A little free time, a quick trip to Stogies.  ND&K, as usual, Java, as usual.  My sampler was placed on backorder so I won’t have a new selection for the upcoming wedding. picked up a couple so I’ve got something!  Sampler won’t be shipped until after the Fourth, but should have some new entries after—a few new flavors to try!  By the way, if you are ever in Mpls over lunch, try the Bangers and Mash at this place.

It’s been a little slow as of late, I haven’t had too many chances to try new cigars.

I did have a chance to smoke a gift from the old team, a Romeo y Julieta Churchill En Tubo, Dominican, and really enjoyed it.  It was a smooth, medium bodied cigar, with a nice draw and held a decent ash.  Usually, I don’t go for a churchill, but by clipping it open a little wider, it was an enjoyable smoke, enough so that I went out and picked another one up.

With the weather acting up on Saturday, Nevin, Dan and I went to Stogies on Grand in St. Paul.  While looking around, I found a new cigar by Drew Estate and Rocky Patel, the Java. (see picture) This is an infused cigar with, yes, coffee.  It also has a chocolate flavored tip, so it was like smoking a chocolate bar.  I enjoyed it, then followed up with my CAO Black Label.

Nevin tried a Souza Tequila flavored cigar, also from Drew Estates, and Dan had a Ghurka.  Met some nice folks, talked cigars and computers and watched it rain.  A pleasant and relaxing way to spend the afternoon. 

I received my newest batch of CAO Black Labels on Friday.  I won two lots on cigarbid.com. For more information about this cigar, please read this review.  I couldn’t have said it better myself, Jeff!  Steve, I’ll have some cigars on the way soon, I’m putting together a “sampler” for you.

This was one of the prettiest cigars I’ve ever seen.  The color was a nice, medium brown, the wrapper was flawless and perfectly rolled.  When I lit the cigar, the draw was excellent, it carried a beautiful light gray ash.  That said, I was a little disappointed with the flavor of the cigar. 

Maybe my expectations were too high considering the other Monte Cristos I’ve smoked, but it was just ordinary.  This cigar was supposed to be a medium-to-full-bodied smoke, but really lacked the flavor I was hoping for.  Again, the construction was second to none, but fell just a little short on flavor.  If you want to send me one to try again, I won’t say no; I’ll always give one a second chance…