Any cigar smokers?

I use a sturdy piece of tupperware for my humidor. Inside I keep a few strips of cedar, a digital hydrometer and a Drymistat tube.

I've been able to keep my cigars at a comfortable 70% humidity with little trouble.

CAO is my usual go to smoke (Brazilia, MX2 and America). Lately I've been enjoying The Nub, short cigars with a large ring gauge. Another good smoke to try is Liga Privada No.9 from Drew Estate. As to Acids, they are an acquired taste and I find the sweetened/flavored tip far too overpowering.

If you don't have a good shop around you try Cigars International. Fair prices, quick shipping and one of the few places you can order individual sticks which is nice if you want to sample.

I purchased a Vicksburg from this place. First one showed up damaged, and they replaced it very quickly. It holds humidity very well. I love my humi, but unfortunately they don't seem to be selling it now... The Shiloh is a smaller version of the Vicksburg (the Vicksburg can hold boxes in the bottom). Bigger is nice in that you can buy cheaper bundled sticks and age them, if you plan to make a habit of it. If you're going to have one or two a month, stay small.

For humidification, I purchased a pound of the 65% beads (I'm trying to remember where from, they were new at the time). I used half the pound, and it's been rock solid for around five years. Still have the other half in the bag. I like 65% as the stogies burn better for me.

As for lighting, fire is fire for the most part. A good torch will help you light a little more evenly/easily, but I'm not enough of a snob to care. My torch died years ago, and I use my Zippo, random Bics, whatever.

Try to find a local shop if you can. The prices will be higher, but the advice and camaraderie are hard to beat. Best way to try out individual sticks.

Online, I've purchased from JRCigars, Cigars International, Cigarbid, and sometimes Holt's.

As for recommendations, I'm more of a "spicy" guy myself, so my favorites won't be too much help. On the lighter side, you should be fairly safe if you stick to the Dominican stuff, and branch out when you feel like it. Butera Royal Vintage, last I had one, was described as "creamy as butter" and I concurred, good stuff. I had a lot of overpriced Macanudos back when I smoked those "girly cigars". If you're patient, and have the storage, there are some cheap bundles (like Consuegra and Old Fashioned) that aren't great fresh, but aged six months to a year are worth well more than the fifty cents you spent on them.

Sorry, I'll shut up now.

Alright, so I just ordered a decent Colibri lighter and a punch from Cigars International to go with the cigars I brought back from my trip. Looking forward to trying out some of everyone's suggestions in the future. Still not sure about storage. The tupperware idea is growing on me.

Montalban wrote:

Alright, so I just ordered a decent Colibri lighter and a punch from Cigars International to go with the cigars I brought back from my trip. Looking forward to trying out some of everyone's suggestions in the future. Still not sure about storage. The tupperware idea is growing on me.

It's a nice cheap way to get started. Just make sure you let some fresh air in those mofos every now and then.

My humidor comes from Thompson - it is called the Champ: http://www.thompsoncigar.com/default...

Very reasonably priced, and good sized to hold a year's worth of smokes easily (for my rate). Don't skimp on the size. Penny-wise and pound-foolish. Buy a decent humidor once, and keep it for life, rather than a small, crappy humidor only to be replaced when you want to add more smokes.

Consider temperature, too - humidors are most effective when the temperature is controlled. Interior walls are best. 70 degrees, 70 percent humidity is the average recommendation, though some like their smokes a bit more humid or a bit less. If the temperature fluctuates in your area (as it does quite a bit here in Seattle), you'll have to watch the humidity. Lower temps want higher humidity, higher temps want lower humidty. Too hot and humid and you're asking for beetles...

Sampler packs are a great way to get started, but go with 'name' brand samplers, rather than house brand. Ideally you want 2 or 3 of each particular kind to get a good sense of whether or not you'll really like it. Unless you're an avid smoker, one cigar is tough to judge by itself.

Why am I only finding this thread today? I basically agree with all of the above, though I don't fuss much with my humidors since I go through my stogies fast enough that they don't really need to be climate controlled like a meat locker. My father's got this very large one capable of holding several hundred cigars (not that heavy, surprisingly, since I had to help move it yesterday) and has an automatic humidifier that keeps the humidity at or around 70%. If you're looking for deals on cigars, look no further than Cigar International's "Buck a Stick" section; you can get decent everyday smokes for $40 to $50 for a box of fifty.

Montalban wrote:

Alright, here's a few questions:

First: I went to my local cigar shop today and bought a couple Macanudos and a couple other cigars. I eagerly went home and tried my first Macanudo. Unfortunately, as soon as I started it cracked, like so:
IMAGE(http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/732/crackedhorizontalgh6.th.jpg)

Is this acceptable? Should I go back and complain? The taste is still good, but I'm an amateur, so I wouldn't necessarily know the difference.

