I dont know if this is appropriate here, since this is all about men's style I wonder if any of you enjoy the above as much as I do. I am curious as many men today enjoy more finer things in life compared to old days where only the rich indulge in this kind of activity. This thread is also for us to learn more about fine wine, whisky and Cigar.
I am not an expert but if we can learn from each other why not!!
So guys please post your interest and questions here!

I'll definitely be interest in the items you mention when I am rich . Need a lot of money to become a connoisseur .

This post has been edited by Mr.Kenta: Mar 30 2009, 04:27 PM

currently i enjoy downing whiskey and getting tipsy =)

You dont have to be rich to enjoy it, being a connoisseur is a matter of interest rather then money, you need to gain knowledge and read a lot to understand the fundamental and from then on is trial and error. the more you drink/smoke the more you will understand the delicate taste and ember.

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Added on March 30, 2009, 4:38 pmI use to enjoy that a lot, those good old days

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Mar 30 2009, 04:38 PM

Appreciate if TS can give us some guide on picking up on this.

im a smoker myself but i hate the taste of cigar i dont know why..anything close to cigar that id touch is cigarillos lol. and i love cognac ! (=

Not into heavy ones, but I do have Moet, and Mumm on occasions. I admit that I still have no knowledge in differentiating them in terms of quality.

I know Moet is champagne, but then there would be too many topics to open.

Anyone else?

no wine
no cigar
just whisky..depends on my mood

What would you like to know? I will try to answer your questions and I believe other member will gladly answer as well

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Added on March 30, 2009, 5:38 pmMind to tell me which cigar you tried

This post has been edited by sliver2c: Mar 30 2009, 05:38 PM

Hmm, would like to learn on picking up Cigar.

This definitely belongs here since wine and cigar is a symbol of style, to most men at least.

I do not smoke, so cigars are out of the question. But I do love a glass of red wine. Whiskey? Haven't try yet, but maybe I will.

actually .. how to smoke cigars? i heard that u dont inhale it like cigarettes right?

I on the other hand, smoke and drink whiskey. Nay to red wine.

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Added on March 30, 2009, 10:29 pmYes.

This post has been edited by kockroach: Mar 30 2009, 10:29 PM

i smoke cigars from time to time. there is always a misconception that cigars are only for smokers. you'd be surprised to find that alot of cigar smokers don't smoke cigarettes. smoking cigar is a matter of enjoying the taste in your mouth. you are not supposed to inhale the smoke cause it is very thick. well actually you can inhale but chances are that you will just end up with a massive headache and feel like puking your guts out

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Added on March 31, 2009, 3:55 amBasically there is 3 things to keep in mind when choosing a cigar. Flavour, size and colour. Flavour is very basic. There are quite a few to choose from. Next is to see the size and colour. the size and colour determines how thick and rich the flavour is. The bigger the size = more potent. The darker the colour = more potent. Most people start with cigarillos. Or just pick one cheap one from 7-11.

This post has been edited by RMaliff: Mar 31 2009, 03:55 AM

Whisky. I like the Japanese variant. Nikka and Yamazaki are the one's me and my friend's have collectively tried to be favourites in our affordable books.

The Scottish malt has a very peaty taste which I'm not very fond of.

This post has been edited by mofonyx: Mar 31 2009, 05:23 AM

my preferred whisky only from isla....

I don't smoke. I rarely drink. My question to you guys would be if it more fashionable to drink caffeine from Starbucks or Alchohol in some swanky place? hahaha.

Let me explain a little bit about cigars, Cigars come mainly from Cuba and Dominican Republic. Countries like France, Holland, Brazil and Philipines also do produce Cigars but not as popular as the former two. Below are some info for you guide.

The cigar you pick, the way you cut it, light it, smoke it and above all, the taste you enjoy, they are your choice and yours alone. However, there are some practical points you should bear in mind.

When choosing a Cigar one must consider the below:

First of all, the cigar and its wrapper must please the eye. You may prefer a light Claro colour, or maybe a dark Maduro. Either way, the colour should be even and there should be a bit of sheen (oily look) on the leaf. Don't worry if you see a white spot or a green patch. These are natural blemishes, beauty spots if you like, that occurred during the growing or curing processes. Neither affects the quality of the cigar.
Press the cigar between two fingers to test its condition. It should be firm but "springy" to the touch

Taste can only be judged by smoking - quite a challenge when you have 33 Habanos brands to choose from.
If you are a new comer to the world of cigars, maybe a slightly smaller cigar such as a Mareva (often called Petit Corona) is a good choice. Start with one of the lighter flavoured brands - refer to Habanos Brands and Flavours further on.
For the more experienced smokers, it is more about the time at your disposal and your personal taste. Remember, a hand made Habanos cigar is constructed in such a way that its flavours intensify as you smoke the further down the cigar, and a larger cigar tends to give a stronger flavour.

