Dialing It Back a Skosch

All right. So for the last couple of years, I been diggin' on AJ Fernandez blends of various sorts. Lately, though, I've been smoking less and enjoying it less, but not to the extent where I wanna give it up. Now, mind you, I've done that a few times in the past, usually for a year or two, maybe more, just cuz I get tired of smellin' like a stogie!

For some reason, my palate is tellin' me that I'm not enjoying those stronger blends as much as I should. Whatever shall I do?

I know! Return to the World of Connecticut wrappers, and milder ceegars! Nothin' wrong with that, and no need to hit the panic button...just one of those mysteries of smokin' stogies I reckon. Just ordered three fivers...cuz I like variety, doncha know...of San Lotano Connies, CAO Gold, and Camacho Connies...all of which I've enjoyed in the past, and all of which I'm certain I'm GONNA enjoy soon!

So. This ever happen to any of y'all?

I like to change it up once in awhile. Seems like I go for the lighter sticks more when the weather gets warmer.

Connies don't necessarily mean less flavorful. Yes, they often are associated with milder sticks, but the flavors are there, a little bit more nuanced. They have a little more finesse. Sometimes I think the big, bold, in-your-face flavors mask or over-shadow the other subtle flavors that may be detected.

You might try something of the corojos or Habano. Since you like the San Lotano, you've probably tried the Habano. I could also recommend the Nomad Connecticut Fuerte or the Tatuaje Havana VI (Red band).

I try to mix it up on an almost constant basis to make sure I don't get burned out. Also, there are a ton of great cigars out there, if you stick to just one blender you might miss out on something that hits your palate even better! It is rare that I smoke the same cigar much less the same manufacturer more than once in a couple weeks. I would try and take it as an opportunity to get out and try a lot of the other cigars that have come out in the past few years. You don't have to go 180 back to Connecticuts but there are a ton in between that you can check out.

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Originally Posted by Nature

I like to change it up once in awhile. Seems like I go for the lighter sticks more when the weather gets warmer.

Connies don't necessarily mean less flavorful. Yes, they often are associated with milder sticks, but the flavors are there, a little bit more nuanced. They have a little more finesse. Sometimes I think the big, bold, in-your-face flavors mask or over-shadow the other subtle flavors that may be detected.

You might try something of the corojos or Habano. Since you like the San Lotano, you've probably tried the Habano. I could also recommend the Nomad Connecticut Fuerte or the Tatuaje Havana VI (Red band).

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Yep, I've found that Connecticut wrappers don't automatically mean less flavorful! Just a little less hit on the senses maybe, but I'm ready for a little less intense smoke for a while...love that AJF profile, the San Lotanos will still give me that, love Nicaraguan cigars, the San Lotanos and CAO's will give me that, not certain about the Camacho, forget their composition at the moment, but all three have made me happy in the past. There are some others that I will smoke too, until my palate changes back, happy for suggestions!

I'll enjoy a La Aurora CT occasionally when I want to enjoy a CT wrapped cigar. Mainly enjoy one in the morning with a dose of coffee....

Those are some very nice CTs. Alec Bradley puts together a nice CT as well, as does Hoyo de Monterrey.

+1 on mixing it up. I never smoke the same blend twice in a row, and rarely buy more than 5 at a time of anything (that's partly bcs cbid often has excellent deals on fivers, in the interest of full disclosure). My typical cbid order will be 5 of this, 5 of that, 2 or 3 of this, 2 or 3 of that. And when I buy retail, it's always singles.

Another option is coming over to the dark side - pipe smoking - endless variety there :)

My favorite connies are the MOW Virtue, Tatuaje Cabaiguan and New World Connecticut. Lots of flavor but mild to medium body.

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Originally Posted by jhedrick83

I try to mix it up on an almost constant basis to make sure I don't get burned out. Also, there are a ton of great cigars out there, if you stick to just one blender you might miss out on something that hits your palate even better! It is rare that I smoke the same cigar much less the same manufacturer more than once in a couple weeks. I would try and take it as an opportunity to get out and try a lot of the other cigars that have come out in the past few years. You don't have to go 180 back to Connecticuts but there are a ton in between that you can check out.

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Nail on the head! I love to constantly switch it up so I find my next favorite stick. With so many options, your shooting yourself in the foot by sticking to just one brand.

I go for long periods where I don't feel like smoking a cigar at all, nor pipes for that matter.
Usually it just happens and I feel like a cigar and, boom, back at it for a while. I don't think, for myself, it has anything to do with particular cigars, just that I don't feel like smoking in general.
This past "dry" spell started around Nov. Warmer weather has me thinking about having one on the back deck with a nice rum…...

My palate changes now and again if I allow myself to get in a rut. The only stick that I will grab EVERY time is a Corojo. Other than that, everything from connies and Cameroons to oscuros will catch my eye. I also like to burn rosados, San Andres, and even the green beasties now and again. I do prefer more balance nowadays more than the pepper bombs though.