What is it?

[RevSmoke]

Hopefully that got your attention and you are now reading this thread. If so, welcome! God's blessings on your day!

You're probably wondering why the question I posted in the title of this thread. As a good Lutheran, I'd ask, What does this mean? Well, it had nothing to do with Lutheranism. It does have to do with tasting cigars.

In the almost 30 years of smoking cigars, I have seen things come a long way. Not so much in the cigars (although things have changed there), but in the way people talk about, compare notes, and try and get more out of their cigar - and the enjoyment of them. Cigar smokers are more willing to try more new things and look around for different things, than when I started smoking.

But, even at that, many people are not as ecclectic in their tastes as they'd like to pass off. At least as I've been watching, it appears that way. People continually try to compare this cigar to that cigar and then the attendant questions which arise from that comparison... Which is better? Where can I find a cheaper version of this particular brand? Where can I get more that taste like this brand? And then the reverse, I won't ever get that one, or any others that taste similarly.

Personally, I try to smoke every cigar for it's own merits. I like to think that I am truly ecclectic, that my tastes run a much wider gamut than many - I can go mild to strong, Connecticut wrapped to Corojo to Maduro to Cameroon. The size of cigar seems to be also very ecclectic, from PCs to Lanceros to Toro Gordos to Double Churchills. I seem to find occasions for everything that I like. But, I have also come to the point that a cigar really has to "WOW" me to get stocked in the humidor and stay there. I may want to find cigars that compares favorable to a Don XYZPDQ or some other stick, but there is usually something about it that I want to duplicate, but a bit differently.

When push comes to shove, I want different cigars to taste different. I keep my humidor stocked with cigars that produce different flavors so that they fit my different mood... taste... beverage... atmosphere... etc... It appears that many here fit that same bill and smoke many different cigars. But even then, there are some cigars that will never make it into the rotation.

All this brings us back to the subject title and I ask you, "What is it? "

That question embodies a couple ideas that I wanted to pursue and get some others to post their ruminations or...

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar?

2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar?

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)

4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca?

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?

6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?

7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth?

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.

Hey, if you've gotten this far, I thank you for reading it.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Emjaysmash]

nice post todd! I'll ponder this and get back to you.

how about you? What is it?

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

nice post todd! I'll ponder this and get back to you.

how about you? What is it?

I answered this a while back. But, we are waiting with anxious curiosity for your response.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[docdoty]

That is an increadable post. I appriciate the incite that you have shared and the questions that you posed to us to ponder on. Why smoke what cigar is a question that I ask myself often when going to the humidor.

For me it has alot to do with what I am in the mood for. mild, medium, or full. as well as the flavor profile that I am looking for. I love to try new cigars and most of the time I will smoke two of them at different times in order to see if the cigar hits me in a different way at different times. It also has alot to do with what I have had to eat or drink and I enjoy pairing cigars with the things that I am doing at the time.

I will post later on my favorites and go to cigars in both NC and CC. I do enjoy both but for very diffent reasons. They tend to have very different flavor profiles and pair well with different things.

thanks

[wayner123]

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar? Relaxation

2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar? Time

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) Flavor

4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca? my own curiosity

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? I have smoked so many I know what it will taste like and the time it takes to smoke it.

6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special? The cost

7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth? Mostly it's past experiences with the brand. I will try most everything once or twice, and if it turns me off I don't tend to go back.

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 don't have anything to add

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar?

I am looking for an enjoyable flavor and time to relax and slow the pace of the day.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar?

The food I have recently eaten and the time of day. If I just had Orange Roughy I don't want to shock myself with a full bodied cigar. Likewise, if I just had a boldly marinated whiskey fillet a light Connecticut Shade cigar just can't adequately stimulate my palate. If I'm tired I generally go for a mild stick.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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)

I enjoy a complex flavor, but without a bite. The cigar must be smooth and well balanced. I find many of the more inexpensive cigars to have this "bite." In no particular order:

Fuente Fuente Opus X: This Dominican is full in flavor but very smooth and nuanced. Sure, there's a little hype surrounding it, but it's still a great smoke.

Padrón Serie 1926: An overwhelming amount of flavor that is so well balanced and melded together it takes several puffs to make everything out. This excites me and leaves me on the edge of my seat. I love it when I'm in an adventurous mood.

Ashton Classic: Simple, mild and smooth - yet very enjoyable. Good morning smoke or good after a light meal.

Padrón 5000: Wonderful flavor profile. This is my "Goldilocks cigar" (not too mild for most situations but not too overpowering).

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca?

The fun of cigars is in the hunt. I'm always looking for something that will knock out one of my favorites.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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?