Secondly, the Colibri lighter that I bought from Cigars International arrived, and doesn't work. So I bought a Vortex lighter from my local shop, and it works perfectly.

Thirdly, spending money on 4 high quality cigars every month seems a bit pricey. Approximately $38 total per month. Any inside recommendations on sticks that smoke as smooth as a Macanudo but cost less?

Thanks, folks!

The wrapper might have dried out. You might want to give it a few days on the rest of them, but I doubt they all have that problem.

Torch lighters can be finicky. It's important to follow the filling instructions to the T lest air gets into the gas supply and causes it to sputter. There are also a couple other factors that you have to consider, like the altitude. Once we took our lighters up to Tahoe only to find out that they wouldn't work thanks to the lower air pressure. Even though it isn't winter, another thing to keep in mind is temperature. Because the butane is under pressure, an extreme dip on the thermometer can cause the lighter to not work. Finally, another problem could be that the striker on the lighter could be out of alignment, meaning that the spark isn't making contact with the gas. Simply and carefully bending it back into place should do the trick.

Finally, for cheap yet smooth smokes, the best I've found is Palma Real over at Cigars International.

Alright, here's a few questions:

First: I went to my local cigar shop today and bought a couple Macanudos and a couple other cigars. I eagerly went home and tried my first Macanudo. Unfortunately, as soon as I started it cracked, like so:
IMAGE(http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/732/crackedhorizontalgh6.th.jpg)

Is this acceptable? Should I go back and complain? The taste is still good, but I'm an amateur, so I wouldn't necessarily know the difference.

Secondly, the Colibri lighter that I bought from Cigars International arrived, and doesn't work. So I bought a Vertigo lighter from my local shop, and it works perfectly.

Thirdly, spending money on 4 high quality cigars every month seems a bit pricey. Approximately $38 total per month. Any inside recommendations on sticks that smoke as smooth as a Macanudo but cost less?

Thanks, folks!

The Colibri arrived with a bit of butane in it. I'm assuming they had it filled and then emptied it.

So I purged it, filled it according to the instructions, and it would light, but only for a second before going out. I purged it again. Then filled it. Again, it lit, but then went out. I'll try messing with the striker, but it shouldn't be an altitude problem. I'm in Indiana, so we're average altitude.

Thanks for the help!

Montalban wrote:

The Colibri arrived with a bit of butane in it. I'm assuming they had it filled and then emptied it.

So I purged it, filled it according to the instructions, and it would light, but only for a second before going out. I purged it again. Then filled it. Again, it lit, but then went out. I'll try messing with the striker, but it shouldn't be an altitude problem. I'm in Indiana, so we're average altitude.

Thanks for the help!

Try this: take another lighter and see if it ignites the gas after the flame goes out. If it doesn't, then air must still be in the tank.

Tap the lighter gently on a counter. Works for me when mine acts up...

Yeah, no luck. I used my new lighter to try and ignite the broken one and it seemed to work. Plus, the striker on the Colibri is inconsistent. I have to be very methodical to get it to strike and then blow butane. Otherwise, it blows butane but doesn't "click" or strike.

I'll send it back to Colibri and hopefully get a new lighter. For now, my Vertigo by Lotus should work.

Macanudo is highly overrated in my experience. They used to be great, before the cigar market exploded. But there are many, many more makers out there now that compete in quality but not price.

I'd buy a $50 sampler pack from Thompson, JR or Famous-Smoke and find one or two smokes that you like that are more in your price range.

So 10 months later, I got out the other Macanudo I bought last Summer and had a go this evening. Apparently 9 months aging in my cheapo humidor actually worked, because it was very satisfying. The flavor was mellow, the ash held together nicely, and the cracking issue was nonexistent. It's hardly scientific, but at least I can say that it redeemed that first attempt.

Cold, snowy weather defeats any desire to smoke, so my cigars get a guaranteed 5 months of aging at least. Anyone had an unexpectedly good cigar lately?

Montalban wrote:

So 10 months later, I got out the other Macanudo I bought last Summer and had a go this evening. Apparently 9 months aging in my cheapo humidor actually worked, because it was very satisfying. The flavor was mellow, the ash held together nicely, and the cracking issue was nonexistent. It's hardly scientific, but at least I can say that it redeemed that first attempt.

Cold, snowy weather defeats any desire to smoke, so my cigars get a guaranteed 5 months of aging at least. Anyone had an unexpectedly good cigar lately?

