Habanos Blog: Cuban Cigars, Plain and Simple

Habanos Cigar Blog - The authority on Cuban Cigars. Dedicated to spreading One Man's passion and knowledge for Cuban Cigars and the good life.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Back in Vancouver

I am back home for 2 days until I go to Mexico to get married. The wedding is on the 29th.

I didn't get a chance to source out any cigar shops while in Paris, but I'm sure there are a few, at least. Paris is fantastic though, but I only had 2 full days there, so I got to see very little. We did a boat tour on the Bateaux Mouches, which is the best 8 Euros you can spend in Paris - 8 Euros will get you a beer most other places. We spent a tonne of money on the Champs Elysses, they have a Louis Vuitton store that must do $500,000 a day of business.

The highlight of the trip though was the first night when we stayed at the Chateau of friends in Bois le Roi. This place was beautiful, right beside the Seine about 50 miles outside of Paris. We had a wonderful meal and a bottle of wine, a 2001 Chateau Pech Redon that seemed to solidify any doubts that we were in France. Sarah and I ahve decided that buying a place in this area is now a life goal.



That's all I have to say for now, but there will be much more coming in the next 2 weeks when I return from Mexico, including cigar and drink reviews, pics and stories.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Cigar Shop in Amsterdam - PJC Hajenius





I biked up Rokin to find this store, unfortunately I drove way by it the first time, up to Dam square, because there was a delivery truck out front. Just for reference, don’t bike on the side of the road that PJC Hajenius is on, as old ladies with whistles get mad at you.

The shop is gorgeous, I felt like I was buying a $4000 watch, not a cigar. Nothing in Vancouver, or Canada, comes close to the elegance of this fine place. I spent a bit of time browsing, trying not to feel like a complete tourist, and then asked to be let into the humidor; most cigars are kept behind a locked automatic sliding glass double door ( I want one). They had a nice selection of Cubans. I must say, for self and loyal employer preservation that ours is better, but this was great. I found the Bolivar Petit Corona that I wanted to try, they also had a complete selection of Partagas and most Cohibas. In addition to the Bolivar, I bought a Punch Punch. The Cuban Punch marca is not available in Canada for trademark reasons, so I had to try it. Besides, the 9,20 Euro price was great. The prices here are close to 50% or 60% of those in Canada, and I blame taxes for every cent of it.



I also purchased a package of the house brand cigarillos, ‘Senoritas’. As I write this I am smoking one with a Leffe Brune, on the patio of the bar next to my hotel. The only complaint I have is Vancouver like weather – yesterday was real hot though. The cigar is rich and smokes well, but my brain is not working enough to offer more than that.




To call PJC Hajenius simply a ‘cigar shop’ is not justified by the least of measures. They have an immense selection of pipes, humidors, accessories, a lounge with tables and coffee, a small museum on the upper level and a private meeting room. The museum has the largest selection of cigar books that I have ever seen in one place, and a number of informational displays and memorabilia. The meeting room, “De Heerenkamer”, is the perfect place for cigar smoking friends or colleagues to spend some time together. The variance of tobacco products in this place is simply astounding, and I have seen few like it (the Tampa Bay area comes to mind).

All in all, PJC Hajenius comes highly recommended, by myself and many others. Just do an internet search to find out more. While the Cuban selection was not enormous, it was adequate, and the rest of the store’s substance more than made up for what little disappointment that brought. Quite simply, this is a place for someone who loves cigars, and if you visit Amsterdam you must come here.

PS – I believe I will follow this with a Punch Punch review when I smoke it. If not a review than just thoughts, but it will be my first so I feel I should - Provided of course that I am able to prevent myself from lighting it up while drunk as a sailor.

Blogging in Amsterdam






Today I rented a bike and went to two of the best stores I could ever imagine going to. PJC Hajenuis, a glorious tobacconist, and De Bier Konning the most heavenly beer store I have ever seen.

This was my first full day here, so I am making the most of it. So far Amsterdam is terrific. The people are lovely and helpful, and everyone speaks english which helps my ignorant North American jack-ass-of-a-self find his way around town. I got lost going a distance of about 500 metres because everything looks the same, and there are no tall buildings or mountains to use as references. I don't want to use a compass, as the giant map looks ridiculous enough -But I did leave the fanny pack at home.

Anyway, I know I said I wouldn't post, but we brought the computer, and the soon-to-be-wife is at her conference most of the time during the day. So the following few posts will be about the trip, cigars, beer, and Amsterdam in general. Hopefully some future travellers will find it useful.

Friday, June 09, 2006

International Cigar Club Forum

The Cigar Syndicate has changed the name of its Cigar forum to the "International Cigar Club" Any previous postings referring to that site now mean the ICC.

Not sure why the name changed, but its the same thing inside, and Im still there in full force.

If you haven't been there before check it out. Very informative, especially if you want to know more about Cubans, or aging cigars.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Habanos Blog Vacation

I am not going to be posting very much over the next month.

I will be leaving for Europe on the 12th, travelling to Amsterdam and Paris, and then after that I am off to Mexico on the 23rd to get married. So you can certainly expect me to smoke some cigars and take some photos on my travels, I will try to post as much as I can when I get back.

Cheers,

Adam

Friday, June 02, 2006


photo by Karl Grobl, www.karlgrobl.com

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Habanos Blog Donations

I am now a begger.

I put up a PayPal link on the side bar so that generous people can donate to my cause. I promise that any money received will be dedicated to making this blog better and better. If you'd like to donate please see the link below.

That's enough of that though, lets get back to cigars.....

Cheers,

Adam