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

Tad Gage (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 2, 2007 | Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide

For millions of men and women, it’s the ultimate pleasure …

From private parties to hip bars to posh gentlemen’s clubs, cigar smoking has become an eight billion dollar global pastime. But, like wine, a fine cigar requires dedicated study and tasting. Here’s the only comprehensive book on the subject, featuring all the information that novice and veteran cigar aficionados need.
--New handy 6 X 9 format
--Completely updated with the latest brands, product lines, and accessories
--Features web-related cost-cutting tips
--Step-by-step instructions for getting the most out of a cigar

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tad Gage is a dedicated cigar enthusiast who anticipated the incredible trend with his magazine The Complete Smoker, America’s first full color cigar magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: ALPHA; 2 edition (January 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592575919
• ISBN-13: 978-1592575916
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,632 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tad was 24 when he smoked his first cigar -- the first thing he'd ever smoked. Sure he would despise it, but an adventurer at heart, he took the plunge, loved it, and never looked back. In the 1990s, he published The Compleat Smoker magazine, the first magazine dedicated to the lifestyle of cigars and pipes. He reviews cigars for cigarchronicles.com and has reviewed and written on cigars and pipe tobacco for the past 20 years. He wrote The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars in hopes that those captivated by the rich flavor of a cigar would want to know more about its history, cultivation and enjoyment. After more than 15 years and two editions, he has been more than gratified by the book's steady book sales, and the positive reviews and comments he has received.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the Novice June 11, 2007

By R. Lay

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Damon Medic's Review April 20, 2009

By Damon Medic

Format:Paperback

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

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners and those who could use some brush up November 5, 2007

By Heather Waibel

Format:Paperback

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?

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Cigar Book February 8, 2009

By Jon

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars January 31, 2008

By Slimfish

Format:Paperback

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.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Got my bang for the buck! December 22, 2008

By JayPeazy

Format:Paperback

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? ;)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book for the new cigar lover December 6, 2008

By Chris Kitchens

Format:Paperback

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Cigar Guide for Non-Idiots Too. June 21, 2008

By Bill Cauley

Format:Paperback

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.