This is part two of the first of the two greatest cigar
debates: band on or off? The first part
of this discussion made the profound case for leaving the band on the
cigar. But, what about the contrary
position? Surely there must be some
merit to it as well, right?
Proof that I can play devil’s advocate, allow me to plead my
case that you should remove the cigar’s band shortly after you lift it from its
slumbers in your humidor. Being a true
connoisseur of premium cigars and the exceptional tobacco that goes into them,
you have made a commitment that it is the leaf, the richness thereof, and the expert
blending that should be celebrated about a cigar. Akin to hanging a great painting by one of
the old masters in an inappropriate frame or on an unworthy wall, it’s a tough
challenge to put a band on a cigar that would not take away from the excellence
in hand. Conversely, if a cigar is
mediocre at best but has a stellar band, do not be fooled, dear mortal, by the
finery on that disaster of a stick. Look
straight at it and see that it truly does look like a dead autumn leaf.
Second, cigars are one of the finest conversation starters
in the world. As such what better way to
prompt a conversation among fellow cigar lovers than by smoking a truly
anonymous stick? The asker may then
inquire unbiasedly as to the cigar’s provenance and the smoker’s allure to
it. No longer will you allow someone to
peer at your Ashton or Padrón band and decide if you are a worthy partner in
conversation. They must initiate on
their merit alone.
Removing the band from the equation restores the purity to
the pursuit. Unless you are bamboozled
at the point of purchase, no turkey dressed as a peacock will disrupt your
disciplined cultivation of your palate.
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