Who else is ready for winter to be over? I usually like the one or two snow storms we get a year that makes the ground all pretty to look at, little bit of shoveling, etc,. This winter…has been nuts. Another week in the books and I’m still uneasy about work. I was talking with Walt that with so much uncertainty, I doubt I will be making an appearance at IPCPR this year. I don’t want to be “that guy” thats on vacation when his new boss starts or something. Along with a handful of cigars this week I also started playing Clash of Clans. I know its been out for awhile but recently saw a TV commercial for it and gave it a shot. Little did I know Walt and Ben are long time Chiefs. Still working on them to create alts to join the stogiereview clan LOL. Enough small talk, on to another episode of Week in Smoke.

Davidoff 2000 – Impeccable construction and on the mild side of things. Not as robust and not as filled with the typical barnyard flavors of the Special R but I liked it. Easy smoke, delicate flavors and a different but familiar smoking experience.

Davidoff Special R – Now thats more like it. The Davidoff 2000 was enjoyable but the Special R is well…special! There are a lot of things to love about the Special R but my favorite is the consistency. I know each and every time I pick one up what I’m going to get in flavor and construction. It truly never ever disappoints and in the crazy world we live in, what else can you say that about?

La Aurora Preferidos Diamond Toro – Simply a beautiful cigar. Smooth and an enticing dark chocolate looking wrapper with a similar flavor profile. No issues with the burn of the thick broadleaf wrapper and wonderful assortment of dark chocolate, espresso and cedar notes throughout. Delightful smoke.

Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary – I’m typically not a Perdomo kind of guy and sadly it has nothing to do with their cigars. I enjoyed this Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary very much and it paired surprisingly well with the Tullamore. I should really let go of my issues with our local rep. Wish he was more supportive of new media and other social media things but as the old saying goes, I guess you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Tatuaje 10th Anniversary Bon Chasseur – I know most choose the Belle Encre perfecto size but I’m a sucker for a nice robusto with a closed foot. The Bon Chasseur has been one of my go to cigars for a few months now and I couldn’t of paired it any better than with this Hibiki 12yr Japanesse whisky. Nice assortment of spice notes of the 10th Anni worked well with slight hints of sweetness from the Hibiki with the woodiness being a great bridge between the two.

Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra – What? The Great Torpedo smoked an infused cigar? Some things you have to try for yourself before you can knock it. In this case though, I can’t knock it. I just can’t! I enjoyed it way too much and I’ll admit, its what I’ve been reaching for in the humidor the past couple weeks. Growing up, coffee was always a treat. Throwing in some Nestle sweet condensed milk and it was our special treat. The Tabak Especial Negra reminds me of that treat I got as a kid and instead of walking back and forth inside the humidor trying to decide what to smoke…I think I’ll just keep on grabbing this treat. Oh yeah, thats Tyler, our local CLE rep, we enjoyed the Negra together but don’t tell Christian. LOL.