cigar afficionados

[Digitaleejit]

So the girlfriend takes me to the cigar store tonight and we start picking out cigars based on recommendations from here. Of course I didn't write them down so I'm going from memory. Racky Patel Connecticut Vintage 1999, CAO Gold, Santa Rosa Toro and Gispert Robusto is what she picked out. The Rocky Patel was definitely almost too mild. This could get expensive.

[Lgn001]

What I do is try one (or two) from a local shop. If I like them, I order from the internet (about 1/2 price). Either way, by the time you get to the "premium" type of cigars, they will run about $80 to $200 a box (or more, if you can stand it). The less I pay, the happier I am.

And just like wine, beer, food, etc., there will be some you really like and others that are complete dog turds. I have tried some fairly expensive hard-to-get cigars and not cared for them. Tastes will change over time, too.

KC-10 had provided a link to Cigars International earlier in this post. I'll add it again;

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/index.asp

They very neat thing about them is that they have samplers and combinations, very reasonably priced, so you can try a large variety without having buyer's remorse. They usually have 5-packs available of the better cigars, so you do not have to buy an entire box.

[KC-10 FE]

The cigar I smoked today was a Gurka Expedition. I was very disappointed. While Gurka's are usually top shelf, this one was not so good. It didn't draw well, it popped & crackled as it burned & was very harsh. Oh well, no company can bat 1000.

I never let two cigars of different types directly touch each other in my humidor. I have few that are several years old. Not because I'm intentially aging them, just because I like to try new ones all the time. The only ones I'm aging deliberately are the 20 I've described a few posts back. I asked at my local shoppe & the owner said as long as you rotate them top to bottom every so often, aging cigars should have no ill effects.

KC-10 FE out...

[Digitaleejit]

I picked up some more at a place in town that's a liquor store with a huge walk-in humidor. Prices are a lot better than my local cigar only store. Just had a CAO Mx2 and it was great. Since the GF is out with her mom I'm going to have to go get another for us, then order some online.
What can I expect from the Cx2 I have in comparison?

Just out of curiosity, anyone else have a wife/girlfriend/mom who they smoke with? Or am I just lucky?

[Lgn001]

I tried the Cx2 a couple of years back. It wasn't bad, but I seem to be on a maduro kick myself, so the Mx2 tastes better to me. The Cx2 has a full taste, but it is milder, if I remember correctly.

And KC, I bought a whole box of those damned Expeditions years back. They had a real high rating, and I could only find them by the box. Pretty lame, very weird flavor. The funny thing was, recently I was collecting a bunch of cigar boxes to give to a friend's little girl, and came across the Gurka box (really nice box, by the way). It felt heavy, so I opened it up and found 10 cigars I had forgot to put in a humidor. I think that sums it up pretty well.

[reg71]

Originally Posted by Digitaleejit

Just out of curiosity, anyone else have a wife/girlfriend/mom who they smoke with? Or am I just lucky?

my wife told me when I started trying cigars the other day that my mother in law would smoke them with me. she and my f-i-l are out sailing right now so we'll see when they get back in 6 months... they are somewhere off the coast of canadia right now I believe...

[KC-10 FE]

Originally Posted by Digitaleejit

I picked up some more at a place in town that's a liquor store with a huge walk-in humidor. Prices are a lot better than my local cigar only store. Just had a CAO Mx2 and it was great. Since the GF is out with her mom I'm going to have to go get another for us, then order some online.
What can I expect from the Cx2 I have in comparison?

Just out of curiosity, anyone else have a wife/girlfriend/mom who they smoke with? Or am I just lucky?

The CX2 is a milder blend than the MX2. If you go here, it will tell you all about them: http://www.caocigars.com/

KC-10 FE out...

[KC-10 FE]

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...m=CS-UHA&cat=3

Tonight's cigar was a Gurka Royal Brigade. The info in the link sums it up nicely. Gurka is a very premium brand & this is a good to great smoke.

KC-10 FE out...

[vfrcapn]

I had a Partagas black label yesterday and it was probably one of the best I've had so far. Still somewhat new to cigars but definitely want a few more of those.

[vfrcapn]

Originally Posted by Digitaleejit

I picked up some more at a place in town that's a liquor store with a huge walk-in humidor. Prices are a lot better than my local cigar only store. Just had a CAO Mx2 and it was great. Since the GF is out with her mom I'm going to have to go get another for us, then order some online.
What can I expect from the Cx2 I have in comparison?

Just out of curiosity, anyone else have a wife/girlfriend/mom who they smoke with? Or am I just lucky?

You're just lucky. I was lucky like that, once.. :)

[34468 Randy]

Originally Posted by Lgn001

Scotch also goes well with cigars. It took me about three years (I am serious) to acquire a taste for the stuff. I'll add more info at your request.

Hollie shit man. Not only rides a VFR and smokes a cigar but likes a good Scotch too. You sure you are not my twin brother by a different mother.

