Ah ha! My continuing education continues!

Smoking is bad for you. Articles professing the glamor of it are detrimental to the nation's health because they entice young people to try it and reenforce the practice amongst current smokers.

Wizard, you're absolutely right. But then, so is drinking. Do you do that? How about drugs? Ever do that? The point is that it's a concious choice you make. CIGAR smoking, unlike cigarettes, is a social endeavor and typically done infrequently. Likened to drinking wine or a fine scotch, in most peoples minds.

In earlier chapters, I noted that the decision to pursue the cigar lifestyle is one you've probably already made, or the column won't be much interest to you. I applaud your decision and stand by your right to exercise the freedom of speech we sometimes take for granted!

Quite well put, Michael.I think people with constructive comments that follows the thread make sense, but sanctimonious hypocritical naysayers who just want to protest the subject, whatever it is, should be ignored or banned. Not because readers object to free speech, just to boring, non-constructive dialog. Wizard, if you have something to contribute to the thread, feel free. If all you want to do is say that it is "bad", go write on bathroom walls.

TJ

Thanks TJ. Maybe I can clarify for Wizard.

You're certainly free to comment. However, doing so on this or most other blogs carries some responsibilities. First, comments need to be clean and respectful of others. And they need to be relevant to the post and thread of other comments.

For example, the subject in this case is how cigars are made. It's primarily directed at, and of interest to, cigar smokers and those interested in cigars. Comments, therefore, should be so related. Interjecting a generalization about the ills of smoking fails the test; it isn't related to cigar manufacturing, it doesn't add anything constructive or interesting to the discussion, and it's considered bad form.

You're free to express your non-smoking beliefs in a forum where the health related issues of cigar smoking are the subject of discourse. If I post about that subject, I'll welcome your contribution. Meanwhile, please keep comments on point, okay?

Doug

No problem with being out of order. I print them, so I just slip it into the binder where it belongs. Very nice series.

When I was in Cuba many years ago, we went to the cigar factory in Havana and bought some of Fidel's favorite cigars. Too big and strong for me though. I preferred the Monticristos. It was a nice trip and I hope to do it again before I'm too old.

Thanks for the nice articles. You should write a book on the subject.

I've just gotten interested in cigars so I am a newby. I tried some 5 Vegas Golds which were recommended by the cigar store. I liked them pretty much, they were mild and yet seemed to have a nice flavor. Now I'd like to try something else. Before I go to the store, do you have any suggestions as to what might make a good move up? And where to get them online would be nice in case my store doesn't have them.

Thanks. I just recently found your site and am still reading the past articles. Any direction would be helpful. Everyone seems to answer with the question "What do you like?" I don't know yet, so I would say just suggest something you might like if you liked the 5 Vegas Golds.

I'm also new and bought a box of Fonseca Vintage. Milder cigar but a very enjoyable smoke. I have smoked the 5 Vegas Golds and if you liked them I think you will like the Fonsecas.

"If I had taken my doctor's advice and quit smoking when he advised me to,
I wouldn't have lived to go to his funeral."
-George Burns, age 98

5 Vegas ( or properly, Cinco Vegas) are great cigars with a strong Nicaraguan influence. The Vegas Golds are the milder of the brand. I have an affinity for the Vegas A series, made with a Brazilian Maduro wrapper. A bit stronger, you may find it has enough "body" to it without being overwhelming. I also suggest the Gurkha Symphony, Baccarat, Romeo y Julieta and many of the CAO brands such as CAO Gold. Remember that the lighter wrappers, signifying shade grown tobacco, will tend to be more mild than their sun grown bretheren.

Ricky, what you'll find is that your palate will change as you get more involved in cigars. I might recommend you try buying a sampler from www.thompsonscigars.com or www.cigarsinternational.com, so you have the chance to test different blends and styles till you find the ones you really enjoy. Then, get a good humidor so you can store them properly and go from there. There's some articles both past and upcoming on that.
Welcome, Brother of the Leaf! I wish you great enjoyment!

Thank you!

Ricardo