There are many shapes and sizes when come to a cigar the bigger the ring gauge is the more flavourfull it will be belwo are some guidelines on Sizes:

1. The Mareva is by far the most popular of all the sizes. Its 42 ring gauge allows all the three filler leaves to be used to their full in the blend and it is as near as you get to a 'standard' girth for Habanos. The Mareva or Petit Corona offers around 30 minutes of smoking pleasure.
Popular Name: Petit Corona
Dimensions: 5 1/8 in x 42 ring gauge or 129mm x 16.67mm diameter.

2. A Corona is the size to crown a memorable dinner, or perhaps to give you time for contemplation on a busy day. With the same girth as the Mareva, it offers over half an hour of essential relaxation.
Popular Name: Corona
Dimensions: 5 5/8 in x 42 ring gauge, or 142mm x 16.67mm diameter.

3. Next is trilogy of 42 ring gauge vitolas is the Cervantes named popularly after Lord Lonsdale, the English sporting Earl of the 1930s. A man with an eye for a good horse, he preferred the extra elegance of a longer cigar. Allow around 50 minutes to smoke one.
Popular Name: Lonsdale
Dimensions: 6 1/2 in x 42 ring gauge, or 165 mm x 16.67 diameter.

4. When elegance is the order of the day, the slender length of the Lancero is hard to beat. There is a shorter version too, the Coronas Especial, which measures just 6 inches. Both originated at Havana's El Laguito factory, the home of Cohiba, and boast the fitnesse of a twist of leaf on the cap. This one will take the best part of one hour to smoke.
Popular Name: Lancero
Dimensions: 75/8 in x 49 ring gauge, or 194mm x 19.45mm diameter.

5. When time allows, there are a few experiences for the taste buds to match the steady revelations of a Double Corona. Its colossal leaves may surprise you at first with their delicacy before they build to a crescendo of flavour. A good hour and a quarter is needed to smoke one.
Popular Name: Double Corona
Dimensions: 75/8 in x 49 ring gauge, or 194mm x 19.45mm diameter.

6. Originally from the Romeo y Julieta factory. It is said that Winston Churchill smoked some 300,000 Habanos during his long life. Not all matched these dimensions but this was his size of choice. Another feast for the palate to be enjoyed for over an hour.
Popular Name: Churchill
Dimensions: 7in x 47 ring gauge, or 178mm x 18.65mm diameter.

7. The Dalia's popular name comes from the special box in which it was first packed with the cigars in three rows of 8, 9 and 8. As such it is the flagship vitola of the Partegas brand and will keep you occupied for almost an hour.
Popular Name: 8-9-8
Dimensions: 63/4 in x 43 ring gauge, or 170mm x 17.07mm diameter.

8. Modern constraints on time have made this stocky shape the first choice for many experienced smokers. Slow burning and packed with flavour, most of the joys of a really large cigar can be savored in 30 to 40 minutes.
Popular Name: Robusto
Dimensions: 47/8 in x 50 ring gauge, or 124mm x 19.84mm diameter.

9. The sizes shown so far are what is called parejo or straight-sided. This is a figurado. Many believe that the Piramide or Torpedo, with its tapered head and shoulders, has special advantages when it comes to combustibility during the hour or so it takes to smoke.
Popular Name: Torpedo
Dimensions: 61/8 in x 52 ring gauge, or 156mm x 20.64mm diameter.

10. Pointed at both ends, this double figurado shape is perhaps a better candidate for the title of ' torpedo'. A century ago most Habanos looked like this but today the shape is rare except in one brand - Cuaba, every size of which is double figurado.
Popular Name: Figurado
Dimensions: 53/4 in x 46 ring gauge, or 145mm x 18.26mm diameter.

11. The Perla is one of a group of smaller vitolas, some a little longer, others a little fatter than this one. They share the ability to deliver the true taste of a Habano in 20 minutes or so.
Popular Name: Tres Petit Corona (TPC)
Dimesions : 4in x 40 ring gauge, or 102mm x 15.87mm diameter.

12. A quarter of an hour will suffice to smoke this tiny example of the Torcedor's art. Perfect, for instance, to enjoy during an interval at the theatre. In fact one similar vitola is called the Entre Acto, literally 'between acts'.
Popular Name: Panetela
Dimensions: 41/2 in x 26 ring gauge, or 115mm x 10.32mm diameter.


I hope above gives you guys more info on a cigar. If you guys have more questions on cigars let me know.

@sliver2c

So for a new starter, one can start with a Petit Corona(is it a brand or type) that comes with a lighter flavored? No? Thanks