Exactly 2 Fridays ago I enjoyed one of the finest cigars I’ve had in years. What was it, you ask?
Truth be told, it was nothing special: an old El Rico Habano Corona Gorda – admittedly a good cigar, but not exactly a “super premium.” What made the cigar so fantastic was the context.
In the North East, winter had finally broken its grip around the throat of our collective sanity. Temperatures soared into the 70’s. Windows were rolled down, smiling faces everywhere; budding trees and barbeques proclaimed the rebirth we’ve so long awaited. In short, you could smell spring in the air.
I cut out of work right on the dot and met my wife and kids for empanadas and ice cream al fresco. We took a nice walk around the block afterward, and finally made our way home. After tucking everyone in, I found myself profoundly satisfied, and not the least bit tired.
At that late hour, all of my buddies were already out-and-about. I looked at the dog and decided on a walk. Adding a cigar was an easy decision.
The vitola was gorgeous; despite a low constant wind, it burned flawlessly. Rich, earthy flavors dominated, and the aroma was intoxicating, offering wafts of delicate spice and charred wood. I walked for nearly two hours, and by the end, had reached the nub.
Now that box of ERH has been sitting in the humidor for roughly two years; certainly plenty of time to acclimate and even out, but enough time to take on all the incredible qualities I enjoyed that night? I found myself increasingly forced to admit that there is really something to smoking cigars in life’s most satisfied moments. The perfect set of circumstances can turn a good cigar into one of the finest cigars with ease.
Days later, Old Man Winter cut our reprieve short with one last desperate lunge. But let this serve notice: There is a warm light at the end of the tunnel heralding those heady days of cigars outside. And I can hardly wait.
When he's not busy writing, editing, smoking cigars, or raising his many, many children, Hayward " "It's Lou, not Hayward" " Tenney spends his days combating confusion about his real name (it's Hayward, but please - call him " "Lou" ") and mourning the matrimonially-induced loss of his moustache (what's he gonna do with all that moustache wax he made?).
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Interesting blog. I haven’t had a cigar in a while that made me say “this is one of the finest cigars I ever had,” which is becoming depressing. Maybe I should try one of those El Rico Habanos. Thanks for your insight, you’re a really great writer.
Interesting blog. I haven’t had a cigar in a while that made me say “this is one of the finest cigars I ever had,” which is becoming depressing. Maybe I should try one of those El Rico Habanos. Thanks for your insight, you’re a really great writer.
I think the conception of “the best cigar” is directionally proportional to the surroundings,people around you and the drink involved. I keep a collections of bands with all that recorded. I call them my “Ticks in Time” . I have perfect recall when I look at those and relive the moment.
I think the conception of “the best cigar” is directionally proportional to the surroundings,people around you and the drink involved. I keep a collections of bands with all that recorded. I call them my “Ticks in Time” . I have perfect recall when I look at those and relive the moment.
A very interesting commentary. I can relate a similar type of experience. About two years ago in mid-January there was a bit of thaw. One calm evening the temperature was in the high 40’s and I too, took my dog for a walk. I lit up my very first Don Pepin Cuban Classic. The flavors soared and the memory of that walk and that cigar stay with me to this day.
A very interesting commentary. I can relate a similar type of experience. About two years ago in mid-January there was a bit of thaw. One calm evening the temperature was in the high 40’s and I too, took my dog for a walk. I lit up my very first Don Pepin Cuban Classic. The flavors soared and the memory of that walk and that cigar stay with me to this day.
Can someone help? What is this thing called Winter??
Stan from ClearWater, FL.