I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

In the last few months, the only cigars I've really, really enjoyed are Padron 64's and 26's.
I have tons of cigars around and I just don't touch them. I don't get to smoke that often, and that's not because I don't have time, I really only desire maybe a smoke a day or every other day.
When I do fit one in, the only ones I've just completely head over heels enjoyed are Padrons Anni's.
Granted, I've enjoyed some others. Even a few I've nubbed. But for the most part, I've smoked half of everything else I've lit and tossed them in the alley. Then I wish I'd have grabbed a Padron.
I do still enjoy some others, and I'll keep some stuff that I just can't live without, because sometimes nothing but a <insert cigar here> will do.

This thing has got so bad that I almost cringe when someone hooks me up with something that I "have to try". I feel bad about that, and it makes me feel both ashamed of myself and pretty selfish. I've just tired of smoking stuff I don't like and lost the interest in finding new things.
The same thing has happened to me with women. I just like what I like, and I don't have any desire to look around or test drive anything else anymore. I'm keeping the one I got till she's tired of me.

I'm guessing this thing is cyclical and I wanted to hear what you guys have experienced. (Not on the woman thing, I've tested that one to death.)
I just found it odd that I absolutely love cigars, but I'm just plain tired of looking for new ones, and found out I just like what I like.

I should mention that I do want to try a Nica Libre, and I think I have one, but I don't think I'm gonna bother. :D

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

If Life is too short to smoke cheap cigars, then it can also be too short to smoke what you don't want to smoke!

I support!

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I'm with ya on the women part Scott, but not there on the cigars yet.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I have had this happen occasionally. Most of the time the feeling passes after a week or so.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

IMO when you stop trying new things it becomes a habit and not a hobby. :D

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I kick ass at bad habits. :tu

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

who says it is a bad habit? ;)

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Just an expensive one :D

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I thought you liked those Cohiba Maddys too?

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I'm at the same place Scott, down to Padron Anny's (and Cohiba Esplendidos, depending on my mood). I have plenty other cigars that I like but I'm never sure if they're ready until I smoke them. As often as not they're not at their best. The Padron's are always ready.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I have found my everyday go to smokes (MOW Ruinations and Oliva V's) but I love trying new cigars to see how my palate reacts to them. It's like Christmas everyday!

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I think it is all up to the individual, if you don't enjoy something anymore, it's not worth it to push the issue hoping for different results.


I hope that I never get tired of trying different cigars. I get a little rush when I start looking at new cigars, thinking of how they will taste, if it will be the next one to get an honored box spot in the humidor.

Scott, If you are happy with smoking Padron's and nothing else, well brother, I am happy for you and hope everyone that you light is just wonderful and satisfying, cuz that's what all of this is about anyway. Satisfaction through friends, fellowship, food, drink, and a nice little tube of tobacco!! :tu

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Personally, I think it's an awesome habit.
Last night when I came in from smoking, my kid told me I stink. She's pretty sure it's bad, but I don't think she cares if it's a habit as long as she doesn't have to deal with it. :)

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I do, but my latest box has gone from bad to plugged. That sh!t drives me nuts. Cc's definately try my patience. :)

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

For me it is definately cyclical. There are periods where I don't want to try anything new and I stick to a couple of sticks (Padron's and Perdomo's) and happily smoke away. Other times, I get a yearning to try something different and do, but I never give up my favorites.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

You said it a lot better than I did, David. I love some Litto Gomez Diez, but my latest are all burning goofy. They need time.
I just know the Anni's will always be ready and they'll always be stellar.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

At least you've found what you like... for now. :D

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Now if you could only find the 64 Exclusivo (M) under $200 a box!

