Very sad

[Billb1960]

Whether you agree with his reviews or not or even believe he can taste all the things he claims he can he has influenced many over the years.

The End of an Era is Near | Cigar Reviews by the Katman | Cigar Reviews by the Katman (http://kohnhed.com/2016/01/01/the-end-of-an-era-is-near-cigar-reviews-by-the-katman/)

He's also a member of this forum. Long ashes Phil

[Nature]

His reviews intertwined with his stories certainly make for good entertainment.

Seeing someone suffer from Alzheimer's and how it affects loved ones is very difficult.

[c.ortiz108]

I think we can interpret this part as a cry for help: "I plan to still review cigars until then but it won’t be everyday as I have a very limited supply. Just a few cigars left. But I will continue to smoke cigars, as I can afford them, because the only time I can find my smile is when I am smoking a good cigar."

His address is at the bottom of the post linked above.

[Zeede]

:( Phil disclosed this to me, a few months back, that he had been diagnosed with this. I'd hoped and prayed that it would be reversed, or at least be very slow in onset.

[Yarddog]

I have found his frankness pretty refreshing in a politically correct, namby pamby world. I've also found that when he likes something, it's something I'm gonna like...sorry to see his series end, although I've only been following him for a few months.

[Upstatemax]

Wow, sad for sure.

I've enjoyed his reviews, a lot.

[DogRockets]

I must say I'm not familiar with this review series or this fellow bum myself - what is his screen name? Sorry to hear it's ending like this.

[Billb1960]

I must say I'm not familiar with this review series or this fellow bum myself - what is his screen name? Sorry to hear it's ending like this.

Don't remember his screen name, he did an intro thread when he first registered but I don't think he posted much after that.

ETA: Found it http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/new-cigar-bums-introduction-forum/hello-lovely-milwaukee-ptooey-3850.html?highlight=Katman

[Usafvet509]

Aww, man, I wish I had caught that. I love his reviews! I didn't know he was even here! Dang it!

[projectsunfire]

very sad indeed. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers along with his cancer. double whammy. it was heartbreaking to watch him slowly forget everything. I loved reading katmans reviews. always very entertaining. but my favorite was reading his crazy tales from his rock star days. I never knew he had posted on here. too bad he didnt show up more often.

[Yarddog]

Guys...he's not gone yet. He's set his 66th birthday...February 10th..as his last day.

[Chad Vegas]

That's too bad to see him go out like that. The Katman series was epic in more ways than one! Sooner or later we are always confronted with the fragility of life, we just have to enjoy our time & make as great a use of it as possible!

[Cigar Lover]

Thanks fellas. I appreciate the kind words and compassion.
And yes, I taste all those flavors. Smoking cigars for nearly 50 years hones your palate.
I've had numerous readers send me emails thanking me. They use my palate to teach their palates to taste what I taste. It is very gratifying.
I've got a little over a month to go before I shut 'er down. I won't delete the site as my catalog is too big and readers still seek me out for my views.
Since announcing my retirement, my hits have actually increased from around 4500 hits per day to over 6000 hits per day. And I'm read in over 130 countries. So it makes no sense to get rid of my web site.
If I get the right cigar, I will probably want to review it. But as the Alzheimer's destroys my brain, it all depends on my state of mind.
One thing that won't change is my love for cigar smoking. I cannot imagine spending the day without a cigar in my mouth. It is my last true vehicle for happiness. I've had to depend on readers to send me cigars because my medical bills are outrageous and my wife and I live on our social security. I'm, at some point, going to terminate going to the doctors as there is no cure and the meds are only temporary. So why throw good money away?
Thanks so much for your support.