August 2019 - Cigar Life Guy

Never Judge a Cigar by the Cigar Wrapper

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Staff

We’ve all heard it. The darker the cigar wrapper, the stronger the stick. Right? “That cigar is really dark…it must be pretty strong!” Or more commonly from newer cigar smokers, “That cigar is light, it must be mild – I’ll have one of those.” Could those statements be correct? Of course, they could. Some dark cigars are stronger than others. These are your ‘full’ flavored cigars. Other cigars are light. These are your ‘mild’ sticks. However, it’s a common misconception that the color of a cigar’s outer wrapper dictates its strength.

You see, cigar strength comes from multiple factors: its wrapper, its binder, and its filler. The mix of those three ingredients is what made the cigar great, as in AJ Fernandez and Arturo Fuente famous! They’re also what will make a cigar fall into its mild, medium, or full category. That being said, a cigar wrapper accounts for a large majority of its flavor. Let’s talk about a few of the common wrapper types: Connecticut, the Habano, and the Maduro.

The Connecticut Wrapper

When most people think of a ‘light’ or ‘mild’ cigar, they’re thinking of a cigar with a Connecticut wrapper. Connecticut wrappers come in two varieties. The standard Connecticut wrapper, also known as the Connecticut Shade wrapper, is grown in – you guessed it – Connecticut! It’s one of the tops, and only, remaining tobacco exports of the United States. The mix of sun, water, and soil in the Connecticut River Valley provide the optimal environment to grow tobacco leaves that produce a mild, woodsy cigar.

Golden blonde in color, Connecticut wrappers are quite popular for their mild manner and pleasant taste. These wrappers are also fantastic for beginner cigar smokers. Common brands making great Connecticut-wrapped cigars are Macanudo, Rocky Patel, and Montecristo, but there are thousands of others to choose from.

The Habano Wrapper

Ah, the Habano wrapper. The name ‘Habano” refers to the wrapper’s Cuban origins. All Habano wrappers are developed from Cuban seeds. Although, they are grown in numerous areas (Nicaragua and Ecuador are a few standouts). Habano wrappers are typically darker in color than Connecticut wrappers, and more robust in flavor. Often described as spicy, Habanos are full of flavor and complexity.

If you’re looking to move beyond your typical mild-medium cigar, give the Habano a shot. Habano wrappers give the flavor profile that’s closest to your authentic ‘Cuban’ cigar. They are also a very popular choice. There are plenty of fine Habano-wrapped cigars to choose from, such as those from Oliva and Padrón.

The Maduro Cigar Wrapper

Finally, we arrive at the Maduro wrapper. These are the dark, scary-looking cigars you see sitting at the top of the humidor in your local cigar lounge. You cringe at the sight of them, but you shouldn’t! A ‘Maduro’ wrapper isn’t actually a type of wrapper, but rather the aging process that the wrapper goes through. Maduro cigars spend more time aging than the rest, which is why they have a dark, oily appearance. The leaves darken as the cigar ages and the oils are pulled out of the tobacco leaves. This gives Maduro cigars a rich flavor that’s often appreciated by seasoned cigar smokers. Since Maduros are aged longer than other wrappers, they can be quite mild and a real pleasure to smoke.

Remember, strength is a combination of factors, not just the wrapper. Next time you’re looking for a new cigar to try, don’t be afraid of the Habano or Maduro varieties – just be sure to do your homework!

photo credit: Pixabay

The Cigar Cutter: Tools of the Trade

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Staff

Before you light a cigar, and we’re talking rolled-by-hand stogies, you need to ‘cut’ it. Imagine this. You open your humidor on a gorgeous, late summer evening and grab a nice, seasoned Churchill. Then, you sit out on the back deck, drink in hand, and get ready to enjoy your evening. You don’t have a cigar cutter on hand, so you bite off the end and get to it. But, when you light the cigar, but the flavor is strong, harsh, and hot. The wrapper starts to peel. There goes the evening.

Cutting your cigar may seem like a trivial activity, but it’s the kickoff to a great smoking session. It also holds a great deal of importance – the cut can make or break the cigar smoking experience. Here are a few of the most common cigar cutters to kick off your evening.

The cut is usually done with a ‘cutter’. Makes sense, right…? There are a variety of different types of cutters out there. Are you the type that prefers to bite off the cap with your teeth? Or, chop it off on a cutting board with a paring knife? Well, then we’re here to enlighten and help boost your next cigar smoking experience. There are more precise methods of cutting your cigar that will change your world.

