Do You Run and Hide When You Hear The Word Maduro?

Do you have Maduro-phobia? Take the following test.  If you answer yes to many of the following questions, then you need help.  Like me, you need an education in the ways of Maduro.

    1)      Do you associate the word Maduro with strong overwhelming cigars?

        2)      Do you fear the sight of very dark blackish cigars?

        3)      Does the word Maduro strike fear in your very sole

4)      Do you envision yourself smoking a Maduro cigar, falling to the floor and subsequently   belching black smoke from your aching lungs as they call for the paramedics?

        5)       Do you believe Maduro cigars will significantly shorten your life span?

My answer was yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.  I’ve smoked an occasional cigar on and off for years.  I’ve always managed to avoid the dark cigars out of sheer fear of survival until a recent cigar tasting at a local cigar shop. 

The Macanudo rep suggested that I try a complimentary Maduro cigar.  I recoiled and made very ugly faces.  He laughed.  I cringed.  He said; “try it, you’ll like it.”  I smiled, pocketed the cost free cigar and politely backed away as he was explaining the full-bodied and smooth tasting nature of his product.  I thought; “Yea sure, it’s free, I’ll fire it up later after and after a few very strong drinks, gag a little and then mercifully extinguish it before I pass out.”

As Gomer Pile used to say; “Surprise, surprise.”  It was actually enjoyable.  Full bodied, full flavored and incredibly smooth.  And it looks incredibly manly.  I feel like Dirty Harry after his famous “make my day” utterance.  It’s challenging without the challenge. 

It has substance without biting back. It makes a man out of formerly mild cigar smoking whimps.  It looks wicked, but whispers quietly.  The secret’s out.  Maduro is a fraud.  It looks wickedly strong, yet embodies the soul of its’ mildly tanned brothers.  It’s a sheep in wolf’s clothing.  Fear no more.

I survived, enjoyed and am now a convert to the ways of those fearful ‘negro cigars.’  You can too.  Lay aside your prejudices, close your eyes and enter a new world of

full-bodied flavorful cigars.  You won’t fall into a stupor and die, I promise you.  What you will do is find a new cigar tasting experience that will add a new dimension to your smoking pleasure.

And I’ve saved the best part for last.  You’ll look coooool.  You’ll look strong and masterful, like a steely-eyed C.I.A. operative contemplating his next move on his (or her) covert mission.  You’ll fool yourself and others, as you find enjoyment from this misunderstood element of the cigar-smoking world.  You’ll actually enjoy your experience as you exude an appearance of a sophisticated cigar aficionado.