Novice smoker with some questions

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09-20-2005, 08:46 AM
David_from_Malta

Novice smoker with some questions

I have some questions for anyone who can help me.

I recently started smoking a cigar everyday for these last 15 days and it makes me feel confident, relaxed and enjoyable.

1. When it is the best time to smoke a cigar - in the evening after a meal?

2. Is brandy a good liquor to take with a cigar smoke? Any suggestions?

3. I prefer White Owl New Yorker cigars.....Do I have to cut off the cap as well? I am smoking them with the cap still on.

4. After smoking a cigar, during the night I end up with a terrible soar throat? How can I minimize the soarness.

Thank you.
09-20-2005, 08:55 AM
stjohnroe

Welcome.

1: Any time that you fancy it, but some cigars go better after food.

2: Yes, also good scotch and bourboun, port, rum.

3: Never tried white owls, if it has a closed cap then it will need to be cut.

4: Smoke better cigars and don't inhale.

Is that Malta in the med?
09-20-2005, 10:00 AM
bigpoppapuff

first point...if you're smoking white owls...there's no reason to feel confident,etc,etc....

....try smoking some real premium cigars...then let us know how you feel....don't inhale...cut the closed end before lighting the other end.....we'll await your reply....
09-20-2005, 10:03 AM
SuperChuck

Quote:

Originally Posted by stjohnroe

4: Smoke better cigars and don't inhale.

Yeah, what he said.

Bring the smoke into your mouth, taste it, and exhale.

I also suggest finding a cigar shop in your area and ask them for suggestions matching your requirements (taste, budget, etc.)
09-20-2005, 10:44 AM
mithril

welcome to the board! i have to also advise you to stay away from gas station smokes. the are mostly made with dried out tabacco and will taste like crap compared to a premium smoke. so just go cold turkey with those things. :smiley37:
09-20-2005, 12:05 PM
BigMacFU

Welcome to the boards and welcome to the hobby. The soarness is definitely caused by what you're smoking. There are lots of chemicals and unnatural additives to "gas station" smokes such as white owls. What you need to do is go buy "premium" cigars and make sure you don't inhale them. With premium cigars, they do not come with plastic tips and will typically run you from 2 dollars upward per cigar. When you start smoking these, you will have to cut or punch the "capped" or closed off end. Some brands you might want to start with:

Gran Habano
Punch "Champion"
Montecristo Platinum
Carlos Torano Exodus 1956
Ashton

Again, welcome to the boards.
09-20-2005, 01:40 PM
Jonsey5484

Welcome to the board and throw away those gas station cigars. :smiley11: If they can even be considered cigars.
09-20-2005, 02:31 PM
Kenyth

Yes, even the best gas station cigars are a far cry from long filler premiums. Don't inhale cigar smoke, there's no need to and a sore throat will ruin your experience. Smoke only when you have adequate time to relax. Alcoholic beverages are a fine accompaniment to good cigars, but certain non-alcoholic drinks work as well. Ice cold Cola, Root Beer, or a Ginger Ale like Vernor's works well.
09-20-2005, 02:43 PM
SuperChuck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenyth

Alcoholic beverages are a fine accompaniment to good cigars, but certain non-alcoholic drinks work as well. Ice cold Cola, Root Beer, or a Ginger Ale like Vernor's works well.

I was just thinking that...

I usually drink water when I'm smoking. I drink mostly water, anyway, and it's neutral, so it's not going to interfere with the taste of my cigar...
09-20-2005, 03:06 PM
Mazeman

In my personal opinion, the alcoholic beverages that DON'T go well with a cigar are white wine, lighter red wines, martinis and gin & tonics.
You need something that'll stand up to the strong flavor of a cigar.
09-20-2005, 04:37 PM
Kenyth

Acidic or tannic drinks don't seem to compliment cigars well at all IMHO, although there are some who like a robust red wine with them. It's just not for me. A spicy and slightly sweet drink works well for me. I've been meaning to try a Manhattan.
09-20-2005, 05:29 PM
grand cru no 2

I am with the majority on this one. All these guys have given you great advice. It may seem like people are downing you for smoking White Owls but trust me that's not the case. Most of the guys here have experience with the "gas station" smokes and experience has shown us that they are just plain awful.

If you make the switch to premium cigars, you will see what we mean. If money is an issue, I would suggest the Padron Fumas as a good inexpensive smoke. Good luck with your new found hobby.
09-22-2005, 08:43 AM
David_from_Malta

Thanks

Hi everybody....

Thank you so much for your replies which are most helpful.

