Getting Started

[theginguy]

Hey all,

Again, I'm just starting out and I have a few questions. I only plan on smoking a couple of cigars a week. I'm not a daily smoker and I don't socialize with smokers, so I won't be passing out any, so we're looking at 3 to 4 cigars a week usage the max. At least right now.

Anyway, before I get into my storage question, I first need to know that the gars that I'm getting are fresh and ready to be stored.

Right now, I'm shopping at Emerson's of Norfolk. They have a great walk in humidor.

I don't know anything about walk in humidors, but this one seems to be functioning well.

I have a couple of questions. So far as far as cost goes. Emerson's seems to be pretty reasonable. I haven't gotten into buying large quantities yet so I don't think that I would be saving a lot of money ordering online with shipping costs added.

So I would most likely be looking at shopping at this local store for awhile, at least until I'm ready to go to the next level in my cigar collection.

Question #1. How do I know that the cigars that a local retailer gets is fresh? i.e., if I'm selecting a Padron, Oliva, Macanudo, LFD, LGC, Partagas or an A Fuente; either singles or smaller packs, how do I know that I'm getting fresh cigars that are ready to be stored?

I just want to be sure that if I go out and get a storage device, that I will actually be putting quality smokes into it.

Question #2. Should I get a wooden humidor or should I build a Cooler-dor?

I don't care about how it looks. I'm not going to be "displaying" my cigar collection. I just want to have something at home that I can throw my cigars in that is the easiest and safest to maintain.

Finally, how long to cigars last when not properly stored?

Thanks all.

Dave

 

[grateful1]

Question #1. How do I know that the cigars that a local retailer gets is fresh? i.e., if I'm selecting a Padron, Oliva, Macanudo, LFD, LGC, Partagas or an A Fuente; either singles or smaller packs, how do I know that I'm getting fresh cigars that are ready to be stored?

Does it matter? Some prefer a 'mature' cigar to a 'fresh' one!

I just want to be sure that if I go out and get a storage device, that I will actually be putting quality smokes into it.

Trust your source!

Question #2. Should I get a wooden humidor or should I build a Cooler-dor?

Personal preference...some have both! :whistling:

I don't care about how it looks. I'm not going to be "displaying" my cigar collection. I just want to have something at home that I can throw my cigars in that is the easiest and safest to maintain.

Finally, how long to cigars last when not properly stored?

Not very. Could be a day or a few days/weeks depending on the conditions.

Thanks all.

You're Welcome!

Oh yea...'search is your friend'!

 

[theginguy]

grateful1 says: Does it matter? Some prefer a 'mature' cigar to a 'fresh' one!
Trust your source!

What I mean here is that, I want to be sure about the quality of the cigar, that it isn't too dry. What should I look for when I'm handling the cigar in my hands to make sure it's "fresh" and hasn't been sitting in some warehouse for months or years.

I want to trust my source...... but I'm new, so I don't know my source enough to trust them.

Personal preference...some have both! :whistling:

Again: I don't care about how it looks. I'm not going to be "displaying" my cigar collection. I just want to have something at home that I can throw my cigars in that is the easiest and safest to maintain.

So I guess my question is, do Cooler-dors work well and are they easy to set up and maintain compared to a wooden humidor. I don't really want to spend a lot for storage.

Finally, how long to cigars last when not properly stored?

Not very. Could be a day or a few days/weeks depending on the conditions.

OK how can I tell and what should I expect from top brand name cigars..... If I go out and buy a five pack of Padron 2000, will they take a week or so to dry out or sooner? How can I tell?

Oh yea...'search is your friend'!

I have to admit that CPs' search engine is a little tough to use. Is there an advanced search option? Because every time I've used it, it isn't very specific and pulls up a ton of stuff on every topic.

 

[grateful1]

grateful1 says: Does it matter? Some prefer a 'mature' cigar to a 'fresh' one!
Trust your source!

What I mean here is that, I want to be sure about the quality of the cigar, that it isn't too dry. What should I look for when I'm handling the cigar in my hands to make sure it's "fresh" and hasn't been sitting in some warehouse for months or years. A slight elasticity would be a good start. Nice sheen and not to spongy.

I want to trust my source...... but I'm new, so I don't know my source enough to trust them. Patience Grass Hopper!

Personal preference...some have both! :whistling:

Again: I don't care about how it looks. I'm not going to be "displaying" my cigar collection. I just want to have something at home that I can throw my cigars in that is the easiest and safest to maintain. Cooledor with beads (search).

So I guess my question is, do Cooler-dors work well and are they easy to set up and maintain compared to a wooden humidor. I don't really want to spend a lot for storage. Yes.

Finally, how long to cigars last when not properly stored?

Not very. Could be a day or a few days/weeks depending on the conditions.

OK how can I tell and what should I expect from top brand name cigars..... If I go out and buy a five pack of Padron 2000, will they take a week or so to dry out or sooner? How can I tell?

Again, trust your source. Most quality vendors(and there are a LOT here) will maintain stock well. They tend to also rotate the stock(mainly due to sales). Experience will lead you to 'know'! Your tastes are different than everyone else. You might like a cigar slightly wet...or dry - EXPERIENCE!


Oh yea...'search is your friend'!

I have to admit that CPs' search engine is a little tough to use. Is there an advanced search option? Because every time I've used it, it isn't very specific and pulls up a ton of stuff on every topic.

Be specific in your parameters...and then move to general. PM some long time members like Moki or Insight - especially for Maduro Opus...they seem to always have them at a good price!

 

[Rod]

Search doesn't work so well, as the database is enormous. We're working on upgrading the forum to a new version - soon... You can also use the google custom search, located at the very bottom of the forum.

Welcome to CP!

 

[Joho]

Welcome!

Definitely stick to the Google search on the bottom of the page.

As for your humidor vs. coolidor issue, do a lot of reading and decide for yourself. A coolidor is extremely inexpensive and works just as well as a wooden humidor.

If you haven't already, there are a few links on the left-hand side of the CigarPass home page that you can check out to help get you started.

 

[dulaney22]

I joined a couple months ago and faced a similar dilemma. My decision was to go out and get a 70qt. cooler. Setup and ease of maintenance (especially with beads) couldn't be any easier. However, unlike you, I do like to look at my smokes, so I have bought two small wood humidors as well.

Good luck in your journey. I've already been burned a couple times by a B & M that apparently mishandles its goods. I have learned to inspect the cigar a little better for that slight sponginess grateful mentioned and also make sure the wrapper isn't showing signs of cracks or mishandling.

Lee

 

[The Black Cloud]

For me, I inspect every cigar I purchase. I don't squeeze or sniff them because I feel that's a bit much to do if I haven't purchased it yet, however here are things I look for when inspecting any cigar at a smoke shop:

Does it look fresh?
Is there dust on it?
Is the wrapper damaged?
Any signs of beetles?
Any signs of mold?
Is the wrapper veiny?
If it's in cello, what's the condition of the cello?
How's the roll? Is it too loose/tight?

My suggestion is to try different B&M's in your area and compare their stock, prices, and general condition of the humidor. Once you get familiar with the shops, then you'll probably see which one you like best. Talking with the owners/clerks would help too. Are they knowledgeable? Are they pressuring you to buy high-priced stuff? Are they easy to get along with? Are they willing to show you some smokes that are good for a beginner without being too expensive?