I did not come into the fad like some of the other guys around. With most things that are 'cool' or 'in' I tend to shy away from. I remember smoking Swisher Sweets when I was in high school. Those wood tipped things make me laugh now. I am unsure why I started to smoke them, but pretty sure it was a guy thing. When I spent my time in Europe for the year I would, at times, act the international and have a cigarette. Now that I know was more the Canadian influence. Look for the black and white photos on my FB account. It was probably the worst thing for us to do at that time, and in that place. The building that we lived in was around 100 years old, and insulated with saw dust. My bet is in around 5 minutes that building would be just ash.
During my college years my taste for cigars grew and my preference changed as well.
I didn't know much so I just went for price, and at times because of just the name. I remember working for a, horrible, graphic design company where an employee was an airline pilot. He would bring in boxes of Cuban cigars in his pilot bag. That is where I got to experience my first, and probably only Cuban Cohiba that would have cost me $25 for just the one. It was heaven, and I would have gladly had another and yes I did get two of them. I can remember smoking it at a friends house. It started to rain during my smoke and everybody went inside. I stood in the garage for another 30-40 minutes. I wouldn't let anything get in the way of that cigar. Being older, and even then, I would never spend that type of money on a cigar or buy one just for the name. During the early years of my sister's marriage my brother in law introduced me to - well may things, here it was Backwoods Cigars. I still chuckle because I wasn't sure what end you were to put in your mouth. I have had those on a number of occasions, mainly out of the public eye and in the woods some place. What can I say the guy is straight up Chicago Blue Collar, nothing wrong with that.
A handful of years ago a friend got me onto the Rockey Patel brand and I have never been happier. Well, he then went on to rep the line and handed out about $300-$400 worth of cigars. That was a good summer. I would hand them out at the card games. Remember the first one is always free. Since that time I have had friends buy them for me, and this past summer I bought my first box for a fishing trip. It is sad to see the prices keep going up because of the newer taxes, and laws. There was a Cuban restaurant downtown that I liked going to because it was a cigar bar...man that place went out of business quickly after the new laws were in place.
Here is a list of terms and names, in regards to length/ring gauge.
I could tell you many reasons for why I enjoy a good smoke. There are times when I want to smoke alone, with friends and if there is a card game going on. In the summer time when I go and speak with my father I will usually bring a cigar. It helps me sit and relax, to spend time sitting there and taking in the surroundings. Having a cigar takes my mind off of the things that are stressing me, and I focus on the smoke. I realize this sounds odd to some of you. It can free my mind to look at things differently, slow down and relax. Well, it might not just be the cigar. It could also be the Sinatra or the Jameson - both topics we will get into at a later time.
I enjoy going to The Golden Leaf in Uptown. Guys sitting around talking about the days activities, and a couple big screen televisions. You do tend to smell when you walk out of the place. The funny thing at times is the reaction you get from other guys when you have a tasty smoke. It is kind of like a new beer, at times you can pass it around for a taste. As long as the tip is not wet, because that is just gross!!
Try these sites for options and deals for the cigar person in your life:
JRCigars
or Cigar.com
There are great deals to be had, and at times free stuff. Enjoy a smoke with someone you love........
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