re: Let's talk Cigars

I’m certainly no expert, but I leave them how I bought them. If they’re in the cellophane, that’s how I store it. Unwrapped, I’ll store it that way. My thinking is it’s better to continue to age them as they’ve been aged.

You know......

I don't think I have ever had a cigar with a coffee.....

Will have to try a little something different.

It is an elite pairing.

I just lit a Padron #3000 natural. Having water with it

quote:

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You know......

I don't think I have ever had a cigar with a coffee.....

Will have to try a little something different

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I keep forgetting to pick up some decaf coffee for this.

Your picture inspired me to buy some Padrons Natural, although I bought the 2000. Are you a hiker/backpacker? I’d love to see some pictures of unique places you’ve burned a stick. I am, and love smoking one at the summit and at camp in my hammock.

So I just put my stick out. I went and got 3 at my local smoke shop earlier today after reminiscing on tOT about cigars and smoking with my Dad on the dock at the river. (Has to be one of my favorite activities as an adult. I really enjoy these moments as I get older.) This is maye 3 or 4 times a year on average now. So, I'm no expert on cigars. Far from it, as I'm usually just smoking what Pops gives me. He has an affinity for Punch, so naturally, I've smoked a lot of that brand, and really enjoy it.

So I thought I would give my novice review of the stogie I smoked tonight. Talking with folks here today has reinvigorated my interest in cigars and I'm ready and excited to jump into the world of cigars.

Anyways, I put out a Punch Signature about 45 minutes ago now.

Filler: Nicaragua and Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo

After removing the cellophane and giving it a once over with my nose I got a strong coffee scent with some vanilla and almond or peanut in there somewhere. The wrap was certainly more dry than I would want. When I cut it, I noticed it was more dry than what I consider desirable, but I didn't see any cracks or splits anywhere. The cap I cut off was pretty dry and brittle so I will be trying other shops and some online retailers in the future. It seems the humidor isn't working properly or they don't have it set to optimum conditions. Or it could have just been sitting forever...

So, I light up and pleased considering the shape of the wrap and how dry it was. At first, the coffee I had smelled had disappeared and been replaced by a nice spice on the back of my throat. Not so strong where I wanted to cough, but certainly enough for my eyes to get wide. After a few good pulls, the spice went away to be replaced by black coffee. Strong black coffee. That's the best way I can describe that taste. Maybe I was pulling too often and I need to slow down, but it was bitter and pretty harsh for a while. After almost halfway through, it mellowed out and became very smooth and I started to get an almond or peanut flavor along with the black coffee. From there on out, it was a very, very good smoke. The flavor remained consistent and, again, smooth, until I was ready to put it out. And to tell the truth, I didn't want to be done. I felt sort of cheated that the first half of the smoke was bordering on unpleasant and a chore. But that was probably something I did wrong because I made a conscious effort to slow down and that's when it mellowed and was freaking awesome.

Overall: 6.8/10. The first half left a lot to be desired. But the second half was very, very good.

Well, that was way longer than I intended, and I'm sure those experienced smokers are laughing at this, but if you've made it through, thanks for reading. Like I said, I'm just now starting out on my own and want to gain as much knowledge as I can because this is something I really enjoy. But this seems like as good a place as any to document my experiences and get suggestions from other more experienced people.

That sounds like a damn good smoke to me. I also have a tendency to smoke too quickly at times and have to remind myself to quit hotboxing the thing and enjoy it

I’m curious how you lit the cigar. I’ve had issues in the past with getting the cigar too hot to start, and it ruins the first part of the smoke like you described. The dryness you experience from the cap may actually be the result of your cutter. I need to upgrade mine because I sometimes get an uneven cut that will pinch the cigar to the point of cracking. Would love to hear some recommendations on that.

All in all, good review and glad you’re enjoying the hobby again.

I would say so, since I have not had one of those in quite a long time, at least 15 or more years ago.

A lot of people prefer the V cut to the traditional guillotine cut. I like the double V cut some make.

Appreciate the recommendations. What’s the benefit to a table torch like the one you use?

Smoking a less popular, but one of my favorites tonight. The Obsidian White Noise Belicoso.