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BRAND SPANKING NEW!!!
Hello everyone, my name is Cory and I am new to the cigar world.
I went to Mexico, had a Romeo y Julieta, then a Cohiba and now I am hooked!
I have lots of questions but we will start with these:
1) is there a comprehensive "beginners" list of items to have/things to know/how to get started resource that anyone knows of for beginners?
2) I currently have a cigar at my home right now that is kind of flaking apart... is this normal? How long can a cigar last with out proper humidification?
3) any and all help you can give is welcome! Thanks so much!
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1. Things you NEED: A decent sized humidor. The size is relative to how far you plan to take this hobby. If you're "hooked" I'd splurge for at lest a nice 150 count humidor. It's gonna cost you $100 at least, but it'll last you a long time. You'll need to get the humidor started by seasoning it. It should come with instructions on how to do that when you get it. But Boveda makes a kit that takes the brainwork out of it. Google "Boveda" for the site and info. You'll need a digital hygrometer and humidification beads. The beads come in various levels of 60%, 65%, and 70%. I like 70% myself. Xikar makes a decent digital hygrometer. Get a couple gallons of distilled water. They're cheap and will last you a long time. Get a good cutter or punch, depends on which you prefer. I prefer a nice classic guillotine-style cutter. Invest in a good torch lighter. I like them cuz they're good in all environments. Finally, purchase a nice sampler of sticks from Ccom. Call the toll-free number, tell them your a newb and tell them how much your looking to spend and they'll hook you up with a nice sampler.
2. Your cigar is dried out. Hence, the need for the above listed items. Cigars will only last a day, maybe two, without proper humidification.
3. Refer to #1
Good luck, Cory. Feel free to PM me with any more questions.
Go to your local shop and get a humidification pillow and a big zip lock bag and place any new cigars in that until you can get a humi set up. We've all started that way
Depending on how long that stick has been without humidity it might be too late. Most likely it's beyond recovery but you can try placing it in the bag and see if it comes around. The problem will be the loss of oils in the wrapper. The cigar might hydrate but you will have lost some flavor.
Here's an article about reviving and it's an overall good site for basic information:
http://www.cigaradvisor.com/education.cfm?id=27
Welcome to the forum though, I've learned a lot here in the 2 years I've been around and there a lot of good guys here.
"Long ashes my friends."
Disclaimer: I am typically a big fan of the "Idiot's" guides - I own several. It's just this one in particular that I found very lacking.
¨Only two people walk around in this world beardless - boys and women - and I am neither one.¨
Right on! Like everybody else don't be afraid to ask questions, check that search box. Welcome in!
"Long ashes my friends."
"If you do not read the newspapers you're uninformed. If you do read the newspapers, you're misinformed." -- Mark Twain
To everyone who responded...
Thank you all very much for your input. Its really nice to know that so many people are passionate about cigars and are so willing and eager to share their two cents. I for one plan on reading quite a bit on the subject and learning as much as I can. Thanks again everyone and I'll talk with you all when I know a little more hopefully!
I read the Idiots guide also and thought it was good information. But, as I read into the book, the author seemed to contradict himself, say one thing and then in a few paragraphs later say the opposite. Overall, a good read for someone clueless about cigars. I may give the 'companion' a shot.
1 Buy Humidor
2 Season Humidor
3 Buy Cigars
4 smoke cigars
5
6 make profit
7 repeat often
"Long ashes my friends."