Help with picking cigars...

[Darth_Malt]

So after trying out at least a dozen different cigars, 3 brands have really stood out above the rest. Romeo y Julieta, 5 Vegas and CAO. I tried my first 5 Vegas Gold Maduro last night, AMAZING smoke! I followed that with a CAO Brazilia Gol, not quite as good as the Vegas, but still a real nice smoke. I think Maduro is my favorite wrapper so far, so much flavor and nice thick smoke. Looking forward to trying a Montecristo Classic today, although I kind of wish it was a Media Noche after the smokes I had last night.

 

[podz]

If you want to keep cigars on hand, the first thing you'll need is a humidor. I mean, if you buy 6 cigars for around 60-100 bucks and they get dried out before you smoke them then you'll be pissed.

I've had this humidor for almost 10 years now and it works great. It's Italian made and called "Adorini Firenze Deluxe".

http://www.humidordiscount.com/Humidors_Adorini/Firenze__Deluxe.html

After you get a humidor, go buy some cigars.

Macanudo Maduro Diplomat
Cuesta Rey 8-5-8
Fuente
Ashton
Upmann
Cohiba
Montecristo

etc...

 

[scottyb710]

Try cigarbid .com it's a cigar international sister company

 

[Toga]

My favorite cigars to keep on hand are any of the Rocky Patel cigars. The 1992 being my favorite. I have a half dozen in my humidor I also love a nice Cohiba either dominican or cuban.

 

[raysmithtx]

If you want to keep cigars on hand, the first thing you'll need is a humidor.

I agree. I probably have around 200 cigars on hand at any time. I ended up using a VinoTemp wine frig. as a humidor. Adjust the temp to 60 degrees and add some Heartfelt Industries humidity beads and you are good to go.

As to which cigars to smoke, that's tough. I would suggest that a beginner cigar smoker buy mild cigars that are as highly rated (by actual customers) as you can afford. Another tip is to NOT be fooled by the 'great deals' on off brand/no name cigars. Instead I suggest you buy some name brand sampler packs to see what you really like.

I usually compare prices at Thompson Cigar, Cigar International and Famous Smokes. There's always a special running somewhere.

 

[boatcapt]

My passion for beer is only exceded by my passion for cigars! Nothing better than taking a long satisfying swig off of the IPA you personally crafted to hit your exact ideal mark for what an IPA should taste like (BJCP Style Guidelines be dammed!!)...and then taking a long slow draw off a high quality 'gar of your own choosing. Provides the perfect reset to a long hard day by forcing you to remember how simple life can be OR as the accent to a good day that that makes you think, man it just doesn't get any better than this.

 

[SudsyPaul]

I'll sub, here.

I've only had like a couple dozen cigars in my life (over the last decade), and most were Cuban cigars. Just the easiest thing to get around here, it seems.

Looking to learn more. I'll probably build my own humidor from some spare red cedar I have laying around.

 

[Jacob_Marley]

The cigars I like to have with a beer are the ones I enjoy smoking in general.

There's two things in particular I look for in a cigar ... and if I try a cigar and it has one or both, there is a better chance I'll go and buy more ...

The first is "tooth". Tooth is the formation of tiny pin-head sized oil globules up by the burning end near, and on, the ash of the cigar as it is smoked. This tends to be a richer, fuller smoking tobacco with better mouthfeel (in the smoke) ... though not necessarily stronger tasting.

Another is a distinct "finish". This is where when you get somewhere between 60% and 75% of the way through smoking a cigar, there is a distinct change in the tobacco giving a specifically different taste for the remainder of the smoke. This is from a change in the tobacco at that point in the cigar. A cigar with a distinct finish is rolled that way.

A cigar that is well rolled and burns evenly is also a plus.

I tend to like a shorter cigar such as a Rothschild size, so that I might enjoy a second one with a number of pints in between.

One of my long time favorites is the Punch Rothschild ... I like all versions of the Punch Rothschild but in particular the English Market Selection which is a lighter Colorado Claro ... but I like the darker Maduro and Oscuro in the Punch Rothschild too. Had some Punch Rothschild Oscuros a while back with great tooth. I think the Oscuros are a bit more oily. Great mouthfeel in the smoke.

 

[Darth_Malt]

Toga/Malto, Rocky Patel and Media Noche are high on my 'To Smoke' list, I just need to order some when I have the funds.

Jacob, thanks for the great post! I was actually wondering what people were talking about when they said 'Toothy' when talking about different smokes. I've recently started to notice a distinct 'Finish' when smoking certain sticks, it's kind of funny you brought that up.

Thanks to everyone for the great feedback! Keep it coming, I know there are plenty more smokes to talk about!

 

[Dan]

I recommend Bolivar Fuertes Confradia. It's good! A fullbodied and full flavor cigar. The entire cigar is very soothing to me. The last few inches are like the last days of summer when you're a kid - gone too soon and full of goodness.

 

[broncosmoker]

I reiterate what many have said here, cigars are a personal taste kind of thing.
For those who are buying yourself the sampler packs with the humidor do yourselves a big favor and throw the humidor away. Go get a tupperware container with lid and buy a boveda pack and store your sticks in there. They will last better the right humidity will be kept. A dry cigar is the worst thing you want to smoke and remember when you have a cigar experience.

For beginners I recommend starting with lighter or red shaded wrapper cigars that are lighter or medium bodied. with a lighter srm beer. As you progress towards heaviness in beers do the same with cigars. When you get to Maduro wrappers this is where a great palate really comes into play. Even between different countries the maduro flavor is quite a bit different. Obviously fillers, binders with wraps make a difference just like in beer making with different ingredients with flavors.

When trying out new cigars do yourself a favor and spend a few extra dollars and buy quality ones. It really makes a world of difference. Before buying a bunch online, find a good, reputable brick and mortar cigar shop. Tell the owner what you are thinking of trying, flavors you are trying to compliment and they will help you. You may end up buying quite a few and trying them out, but let me warn you it is addicting. My small collection is of only about 900 sticks currently until Tuesdays shipments come in.