There are a few common types of cigar cutters: the guillotine, the V-cutter, and the punch cutter. Cigar scissors are another option, but they are less common than the first three. The next time you’re in the market for a new cutter, give one of these a shot.

The Guillotine Cigar Cutter

The guillotine cutter is the one most folks recognize as ‘the’ cigar cutter. It’s often depicted in photographs and film and it’s likely the one that you’re most familiar with, too. Found most places where you can buy cigars, cutters come in many sizes and materials. Yet, their designs are the same. There are single-blade and double-blade versions, and they’re simple to use. Double-blade guillotines are often preferred. The blades cut from both sides and there’s less risk of the wrapper tearing. Insert the cigar into the cutter until the cap meets the shoulder. Then, using firm pressure, press inward and even on the cutter on both sides. Voila! You have a cut cigar. Make sure your cigar cutter is sharp. A dull cutter can tear your outer wrapper instead of making a clean cut.

The V-Cutter

The V-cutter is a bit less common and you may not have used one before. Like the guillotine cutter, the V-cutter uses a blade moving through the cigar. But, it differs from the guillotine cutter by making a v-shaped channel in the cap. The result? You get a nice, even draw without completely cutting the cap off the cigar. There’s also less risk that you’ll cut too deep into the cigar. The downside? Well, a V-cutter will only work on a cigar that has a round cap to it – Torpedoes, Figurados, and Piramides are out. So, you’re a Toro aficionado? Give this one a shot.

The Punch Cutter

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on the golf course. I cringed at the sight of a spare golf tee plunged into the cap of a cigar. Right idea, wrong tool! A more refined method of this technique is using a punch cutter. A punch cutter uses a circular blade to ‘punch’ into the middle of the cap of the cigar. This creates a hole to draw smoke through. Punch cutters are available in many different shapes and sizes. They generally work best on larger ring cigars – think 40 ring size and up. Punch cutters are a great option if you despise getting tobacco bits in your mouth while smoking. That’s because the entire cap remains intact. The downside? Like the V-cutter, the punchcutter won’t work on Torpedo-type cigars. Depending on the size of the cigar, you may have a restricted draw – but that’s largely personal preference.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Are Real Cohiba Cuban Cigars Worth the Hype?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Staff

Ask a handful of new cigar smokers what the ‘best’ cigar is, and you’ll likely hear the word “Cuban” come up. As with anything that’s outlawed,’ Real Cuban cigars have had a certain mystique surrounding them. It’s an air that other cigars don’t have. But – are they worth the mystique and the money? Anyone who’s tried to buy Cuban cigars overseas – the real ones, not the Cohiba knockoffs! – knows that they’re costly.

So, is it worth forking up the dollars for the authentic Montecristo, Cohiba, or H. Upmann from Cuba?

What Makes Real Cohiba Cuban Cigars Special

First, Cuban tobacco has a distinctive flavor. It’s the only thing that makes a real ‘Cuban’ cigar taste as it does. Then, there’s the ‘I can’t do what I want’ mentality floating around for almost 60 years. That gives a Cuban cigar a sense of ‘coolness.’ Cuban cigars carry a uniqueness all their own. When tobacco is grown, it takes on the flavor of the soil it’s grown in – so yes, Cubans are unique. The climate in Cuba – being smack in the middle of the Caribbean – makes for some fantastic tobacco.

A typical Cuban has a bold flavor profile that’s rich and complex. For those who have smoked them – you know what I mean. Some Cuban brands have milder varieties. But, the well-known Cuban cigars lie more towards the “fuller” side – so if you’re new to cigars, ease in. Some reputable brands are Cohiba, Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Romeo y Julieta. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

Where Do I Find Them?

Now, you want to buy some good Cuban cigars, but where? Since 1962, there’s been an embargo on cigars from Cuba – one of their top exports. Recently, the U.S. has loosened laws around bringing Cubans back to the United States. It’s still tough to find them in the lower 48 states because they can’t be resold here. Plan on an international trip, but be aware if you travel overseas and are in the market for a Cuban. Watch out for counterfeits – they run rampant.

If you’re sitting on the beach, enjoying a nice umbrella drink, and a vendor asks if you’d like to buy a three-pack of Cohibas for $10 – run away! Real Cubans are expensive – expect to pay some decent dollars for a cigar – usually around $15 or more per stick.

