Matariki 2013 Batch (with box pics)

• Arturo Fuente - Exquisito maduro (i think that was the last of that box of 50)


• CAO Mx2: another handily sized cigar that is definitely not a puro and in this case, all the better for it


• Liga Privada - Unico Serie - Papas Fritas: Liga Privada are expensive cigars, unlike their Liga Undercrown counterparts, and here is the cheapest one ever released which is also the most expensive short filler cigar ever released. Confused? It makes sense if you think about it. It has their top Connecticut broadleaf wrapper but the filler is not whole leaves but leftover cuttings from the big boy LPs (if you tap it on the table some little bits might fall out). Very meaty, huge clouds of velvety smoke, not particularly sweet, and comes in fancy tins (one of which Sam won at poker). Probably a good heavy liquor cigar if you don't want a biggun.    





Another marketing-oriented box. Heavy as & made from weird stringy wood a bit like ponga.



Had a wax seal which could've been cool if they'd chosen a wax that looked less like Warewhare plastic

• Rocky Patel - Olde World Reserve (Corojo wrapper): as per last batch, mild-medium, sweet, velvety and buttery smoke, good after coffee, eminently satisfying cigar.





Liga Undercrown box: attractive but heavy which co$ts in postage. Plenty of fancy cedar inside that smells like detergent. Typical bloody american stuff.

• Liga Undercrown - Corona ¡­­Viva!: Got a whole box of these cos they are reasonably priced for a good cigar. San Andres (mexican) wrapper, mix of Brazilian mata fina and Nicaraguan filler. You've had the Undercrown Robusto, this is roughly the same except they have tweaked the blend to give it a (little) bit more kick (hence the ¡­­Viva!) when they released it in 2012. Smoke the two together and you'll see what i mean ;-) Still medium-bodied easy smoking, just a bit meatier. So goes with pretty much anything. Corona gorda is a much better vitola too in my opinion (thinner than robusto so doesn't burn as hot and easier size on your delicate mouth). 


• Cuaba Exclusivos: Ahhh, cuaba... the only cuban in this batch. A more recent marca (est. 1990s) made up of only perfecto (curvy) vitolas and often criticised for its poor construction. This is a carefully selected box from 2008 so ready to smoke now. On the milder side and yet complex and satisfying - you'll see what i mean. Needs a light drink, and definitely not coffee. Excellent after-lunch cigar. I really loved the small rg of the end you stick in your mouth, for some reason, just so comfortable. Won't improve as mild and 5 years old so smoke it now!!!

Blurb from the Cuaba box - note that in essence it's the same word as Cohiba