Re: Storing
 

Leave them as they came,they will be fine.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Hold it just above the flame not too high though. Think about when you hold your hand over a match and how close you can get to it without touching the flame but it still burns your hand like an m fer

Re: Storing
 

Make sure you are doing this in a windless environment. If there is wind present, you will have to bring the flame a bit closer. With torch lighters you can see the two different cones. Bring the outer cone to 'almost touching' the foot, and you should start to see it turning red. Hold it on one spot until it turns red and move to another spot. Don't forget to go back over that first spot for a quick round to make sure it doesn't get cold though! you'll get the hang of it. It takes me about 20-30 seconds to light a cigar depending on size. BTW: these rules are for single flame lighters. The multiple torch lighters have a slightly different rule since they have a much more intense/hot flame.

What wrappers? The cellophane? Leave that on. It is no problem at all. Some people claim that aging a cigar is better with the cello off, but over the course of a month or two, it's no biggie.:tu

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Should I keep cigars that come in tins in the tins? Or should I remove the cigars from the tins before storing in my humidor?

Thanks guys.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Depending on the origin of the cigar, retrohaling or snorking(exhaling through the nose) is the best way to make full use of your olfactory senses. You actually will "taste" quite a bit more using your nose. It takes some practice to exhale through your nose without taking any smoke into your throat or lungs, but you will be rewarded.

As far as pairings, I prefer water for taste tests. All drinks will affect taste and it takes quite a while to find the perfect pairings. As with wine and food, some pairings will work others may not. Try different pairings with the same cigar. Strong cigars like Pepin's may be able to stand up to a good bourbon or scotch. But others will be overwhelmed by the alcohol. Rootbeer is a good pairing, while I think Coke is a bit too strong for many smokes.

This all goes out the door when herfing(smoking multiple cigars with friends). Knowing I may smoke up to 8 cigars in a day, I try to start out with more mild or floral smokes and move to more full bodied as the herf goes on. If you start out with something like and Opus or a DPG Blue, it will be difficult for you to taste anything in a lighter cigar like a Padron Anni later in the day.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I've always taken mine out of tins, but that was mainly due to storage restrictions. It shouldn't effect anything to stay in the tins though. They aren't air tight, so the cigars will still get humidified. I would leave the tins popped up though(open but not ajar).

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

What does "PPP" mean in reference giving someone a cigar?

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Puff Puff Pass:tu

Offers a chance to multiple people to taste a cigar, Good, social herfing activity

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Puff Puff Pass. It's when a group of guys at a herf take turns passing around a cigar (usually many cigars), and it's what it sounds like - take a puff or two, pass it to the next guy. It's a way to share a great cigar (or a gag cigar ;)) with some other guys.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

I have seached this site pretty extensively looking for a "cigar guide for newbs and/or dummies." Found the guide for frequently used terms and acronyms which is great, but does not really the explain what a lot of the terms mean. I've searched the internet too but mostly just find retailers' sites. Any suggestions?

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Which terms are you having trouble with? A more specific question may be in order.

Retailers can be found in this thread http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1612

I suggest The Party Source, best prices to be found :tu

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

http://www.cigars4dummies.com/

:tu

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

That ought to do it. Thanks, Friend.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

http://www.cigaradvisor.com/index.cfm

Is quite nice too. Keep in mind it's affiliated with Famous, so be slightly wary of their reviews(in spite of the fact that I've found them pretty fair with what I've smoked.). Other than that, heaps of useful starter info.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

lets say im looking at a box code GEA ABR 08 does the 08m mean 2008?

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

Yes. Current box codes indicate Month and Year. The box you list would ba April 2008. GEA is a factory code, but since about 2005 factory codes have not been consistent. Often the same code may be used at multiple factories, so factory codes are not reliable. For older codes I dont have the link on hand, sorry.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

tks for the info!!

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

in your humidor, do you put all your different single together? and does it alter their flavor if yo do?

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

As long as you don't put any flavored or infused cigars in there (i.e., Acids, etc), you will be fine.

Re: Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)
 

tks for the quick answer!