Rick in charge of cigars !

// By Richard // On October, 31st 2005 // 12:10 pm

I will be leaving to go to the Big Smoke early this week and leave you in the more than capable hands of Rick. I wish you all an excellent week and look forward to hearing from you upon my return. Enjoy !

Vangulo speaks, should the world listen ?

// By Richard // On October, 27th 2005 // 11:12 am

I have a dream, It is a dream of a united world,a free world,an equal world. Here in Potsdam at the Vangulo Centre for Global Human Rights we believe that Society needs to dream. Freedom unites. Together we can overcome the tummoult of uncivilized chaos and overturn the obtusity of a self satisfied, and archaic political system.Now is the time.Time has never been so precious to humanity than in this very instant! Goodbye, and remember my dream, be free and unite.

New My Humidor Area

// By Richard // On October, 24th 2005 // 8:58 pm

Please check out the new 'My Humidor' area, with all the new advantages -

- Your Personal Details - allows you to keep your personal profile up to date in real time (change your address, nickname or password when you wish)

- Your Order History - allows you to keep an on-line log of the past orders you have placed with TopCubans.com.

- Your Cigar Book - allows you to keep an on-line cigar tasting book for your personal ratings and comments for all cigars, Cuban and non-Cuban.

- Special Offers - allows you to receive special personalized offers on cigars and accessories.

- Your Newsletter - allows you to change the status of the Newsletter you wish to receive (Epicurean, Aficionado, Smokers)

Free Shipping Weekend

// By Richard // On October, 21st 2005 // 5:47 pm

We are glad to offer you a 'Free Shipping Weekend', this weekend, 21 Oct - 23 Oct for all orders of a minimum of $100. Make the most of this offer while it runs, plus remember to check out the special weekend deals in the TopDeals area. Enjoy !

Richard

Hoyo Pt. Robustos, back in stock !

// By Richard // On October, 19th 2005 // 4:51 pm

Great new batch of the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robustos just in ! Ideal sized small cigar with the big ring gauge that will give you the power and flavor development of a bigger, more complex smoke. Perfect for a break time cigar, ideal with a strong coffee, To be tried. Enjoy !

Cigar weekend, what to smoke with heavy foods

// By Richard // On October, 17th 2005 // 3:40 pm

Just spent a fantastic weekend in the French Alps with a group of Aficionados doing a tasting session, in view of an upcoming 'Game Food Festival' next month. Top of the picks were the Partagas Shorts (small power stick, ideal for breaks during dinner, compliments heavy stews perfectly), Bolivar Coronas Extra (we found this to be an excellent appetizer cigar to go with smoked meats, terrines, pâtés), Punch Black Prince (rich flavors, without being to distracting. Some will enjoy this after dinner, others before cheese and dessert) and finally three big cigars for post dinner chats round the fire, accompanied by a well aged Port, Whiskey, Cognac or Armagnac - Partagas Lusitanias (my pick, this cigar is rolled for precisely these moments), Bolivar Coronas Gigantes (another power stick, that releases some subtle flavors which will expose hidden aromas in your Digestives) or the Saint Luis Rey Churchill (a little less power, but country type flavors, for those looking for a little sweetness to cap off the evening). Don't hesitate to explore and try these cigars with all types of rich dinners, you will find that a well chosen cigar will amplify your feeling of content and total satisfaction. Enjoy !

Columbus Day Celebration continues !

// By Richard // On October, 11th 2005 // 4:49 pm

513 years on, it can mean only one thing, the full selection of the Cohiba brand just for you. In 1492, during Columbus' first voyage to the "new world", he visited the island of Cuba. His sailors were introduced to "Cohiba" by the island natives, a bunch of dried leaves that were smoked in a pipe called a "Puros". The Myth was born. In 1982, three types of Cohiba Cuban cigars were introduced to non-diplomats: the Lanceros, the Coronas Especiales and the Panatelas. Three more vitoles were added to the brand in 1989: the Espléndidos, the Robustos and the Exquisitos, completing what is known as "La Línea Clasica". Five more vitoles were added in 1992 creating the "Linea 1492": the Siglo I, II, III, IV and V. Cohiba remains the "King of the Cubans". Further additions were the now famous Cohiba Siglo VI, to make up the full line of the 1492 Linea. Cohiba’s Limited Edicion cigars have been more and more exciting, culminating with last years’ Cohiba Sublimes. THE big smoke !

Switzerland vs France - World Cup Qualifier

// By Richard // On October, 07th 2005 // 5:41 pm

You will no doubt be glued to your television this weekend for the final rounds of the qualifications for the World Cup in Germany 2006. I have the pleasure of attending the Switzerland vs France game in Bern. Should be a cracker, as the Swiss have a real chance of winning and thus qualifying. A number of other important games to be followed this weekend -

Czech Republic - Netherlands
Croatia - Sweden
Denmark - Greece
Switzerland - France
Norway - Moldova
Lithuania - Serbia & Montenegro
Portugal - Liechtenstein
Israel - Faroe Islands
Italy - Slovenia
Belgium - Spain
Finland - Romania
Georgia - Kazakhstan
England - Austria
Scotland - Belarus
Northern Ireland - Wales
Bulgaria - Hungary
Slovakia - Estonia
Russia - Luxembourg
Bosnia-Herzegovina - San Marino
Cyprus - Ireland Republic
Ukraine - Albania

Current quality of the smokes being produced

// By Richard // On October, 06th 2005 // 10:34 am

Having tasted the recent Swiss Market releases (Punch Robustos and Ramon Allones Eminencias) and the 2005 Limited Edicions (RyJ Petit Piramides EL 2005, H.Upmann Magnum 50 EL 2005, Montecristo D EL 2005) it is clear that the ongoing improvements in the 'quality control' aspects on the production line by Habanos S.A., are having their desired effect. On the regular production smokes, we are seeing a hugely improved construction in the cigars, less problems with draw (plugs and knots), less unravelling and more consistency in blend across different productions of the same cigar. The new cigars being released by Habanos S.A. posses exciting and varied blends, showing an understanding by the industry to satisfy a more sophisticated and adventurous palate. I believe we are entering an intriguing period in the ever-evolving evolution of the Cuban cigar. Better and more consistency in quality, inventive and risk taking in the creation (size and blend), I think we are entering a golden period. All the better for us !