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I need a cigar education!

Ok, back to civilization, with a couple of updates:

Friday morning I smoked a Nub maduro. Had some nice sweet maduro flavors, probably the sweetest I've tasted. No real transitions but the cigar was good enough that I'd smoke another.

Friday evening I smoked another My Father La Flor De Las Antilles toro, the 96 rated cigar of the year for 2012. It started off interesting, with some toasted marshmallow flavors I don't recall ever tasting before. The burn was perfect, but the flavor never changed and it started to get to me, I couldn't handle it much longer so when the pouring rain hit and was coming into the porch windows sideways, I called it "done" about halfway through the second third.

Finally, knowing it would be my last cigar at camp, I saved a Padron 1964 Torpedo maduro for Saturday morning. It just may be the best cigar I have ever smoked! Same flavors as the Exclusivo maduro, but more of them, and longer lasting. The ash held on for ages and the burn never needed a single correction. Every draw was intense and delicious, making me say to my self "this cigar is AMAZING" over and over again, an experience I have yet to duplicate in a cigar other than a Padron. At the risk of being a little too "Padron heavy" in my humidor, when I get more space I'll buy a box of 1964 Torpedo maduros.

A couple pics of the progession the cigar made:
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20130720_105515_zps8d9fca60.jpg

20130720_110630_zpsa1f5cd6c.jpg

20130720_114958_zps2ff664c5.jpg


And one more for the end of the week:

20130721_101530_zps3b5904a4.jpg
 
Question for the cigar experts. I would like to identify a cigar I smoked a couple weeks ago. It was a Dominican with a gold colored label and was wrapped in a paper that resembled toilet paper. I thought I saved the label but I can't find it, I didn't purchase it, somebody at a wedding gave it to me. It was tasty and I would like to try it again.

On a side note I smoked a drew estates acid the other day and it pretty much sucked. Before I lit it the paper had a chemically potpourri smell to it which turned me off from the get go. I like some other drew estates cigars but I couldn't finish that one. I also smoked a davidoff for the first time at a 4th of July cookout and that thing was amazing.
 
Drybox and V-Cutter on Padron #2 Natural

UPDATE:
So, I just had the same cigar only this time dry boxed for a short time and I used a cheap V cutter (nervously). What a difference! The spice was greatly tamed, the smoke volume was copious and the overall experience was a very enjoyable mellow one. The cigar didnt get a build up of nicotine towards the end, it didn't get bitter and the burn for 90% was razor sharp. The draw on this cigar was the easiest I've had on all of my #2s. I'm hooked on this method now I think and will invest in a better quality v cutter as mine slightly crushed the very last part of the cut.

I'm really quite surprised at the difference. Thanks Switch for the drybox recommendation.
 
It's interesting that you mention that because I have a V-cutter and I've never really cared for the draw. I have nice punches too, but I can never get as nice a draw with them as with a cutter, so I've resorted to using a cutter exclusively.
 
redneckbmxer24 said:
I couldn't find my toilet paper special so this happened.
Click to expand...

Nice! I'm at odds for what the mystery cigar is, I don't think I've ever hwd a cigar wrapped in paper before.

As to the two you just selected, you should have a pretty godd idea of what you like after smoking them. They are both premium cigars but the Davidoff is far more mild than the Padron. Let us know what you think!
 
Yesterday afternoon I smoked a Davidoff Millenium Piramides, and what a beautiful smoke it was:
20130721_134146_zps7f78cae8.jpg


Construction was absolutely flawless, which is to be expected for a cigar of this price point. The draw offered the perfect amount of resistance and plenty of flavorful smoke.

20130721_141057_zps80e49bbb.jpg


The taste was very smooth and creamy, and tasted of toasted nuts, and above all, refined, aged tobacco.

I bought three singles locally and with Maine tax I paid $23.95 a stick, and at that price, I'd have a hard time saying that it offers a good value. It was, however, about the best non maduro I've ever smoked, and ranks with an aged Opus X for enjoyment. Thinking on it a bit more, I'd say this was the bestnon Padron I've smoked. Price aside, I'd certainly enjoy the hell out of one of these any time I'm in the mood for something drastically different than a Padron, or anytime I'm in the mood for a great smoke that doesn't carry a huge amount of nicotine with it.
 
I enjoyed the Padron but I have to say I like the flavor of the Davidoff Special R better. The Special R is probably my favorite cigar so far. I also had one of the Limited Edition Club House Davidoff and it was very good as well. I never thought I would see myself paying $16+ for a smoke even a year ago when the most expensive cigars I was smoking were around $8-9 but I have to say its a good thing.
 
