Visited an old friend today: Arturo Fuente 8-5-8

[MrMoJoe]

There are sooooo many good cigars available nowadays, and I'm thankful. Of course, half the fun of slopedom is trying lots of different cigars. As I'm sure many here can relate, I've been on a Pepin kick lately and haven't had a bad one yet. But in the process of all this experimenting, it's easy to forget what started you on the slope in the first place and thus push aside an old friend in favor of "the-flavor-of-the-week".

The AF 8-5-8 was the first "real" cigar I can remember smoking and thinking "WOW". I've had some in the humi for a long time and decided to smoke one on the way to Home Depot. I rolled down all the windows in the car (I never smoke in the car) and lit up as I rolled out of the driveway. My intention was to smoke what I could on the way, which would take about 15 minutes, then finish up what was left on the way back. No big deal, I've smoked a ton of these over the years. Within a few minutes however, I was thinking "Damn, this is pretty good!". So I pull over at the nearest McDonalds, go through the drive-thru and get a Coke. Then I pull into the Home Depot parking lot, park far away from the other cars so as not to "offend" anyone with my smoke, turn off the engine and turn on the radio, and proceed to enjoy a cigar more than I've enjoyed one in some time.

I had forgotten how good these really are. I know, I know; the "Sun Grown" wrapper and the Maduros are sexier, more highly rated and touted by afficianados; but this natural wrapper version is just plain good. Mild-medium, slighlty sweet and slightly spicy, it was the perfect mid-day smoke. I'm definitely stocking up on these. At about $4.00 a stick, they are like a sore goober (hard to beat). Thank you old friend - thanks for still being there.

Anybody else get caught up in the madness only to re-discover an old favorite?

[madurolover]

Now you have reminded me that I keep promising to smoke a Partagas black Label(this is the one that got me started)

Thanks for sharing such a great story

[guy g]

my Bm keeps them in the back corner for some reason. I forget they are there. A real joy to smoke.

[mjbuchanan80]

Carlos Torano Virtuoso was the first cigar that really wowed me. Thanks for this post. I think I'll go buy a box so I'll always have one to grab from my humi when feeling nostalgic.

[gary106334]

Thanks for the great story. I may have to check my coolador to see if I have any of these left.

[PerpetualNoob]

Originally Posted by madurolover

Now you have reminded me that I keep promising to smoke a Partagas black Label(this is the one that got me started)

Thanks for sharing such a great story

Just had my first one a few days ago, a Clasico, and it was kickin'! I added them to my wish list.

[Satch]

The 8-5-8 never disappoints.

[ThreeSheets]

The 8-5-8 was the first cigar I had that made me go buy a bunch more of it. One sounds good right now.

[bigkev77]

Originally Posted by ThreeSheets

The 8-5-8 was the first cigar I had that made me go buy a bunch more of it. One sounds good right now.

Same here.

Like the original poster I have been trying so many new sticks I have neglected to have one in a LONG time. Time to make an order. Thanks!!