Irish Tabacaleras Classroom
Morning brothers and sisters!
Ok so a little backstory before we just jump right in. For a couple of months now I've had several people seriously encourage me to actually start teaching my own classes about cigars, the cigar making process, and info on the industry in general. For a while I pushed back and just said I'm sure that no one would really be all that interested. Apparently I was wrong, and at the strong suggestion of my wife and a few very close brothers/friends I caved and have started this thread. A little history about me will probably help to show y'all where I'm coming from and why I want to do some teaching. Many of you know me as Irish, my real name is Brett Jarman and I am fortunate enough to be married to a brilliant woman who not only encourages my love and passion for all things cigar but is always pushing me to help make it into a career as well. I have been smoking cigars for 8 years now; I own my own online cigar review, news, consolation, and photography site, and do on average 25-40 hrs/wk of industry reading, tobacco research and any other research material in relation to cigars. I am currently working to become employed in the cigar industry and am doing so tenaciously. All of this is pointing towards the fact that by no means do I consider myself an expert, I can hold my own and feel confident in my ability to teach and expand the knowledge and learning of many aspects regarding cigars and this passion that we are all so enthralled by.
With that being said, if you are interested in learning and creating a positive and encouraging environment for our still wet behind the ears new members and hobbyists, all the way up to our connoisseurs and aficionados then I welcome and encourage you to join us. However this is dedicated as being a healthy place to learn, so please do NOT in any way let this turn into an arguing spot or a "I know more than you and am going to prove it" thread as well. If anyone has an issue or question, PM me so we can keep this thread strictly for learning and discussion, thank you!
Ok so since this is the first week here is what is going on; Once a week (or more if the need or want of our members want it) we will put up a new "topic" for our classroom setting to explore, teach, discuss and interact with. These topics can range from any aspect such as coolidor construction, maintenance, seasoning, and use, all the way up to the changing properties of tobacco when it is harvested, cured, and fermented. Topics that I have already confirmed that will be a class throughout this experience is; developing your palate, aging cigars, smoking different vitola sizes and how to get the best experience from each, blending and tasting tobacco from different countries and regions, and many more! Weekly we will choose a topic through popular vote, have a "homework" assignment which may be a bad-ass interview or short article highlighting the subject of discussion, and a weekly cigar(s) that pairs well with the weeks topic.
Now that were all done hashing out the details, I'd like to say that I'm open to suggestions and changes to format etc and just need to hear your opinions if something is needing to wanting changed. So what topic do y'all want to cover first this week, any suggestions or ideas?? Please post your suggestions and ideas and I will create a list. We will vote on our first topic come Tuesday night or Wednesday if we need more time.
To all my friends and family who supported me and encouraged all this, thank you and I truly value your support!
