Smoking a The Edge Habano from Rocky Patel at Le Pave

Have a Cigar: Rocky Patel Edge Nicaraguan Toro

Name: Rocky Patel Edge Nicaraguan Toro

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)

Strength: Medium to Full

I paired this stick with Johnnie Walker Black Label. I’d like to say that it’s a picnic cigar… Mainly because it’s affordable, big, and doesn’t require your full attention. I’d smoke this while grilling, or while building a campfire or setting up a tent. I’d pair it with blended Scotch whiskies, sparkling water, and all sorts of beer. Overall, I think it’s a good cigar.

Branding: Mediocre. I am not attracted to cigars that only have bands wrapped around the foot. Naturally, I prefer the bands to be near the head. To light this cigar, I had to remove the band. I usually like to keep the band on until I smoke at least the third of the stick. I like the name The Edge though.

Construction: Good construction. No weaknesses.

Pre-light: Bread, barnyard, chocolate milk, leather.

Cut: Straight cut. I’m not going for V-cuts anymore. No particular reason.

Burn: Nice burn. Quite even although it was a windy evening.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Draw: Excellent.

Smoke: Generous. Thick. Cloudy.

Ash: Good.

Flavor: Coffee, wood, earth, toast, with subtle hints of citrus fruits.

September 2, 2023: Why do these lousy muses decide to visit when I’m hungover?

Clusters of unrelated thoughts, a brain fog, and a headache.
I crawled out of bed after a long night of drinking with Dionysus.
My mouth was as dry as forgotten laundry in the sun.
But instead of looking for water, I looked for a pen.
Why do these lousy muses decide to visit when I’m hungover?

Yesterday – what happened yesterday?
My neck is sore from all the head-banging.
It was a lot of fun.

Today – how can I have a normal day?
I woke up dead, but I feel so alive.
I want to do things.

First, water.
Then I’m ready to create.

“The Crescent Moon” by Levon Shant

Levon Shant (1869-1951) was an Armenian poet, playwright, and novelist. This is my translation of “The Crescent Moon” from Armenian to English.

The Crescent Moon

From the dark sky at midnight,
it is the crescent’s odd eye
— thin, crooked, and unblinking —
that silently stares into my eyes.

And with a dry, mocking smile,
it’s as if it’s saying,
“Crumb of the universe! What are you doing there?
I know! A great deal! You are thinking!”