The Decision.

There is a point in a man’s life where he must choose.

Choosing your first cigar is no walk in the park. It was love at first puff when I made my decision, interestingly I made my decision blindly. I popped my cigar cherry with the 1926 series Padròn. The 1926 series was everything I ever dreamt a cigar would taste like. Since finding my favorite cigar I fell upon what I now call “ Cigar Lounging The Dreamer’s Hobby.”

On March 2nd, 2014 a good friend of mine Eric, invited me out to a spot called Coronas; a cigar lounge one of his usual hangout spots. Quite frankly I did not know what to expect, but at the time the thought of having my first cigar was thrilling. Upon arrival, after doing our infamous handshake I was asked “the question.” Now let’s pause for a second…. This is the moment where I get a chance to shine, because I knew I would get asked “the question”. With that said, I was ready to lie my butt off! So Eric asked, “Have you had a cigar before? if so what’s your favorite kind?” Of course, at 25 years of age, I wanted to say, “Yes, of course, I’ve had a cigar! I’m a mild kind of smoker.” However, I stuck with the truth and simply answered, “No man, this is my first time.”

At that time Eric and I had been friends for about 4 years. During those 4 years of friendship there has not been one time I did not get teased or laughed at over the silliest things and of course, this time would be no different. Following my response, he laughed hysterically and slapped his knee. At that point, I was ready to call it quits and just watch him do his normal “cigar lounging ritual”, and simply order a beer. But, au contraire, mama ain’t raise no punk, so instead, I said, “There’s a first time for everything right?” With a sly grin on his face, he agreed and we began to browse.

During the hunt for my first cigar, I was able to find out that cigars not only come in multiple brands but also multiple flavors. There is the Earthiness flavor, in which you can taste minerals and some salt right at the edge. There are Spicy flavors, where there is usually a fiery spice, such as cinnamon or clove on the top of the tongue with licorice on the sides. There is also the Fruit flavored cigar which speaks for itself and many more. Strolling through what seemed like aisles and aisles of cigars I felt overwhelmed and did the unthinkable. I discarded all the fancy brands and flavors suggested to me and went for a blind choice. I reached for the 1926 series Padròn. A Cuban cigar manufactured in Nicaragua, founded in the early 1960’s. The 1926 series Padròn was everything I ever dreamt a cigar would taste like, it was love at first puff. The five to ten year aged cigar was exceptionally smooth, complex, and rich with a full balanced flavor. I must say as of today it is still my “go to” cigar. Of course, I’ve foolishly ventured out to try other cigar brands but I always go back. Now, looking back I must admit that night was perfect, besides the fact that I ordered a Blue moon instead of a Heineken as my choice of beer.

What have I learned and would recommend for the big decision you ask? I learned to not steer away from Padrón and not to get a Blue moon as a drink of choice stick to something familiar. As for me, I will always go with Hennessy, the higher the blend the better. What is your dreamer’s hobby?