Cigars

Idaho Jarhead

Idaho Jarhead

Joined
Nov 2, 2007
Messages
1,415
Since nothing goes with INFI fondling better than scotch, and nothing goes better with scotch than a cigar, I am looking for a few pointers.

I don't know much about cigars, but I enjoy smoking a good one when people give them to me. There have been times though that I have ended up with more than I could smoke and they ended up getting dried out and ruined. I also know that a humidor would prevent this. So first of all I am looking for a few pointers on keeping a cigar fresh.

Second, are there any honest mail order or online places to get good cigars? I live in an isolated community and you can't pick up any serious tobacco here. Having chewed Copenhagen for longer than I care to admit, I prefer a fairly strong cigar.
 
I get my cigars online, through cigars international [ci] there is also Thompson cigars both of which are rentable, I like cigars international better than better website and they seem to ship a little faster. If you look around you can find deals with her ship you a human or in cigars as a package, hopefully with cigars are like. I definitely recommend getting a humidor. In my opinion it doesn't really need to be anything fancy, in the meantime if you need to you can help the situation by using a sealed Tupperware container, with a small basin of distilled emphasize distilled water, which you can get for about a dollar per gallon almost anywhere. As for reunifying cigars that are very dried out, I have not tried it personally but it seems fairly difficult and time-consuming, involving increasingly high humidity over a long period of time months...........
 
thompson cigar is pretty good,try a zip lock bag unless you want a humidor,not sure how much you plan to spend, i have some humidors that are $30 to $300................
 
i don't know man, but you are on the right place for that, when we was in ATL, i tried that longest ash thing with the busse crowd at the fountain and i about turned green and $h!t myself trying to stay with them, almost won, but that does not count in anything but horseshoes.

but hey these folks do know about cigars i guarantee that, ask thatmguy he is a connesiuer---spelling? he gave one that was awesome, still got the wrapper somewhere but don't ask me to find it...
 
Well, if you don't mind a lady's opinion, I like Cigars International as well. They have a sampler program that will mail you a few every month and allow you to try different kinds. I have found this to be educational and enjoyable experience. I've had the opportunity to try a number of fine cigars without the expense of buying a box and not knowing if I will like them. ;)

Now, if I could find a deal like that for Scotch...well...I truly would be in paradise! :D
 
I will also add to cigars international. I think cigars.com is the same people too. They will ship in a zip lock type bag with a portable (disposable) humidifier in it. If you keep the humidifier full they should stay good for a month in there each time you refill the humidifier with water. BIGGEST TIP: nothing wet goes in or near your cigars! The humidifier should be like a moist sponge with no water droplets on it. water droplets will mildew your cigars.
 
You can pick up a great humidor for under $150, but if you dont want to do that, they make humidor bags that supposedly last 6 months each. They have a humidi pack inside.

Also I suggest trying one of the sampler packs from somewhere like Thompson cigars. May I recommend a sampler with a few selections of CAO cigars, they are one of the finest. Try the CAO italia or Brazil, they are great.
 
LeftytwoGuns said:
You can pick up a great humidor for under $150, but if you dont want to do that, they make humidor bags that supposedly last 6 months each. They have a humidi pack inside.

Also I suggest trying one of the sampler packs from somewhere like Thompson cigars. May I recommend a sampler with a few selections of CAO cigars, they are one of the finest. Try the CAO italia or Brazil, they are great.
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CAO's do rock. The MX2 is my favorite smoke of all time, but the Brasilia is a stout one, I do not recommend it to beginners.
 
When I first started out I was told that Ashtons were a good brand for beginners. I do believe that was good advice. From there you will quickly advance, but still may appreciate the fine, mellow smoke Ashtons provide.

Other than that, I would strongly urge you to find a shop in your town with a walk-in or very large humidor. Such a shop will be able to provide you not only with great advice, but customer service and perhaps samples.

I need to look into that "humidi-pak". Mine needs water every week.
 
JWBirch said:
When I first started out I was told that Ashtons were a good brand for beginners. I do believe that was good advice. From there you will quickly advance, but still may appreciate the fine, mellow smoke Ashtons provide.

Other than that, I would strongly urge you to find a shop in your town with a walk-in or very large humidor. Such a shop will be able to provide you not only with great advice, but customer service and perhaps samples.

I need to look into that "humidi-pak". Mine needs water every week.
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Those little humipacks, or water pillows, usually leak out when they get to the end of their life, which varies form 1-2 months depending on if its in a plastic bag or humidor. Try one of these http://www.cheaphumidors.com/HT101.html They last for months before needing a refill and last forever. Xikar makes one too, probably better quality for about $10. They can be found in most cigar shops.
 
