Staff, Author at Cigar Life Guy

The Fear of Missing Out Hits Cigar Events

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Staff

For many of us in the cigar community, we’re getting back to large-scale cigar events after a horrible break called COVID, which is fantastic. Not only are we getting back to events, but it isn’t just you, there are more of them than ever. Of course, social media makes everything look better than it really is. Put it all together, you’ve got a lot of fifty-year-old cigar smokers suffering from FOMO the same way their kids or grandkids do over whatever kids do these days.

What is FOMO?

FOMO is an acronym for “fear of missing out.” Verywellmind.com defines the fear of missing out as, “the feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. It involves a deep sense of envy and affects self-esteem. It is also often exacerbated by social media like Instagram and Facebook.” This is a real thing. The best way to describe it for many folks is remembering when you were in high school or college and you literally thought you needed to go out every weekend night or couldn’t miss a party? That was FOMO.

There Are More Large Cigar Events Than Ever

It used to be there were only a handful of the large events or herfs. You may be familiar with established names like Cigar Heritage Festival, Big Smoke, the Drew Estate Barnsmokers, Black Smoke Miami, and Atlanta Cigar Week just to name a few. This year there are new or relaunched large events in Charleston, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Philadelphia, Orlando, Chicago, and Washington D.C. and this isn’t a complete list. Almost every major metro area now has its version of “Cigar Week.” Cigar Mike and I joke about “McDonough Cigar Week” being a reality sometime soon. (McDonough is a nice small city 20 miles south of Atlanta that really doesn’t need a cigar week)

Frankly, the advent of more, large cigar events is great. Some are more successful, better run, or more popular than others. That’s the natural course of things. Yet, on the whole, having more events that are more accessible to even more cigar smokers is a net positive.

Now You Can’t Be Everywhere

There are so many events now, that even the most engaged cigar smoker can’t be everywhere. In fact, often events are held simultaneously. Most of us, whether we’re consumers or event sponsors, have practical constraints like time and money. We have to start prioritizing events. Ask yourself questions. Which cigar events are most important to us? Location and practicality play a vital role, too. So, which ones are the most practical to attend? After all, if you’re not up for a road trip, then finding something close to home is a win.

Finally, you’ll also want to consider how the event is run. Not all events are run, set up, or deliver what every cigar enthusiast wants or needs. Find common ground that aligns with your desires or goals – what you hope to gain from the event. Which events are the most likely to be well run and deliver on what you want? Sometimes that means you need to get good at saying, “No,” even to cigar events. Declining an event doesn’t mean you don’t support the event. Instead, wish your BOTL/SOTL a successful event. It also doesn’t that you’ll never attend that particular event. It just means that this year, it doesn’t work for you. Be okay with that conversation.

Social Media drives FOMO related to Cigar Events

Let’s face it: social media isn’t reality. Everything looks great on social media. I’ve been to many mediocre events that look incredible online, but the reality turns out much different. No, I’m not going to mention names. We all have a good time at cigar events. If we didn’t we wouldn’t keep coming back. When you check your Facebook or IG at 11 pm on a Saturday, remember what you see at your local Cigar Week event isn’t always 100% reality. Your friends who are posting from there will still be your friends next week when they return. If they’re really good friends, they might even bring a cigar for you! But they’ll still be your friends and you’ll still be able to join them at the next cigar event.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Build Your Own Cigar Smoking Room at Home

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Staff

Let’s face it, the best place to kick back and relax with a nice smoke and maybe a glass of scotch is in the comfort of our homes. So what better way to enjoy a great stick and perhaps some fellowship than in your smoking room? We’ve all heard about celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger throwing cigar parties with his movie stars pals like Tom Cruise and Demi Moore.

Hosting a cigar party at home is a great idea, but if you don’t have your own space, it can ruin the enjoyment. After all, we must consider that not everyone in the house is a cigar smoker.

The only affordable option is a cigar lounge. Who wants to pay extra to enjoy cigars in an environment that isn’t to their taste? But, of course, that is if you have a cigar lounge near you in the first place.

Building a smoking room in your home is only for the rich and famous. In truth, there are many affordable ways to do it without having Schwarzenegger’s bank account.

