So, in another thread I mentioned that in honor of a special occasion, I was going to smoke a 100-year old cigar that I've been hanging on to for a while. For a special occasion. Convenient how that worked out ...

So, here it is:





I'm sorry - I know I should have taken more pictures. Like without the foil wrapper. But I didn't. I went into the pool with some friends and I smoked it. I took no more pictures.

Usually I light before I cut, but I wanted one draw of 100-year old air before ignition. I know - the air in there wasn't really 100 years old - not all of it, anyway - but I enjoy my little fantasy. So, prelight draw tasted old but not unpleasant. Kind of like an old library smell.

This little square-pressed perfecto lit up easily and burned flawlessly. The taste was not at all complex, mostly very old wood and leather mixed equally. There was just a hint of that distinctive Indonesian/Philippine sweet spice that makes a good Indonesian Sumatra one of my very favorite smokes.

I suppose I COULD have posted this as a review, but really what good is it reviewing a cigar that probably no one else will ever have the opportunity to try? And, the truth is, the experience was more about smoking a little piece of history than it was about the flavor.

So - besides turning 60 recently, the big reason for celebration was that I've taken another step toward extricating myself from my title insurance career - beginning June 1st, I've cut my hours from 40 to 32 a week. Going part time will be a hit on the budget, but it will also be a boost to the morale, which I am convinced is more important than the extra money.