That's a fascinating approach... The first time I've heard of it but it makes sense. Now that I think of it, certain cigars amend themselves to certain frames of mind and settings. For example, I never smoke HU Sir Winstons or RyJ Churchills unless I have the time and inclination to be contemplative. I often only smoke the Party Shorts, Cohiba Sig I, Trini Reyes when I'm alert and looking for a little sparkplug of a cigar.
First let me say thanks. That coming from someone I have a great deal of respect for means alot to me.
Ginseng said:
So what sort of details (environmental, food/drink accompaniment, etc.) do you record in your journal?
When I first started smoking cigars it was merely an enjoyable thing to do when at the local cigar bar. I was mostly enjoying the drink before the cigar (this was partly due to smoking Macanudos). Then I found cigar pass and the great reviews people were doing. That and being gifted a small desktop humidor so I could keep a small stash on hand.
When I decided to do my first review and really sit down and be a bit more thorough I noticed I was still leaning my opinions to the "where" and "when" and not as much the "what". At the time of most of the reviews I was in a great mood, had a mild drink and a quite night, which helped in picking out the subtleties. For example the
CAO Sampler Review I was making notes on when the Maduro would the most enjoyable for me.
...Would I smoke this again? Yes I would, given I was with friends and had a nice drink, most likely scotch. The smoke was crowd pleasing, the fiance even stayed with me on the patio till I was done. Which did NOT happen when reviewing the Criollo. The smoke was dense, but not in huge quantity. A good social smoke I'd say.
My notes took that a bit further and I specifically noted
Good for poker. The reason is I have found fuller bodied cigars to be really great for me to relax and let do. I seem to do better in poker when I don't over think things. I know the tactics and percentages of most hands, but end up killing myself by doing to much thinking
. So that point could be like a little secret weapon next time I sit down with the boys. That and the jealousy of the great room note would be nice.
Another example which I didn't do a review of here as I had no camera at the time and was behind at work on my coding was a nice AF Gran Reserva Rothschild that Swissy had sent me in the noob sampler. It really did the trick. I call myself a child of the Internet and video gaming. I have the attention span of a knat most days and need to be multi-tasking to stay focused. So when coding at work I often have something in my hands or drinking tea or even reading something on cigar pass on one screen and coding on my other screen. The AF was a very consistent and just good smoke. It didn't pull my attention away from work, nor did require alot of my attention to keep is lit (good construction). A draw every minute or two was all I needed to keep that smoke in air and my mind on the work at hand. I made special note of that cigar for the way it really just fit into that moment and state of mind.
Lastly, on Valentines day my fiance gave me a wonderful
Partagas sampler. I noted how I specifically liked the natural robusto in the morning setting.
...Given the time of day, the weather and my hunger level this was perfect timing. Its a great morning/early afternoon cigar.
and,
...I really enjoyed this one. In fact while smoking I decided this will be my early wedding day morning smoke.
In the end reviews for me cover the gamut of tastes, moods, events, timings, pairings and I guess in that final example even sentimental value. But that is really the point of the whole thing right? Just because I try and write this stuff down or take pictures that doesn't mean we all don't subconsciously draw these same conclusions and store them away in our heads. The other day I was smoking a wonderful Avo Signature at my new stomping grounds "Cigar Time" in Cerritos, Ca. the owner was also smoking the Avo Sig while we watched some basketball. I commented "I taste a bit of cinnamon here." he replied "I taste tobacco". Are my tastes more refined then his? Doubtful, since he is a sarcastic bastid... However, regardless I'm sure his mind has already pulled out all the juicy little bits from the taste, moment in time and feelings. It wasn't just good, regardless if that's all he could express about it.
Ok thats it from me, sorry about going way out there on that one. It happens when I get compliments!
Thanks for reading if you made it this far
