I know some of you enjoy cigars - share!

[F.M.]

One thing you want to check is if the air valve on your Pelican case is "automatic", or if it's manual - if it's equipped with one. I have one that's manual, and someone (probably my grandsons) had tinkered with it and opened it up. The boveda packs inside got crispier way faster than usual, so that's what tipped me off to that.

Boveda packs are NOT single-use, and can be rehydrated, in spite of what they recommend. Put the whole thing in some water and leave it until the pack feels like it's filled with jelly again. Let the exterior dry, and then you can put it back in your humidor. The gel inside won't absorb more than the % it's rated for, so don't worry about it being too wet. The paper wrapping is the only thing to be concerned about while it's still wet.

My favorite Hemingway is the Short Story. I think @Jimmers may have posted a Pic of his humidor with a few of those. That's a Cameroon wrapper, and if you're a fan, that's something to look for in future purchases. See the 2 I recommended above. Not all Cameroon wrappers are alike, and it's interesting how they manage such different flavors.

The size can also greatly influence the flavor, so that's something to be aware of while you're sampling things. Corona's or Lancero's are supposed to be more flavorful, in general, but I can't speak to that, as I'm a fan of Toro and Gordo sizes.

Never thought about size affecting flavor. Most of what I’ve purchased has been Robusto, I think. I was told that was an average size.

 

[drewkaree]

Never thought about size affecting flavor. Most of what I’ve purchased has been Robusto, I think. I was told that was an average size.

Robustos are definitely the most common size, and it's actually difficult to find a cigar that doesn't offer that as one of the sizes in the lineup.

Torpedoes are a favorite for some, and depending on the angle of your cut, you can direct the draw wherever you want to in your mouth, and perhaps get some more flavors from the stick due to that shape.

If/when you decide to move up to a "good" cutter, you'll find it to be a much nicer experience as well. The easiest way to make sure you don't cut off too much or too little is to cheat a bit. Set your cutter on a flat surface, and hold your cigar upright, putting the cap through the hole and onto the table, and then cut. It's practically foolproof. Some may look down their nose at you. I would mention that you're new to this, and if they have some tips, to offer them up. I still cut some smokes this way, and I wouldn't consider it to be a bad thing at all to start your smoke off with a good cut. You CAN wreck your cigar with a bad cut, so I wouldn't worry what someone thought of me, and I suggest you adopt the same view

I have had a multitude of cutters, and I've given away or left many that were serviceable, but not at the quality of my 2 favorite brands. Xikar and Palio are, IMO, the best cutters around. Colibri makes some decent cutters as well, and their V-cutter is outstanding. Same thing, the cut can change the experience. A punch cutter is practically foolproof, as it just cuts a little circle from the cap, but I would make sure it's sharp, otherwise it could take too much effort and cause you to split the cap. A good punch cutter is a joy to use, BUT, a punch cut can concentrate too much of the smoke or cause it to become bitter too soon. I've got a Xikar punch on my keys at all times, and I'm going to be picking up the PerfecPunch next week. I've got a Nub punch cutter that's okay, but it was a throw-in promo, and after I get the PerfecPunch, I'll be giving the Nub punch to a buddy who wants to try it.

For now, whatever you have is perfectly fine. If you choose to invest more, I recommend CigarBid or some other sale to get a Xikar or Palio. The msrp for both can be a bit of a sticker shock, but none of my Palio's were more than $15 from Cbid, and my Xikar was half the regular price since I didn't care about the color. Still a lifetime warranty and free sharpening, if needed. The Colibri V-cutter was probably my most expensive cutter, but you'll see why if you look at the limited offerings in V-cutters.

Same with lighters - a triple torch is great for what I prefer, but is completely overkill for corona's and other smaller sizes, and single torches can be had for a song. The only lighter I wouldn't recommend is a stock Zippo. The fuel may add unwanted smells or flavors. They make torch inserts for Zippos, so you can use that if you have a favorite Zippo. Thunderbird or Vector is the only insert I would trust, and I'd give the edge to the Vector inserts.

 

[drewkaree]

On to the smokes! Yesterday, I revisited the Ramon Bueso Oscuro. It definitely benefits from some humidor time. Smoother, better draw, more subtle flavors than straight from shipping. Everything just mellowed out nicely.




Today, another La Flor Dominicana, but a robusto. This size smokes better than the Toro, but I find it to be a bit harsher than I'd prefer.

No matter the size, they always feel jam packed, and ready for a longer smoke than other cigars, and they have yet to disappoint. The super Gordo is my favorite, but sourcing them at better prices is the challenge with them. I'd recommend them after a meal, as they pack a nicotine punch that doesn't sit well with me on an empty stomach. I'd also recommend a lower humidity, or pull one out the day before. If they're kept at 69%+ I've found them to want to go out, requiring frequent relights or smoking them too fast in an effort to keep them lit, which doesn't help.

 

[CigarJeff68]

Well I finally got out on the deck for a cigar & a whiskey. My sister picked me up this bottle of Travellar whiskey from the Buffalo Trace distillery. Very smooth and pared with the Rocky Patel Fusion beautifully! Enjoy the weekend my friends it's supposed to be beautiful here in South East Michigan!

