New Year's 2010 cigar happenings!

New Year's is always a big cigar event for me. This year was no different. After going to the gym on Thursday afternoon Connie and I went by the Tobacco Merchant to hang around for an hour or so. While there I had a Casa Magna churchill. When we got home I continued my tradition of having a Cuban cigar on New Year's Eve. This year it was a Bolivar Belicoso Fino.
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On New Year's day we traveled up to Rock Hill, SC for a pig pickin' at the Ruffalo's house. We've been there before and always enjoy it. While there I had a chance to meet a couple guys from the HCF cigar board; Chuck, aka Tampa1257 and Stan, aka Skindiver. This was the first time I had met them. Stan's wife, Lisa, was also there with him.
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I smoked only Cuban cigars all New Year's Day. Here is the list:

• Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro
• Partagas Serie D no. 4
• H. Upmann Mag 50
• Partagas Lusitania
• Cohiba Siglo II

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Here are some pics from the day:

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Charlie Ruffalo, host:

Chuck Vaughan-Lloyd, aka Tampa1257:

Stan, aka Skindiver, and wife Lisa:

The whole group!

L-R: Charlie, Stan, Lisa, Chuck, Connie, me, Jim, Ginger

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Now, on to some weekend reviews. I reviewed 2 cigars this weekend;

• La Aroma de Cuba belicoso (Pepin blend)
• Felipe Gregoria Icon torpedo
  
  

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Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

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La Aroma de Cuba Belicoso (Pepin blend) (5 1/2x52)

Dark, well constructed cigar which is now made by Pepin. This brand has been around awhile but last year Pepin reblended it. Initially, there was a tremendous amount of citrus spice with a ton of black pepper. The spice has some black coffee notes. Vanilla was noted, also. The finish reminds me of vanilla pudding. (yes, really) The finish has very sweet notes. Cinnamon was noted after a few minutes. After an inch the black coffee notes are stronger. Full bodied cigar. Very nice combination of citrus, spice, coffee, and pepper. Overall, a very good cigar.

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Score: 93

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Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

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Felipe Gregoria Icon torpedo (6x52)

Initially on the first draw the flavor was pure leather! Citrus and pepper in the spice was noted shortly thereafter. As the cigar smoked the citrus was nice but the spice lacked any significant pop. Finish was long with raw almonds. The pepper is subtle but noticed. The burn was very even. The cigar had quite a bit of bitterness. By the final third the leather notes were gone. A bitter citrus remained with a touch of pepper. This cigar didn't do it for me. It was mild to medium bodied. I found the spice to be lacking and the bitterness was a negative.

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Score: 85