All tagged Robusto Rumble

Robusto Rumble – Cohiba Robusto – Sullivans Cove American Oak Old and Rare Whisky - Holgate ‘Gate Series’ ‘Double Trouble’ 2015 Release. 

Robusto Rumble – Cohiba Robusto – Sullivans Cove American Oak Old and Rare Whisky - Holgate ‘Gate Series’ ‘Double Trouble’ 2015 Release. 

Ken Gargett
By Ken Gargett - 2020

We are coming to the end of the Robusto Rumble (I will finish with one from my own humidor, an aged Partagas D4). Next, we’ll look at some Corona Gorda cigars but first, the legendary CoRo. I had put this one aside to finish the Rumble, as by reputation, it should have been our star. And I wanted some special Aussie drinks to try and match.

First, the CoRo. Apols, but I have no idea of code, but it is a young release. It opened with everything one could have hoped for – a gorgeous creamy coffee note. There was dense velvety smoke, real length of flavour here. Could not have hoped for more. Sadly, it did not persist as much as one would wish. Remained an excellent cigar, but it went from one…

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…

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…

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 – 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…