Light/Dark

[Island Epicurean]

While I am no expert on the chemical composition of cigars I would recommend that you stay clear from full bodied cigars until you have developed a full appreciation/taste for light/medium bodied stogies. Nothing ruins a good cigar more than a light head.

[Drake]

ggiese said this in a recent post: that sugar will calm down that light head (nicotine buzz) have a soda with your strong one. i like gatorade sometimes, too.

[Chè]

It is usually nicotene that gives you that "queasy" feeling. A lump of sugar under the tongue generally will make that go away fairly quickly (seconds). Maybe buy a box of sugar cubes and keep them handy till you become more acclimated.

Another thing, were you smoking the cigar on an emtpy stomach, first thing in the morning or late in the evening, these things sometimes lower the tolerance level too. Being dehydrated certainly can play a factor as well.

[Kenyth]

I don't necessarily find that the wrapper color and body go hand in hand, although nicotine content certainly does. I find many maduros smoother than natural wrappers. Another thing to remember is, if you start feeling uncomfortable from your smoke, slow down! Only take 1 or 2 puffs per minute, and you should lose the buzz.

On another note, some of us like the occasional tingly sensation!

[ggiese]

Watch what you smoke - talk to your tobacconist... Typically when you got to a Brick and Mortar (B&M) establishment, there is usually some type of rating system to assist in selecting a cigar to meet your taste. Or, discuss your likes and dislikes on these chat boards, and look for suggestions about what you may like.

There is a big difference between light, medium and full BODIED cigars. And then there is light, medium and full STRENGTH cigars. They don't necessarily go hand in hand... Body refers to the flavors of the cigar (light meaning lightly flavored, versus full, strong flavors). Strength gets into the "buzz" you get off of the cigar - essentially the nicotine content.

Many factors influence a cigars body and strength. The country of origin can have a very influential effect. Some countries, such as Cuba and Nicuragua, are known for their full strength, full body tobacco. Other countries are know for a more milder body and/or strength. The person who "blends" the tobacco's at a certain factory, sets the tone for how the cigar will be when smoked (whether it's fuller or milder). He/she is looking for the blending of certain flavors in creating his/her cigars. Hendrik "Henke" Kelner of Davidoff is perhaps the best known for his incredible ability to create some of the worlds finest cigars.

While a wrapper has a very influential effect on how a cigar will taste, be careful about judging the strength of a cigar based upon the color of the wrapper. For example - the Davidoff Millenium blends have a very light wrapper, but are a kick ass cigar, both in strength and body. Vice versa - because a cigar is dark, does not mean it's going to be strong. As a matter of fact, in most cases, IMO, a maduro wrapper tends to lend a certain amount of sweetness to the smoke. Try a domestic La Gloria Cubana maduro to see what I mean (not the Serie R - those are pretty strong).

I think you have the right idea, though. A cigar is something that is meant to be enjoyed - just like sipping a fine wine or a very complex scotch. It's not about smoking, it's about tasting. I do not have a cigar unless I can sit down and enjoy it - one puff at a time. Choose a cigar based upon what it is you plan on doing. If you're going to be on the golf course, select a lighter bodied smoke such as a Macanudo, CAO Gold label or a Fonseca Delicias ISOM. If you're planning on having a nice evening, relaxing enjoying a smoke, go with something that has a little more "oomph" to it - more of a Medium to medium-full bodied - such as a Torano Exodus, CAO Italia, Punch Gran Cru or a Montecristo #2 ISOM. If it's after a nice steak dinner, and you're having a strong martini or scotch - try something with some "balls" to it - and Opus X, Davidoff Millenium Blend, La Flor Dominica Maduro Double Ligero "Chisel", Cohiba Siglo VI ISOM, etc.

I find myself at times getting totally consumed by a very nice cigar - wanting to taste the next puff. That's where the relaxation comes in it for me...

[slayerized]

I really appreciate all the responses. I Am heading out the soor to smoke one right now, its a beautiful summer night here. It's a sabroso partagas. i think that is the correct name. It says cifuenta y cia also. But, Ill just cal it the partagas for now. ill Let everyone know how it was here in an hour or so.

Thanks!
Sam

[jackstraw]

hey now,

was doing some searching and found this great thread...ggiese and others give some great advice which has helped me in choosing various cigars.
so here it is brought to life for any other new smokers.