Do You Enjoy New Cigars?
Jul 27, 2012
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A week from today I’ll be landing in Orlando to join our editorial team from Cigar Aficionado at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers trade show, which begins next Friday and runs through the weekend. Think of the show as the main event for new cigars in the premium cigar industry—this is when just about every company that makes a cigar by hand gathers to show off its new wares. We’ll be there to cover it all.
There was a time when new cigars weren’t a part of the cigar industry. If you smoked cigars during the 1970s or 1980s, you probably had a regular brand, even a regular size. Old school retailers who I’ve spoken to over my years of covering the cigar industry have explained that cigar smokers of yore didn’t even experiment from size-to-size. If they liked Punch Rothchilds, they didn’t reach for a Punch Lonsdale every now and then to mix it up. If they smoked Arturo Fuente Curly Heads, they didn’t occasionally reach for a Fuente 8-5-8.
That was then. The reality of today is that many cigar smokers look for what’s new.
“The most common question asked by our customers is ‘What’s new?’” John Anderson of W. Curtis Draper in Washington, D.C. told Cigar Insider for its annual poll of U.S. retailers.
If you’re into new cigars, like most cigar smokers of today are, this is an exciting time of year. The IPCPR show is the stage for most cigar companies to unveil new product. Here at the office, the new smokes are coming in already.
Our goal here is to get you information on all the new cigars on our website—our coverage will begin right after we touch down in Orlando—and to rate them once they debut in the market in Cigar Insider.
So my question to you: Do you look for what’s new to smoke? Or are you more of a throwback smoker, and you don’t change from your tried-and-true cigar?
I’d love your feedback.
archived comments
"Gilles_ Martinica, French West Indies
The Navarre is the only cigar exclusively made with French tobacco. You’re about to learn everything about this premium cigar, completely by hand. From the seed to the rolling, we’ll introduce you all the steps that lead to the conception of the Navarre cigar
http://cigare-navarre.com/en/" —October 29, 2012 12:42 PM
"The Navarre is the only cigar exclusively made with French tobacco. You’re about to learn everything about this premium cigar, completely by hand. From the seed to the rolling, we’ll introduce you all the steps that lead to the conception of the Navarre cigar.
http://cigare-navarre.com/en/" —October 29, 2012 12:40 PM
"I'm always looking for a new go-to cigar. Challenging my palate is part of what I like about cigars. Once I find something good, however, I make sure to go back and enjoy it plenty." —September 18, 2012 00:55 AM
"I once was an "old school" cigar guy all the way. That all changed when I became friends with a local shop owner who knew my taste in cigars. Now I can't wait to try his new recommendations." —September 12, 2012 23:33 PM
"It took me several years and numerous brands to discover what became my go to stick... Avo Maduro No.3. This became my favorite and only cigar I would smoke. Then, I went to a few events at my local cigar bar and discovered several new brands. I have now added Ashton No.50 and Alec Bradley Prensado Churchill as well as my old stand-by to my humidor. Stepping outside the box and trying new brands is simply… Smart and enjoyable." —August 22, 2012 21:53 PM
"I am always curious to see what is new and may or may not be coming to market. To me its more the story behind the smoke - the leaf, the farm, the roller, the blend and all the little things that the cigar maker took into account in making this new stick. I try new smokes and then consider whether to add them to my normal rotation. IPCPR was a great this year." —August 22, 2012 13:14 PM
"Being a fairly new cigar smoker (18 months) just about everything is new to me, so I've tried quite a few. I've found a few that I really like and tend to stick with them. However one of my favorite things to do is stop in cigar stores/bars, and when I do I'll always seek a recommendation from the staff, and I've found some really good smokes this way...cigars I doubt I would have tried on my own.
