What is an Aficionado
 

So, I've been a member of Cigar Asylum for only a couple months but I love the dialogue I get her, the encouragement from BOTL’s, and the wide variety of cigar related news and review. I’ve also been a member of another “CA” forum for close to two years. However, recently I’ve been blasted for some of the cigars I talk about, that they are not “up to aficionado” standards and was even suggested that I should stop talking about cigars until I work through my bad taste issues. When I mentioned that I desire to find value and work on a tight budget, it was suggested that I had it all wrong—I should smoke less often and smoke better stuff. Well, if I am currently smoking 5-8 cigars a month, averaging $5 or less a stick, should I reduce my smoking to twice a month so that I can smoke up to “Aficionado” standards?

Of course I am not deterred by the statements and I’ll keep smoking and talking about the value smokes I come across. But, this begs the question for me, what is an “Aficionado” and what does that mean for those of us on tight budgets that enjoy smoking more often rather than more expensive cigars? I agree that overtime my palette will develop and I will be more distinguished at what is good/bad, but I will never feel comfortable spending $15+ on a cigar that does not have some grand occasion connected to it, such as the birth of my second child.

Thoughts???

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

That's why we're here.

Here, you can talk about a $2 stick or a $20 stick and get the same response for both. You can talk about the strength of NCs or the floral wonderfulness of CCs.

Here you can be a snob or a regular joe. You can smoke 5 cigars a day or 5 cigars a month. We don't care.

We're just glad you smoke 'em.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Everyone should should smoke what they enjoy. There is no reason to make someone else feel bad about what they smoke. Not everyone can afford to smoke expensive cigars and just because they may cost more does not mean they are better.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

I'm almost tearing up fellas...no, seriously, it put an awful taste in my mouth to be honest with you. I love smoking cigars, I love talking about them, and I hate petty debates on why a $5 cigar can't be worth a crap.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Rubbish. Why on earth would you want a cigar that costs less than $20? After all, it isn't the taste of the cigar we true afficionados enjoy, it's the thrill of burning a working man's daily salary every time we light up. That's the real joy of cigars and until you stop smoking your "yard gars" that cost $20 or less you'll never understand!

:r :r :r

Totally kidding! I completely understand the tight smoking budget; I'm right there with you.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

$5 cigar, LOL. Example of a $5 cigar ..opus x...oh wait, that's only on the invoices. oops..

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

:tpd:

When I buy cigars I don't do it for status or to just simply see my money disappear. I buy them because I enjoy the aroma, the taste and the whole relaxing process of sitting down and lighting one up.

It shouldn't matter what cost of any particular stick or brand is, if you like them then smoke them. If someone tells you that you need to smoke something better tell 'em to go take a long walk off a short pier. :2

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

What's the big deal, just smoke what you like. We all have different cigar budgets and it doesn't make anyone better or worse then another BOTL who has less or more loot. Although I do prefer to light my overpriced cigars with $100 bills...:D

p.s. I'm a moody cigar smoker that will smoke an expensive (at least to me) cigar one day and smoke a bundle cigar the next and enjoy them both. As long as they taste good, I'm happy. And if I can save some money, I'm even happier!

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

When you let other people tell you how to smoke cigars and spend your time you are giving in to outside control.Do you usually let people tell you what to do in other facets of your life? Smoke what you like and when you like. As far as "Aficionado" standards,it sounds like some folks are trying to appear to be experts at your expense,so ignore them.It's your palate.....

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

They have Aficionado mistaken for snob.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

According to my dictionary:

"Afficianado" - (noun) A pompous jerk with undersized genitalia who feels the need to overcompensate for his shortcomings by trying to impress others. :D

You know, the type of person who would extol the virtues of a cigar, so long as it had the "right" band on it (even if you put that band on a Cremosa).

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

That is the exact reason I left the crappy CA.I should join back up just to start $hit with them.
In hindsight though,I went looking for a better forum and here is where I ended up... :D

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Do not let any of the "experts" on any board dictate what you should or should not enjoy smoking. It is after all, your money you're spending, not theirs.
(...and dont tell em about this place :))


A bad cigar to one person may be another's pride & joy. His personal choices in cigars may pale in comparison to what many here smoke regularly.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Smoke what you like and can afford. There's great bundle sticks, "super premium" dog rockets, and vice versa. I smoke a lot of sticks on the golf course, and I'd rather have a tasty cheap stick burning away in the cart while I three-putt. :r
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Great stuff right there ^^^^ :r

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Exactly right, it just got under me--not because I felt like my tastes were invalidated but just the overall arrogance of it all.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

I'd like a copy of your dictionary please, I know just the place to mail it to...

Just wanted to point out that on my phone browser, your arrows point directly to the word Cremosa. :r
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

While I have cigars ranging from 1.25 a stick up to ..... well .... more than that.

My daily regular is a JLP Petite Cazadore, I get em for about 36 bucks for 25.

