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PCF Cigars (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter CraigT78
- Start date
CRAW
Two Pair
Just bought a new double torch insert for my old Zippo fluid lighter which I guess is a no-no to light cigars with. Oh and I also bought a cheap glass cigar ashtray too.
Behold! My new obsession hath started.
Behold! My new obsession hath started.
CRAW
Two Pair
I think I saw the word “Connecticut” on one of the cigars I recently bought. What exactly does that mean? Mild flavor perhaps?
A Connecticut wrapper - a light golden brown. The tobacco is grown under shade, in Connecticut.
Typically these cigars will have a milder flavor profile, but not always. One of my favorite Connecticut is the Drew Estate Connecticut Undercrown Shade.
A little reading - https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/secrets-of-connecticut-shade-16347
Jonesey07
4 of a Kind
So I just need you to move to Nashville. K, thanks.
Welcome to the hobby, cigars have been in my life much longer than chipping so here's an area I can actually help!
There are some big ones like neptune and JR, they have a lot of stuff but there's a huge amount to look through and it can be overwhelming. You'll find pricing varies across wherever you look, more boutique places have slightly higher prices but its worth it for the selection and custom service. To that effect, I am a fan of smallbatch, fox cigars, and cigars daily.
So here's an important lesson. Because of the American embargo on Cuba, there is a strict distinction in America between Cuban cigars and all other cigars. Those pictured above, and available from ihav, are cuban Romeo y Julieta (RyJ). What you would have bought in an American cigar shop will 99.99% be a non-cuban ryj, which are almost all made in the Dominican Republic. For ryj in particular this can be seen on the band:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...ryj_reserve_real_toro2_1200x.jpg?v=1600500317
https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/sit...mage/headerimage-DiffBetweenCuban_Dom_RyJ.png
Notice the "Habana, Cuba" on one of the bands. There are many other brands like this with a Cuban and non-cuban line (such as Montecristo, Cohiba, etc etc etc). Cohiba is an example where there is no relationship between the two companies other than shared name.
In general, Cuban cigars are generally "higher-shelf" or "better." I certainly like them a lot, but its a different world and different flavor profile and don't be misled, there are hundreds of incredible cigars not from Cuba.
Cigar tobacco is classified in many different ways. I won't get into them all here but what's relevant at the moment is that there's 3 primary pieces of information that are useful for "reading" what a cigar is:
-The seed type
-Where the tobacco is grown
-How the tobacco is grown
"Connecticut" likely means it is tobacco grown in CT, with a seed that was originally brought over from Cuba or Sumatra. But you also have those same seeds grown in Ecuador and you get things like the E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut which has a wrapped made with tobacco grown in Ecuador with seeds originally from CT. This is quite a common story as Ecuador has boomed as a tobacco producing country. A cigar I really like (before they recently changed the blend
) is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro which has Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and filler."Shade" as you referenced with regard to one stick means that the tobacco is grown under some type of cover that filters out some (but obviously not all) of the harsh rays of the sun. Typically directly sun grown tobacco is stronger, has bolder flavors and a higher nicotine content but shade grown is in very high demand because it makes great looking, mild sticks that are very accessible to new cigar smokers or people smoking cigarillos.
Obviously as you continue into this hobby you will learn what you like or dont like in a cigar and how to pick out and differentiate more flavors. So when starting friends off I like to ask about some of the things that are easier to pull out. Some words common in describing cigars that I flavors I find people can pick up on quickly are "spiciness" "hay" and "nuttiness." In general you will find that sticks with dark wrappers like the Drew Estate Liga Privada or many RoMa Craft cigars are "spicier" I would recommend giving one of these a try to understand that profile. In general you find a lot of "barnyard," "hay," or "grassiness" in Cuban cigars, but I find these are also very present in Plasencia's offerings. Most of Arturo Fuente and Padron's lines have a nutty flavor and I often suggest the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserve 8-5-8 as one of the best intro cigars. My top recommendation is to pick the 858 up in a few different wrappers (claro, maduro, and natural are all pretty easy to find). Its a good intro stick, the claro is quite mild, the nuttiness and spice (cinnamon, etc) flavors are easy to pick out and its a good way to compare various wrappers.
Sorry to add on to the essay but @CRAW as @CraigT78 mentioned, Connecticut Shade is probably a very good place to start. It has those very distinct lighter colored, very smooth wrappers, should be easy to pick out in a shop. Perdomo Champaign is good, Drew Estate Undercrown Shade is good as well (I actually don't personally like most DE but its a well regarded stick)Welcome to the hobby, cigars have been in my life much longer than chipping so here's an area I can actually help!
