All by Ken Gargett

Robusto Rumble – Por Larranaga Robustos de Larranaga. 2007 Regional Release Asia Pacific. EMA Oct 07 – Zacapa Royal - Palo Cortado

Robusto Rumble – Por Larranaga Robustos de Larranaga. 2007 Regional Release Asia Pacific. EMA Oct 07 – Zacapa Royal - Palo Cortado

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

Well, this is a bit embarrassing. Was doing some isolation cleaning up yesterday and came across an empty half-bottle of Palo Cortado sherry, amongst full bottles on the kitchen bench. So of course, I tossed it in the rubbish. Collected. Gone. Forgotten.

Today, I sit down to do the next Kenfessions and remember why I kept the empty – to remind me which Bodega made it, plus details. Whoops. So all I can tell you now is that it was a palo cortado.

This, the Por Larranaga Robustos de Larranaga. 2007 Regional Release Asia Pacific. EMA Oct 07, is also a cigar we looked at recently. A post on the forum recently revealed just how extensive the number of Robustos were, so we are not going to get through them all for our Robusto Rumble, but we are doing our best (and yes, there is a valid…

Trinidad La Trova (RAG AGO 17) – Wild Turkey Master’s Keep 1894 Bourbon - Kahlua - Homemade Ginger Beer

Trinidad La Trova (RAG AGO 17) – Wild Turkey Master’s Keep 1894 Bourbon - Kahlua - Homemade Ginger Beer

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

A real range of drinks to try as a combo with this classic and cracking cigar, the Trinidad ‘La Trova’ from RAG AGO 17. I checked the records after smoking it and found that this is the third time I have done a Kenfessions with it. On one occasion, paired with the Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Japanese Malt. On the other, and I swear I did not know this, or at least did not realise it, before I selected the drinks, the Wild Turkey ‘Master’s Keep’ ‘1894’ Bourbon. By pure chance, or divine intervention, same choice.

In keeping with the trend of late, tried the cigar with more than the single drink. So some of my very own homemade ginger beer and also Kahlua.

Cigar first. Most of us think Fundys when we talk Trinidad and who doesn’t love…

Robusto Rumble – Por Larranaga Robustos de Larranaga. 2007 Regional Release Asia Pacific. EMA Oct 07 – Bollinger Grand Année 2012

Robusto Rumble – Por Larranaga Robustos de Larranaga. 2007 Regional Release Asia Pacific. EMA Oct 07 – Bollinger Grand Année 2012

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

Well, this was a bit embarrassing. I had to do a tasting of the new Bolly and so, once done, the stopper went back in and the bottle to the fridge for that evening. As it really is a scintillating champagne, I wanted a really good cigar. And as we were coming towards the end of the Robusto Rumble, I thought it was time for the CoRo. So I searched high and low. I was thinking how awkward it was going to be explaining to Rob that I had unfortunately misplaced the prized Robusto.

So I thought I would pull one out from my own humidor as a replacement (a Robusto, not a CoRo). Hence, this one, the Por Larranaga Robustos de Larranaga. 2007 Regional Release Asia Pacific. EMA Oct 07. And then I noticed that in the notes, I had already smoked…

Ramon Allones Estupendos. Regional Release Asia Pacific (TEB OCT 07) – Beluga Gold Line Vodka - Bleasdale Tawny Port.

Ramon Allones Estupendos. Regional Release Asia Pacific (TEB OCT 07) – Beluga Gold Line Vodka - Bleasdale Tawny Port.

Ken Gargett

Now, anyone who does read these musings – and may I take this opportunity to thank both of you – will be aware that we looked at the Ramon Allones Estupendos, RR, Asia Pacific from 2007 very recently. I had a couple rolling around in a singles box (there is something way too decadent about this sentence) and grabbed another one the other evening. I had taped Quantum of Solace, and have Craig’s other three outings as 007 on DVD, so kicked off with Casino Royale, still possibly the best Bond flick of all, and then Quantum – definitely not in anyone’s list of Best Bonds. A very Bond evening.

To digress (there’s a shock), I have seen Quantum several times and have a few thoughts. The first time…

H Upmann Magnum 46 – Cardrona Distillery Rose Rabbit Orange Liqueur - Blanton’s Single Barrel Special Reserve Bourbon

H Upmann Magnum 46 – Cardrona Distillery Rose Rabbit Orange Liqueur - Blanton’s Single Barrel Special Reserve Bourbon

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

Is any fictional character more perfect for today’s chaotic and isolationist times than Gene Hackman’s ‘Harry Caul’, from the ‘The Conversation’. Harry is one of film’s great characters, a security expert obsessed with his own security and privacy.

The film is by Francis Ford Coppola and was tipped out of Oscar for Best Pic by ‘Godfather II’, another of Coppola’s films (Chinatown was also up that year – a bit of a golden era). The films might be famous but I doubt many could name the winners of Best Actor, Best Actress, from that year, but I remember as a kid seeing the movies they were in and loved them both.

