#12 on TBCOTY List

San Cristobal Monumento
49 X 7 1/4 $13.50

Swung by the smoke shop to do a little work and enjoy a cigar. Today is the San Cristobal Momumento. Wow, this is a great smoke. Jose Pepin Garcia produces this dynamic smoke for Ashton. I tell that I am liking Pepin more each day. The smoke does have a rich taste and is little more mild compared to his others. There is a hint of sweetness in this smoke and it has great taste. I am thrilled with this smoke with the colorful label...if you haven't enjoyed this smoke, you need to schedule time for it.

#15 on TBCOTY List

Tatuaje Havana VI Angeles
42 x 4 5/8 $6.75

This is number 15 on CA's list. It is a powerfull smoke in a small package. One strong smoke that is made in Nicaragua. You do taste black cherry s suggested by CA...however it is not a flavor that dominates, more of a hint. This smoke is about half the price of the 'brown label' that is the Miami version.

If you like a power house smoke in a small package, this is a bully of a cigar. It did make my head whirl a bet. Don Pepin Garcia has made a genuine knockout. Enjoy one and see if you agree.

What a $1,000,000.00 will buy you!

Barrett-Jackson auctions sold the first 2009 Corvette ZR1 for $1 million, proceeds going to charity. "Tonight Show" host and avid car collector Jay Leno, drove the Corvette ZR1 across the block.

This car is incredible. It boasts 620+ horsepower and is made mainly out of carbon fiber. The fibers are visible on the roof and hood inner. GM has an additive to paint that prevents UV degrade and costs $60,000 a gallon. This is an awesome car and you can get your own for a suggested $100,000.00 MSRP. It just won't be the first.

Nice Celebration Smoke

Just sat down in an easy chair to enjoy a smoke and celebrate a great week. Enjoying a Don Pepin Garcia White Series JJ...reviewed last week.

We had a record week at work and 2008 is off to an AWESOME start. This is going to be a year that will afford me to enjoy some great smokes.

Just landed the latest CA with the top 25 cigars for 2008...interesting that Padron 1926 Anniversary is the top dog this year! Sorry, Rob, Opus X came in 2nd but the Fuente Family represented with more smokes in the list.

My new friend DP Garcia had several smokes in the top 25 as well...some he rolls for other labels. I am looking forward to trying all 25 this year. The Cubans may be hard to get, but I do have some connections to get some.

Okay, we accept the challenge...to smoke every one of the top 25. Who is with me?????

DON PEPIN GARCIA JJ MADURO

54 X 6 $9.50

Another Pepin smoke....quickly becoming a favorite. Today is the maduro JJ. This is everything I have enjoyed in a Pepin with a dark oily spicey maduro wrap.

This is a great smoke with an easy draw. Start is a little spicey and it settles down to become a powerful full bodied smoke that you don't want to light on an empty belly. This would be great after ribeye steak.

My humidor in 2008 is going to be loaded with Don Pepin and Rocky Patel. I have been a HUGE Padron fan and would spend on average $11.00 a smoke. The savings are one thing...but the flavor and quality are another. I would put this Pepin against the Padron 1926 anyday. For those that know me, that is a bold statement.

Rocky Patel THE EDGE

52 X 7 $6.00

Tonight I enjoyed The Edge straight up. This has the lighter shade on the wrapper. This would be the gentle side of The Edge series. A easy smoke some would consider medium in strength.

Rocky says it is for serious smokers only. This is much less intense on the scale compared to the Sumatra. If the Sumatra is an 8 on the strength-o-meter, then this smoke is a 5. This could become an every day smoke pretty quickly. These will become a staple item for my box.

A nice cigar to enjoy over a game of Scrabble.

#24 on TBCOTY

Rocky Patel Edge Sumatra Toro

52x6 $6.00

Happy New Year! Enjoying a Rocky Patel Edge Sumatra. This is a real nice cigar. From what I understand, this smoke will not be available forever. Grab it while you have a chance.

It started out with a little pepper taste that mellowed quick. It is a medium bodied smoke that is very smooth. You get tons of creamy smoke with this Rocky. This cigar has earthy tones with a kick of coffees. The burn is very even and just mellows and is a finger burner. This could be a good everyday smoke if you have the time to enjoy. This has Olde World Reserve taste for half the price. This was good while I played cards with Lisa. This is a longer smoke than I normally smoke...but I like it and the time is well spent.