So what is everyone smoking?

[fricky]

What is an LFD? I like cigars; however, I don't know the identity of LFD.

[DrinkyBanjo]

What is an LFD? I like cigars; however, I don't know the identity of LFD.

I'm assuming La Flor Dominicana, anyone?

[bigman]

Yes, LFD is La Flor Dominicana

And I personally love their Double Ligero Chiselito or Double Ligero Chisel.

[ggilbertva]

What did you think of that cigar? I've had a couple of different sizes now and have enjoyed them.

Last week I had an LFD Double Pressed. Pretty good smoke with good flavors. Not as strong as a lot of LFD products.

[dhs3]

Enjoyed a Padron Maduro 2000 last night with some Weller Spec. Reserve. The Cigar didn't really seem to impact the flavor of the bourbon for better or worse. On the other hand, the Weller seemed to really bring out the sweetness (Cocoa?) of the stogie. It was a really enjoyable pair I'm planning to try again to see if I get the same impression next time.

Don

[ggilbertva]

Enjoyed a Padron Maduro 2000 last night with some Weller Spec. Reserve. The Cigar didn't really seem to impact the flavor of the bourbon for better or worse. On the other hand, the Weller seemed to really bring out the sweetness (Cocoa?) of the stogie. It was a really enjoyable pair I'm planning to try again to see if I get the same impression next time.

Don

Cocoa, coffee and toasted nuts are my favorite flavors in a cigar. I have yet to have a bad pairing of bourbon and cigar. Some blend better than others but for the most part, it's nice to enjoy both.

[dhs3]

Last Friday I match a padron 2000 Maduro (can you tell I really like this cigar ) with Eagle Rare 10yr. Unfortunately, the pairing didn't go together too well. The cigar taste was deadened by the bourbon, and the bourbon took on a bitter note. I quickly finished the bourbon:drinking:and poured some Weller to finish the cigar with. The Weller seemed to go as well as previously.

[ODaniel]

So the other night I had my first real cigar. I've never smoked cigarettes regularly (I have smoked a handful in my life), but I didn't really like this. Some cigar smoke I like, some I don't. I got a Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real from work free because the foot was split a little bit. It only seemed slightly different than a cigarette. I know they are both tobacco, but I was expecting better flavor and aroma. I know it isn't a top quality cigar, but still. I only smoked like a 1/4 of it. Too damn cold outside. I even had a pour of OFS 100.

So, do you all think I probably just won't like cigars, or do you have a recommendation of something with big flavor and aroma.

Btw, I did everything correctly as far as prepping and smoking.

[fricky]

I would give it another chance before giving up on cigars. You should consider a better environment. It is difficult to enjoy anything let alone a cigar when your nuts are freezing. I realize that smoking in the house is not always an option. Try to find an indoor location. Some cigar stores have smoking lounges. In addition, many will permit you to bring a flask of your favorite adult beverage. Smoking cigars among like-minded friends is enjoyable and can be informative just like drinking bourbon with like-minded friends.

[DrinkyBanjo]

To me the enjoyment of smoking cigars comes from the circumstances and not necessarily the cigar itself. I enjoy cigars most when I'm relaxing and able to basically clear my mind of the other things that might normally occupy it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy quality cigars more than cheaper cigars but the right experience really makes it enjoyable.

I smoke cigars while tailgating too and for me that just isn't as enjoyable as sitting on my back patio with a nice pour on a peaceful sunny day. If you have a nice cigar lounge by you that is also a fine way to enjoy a good smoke.

[dhs3]

I agree that the environment makes a world of difference. I'm fortunate in that I have a heated room off of the garage that vents to the outside, so I can sit back with a good drink and take my time.

I recently had a RyJ Real Reserve and was not that impressed. I agree with the mostly tobacco taste observation. If you want something nutty tasting I would suggest giving the fuente hemingway series a try. For something along the Cocoa flavor line a good maduro type cigar such as Onyx (more mild), or padron (more full) would probably do.

I'm by no means a cigar expert, but these are a couple I've enjoyed. YMMMV.

[ODaniel]

Yea the guy that runs the humidor really likes this one cigar, but I forgot what it was. I told him the same thing. I'm going to try that and see how it is, hopefully when it's not real cold. Weather here is crazy. Did I read that maduros have more flavor and body? Maybe I would like those. I like my big bodied, big flavor beers (Imperial Stouts, 10+% abv, like used motor oil).

