Customer Reviews

The Sensible Cigar Connoisseur

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I must have accumulated over a dozen books on cigars over the years... this one stands out far above the rest. Not only does Dr. Camarda really now his stuff, but he presents everything you need to know about buying/smoking/storing cigars in detail and with a great sense of humor. It's a lot of fun to read (and hard to put down), extremely informative, and offers tons of valuable 'inside' information that simply cannot be found in book form anywhere else.

All in all, I highly recommend it. If you only own one book on cigars, "The Sensible Cigar Connoisseur" is the one to have.

Right off the top I must admit to the fact that I am not a big time cigar smoker. No, I smoke a pipe and have for year and years and doubt seriously if I am going to change my ways; I really have no desire to do so. But that being said, I do, from time to time, indulge myself because, if done right, under the right circumstances and the right attitude, cigar smoking can be a pleasurable experience.

Now I am certainly not going to go into a discussion of the health risks, social issues and general pros and cons of this subject; leaving that for others, but I will state that it is important to remember that "moderation" is a key word here. Of course you can say that in reference to just about anything, but never-the-less, it is good advice.

I smoke cigars in the company of other cigar smokers, when I am alone, or at the very least, when I am with my dogs or on the golf course. My wife absolutely detests the smell of cigar smoke as to my children and grand children and to be frank, many of my friends. This brings up another key word..."respect;" that is the respect for the comfort of others.

Anyway....

This is a delightful book and study of cigars and cigar smoking. Just about every aspect of smoking these unique things is covered in this volume and for the
uninitiated; I must inform you that there are many of these little ins and outs. I am a strong believer that if you are going to do something, then you should know everything you can possible know of the subject to reap the full benefit of our endeavor. This work will most certainly inform and most certainly send you in the right direction.

Chapters in this work cover:

The Joys of Smoke
Cigars and Health
The Basics of the Beast
A Cigar's Finer Points...The Beauty of the Beast
Cigar Countries
Where to Find Them...How to Buy Them Right
Smoking Mechanics and Other Rituals, Cigar Etiquette, and "The First Batch of Toys."
Cigar Repairs You Can Make in Your Bathroom
Perfect Storage...Humidors, etc.
Cigar Related Periodicals and Books
Cigars on the Web
A Discussion of various Brands
Women and Cigar Smoking
Spirits and Beverages to go with Cigars

Cigar smoking is an art. Those that have never done it properly have lost much of the enjoyment of this art. Like any art, knowledge and practice is important. Again, this is one of the best books on the subject I have read...and there have been many. This work delves into the finer points of this ancient custom and is an excellent read for both the beginner and the more experienced....I learned much from it...and I can assure you, I have been around the block a few times.

It should be noted, as another reviewer has pointed out here, that much of the information contained in this book can indeed be found on the web...using an extensive google search. This is okay for those who like such methods of research. I personally like people to do that sort of thing for me, as this author has done with this work. It saved me much time and effort and I have it all right here in my lap as I type this review...that is nice!

Pease realize that I am not in anyway endorsing smoking in any fashion. If you have never smoked, have stopped smoking, are offended by smoking, are anti smoking in any way, think it is a nasty habit, etc., then I am all for you. You probably should skip reading this one! But if you do smoke cigars, even occasionally as I do, then you will find this work helpful and a delight to read. The author is good, he is funny and he is extremely informative.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

There's nothing contained in this book that couldn't be found with a web search using google. Most cigar websites have the same information readily available for surfers. A complete waste of 226 pages of good paper.