http://news.yahoo.com/syria-launches...063059699.html

"Mahmud says the factory's cigars will be able to compete with the world's most prestigious brands, including from Cuba." :-):-):-)
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NOT rolled on the thighs of virgins.
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I sincerely wish them all success, as the working common folk of Syria need any boost to their existence they can manage. Heck, I'd even be willing to try one, were it made available.

Honestly, it wouldn't be the first time I've lit an exploding cigar.
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Mahmud? MAHMUD??

He still owes me money!! :-)
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A free watch in every box!!!
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Syriasly?
:-)
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And I bet you think that story was stupid. Well . . .

http://www.theouthousers.com/index.p...nto-syria.html
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I seem to recall smoking some stuff from Syria once upon a time. I seem to recall it was pretty good stuff. :-)
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To be truthful, Syrian Latakia pipe tobacco is awesome stuff (although most of the existing aged stock was lost in a fire at the GL Pease warehouse.) I would not be surprised if they grow half decent cigar leaf too.

Problem is of course that to make a decent cigar takes experience - and lots of it. So despite all the terroir, seed variety, agricultural techniques, etc involved, you have to know how to store, age, blend and then roll the darn things. That doesn't happen overnight - these chaps are delusional!

Cubans lead the pack for a reason. I highly recommend the movie "Cigars: The Heart and Soul of Cuba" by James Suckling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GJeEqZHh2I
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I'd watch it Neil, but I can take about 10 minutes of James Suckling before I need to vomit. :-)
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Well that sucks.

I've had a thought. Will these Syrian cigars be able to cut off their own heads?
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Yi-Yi-Yi-Yi-Yi-Yi spells "I love you". :-)
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