Choose Your Smoking Room Location

The first step is figuring out where you want your smoke room to be. There are benefits and drawbacks to where you place your smoke room. A room on an exterior wall is easier to ventilate. The basement is a good choice if you need the space to be isolated. Keep in mind that the basement will be more expensive to circulate.

Some other options include a converted office or bedroom, an attic if you have one that is big enough, or a garage. The attic or garage may cost more to renovate. Still, it offers easier ventilation and isolation from the rest of the house. If you’ve already got a man cave, you may choose to retrofit that space and save time and money.

Choose Your Ventilation Method

Ventilation is going to be the most crucial part of the process. You have a few options in terms of what to do. First, you could open a window and let fresh air circulate throughout the room.

A more practical solution is to install an exhaust fan in the room. The exhaust fan will connect to your existing ventilation. Like in the kitchen or bathroom, the fan pulls the smoke out of the room and pushes it outside through an exit vent. At the same time, this is fine for small spaces with only a couple of smokers.

The more smokers you have in a room, the better ventilation you’ll need. Exhaust fans are measured according to the number of cubic feet of air they move per minute (CFM). So, a 10 x 10 x 8 room needs a fan with a CFM rating of around 200 for a single smoker and about 1000 for four or five smokers. Be sure that the fan vents outside.

Another option that you can use instead of, or in addition to, an exhaust fan is an air purifier. Most models of air purifiers are free-standing, allowing you to move them from room to room.

A high-quality air purifier only costs a few hundred dollars and keeps a smoke room clean of smoke and odors. More expensive options may run more but still under $1000. Air purifiers use carbon filters like charcoal to absorb the smoke and clean the air. Even high-end cigar lounges will use air purifiers in addition to their traditional HVAC system.

One final option, and the most expensive, is to install a separate HVAC unit with ventilation in the smoke room. This separate unit requires a new HVAC unit, ductwork, and an exit vent, but this is the surefire way to keep your home smoke-free.

Smoking Room Furniture and Accessories

Choosing the right furniture and accessories is where things can get dicey. Everything you place in your smoke room can affect how well the setup functions. Your goal should be to keep the room as smoke-free as possible so that you don’t have to worry about the rest of the house.

Start with the floor. Carpet and softer materials will hold onto the smoke for ages and be challenging to get out. Stone or wood flooring is a better choice, plus they make for a better smoke room feel if that’s what you’re going for.

Wood paneling, mainly Spanish cedar, is a good choice for the walls, but any hard or non-porous material will work. The critical thing you’re looking to avoid is any of the surfaces holding on to the cigar smoke. Wood, metal, or glass is also a good choice for any shelving in the room.

When choosing furniture, the same rules apply. Soft fabrics are not suitable for your cigar room. Leather is best if you place couches and chairs in your smoking room. Leather doesn’t hold the cigar smoke nearly as long and is much easier to clean. We’re talking about a space you want to get a lot of use out of, so getting the furniture right is a big deal.

Dark colors are generally the way to go and help prevent stains from showing while giving more of a cigar lounge feel. You’ll often see similar choices in the best cigar lounges.

The last touch is to accessorize the room as you see fit. If you want to host a poker and cigars night in your smoke room, go for it. Other than fine-tuning it for your cigars, your smoking space is your own. If you’ve got the space and budget, you could add humidors as built-ins for the room or a bar for drinks. But your taste will determine your smoke room’s final touches.

Final Thoughts

A smoke room is a great way to enhance how you enjoy your smokes. The good news is, with ingenuity, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage to get a private place to smoke. You might also create a brag-worthy space that you and your pals will enjoy for decades.

Photo credit: Pixabay | Tama66

How to Launch a Successful Cigar Podcast

Posted on May 8, 2021 by Staff

Over the last decade, one of the dominant trends in media has been the emergence of podcasts. These informative, sometimes entertaining digital audio files have grown in popularity. You’ll find podcasts for nearly every niche, including cigar lifestyle. In fact, 9to5Mac’s analysis of industry data suggests there are over 2.5 million podcasts out there, 720,000 of them with ten or more episodes (indicating some measure of staying power). So, if you’re thinking about launching a cigar podcast of your own, then there are a few things to consider. We’ve interviewed Reggie Kimble of The Stickman Podcast for some great insider know-how.

