Cigars

I just got done smoking a really nice cigar from Hondorus (cubans are illegal in the states) a Flor De Copan to be exact. However i was wondering if there are any other more experienced cigar smokers on this forum. What is the best cigar you have ever smoked? what little rituals do you have before smoking your cigar? Where do you prefer you cigar from (what country)? Do you like the smaller cigars or the big ones? I am very interested to learn more!

Sorry old mate, I have enjoyed quite a few cigars in my time, but in no way would I count myself an expert.

For what it's worth, the best one I've smoked is a cuban (can't remember what style, but he was a big puppy). And as far as rituals go: a quiet bar, with lounge chairs ('cigar' lounges are taylor made bars for this purpose), with some good friends, sipping some good scotch whiskey (or cognac, or whatever takes your fancy) and toking on a nice big cigar. I'm feeling quite relaxed and mellow just thinking about it! The blue smoke surrounds you, the taste of the whiskey and the cigar take turns on the pallet, and you can solve all the worlds problems at a time like that.

Perhaps all I would add is some Pink Floyd. Meddle , or Dark Side, or Wish You Were Here would do quite nicely.

Enjoy!

Well then, you seem to be my senior so I will ask you this, I cannot stomach the task of Whiskey or Scotch, how is it people drink that straight or on the rocks (does it really make a diference with the rocks) is there any easy drinking whisky or scotch or is that just for wuss's? I have always been a beer guy, however I have figured out that I will look like David Gilmour if I drink beer (the dark stuff that is, cause the light stuff sucks).

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Yippee you can't see me but I can you . . .

And you'll end up looking like Keith Richards or Bob Dylan on the HARD stuff.

With scotch, make sure that it is a single cask scotch and not a blend as they are usually mixed with grain alcohol, giving it terrible flavor. Unfortunately single casks are quite expensive, at least here in the States. Also scotch should not be served straight but with just a bit of water to help dull the alcohol "burning" sensation and allow you to actually taste it.

Philestine

Yeah I guess Not Now John's idea is the wuss's way of drinking scotch, but like Fixxy said, it's not for the puritans.

If you don't like scotch, you don't like scotch. There's nothing you can do unless you drink it until you like it. The best is, funnily enough, Scottish Whiskey. Just cannot be beat (and that's a big call by someone born in Ireland). It's best on the rocks...don't know why.

BoaB...and you'll look like Syd Barrett if you use the "other" stuff.

Driven,

Hell yeah! If I were to have acid in my coffee every morning, and slipped in other drinks at other times.

Unlike, Syd, fortunately, I haven't got any "friends" who'd do that to (for?) me.

It's not the wuss's way, it is the proper way, don't mean to get on your shit, but their actually is flavor in Scotch, and that's the best way to taste it.

By the way, all Scotch is Scottish whiskey, that's how it got its name. If it ain't from Scotland it can't be called scotch.

Sorry, but it's true.

Very interesting, I did not know that scotch actually had flavor, it just always burned, i guess it is something that takes getting used to eh

Well that was a rather patronising little post NNJ. I'm well aware it has flavour, and that scotch is Socttish, I'm sure you knew what I was talking about.

Dunno who died and left you in charge of proclaiming the 'proper' way to drink something, but I can safely say I've never seen people putting water in their WHISKEY (and I've consumed large quantities in both Scotland and Ireland). Fixxy's comment suggests he agrees.

NNJ are you a fan of Philadelphia sports teams, Pittsburg or you don't care, I personally am A philly fan . . .:grin:

OK, I take back the "proper" it was a knee jerk reaction to reading the term "wuss's way" when it is an acceptable, and actually better way of drinking (IMHO) scotch. Just to let you know, I've done things far harsher than drinking straight scotch.

www.charm.net/~kmarsh/scotch.html

Some drink it on ice. To me, this makes it hard to distinquish some of the more subtle flavours, what with a cold tongue. A little tepid water (no chlorine, please) mixed in is the proper way. Some use soda water, to each his own, I don't like making soda-pop out of expensive whisky. I usually sip it neat (except for the cask-stength!), but always with a 7up or cold soda-water chaser. Evian water works well.

http://www.scotchwhisky.net/drinking/index.htm



Many who drink Scotch whisky neat say they do not want to spoil the taste by adding water. However, equally as many will say that adding a touch of water, particularly if it is pure, soft spring water, (ideally the same spring water used in the making of the particular whisky!) serves to enhance the distinctive aroma and flavour of a whisky. Tap water may contain high amounts of chlorine and therefore would not complement any whisky - your best bet is to opt for bottled Scottish mineral water!

P.S. While fixxy may be the man he is not the final authority on everything, tho he is on many things.

Well i will certainly have to try that out, this is very interesting !