The opportunity I had been waiting for to smoke and review the San Cristobal De La Habana Muralla had finally arrived! This stunning looking cigar was initially released by San Cristobal and made available in the San Cristobal humidor in February 2006. Its name comes from an old Havana street that used to provide access to Puerta de la Tierra, one of the nine doors in the surrounding wall protecting the city. The dark wrapper, bands and construction combine to make this one of the most visually appealing Cuban cigars I have seen! Typically the weather gets cooler this time of year on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula and partnering my Muralla on this occasion was another De Bortoli Cabernet Merlot.

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It’s important to choose the right drink to accompany a Cuban cigar. I often get asked that question ‘What do you recommend to drink with a Cuban cigar?’

Choosing the appropriate drink can certainly enhance your smoking experience. When considering fine spirits a traditionalist typically suggests either a whiskey or cognac. Next time you’re given these options it may be worth thinking outside the square! Havana Club Anejo 7 can certainly be added to the list of spirits that can accompany the rich flavours of the Habanos cigar. The Havana Club Anejo 7 is the seven year old version of this famous Cuban rum and is bottled in a dark tall bottle which is sealed with a screw cap. The alcohol content of the Anejo 7 is rated at 40% and in the glass this rum displays a dazzling amber colour. To the nose the Anejo 7 offers complex aromas of cocoa, cedar and tobacco with a hint of vanilla.

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I normally don’t look for an excuse to sit out on the deck and smoke a Montecristo No.2. However on this occasion I had one, I was celebrating the birth of our second son Louie Dennis Haegens! Partnering my Montecristo No.2 on this occasion was a De Bortoli Cabernet Merlot. The Montecristo No.2 presents beautifully with its perfect construction and mouth watering oily wrapper. Using my single jet flame lighter the cigar lit perfectly and as I progressed offered a gorgeous white ash only presented by the finest of Habanos cigars. Each draw offered masses of Cuban smoke with hints of chocolate, leather and finally a creamy overtone which kept me coming back for more!

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I’m delighted to announce my beautiful wife Charmaine gave birth to our second son on February 13th at 12.31am. Louie Dennis Haegens entered the world weighing in at just under 8lbs and his length was 52cm. As you can see from his photo he really is the perfect little boy!

I’ll definitely be celebrating tonight with a Montecristo No.2, and a fine drink which I’m yet to decide on, and will post its review in the next day or so.

If storing cigars for any period of time it’s recommended to store them inside a cedar lined cigar humidor. The cedar encourages the flavours and ageing of the cigar and also helps maintain the humidity level inside the humidor, as it holds moisture well. A relative humidity of between 65-75% should be maintained and a temperature of 18-21°C  (64-70°F) is considered optimal. At temperatures below 12°C  (54°F) the cigar ageing process can be compromised, and if storing cigars in temperatures exceeding 24°C  (75°F) tobacco worm is more likely.

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I should preface this review with a disclaimer of sorts. I rank the Cohiba Siglo VI as the best of all modern Cuban cigars and easily my most preferred.

The Siglo VI has had criticism in the past for alleged varying degrees of quality. To set the record straight my experience with regard to quality has been impeccable and I always enjoy time spent smoking this cigar. The weather had been hot and humid and partnering my Siglo VI was a Boag’s Classic Blonde Low Carb beer. This particular Siglo VI was no different to any other I had smoked as it offered a flawless oily wrapper and perfectly formed cap. The stunning rich aroma offered is one of the Siglo VI traits that keeps me coming back time and time again. I cut the end with my trusty CC Cutter and lit up using a single flame jet lighter. The Siglo VI lit up superbly and right from the outset the even burn gave way to a draw that was cool and creamy.

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