Duty-free shops in airports are great spots to buy authentic Cuban. Although, they may need a couple of months in your humidor when you get home. Also, if you’re staying at a reputable hotel, and we’re assuming you are, ask the front desk where you can find some ‘real’ Cubans. Many tourist towns have a shop or two that sells the real deal, and you can go there to pick up a few to bring home with you.

Is It Worth It?

Yes! Take this with a grain of salt. There are some fantastic cigars from plenty of manufacturers throughout the Caribbean (think Nicaragua, Honduras, etc.). But, if you’ve never had a Cuban, it’s almost a rite of passage – you must try one.

So, seek a real Cuban cigar next time you plan a vacation and want to incorporate some cigars into the mix. Try one for yourself, and let us know what you think!

Photo credit: Pixabay | Rom4in

Cigar Etiquette for the Casual Cigar Smoker

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Staff

New to cigars, or just a casual smoker looking for a few cigar etiquette tips? It can be an intimidating world especially if you find yourself in a swanky cigar lounge surrounded by a bunch of experienced cigar enthusiasts. Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate the world of cigar smoking.

1. Don’t inhale

Okay, this may seem obvious, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve witnessed the “casual” smoker make this mistake. Cigars are not designed to be inhaled like cigarettes (or e-cigarettes, for that matter), they’re meant to be tasted and enjoyed. Once you light your cigar, you should take short puffs – smell the aroma (it should be pleasant, or you’ve done something wrong), and taste the tobacco.

2. Take your time

The act (or art) of cigar smoking is designed to be a relaxing experience – it’s not a race. Beating your buddy to the bottom of the stick doesn’t win any brownie points, and you can ruin a once fine cigar in the process. You want the cigar to remain cool, and not burn too hot – a hot cigar can be uncharacteristically strong and unpleasant. It’s said that a puff every 30 seconds to one minute is about the right speed; your cigar will stay lit but stay cool enough to thoroughly enjoy.

3. Don’t light someone else’s cigar

Yes, it may seem like you’re offering a helping hand. But no, don’t do it. Trust me, we appreciate the gesture, but we like to light our own cigars. Why? Everyone lights a cigar a little differently, and we each have our preferences. Plus, the lighting of a cigar is fundamental to how it will smoke – the most important part! If you need cigar etiquette tips on how to properly light a cigar, click here.

4. Don’t take your band off until it’s time (or at all)

Outside of style and preference, there are actually some reasons why your band should stay on. First, the band of your cigar is glued together – don’t try to slide it off your cigar, or you could end up with a cracked wrapper – bad news. Wait until you light your cigar, and if you really want to take that band off, the cigar will have heated up the glue, and you can peel it right off the cigar. Once the cigar is lit and the band is safe to remove, the choice to keep it on or not is yours; it really is an individual stylistic choice. If you want to keep that band on, it’s perfectly fine – plus, if it’s a great cigar, you have something to remember it by.

5. Let your cigar go out with dignity

Number five is probably the most important cigar etiquette on this list – don’t stub out your cigar. Some cigar smokers will smoke their cigar down until they have about a third of it left (if they’re enjoying it, that is) – the last third can sometimes be a bit strong, and you wouldn’t want to ruin the experience. Of course, others will smoke it until they can no longer safely hold the cigar, enjoying every last puff. In either case, when you’re finished with your cigar, just let it go out. It will go out on its own, and you’ll enjoy the last of its pleasant smell. Just don’t mash it into the ashtray – it smells bad and really is unnecessary.

6. If you’re headed to a cigar lounge, don’t ‘BYOC’

Cigar lounges are fantastic spots to enjoy cigars and talk with fellow cigar enthusiasts. You shouldn’t, however, bring your own cigars – unless you’re planning on replacing them with purchases from the lounge. If you’re at a cigar lounge that sells cigars, plan on buying a few, and ask for suggestions – you may find something you haven’t tried before, and it may become your new favorite.

7. Assess the room

If you’re smoking in a public place, take a look at the environment you’re in, and smoke as such. In a swanky, downtown cigar lounge that’s dark and quiet inside? Enjoy your cigar in peace and use the time to relax while the rest of the lounge does the same. At a family barbecue with corn hole games running rampant? Well, then some good chatter may be appropriate. Bottom line is, know your audience. Some people want to enjoy their cigar in relative peace and quiet. Avoid those controversial subjects that may spark some heavy conversation (politics and religion come to mind…) and keep the subjects on the lighter side. Most importantly, enjoy your cigar! Healthy conversations around cigars are usually a welcome topic with groups of cigar aficionados.

photo credit: Pixabay