Somebody asked what's your favorite cigar store

I have to say first and foremost I am totally new at this cigar phenomenon. A blogger tweeted recently what is your favorite store. I have been to 3 different stores ever and I will say the 1st experience was less than good but not horrible.  My second stop has become my favorite so far, and my third stop will probably never see me again. Let me start and say I have been in the retail business my entire life, I am a  salesperson in the auto industry and have been for 30 years. Before that I was in the furniture business. I started as a 16 year old working for a furniture store  in the warehouse and making deliveries. I worked my way up and When I got out of college I got the opportunity to be a manager. The reason for this little bit of background is I know what it takes to make it in the retail world whether you are selling cars, furniture, and I bet even cigars.

In today's world customer service is king, nothing else matters. Customer service doesn't mean you have to kiss my ass but it does mean you have to listen to me especially if I have a question. To me the best way to help someone is to ask them questions, listen to their answers, and lead them to what they want, or what might be good for them. The reason I won't go back to Cigarz in Wateford  Orlando Fl is instead of listening to me and getting a sense of what I was looking for, the salesperson was rude and belittling. I had originally stopped in because it was close to a Golf course I had just played, and I wanted to get a couple of Boveda packets to put in with the cigars I was shipping to the Aficionado, nothing major, knew what I wanted, and spoke with a little knowledge. When I asked for the Boveda packets the answer was we don't carry those you will have to go to another store. He showed me what he had but they really wouldn't work, so I said thanks. Then Mentioned I was looking for a cigar that was mentioned by the official cigar Aficionado at that point it was as if I must be stupid, "We don't look at that here" as if they were above it. Then he proceeded to take me to a cigar That I already had but these were left over from an event and they were a good deal. I'll bite how much ? Twice as much as I had paid for the same cigar. I said no thanks and was pretty much all set. Now the cigar I was looking for was the Alec Bradley Prensado and have researched it and wanted one to put in my box to try. I hate being treated like an idiot and talked down to. This place was supposed to have a fun friendly atmosphere and since nobody else was shopping there I would think you would cater to a definite buyer I did mention I was shipping cigars across country duh.....I won't be back.

My very 1st experience was in a ritzy section of the Orlando area and this one I won't give up because I was as much to blame as they were. I walk in and walk around in a daze because I don't have a clue. I didn't know what I wanted, what was good, what I should try, but I had money in hand to spend and nobody asked the simple questions needed to help me purchase a cigar instead they did the old stand by. "Can I help you?"" Nope Just looking" and that was about it. How about instead, you are looking for a cigar right? where are you going to be smoking it? are you looking for something mild or maybe something a little more complex? hmmmm I don't know that might have gotten me to part with some of my money instead of walking out empty handed.

My Favorite Store. The Corona Cigar Company in Heathrow Florida. They are close to work, easy to get to from my house about 7 miles away within 20 minutes either way. My first time in I was looking for a cigar but again I was lost, didn't have a clue as to what I wanted. The sales person asked me all the right questions got me to open up and sold me a couple of cigars. Were they great cigars honestly no, they were a house cigar of a mild flavor, but that is what I requested for golf. Because of this sales person taking the time to listen to me and help me part with my money, I have a new obsession. The funny part is now as I look around the store and they have seen  the cigars I now buy, the fillers I need like pillows, Boveda packs for shipping, butane fuel for my lighter, etc. they know I have an inkling as to what I like and suggest different stuff. I will be going back here often just because if the way I was treated by everyone there. It was weird it was like they wanted my money or something. Oh and by the way the AB Prensado is resting nicely in my #1 humidor with all the other 90+ rated cigars.

I will be trying other stores because they unfortunately don't carry everything and I know that would be impossible any way.

I am going to ask the Aficionado to jump in on this one because he has shopped all over the country for cigars and can give some great insight.

