Cigar hobby

Written By Franky Yea

Last update: Quit Aug 15, 2024. It was a beautiful journey that came to an end.

Story: Never really into smoking. Had a cigar in Japan for fun. Feeling like yakuza and that was pretty much about it. Cigarette and other smoking stuff were not my thing. Fast forward to Malaysia trip, had a great time with shisha. Nice flavoured smoke, but “inhaling” the smoke is bad for lungs. So, gave up on it too. Wanted to give cigar a try. Watched a video on youtube how to smoke. Not inhaling the smoke and looking badass. Something I can see myself doing. Got a few cigars and the journey begins.

Amazing time researching, watching video and reddit on cigars. The different brand and popular sticks. Guessing tasting notes open myself to appreciate taste for food and drinks more. Really take the time and slow down approach to enjoy life.

Recently had a very bad cigar with crazy burning issues. That was it. The pros didn’t outweigh the cons.

Pros:

  • Not inhaling the smoke -> less dangerous than all other smoking device.

  • Hard to get addict -> need to find time, place to do it, smoke for 45-60mins, enjoying tasting notes, relax

  • Slow living and enjoying the moment. Disconnect from the world for a moment. Amazing.

  • Lots of cigars to try with interesting testing notes

Cons:

  • Health issues:

    • Smoker’s black lips

    • Nose bleed -> sensitive nose

    • Smoke touches the lips and mouth -> risk of mouth diseases

  • Inconvenience:

    • Lots of smoke output and bothers people around. Always need to find an outdoor far from people place.

    • Need to eat before and after (increase calories intake)

    • Hard to bring all accessories when travelling (e.g.: Torch lighter, cigar humidor)

  • Expensive:

    • inflation and tabacco tax increase price of cigar too much ($30-100 CAD for a good stick)

Alternative to cigar:

  • Sit by the nature with a nice cold drink (Ice capp, fruit juice or smoothies) and vlogging on the phone.

    • coffee might be the solution -> enjoy tasting notes

Top cigars list:

  • (1) Cohiba Siglo II 845 pesos = $66.50 CAD

  • (2) Partagas Serie D No.4 $40.22 CAD - Nutty, caramel sweet

  • (3) Padron 3000 maduro $17.89 - Chocolate

  • (4) Bolivar Belicosos Finos $50 CAD - Nutty, charcoal tobacco

  • (5) Montecristo no.4 : $30 CAD - Nutty, Wood

  • (6) H.Upmann No.2 Cuba $50 CAD - Chocolate salty 

  • (7) Partagas Mille Fleurs $25 CAD - Nutty

  • (8) Montecristo No.5 - $25 CAD - Wood, chocolate

Honorable mention budget cigar list: 

  • Fuente Fuente opus x $31 usd - Red cherry sweet

  • Arturo Fuente Double Chateau Fuente Maduro $16.32 CAD - Chocolate

  • Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto $14usd  - Sweet cedar, honey sweet

  • Punch London Club maduro $9.54 CAD - Chocolate

  • Oliva Serie O Toro $13.50 CAD - Chocolate, Salty

  • Oliva serie V lancero $9 USD - Chocolate

  • Oliva Master Blends Robusto $15.15 CAD - Chocolate, Dry raisin sweet

Comments:

  • I still think cigar has its place. Smoke 1-2 cigars per year for a celebration won’t affect your life that much.

“Moderation is key.”

“You can always reinvent yourself.”

SimpleLifeBalancing.


Franky Yea
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