For any of us who have ever had a "dog turd" in our mouths, we know what we don't like while smoking a cigar. We also have a pretty good concept of an "average" and also a "good" smoking experience. But what are the traits of those cigars we label as "premium," the best of the best? Perhaps for some, it is as simple as the price for a single stick or maybe the brand name or some subtle signal that comes through the ash development or the way it looks in the hand.
Please list as few or as many warranted traits that you find common to what you deem to be a premium cigar, with a brief explanation of each trait. I look forward to reading your thoughts. The ones I came up with while smoking my latest cigar, are listed below. Thanks for participating.
> Consistency - knowing that the same vitola of the same brand of cigar will yield pretty much the same pleasurable experience as the first one I smoked. This indicates to me that the manufacturer has paid attention to all the many details along the growing/purchasing/storing/rolling processes, in order to insure that cigar does not stray from its conceptual roots.
> Finish - for me to leave a stub of 2 inches or longer in the ash tray, there was something not quite right with that cigar. I am truly convinced that within its final 2 inches, the true personality of a cigar is manifested. The best comes last when the correct blends of filler, binder and wrapper are merged together. There is a reason the term "finger burner" is a positive one.
> Ease of smoking - I smoke to relax and let my mind soar about, free from the constraints of responsibilities. I do not smoke to involve myself in tasks of constant attention to relighting, correcting errant burn issues or having to suck until my cheeks ache just to get a good mouthful of smoke.
> Variety of aromas - I have had some excellent cigars that were "one trick ponies." That is to say the same aromas from cut, shoulder and foot, no matter how appealing, manifested themselves for the entire length of the cigar. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, premium cigars have an evolving quality that takes place as the length of the stick is shortened and the accumulation of tar combining with filler and binder tobacco produces changes, subtle or otherwise, expressed through the wrapper. This kind of diverse aromatic smoking experience seems to be most exciting for reasons of anticipation and exploration.
If a cigar provides those four traits, no matter if it cost 85 cents, to me it is a premium cigar!
Please list as few or as many warranted traits that you find common to what you deem to be a premium cigar, with a brief explanation of each trait. I look forward to reading your thoughts. The ones I came up with while smoking my latest cigar, are listed below. Thanks for participating.
> Consistency - knowing that the same vitola of the same brand of cigar will yield pretty much the same pleasurable experience as the first one I smoked. This indicates to me that the manufacturer has paid attention to all the many details along the growing/purchasing/storing/rolling processes, in order to insure that cigar does not stray from its conceptual roots.
> Finish - for me to leave a stub of 2 inches or longer in the ash tray, there was something not quite right with that cigar. I am truly convinced that within its final 2 inches, the true personality of a cigar is manifested. The best comes last when the correct blends of filler, binder and wrapper are merged together. There is a reason the term "finger burner" is a positive one.
> Ease of smoking - I smoke to relax and let my mind soar about, free from the constraints of responsibilities. I do not smoke to involve myself in tasks of constant attention to relighting, correcting errant burn issues or having to suck until my cheeks ache just to get a good mouthful of smoke.
> Variety of aromas - I have had some excellent cigars that were "one trick ponies." That is to say the same aromas from cut, shoulder and foot, no matter how appealing, manifested themselves for the entire length of the cigar. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, premium cigars have an evolving quality that takes place as the length of the stick is shortened and the accumulation of tar combining with filler and binder tobacco produces changes, subtle or otherwise, expressed through the wrapper. This kind of diverse aromatic smoking experience seems to be most exciting for reasons of anticipation and exploration.
If a cigar provides those four traits, no matter if it cost 85 cents, to me it is a premium cigar!