As of right now, this would be the Padrón 5000 or Oliva G. They don't take forever to smoke, and I never seem to not be in the mood for the flavor and strength they offer. The product line is very consistent, so I know what I'm getting when I remove the cellophane.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?

The complexity and duration. For example, the Padrón 1926 takes a long time to smoke. This is something I will only start when I'm sitting around with good friends after good food on a day with perfect weather. The cigar offers things that I don't get on a regular basis, for which I appreciate every now and then.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth?

"Those" cigars would be machine made convenience store smokes. They're nothing more than a nicotine delivery device. I don't smoke for nicotine, I smoke for flavor and nuance - something these have none of. I don't like cheap cigars that haven't been properly aged. They make me feel sick, have a terrible odor that won't go away, and leave an awful taste in my mouth.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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 love rating cigars. I suppose this stems from the fact that I have rated wines for several years. Wine and cigars have a lot in common. I have recently been pondering my ratings from a few years ago. I dislike giving scores in number values because everything is so subjective. I feel that describing the experience is much more valuable, but I do assign numerical values to give a quick snapshot of the experience. That said, I really don't think you can directly compare the numbers. How much better was the 88 than the 72? Was the 91 really better than the 89, or did the overall experience play a large role in the rating? Was I just in a more relaxed mood for the 91? Even with wines of very consistent manufacture, I find the numerical values assigned to them to fluctuate a bit between years or even months. I'm sure I will find the same to be true with cigars as I continue to enjoy them. I try to use consistent methodology, but I'm only a human pondering a largely subjective experience. I suppose that's part of the fun.

[kaisersozei]

In the spirit of thoughtfulness that Todd posted, I really wanted to avoid what I am about to say, by giving a response that is just as thoughtful. However...

I have to agree with Wayne on every point--my answers would mirror his exactly!

[CoreyD]

I first Off would love for you to take the time to write this todd, since I'm new to the world I am still trying to find out these answers since I'm trying new flavors and kinds etc. and have been trying to write them down as I go along . I will however keep this and make it in my word document for each cigar as a quik ref question and add other notes to it as well, as I venture down the world. thing is My only issue is how does a man get all the facts and answers 1 at a time when he's gathering data. lol oh well it will be a project that is never ending with the 1000+ kinds/brands /blends that are out now and being made as we chat. But Ty again. again you left me thinking I love you man.

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

I first Off would love for you to take the time to write this todd, since I'm new to the world I am still trying to find out these answers since I'm trying new flavors and kinds etc. and have been trying to write them down as I go along . I will however keep this and make it in my word document for each cigar as a quik ref question and add other notes to it as well, as I venture down the world. thing is My only issue is how does a man get all the facts and answers 1 at a time when he's gathering data. lol oh well it will be a project that is never ending with the 1000+ kinds/brands /blends that are out now and being made as we chat. But Ty again. again you left me thinking I love you man.

The point of the thread Corey, is that nobody can answer these questions for anybody else. You might get some ideas here, but ultimately, it would be so only because it trigger an "oh yeah, that makes sense, I never thought of that before" moment.

What I like and what you like may be completely different. For example, you enjoy and infused cigar - while that is a stick that will never again touch my lips - ever!!!

On the other hand, if you enjoy them then smoke them. The only one you have to satisfy when you stick a cigar in your mouth, is you.

These question are more reflective, getting you (or whoever is answering them) to think about what it is that is driving them in the selection of their cigars. It may lead to more fulfillment in the smoking of them when one starts doing this.

Of course, it may also lead one to smoke less as it takes to much thought and energy to figure out what to smoke, that one never gets to the smoking of a cigar.

For example, at present, I smoke about 20 -to- 1 cigars over my pipes. And then, I am even pickier about my pipe blends than I am about my cigars. I rarely, if ever try new blends. It has to be something that really, really, really intrigues me. And then, if it doesn't wow me with one bowl, I won't go back to it again.

Sit back Corey, enjoy the ride. Take some time to try a bunch of stuff and sit and think about it as you're smoking. Whatever you do, enjoy what you're smoking. If something doesn't impress you, make a note of it and stay clear.

Look forward to more one-on-one conversations of this nature.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[DaBear]

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar?

Flavor and relaxation when I'm alone, the comraderie when I'm with others in addition.

2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar?

Smell of the cigar at the time(if it smells like something I'm really in the mood for) or prior knowledge of the flavors and strength if its something I've smoked/heard about.

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)

Fuente Hemingway- This was my first cigar so I do have a bit of a sentimental tie to it. I love the sweetness that you can get from these too.
Padron 64 Anny- This was the first cigar I had that had a lot of complexity to it. The flavors just blew me away and still do.
Brickhouse- I guess the experience I had when I smoked my first helped sell me to this cigar in addition to the "warm" flavors.
Perdomo Reserve 10th Champagne- The light body, but full flavors made this one an instant hit for me. Its quite a bit different to me any of my other favorites.
Oliva V- Took the sweetness that I've found in other cigars to a whole new level.

