General cigar questions

[Socoemt]

Hey bums, I have a few questions in hoping you can help me with. Any advice or wisdom you can impart will be greatly appreciated!

First off, what cigar would you recommend to a beginner hobbyist? I had a Perdomo 10th anniversary and I really enjoyed it. Other than that I've smoked a few house brands but nothing that has really impressed.

Secondly, does it really matter what I light the cigar with, and how I light it? As a beginner will I really notice a difference between a regular lighter and something else?

I have other questions but for the life of me I can't remember them. I'm a bit fried from a crazy long day at work! I'll add them as they come to me.

Thanks again!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Cool Breeze]

Hey bums, I have a few questions in hoping you can help me with. Any advice or wisdom you can impart will be greatly appreciated!

First off, what cigar would you recommend to a beginner hobbyist? I had a Perdomo 10th anniversary and I really enjoyed it. Other than that I've smoked a few house brands but nothing that has really impressed.

Secondly, does it really matter what I light the cigar with, and how I light it? As a beginner will I really notice a difference between a regular lighter and something else?

I have other questions but for the life of me I can't remember them. I'm a bit fried from a crazy long day at work! I'll add them as they come to me.

Thanks again!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk


Well as far as what to recommend, my advice is to try as much as possible. What I like, you may despise and vice versa.
I will also say to stay away from the cheap samplers. Anything that says something like "Poor boy sampler" or something like that, run away. There are some good samplers out there. Here is one that would be good. It has a some really good sticks in it.

CI's All-Star Sizzler Sampler - Cigars International (http://www.cigarsinternational.com/samplers/94276/cis-all-star-sizzler-sampler/#p-178558)

As far as what you light a cigar with, it's all hype. You will get a lot of different opinions but that's mine. I've tried them all and I'd just as soon fire a stick up with a Bic as anything.
There's a video about Padron that shows Jeorge Padron sticking a cigar between his lips and firing it up with a cheap plastic lighter by applying the flame directly to the foot of the cigar. Works for me.

[Upstatemax]

As Cool Breeze said, try a bunch of stuff. Your tastes will change over time as well. Don't go buy a box right away because you think you like it now...

Try several quality samplers like posted above, go into your local B&M and talk to them, let them help guide you as you develop your likes and dislikes.

As for lighting, I prefer butane jet lighters, but you do have to be a little careful with them. Especially the multi jet ones, they can get VERY hot and you do not want to shove a cigar right into that flame, I have seen the damage that comes from that. Cedar spills are also a favorite of mine. I personally would just avoid using a standard Zippo to light, they do not burn all that cleanly. I have a jet insert for one of my Zippo lighters that is a favorite of mine. It works very well and the lighter holds a lot of sentimental value to me as well!

[Rocket Scientologist]

First off, what cigar would you recommend to a beginner hobbyist? I had a Perdomo 10th anniversary and I really enjoyed it. Other than that I've smoked a few house brands but nothing that has really impressed.

Secondly, does it really matter what I light the cigar with, and how I light it? As a beginner will I really notice a difference between a regular lighter and something else?

I will echo what's already been said about trying a bunch of different cigars, but here's a few that I think are worth trying that aren't expensive:
Brick House (natural and maduro)
Alec Bradley Black Market
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve
Illusione Rothchilde
La Gloria Cubana
Padron X000 (2000 Maduro, for example)
Rocky Patel Edge (there are a bunch of different Edge, try them all if you want)
Tatuaje Tattoo (Tatuaje is popular around here, the Tattoo is a cheaper stick but I like it)

As far as lighting, just don't use a candle. And most will say don't use a Zippo because the lighter fluid can affect the cigar's taste, but I used a Zippo starting out and never noticed. Matches, a Bic lighter, or a butane torch lighter are all acceptable. There are YouTube videos on lighting technique. Most will tell you to toast the foot of the cigar (warm it up) then puff to draw the flame in. Toasting helps get the burn started off right. Technique aside, it really doesn't matter how you light it, just get it burning!

Welcome to the club, and enjoy!

[garublador]

And most will say don't use a Zippo because the lighter fluid can affect the cigar's taste, but I used a Zippo starting out and never noticed. IIRC, some time ago Zippo changed their lighter fluid formula to burn cleaner and not impart a flavor onto cigars. That would take some Googling to confirm.

You want to light it with something that burns "clean." Butane and cedar splints are known to burn clean so they're most commonly used. If you use matches make sure the sulfur is burnt off before lighting.

[stonecutter2]

Hey bums, I have a few questions in hoping you can help me with. Any advice or wisdom you can impart will be greatly appreciated!

First off, what cigar would you recommend to a beginner hobbyist? I had a Perdomo 10th anniversary and I really enjoyed it. Other than that I've smoked a few house brands but nothing that has really impressed.

Secondly, does it really matter what I light the cigar with, and how I light it? As a beginner will I really notice a difference between a regular lighter and something else?

I have other questions but for the life of me I can't remember them. I'm a bit fried from a crazy long day at work! I'll add them as they come to me.

Thanks again!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

1) Padron Londres or Delicias. Or as others noted, the x000 series like 2000, 3000, etc. Buy one with a natural wrapper, and one maduro. Just to see the difference in flavors. These are Nicaraguan puro cigars (pure Nicaraguan tobacco, not blended with another country's tobacco). Then try an Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 in natural and maduro. These have Dominican fillers. There will be a decidedly different flavor to these vs the Padron Nicaraguan.