The Newbie

An Undercrown relaxing, after golf and a San Lotano Oval morning

I golfed again today with old car guy. I introduced him to the San Lotano Oval  and he loved it, I think I am spoiling him with all these good cigars. I had also given one to another novice smoker and he came in to work and was" wow that A J you gave me was awesome".  After golf, a trip to costco with the wife, and a honey do, I  got to relax with a cigar on the porch. Today's cigar was one of my highly anticipated cigars, the Undercrown by Drew Estates. In humidor #1 I have some of the top cigars available according to all the reports I have read and The Undercrown was one of them. The Undercrown was one of my local store purchases in the very beginning of my cigar Journey and has been resting for a month. I wanted to smoke this one relaxing, and enjoying it, rather than sneaking it in a quiet time at work or while driving. I am glad I waited.

My impressions of the Undercrown. I was so impressed by the smell of this cigar I even had my wife smell it. The chocolate overtones of this cigar were very obvious but not overpowering. The cold draw had a hint of spice and chocolate. In retrospect I think this would have been very good with a cup of coffee. I had my torch and lit the cigar and was immediately hit with a sweet pepper taste, though the pepper did not last long, and that's not a bad thing. The draw was perfect and I was getting lots of smoke.This was especially surprising considering we have consistent wind today and High wind warnings for later tonight.

The Undercrown was a pleasing smoke with lots of smooth flavor. Sweet chocolate and caramel undertones without being like a flavored cigar. The burn was not perfect and I did have to do some repair about halfway in but I will partially blame the wind. The cool burn created an nice gray ash that I eventually knocked off myself so I wouldn't get covered in ash. The second third of this cigar was smooth and relaxing in taste one small hint of mint and the texture  just allowed me to enjoy my afternoon smoke.

As you can see the Undercrown is a beautifully made cigar that is firm but not to firm, a nice ash, a great taste with a dark oily wrapper. The question is would I buy a box of the Undercrown. If I had the room I would definitely buy a box, but for now I still have one resting and will be looking forward to always having some of these waiting for me in my humidors.

I really liked the Undercrown I found it to be a mild to medium cigar even though it has the dark wrapper. I am a Newbie so I might have that wrong but it didn't knock me on my butt. You can see I enjoyed this one to the very end.

Thanks for coming, The Newbie

The aficionado's take on smoking past the band sometimes yes sometimes no

The reason many experienced cigar aficionados do not smoke past the band is that in longer cigars or those with larger ring gauges tars and residue are drawn down the length of the cigar as you smoke it. By the time you have smoked 2/3 of the cigar, the concentration of these can build up to a point that they will begin to ooze into your mouth creating a bitter taste, as well as burning up and tainting the smoke as well. This can ruin a perfectly good cigar experience and the last impression you’re left with is not a good one.

I find it depends on the cigar. If I start to notice the taste changing and becoming unpleasant, then it’s probably time to put it out. If the flavor stays wonderful, or gets better, I’ll smoke until I can’t hold onto it any longer. I have had a few that were so good that I longed for the sort of smoking clips I had in my misspent youth so I could get the very last bit of them.

I also gauge the band as a “finish line” of sorts. As long as I have enough time to get to that point, I won’t worry about putting it out after that. I personally hate letting a cigar go out and trying to relight it later, as I find that will turn the nicest cigar into something truly nasty, imparting a bitter taste to the cigar and even changing the smell on your clothes after. Once I reach the band, I figure I have gotten my money’s worth, and simply don’t worry about it.

Also a side note, NEVER try and save a partially smoked cigar by putting it in a humidor. It will impart that same taste to the rest of your cigars, and will even contaminate your humidor to the point where throwing it out may be the only option. 

The Aficionado 

 

Perdomo Habano my second Perdomo cigar

I left the house today packing a Perdomo Habano  and a Ghurka Ancient warrior. I really like having my traveling Humidor and a couple of cigars available when I might get a free moment. I enjoy my time with my new obsession. Today it was the end of another work day. a few minutes before we are released  to go home. I pulled out my new black case opened it and chose the Perdomo over the Ghurka. This particular smoke came as part of a sampler and I am a little bit leery, because some of the cigars in the samplers are not usually reviewed or don't have lots of information. My torch is still at the house and again I have to light the cigar with a match. I am not very good at this obviously because  again I get half the tip lit and it is starting to tunnel and I  am about to try to repair it when I get paged. I put the Perdomo in a safe spot, go take care of something and when I get back the burn is perfect and straight.

