I’ve opened up a new section called “Cigar Review” and have asked a
good friend to help in the process.

Please read, comment and recommend a cigar!

UPDATE:

We’ve changed the name from “Cigar Review” to “Allometry Aficionado”. We are planning to open up a news letter called A.A.

I am trying new things these days… Recently I have entered the world of cigars and have found myself in the most precarious of situations; they are fantastic and sometimes expensive.

I’ve never been one for the smell of smoke or the smell it leaves behind, however the first puff on a well wrapped cigarette or the plumes of vapor leaving a pipe are often to be marveled. So much has not been the same for the Cigar, which I believe, is the bastard child of western civilization.

I entered the world of cigars when I turned 18. My anti-productive smoke dubbed, “Philly”, would be the catalyst of hatred for cigars. Ignorant that all cigars lacked a rich flavor, rather than just the blunt, unbalanced flavor I had previous experienced, I stopped purchasing. Cigars, at the time, were just a hallmark of class which essentially means the “big tobacco thing hanging out my mount is bigger than your cancer stick”.

It’s been about one month since I stepped back into the world of cigars. Knowing that as a child I was just plain old stupid, the cigars I knew and the cigars I were about to experience were not to be equated.

I needed a guide book, something to help me on my journey. I went out and picked up the latest edition of Cigar Aficionado, the apparent bible to the cigar smokers world. As with any speciality, I’m sure there are experienced men out there that would gladly pick an unknown cigar over the leading robusto, however I’m not there yet.

Learning the terms and learning the smoke, I’ve been overwhelmed at the vast options of cigars available to my fingers. I’m not too sure as to what my favorite is quite yet, but I’ve determined that I enjoy a smooth smoke opposed to a spicy one. The ability to enjoy without making faces has been my appeal.

This month’s edition of Aficionado dubbed the Cusano 18 to be the top smoke. Rated 91, this cigar offers what I am looking for, however I wish for a sweeter taste. It’s not a complaint, however a suggestion, because this cigar is top notch.

I picked up a few cigars today for my friend’s 21st. From my way down from Santa Fe, I stopped and grabbed a few. I stopped at Monte’s Cigars where I wasn’t taken seriously. To the men smoking and the men selling, my entrance was like the big pink elephant sitting on the couch.

I pressed on to the humidor with brand in mind; Cusano 18, a good stepping stone for any budding cigar smoker.

Finding the box of Churchills individually wrapped to perfection, I grabbed three. As I walked to the counter, I made note to the double takes of brand I carried by some of the more distinguished gentlemen. Perhaps, their original thoughts of me were incorrect?

I doubt it…

If you’re my age, bring your decoder ring for sub-text. Before even laying my cigars on the counter, the shopkeeper, a man easily into his late 60′s, early 70′s demanded my ID. His scratchy voice and glaring stare only meant one thing, these guys had been messed with before and would make an example out of me if I was messing with their business. I laid my cigars on the counter and moved to make small talk. The gentlemen serving me eased off quite a bit when I wasn’t startled by his demand, which went to prove my earlier assessment. While he scanned, I spoke with another gentlemen who finished off a fine cigar. I mentioned my torch lighter, which has been acting very odd since I refilled it. The first refill was of Ronson fuel, which I do not recommend. When I realized the misfires and the inconsistent flame was to blame on the fuel, I switched over to a higher rated brand. The lighter now held a flame, however it still misfires. I relayed the story onto the gentlemen and he discussed cleaning options for my lighter. The gentlemen checking me out finished, checked my ID and demanded money… Apparently, not only have they had kids underage, they’ve had kids try to leave without paying. I paid for my cigars and thanked both gentlemen politely.

I purchased three cigars because I do not like to disappoint. I was able to smoke one on the way back to work and I was surprised at how good a finely made cigar could be. Top notch! These Cusano’s will not disappoint…