2) Not really, in my experience. You can use a Bic lighter just as well as a single flame torch or triple flame torch. I've seen the Padron family using Bics to light their cigars. However, be aware that torches are awesome for toasting the foot of the cigar easily, and on a day with any kind of wind, a torch keeps you from having to block the wind as you light. It puts the heat right where you want it, above the cigar as you light, so you don't scorch it. Ronson JetLite lighters are single flame torch lighters usually available at Walmart for the price of a multi-pack of Bics. And they're great little refillable torch lighters.

[Zeede]

Socoemt

Your tastes will be unique to you, but if you are like I was, unaccustomed to nicotine, try and stay away from "nic bombs". Try and smoke on a full stomach. Otherwise, just try things! There are lots of solid cigars that don't cost and arm and a leg.

As far as lighting a cigar just avoid matches, candles and anything lighter fluid based. Bics, butane torch lighters or cedar spills are all good. Don't worry about toasting properly and all that yet.

[c.ortiz108]

You can also do the noob sampler trade and get recommended sticks from experienced Bums. http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/pif-maw/noobie-sampler-trade-108.html?highlight=Sampler+trade

[Brimy]

There are sooooooo many cigars out there!!! And I'm talking, normal production sticks.
As said in the previous answers, sample, sample & sample some more!

You are going to find some that you like & others you don't. And as your palate matures, you will find that what you loved before you might not later.

When I first got serious I would read reviews (both "professionals" & other S/BOTL) and then try the cigar. Even just looking at the "what did you smoke today" thread and you will find others who have a similar palate. When you do, you will have a direction for your sampling. At least that worked for me.

Then when you get to storing sticks and you learn about resting & aging, things might change again!

Most important is to just try stuff!

[jhedrick83]

There are sooooooo many cigars out there!!! And I'm talking, normal production sticks.
As said in the previous answers, sample, sample & sample some more!

You are going to find some that you like & others you don't. And as your palate matures, you will find that what you loved before you might not later.

When I first got serious I would read reviews (both "professionals" & other S/BOTL) and then try the cigar. Even just looking at the "what did you smoke today" thread and you will find others who have a similar palate. When you do, you will have a direction for your sampling. At least that worked for me.

Then when you get to storing sticks and you learn about resting & aging, things might change again!

Most important is to just try stuff!

Great advice. I would also add in that when you smoke cigars, as best you can pair it with water or a drink with little flavor, and take notes on the cigar as you smoke it. Flavors you are getting, evenness of burn line, draw, etc. Write a mini review just for yourself. It will really help you start to see what you like and dislike and you can compare that to the descriptions of the Wrapper/Binder/Filler so you can start to see what leaves bring what flavors. It can also help you find other cigars that you might like.

The discovery is half the fun!

[HabanoMan]

I would also add in that when you smoke cigars, as best you can pair it with water or a drink with little flavor, and take notes on the cigar as you smoke it.



Just to expand a little bit on this: Until you learn the nuances of the different flavors try just a touch of lemon or lime in your water. This will really help cleanse the palate which in turn will help you pinpoint any nuanced changes in flavors throughout the stick. While a great cigar and Scotch/Bourbon pairing is awesome it is really not the best for beginners since the alcohol can tend to overpower the subtleness of the tobacco.



The discovery is half the fun!

Hell, I would say it is more than half, at least in the beginning. :thumb:

[Brimy]

Great advice. I would also add in that when you smoke cigars, as best you can pair it with water or a drink with little flavor, and take notes on the cigar as you smoke it. Flavors you are getting, evenness of burn line, draw, etc. Write a mini review just for yourself. It will really help you start to see what you like and dislike and you can compare that to the descriptions of the Wrapper/Binder/Filler so you can start to see what leaves bring what flavors. It can also help you find other cigars that you might like.

The discovery is half the fun!

So true!!

And IMO the environment (indoors vs outdoors) makes some difference.
On this note, smoking indoors alone vs smoking with folks who are smoking something different makes a difference too.
For me, there are a LOT of little nuances that affects the journey.

[jhedrick83]

Just to expand a little bit on this: Until you learn the nuances of the different flavors try just a touch of lemon or lime in your water. This will really help cleanse the palate which in turn will help you pinpoint any nuanced changes in flavors throughout the stick. While a great cigar and Scotch/Bourbon pairing is awesome it is really not the best for beginners since the alcohol can tend to overpower the subtleness of the tobacco.

Good point. I have never tried it but, I have heard club soda (if you like it) works great as well.

[Demuths1770]

IIRC, some time ago Zippo changed their lighter fluid formula to burn cleaner and not impart a flavor onto cigars. That would take some Googling to confirm.

You want to light it with something that burns "clean." Butane and cedar splints are known to burn clean so they're most commonly used. If you use matches make sure the sulfur is burnt off before lighting.

i never understood the not lighting a cigar with a zippo if people use zippos to light pipes. i know there is a difference in tobacco but still. i have never lite a cigar with a zippo but i have use bic butane matches and cedar spills and never noticed a difference in taste. i do prefer a butane lighter but when in a pinch you do what ya gotta do!

[Hardheaded]

i never understood the not lighting a cigar with a zippo if people use zippos to light pipes. i know there is a difference in tobacco but still. i have never lite a cigar with a zippo but i have use bic butane matches and cedar spills and never noticed a difference in taste. i do prefer a butane lighter but when in a pinch you do what ya gotta do!

Some people claim zippos don't burn clean enough. I find that if ai let it burn a few seconds before I use it that I can't notice a difference. They are a bugger to constantly refill though, so I don't use it often.

[Demuths1770]

Some people claim zippos don't burn clean enough. I find that if ai let it burn a few seconds before I use it that I can't notice a difference. They are a bugger to constantly refill though, so I don't use it often.

that has to be the worst part having to refill a zippo so much lol. thats why i like butane but zippos are just so bad ass looking its hard not to want to carry one

[Bruck]

+1 on samplers.

