Daniels (among my personal favorites). A combination of a woody bourbon with a somewhat medium cigar seemed just right.

I would recommend these cigars to be aged before you smoke them. The Partagas cigars, in my opinion, taste significantly better after a good 6 months in the humidor (minimum). Then grab some friends and some drinks and enjoy the smoke.

Overall: 8 out of 10

Gurkha Shaggy Torpedo (Greek Mike)

Brand: Gurkha

Line: Shaggy Torpedo

Length x Ring Gauge: 6.5 x 53 (torpedo)

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (wrapper, filler, binder)

Strength: Medium Bodied

Date: April 26, 2011

Notes:

One of the greatest cigars that date back to the British Raj, the richness of their history is reflected in the quality of their cigars. The untrimmed foot gives this cigar its characteristic look. On a very windy day, sitting at the Washington Irving Boat Club overlooking the Hudson river with the NYC skyline off in the distance, this cigar was surprisingly easy to light. The untrimmed foot makes this cigar ideal for a windy day. The smoke was consistent with a smooth draw. Although there was an uneven burn throughout most of the cigar (which can be attributed to high winds), the final third was almost naturally evened out.

This is a beer cigar. The taste itself is satisfying, seemed to go fine with Bud Light or even Blue Moon (the drink of choice that day). While the smoke was enjoyable, and the draw was great, my issues with the cigar consist of the uneven burn throughout most of the smoke (again, could be weather related), and an almost sour aftertaste.

Overall: 7 out of 10

CAO Odyssey 2000-2001 (Greek Mike)

Brand: CAO

Line: Odyssey 2000-2001

Length x Ring Gauge: 6.75 x 55 (Perfecto)

Country of Origin: Nicaragua, but actually a complex mixture of all the CAO lines

Strength: full bodied

Date: April 12, 2011

Notes:

I have a love/hate relationship with CAO (see previous Greek Mike review, i.e. "Syriana"). It is an interesting relationship because I love some of the CAO lines (gold, maduro, extreme), but I am not a fan of the price. The CAO Odyssey is definitely among their more expensive (and difficult to find) lines. The filler is comprised of an intricate complex of six different cuban seeded tobacco from different regions, each region reflecting a line in their cigars. It is, in fact, an Odyssey of taste (thank you Captain Obvious).

Hands down this is a great cigar. A cigar that I feel is worth the price. Any cigar hobbyist, connoisseur, admirer, or even addict must try it at least once. I first had this cigar at my friend's bachelor party in Vegas back in 2006. Sitting at a Black Jack table in the Venetian smoking these with the groom was most memorable. Winning a hand, losing a hand, in the end it didn't matter because I was smoking one awesome cigar (that and I broke even anyway). I was actually enthralled with this cigar.

Not one to trust a first time smoke (perhaps it was a fluke), I was lucky enough to acquire another Odyssey recently. I did not need to complement the cigar with any drink whatsoever.... the cigar itself had a taste of red wine. It had that very slight acidity aftertaste, the type that does not burn your tongue but provides a nice little kick. The draw on both occasions (both in 2006 and recently), was exceptionally smooth. This is the type of cigar that Odysseus himself would have enjoyed returning home from Troy.

If you ever come across this cigar, don't think of the price and indulge yourself. It is well worth the experience.

Overall: 9.8 out of 10 (I consider this cigar second only to the Partagas Serie D No 4).

Odysseus laments only having 1 cigar after a 10 year voyage.

I don't understand NYC laws (Greek Mike)

Recently the City Council of New York passed a law prohibiting smoking in public areas and public parks due to "health concerns". First of all, I do understand the intention of this law. It is to promote a healthy lifestyle in the city and minimize air pollution.

My friends, the path to hell is lined by good intentions. Now, consider this.....obesity is a HUGE problem in these United States (pun intended). I, myself, am considered obese (I like beer, I like donuts and Homer Simpson is my role model) and obesity is a far greater health risk than smoking. If NYC (especially mayor Bloomberg) is truly concerned with public health, why not tax the obese? Or better yet, prevent obese people from ordered out? or even eating? Seems obscene and offensive? Well, it won't end there porky!