 

[CigarJeff68]

Here is my smoking lounge and my smoking partner! Couldn't ask for a better place or friend!

 

[drewkaree]

Very nice! I have been lax in posting, it's been a shit show with work, and I've just been trying to enjoy the fleeting summer here.

Today, I finally get to enjoy a smoke from my son. He found a new smoke shop, and wanted to get me something. He ended up getting a Sweet Jane, a cigarillo I think, a Graycliff, a Don Carlos The Man, and the smoke I'm enjoying currently, a Montecristo Platinum Churchill Tubo.

Not sure why the Tubo is favored by some, but to each their own. I was floored to see the price, as I haven't looked at these in a while, but these are quite expensive for what they are.

Online, this would run $15, and the B&M he got it from had it for $24. While I find it to be a very good cigar, I simply don't see the value for it, even at the $15 price point.

I will say that this is a quality smoke, and it doesn't disappoint in the least. Montecristo is a great brand, and they produce fine cigars, but I would rather have something decent for half the price, which is very easy to find, and put the rest of that money into a nice drink to go along with it.

If you find a non-tubo version of this, I highly recommend trying it. You'll save a few bucks on the packaging and presentation, and I think you'll find it to be a great treat for yourself.

 

[drewkaree]

Regarding my last weekend of cigar smoking, I've gotta say, I haven't had a run of awesome smokes like that, that I can recall. Straight bangers, and smoked all 3 to the nub. The PerfecDraw tool makes a great holder for such a thing, although I felt a LOT pretentious, and just a little like a fiend trying to enjoy them to the last puff

I had gotten my PerfecPunch, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. 3 different sizes for whatever you want, and built into a nice cigar rest. Here's a few pics of the design of it

 

[drewkaree]

As you saw, my first home run was the Southern Draw 303 Manos. I was NOT expecting this to be as good as it was! I ended up having another one the next day, with identical results. This is how good it was



The following morning, I had another Southern Draw Rose Of Sharon. This one is really growing on me as a morning coffee type of smoke, and I recommend trying it with your own morning coffee




My final smash hit was a Perdomo 20th Anniversary. I'm quite partial to Perdomo, and while I've had these before, this particular stick had sat in my travel humidor, on my porch, in the sun and warmth for the entire week before I smoked it.

EVERYTHING was intensified. Opening the humidor was a treat in and of itself, from the smells. The feel of the stick was absolutely perfect, and it smoked beautifully. Tons of flavor that was intensified, some candied raisin flavor that was new... Just out of control compared to what I've experienced in the past. I'm going to be trying this again - leaving one sit for this week - to see if the conditions will reproduce the experience for next weekend.

Dry boxing is something to look into, if you're unfamiliar with it, and I think the gentle warmth helped with the increase of the cigar. I've never done it for that long, but the results were so good, I'm willing to risk the attempt.

 

[drewkaree]

Next Friday, I have a golf outing with the cigar smoking neighbor, so I have some Drew Estate Factory Smokes on tap. I hate smoking a nicer premium cigar on the course, especially if it's windy, but those Factory Smokes are the perfect choice for the golf course.

I have had all of them except the candela's, but the Connecticuts are my typical choice for the course. The Sun Growns are hit/miss for me. If they're a good one, they're great. If not... At that price, I have no problems tossing it aside and moving on to another. The Sweets are something I bring for other golfers, but I'll have one here and there. The Sweet is a great firepit smoke as well. The Maduro is very nice, but I think it's not as good as other Maduro's. GREAT for the golf course, but enjoy your better selections once you're off the course.

Looking forward to trying the Graycliff G2 Maduro my kid got me, as I haven't had it before. That might be on tap for tomorrow, and I'll post on it if that proves to be the case.

 

[CigarJeff68]

INCOGNITO MODE…. obscene 70% off motherlode savings

Like a cannibal working the night shift in a coma ward my only thought is, “where to begin?” They say 2's company and 3's a crowd, and 4 and 5 = 9. But

www.cigarpage.com

This is a hell of a deal if anyone enjoys Nub's!
So tempted to pull the trigger on the Mother Load lll!
But I just bought 50 or so cigars last week!

 

[F.M.]

@drewkaree

I’ve tried quite of few of your recommendations and all have been good smokes. Really liked the Rose of Sharon and the Perdoma 20th Sun Grown. My favorite was by far the Asylum Ogre. My local shops carry a 6x60 and a 8x80. And the 8x80 is so much more flavorful, but man is it a long smoke. I pick up a perfect punch a few weeks ago also, and it’s an awesome tool. Haven’t used my other cutters since. Thanks again for all the recommendations!

