From a Newb to Other Newbs

[R10]

From a Newb to Other Newbs – A Few Observations.


Although a Newb, I have observed some recurring issues that I would like to address.

With apologies to the more experienced Puffers among us to whom these points may seem obvious. Also apologies for the long post – it just seemed to grow on me…


1. Storage – Do get some form of storage where you can have controlled humidity for your cigars – Humidor, Coolidor, whatever your preference. You really need a controlled environment for your cigars to rest a bit before lighting up (more on this below). Check the seal – dollar test and flashlight works, and if you chose a humidor – then allow it to season well.

2. Season your humidor – There are lots of other posts on the forum regarding seasoning a humi – search function works. But do let it season well. Many issues regarding loss of humidity in a new humi can be attributed to a humi that wasn’t given enough time to season well and had to be redone – a hassle easy to avoid if you give it time up front. Which means try to avoid buying a lot of cigars at the same time you buy your humi – you just can’t wait to put them in and see how nice they look.

3. Do get a digital hygrometer – and test it. I personally use the Boveda test kit – easy to use and accurate, no guessing. I have several hygros which have had to be adjusted, no matter what the manufacturer says (I recommend buying the kind that can be adjusted – some can’t). Also don’t think the batteries will last forever – I’ve had some new hygros start to give flaky readings after a month – battery replacement corrected the issue.

4. Don’t stress out over minor fluctuations in humidity readings - it happens. Every time you make a change to a controlled environment you will see the effect. New cigar additions, removing the cello, changes in external conditions – all have an effect – Don’t stress out. A few degree change (+-5) will probably adjust it self – takes some time, especially with passive humidification. Cigars are to be enjoyed – not meant to make your blood pressure skyrocket. Note: If you see a major change (+-10) - O.K – minor panic time – check your hygro, the humi itself, any external environment changes, and get advice from the experienced Puffers.

5. Do let your cigars rest. When a cigar has traveled in the back of a UPS truck – or whatever conveyance – they need time to rest in your humi – I don’t care how pretty they look and how much you want to light them up – don’t. Give them at least a couple of weeks to a month – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I know this is hard – it is for me – but worth it. I’ve had some after a week (or less) and I’ve said – “What’s the big deal about this cigar?”, then tried another after a month in the humi – and “Wow that’s what everyone is talking about!”. You'll find that this resolves many burn/draw/taste issues. This also applies to many cigars purchased at B&M’s – many over humidify.

6. Cigar reviews. When reviewing a cigar please include the time at rest and at what temp and humidity. See 5 above.

7. Cigar Ratings – Don’t assume that just because a cigar receives high ratings that you will like it. We all have different tastes. So don’t rush to buy a box before getting a 5 pack and testing them out. Do give them a chance by trying more than one (before reviewing) – sometimes you just get a bad one – but don’t break the bank on a box and find that they just aren’t for you.


Again – apologies for the long post and to the more experienced Puffers for stating what they take for granted. Experienced Puffers please jump in with your own additions/comments.


Enjoy the Cigar Experience.

Rick

[ShortyStogie]

R10,

Good post! Very valid points, all of them.

A few I'd like to add:

1) Look forward to it and make smoking an event: As dorky as this sounds, after spending years of 8-12 cigars a week, I now have it cut down to 2-3. Not for health reasons or anything. I just find I enjoy my smoke all the more when I make kind of an event out of it, and look forward to say, Wed evening, after the kids have gone off to bed, with a nice book, for example. In fact, I now pre-plan a few days in advance what I'm going to smoke, and put it out in the slightly drier humidor for 3 days.

This way, I also find my critical appreciation for the cigar to be much higher. Of course, the flip side to this is that if you end up getting a bad stick for some reason that night... well, you almost need a cold shower!

2) Jot down notes on every smoke: It sounds hard and like a lot of work, but it really isn't. In fact, for a long time, I was maintaining a little black book of smokes, with each ring from the cigar stapled to the top. Got to be too much work, and computers have since made it much easier, so I just jot down some items in a journaling software. And no, I don't take pics of the rings now!

3) Enjoy the darn smoke!: Having said the above, some of us have a tendency to get too involved in the hobby part of things, and forget that this is actually about smoking and enjoying it.

4) Learn about it: Just like single malt scotches, every little bit you learn about cigars, contributes more to your understanding, and eventually, enjoyment of the cigar.

Later,

SS

[ongreystreet]

Originally Posted by R10

Cigar Ratings – Don’t assume that just because a cigar receives high ratings that you will like it. We all have different tastes. So don’t rush to buy a box before getting a 5 pack and testing them out. Do give them a chance by trying more than one (before reviewing) – sometimes you just get a bad one – but don’t break the bank on a box and find that they just aren’t for you.

Don't assume because a cigar has bad ratings that you won't like it. Sometimes I want a PBR just as much a Guinness.

[kansashat]

Nice post. I particularly liked 4), 5) & 7). I've been smoking & storing cigars for about 9 years now & still struggle with #5.

I am still a noob because cigars are a continual learning experience. When/if I attain cigar "nirvana" & feel there is nothing new to learn, or no new blends to try...well, I suppose I'll just have to quit. I doubt that'll ever happen, so I guess I am stuck being a noob (& a cigar smoker). LOL

[thebayratt]

Great info and thoughts.... Well put!!

[madurolover]

All I can say is that this is a great post.. As Alan said, we are all really noobs when it comes to cigars. There are so many new blends coming out that it is near impossible to keep on top of them. Also a lot of long time methods of storage, lighting, etc. are being challenged and rewritten so that cigars smoking is a never ending learning process.

[jeepthing]

Nice post. Being new to this I like to buy doubles of a cigar and see if I like them. Smoke one and let the other rest.

[ejgarnut]

Well said Rick.

[ShamWow]

Rick, based on your post, I think you have graduated from being a Newb....good job.

Ed

+1

[ericb13]

Thanks for the post. All great points that I hope I can put into practice.

[Stench]

One of the greatest things about the great BOTL here and the hobby in general is that I feel like I learn something new almost every day!

[Ray]

Excellent post.

[R10]

Thanks Guys! Glad you enjoyed the post.

[southoz]

some great info, thanks mate

[Rookee]

nice post