Traveling for me has lead to many discoveries and fond tasteful memories. It doesn’t always matter where I am- soaking in the experience and flavors lives in the memory- that’s the beauty of taste.
Some of the freshest seafood I’ve enjoyed from various coasts on our globe have stayed with me from their distinct and wonderful qualities. I’ll crave and seek more but always remember my first experiences. I cherish it. Some of the best wines I have tasted were from small vineyards that didn’t create enough to export, and were to be enjoyed simply by the locals. That is something I also enjoy of cheese- where the distinctions in taste are very noticeable by region and animal. And I do love my stinky cheeses.
It is the qualities and flavors I look for now, the ones that remind me of the impact the previous memories left me with. I’m sure you, too, have had this experience. Even if it a meal your mother made just for you from scratch at home. Nothing compares to it and it means something to you.
It isn’t an end all of course. Not everything has to be a perfect replacement- I would never want to replace my memories. It’s just a beginning and gives you an appreciation. There are so many new opportunities being created every day, and it is fun to see and taste all the varieties. But the love of a flavor comes from the memories.
One such cigar experience for me is one I am unable to get here in the United States for obvious reasons. But is one I will also forever remember the qualities and tastes of, and carry with me. It’s one I want to share with you, and- I hope you too will share your experiences.
You know the moment when it happens- that impact a certain food, wine, or cigar experience hits you. It leaves you cozy, relaxed, and jubilant. One experience that stood out for me was the Montecristo #3. It is a Cuban cigar that for me left me speechless and grateful. The taste, smoothness, and luxury of this smoke is a strong memory of mine.
There are many discussions going on about Cuban cigars, and with many fakes moving around so many false impressions are made. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you like them or not- like anything else they are distinctive and must meet your palate. But if you do not like them, I hope it comes from having tasted a true representation.
Living where I am now, smoking them regularly isn’t an option for me. But fortunately Cuban cigars have paved the way for so many wonderful, true quality cigars. Nicaraguan cigars are my preferred day to day choice here, there are similarities that make me cozy. But I love trying more- from all regions and blends. Having the same thing every day will eventually dull in flavor and you won’t be able to tell the details anymore. It won’t make them special.
And so I enjoy expanding my palate and seeing what all is available. There is too much to be enjoyed to stay in one place.
I’d love to hear from you, too. What are some of your fondest taste memories? Cigars, food, wine, or spirits… share what you like here. We may find some new ideas to seek out for ourselves.
One of my fondest memories in tastes will always be my grandmother’s desserts. That women can bulk you up, just an absolute whiz in the kitchen. That’s the little child in me
A person I know had that same cigar. I don’t remember if it was No. 2 or 3, but he said it was like he was drinking hot chocolate. Perhaps when I travel to the Caribbean next year I’ll get to experience that phenomenon. My taste memories in cigars don’t extend very far. It’s only been this past year when I started picking up notes and flavors, plus retrohaling enhanced it in such a way. As I mentioned in your cravings blog, the exile cigar is definitely one of the top on my list. I would also give an honorable mention to the Punch Rare Corojo (2009), and hopefully the Camacho Triple Maduro when I try it.
Unfortunately I still haven’t tried that La Riqueza that you spoke highly of. I’ll probably pick up a couple when I go to a Man O War cigar event next week.
I have to say I found a new love while recently in Mexico. This is yet another one of the forbidden fruits (at least in the States); the savory, smooth and delicious Havana Club Rum. It had the consistency of a fine Scottish Single Malt, and the taste of oh so sweet Canadian mapIe syrup. I can still remember sitting at the outside bar partaking of a nice La Flor and Club on the rocks…what a beautiful thing life is!
The first time I had a CAO MX2 will be a day I’ll always remember. It’s a maduro lover’s dream. Your post on the Montecristo #3 made me jealous, I gotta have one some day soon :-). Great post.
I’m a big fan of the little child inside us and I can only imagine how wonderful the desserts your Grandmother made for you were, Adam! Nothing like being in the kitchen waiting and watching either.
What a great description, drinking hot chocolate. I hope to hear from you when you give one a taste. Retrohaling does add a whole new aspect to the experience, It is still something I need to practice, but the moments I have definitely stand out. I’ll have to hunt down the exile, sounds like a must
Cortez, as a lover of rum you are speaking my language, how beautiful! That sounds incredible, wow! I love it
John, I enjoy the way you phrased those first two sentences, it’s perfect. Exactly what you want in a taste experience memory; beautiful. You’ll have a day when the Montecristo #3 makes an opportunity for you, I know it.
A few years ago I solo’ed the West Face of the Leaning Tower in Yosemite. At the summit is a large ledge, you can sit on the edge, feet dangling over the side, looking over the valley floor 1300 feet below. It was there I pulled out a smoke and celebrated my first big wall solo with a Partagas. I love a cigar at elevation, my goal is Denali, and I know I’ll have to produce photographic evidence. Thank you SHCC!
Aloha,
wil
Jrcigars.com has them, but unfortunately only by the box.
The Swisher Sweet and camping will always be inexorably linked in my mind. I know the Swisher Sweet is that machine made, ubiquitous inhabitant of the convenience store, but it was the first cigar I ever smoked. I was camping in the Grand Canyon with my dad and two cousins, both Vietnam Vets (I was around 19 at the time). My cousin Oscar handed me a Swisher one day during the trip and I felt like I was passing into manhood. The cigar was tasty and the experience was forever burned into my mind. Since then I have branched out into other cigars, but that little Swisher Sweet will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I love your website and your YouTube channel. I discovered you yesterday. Its great knowing that fun, elegant women like you exist.