Looking to get more regular with my cigar smoking - any advice on the steps? Its all so intimidating and in-depth knowledge...
I was thinking... 1. buy a humidor (150 capacity) 2. fill the monkey (different varieties) 3. try a few and like wine- buy again what i like and dismiss what i don't...
I would go with a cabinet humidor to start with. If you like cigars, you'll need it pretty soon anyway. Might as well do it right the first time. Get a Cigar Oasis humidifier and a good digital hygrometer. Lastly get some samplers or go to a local shop and tell them what you like and have them pick you out some good cigars. Some that I like are Padron, Fuente(Anejos just got released), and Tatuaje. Johnnie
Looking to get more regular with my cigar smoking - any advice on the steps? Its all so intimidating and in-depth knowledge...
I was thinking... 1. buy a humidor (150 capacity) 2. fill the monkey (different varieties) 3. try a few and like wine- buy again what i like and dismiss what i don't...
thoughts??
4. Contact credit card companies and request credit limit increase.
---------- Back by request:
Mom: "Twenty dollars for a cigar?!?! Why don't you just set fire to a $20 bill?"
Response: "Get a $20 bill to taste like a Davidoff and I'll light my entire paycheck on fire!"
Posts: 1570 | Location: Medford, NY | Registered: July 18, 2007
You'd be surprised what you can find when you sit in front of a computer for 12 hours a day with nothing better to do than track down Anejos. There are some decent prices to be found.....
I'd start with the cigars first. Remember, you can always use a Tupperware container as an excellent humidor until you realize how far into cigars you are. Experiment with different brands, different provenance, etc.
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Posts: 1485 | Location: New York/Denver | Registered: August 05, 2005
Originally posted by Scottological: I'd start with the cigars first. Remember, you can always use a Tupperware container as an excellent humidor until you realize how far into cigars you are. Experiment with different brands, different provenance, etc.
I simply use plastic storage containers for full box storage but as Scott said, a small tupperware container works just as well for singles. Stick a few sheets of spanish cedar in it (from an empty cigar box -- ask your tobbaconist and they'll probably give it to you free) and some Boveda packs (www.boveda-direct.com) and that's it. Nothing complicated at all and if you use the Bovedas, no guesswork whatsoever.
I'd wait before buying a humdor. As most of us have found out, we start with a 50-count...run out of room...buy a 100-count...run out of room...and so on. If you use Tupperware, you'll be able to spend your money on cigars rather than a massive humidor that's 90% empty.
I would start with #3 on your list. Spend some time checking out all the cigar shops and find one or two that you like. Then sit back and start trying all kinds of cigars seeing what you like and dislike. Remember, your tastes will probably change, so it might not be the best idea to commit to a box on the first thing you like. I would suggest you follow EC's advise on initial storage for your first sticks.
"Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do." - Bruce Lee
Posts: 1092 | Location: Signal Hill, CA | Registered: April 26, 2007
Might want to start a journal recording the cigars you've smoked and your thoughts on them. This may help you identify your tastes and make sure your not rebuying cigars you didn't like. Months later, you'll be so glad you did.
-Jason
"Whether I see my humidor as half full or half empty, something's getting smoked"
Originally posted by JasonI: Might want to start a journal recording the cigars you've smoked and your thoughts on them. This may help you identify your tastes and make sure your not rebuying cigars you didn't like. Months later, you'll be so glad you did.
Absolutely - when I started, I journaled and reviewed every smoking experience for a few months - interesting to look back and read as well as beneficial in gearing your mind to think about smoking.
That is what I did with wine as a starter suggestion, too. Drink a lot (of different varietals/blends, dummy!), write a lot or reviews, and get your brain into a wine mode.
I see a lot of similarities between wine tasting and cigar tasting.
_____________________________________ The journey of a thousand miles sometimes ends very, very badly.
No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people. -H. L. Mencken
Posts: 1467 | Location: Bugtussle, MS | Registered: August 24, 2006
Addition to that, I started with a journal, but to be honest, I found myself writing less than I thought. Then a friend told me about a program called cigar register. Now, I sit and document like everything. It's a sort of obsession.
So, I highly recommend using Cigar Register. Can track all the cigars you have, add them, remove them, smoke them, set up seperate humidors, etc. It keeps track of your personal ratings for them, your thoughts, etc. Pretty awesome in my opinion.
K Reserve, since you're in the Houston area, go hang out at Robusto's in Katy. I don't know the specifics - google it - and I'm sure the people there can ease you into cigar smoking like a prison stag eases his way into a new inmate's back door.
Posts: 334 | Location: Corpus Christi, Texas | Registered: May 08, 2007
Originally posted by Benjamin Alexander: K Reserve, since you're in the Houston area, go hang out at Robusto's in Katy. I don't know the specifics - google it - and I'm sure the people there can ease you into cigar smoking like a prison stag eases his way into a new inmate's back door.
Thanks for the suggestion Ben. I'm not new to cigar smoking, just relatively new to online cigar forums =)
Robusto's looks great though, but it's an easy 45+ minute drive from me =/ I will have to check it out one day. Disappointed, I've been looking for a good cigar lounge. I love going to my local B&M, but it's not really a hang out.
If anyone has suggestions for a good cigar lounge or something in Houston, closer to Houston proper then Katy, please let me know.
Looking to get more regular with my cigar smoking - any advice on the steps? Its all so intimidating and in-depth knowledge...
I was thinking... 1. buy a humidor (150 capacity) 2. fill the monkey (different varieties) 3. try a few and like wine- buy again what i like and dismiss what i don't...
thoughts??
and get a Creme Brule torch and a good cutter. done.
Yesterday I chilled back at a bar called Opera Bar which is right on Sydney Harbour (yes I am an aussie!) sun shining and chilled tunes - check it out if you are ever down under! (PS they don't sell cigars! - better bring your own!)