There are some big ones like neptune and JR, they have a lot of stuff but there's a huge amount to look through and it can be overwhelming. You'll find pricing varies across wherever you look, more boutique places have slightly higher prices but its worth it for the selection and custom service. To that effect, I am a fan of smallbatch, fox cigars, and cigars daily.
So here's an important lesson. Because of the American embargo on Cuba, there is a strict distinction in America between Cuban cigars and all other cigars. Those pictured above, and available from ihav, are cuban Romeo y Julieta (RyJ). What you would have bought in an American cigar shop will 99.99% be a non-cuban ryj, which are almost all made in the Dominican Republic. For ryj in particular this can be seen on the band:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...ryj_reserve_real_toro2_1200x.jpg?v=1600500317
https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/sit...mage/headerimage-DiffBetweenCuban_Dom_RyJ.png
Notice the "Habana, Cuba" on one of the bands. There are many other brands like this with a Cuban and non-cuban line (such as Montecristo, Cohiba, etc etc etc). Cohiba is an example where there is no relationship between the two companies other than shared name.
In general, Cuban cigars are generally "higher-shelf" or "better." I certainly like them a lot, but its a different world and different flavor profile and don't be misled, there are hundreds of incredible cigars not from Cuba.
Cigar tobacco is classified in many different ways. I won't get into them all here but what's relevant at the moment is that there's 3 primary pieces of information that are useful for "reading" what a cigar is:
-The seed type
-Where the tobacco is grown
-How the tobacco is grown
"Connecticut" likely means it is tobacco grown in CT, with a seed that was originally brought over from Cuba or Sumatra. But you also have those same seeds grown in Ecuador and you get things like the E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut which has a wrapped made with tobacco grown in Ecuador with seeds originally from CT. This is quite a common story as Ecuador has boomed as a tobacco producing country. A cigar I really like (before they recently changed the blend
"Shade" as you referenced with regard to one stick means that the tobacco is grown under some type of cover that filters out some (but obviously not all) of the harsh rays of the sun. Typically directly sun grown tobacco is stronger, has bolder flavors and a higher nicotine content but shade grown is in very high demand because it makes great looking, mild sticks that are very accessible to new cigar smokers or people smoking cigarillos.
Obviously as you continue into this hobby you will learn what you like or dont like in a cigar and how to pick out and differentiate more flavors. So when starting friends off I like to ask about some of the things that are easier to pull out. Some words common in describing cigars that I flavors I find people can pick up on quickly are "spiciness" "hay" and "nuttiness." In general you will find that sticks with dark wrappers like the Drew Estate Liga Privada or many RoMa Craft cigars are "spicier" I would recommend giving one of these a try to understand that profile. In general you find a lot of "barnyard," "hay," or "grassiness" in Cuban cigars, but I find these are also very present in Plasencia's offerings. Most of Arturo Fuente and Padron's lines have a nutty flavor and I often suggest the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserve 8-5-8 as one of the best intro cigars. My top recommendation is to pick the 858 up in a few different wrappers (claro, maduro, and natural are all pretty easy to find). Its a good intro stick, the claro is quite mild, the nuttiness and spice (cinnamon, etc) flavors are easy to pick out and its a good way to compare various wrappers.
CRAW
Two Pair
I’m still reading and soaking in what you guys have replied - THANK YOU! It’s much appreciated.
I just made a quick run to the tobacco store (not my cigar shop) and picked up these out of their humidor. I think I might have gotten one or two you all spoke about. LMK your thoughts.
I just made a quick run to the tobacco store (not my cigar shop) and picked up these out of their humidor. I think I might have gotten one or two you all spoke about. LMK your thoughts.
Lil Tuna
4 of a Kind
Excellent post @FestiveKnight! Welcome to the cigar thread.Welcome to the hobby, cigars have been in my life much longer than chipping so here's an area I can actually help!
There are some big ones like neptune and JR, they have a lot of stuff but there's a huge amount to look through and it can be overwhelming. You'll find pricing varies across wherever you look, more boutique places have slightly higher prices but its worth it for the selection and custom service. To that effect, I am a fan of smallbatch, fox cigars, and cigars daily.
