God's Game

HOW very special it is to be an Englishman on the cusp of another summer and in particular, another cricket season.

The finest time of the year - if only the weather plays ball - coincides with the finest sport ever devised by man beginning its life-affirming ritual and annual cycle.

The cricket lovers among you won't need telling of that indefinable tingle on the morning of a Test match. A spring in the step, a lightening of the heart.

And for cigar lovers, cricket is also, for the most part, a most generous host. For many years I've enjoyed memorable days of sport in some of our finest cricket grounds, nearly all of which offer at least a bolt hole where one can squeeze the pleasures of a fine cigar into the smorgasboard of delights a day at the cricket holds.

Trent Bridge, the finest Test ground bar none in my opinion, offers the casual decking of the Larwood and Voce pub where many a rained off session or lunch has been spent in friendly conversation along with a smoke and a pint of ale from the bar. Lords offers a lovely little undercover spot beneath the Compton Stand where one can stand to watch play. It's not normally too busy either, so it's no problem to light up something mild and thoughtful to enjoy with your sport.

Long gone are the days when you could enjoy an after lunch Upmann with your Champagne in the terraces; my last such cigar moment is poignantly captured in a still photo on my kitchen wall, which was taken from the final moments of Channel Four's superb TV coverage of 'those' Ashes of 2005. As England finally hammered the last nails into the Australian coffin at the Oval, I fired up a Monte 2 in my seat - and unwittingly became a shot for the nearest cameraman.

But in many county grounds around the UK, the open stands are still places where a peaceful pipe or cigar can be enjoyed.

Cigars and cricket are two of my great loves and I'm lucky enough to be able to combine them regularly during the glorious English summer. I live just across the road from the village recreation ground and so can stroll across on a summer's afternoon or evening with something refreshing, commandeer a park bench, and smoke a fragrant cigar while the gentle sounds of leather on willow permeate.

God is in his firmament and all is well with the world. Cricket is back.

Happy Herfing.

M.

When a cigar is just a cigar...

WE'RE all guilty, I would suspect, of over egging the pudding once in a while.

When it comes to cigars and you're as passionate as we are, it's easy to get carried away.

We enthuse about the wrapper, extoll the virtues of the aroma, test the pre-light and seek colourful and original explanations of the tastes we're enjoying.

Dangerous game to play, imho. Nothing says 'steer clear' to me more than someone playing the expert.

There aren't many of them around, believe me, and those that experts are not the ones crowing about it!

I'm certainly no expert and although I like to think I'm learning about this fascinating subject all the time, I doubt I ever will be.

I try and relay my experiences vicariously through my keyboard because that's what I'm good at - words. It doesn't make me an expert on cigars any more than commentating on the Cup Final makes John Motson a great striker.

Of course, everyone has the right to an opinion and the right to express it however they like, within the bounds of decency. I'm just very wary of straying over the line and treading on the toes of those who really do know what they are talking about.

Which leads me to a cigar I enjoyed last night. Instead of striving for flavours or trying to find an angle to write about, I simply enjoyed a smoke from the bottom of my humidor. It was a non-Cuban, nothing to write home about, but it made me realise (again) why I love cigars so.

After a taxing time of late, when I sat in my armchair and lit up the stick, it was as if my subconscious finally had permission to switch off. I read a book, chilled out and enjoyed the simple flavours of the cigar.

I find its sometimes all too easy to strive for something from a cigar and forget the simple pleasure of just enjoying one.

Sit back, take the weight off and let the stick do the talking.

Happy Herfing.

M.

Age is not always a bad thing...

I was lucky enough to sample a 1990 Partagas Serie D Number 4 a while ago.

Now the D4 as many of you already know, is a classic Cuban cigar, and rarely lets you down. Lots of spice, top quality tobacco, signature rosado wrapper and a lovely aroma, these sticks are among the best selling Habanos worldwide and (touching all available) are very reliable on the quality control side too, in my experience.

But smoking one that's 22 years old and which came from the depths of the cigar vaults at JJ Fox of St James's? Now that's an entirely different kettle of fish. For starters, I got a kick from the old-fashioned band. I'm so used to seeing the newer version that every time I brought the cigar to the mouth I was mesmerised by it.

Anyway, before that stage, I had been pleasantly surprised by the delightful pre-light aroma; sweet hay and freshly cut grass mixed together. And then it was time to fire the beauty up.

I've discovered it's quite difficult describing an aged cigar. For one, I've not had as much experience as I'd like :)

And for another, it's a very unique experience.

If any of you have ever smoked any cigars that have 'gone over' - ie have been aged too long and are past their best, even though they've been well kept - you will know there is a cloying floral note that soaks across your palate.

This aged Partagas displayed elements of a floral note, but in an entirely different - and more pleasant - manner.

The tobacco had obviously matured slowly and calmly over the years, all the 'hard edges' having been knocked off the smoke, to reveal a smooth, clear, sweet and very rounded character.

The spice was there, but in a very refined form, almost tea-like. The draw and burn was magnificent, as you can see from the photograph.

I paired this beauty with a very nice bottle of Argentinian Malbec and I found myself staring at the cigar and wondering about all the things that had happened during its long life. I had married and had children; wars had been won and lost, boundaries ripped down, new world orders created. This beautiful stick was older than my nieces and nephews who were now off to university.

A quite remarkable and ethereal experience and the finish was everlasting and so pleasant that I avoided going to bed and brushing my teeth to keep the moment alive.

