Sometimes a cigar is NOT just a cigar...

[JK]

...especially when it's hand-rolled in Honduras and aged for 12 years.

I recently quit smoking cigarettes- nasty tasting, foul smelling, chemical laden coffin nails- and started smoking cigars- rich, flavorful, aromatic, all-natural cigars.

So far I've tried a Macanudo Robust, a National, and a 5 Vegas. The first and the last were pretty good- the Macanudo had more flavor than the 5 Vegas. The National just didn't really do it for me (It made me kind of ill.)

I know some of you guys have more refined tastes than others: anyone have any personal selections they could recommend?

[Sheriff]

http://blog.so-net.ne.jp/_images/blog/slaves/1966931.jpg

Use PBR to dip the tip every once in a while.

Ahhhhhh, heaven.

[JK]

Those are machine-rolled and use a lot paper in their filler. I don't deny they taste good, but...

[FanGirl]

The brand my family likes is Anthony & Cleopatra. It's at every family function (funerals and weddings) and my baby stuff was stored in one of the boxes.

[Matthew]

...especially when it's hand-rolled in Honduras and aged for 12 years.

I recently quit smoking cigarettes- nasty tasting, foul smelling, chemical laden coffin nails- and started smoking cigars- rich, flavorful, aromatic, all-natural cigars.

So far I've tried a Macanudo Robust, a National, and a 5 Vegas. The first and the last were pretty good- the Macanudo had more flavor than the 5 Vegas. The National just didn't really do it for me (It made me kind of ill.)

I know some of you guys have more refined tastes than others: anyone have any personal selections they could recommend?

Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) are great! They are on par with cubans, if not better.

Opus X are a good smoke (around $25 worth each though...) as well as the Short Stories (last one I bought was $5 ).

Romeo and Juliet are a little cheaper, but are decent.

[jjcourtright]

I haven't been a cigar smoker since my first year of college. I seem to get the urge when it's cold out and I have to walk to class.

I once won a subscription to a cigar of the month club. (http://www.cigarmonthclub.com/) Got some awesome cigars that way.

I was never very particular, though. Just bout what ever was close and cheap.

[karmattack]

Try Monte Cristo. Their Torpedo #2 is the most popular, Cuban or Dominican. I have yet to try one of thier stogies I didn't like. If you're ever beyond the bounds of the Cuban embargo, you're pretty much morally obligated to find yourself a Cohiba. Best all-around cigar ever. I got a box of the #2's as a gift once and they are amazing.

A newer company I've had success with is Bucanero. I'm biased though, since they are hometown boys who moved to Florida to start the business. They have a wide variety, but there is some pretty out-there stuff in their catalogue too. It's a risk. They are also tough to find.


The most important thing about cigars is smoking them correctly. You have to have a slow burn. If you just puff and puff on it and get it really hot, the tobacco leaves behind the cherry secrete their oils, which burn and ruin the flavor of the cigar.

[Matthew]

Try Monte Cristo. Their Torpedo #2 is the most popular, Cuban or Dominican. OOH Good call!

[JK]

I picked up a few different cigars the other day to try out: a Bolivar Belicoso Vintage 1994, a Macanudo Prince Philip, and a Baccarat Panatela. I found an OpusX, but it was $50. I'm not at that level yet! I'm placing an order for a Cohiba Red Dot later today. I love the internet. I can't smoke anything for a few days, though- as explained in another thread, an inner ear infection has me pretty screwed up right now.

[Zens7s]

My friends own a cigar store, so I have been smoking them for about two years.

By the way Matthew, since you are so particular about me accidentally adding a "s" to Revelation, they are Romeo & Julieta cigars, not Juliet.

I am a fan of Padron, specifically the Anniversario 1964 series. If you are looking for a very smooth cigar that is also a smaller size and a quicker smoke try the Principe. If you are celebrating something big try the Padrón Serie 1926 40th Anniversary. It's $25, but there is a reason Cigar Aficionado named it the #1 of the year.

I agree with the aforementioned Ashton and Onyx. Also for the price Punch is a great all around option. We usually bring Punch along with us as a backup. It's well priced and smooth.

I am going to a Davidoff event on Wednesday evening. The vendor is having a dinner and a tasting with most of their products. I am looking forward to trying some new things.

[karmattack]

I am a fan of Padron. I've started to notice there is a Padron in every Top-howevermany cigar list. I haven't had one since my early days of cigar smoking, back when I didn't know how to appreciate them. I'm going to make it a point to try them again.

[Matthew]

@Zens, fair enough with the typo correction, you add an 's', I forgot an 'a' :)

All these, with the exception of Swisher Sweets, are good smokes!

The other important thing too, just to expound a touch on what Karma said, is proper lighting of the stogie. If using a match, wait a few seconds for the sulfer to burn off, then 'toast' the end with whatever device you are using, without inhaling or letting the flame touch the cigar.