[MoeCizlak]

Yea the guy that runs the humidor really likes this one cigar, but I forgot what it was. I told him the same thing. I'm going to try that and see how it is, hopefully when it's not real cold. Weather here is crazy. Did I read that maduros have more flavor and body? Maybe I would like those. I like my big bodied, big flavor beers (Imperial Stouts, 10+% abv, like used motor oil).

Cold weather can really affect a cigar. The wrapper can split and really affect the taste as it throws the blend out of whack. When it gets cold outside, I generally go for a smaller cigar (less time spent outside) or head to a cigar lounge. Maduros can be more flavorful but may also tend to be a little sweeter in taste. If you're looking for fuller body, you might try some sungrown wrappers. Here's a good little article on the different wrappers used and a general taste description for each.

http://blogcritics.org/tastes/article/the-ten-things-to-know-about/

[ODaniel]

Cool, thanks man. I'd like to try another this week while it's decent, before it gets real cold.

[ODaniel]

I had The Edge Maduro last night. Not bad. Much better than the RyJ RR.

[DrinkyBanjo]

I had The Edge Maduro last night. Not bad. Much better than the RyJ RR.

I like all three "Edge" cigars. I get the missle size; a nice, small smoke.

[hossman777]

I haven't posted a lot on here, but this thread is right up my ally.

It's cold outside, but I've got a heated garage with a nice TV and a super comfy chair, so when I get home from work, I'll spend a little time with my family (wife, 2 year old son and 3 month old daughter) after which I'll retreat to the garage for a bit.

I picked up a bottle of Fighting Cock and a small bottle of Evan Williams Black (which I've never tried). I think I'm gonna smoke a Padilla Series 1968 Golden Bear (one AMAZING cigar!!!). I'll taste the Evan Williams Black, and if it's up to snuff, I'll drink it. Otherwise, I'll pour myself a Fighting Cock.

[Joshua]

5 vegas classic with sw old fitz prime.

we have an office humidor, and I'm not a huge cigar guy but grab things to sample out of there. The 5 Vegas isn't GREAT, but always seems dependable and i dont feel bad for smoking the crazy expensive stuff.

Getting leather and a bit of spice, then the old fitz cools it and has a really sweet honey taste. Works togather really well, sets each other off well.

Great way to spend an hour and a half on the back padio

[ODaniel]

I think I'm going to pick up a CAO MX2 at work tomorrow and smoke it some time this weekend. Maybe while I'm brewing my Christmas Stout.

[SippinCharlie]

After visiting the Buffalo Trace & Woodford Reserve distilleries this past Saturday as part of a friend's birthday celebration we sat down around a fire and finished the evening with a cigar.

I had an Ashton VSG Tres Mystique and it was fantastic! I was really impressed! It was a small cigar but had great flavor ... it was strong without being overpowering. I'd definitely recommend it!

Had we not forgotten our Camacho Liberty 2009's at home before setting out for the distilleries we would have smoked those on the banks of the Kentucky River after our tours were finished, but the Ashton by a fire was still a very good finish to the evening.

[mgilbertva]

I came across a couple of nice pairings. A couple weeks ago I had a Benchmade with some early '70s Old Crow and a country paté. I know it sounds random, but I got lucky. I was an astonishingly good combination.

Another interesting mix was McClelland's 2009 Christmas Cheer pipe tobacco with a ND-era, early '80s Old Taylor. Again, this worked really well for some reason. I wouldn't have guessed as the Christmas Cheer has a pronounced lemon and white pepper taste, but the OT was a great compliment.

[ODaniel]

Had an Alec Bradley Tempus the other day. Pretty good.

[smokinjoe]

Had an Alec Bradley Tempus the other day. Pretty good.

[bigman]

I have found the Alec Bradley MAXX line to be fairly pleasing also. The Fix, and Nano sizes are great, and if you have all day the Ego is very good, out of a half box, not a single draw problem, which with the size (9 ¼ X 50) just amazes me.

[SippinCharlie]

I most recently had a AF Hemingway "Work of Art" ... and as with all offerings from the Hemingway line it was a very nice cigar.