I just picked up 5 Opus X Belicoso X3's also known as the XXX or Power Rangers. This was from my secret Opus X spot where the prices are ridiculously cheap. The box was still sealed and covered in what I can only assume is a year or 2 of dust, I wanted the whole box, but with 42 cigars in the box I could not afford to purchase the whole box. I didnt want to disturb the box, but the shop owner, before I could say anything had his knife out and was cutting the band on the box and opening it up. So I bought 5. These are supposed to be one of the hardest to find of the Opus line as well as possibly the strongest. I think I will reserve these for when I have had a giant steak of at least 20 oz. along with a giant potato.
 
rjacobs said:
I just picked up 5 Opus X Belicoso X3's also known as the XXX or Power Rangers. This was from my secret Opus X spot where the prices are ridiculously cheap. The box was still sealed and covered in what I can only assume is a year or 2 of dust, I wanted the whole box, but with 42 cigars in the box I could not afford to purchase the whole box. I didnt want to disturb the box, but the shop owner, before I could say anything had his knife out and was cutting the band on the box and opening it up. So I bought 5. These are supposed to be one of the hardest to find of the Opus line as well as possibly the strongest. I think I will reserve these for when I have had a giant steak of at least 20 oz. along with a giant potato.
Click to expand...
PM sent...
 
redneckbmxer24 said:
What did the Opus X's run you if you don't mind me asking? I can't find any around here.
Click to expand...

$13.50, no tax. I paid $20 plus tax locally for Robusto's, so getting Belicoso's for $13.50 seems like a good deal... I think.
 
bm11 said:
$13.50, no tax. I paid $20 plus tax locally for Robusto's, so getting Belicoso's for $13.50 seems like a good deal... I think.
Click to expand...

I think its a killer deal(personally speaking) and wish I could have bought the box myself. From what I can see online these are $25-30 if they are even in stock anywhere. From the reviews I read these are some of the harder to find Opus in existence as well as the most powerful. I am excited to try them.

I think you will really like the Anejo Sharks as well. Very good cigar for the price IMO.
 
I went to the smoke shop today and picked up some more cigars, this time I bought 8 so I don't have to keep going back and forth. I really need to invest in a Humidor so I can buy a good amount of the ones I know I like without worrying about them drying out.

The one I got that I smoked today was a LFD Toro and it sucked. It was horrible. The flavor starting out was bad, then it got better, then it got worse. In addition to that turd stick I got another LFD maduro (hopefully it's better), a few different A Fuente's (nothing special just a few $7-9 ones), another one that I don't remember the brand of, a Davidoff special R, a short perfecto, and another Davidoff I can't remember the name of.
 
redneckbmxer24 said:
I really need to invest in a Humidor so I can buy a good amount of the ones I know I like without worrying about them drying out.
Click to expand...

If you want utility and dont really care about looks do this:

Go to walmart(or wherever sells cheap coolers), get a small(or large) cooler of your choosing, whichever size you want. Get a spray bottle over by the iron's. Get a gallon of distilled water. Over by the tupperwear you will find some small white trays(if you look at my pic of my humidor you can see these trays in my humidor). There are multiple sizes.

Go to petsmart and get a jug of kitty litter called "exquisicat crystals unscented" about $15 bucks for 8lbs in a big clear jug(has white and blue beads, the blue beads are no different then the white, just the color). Go to the fish filter section and get a small mesh fish filter bag. They are white, they cost 99cents. There are two sizes. I have a 150qt igloo and I run 2 larges which is about 4lbs of litter and was the recommended amount. The "small" bags hold about a lb. Do the math on your cooler size of choice and choose appropriately.

Get some type of electronic hygrometer. I use the hygroset ones because you can calibrate them.

Take your cooler, fill it with crumpled newspaper overnight to remove the plastic smell.

Fill your fish filter bags with the unscented "kitty litter", spray with distilled water, toss them in your cooler. Put your cigars in your trays and start filling your "coolidor". Enjoy a 64-66% "humidor" that holds for weeks on end at that humidity. I spray the cat litter in my 150qt coolidor about once a month and it hums along at 64% or so.

The "cat litter" is exactly the same thing as sold in the "cigar beads" except WAY WAY cheaper. Its silicon beads designed to hold about 65%.

Here is the mega thread on "kitty litter" over on Puff.com
Kitty litter set- up.


And boom you have a coolidor all set up for around $50. I have about $120 into my 150qt with the shelves and everything. It aint the prettiest thing, but for long term aging it works pretty damn well.
 
