Well its March 1st and the draconian anti-smoking laws in Chicago are still in full effect. I checked the weather online and despite a frigid 31 degrees and no sun there was only a 2 mph wind. For me wind is the absolute worst thing to have when smoking a cigar. It was a late night last night and my girlfriend decided she needed to nap (something I find impossible). Its a small apartment so with the windless day I took it upon myself to bundle up and take to the balcony to smoke the first cigar I've had in about 3 weeks.

Although I recently got a whole slew of new sticks I settled on a VSG Enchantment that has been in the humi for about 4 months. I somehow managed to drop it awhile back which resulted in pretty much destroying the "nipple" foot. It was pretty ragged and so I decided to put this abused smoke out of its misery.

Armed with a folding chair, several layers of clothes (including two pairs of pants), two cans of Youngs Double Chocolate Stout, and the newest ESPN I went out. Pre light the cigar was a mess, the foot looked like the top of a BBMF, all frayed and smushed up. I clipped the end with my Xikar and like usual had an ok cut. I seem to be unable to use this dang thing properly. Pre light draw was earthy and chocolaty. Turns out the Chocolate Stout was a great pairing IMHO. I then torched the sucker with my new Z-plus lighter insert.

*Small sidenote, I read good things about the Z-plus and it they are all true. Nothing like haveing a reliable torch in a durable Zippo case. Highly recommend it for everyone as a lighter to just shove in your pocket and not have to worry about.

Due to the damage I inflicted on the cigar it burned like a nightmare. Apparently when I dropped it not only did the foot get beat up, but some of the tobacco fell out or something. As a result, it only burned on one side. But it did not matter because the cigar still tasted great to me and I was just happy to be smoking. Overall the experience was pure chocolate throughout (course that may have been the beer). Damaged cigar, miserable burn but I will tell you this, the whole experience was fantastic. I really like the VSG line, strong, robust and fairly affordable.I stayed with it until I was sick of touching it up and could barely feel my hands. In fact I am still wearing all my outerware as I type this to warm up.

As cigar reviews go I am well aware that this one was piss poor. But its a free forum so everyone is stuck with it. Sorry to those who read this hoping for a more in-depth taste description. Just know it was delicious and you should smoke one. Well its off to take the dog out (since my coat is already on and its clear my girlfriend has no intentions of moving anytime soon). Hope everyone else has as good a start to the month as I did.

I actually enjoyed the the write up and it has me thinking about my first VSG which is in my box resting. I further appreciate the fact I don't live up north anymore. Try a Palio cutter. I'm very happy with mine.

Sorry to hear about the cold. I couldn't imagine a single VSG making it 4 months in my humi. The singe torpedo I have is resting from its journey and needs another 2 weeks at least. It beckons me every time I open the humi.

I have a pretty new car and haven't smoked in any of my cars since I quit cigarettes years ago, but if it was so cold to not allow me to indulge in a cigar for weeks at a time, I would definitely smoke in my car.

I can't believe you guys can't even find a cigar lounge to smoke in. It pains me to read the post of people walking their dog in the snow trying to enjoy a cigar. I think if I was in your shoes, I would look into one of those portable sheds, cut a hole in the wall for ventilation and buy a small area heater (I think $40 or so for the heater) At least you'll avoid the wind.

VSG was the first cigar to inspire me to buy a box (Tres Mystiques). I have an Enchantment resting right now. Can't wait to smoke it. I think short figurados are my fave vitola so I have HIGH expectations.

quote:

I think if I was in your shoes, I would look into one of those portable sheds, cut a hole in the wall for ventilation and buy a small area heater (I think $40 or so for the heater) At least you'll avoid the wind.

An outstanding idea, but I live in the city on the 18th floor, no place to put a shed. Believe you me after going through all this by the time I do move out into the burbs I will have a seperate room all for smoking inside.

smoked a vsg this evening after easter dinner.

the stick i had was aged about 8 months, which in my opinion really helped the flavor. burned pretty well, although not perfectly.

stick started out slow and kind of touch and go leather flavors. about mid stick it really opened up with strong leather notes and nice cedar flavors.

the aroma was fantastic! deep rich tobacco and cedar. im pleased with the stick and will in quire about a box to age.

The VSG is probably my facorite NC smoke. I like it even more than Opus X.

I recently bought a box of the VSG Illusions (6.5x44 Lonsdale) that are absolutely fantastic. I've smoked three so far and each one has completely blown me away. They seem great fresh, the box is dated 12/07.

The VSG Illusion is my all time Favorite smoke also. After I smoke one of them and then for the next few days the other cigars just seem a little lacking.
Is there another smoke that is compairable to the VSG?

quote:

Originally posted by Longshot1221:
Is there another smoke that is compairable to the VSG?

Opus X is also a Dominican with a somewhat similar flavor profile. Then there's the Padron 1926/1964 Anniversary, both Nicaraguan puros, but with a completely different flavor profile.

And that's about it.

quote:

Originally posted by SteveSur:
The VSG is probably my facorite NC smoke. I like it even more than Opus X.

I recently bought a box of the VSG Illusions (6.5x44 Lonsdale) that are absolutely fantastic. I've smoked three so far and each one has completely blown me away. They seem great fresh, the box is dated 12/07.

I'm also a big fan of the Illusions. One of these was my first lonsdale, and I've been a fan ever since