"Now I Understand"

     As I sit here enjoying a Tatuje 10th Anniversary Belle Encre Reserva, I think back to a couple of years ago when it was first released and my thoughts about it, and subsequently I think back to 1984 when I enjoyed my first cigar and what my thoughts were then, how my knowledge has increased and how I feel I've formed a better understanding of "the art of the cigar". What am I talking about you ask?  I'm talking about appreciating this cigar game and understanding what you're smoking as opposed to just smoking a cigar.  The time blenders spend getting the right tobaccos to marry together and produce a enjoyable smoke, the thought process of those same blenders in what that blend may or should taste like as time goes on (for those of use who like to hoard, I mean age cigars), what was the original idea from the person who wanted the cigar blended, how impressed, based on what they wanted, did the blender "nail it" etc.  And more than anything, as a hoarder, I mean "ager", does the cigar meet what I thought my expectation of it would be.

     Whenever there's a new cigar introduced to the market and I see the pre-release press or hear about it from a source, I instantly start thinking about what it will taste like, what characteristics it will possess, what libations will I pair it with, what meal should I have prior to enjoying it, how many should I buy and all of those good things.  I do research on the tobaccos that are used, what are some of the cigars I've enjoyed that contained those tobaccos, how does it stack up to other cigars from the same blender/company, or other cigars.  If it's from the same company, what changed, what stayed the same.  For instance, I AM A VIAJE FAN, and I have not been disappointed by any of their offerings.  I find their cigars to be a gambit of "what shall we do next?".  Yeah the wacky names are one thing, but the blending is remarkable, and what makes it remarkable is the plethora of tastes/flavors in each of their offerings.  From the mild-bodied full-flavor, to the full-bodied super full-flavored range, their cigars offer it all.  So what is the exact thought process in creating a blend for their company, do they have a particular group in mind, are they hoping to please their legion of fans, are they about venturing into new horizons, do they want to capture and "old-time" taste, or do they just want to use up the tobacco they have.  In any case, they're onto something and it seems to be working, at least for me.   Whenever I get one of their cigars, I spend mounds of time examining the taste, construction, aromas, finish, strength etc.   I wasn't born with that talent, and there really isn't a book on how to gain expertise (although some may want you to think there is the cigar book of books) in those areas, but it comes down to what you like. 

     After you've determined what you like in a cigar, focus on why you like that/those characteristic(s).  Let's take flavors for example.  Why does this particular flavor appeal to you, what makes you smile when you taste that flavor.  What other cigars have a similar flavor profile and do you enjoy them as much?  What about construction, is it a well put together cigar, does it burn evenly, is the ash firm, and if those things aren't happening for you, do you still enjoy the cigar.  I personally like the whole experience.  Nothing ticks me off more, than thinking about what cigar I want, getting my drink poured, clipping that cigar, lighting it, and within minutes, it starts unravelling, or burning unevenly, or if it turns into a hard draw.  I get pissed as it disrupts my vibe, and mindset and now I have to start the whole preparation process all over. 

    Which brings me back to this Tatuaje and the art of the cigar.  When this cigar was introduced, Tatujae had the thought of giving more love to the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.  The richness of this wrapper has long been adored in the cigar world, and attempting to give it a different life was their mindset.  In my opinion, they excelled in doing just that, giving it more life, a truly great smoke.  Cigars are made to be enjoyed, and that enjoyment should include the full experience.  I've had the pleasure of living and traveling the world over and during the course of those travels, I've witnessed some of the world's greatest artistic treasures, from Mount Rushmore, the Sistine Chapel, the Grand Canyon and many, many more.  I literally have stood on the platform in the Black Hills and just gawked at Mount Rushmore in amazement thinking "how in the hell did they do this?"  That same mentality is part of my thinking when I enjoy a cigar, "how in the hell did they do this?" 

     So the next time you light up and sit down to enjoy a cigar, just stop for a minute, gather you're thoughts and think about what you want to experience from that session.  If you have to, make a few notes and then as you smoke, refer to those notes to see if your achieving any of the things you've listed.  More than anything, try to get in tune to what the blender/manufacturer wanted you to experience with that particular cigar.  When you start to get a better understanding of why certain tobaccos were used, and was the desired outcome reached or not reached, you'll then have a better understanding of "What 'cha smoking".

     Now that you understand a bit better, enjoy that cigar.

Long ashes.  (_____G_________]]]]]]]~~~~   CLP  (Clip, Light and Puff)

Greg