Thanks to JJ Fox for having the presence of mind to stash this cigar away 22 years ago. Just think, I was still in school. What a wonderful adventure.

Happy herfing.

N.

Monty at the Montague

SOME top notch cigar tasting this week, largely courtesy of The Montague on the Gardens Hotel in Bloomsbury.

I was fortunate enough to attend their cigar dinner on Wednesday night, which featured a stunning menu of wine and food, all paired with no less than three Havanas of impeccable quality.

You can read about my full exploits in a forthcoming edition of The Arbuturian, but  rest assured the three smokes - the Short Hoyo Piramides, the Vegas Robaina Famosos and a simply classic Cohiba Behike 54 - were something to write home about.

The hospitality at The Montague was second to none, and I thank Manager Dirk and his team for making me feel right at home. I look forward to returning to enjoy the peaceful terrace again in the near future.

While in town I popped into regular haunt at Number Ten Manchester Street Hotel, for a tasty Party D4 and chat to mixologist Joel. I love this spot - such a cool place to spend a little chill out time.

Then I was back out in the glorious sunshine of London in its finest - shirtsleeves only. I also popped into Mayfair's Alfie Turmeau's cigar store to try the recently-released Orchant Seleccion Bolivar Royal Corona. Ding dong! What a smoke, lovely smooth core of flavours, a little tasty tingle of salt on the palate and a beautiful cocoa wrapper. There are apparently a few boxes left, so if you fancy some, get in touch with Mitch at CGars Ltd sharpish.

Time left in the week now for perhaps a couple of Monte Edmundos and a dip back into the bag of non-Cuban smokes too perhaps.

Coffee is calling - have a great weekend all and, of course, Happy Herfing.

M.

New opening hours for The Garden Room at The Lanesborough

IT'S been a hectic week one way or another at Cristo Towers, and I'm glad to see the weekend looming ahead for a short break from the madness.

I have spent much of the week revisiting favourite old cigar haunts and finding one or two new ones in London for a new luxury article I'm putting together. I'll give you a heads-up once it's published, of course.

In my travels, I came across some news that will please those of you who frequent the lovely Garden Room at The Lanesborough. You read it here first - as of Tuesday April 10, the Garden Room, which is one of London's finest spots for enjoying a fine cigar, will be open from 12pm daily instead of 4pm as it has been for some time.

This means that lunchtime guests will now be able to take full advantage of the facility - which includes a very well-crafted cigar menu, cocktails, Champagne, underfloor heating and more - for a post-prandial cigar.

Good news, as I've dropped past more than once in the hope of an afternoon cigar, forgetting that the room doesn't open until teatime. Happy days.

I smoked through a superb Montecristo Edmundo from '09 this week, a truly mouthwatering smoke, plus some Arturo Fuente cigars made in the Dominican Republic. I'm taste-testing these for a future article. Have also been enjoying some full-bodied Nicaraguan smokes from Joya de Nicaragua for the same feature. Cigar smokers have never had it so good!

Enjoy your weekend and long ashes to you all.

Happy Herfing.

M.

New Reserva Romeo y Julieta Churchill

One of the new cigars announced at the February Habanos Festival and 'hot off the presses' is the new Reserva Romeo y Julieta Churchill.

I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of the current production Churchill, although statesmanlike it undoubtedly is among Habanos. It's just too mild for my taste and while a corona of this blend would pass half an hour pleasantly, an hour and a half's worth is not my idea of fun.

Don't get me wrong, it's a very refined and cultured blend - just not a favourite.

So onto the Reserva - does it offer anything different? Sort of.

It comes with two elegant bands, the standard Churchill band and another to demonstrate this is a Reserva production of aged leaves. The blend is smooth and light, but because of its mildness, one has to question whether it will improve much with age. It will be interesting to see.

It burns well and has an elegant bouquet. But, like its poorer cousin, it becomes a little 'samey' after a while and I found myself longing for some more oomph.

A suave smoke then, for the lighter palate, but as it's likely to be a very expensive stick, I do have my doubts about it. Be interested in your thoughts.

Happy herfing.

M.

New smokes, old smokes

FOLLOWING the announcement of new Havanas at the annual Festival in Cuba last week, it's always an interesting time for cigar lovers.

I nipped into London for a catch up today, firstly stopping in at Tom Tom Cigars and Coffee in Belgravia for a chat to owner Tom Ashheton.

Lovely chap. Over a delicious cup of Nicaraguan filter coffee, he told me how he has built up his business in this hip area of town, and of his plans for the immediate future. The cigar shop is delightful, very boutique in its feel. Once you've made a selection from the fine Havanas that line the walls, you can stroll the few yards up the road and settle yourself under the heated awning of the coffee shop itself.

Order yourself a brew and settle down to people watch, surf the net or chat to the friendly patrons of this much-loved den.

After my talk with Tom, I sauntered peaceably down to Buckingham Palace and along the Mall, finally weaving my way to the well-worn pavements of Jermyn Street. At the excellent Franco's restaurant, I shared lunch and a superb little Bolivar Belicoso LE from 2009 with Davidoff's Eddie Sahakian.

A punchy little number, it came on strong, mellowed for the mid third then powered on to the finish - real old fashioned, meaty Bolivar, described perfectly by Eddie as 'gamey'. Smoking beautifully now.

More news on new releases to follow - including the newly-released Romeo y Julieta Churchill Gran Reserva, which I'll be taste-testing soon. Happy herfing.

M.