The finer things

Oliva Serie V Melanio Gran Reserva Robusto Cigar cgarsltd.co.uk; RRP: £23.99 burned consistently without needing constant attention and relighting, which is helpful when you’re casting in waist-deep water.

The more rectangular shape makes for easy holding and sits comfortably in your mouth. It was a little punchy in flavour, giving a bit more bite than Cuban tobacco and the draw was very consistent.

I haven’t shot as many pigeons over winter barley, but crops ripened so quickly that it reduced the initial attraction a longer harvest can generate.

I was chatting with Will Garfit at the Game Fair and we agreed that the long dry spell has meant birds have held back on breeding, so we will see later broods this year.