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I've found myself in the same position with other hobbies. I think there's a point in every hobby where you realize, this is what I like, and I'm good being here. It shows you understand your tastes and I commend you on finding your "happy place". :xxx

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I kind of do the same thing, not with cigars so much yet but with other things like hobbies and projects. I get right off into things and learn all I can about them and then just kind of burn out, lose interest and walk away. Beer is a good example for this. I got way into it started brewing my own, had 2 fridges and was making some top notch suds, went to a few selected liquer stores that had 100s of imports and craft brews. I was like a kind in a candy store(I am like that now at the B&M). Spent a lot of money, drank a lot of great beers and then kind of lost interest in it, now I have maybe a beer a week.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

If I had anni's lying around, that's all I would want to smoke too. If you throw them away, you will be in love with the rest of you cigars in no time.;)

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I'm at the polar opposite of where you are Scott...I'm hoarding as much as possible to try anything and everything I can.

I'm sure I'll get to a point where I'm only buying a limited range of cigars...but God I hope they are not Anni's...I don't know if I could afford that "hobby". :D

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I like Monarcas, Principes, #6 and #35, all maduros. So at least I'm on the low end of ridiculous. I'm not crazy about 40ths and 80ths, they're too much smoke for me and last too long. I have maybe 100 miles worth of tolerance. That translates to maybe an hour or hour and fifteen minutes out of the car. After an hour with any cigar, I'm usually about done. :tu

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I'm clearly newer and less versed in the hobby than you Scott...but I've hit this point before. I got frustrated trying the "next hot stick" and just got into a place where I wanted to smoke the two or three cigars I knew I was going to like. That mood lasted for almost a year I would guess, and I'm just now coming out of it. Mostly because my tastes seem to be changing a bit. I was somewhat a maddy whore, and I'm losing my flair for them. I'm progressing into a Pepinish spicy place. Maybe in a few months you'll get the zest for trial again. Until then, it doesn't sound like you've "settled" on a bad stick to smoke regularly.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I gotta agree that trying to find a few of the "new and hot sticks" is becoming an everyday occurence...and usually only to be disappointed in the end result (not always). I always find myelf going back to what I KNOW I enjoy and like. While I must admit that I am glad it isn't a Padron, not sure the wallet could handle that. :r :r

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I came to that point last fall where all I wanted were a few select sticks and probably could have lived consistently on Mag 46s. Then I had a 3month head cold and after that the bug hit me again to try different smokes.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

How long have you been smoking icantbejon?




Also, another great way to open your horizons, so to speak, is through the Blind taste test. More often than not I am surprised to find new sticks I like.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

If I can smoke one or two ten or twelve dollar sticks a week rather than eight sh!tty $3.00 sticks, that fits the way I smoke.
I'd be willing to smoke one stick a week and be happy with that.
I know that wouldn't work for a four stick a day brother, and there's lots and lots of non-sh!tty options, and I still smoke a good amount of super cheapos, but I could easily live with one really good cigar a week.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I don't think I could pull off one per week. Getting outside at the end of a night with a beer and cigar is my relaxation and adult time, once we've put the kids to bed. I like (notice it's not "need") having more than that. However, if I was given the choice of lots of bad vs. one good, I would take the one good as well knowing that I would enjoy my experience.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I enjoy more than that, too. I could live with it or smoke 50 cent cc machine mades, or some other dollar sticks that I like.
I chew snuff constantly, so I a.lways have my backup fix. :)

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Well as long as you're backed up. :banger

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Do what Bill does, and only buy PAM's and PAN's Scott!:tu

He seems to be pretty happy!:r

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I'm sort of in the same boat. I haven't tried close to what I want to try yet, but I notice when I go for a cigar it's usually to the same ones. My coolidoors are just sort of sitting there letting those cigars age, and hopefully one day I'll revisit them and love them, but for the most part, I just enjoy the same things.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I hadn't actually read the entire thread before I made my comment Scott! Please disregard! I love the Londres Maduro! Great little smoke! Have you
tried those Bud?

Also I smoked nica libre principe that had been sitting in my humidor for
somewhere between 3 to 6 months! It was late, but I wanted to smoke
and with a little coke (Coca-Cola that is for all of you "jokesters"):r it really
hit the spot!

