Biodarwin's journey to becoming a cigar smoker
biodarwin
Posts: 265 ✭✭
Hello Folks,
I decided to get into the cigar smoking for several reasons. The main reason was relaxation and to enjoy an hour of peace without my cell, laptop, desktop and whatever other devices which keep me "plugged in" on a daily basis.
The second reason was to experience a journey of learning and appreciating the hard work, time, and complexities of cigars and cigar smoking. I didn't realize until recently how complex a cigar can be. It was 5 years ago when I finally started appreciating a good bottle of wine. I believe this my newest evolution in my search to enjoy the finer things in life.
The last reason being one of my friends and I have recently stopped smoking cigarettes but wanted something to puff on during football season and cooking ( i have a smoker so we tend to do it up on the weekends). The liquor store I frequent had a walk-in humidor and we decided to go in.
The selection alone was fairly over-whelming, but I remember my former business partner had several humidors and I remember asking him :what is a good cigar". His answer was anything by Rocky Patel. This thought entered my mind while perusing through the select and I was immediate drawn to this Rocky Patel 1990 Vintage and had to buy it. Prior to this I had previously equated cigars with Dutch Masters and Black and Mild's and I had no idea what I was about to get myself into.
Before lighting it I gave it a good smell and I was immediately drawn to this deep, coffee and cocoa smell and I was almost afraid to light it up. I used a punch and proceeded to light it like a cigarette, sucking tons of nasty lighter fluid through this wonderful cigar. I was completely oblivious. I do not remember the specifics but it was enjoyable. I have since bought another to properly taste it. It should be in the mail this week and I look forward to giving the cigar its due respect.
Now you know my "life story" I plan on updating this journal and describing my experience as I try and smoke my way through a variety of premium cigars. Premium meaning $5-10 a stick.
*** DISCLAIMER:
I am just beginning my journey so I am sure my reviews will be as such. Please take them for what they are and not that of a life long cigar smoker with years of experience
My first cigar will be a: Man O' War Side Project 52C
Stay tuned, the review will be up in the next hour or so.
I decided to get into the cigar smoking for several reasons. The main reason was relaxation and to enjoy an hour of peace without my cell, laptop, desktop and whatever other devices which keep me "plugged in" on a daily basis.
The second reason was to experience a journey of learning and appreciating the hard work, time, and complexities of cigars and cigar smoking. I didn't realize until recently how complex a cigar can be. It was 5 years ago when I finally started appreciating a good bottle of wine. I believe this my newest evolution in my search to enjoy the finer things in life.
The last reason being one of my friends and I have recently stopped smoking cigarettes but wanted something to puff on during football season and cooking ( i have a smoker so we tend to do it up on the weekends). The liquor store I frequent had a walk-in humidor and we decided to go in.
The selection alone was fairly over-whelming, but I remember my former business partner had several humidors and I remember asking him :what is a good cigar". His answer was anything by Rocky Patel. This thought entered my mind while perusing through the select and I was immediate drawn to this Rocky Patel 1990 Vintage and had to buy it. Prior to this I had previously equated cigars with Dutch Masters and Black and Mild's and I had no idea what I was about to get myself into.
Before lighting it I gave it a good smell and I was immediately drawn to this deep, coffee and cocoa smell and I was almost afraid to light it up. I used a punch and proceeded to light it like a cigarette, sucking tons of nasty lighter fluid through this wonderful cigar. I was completely oblivious. I do not remember the specifics but it was enjoyable. I have since bought another to properly taste it. It should be in the mail this week and I look forward to giving the cigar its due respect.
Now you know my "life story" I plan on updating this journal and describing my experience as I try and smoke my way through a variety of premium cigars. Premium meaning $5-10 a stick.
*** DISCLAIMER:
I am just beginning my journey so I am sure my reviews will be as such. Please take them for what they are and not that of a life long cigar smoker with years of experience
My first cigar will be a: Man O' War Side Project 52C
Stay tuned, the review will be up in the next hour or so.
0
Comments
Man O' War Side Project 52C
Size: 5 x 52 Ch Shape Vitola
Wrapper: Habano ligero wrapper
Drink of Choice:
Crown Royal and coke with a splash of lime, kept the lime to cleanse my palate.
When I initial received my sampler I took a good sniff of each cigar. This one was one of the most intriguing. I got a rich earthy smell which was very appealing. I cut the cigar making note of the chisel shape. I really like it as I do not like big rings and this made it even better. I lit the cigar and puffed for a few with nothing to brag about. Then all of the sudden it developed a woody taste which appealed to the middle of my tongue with a slight pepper taste on the back of my tongue. I would say this lasted for a good 10-15 minutes followed by a sweet taste which mellowed and became complex.
At this point my wife and I were really enjoying the cigar, passing it back and forth and probably got a little too aggressive with puffing frequency and the cigar got a bit hot and turned a little bitter. My wife stopped smoking and took a puff every 3-4 minutes just letting it cool down. After it did the flavor returned and was a combination of all of the flavors I had previously experienced. After a few minutes it turned very spicy and was no longer enjoyable. At this point it was 65% burned and I was willing to set it down and call it an experience.
Notes:
Really enjoyable complex smoke
Don't puff too much too fast or it gets hot and effects the flavor
Lime works really well to cleanse your palate
I look forward to reading more of your reviews.
What's next?
After years of smoking cigarettes, cigars actually taste good
Nub 464 Torpedo
Size: Nub
Wrapper: Cameroon
Drink of Choice: Crown and coke with lime
I am pretty impressed with this stick, not to mention being my first cameroon wrapped cigar to smoke. It is packed so tight yet does not have a tight draw. Slow burning, I felt like it was never going to go down. The favor did not change much from start to finish. If I could use 2 words to describe this stick it should be balanced and oak. I also noticed my taste buds picked up notes on the back of my tongue, which is a new sensation during smoking for me. So far most of the flavor on previously smoked cigars have been on the front half of my tongue.
This review is short and simplistic, much like this cigar. It is not complex but it is well balanced, smooth and enjoyable smoke. My wife and I both agreed this would be a perfect smoke for after lunch, but not heavy enough for an after dinner smoke. After all, that is what maduros are for right?
Torano 1916
Umpann Vintage Cameroon
AF Hemmingway
RP Vintage Cameroon
Jeremy, PM me your addy. I can send you a few cameroons.
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy cigars and that's close enough.
Take a pre-light draw
Notes on construction
Take notes on the ash