I'm definitely a creature of habit and when I find something I like I stick with it, but it seems the older I get I'm discovering that variety is the spice of life and trying new things can be fun." —August 20, 2012 12:06 PM
"I love trying new cigars, though not particularly fond of "fresh" cigars. I do have my go-tos. Padron 200 natural and maduro, depending on time of day. I also love a quick short story when time is a factor, or in the car. It was suggested to me that smoking more than one cigar at time is the best comparison. While typing, am i currently smoking a Padron Exclusivo Maduro and an Alec Bradley Prensado. I love talking cigars and smoking new cigars give me the ammo to have an informed convo!" —August 12, 2012 13:54 PM
"I love trying new stuff, and these days my humidors are very diverse, but i still have my throw back cigar which is a davidoff special R Robusto ! " —August 10, 2012 21:07 PM
"I use to be a strict throw back smoker just smoking davidoff special r robustos but these days i am much more diverse! My humidors have a wide selection of the high end cigars ranging of Opus X to Macanudo all the way to davidoff Milleniums and Alec Bradleys ! " —August 10, 2012 21:04 PM
"I enjoy both the "new" cigars and my "old" go to ones. I have several new ones in my humidor, the new ROMEO, the Genesis Project by Ramon Buseo, Sol Lotano, etc. However, my humidor also houses my favorites, Opus X, Ashton, Alec Bradley Tempus Creo and a box of cigars from an island south of Florida that I have been given. Cigars are to be explored, enjoyed, experienced, shared and savored all at once and individually. Have them with friends, by yourself, outside or in a lounge. " —August 7, 2012 09:45 AM
"Gary, yours might be the best comment yet. Well put. " —August 4, 2012 08:15 AM
"That's a open opened ended question, I love a new smoke with old tabacco.
" —August 4, 2012 00:35 AM
"I rarely smoke the same thing twice." —August 3, 2012 13:18 PM
"I have two 50 count drawers in my large humidor that don't have two cigars that are the same. I enjoy very much exploring different brands, blends, sizes, strengths, etc. I do also have my cigars that are in regular rotation that I call my "box worthy" cigars. These are my tried-n-trues that I will continue to buy. Trying different cigars and different tastes is a huge part of the fun and enjoyment I get out of smoking stogies. I couldn't imagine being restricted to just one even if its a Padron 64(current favorite)." —August 2, 2012 13:31 PM
"For me , The limited edition cigar has its place !and I also enjoy trying new cigars from cigars companies that produce consistant brands , so I love to try new cigars. But my favorites are Padron's and Opus X's. they are heaven !" —August 2, 2012 13:13 PM
"Basically I smoke different cigars and brands, including new releases, limited editions, vintage cigars and classics. I do have some personal favorites, like Montecristo #2, Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 50 Year Anniversary, Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona, but I do not limit my smoking experience to them. Well, I guess I smoke every cigar I can find!" —August 2, 2012 10:06 AM
"I have my favorites but, I love it when my local tobacconist tells me what's news and then I decide whether or not to smoke it at that time. Case in pointw
when the CLE Corojo came out I jumped all over it...." —August 1, 2012 14:21 PM
"I have my regular smokes that are tried and true but every once in a while I like to be a little adventurous with my palate and try out some new sticks. " —August 1, 2012 13:31 PM
"Trying new cigars would be a more worthwhile endeavor if there weren't so many companies with reputations for cigars tanking after initial releases." —August 1, 2012 02:54 AM
"Being a novice smoker with only 18 months under my belt, I have smoked alot of really nice cigars...I havent found my go to brand yet as I am still exploring all that I can...I'm a huge fan of strong strong cigars...Camacho Triple Maduro is so far my absolute favorite, followed by Deisel Unholy Cocktail and many others. I would love some suggestions on the "Absolutely Must Try This" cigar. Thank You...I love this Magazine!!
Scott Butterfield
Danvers Ma." —August 1, 2012 01:54 AM
"Dave. For about 15 to 20 years I stuck with Fuente Don Carlos and Davidoff, usually belicosos or robustos. I would buy Punch, Canaria de Oro, and other less expensive robustos of a similar profile for everyday smokes, but always robustos. Now, after smoking cigars for 37 years, I have a 45 square humidor filled with cigars I have personally been aging, my oldest being a '98 Habano Partagas Londres Extra. I seek out Limited Editions, Regional Editions, Single Store Releases, and other rarities with good aging potential. I am always searching for new releases, but usually wait until I get feedback from friends and reviewers whose assessments I have come to respect and who "speak the same language" I do. I have discovered may wonderful cigars and will always keep searching." —July 30, 2012 21:32 PM
"I like trying all types of different cigars, But I do have the old go to cigar and for me it was the Alec Bradly "Prensado" and this was way before it became the number one pick of 2011 and the price just shot up on me.
