Cigar Interview With Patrick -

Welcome to another edition of Intercigarviews! This week we interviewed Patrick who lives in Florida and has worked as a county employee for 22 years. With any interview my aim is to keep the speakers voice with proper grammar. This week was a little different because it would of taken away from Patrick’s style.

This is Patrick’s cigar story.

What was it about cigars that drew you to them?

When I was younger, I grew up watching all the great comedians smoking cigars, George Burns comes to my mind the most.

I grew up in a nice neighborhood in New Jersey, and my next door neighbor, Uncle Joe, had a lovely den full of neat little knick knacks, and among them, I remember his cigar box. It wasn’t really a humidor like we have now, but a -really nice cigar box. I remember I used to take a metal cigar tube every now and then, and open it up and smell inside. As a youngin, it didn’t smell none too good, but the memories were always nice.

Also. watching movies with Clint Eastwood with his cheroots and military movies where the head officer always had a stogie clenched by his teeth, it always intrigued me.

Describe the first cigar you smoked and the experience surrounding it.

The first one I remember, was a Macanudo in a metal tube. I didn’t own a humidor and I don’t believe this store kept it in one either!! It wasn’t really all that good, but I felt like “THE MAN” after puffing on it. Walking home from the store while smoking it since my Momma didn’t know I smoked at the time, it wasn’t all that glorious

What is your most fondest memory of smoking a cigar?

I have a few of these. One is when I used to ride my motorcycle out to Pass A Grille in the evening, and sit on the park bench and watch the water and the sunset.

My other is when I’d go to a Disney Resort, and just relax and smoke. It’s usually around my Mother’s or my birthdays, so it’s always a good memory.

How long have you been enjoying cigars and about how many per week?

I started when I was eighteen, but always once in a GREAT while. When it became a pastime, I believe I’ve been enjoying them for almost ten years now.

My good buddy Chris that works with me was my “go to” guy to get ideas for smokes. I have experienced many brands because of him and I know what I like and don’t like. I also know which will never grace my lips ever again.

I am somewhat an everyday smoker in the cooler weather, but only a Sunday smoker during the hot Florida heat.

What are some of your favorite settings to enjoy a cigar?

Sunsets and evenings are the best. It’s the winding down relaxation smoke, with either a good adult beverage or a great coffee/tea. I really would love to start smoking with Root or Bitch beer. Also, a good cigar bar with a friend is nice too.

If in a relationship – Does your significant other enjoy or smoke cigars?

I wasn’t smoking when I was married, and I haven’t found anyone since, but I would love to find a Sister of the Leaf to be with.

The best cigar you ever had?

Padron 1926 80 year. Best $30+ ever spent on a cigar! The draw was picture perfect that every cigar should be like!

In your experience what determines a good cigar?

With my meager experience with cigars, I believe the draw is VERY important. I do not like sucking on my cigar and seeing gooey tar substance on the head of my smoke. I don’t like having to take a dry rag and wiping my darn tongue off either.

Also, a good cigar should have no nasty after taste that lingers until the next day!!

I can put up with a slight uneven burn, but when I have to keep using a lighter to fix the burn, that is a huge problem

How would you describe your cigar journey? It is a passion, an enjoyable hobby, or just something to pass the time.

My journey is more of a meditation ritual. It’s how I wind down the day or just the week.

What advice would you give someone just getting into cigars?

My advice would be to be adventurous. Don’t just go with what everyone tells you to get. Find out what kind of leaf you like, and try not to mix them on the same day. Also!! VERY important!! Do NOT smoke a relatively pricey cigar when you think you are coming down with a cold or infection! It will be a waste!

What is your favorite size cigar and cut?

My favorite size would be a Churchill, even though I’ve been noticing gordo’s can burn as long or longer than a Churchill.

My cut is majority a punch, since I carry one on my keychain but a good V cut is great too!

Thanks Patrick for charing your cigar story!