The Perdomo Habano is a good looking cigar with 2 good looking wrappers. I took the one off the foot and took a whiff and it was delicious smelling. I made my cut took a couple of cold draws and just enjoyed the sweet creamy flavors. The draw tasted so good  almost hated to light it. Well after my disastrous lighting and the cigar correcting itself I was enjoying the first third. The flavors were of a caramel, chocolate, buttery sensational hints. The second third then decided to be spicy with bits of pepper sneaking in with the smoothness of the first making for an interesting combination. Unfortunately I ran out of time and didn't get to finish the Habano but the first 2/3's of were a joy to smoke.

I have  had 2 Perdomo's the Lot 23 and the now the Habano. I have enjoyed both and will gladly smoke another one. There has been a bit of buzz lately about the 10th anniversary. I will probably have to try some of these when I make some room in my boxes.

Would I buy a box of the Habano's  no but only because I have so many different cigars to try still but if I had empty spaces and a limited budget I would definitely get some. I have seen the at the auctioneer for under $3 per stick well worth it in my opinion.

The Newbie

The Oliva Serie V robusto after a crazy day at work

It was a crazy busy, run around for hours day at work and my old man body really started to feel it. I got caught up with some paperwork and had a little downtime before it was time to go home. What to do hmmm. I have a travel humidor now that I am keeping a couple of cigars, a cutter, and a box of wooden matches in.

 Today seemed like a good day to try the Oliva Serie V. Problem #1 a very windy evening making it hard to light a cigar with wooden matches, but on the 3rd match I got a good light. Problem #2 once lit I had only gotten 2/3 lit well, but by my fourth or fifth puff the cigar took over and evened out a created it's own perfect burn and all I have to say is amazing.

look at the burn, smooth even line..wow



Now on to my impressions of this cigar. After I cut the cap and gave the the foot a smell and got a nice dark chocolate whiff, I took a cold draw and enjoyed the spices and flavors coming from the the V. Once I got it lit The pepper and spice was immediately present as well as what I would call the leathery flavor. This was a surprise since I hadn't experienced that until much later in most of the smokes I have tried. While the V smoothed out after the initial spice  4 to 5 puffs into the cigar there was always an underlying hint throughout. This was a very interesting smoke with many different flavors and textures all the way to the end.

 The ash was interesting because it was much darker than anything else I have smoked. The draw was perfect with billowing fragrant smoke. I had been doing some reading from other bloggers and one had stated that he doesn't smoke beyond the wrapper. Now I am the Newbie and I don't know as much as most of you out there, but I would have missed some of the best part of this and many of the cigars I have smoked in the first month of my new obsession. It started as a hobby but now I think I am becoming obsessed because I can't wait to try my next cigar. The final third of this cigar was very tasty and I am glad I have 4 more of these hanging around in my humidor. I just got these this week and I can't imagine how nice a little time in the wooden box will even make this better. Let's see would I buy a box of these not yet but a 5 pack for sure.

I really took some time to look at the V what a pretty cigar, the roll was impeccable, with a nice oily look to the wrapper.

The Newbie

the 601 blue label maduro robusto

This was my first 601 of any kind and I chose the blue because of all the things I had read. My first impressions are this is a very nice cigar. The 601 is very nice looking cigar with a dark oily wrapper, and the band design is simple but very good looking.

The cool draw was spicy but not over powering, The 601 lit very easily especially since I didn't have my torch and did it the old fashion way with a wooden match. The first couple of draws had a slight spice or pepper that was not overpowering. The first third of the cigar was enjoyable while I tried to identify all the flavors I was experiencing. the burn was slightly askew but not bad and again I will blame some of that on lighting it with a match instead of the torch.