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redneckbmxer24 said:
I went to the smoke shop today and picked up some more cigars, this time I bought 8 so I don't have to keep going back and forth. I really need to invest in a Humidor so I can buy a good amount of the ones I know I like without worrying about them drying out.

The one I got that I smoked today was a LFD Toro and it sucked. It was horrible. The flavor starting out was bad, then it got better, then it got worse. In addition to that turd stick I got another LFD maduro (hopefully it's better), a few different A Fuente's (nothing special just a few $7-9 ones), another one that I don't remember the brand of, a Davidoff special R, a short perfecto, and another Davidoff I can't remember the name of.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm, bad LFD's? I know we told you DL, and L series, along with Especial Series, Factory Press, and the other small batch cigars. I hesitate to take this with more than a grain of salt because I have smoked every line of LFD and have yet to have any one of them be bad. As a matter of fact, they are all, and have always been quit good, smoked to the nub.
 
Switchblade said:
Hmmmm, bad LFD's? I know we told you DL, and L series, along with Especial Series, Factory Press, and the other small batch cigars. I hesitate to take this with more than a grain of salt because I have smoked every line of LFD and have yet to have any one of them be bad. As a matter of fact, they are all, and have always been quit good, smoked to the nub.
Click to expand...

It was one of the small batchs. It tasted like crap. I got a chisel that I'll probably smoke tomorrow, I'm hoping it's better.
 
Picked up this hygrometer yesterday at Wal Mart. I paid $8.95 for it, and it's been sitting in a bag with a Boveda 69% pack for 24 hours now. I'm quite impressed with the quality:

20130725_210252_zpsa280abfc.jpg


I'm using it for a temporary "coolerdor" while my custom made cabinet is getting built.
 
I would say you are good to go and just remember the error. You could salt test it and see if it sits at 75% which would rule out the Boveda being a little off.
 
rjacobs said:
I would say you are good to go and just remember the error. You could salt test it and see if it sits at 75% which would rule out the Boveda being a little off.
Click to expand...

1% should be "close enough," but it turns out this meter is dead nuts on and just needed a bit more time to stabilize in the bag:
20130726_071619_zpse58fd30e.jpg
 
I told BM11 I would post a pic of the cigar I got the other day.

Not saying this is a good cigar or not, but it was giant and it was an impulse buy. I dont even know if I will even smoke this behemoth. 6x80. Asylum 13 which is a CLE brand(which I also bought a CLE Corojo which I have had before and liked). CLE is Christian Eiroa of Camacho.

 
Is that a cigar, or are you just happy to see me?
 
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redneckbmxer24 said:
It was one of the small batchs. It tasted like crap. I got a chisel that I'll probably smoke tomorrow, I'm hoping it's better.
Click to expand...

Yeah, you must have gotten a lemon, or their blend isn't much to your liking overall. LFD tends to make a very well constructed, well-blended cigar. While they don't usually make my top 10 list, I can't remember smoking a bad one. The double ligeros are excellent; I favor the chisel and torpedos myself.
 
20130728_100930_zps558f855e.jpg

Well, thanks to Mr Jacobs, I now have a healthy supply of Opus X and Anejo Sharks.

Smoked one of the XXX Belicoso Opus' last night and gave one to my buddy to smoke. We both enjoyed it. A smooth smoke that turned nice and creamy in the second third and delivered great flavor all the way down to the nub. We both had some burn issues, but I guess that is to be expected a bit when smoking a cigar straight off the truck. I'll let these guys rest a month or so before digging back in. I do think they would benefit a lot from aging, as this smoke had some young tobacco taste that I didn't get a few weeks back smoking a three year old Opus.

One surprise is that these cigars didn't kick my ass strength wise, as I was expecting. These are notoriously strong and I don't have a high nicotine tolerance, and I hadn't smoked a cigar in six days. I'm actually glad as I don't tend to enjoy the "knock you on your ass" effect of a good cigar.

Afterwards I smoked a Fuente Rosado Gran Reserva, in a double robusto (guessing on the size here.) It really made me appreciate the Opus that much more. It had flawless construction, but the flavor was not nearly as refined as the Opus.
 
I am down in Houston for some training and after lunch went to a shop near my hotel I have been to before(Serious Cigar). They have a huge humidor and a ton of selection. I looked around a bit and went for the ol' standby which happens to be one of my favorites right now: Liga Privada #9. It did not disappoint, although this place keeps their humidor a bit humid and I generally(the past 3-4 times I have gotten cigars from here and smoked them there) in the last 1/3 have had trouble keeping them burning. This cigar, while not giving me full on nicotine poisoning, definitely kicked my ass. Had a nice nicotine buzz throughout. Grabbed a root beer which helped out a ton. Picked up lots of pepper and then in the second half I was picking up a lot of chocolate and picked up a couple of almost white grape flavors a couple times too. Was enjoyable for sure, but I definitely had to take my time. A bit over 2 hours on a 6x52.