So here's an important lesson. Because of the American embargo on Cuba, there is a strict distinction in America between Cuban cigars and all other cigars. Those pictured above, and available from ihav, are cuban Romeo y Julieta (RyJ). What you would have bought in an American cigar shop will 99.99% be a non-cuban ryj, which are almost all made in the Dominican Republic. For ryj in particular this can be seen on the band:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...ryj_reserve_real_toro2_1200x.jpg?v=1600500317
https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/sit...mage/headerimage-DiffBetweenCuban_Dom_RyJ.png
Notice the "Habana, Cuba" on one of the bands. There are many other brands like this with a Cuban and non-cuban line (such as Montecristo, Cohiba, etc etc etc). Cohiba is an example where there is no relationship between the two companies other than shared name.
In general, Cuban cigars are generally "higher-shelf" or "better." I certainly like them a lot, but its a different world and different flavor profile and don't be misled, there are hundreds of incredible cigars not from Cuba.
Cigar tobacco is classified in many different ways. I won't get into them all here but what's relevant at the moment is that there's 3 primary pieces of information that are useful for "reading" what a cigar is:
-The seed type
-Where the tobacco is grown
-How the tobacco is grown
"Connecticut" likely means it is tobacco grown in CT, with a seed that was originally brought over from Cuba or Sumatra. But you also have those same seeds grown in Ecuador and you get things like the E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut which has a wrapped made with tobacco grown in Ecuador with seeds originally from CT. This is quite a common story as Ecuador has boomed as a tobacco producing country. A cigar I really like (before they recently changed the blend
"Shade" as you referenced with regard to one stick means that the tobacco is grown under some type of cover that filters out some (but obviously not all) of the harsh rays of the sun. Typically directly sun grown tobacco is stronger, has bolder flavors and a higher nicotine content but shade grown is in very high demand because it makes great looking, mild sticks that are very accessible to new cigar smokers or people smoking cigarillos.
Obviously as you continue into this hobby you will learn what you like or dont like in a cigar and how to pick out and differentiate more flavors. So when starting friends off I like to ask about some of the things that are easier to pull out. Some words common in describing cigars that I flavors I find people can pick up on quickly are "spiciness" "hay" and "nuttiness." In general you will find that sticks with dark wrappers like the Drew Estate Liga Privada or many RoMa Craft cigars are "spicier" I would recommend giving one of these a try to understand that profile. In general you find a lot of "barnyard," "hay," or "grassiness" in Cuban cigars, but I find these are also very present in Plasencia's offerings. Most of Arturo Fuente and Padron's lines have a nutty flavor and I often suggest the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserve 8-5-8 as one of the best intro cigars. My top recommendation is to pick the 858 up in a few different wrappers (claro, maduro, and natural are all pretty easy to find). Its a good intro stick, the claro is quite mild, the nuttiness and spice (cinnamon, etc) flavors are easy to pick out and its a good way to compare various wrappers.
Jonesey07
4 of a Kind
Your tobacco store has a better selection than any tobacco store I have around me.
CRAW
Two Pair
Really? That’s good to know!
I used to buy my smokes there, and about a year before I quit, they put in a 14’x14’ five layer walk-in humidor. It’s pretty nice for a quick stop.
I’m anxious to try that Champagne stick tonight after mowing the lawn.
not from your local retailer it doesn't
those are from Cuba
you are going to have to remember the names(make) of your cigars if we are to help you, romeo and Juliet is the brand, the make is what makes all the difference
Romeo and Juliet 1875 is where to start
Perdomo Champagne is a great smoke as well
also try the Chamacos
Padron - i don't know which one that is, but you can never go wrong with the 4000 - it is the most consistent stick i have ever smoked from light up to nub and from cigar to cigar- always great enjoyable cigar
note - i smoke the 7000 because i like the larger ring gauge
CRAW
Two Pair
Well it’s not real easy to remember everything (make, model, brand, etc). If it doesn’t give me all the information on the ring, then I’m fucked.
CRAW
Two Pair
Here’s the ring of the 4th one I referenced:
…and again, it just says the manufacturer - right? How am I to remember which Brick House it is?
Again, there’s a ton of different info to know about a stick, and you’re right, a lot isn’t on the band but there is a bunch you can figure out just looking.
The color of the wrapper (outermost leaf) will often but not always be referenced when talking about a stick. Some brands come out with most of their sticks in a variety, other lines you’re going to know what the wrapper is just by knowing the stick. Darker sticks are probably maduro (very dark oscuro) lighter sticks are probably Connecticut or claro (there’s a ton of options what to call sticks, these are broad generalizations) something in the middle will be naturals.
