Cigars/Choosing a good cigar
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Question
James I am guessing this may be to a large degree governed by personal taste, however I have recently started enjoying the gentle art of cigar smoking but I am bewildered when seeing the massive range available. I have access to a large range of Cubans and would appreciate some recommendations from you.
regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart,
While flavour and taste is subjective, cigar strength is usually the same (and easily discernible) within each brand. If you're just starting out with cigars, it's best that you start out with mild to medium-bodied cigars first. Once you're used to the strength of these cigars, you can move up and try full-bodied cigars.
Here is a list of major Cuban brands and the strength category they usually fall in:
(The brands with an * is my recommendation.)
Mild-bodied:
Guantanamera
El Rey du Mundo*
Saint Luis Rey*
Vegueros
Jose Piedra
Medium-bodied:
Romeo y Julieta* (mild to med.)
H. Upmann (mild to med.)
Hoyo de Monterrey*
San Cristobal de La Habana*
Vegas Robaina*
Trinidad
Juan Lopez
Punch*
Full-bodied:
Cohiba* (med. to full)
Cuaba* (med. to full)
Partagas*
Montecristo*
Ramon Allones*
I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.
Regards,
James
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | The response was prompt and very clear. Thanks you regards Stuart | ||
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James Yee
Expertise
My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".
Experience
I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.
Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)
Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto
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