My love for cigars began when I was working my first restaurant job and one of my co-workers who was an aficionado brought in cigars for some of us. It wasn't just a gift of cigars but an education, we were told " Take these home and try them and we will talk about it on your next shift." This went on for the remainder of my time there and built my appreciation for sharing and talking about cigars with other people. This best cigar advice I ever got came when I asked "What should I look for when I go into a cigar shop?" the answer has shaped my passion for cigars over the last 15 years. "When you go into a cigar shop buy something you know you like and something you have never tried before."
I think this is the greatest cigar advice to be shared for a few reasons:
- If you are a new cigar smoker this will help you develop your palate and learn what you like and don't like in a cigar.
- There is nothing wrong with having a favorite cigar, but there is something incredibly rewarding about trying something new and have it become a new favorite or staple in your humidor.
- The cigar community is welcoming and by seeking out things you have never tried it gives you the opportunity to chat with people in the shops "Have you gotten anything new and exciting?" or "What have you been smoking lately?". People that work in lounges are very knowledgeable and can guide you as well as recommend cigars you may not have noticed just by skimming the humidor yourself.
- The more cigars you try the more you find and are able to share with people. One of the greatest aspects about finding a new cigar you think is great is the "herf" culture and being able to share your new find with others.
I hope to embody this sentiment at Sol y Sombra Cigars and drive a culture that is cigar adventurous, knowledgeable, and most of all welcoming. I am confident that after you try our cigars they will be ones that you cannot wait to share with others!