1. Yes Malta is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. A tiny nation, 17 miles by 9 miles only and almost half a million people live on this dusty island.

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Today I bought some new cigars such as:

-Cigarillos : Diamonds Extra (Cherry) > these really taste good like cherries and chocolate
- Villiger Premium - Mocca - Aromatic Blend
- Villiger Premium No. 5 - Sumatra Aromafresh

Some of these cigars I never tried them but I think they are better than the White Owls :smiley11:

QUESTION: If I do not have a clipper to cut the tip, what shall I do? :smiley9:

Thanks guys....what a nice forum this is.
09-22-2005, 08:48 AM
TheSilentChamber

Most cigar stores will cut the cigars for you if you ask, and most sell cheep cutters and punches (around $1 USD... dont know what currency yall use so I couldnt convert).

Also, half million people in roughly 153 square miles... thats insane.
09-22-2005, 09:10 AM
stjohnroe

Villiger are still processed tabaco (though OK considering). See if you can lay your hands on some Jose L Piedra cigars
09-22-2005, 10:58 AM
Island Epicurean

Quote:

Originally Posted by stjohnroe

Villiger are still processed tabaco (though OK considering). See if you can lay your hands on some Jose L Piedra cigars

I completely agree. (I am a big fan of Jose L. Piedra Cigars, given their price they are one of the best bang for the buck cigars out there.) I live on an Island too, the only difference is that we measure about 1300 Km by 1200 KM and only have 450,000 people. (Population is actually decreasing.) Always wanted to see Malta though, welcome to the board! :smiley20:
09-22-2005, 11:11 AM
stjohnroe

Add to that Romeo y Julieta Coronitas en Cedros and Fonseca Cadetes (cheapest handmade cuban i have come accross)
09-23-2005, 06:04 AM
double_ligero

I also started on those gas station cigars, until one day i stopped in a cigar shop and tried a montecristo, after that i turned my nose up to those god awful dried out floor shavings :smiley11: . oh this is my first post on this forum nice to meet everyone.
09-23-2005, 06:45 AM
Yeagermeister

Nothing better than a steaming hot cup of coffee with a cigar in my opinion :-)

if you're just starting, it's probably a better idea to smoke the cigars with just water.
09-23-2005, 02:33 PM
double_ligero

Saint Louis Rey is a very good well priced smoke too. :smiley20:
09-25-2005, 04:18 AM
shinta

i just started smoking cigar as well, and I find water the best beverage for a clean smoking experience. I thought I was weired for liking water with cigar, but found out many said the same on this board!
09-25-2005, 04:39 PM
vinvango

Try this. Its what I did to get started!

David, First visit websites like: Cigar International (they have an online catalog you can view), "JR Cigar", "CubanCrafters" and so on. They will have specials like: Hand full of good cigars, cutter and maybe even a lighter (oh, please dont use book-matches or liquid lighter fluid lighters, use only wood matches and butane lighters).

First: Get an assortment of cigars to try (the above websites will have variety packs to order)

Second: Make sure you get a cutter. Sometimes you can get a free one w/order or buy a gillatine cutter( self sharpening double blade is preferred) for around $10-20. And if you really dig cigar smoking buy a desk-top humidor.

Third: Ring Gauge (48-52) is common, length: 5" to 8" long, the longer the cigar, the longer you will spend smoking it. On avg. a robusto (5 X 50) will take about 45mins.

Fourth: Drink with your cigar?, you know, its up to you if you like scotch, cognac, beer or wine etc. First find a line of cigars you like and then ask us what goes good with that cigar!

Fith: the members are right, dont inhale and dont smoke cheap cigars.

Six: Cigar in hand, cut 1/8" from cap, heat the tip with the heat from flame, dont put the flame itself on the cigar, now roll your cigar with your fingers while using the heat from your lighter to get the cigar going. blow on the tip if it needs a little jump start, re-light area of tip thats not burning even. puff about every 30seconds to keep cigar relatively cool. I do believe your on your way.

And Seven: And on the seventh day God takes a break to smoke cigars!!! :smiley37:
09-25-2005, 04:49 PM
CoventryCat86

There's nothing wrong with liquid filled (Zippo) lighters.....
09-25-2005, 05:07 PM
vinvango

Only "Zippo Inserts allowed!

Why do you think they started selling "Zippo Inserts". Answer: when you light up a great cigar, you dont want it tasting like a BBQ gone wrong. David, use wood matches-untreated or a good torch single, double or triple flame. OH yeah, Bic lighters work with no damage to your cigar.