After it is toasted, draw in slowly being careful to not let the flame get inside the cigar itself. IF the flame gets inside the cigar, the same effect Karma is talking about will happen to the top 1/3 or so of the cigar. Rotate the cigar to get an even coal on the end.

[jjcourtright]

By the way Matthew, since you are so particular about me accidentally adding a "s" to Revelation, they are Romeo & Julieta cigars, not Juliet. Damn, I meant to say that in my post, but forgot.

[Sheriff]

Uh, yeah, I was going for sarcasm, I thought the PBR would tip everyone off, next time I will use a ;)

I am not an affectionado, when I go camping I usually try for an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, I don't even know if it is good, I just like 'em. Damn, all this talk of smoking makes me want to go do it right now.

[karmattack]

Uh, yeah, I was going for sarcasm I thought that was too obvious for me to bother defending on your behalf. I usually try for an Arturo Fuente Hemingway, I don't even know if it is good, They are, and widely respected. I just like 'em. 'atta boy.

[JamesW]

Anybody know anything about pipe tobacco? I don't, but I enjoy smoking it. :)

[JK]

...I thought the PBR would tip everyone off...

I didn't see that part and honestly I didn't really catch what "PBR" was until later. I never drink the shit, haven't even heard of it in about ten years...

[Sheriff]

I was just watching the original “Mash” on A&E, I guess anyone that served in Korea informally recognized the Pabst Blue Ribbon medal of honor. It was the beer of choice for American soldiers at the time.

I think I have posted about it before (http://moviepoopshoot.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5586&highlight=beer) (quick side note, searching for a topic about beer on this site is like looking for straw in a haystack, I think my comment is number 17); the first can puts hair on your chest, the second curls it. I recommend getting drunk on it, but only if you don’t have to use your brain for the next 48 hours.

[JK]

I think I've found my brand... the Baccarat Panatela was damn smooth, even burning, and a lightly sweet finish (they use sweet gum as the binder in the cap) And they're not too expensive.

http://www.buymycigars.com/images/manufacturers/baccarat.gif

Hopefully, the local store will have some... ordering online is fine, but I want another one NOW.

[JK]

I picked up a few more smokes yesterday & I just want to take the time to thank everyone for their suggestions...

Thanks!

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow- got me a Cohiba XV and a Macanudo Maduro and a bottle of Jack Daniels... should be a smooth afternoon.

[Zens7s]

Lewis Black came into my friends cigar store yesterday while I was enjoying my usual Padron.

He now is officially on my cool people who smoke cigars list.

[JK]

Cool.

[JK]

I started a ring diary the other day...
Jen thinks I'm going over the edge with this.
I can't help it- I actually started at an early age...

http://myspace-057.vo.llnwd.net/00922/75/08/922818057_l.jpg






Oh, the Macanudo Maduro is a damn fine cigar. And I wasn't as impressed with the Cohiba (or the A. Fuenta for that matter) as I thought I'd be. The Romeo Y Julieta Cedros #2 is fantastic, but I've found I like the fuller flavor of a maduro best. I picked up a Romeo Y Julieta maduro the other day- looking forward to it.

[Zens7s]

I would recommend the Davidoff 2000. We went to a Davidoff tasting event and it was very smooth and worth the price.

Also try the CAO Brazilia. Fantastic. I was leary of trying CAO products because it seemed like something from the Soprano's marketing campaign. However I was very wrong.

I don't think it's wierd to keep a ring diary. Tons of people do it for wine. It helps to keep straight what you like and do not like.

Incidentally, one of my birthday gifts this year was a box of Padron Anniversairo Serie 1927, a new cutter, and a new Calibri torch. Guy friends rock!

[jjcourtright]

I keep a keg diary. Got a box of the caps in the garage by the kegerator.

[JK]

I'm thinking about dropping the stogies and moving to a pipe...

http://meerschaumsmokingpipe.com/images/artwork/MeerschaumArt%20Meerschaum%20Pipe02%20%287%29.JPG

[TheHangingBrain]

I've been contemplating moving to a pipe instead of cigs. I love the smell of most pipe tobacco and you don't really inhale it so it's bound to be at least a bit better for you. I found a really nice rosewood pipe online for 17 bucks, I think it will be my first (tobacco pipe, that is ;)). I don't really want to throw down a lot of scratch on one just yet. I have a link to the pipe I'm talking about at home on my comp so I'll post a pic and the link later.

And JK, that pipe rocks man, I'd love to have it. I bet it costs a small fortune.

[JK]

And JK, that pipe rocks man, I'd love to have it. I bet it costs a small fortune.

Yeah, that's kind of what I'm looking at getting. They're not that expensive (I think, about 50-60 bucks if you shop around.) I like cigars, but the ones I like take about two hours to smoke- so I don't get to smoke that often. And maintaining the humidor is a pain in the ass if I'm only going to be smoking once or twice a month. And Jen might let me smoke a pipe in the house as opposed to a cigar.