I have tried a few Cubans (They are legal here). Personally I think they are over-rated, but I have to say I am not a connoisseur of cigars. As a matter of fact I do enjoy the cheap ones. Swizzer Sweets and Old Port Colts Mild (Canadian). Personal preference here.

LG and I are going to have to start a thread on Scotch though. They are so varied in flavour depending on where they are form. And for those so called die hards who say Scotch has to be drank on the rocks or neat, give it up. The distillers of the finest Scotches from Scotland will tell you Scotch is best drank with spring water. It actually sweetens the Scotch and brings out the flavour immensely. But damned, I does go good with a stoggie

[KC-10 FE]

Originally Posted by vfrcapn

I had a Partagas black label yesterday and it was probably one of the best I've had so far. Still somewhat new to cigars but definitely want a few more of those.

Try the Partagas Spanish Rosado. It's even better than the Black Label.

My wife tried to smoke a cigar on a few occasions. It's jut not to her liking. She doesn't mind when I do. Most of the time, I use my cigar for 2 things. 1 is for socializing. When I deploy to the middle east, the smoke pit of the base is one of the most fun places to hang out. Especially when I'm there. 2 is for solitude/reflection. I'll sit in my lawn chair & just reflect on life.

KC-10 FE out...

[Lgn001]

Originally Posted by 34468RANDY

Hollie shit man. Not only rides a VFR and smokes a cigar but likes a good Scotch too. You sure you are not my twin brother by a different mother.

LG and I are going to have to start a thread on Scotch though. But damned, It does go good with a stoggie

Sorry I butchered up some of your quote; I was in an efficient sort of mood.

You know, my dad WAS a milkman... we actually could be related! I don't know if they were around in the Canadian provinces, but we used to have a lot of jokes in the states about milkmen and affairs with housewives.

Where would we start with Scotches? There are times that a single malt tastes good, and other times a blend tastes better. Tough subject to approach, but I guess no more difficult than wine.

My ex-wife's cousin used to go to Scotland several times a year for business (Scottish goods retailer). He said that at first, they all tasted the same. After several years, it got to the point where he could just smell a single malt and know which part of the country it came from.

When I am in the mood to dedicate myself to complete indulgence and enjoyment, Scotch and cigars are first on the list. So you are not alone, Sir Randy!

[SFPA]

Reg--
Have not read all the posts, but I can tell you that my favorite moderately priced cigars are 5 Vegas Gold. They are mellow and smooth, and you can get them torpedo shaped, which requires extra skill as a roller.

Cigars International (NJ based) sells them at great prices, and they have some great samplers and freebees alot of times.

Other than that, KC pretty much hit this one out of the park (thanks for stealin my thunder, KC.....sheesh). Rocky Patels are some of the best cigars I've ever had, but tend to be spendy at times.

Here is a link to Cigars International. I personally have had no issues with them, and they ship to APOs, too!!:

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...m=CB-5GA5050-U

[34468 Randy]

Originally Posted by Lgn001

Where would we start with Scotches? There are times that a single malt tastes good, and other times a blend tastes better.

You bet but be damned WTH. I must have spent an hour trying to figure out how to start a thread on the sight. Betcha the damned thing is staring me right in the face.

Highland Park 12 is a very nice place to start. About $67.00CDN sweet as Dranbui and smooth as milk. Haven't got any right now so think I will go right now and pour myself a Glenn Livit 18.

[reg71]

Originally Posted by 34468RANDY

You bet but be damned WTH. I must have spent an hour trying to figure out how to start a thread on the sight. Betcha the damned thing is staring me right in the face.

Highland Park 12 is a very nice place to start. About $67.00CDN sweet as Dranbui and smooth as milk. Haven't got any right now so think I will go right now and pour myself a Glenn Livit 18.

the trick is to click on "forums" then click "anything goes" then up at the top left of the list of threads in anything goes, you'll see a button that says "new thread" or seomthing like that...

[34468 Randy]

Thanks Reg. You may be sorry you told me now

[KC-10 FE]

Originally Posted by SFPA

Reg--
Have not read all the posts, but I can tell you that my favorite moderately priced cigars are 5 Vegas Gold. They are mellow and smooth, and you can get them torpedo shaped, which requires extra skill as a roller.

Cigars International (NJ based) sells them at great prices, and they have some great samplers and freebees alot of times.

Other than that, KC pretty much hit this one out of the park (thanks for stealin my thunder, KC.....sheesh). Rocky Patels are some of the best cigars I've ever had, but tend to be spendy at times.

Here is a link to Cigars International. I personally have had no issues with them, and they ship to APOs, too!!:

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...m=CB-5GA5050-U

Cigars International is actually Bethlehem, Pennsylvania based. They would probably be quite upset that you said they're from NJ. See, no one likes to be called from NJ unless they are & even then then usually don't like it.

You said Rocky Patel, check this out, they are the exact same thing as the Vintage 90 & 92 except they didn't meet the appearance quality standard. I have about 15 of them in my humidor at the moment. Same cigar, at nearly 1/3 the price.

