Is it me???

[Non chill filtered]

When I started smoking puros back in the day, I tried many different half coronas to get a feel of what I initially liked and disliked and then moved onto bigger sticks from the brands I did like.
IIRC the first cigars that stood out for me was the Punch petite punch, RYJ petite princess and the San Cristobal el principe.

One of the worst early experiences for me was a monte no 4 and I have not tried a montecristo since, although I will one day.

[Mark3142]

Sounds like a two-man herf is on the cards soon

Sounds like a plan could be forming

[Puff Scotty]

Hi Mark, if youve punched th cigar, have a dry (unlit) draw first... if it doesn't draw well, cut it , although there is nothing wrong with changing a punch to a cut if the cigar is not performing well when lit....

[Detroit_Waves]

I know from my experience, that when I first started smoking cigars, what I was eating food wise, was pretty terrible, I was a student, and the only thing I ate was noodles and tuna! Therefore, I had nothing to really compare the flavours I was tasting to. Once I got a few years older, and I started eating nearly everything, and started a lot of cooking, when I starting smoking again, I was able to pick out flavours much easier than before, as I now recognised them.

I dont however, think that being able to pull out each unique flavour is that important however. As long as I enjoy the smoke, for whatever reason, then that is what matters, not being able to pick it apart, sometimes, I dont want to over think the smoke that is in my hand and search for flavours, I just want to relax and enjoy something I know I like.

[TJCoro]

I Love LA!

I dont however, think that being able to pull out each unique flavour is that important however. As long as I enjoy the smoke, for whatever reason, then that is what matters,

Well said, chico! My thoughts, exactamundo!


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Hey BB! I just heard Sara's off on a turn-a-round!


Flying gambling fools to the holy land Las Vegas, no doubt!


(Hurumph!) Et tu, Ray Jay....et tu?

[cbob]

I recently purchased a few Monte A's from a fellow member and I can honestly say I was disappointed. I used a punch cutter (for the first time) and the draw felt constrained,

Well I guess!
A big cigar like an "A" size Gran Corona is a lot of tobacco to try to draw air through, especially if you are a relatively inexperienced smoker. You need to use a guillotine cutter to take the entire cap (just the small circular piece, not the whole flag) off and reveal the whole width of the cigar. This would NOT be a cigar I'd suggest to a newbie.

My suggestion would be to start in the "middle" of the size range with Coronas, Robustos and perhaps Lonsdales from several marcas. Once you get a bit of an idea about the differences in flavour between (for example) mild Cohibas, Bolivar, Montecristo and perhaps a more full-bodied Partagas, you will be educating your palate and learning the characteristic draws of the various sizes.

Save the Pir?mides, the Behikes and the Monte "A" for later tastings, along with some of the smaller ring cigars. There is a world of difference between (for example) a powerful "kick-yo-ass" little Partagas Short (a good candidate for your punch cutter) and a big mild "kick-back-for-a-couple-of-hours-with-a-coffee"" Partagas Lusitania.

[Styler]

I've been smoking a couple a week for about a year and a half now and still struggle to find some of the flavours mentioned in reviews but it does not bother me. As was mentioned before, I think it's more important to be able to recognise the differences in cigars, to taste how different a RyJSC is to a PSD4 even if you can't exactly put your finger on why. The first flavours that really hit home with me were chocolate and coffee (I think it was during a Monty 2) and I still find those the easiest to pick out.

[Fat1]

I totally agree with senor on this, dont try to hard. Let the flavours come to you.

Nowadays I can detect common flavours amonst most cubans, and some non cubans. Mainly cream, wood, cocoa and peppery flavours but usually very subtle and I think thats the point. It definately comes and goes and isnt consistent between brands /vitolas.

Mark - try pairing with a drink or 2, for me there is nothing like a single malt or a decent bourbon to bring out the above flavours. The cigar comes alive with a good drink.

[Mark3142]

I have decided to just enjoy the cigars and not force the "taste" issue. Many thanks for all the good words of encouragement. I think I was making it too complicated and felt the need for a black and white answer. I suppose that's what 23 years in the Army does to you!!!

As for pairing it with a drink. I tried whiskey a few years ago as a young soldier in Germany. And to this day I can't smell it without feeling a bit queezy. I was a hairs breath away from a stomach pump. I've matured a bit since then but still don't have the taste for it.

[cohibaIV]

I agree with you on the tasting... Just enjoy life with a fine cigar...

and the whisky...I can't touch the stuff for the same reason..

[Drewmidorn]

Mark, for me the perfect accompaniment to a good cigar is a good cup of tea with honey. Whilst I'm not saying everyone will go for the "british breakfast" cigar pall (although you'd be suprised how many do) it's all about finding your own preferences. I don't enjoy alcohol with cigars particularly... even though I'm a big spirits fan I don't think they go together.

[cohibaIV]

I do Like a strong cup with a cigar too...

[Mark3142]

Well what a weekend. My other past time is offroading. So went for a drive out with some mates on Sun. When I'm out I like to have a packet of cigs for the day. After only smoking a few I gave the rest away!!! It seems that even though I can't taste the lovely flavours in the cigars, my palette knows they are there. The cigs were just to harsh and brash for me. So if nothing else it's cured me of cigs, my wife will be so happy.
Just means that I'll have to buy morecigars now for when I'm offroading

[Bigboned]

Ah off roaring and cigars also 2 of my hobbies although admittedly a lot less off roading these days, just like the guys have said your pallette will be affected by food and drink don't force the issue , relax with it until your tastes tell you what you prefer not a bad way to spend a lifetime casually looking for what you like

[daverave999]

It seems that even though I can't taste the lovely flavours in the cigars, my palette knows they are there. The cigs were just to harsh and brash for me. So if nothing else it's cured me of cigs...

The same thing happened to me! A month after my first cigar and I was no longer a cigarette smoker after 15 years of it. I still have the occasional one but there are months between them. A cigar or two a week gives me my fix now.