I once was told by a wine merchant that the difference between Cognac and Armagnac is like the difference between a city girl and a country girl. Interesting comparison but if you develop your taste for these two staples of France, the comparison might come to mind.

It is not often that I can write something positive about cigar smoking in California, but I am happy to recommend the cigar smoking section near Henry’s Uncorked, a restaurant at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. There is no smoking at the restaurant, but just a few steps away is a nice fire pit overlooking Pacific Coast Highway, the broad expanse of the beach and of course, the Pacific. The sunsets are wonderful and you really understand what California is all about. Food and refreshments are available from Henry’s. Sorry, no pipe or cigarette smokers allowed.

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach CA. Henry’s Uncorked opens at 5 PM.

When you pick up this cigar, you know you are handling a cigar! Box pressed, the 6×50 is firm and meaty with a beautiful dark and oily texture. With Ecuadorian filler wrapped in a Mexican San Andres Binder, this is rated a medium to full smoke but I recommend that you smoke this puppy after you have eaten as you could be zoned out smoking this on an empty stomach. Enjoy your favorite liquid refreshment and settle in for a solid hour of smoking that has hints of chocolate and coffee. Plumes of beautiful smoke and a firm ash keep a cooler smoking experience. The cost is about $11.00 via on-line sources. Enjoy!

This is a handsome cigar, rich in dark color but pleasing and not harsh. A new cigar for Montecristo and the first in a new line up and it is a winner! I chose the 6×54 which runs about $12 through the mail. It burns evenly and smoothly all the way to the end and easily lasts a good hour or more. I don’t claim to have a developed “taste” but even I could enjoy the taste of coffee and leather in this all Nicaragua tobacco treat. This is a cigar I would save for a nice evening along with a bit of liquid refreshment (for something different, try a Calvados that is at least 12 years old) while reading a book. At the end you will feel you have accomplished something.

A good looking dark cigar (but not a Maduro), dry to the touch, not oily that is full-bodied without being bitter. It burns smoothly and stays cool to the end (I smoked a 6×54 model), stays lit and has a nice smoke trail. Not a cigar you have to fight or think about, if you want to try something a bit stronger, this is a good option. Runs about $12 through the mail.

This little video addresses mold on cigars; it is short, helpful and to the point. Everyone who has had a humidor has experienced mold and if you are not prepared, the first time you see it can be a jolt. Not to worry! Watch the video and another secret of the universe shall be exposed to you.

Unfortunately aside from having a good ash, I cannot think of another good thing to say about this cigar. Although it is listed as “medium”, I would list it as light or boring, innocuous or just not sure if it is there. At about $6 retail (half that at some wholesalers), I would prefer to save my money for a few days and have one good cigar which I could at least look forward to enjoying

Both of these cigars are ones that I go to for a serious smoke, with a nice cognac (my current favorite is Pierre Ferrand, 1st Cru) or scotch (a 12 year old Yellow Spot is nice). They are steady and reliable and each has their own strengths; they are well made, develop a firm whitish ash and produce a beautiful plume of smoke while not dropping any ash.

If you are confused (which is easy to do) with what “woke” means, or “othering”, the difference between the Anywheres and the Everyones or how one can achieve, as demanded by those who are “woke” both diversity and inclusion (aren’t they self cancelling?), then this excellent article from the Claremont Review of Books is a must read. I doubt if in the end you will be able to accurately define each of the terms and how one could possible balance them in one’s life, but it will help you to better understand why your friends on the Left seem to willingly participate in a circular firing squad. https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/the-chosen-and-the-woke/

I am often asked, “what is your favorite cigar?” to which I reply with the following points to be answered:

• What time of day is it?
• Am I going for a walk, reading, or watching a movie?
• How long shall I be doing the activity?
• Will I have a cocktail or cognac with the cigar?
• How did my day go?
• What mood am I in?
• Etc.