Questions from Ponderville

[Pugman1943]

Yes, I am an older newbie. I've had a stogie here and there, but quit smoking in 1985. Then my grandson LURCH corrupted me and started me back to find the right cigar. That is a dictionary all to itself. But I have some other questions that I would appreciate your input on.

When you light a cigar, should the intention be to smoke it through to the end? If not, what do you do with what's left over (I do not have a humidor at present).

Do you let the ash fall off naturally, or do you flick it off like a cig at some point?

Is there a correct way to light a cigar?

Is there a correct match you should look for in the making of a cigar (same wrapper, same binder, same filler). Is there something that rules, or is it your palette.

Speaking of palette, other than getting knocked on my azz trying a Nicaraguan Robusto that felt like I hit a brick wall (LURCH got me!), what do you think I should look for (very open ended).

Is there anything like a good cheap cigar ( I sure can't afford a Padron 1926 every day), here I would really like your input.

Anything else you care to add is appreciated.

Thanks,

Pugman

 

[LilBastage]

Yes, I am an older newbie. I've had a stogie here and there, but quit smoking in 1985. Then my grandson LURCH corrupted me and started me back to find the right cigar. That is a dictionary all to itself. But I have some other questions that I would appreciate your input on.

When you light a cigar, should the intention be to smoke it through to the end? If not, what do you do with what's left over (I do not have a humidor at present).

Relighting a half smoked cigar is generally not a pleasant experience. Smoke as much as you can and toss the rest is my advice.

Do you let the ash fall off naturally, or do you flick it off like a cig at some point?

Sometimes I let it fall on it's own, sometimes I roll it off on the edge of the ashtray. I never flick it like a cigarette.

Is there a correct way to light a cigar?

Most people toast the foot and then go for a thorough light. I don't mess with it anymore, I just light 'er up.

Is there a correct match you should look for in the making of a cigar (same wrapper, same binder, same filler). Is there something that rules, or is it your palette.

I'm not sure I understand this question, but it's all about flavor with me. If I enjoy a cigar, I look for other cigars with similar wrappers if I'm trying something different. A lot of times it's just a grab a smoke and see what happens. I hope that helps.

Speaking of palette, other than getting knocked on my azz trying a Nicaraguan Robusto that felt like I hit a brick wall (LURCH got me!), what do you think I should look for (very open ended).

I'd try whatever I could to see what I like. I started out with really mild stuff, but I never found anything I liked until I go to the more medium stuff. There's no way to know what you'll like or can handle until you try.

Is there anything like a good cheap cigar ( I sure can't afford a Padron 1926 every day), here I would really like your input.

There are all kinds good, inexpensive cigars out there. There are several threads about them here at CP. A cursory search should lead you in the right direction. Just to start you out Consuegra, Tampa Sweethearts, and Rocky Patel Factory Selects (not sure if these are still available) are very good.

Anything else you care to add is appreciated.

Thanks,

Pugman

There's all kinds of great info here on CP. Take some time to look around at the old threads. There's a wealth of information just waiting for you. Have fun!

 

[CRQuarto]

Well, I'll do my best to answer your questions, though there are certainly those here with more knowledge on these things than myself. I am sure if I say anything that they disagree with, they will correct me.

Firstly, I never smoke a cigar with an intent to finish it, I only begin smoking a cigar because I feel it is the right time to smoke one. I am in the mood for one, and merely intend to enjoy it. As long as I am enjoying it, I'll smoke it, and if that means taking it to the point that my eyebrows are singed off, and I have burn marks on my finger tips, that just means it was a damn good cigar! If you can't finish the rest of the cigar, chuck it. Never put a partially smoked cigar back inside a humidor, you will greatly regret it. A partially smoked cigar, unless relit within a short amount of time of going out, will not taste the same (or even good for that matter), as when first lit.

Secondly, ashing is all personal preference. I'd never flick a cigar to ash it the way you would a cigarette, simply because cigar wrappers can be on the delicate side and crack if flicked, or even tapped too hard on an ashtray. I simply roll the ash off of the tip on the edge of the ashtray. Sometimes I like to let the ash get as long as it can, until it either falls on its own or I lose my nerve, hehe.

Lighting a cigar, well, there are a few different methods, but whether one is better than another is a matter of debate that I have seen on countless websites. I prefer to simply use a torch lighter to softly toast the end until it is evenly burned (do not put the flame directly on the foot of the cigar, you will scorch the tobacco and it will be more difficult to light, simply hold the flame far enough away that the tobacco begins to slowly smolder after a second or two). I then will slowly rotate the cigar as I take nice deep puffs in quick succession as I hold the flame far enough away that it does not directly touch the foot, but gets pulled into the cigar as I pull air through it. I take a couple puffs, and that usually should get the foot evenly lit. Sometimes I will look at the foot after lighting and gently blow on it to see if it is evenly lit, and if it isn't the blowing on it may fix that. If not, repeat the light. That is how I do it.

One of the cigars I recommend as a budget stick that is good quality and mild enough for a starter cigar, is an Oliva Connecticut. If you can handle something stronger, the Padron 2000 or 3000 are excellent as well. Tatuaje's are great if you can handle something even stronger, and if you get them online are excellent bang for the buck. I also like La Gloria Cubana's for a budget stick. Any of the Oliva Serie V's are excellent as well.


I hope that helps, and I hope it wasn't confusing. Let me know if you have any questions! I'm sure plenty of others here will chime in as well with some excellent info! Welcome to Cigar Pass!

Oh, and normally people will say to search around as these things have been discussed a lot, but it might kind of be hard right now as I don't think the search option on the top of the site is a Google search. I tried using it earlier and it was not nearly as good as the Google search was. I'm sure Rod is implimenting it, but it just isn't up yet. Don't fret if you search and don't come up with much right now.

 

[MX]

I think Alan did an outstanding job of pointing you in the right direction, and there will not be much that I can add that he has not already covered.

But, here are a few thought from the mouth of a Newb.

1. do not rush into buying a humidor, pick up 1 or several large plastic containers, you can even find some really good ones with gaskets in the lids for a great seal.
2. order some humi-beads, and steal some of Lurch's pantyhose.
3. Pick up 1 digital hygrometer for each "tuppi-dor" you set up. Make sure you salt test and calibrate.

as far as cigars go, research what you know you like. Keep track of the types of filler, binder, and wrapper they have. When you start to branch out, try and change only one of the 3, and see how that affects the taste of the cigar.

last but not least:

Newbie Sampler Trade

Hope this helps

Tim