rpe
09-17-2007, 04:58 PM
Let me begin by saying that I've only been a serious cigar smoker for about three years and that my palate can distinguish between "good" and "bad" but cannot identify particular flavors. I normally smoke Punch Gran Puro, Hoyo de Monterey double corona maduros, and a variety of Rocky Patel's. I have had a few cigars that many consider "decent" like Diamond Crown and Cohiba Black and even had a few CCs.
I'm pretty convinced that the environment you are in while smoking a cigar has an influence on its enjoyment. Standing outside when it's 30 degrees in a stiff wind because you aren't allowed to smoke in the house or sitting on the patio in 104 degree heat are not condusive to enjoying a cigar in my opinion.
On this occasion (last week), I was vacationing in Michigan and enjoying an outdoor concert by some local musicians, being waited on by a bar staff in perfect Michigan fall weather (low humidity, no mosquitos, 75 degrees) just after dark.
I bought the Hemingway Classic at a B&M in Mesa, AZ and was waiting for the right opportunity to enjoy it. The smell of the cigar before I lit it was very different from the smell I am familiar with for 90% of the cigars I smoke (ok, I admit that Punch and HyM probably aren't going to be high on anyone's list but that's what I like and that's what I'm used to). The smell was very pleasant, not at all that "barnyard" smell often associated with cigars. I ensured it was properly lit, first toasting it with the lighter then finally puffing it into a fireball. The cigar burned perfectly all the way, never needing a touchup or correction. I don't know how it is categorized but to me it was mild-medium, certainly not full (like a RP Edge). While I can't distinguish the particular flavors, I could certainly tell that they were there, whatever they were. The flavors were consistent through the entire cigar. I smoked that baby down to the nub and wished it would have lasted forever. It was the best cigar experience I've ever had. It was far and away more enjoyable than any other cigar I've smoked.
As you can tell by now, I'm no expert but I loved that Hemingway Classic. I wish I could afford to make them my "go to" cigar but at over $150 a box I just can't. I'll just have to buy an occasional single and savor it when the time is right.
I'm pretty convinced that the environment you are in while smoking a cigar has an influence on its enjoyment. Standing outside when it's 30 degrees in a stiff wind because you aren't allowed to smoke in the house or sitting on the patio in 104 degree heat are not condusive to enjoying a cigar in my opinion.
On this occasion (last week), I was vacationing in Michigan and enjoying an outdoor concert by some local musicians, being waited on by a bar staff in perfect Michigan fall weather (low humidity, no mosquitos, 75 degrees) just after dark.
I bought the Hemingway Classic at a B&M in Mesa, AZ and was waiting for the right opportunity to enjoy it. The smell of the cigar before I lit it was very different from the smell I am familiar with for 90% of the cigars I smoke (ok, I admit that Punch and HyM probably aren't going to be high on anyone's list but that's what I like and that's what I'm used to). The smell was very pleasant, not at all that "barnyard" smell often associated with cigars. I ensured it was properly lit, first toasting it with the lighter then finally puffing it into a fireball. The cigar burned perfectly all the way, never needing a touchup or correction. I don't know how it is categorized but to me it was mild-medium, certainly not full (like a RP Edge). While I can't distinguish the particular flavors, I could certainly tell that they were there, whatever they were. The flavors were consistent through the entire cigar. I smoked that baby down to the nub and wished it would have lasted forever. It was the best cigar experience I've ever had. It was far and away more enjoyable than any other cigar I've smoked.
As you can tell by now, I'm no expert but I loved that Hemingway Classic. I wish I could afford to make them my "go to" cigar but at over $150 a box I just can't. I'll just have to buy an occasional single and savor it when the time is right.