re: Let's talk Cigars

The weather demanded a Negroni. The Negroni demanded a cigar! Mil Dias Magico

I’m in Punta Cana and had my first cigar yesterday. I’ve always thought it would be something I wouldn’t care for but I bought one because, what the hell, right? Damn, it was very enjoyable. I’ve never smoked anything in my life but I think I may be in trouble. I have no idea where or how to start but I guess I’ll follow this thread and try to figure it out.

Save labels from cigars you like, do some research on the flavor profile of those cigars, get sampler packs from local cigar shops, online sources and even total wine has them. I, as many on here, have settled into your box option purchase (regular smokes) and explore different cigars based upon recommendations from others.

Then there is the whole world of storing them, humidification, cutters and lighters, etc. lol!

Found this digging in my humidor. Got it about 7 years ago at one of my in-laws retirement party. He worked with Fratello’s founder/owner at NASA. They all thought he was crazy to leave NASA for the cigar business at first lol.

Some of you that have been around for awhile may remember my wineador build in September 2021 from a wine cooler we weren’t using anymore. I wanted to provide an update on how things have progressed since then.
The unit has provided a very stable environment, both in humidity and temperature. The fluctuations are just a few humidity points depending upon how often the compressor kicks on when in the summer months. I especially ran into some issues once it began getting warmer and more humid outside. I was able to stabilize things through trial and error. It has especially proven to be beneficial in aging cigars, something I was not able to achieve with my counter top wooden humidor. Inside the larger drawer I have a larger quantity of two types Cuban cigars that have gotten better with time (purchased in September and November). Also, I have a larger quantity of my regular smokes, AF 8-5-8 naturals, stocked. There are assorted brands inside the other two drawers for smokes I want to try (forum recommendations). Overall I have approximately 90 or so cigars and each and everyone is at optimal humidity, texture and draw when ready to smoke for my taste. The pics show the unit itself, the storage drawers, fan and the climate readings that my Boveda Butler display and the Cigar Oasis electronic humidification device readings. The unit sits on top of a toe kick I built that houses the temperature controller, fan timer and light controller that are accessed by a removable panel on the front. All in all it was a fun build and for me a great way to display and store my cigars. If anyone has interest in the build I will be happy to provide the material list and all my trial and error screw ups!

Not as good as the first one I had but still enjoyable. from Punta Cana!

Smoking my first Cuban (Monte Christo) and listening to the tigers on the beach in Punta Cana with a nice rum. Doesn’t get much better than this.

VanRIch... I've heard 10x more stories about guys getting ripped off buying counterfit Cubans on vacation than guys getting a deal on Cubans on vacation. If you know what you're doing, then all the power to you, but I'd be wary.

If you must have Cubans, there are online options to purchase them here in the US, iHavana is one legit option.

In my uneducated opinion, half the allure of the Cubans is the "forbidden fruit" aspect. Better cigars are coming out of Nicaragua imo.

Yeah, I’ve had that in the back of my mind the whole time. I guess I’ll see when i get back stateside and go to a reputable place. But the ones I’ve had haven’t been awful. haven’t spent too much on them so if nothing else it’s been a learning experience