But if you get one that contains a Gurkha, send it to someone you don't like :)

& yes, avoid the bargain basement samplers.

[bluenoser]

All I had was a zippo for the first few months, once I got a torch lighter I can honestly say I saw no difference in taste. You might get a hint with the first puff or 2 but once it's lit I haven't noticed any difference. The one nice thing about a torch is I only smoke outside so I don't need to worry about the wind as much.

[Upstatemax]

that has to be the worst part having to refill a zippo so much lol. thats why i like butane but zippos are just so bad ass looking its hard not to want to carry one

That's why my butane torch Zippo insert perfect! I get the badassness of the zippo and the awesomeness of the a butane torch.

Also known as, badawesomness.

[Socoemt]

Thank you all for the great advice and suggestions! I would love to join the newbie trade, but we'll have to wait until I get my next paycheck.

So far I have just been using a bic lighter and it hasn't been bad, I just want sure if I was missing something obvious about lighting up.

Btw, what is it with some of you and ghurkas? Lol!

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[jpalamar]

I've noticed a difference with lighting cigars different ways. Lighting it too hot makes it bitter. I've had really good luck taking my time lighting it.

[Cardinal]

Lots of people don't like Gurkha because of the way they advertise and price. They have a thousand different cigars and each one is more ridiculously hyped than the last, "We make these for the Sultan of Brunei, but we had a few left over and if you act now..."

Plus their pricing is cheesy, with ungodly MSRPs but always on sale for the low low price of 99.2% off!

Anyway, lots of good advice in the thread already, and one more thing worth mentioning is if you do smoke a new cigar and get too much nicotine, like head swimming, sweating, nausea kind of stuff, drink some non-diet soda, juice, or even just dissolve some sugar in your mouth for a quick cure. Nicotine can mess with your sugar levels, and if you're new to cigars then you'll probably get a strong one at some point and feel it.

[Usafvet509]

Another vote for La Gloria Cubana. Start with the regular line, then the Serie lines (N, R). I'm a butane stickler, at least for toasting the foot. Then I go to matches for the light. Whatever cutter and lighter you end up with, I HIGHLY recommend Xikar. Guaranteed for life, they are the Craftsman of cigar tools. I have both a V-cutter and a regular. Try any cigar that strikes your fancy. You will find and change favorites many times over on the journey. I started with mild cigars, now favor full-bodied headknocker cigars. I LOVE Camacho, EP Carrillo, and La Gloria Cubana. All have cigars to cover the range of mild to bold.

[stonecutter2]

Thank you all for the great advice and suggestions! I would love to join the newbie trade, but we'll have to wait until I get my next paycheck.

So far I have just been using a bic lighter and it hasn't been bad, I just want sure if I was missing something obvious about lighting up.

Btw, what is it with some of you and ghurkas? Lol!

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I've had some Gurkhas that were okay, but I prefer to buy from companies that don't mislead their customers by creating trumped up suggested retail prices like $100 per cigar, but buy now because they're only $4 each.

Gurkha was founded to be sold in a duty free shop as an "Ultra premium" cigar. Something different among a sea of cigar manufacturers by going all out with boxes or labels, or hyped up stories. They spend a lot more worrying about the packaging and promoting/hype of a cigar than some of their blends and the quality of their tobacco.

To each their own - if someone loves the taste of a Gurkha, awesome. I've come to think that they're the PT Barnum of cigars, myself. Unless some Beauty bundles are on sale...I had one of those burn for almost 3 hours, i kid you not. Tasted good enough while out on the family land.

[Bruck]

Guys - let's be sure not to tell Socoemt about the devil site (http://www.cigarbid.com/)... :)

[restomod]

I'm hijacking here but I gotta say something. I think this site is the best! I see so many forums where a newbie posts a question and 6 of the first 7 posts are "do a search". Not once in three pages has anyone said that. Everyone answers with something that is from the heart and truly helpful to those posting the question just as if you are answering for the first time. This may be the black IPA and Ramon Bueso talking right now but you guys are the best!

[HabanoMan]

I'm hijacking here but I gotta say something. I think this site is the best! I see so many forums where a newbie posts a question and 6 of the first 7 posts are "do a search". Not once in three pages has anyone said that. Everyone answers with something that is from the heart and truly helpful to those posting the question just as if you are answering for the first time. This may be the black IPA and Ramon Bueso talking right now but you guys are the best!

Kevin, I agree with you here. The thing to remember though is that it seems a large percentage of cigar smokers/collectors are very passionate about the hobby and enjoy sharing knowledge they have learned over the months/years. I mean, who wouldn't want to share such a beautiful thing with other like minded people (unless the beautiful thing is Kate Upton. No sharing then :biggrin:). I have spent many years on cigar forums and not all, but most of them are people that just want to talk about, learn about, and enjoy sharing in this chosen hobby. Also keep in mind that while pretty active this site is fairly young. Luckily a great group of brothers started/joined the site in it's infancy so the newer members are really only seeing it done the "right way". As it grows larger and the same questions have been answered in the same 1,000 threads you will find some people will resort to the "search" response although I don't think it is said in any type of derogatory way it can still seem a bit off-putting to some. I always try to give an honest, heartfelt answer no matter how many times I have answered the same questions.

I am sure you didn't notice but I can also be just a little bit verbose at times. :biglaugh:


:focus:

[Socoemt]

Guys - let's be sure not to tell Socoemt about the devil site (http://www.cigarbid.com/)... :)
Haha, I've heard about it but haven't checked it out much yet. I don't have a humidor of any kind so I pretty much just buy a stick at a time to smoke.

