I used to smoke cigarettes in my 12th grade. Mostly because of the social aspect, to go out and chat with my classmates. Also, back then it was considered “cool”. My preferred brand was “Parliament”. It was the most expensive you could buy. My logic was, that if I intended to smoke cigarettes, then at least I would smoke the best. So I did. I don’t think I was addicted. I was not craving a smoke the first thing I woke up. As I mentioned before, I believe that the appeal was the social aspect for me. I quit roughly a year after I started.
Nothing came next. I did not restart. Yes, I smoked a cigarillo on some infrequent occasions but only when someone offered. I never bought it myself. So why cigars? My father smokes cigarettes, currently, none in my network enjoys cigars. How come I decided to try?
Firstly, I read a book by Nicholas Foulkes called “Cigars: A Guide”. It is a book equally for beginners and seasoned cigar veterans. The book contains the origin of cigars, how they are made as well as a brief description of the various cigar brands. Probably for my second cigar I should bring the book to the Davidoff lounge and re-read sections about the particular brand and the type of cigar I am enjoying. An idea worth keeping in mind.
Secondly, I am an admirer of the two gentlemen of Davidoff of London – Eddie and Edward Sahakian. I watch their YouTube videos, I like to listen to their thoughts on cigars they are enjoying and they both just seem like people with whom you would like to have a conversation.
Thus after reading the book by Mr Foulkes and watching countless videos of Eddie and Edward, I wanted to know why cigars are so appealing. Why do men like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Jordan, and many more buy, collect, and enjoy cigars?
I already knew that in Brussels there are two Davidoff stores, and that one is with a smoking lounge. Also, I knew that I wanted my first cigar to be from the Davidoff brand. Mostly, because it is a brand that I knew and you can’t go wrong by choosing it as your first.
Davidoff is a Swiss luxury brand known for its premium cigars, tobacco products, and other high-end lifestyle items. The brand was established by Zino Davidoff, a Ukrainian-born tobacconist, in the early 20th century. Davidoff initially gained recognition for its luxury tobacco products, including cigars, pipes, and cigarettes.
Davidoff cigars, in particular, are renowned for their quality, craftsmanship, and sophisticated flavor profiles. The company sources high-quality tobacco from various regions, including the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and other tobacco-producing countries. The cigars are known for their meticulous blending and aging processes, resulting in a premium smoking experience.
My wonderful wife decided to come with me to see how I enjoyed my first cigar. At Davidoff, I chose a mild “Toro” cigar. I asked for a straight cut. After a brief chat with the store manager, we went up to the lounge where three other men already sat. We found two empty leather chairs, and I picked up a lighter. As this was my first cigar, this was the first time I had to light it. I had only seen how it is done on YouTube by Eddie Sahakian. Thus thanks to his masterful videos and explanations I was able to do it myself.
What is a “Toro” cigar, you might ask. A “Toro” cigar is a specific size and shape within the world of premium cigars. The term “Toro” refers to a particular cigar size, characterized by its length and ring gauge. Generally, a Toro cigar has the following dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 6 inches (152 mm) to 6 1/2 inches (165 mm).
- Ring Gauge: Typically ranging from 50 to 52, but sizes may vary.
The ring gauge is a measurement of a cigar’s diameter, expressed in 64ths of an inch (16.256mm). So, a Toro cigar with a ring gauge of 50 has a diameter of 50/64 of an inch. One inch is 25.4 millimeters.
The Toro size is popular among cigar enthusiasts because it provides a good balance between length and thickness, allowing for a satisfying smoking experience that’s neither too short nor too thick. This size often allows for a more extended smoking time, allowing the flavors to develop gradually.
It’s important to note that while the term “Toro” refers to a specific size, the actual blend and flavor profile of a cigar depends on the brand and the tobacco used in its construction. Different cigar brands may offer Toro-sized cigars with diverse flavor profiles, strengths, and tobacco origins.
Thoughts after the first smoke? I like the process. I like to touch a cigar. I like to light it. I like to put it to my lips and have a smoke. I certainly won’t smoke every day or probably even every week, but every other I might. Mostly because of the social aspect. Again. You see when we came there three gentlemen were already enjoying their cigars. Two came together and left shortly after we came. The third one stayed for a while. He started to talk to us. He is a professor of neuroscience in Brussels. He used to live in Vermont, USA; he used to study in Cambridge, UK; he likes to have one cigar every week, and when he feels he is close to an addiction – he stops. Then after a while, he restarts. Due to these brief encounters, due to these chats with people with whom you would probably never meet, I am attracted to cigars.
I believe that close to the European Commission there is also a cigar lounge. Should I go there as well? I think I should. Because you may never know who you could meet. Would it be lovely to play poker while smoking a cigar? It would. Could I read an interesting book about watches while enjoying a cigar? I could.
I made a rookie mistake as well. My first drop of ashes went on the tray. Sadly, my second went on the floor. It happens. Even to the best of us. I will try not to make this mistake again with my second, third, and … cigar.
I kept the label of my cigar as a reminder of what it was. As everyone should. Also, when I sat there enjoying my first cigar I kept remembering the words of Mr Edward Sahakian, it could not have been said any better:
Eat less but the best;
Drink less but the best;
Smoke less but Davidoff.
I enjoyed my first cigar. I have no intention of smoking them more often or making a collection of my own. For those wondering, yes, I did feel slightly lightheaded after finishing. It was expected since it was my first time when I smoked something this big. It will be interesting to note whether I feel any different after my second. To find out I could go to a lounge every other week. Who knows? Maybe I will have another interesting exchange.
Kind regards,
Olaaf
