Any cigar smokers?

[Kyle]

My dad has been getting into cigar smoking lately, so I went down to a local cigar shop and picked him up a few cigars for Father's Day. Now I don't know how to store them until Sunday. If I put them in his humidor, he'll see them. Whats the best way to keep these things fresh for the next couple days? I spent a little over $60 on four cigars, so I'd hate for these things to dry out.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for good cigars? He's still trying to figure out what he likes, so he's pretty much open to anything. I know he's been buying a lot of $5-10 cigars that he can use to fill up his humidor and smoke whenever he feels like it without breaking the bank (he's buying fairly common brands, as far as I know, Gurkha, Graycliff, etc.). I'd like to get him a couple more moderately priced cigars ($10-25) that are a little less common that he may not have tried yet. Any advice?

[back alley]

put them in a tupperware container with a peice of bread or potato or apple, should be fine for a few days.
i'm now an ex cigar smoker and despite having access to real cuban cigars my favs were mostly from the dominican republic.

joe

[dovi]

Padron Cigars are often less than 10, and are usually reccommended as being better than some higher priced cigars

[Tuna]

I just enjoyed a Perdomo - I would suggest the "Champagne" at around $8-10. Also, you really can't lose with a selection of $5-10 Arturo Fuente cigars (especially the torpedo style) - my staple.

[daaris]

My favorites are Punch Champions, and Avo Domanie.

[Trius]

If you have (or can get) Lock-n-Lock containers, they're even better than Tupperware, though for short term any sealable container with bread or a slice of apple will do.

I'm a fan of Upman (sp) Cubans, but obviously Cohibas (when I can bum one off a friend!) are great too.

Thanks for this thread ... I haven't smoked a cigar in a LONG time ... we're having a little garden party (food and good wine) Saturday night. Tomorrow I have an eye doc appointment that is not far from a good smoke shop, so I'll have to drop in and pick up something that can top off the evening for me.

[St.Ephen]

Friend in NY swears by Philipino cigars. He has them made for him whenever he goes home. I tried one and was greatly impressed. But by no means am i an expert.

[Todd.Hanz]

I smoke a couple a week, various brands, Rocky Patels and Cohibas are stellar but pricey as of late. I found a guy who rolls up some locally and really enjoy the copius amount of smoke his produce. I bought some huge 60 ring from him, they were like an all day sucker

BTW, that's a great gift for your dad, I wouldn't worry too much about storing them for that short period.

Todd

[Scarpia]

Used to smoke them but had to give them up after my thyrodectomy. I sure miss them , though.
Kurt M.

[jairy hunter]

Macanudos are on the milder side and flavorful; they offer a nice entre into cigars. "New" cigar smokers should try a few just because you'll often hear them used as a benchmark of mild, moderate ("like a Mac") and quality build.

Plus many are in tubos so they will keep for a couple days to a week with no problem.

Partagas are another popular mild-moderate brand.

[Kyle]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. The Macanudos sound promising, as do some of the other brands mentioned.

[BJ Bignell]

My former tobacconist suggested a poor-man's humidor: put the cigars in a ziploc freezer bag, remove the air, and seal it. Put this ziploc bag inside another, along with a folded, slightly dampened paper towel. Remove the air, and seal it. Replace the paper towel every week or two. Works for short- or long-term storage.

[kully]

Cigars are super expensive here in the UK, but I always try and bring back a box of Romeo and Julieta No. 3 when I go to Spain.

Cheers for the tips so far, there is so much choice but so little advice to go with it


EDIT: Is it true that cuban cigars are illegal in the US?

[John Robertson]

I gave up smoking a while ago, but still enjoy the occasional cigarillo, my family says that the smell of stale cigar smoke is hugely better than stale cigarette smoke!! The sad thing is that I really enjoy the cigar after a meal with a brandy or whisky, but not allowed in public spaces in Scotland now, this place is fast becoming a police state, if the SNP (Scottish Nose Pickers) have anything to do with it.!!

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by John Robertson

I gave up smoking a while ago, but still enjoy the occasional cigarillo, my family says that the smell of stale cigar smoke is hugely better than stale cigarette smoke!! The sad thing is that I really enjoy the cigar after a meal with a brandy or whisky, but not allowed in public spaces in Scotland now, this place is fast becoming a police state, if the SNP (Scottish Nose Pickers) have anything to do with it.!!

I think your being terribly unfair to the BNP there dear chap, they’re the best chance I can see of bringing about independence

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Whisper

Kully,

Yes real Cuban cigars are illegal in the US.

That’s why the duty-free in Dublin airport is so well stocked

Post deleted by posters request

[Trius]

Kully: And the trade in Cuban cigars in Canadian border cities and other destinations for US travellers is also quite brisk.

[Socke]

I too prefer domenican cigars over cuban, with the exepticon of Romeo y Julieta. My favourite is Santa Damiana closely followed by Leon Jimenez.

And then we have our "local" cigars made from a blend of Java, Brazil and Havana Tobaccos. Try to find some "Bremer Senator" cigars!

[John Robertson]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

I think your being terribly unfair to the BNP there dear chap, they’re the best chance I can see of bringing about independence

BNP???????? who said anything about them?? re read
the post

[CorreCaminos]

All the above recommendations are very good but I usually end up with somewhat pricier cigars (in the $10-15 range) as I'm a firm believer in Zino Davidoff's maxim "smoke less, smoke better".

Avos are my base cigars as they're always well made, draw very well, and are flavorful. Any of the special editions are fantastic.

I like the Davidoffs Millenium blend.

I like the Ahston VSG (Virgina Sun Growns) as well. Tatuajes have been getting good reviews and my wife loves them.

Miami-made Gloria Cubanas are very good; the Dominican-made ones not so much.

I've never found a Padron I liked, not even the 1964 series. I haven't tried the 1929 (right year?) series yet.

But for the ultimate cigar smoke, try some cubans. They alone are worth my yearly trip to the Central Mexico highlands :->

[steve garza]

Can't go wrong w/ Romeo y Julieta or Hoyo de Monterey (especially the Excalibur).

[Kyle]

I've heard that lots of Cubans are counterfeits, how do you know if you're getting the real deal?

[CorreCaminos]

Originally Posted by Kyle

I've heard that lots of Cubans are counterfeits, how do you know if you're getting the real deal?

Just about any cuban cigar sold in the US will be either fake or follow a rather loose interpretation of the verb "to be". Some places do sell Cubans but you'll never see them displayed and you have to know the owner very well to get to see them.

When you have a real (hand-made) Cuban cigar you'll know. There'll be no doubt in your mind that you had the real thing.

Note that there are other Cuban cigars sold that are machine made and are NO GOOD; it's like comparing McCallan scotch and Johnnie Walker.

[thomasw_]

http://ordercubancigars.com/index.htm

Old Morris is a great place to visit or order from online. I buy all of my pipe tobacco from them, which I prefer to puff over a cigar. As far as cigars go, the Romeo y Julieta Churchill is the one for me. I smoke a cigar at Christmas and Pascha, so my preference is conditioned for that cuban with very limited experience. It lasts a looooong time and is cool and mild all the way through.