The combination of size and shape is called the “vitola” which again, won’t be on the band but is pretty obvious as you learn the sticks.
this chart is the best resource your can find on these two, look at it a lot.
All that leaves in maker and line. Maker is 90% of the time on the band but info about the particular stick is must less consistent. Some sticks like the one below give you everything. It’s natural (the maduro of these is much darker), its shape is a torpedo, its made by Oliva, and lastly its the series V. Unfortunately, not all makers are that kind with info, but you should be able to get 3/4 of the way there almost all the time by reading the name on the band and knowing that chart above well
Lil Tuna
4 of a Kind
Hey my friend, I’m enjoying the education myself. Don’t hesitate to keep the posts coming in the future.
I like to smoke the same as I like to splash pots….. with the good stuff.
Jonesey07
4 of a Kind
I mean if we’re gonna talk about it..
Paired with EH Taylor Small Batch.
Paired with EH Taylor Small Batch.
johnjohn
Full House
random pro tips:
1. dry box
2. perfect draw
3. buy second perfect draw
4. when buying: one box is good, two is better. four is preferred.
5. harbor freight micro torch
6. reddit subforum on shipping issues and coupon insights
1. dry box
2. perfect draw
3. buy second perfect draw
4. when buying: one box is good, two is better. four is preferred.
5. harbor freight micro torch
6. reddit subforum on shipping issues and coupon insights
I went stupid fat today
Was a great smoke, will be buying a box of these bad boys
Was a great smoke, will be buying a box of these bad boys
CRAW
Two Pair
Damn good!
Edit: meant to post that hours ago.
Edit: meant to post that hours ago.
Bravo.Again, there’s a ton of different info to know about a stick, and you’re right, a lot isn’t on the band but there is a bunch you can figure out just looking.
The color of the wrapper (outermost leaf) will often but not always be referenced when talking about a stick. Some brands come out with most of their sticks in a variety, other lines you’re going to know what the wrapper is just by knowing the stick. Darker sticks are probably maduro (very dark oscuro) lighter sticks are probably Connecticut or claro (there’s a ton of options what to call sticks, these are broad generalizations) something in the middle will be naturals.
The combination of size and shape is called the “vitola” which again, won’t be on the band but is pretty obvious as you learn the sticks.
this chart is the best resource your can find on these two, look at it a lot.
All that leaves in maker and line. Maker is 90% of the time on the band but info about the particular stick is must less consistent. Some sticks like the one below give you everything. It’s natural (the maduro of these is much darker), its shape is a torpedo, its made by Oliva, and lastly its the series V. Unfortunately, not all makers are that kind with info, but you should be able to get 3/4 of the way there almost all the time by reading the name on the band and knowing that chart above well
Prototypep3
High Hand
Not sure if anyone has posted them yet but Cain F 550's are probably my favourite stick currently. I'm more of a pipe smoker but don't mind the odd stogie from time to time.
CRAW
Two Pair
So what’s with all these numbers after the cigar name? AF 8-5-8, Cain F 550…etc
My throat sure is feeling it today after that big (for me) Perdomo Champagne stick last night! Ugh.
My throat sure is feeling it today after that big (for me) Perdomo Champagne stick last night! Ugh.
Prototypep3
High Hand
Not sure about the 858 but 550 is 5 inch 50 ring gauge. Why is your throat sore? Were you inhaling?
Lots of interviews with Nick Perdomo on YouTube. He talks about the super gordo line in one of them.
Why do you like the super gordos?
CRAW
Two Pair
[QUOTE="Prototypep3, post: 1626939, member: 2922”] Why is your throat sore? Were you inhaling?
[/QUOTE]
Probably some… by mistake. Still trying to get the technique down I guess.
I hate accessing this site on my phone.
[/QUOTE]
Probably some… by mistake. Still trying to get the technique down I guess.
I hate accessing this site on my phone.
Prototypep3
High Hand
Probably some… by mistake. Still trying to get the technique down I guess.
I hate accessing this site on my phone.
[/QUOTE]
If it helps, think of it like sucking through a straw and spitting back out. Obviously not spitting but generally the same concept. It should take little effort each puff. Cigars are quite a bit more forgiving with cadence but I still recommend slow, deliberate draws in a few increments at a time. So have 3 or 4 puffs and then rest the cigar for a minute. The art of it is in taking your time.
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