One of the local shops had a cigar roller in today. If you bought two of the stores cigars then you got one of the freash rolled cigars free. It was pretty cool and he was fast. Had this old rusted blade that seemed razor sharp just cutting the leaves and rolling them up.

I thought it was neat and just wanted to share, all of you probably have seen it many times before.

wbslngr
just to mention to you that the cigar is like putting all the ingredients in a pot to make soup. the soup has to be cooked and the cigar needs to age so that like the soup, all the leaves will "marry" blend together to get the finished product. a year is not a bad length of time.

so they one I got free, the "fresh one" I should let sit for a year?

the longer you simmer the soup, the more flavor.

Keep in mind that there is a "sickness period" that all cigars experience (a time when they should not be smoked)...I can't remember exactly how long or when..I believe it is between 1-8 months...In other words, either smoke it right away or let it age for awhile...Can anyone find the exact duration of the "sickness period"...I also can't find my guides that have this info
Keith

I would personally let it rest in the humidor for at least a year...I have one cigar (a Partagas 150AA) in my humidor that has been there since late 1997...THat's my "oldest" cigar...I am saving it until I become a father, but the wrapper is starting to split a bit, so I don't know if I can wait that long
Keith

The old rusty blade is called a chibata (I believe that is proper spelling) and they use it for everything in making the cigars!
Charlie

and circumcisions

"OUCH", i said.

Hey wbsngr,

I was visiting a friend in Tampa last year and went to a party that had a cigar roller. He had the binder and filler already made, but finished off the wrapper and cap while you waited. I smoked the "fresh" cigar immediately...what a great experience. Topped off the great food and music.

I did bring a second one home and let it sit for a couple of months. Smoked it and wish I had waited. I was suprised at the difference in taste. Not near as good as the first one, although after many cocktails at the party before I lit up, its hard to say if there was any difference!

"sickness period"
i believe that starts with a discharge, followed by a burning sensation, followed by "dr. i have this little problem."

Watching a roller is always neat. We had one in a local shop a while back. I locked my keys in the truck so I had plenty of time to observe.

Yeah I wanted to take a few pics, but no one else there seemed at interested as I was. They had probably seen it a bunch before.

5augie5
When cigars are rolled, it is recommended that they are smoked right away, or put to rest for about 6 months. During this rest time they will go through something called a "sick period". This is when the tobaccos begin their blending process, which often leads to a less than desirable taste - often tastes such as ammonia are noticed.

This may be the reason you did not enjoy the second fresh rolled cigar you smoked. Then again, it may have been a bad stick 🙂

Rookie,If you ever become a pop be sure to LMK. X

Thanks for the info, Steve.

Like I said, should've waited. It did smoke well, but the taste just wasn't happening for me. I'll know better next time!