CIGAR SMOKIN' AND BS

Whatcha got there? Not familiar with that ring.
Like the looks of the wrapper!

 

Yea the wrapper looks nice.... HR habano 2000?

 

HR Signature Sublime. A friend gave me a handful of cigars from his humidor and I didn’t know anything about this one. I was pleasantly surprised. It was very well balanced and smooth. Went great with my morning coffee

 

I'm a big bourbon connoisseur, really interested in getting into cigars as well. I'm a total nonsmoker though. Any suggestions on what to start off with?? Any info is greatly appreciated

 

I’m a total non smoker too, hate cigarettes, but enjoy cigars. You can usually go to any cigar seller web site and search for mild cigars. And when you click on a certain brand and size cigar, there will be a strength meter right there telling you it’s strength. A lot of us here have ended up at Cigars International.

As a beginner, start on the milder end and as you decide if you like smoking cigars, you can try different blends and see what your tastes lean to. Very generally speaking, cigars made with tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and that have what’s known as “Connecticut Shade” wrappers are going to be on the milder side of things. Avoid for now, cigars that are not a known brand. Avoid a cheap “bundle deal” too. Those types can be problematic and taste harsh. As a beginner I wouldn’t want you to be turned off from the start because you picked a cheap cigar. Some brands that I like and that make mild cigars are Macanudo, Carlos Torano, 5Vegas, and Rocky Patel. Buy singles or a 5 pack and not a box of 20 or 25 until you decide what you like. Good luck and enjoy!

 

Can't go wrong with a Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured Muwat. Mellow flavor, good smoke.
Remember not to inhale, just into the mouth.

 

Doesn't the kentucky fire cured have of course fire cured tobacco in it which is not really indicative of "regular" cigars... I personally don't care for it but some do... well constructed and all as most drew estate stuff is.... my thought is to stick with the milder stuff... maybe a Connecticut wrapper...

 

From CI:
"The biggest difference with Kentucky Fire-Cured is the inclusion of – you guessed it! – American fire-cured tobacco leaves from Kentucky and Virginia. While normally tobacco is air-cured, these special leaves are left to hang in specially-constructed curing barns, a process that dates back more than 200 years and that imbues each leaf with a rich, smoky, slightly sweet flavor that boasts exceptional balance and uniqueness. Notes of oak, hickory, and maple-laced sweetness explode on the palate. These leaves are joined by Nicaraguan and Brazilian Mata Fina long-fillers along with an oily San Andres maduro wrapper. "

 

Right... but I think they are a strong flavor not so new friendly was my thought.

.....smoking a Diesel Wicked in a private lounge with about 3 years on it... (don't tell Mario )

 

I don't care much for the harsher stuff and I love these, so I wouldn't say they are that strong. I've had Comacho, Ghurka, Gran Habano, etc.
I will say Gran Habano La Conquista is my second favorite.

 

Got these as my first smokes guy at local cigar lounge said the Macanudo M Bourbon is a hitter for bourbon lovers. We shall see

 

Good to see your cigar guy actually gave you a variety rather than what he likes. Macanudo makes great cigars.

Play around with the gauge some too, there's some smaller cigars that are great smokes, like the Macanudo Court.

This is just preference, but I like lighting my cigars with matches rather than a traditional lighter. Lots of guys use butane lighters also. Report back!

 

Had this last night, Alec Bradley Royal Oak. It went down great with a couple of IPA's in the garage while it rained lightly outside.

 

Got my monthly subscription yesterday! Very excited about these. Now I just gotta wait a few weeks for them to acclimate the m the humidor!

 

I used to use a regular old bic myself and then finally splurged a little and got a torch. Much faster to light and more even. I agree though that match is the best, but my torch works in the wind

 

I grabbed a nice lighter the last time I went but I must have gotten a bad one, it sucks, sputters and dies even though the fluid is full. Looks nice though, as a paperweight!

 

I don't remember the brand but I think its Xikar that I bought. Got it at my local shop and he did the butane for free.

 

The most long lasting lighters. Are the cheap torch ones from the gas station. Out performs my $100 xikar.

 

Mines a Vertigo Drone by Lotus, I'm unhappy it doesn't work well since it was like $25. Maybe it's me, I'll have the guy at the cigar shop look at it. I'm sure he'll exchange it.