The author makes an (unintentionally?) valid point by comparing cigars to the wine industry. A lot of the pomp, and indeed the press coverage, focusses on expensive wines and brand names that dominate the market - look at the hoo-hah that surrounds the Bordeaux en primeur campaign each year. As several people have mentioned, in many ways this benefits us all, as it puts money into the industry. However, for most consumers (of more modest and normal means), these high end offerings are out of reach for all but the most special occasion, and perhaps not even then. Most of the wine we drink, and cigars we smoke, are likely to be as good/almost as good and considerably better value for money.
The image portrayed is certainly important for a number of consumers too. How many virtual non-smokers have we seen with expensive Cohibas or Partagas, without really knowing what they're smoking? About the same number of lager drinkers (nothing wrong with that, I like a pint myself) with too much cash drinking expensive wine.
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Is that cos you've been listening again to those 'experts' who told you you should only smoke naked in public?Originally posted by WDave40 View PostLeave a comment:
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How can you even write about cigars when you're not regularly smoking Cuban Davidoffs? It goes well with a Karuizawa 1965.
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Struck me as advertorial for the Reservas... that said... someone promoting the enjoyment of Cigars in some small way is no bad thing.Originally posted by groundhog View Posthttp://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article...-cigars-luxury
Erm. What?
To me this exemplifies an elitist attitude toward cigars that I dislike greatly.
I love cigars - Cuban and non cuban. Doesn't matter to me where they're from - what matters is how they taste and how much fun they are to smoke.
I really couldn't give a monkeys who the Habanos man of the year was/is in any year.
It's irrelevant. It's industry backslapping that's pointless to the consumer.
What I do care about is that Habanos SA concentrates on continuing to make decent cigars at a decent price that we can continue to enjoy.
Without chasing the cash cow that is double banders.
Sure some are worth their money (maybe) - but that's because they're good smokes, not because of the double band.
I like the American attitude to cigars - they're for everyone. A great equaliser.
It doesn't matter which cigar you're smoking, so long as you're smoking.
For every top end stick sold to someone who wants it to look good, they are supporting the trade etc and reinforcing demand. I would prefer they buy a stick they rate on quality not price, but heck its not my world or my rules... I have the same views on wine & spirits. Best example is Grey Goose Vodka... its expensive because of the brand, its not expensive because of the quality or taste. However, take 'Le Pin' a Pomerol ... tiny vineyard, limited production, uber high quality... and earns its price (which is pretty unaffordable to a mere mortal such as I!).
However what worries me is that Anti's in all walks of life like to attempt to marginalise and pigeonhole the thing they dont like as being specific or exclusive to a certain class or section or society. This grinds my gears... cigars and one of my other passions; shooting, are exactly as you say great levellers for all to enjoy. Sure there are some cigar bars in top end resorts and hotels that will only attract a certain clientele, as there are country estates where the ticket price for shooting is beyond the reach of almost all. BUT, these aside the gates are wide open for participation and enjoyment for all.
Cigars are unquestionably a luxury when considered as product bought in the UK domestic market. Prices and tax are ferocious and no financial planner would ever suggest you find a space for them in your disposable income. But pick them up on your travels and the price aligns neatly to other 'hobby' or lifestyle consumables. And lets be frank, we do tend to hold cigars as something special - buying, aging, looking after, sharing and of course smoking them makes us feel 'good'. But the article does seem to make a point of outlining the best of the best of the best as being the point you should engage with cigars... which as we all know can be really quite disappointing. It was a bit thin, and did little for the passtime other than promoting the cigar version of the Range Rover 'Overfinch' ... where in the main a 4x4 with a comfy chair is pretty darned rewarding and gets you to all of the same spots!Leave a comment:
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Me too... although I get over when one by one people comment on the smell, the experience, or how you dont see too manypeople enjoying a cigar anymore... etc etc... ! Buggers up any plans of getting a few minutes peace though LOL!Originally posted by WDave40 View Post
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Agreed. Far too much pretension in this article. I know a lot of people who read GQ, but no smokers who do. That probably speaks volumes in of itself!Leave a comment:
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Well said GH but this article says more about GQ readers and the author than it does about real cigar smokers
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