Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Cigar Book

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This work has been highly overrated, since it is far from being the "ultimate" cigar book.
Firstly, it is no book for an experienced cigar smoker: it covers all of the basics soley for the novice, and only for the American novice, at that ("...our own Connecticut leaf..."). Admittedly, Mr. Hacker does this quite competently, although he either is unaware of myriads of cigar lovers outside the U.S., or has chosen to ignore them.
Secondly, this book would be more aptly entitled "The Ultimate Ego Trip," for the text is riddled with rather annoying examples of the author's unabashed conceit regarding his supposed expertise and his influence on - get this - the Cugan cigar industry!
Worst of all, however, is Mr. Hacker's claim - and in this he aligns himself with his American cigar commentator collegues - that non-Cuban smokes have now equaled, or even surpassed, the quality of Habanos. This absurd pretense - which is unknown amongst any of the scores of non-American cigar veterans I am familiar with - has its roots in the insidious Cuba-bashing campaign initiated by "Cigar Aficionado" magazine, which sought to promote sales of non-Cuban cigars by grossly exaggerating their positive attributes while debasing the quality of Habanos. It is most unfortunate that novice (American) smokers are liable to be influenced by this illusion in their quest for a premium cigar.
My advice, then, is that if you feel compelled to purchase this book, do attempt to separate fact from (Mr. Hacker's) fiction.

The title speaks for itself, it is indeed the ultimate cigar
book. Written for the newcomer as well as the long time cigar
aficionado. Perhaps Mr. Carleton Hacker will bless us with
an exclusive book on Cubanos and elaborate on their rich history,
current markets, counterfiting, proper storage and enjoyment.
Go ahead and buy this one first, you won't regret it!!

You definitely need a good book before start spending your money on this "expensive" habit.

This book answers your questions if you are a beginner, and enriches your pleasure if you are already in; it is very generous in information, history and smart notices that you better follow to avoid unecessary disappointments.

One minor defect: the writer give a lot of account for politic? and personalities? and attempts to give you an impression that: if you smoke cigars, you are a part of a community!! Actually, I do not think that Kenedy has anything in common with Saddam Hussein or Arnold.

However, this defect is minor, the book still the best in the market.