Another favorite small stick is the El Principe coming in at around 100 for 25

I can only speak to for what I smoke but I enjoy all ranges of sticks. Will I say that my JLP are better than my Monte Especials...........well no. But do I enjoy them less or feel the need to hide the fact that I go through about 150 of em a year, hell no, I shout it from the rooftops LOL.

If people think that your sticks are pedestrian due to their price tag, you are talking to the wrong people. After all what this world really needs is a good $0.05 cigar :D

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

For me, a Cigar Aficionado means anyone that smokes cigars because the enjoy them.
Doesn't matter if $1 or $100.
Just someone that loves cigars.

If one looks at the definition of "aficionado":
An enthusiastic admirer or follower; a fan.

Doesn't say anything about having to smoke high end cigars or be an expert on cigars.

I think all of us on this board qualify as aficionados.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Truer words have not been spoken. The less polite side of me wants to say something that starts with an F and ends with them, but I will try to refrain from that.

Who are these pompous asses to dictate standards to you? I define a good cigar much like I define a good wine: If you enjoy it, it's a good product. Smoke what you like and let them continue to tell each other how cool they are for putting you down while you hang out here, among friends who enjoy your company no matter what you choose to smoke.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

When I first got into cigars and starting lurking the forums I stumbled on a forum where a guy was being shredded for some cigars he was looking to trade and literally told - how dare you come in my house with that crap. Fortunately, not every forum is like that.

Personally, I love to find a great, value smoke. If I can really enjoy a cigar for $6.00 why wouldn't I? I've had cigars that cost $20.00 and enjoyed them much less than some of my $6.00 cigars. There are a ton of great cigars to be had in that price range.

What's the saying??? Smoke what you like! :D

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

But if by that definition the other fellow that was mentioned by the OP is an cigar aficionado, I would choose to qualify myself as an asylum inmate instead. :D

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Uhhh, I prefer Asylum Inmate.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

:tpd: That's why we call this place home. :tu

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

True.
Absolutely agree.
Only consider myself an aficionado if by the true definition of the word.

Amazing how words evolve and how folks interpret them. Clearly those folks the OP is referring to have an evolved/twisted interpretation.

As I always say Kelly, ignorance is curable.:D

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Snobs are snobs no matter the topic. There's guys on a golf forum I frequent that think unless you're gaming a new set of blades, custom Scotty, and ProVs; golfing 5 times a week year round in between lessons with your personal instructor, and playing off a single digit handicap, that you're not a serious golfer. Whatever.
Enjoy what you smoke.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Remind those guys at the other CA forum that the magazine they hold sacred rated a $6 stick as Cigar of the Year last year.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Excellent point! One of my favorite sticks is the Sosa Wavell and it was in their Top 25 in '08 I think, under $5.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Good point.
However, they day I don't feel welcome or don't feel I fit in because of what I personally enjoy, plenty of other places to take up space at. Means more time for CA:ss

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Got to thinking about my first post. Could be interpreted a couple of ways I suppose ... just want to clarify that I don't think ill of anyone that smokes expensive cigars. I just think it's amusing when someone puts down cheap cigars JUST because they're cheap. There are many expensive cigars I'd love to try and I'm also happy with a few of the cheap-but-good finds I've made because of this forum. :tu

Sorry, didn't want to be misunderstood. Threadjack over. :)

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

No body loves a value cigar as much as I do! I don't care if the Aficionados (cigar snobs) make fun of me for it!!! I will still herf with them... They just won't get anymore of my Argonaut Cigars!!!:r

Seriously, not everyone has a huge cigar budget. Getting good deals and smoking what you like, with your botl/sotl is what it is all about

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

I agree with the sentiments thus far. Smoke what you like. And to that end, I wanted to point out your comment:

If you like it now, don't worry about down the road...

Also, good/bad is a personal judgement. No one else has your tounge and senses. As the saying goes "there's no accounting for taste".

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Just because someone is easily impressed by the cost of cigars, doesn't make them an afficianado. Nor does it make them correct.

First, smoke what you like - and take the time to enjoy it.

Secondly, cost may have nothing to do with quality of a cigar. There are some $25 a stick dog rockets out there. There are also some $0.50 dog rockets. Of course, I have smoked some cigars at $25 a stick that blew my socks off - never had a fitty-center do that though.

Most of my cigars (as I watch the sales) come in at $2.00-$4.50 a cigar.

Don't let them get under your skin.

I knew some guys like that, they wouldn't know a good cigar if it came and bit them in the buttocks. Take the bands off and let them pick their favorites out of a bunch of cigars the same size, and they couldn't do it.

Good thing to do is try some cigars w/out bands, just to see what you really like. Sometimes the super-premium is that good, too often, it isn't.

Where, with who, with what, and the conversation will often be of more importance that the cigar. If you have to smoke with them, let some of the brothers here know - I'm sure we can send you some band that you can put on your sticks so that when you get together with them, they'll be oooing and aaahhhing. I"ll bet we can get enough bands so that you can put them on some cheaper cigars and pass them out... I'd like to be there as they brag on their fitty-sent smoke in the $50 band. HAHAHA!!!