I felt the draw was a little loose and smoke was billowing out of the cigar, but it was very nice smelling and tasting. About half way into the 601 I tasted a citrus flavor I had never tasted before. I am really enjoying this cigar. when I got into the final third the 601 became very interesting with enough spice to numb the tongue but just the right amount not enough to scare away this newbie. I also started to get some leather like flavors and texture. I am sitting at my desk writing this blog and realizing the 601 has a pretty good kick to it.

Overall I liked the 601 and am glad I have another one to try after it rests while I try out something else. My humidors are packed and even though I sent The Aficionado a good amount of cigars I  still need to make room for the 5 Padron 1964 anniversaries coming. I may have to send him some more just to make room.

The Newbie

Another day of Golf, and a shipment going to the aficonado

Well a long deserved day off started with a round of Golf. Old car guy and I were smoking Churchill Pedomo lot 23's . I gotta tell you these are really nice cigars, especially when you take the cost to flavor ratio. Old Car Guy got to try his first Perdomo. He was very pleasantly surprised and also really enjoyed this cigar. The churchill is nice because it lasts almost half to 2/3 of a round. The Perdomo starts off with a nice pepper beginning and then smooths out to a delicious almost creamy smoke All I can say is give these a try I think you will be glad you did.

The aficionado is going to be getting a shipment of some very tasty cigars.

3 Knuckle draggers by CroMagnon
6 San Lotano ovals in 2 different sizes
3 San Lotano Connecticut.
3 San Lotano maduro
3 San Lotano habano
2 or 3 Perdomo lot 123's
2 Ghurka Ancient Warriors.

The plan is to smoke these and give our evaluations from an expert and a beginner. I don't want to bias his opinions but I have had the opportunity to try several different cigars since starting this adventure and I will admit that right now my favorite by far is the San Lotano Connecticut.

So far the cigars I've tried
CAO OSA SOL lot 50 I enjoyed this cigar but  am letting my other one rest comfortably in it's wooden shelter

The knuckle Dragger I really liked this cigar and am looking forward to smoking another one  alongside the Aficionado
Arturo Fuente hemingway short story this cigar had some interesting flavors but it never smoothed out and allowed me to just relax and enjoy the cigar, every puff had some type of bite, and at this stage of my experience I found it to be too much bite and not enough soothing smoke.
San Lotano Oval I like these very much with the start loaded with pepper and reaches out and grabs you but then smooths out and allows you to taste all the different flavors and textures.
The Perdomo lot 123 I have enjoyed these cigars very much.
Rocky Patel VUDU  not bad but wouldn't go out looking for one
Rock Patel Signature nope, got nothing good to say definitely not my cup of tea, very bitter, bad draw.
Padron 3000 nice smooth tasty morsel
Carlos Torano virtuoso a decent cigar, I enjoyed the cigar but not enough to want more. If you were to hand me one I will gladly smoke it but again I am not going out buying 5 much less a box.
Cain F550 I really liked this cigar it was flavorful and smooth, I also tried the Daytona not quite as good but not bad. I have ordered another 8 pack of the Cain fifty package from FSS but I got 8 Cigars for 22 bucks and am sharing this package with another novice smoker. FSS's cigar auctioneer is addicting but I have really gotten some outrageous deals. Example 5 Padron anniversary 1964 naturals for $34.

I have oodles of cigars to try and smoke. 3 Humidors full. Example yesterday Corona had a special spend $29 get a 5 pack of cigars which included 2 I wanted, So I went all out and got a Lost City Which is already at rest and probably going to stay there a while saving it for a special occasion or maybe a get together with the aficionado and our favorite Football team, next fall they are coming to Jacksonville.

Waiting to be smoked and as a Newbie I am good for about 3-5 cigars a week not a day and that's pushing it.

Four Kicks
Undercrown 
oliva Series v
Oliva Masters blend
Nub 464
perdomo habano
Tatuaje  Reserva
LaFlor Dominicano Colorado Oscuro
Padron 1964 anniversary
601 blue label


And these are just some of the ones I haven't gotten to try yet that are resting nicely @ 72 rh. 


The Newbie