October 2019 - Cigar Life Guy

How to Choose the Right Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Staff

Have you ever perused the humidor at your local cigar lounge? The experience can be overwhelming. The number of cigars to choose from is in all their different shapes, sizes, and colors create a dizzying effect. These factors tie into the experience you get when you select the right cigar for your smoking pleasure. But, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before you choose. How long do I have to enjoy this cigar? Am I in the mood for a stronger cigar, or something a bit milder? What kind of draw am I looking for? These factors play into your decision when choosing your next cigar from the humidor.

The Shape of your Cigar

Cigars come down to two different shapes. You have ‘Parejos’ and ‘Figurados’. The meaning is simple. ‘Parejos’ feature a straight side, a cap at one end, and an open end to light. ‘Figurados’ are the rest – think Torpedos, Piramides, Perfectos, and the like. Why does this matter? Well, it’s a matter of education. The shape of the right cigar you choose to smoke is about personal preference. It doesn’t much affect the taste.

If you’re the kind of person who likes a big draw on their cigar, a Parejo is probably a good bet. You can get a nice, large cut where the shoulder meets the cap for a big draw while smoking it. Figurados allow a bit more flexibility in cut, and you can tailor your draw to your liking.

Choosing the Right Size

Within every cigar shape, there’s also a measurement for size: length and ring gauge. Length obviously refers to how long the cigar is. A ring gauge refers to a cigar’s thickness and how wide it is. In the literal sense, it’s like a ring you’d put on your finger. These factors play into your cigar smoking experience.

The length of a cigar and ring size go hand in hand. A longer cigar has a larger (wider) ring gauge and will take longer to smoke and finish. This is your “celebration” cigar. With these cigars, you’re not rushed into a quick 30-minute cigar smoking session. Instead, you’re in it for the long haul. These will usually smoke for over an hour. So, grab your Churchill for this one. If you only have a few minutes to spare, then stick with a shorter cigar and a slighter ring gauge. Something like a Petit Corona should do.

In general, a larger ring size will burn a bit cooler and slower, resulting in a milder flavor. Yet, smaller ring size can burn faster and hotter than a larger cigar, even of the same variety. The combination of size and shape go into the taste of a cigar, as well as the wrapper and the filler.

Bringing It All Together

As with most things, practice makes perfect, and the more cigars you try, the more experience you’ll gain. Our recommendation? Try a bunch of different cigars with a variety of lengths, ring gauges, and shapes. You’ll begin defining your tastes, which will help you choose the right cigar during your next trip to the humidor.

photo credit: Pixabay

The Victory Cigars of NBA Coach Red Auerbach

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Staff

Arnold “Red” Auerbach was well-known as the coach and later the general manager of the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His teams, featuring the likes of Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and several more hands full of Hall of Famers, were the most dominant of his era, the 1950s and 1960s, winning nine NBA championships as a coach and later another seven as an executive. Phil Jackson has surpassed his coaching records, but there is no doubt he was the iconic coach of his era. The NBA’s Coach of the Year award gets its name from him. More than fifty years later, we best remember Red Auerbach for his trademark “Victory Cigars.”

Red Auerbach’s Victory Cigars Ritual

When the Celtics were up late in the game, Red lit a cigar on the bench. It would signal that the game was effectively over.

“It all boils down to this. I used to hate these college coaches or any coach that was 25 points ahead with three minutes left to go, and they’re up there yellin’ and coachin’ because they’re on TV, and they want their picture on, and they get recognition. To me, the game was over. The day’s work is done. Worry about the next game. This game is over. So I would light a cigar, sit on the bench, and watch it. The game was over, for all intents and purposes. I didn’t want to rub anything in or show anybody what a great coach I was when I was 25 points ahead. Why? I gotta win by 30? What the hell difference does it make?” — Red Auerbach (as reported by Cigar Aficionado, Summer 1994)

Was it Obnoxious, and Did it Piss Off the Opposition?

Well, of course, it was obnoxious. Opposing players hated it. One, Paul Seymour of the Syracuse Nationals, is said to have remarked that his ambition in life was not to win an NBA Championship but to come back and beat Red and his Celtics after lighting the cigar.

The Cincinnati Royals had a promotion that gave 5000 fans a complimentary cigar as they entered the arena one evening in hopes that they’d be able to light them up and celebrate a Royals win over the Celtics. It didn’t work out, and the fans left with unlit cigars in hand. (Dan Shaughnessy, Evergreen, 1990)

Some of his players didn’t care for it, either. Bob Cousy, his Hall of Fame guard, was on record as not being a fan. It fired up the other team. They also didn’t care for them in the locker room. The ventilation system could have been better. Everybody had a Red story about him firing up a stick here or there (including in a car) with no regard for the people around him. (Yeah, he was a lout)

Let’s face it, though. The guy was a winner. When you win, you get to make your own rules.

What Kind of Victory Cigars did Red Auerbach Smoke?

“A little bit of everything,” according to Red. In this way, he was much like many of us. But, he acknowledged early in his life, he was a pipe smoker primarily because it was more economical than a premium cigar.