Padron 3000 Maduro had already taken over as my favorite cheap (meaning under $5) stick a while ago, but I recently smoked a couple that had been in my humidor for about a year... wow! tasted better than many cigars I've had, period, regardless of price. Some cigars really don't seem to change that much with aging but these guys really got a nice mellow sweetness that's just not there when they're new.

I've also taken up a pipe recently, really enjoying some english blends that my local tobacconist has. And it's quite economical -- starter pipe, pipe tool, cleaners, and 2 oz. of tobacco set me back all of $12.

I ordered a few more to stock up for the warmer months. I might take one out for a motorcycle ride, or if we have a bonfire with friends. But I got some of my favorite staple, Cao Brasilia(strong, sweet smelling), ventured into some Ghurka Rare Breed, not loving them. They have a somewhat unpleasant chemical after taste. And some of my favorites, Romeo y Julieta Reserva.

My main gripe about buying online is the almost certain need to let them keep in a humidor for months. And I was just about out of astock when I ordered.

For newer smokers, I would steer you to www.ThompsonCigar.com and look at their wide variety of samplers. Both premium and house brands are available. For 30 bucks or so it can afford you the opportunity to try a variety of different premium cigars, that might normally set you back 8, 9 bucks individually. Offering you a good chance to find what you might like.

If I'm going for a cheaper cigar I usually pick up a Sancho Panza. They used to offer a sampler pack that included their Madrid, La Mancha, Caballero and Dulcinea for $15. Not sure if that's still around though I haven't seen it for a while.

If I'm in the rare mood to drop a bit more cash and I want a mild smoke, my favorite is a Graycliff Crystal, for a heavier smoke I spring for a Cohiba Black.

I have always been kind of interested in cigars and have never got to smoke any. BUT somebody keeps leaving them lying around at work. The temptation...!

KingGorilla wrote:

My main gripe about buying online is the almost certain need to let them keep in a humidor for months. And I was just about out of astock when I ordered.

This has been my issue as well. For a new smoker, you're already buying sampler packs because you don't have a favorite, which means that many of those cigars you buy you won't like. Add to that the possibility that they need to be stored for several months, and you can end up wasting quite a bit of money and feel like you're just groping around in the dark.

Unfortunately, the best (?) option is to have a situation like VDO's where you're either being offered free cigars or you have a connoisseur friend who gives them away and likes to talk about them. The internet can't really match that. At least the "free" part.

I finally cracked open a Maker's Mark cigar that I've had sitting around for a few years and it was much better than I expected. The infusion wasn't overpowering like I feared.

KingGorilla wrote:

For newer smokers, I would steer you to www.ThompsonCigar.com and look at their wide variety of samplers.

In me experience Cigars International has superior quality and they don't call to bug you about signing up for automatic shipment plans. They also have an auction site: CigarBid.

Just about any cigar will improve with some age. I'm slowly finishing up a box of Punch Rothschild that I purchased when my daughter was born. She's almost four now. Those are yummy.

The trick is to have enough in your humidor for a rotation. I try not to buy stogies I'm planning on smoking now. If you can keep a pack of cheaper sticks tucked away in the bottom of the humidor, it can make for pleasant filler in a pinch. Find a cheap Dominican you like the smell of and put four or five in there, then forget about them for a while.

Also, look around your area. Most cigar shops, not some convenience store mind you, will have E-mailing lists. They will send you info on events. Cigar vendors will often come in with sampler packs, and free cigars. It was great in Milwaukee because it has two fantastic cigar shops. I have but one near me in Michigan.

And they are often staffed and managed by enthusiasts.

Montalban wrote:

Unfortunately, the best (?) option is to have a situation like VDO's where you're either being offered free cigars or you have a connoisseur friend who gives them away and likes to talk about them. The internet can't really match that. At least the "free" part.

I suggest this option. I have a buddy with an oil lawyer father. Oh how I love cigars bought and aged by oil money.

I am glad this thread popped up recently! This weekend I am traveling to the middle of nowhere to indulge in some weekend-long gaming for a friend's bachelors party (renting a really nice cabin in Big Bear, CA). I am planning on picking up some cigars for the event for a few of us; there's a decent smoke shop nearby where I live, but I would have to transport 'em in my car for an 8 hour drive. Here are my questions:

1. What should I buy? It sounds like there are sampler packs out there? Is there a recommended form of this? Or should I buy a sampling of individual brands/types?
2. What should I transport them in? Sounds like a tupperware container would be sufficient for the drive/weekend (I'm obviously not going to be storing them for long).
3. Any other advice/suggestions? I have a couple of cutters and lights for folks from prior visits; is there any other paraphernalia that would enhance the experience?

sincerely,

Cigar Newb

For travel I suggest the Otterbox Cigar Caddy. These are the folks who make the scuba iPod cases, etc. I have the 5 cigar model, fits 5 Presidente or Churchills, you can just about squeeze 10 Robusto cigars in. It works for trips, like to say Vegas.