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[Socoemt]

I'm hijacking here but I gotta say something. I think this site is the best! I see so many forums where a newbie posts a question and 6 of the first 7 posts are "do a search". Not once in three pages has anyone said that. Everyone answers with something that is from the heart and truly helpful to those posting the question just as if you are answering for the first time. This may be the black IPA and Ramon Bueso talking right now but you guys are the best!
Couldn't agree more. I belong to a few other forums, and while all forums have their ups and downs this one has been, by far, the most welcoming. It is clear that there is a wealth of knowledge here, and people genuinely seem excited to share that knowledge.

I look forward to getting to know all you bums!

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[jhedrick83]

Haha, I've heard about it but haven't checked it out much yet. I don't have a humidor of any kind so I pretty much just buy a stick at a time to smoke.

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No worries, they have humidors for sale on CBID... ;)

You should also check out cigarmonster.com

[HabanoMan]

Guys - let's be sure not to tell @Socoemt (http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/members/socoemt.html) about the devil site (http://www.cigarbid.com/)... :)


No worries, they have humidors for sale on CBID... ;)

You should also check out cigarmonster.com

You guys are freaking terrible.

























































But in a good kind of way! :stogie:

[jhedrick83]

Actually, you don't even need a humidor to start with. Just pick up a decent sized Tupperware and a Boveda pack. Throw the cigars and Boveda in the Tupperware and keep it out of the sun to avoid big temperature swings and you are in business

[Brimy]

Actually, you don't even need a humidor to start with. Just pick up a decent sized Tupperware and a Boveda pack. Throw the cigars and Boveda in the Tupperware and keep it out of the sun to avoid big temperature swings and you are in business

You got to it before I could Jesse!

Socoemt
If you're not concerned with aesthetics (and sure most, if not all, would like a nice showpiece sooner or later) Tupperware does the job!

[fataman]

Haha, I've heard about it but haven't checked it out much yet. I don't have a humidor of any kind so I pretty much just buy a stick at a time to smoke.

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Be prepared to buy a number of humidors, tupperdors and coolidors in the very near future. Or simply cancel you bum account and pretend you never saw this place.[emoji1]

[jhedrick83]

You got to it before I could Jesse!

Socoemt
If you're not concerned with aesthetics (and sure most, if not all, would like a nice showpiece sooner or later) Tupperware does the job!

Yeah, not spending the money on a humidor now gives you more money to spend ton trying tons of cigars.

[Tombstone]

Next time your at your B&M ask them to point you towards an AJ Fernandez cigar. He makes a mean cigar at a reasonable price.

[Socoemt]

Actually, you don't even need a humidor to start with. Just pick up a decent sized Tupperware and a Boveda pack. Throw the cigars and Boveda in the Tupperware and keep it out of the sun to avoid big temperature swings and you are in business
That sounds like something I can work with!

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[Zeede]

If your address was on your profile I could send you a 65% Boveda pack to start with :)

- - - Updated - - -


I'm hijacking here but I gotta say something. I think this site is the best! I see so many forums where a newbie posts a question and 6 of the first 7 posts are "do a search". Not once in three pages has anyone said that. Everyone answers with something that is from the heart and truly helpful to those posting the question just as if you are answering for the first time. This may be the black IPA and Ramon Bueso talking right now but you guys are the best!

Hey newbie, do a search!

(Whew, the balance of the internet has been restored)

:D

[Socoemt]

If your address was on your profile I could send you a 65% Boveda pack to start with :)

- - - Updated - - -



Hey newbie, do a search!

(Whew, the balance of the internet has been restored)

:D Zeede I am using Tapatalk and can't seem to figure out how to edit my profile but I'd be more than happy to pm you!

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[Socoemt]

You got to it before I could Jesse!
Socoemt
If you're not concerned with aesthetics (and sure most, if not all, would like a nice showpiece sooner or later) Tupperware does the job!
If I only have a few cigars on hand at a time could I just use a cigar box with a good seal and a boveda packet?

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[Brimy]

If I only have a few cigars on hand at a time could I just use a cigar box with a good seal and a boveda packet?

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You could, but in all honesty I don't think a cigar box seals good enough.
A decent sized piece of Tupperware (any sealing bowl, doesn't have to be actual Tupperware) will cost you a couple of $.

[AlanS]

You could, but in all honesty I don't think a cigar box seals good enough.
A decent sized piece of Tupperware (any sealing bowl, doesn't have to be actual Tupperware) will cost you a couple of $.

Maybe if you keep the box in a zip lock bag, to keep the humidity in.

[jhedrick83]

You could, but in all honesty I don't think a cigar box seals good enough.
A decent sized piece of Tupperware (any sealing bowl, doesn't have to be actual Tupperware) will cost you a couple of $.

I'm with Brian. Most boxes don't deal that well on their own.

[Socoemt]

No problem, then I'll stick with the Tupperware solution for the time being. I just figured since I had the box and it seemed to make a decent seal I would ask what you guys thought!

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[Zeede]

No problem, then I'll stick with the Tupperware solution for the time being. I just figured since I had the box and it seemed to make a decent seal I would ask what you guys thought!

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Just make sure the Tupperware has a rubber seal. Some don't have a rubber seal, which is fine for food in a fridge, but you want a rubber seal.

I started out with some OXO containers (and still use 'em for the cigars I store at a different RH than in my humidor). You might have some in your kitchen.

[Brimy]

Just make sure the Tupperware has a rubber seal. Some don't have a rubber seal, which is fine for food in a fridge, but you want a rubber seal.

I started out with some OXO containers (and still use 'em for the cigars I store at a different RH than in my humidor). You might have some in your kitchen.

Sorry Cameron, I have to disagree!
I use the Glad Lok containers & haven't had to change to Boveda packs in them yet (about a year)!
And when I open them, I get the sweetest "aroma of cigar" ever!

