The best situation to smoke....

[michael69]

I find that I now prefer to smoke my "best" cigars when I'm all by myself.

In the past, I have often saved a really good one for a certain situation/event with others (like a celebration or special get together or something), but have then found that I can't fully appreciate the cigar fully.

I reckon these situations call for a damn good go-to favorite that won't require as much attention, but will nonetheless be extremely enjoyable.

For me, that would be something like a Monte 2, D4, Boli Royal, JL 2 etc.

On a side note, having read this -

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,2155,00.html

A blog about Alex Wong (legendary and vaguely insane cigar collector/smoker!), I thought I'd try the "sweet drink" thing that he talks about - I reckon he's onto something here; it really works!

Of course, I'll chase the coke with a bourbon or something too!

[Simon-JG-hr]

Something sweet is often the way to go. I like a drink that complements and highlights the cigar's flavours. Often that will be something sweet - coke, rum and coke etc.

Occassionally though, it might be something bitter. I found when I smoked the Fonseca KDT Cadet that it had sweet, honeyish themes; when matched with a bitter, those flavours, being opposite, really emphasised the sweet notes in the cigar.

[michael69]

I agree, I'm partial to adding ginger wine to my whisky.

That's a nice sweet yet spicy concoction (called a whisky mac, although I actually prefer to make it with bourbon - that would be a whiskey mac I guess!)

[cj121]

I can appreciate the sweet thing as a few weeks back I was pairing up fine puros with Sprite and a dash of poteen(infused with cherry) and the combination was lovely.

But in terms of best case scenario currently, to really get into a stick, yes Micheal, I'm with probably most whereby a solitary experience is rewarding

[michael69]

Sometimes a cigar requires complete and undivided attention!

Just time to sit, and think, and relax, and fully savor, and contemplate....

beautiful!

[Simon-JG-hr]

Oh yes, missed the first part of the post - got completely absorbed by drinks...

I agree completely, I've said reasonably regularly around these parts that smoking a cigar alone, in the garden whilst enjoying nature offers the best opportunity to really appreciate the cigar's qualities.

[daverave999]

I agree that you need to smoke those requiring consideration with no distractions.

Sprite is a great drink to go with a cigar IMO. The citrus cleanses your palate and the sugar helps if the nicotine is a bit overpowering.

[cj121]

Oh yes, missed the first part of the post - got completely absorbed by drinks...

I agree completely, I've said reasonably regularly around these parts that smoking a cigar alone, in the garden whilst enjoying nature offers the best opportunity to really appreciate the cigar's qualities.

Getting sidetracked by booze is always a great excuse Simon

Yes, the back garden has been great this year (as I've smoked puros in earnest only since the beginning of the year) The trickle of the puddle (pondesque offering) pump in the background has been lovely.

[Robusto]

That's interesting. Coca Cola.
I drink a couple of slurps of Coke during a cigar.
Unfortunately I am addicted to it.

[Paulie]

A two part post, I like it.

When in company I like to have the smaller sized cigars or everyday cigars which are good but not at the top end of the sticks I keep. I find I can't appreciate the cigar as much as I am in conversation most of the time and feel impolite to stop the chat to have a moment with my stick. Hence I usually smoke the smaller sizes in these situations.

On my own I enjoy the Robustos and DC's I have. As somebody mentioned eariler, more of a solitary moment which can be appreciated more without distraction.

Drinkwise, I enjoy a JD&C with a cigar, but has to be Diet Pepsi, or Diet Pepsi on it's own. I like sweetness against the taste of the cigars.

[michael69]

Seems to be a good deal of consensus on both points.

I suppose it all comes down to balance; e.g. top-whack whisky/cognac AND top-whack havana = maybe too much! (similar to the point made by Alex Wong in that Suckling interview; he's actually "known more as a wine-guy", but prefers coke with his, for example, ?500-a-stick smoke.)

Two points being 1. the sweetness goes nice with a stogie, and 2. only one luxury at a time allows for complete appreciation of said luxury.

Of course, this last point doesn't actually apply to wine, but you get my drift....

[Robusto]

My best times are either on my own in silence, or with my dog in silence.

[michael69]

I find I can't appreciate the cigar as much as I am in conversation most of the time and feel impolite to stop the chat to have a moment with my stick. ........

I agree....

and I love that last part! (I made it bold etc)

[Big J]

Coke is one of my favorite drinks to have with a cigar.

[deltawhisky]

True, Mr Michael. Sometimes, just sitting down alone, with a stick, is a top thing. I'm not so sure about the sweet thing - still put a strong coffee as my number one coupling.