Welcome to our weekly Intercigarviews where we interview your average everyday admirer of the leaf. This week our very first interview is with Elesix. Elesix is a retired 1st Sergeant (1SG) with 24 years of service in the US Army. She is affectionately known as Sweet Pea in the Florida Cigar Club where she has been a member since 2015.
Here is her cigar story.
What was it about cigars that attracted you to them?
My grandfather smoked a pipe, cigarillos and petite coronas. They smelled sweet and there was a sense of calming comfort when we were together. I would get a sneak taste when grandma wasn’t around. It had no band and I didn’t know who rolled it but it was a local guy grandpa knew. Out of all the grandkids, the three eldest were girls. The first was a prissy goodie two shoes indoors type. The third was nutty who became a lonely cat lady and me the tomboy, always hanging around grandpa and helping him with projects and cool stuff outdoors. Over the years it was that calming ‘can do’ presence and attitude that I tried to emulate.
Describe the first cigar you smoked and the experience surrounding it.
The first cigar I tried was years later, 83 or 84. It was an Arturo Fuente that I purchased in the field while on a training exercise. It didn’t taste sweet like I remembered but the thoughts of my grandfather flooded my senses and I felt good. After that I continued the habit of enjoying an occasional stick in the field.
Aside from your grandfather what is your most fondest memory of smoking a cigar?
I think I pretty much covered that above. Although, there are many great enjoyable times but none as dear as what I sahred with my grandfather.
How long have you been enjoying cigars and about how many per week?
I’ve enjoyed cigars for about 37 years now but I didn’t start ‘full time til 2002 when I retired from the Army. At that time I resettled in Virginia and bought a house there to be close to family. My work at General Dynamics required me to travel and I always carried a small Tupperware (with pillow) full of cigars. Yes, I did say that! Eventually I purchased a real travel humidor. I was the only girl in our team but was easily accepted as one of the guys hanging and herfing together. A few years later I was one of the founding members of the Southside Cigar Club (SCC) in the Chesapeake/Hampton area. These days I enjoy about 10-12 sticks a week.
What are some of your favorite settings to enjoy a cigar?
One of the things I enjoy about herfing is that it is in a group setting and the camaraderie with fellow soldiers and teammates. This is the reason I started a weekly herf at Cigar Hustler in Deltona. It’s also my favorite hangout. When not there I retreat to my back patio where with my cigar Indian, signs, Diesel bar and paraphernalia, I’m happy.
If in a relationship – Does your significant other enjoy or smoke cigars?
Yes, he does and I sometimes will accompany me to the Thursday herfs at Cigar Hustler. Every year we participate in SCC week long herfs. We periodically debate whether the patio is a Man Cave or a Diva Den and we settle it with a cigar.
Is there any place you used to smoke a cigar but can’t anymore?
It disappoints me that outside venues these days don’t allow any type of smoking.
The best cigar you ever had? (year/brand/size/atmosphere)
I was gifted a Cuban Upmann toro(?) in 2007 for my investment in a restaurant. My friend said he acquired it some 15 years earlier while stationed in Guantanamo, and it was divine!
In your experience what determines a good cigar?
Construction- it looks delicate but solid with elegant veins. Burn- burns evenly with beautiful circled ashes. Flavors- that tantalize my palate with slight changes. Consistency- a handmade cigar will/maybe slightly differentiate but the basic flavors and profile should be the same throughout the stick; that’s why we have favorites. Aroma and blend go together to define and elevate the enjoyed cigar. IMHO, and everyone has one.😃
How would you describe your cigar journey? Is it a passion, an enjoyable hobby, or just something to pass the time.
My cigar journey was about memories, passion, camaraderie and pleasure. All interlaced with calm and poise.
What advice would you give someone just getting into cigars?
Start slow and experiment with different sticks to establish your likes, dislikes and parameters of what interests and excites you.
What is your favorite cigar size and cut?
I prefer a V-cut on most cigars. Size is a Robusto or Lonsdale if I’m feeling prissy.
Lastly, now that you are officially retired, what keeps you active?
I’m twice retired but now I’m putting my time into volunteering at a local museum.
Thank you Elesix for taking the time to share you cigar story!
All interviews are edited for clarity and created through email. If you have a story you would like to share please let us know! You can email us at info@fermentedleaves.com;
It was a pleasure!
Thanks for the honor of being your the first interviewee. Long ashes brother.😃🔥💨🇺🇸