Meet Reggie Kimble: The StickMen Podcast

With literally millions of people “doing a podcast” joining them sounds easy and maybe even fun. Cigar Life Guy caught up with Reggie Kimble who runs the growing The StickMen Podcast. Kimble was kind enough to share some real-world learning about what’s involved with launching a cigar podcast. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot of work.

Cigar Life Guy (CLG): Tell me about your podcast? When did you start? Who’s your target market/core audience member?

StickMen (SM): We launched on January 1st, 2020 targeting those who participate in the cigar lifestyle and enjoy a quality single malt or bourbon whiskey in the process. We began as an interview-style podcast. We focused on bringing the local (Atlanta) influencers in the cigar and whiskey community as guests.

CLG: What motivated you to start the podcast?

SM: I’ve had a nice career in FinTech (Financial Technology). Looking towards the future, I decided I would really love to do something that requires effort but doesn’t feel like work. My initial vision was for this just to be a blog. Through the advice of others, I launched the podcast shortly after launching The StickMen blog. I quickly learned that many blogs are considered somewhat passe as a sole business and what I really needed to do was create a podcast and, for me, the cigar and whiskey lifestyle is a very visual one, so the decision was made to focus on YouTube as our primary platform and including video.

CLG: How has the brand been received?

SM: The cigar lounge owners in Atlanta have been phenomenal in their support of what we are doing. They often give us great business suggestions that we put into action as well as making introductions to other lounges throughout the city. We believe the quality of our final production speaks for itself and does nothing but help promote the lounge and the personality of the lounge in a positive way. Also, our fellow SOTL and BOTL seem to really enjoy learning about the individuals who make the lifestyle go.

As we’ve evolved over the past year, we’ve added whiskey and cigar reviews with our own little twist. To help with the reviews, we added a new on-camera team member, Sean Simpson, aka StickMan SIMP to help deliver the reviews and participate in the occasional sessions with guests. Our approach is kind of “Reviews for Dummies.” Obviously, we aren’t “dummies” because we do know more about cigars than the average person but by no means are we experts and we want the conversation to resonate with our average viewer who also isn’t an expert. We try not to take ourselves too seriously. We’re just regular folks enjoying the cigar lifestyle. We are simply StickMen promoting other StickMen (and StickWomen) if you will.

Behind-the-scenes of a Cigar Podcast

CLG: How do you promote your brand?

SM: We have promoted almost exclusively via Instagram and word of mouth in the local Atlanta market. StickMen isn’t a household name and I’m not a celebrity so it’s mostly guerilla marketing all the way for us, as we are learning that to build this type of business, being present is required. I learned that I must become more of a night owl and network with fellow enthusiasts to better understand the type of content other enthusiasts want to see and what would resonate the most. I probably spend 3-4 nights per week on average in lounges promoting what we are doing on StickMen.

CLG: What are a couple of things you’d do differently if you were starting over?

SM: I would have a much healthier respect for how to properly promote your business via social media. I took a lot for granted there and just posted a bunch of stuff without a real strategy behind it. I had a great deal of activity without a defined purpose or structure and I would say that I am very much still figuring things out. We’ve learned a lot and will continue to be flexible, evolving as our audience evolves. Having said all of that I would have spent more time learning the business side of podcasting. It truly impacts the content that you select. Had I done better homework upfront and I would have discovered that integrating the reviews into my strategy was a necessary step.

Hire Help with Cigar Podcast Production

CLG: What’s the best advice you’d give to someone getting started or thinking about launching a cigar podcast?

SM: Learn the business of podcasting first. Of course, you need to bring some passion and energy to the table for whatever your subject matter is but without knowing the business side, you will burn a ton of unproductive time. Also, if you can afford to, outsource your video and audio editing. It is one of the most time-consuming aspects of podcasting and takes away from valuable time that you should be focused on building your business. It’s ok for the show to be produced by someone else and you sign off on all final content. Do not try to do the work yourself! There are people who can do it better and faster!

