A LONG, lazy, blazy week in Madrid is the perfect antidote to the deluge we've been experiencing in England this summer.
With temperatures soaring to 37 degrees and barely a cloud in the sky all week, my all too brief holiday was spent lounging by the pool, shooting the breeze with my oldest pal, supping Rioja, eating wafer-thin slices of acorn-fed ham and smoking a nice variation of Habanos.
The children enjoyed the pool, my wife enjoyed the shopping and I enjoyed the tranquility and smokes of this very cool - although not temperature wise - city.
My friend and I spent a long, languid evening in the capital itself, dodging a protest by striking miners to enjoy some hotplate minute steaks in the 'Laughing Bubble' (inclusive of a bottle of fresh, tarty cider) a glass of palo cortado in the wonderfully evocative La Venencia sherry bar and finally, a middle-of-the-night smoke in what must be the finest cigar terrace in the capital.
Club Privado Pasion de Habanos seems to be a very well kept secret. Hard to track down, it is based within the inner sanctum of the Casa de America, a beautiful old building at Plaza de Cibeles 2.
The club itself is an artful leather and lighting affair where members (its free to join) can enjoy a drink and smoke during the week. But it's real treasure lies in the top class walk-in humidor, filled with a wide selection of Habanos. We selected a beautifully humidified BHK 52 each just before the Club closed and retired to the futuristic terrace bar outside where we enjoyed Mojitos, Talisker whisky and the statuesque blonde waitress. Drinks were very pricey, but it was a magical night, soaking up the warmth of the evening air and the atmosphere of such a vibrant city. Only the 2am closure of the bar could remove us from our seats.
During my stay I discovered plenty of cigar stores, but many with appallingly humidified sticks. My advice would be to shop around and look, feel and smell the smokes before parting with your cash. You should do that, wherever you are anyway.
A pleasant surprise was found at the Tabacos in Las Rojas, where a torcedor from the Romeo y Julieta factory was hard at work rolling freshies! After I purchased a few sticks from the outstanding selection in the humidor (full gamut of Cubans and also Padrons, Davidoff, Joya de Nic and more) I was kindly offered a freshly-rolled canonazo to take home. Make sure you take the drive to this store, very friendly manager and cigars in the finest condition. Best place in the region to stock up.
Overall, Madrid exceeded my expectations. The memory of a lingering Partagas E2 while bats swooped at giant moths in the starry sky overhead will always bring a smile to my lips.
Meanwhile, safely back in Blighty, I'm looking forward to meeting friends old and new at the Harts Hotel Cigar Night this Sunday. Looks a super menu of food, drink and cigars, and I'll also be interviewing an avid cigar collector for a newly-commissioned article.
Hope you enjoy a peaceful weekend full of smokes - I know I will.
Happy Herfing,
M.