4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca?

I've always been adventurous so I tend to want to try everything. Plus if it smells/looks good I'm gonna get it.

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?

I guess my go to would be Perdomo Frescos. For me they're the best cheap cigar you can get. And when I'm not being picky about what I want to try I can get just as much enjoyment out of one of these as any other cigar. They're fairly straightforward flavor wise so I don't have to pay as close attention with these as I do with others which is nice.

6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?

In this case its a tie between the Hemingway and 64 Anny. With the Hemingway its the sentimental bit to it that makes it a good special occasion cigar for me, reminds me where I began, plus I'm never NOT in the mood for one of these(especially the maduros) . With the 64 its the complexity and its ability to always blow me away with how good it is.

7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth?

Eh, there's nothing I really dislike enough to keep out of my humi. Everything has its redeeming qualities. Again I'm adventurous so I'll give everything a second chance eventually.

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.

Nothin to add

[RevSmoke]

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar?

Flavor profile, and for the most part, I gravitate toward spicy/sweet cigars - I like that combination. I like stronger flavors, but not necessarily strong cigars (if that makes any sense).


2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar?

What I am drinking. I want my cigars to taste good and match whatever I am drinking at the time (coffee, tea, H2O, beer, wine, bourbon, Scotch, rum, cognac, or whatever).

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)

Oliva V has a nice full flavor, sweet spice and a hint of cocoa seem to fill things out.
Coronado - here the spice seems a bit more dominant, and the complexity is wonderful. After a few of these, I know that I will get the same experience, but what exactly those flavors are, I am not sure. I just know that I like it - a lot.
Litto Gomez Diez - they are pricier than I can afford to smoke regularly, but they are incredible smokes. Spice and burnt chocolate seem to predominate, and just wonderfully complex
Rocky Patel Edge - yeah, I know, nothing fancy, but I love them. Fuller bodied, rich and flavorful

4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca?
There are certain people whose tastes seem to mirror mine. When I see them "groovin'" on a new stick, I'll look into it. If the price is right try it, I will.

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?
Presently, I don't really have a "go to" cigar. I have been smoking about 3 sticks a week, so each one is chosen carefully. When I was smoking more regularly, it was the cigar I knew would always satisfy me - the flavors were the same and would still make me sit up for a moment, no matter what I was doing, and pause to enjoy it and say, "Nice smoke."

6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?
The company I am with when smoking it - that is the first criterion. After that, I will try something that I have been dying to try or something that I have spent a bit more coin on and have been saving for the right occasion. But, I won't smoke it alone. I need to be with others who will enjoy it with me.

7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth?
Bland, flavorless, one dimensional, boring. As I said, I don't smoke that many cigars each week, so each one needs to be something I am really looking forward to enjoying. Like I have said elsewhere, it has to have the "Wow" factor going for it.

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 already posted it, so I don't need to expand any more here.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[KillerCelt]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

1) 6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?
The company I am with when smoking it - that is the first criterion. After that, I will try something that I have been dying to try or something that I have spent a bit more coin on and have been saving for the right occasion. But, I won't smoke it alone. I need to be with others who will enjoy it with me.

I could not agree with this more. I see the cigar as a vehicle to enjoying and appreciating life more not because of its merits in profile or body, but because of the people it brings me into contact with and the life lessons I learn from them. I have had mediocre smokes that I remember in a much better light than some fantasric sticks just because of who I was with and the important things we talked about while we smoked. To me, the encounter dictates who special the cigar becomes. An Opus X smoked whilst playing 18 holes on my own is a good smoke, but the Partagas Black Label I smoked on the deck with my Dad this summer was something truly special (even though it had me spitting like crazy )

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by KillerCelt

I could not agree with this more. I see the cigar as a vehicle to enjoying and appreciating life more not because of its merits in profile or body, but because of the people it brings me into contact with and the life lessons I learn from them. I have had mediocre smokes that I remember in a much better light than some fantasric sticks just because of who I was with and the important things we talked about while we smoked. To me, the encounter dictates who special the cigar becomes. An Opus X smoked whilst playing 18 holes on my own is a good smoke, but the Partagas Black Label I smoked on the deck with my Dad this summer was something truly special (even though it had me spitting like crazy )

Although, I do remember the Monte #2 I smoked with my uncle on the back deck in 1985 (my first Cubans) - they were stellar smokes. Of course, the 100 year old bottle of Napolean brandy that he made us drink with those cigars may mean that my memory of those cigars might be a bit illusionary.

[RevSmoke]

I am rather surprised that this didn't get more play time here. I thought it was a good discussion started, but it petered out rather quickly.