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...m=CS-K3A&cat=3

KC-10 FE out...

[KC-10 FE]

Tonight's cigar was a Gurka Legend torpedo. It is a Domincan med-full bodied maduro. It is somewhat slow to light simply because the end is wrapped up. You have to hold the lighter on the end until the cap burns thru then you can smoke. I felt it finished a tad on the harsh side but not too bad. It was accompanied by a Czech Budwar or three.

Gurkha Legend - Cigars International

KC-10 FE out...

[WLVRINE]

Personally, I have yet to find a Fuente I did not like. As for beverages, I also enjoy a good Port or a glass of good bourbon, usually Booker no ice.

[vfrcapn]

Thanks for tip on Cigars International, I've started getting most of mine from them. Good service, quick and very reasonable shipping.

Tonight I'm trying a CAO Gold Maduro and their description is spot on. CAO Gold Maduro - Cigars International

[KC-10 FE]

You really can't go wrong with Cigars International. They have awesome customer service as many have pointed out & their prices are very reasonable. Another bonus is they do great samplers at great prices.

Cigars and Cigar Humidors, Cigar Lighters and accessories from Thompson Cigar
has better prices/selection on humidor & lighters.

KC-10 FE out...

[reg71]

Originally Posted by KC-10 FE

You really can't go wrong with Cigars International. They have awesome customer service as many have pointed out & their prices are very reasonable. Another bonus is they do great samplers at great prices.

Cigars and Cigar Humidors, Cigar Lighters and accessories from Thompson Cigar
has better prices/selection on humidor & lighters.

KC-10 FE out...

I just opened an account at cigars international and ordered the 5 vegas special they were advertising... it was a pretty good deal but we'll see how the cigars turn out... I tried an acid the other day that I really liked but I don't know which it was. Now i'll have to go back to the shop to find it so I can order some from CI.

[Shinigami]

Cuban:
Romeo Y Julieta No. 2
Bolivar Belicoso

Non-Cuban
Padron Anniversario
Fuente Opus X in a figurado
CAO Anniversario
Tony Borhani Bahia Gold Churchill

Budget cigars:
Dominican RyJ #2

Low-budget cigars
Plascencia Belicoso (age 'em a while...)

A good porto is the traditional accompaniment to a good cigar. However I have a 30-year-old bottle of The Macallan that I like with a particularly good Cuban smoke.

Cheap humidor pro tip: Get an Igloo or Coleman plastic ice chest, line with spanish cedar (cigar box cedar, not the aromatic kind), add a Credo humidifier with proper PG solution, and you have a perfectly functional humidor that is insect-proof, too. Just remember to open it once in a while.

For travel you can use a Pelican pistol-size case.

Oh, and KC, if you find a cigar tends to snap-crackle-pop, it's usually the eggs of tobacco worms- keep those away from the rest of your humidor contents unless you enjoy your cigars perforated...

[vfrcapn]

Originally Posted by reg71

I just opened an account at cigars international and ordered the 5 vegas special they were advertising... it was a pretty good deal but we'll see how the cigars turn out... I tried an acid the other day that I really liked but I don't know which it was. Now i'll have to go back to the shop to find it so I can order some from CI.

If you like a mild cigar try the 5Vegas Gold, very creamy and a nice smoke.

For a budget cigar try Flor de Oliva Maduro. Flor de Oliva - Cigars International Pack of 25 for $35. Mildly dark and rich, very much like a dark stout or porter. Great cigar for the price.

[reg71]

Originally Posted by vfrcapn

If you like a mild cigar try the 5Vegas Gold, very creamy and a nice smoke.

For a budget cigar try Flor de Oliva Maduro. Flor de Oliva - Cigars International Pack of 25 for $35. Mildly dark and rich, very much like a dark stout or porter. Great cigar for the price.

yeah, I have gotten the recommendation for 5 vegas gold several times so when it popped up on special I snagged it. I got this sampler pack for $25 so I figured that was a good chance to try it... 5 Vegas 12-Torpedo Flight Sampler - Cigars International

[34468 Randy]

Originally Posted by reg71

yeah, I have gotten the recommendation for 5 vegas gold several times so when it popped up on special I snagged it. I got this sampler pack for $25 so I figured that was a good chance to try it... 5 Vegas 12-Torpedo Flight Sampler - Cigars International

Free beer, Cigars only on sale. Must be a damned Scot

[Muffer]

Having worked in a cigar store part-time, I find the best cigar I've ever had was the last one I smoked. Good luck find the one that makes your tiddly wink!!!

[bitterpil]

If you can find it .... Try a Santa Damiana. Vanilla and creamy with little spice. One if not my favorite. Hard to find.

[Keager]

I also find the CAO, specifically Eileen's Dream and - the blue tin, but I cannot remember what it is - and the Cojimar cinnamon and if you can find it grape. Sounds terrable, but tastes rather good and doesn't have a bad stench. The acid cigars are good to, but have a bad smell to the smoke