Back from Guatemala

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Hey gang,

Just got back from 3 weeks in Guatemala. Antigua to be precise. Great town, I can't wait to go back again. Besides the festivals, which included concerts in the park, a half Marathon, beauty pagents, marching bands, and more, I spent many a waking hour at the local cigar shops trying the local cigars and some of the "south of the border" variety.

The two local shops in Antigua are the: "Cafe Habano," serving up only Cuban cigars in a nice shop with an upstairs bar, lounge and live music; and the Antigua Tabaco Compañia, which has a nice selection of Cuban and non-Cuban in a great little bodega-like atmosphere. They serve a variety of spirits and wine, my favorite being a Cabernet Savignon from Chile.

If you ever have the chance to make it to Antigua, be sure to drop by both places for a smoke and a drink and good conversation.

Doc

[RPB67]

Welcome back Doc.

Glad you had a good time and some good smoking as well.

[Baric]

Sounds great-which is your favourite Cab Sauv from Chile (i too find that Chile is making great wine, esp CS, at the moment)?

[mhillsing23]

Welcome back, it sounds like you had a great time!

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by Baric

Sounds great-which is your favourite Cab Sauv from Chile (i too find that Chile is making great wine, esp CS, at the moment)?

Well that's an excellent question, one that I thought would be easy to answer. However, as I looked back over all my journals, I can't believe I didn't write it down. I tried several, with the Chilean Cab (actually it was a blend of predominantly Cab, with Cab Franc and some Tempranillo included) always topping my list.

Doc

[BP22]

Sounds like a great trip. Welcome back Doc!

[Mister Moo]

Welcome back, Doc. Was the coffee there especially remarkable?

[The Professor]

Welcome back. That sounds like an *amazing* experience!!!

[68TriShield]

Sounds like a awsome trip!One of my veteran drivers is from there, and when he goes back he brings back some outstanding rum for me.Theres not enough Os in smooth to describe it.Some good stuff comes out of Central America.

[Dogwatch Dale]

Welcome back Doc! How about a few pics?

[ky toker]

Sounds like you had a nice trip. Seems to be an intriguing place to visit.

[cquon]

Wecome back, Doc. Glad to hear you had such an exceptional trip.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by dlevine1

Sounds like a awsome trip!One of my veteran drivers is from there, and when he goes back he brings back some outstanding rum for me.Theres not enough Os in smooth to describe it.Some good stuff comes out of Central America.

Indeed they make great Rums in Central America. I brought back a bottle of my favorite: Ron Zacapa. This one was a special selection "Straight from the Cask." Ron Botran is the other Guatemalan rum of note. I also brought back a bottle of Nicaraguan "Flor de Caña." The one I got was a special commemorative edition. Not quite as smooth as the Zacapa, but is rich and leaves a "snail track" down the back of your throat, if you know what i mean.

Doc

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

Welcome back, Doc. Was the coffee there especially remarkable?

The coffee was great. Guatemalan coffee is smooth and especially aromatic. It's about medium in the strength category. I frequented a Café where they roasted their own beans in a huge roaster (see photo) and then served it fresh each day. Wonderful!

Doc

[BP22]

Originally Posted by Dr. Stogie Fresh

I also brought back a bottle of Nicaraguan "Flor de Caña."

I just saw a billboard for Flor de Caña off the 605 freeway today.