At one point, he had an endorsement deal with King Edwards, a cigar manufacturer of the era. He also acknowledged receiving many cigars as gifts from his many Celtics fans. Of course, he smoked those too. If there is one cigar he is linked to by brand as being a favorite, it is probably the Hoyo de Monterrey.

Will There Ever Be Another Red Auerbach?

Probably not. Things change. Heck, you can’t even smoke inside anymore. Today’s victory celebrations involve some dance or posts on social media. Let’s face it; the world is different now. But as a cigar enthusiast, even if you don’t like the Celtics, you must have some respect for a guy whose statue holds a cigar in his hand. That same statue sits outside his former workplace, the building formally known as the Boston Garden. Now, his statue gets its name from some tech company or bank as part of a naming rights deal. Things were simpler in Red’s day.

Win something, light one up, and enjoy a victory cigar of your own!

Photo credit: “Bill Russell and Red Auerbach 1966 Champions,” by Fred Keenan, Wikimedia Commons license Public Domain CC0 1.0

The Alabama Cigar Tradition: Rules Be Damned

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Staff

The third Saturday in October means Tennessee vs. Alabama football…and the Alabama cigar tradition. Until Tennessee’s program slipped below mediocrity, this was among the best rivalries in college football. Then, two programs, rich in history, often rose to the top of the Southeastern Conference.

A conference game holds specific title implications: the winner gets to light up a cigar. And we mean right there in the stadium and breaking God knows how many rules.

Oh yeah, fans get in on the act as well. So even if you don’t like college football or these programs are your bitter rivals, you can’t help but smile at this beautiful tradition. But, of course, that’s even more true if you’re a cigar aficionado.

What Happens?

About the time the game ends and the winner is clear, fans inside the stadium start lighting up cigars. Yes, right there in the stadium.

Fans not inside Bryant-Denny Stadium in Alabama or Neyland Stadium in Tennessee light up wherever they are. That might mean in the parking lot where the tailgating party is. Or, they’ll celebrate with victory cigars in local sports bars, at home, or even thousands of miles away.

Here are a few great pics from last year’s game.

What Kind of Cigars are they Smoking After the Game?

For players and staff, favored sticks appear to be Honduran house sticks from R&R Cigars in Downtown Tuscaloosa. Per the R&R website, they are from a Rocky Patel factory.

For the fans, it’s a little bit of everything, from great stuff that has aged in the humidor all year to everyday sticks from the local B&M to the Swishers stuff.

Remember, most of these traditional participants aren’t regular smokers. For many, it is the only stick they smoke all year. Shop owners in Alabama report a 30% increase in sales during game week.

A History of the Alabama-Tennessee Cigar Tradition

In 1961, Jim Goostree, then an Alabama athletic trainer, and a University of Tennessee Alum, made a promise to the Tide players. If they won, snapping a six-game losing streak in the rivalry, he’d dance naked in the locker room. Well, not only did the Tide win, but Ol’ Jim did, in fact, dance. Fortunately, this was in 1961.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have iPhones, Youtube, or Facebook yet. So, there was no video footage of Jim in his birthday suit to float around. But he’s also rumored to have lit a cigar during his naked dance. So, naturally, the players wanted a cigar, too. Boom! A tradition was born.

The tradition lived on for years. Then, it took a few breaks amid political correctness on campus. But, in 2005, somebody in Alabama said, “F*** It!” The tradition was rekindled. Since then, the Alabama athletic department self-reported to the NCAA a minor violation.

Does Nick Saban Partake?

No.

How Many Rules or Laws Does This Violate?

Since 2015, the entire University of Alabama campus, including the stadium, has been a smoke-free environment. The NCAA expressly prohibits the use of tobacco products by any player, coach, member of athletic personnel, etc. So, all players, staff, fans, etc., engage in a minor criminal offense. Any other day of the year, this would result in a citation and a fine.

The actual cigar given to a player is an “impermissible benefit.” In other words, it could subject the player to all kinds of trouble. That includes loss of a scholarship, forfeited games, ineligibility or etcetera. So although the cigar seems small ($10-20 value), players have been penalized for less. USC and Ohio State fans, am I wrong?

But, on this one day in October, the usual rule-based NCAA does something rare. It exercises common sense. This cigar tradition is hurting nobody. It’s fun, and the fans enjoy it.

Alabama Cigar Tradition Brings It Together

There are many wonderful things about cigars and football. Setting a tradition is one of them. Cigars really are about relationships and strengthened over a shared cigar.

The winners of this athletic contest will one day have a story to tell to their grandchildren. So they spoke three to five of the third annual Saturdays in October when they participated in a cigar tradition. A victory cigar tradition. What better way to reminisce?

Photo Credit: “A-Day Game football scrimmage for University of Alabama with coach Nick Saban analyzing every move. Tuscaloosa, Alabama” Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith [reproduction number, e.g., LC-USZ62-123456]

How to Choose a Great Victory Cigar

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Staff

Hopefully, you’ve had something to celebrate recently. And if you haven’t, I’m sure you have in the past and will still relate. We’ve all had the moment where we’ve sat and said, “Hey, I’m proud of what I’ve just accomplished.” Perhaps it was your college graduation, that big promotion, the birth of your firstborn, or your favorite team just won the big game – there’s an endless amount of occasions that would make this list. Whatever it was, I can guarantee you, that it was worthy of a fine, victory cigar.

