Cigars with the Boss

[Goose]

Hi All, My manager (who I've reported to for over a year) is moving onto a new General Manager assignment in another country and before he does I told him I'd take him out for a cigar as a farwell gift. I've chosen the location already, a cigar bar - Dim lights, big leather couches, library style - but i still have to choose the Cigars. He told me once he never really enjoyed cigars because the one he had was bitter but couldnt say which one  so I'm assuming he probably was just handed over a cheapish one or one lying in a drawer. 

He's a pack a day cigarette smoker for what its worth. I am leaning to Epicure Especial but open to suggestions and hence the post. Looking at mild to medium with an Aroma. 

Need to keep it under 2 hours owing to his busy schedule. He's a good guy and very senior in the company so need to make an impression on him outside of work as well. 

 

Cheers

[El Hoze]

Good choice! No matter what, I always get the best reactions from newer cigar smokers to Epi 1s/2s. And I've tested this many times! I find it almost fascinating at this point. Nothing comes close. 

[CaptainQuintero]

I'd go out for a big steak etc before hand to line his stomach if he's never really smoked one before, make sure he has a big sweet dessert after and possibly a sugary drink to have with the cigar to counter a bit of the nicotine. You don't want to ruin the evening with nicotine sickness

Cigar choice wise seems good, whatever you fancy, I'd probably stick to robusto or corona sized stuff again simply so he isn't going to get put on his knees with nicotine

Unless things have changed/my mind is shorting, there is no ligero in sticks under 40rg so something like a cohiba Lanceros etc would have minimal risk of worshipping the porcelain throne

[Customsfan]

I agree with Captain Quintero.  Only adding a petite robusto might be nice.  

[Fatshotbud]

Ditto CQ - somewhat heavy meal with dessert or a post meal liquor and go smaller ring so he doesn't feel too obligated - maybe bring a couple backup selection to gift if he really enjoys the first?


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[Fugu]

I guess at one-pack-a-day on cigarettes, nic won't be an issue here. Go for something aromatic, full flavour, and if time is not an issue (2 hrs net smoking time, as you mention), you may even go for something more celebratory than an Epi Especial. Make sure to avoid any bitterness if he is sensitive of it, so something not too youngish.

[CrankYanker]

How about a good ol Monte #2? I know a lot of non cigar smokers really enjoy those.  

[JR Kipling]

Yep, if he’s a pack-a-day guy, get something with some nic in it. Also with strong, robust flavors. His taste buds may need that in order to register.

 

Parti Lusi ?

 

 

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[Webbo]

“Cigars with the Boss, is this the name of Ken’s dream TV show? I would watch it, would also suggest “Fish and Chips with Kylie” 

[PapaDisco]

I concur on the full flavor advice.  I've found it hard to convert ciggie smokers; they just have acquired a different palate for these things.  Epi Especial is good, Upmann Mag 50 also,  Punch DC but then if you present a Double Corona it might be bit daunting.  I wouldn't go with a skinny stick because his cigarette instincts might kick in on the inhale  

[Buck14]

Pack a day cig smoker? Hit him with a RASS or Juan Lopez #2.  Should be an hour max smoke for a regular cigarette guy.  And strong enough for his nic fix.

[CaptainQuintero]

I didn't even see the remark about smoking a pack a day! In that case fill your boots! Double barrel two Lusitania at once!

[HarveyBoulevard]

My vote would be for any Corona Gorda. Specifically, the JL-2 comes to mind, maybe a Punch Punch.

[Wertman]

I would go with a partagas Luis.  A two hour smoke and simply amazing.

[ff8092]

Hemingway Maduro, especially Work of Art,  are always my go to for cigarette smokers that don't really like cigars. They always ask for more. 

[Goose]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have narrowed it down to

1. Hemingway Maduros, I have both Work of Art and Signature. Work of Art really is that, although I worry its a very slow burner - Took me over 2 hours. (On a side note, as much as I love Cubans, a box of the WOA is way up on the wishlist)

2. Upmannn 50

3. Epi Esp

Backup, if pressed for time - Trinidad Reyes - I picked up a 5 pack once and hit the jackpot on flavor profile. 

All are in my personal Humidor so I know they've been sleeping well 

[LordAnubis]

Can I also suggest. Teach him to smoke. Not sick in a lung full like he’s used to with cigarettes.

I’d suggest start with a Hupman Half corona. It’s small. But if he really likes it you can have another. Or follow up with an epicure number 2. You can squeeze them both into a two hour session. Or maybe a HUHC and Monte 5.

Pick the cigars. Show him a range of cigars (big and small), let him touch them etc and then explain why you’re choosing the smaller ones.

Then. Order a big glass of coke. Or water. With a straw. Tell him to drink with a straw. And understand what his toungue and throat ante doing while drinking with a straw. Then tell him to repeat that action when smoking the cigar.

I find this has helped when teaching newbies of all walks of life how to smoke cigars.


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[Goose]

10 minutes ago, LordAnubis said:

Then. Order a big glass of coke. Or water. With a straw. Tell him to drink with a straw. And understand what his toungue and throat ante doing while drinking with a straw. Then tell him to repeat that action when smoking the cigar.

Great suggestion - Thank you - I will do that. 

[RPCuaba]

A Cuaba Bariay! 

[Wertman]

So what did you pick?