bwhite220
Brandon | BotM Jan 2038
One of my favorite things to do is teach people about cigar basics and B&M etiquette. I’m continually amazed at how many people want to smoke cigars but are too afraid to go to a tobacconist and ask questions because they don’t want to look stupid.
About 7 years ago, I decided to try and help and since then, every other week during the Spring and Fall, I invite some guys out to my house who are interested in cigars/pipe tobacco and I begin showing them the basics and answering questions. What I will not do, is give them my opinions on brands or specific cigars. My moto is, try everything. I want them to learn it and experience the hobby for themselves but I’ll guide when they ask. As they become more confident in their pallet, vitolas, cutting/lighting, we meet up at the local B&M and I walk them thru the process and introduce them to the regulars; get them acclimated, if you will. Not everyone continues with the hobby but many have.
One of the guys who has shown a real interest, Charlie, just bought his first box of cigars and he’s stoked! Remember that feeling? Well, Charlie bought some cigars that I personally would never have purchased but they were in his budget and he wanted them for when he goes fishing. Yesterday, he gifted me one of these cigars as a thank you.
It’s more than just “the thought that counts” - it’s more like watching a baby bird take flight. Maybe it’s sappy, but it makes me proud.
So, it’s not a good cigar. I will never buy one of these. But, given the friendship behind it, it’s a damn good stick.
About 7 years ago, I decided to try and help and since then, every other week during the Spring and Fall, I invite some guys out to my house who are interested in cigars/pipe tobacco and I begin showing them the basics and answering questions. What I will not do, is give them my opinions on brands or specific cigars. My moto is, try everything. I want them to learn it and experience the hobby for themselves but I’ll guide when they ask. As they become more confident in their pallet, vitolas, cutting/lighting, we meet up at the local B&M and I walk them thru the process and introduce them to the regulars; get them acclimated, if you will. Not everyone continues with the hobby but many have.
One of the guys who has shown a real interest, Charlie, just bought his first box of cigars and he’s stoked! Remember that feeling? Well, Charlie bought some cigars that I personally would never have purchased but they were in his budget and he wanted them for when he goes fishing. Yesterday, he gifted me one of these cigars as a thank you.
It’s more than just “the thought that counts” - it’s more like watching a baby bird take flight. Maybe it’s sappy, but it makes me proud.
So, it’s not a good cigar. I will never buy one of these. But, given the friendship behind it, it’s a damn good stick.
