Herftastic!

LAST week I drew a deep breath and herfed like I've never herfed before, Dear Reader - just for you.

In a whistle-stop tour of some favourite haunts, I first had a quick coffee with Will Hargrove, part of the team at London's long-established wine merchant, Corney & Barrow.

Will's a cigar lover as well as an oenophile and we are cooking up some plans that should prove of interest to many of you.

Next was a brief stroll to Mayfair where I introduced Will to the guys at Sautter. As luck would have it (okay, okay, it was all planned), Cuban roller Senora Berta Corzo was in situ and just getting started on some juicy looking robustos. After a croque monsieur and a two black coffees, I was in the mood and fired one up on the spot.

Will was more discreet and headed off to meetings with one safely stashed in his jacket. The next hour or so was spent in pleasant conversation with Magali, Michael, Senora Corto and customers while I enjoyed the feisty little stick, still fresh and spongy but all the more enjoyable because of it.



When all was done, I strolled off next for a chat with Eddie Sahakian at the Davidoff store. Ever the gent, Eddie ushered me towards the humidor, but I explained I had just put one out and would prefer an espresso. The espresso duly arrived - as well as a Partagas Serie E No 2! It would be rude not to wouldn't it?

After an enlightening conversation - the fruits of which you will see in a forthcoming article - I next headed for the tube and a trip to the offices of CGars Ltd.

It's always a pleasure to catch up with Mitch and Mish and relax in their comfortable office with some nearby refreshments.

"Here, have you tried these?" Mitch asked as I collapsed into a chair. You've guessed it - a Party E2...well, it would be rude not to, wouldn't it?

We had a wide-ranging discussion and then as evening beckoned and we still had much to discuss, headed for a sharpener at The Lanesborough. Over chilled white and a bite to eat, we enjoyed the stick of the day - a stunning Diplopmaticos Number 2, full of chocolate and smooth coffee. Delicious.

Finally concluding our discussions (I reckon we could talk cigars all night long given the chance), I ended the day's proceedings with a nightcap of Flor de Cano Short Robusto.

Smoked out, I made my weary way to the train station - only to discover the intended train had been delayed. Ho hum.

I finally laid head to pillow after 1am. Hard work, but somebody's gotta do it...

I have more frolics in the capital planned for later in the week, with a hotel review and at least two cigar events planned. No rest for the wicked. Keep me posted with your ideas for articles, thoughts for future filming and more at askmonty@montycristo.com

Happy herfing,

M.

Tasting the Partagas Serie E No 2

THIS chunky monkey has finally put in an appearance - stylishly late, as is always the way with these little gifts from our Cuban cousins. Timing means very little to them.

However,this 54 ring, five and a half inch silky beauty was worth the wait if my single tasting stick was to be held an an example.

A really stunning wrapper, one of the best I've seen this year; nice weight and balance and a rich, enticing aroma all noticeable on pre-light.

Right from the first puff, this stick shows its class, being relatively light in body but with some underlying earthiness that rewards those used to a stronger smoke.

Indeed, although the flavour profile remains pretty linear throughout the smoke, I reckon there's some sneaky ligero popped in there; little hints of smooth power rumble away beneath that wonderful 'old Cuban' earthiness.

I really enjoyed the size too, unusual as 52 ring is usually tops for me. The stick reminded me - in a good way - of the best Edmundos; a hefty-sized, tasty, man's man of a smoke for when one has time to enjoy them.

The Serie E No 2 should be a hit and one would like to try it after a couple of years age. But rumours abound that it will be priced at £22 - and a regular production cigar, at that!

If that is the case, tasty as it was, I'll stick to the Edmundos.

Best,

M.