State of the Humidor (written on Jan 7, 2015)

This year, I had to curtail my cigar enjoyment to once a week. My doctor says I need to lose weight and get my blood sugar under control to avoid developing diabetes later in life.  Turns out there is a strong link between cigarette smoking and blood sugar levels.  I don’t know if cigars are also a contributing factor (I doubt it), but cutting back seemed like the prudent thing to do this year. 

My new motto is going to be “Smoke less, but smoke better!”

Here's the 2015 State of the Humidor:

New cigars to try in 2015:

1. Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado (Cigar Aficionado #1 cigar of 2014)
2. Jesus Fuego Corojo Oscuro
3. Henry Clay Honduran

Last cigar of 2014:

• CI Legends-White Label (Camacho) -- at The Deuce’s New Years Eve party, while watching an impromptu knife throwing contest – Paired with Teacher’s Highland Cream

First cigar of 2015:

• Xikar HC Maduro -- while watching the Sugar Bowl (Bama vs. Ohio State) at Steve Laster's house -- Paired with Belle Meade 9-year bourbon.

New cigars I tried in 2014 -- would purchase again:

• Xikar HC Maduro
• Pinar del Rio Oscuro
• Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo 
• Pinar del Rio Seleccion 2010
• 5 Vegas Relic
• 5 Vegas High Primings
• Perdomo Habano Corojo
• Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Legend

New cigars I tried in 2014 -- still on the fence:

• Pinar Del Rio Small Batch Black Corojo (review coming soon!)
• Pinar del Rio Classico (maybe just needs more aging?)
• La Perla Habano Morado (inconsistency, construction issues)
• Oliveros Sun Grown (decided to age an extra year)

New cigars I tried in 2014 -- would not purchase again:  

• LegendArio
• 5 Vegas Limitada 2011
• Partagas 1845

Here is an approximate listing of my humidor contents:

• Oliveros Sun Grown Churchill (10)
• Pinar Del Rio Small Batch Black Corojo (4)
• Legends Series-Camacho (2)
• J. Fuego Corojo Oscuro (20)
• Man O War 2nds Robusto (15)
• Honduran Factory Corojos
• Pinar del Rio Habano Sun Grown Double Corona (20)
• Consuegra Governor #16 (25)
• Henry Clay Honduran Grandes (20)
• Mario Mancini Magic Mountain (20)
• Te-Amo World Selection Series Cuban Style (20)
• Cuba Libre One Churchill (20)
• La Gloria Cubana Miami Double Corona (20)
• Omar Ortex Originals Belicoso (60)
• 5 Vegas High Primings Box Pressed (20)
• 5 Vegas Cask Strength Toro (20)

I also have 27 cigars in the Lost Sticks Cemetery, the top tray of my large humidor. I save the last cigar from each box and put it in this tray for long-term aging.  I have 8 cigars that are now over 5 years old: 

1. 5 Vegas Limitada 2008
2. 5 Vegas Miami Toro
3. La Flor de Murias Epicure
4. Omar Ortex Original Belicoso
5. Ramon Allones Reserve Corona Gorda
6. Gurkha Master Select Churchill
7. Perdomo Slow Aged Glorioso (2)

One final note:  I have been enjoying a box of Legends White Label (Camacho) the past few weeks, a nice hearty cigar that gets better at lower humidity levels.  Unfortunately, I am very bummed to learn that CI has discontinued them.  For my money, this is the best Camacho line on the market.