Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

Whatever your level of interest in cigar smoking - whether you are a veteran or a raw rookie of cigars - this book will interest you. One will learn many facts about cigars, their manufacturing, their storage, and how and where cigar leaf is grown.

You will learn how to get more out of your cigar smoking and learn how to savor your cigar. Written in plain English, it is easy to understand and straight forward. Useful recommendations of what cigars to purchase are plentiful.

The best thing about this book is that it is not at all intimidating and once you read it, your knowledge of cigars and the industry will increase.

A must read for all cigar fans!

I'll admit that I'm new to Cigar smoking. Sure, I know the basics as far as care and cutting, but that's about it. I wanted to know more and found this book to be ideal for Cigar newbies such as myself. Heck, even some experienced smokers could learn a thing or two by reading this book.

To keep this short and sweet, I will say that the book gives you tips on simple things like lighting (wood matches = good, paper matches = bad, butane lighters = good, fluid lighters = arson), cutters, ash trays, and how to handle cigars. It also gets more advanced and even historical, covering such topics as different cuts, different blends, origins, farming, curing, aging, geography, and more.

I have been enjoying this book while smoking a few good (and not so good) cigars and each time I learn something new. Last night, I read about how tobacco is grown, the different parts of the plant, and the how the differences between locales effect the the resulting tobacco leaves. The author gives plenty of detail but does so without boring you. I have already learned more about tobacco than I ever thought I would!

The book also does a nice job explaining important topics such as cigar sizes and their associated names, how the different sizes effect flavor, and how to choose good cigars from your local shop. There is also information on many different brands, which has been a handy reference.

My only disappointment with the book is that there is a chapter dedicated to pipe tobacco. While this is a nice bonus, I could do without it. The book also skims over one really important topic: choosing a good humidor. Sure, there are several pages discussing the basics, but a humidor is so important that I wish there was a little more detail. For that reason, I deducted half-a-star.

Overall, you can't go wrong with this book. It's chock full of useful information and is probably the best reference for new smokers.

this book is a must-read for any cigar connoisseur, no matter what their level of experience. the information is laid out in a logical progression, with very helpful summaries at the end of each chapter and highlights of important points throughout. a rank amateur will find very basic information on selecting, cutting, lighting, smoking, and storing cigars. the most fascinating chapters for me were the ones showing all the steps it takes to make a fine handmade cigar. it is easy to see why fine cigars taste so much better than the machine-made variety, and why their higher cost is justified. there is a section of reviews, along with ways of developing your own personal ratings. one chapter is also included on pipe smoking, something that most cigar smokers also enjoy(including me). congratulations to the authors, this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Having several friends who enjoy cigars I decided to check out a tobacconists shop only to be completely overwhelmed. I went home and did a search on Amazon and bought several books. Of them all, this one turned out to be the most helpful, most enjoyable and most complete book of the bunch. It was very easy to read and very insightful. It explained everything I needed to know about cigars and didn't make me feel like I had to go out and spend a fortune on cigars and accessories. This book made my next trip to the tabacconist very enjoyable. A must have for every cigar smokers library, experienced and beginner alike.

I bought this book a couple of years ago when I first got interested in cigars. The title just seemed to fit how I felt about the subject. The information contained in this book is so widespread that you will be able to join in almost any cigar conversation. The book covers everything from where certain tobaccos are grown to what type of matches to use to light your smoke and why. After reading this book I have caught cigar retailers mistakes in telling me about their inventory. A good knowledge is necessary for buying a quality smoke and this book offers it.

This is a great book for all cigar smokers. It teaches beginners how to properly do all the things that veteran smokers do including cutting the cigar properly, lighting it, smoking it and what, when and where to smoke certain cigars. Great book for all smokers!

I've only read a handful of books from cover to cover, and this is one of them.

This book provided some great information and helped me appreciate the delicate process of making a cigar. I learned alot of tricks I didn't even think of before this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in cigars. This is mostly for beginners, but experienced smokers will enjoy this as well.