Monk

I've smoked cigars for about 20 years seriously, 30 if you count the attempts to emulate my dad when I hit my early twenties. He was a very good Jazz Drummer by night, and a tool and die maker by day who smoked Italian Dry Cured cigars. He would cut one in half, put one half behind his ear, and smoke the other half. Unfortunately, my first attempt to emulate him involved a Cuban style longfiller cigar. I cut it in half, and it promptly fell apart! I would then occasionally buy anything from a walk in, and smoke it. Not too ceremoniously, or thoughtfully. Just sort of playing and passing the time.

The bug bit me seriously about 20 years ago. I was given a couple of boxes of Swisher Sweets, at a trade show. I smoked them all, and realized I enjoyed the ritual.
I walked into Tobacco Cove, in Jax Fla, and explained to Gus that I wanted to try a "real" cigar. He gave me a Punch Double Corona. I explored a small variety of brands and settled in on Punch, El Rey del Mundo robustos, and Joya de Nicaragua, for years. Sort of smoked in a bubble for a long time, ordering from JR, and not really trying too many brands or new releases. Then one day, I picked up an issue of CA, and it made me curious about all the differant flavors they said they experienced, etc. I decided I would start trying any cigar that seemed interesting.

I am slow to embrace technology, and finally got home internet service about 1-1/2 years ago. That was quite a revelation, as I had no idea that cigars had such a large, diversified, and quite sophisticated following. I joined another forum, and have learned a lot about differant brands. I have even had the pleasure of smoking some cuban cigars, and I do like them quite a bit. Would love to see what Padron or Fuente could do with Cuban tobacco.

The internet aspect of this lifestyle has been a lot of fun. I've made some great friendships and am glad that I decided to broaden my horizons. I hope to make some friends here too. I'm sure I know some of you, and to those I will meet, I hope to make good contributions and give as much, or more, than I get from my membership here.