Thanks a lot Cigar Aficionado! " —July 30, 2012 16:35 PM
"when I joined my old company we had one blend and five different wrapper.
now the company has least 15 major ones.
Our innovation in blending has helped this company to retain a nice piece of the sales.
saludos
for a company to be successful innovating you need however, have your market identify and differenciate your offer from the ones already in the market.
Jose" —July 30, 2012 13:53 PM
"Consistent cigars is the only way a brand can get reconized by the consumers.
inconsistent brands do not create followers, just confuse the whole process. People trying consistent brands can develope more easily a definition of what the brand is. " —July 30, 2012 13:37 PM
"I believe most people will have their "all time favorites." However, how did they find those? They tried many brands, new and old. I enjoy reading about new cigars and brands. Hearing what others taste. Then, trying it out. I do tend to lean towards certain tastes, but any cigar, new or old, could capture my attention." —July 30, 2012 12:25 PM
"I do have some go to cigars, but even though I've been smoking for about ten years, I'm still learning about cigars. Just when I think I find "My Brand" something new comes out that changes that. Trying new blends is how I believe you truely learn about cigars and yourself." —July 30, 2012 11:43 AM
"I think new cigars are necessary for many reasons: looking for a re-positioning of a brand: Montecristo Classic versus Montecristo regular or (yellow)(Recovering Montecristo for the retailers) or Montecristo White (more contemporary blend) or Montecristro Platinum ( strenght and complexity).
Many times, a new brand does not represent a different proposal to the customers. When what is new? is that, it becomes "More of the same"
saludos
Jose Seijas" —July 30, 2012 08:56 AM
"Dave how big of a Cigar Aficionado canvass bag do you and the staff carry while walking around the IPCPR show? You guys must need shopping carts. I would love to follow you and pick up all of the cigars that you drop. Have fun and look forward to reading all about it. " —July 29, 2012 21:31 PM
"Thanks for all the great comments so far. Keep them coming." —July 29, 2012 12:50 PM
"I enjoy trying new cigars from cigars companies that produce consistant brands; such as Tatuaje, My Father Cigars, Padrons, Drew Estate, just to name a couple. I have a problem with brands that aren't consistant and don't last. It seems like now days cigar companies should show more loyalty to their customers and build great brands. The limited edition cigar has its place but not as an overall marketing strategy. I prefer great quality cigars brands that are consistant. To me constisancy is greatness and shows loyalty to the customer. Most of what's new this year will not be around next year." —July 29, 2012 04:07 AM
"ALWAYS wanting to try new cigars...you never know, one may turn out to be your next favorite. This doesn't mean, however, that I don't have my own "tried and true"" —July 28, 2012 21:41 PM
"The modern era of handmade cigars has introduced some specticular blends, as well as masterful Blenders. Similar to the establishment of the micro-brew industry, i see NC cigars elevated to a new standards/processes and a dimishing demand for the traditional cigar." —July 28, 2012 13:16 PM
"I love to try new cigars. But my favorites are Padron's and Opus X's." —July 28, 2012 13:09 PM
"I've only been an avid cigar enthusiast for a year, so I'm still developing my palate. No brand or size is really off limits for me, which is great. I definitely have favorites in my regular rotation, but a diversely filled humidor is absolutely never a bad thing." —July 28, 2012 11:35 AM
"I am a huge fan of the Four Kicks from The Crowned Heads. They are to release the new Hedley Grange this Fall. My buddies and I like to discuss new brands and share comments of what we like." —July 28, 2012 10:47 AM
"In my travel humidor right now, El Baton double torpedo, New Romeo, Punch Gran Puro, Camacho Monarca, Casa Magna Churchill. SO, I would like to say tried and true, However I work at a tobacco retail store in southern Maine, so trying new product is almost in the job description to help people when they come in. " —July 28, 2012 09:58 AM
"I try a wide range of cigars, from established brands and formats to new ones. Nothing like a great new experience to add to my enjoyment of cigars!" —July 28, 2012 00:42 AM
"Tried and true all the way. Siglo Limited Reserve!! N" —July 27, 2012 21:37 PM
