Okay, I realize I am probably the greenest newbie. I've only had three cigars of any quality, and those only within the last two or three weeks. Prior to that I had smoked only Swisher Sweets from Walmart, and only one or two a year.
That being said I have some comments and a question or two.
My first smoke was a Partagas Esplendido figurado. Being the first I was so involved in not dropping it or putting the wrong end in my mouth or not inhaling that I don't recall much. I did like the shape, and the ash stayed on for 2/3 of the smoke and I swear the ash made a sound when it dropped. I drink root beer while smoking, and had to quaff down two while smoking to cut the bitterness.
Yeah, I know, but I like root beer!
Second was a Macanudo Duke of York, I think a corona? Didn't give me a rush like the Partagas had, no bitterness, but also not much flavor. Kind of ho-hum. 1.5 root beers.
The third was about an hour ago, H. Upmann Pequeno 300, also a corona I think. What a rush! I had a buzz from the first puff. How about that, a legal high and you can drive while under the influence. Not bitter yet strong enough for my 3rd. Either I'm getting used to cigars or I'm smoking in order of quality. 1.0 root beers.
As I'm embracing the process more I also noticed with the Upmann a change to the cigar itself as I smoked. It felt firm before I lit it. After it had burned down about an inch I felt the body softening near the foot. After it was half smoked the entire remainder of the cigar was soft. Is this normal? My shamefully kludged together "humidor" has been 65%-70% RH and 65-72 degrees for the three weeks I've had the cigars, and yes the hygrometer is calibrated.
I have one more each of the Upmann Pequeno and Macanudo Duke of York, as well as two Upmann Robusto 100s and a box of six Cohiba Pequenos. I'd like to try the Partagas Esplendido again and see if it registers any differently.
That's my story and I'm stickin' with it. Comments?
