UK Cigar Scene Magazine February Issue 2 | Page 19

are the bonds and friendships that are formed.
It was great to see so many bring their spouses
and families creating a relaxed atmosphere
that is more personal than the male dominated
environment of Havana.
The lingering cigar related memories that stick
out are two. One has to be the pilgrimage to one
of the shrines of the cigar retail world, the cellars
of the J.J. Fox store on Grafton Street. Sitting with
friends in David McGrane’s office in awe of the
array of vintage and antique cigars being shown
is something that is truly indescribable. Box
after box of cigars dating back to the 1920s that
have never left the keeps. It confirms that storage
conditions are vital for cigars. Imagine boxes that
are 50 years old or older that still have the sheen
of oil on the wrapper. Moments that dreams are
made of. David, Robert and crew are gracious hosts
regaling their guests with vintage cigars, great
Irish whiskey, an exhibition of cigars and stories
that truly makes such a visit a pilgrimage.
The most memorable cigar was the organized
tasting of the 1963 Hoyo du Monterrey Royal
Hunt Cabinet Selection No. 6 paired with the Fox
Midleton Single Cask 1999.
The combination of the setting, the absolutely
gorgeous back garden of House and the rarest
of rare, a warm and sunny afternoon in Dublin
created an appropriate setting to enjoy something
truly special.

A 51 year old cigar in pristine condition. Started off
a little mild in the first third, as would be expected
of cigars with this many years on them. The
second third the complexity and depth of flavour
continued to increase. By the time I reached the )