How many times have you heard someone say “I only smoke X brand,” or “I only smoke Cuban cigars.”  It doesn’t seem as common today as it was, but it wasn’t that long ago where people seemed to find what they like and stick to that and that alone. Publishing a magazine, it’s our job to smoke and review everything we can and I have definitely found some favorites that I will always go back to.  Would I smoke as many different cigar brands if it wasn’t my job?  I think so – but not as often as I do.  It’s a commitment taking a chance on something new with cigar prices these days but there are so many outstanding blends to experience. By only smoking a couple brands – or cigars from one country of origin is leaving a lot of discovery on the table.

So, are you brand loyal?

When I think about that question I could definitely say yes.  But only to a certain degree.   There are certain brands that I will always have on hand and even pick out first when the time comes to light one up.  Still, it’s in my nature to try new things.  Everyone who makes cigars have their own take on blends, their own processes for fermenting, aging, etc.  Even if different people were to make a cigar using the same primings from the same plant and farm – the cigars would be different depending on the post-growing processes.  Every factory has their own unique spin on what that tobacco will turn out to be and ultimately how it will taste.

In the beginning

For people just getting into cigars I couldn’t recommend enough to try as many different cigars as they can.  It’s the only way to experience everything that is out there.  I can remember trying cigars and falling in love with them. but I was still so curious as to what else was out there.  Cigars from different countries, cigars with different tobaccos… there is just too much on the table to leave out.  Knowledge comes with experience and running through as many blends as possible is the only way to gain that experience.  Reading about cigars is great to get an idea of what a cigar may be all about and if it sounds good to you.  But trying it firsthand is the only way to really know if it’s good to you.  I’d find a cigar that I love and then move on to the next one hoping to discover more.

The right time to try new things

There is always a time and a place for trying new cigars.  For me, it’s not when I’m out and about or somewhere I just want to enjoy a cigar.  I want to smoke something that I know I’ll enjoy – the brands I know I can always count on.   It’s a little different for me now since I am always trying new cigars to review on the website or at trade shows.  When I used to hang out in cigar lounges more frequently, I was trying new cigars, smoking cigars with other people to discuss them or even try their recommendations.  Trying new cigars is a lot fun.  Trying some cigars to see what all the hype is about – or trying the highest rated cigars to see what all the fuss is about.  It makes for great discussion. Still when it comes down to it, the cigars you love the most are the best because you find them the best no matter what anyone says about them.

Loyalist in the end

Being brand loyal today isn’t really what it was like back in the day.  The old timers seemed to be the ones who would find a cigar they love and stick to it and nothing else.  I think the exceptions are the people who “only smoke Cuban cigars.”  I always thought that was a cop out.  “I only smoke the best cigars.”  That to me is like saying you don’t really know that much about cigars and only smoke what the world told you was the best for generations – especially with the way Cuban produces their tobacco and cigars today.  The funny thing about that is that they don’t even use 100% Cuban tobacco in their cigars or blend cigars like manufacturers from other countries.   I’m being a little cynical, but I could never understand that mentality.  Don’t get me wrong, Cuban tobacco is absolutely like nothing else out there, there are just too many inconsistencies nowadays for me to put them on top of my list.  I like to enjoy cigars I know what I’m getting into before I light them up – when I’m not trying new ones, of course.  I think most cigar enthusiasts today are a lot like me.  I am definitely brand loyal – but I will always try new things.