Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

Never been a fan of a relight cigar, and in most instances, the flavor profile is very harsh, hot and peppery. If I know I will be in windy conditions, cold etc. I will try not to smoke something too top shelf. If you can't avoid relighting, try cutting past the burned foot so you don't get any burnt binder, filler etc.

[OLS]

Originally Posted by Wallbright

Thanks fellas. I have already tossed this one out but I will check the others. .

Safety is an individual concern for sure, but I would not have tossed that cigar for that discoloration,
nor would I toss any others. Like others have said, it doesn't look like the result of some exhaustive
wrapper sorting process by any means, but when you are smoking dried up leaves to begin with, it's
not like a little discoloration is going to kill you. ACTUALLY it looks like some kind of treasure map. Based
on the band appearance, that's not something I would take lightly. Is there an "X" ?

[qsalinas]

I was wondering where to post a question I have on prices. I'm thinking of buying a box of OpusX LostCity Toro from my local B&M but don't know if I'm getting a good price.

[NCRadioMan]

All cigar discussion would work if somebody doesn't answer you here.

[qsalinas]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

All cigar discussion would work if somebody doesn't answer you here.

Thanks...

[alfredo_buscatti]

What are the taste and color attributes of a "natural wrapper?"

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by alfredo_buscatti

What are the taste and color attributes of a "natural wrapper?"

The term natural wrapper is used very broadly. "Natural wrappers" run from very light to very dark and from creamy to spicy. It depends on the particular strain of wrapper tobacco being used as to the taste.

Usually when an ad says it's a natural wrapper, that means it's not a maduro. As long as it't not maduro it could be any strain.

[Flynnster]

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

Originally Posted by Flynnster

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

just because it is $$$ doesnt mean its better. but I am a Xikar fan, I own the X1 and it just feels great in my hand. i think you will find it smoother and easier cut with something higher-end like a Xikar. plus that will last a lifetime, and they have a very solid lifetime warranty.

[Powers]

Originally Posted by Flynnster

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

In my opinion it's a little bit of both but mainly it's just for show. The best cutter IMHO is a Palio. It's around 40 bucks, it's not flashy and they have a great warranty. I can't justify paying much more than that for a cutter

You basically want the sharpest blade available and one that won't loose it's edge.

actually, ive been using a punch more often, its starting to be my cut of choice.

[guitar4001]

Originally Posted by qsalinas

I was wondering where to post a question I have on prices. I'm thinking of buying a box of OpusX LostCity Toro from my local B&M but don't know if I'm getting a good price.

I don't want to post the link or name of another popular cigar fourm, but I am pretty sure that if you google Arturo Fuente, you can find their web community. The guys on that site are RIDICULOUS when it comes to Fuente cigars, but very knowledgeable about prices and availability of Opus X and related sticks.

[guitar4001]

Originally Posted by UFPowersmoker320

In my opinion it's a little bit of both but mainly it's just for show. The best cutter IMHO is a Palio. It's around 40 bucks, it's not flashy and they have a great warranty. I can't justify paying much more than that for a cutter

You basically want the sharpest blade available and one that won't loose it's edge.

yep. Sharp and portable is what I need.

-Paul

[OLS]

Originally Posted by guitar4001

The guys on that site are RIDICULOUS when it comes to Fuente cigars, but very knowledgeable about prices and availability of Opus X and related sticks.

Haha, yu said it. Man there are some that....well, I won't go there, since I am the CA equivalent.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Flynnster

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

While there are some decent cheap cutters, and even one excellent one I am aware of (though discontinued), a majority of cheap cutters I used early on tending to pinch the cigar at the head because the blade(s) were not sharp enough. This lead to wrapper damage, unraveled cigars, tight draws, etc. I am happy with the money I spent on my Palio.

[timj219]

Originally Posted by Flynnster

Question for today, what is the point of the nicer more expensive cutters? Do they cut better or are they just for looks? I've been using my $4 dual blade from my B&M for the past few months and never had any problems with it.

I used a cheap cutter when I first started. Actually I used a razor but then I got a cheap cutter. The cheap cutter worked very well for awhile but then began to cut less cleanly and easily and to pinch the cap as it cut. It seemed clear that eventually the cheap cutter was going to ruin a good cigar. I got a xikar xi2 at the devil site for ~ $20 that makes a nice clean cut every time and feels better in the hand.
Good tools are a pleasure to use.

I'm still pretty new to cigars, but I've noticed that some cigars don't really get an ember. The end will burn, and you can smoke them, but there's no ember. What's going on here? I think I've also been noticing that these cigars will go out much more easily and don't tend to taste as good. Am I doing something wrong, what is this?

[joeobx]

Too wet. I TRY to let mine sit in the humi for a while.....doesn't always work out that way though.

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

I never toast. Never found that it made a difference.

I haven't tried toasting too..

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by TheFool

I'm still pretty new to cigars, but I've noticed that some cigars don't really get an ember. The end will burn, and you can smoke them, but there's no ember. What's going on here? I think I've also been noticing that these cigars will go out much more easily and don't tend to taste as good. Am I doing something wrong, what is this?

I agree that it sound like they are too wet. At what rh% do you keep your cigars?