On this fine day, I’ve wrapped up my first week of holidays. It’s something I look forward to every year. As it is my last day, I’ve got the day to myself.
I decided to enjoy a nice Cuban cigar called the Quintero Habana. This one caught my interest with its medium strength and unique flavor.
During my break, I visited some nearby beaches for swimming and spent time reading and kayaking. I even tried my hand at fishing with some success.
A highlight was meeting Wes, also known as Captain Clench, who turned out to be an interesting person to chat with. These little trips made my holidays pretty memorable.
Key Takeaways
- Jeff enjoyed a relaxing holiday with various activities.
- The Quintero Habana offered unique flavors and a smooth smoke.
- Connecting with Captain Clench was a fun and insightful experience.
Quintero Havana Overview
Initial Thoughts
Today is all about enjoying a Quintero Havana, a less expensive Cuban cigar that I haven’t tried before. It’s medium strength, which sounds perfect for me. The look is a bit rough, with some veins showing, typical of a short filler style. Not too strong on the smell, just a hint of tobacco. The draw is tight, which is expected with Cubans. There’s a unique allspice and nutmeg flavor I’m curious to explore.
Lighting and First Puff
After cutting the tip, I was eager to light it up. Once lit, the burn is clean and steady, which is impressive for a short filler cigar. Initially, the draw was tight, but it has relaxed a bit, providing more smoke. The taste reminds me of being in a kitchen surrounded by spices—specifically allspice, nutmeg, and a bit of black pepper without the heat. The finish is short, but these spices linger slightly.
Halfway Mark Reflections
As I keep smoking, the experience remains smooth and pleasant. I’m noticing a slight chalkiness that is distinctively Cuban. Sometimes, I catch a nutty aroma, adding to the enjoyment. Despite the mild body, the flavors are clear and present. It’s a gentle smoke that suits the morning well.
Wrapping Up
As I reach the end, the cigar has become a bit soft due to the humidity. The taste is mostly nutty now, with a little extra strength. It’s been a gentle smoke, but I hoped for something with more kick. Among Cubans, I still prefer the boldness of the Bolivar, and maybe I’ll try a Cohiba someday for a special occasion. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, and I’ll consider giving it another chance.
Fun Summer Stuff
Short Trips and Beach Days
During my vacation, I took some short trips, and visited a couple of beaches. It was really relaxing to swim and sit on the sand with a good book. One beach, in particular, was extra special because I met up with Wes, also known as Captain Clench. He’s well-known in the pipes and cigars community. We had a great chat, even though he’s normally quiet in his videos. It was fun meeting someone who shares my interests, and I’m looking forward to hanging out again.
Fishing and Adventure Outdoors
Fishing turned out pretty well for me this summer. I spent some nice days on the water, enjoying the good catches and the beautiful surroundings. Besides fishing, I also tried kayaking for a bit. It was really exciting being on the water, paddling around, and taking in the sights. These outdoor adventures made my holidays truly memorable and enjoyable.
Meeting Captain Clench
During my holidays, I visited a fascinating guy many in the pipe and cigar world know as Captain Clench. His real name is Wes, and although he’s not super chatty in his videos, we found plenty to discuss. We share similar views on many topics, which made our conversation easy and enjoyable. He doesn’t live far from me, so I’m looking forward to the chance to hang out with Wes again.
I had spent my break taking fun day trips, enjoying activities like kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Visiting Captain Clench was a nice change of pace, and I really appreciated the shared moments and conversations. It’s great meeting someone who genuinely shares your hobbies and interests.
Cigar Journal Notes
Today was my last day of holidays, and I decided to make the most of it by sitting outside, smoking a cigar, and updating my cigar journal. I chose a Quintero Habana, a more affordable Cuban cigar I hadn’t tried yet. It looked a bit rough, with a few veins and a short filler style, but the medium strength was appealing.
Once I cut it and took a draw, I didn’t get much aroma, just a hint of tobacco. The draw was tight, typical for Cubans. However, I noticed some interesting flavors like allspice and nutmeg. Once lit, the cigar performed wonderfully with a smooth burn. The draw loosened up, providing more smoke than initially.
The flavors reminded me of a spice cabinet, with hints of allspice, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper, but without the heat. The spices left a short finish, lingering just a bit. It had that unmistakable Cuban taste, with a unique chalkiness and nutty aroma. The cigar was a mild morning smoke, not much body, but the flavors were enjoyable.
As I continued smoking, the flavors evolved slightly, becoming a bit nuttier with more body. I liked it, but wished it had more strength. Of all the Cubans I’ve tried, this one was on the milder side. The best Cuban I’ve had so far was the Bolívar, and I’m hoping to try a Cohiba someday, maybe for a special occasion.
Throughout my holidays, I also got to enjoy various activities, from beach trips to meeting fellow enthusiasts like Wes, also known as Captain Clench. It was great to chat with him, sharing our love for pipes and cigars. All in all, it was a good break and a pleasant cigar smoking session.
Final Thoughts
I just wrapped up the last day of my first week of holidays this year. Now it’s all about enjoying simple pleasures, like smoking a cigar and jotting down notes in my cigar journal.
Today, it’s all about the Quintero Habana, a rough-around-the-edges, short filler Cuban that’s definitely unique.
Cutting the cigar, I didn’t pick up much of a scent, just a faint tobacco aroma. The draw was tight, typical for a Cuban.
As I lit it, a blend of allspice, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper started coming through. The finish is short, but those spices linger a bit. The cigar has this characteristic Cuban chalkiness that you don’t find in others.
As I smoked, the draw improved, and I noticed more smoke coming through. The flavors felt like stepping into my grandma’s cooking space, with spices taking center stage.
The aroma brought a subtle nuttiness. It’s a mild smoke, really pleasant, especially for the morning.
My holiday adventures were mostly day trips. I enjoyed beaches, went swimming and kayaking, and even had some fishing success.
A highlight was meeting up with Wes, known online as Captain Clot. We had a great chat, and it was awesome connecting with someone who shares my mindset. We’ll definitely get together again soon.
The closer I got to the end of my cigar, the nuttiness stood out more, with the cigar getting softer and the flavors richer but also a bit harsh. I enjoyed the experience but found it a tad mild.
I might give it another go. The Bolivar remains my favorite so far, though I’m curious about trying a Cohiba when the time is right.
That’s all for today’s entry in my cigar journal. Until next time!
