I think my palate has reached a new level

[INT]

I've been enjoying cigars for 10 years. But it was only within the last 2 that I've done so regularly. Be it time, money, lack of humidor or decent local tobacconist, I only enjoyed them from time to time at parties or special occasions like a successful mission when I was in the AF. This is where it began to pick up, as with what I did we had quite a few "cigar" occasions (I.E. we bombed the **** out of something ). But as such, I tended to prefer mild to mild/medium smokes in both body profile and flavor. I could enjoy them, they had enough flavors to intrigue, and they wouldn't leave me feeling sick.

About two years ago I finally was able to purchase a small humidor and be able to afford (both with time and money) the chance to really keep a supply around and enjoy this wonderful hobby. I started slow, probably having one per week. Then as finances got better and sampled different ones that intrigued me more and more, one a week turned into two, then three and for the last 6-8 months or so I've been having 1, sometimes 2 daily.

Today, after having a mild cigar, I had sort of an epiphany. A light went off. I think I've sampled enough cigars of varying flavors and strength that I'm liking mild cigars less and less. At least liking them to enjoy as anything other than the "early morning coffee companion smoke." I find myself reaching for dark natural and maduro wrappers more and more. For example, I just sampled the Nub Maduro 460 not long ago. BOOM. Fan-freaking-tastic. The flavors and aroma...so much more rich. And I thought the Nub Connecticut had good flavors for being a mild. A step up in strength and maduro wrapper was a huge difference.

A year and a half ago all I smoked were mild to mild medium cigars. Now that I've been able to enjoy cigars on a consistent basis for a couple years, I've built up tolerance to more fuller bodied and flavored ones. Now I tend to go for the medium to full bodied smokes. The flavors and aromas are just more pronounced and provide more enjoyment. And I can handle them now.

There are still some mild cigars that offer a wonderful amount of flavor though. I really like the Nub Connecticut. It's mild, but the flavors and aroma are more pronounced than most connecticuts I've sampled. Cusano 18 is another, Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut as well. And for me, now at this stage in the cigar hobby, they have their place as an easy smoke on the stomach first thing in the morn to wake up with. No longer will they be regular smoke, unless I'm just not feeling it that day.

So I guess this my farewell to the mild cigar. I'm retiring you to morning duty. You'll forever hold a special place in my heart, for building me up the bigger leagues. Thank you.