Welcome to our weekly Intercigarview where we interview your everyday average admirer of the leaf. This week we interviewed Bill Prieto. Bill is a retired 30 year veteran of the police department.
Here is his cigar story
What was it about cigars that drew you to them?
The flavor and relaxing nature of smoking a cigar.
Describe the first cigar you smoked and the experience surrounding it.
I was a 25 year old rookie police officer when my senior officer asked me if I smoked cigars. I answered no. He asked me to follow him and took me to a local cigar shop and bought me a cigar called Bauza cigar (owned by Fuente). He handed it to me and said try it. So I did. I coughed up a lung but for some strange reason it appealed to me and I have been smoking them ever since for 31 years now.
What is your most fondest memory of smoking a cigar?
Smoking my first cigar with my Dad. it was a Cuban Romeo y Julieta in 1989. It was just after I smoked my first. He passed away in 2010.
Did you introduce your dad to cigars?
No, he smoked them and I tried one around 20 years old but I didn’t get into it.
What are some of your favorite settings to enjoy a cigar?
My backyard by the pool with friends and family or our weekly cigar meets. Anywhere I can in the great outdoors.
Does your significant other enjoy or smoke cigars?
Married now for 10 years and together 13, my wife just recently started smoking cigars in December of 2018 and I love it..
The best cigar you ever had?
It was an Arturo Fuente Opus X Blue released in 1995. I kept it for 8 years and smoked it the day I got promoted to Sergeant at the Police Department in 2003. I believe the size was 6 1/2 by 54.
In your experience what determines a good cigar?
A combination of things, Construction, draw, burn, and flavor.
How would you describe your cigar journey? It is a passion, an enjoyable hobby, or just something to pass the time.
A passionate hobby.
What is your favorite cut and size cigar?
It has changed over the years. I used to love the punch or straight cut and size wise the 6×60. Now it’s mainly the V cut. I find it to be the most consistent cut for most cigars as far as getting the best flow and draw from the cigar. Today I enjoy the 6×52-54. To me it’s the perfect size…
What advice would you give someone just getting into cigars?
Start slow and start mild and build up your palette. Try different cigars but start mild to medium to find something you like and build on from there. If you’ve never smoked cigars or just occasionally and start with something strong/full bodied, you might get turned off.
What advice would you give a seasoned cigar smoker?
Smoke what you like to smoke and ENJOY IT. That’s part of cigar smoking. Also mentor and teach young cigar enthusiasts about the culture and history of cigars..
Thank you Bill for taking the time to share your 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.
