Earlier this week I took delivery of a ten pack . . .

of Hemingway Classics, a fine 7x48 favorite of mine which had seemed to mellow considerably as the millennium turned, losing some of the bold flavors I remembered from the ones I tried in the late '90's. Still and all, I couldn't pass up the deal at phatash.com, one of my favorite cigar web sites for a long time. I'm on their e-mail specials list.

Also along for the ride was a box of Savinelli Nicaraguan Reserve Churchills, a nice big, easygoing smoke, which was marked down considerably from their regular price. Not nearly as heavy hitting as their size and ominous look would make one think, I find this to be a pleasant, somewhat flavorful smoke nonetheless, without the kick that I have trouble with anyway. I couldn't turn my head from this with them costing me about three bucks apiece with the shipping figured in.

Even the Hemingway Classics came in at only a little over six bucks apiece with the shipping added on. It may sound like a lot, but that's not bad considering that this ten pack cost me about the same per cigar as they were costing by the box during the boom. Hopefully, the Hemingway Classic has regained some of the flavor that made them a mainstay for many people in the late 20th Century.

A little time in the humidor, and by the time the Jets lose their fifth consecutive game, I should be ready to smoke one. :mrgreen:

Oh well, it just shows you how long I've been out of the loop. Lilbrown.com has the Savinelli Nicaraguan Reserve way cheaper than what I just paid, and bonitasmokeshop.com has them slightly cheaper. Both are old favorite web sites of mine also, and neither of them has Hemingway Classics in ten packs, much less near the price I just paid. Sometimes ya gotta make the deal. :wink: