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sparkboss 03-15-2011 12:51 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
very helpful information guys, i just got a little scared when the taste of the wrapper on an acid cigar tasted just like the wrapper on a completely different category of infused cigar, as well as the smoke. thanks guys :)

guitar4001 03-15-2011 03:09 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkboss (Post 1206227)
very helpful information guys, i just got a little scared when the taste of the wrapper on an acid cigar tasted just like the wrapper on a completely different category of infused cigar, as well as the smoke. thanks guys :)

it's always good to separate the flavors from the non-flavored.

Average Joe 03-16-2011 03:11 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreth (Post 1203453)
:tpd: I think some of the "experts" go overboard at times: "The initial 64th has a vegetal taste reminiscent of Appalachian moss in early October."

My favorites are when someone describes the cigar of having a hint of a manure taste then ends the review by saying they liked it and would purchase again.

hmmmm.... I think my tastes are a little different than theirs.

pnoon 03-16-2011 06:33 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Let's try and keep this thread to Q&A and resist the temptation for commentary. :2

Miket156 03-16-2011 09:16 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

by pnoon:

Let's try and keep this thread to Q&A and resist the temptation for commentary.
Why? Sparkboss just commented on how helpful the answers he is getting were to him. Yes and no answers to questions don't help much. :sh


Cheers,


Mike T.

pnoon 03-16-2011 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miket156 (Post 1207193)
Why? Sparkboss just commented on how helpful the answers he is getting were to him. Yes and no answers to questions don't help much. :sh


Cheers,


Mike T.

Why?
I made the suggestion because I have seen many a useful thread devolve into useless banter and clutter. I don't want that to happen with this one. The post was meant to make folks think before posting.
Posted via Mobile Device

oooo35980 03-16-2011 09:26 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
So I have 2 questions.

1. I had a cigar today which I think was plugged. It was hard to draw and I got barely any smoke at all. I understand the concept of plugged, what I don't understand is why after 5-10 seconds of sucking for all I was worth the smoke started to billow out the wrong end... Was this cigar plugged or something else going on?

2. I bought a couple humidors (one for flavored, one for unflavored) and I am in the process of seasoning them. I read that I should wrap the Hygrometers in a wet cloth for 5 minutes and then adjust them to read 95-100. Sounds easy enough. But when I put them in the wet cloth they only get up to 85, which makes sense, but they both get to 85, they are different hygrometers, from different manufacturers, and they both read the same thing (85) when wrapped in the cloth. They also both read about 65 when I just leave them on the counter. Do I need to adjust them and just figure they both came from different companies with the exact same degree of inaccuracy? Or is the 95-100 just bad information?

Trent0341 03-16-2011 09:35 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Isaiah,
I can't answer your first question. I'm sure there are many on this forum whose knowledge far exceeds mine that can give it a go.

As far as your second question I'm not familiar with that form of calibrating your hygrometer (and it seems fairly inaccurate) but I'd search on this forum for how to do a salt test. That or use a boveda pack.

Good luck in your seasoning. The most important thing I can tell you is don't rush it. And from one noob to another head on over to the new inmate area and introduce yourself;-)

bobarian 03-17-2011 02:27 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by oooo35980 (Post 1208019)
So I have 2 questions.

1. I had a cigar today which I think was plugged. It was hard to draw and I got barely any smoke at all. I understand the concept of plugged, what I don't understand is why after 5-10 seconds of sucking for all I was worth the smoke started to billow out the wrong end... Was this cigar plugged or something else going on? That is the definition of a plugged cigar.

2. I bought a couple humidors (one for flavored, one for unflavored) and I am in the process of seasoning them. I read that I should wrap the Hygrometers in a wet cloth for 5 minutes and then adjust them to read 95-100. Sounds easy enough. But when I put them in the wet cloth they only get up to 85, which makes sense, but they both get to 85, they are different hygrometers, from different manufacturers, and they both read the same thing (85) when wrapped in the cloth. They also both read about 65 when I just leave them on the counter. Do I need to adjust them and just figure they both came from different companies with the exact same degree of inaccuracy? Or is the 95-100 just bad information?

Here is a sticky on calibrating your hygrometer. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=619
and seasoning. http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=620

N2Advnture 03-17-2011 04:21 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
What humidity level are your storing your cigars in?

What humidifier are you currently using?

Is this a fairly new humidor or one that's been in use for some time?

What are the interior dimensions of your humidor?

How often do you open and close your humidor?

Have you added new cigars recently?

To troubleshoot, I would suggest doing a proper hygrometer calibration (including replacing the batteries if they are digital).

~Mark

guitar4001 03-17-2011 08:58 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Trent0341 (Post 1208028)
Isaiah,
I can't answer your first question. I'm sure there are many on this forum whose knowledge far exceeds mine that can give it a go.

As far as your second question I'm not familiar with that form of calibrating your hygrometer (and it seems fairly inaccurate) but I'd search on this forum for how to do a salt test. That or use a boveda pack.

Good luck in your seasoning. The most important thing I can tell you is don't rush it. And from one noob to another head on over to the new inmate area and introduce yourself;-)

The salt test is my method of choice. I have wrapped a hygrometer is a wet paper towel as you've specified and it read 100%. I bumped it down to 98% to ensure that it wasn't overly saturated. I do not know how accurate this method is, but it seemed reasonably useful...never had a problem with that hygrometer.

One reason that your hygrometers are out of whack could be this: there are alot of cheaply made hygrometers out there that are flimsy and worthless. If you bought these cheap or if they came with a humidor, then be leary. The digital hygrometers are the way to go IMO.

sparkboss 03-18-2011 12:16 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by guitar4001 (Post 1206351)
it's always good to separate the flavors from the non-flavored.

apologies to pnoon but this could possibly solve another riddle in my mind

are you referring to having cigars in the same humidor? if so they were only in there temporarily and the tobacco wasnt actually touching:sh

OLS 03-18-2011 12:22 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkboss (Post 1206227)
very helpful information guys, i just got a little scared when the taste
of the wrapper on an acid cigar tasted just like the wrapper on a completely different category of
infused cigar, as well as the smoke. thanks guys :)

Sometimes it is the contact and sometimes it is just in your nose. Once that infusion stuff gets
up into your sinuses, it can color everything for some time. Sniff one of those Extra Ordinary
Larrys deeply then try to go eat breakfast. Notice anything funny about your eggs?
Another thing to think about is how little the cigar smoke actually tastes like infused herbs.
75% of the taste is like cigars, but there is something extra in the smoke. Some of it is infusion
and some of it is in your nostrils. Smoke a cigarette after and it will have traces of that dang
Acid flavor. I don't really smoke em, but just like my pipe tobacco, I keep it separate.

NCRadioMan 03-18-2011 12:25 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkboss (Post 1209671)
apologies to pnoon but this could possibly solve another riddle in my mind

are you referring to having cigars in the same humidor? if so they were only in there temporarily and the tobacco wasnt actually touching:sh

Yes, flavored cigars should be kept in their own humidor. Acids, imo, should have a separate humidor altogether. They are so pungent, they can even influence the taste of other non-Acid flavored cigars.

It will not take long at all for Acids to affect other cigars.

OLS 03-18-2011 12:30 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFool (Post 1203436)
Hmm interesting. I was curious because I've noticed such a difference. Some cigars
get this very nice ember at the end (which get hidden by ash, but is still there)
while other don't have it at all. Just made me wonder I guess.

I had a cigar last night that made me think of this. It was a long and thin cigar that
I should have dried out a bit before smoking, and there was smoke going on but it was
happening inside the unburned wrapper out of sight. When it would go out, which it did
frequently, I would light it and a half an inch of cigar would turn to ash. It seems like
what you might be describing is 'tunneling' which usually indicates that your humidor is
getting too high in the humidity dept. Your hygrometer may SAY 65, but the actual humidity
could be MILES from there. Check the hygrometer calibration stickie posted at the bottom
of page 58 and I bet you have a better time of it.

BnBTobacco 03-18-2011 09:29 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
I've just received a Capri Mahogany Humidor from my friend.

pnoon 03-18-2011 10:07 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by BnBTobacco (Post 1210183)
I've just received a Capri Mahogany Humidor from my friend.

:confused:
Did you have a question?

bobarian 03-18-2011 10:33 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by BnBTobacco (Post 1210183)
I've just received a Capri Mahogany Humidor from my friend.

Nice review. :rolleyes:

thenewguy 03-20-2011 10:47 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
I am currently deployed, and on my last deployment we used to have a ritual of having a cigar after each successful mission. I had a buddy that had a shop back home that he would buy them for us, but this go around, he's with another unit. Where are the best places online to shop, and ship overseas where the cigars arrive the freshest? And I am generally new to the cigar world, minus friends recommendations.. Any help is appreciated.

T.G 03-20-2011 11:16 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewguy (Post 1211452)
I am currently deployed, and on my last deployment we used to have a ritual of having a cigar after each successful mission. I had a buddy that had a shop back home that he would buy them for us, but this go around, he's with another unit. Where are the best places online to shop, and ship overseas where the cigars arrive the freshest? And I am generally new to the cigar world, minus friends recommendations.. Any help is appreciated.

Here's a list of vendors that members here have had good experiences with:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1612

You'll have to check the shipping policies for the individual vendors though, most will ship to APO/FPOs, but there are a few exceptions.

You can also get in touch with Hugh ("hotreds") or Richard ("rrplasencia") see if they can get you on the rotation of cigars that they ship out to troops.

Why not drop in over in the new inmates section and post an introduction and tell us a bit about yourself too:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=7

Thanks for your service and welcome.

guitar4001 03-21-2011 10:56 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewguy (Post 1211452)
I am currently deployed, and on my last deployment we used to have a ritual of having a cigar after each successful mission. I had a buddy that had a shop back home that he would buy them for us, but this go around, he's with another unit. Where are the best places online to shop, and ship overseas where the cigars arrive the freshest? And I am generally new to the cigar world, minus friends recommendations.. Any help is appreciated.

PM on the way.

From my experience, the big name online retailers can get sticks to BN-level FOBs in about 8-10 days. Depending on your mail delivery system, COPs have about a 15 day wait. The condition of the cigars wasn't an issue - nothing arrived dry or unsmokable. We kept most cigars in ziplock bags or tupperware. It all worked well for us.

This was in 2009 and we didn't have as many folks there then as they do now so I dunno how things have changed.

timj219 03-23-2011 11:29 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
What does it mean if a cigar "flames" when you purge it? A member here who writes some of my favorite reviews usually mentions whether the cigar he's smoking does this but I can't figure out why it matters.

bobarian 03-23-2011 11:48 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Purging is a method of ridding the cigar of tar and other impurities that can affect the taste as you get down past half way. Some will purge through a lighter flame, this often results in a large 2-4" flame as the impurities burn off.
Whether or not you use a lighter the effect is the same, but the lighter yields more spectacular results. :2

NCRadioMan 03-24-2011 02:23 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian (Post 1215363)
Purging is a method of ridding the cigar of tar and other impurities that can affect the taste as you get down past half way. Some will purge through a lighter flame, this often results in a large 2-4" flame as the impurities burn off.
Whether or not you use a lighter the effect is the same, but the lighter yields more spectacular results. :2

Bob is wise. :tu Usually, the fresher the cigar, the more the flame.

Whatever you do, don't purge with a lighter for the first time when smoking while driving at night. The fireball will blind you for a few seconds........so I am told! ;):D

thenewguy 03-24-2011 11:15 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
If I do not currently have a humidor, until I get one (mail coming overseas takes a while) what is the best way to rig something up to preserve my cigars?

pnoon 03-24-2011 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewguy (Post 1215784)
If I do not currently have a humidor, until I get one (mail coming overseas takes a while) what is the best way to rig something up to preserve my cigars?

tupperware would be my suggestion
Posted via Mobile Device

bobarian 03-24-2011 01:49 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon (Post 1215806)
tupperware would be my suggestion
Posted via Mobile Device

:tpd: You can also pickup a Boveda pack or water pillow from your local shop if you are storing for more than a few weeks. I prefer Tupperware over ziplocks for the added protection. :tu

Cornrow_Wallis 03-30-2011 11:18 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
I was just screwing around on a website and decided to check out the FAQ because I'm bored and can't go to sleep. I ran across this quote talking about whether to leave the cello on or take it off.

"It also is great to cut your cigars with the wrappers on as it keeps the blade clean and sharp much longer."

Do people cut cigars with the cello on?

Bill86 03-30-2011 11:22 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Some people do, I tried it once and didn't like the result. With cutters like Xikar and Palio and their fantastic warranties I see no issue in the blades inevitably dulling. They replace/repair their cutters.

Tyler 03-30-2011 11:27 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
I think that method is only used for dull cutters. I have a cheapie free cutter that I use this method with as it creates a clean cut. If I use it normally without the cello on then it is a bad cut and pulls on the wrapper.

Chris. 03-31-2011 06:10 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornrow_Wallis (Post 1222390)
I was just screwing around on a website and decided to check out the FAQ because I'm bored and can't go to sleep. I ran across this quote talking about whether to leave the cello on or take it off.

"It also is great to cut your cigars with the wrappers on as it keeps the blade clean and sharp much longer."

Do people cut cigars with the cello on?

I read that same thing somewhere before. I can't remember where. Was it on cheaphumidors?

I've tried cutting a cigar with the cello on still. Didn't like the result...

chachee52 03-31-2011 06:21 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
I would think that by cutting with the cello on that if the blad is that dull it would pull on the cello and just pinch the cigar more because it wouldn't cut through anyway? I've never tried this and maybe i'm looking too much into this. Just doesn't make sense to me to even try it.

hscmit 03-31-2011 07:37 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
make the investment in a good cutter and, as long as you dont loose it, you will have a sharp cutter for many, many years

BnBTobacco 03-31-2011 08:11 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Has anyone tried Macanudo Miniatures? How was it?

sparkboss 04-01-2011 12:16 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
what are the different types of tobaccos used to make most cigars? i know of dominican and nicaraguan but not many others.

Chris. 04-01-2011 12:30 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Actually, what you call types, are actually different regions. Types would be te different leaves of the plant such as seco and ligero. To answer your original question, there is tobacco grown all over the world. Mexico is another region that several brands use tobacco from. Personally, I prefer Nicaraguan cigars.

NCRadioMan 04-01-2011 12:37 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by chachee52 (Post 1222550)
I would think that by cutting with the cello on that if the blad is that dull it would pull on the cello and just pinch the cigar more because it wouldn't cut through anyway? I've never tried this and maybe i'm looking too much into this. Just doesn't make sense to me to even try it.

I've done it a hundred times with dulling cutters and the opposite is true. Since the dulling cutter first touches the cello, that is what will pull as opposed to cut, then it will cut the cap and hits the cello last so the cello is pulled, not the cigar.

If you have a dulling cutter, you will get a cleaner cut by going through the cello.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkboss (Post 1224118)
what are the different types of tobaccos used to make most cigars? i know of dominican and nicaraguan but not many others.

Off the top of the old noggin'

Cuba
Dominican
Nica
Honduras
Mexico
US (Connecticut)(DE uses Perique from Louisiana)
Brazil
Cameroon
Peru
Indonesia
Ecuador
Philippines
Costa Rica
Columbia
Jamaica

sparkboss 04-02-2011 12:36 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
amongst all of these i've heard of dominican, nicaraguan, guban, and honduran mostly - is it quality that makes these stick out more to some people, or just the same 'ol fate of preference?

icehog3 04-02-2011 02:05 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Most of the higher end NCs seem to be of Dominican or Nicaraguan origin, and many think their quality is superior to many of the other regions.

Posted via Mobile Device

NCRadioMan 04-02-2011 02:23 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkboss (Post 1224897)
amongst all of these i've heard of dominican, nicaraguan, guban, and honduran mostly - is it quality that makes these stick out more to some people, or just the same 'ol fate of preference?

I would say it's flavor preference along with the quality. Each growing region provides tobacco with different flavors. Most growers think that tobacco from the Dominican and Nica is very comparable to Cuban tobacco, that's why many of today's cigar families that fled Cuba went there to grow baccy.

Angus 04-02-2011 08:48 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
What vitola do you smoke while golfing?

chippewastud79 04-02-2011 08:53 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Angus (Post 1225162)
What vitola do you smoke while golfing?

First off, this question will have answers as varried as "Whats your favorite cigar?"

Personally, I prefer consistent, longer smokes, that don't require touch-ups or relights, are lighter and milder. Some of my favorite smokes on the course are anything AVO, Pepin Blue, and Oliva. Mostly churchills, averaging about 1 cigar per 9 holes, sometimes 3 if we play 18. :2

Drkns 04-30-2011 04:07 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Hello, I am newby here and if this question is out of line please feel free to delete or if answered somewhere else please direct me to it. I am looking for online cuban cigar retailers. In some reviews a price for Romeo Y Julieta short churchill is stated 8$ per stick and I wonder where on earth that seller is?

Thanks,
Mehmet

T.G 04-30-2011 04:22 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Drkns (Post 1250600)
Hello, I am newby here and if this question is out of line please feel free to delete or if answered somewhere else please direct me to it. I am looking for online cuban cigar retailers. In some reviews a price for Romeo Y Julieta short churchill is stated 8$ per stick and I wonder where on earth that seller is?

Thanks,
Mehmet


Public discussion of Cuban cigar vendors between members is not permitted on this site per the site rules.

Participate, go to herfs, meet people, develop friendships, earn trust and eventually your new friends can privately help guide you.

muhren 05-01-2011 06:12 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
My wrapper was burning slowly and I can't recall what that is indicative of. The scoop...

A buddy and I were smoking some Padilla '32s while golfing today. I store at 67% humidity and 70*. Weather today was low 60s and overcast/threatening rain all day. I would assume higher humidity, but because it was cooler, it didn't feel too humid. It was also fairly windy.

So, what's the story with the burn?? I didn't get any cone in the filer post ash drop and had to keep re-lighting the wrapper as it was burning slowly and kept going out on me.

Can any of you aficionados help me out here?

M

Drkns 05-02-2011 02:06 PM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Thanks T. G.

themachine 05-09-2011 10:31 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
What is your opinion on relighting a cigar, that has been let go out not smoothered out, later in the day or even the next day? Does this change the flavor of the cigar? Is it even worth it to smoke the rest of this cigar or just grab a new one?

pnoon 05-09-2011 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themachine (Post 1257261)
What is your opinion on relighting a cigar, that has been let go out not smoothered out, later in the day or even the next day? Does this change the flavor of the cigar? Is it even worth it to smoke the rest of this cigar or just grab a new one?

For me, I will relight if it's wthin 10-15 minutes. I will purge before relighting. After that, I light up anew cigar. Hours later or the next day? Never.
Posted via Mobile Device

NCRadioMan 05-09-2011 10:45 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Cigars are meant to be smoked in one sitting. I never pick up a cold cigar as it usually tastes like arse. However, I have heard stories of a cigar that sat out for days, half smoked, and they come back to it and it's still really good.

So, as in most things, it's up to your preference but I would never consider it again after trying it.

:2

CigarNut 05-09-2011 10:53 AM

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by themachine (Post 1257261)
What is your opinion on relighting a cigar, that has been let go out not smoothered out, later in the day or even the next day? Does this change the flavor of the cigar? Is it even worth it to smoke the rest of this cigar or just grab a new one?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon (Post 1257273)
For me, I will relight if it's wthin 10-15 minutes. I will purge before relighting. After that, I light up anew cigar. Hours later or the next day? Never.
Posted via Mobile Device

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan (Post 1257275)
Cigars are meant to be smoked in one sitting. I never pick up a cold cigar as it usually tastes like arse. However, I have heard stories of a cigar that sat out for days, half smoked, and they come back to it and it's still really good.

So, as in most things, it's up to your preference but I would never consider it again after trying it.

:2

If you know you have to leave your cigar for a short time (long enough that it will go out) it helps to purge it when you set it down. Then as Peter and Greg have noted sometimes you can come back within a short time and the cigar will smoke well after (purging again and) relighting. Even so, this is risky -- it might just not taste as good as the first time around...


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