Chris Khatschadourian smoking a Rocky Patel Number 6 Toro

Have a Cigar: Rocky Patel Number 6 Toro

Name: Rocky Patel Number 6 Toro

Country: Honduras

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro (6 1/2 inches x 52)

Strength: Medium

On a balcony overlooking the Port of Beirut,
you and your friend are smoking
one of the best cigars you smoked so far this year.

You’re talking politics
to pass the time.
Sunday, everyone is voting it seems,
except you.
Marx was right when he said, “Religion
is the opium of the people.”
But he forgot to add,
“Politics is the cocaine of the masses.”
Can one really be apolitical, though?
No.
You say you’ll think about this tomorrow,
whether you’ll vote or not,
but you know you won’t.
You are incapable of
giving a shit.

“It is what it is,” you start concluding.
You look at your friend and say,
“Let’s have another glass, and then
you can drive me home.”

Time slows down
to let you paint the black night grey.
Smoke rises to kiss the moon.
The cigar burns like a dying star.


A Cumpay Volcan Maduro cigar paired with Chateau Kefraya's Les Exceptions Cabernet Franc 2017

Have a Cigar: Cumpay Volcan Maduro

Name: Cumpay Volcan Maduro

Country: Honduras

Shape: Parejo

Size: Robusto (5 inches x 60)

Strength: Full

When you start pairing cigars with wines,
remind yourself that you’re in a very good place.

Be proud.
You’ve come a long way, and it’s your hard work
and discipline
that got you here.
You owe nothing to nobody.

Bravo.

Don’t postpone the celebration.
You are in good health,
surrounded by loved ones,
and the sun is shining like there will never
be a cloudy day again.

Don’t wait.
Come on!
Celebrate.

Smoke a good cigar.
Drink a little more than usual.
Laugh a little louder.

Own it.

A Plasencia cigar during sunset.

Have a Cigar: Plasencia Alma Fuerte Nestor IV

Name: Plasencia Alma Fuerte Nestor IV

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Box-Pressed

Size: Robusto (6 1/4 inches x 54)

Strength: Medium to Full

In his book Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, Ludwig Wittgenstein says that there can never be surprises in logic. Accordingly, I wasn’t surprised when I found the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Toro to be an excellent cigar. I already somewhat knew that I would not be disappointed. Logically speaking, when you light something beautiful, you will likely have a beautiful experience smoking it.