[Firestone2489]

Pipe is also good because after you get a good cake built up the tobacco doesn't change flavors like a cigar does and you don't have to waste any tobacco while re-lighting.

[VogonPoet]

Edit: oops!
Yeah, pipes are nice. If you have the means, try out a Chicha pipe.

[TheHangingBrain]

I just ordered a pipe for only $19 total. (http://www.bugstores.com/shop/lighters.php?product=BSP15) I'm stoked about it. Can't wait to get some quality tobacco for it. :)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a115/outkhazted/xrosewoodpipe4.jpg

[Firestone2489]

See if there is a Tinder Box in your area they have great high-quality tobacco.

[TheHangingBrain]

See if there is a Tinder Box in your area they have great high-quality tobacco.

I really don't think that we do, but checking out their site I found this (http://www.tinderbox.com/Savinelli-Alligator-Pipe-Blue).

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a115/outkhazted/media.jpg

That's one sexy-ass pipe. Do Want!

[Firestone2489]

To find a store use this (http://www.tinderboxinternational.com/) page.

[TheHangingBrain]

If there is a link on there, I can't find it. :confused:

[BOP TILL U DROP]

I thought pipes were only for smoking weed and blowing bubbles..... *rasies eyebrow*

[Firestone2489]

If there is a link on there, I can't find it. :confused:
Sorry it took me so long I went to work right after my last post.
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff133/firestone2489/tind.jpg

[Cocoapebbles]

Sorry it took me so long I went to work right after my last post.
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff133/firestone2489/tind.jpg

Dr. Orpheus just Astral Projected me an image!

[Miguel Sanchez]

I just recived a 50 cabinet of Partagas Lusitanias. I say just, I actually got them around a week and a half ago. Just today smoked my first one

Quite frankly, the best cigar I have ever smoked. Even better knowng that the whole lot were free.

[dtcb]

50 http://www.cigars-review.org/Flor-de-Tabacos-de-Partagas-Lusitanias.htm.

Very, very nice. They are all my buddy over here smokes.............and sir getting them free is big kudos.

They are not cheap

[Miguel Sanchez]

Very, very nice. They are all my buddy over here smokes.............and sir getting them free is big kudos.

They are not cheap

It was one of those situations where it would have been better if I didnt ask questions, if you catch my drift.

[TheHangingBrain]

Still waiting for my pipe to be shipped. :mad:

In the meantime I purchased a couple small pokes of Prince Albert Cherry Vanilla and Red Cap Blend No. 7 in preparation.

[Shäne]

So I'm pretty sure the cigar I'm smoking right now is the lowest on the totem pole of quality. It's a Garcia y Vega English Corona. Am I right?

[Sharp-O]

So I'm pretty sure the cigar I'm smoking right now is the lowest on the totem pole of quality. It's a Garcia y Vega English Corona. Am I right?

There are reviews (http://www.famous-smoke.com/garcia+y+vega+english+corona+tubes+cigar+reviews/8343) for cigars.....

My mind has been blown.

[Shäne]

There are reviews (http://www.famous-smoke.com/garcia+y+vega+english+corona+tubes+cigar+reviews/8343) for cigars.....

My mind has been blown.

I know there are. But I was interested in the opinion of some FREDites as well.

eidt: Gah! I had to put it down with about an inch and a half left. The flavor got to be like licking an ash tray. :(

[Miguel Sanchez]

So I'm pretty sure the cigar I'm smoking right now is the lowest on the totem pole of quality. It's a Garcia y Vega English Corona. Am I right?

They're pretty good for machine rolled cigars. Certainly not the lowest, my friend. A decent smoke for a budget :)

[Shäne]

They're pretty good for machine rolled cigars. Certainly not the lowest, my friend. A decent smoke for a budget :)

Yeah, it was alright at first, once I actually figured out how you're supposed to smoke it. :rolleyes: But like I said, toward the end there it was terrible. But it might just be where I've never smoked anything before.

[Firestone2489]

All cigars "turn" at some point some just sooner than others. Your lucky if you get a machine rolled cigar that is still good after 2 puffs. Hand-mades last about half way for me usually, but really good ones don't turn bitter or bad until theres about 2 inches left.

[Shäne]

All cigars "turn" at some point some just sooner than others. Your lucky if you get a machine rolled cigar that is still good after 2 puffs. Hand-mades last about half way for me usually, but really good ones don't turn bitter or bad until theres about 2 inches left.

I'd say this one turned about halfway through but not knowing any better I kept smoking it. :o I'd love to try more, better ones though. :)

[Firestone2489]

Well all I can recommend is going to a cigar shop and asking the guy working what he recommends for a beginner. I'd suggest anything that says its the brand's gold label. They are usually nice and mild for a beginner. I started out on Macanudo Maduro Hampton Court tubos. They are a bit expensive but they are a nice mild cigar.