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| Well, I don't know what experience I am looking for with a cigar ? I have only had the bottom of the barrel ones. Suggestions I guess, what and where to buy etc. Thanks |
Sure you do. How do you like your coffee? How do you like your steak cooked?
The idea is that (in my opinion anyway) certain styles or brands of cigars have unique offerings, so you can pick according to your preferences.
Generally speaking, darker cigars will give you more flavor and robustness, while lighter cigars offer a more neutral, easy flavor that doesn't leave a strong aftertaste in your mouth.
Add to that the country in which the filler, binder, and wrapper are grown and then each roller's technique and you have an extremely complex matrix of choices.
Just like the wine crowd, with cigars there are true aficionados and then there's "snobs". This is what makes it so difficult to recommend that you just go "find someone who smokes cigars and ask them for a sample of what they have". Some guys are brand loyal and basically follow the idea that "you get what you pay for", which I believe is really just a form of restraint that'll limit your experience greatly. I guess if you're happy paying premium prices for Cohibas, then have it your way..
Look in your phonebook for a local cigar shop, go in and browse. You really shouldn't look at price because I've had some great cigars that only cost $1.50 and I've paid $12 for what was essentially a roll of hubbub. If you find one that looks interesting, pick it up and gently squeeze it to see that it is nice and firm. It shouldn't give away or feel mushy. You can also look into the cut end and check if the roll quality is tight and even in color. In my opinion, it's pointless to smell a cigar to try to derive any idea of quality or grade because they all pretty much smell the same. Fermented tobacco leaves will smell like fermented tobacco leaves regardless of the continent it came from or from the fancy label on it.
Just give it a shot and let us know what you find out.
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