The Politics of a Cigar

I sit here at Little Havana, the day before labor day, looking out at the grey sky when I begin to think of all that is said inside these walls. Discussions range from sports, families, politics, and of course, cigars. Pipes too, from time to time. We always come back to our smoke. After the discussions on how to live life, whether or not Obama is a good President, and which cars we like best, the cigar always remains.



The talk of what makes a good cigar is far and wide. Whether dark or light, thin or thick, strong or mild, and so on. These are all minor things when it comes to the cigar experience. These are just sideshows to the main attraction. The experience itself is what is the issue. Since Minnesota gave an indoor smoking ban (with few expemtions), this issue has been a large one. But, when you think about it, it is no bigger or smaller since that law. It has always been about the smoke. It has always been about the whole experience. Since this is about the politics of cigars, we should hit the issues.



First one that is usually tackled is the flavor. When doing this, some say to consider what you drink or eat. The food is the side issue. What smoke suits the event. Going to the humidor and thinking of how you feel, or what is striking your fancy is a good place to start. Refining your search by remembering what you like or do not like also refines it more. Soon you find it, but the meal you may have might not fit with this smoke. So, order something else if it concerns you.



Next people bring up is size. What is the event? Talking with friends, a card game, sporting event, or just a bit of time alone. Maybe you like your cigar thin, or a bigger ring gauge is better for you. Is it a 30 minute event, or a whole hour. These are the things to consider when picking your smoke.



Next is price. People usually mention this first, and it is first in their mind, but it comes a little later on. After the event, or reason, and the flavor, price becomes the foremost. What is needed is comparable cigars. Similar with flavors, but broad in price range. There is the saying that you get what you pay for, but sometimes you find a treasure. What helps you save money, it seems, is keeping a journal. What you thought and the price. If a cheap one is better than the expensive, you can save a lot.



Next is where you have it. Some people want it at a bar. Personally I like to relax in a lounge. Picking your spot is an important thing. Some people love being outdoors while others hate the unpredictabiliy of the weather. Some people like a lounge, but cannot find a good one. Some like it at home, but hate the stale air the next day (though some have rooms designed to handle this issue).



Finally, the end result. What did you think? Did you enjoy it? That is what everyone goes to in the end. You could have a great cigar ruined by rain or people. You could have a bad cigar that you loved because of where you smoked it. The point of the matter is if you enjoyed yourself. Some people come to me saying they have had Cuban cigars (usually a lie, third most forged item in the world behind Nike shoes and Rolex watches). When they find out it wasn't, they feel bummed. I asked if they liked it for itself and not its supposed origin. They say yes. I tell them that is what counts. Did you like it? If you did, you found a good thing. That is a base to venture from. If not, what did you not like? Then you can refine your smoke time.



Side issues come up all the time. What lighter to use, the kind of humidor you should have, and so on. Remember, these are things for later. Getting the good smoke experience is up top. Getting that is what you should shoot for. The other stuff fall into place on their own.