 

[drewkaree]

For anyone willing to try something different, here's a great deal that I'm taking advantage of. Drew Estate Java Mint on cigarbid.com If you're a fan of Girl Scout Thin Mints, I think you'll LOVE these. While I'm not a fan of Thin Mints, I'm still a fan of these cigars. I'm in for 2 lots, 20 cigars. There's 275 lots, so minimum bid of $44.50, and I'll be setting my max bid to $50. These are selling online for $10/ea, and although I haven't seen the Mint's around my B&M, the regular Java's run $8-13 each, depending on size, so this really IS a great price.

https://www.cigarbid.com/a/java-mint-by-drew-estate-robusto/5128488/

It's a sweetened tip, chocolate, mint, coffee flavors...if anyone ends up not liking them, I'd gladly take the excess off your hands.

I've also ALWAYS gotten at least one compliment on the smell of these, when smoking around a group. Not sure if that means they don't like the other smokes of mine, but I choose to take the win

 

[CigarJeff68]

The weather yesterday was fairly decent (44 degrees & sunny), so I decided that it was a perfect day to light a fire in the fire pit, set up the TV on the deck, smoke a cigar, have a beer and watch the Lions beat the Colts!
Chose the Alec Bradley American Classic Blend & a Stiegl Ragler Grapefruit. They actually paired well together (IMHO), the cigar was a nice medium body smoke, not overly spicy and slight tartness of the beer worked for me.

 

[F.M.]

Picked up a few cigars while in Vegas after Christmas. The cigar sommelier at Caesars Palace recommended that I try Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto I & II to pair with a toasted bourbon. I finally got a chance to try one of the Sixto II last night, and I must say that he was correct. I think this is the first cigar I've sampled so far that I saved the label off of to purchase more. If you haven't tried one, I would highly recommend it.

 

[drewkaree]

So I've been a bit behind, having finally overcome some physical issues that all but ended my cigar smoking since October, and only recently got the chance to start enjoying some smokes again while keeping an eye on my 3D printer that I've been tinkering with.

In the last 2-3 weeks, I've polished off a Perdomo Sun Grown mixer that's always an enjoyable experience, and it's cemented a desire to start looking for a deal on a box of the 20th anniversary sun grown.

After a Friday fish fry at a German place we had been itching to try out since the Covid times, it was a let down that left me wanting some German beer, and this place was sorely lacking. Here's a lineup of what was on tap, and nothing there was new, or particularly noteworthy for me. For @FSH 210 Sport I showed him this, and he noted the root beer on tap, and what my group ended up enjoying was the far left tap, which was a Nitro Old Fashioned that they made in-house. Excellent stand-in for beer, but I had to scratch the beer itch, and I ended up pairing it with the 10th Anniversary Perdomo



As with anything flavor-related, personal preferences are just that, personal, and I tracked down 2 of my favorites, Spaten Optimator and Paulaner Salvatore. This coincided with me having a mixer of Cutwater cocktails, and I added the spiced apple mule, which I'd also recommend if you can find it.



The Optimator is, to me, an out of this world experience when on tap, but I've only ever come across the tap version at 2 places, one of which has long-ago closed down. The bottled version REQUIRES it to be poured to create a head. It changes it entirely, mellows it out, makes it smoother, maltier, and more of everything that I enjoy. Straight from the bottle like a "regular" beer, somehow it's lacking much character, exhibits little of the flavor and depth, and I wouldn't consider it. Really, it requires pouring into a pint glass. This was a dynamite pairing to me, for the Perdomo 10th.

 

[drewkaree]

About a week after that, I had the Perdomo Habano sun grown, and while they're a good stick, and slowly growing on me, it's the one smoke in the sampler that fits in only due to the fact that it's a sun grown, and serves to keep the sampler at a reasonable price, given the appropriately priced items that make up the rest of the sampler.



A week later, after some successful project completions that had been put on hold for 3+ months, I celebrated with the best of the sampler IMO, the 20th Anniversary sun grown.

I wasn't able to "age" them on my warm porch for a week, like I did this past summer, but that merely solidified my opinion on it, and thus my definite change to actively looking for a deal on a box of them, despite the price.



Somewhere in all of these cigars, I missed pics of the Lot 23 sun grown. I have yet to have any version of the Lot 23 line that wasn't, at worst, a solid Box-worthy smoke. I've had several boxes of the regular Lot 23's (Maduro, I think they're considered, but I'm not certain on that since they're not the typical dark oiliness of Maduro).

 

[drewkaree]

This brings me to tonight. It's been an up and down week for me, and I was able to get out with friends for dinner tonight, and see a band we were interested in seeing, and we made some new friends, meeting up again in a few weeks with them.

Once home, I had to kick off a print job and make a few purpose-made lengths of extension cords, so I decided to have a cigar while finishing these things up.

Tonight was a Southern Draw Rose Of Sharon. Several months of humidor time have transformed this into one of the easiest-smoking cigars I've had in a LONG time, and these cigars continue to impress me.



This brand was something I tried on a recommendation from someone, and a happy coincidence of great deals, and I'm glad I took a shot on them. They're not all favorites, but that's the nice thing about cigars, if they suck, you're out of pocket for less than the cost of a movie nowadays. Hope you guys come across similar finds in your travels, and I'm glad to see some of the recommendations that you guys have found.