Today's Smoke 2025

‘11 RA Belicosos ER Germany 5 1/5 X 52 - when these were released they were quite good fresh like most of the better ER Havanas. They were also pricey and I just couldn’t justify the cost for more than one box. But I really liked them so I would buy a fiver or two when offered as I just couldn’t resist. One day on the boards someone posted these heavily head damaged sticks that he thought unsmokeable. Vendor refunded him and he offered them up for postage. I jumped on them. Nine cigars for what ended up being about .50 cents per, postage paid and I was thinking "if truly unsmokeable not much of a loss"
Fast forward almost 15 years and I dug them out of my humidor and finally fired one up after butchering the head with my guillotine. It was ridiculous smoking this thing and I likely wouldn’t bother if it wasn’t something special but there I was. It was a lot of nonsense but I was rewarded with toasted coconut, tootsie roll & marshmallow. Best way I can describe the flavor bonanza is a cross between campfire s’mores & a mounds bar! Very mild RA pepper, super refined medium full with a strong lingering finish. Second half sans wrapper got some blackstrap molasses and licorice. Believe it or not it burned like a champ! Never bitter or acrid. 70 minutes of glorious battle for an exquisite smoke.

IMG_8187.jpegIMG_8188.jpegIMG_8189.jpegIMG_8191.jpegIMG_8194.jpegIMG_8196.jpeg
 
I don’t remember if this was in the newbie trade, contest, or a sampler. I only had one. But what a great cigar. Warped Isla del Crocodillo I didn’t measure it but was likely 6 to 6.5 about a 54 ring. Despite some tunneling halfway through I had to correct with a torch it was a GREAT smoke. Really good.
IMG_7687.jpeg
 
I don’t remember if this was in the newbie trade, contest, or a sampler. I only had one. But what a great cigar. Warped Isla del Crocodillo I didn’t measure it but was likely 6 to 6.5 about a 54 ring. Despite some tunneling halfway through I had to correct with a torch it was a GREAT smoke. Really good.
View attachment 97899
I've come around on these a bit. My first one or two were underwhelming, but the last couple I've really enjoyed.
 
Top