Some people talk to their B&M.
Some people buy only singles or samplers of everything and rarely go back to the same cigar twice.
Some people try to guess based on brand, wrapper, binder, filler, etc. what they might like next.
Some people, once they've found what they like, stick to that and nothing else.
How do you decide what to buy next?
It's regularly suggested (including in u/CigarStudent's Quick Start Guide to Cigars in Australia for Absolute Newbies on this very sub /shamelessplug) that people have some light snacks to the side while enjoying a cigar, both to help counteract potential nic queasiness, and also just because snacks are awesome. Some of us may even be lucky enough periodically to have a cigar with a full meal.
We talk plenty about drink pairings, but what's your go-to food/snack pairing?
There's not a lot of money to be made on cigars (in Australia, anyway - overseas vendors likely have it a lot better). For what many of them do, it's for love of the game, not the margin to be made.
Some vendors go above and beyond with the experience they give you.
Some vendors always have what you want in stock.
Some vendors are just cheap, and we love them for it.
There's lots of scattered posts and comments praising certain vendors if you search, but let's bring it all together and shout out specific vendors (whether Australian or international) that you find outstanding.
I’ve been on a bit of a vintage kick lately and picked up these little guys.
The Cuban cigar industry was nationalised in September 1960 and Cubatabaco formed in 1962 which officially culled most of the pre-revolution export brands (those that hadn’t shut down already for other reasons, anyway). Obviously La Simbombo was one of the casualties, which would make these almost certainly no younger than 1962 and probably pre-1960. Which would also mean they’re pre-US embargo (February 1962).
I’ve seen a couple of different vitolas come up in old auction listings dating back years (it could very well be the same cigars trading hands over a long time), but very little seems to be known about the brand in general.
Interrogating ChatGPT and Claude, based on the logo information, size, and other scraps, they predict it’s likely a hand made cigar using long or mixed filler, in a traditional Cuban format typical of the pre-1950s market (but on the smaller end to modern formats), from a region with excellent tobacco, from a smaller regional brand or workshop, and probably ultimately a respectable “mid tier” everyday cigar rather than something at the high end.
Of course, it’s unlikely I’ll ever know, or at least for the foreseeable future - until I come to power or win the lottery and have something major to celebrate, these will likely remain the collection centrepiece rather than something I would reach for.
The age old question.
Some say bigger is better, waiting for those experiences which you need to take long and slow to make sure you get the most enjoyment out, lest you rush it and hurt yourself. But I'm sure we've all been there where we've had a big stick that, when it came time to perform, fell flat on us.
Others will try to convince you that something more 'average' feels better in the hand and hit all the right places without overstaying its welcome. But there's nothing more frustrating than it being over all too quickly and leaving unsatisfied.
So... is it about the size, or about how you use it?
I got more time this week than I usually get to indulge so I grabbed the opportunities while I had them.
Eastern Standard Cakewalk: ‘twas only OK. I got some sweetness and cream and leather but never enough of anything to make it stand out. I’ve had a few of these now and none have stood out. Based on comments others have had about Caldwell cigars, I think they’re just not for me.
Ashton VSG Eclipse: reminiscent of LADC, but “less”. I think this was the last of my VSG samples and I don’t think I need to go back.
Tatuaje: I got the 2024 Monster Smash sampler and hadn’t liked the first couple I had so they’ve been sitting for a while. The bands are sometimes hard to distinguish, I think this one was “The Face”? Brownie and spice, but not pepper. Unfortunately a sour note cropped up occasionally - I think I’ve had that with all my Tatuajes, maybe I need to play with the humidity? - but I enjoyed it enough to nub it and didn’t regret it. Hopefully an extra long rest means the others have turned around as well.
Curivari Gloria de Leon: Good Curivari flavours but a bit strong for my taste. I still prefer the Cafe Noir.
Not pictured: Oscar Leaf Connecticut. A reliable standby for me. Won’t usually blow my socks off but one I know I can go to and appreciate when I just want something.