Art Carney in ‘Harry and Tonto’ (okay, I had assumed a western when I went but…

Ramon Allones Estupendos Regional Release Asia Pacific (TEB OCT 07) – Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin - Yalumba ‘The Caley’ Cabernet Shiraz 2014

Ramon Allones Estupendos Regional Release Asia Pacific (TEB OCT 07) – Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin - Yalumba ‘The Caley’ Cabernet Shiraz 2014

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

I have long believed that south-east Queensland/northern NSW, for the period from mid-March to early September, has simply the best weather on the planet. Bar none. That horrible enervating, soul-soaking heat and humidity have gone. Day after day, nothing matches it. I reckon I have travelled enough to be able to make a reasonably unbiased judgement on this and if anyone doubts my impartiality, I will also concede that the rest of the year is possibly the worst weather on the planet. Hate it.

For a short period of isolation, I have decamped to the little place by the coast for a few days. For the last two/three days, there has not been so much of an illusion of a hint of a whisper of the merest cloud at any time throughout the day. The sky is a radiant blue. The ocean is…

Bolivar Royal Corona – Melton Sparkling Red NV (d’gorged 2019) - Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye

Bolivar Royal Corona – Melton Sparkling Red NV (d’gorged 2019) - Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

We are into the home straight for the Robusto Rumble and here we have one of the big guns – the Bolivar Royal Corona.

Now, I may have to offer Whipcrack an apology. During a recent video review, he was banging on about some Boli being exceptional of late. I wasn’t paying attention. Well, be fair, how many of you do? I have a vague feeling it was the Boli RC. But it has long been a highly regarded, and I think too often neglected, robusto. It was the Cigar of Year for a popular cigar publication, way back in 2006, if I recall. And not often a Cuban gets over the line for that honour.

This was also a chance for redemption for Bolivar, after their very ordinary performance with the Hong Kong Regional Release. And redeem themselves, they did.

50 ring gauge, so large enough, without being the hideous monster we see so often these days.

This was incredibly aromatic, with…

Bolívar Regional Release Hong Kong ‘Silver Jubilee’ – Smith & Sheth ‘Cru’ Heretaunga Syrah 2017 - Mystery Scottish Malt - Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin

Bolívar Regional Release Hong Kong ‘Silver Jubilee’ – Smith & Sheth ‘Cru’ Heretaunga Syrah 2017 - Mystery Scottish Malt - Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

As has been mentioned before, Rob very kindly left me a variety of smokes for Kenfessions recently – we will get back to the last of the Robusto Rumbles soon, fear not – and this was one of them. The Bolívar Regional Release Hong Kong ‘Silver Jubilee’, which I was delighted to see never having tried it before. Never having heard of it before. After smoking it, I thought it worth seeing what other members of the forum thought. Which is when I discovered that we had actually done a video review of this very cigar some four months ago. In other words, put me out to pasture now. The memory is clearly stuffed.

Otherwise, it got mixed reviews. And that tracked…

Robusto Rumble – Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No 4 – Corona Extra - Glenfiddich Grand Cru.

Robusto Rumble – Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No 4 – Corona Extra - Glenfiddich Grand Cru.

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

My apologies to the Chinaman whom I must have run over while he was chasing the black cat under the ladder while juggling a mirror. Because it seemed luck had deserted me. Could I really be so unlucky?

But, so it continues. Those who have followed the Robusto Rumble will know of the disappointing disaster that was the El Rey del Mundo, a woeful cigar for me on that occasion. As it was my last day at the coast, I tried again with the R&J 4 and a basic beer – what could be better than lying back with a cigar, a great book and the sound of the waves coming up from the beach, on a beautiful Queensland summer day (not too hot, fortunately). And that Glenfiddich. I hoped that this cigar might be worthy of it.

Surely, it could not happen again…

Robusto Rumble – El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme - Monteith’s Black Beer - Glenfiddich Grand Cru.

Robusto Rumble – El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme - Monteith’s Black Beer - Glenfiddich Grand Cru.

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

A pox on all dud cigars. disappointing, frustrating, miserable wastes of time.

Next cab of the Robusto rank was the ERdM Choix Supreme. My experiences with this cigar in the past have largely been positive, so I was looking forward to this. Well, talk about one giant ripping of the Funk out of your Wagnalls.

The immediate impression on opening was of earthy, bitter notes, but I was not worried. Fool!

I thought give it a moment to hit its straps, and this too shall pass. As I said, fool!

I was very careful in lighting it but…

Robusto Rumble – Ramon Allones Specially Selected - Glenglassaugh 1965 50-Year-Old Cask #3510 - Vickery Riesling ‘The Reserve’ Eden Valley 2017 ‘Zander Kosi Block’ EVR 704 Z.