That's the way it goes sometimes.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Apoco]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar?

I most look forward to either the company of a friend, or quiet time. No one tends to ask me to do stuff if they know that I'm smoking.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar?

The time that is available as well as what I had for dinner. If it was something light or something heavy tends to change what I desire.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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)

1) Arturo Fuente Hemmingway - The single most reliable cigar I've ever had. Out of the hundreds (literally) of this one cigar, I have not ever had one that left me disappointed. It was also my first ever box purchase, so we've been friends since I really started.
2) Tatuaje PorkTenderloin - Knowing that it is limited makes it special, in addition to being a damn fine cigar. However, it's being limited also makes me angry...because I know that when they are gone they are gone.
3) CAO Gold - Not so much for myself. But it is a (very) light and simple cigar. If I am breaking one of these out, I've got a newbie friend over!
4) Arturo Fuente God of Fire Carlito - Great smoke, plain and simple
5) Custom Rolled Don Pepin - This one has a story behind it. At one point, my local B&M had Don Pepin's top roller come out and roll cigars for us. I didn't catch many of the details - as it was in final's week so I just didn't have the time to stop and listen - but it was a blend that they do not create in standard production. I watched as he rolled the cigar, and then handed it to me (with my purchase of a 5'er). About a week later I smoked it, and it was this incredibly mild and complex cigar. From Grass to Chocolate to HEAVY spice, it had it all. Was the first cigar that I noticed such a huge swing in flavor profiles. I don't have any more of them, and to be honest I'm not sure I want any more. This is one of those cigars that will live in my brain as one-in-a-lifetime.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca?

Reviews, and my own desire to branch out. I spent the first four years of my cigar career walking into my local B&M and asking him to pick something that he found good, and that I had never tried before. Hit and miss, but I learned a lot from it.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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?

Consistency.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?

Limited edition. It feels like treating myself

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth?

A snobbish attitude, honestly. I haven't tried a gas station cigar in a few years now because they aren't kept in the proper manner. The last time I tried a gas station cigar, I got about a third into it before I just couldn't do it anymore.

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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.

What were the circumstances around your best cigar memory? For me, all of the times in my cigar career that I look back on and think "that was it" was FAR more than just a cigar. Made me wonder if the cigar mattered at all. Was I just out to enjoy life at that point in time? If I had been smoking a dog turd, would I have even noticed?
Posted via Mobile Device

[RevSmoke]

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

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.

Originally Posted by Apoco

What were the circumstances around your best cigar memory? For me, all of the times in my cigar career that I look back on and think "that was it" was FAR more than just a cigar. Made me wonder if the cigar mattered at all. Was I just out to enjoy life at that point in time? If I had been smoking a dog turd, would I have even noticed?
Posted via Mobile Device

Love it, building on the thread and adding another dimension to it.

I don't know that I have one best cigar memory, but every memorable cigar moment revolved around more around who was with me and the fact that we were together than the cigar or cigars we were smoking. Fishing trips, herfs in Connecticut, North Woods Wisconsin herfs, last summer at TRicker's home, at deer camp, my brother-in-law's wedding, and a host of other events. I suppose I could name a couple cigars from those memories, but they were a side-light, not the main event.

[RevSmoke]

When I initially posted this thread, I knew what I was looking for - it was mainly about the cigars.

As others have pointed out, there are many reasons why or when we have a cigar, that have nothing to do with the cigars we choose. There are many factors which might dictate the selection of the cigars we choose, from mood to people to food.

I am encouraged by what I have read.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[CoreyD]

Like I said in my earlier post, as a new person this is great food for thought and with new people to the hobby and forums come I wouldn't mind bumping this for them today.

[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.

[kelmac07]

How did Imiss this thread? Great topics Todd!!

1) What is it... that I am most looking for when I sit down to smoke a cigar?
Relaxation!!!

2) What is it... that will most likely change my cigar choice/desired taste at any given time to select a cigar?
What I've had to eat before torching it.

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)
CAO MX3...the sweetness and complexity of the flavors, blends so well together!!
Camacho Triple Maduro...see above
Viaje Holiday Blend...the spicyness!!
601 Blue Maduro...just like smoking a freshly baked brownie!!
Cubao Maduro...the spicyness and sweetness together!!

4) What is it... that most influences me to try a new cigar/marca?
Reviews friends experiences with that particular stick.

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?
Always gives me the taste, flavor I am looking for.

6) What is it... that makes your "special occasion cigar" so special?
Usually because I am enjoying it with friends.

7) What is it... that keeps "those" cigars out of my humidor, and even more so, out of my mouth?
Taste...if I am not enjoying the flavor, I will pitch it in a minute. Too many cigars out there to smoke a bad one.

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.
How much great the "cigar experience" is when you share it with good friends.