Consider this.... if you are in a closed space for a half hour with your car running, you die. If you are in a closed space for a half hour with cigar/cigarette smoke, your clothes and hair smell. Which emissions are more toxic? So if the city of New York is TRULY concerned with public health, they should also pass a law prohibiting any car that has an exhaust from driving near public parks. Ridiculous? Absolutely!

The true culprit.... Mister Softee ice cream trucks. These are not only bad for the environment (gas-guzzling, toxic emission spewing carriers of delicious frozen treats), but they ALSO encourage obesity! Do not target the cigar smokers off in the corner of the park who are merely enjoying an afternoon smoke, target these diabetes-peddlers!

Seems ridiculous? It is. Smokers are denied basic rights due to strict and absurd laws. Laws passed by out of touch politicians. The fact that this law was passed in NYC (but the police will not enforce it) is a sign of the times... a scary sign. Remember, Hitler was a non-smoker....and he was defeated by three smokers (Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin).

"A man with no vices, has even fewer virtues."-Honest Abe Lincoln.

Oliva Serie O (Greek Mike)

Brand: Oliva

Line: Serie O

Length x Ring Gauge: Perfecto 5 x 55

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (filler, binder AND wrapper)

Strength: Medium

Date: March 18, 2011

Notes: Another beautiful day in Queens, NY and another beautiful cigar. the Oliva Serie O stands for "original blend". The aroma is great (as in a typical Nicaraguan puro) and I would consider this cigar to have a well-rounded body and aroma. The wrapper was silky smooth. My one and only gripe with this cigar was the finish. It was very hot (and not in a sexy way), which did put a damper on the overall smoke.

I read that Cigar Aficionado gave this brand a "92". I would be wary of cigar rankings from that magazine. It is known that the more money a company spends on advertising, the higher they rate their cigar. I would read that magazine to see what is new and also compare some notes. I admit that sometimes I do not taste hints of cocoa, or pepper or raw cow hide (read: leathers) in cigars, but I love their feature articles and sometimes they peak my curiosity to check out new brands.

I tried this cigar with a nice Spanish Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon (2008 Volteo). Surprisingly the cigar brought out the nuances of the wine. I know my friends will make fun of me for saying this, but the cigar brought out an almost berry taste in the wine.

As far as cigars go, its a decent cigar. I would definitely smoke it again, but given the choice, I would go for an Joya de Nicaragua instead (again, due to the very hot last third of the cigar).

Overall: 7 out of 10 (gets uncomfortably hot towards the end).

Astral Talanga Valley Selection (Greek Mike)

Brand: Astral

Line: Talanga Valley Selection

Length x Ring Gauge: Corona Gorda 6 x 50

Country of Origin: Honduras (Filler: Honduras; Binder: Honduras; Wrapper: Honduras)

Strength: Full

Date: March 17, 2011

Notes: Top o' the evening to ya! This St. Patty's Day, we were lucky to have very beautiful weather in NYC. It was in the 60s, and I was sitting out on my porch gazing into the traffic at a distance, smoking one of my most beloved cigars, the Astral Talanga Valley Selection. This full bodied, well constructed (with some impressive white ash), spicy cigar is the premium line among Astrals. Complimented with a very excellent beer (Trois Pistoles, courtesy of my better half), the smoke was smooth, savory and gave a little kick in the end.

This Honduran puro was very enjoyable. As a matter of fact, during my years of smoking this brand, I have yet to come across one that has been poorly constructed. The draw was perfect, the bouquet wonderful (although I am very much against smoking indoors, as a bouquet aroma can end up smelling like ass within 24 hours).

Another interesting quality is the ability to age this cigar. They are perfectly fine smoking them right out of the box, but if you age them, the taste does matures with complexity over time. Having smoked one that was aged for 2 years, I can tell you that there were many complex notes. I would prefer this cigar over many cubans, and even some other "premium" cigars. Astrals are usually on the low-end among cigar brands, but this line really stands out for its quality and taste. It is also reasonably priced.

To compliment this cigar, I would recommend a full bodied beer. Normally I would not recommend a strong beer with a strong cigar as the tastes would get masked, not so in this case. Trois Pistoles is comparable to a Chimay Blue and it really brought out the taste in the Astral. A nut brown ale, or even porter beers would also go well.