I'll snap a pic when I get home.

[Hardheaded]

Any good tupperware style container will do. Just not the cheap, flimsy ones that come in packs of 20, or whatever quantity they come in at walmart these days.

[Zeede]

Sorry Cameron, I have to disagree!
I use the Glad Lok containers & haven't had to change to Boveda packs in them yet (about a year)!
And when I open them, I get the sweetest "aroma of cigar" ever!

I'll snap a pic when I get home.

Ah, you have the good ones then.

[Rocket Scientologist]

No problem, then I'll stick with the Tupperware solution for the time being. I just figured since I had the box and it seemed to make a decent seal I would ask what you guys thought!

You could always put the cigar box inside the tupperware

[Brimy]

Ah, you have the good ones then.

LOL :)
Still inexpensive!

[Socoemt]

You could always put the cigar box inside the tupperware
I was thinking about doing that!

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[Zeede]

Humidorception?

Cigars...inside a humidor...inside a Tupperdor...inside a coolerdor!

:D

[Socoemt]

Guys - let's be sure not to tell Socoemt about the devil site (http://www.cigarbid.com/)... :)
BTW I set up an account last night and figured I would bus super cheap on something to see how the process works. I didn't think I would win anything. But then I won... so I have a five pack of 5 Vegas gold coming my way soon.

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[Nature]

BTW I set up an account last night and figured I would bus super cheap on something to see how the process works. I didn't think I would win anything. But then I won... so I have a five pack of 5 Vegas gold coming my way soon.

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Oh, let the fun begin...... :)

[Socoemt]

Oh, let the fun begin...... :)
I'm sure. Btw, whose couch am I going to be sleeping on when my wife kicks me out? [emoji6]

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[Nature]

I'm sure. Btw, whose couch am I going to be sleeping on when my wife kicks me out? [emoji6]

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Why do you think we are all Bums?
We are all out on the curb ... ;)

[Bruck]

BTW I set up an account last night and figured I would bus super cheap on something to see how the process works. I didn't think I would win anything. But then I won... so I have a five pack of 5 Vegas gold coming my way soon.


A fine choice - just hope you got the Connecticuts, not the Maduros.

Anyway congrats on getting set up on cbid. Next step: go hog wild, repent, go hog wild, repent, etc. :)

[Zeede]

But then I won... so I have a five pack of 5 Vegas gold coming my way soon.

Oh really? Huh, what a funny coincidence!

*strolls off humming to himself*

[Brimy]

Just make sure the Tupperware has a rubber seal. Some don't have a rubber seal, which is fine for food in a fridge, but you want a rubber seal.

I started out with some OXO containers (and still use 'em for the cigars I store at a different RH than in my humidor). You might have some in your kitchen.


Sorry Cameron, I have to disagree!
I use the Glad Lok containers & haven't had to change to Boveda packs in them yet (about a year)!
And when I open them, I get the sweetest "aroma of cigar" ever!

I'll snap a pic when I get home.

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k515/Uncle_Brian/Mobile%20Uploads/123BDC00-B87F-4B84-8BCD-5C18EE1EC054_zpslfbz0kth.jpg (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/Uncle_Brian/media/Mobile%20Uploads/123BDC00-B87F-4B84-8BCD-5C18EE1EC054_zpslfbz0kth.jpg.html)

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k515/Uncle_Brian/Mobile%20Uploads/8D3A448D-0A00-4FDC-925A-2FE136F0077C_zpsnv6ibhoy.jpg (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/Uncle_Brian/media/Mobile%20Uploads/8D3A448D-0A00-4FDC-925A-2FE136F0077C_zpsnv6ibhoy.jpg.html)

Ziplock not Glad Lok. :)

[Old Smokey]

I'm sure. Btw, whose couch am I going to be sleeping on when my wife kicks me out? [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Couch? Look for a big box and some newspaper like the rest of us.

[Socoemt]

A fine choice - just hope you got the Connecticuts, not the Maduros.

Anyway congrats on getting set up on cbid. Next step: go hog wild, repent, go hog wild, repent, etc. :)
Connecticuts.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Socoemt]

Oh really? Huh, what a funny coincidence!

*strolls off humming to himself*
Are you expecting a similar shipment? [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Socoemt]

Went to the store and picked up a pyrex container to hold my cigars. It is 8in x 6in x 2in. It was on sale so only a couple dollars more than the zip lock containers, and I figure when i do get a humidor I have a nice container I can use for food!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/29/e0d8c5800044de89f6dfc44f23d891aa.jpg

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Cardinal]

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k515/Uncle_Brian/Mobile%20Uploads/123BDC00-B87F-4B84-8BCD-5C18EE1EC054_zpslfbz0kth.jpg (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/Uncle_Brian/media/Mobile%20Uploads/123BDC00-B87F-4B84-8BCD-5C18EE1EC054_zpslfbz0kth.jpg.html)

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k515/Uncle_Brian/Mobile%20Uploads/8D3A448D-0A00-4FDC-925A-2FE136F0077C_zpsnv6ibhoy.jpg (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/Uncle_Brian/media/Mobile%20Uploads/8D3A448D-0A00-4FDC-925A-2FE136F0077C_zpsnv6ibhoy.jpg.html)

Ziplock not Glad Lok. :)
I don't want to hijack, but what's the cigar in the first pic, bottom of the box laying horizontally? White label with the guys face in black outline.

I have one in my humidor and have no idea what it is.

[Bernardini]

I don't want to hijack, but what's the cigar in the first pic, bottom of the box laying horizontally? White label with the guys face in black outline.

I have one in my humidor and have no idea what it is.