New Content Every Week is Critical

CLG: I imagine consistency is important?

SM: You can’t miss a week, period! Meaning you should establish your schedule and stick to it. Part of creating a podcast is that your audience must be able to “trust” that your content will be there when they want it. Once they become a fan and are vested in your content, nothing is more disappointing than to look for your show and it is not there. Also, that same consistency is what will attract new listeners/viewers. Posting an episode every now and then will tell people that you’re not that serious about this, so why should they be?

CLG: What are several tactics that were particularly effective in promoting your podcast?

SM: Hiring help with video and audio production! Getting advice from other successful podcasters, who educated me on the business side of podcasting which led to a more strategic approach to how I marketing the show and finally being more present in the cigar and whiskey community. It wasn’t enough to talk about it once per week on my podcast, I had to live it. Be more present and part of the lifestyle, which incidentally is not a problem at all. More puffing, more sipping, and more chatting with cool people??? Sign me up!

CLG: Are there any things you or podcasters, in general, spend too much time worrying about that really isn’t that important?

SM: We spend too much time thinking about content that we “think” is good content vs. creating content that resonates with your audience. Of course, your content must be a reflection of your personality and how you perceive things but if it only interests you and no one else; it may be great self-therapy, but you probably don’t have a business, you have a hobby.

Cigar Podcast Startup Costs Vary

CLG: What does someone need to get started? What kind of equipment do you need to produce a high-quality podcast with a video similar to your cigar podcast?

SM: Actually, you just need a decent camera. Yes, the phone camera can be good enough based on what you are trying to accomplish. There are some successful podcasters who do everything with an iPhone. To get a more polished look, however, investing in a decent DSLR Camera in the $550 – $700 range will do the trick. Of course, you can go much higher than that if you want something high end but it’s not necessary. Also, my costs are a bit higher because I go on location for most of my videos. We usually film in a lounge or some remote location vs. an actual studio. So, I’ve had to invest in tools that help me be more mobile.

CLG: Thanks, Reggie!

SM: I’ve enjoyed it!

Here’s how to find The StickMen Podcast:

StickMen website – https://stickmen.blog

Youtube link – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkPJu3c06vRA38Qqfj2FEHg

IG link – https://www.instagram.com/thestickmenblog/?hl=en

Photo credit: Reggie Kimble

Yes, Good Tequila Pairs Well With Cigars!

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Staff

Every cigar smoker knows that cigars go well when paired with certain types of alcohol. There are many winning combinations, and good tequila pairs well with some of them. However, some folks may need to learn that tequila has some interesting similarities to cigars, making it perfect for pairing. Before we dive into which pairings go best with which cigars, let’s talk about why good tequila works so well.

Always Start With Good Tequila

First, when we say “pair your cigars with tequila,” we’re not talking about just any tequila. Two things define the quality of tequila – the percentage of agave in it and the aging process. Even by most casual standards, anything less than 100% agave renders the tequila sub-par. Some argue over the type of agave in the tequila. Most say blue agave is the best. In truth, 100% agave is the gold standard, period.

Besides the agave rule, premium tequilas work better with different smokes, like mixing barbecue and cigars or making cocktails to go with your smoke; flavor profiles matter.

There’s one other important factor before you go mixing and matching tequila with your favorite smokes, and that’s the aging process.

Let Your Tequila Sit

There are many tequilas if you consider all the mixed varieties and those that aren’t 100% agave, and plenty of them are fine. For this list, we’re focusing on the four main types of 100% agave tequila and how the aging process affects the flavor.

Blanco

Blanco tequila gets its name from its light, almost translucent color. It’s usually bottled immediately after distillation. If it is aged, it is for a brief time. You’d be forgiven for thinking this is similar to vodka or gin. As a general rule, lighter spirits don’t mix well with cigars.

In the case of Blanco tequila, however, there is an exception. Because it barely aged, if at all, this tequila features a stout flavor profile that requires an equally full-bodied cigar. We’ll get into specific pairings in a bit, though.

