Gurhka Nightmare....and redemption

KingoftheCove

Hi All,
Newbie here - smoked cigars in the 70s and 80s, and early 90s retired in 1995 (kids, etc.) - then started again late 2010 (my kids are grown up, I work too hard and need SOME enjoyment in life - time for stogies again!)
Can't afford what I used to smoke (Fuentes and Macanudos) - but there has been a LOT of changes in the industry since I quit - lots of new players - and I'm slowly getting to know them and find my favorites that I can afford (Padilla, Gurhka, PDR, Red Dot Cohibas, and Rocky Patel).

The Internet has changed things as well (how did we even survive without the Internet?) - I still find it an amazing "tool" that everyone under 30 simply takes for granted....enough background...time for a short tale.

So C.com had a nice deal for 5 Gurhka Titans and 5 Red Dot Cohibas which I jumped on. Put them in my humi and let them sit for a while. Then had a red dot - delicious, gonna get more as soon as they're on sale.

The next day I went for the Titan, looked and smelled great, but felt a bit "moist". I went ahead and snipped it, the pre-light draw was tight - I figured it would loosen up.
So (looking back) I made two novice mistakes before I even lit up!
I went ahead and lit it, and it was a tough go from the start - and I did did just about EVERYTHING wrong that one could do, to screw up a good cigar.
Long story short - I had to ditch it  1/2 way through, and it wasn't a good experience - I was really bummed out.

Went on the net (on this site and others) and discovered all the blunders I made, and the remedies to take when a stick is too moist.
So today, I got up at 5am for work. On my way out I took out a Titan from my humi (which I keep at 70rh) and took it out of the wrapper and placed into my now "dry box" (a 20 count small humidor that I used to use to hold cutters, matches, etc.) - and let it sit there until 2pm - then took it out of that box and let it sit on my table for 45 minutes.

That Titan had a totally different "feel" and was one of the best smokes I've had since coming out of retirement - it's now my favorite along with the Padilla Black Bear.

I'm still a part time smoker (3 per week, one each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - but it sure is relaxing and gives me a mini-vacation every weekend.

CoveKing (back in the stogie saddle!)

drpepperdude

First, welcome to the ccom forums! Where do you hail from?

You seem to have the same taste in cigars as I.

In case you hadn't seen it yet, ccom is doing a great deal on a LOT of Gurkha's. Here's the link to cigar.com's Gurkha Guerilla Warfare page. Last I remember they said they'd be doing these deals until June or July.

The Titan is among them.

Hang around here and we will turn you into a full-time cigar smoker in no time flat!