A one off made by Ortega to support the CRA. It is a strong SOB, definitely eat before you smoke it!

Ortega Launches The Glynn Loope Project at Tobaccology | halfwheel (http://halfwheel.com/ortega-launches-glynn-loope-project-tobaccology)

[Hardheaded]

Went to the store and picked up a pyrex container to hold my cigars. It is 8in x 6in x 2in. It was on sale so only a couple dollars more than the zip lock containers, and I figure when i do get a humidor I have a nice container I can use for food!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/29/e0d8c5800044de89f6dfc44f23d891aa.jpg

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Exactly. Thats half the beauty of using food storage containers. They alwaus have a use if you upgrade to bigger storage.

[Cardinal]

A one off made by Ortega to support the CRA. It is a strong SOB, definitely eat before you smoke it!

Ortega Launches The Glynn Loope Project at Tobaccology | halfwheel (http://halfwheel.com/ortega-launches-glynn-loope-project-tobaccology)
Awesome thank you!

I actually picked it out to smoke a month or two ago, took a sniff of the foot, and put it back to try when I wanted something strong. I could tell it was going to be powerful.

[Brimy]

A one off made by Ortega to support the CRA. It is a strong SOB, definitely eat before you smoke it!

Ortega Launches The Glynn Loope Project at Tobaccology | halfwheel (http://halfwheel.com/ortega-launches-glynn-loope-project-tobaccology)

Cardinal

DING DING DING!!!!
The man is right! Another HTF/LE that I acquired from The Shemp Jizzle about a year ago.

Bernardini
That's the disclaimer I got! I really need to go ahead and burn it.

[Zeede]

Exactly. Thats half the beauty of using food storage containers. They alwaus have a use if you upgrade to bigger storage.

Their use is as overflow, since once word gets out that you have bigger storage, people bomb you into the last century :D

[Hardheaded]

Their use is as overflow, since once word gets out that you have bigger storage, people bomb you into the last century :D

Speaking of which, you must have some space freed up by now... :devilish:

[Zeede]

Nope. Temps have been over 100 F most days, and even in my garage it is way too brutally hot.

[Zeede]

Hey Socoemt your Boveda packet was delivered this morning.

[Socoemt]

Hey Socoemt your Boveda packet was delivered this morning.
Thank you for sending that!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Socoemt]

Hey Socoemt your Boveda packet was delivered this morning.
So today was a bit of a day! Super busy at work, going nonstop from the moment I got there to the moment I left. Already exhausted I picked up my son and took him to a well check. Time for his 18 month shots. But when I get there I take his short of four the doc and find a rash. Everywhere! Want there this morning. Long story short, he's got strep. So the day has been pretty crappy. That is until I get home and find a nice package from Zeede ! We had talked about him sending me a boveda 65 to try, but I wasn't prepared for the bomb to go off in my living room!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/30/21040e6bf2e064f56ab2762bdff677e5.jpg

Keeping the boveda company was 5 friends for me to get acquainted with!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/30/e7e9018ef8071128d421a05bfb2ae810.jpg

Now your post about the 5 vegas makes a little more sense[emoji6]

Thanks Cameron, you really brightened a rough day for me! And what a welcome! I will definitely post reviews as I work my way through these gems!



Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[jhedrick83]

Nice one, Cameron!

[AlanS]

Very clever these Californians! Nice Hit Zeede

[Zeede]

*maniacal laugh*

I had three different vitolas of the Joya Reds resting in my humidor from months ago. I decided to light one up since I was sending you a fourth one I had gotten, and found them to be very, very good! Very different in taste from the 5 Vegas Gold blend, so enjoy!

[TreySC]

I love those Joya reds, the Jericho Hill is a great smoke too. Nice hit Cameron!

[Socoemt]

I'm not sure where to start! I will probably go for one of the smaller ones tonight add I won't have more than an 1-1.5 hours tonight, and will definitely be enjoying the 5 vegas this weekend when I can really enjoy it.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Herf N Turf]

Socoemt

You're getting some really great advice here, but that's pretty typical for this bunch.

Be sure and heed Habanoman's advice about the palate cleansing. Very important.

It would be helpful to know how much you intend to smoke and how much money you want to spend. If you're going to smoke occasionally, don't waste your time on low-mid end smokes. Stick with the super-premium stuff. If you're going to smoke occasionally, then you're not going to have much of a vitamin N tolerance, so you'll need to take precautions.

1) Make sure you're hydrated. Most of us walk around in varying states of dehydration most of the time. If you're not peeing clear every 30 minutes, you're dehydrated. Dehydration is the number one contributor to "nicotinism" and smoking of any kind dehydrates you.

2) Don't smoke on an empty stomach.

3) Keep a packet of sugar with you while you smoke and, at the first sign of nicotinism, allow it to dissolve under your tongue. Sub-lingual is the best method of absorption.

Until you get a lighter, use wooden matches. The extra long cedar ones you buy in smoke shops, or online are best and never a wrong choice. If you want a lighter right away, you cannot go wrong with a Ronson Jetlite. At less than 5 bucks, it's a no brainer.

When lighting, never allow the flame (any kind) to touch the tobacco. A torch, for example, should be held away from the foot, allowing only the heat to do the work. Once you scorch a cigar, you might as well toss it. Likewise when you "toast" or char the end. When toasting, it's best to do it before you cut the head. Toast, cut, light.

When you cut, less is more. All you're trying to do is remove the cap and expose the longitudinal aspect of the tobacco. Never cut more than 1/8 inch deep.

Limit your puff series to once per minute. This will keep the cigar from getting too hot. When I was starting out, I would literally look at my watch. Now, I have a good sense of what a minute feels like, so I can do without it. If you hold the cigar about a half inch behind the cherry and it's at all uncomfortably warm, it's too hot and you need to slow down.