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I hope I never get to the point you're at Scott, but I know what I like. If I could afford it I'd smoke San Cristobal, 601 Red, DPG JJ Maduros, MOWR all the time. I have to work LHC Oscuro Fuerte, Diesel, IT SF Maduro, 5 Vegas Triple-A , 5 Vegas Miami, and Corojo Label into the rotation to keep things affordable. I like trying new stuff, probably always will.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

:(I made my last bundle and box purchases in April 2010, and then made a promise to the wife of 'no more cigar purchases until January 2011.'

In my cooler and desktop, I have about 7 brands (all robusto sizes) which I enjoy and can rotate daily. These are brands that give me the body, flavor, and aroma that I enjoy. I have some singles and triples of other brands that can work their way into that rotation as well.

In addition, I indulge in a pipe (of which I have a couple) and 4 particular blends that I enjoy. I haven't gone overboard such as others, and have only kept it to a small group that I can work into the cigar rotation.

What I have in stock should last me (sans group or solo salvation missions) until Dec 2010 or through Jan 2011. So, what about the various singles, doubles, and triple brands laying about? I'll work those into my rotation from time to time, and if I 'really' enjoy them, will then make a mental and written note to myself for a box purchase come the first quarter of 2011.

I believe a majority of folks have a minute core of brands they truly enjoy on a regular rotating basis, but I'm always up for trying a new brand where applicible. However, new brands only get one (possibly two) shots with me and its out the door.

Always have a core stock of smokes, but always up for trying something new Scott (that is, when 2011 rolls around):D:tu

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

It's a phase. Smoke what you enjoy now and the bug will come back.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Scott, I am pretty much where you are and have been for a couple of years. Very content to smoke one of about 5 different cigars, mostly all Oliva and Perdomo smokes. I guess that I am getting old and prefer to grab something that I trust and really don't get a whole bunch of pleasure trying the latest and greatest.:tu

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

After 4+ yrs. I've narrowed down my fav sticks to 10 or 12.
I still try new ones, but rarely more than a fiver, and not
very often. Trying to get boxes of the favs, as I run out of them.

Good, new blends still come out, so the search goes on.
Just sloowly...

Chemyst :cool2:

BTW, many of my favs are higher end sticks, too. Smoking fewer
but better sticks, IMHO.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Here's an idea.

You're pretty talented at making humidors. Make yourself a nice humi, pick up to five cigars, stock and smoke only those for 1 year. Don't touch the other stuff except to monitor humidity and temp. Then next year have a sampler weekend. Break out the good liquor, plan a big steak dinner or BBQ with friends, make a weekend out of it. About a week before the big day start rummaging around in the untouched humis, start getting an idea about what's in there, stuff you may have forgotten about. I'll bet there will be an adventurous spark in your eye by the time you've picked your cigar menu.

Maybe not even a year. Maybe try the "strict diet" for only 3 months.

Anyway, I'm happy you have a cigar to be more than simply satisfied with ... I'm glad you have a cigar that still sparks genuine interest for you.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Scott - what about the LGs and Coronados?

I have personally found that I only smoke so many cigars a week, usually 4-7. And so, I smoke what I really like. And then someone sends me a bunch to try. I want to be respectful and do so, but as they are unknown quantities they sit and wait.

When I grab a stick, I have an idea of what flavors I want from it, for I am pairing it with a mood, or a beverage, or a...

And, as I smoke only so often, it has to be a cigar that really sticks out in my mind. There are a lot of good cigars out there, don't get me wrong. When I grab one, I usually want something that I know is going to "WOW" me. There are some less expensive sticks in that list, and some more expensive cigars. But, I hear where you're coming from.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

This is my philosophy as well. I usually only find time to smoke on weekends, so we're talking somewhere between 1 to 3 cigars per week, 4 at the very most. no reason to waste precious smoke time on budget sticks.