Overall: 9 out of 10

5 Vegas Gold (Greek Mike)

5 Vegas Gold

Country of Origin: Honduras (Wrapper: Ecuador, Connecticut; Binder: Honduras; Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras).

Size: Churchill, 7 x 50

Date: 3/8/2011

Notes:

This cigar is considered a mild, everyday cigar. Mild to medium bodied, but also reasonably priced. I think out of all the "Gold" cigars I have tried (CAO Gold, Macanudo Gold), this one gives you the best smoke for your dollar. I drove up to Porterhouse in White Plains (on Mamaroneck Avenue, a vast selection of beers and some pretty tasty food too). They are somewhat cigar-friendly (you can still smoke on their patio which is dotted by heating lamps), and met up with a dear friend. We drank some Paulaner Hefeweisens and enjoyed the 5 Vegas Gold. This is definitely a beer cigar. The Hefeweisen is also not a heavy beer, which complimented the cigar nicely.

Well constructed, good draw and mild taste, but considering the price, I would prefer this cigar over the CAO and Macanudo versions.

Overall: 7/10 (a nice afternoon cigar)

Cohiba Siglo I (Greek Mike)

Cohiba Siglo I

Country of Origin: Cuba (Filler, Binder and Wrapper: Cuba).

Size: Petit Corona, 4" x 40
Date: 3/6/2011

Notes: The Cuban Cohiba, once the treasured private cigar of Fidel Castro himself is one of the jewels in the pantheon of great cigars. The siglo I is a spicy firecracker, but drawbacks include the hit or miss construction (see previous reviews), and the cigar gets extremely hot towards the end (i.e. the last third of the smokable portion). The cigar starts off smooth and spicy, but due to its size and draw can end very hot and almost ashy.
Cohibas can age very well in the humidor (I prefer to keep the humidity a little above 70 because I like my cigars to be a little moist). Aging a Cohiba Siglo I (at least 6 months) significantly eases the heat from the last third and hence prevents that ash-like aftertaste.

Overall: 7/10 (not aged), 8/10 (aged)

CAO L'Anniversaire (Greek Mike)

CAO L'Anniversaire Cameroon Belicoso

Date: 3/5/2011

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Filler: Nicaragua; Binder: Nicaragua; Wrapper: Cameroon).

Size: Torpedo (that's what she said), 6" x 54

I am a huge fan of CAO cigars. I would buy CAO Cameroon, Maduro, Extreme, Gold by the boxes. They are mighty tasty smokes with consistent construction. However, since the popularity of Sopranos took hold, I found the CAOs to be too commercial with too different many lines. Then came the Italias, the Brazilias and even Americanas (I am wondering if they will follow with the Libyanas, EUanas and the Syrianas). The puro, the taste, the plume, the richness of the aroma drew me to the C.A.O., but unfortunately the commercialism (which was followed by the increase in price) pushed me away.

This cigar (L' Anniversaire) is a medium bodied smoke ideal for the spring time. I always drank a Cabernet with this cigar. I feel a beer would ruin the taste and a scotch would mask it. The red wine brings out the flavor (a great compliment) and according to theories in medical physiology, rich nicotine from a Nicaraguan cigar (a fine one from CAO) + a nice Cabernet = happy panda.

Overall: 8/10 (its medium bodied, flavorful and really compliments a nice cabernet).

However, if price is an issue, and you want something similar, I would recommend Joya de Nicaragua.

Another line from the marketing geniuses of CAO:

Excalibur 1066 Lancelot {Greek Mike}

Brand: Excalibur 1066 Lancelot

Length x Ring Gauge: 7.25” x 54

Country of Origin: Honduras (Wrapper: Cameroon; Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican; Binder: USA Broadlead)

Strength: full bodied

Date: May, 2001

Notes: During the twilight of my tenure as an undergraduate at Cornell, I was sitting outside McGraw Tower overlooking the slope with two of my closest friends, and beloved cigar chums. On that particularly humid day, we lit some Excalibur cigars while contemplating the past four years, and discussing plans for the summer and post graduation. The smooth taste and pleasant plume of the cigar added to the ambiance. Our conversation eventually involved the arts (these conversations are a plate of intellectual hors d'oeuvres, a little bit of everything). Allow me to paraphrase:
I am a proud patron of the arts.
Dude, I do not think strip clubs count.
Of course they do! Ballet, interpretative, pole…. Dancing is dancing.

