After graduating over years through the ranks of King Edwards and N.C. bundles I looked forward to better quality long filler cigars. Don Thomas, Macanudo & Cuesta Rey & bundled J.R. cigars followed.
The first Cubans were smoked one per week. Full of flavour with palate refreshed by plenty of cold beer. The longest would be a R&J Churchill which was a handfull but providing a managable buzz.
After some months I felt it was time to tackle the big one that I had heard about, the Monte A.
A churchill at this time took me a good two hours to smoke so I figured three hours.
The day I set out finally came after a long week at work. It was mid afternoon but I had to stay sober as I was meeting someone later. My chosen beverage was coffee.
The cigar drew like a dream and was very enjoyable. The first hour was spent enjoying the medium flavour and the billowing smoke. The cigar extended into the second hour and gradually passed the first third. The flavour profile gradually changed into a more richer taste as I topped up more coffee.
As the final third approached and the two and a half hour mark was nigh I began feeling quite light headed. The coffee kept me quite alert but I was now on my fourth or fifth cup.
This sucker cost me enough and I was determined to finish it. The final third was a struggle. Deep earth flavours were murdering my palate. I began feeling a fair degree of nausea. The coffee was adding to my problems as I began to get the shakes aswell!
As four hours approached I was finished as was the cigar. I felt sick for a good few hours after but I had smoked what the Guiness record book thought was the biggest/ most expensive cigar.

I don't even want to know what it cost you over in London. I'll be over there for a week in september and I'm saving my pennies to possibly buy a PC, although I'll most likely be tempted by those beautiful Cuban sirens and wander into each cigar store only to leave with no money and a couple sticks. A cigar store stocked with habanos truely is one of the most beautiful sights to an American cigar smokers.

You will have a great time. Check out Fox's cigars St. James St. Also The Churchill intercontinental cigar lounge in the hotel itself open to all from 6pm. Cigars are cheaper at Heathrow on the way home.
The above story happened quite a few years ago now. A Monte 'A' now lasts about two hours and is not the powerhouse I thought it once was, shame really.
A showbiz guy over here called Lou Grade used to smoke six every day and died at 86 or so I think!

Haven't had the A but they are amazing to look at no doubt.