Cigars/The "Right Cigar"
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Question
Hello, I finding myself becoming fond of cigars.
Since I am a beginner, I want to know what is a good cigar or the "right cigar" to start out with? a mellow tasting cigar to be exact.
Hi Fredrick,
For a beginner, the best type of cigar you should start out with is a mild to medium-bodied cigar. By starting out with light cigars, you can build your cigar palate more easily and slowly work your way up to the stronger, full-bodied cigars.
Some great mild-to-medium cigars that I recommend are Padron 2000/3000, Arturo Fuente Curly Heads, Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur 1066 and Avo Domaine Maduros. These are all excellent mild to medium cigars that are light enough for beginners but doesn't compromise on flavour.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask.
Regards,
James
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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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