Because of this conversation, whenever I smoke Excaliburs, I always ponder whether the NYC Ballet would ever consider pole dancing.

OK, so back to the cigar. The draw on the cigar was even, with a nice taste. It’s a versatile, spicy cigar. I say versatile because it goes well with a nice Scotch, a cold beer or a pinot nior (a heavier wine would mask the taste). The plume is rich and thick. I would recommend this cigar on a warm summer evening (probably talking about the arts).

Overall: 8 / 10
{Greek Mike}

Don Diego {Greek Mike}

Brand: Don Diego

Line: Torpedo

Length x Ring Gauge: 6 x 50

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Filler: Dominican Republic; Binder: Indonesia; Wrapper: USA/Connecticut Shade)

Strength: Medium

Date: May, 2002

If Padron (one of my favorite cigars) is the Chimay of medium bodied cigars, and Philly Blunt is the Schlitz of cigars then the Don Diego would be considered the Pabst Blue Ribbon. I write this with all sincerity as a Pabst Blue Ribbon fan (thank you Blue Velvet). If you are not too big on taste, but you want a nicotine fix then this cigar is for you. I consider this to be a step above a cigarette. Its a rather ho-hum cigar that doesn't really stand out. I do not harbor any ill content with this cigar.... I would smoke Don Diegos while recapping the events of a week among friends in a pool hall that could potentially be the setting of another Coen Brother's film.

Overall, as medium bodied cigars would go, I give this a 5/10

Onyx Reserve toro {Greek Mike}

Brand: Onyx

Line: Onyx Reserve

Length x Ring Gauge: 6 x 50 (toro)

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru; Binder: Dominican Republic; Wrapper: USA/ Connecticut Broadleaf)

Strength: Full Bodied

Date: December, 2002 (first time); January 2011 (latest)

Much like the group Onyx, this cigar is dark (maduro wrap), full bodied and packs a punch (SLAM). This full bodied cigar is an ideal winter cigar and (according to my palate), can go great with beer. This is my staple winter cigar in New York City. I recall smoking this brand in pool halls (when we were allowed), cigar bars and huddled around heating lamps. From this cigar brand, I prefer either the toro or the belicoso. The robusto version kinda heats up a little too quickly making the smoke uncomfortable.

Combining the best fillers from three countries with the extra rich Connecticut Broadleaf (giving it is characteristic maduro appearance), it packs a bit of a punch. It is consistent in flavor, taste and aroma. It is safe to say (after smoking these every winter for the past 9 years), that about 1 in 10 would be either too loose or too tight. Aside from the 1 in 10 miss in construction, it is a fine cigar.

As a full bodied cigar that is near and dear to my heart, I would rate this as an 8/10

Partagas Serie D No. 4 (Greek Mike)

Brand: Partagas

Line: Serie D. No. 4

Length x Ring Gauge: 4 7/8 x 50 robusto

Country of Origin: Cuba (purely a Cuban puro as the wrapper, binder AND filler are from Cuba)

Strength: Full bodied

Date: 3/2003 (first time), 11/2009 (latest)

I have been 50/50 with Cuban cigars. Either the cigar will have a nice even burn, be rich in flavor (with notes of pepper or even cocoa), have a nice aroma and a smooth finish, OR they will burn unevenly, and taste like burnt toast. I attribute this variation to the fact that most of the families who traditionally rolled cigars left and set up shop somewhere else after La Revolutión (I always wondered if Che Guevara wore a Che Guevara t-shirt).

I have smoked this type of cigar multiple times in multiple locations (from NYC, Athens Greece, Newcastle UK and Grenada West Indies) and it never fails. It is by far the most consistent cigar I have smoked. It is rich in flavor and packs a great punch (for those seeking the nicotine rush). As you smoke the cigar, the nuances begin to vary from slight hints of cocoa to a spicy pepper. The finish is also very smooth and does not leave a bitter aftertaste. Overall a very smooth, very rich cigar that is at the apex of pantheon of fine cigars. I prefer a nice glass of cabernet sauvignon, or a shiraz with this cigar. A full bodied wine would bring out more subtle nuances with this full bodied cigar.

