Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars, 2nd Edition

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've smoked cigars in the past, even expensive ones. But, similar to my journey into wine, I was too shy to walk into a fine cigar store and ask what I thought were stupid questions about size, shape, and even the circumference of a cigar. I didn't know what made a smoke mild or robust, or why I seemed to prefer to the milder ones. In part, its a matter of taste, but as you read this book, you also learn there's a standard for most cigars, and then one can experiment with more robust or even exotic blends. After reading the book I have a great idea of what I want to look for going forward--the country, the style, the length and ring size, and what type of tobacco and wrapper will provide the taste I'm looking for. I've also learned what to pay for a good cigar, and when (and when not to!) splurge for those more expensive smokes.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars, 2nd Edition, is the perfect guide for the cigar novice. In this edition, you will find out about the construction process of cigars, from short filler to long filler. You will learn about cores and binders, as well as the outer wrapper. You will learn the difference between natural and maduro cigars, and what makes a cigar a premium cigar. Also discussed is how to cut and light a cigar. How do you know the difference between a Robusto, Corona, Presidente, Churchill, Pyramid, and a Torpedo? You will know it all, if you buy this book!
-Damon Medic

This book is very, very thorough. If it has to do with cigars, it's in here. There's even a section on food-cigar pairings, and fun cigar parties to throw. Ultimately, the knowledge found inside is basic - if you're already an aficionado, you probably know most of this already. However, if you could use some brushing up on say, Cubans, or maybe the process of growing tobacco, then parts of this book will be useful to you. For the price, I say, why not?

This book is indispensable for anyone who wishes to learn about the fine pleasures of cigar smoking. It contains answers to all the important questions that you have been asking yourself, and also answers to many questions that you haven't though to ask. The second edition talks also talks about buying cigars over the internet as opposed to buying them from a local tobacconist. It has all the nomenclature you need to speak intelligently to other cigar smokers, as well as your local cigar store clerk. I very highly recommend it.

Very good book. The cigar newbie to novice can really benefit from reading it as it covers all the basics. Even some long time aficionados may learn a thing or two.
I especially enjoyed the detailed information on the art of making a cigar. I didn't know just how much work goes into each cigar. It goes through an arduous journey from being a tiny seed to the finished product. It takes many years before the final product is ready for you to enjoy. A cigar is truly a work of art. An excellent book for all cigar lovers.

This book is totally geared towards the cigar novice. Which was perfect for me. I bought this book because I knew almost next to nothing about cigars. This book taught me everything I need to know about buying, smoking, what to look for in a cigar and many other things. Once I finished reading this book I passed it around to some of my cigar smoking buddies. And they really enjoyed it too.

I enjoyed this book a great deal and highly recommend it for anyone starting out on their cigar smoking adventure.

This book provides an understanding of cigar tobacco production methods from planting to curing, the differences in cigar products, and why prices vary. The author provides a cigar rating system that is a must for those who try many types of cigars, and he is clear as to his own preferences and uses. You'll find everything you need to know about caring for and smoking cigars, and the accessories needed. And it's a quick read; though packed with information, the book can be read in a day.

I found this book to be just what I was looking for. Having only recently discovered the pleasure of cigars, the book was perfect for my introductory knowledge of the various hand-made cigars, the players in the industry and the countries in which they reside. I'd recommend it any connoisseur, but particularly the people just interested in a modest amount of information - not overwhelming, but enough to prepare you for participation in any cigar discussion!

The name of COMPLETE IDIOT is unfair. The book is a comprehensive review of several aspect of enjoying the pleasure of a nice, hand-made cigar. Very complete, nice to read and has many tips and information that can enlighten the joy of a nice cigar at the end of the evening.
A must buy for the FIRST book for starters.
Not a reference book, it's a book to read and start smoking cigars.

After reading the previous reviews I opted for this book compared to a few others that seemed to be unsure buys. This was more than worth the money. I am still a novice at cigars but have already done quite a bit of research before reading this book. I am not even halfway through the book and I am already learning a GREAT deal. So far this book has filled in a lot of holes I had concerning sizes, wrappers, short and long fillers, how best to light the cigar, what 'hotboxing' and/or chewing the cigar does to the flavor and even a little bit of helpful information on ashtrays and how to let the cigar rest between puffs. I would highly recommend this book to anybody looking to learn the appeal of cigars and anyone, who already smokes, looking to read up on the specs of how they are made, named and enjoyed around the world. I also wanted to mention that there have been a handful of references in the book that seem a little phallic and kind of perverted. Whether they were meant to be or not, I think it's a good read, just thought I'd mention it. I guess sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, right? ;)