Something keeps bringing me back to this cigar. Maybe its the aroma. I have tried a few of these and at the end of the stick I'm disappointed. But I always want another one. What's that about. The Hemingway signature feels great in the hand, the tapered head fits perfectly in your mouth and the wrapper is slightly oily with that typical cameroon tooth. The aroma it gives off is twice as nice as the very basic flavor that the filler provides. Maybe they havent had enough time on them or they are too moist or dry but I can't get these to taste really great. I've nevered owned more than two at a clip but take care to let them dry box for a while before smoking. Yesterday I sat in my house that is down to the studs and on the upswing of a remodel due to house fire. (I like going back to the house and smoking a cigar, walk around a bit and observe what the contractors have done for the day.) The smoke started off great with alot of flavor and wonderful aroma slaps you and says notice me! But the cigar quickly fell into boredome and then bitterness. The last 1/3 of this cigar was damp hot tobacco flavor that a purge would fix, but only for a while. So, I dont get it. Why the expensiveness, why the tales of greatness. Is it just that I keep buying green cigars and they need time to develope? Are there any Hemingway addicts out there that know the secret?

It could be you are losing your taste for milder Dominican tobacco.

I enjoy these, but I've found that they need to be kept at a lower humidiity - 63-65% - to smoke well (the maduros aren't so fussy).

I also drybox, and it helps. Finally, smoke them slowly. I found that if I smoke them at my normal pace, there's a build-up of tar and they get bitter towards the end. I now smoke them much more slowly, and they amply reward my patience...

I also notice they are better slow, especially the short stories, which seem to have a better flavor/weight ratio IMHO.

They get rank for me too if I smoke em too fast.

When I first was introduced to fine cigars I was able to smoke many Hemingway Masterpieces; which lead me to regularly smoking the entire line and I never experienced any of the harshness mentioned with any Hemingway. Now today I always keep at least a couple Signatures in my humidor and again have not had this experience.


Perhaps has mentioned "hot boxing" is creating this ill-effect. Try slowing down and savoring your smoke and don't give up on a brand without considering the factors that may have contributed to your view.

The guy that owns the cigar shop I frequent is in love with the Hemingways. When I first went in and asked his opinion on a cigar to get a feel for the store he directed me to them immediately. I love it personally, I usually let it age for a little while at a lower humidity like somebody said, smoke it slowly, savor the cigar and you won't be let down.

I agree with Crazypoet!
Slow is the key to enjoying the hemingway. I have smoked these for about 10 years. Found that slow, they are great. If i am in a hurry I go with a another brand. Usually disappointed with any stick that I hurry through.

Will have to keep smoking slowly in mind. The WOAM I had, my first hemmingway Maduro was a disappointing after hearing such good things.