Thank you, Gary, for this wonderful opportunity!

Be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Cigar Press Magazine from your local tobacconist. In this issue you will find my article on “Distinguishing Taste” which discusses how all of our senses play a vital role in a complete cigar experience. You will also discover photography featured by Tracy Tesmer of www.tracytesmer.com for the images in this article.

If you have never picked up a Cigar Press before then you are in for a real treat. Thor Nielsen of Cigar Press really knows how to speak to cigar smokers. He gives us the information we want to know, as well as the profiles of cigars so we can have our own experiences be based on flavor and strength, and not by ratings. Cigar Press is what the culture of cigars is all about.

Is it any wonder why we love food, wine, and cigars so much? There are flavors and textures that just make us happy- whether they remind us of our childhood, unique time in history, a special event, or even mark the start of a new moment to be remembered. They make us cozy, comfortable, and represent the enjoyment of life.

It’s the details that make the greatest impacts on us, too. And when it comes to wine and cigars, the goal is to have a happy and flavor rich experience. We use many of the same senses when it comes to tasting- and no surprise is that our preferred profile of food and wine also translates into the world of cigars. If you find yourself liking rich, complex foods and wines, you most likely also enjoy full-bodied cigars that are rich and complex in flavor. If you enjoy the delicate notes of a sauvignon blanc with fresh seafood, then you may appreciate the subtle and wonderful notes of a mild and smooth cigar. Spicy, earthy, chocolaty, sweet, salty, coffee- there are so many flavors and styles to meet our personality and tasting preferences.

If you are new to cigars, consider what you you love in food and wine and seek that in a cigar. Once you’ve found the flavors that excite you, then you can begin to explore other styles with greater appreciation.

As for me, I know I adore a medium to full-bodied wine or cigar, but I also enjoy a sauvignon blanc, champagne, eiswein, or pinot noir blanc as much as a mild cigar- there are time and moods for those cravings. I prefer rich foods, but by no means is that the only answer. Balance is key, overindulging in anything takes the pleasure out of the experience and can be simply too much.

If I’m craving something rich and sweet, I have a port to satisfy me and a cigar to match.  Savory? Done, there is a style to compliment. I love that, and enjoy exploring the palate and getting better acquainted. The more you try the more you discover about yourself, and perhaps even  find new appreciation for your favorites. Life offers many wonderful opportunities, and our tastes and lifestyle are a great freedom to be enjoyed.

PS- In case you were wondering, the cigar I have in my hand is also a personal favorite of mine- it is the Noellas Reserva from Tatuaje- a gift given to me from Pete Johnson. Thank you so much, Pete! During the last IPCPR Pete gave me a couple Noellas Reservas from his personal stash after I had informed him they were my favorite. What a treat!

Keep checking in as more videos from IPCPR are updated here on the blog- there is still more to come! You can look via this post or from the new tab/page accessible from the navigation bar.

Just select the name you wish to view to see the videos:

CAMACHO, MATT BOOTH OF ROOM 101

SAM LECCIA, CAIN CIGAR

PETE JOHNSON, TATUAJE

XIKAR

LUXURY OF DAVIDOFF (2)

DON GONZALEZ CIGARS

GRAYCLIFF CIGARS (2)

KRIS KACHATURIAN

ESTEBAN CARRERAS CIGARS

JOE GANNASCOLI

KRISTOFF CIGARS

HEAVENLY CIGARS

PADILLA

View more or see the PHOTO GALLERY here.

I wanted to share a couple of great moments from this afternoon-

It’s pretty cool when you can see two legends-in-the-making meet for the first time. While hanging out at Camacho, I had the pleasure of witnessing Sam Leccia and Matt Booth meet for the first time. These are a couple of great guys making a strong impact on the cigar industry.

Another great moment for me was how I ended the show- meeting Don Pepin Garcia. I had the honor of spending some time with the master and even having him light my Nestor Miranda Special Selection Lancero.

Below is a quick little video of Don Pepin Garcia answering a few of my questions. Nestor Miranda was kind enough to translate for us. What an incredible way to finish a fantastic week!

Perhaps you’ve seen or participated in either the Omnivores 100 or Imbibers 100 which has been in circulation through numerous blogs.  The “Omnivores 100″ is a list the blog author of Very Good Taste created and thinks “every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food – but a good omnivore should really try it all.”

The “Imbibers 100” from Art Of Drink is a similar creation inspired from the Omnivores 100. Listed there are items- both brand and non-brand specific, with many surprising and interesting inclusions. It isn’t meant to be a “best of the world” list, and I like that thinking.