 
Well,

I just booked a room at the Chateau in Quebec City for a few weekends from now. I'll be bringing up a list of Cubans to smoke, I'm hoping they are good because the room rate was damn pricey!
 
20130731_091826_zpsccfdf13a.jpg


Smoked this Diesel Unholy Cocktail this morning before work. It kicked my ass! (This cigar is very high in nicotine.) The flavor really reminded me of the Liga Privada #9 I smoked a few weeks back. Sweet, almost tangy tobacco.

Unfortunately I only made it about halfway through in the hour I had to smoke before I had to get ready for work.

Thanks to rjacobs for sending this one to me to try. I ended up buying a box of these on cbid because the price was so good, I need "handout" cigars, and $10 apiece sticks are wasted on buddies who don't smoke. My only concern is that the strength of this cigar may make a new smoker sick.
 
Glad you liked it. That one had about 2 years or so on it in my humidor so it should have been nice and smooth. I havent had one in at least a year+ so I think I need to break one out.

I wouldnt "hand" these out because, like you said, you are likely to kill somebody.

My hand out cigars are typically like a 5 Vegas Classic or something very mild. If one of my buddies that smokes cigars wants something they can take their pick of the stronger stuff if they wish, but for people who are new to cigars I typically give them something very mild to start. You can get boxes of 5 Vegas for like $40-50 on CBid.
 
Just tried smoking an Indian Tabak. Thought I would go sit on the porch and enjoy a cigar as it lightly rained and heard thunder in the distance. I was recommended the cigar from a cigar store and picked it up even though I don't like flavored cigars because the owner said how amazing it was and wasn't like most flavored cigars. When i cut it and put it to my mouth it tasted super sweet even though it is supposed to be coffee flavored. I lit the cigar and i took a couple draws and wasn't enjoying it. I thought maybe it would get better. smoked it for about 20 more minutes and still wasn't any better. I ended up cutting the ember off to save it for who knows what. I wouldn't recommend this cigar.
 
I have been setting back sandbagging on this thread reading it everyday and I have a major vice and that is cigars and thought I would put my 2 cents in.
The Diesel line of cigars are regulars in my line up along with Genesis the project. I like my smokes to be 52 ring to 64 ring seem to smoke smoother. The Nub series 4x60 manduro also in the line up just need to watch there quality control. Two others that I smoke and enjoy are Ava Maria and My Father both are very tasty but will kick your ass if you don't have a full stomach. I do enjoy any A.J. Fernandez cigar strong but well balanced.
 
Here I am enjoying my Post-Bar exam smoke and what comes, but a thunderstorm, in the desert!

So I'm out in the garage, having shuffled the cars outside to get rained on, to enjoy my Kristoff. What a lovely treat after the hell that is the bar exam. Here's to hoping I passed.
 
Best wishes on the bar exam Downzero.

Maxx I had looked at the my father cigars but haven't seen much on them so never tried one. Might have to pick one up. So far my favorite line of cigars are Ghurka. I have enjoyed all of them I have smoked so far.
 
What an AWESOME thread guys!

Having smoked quite a bit overseas, I haven't really smoked a ton back here at home. We had a guy in our unit that would have his dad send over quite an assortment for us to smoke. Would come back from a mission and smoke one, though never really knew what we were smoking. I do seem to remember more CAO cigars though.

I will have to say after reading this thread I am wanting to enjoy a smoke every week or so, or just something to "take the edge off". The hard part is, is that I am needing to find something that I can smoke and not annoy my wife with the smoke. So been trying to find something that has a sweeter smell with the smoke, and of course something not to strong as I need to start off from scratch again. Have been spending a lot of time on CI website looking at the samplers, just not to sure what to get.
 
My Father is a Don Pepin Garcia brand so they are all top quality. I like the Le Bijou 1922's. However at their price point there are other cigars I tend to migrate towards.
 
woogie_man said:
What an AWESOME thread guys!

Having smoked quite a bit overseas, I haven't really smoked a ton back here at home. We had a guy in our unit that would have his dad send over quite an assortment for us to smoke. Would come back from a mission and smoke one, though never really knew what we were smoking. I do seem to remember more CAO cigars though.

