The Cigar Life

  Dale took me to  Stogies on Grand a few days ago so I could add some more cigars to my humidor for June. I was down to one Camacho but picked up a couple Asylum 13s, a Digger, and a Payback, which, by the way, I've really come to love.  T'was a nice day to sit out in the yard. (Most days have been lately.) Picked and Asylum 13 for today. Poured myself an Old Fashioned. And thoroughly enjoyed myself. I love summer in Minneapolis. And always have since I was a kid. June is always nice because it's not as humid yet, generally cools down in the afternoon, and isn't as buggy as it will be.  (Photos and AI enhanced image from June 4)

 Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Picked up an Asylum 13 recently at Stogies on Grand.  Decided to smoke it today.  It's been ages since I've had one.  Steve and I used to smoke these a lot.  They're fun to smoke.  Earlier today Dale and I went to lunch at Northbound. I had an Old Fashioned and he had a beer. We both got hamburgers. After lunch we took Mom to the doctor and he gave the go ahead that she can take her neck brace off. She was excited and we were so happy for her. It's been three months and she never really got used to how constricting it felt.  Upper 50's today but windy.  Hard to keep this one burning evenly but it wasn't solely because of the wind. Sometimes these big ones just do that.  Once back inside I had another Old Fashioned. Sushi for dinner and watched Big Bang Theory with Dale.  Great cigar. Really enjoyed it. 

 Saturday, March 21, 2026 Beautiful day. Bought some cigars at Stogies On Grand earlier today. The woman at the register and I were reminiscing about St. Patrick's Day back in 2012 when it got to 80 degrees. Not only did it get to 80 degrees but on top of that it was sunny AND it fell on a Saturday. I remember Dale and I sitting out in the backyard having cocktails.  Well, it didn't hit 80 but it was very pleasant out.  VERY pleasant. Had an Old Fashioned while Dale had some red wine. 

 Saturday, February 14, 2026 Beautiful day today. Couldn't not have a cigar.  Unseasonably mild.  Picked up a Digger at Stogies on Grand in St. Paul after having lunch with a friend.  Haven't had a Digger in quite a while. They take a while to smoke so they're not the best for bitterly cold days.  On colder days I'll smoke a really small cigar (if at all). Temps in the lower 30s to 40s and I'll light up a medium sized cigar. Mid-40s and above are optimal for a mondo cigar.  In the mood for 90s era Jazz. 

 Sunday, April 13, 2025 Drove over to Saint Paul to Stogies on Grand to get together with Steve for a cigar. He's kept a really low profile over the past 4 years or so. I've seen him a few times over the last year although he hasn't had a cigar in that time and I haven't had a cigar with him in the last 5. I think the last time was February of 2020 at Anthony's Cigar Lounge in Minneapolis, just before the pandemic. Anyway, it was good to see him and light up. I forgot my wallet so I had him buy me a stogie. He asked me what kind I wanted and I told him to get me whatever he was having which turned out to be a La Gloria Cubana.

  Sunday, October 27,  2024 Smoking cigars at a steady pace. The above average temperatures help. There are 3 that I've determined to be my particular favorites. Stopped by Stogies On Grand yesterday and picked up some more them. I'm enjoying Olivas.   They're smooth and mild. I'm really loving the Camachos I've been smoking.  They've got a nice girth and  a bold taste.   Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur #1s have long been one of my favorites. I'd use the following words to describe them: Bold, strong, slightly bitter, spicey, caramel, and slightly sweet. They all comes together great.

 Saturday, April 4, 2024 Picked up some cigars at Stogies On Grand a week ago today and got more of a variety than I usually do. Olivas have been my go-to lately but this time I chose a Macanudo, Romeo y Julieta, and a Hoyo de Monterrey. On Saturday, April 27, I smoked the Romeo y Julieta. It was nice and not too bitter.                         On Sunday, April 28, I smoked one of my little Macaudos. Pulled out the cowboy hat for the first time in a while.  On Tuesday, April 30, I smoked the Hoyo de Monterrey which I had picked up this past Saturday. The start and the finish were quite enjoyable however part of the center section was a little bitter for my taste. It's been ages since I've had one of these. I'll have to try another one soon to see how it compares.  On Friday, May 3, I went back to smoking an Oliva which is one of my favorites.  These are consistently nice to smoke. Their mild taste makes...