Learn how to "snork", or "retro-hale". This is the practice of rolling the smoke from your mouth and through the nasal cavities. It's not the same as blowing smoke through your nose, it's more of a "rolling" action; incorporating the tongue and soft palate. With very little practice, you'll get it, but in the meantime, understand that you have many times the number of flavor receptors in the sinus region than in your mouth. If you're not retrohaling, you shouldn't be smoking fine tobacco.

Allow your cigars to acclimate to 65% relative humidity. Assume that most vendors store and sell cigars in the 74% neighborhood, so that means it will take about a month for a cigar to settle down. You'll get more flavor and have far fewer burn issues this way.

Keep a cigar journal. Documenting your experiences with individual cigars will help you track your progress and give you hard evidence of your ever-changing palate.

Write reviews! This is the single BEST way to develop your palate. The focus and concentration required in the construction of a good review is invaluable. Not to mention that people here really appreciate it and you will earn their respect faster than anything else you can do. Take lots of pictures. Only about 20% of Bums are literate. ;)

This should help get you started on the right track.

[Socoemt]

Socoemt

You're getting some really great advice here, but that's pretty typical for this bunch.

Be sure and heed Habanoman's advice about the palate cleansing. Very important.

It would be helpful to know how much you intend to smoke and how much money you want to spend. If you're going to smoke occasionally, don't waste your time on low-mid end smokes. Stick with the super-premium stuff. If you're going to smoke occasionally, then you're not going to have much of a vitamin N tolerance, so you'll need to take precautions.

1) Make sure you're hydrated. Most of us walk around in varying states of dehydration most of the time. If you're not peeing clear every 30 minutes, you're dehydrated. Dehydration is the number one contributor to "nicotinism" and smoking of any kind dehydrates you.

2) Don't smoke on an empty stomach.

3) Keep a packet of sugar with you while you smoke and, at the first sign of nicotinism, allow it to dissolve under your tongue. Sub-lingual is the best method of absorption.

Until you get a lighter, use wooden matches. The extra long cedar ones you buy in smoke shops, or online are best and never a wrong choice. If you want a lighter right away, you cannot go wrong with a Ronson Jetlite. At less than 5 bucks, it's a no brainer.

When lighting, never allow the flame (any kind) to touch the tobacco. A torch, for example, should be held away from the foot, allowing only the heat to do the work. Once you scorch a cigar, you might as well toss it. Likewise when you "toast" or char the end. When toasting, it's best to do it before you cut the head. Toast, cut, light.

When you cut, less is more. All you're trying to do is remove the cap and expose the longitudinal aspect of the tobacco. Never cut more than 1/8 inch deep.

Limit your puff series to once per minute. This will keep the cigar from getting too hot. When I was starting out, I would literally look at my watch. Now, I have a good sense of what a minute feels like, so I can do without it. If you hold the cigar about a half inch behind the cherry and it's at all uncomfortable warm, it's too hot and you need to slow down.

Learn how to "snork", or "retro-hale". This is the practice of rolling the smoke from your mouth and through the nasal cavities. It's not the same as blowing smoke through your nose, it's more of a "rolling" action. With very little practice, you'll get it, but in the meantime, understand that you have many times more flavor receptors in the sinus region than in your mouth. If you're not retrohaling, you shouldn't be smoking fine tobacco.

Allow your cigars to acclimate to 65% relative humidity. Assume that most vendors store and sell cigars in the 74% neighborhood, so that means it will take about a month for a cigar to settle down. You'll get more flavor and have far fewer burn issues this way.

Keep a cigar journal. Documenting your experiences with individual cigars will help you track your progress and give you hard evidence of your ever-changing palate.

Write reviews! This is the single BEST way to develop your palate. The focus and concentration required in the construction of a good review is invaluable. Not to mention that people here really appreciate it and you will earn their respect faster than anything else you can do. Take lots of pictures. Only about 20% of Bums are literate. ;)

This should help get you started on the right track.
Wow, that was an info packed post! I think you just answered about ten questions I didn't even know I had!

To answer a few of your questions, I'm not exactly sure how frequently I will be smoking. Up to last month I smoked maybe once or twice a year, and blindly just walked into a smoke shop and grabbed whatever looked good based on the wrapper/band.

Since starting this journey about a month ago I have smoked 4 cigars, but have been very deliberate about what I choose. I would estimate max smoking about 3/week. My wife isn't a huge fan of the smell, but I'm trying to explain to her what I like about it, and that it is more complex than just sitting on the porch puffing away.

I do try to hydrate throughout the day. I am constantly on the move at work so I try to drink all day. I did use some lemon water last time and I did notice a difference.

Thanks again for all the info and suggestions, I will try to post reviews as I try more cigars!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Herf N Turf]

Wow, that was an info packed post! I think you just answered about ten questions I didn't even know I had!

To answer a few of your questions, I'm not exactly sure how frequently I will be smoking. Up to last month I smoked maybe once or twice a year, and blindly just walked into a smoke shop and grabbed whatever looked good based on the wrapper/band.

Since starting this journey about a month ago I have smoked 4 cigars, but have been very deliberate about what I choose. I would estimate max smoking about 3/week. My wife isn't a huge fan of the smell, but I'm trying to explain to her what I like about it, and that it is more complex than just sitting on the porch puffing away.

I do try to hydrate throughout the day. I am constantly on the move at work so I try to drink all day. I did use some lemon water last time and I did notice a difference.

Thanks again for all the info and suggestions, I will try to post reviews as I try more cigars!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Very nice of you to say.