Invest in a decent humidor.....you don't have to break the bank, there are several out there for $150 or less. If you like a stout smoke.....try Opus-X.
 
Looks like you've gotten some solid advice in terms of where to purchase and how to store without a humidor. Nothing wrong with starting out humbly by storing your smokes in one of those pre-humidified bags or Tupperware container with some distilled water added to a credo (pick up at cigar store or go to florist and get the green sponge like material that dried flowers stick into). You'll want a digital hygrometer to get a feel for the relative humidity in the container (65-70% works best IMHO).

Since you like stronger smokes, the Opus suggestion was spot on but they're tough to get since they only come out 4 times a year and fly off the shelf in a few days. You'll get as many recommendations on cigars as you will responses to this thread (nature of the beast with people weighing in on what they like), but if Opus aren't available I'd recommend snagging any size Padron 1926. Pricey, but top notch smokes and usually readily available.

Good luck and thanks for serving.....
 
Cigars are one of my greatest passions. I love cigars!!!!!!!

I just did an inventory of my humidor last night and I've got 610 sweet sticks resting right now.

I have bought exclusively from Cigars International for over 10 years I think, or close to it. I wouldn't buy from anyone else. I tried others but was disappointed.

I made myself what is called an Igloodor. I have cigars that I have stored for at least least 6-7 years and they have been kept in perfect condition. They have all improved with age.

An Igloodor is a ice chest stood on end with shelves. You open it like a fridge. I like it because you can just stick whole boxes of cigars in on the shelves. I make my own credos and the whole system works so well that I just add water about every 6 months and the humidity stays at a rock solid 70%.

This last Igloodor I made is made with a giant marine cooler. It is like 4 feet tall when stood on end. I love the size because it allows me to buy large amounts of cigars when they have a good deal going. You don't have to make a giant one though. I would recommend it though because you should stock up. I am going to order another 250 or so in the next week because who knows what will happen with this whole FDA tobacco thing. If you have a good Igloodor you won't have to worry about them going bad. I only smoke about 3-4 a week so I already have a few years worth in reserve:)

Wow I'm sorry if I am running on and on I am on my second bottle of wine right now and have a feeling I have strayed from the correct line of thought.

Bottom line I love cigars and years ago I found a way to insure that a guy like me (truck driver) can afford to smoke only the finest cigars. By buying large amounts when they are priced right and having the ability to store them for years when I want a smoke I always have one that is to die for good. I cant tell you how happy this makes me. I remember when I would go to the local shop and shell 5 bucks for something that doesn't compare to what I smoke now.

I will check back on this thread when I am thinking clearer and if you guys ask me to I will share just how to set yourselves up with a setup that will enable you to afford to smoke the finest cigars. I will also give you my top cigar picks:)
 
Good info everyone. Azshaman, you're "one of the boys" and your input is always valued! :thumbup:

Trucker, bring on the igloodor details! Pictures are always good.

bobbywett, that deal from Thompson looks great.

Good things its payday.... :o
 
Here are some various boxes of cubans I bought while in the persian gulf. A couple boxes of Cuban Monte Cristos, H upannn and romeo Y julietta. all cuban
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TUBOS
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alcohol, tobacco and firearms is my game
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From the Stack of Cubans in the bottom
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Cigar Caddy Travel Humidor packed in my weekend bag.
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HOPE YOU ENJOYED! all this cigar pics made me want to light up one. I ran out of beer so it's time to break out the whiskey!!
She's going to be pissed when the house smells like cigars in the morning, but it was a good time. LETS DRINK!!!
 
Hard to beat those Rocky Patel 1990s, one of my favorites hands down.

My go to smokes used to be either Fuente 858s or Curly Top specials. My tastes lately have been more towards the Rocky Patels, Camacho triple maduros, and La Gloria Cubana serie Rs.
Of course that changes depending on mood, sometimes a Macanudo fills the bill, others it's a Hoyo Excalibur or nothing.

For a budget smoke that still tastes good try the Flor de Oliva maduros, Churchill sized of course, or La Unica 500s. If you can find La Rosa Cubas, they are cheap in price and smoke well for an everyday.

For premiums try a Gurkha Gran reserve, Diamond Crown Maximus, or the old standby Fuente Opus X.

Chuck
 
Prices are high and once you get on their mail list, you NEVER get off of it.

I've only smoked cigars for 35 years or so, so I don't know all the dirt on cigars. I've got somewhere around 700+ smokes in the house.

I mostly use Famous. They have a great selection and a super auction area.

Check our ASC.com for a really good FAQ.

Good luck.
 
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