I am a cigar aficionado. Which is funny because as a kid I was surrounded by people who smoked cigars and I couldn’t stand the smell. I remember even when I was 13 and a friend of my family had a Bar Mitzvah. At the event they handed out cigars to the adults. I was stubborn and begged my father til I convinced him to let me try the cigar. I turned green. In fact I wouldn’t be suprised if someone who worked on the film Shrek was at the party and got the idea from how I looked. Jump ahead 15 years to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY. A friend of mine worked in a cigar cafe at night. He told me to come by, and so I did. I watched the Yankees and lit up a Macanudo Robusto. I was hooked. 162 ball games a year and you knew where to find me. The corner table, with a cigar breaking balls. That is what I did. Sure I alienated some people, but my love of a fine cigar grew. Knowing the owner though helped feed my habbit.. Hey Boss, what do I owe you for this Padron? was often met with “Just sit down and tell me what Gary Sheffield is batting”… and so the nickname Barry Stats was born…
After 6 years in a small store I developed a bad cough, so I left. That and getting into a fight with the new owner didn’t help. I let my lungs rest for a year, before I went back to smoking. I always wanted to write reviews for a major magazine, or start my own website… So without the formal writing training I decided to go this route…
Kick back, light up a stogie, and come along for the ride…
Interesting story of how you came to smoking. I too started smoking seriously around the same age…and started a blog with the same intentions–posting reviews, thus forcing me to pay more attention to what I am smoking. Keep up the good reviews.
MM
Cool story! Mine is alot simpler… Macanudo vintage smokes got me started, and after meeting Ed, I was introduced to many other smokes.
See you around!
Tom
Just read your story and like myself I started at an early age but the difference for me is that I loved it from the very start. Never did get sick and haven’t in the 40 years I have been a cigar smoker. I like the fact that your journal is very easy to understand and get thru without a lot of segueway,,straight and to the point. You will become a daily read.
Hello Barry,
I too started to find my passion in cigars when i was about 24 yrs old. I’m now 39 yrs.old and love the pleasures it gives to sit back with friends of mine and enjoy the dreamscape of great cigars…My newest cigar and a favorite is the Tatuaje Gran Cojono 6×60, and the Tatuaje Miami 6×52…
This is a great site good luck with your future journeys…
Be well my friend,
Mike..
Well, I take my leap into the wonderful world which is cigar smoking tomorrow. My father was a big cigar smoker until his heart crapped out on him. He is fine now but no longer allowed to enjoy his passion of cigars and good beer.
I feel the need to do so because ive always enjoyed smoking, but my cup of tea was cigarettes until my anxiety and not being able to breathe at the age of only 21 made me quit.
I always enjoyed sharing a cohiba or macanudo with him from time to time and will be buying a few preium sticks to try out along with some others.
I enjoyed stumbling onto your webpage and reading your great reviews about some of the brands I was interested in and was glad to see I was picking some good ones.
Thanks for your info and the no strings attached good reading.
Cheers!
thanks for the compliments they are very much appreciated… Happy smoking and long ashes!
Hi Barry interesting story! I’ve ask myself from time to time how have I fallen in love with premium cigar when not too long ago I couldn’t stand smoke of any kind! I had tried cigars on a few occasions @ company mtg’s & @ a few friend outings but just didn’t get the point of such a vice! Well a few years later after a conversation with one of my old rep’s I realized I was smoking the wrongs…WRONG! He shared the relaxation piece along with a good start with the RIGHT cigars & of course the right way (no inhaling) and I haven’t looked back! I’ve tried everything that’s worth smoking because my budgets permits that & I totally enjoy cigars now in fact I enjoy a good cigar each evening. After a hard of work I end it with a cigar. I would be remiss if I didn’t add that being a woman I’ve had a few guys speak of it not being lady like but guess what? I don’t care about that…because I’m a girly girl type lady that just happen to appreciate a great cigar. My family is a bit taken aback because of their lack of understanding & assocation of cigars with cigarettes bt I can’t worry about that either. I attempted tp educate them on the overall difference & left it at that. So with all that I enjoy your reviews & I’m loving my cigar experience! ; )
Pardon my typo’s! ; )
Pardon my typo’s I’m typing on Blackberry! ; )
I have been smoking for the last 12 years & i enjoy my cigars with a passion.
I remember my father smoked cigars & as a young boy remember the fantastic aromas the cigars used to kick out.
I don’t know if you guys be interested but i started up a new free Global cigar forums for cigar smokers new & experienced from all over the world to join in cigar/general discussion.
We do cigar competitions regulary aswell as cigar reviews. So if you fancy dropping by
Have a look at: http://www.globalcigarforums.yuku.com
be good to see you on there.
Kind Regards
Andy.
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Barry Stats,
Thank you ever so much for this interesting, and informative web page. I will be daily reader from here on out! I just entered the world of cigars this afternoon. My first was a Partagas Robusto. It was so relaxing, and gave me an almost comforting feeling. I think I am going to try the Padron Principe 1964 this evening! Thanks again for the web page.
~Gabriel