Robusto Rumble – Ramon Allones Specially Selected - Glenglassaugh 1965 50-Year-Old Cask #3510 - Vickery Riesling ‘The Reserve’ Eden Valley 2017 ‘Zander Kosi Block’ EVR 704 Z.

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

Next robusto into the frame.

Now, as mentioned last time, I have been afflicted by the dreaded lurgy and been hiding away at the coast for the best part of a week. Today was the first day it was not bucketing rain all day – lovely day, actually – and more importantly, the first day I had the chance to try a cigar (notwithstanding my condition, but yet another sacrifice for FoH).

So I went for the tried and tested and always true, RASS. It seemed a cautious but wise move. For drinks, time to push the boat out.

The RASS. Performed admirably. Was in good condition with a rather pale wrapper, but it certainly looked well crafted. It lit well (I was extremely careful) and smoked only needing a touch-up once or twice (as they would say on B-99, title of its sex tape. Sorry. Blame it on the lurgy).

Started nicely with some rich and toasty notes. Nuts, roasted nuts. It did not take too long to move into those lovely…

Robusto Rumble – SLR Regios - Four Square 2004 Rum - Lagavulin 8-Year-Old

Robusto Rumble – SLR Regios - Four Square 2004 Rum - Lagavulin 8-Year-Old

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

Round three in the Robusto Rumble, though I have to kenfess that I am writing this a while after smoking it. It seems I have contracted the dreaded lurgy. So, at home desperately trying to fight off a combo of coronavirus/Ebola/SARS/lord knows what, I have dragged myself, at great personal cost but I am never one to whinge as Whipcrack can tell you, to the machine to try and tap out a few words so as we don’t miss deadlines. The sacrifices one makes…

As it happens, at the moment, the idea of a cigar is about as appealing as a tax audit. Once, or should I say if, I manage to make it through the current jungle fever, I hope to be back in form but until then, once I have submitted this one, I might have to go back to old notes. Fear not. I have enough for about 18 months.

It does bring me to one of my absolute favourite quotes. One might think that, in these trying times, one might…

Robusto Rumble – Vegas Robaina Famosos - Joseph Sparkling Red

Robusto Rumble – Vegas Robaina Famosos - Joseph Sparkling Red

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

The second cab off the rank for Rob’s Robusto Rumble. For no particular reason at all, I grabbed the VR Famosos, a cigar I have not smoked for a long time. They were well received on release in 1997, which was probably before some FoH members were even born – how depressing is that?

The match? An Australian icon!

I have been doing some tastings of the Aussie Spurgles, once known as Sparkling Burgundy but now either Sparkling Red or often Sparkling Shiraz – of course, only when it is made from Shiraz. That is usual, though sparkling reds in Australia are made in almost every region from almost every red variety. The Joseph is actually Shiraz, Cabernet and fortifieds.

Anyway, one of the stars of my tastings has been, as it always is, the Joseph Sparkling Red ($90) from McLaren Vale. So, after the official work was done, I stoppered the bottle and…

First Entrant in the “Robusto Rumble” – Partagas D4 Robusto – Pommery Extra Brut ‘Louise’ 2004

First Entrant in the “Robusto Rumble” – Partagas D4 Robusto – Pommery Extra Brut ‘Louise’ 2004

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

Rob recently came up with a terrific idea – the “Robusto Rumble”. I immediately had visions of Hulk Hogan in the ring announcing the fight to the death between a RASS and a CoRo! He dropped off a bundle, noting that he was a couple short but that they were on their way. A couple short! I do not wish to be Ronnie-Rain-On-Your-Parade but has anyone looked to see how many Robustos there are?

Dozens of the things. Regional Releases out the wahzoo, Limited Editions falling out of trees, some discontinued, some one-offs, some just appear and disappear and of course, the regular production Robustos. And that is what the Rumble will be about. 

The order of smoking? Given that I am…

Diplomatico “Nortenos” Canada Regional Release 2018 – Dom Perignon 2008 - Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape 2009 - Rockford Black Shiraz Sparkling Red

Diplomatico “Nortenos” Canada Regional Release 2018 – Dom Perignon 2008 - Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape 2009 - Rockford Black Shiraz Sparkling Red

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

New Year’s Eve. Has there ever been a more overhyped, trumped-up, pretend holiday on the planet? Except for Valentine’s Day and the Queen’s Birthday and Halloween (outside the States, at least) and a whole heap more.

Caught up with some of my oldest friends and crashed up at their place – just off the beach just north of the Qld/NSW border. It was pretty much a perfect way to spend New Year. A summer evening with a cool sea breeze. A fireworks display (can take or leave that). Some cracking wines. A brilliant barbecue. A cigar (okay, not everything was perfect). Many hours telling old stories, all of which get better every year. And then sound asleep by about 11pm.

The cigar was the only let-down. And is there a more disappointing cigar than one you know is normally a star, but utterly fails you. The culprit…

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