One More Cigar Noob
Hello Folks!
I am new to the enjoyment of cigar smoking. I have tried to educate myself as much as possible (web) on the nuances of cigars. I came here to try and get some help with some of my questions. Of course - I thank all in advance for the assistance.
First - I am looking into purchasing a humidor. I have looked all over the net and have seen all types of humidors at vastly different pricing levels (sites like cigar.com to ebay). What is a good humidor for a beginner that is looking at 100 cigar capacity? I know that much of the price of the humidor has to do with wood/craftsmanship. For now - I want a nice looking humidor that is going to last me a while. I called up an online retailer and a couple of suggested brands (in my price range of $100) were Quality and Madelaine (toscanna and versailles / rembrandt and old world). The ebay adds confuse me, because it seems to me many of those retailers keep their costs down because they say that "they make for themselves" and that they are not completely spanish cedar lined. I am thinking that I need a completely spanish cedar-lined humidor. Am I correct in my thinking? Any suggestions on humidors (with your seal of approval) would be greatly appreciated.
Another concern/want that I have would be what is a good budget stick ($1-$3) a stick that I can have as a daily smoke. I know that this is much a personal preference here. As I type, I am puffing on a Quorum. To me, these are not bad, however, I am thinking that their quality control is a little spotty. Some do well, however this one I am smoking might be blocked (resistance in drawing). Other than going to the local smoke shops and picking up a number of different low-price stogies, is there any way to get a "budget" sampler? For what it is worth, in the area that I am in (metro detroit northeast) it seems to me that all the folks that work the smoke shops have no idea about cigars - they just stock a humidor and take your money.
As far as cigars, overall, what is the best way to expose oneself to as many brands/cigars as possible? Cigar of the month club? I go into some of these humidors and there are so many options (and so little money - at least as far as not pissing the wife off)...
Lastly - is there any good way to smoke in the house without polluting the rest of the house? Do I need to seal off a room and install a fan that vents directly outside? Are the air cleaners that are available any good (or just gimmicky)? I'd like to create a man-cave and not need to smoke in the garage (it is cold outside!).
I know that my post is scattered in many directions. I appreciate whatever help that the "expert" cigar afficianados can give a novice like me!
Thanks,
Jeff
Comments
addressing the smokes only section of your post i would highly reccommend the c.com house blends sampler as a way to see where your taste's are going to lean to. then you will have an idea what to look at when cigar shopping.
addressing the smokes only section of your post i would highly reccommend the c.com house blends sampler as a way to see where your taste's are going to lean to. then you will have an idea what to look at when cigar shopping . welcome aboard and hopefully you will enjoy / learn from this forum- its a good place for lots of info on a range of subjects.
As far as cigars, the cigar.com sampler is a good start. I say this because it has pretty much most of the types of cigars out there as far as strength is concerned. Though it won't be 100 percent right, as I like a mild smoke sometimes but pretty much stay to the more full/medium bodied smokes. I love the red label from Ccom. Chateau Real by drew estate is a good cigar for a mild smoke, creamy and yummy. For a stronger smoke a partagas black label would be a nice on to try, more of a full bodied cigar.
Smoking in the house, that's a toughy. I know my wife would kill me, so I smoke in the garage or outside. I wish I could smoke inside, especially when I'm on my 360 for hours. Though if you really want too, there are a number of great smoke purifiers out there. I can't think of any off the top of my head but do a google search on it, and you'll find a couple. I hear they are really good, they have some made just for cigars. They can go up to about 300 or so dollars for a good one that will cover a fairly good size area. Also Ionic Breezes seem to work but for the price I'd go for an actual cigar smoke cleaner.
I just wouldn't buy many boxes until your palate develops- I fell in love quickly with Irish hops by drew estate - purchased a couple of boxes - and now I am haveing trouble smoking them. My taste moved to a fuller body, spicier kind of smoke, The sampler packs are a nice way to get acclimated to what you I like - without over committing to one thing....
I am looking for a 250 count humi - so if you run into something special let me know.
the way i did it? the PIF (pay it forward thread) ya never know what you are gunna get the orick filter is good but expensive...
not many options here. my wife wont let me smoke inside either. find a local shop. smoke there in the winter months.
sticky velcro is fairly safe to use. no smells at least. when using that in my first humidor the puck fell off the lid and hit the cigars below. the impact itself wasnt the problem but the water that dripped out when it fell was.
when calibrating the hygrometer i always leave it in the bag AT LEAST over night... usually 36 hours or so.