So I invite you to participate in creating this list with me. I don’t want it to be just my list (though I have my thoughts!), I want you to have a part in it as well. This is also something fun that can be passed around once it is completed!

Pairings are something to be considered. I don’t want it to be all about one brand or one country, like Cuba- brands will be listed of course. I would like to see a little bit of everything. Price isn’t an issue- a range of everything is to be included. This isn’t the “best of the world” but rather a 100 list of cigars that should be tried at least once in one’s lifetime, or at least a list of cigars for consideration by any cigar smoker. Like the other lists, it isn’t necessary to have indulged in all of them.

Some non-brand specific ideas (and ones I will contribute here now) may be something along the lines of “an aged cigar or one you’ve aged yourself”, “a limited series cigar”, “lighting a cigar with a long match”, “attend a cigar event”, “have a special place to enjoy your cigars- at home or elsewhere”, “having an espresso/coffee with a cigar”, “having a cigar with your favorite beverage- alcoholic or otherwise”, and so on. They don’t have to be fancy.

Send your contributions via the comments below. Once the list has been created I’ll be referencing this page with your comments and names in credit to the creation of this list.

List what you think should be included- maybe your personal top ten or more list (not necessarily your personal favorites, but what you think should be on the list as this is directed to everyone). You can add more if you like as you see other contributors respond. I know sometimes someone else’s thoughts will make you think of something you had maybe forgotten about.

Let’s keep this fun, shall we?

Some of the freshest seafood I’ve enjoyed from various coasts on our globe have stayed with me from their distinct and wonderful qualities. I’ll crave and seek more but always remember my first experiences. I cherish it.  Some of the best wines I have tasted were from small vineyards that didn’t create enough to export, and were to be enjoyed simply by the locals. That is something I also enjoy of cheese- where the distinctions in taste are very noticeable by region and animal. And I do love my stinky cheeses.

It is the qualities and flavors I look for now, the ones that remind me of the impact the previous memories left me with. I’m sure you, too, have had this experience. Even if it a meal your mother made just for you from scratch at home. Nothing compares to it and it means something to you.

It isn’t an end all of course. Not everything has to be a perfect replacement- I would never want to replace my memories. It’s just a beginning and gives you an appreciation. There are so many new opportunities being created every day, and it is fun to see and taste all the varieties. But the love of a flavor comes from the memories.

One such cigar experience for me is one I am unable to get here in the United States for obvious reasons. But is one I will also forever remember the qualities and tastes of, and carry with me. It’s one I want to share with you, and- I hope you too will share your experiences.

You know the moment when it happens- that impact a certain food, wine, or cigar experience hits you. It leaves you cozy, relaxed, and jubilant. One experience that stood out for me was the Montecristo #3. It is a Cuban cigar that for me left me speechless and grateful. The taste, smoothness, and luxury of this smoke is a strong memory of mine.

There are many discussions going on about Cuban cigars, and with many fakes moving around so many false impressions are made. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you like them or not- like anything else they are distinctive and must meet your palate. But if you do not like them, I hope it comes from having tasted a true representation.

Living where I am now, smoking them regularly isn’t an option for me. But fortunately Cuban cigars have paved the way for so many wonderful, true quality cigars. Nicaraguan cigars are my preferred day to day choice here, there are similarities that make me cozy. But I love trying more- from all regions and blends. Having the same thing every day will eventually dull in flavor and you won’t be able to tell the details anymore. It won’t make them special.

And so I enjoy expanding my palate and seeing what all is available. There is too much to be enjoyed to stay in one place.

I’d love to hear from you, too. What are some of your fondest taste memories? Cigars, food, wine, or spirits… share what you like here. We may find some new ideas to seek out for ourselves.

This is a sneak peak from my latest photoshoot with the amazing photographer, Tracy Tesmer of Tracy Tesmer Photo and hairstylist, Clemente Javier. Here you can get a glimpse of some of the behind the scenes previews.

Private Lounge Members- you can find a bonus video now up in the Private Lounge with your behind the scenes access. Hope you enjoy- I’ll be revealing more photos soon, too.

This is Part Two of my interview with Ken Jacobs of Santa Barbara Cigar in Houston, TX. In this interview we discuss the topics of:

More answers and the rest of this interview will be launched soon. If you are a member of The Private Lounge you will find the complete interview available without interruption on your member’s page right now.

To contact Ken Jacobs or find out more about his cigar shop, Santa Barbara Cigar, call 281-293-0609.