Don Juan Urquijo figurado

https://i.imgur.com/h5wj3J9.png

Quite a few years ago (and pre-#gotohellocancer, so it seems even longer), someone gifted me a few Philippine cigars. I loved them all. They had a unique flavor very reminiscent of a good, strong Indonesian Sumatra. I've had it in mind to someday track down some more, and this is my first attempt.

As you can see, this is a beautiful perfecto. I almost forgot myself and started to use a lighter rather than a match, but I caught myself in time. Right off the draw was impossible. I ran my nubber into the foot, and felt it pass through something pretty hard, and then the draw was perfect. Looking at another one in the humidor I see that the foot is not open, and needs to be cut or punctured.

After stabbing it with my nubber, it drew nicely and burned evenly all the way to the nub. It did not present the flavor profile I had hoped it would, but it tasted like a very creditable Nicaraguan and/or Honduran blend. This was ROTT, about a week after coming out of the freezer. It was in the freezer for three days after a pretty short shipping (UPS) time from Manila.

You can find them at tabacalera.com.ph ... the USD currency choice did not work for me, but the final cost was pretty much the Google exchange rate. My credit card company did not add a surcharge. Apparently some do. They do charge shipping, which can add up.

I bought a few other Philippine brands to try - we'll see how they turn out.