[akumushi]

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar?
Smoking a cigar for me is about the ritual; sitting down and taking the time to
relax and enjoy the flavor, so I think the thing I most look for when I sit down
to smoke a cigar is enjoyment.
2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar?
Probably my mood/physical condition/palatte, if I am tired and it is cold I will
get a mild, short smoke, if I have a lot of energy and my palatte is fresh I
may reach for that strong churchill or DC.
3) What is it... that appeals to me most in my top 5 favorite cigars? (and maybe you list them and specify what it is in each that makes them most appealing)
My favorite cigars have a flavor profile that I love in a size that feels right for those flavors.
In no particular order, some of my recent favorites:
Boli PC
Monte Especial
LGC MDO # 3
HU Sir Winston
RA Gigantes
4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca?
Although my tastes can be pretty narrow, I like to smoke a wide variety of
cigars. One, because I don't want to get bored with my favorites and two,
because you never know when you might find a new favorite.
5) What is it... that makes my "go to cigar," the one I reach for when I don't want to seriously contemplate what I am getting from a particular cigar?
Consistant enjoyment; my go-to cigars are the ones that I know what to
expect from them and I know it's going to be something that I like.
6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?
A special occasion cigar for me is more something that is rare and
unique than something I know I'm going to love, because for me,
the rarity and uniqueness of the cigar adds to the feeling that something
special is happening that day; that this event only happens once in a
lifetime, so you should smoke one of those once in a lifetime cigars.
7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth?
Bad taste, inconsistancy. I'm very picky about cigars, and I don't hesitate
to throw one away if I'm not enjoying it. So if I have a few of a cigar and
don't like it, I certainly won't buy a box, if I happen to get stuck with a box
of something I don't like, I'll find someone who does like it and either gift
it or sell it off.
8) What is it... that you'd like to comment on in regard to this thread which reflects my preluding ponderings, but isn't reflected in the questions.
I think it's pretty common for people to have narrow tastes and compare
new things to that which what they know. Having defined tastes is part of the
way we form our identities as people, like choosing sports teams, the music
we listen to or our tastes in food and wine, it simply is part of who we are
as human beings to say "I like this and don't like that," and as cigar smokers,
I don't see anything wrong with someone finding out what they like, and
trying to broaden their horizons within the framework of what they like.