Victory cigars have been a mainstay in major league sports for decades. Thinking about it, you’ll draw up visions of Michael Jordan, dedicated tailgaters, and Crimson Tide fans all enjoying their favorite smokes after winning the big game. There’s no better way to celebrate a victory than with a fabulous, favorite stogie – the ‘Victory’ cigar.

So, What Does the Victory Cigar Look Like?

Your victory cigar should match the occasion– both in taste, strength, and quality. Cigars are all about enjoying the moment, and your choice here should complement the celebration. Just finished up your last year of grad school and you’re planning to follow it up with a nice spring party? A lighter Connecticut to pair with that hot weather should do the trick (a Macanudo may come to mind). Just won the game against your rival on a crisp fall day? Well, then it might make sense to opt for something with a little more attitude – a heavyweight Maduro or even a full Habano.

Whatever you choose, there’s one commonality between all of these occasions – you need a fine cigar. Choose the best you have in your humidor – the occasion demands it. Plus, this is what you were saving it for, right? Make sure you pack a few for your friends – even non-cigar smokers will give it a shot on a really special occasion, and we wouldn’t want to leave them out.

What’s Best Served With a Victory Cigar?

Parties, receptions, tailgates – whatever occasion you’re celebrating – demand that beverages be on-hand. There really are no rules here – just make sure that your beverage choice matches the cigar that you’ve chosen for the celebration. There are plenty of fine cocktails to enjoy throughout the year, and everyone has their own personal preferences. Just remember to pair your cigar with something complementary and seasonal to get the most out of the moment. When in doubt, stick to the essentials (or ask a familiar cigar lover what they’re drinking!).

Enjoying the Moment

At its core, a Victory cigar is about enjoying the moment. Let’s face it – most of us every day Americans don’t get to celebrate wins as often as we’d like, so it’s in our best interest to sit back and appreciate them when they happen. Every cigar smoker understands the way that time slows down when we’re enjoying one of our favorite smokes, and that enjoyment jumps tenfold when we get to celebrate an exciting event in our lives.

Remember, the next time a moment pops up to enjoy a Victory cigar, don’t pass it up!

Photo credit: <a href=”https://visualhunt.co/a4/8f40ca22″>Billy Black and White (Mostly)</a> on <a href=”https://visualhunt.com/re6/04f3f0f9″>VisualHunt.com</a> / <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”> CC BY</a>

Great Cigars Enhance the Moment

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Staff

We all remember our first cigar. It may have been at a swanky cigar lounge with some coworkers, in front of a backyard campfire, or on the ninth hole of your favorite golf course. In any case, the first cigar is a memorable experience. Since that time, we’ve had plenty of great cigars, some of them memorable, some of them not. For most of us, when we reach into our humidor, the anticipation is great – we know we’re about to sit down and relax. That’s what cigars are about, right? There’s an unspoken “value” of a great cigar, and it comes from the experience. The enjoyment, relaxation, and reflection that a premium cigar brings on can’t be discounted. As we roll into fall, keep an eye out for a special occasion to enjoy your next cigar.

Here are a few occasions destined to involve a fine cigar and enhance an already great experience.

The Celebration Stogie

There is no better reason than a celebration to break out a great cigar (or a few)! There’s no shame in pulling out that “special” cigar to enjoy when the occasion demands it. Birthday party? New Year’s? Perhaps your favorite team just won the ball game? Sounds about right. Pairing a fine cigar with a special occasion only helps to add another memory to that event – especially if you can share it with some cigar-loving friends or family. We always have that “one” cigar that we’re just waiting to smoke until we have the right opportunity. This is it.

The Breakfast Cigar

Okay, this one may be a bit taboo. But, if you haven’t had a breakfast cigar – don’t knock it until you try it. And if you haven’t tried it, add it to your list – there’s not much that beats a cool morning, a hot, strong coffee, and a great cigar. Cigars and coffee are like peanut butter and jelly – they just work. What better way to kick off the day than with your favorite smoke? As we roll into autumn, this one definitely should be on your radar.

The Late Night Smoke

The complete reverse of the breakfast cigar, this one’s your nightcap. Imagine you’re at the tail end of a night on the town with your buddies and are getting that one last drink in before heading home. This is the perfect opportunity to share a cigar with friends – that’s what it’s all about. If you’re in the city, find a local cigar lounge to cap off the night. Small town? A great cigar on the front porch accomplishes the same thing – a great end to a fine evening.

The Campfire Churchill

We saved the best for last. No campfire is complete without a group of friends, snacks, cocktails, and plenty of cigars to go around. A campfire isn’t a quick ordeal, so leave your Robusto at home – this is a Churchill occasion. There’s nothing quite like mixing a cool, fall evening with a nice cocktail and a complementary cigar – that’s the stuff that dreams are made of!

photo credit: Pixabay