My mouth is watering.

 

With some coaching by others, including a Welshman who refuses to yield, I've been in training for the cigars. Unlike vodka, evidence is that some flavored cigars are approved by afficianos. I've been enjoying some made by Cojimar (Dominicans). So far I've enjoyed the vanilla and oranges. Unfortunately my dog only allows me to smoke on one of the balonies and both have a layer of 6-8 inches of snow right now. But thanks to all for tips and I am ready for our cigar orgy.

Hey, cigar talk or not, why are we letting this thread slide. A puff to The Dragon in May!

 

I too have been in training.

Usually its with Fuente double chateau or the Reserve Classics ... once in a while a Rothchild. Hmm good stuff

 

 

 

Good scotch, good cigars, good people, good time and then Chow passes out. Nice emoticon, Chow.

 

I aim to please.

Blame Clover

 

I don't think Clover had one thing to do with MY post.

 

...hmmmm... since the wifey won't let me smoke in the house (not sure I'd want to anyhow), the humidor gets a little neglected over the cold winter months. And the current stock is not of noteworthy content, but JR Cigars' "Alternatives" (currently Sancho Panza knockoffs). They aren't quite as smooth as the real thing, but a good $ value! I'll have to get something nice by May to bring along.

Oh, and as for the Scotch... Well, I have only recently begun enjoying this. I have noticed quickly that you need deep pockets to imbibe of the the really good ones! In my short experience, there is no question that you get what you pay for in this arena!

 

I was a heavy smoker for 27 years, quit finally 10 years ago almost to the day. So, I won't be smokin' cigars but if someone blows a little smoke my way I won't complain.

My beer of choice at the moment is Lienenkugels Creamy Dark Lager. Havin' one right now and its tasty.

 

You misunderstood, sndwave. Chowsie is my apprentice in the smilie department...that is what he means when he uses the "blame Clover!" smilie.

I am honored to be "blamed" by such a bright student of smilie usage. No worries, sweetie.

 

I recently tried (and enjoyed) Lienenkugels.

I smoked cigarrettes for a couple of years (was up to 2 packs/day for a while). I quit about 8 years ago, but still enjoy occasional cigars.... and every so often I'll have a cigarette. The last one I remember having was probably over 2 years ago when Camel released the flavored ones around the holidays. The smell of them just got the better of my curiosity and I had to try one (I had been a Camel smoker)! As expensive as they have gotten (not to mention the health issues), I'm glad that is a habit I did away with!

 

I smoked for about 14 years, quitting about 25+ years ago. Then on my first roadtrip to the Dragon, every MINI pal I visited smoked! So I started smoking again for about a year and a half. I got tired of it and now I only smoke when I go to the Dragon or around a couple of my smoking MINI pals.

To me, though, cigars are a totally different matter. I don't find them habit-forming. I can smoke a couple every 4-6 months, enjoy them, and then not miss them. It is the total camaraderie of sharing good liquor and a fine cigar that I really love! That is a wonderfully social event...to have drinks and smokes together.

I love the elegant cigars that welshmenwillnotyield has gifted me with, as well as the nice assortment of petite (mini!) flavored cigars that are carried in many fine cigar shops. It's a very civilized thing and enjoyable thing, this cigar salon stuff...

 

I, for one, don't doubt it a bit Clo, but...I'm Randy and I'm a nicotine addict. Two and a half packs a day at minimum for 27 years and I enjoyed the heck out of it right up until I quit. Even after 10 years I heard that little voice again a couple weeks ago telling me I could handle one cigarette now, and before I could dash that thought it quickly morphed into or maybe just one once in a while. The little b**tard is always just below the surface.

 

I know what you mean, but for some reason, I can smoke occasionally and walk away from it...with no cravings. Once in a while, if I am at a wedding reception or party and someone is smoking, I will bum one and enjoy the heck out of it.

 

Yep, Clo. I agree on both counts!

I'd say a cigar is typically twice as good when had with a fine drink, and three times as good when had with a drink and good company!

As for the ciggies, certain rare situations just make me want one. It usually involves a drink or two as well, but not always. And after it's done, I'm done.

 

When I was in Puerto Rico, I smoked a cigar on the beach everynight. By night I mean, early morning around 5 or 6! We would do stuff for class during the day and then at night we would go salsa dancing, then head over to a club and then go to an afterhours place then we would make our way back to the hotel and all the drunk students would pass out and I would grab my notebook and a cigar and sit on the beach and write as the sun came up!

 

man, I don't smoke cigars, drink, or listen to bluegrass music. Am I gonna be able to hang out with you guys?

 

Of course, Madam President ...

 

An I am please to be

THE APPRENTICE

I been learning from THE MASTER OF SMILEY LAND!

hmm, I might just add that to my LONG sig.

 

I have no evidence other than anecdotal, but I suspect there's lots of variability among people about how fast Lady Nicotine hooks them. Even before facts came out about the health risks, I dispised the smell due to chainsmoking parents. Despite that I've been able to smoke a few at those special occasions over the years and walk away.

The closest to hooked I've been has been a number of times with pipes. Because of what I do and who I am, I never felt right smoking them in public (too stupid and pretentious looking). But most Winters I get way into it at home, then I catch a cold and quite, then have no urge to start again later.

Though cigars are new for me, it seems even less a risk of addiction than pipes. It's more akin to a good red wine. I don't crave it daily but enjoy it when I do.

My guess is cigarettes are easily the most addictive (and dangerous) since the smoke is inhaled. Oh well, I'll say it even if I don't live it:

Moderation in all things (including moderators )

 

I dont think cigars are addictive because, unless your an ex-cigarette smoker, nobody in their right mind actually takes the smoke into their lungs.

Unfortunately, ex-cigarette smokers do think they arent smoking but it far more smoke in one decent cigar than a cig.

I've smoked cigars here and there for years... stopped cold for six months through the spring summer, restarted recently. Not a single craving and much cheaper on the budget. Only restarted because ... they are GOOD!

 

Given what you say, Chow, and my affinity for Ran48 I make this vow:

If I see him enhaling a cigar at The Dragon I'm...well....let's see...I'm tellin'.

More seriously, probably a good point about ex-cigarette smokers and cigars.

 

wow... just read the whole thread (forgot id posted lol)...

and Chrisnl- I will see if I can bring up some Dublin Dr. Pepper for you.... I can think of something I'd like from Boston tho.... Can you bring me the Red Sox? hehehe im kidding. I KNOW you cannot fit them in your MINI... (or can you)

 

Maybe you can get Manny? He aint happy