I also find myself trying new cigars less frequently. I feel like I'm missing out on some of the fun you other guys on the board enjoy, but more often than not, I'm just disappointed.

There are only a handful of brands that have stood the test of time for me and I tend to stick to those. Fuentes, Padrons, and CCs make up the majority of what I smoke. I find other cigars that I enjoy occasionally but as I mentioned, I'm usually let down by most smokes.

I should mention though, that I will probably never stop trying new cigars completely, especially Cubans. ;)

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Damn you Scott. Now I have to try a '26.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I'm with you. I go through phases of exploring and phases of comfort. I have a humidor full of cigars I have been waiting try but often times I prefer to go with an old standby. Sometimes it is just because I don't want to think about my smoke and enjoy what I know.

I think it is particularly hard to go to new cigars if you aren't smoking a lot of cigars. Whether it is due to choice like you or lack of time like me, when your cigar smoking time is at a premium you don't want to waste some of that time on something that is not satisfying. Not to say that a new cigar may not be good but it may not be what you want.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Don't! They suck.
:D

Welcome to the Padron Anniversary as an everyday smoke club Scott.

I find myself smoking the '64s and '26s almost daily. I used to love the Oliva V but hardly touch them anymore.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Well said Scott. To each his own on tastes. I find myself reaching for the same cigars more often than trying different ones as well.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

So many good cigars, why limit yourself to just a few kinds? Everything I have a box of is something I would smoke all the time. Sometimes I want a yard-gar. Sometimes I want a Churchill. Sometimes a Lancero, etc. I don't care what Mean Darrell thinks about them. :D
I feel lucky if I can smoke once a week.

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

I feel you and I don't Scott. I have never had a Padron Anni so I'm missing the bliss you're getting, but I definitely have arrived at a point where sub-par cigars do not suffice. I find myself oscillating between the premium Nicaraguan/premiun Cuban axis; about the time I get fed up with a few consecutively poorly constructed CCs I switch to some premium NCs and I'm digging their chocolaty spiciness, and then after a while they taste flat and I switch to CCs and have a few that are off the chain and woo me back. Then I get a couple of crappy ones and switch back to the Nics until they taste flat and uncomplex. At least when you swing between the extremes you always have a place to go, so about the time you get bored you can change it up. I wish i could convince you that CCs are worth it, but I think our palettes are just too different:tu

Re: I think I've come to the end of my "trying cigars".
 

Clayton, if I were smoking your cc's, I think I could definately make habit out of it. The ones you sent me, every single one was excellent. :D
The thing with Padron anni's is that they are ever-consistent, and always perfect. Never a bad flavor, never a bad burn, never a plug, never an unravel. The flavors are consistent and perfect. They are incredible rott, and are meant to be smoked that way. They age beautifully if a guy can't smoke them quick enough, and I've been fortunate to try a lot with varying numbers of years on them.
The fact that they are best rott is a real cincher. I don't have to stress "getting them ready to smoke".
I've had good fortune to smoke some awesome cc's, and if they even closely resembled the quality and consistency of padron, I'd love to rotate them in.
I know guys enjoy "the hunt" and it's fun going through box after box to find that one box that's mind-numbingly good. I don't enjoy that. It just pisses me off. :)
I'll always try different cigars, I suppose. I can't imagine not trying new ones at b&m's and herfs, because that's tons of fun. I'm certainly going to try the sticks that my brothers share with me, too. I'm sure I'll find new "rage" sticks that are enjoyable.

Todd, the LGD stuff is always going to be in my humidor. So will a few others like JLP's and Cohiba maddies and just a handful of others, because I really enjoy a "mood" smoke sometimes, too.
I'm just scaling way back. I'm gonna smoke what I like, hoarde what I like, and hoarde far less. It'll be a lot easier on me, and I'll enjoy taking care of lots less smokes.