Overall: 10/10 (my perfect cigar)

The Cigar Docs: The Cigar Docs: Favorite Places in NY

The Cigar Docs: The Cigar Docs: Favorite Places in NY:

Next on the list:

Hudson Bar and Books: there is a special place in my heart for this cigar bar. James Bond movies playing non-stop, and a very quaint atmosphere. Their cigar and wine selections aren't that stellar, but what they lack in selection is made up for in ambiance. Staff was excellent, and the mood was great.

Lexington Bar and Books: the uppity cousin of Hudson Bar and Books. You HAVE to wear a jacket in this place. Even though it is located in the basement of the building, it is well ventilated and I found that their cigar and booze selection was pretty impressive.

Circa Tabac: This joint boasts cigarettes (the poor man's cigar) from around the world, BUT they ARE cigar friendly. Its a pretty loud place compared to other smoke-friendly locales in the city, but hey, when in Rome.

The Brandy Library: definitive new york. I was there back in 2003, and I was free to smoke a cigar and enjoy a beautiful brandy.

The Carnegie Club: this is one of my most favorite places in the city. They have a wonderful wine list, (I know that everyone is different, but I prefer either beer, wine, port or some jack daniels with my stoogie), the service was excellent and the overall environment was.... to put it succinctly, trademark New York.

Vol De Nui: This is a Belgian beer bar that has a mini courtyard. You are free to smoke in this courtyard (and people often do). Enjoying a nice Chimay Blue with an Astral Talanga Valley Selection along with the company of wonderful friends in this small belgian beer bar is one of my most cherished memories.

The Cigar Docs: Favorite Places in NY

The Cigar Docs: Favorite Places in NY

I want to go a little in-depth here, but for starters, here is my list of cigar-friendly places in NYC..... but oh man do I miss those awesome years of pre-2003 (prior to the smoking ban), where you could exercise your right to smoke (with good taste of course) in bars across this fine city.

For Starters:

Club Macanudo: Great cigar bar, an established institution in midtown. Great for a group outing. The club is also a store front for the General Cigar Company (who own the cuban-originated labels of Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta). They have an awesome selection of cigars. It was here that I tried my first Partagas Black Label (the maduro line of non-cuban Partagas). Great construction, heavy body that went well with a dark red cabernet sauvignon or a nice tawny port. The place itself was good overall, but also kinda creepy since it was filled with 50 year old cougars trying to snare 20 somethings. (and this was PRE-sex in the city folks).

I started smoking cigars back in my days as an undergrad at Cornell University. I always had an interest in cigars. Everyone cool smoked cigars. Cigars were meant for the very strong, from Hannibal Smith of the A-Team, Winston Churchill and even the main man himself, Lobo all smoked stoogies.

A history professor once told me "A gentleman is well versed in history and art and has a fine palate for alcohol and tobacco". This adage, along with my long admiration of mercenaries, former British Prime Ministers and a comic book anti-hero sealed the deal. I decided to begin my journey at the tender age of 18 by starting with the lowliest, crappiest cigars I could find. I wanted to start at the bottom rung so my palate would become more refined and appreciated of the better cigars. This was a sort of boot-camp for my tastebuds. I decided to start off with something resembling a cigar called "Romeo". These were sold out of a hot truck (their sandwiches were awful anyway) and were so awful that Juliet had a better mind to never associate with it. I started off on "Romeos", White Owl, Philly Blunts and then moved on to better cigars. Although I have to say that some cigars I have come across are rather comparable to the lower rung of the cigar step-ladder (i.e. avoid Helix, unless you like the taste of burnt bark).

So here I am, writing about cigars. I hope you enjoy the blogs. I would like to thank Tony and Eugene for this opportunity. I have to admit, we have carried Cigar Fridays to new levels. From its lowly beginnings in New York Medical College, to smoking on a curb outside Kirkley Lodge, the journey has only begun.