Friday evening I decided the time had come for a La Aurora Preferidos No.2 that has been knocking around my humidors for years. I’m going to assume this was a Corojo wrapper, as it certainly wasn’t maduro or Connecticut, and it sure didn’t taste like Cameroon. On side note: on the La Aurora website they either have the Maduro No.2 pictured incorrectly, or the Maduro No.1 labelled incorrectly – Barry: get on that, would you bro!) This cigar is a handsome 5″ x 54 perfecto, really quite a unique shape these days, although it used to be the standard, what cigars looked like 100 years ago. As you can see from the picture, this poor cigar had a couple chips in the wrapper, no doubt from so many years rolling around naked in various humidors over the last 5 or 10 years, I honestly can’t remember how long. This cigar burned perfectly, the draw and smoke were perfect, and it had that smoothness and refinement of flavor that years of age bring. I saved this cigar for a special occasion for so long, I finally decided it was time and went for it. Glad I did, because it was a terrific experience.
Earlier in the week I received a message from Dave, the owner of the Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop in Havertown, PA letting me in on the fact that Gary Griffith and Nathan McIntyre of Emilio Cigars would be visiting Saturday at 9am. Of course, my initial response was something like “9:00 on a Saturday morning?” But I sucked it up, threw on some clothes, and drove out to have a rare morning cigar. When I arrived, the guys were all in the spacious walk-in humidor looking at the selection of Emilio cigars. As I had yet to try the AF Suave, I picked up a handful of corona on Nathan’s recommendation, headed to the cash register, and fired one up. What a tasty cigar, perfect for the morning, although it would certainly be satisfying any time of day. Another winner from the Emilio stable. It was great meeting Nate finally, always a pleasure spending time with Gary, and seeing Alan Price, Emilio rep, CRA ambassador and all-around good guy was an added bonus. As always, Dave and his staff at the Indian are always exceptional and entertaining. If you ever find yourself in the Philadelphia area and want a great selection as well as a very comfortable Liga Privada Lounge (the first!), head west on Market street and find the shop, you won’t be sorry. I wrapped up the day with an Emilio AF1 Toro, which was just delicious and may be my favorite in the line.
Contest
What am I going to do in a few weeks when I don’t have a Sunday contest to post? We’ll, I suppose I’ll be at Disneyworld with my wife, and then getting IPCPR stuff ready for you after a short travel break. Anyway, there’s still time to enter the Hoyo de Monterrey Box-a-day give-away at HoyodeMonterreyCigar.com, and I have another pair of Reposados en Cedros 3-packs to give away to a lucky reader who leaves a comment here and send me his (or her) address after the winner is announced on Wednesday. The latter part is critical! My last two winners, Allen and Joel, were very prompt and their packages are on their way. Let the games begin!
That’s it for now, until the next time,
CigarCraig
Possible free stuff? Sweet!
Thanks for the contest! Thanks for the reviews! Hope you have a great week.
Sounds like a good Saturday morning!
I met Gary last year at the Chatweetup. Great guy and equally great cigars!
Yo!
Looking forward to trying these when I win! Thanks for all the contests and reviews.
ive been wanting to try the #2 cant wait to get my hands on those!! thanks for the contest!!
Hey Craig! Great contest and sounds like a great way to start your Saturday. I love the perfecto shapes, but seems nowadays the few cigars that have that shape are usually outta my normal price range. Thanks!
thanks
Early morning and late evening (well, let’s call it sunrise and sunset) are my favorite times for a cigar.
Thanks for another great write up. I wish that Gary and/or Nate would make it out here to the PNW sometime.
It’s been a long while since I’ve won anything!
Always look forward to a great cigar, especially when it’s free.
Still looking for those HdM’s! Keep up the good work Craig!
Craig,
The reviews are awesome, keep up the good work.
Nice blog. Always nice to find new reviews, sites, blogs etc. Have a great week and may your ashes stay long!
I’d love to win those HDM’s
Thanks again for the contests.
IPCPR!!! enjoy I’m jealous.
Can’t get enough of your weekly updates, I need to find a local who carries the AF1!
I’m wondering if that huge sword is your new cigar cutter, and if you get many volunteers to hold the cigar while you take a swing at the cap?
That’s Gary Griffith’s sword, and legend has it that he actually has severed a cap with it. The sucker IS sharp!
As always, thanks for the contest.
Stay hydrated! A cigar smoker’s summer (in the evenings at least).
I really make a point of reading your posts throughout the week and truly do appreciate your opinion and the effort you put forth on your site. Thanks. Wish you could make out to the Rocky Mountain Cigar Fest in August. Way out of your way, but would love to talk cigar with you.
I’m in. Thanks Craig. Have a nice vacation.
Thanks for the contest Craig!Stay cool my Friend!
I recently had a fresher La Aurora Preferido and it was a splendid experience
Thanks for the blog and the regular contests.
Great stuff Craig!
Thanks Craig, said it before, I’ll say it again, always a good read.