I will have to say after reading this thread I am wanting to enjoy a smoke every week or so, or just something to "take the edge off". The hard part is, is that I am needing to find something that I can smoke and not annoy my wife with the smoke. So been trying to find something that has a sweeter smell with the smoke, and of course something not to strong as I need to start off from scratch again. Have been spending a lot of time on CI website looking at the samplers, just not to sure what to get.
Click to expand...

Are you thinking an infused cigar of some sort? If so, ACID cigars seem to be really popular, so do the Kuba Kuba variety (both by Drew Estate.)

Depending on how economical you want to go, there are a lot of milder cigars in the less expensive end of the spectrum. Based on recommendations in this thread I cut my teeth on mostly full bodied full strength cigars, so I don't have a ton of input on the subject, however, I did smoke a Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut that was both mild and delicious. They run more like $8-$10 though.
 
Well, the dealership I manage finally broke the alltime record for most cars sold and delivered in a single month (eclipsing the cash for clunkers month,) so it was appropriate to celebrate. Got out of work too late last night so I smoked the celebratory cigar today! To date, this was the most expensive cigar I have smoked: a Padron 1926 40 Year maduro. And, to be especially decadent, I lit it up with my new ST Dupont Ligne 2 (equipped with the cigar burner!)


The construction was as flawless as to be expected. The draw was perfect and produced plenty of rich smoke. That said, I prefer the flavor profile of the 1964 Anniversary maduro better, and the flavor of the Family Reserve No. 45 better still. This particular smoke was very smooth, but a bit too "sweet" and not as nutty and leathery as other higher end Padron maduro's I've smoked. Which makes me wonder: is it really a maduro? I bought it as a maduro from Cigarbid.com, but the color is almost identical to the natural 40 Year's I have in my humidor, and much lighter than my 1964 Maduro's. Still dark, but not "Padron dark." I have another four of these in the humidor as well as another two natural wrapper 40 Years, and if I ever come across a 40 Year maduro at a B&M, I'll be sure to buy one to compare, just to make SURE what I was smoking was a maduro.

I'll end this post with a pic:
 
You might have a natural. I ordered a box of Naturals and got a box of Maduros instead. I sent a pic to Padron and they confirmed there was some mislabeling on the box and rectified it. Give them a shout, ask for Jeff and tell them I said 'hi'. I'm in Miami soon and plan on stopping by at the Padron office for a little tour and a puff...
 
I think its an issue with your cheap lighter. you should go back to using the matches.
 
For Padron's that definitely looks really light to be the maduro. The one I had recently out of the humidor was significantly darker. Then again, I only pick up the occasional Padron so I don't know if batch to batch they are always as dark as some of the other maduros I buy.
 
Well finally bit the bullet and have a sampler pack of NUB's as well as a CAO sampler coming my way. I know they wont be the "caliber" that you gets are at, but hoping to get there eventually.

Again great thread, and thanks for the help from everyone!
 
woogie_man said:
Well finally bit the bullet and have a sampler pack of NUB's as well as a CAO sampler coming my way. I know they wont be the "caliber" that you gets are at, but hoping to get there eventually.

Again great thread, and thanks for the help from everyone!
Click to expand...

I actually really enjoyed the Nub I smoked, and CAO makes a great milder smoke as well. Both should do you well. Enjoy!
 
Jeez! Dilettantes! Can't event tell the difference between a proper maduro and a natural...*lookin down, shakin my head in wonderment*



OK, what we have in this picture are 2 maduros, a natural, and 3 maduros.



BULLSHIT! WRONG! When was the last time I smoked a Natural wrapper? Ancient history! Don't do it, gave them all away to GI's and friends.

The first cigar, the BLUE 601 is a Maduro
The second cigar, a Green 601 is an Oscuro
The third through sixth cigars are all MADURO

Now lets discuss a maduro wrapper for a second or two. Maduro is a fermenting technique that makes tobacco darker, and sweeter. Some maduros are twice fermented, some are single fermented, and some are thrice fermented. An Oscuro is fermented as much as, or more than a maduro to get an extremely dark color and a very nice sweetness.
Now the strength of these cigars, well, the only one labeled as medium strength is the Liga Privada No 9. The rest are all full bodied with lots of flavor and will make a newb turn green and puke in short order.
The essence of what I said here is that the maduro wrapper will have many shades, some lighter, some darker than other cigars, but it is still a maduro regardless of the shade and as such will offer a basic profile of slight sweetness, a little cocoa, a light espresso, and a bit of toast.

School's out, go find a good maduro, a pour of something tasty, adn sit down and relax and enjoy it, IT's FREAKIN FIRDAY!
 
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