All in By Ken Gargett - 2020

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…

Monsdales – Mandrake Cucumber and Mint Gin - El Dorado 15-Year-Old Rum 

Monsdales – Mandrake Cucumber and Mint Gin - El Dorado 15-Year-Old Rum 

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

When talking Cuban cigar luminaries, names do not come much bigger than Don Alejandro Robaina and Enrique Mons. Sadly, neither are still with us. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Robaina twice, the first time organised by Rob on our first adventure to the Island when we spent time with him and his family at the farm. Wonderful experience. The second was briefer, at a launch of some of his cigars in Havana. 

Enrique Mons, I never met. His cigars, of course, have a slightly different aura to them than the “legit” Vegas Robaina. Word of mouth? Not what you know but who? Under the table rumours? It always reminds me of ‘Seinfeld’. I can see cigar lovers lined up at the one place that sold these famous smokes, stepping up with their order, praying that it…

Juan Lopez No 2 (SMG FEB 08) – “Big Night”

Juan Lopez No 2 (SMG FEB 08) – “Big Night”

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

You have to love Christmas. Family, friends, catching up with the rellies and hoards of kids, most of whom you’d swear you’ve never seen before, too much to eat and drink. Can be a bit full on, but that is all part of the fun. 

At Chez G, I always do a family dinner for anywhere between 8 and 12, give or take. Out at the markets and then cooking for several days. Trialling a few dishes to make certain they work. Trying (sort of) to accommodate my vegan niece. The fridge and freezer will be bulging. Every year, every single year, I end up with enough left over to feed 20 people for two weeks. 

This year, we kicked off with…

Hoyo de Monterrey DC - Delamain Cognacs

Hoyo de Monterrey DC - Delamain Cognacs

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

One of the discussions Rob and I have had in recent times, which pertained to cigars, was the Hoyo DC’s. I have said this numerous times before – there are really only two times he has steered me wrong. The toxic toad of tobacco known as Monte Cs and a box of Hoyo DC’s. 

I was surprised at the recent love for these across the forum. I bought my box back in 2006 and I am struggling to find the code (box was finished a few years ago), but I am pretty sure it was from 2000 or 2001. Granted perhaps not stellar years, but still… 

Looking back at notes, I can see that I really tried to like them and even rated a few of the…