At 3x a week, I'd stick to the super-premium path. You'll get a lot more enjoyment for your money. Even better is if you buy fivers of things (small discount usually) you really know you like and put four of them away for a while. Revisit them as they spark your curiosity again and note the differences from having rested them for that amount of time (journal!).

If you're using plastic containers and a Boveda, make sure you open it once a week for about 20 minutes, to allow for some air/gas exchange. Fresh cigars emit ammonia and you don't want to spoil the bunch. Conversely, in the case of a full wooden humidor, you should do this for an hour once a month for small and once a quarter for large.

[droy1958]

Socoemt

You're getting some really great advice here, but that's pretty typical for this bunch.

Be sure and heed Habanoman's advice about the palate cleansing. Very important.

It would be helpful to know how much you intend to smoke and how much money you want to spend. If you're going to smoke occasionally, don't waste your time on low-mid end smokes. Stick with the super-premium stuff. If you're going to smoke occasionally, then you're not going to have much of a vitamin N tolerance, so you'll need to take precautions.

1) Make sure you're hydrated. Most of us walk around in varying states of dehydration most of the time. If you're not peeing clear every 30 minutes, you're dehydrated. Dehydration is the number one contributor to "nicotinism" and smoking of any kind dehydrates you.

2) Don't smoke on an empty stomach.

3) Keep a packet of sugar with you while you smoke and, at the first sign of nicotinism, allow it to dissolve under your tongue. Sub-lingual is the best method of absorption.

Until you get a lighter, use wooden matches. The extra long cedar ones you buy in smoke shops, or online are best and never a wrong choice. If you want a lighter right away, you cannot go wrong with a Ronson Jetlite. At less than 5 bucks, it's a no brainer.

When lighting, never allow the flame (any kind) to touch the tobacco. A torch, for example, should be held away from the foot, allowing only the heat to do the work. Once you scorch a cigar, you might as well toss it. Likewise when you "toast" or char the end. When toasting, it's best to do it before you cut the head. Toast, cut, light.

When you cut, less is more. All you're trying to do is remove the cap and expose the longitudinal aspect of the tobacco. Never cut more than 1/8 inch deep.

Limit your puff series to once per minute. This will keep the cigar from getting too hot. When I was starting out, I would literally look at my watch. Now, I have a good sense of what a minute feels like, so I can do without it. If you hold the cigar about a half inch behind the cherry and it's at all uncomfortably warm, it's too hot and you need to slow down.

Learn how to "snork", or "retro-hale". This is the practice of rolling the smoke from your mouth and through the nasal cavities. It's not the same as blowing smoke through your nose, it's more of a "rolling" action; incorporating the tongue and soft palate. With very little practice, you'll get it, but in the meantime, understand that you have many times the number of flavor receptors in the sinus region than in your mouth. If you're not retrohaling, you shouldn't be smoking fine tobacco.

Allow your cigars to acclimate to 65% relative humidity. Assume that most vendors store and sell cigars in the 74% neighborhood, so that means it will take about a month for a cigar to settle down. You'll get more flavor and have far fewer burn issues this way.

Keep a cigar journal. Documenting your experiences with individual cigars will help you track your progress and give you hard evidence of your ever-changing palate.

Write reviews! This is the single BEST way to develop your palate. The focus and concentration required in the construction of a good review is invaluable. Not to mention that people here really appreciate it and you will earn their respect faster than anything else you can do. Take lots of pictures. Only about 20% of Bums are literate. ;)

This should help get you started on the right track.

I'm one of the 20% that ate a lighter, but it was in high school. They told me it was a Swisher Blunt, and it was kinda'. Ahhhh....you misspelled lighter, it's not liter silly boy...

[Old Smokey]

I'm one of the 20% that ate a lighter, but it was in high school. They told me it was a Swisher Blunt, and it was kinda'. Ahhhh....you misspelled lighter, it's not liter silly boy...

You ate a lighter?

[allusred]

You ate a lighter?

If he has a taste for it..so long's it wasn't this one...not a bad thing to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip4HjJULL-s

[Zeede]

Socoemt The biggest thing is to smoke on a full stomach. Also, if the carbonation doesn't bother you, have a soda while you smoke, like a Dr. Pepper or a Sprite.

[Hector Amano]

I lit my last one with a lil Cuban Pete mustache wax. Jiggity good fo shizzle.

- - - Updated - - -


Socoemt The biggest thing is to smoke on a full stomach. Also, if the carbonation doesn't bother you, have a soda while you smoke, like a Dr. Pepper or a Sprite.
Sprite is for pussies. Real men drink ginger ale.

[Socoemt]

I lit my last one with a lil Cuban Pete mustache wax. Jiggity good fo shizzle.

- - - Updated - - -


Sprite is for pussies. Real men drink ginger ale.
This made me laugh hard

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[droy1958]

You ate a lighter?

Errrrrr.... Do I have to admit it??? Farting was a "hole" new experience....

- - - Updated - - -


If he has a taste for it..so long's it wasn't this one...not a bad thing to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip4HjJULL-s

Zzzzzzzzzz......don't ever post that link again!.....

[allusred]

Errrrrr.... Do I have to admit it??? Farting was a "hole" new experience....

- - - Updated - - -



Zzzzzzzzzz......don't ever post that link again!.....

Maybe this un will wake yall up...

Bit more lively...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aY6PFccu-k

Hope it helps.

[fastnbulbous]

Can you smell if a cigar is going to have ammonia before you light it?

I did a sniff before lighting but didnt smell anything.
After I lit it up though, it was a lot of ammonia.

[bobajob]

In my experience the best you can hope for is to detect 'something amiss'. Typically i can spot it in the cold draw, but by that point it's already cut.