Are you a "collector", a "smoker", or somewhere in between

[Boston Matt]

We had an event at my local B&M on Friday for the release of the Frank. I took a bit of heat from the boys because the first thing I did with my box of Franks was to stick the box in the back (the way back) of my locker. No plans to touch those for a while.

"Cigars are for smoking" was essentially the refrain. Some other folks chimed in to state that "not all cigars need aging or necessarily get better with age" (cannot speak to the truth of that second statement).

In any event, I find myself being part collector, part smoker. I don't mind smoking things that I have, but I also like the notion of squirreling something away and being able to break it out a few years in the future for a special occasion.

Are you a smoker, a collector, or a bit of both?

 

[Fidel]

Definately only a smoker...no interest in collecting. Any cigar that comes into my possession is either set fire to, traded, made into an explosive device or sent to a disabled friend in Toledo.

 

[jwintosh]

i'm a bit of both!

 

[Moro]

I'll go with a tad of both.

 

[bilkay]

Smoker.

I'm hooked on Pepin blends. The Blues and the Blacks are my favorites but I also really like the Tatuaje Browns and Reds.

 

[VillageIdiot]

I'm a smoker, but some sticks I like to keep for special occasions. I don't consider myself collecting them. They will be used, but when I'm ready. They are not on show or display.

 

[uncelnino]

A bit of both for sure.

 

[Electric Sheep]

I'm a bit of both....I'll buy as many of the sticks as I can and smoke MOST of them, but reserve a few for special occasions.

For example, I only got 1 Frank, so it's certainly in my "collector's item" category. But if I would have gotten anymore than 1 stick, I'd totally smoke the rest.

 

[CWS]

From Wikipedia: "The hobby of collecting includes seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining whatever items are of interest to the individual collector."

Since I dont see burning, I guess I am not a collector.:thumbsup:

 

[Volusianator]

99% smoker, 1% collector. I used to chase HTF's but then realized that I had a bunch of cash tied up in smokes that I didn't want to destroy, just didn't see the sense in that. The only thing I have right now that is in "collection mode" are a few Opus Maduros that will see fire, just waiting for the right relaxing time that I can enjoy them with good company. That and a couple early 1960's Habanos that will also see flame.

 

[Halon]

I'm a bit of both. I usually smoke most of a rare box and save the last few sticks. There are only a couple boxes that I am keeping completely intact for multiple years. I'd really like to be buying rarer stuff and storing it, but unfortunately I'm on a college student's budget so I don't have a lot of spare cash. If I had the means, I would be collecting more. And I think by collecting I mean just long-term storing, so I'll have some for later. I wouldn't plan on re-selling any of it.


TYLER

 

[Asher]

I'm probably both, but I intend to smoke every cigar I "collect."

 

[Boston Matt]

There are only a couple boxes that I am keeping completely intact for multiple years.

Just for giggles, what are they?

 

[Volusianator]

Just for giggles, what are they?

Knowing Tyler, probably 3-4 boxes of each vitola of LA Ricky's!

 

[Proud Bear]

Smoker, partly because I cannot age cigars. I think that shopoholic would be a great term 4 me, though. I have to keep a lid on my purchases, because I tend to lose my mind a bit when in a B&M humidor.

Bear

 

[Halon]

Just for giggles, what are they?

Nothing major, just a box of '01 PSD #3s and Tatuaje Noella Reservas and stuff. I've got a couple older boxes too, like from the 80's and early 90's. Mostly old ERdM stuff. And collector things like the CAO Bratalia set. Also some original releases, especially the '07 BGMs and Partagas Culebras.
Pretty much just sticks I know I'll want in a few years.


TYLER

 

[cvm4]

I smoke regular production and save the rare and regional edition cigars to age/smoke. They all get smoked eventually.

 

[njstone]

I'm both.

For me, cigars have hit on the trifecta of my favorite hobbies:
1) Getting incredibly cheap deals
2) Collecting
3) Cigar smoking

This is more than a little dangerous. For me, just the cheap acquisition of cigars (especially on auction) is a fun hobby in and of itself. Add the collection aspect and you have me--with 5 years worth of cigars in my house at the moment.

But I'm done with the purchasing now until Spring.

 

[indyrob]

Both...some are for smoking but others are investment quality and should be reconized for that fact. I have a few boxes that have really taken off in value (not NC's) and I would not dream of smoking them.

 

[danm.528i]

Both.
Every once in a while, something comes along that warrants buying a box to "put away" because you know it is going to be a classic. The '06 Partagas 898 comes to mind.
Other cigars are bought, knowing that they won't hit their stride for a couple of years. The Por Larranaga PC falls into this category. You buy a cab of those and put them in the back of the humidor. That's not really collecting, though.
Then there is real collecting. I don't have too many cigars that are 10+ years old. They are fantastic cigars, and they are normally reserved for special occasions (or moments of weakness). I have one cigar from 1944! It was given to me by an extremely generous brother gave me. Although I'm dying to try it, I just can't bring myself to smoke it.