Peace of the Lord be with you brother.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

I think you're looking at it the wrong way. You ARE an aficionado. An aficionado of good, inexpensive cigars. The folks who reap the benefits from your reviews may not always tell you the review helped, but I think it's safe to say you did them a great service by posting it. Keep on posting reviews and don't pay attention to the snobby aficionados.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

So is arrogance... Only costs about a quarter. It just isn't legal.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

"Where, with who, with what, and the conversation will often be of more importance that the cigar. If you have to smoke with them, let some of the brothers here know - I'm sure we can send you some band that you can put on your sticks so that when you get together with them, they'll be oooing and aaahhhing. I"ll bet we can get enough bands so that you can put them on some cheaper cigars and pass them out... I'd like to be there as they brag on their fitty-sent smoke in the $50 band. HAHAHA!!!"

Ok this is to true and funny. I have a sack of bands I can forward if needed.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

:tpd: That is a key point from a wise man. Smoking a $1.50 cigar with good friends and family, and enjoying the time spent, is much better than a $25 cigar smoked alone. That is when you know you are an Aficionado :2

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

RevSmoke;

I'm sure we can send you some band that you can put on your sticks so that when you get together with them, they'll be oooing and aaahhhing. I"ll bet we can get enough bands so that you can put them on some cheaper cigars and pass them out... I'd like to be there as they brag on their fitty-sent smoke in the $50 band. HAHAHA!!!


You have to take pics if you do it!! :r

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Just had a thought here. Maybe we can get enough of one type of band, and the box to match. Then, find a cheaper cigar that is the exact size and wrapper of said cigar. Then, you can open the box and share with them.

I did something similar once with a group of guys who were snobbish like that in Connecticut. I even box-pressed the smokes I got to make them look like the ones that I was replacing. What a hoot!

So, I guess I should ask if you ever get together with these snobs for a smoke, or is it all a bulletin board conversation?

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Read all the posts and wondered the following:
Is anyone a car buff?
Do you enjoy NASCAR? Do you enjoy Motortrend? Car and Driver? Do you go to the annual auto shows to see the latest models and concept cars? You turn your head every time a nice car passes by you?
BUT, your only car you currently drive is one of the few Yugos still on the road in world..................so therefore you are not an aficionado by their standards?

I live by a simple motto. Couldn't give a rat's a$$ what anyone thinks about what I do with my money. Wouldn't give their opinion the time of day if they are so English inept as to associate an aficionado with the type of cigars you smoke. Wouldn't hurt my feelings in any way. Would only attempt educate them on their misconception and move on.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

AMEN to that!

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

i smoked one cigar for over 10€ this year and i had a lot of great cigars.
i think you can find good cigars in each price range.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Merriam Webster defines Aficionado: a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity.

Being an aficionado of cigars, scotch, wine or any other visceral pleasure, does not equate to smoking and or drinking the very best. It simply means the person in question, the “Aficionado”, has an intense or serious interest in whatever subject and invest the time to learn about it.

Enjoying cigars, scotch, wine or anything else does not an aficionado make.

I enjoy fine cigars, wine and spirits yet lack the interest to truly be an aficionado of these. Now if you wanted to talk cooking, cookware or cutlery…

In my opinion, pay little or no attention to those who feel the need to tell you what or how often to smoke. Smoke what you can afford and when you find something you like, let the rest of us know about it.

Might want to take a look at the Famous Nicaraguan bundles.

D.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Thanks for all the encouragement fellas and for reminding me why I'm in the Asylum...

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

I feel it also matthewjmichael. CA...where the term BOTL seems to mean something!


Tim L.

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

VERY well said... exactly right. Most of us migrated from another site where one of the mantras was - "no cigar snobs." Smoke what you like...

Or as Lew Rothman, original owner of JRs is fond of saying...

"What's the difference between a $2 cigar and a $10 cigar? Eight bucks." :ss

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

Not to sound like a broken record, but smoke what you like. And as far as I'm concernced there are no "cheap" smokes, only inexpensive alternatives. There is nothing I like better after a crappy day at work than to sit in my recliner and relax with a cigar and watch sportscenter. A cigar is all about relaxation and enjoyment to me. So go ahead and review the sticks you enjoy, because I can guarantee a lot of people here will read them. Who knows, they may like them too.:tu

:tpd: I enjoy reading reviews, both of cigars I've reviewed (to see what others thought of the smoke), and cigars I haven't tried yet. If I see some interesting flavors, I'll probably give that stick a try.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: What is an Aficionado
 

I'm totally with the sentiment here so far, price does not necessarily correlate with value, and there are plenty of great cigars that won't break your bank. As to those other "Aficionados", I think bombing them with some JR Alternatives rebanded to look expensive might be an amusing endeavor...