You can also get their merchandise through Amazon. I currently have . It is not the finest. It also seems to run a little dry in the colder months. But I am very happy with it so far. My main gripe is that the humidification sponge had just two sided tape to stick it to the lid, which fell off after a couple of days. For optimal humidity I use the included sponge and a crystal tube(basically the absorbtion crystals in diapers). The latter is easily recharged with distilled or boiled water.

Cigars are something you can significantly over-pay for on your first run around. Should you find you like keeping and collecting to your liking, you can replace the inexpensive one with a better model. On the flip side, you would only find yourself out 40, 50 bucks should you decide it is not for you. I would compare it to those people who spend hundreds of dollars on a KitchenAid mixer, and they bake once.

If you do find that you like the sensation, taste, etc. I think that a Xikar cutter is a must buy. The cheap cutters for 2 bucks dull quickly and will soon ruin a cigar. For lighting, obviously the Zippo is out of bounds, but you can get by on freebie matches or spend a couple bucks on a good, wind proof or resistant lighter. For the most part the only difference between a 25 cent lighter, and a 100 dollar lighter is the case.

HedgeWizard wrote:

1. What should I buy? It sounds like there are sampler packs out there? Is there a recommended form of this? Or should I buy a sampling of individual brands/types?
2. What should I transport them in? Sounds like a tupperware container would be sufficient for the drive/weekend (I'm obviously not going to be storing them for long).
3. Any other advice/suggestions? I have a couple of cutters and lights for folks from prior visits; is there any other paraphernalia that would enhance the experience?

I'm a self-proclaimed cigar newbie in this thread as well, so my advice is hardly gospel. I talk a good game but I don't actually know much.

However: #1 depends on what you think your friends will like. Have they smoked cigars before? Will they appreciate a $4 cigar over a $0.50 cigar from the gas station? If I were you I'd go to your local shop and ask for a sampling of name-brand cigars from about $3 a stick (or slightly more since they enacted new cigar taxes). Some should be mild-medium, some robust. Keep them physically separated so you don't forget which is which. Dark colored cigars tend to be more robust, but that's not always the case. Avoid cigars that are described as "peppery," "leathery," or "spicy," since cheap versions of those tend to simply come off as caustic rather than enjoyable. Look more for "creamy," "coffee," "smooth," etc. That's based entirely on my own preference, however. If you're really dealing with people who never smoke, flavored cigars (vanilla, rum, coffee) are not technically "manly" but are easier on the palette. Also, be sure to remind your friends that they should be puffing only about once a minute and not inhaling. Don't smoke cigars like cigarettes or you'll come away with a terrible headache. (Obvious stuff, but I learned that one the hard way)

#2: Yeah, just tupperware. As far as I know, they won't dry out enough in 24 hours to warrant any fancier humidification. Other folks may have more informed advice.

#3: If you're going to be indoors, don't forget an ashtray or two. Otherwise, sounds like you're set. Remind folks to toast the foot of the cigar evenly, then toast and puff until they are getting a good amount of smoke. Re-lighting may be necessary if you're smoking cheaper or poorly humidified cigars. Be sure to pair the cigars with drinks, especially for virgin smokers to help with the aftertaste. Smoking a decent quality, average sized cigar should take between 30 and 60 minutes.

Montalban wrote:

Don't smoke cigars like cigarettes or you'll come away with a terrible headache. (Obvious stuff, but I learned that one the hard way)

Especially don't do this while buzzed unless you want to get your swerve on.

boogle wrote:
Montalban wrote:

Don't smoke cigars like cigarettes or you'll come away with a terrible headache. (Obvious stuff, but I learned that one the hard way)

Especially don't do this while buzzed unless you want to get your puke on.

Fixed. At least in my personal experience.

A question: Is there a way to counteract the "gross mouth taste/feeling" the next day after smoking cigars? I have smoked $2 cigars and $12 cigars, and it always seems like while I have a pleasant experience during, I have HORRIBLE GROSS MOUTH the next day, even after brushing/gum/etc. It is the reason I stopped smoking cigars semi-regularly.

Brush your tongue before bed and in the morning. Floss. Gargle before bed. This is all stuff I regularly do anyway and it keeps even the most pungent odors at bay-smoke, onions, garlic.

Also, you could just get some smoker's mints. Think altoids on crack. You can find them at any smoke shop.