Do some stores store cigars better than others?

[plaid]

Hi,

My first thread!

Just wondering how big the gap is in quality between proper cigar stores like JJFox and stores that have humidors but their main business is selling something else like wine?

Had a cigar from one of these places as they're convenient/open late but there was a slight green tinge as well as some splintering on wrapper (help me out guys, my cigar vocab needs a bit of work )

In your experience, is this common; should I just buy from reputable stores - or even better get a humidor for 24hr access?

Thanks for your advice

Cheers,
Stephano

[sheppsea]

I would try to buy from proper stores where possible, especially as you can get them online, but if you're out and about and fancy one there's nothing wrong with popping into a wine merchants or whatever

[plaid]

I would try to buy from proper stores where possible, especially as you can get them online, but if you're out and about and fancy one there's nothing wrong with popping into a wine merchants or whatever

Thanks -- they do seem unreliable, but just handy if you're in the mood.

Cheers

[Simon-JG-hr]

I would say that, generally, there is a huge difference. Specialist tobacconists know their subject inside out, and generally have well built humidors with high quality humidification systems. There are some differences between these, but that tends to be more to do with preference than quality - for example, Sautters are happy to admit that they store their cigars at a slightly higher RH than most British stores, preferring the 'Cuban way' (as they put it).

I'm sure some wine stores stock cigars as they're a passion of the owners - in which case they may be very well looked after, as a personal interest. However, most are done as a small turnover, but profitable, sideline who treat the cigars as stock rather than living items. Often stored in very poor humidors, and even more frequently with little thought for maintenance of RH even in the better examples.

I occasionally grab one from a chap who has a wine shop in Ciren. (But only if I've not grabbed something from my stash and the weather suggests a cigar-themed lunch). The setup doesn't look to horrific, but tend to hedge my bets with a tubo.

[PeeJay]

You don't need a humidor necessarily but you do need some storage for ready access if you are to become properly obsessed.

[Bigsy]

Early days for me still to be commenting like an old pro but in my first few transactions I would have to say a massive difference, rarely a bad Cigar in terms of doing what it says on the tin from a Cigar specialist like Robert Graham, I use a little shop in Royston high st when I am visiting my parents and although they keep a humidor their Cigars are crap !
I think you need to have all the right tools and then treat the Cigar experience as your palate being unique, we all taste things in varying degrees but it must surely help to have the product however cheap or expensive it may be at the correct humidity.

[akyprianou]

There is a big difference going to specialist against a local store.

Specialist stores Know there product inside out and have amazing humidification systems/rooms. Also with specialist stores you have a wide variety of Cigars ranging from Standard releases to Limited Editions/Regional Editions.

JJ Fox are my Favorite Cigar Merchants, there is something really special about that place, you buy quality kept cigars from experience!

Nothing wrong buying from Local Alcohol stores that stock a small selection, but the down side is that a lot of there stock are kept in tubes and are not really kept in great humidity. Also with local stores you wont always know wherever there cigars come from a legitimate source (EMS Cigars!), do some research always ask the shop owner who there suppliers are

Cheers

[plaid]

.

JJ Fox are my Favorite Cigar Merchants, there is something really special about that place, you buy quality kept cigars from experience!

Definitely agree there.

[plaid]

I would say that, generally, there is a huge difference. Specialist tobacconists know their subject inside out, and generally have well built humidors with high quality humidification systems. There are some differences between these, but that tends to be more to do with preference than quality - for example, Sautters are happy to admit that they store their cigars at a slightly higher RH than most British stores, preferring the 'Cuban way' (as they put it).

I'm sure some wine stores stock cigars as they're a passion of the owners - in which case they may be very well looked after, as a personal interest. However, most are done as a small turnover, but profitable, sideline who treat the cigars as stock rather than living items. Often stored in very poor humidors, and even more frequently with little thought for maintenance of RH even in the better examples.

I occasionally grab one from a chap who has a wine shop in Ciren. (But only if I've not grabbed something from my stash and the weather suggests a cigar-themed lunch). The setup doesn't look to horrific, but tend to hedge my bets with a tubo.

Really good to know - - thanks

[ValeTudoGuy]

I was in a wine shop local to me and noticed their hygro was reading 85% I asked the guy if it had been calibrated, he said yes that's what they should be kept at in a shop.

I didn't question any further but I elected to not buy from there..... To my knowledge Mysmokingshop keeps their stock within a percentage or so of 70.... I trust Simons cigar knowledge and can't recall ever having a bad stick from him.

[Habana-Habanos]

You don't need a humidor necessarily but you do need some storage for ready access if you are to become properly obsessed.

Like most of us on the forum; then you get the problem not of access but how to moderate your smoking!!

[TonyN]

I would try to buy from proper stores where possible, especially as you can get them online, but if you're out and about and fancy one there's nothing wrong with popping into a wine merchants or whatever

Anybody use the online cigar club friend was telling me about them.

[Sean]

Maybe if your out and about mate always look out for tubo's rather than singles in a humi you will have a more chance of a good smoke then

[Simon G]

Can't beat a cigar specialist tbh

[TonyN]

Friend just asked if i've heard or use them just wanted an opinion from me
said the same as you stick with cigar specialists you won't go far wrong.