The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars [Paperback]

Tad Gage (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: September 1, 1997

You're no idiot, of course. You throw sophisticated parties, mix your favorite drinks, and prepare delicious meals. But when it comes to smoking a cigar, you don't know which end to light. Don't burn out yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars takes the fear out of choosing and smoking fine stogies. Feel confident about browsing in a smokeshop, setting up a humidor, and smoking a cigar with style. In this Complete Idiot's Guide you get:

Editorial Reviews

Review

The former publisher of The Compleat Smoker, Gage has compiled an unbelievably thorough trove of cigar data, from the growing process to cigar history, to lingo and accessories. With a foreword by Alyson R. Boxman, this book provides valuable tips about the best size, shape, and make for a new smoker, while a glossary and 100-cigar descriptive review arms the neophyte with all the pertinent cigar information. -- Smoke, Dec. 1997/Feb. 1998

From the Back Cover

Choosing and smoking a cigar doesn't have to get you all fired up! You're no idiot, of course. You throw sophisticated parties, mix your favorite drinks, prepare delicious meals. But when it comes to smoking a cigar, you don't know which end to light. Don't burn out yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars takes the fear out of choosing and smoking fine stogies. Feel confident about browsing in a smokeshop, setting up a humidor, and smoking a cigar with style. In this Complete Idiot's Guide you get: Valuable tips about the best cigar size and shape for you. Solid information about the preparation and distribution of cigars around the world. Expert advice on choosing quality cigars for a good price. Practical suggestions on judging the cigars you smoke. A comprehensive rating guide to the best cigars around.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028619757
• ISBN-13: 978-0028619750
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #272,810 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 smoke. Sure he would despise it, but an adventurer at heart, he took the plunge and never looked back. After years of enjoying fine tobacco in moderation, and the hours of friendship and conviviality in sharing this enjoyment with friends new and old, he fully understands why for thousands of years this has been a sacred herb. 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 10 years and two editions, his hopes have been fully justified.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The smoking lamp is lit!, September 5, 2006

By 

Erik Olson "Seeker Reviews" (Ridgefield, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars (Paperback)

As I'm fond of telling whoever will listen, I never touched alcohol until I went to seminary. Cigars are an even more recently acquired vice. My older brother got me into Macanudos, and since then I've enjoyed Avos, Buteras, and Arturo Fuentes. I'm even a regular at a Portland cigar bar, where I unwind after a long workweek with tawny port, long stogie, and a good book. I've learned enough about cigars to be dangerous, so I wanted a more formal knowledge base about them. Therefore, I decided to pick up this guide.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars" is a fine introduction to the cigar world. Tad Gage has a deep affection for cigars, and he writes in a clear, enthusiastic manner about them. He explains the different types of cigars, the procedure for smoking one, and proper storage. In addition to this practical advice, Mr. Gage reveals the history of cigars, how they are made, and the reality behind the whole Cuban tobacco mystique. He even devotes a chapter to pipe smoking for those so inclined. At the book's end is a rating list of many common brands, along with a mild to full-bodied flavor chart. So far Mr. Gage's tastes have mirrored my own, so I look forward to trying more of his favorites (such as Davidoff and Fuente Fuente OpusX).

I understand that there's a backlash towards tobacco, and one should count the cost before indulging. But life is short, and certain pleasures in moderation aren't a bad thing. It's a shame that my home state (Washington) has banned smoking in public places. I patronized a number of Seattle's cigar bars back in the day, and I miss them. But at least Oregon hasn't jumped on the prohibition bandwagon. At any rate, if you are interested in becoming a cigar aficionado, then start with "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars." Long ashes to you!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Entry Point Into World of Cigars, November 6, 2003

By 

rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars (Paperback)

For one just beginning to "seriously" get into cigars, this has provided a most helpful resource.

From the monumental tips on determing what cigar size and shape for you to how to cut, light, purchase, store, revive and rate cigars, this is just a great and "fun" resource to turn to.

There's also a neat section on matching drinks with cigars and just a wonderful section on Cuban cigars: are they what everyone says they are!

Recommended place to start.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for cigar-loving idiots and geniuses alike!, June 18, 2001

By 

"thecashflowguy" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars (Paperback)

This book is obviously the work of authors who are genuinely interested in educating and informing their readers, as opposed to merely showcasing their expertise (which they both possess). The text is organized in an intuitively obvious way that is user-friendly without being boring, redundant, or insulting to the reader's intelligence.... Penned in a clear, concise writing style that makes for an effortless, entertaining read which invites one back for future reference. The authors' insight instills the reader with the self-confidence to consistently make quality selections, observe appropriate tobacciana decorum, and maximize the enjoyment of any cigar-smoking opportunity. Well done -- I give it 5 humidors!