I'm a casual cigar smoker who often smokes one or two a month. Girlfriend got me a 100 count humidor for Fathers Day.
I usually buy a cigar 1 at a time when stopping by the tobacco shop. Obviously I want to buy more now in bulk for a cheaper discount to throw in the humidor.
What's your favorite cigar? (Again i'm a novice and haven't ventured outside a few cigars)
Any sites you'd recommend for ordering?
For an everyday smoke, I also keep Gilberto Oliva Blanco Torpedo 6 inch by 52 ring. A little lighter smoke.
These are the only 2 I buy anymore.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado - ( New Window )
All of them have their positives and negatives and will run different specials. If you haven't found a cigar taste/brand you like yet, I would suggest starting with JR Cigar. They have their own brand of cigar called JR alternatives which are essentially knock offs that are pretty damn close to the same taste as the originals.
JR Cigar - ( New Window )
Partagas Serie D No.4 are fantastic. Havent had them since I went to London in 2011
Been a while since I’ve had a good Party. But yeah - good smoke. Are Montes finally available in the US? Used to get these in Canada when I up there playing hockey.
For an everyday smoke, I also keep Gilberto Oliva Blanco Torpedo 6 inch by 52 ring. A little lighter smoke.
These are the only 2 I buy anymore. Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado - ( New Window )
I second the Oliva Serie V Melanio, they are fantastic cigars. Recently bought a box of 10 Robusto’s, got a box of 10 Serie O Toro’s for free, those were good too, but the Serie V Melanio”s are just flat out awesome.
The magic of a humi is that your smokes can rest for a period of time which really helps with the flavor profile and burn of your cigar. I keep mine at 65%.
Remember to season your humidor before filling it. Google how to do it but I just put a bowl half filled with distilled water in the closed humidor for a few days.
JFR Lunatic Maduro
For a LONG time, i would smoke La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli or Maduro, but I havent had one with a good draw in probably the last 10 ive smoked. I cannot stand an overly tight draw on a cigar
Romeo y Juliet (anniversay was awsome)
Montecristo (white, Platinum, nicauguan)
Perdomo Champaign 10th anivarsary (for a light smoke)
I smoke 1 day a week on sundays if its not bad weather.
as for cubans you can bring in up to a certain amount if you go on vacation outside the country. I usually do 5-6.
Cuban Cohibas are the best!!!
The magic of a humi is that your smokes can rest for a period of time which really helps with the flavor profile and burn of your cigar. I keep mine at 65%.
Remember to season your humidor before filling it. Google how to do it but I just put a bowl half filled with distilled water in the closed humidor for a few days.
Boveda Humidity packs are much easier, cleaner and also self adjusting so they will absorb excess as well as emit moisture. They have been a game changer for me. Boveda link is attached but you can buy them at any decent cigar shop.
boveda humidity packs - ( New Window )
Seriously curious since I've tried and just can't get into them.
As for Montecristo, there’s a HUGE difference between the authentic Cuban version, and the Dominican or Nicaraguan version under the same brand sold in the US
I had a Cuban Montecristo last time I was in Panama, loved it
Montecristos sold in the US are a classic case of brand recognition confusing the marketplace. They’re mediocre. Every cigar aficionado I know won’t touch one.
It’s been a while, the Party’s made in DR were the closest I came to a genuine Cuban Monte. And it wasn’t really that close.
Liga undercrown
padron 3000
Herrera Esteli
My Father The Judge
La Gloria Cubana Serie R
Link - ( New Window )
I also love the Illusione brand, Tatuaje el Triunfador, and Cabaiguan for a few more bucks.
I can't recommend cubans for a casual cigar smoker they are a pain to get hold of and unless you go through their approved network you are just about guaranteed to get fakes. I love some cubans (including the partagas serie P already mentioned) but the other islands make great cigars.
I saw someone recommend Padron. Along with Davidoff it's a great cigar. But an abusive price.
Seriously curious since I've tried and just can't get into them.
Its the flavor. A really good cigar is very complex flavor-wise. I also really enjoy the relaxation aspect of it, and I LOVE having one on a long drive.
I'm not a huge cigar smoker so I don't buy boxes, simply due to cost. It works out better for me to just make my own sampler pack of singles at my local store once in a while just to make sure to always have at least a few sticks on hand.
You can often find at least one or two high end cigars in my humidor but since they are so danged expensive, here is what you'll usually find there, mostly due to what I think is good for a lower cost.
Total Wine house brand (TWM)
Brick House
Sancho Panza double maduro
Fuente curly head
La Gloria Cubana Wavell natural and maduro
Gurhka Ghost
Gurkha Ancient Warrior (haven't seen these for a while)
Pargagas Black Label
Ok now I want a cigar and some bourbon. No high ends nor Gurkhas nor Partagas on hand, which are my < $10 favorites, but I do have a couple of Oliva G's and O's. So I think a Oliva G.
The only bourbon I have right now is George Dickel, which is certainly not bad. Not sure if that is a good pairing or not LOL But that's what it is.
I could take ‘em off your hand. You know, as a favor and all that.
😀
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Of people love them. What's the appeal? Is it the mechanical aspect of smoking them? The taste? The little bit of a buzz?
Seriously curious since I've tried and just can't get into them.
Its the flavor. A really good cigar is very complex flavor-wise. I also really enjoy the relaxation aspect of it, and I LOVE having one on a long drive.
Thanks for the answer. I like the smell usually but not the taste that coats your mouth. Just me being picky I guess.
Sad news that CAO has discontinued the LX2, so smoke 'em if you can find 'em.
On a completely different note, I watch quite a few cigar reviews in YouTube and find that very helpful. It bothers me when they call cigars "sticks". Sounds like someone that's trying too hard to be cool. Okay... got that off my chest.
5 Pack of Man O' War Armadas for $13
10 stogies for $36.
Highly recommend cigarbid for you smokers out there.
CigarBid - ( New Window )