Reposado

Reposado tequila takes a step up in the aging process. It rests for a minimum of two months. Some varieties of it take upwards of a year. In most cases, the oak barrels where tequila ages give tequila its distinct flavor. Some types will even age it in old whiskey barrels to add to the taste.

Aged reposado tequila is what we typically think of as “yellow tequila.” It is much smoother than Blanco yet still retains a solid flavor profile. You would most often pair this with a medium-bodied smoke.

Anejo

Anejo, or “aged’ tequila, is the name reserved for any tequila that ages between one and three years; this is where premium tequila starts to come into its own. You’ve likely heard stories about tequila that has aged for years and refined its taste. Much like cigars, tequila only grows better with age.

The gold hue of an Anejo tequila signifies just how great it is. The light and smooth flavor should pair equally well with a light and smooth cigar.

Extra Anejo

Extra Anejo tequila is just like it sounds, aged even longer than Anejo. Extra Anejo tequila rests for over three years, often in multiple types of barrels, to give it a unique flavor.

Because of the length of aging, it develops a dark amber or brown color similar to bourbon. Likely the smoothest tequila you’ll find, this variety pairs well with a rich flavored cigar that tastes smooth and has different notes that complement the aging of the tequila.

Flavors for Good Tequila Pairs

Now that we’ve discussed the vast varieties of tequila in the aging process, we’ll go over some superb pairings that complement each other to complement the flavors.

Blanco

Blanco tequila is spicy, so a stick with a lot of punch is a perfect match so that neither overpowers the other.

In this case, Blanco tequilas pair well with Nicaraguan smokes. A good example is to pair a shot of Alquimia Tequila Uno with a Joya De Nicaragua Cabinetta #2. The Nicaraguan smoke is spicy yet smooth and blends well with many Blancos, and leaves a creamy citrus aftertaste that is refreshing

You might also try a shot of Siete Leguas with a Casa Torano for an earthy flavor combination.

Reposado

Reposado tequilas have a bit lighter flavor profile than a Blanco, so you’ll want a medium-bodied cigar.

Pairing an excellent Ocho Tequila with a Ghurka Marquesa is a good choice, as the earthy and herbaceous flavors pair well with each other for a smooth taste. If you’re looking for more flavor, try a glass of Casamigos Resposado paired with an Ashton Aged Maduro. The whiskey barrel-aged tequila has hints of vanilla and caramel that pair nicely with the cigar.

Anejo

When we start talking about aged tequila, we’re talking about pairing it with lighter-bodied cigars. That doesn’t mean the flavor profile isn’t there, though. These golden-colored tequilas have plenty of flavor notes.

A pairing of Cazadores Tequila Anejo goes well with an Anejo cigar such as an Arturo Fuente Anejo. The rich flavors will complement the complex yet smooth profile of tequila. A glass of Roca Patron paired with an H Upmann Anejo offers another option.

Extra Anejo

Many consider Extra Anejo Tequila as a “sipping” tequila. However, its rarity and length of distillation make it a great pairing option for an equally fine cigar.

Extra Anejo tequila has a lot in common with whiskey, so you’ll find that any Maduro-wrapped cigar will pair well, such as an Ashton Aged Maduro paired with a bottle of Cascahuin works well. The bourbon-aged tequila perfectly compliments the cigar’s sweetness for an evenly blended taste.

Another option is to pair Patron Extra Anejo with a Sin Compromiso. Again, you’ll get bits of fruit while the wrapper pushes a caramel sweetness to finish the taste.

Good Tequila Pairs Don’t End Here

There are plenty more pairings; these are just a few examples. Tequila is almost the ideal companion to a good cigar. They both age well and have a refined flavor profile; you can enjoy both at your leisure. Try it for yourself and see.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Cigar Life Guy™ Announces Second Anniversary Party

Posted on April 26, 2021 by Staff

“Cigar Mike” Bennett will host the free admission twelve-hour anniversary party. It will feature live entertainment. It will also include meet and greet opportunities with several leading cigar companies.

Announcing a customer appreciation opportunity for the cigar community to commemorate our second anniversary. Cigar Life Guy™ has partnered with legendary cigar lifestyle ambassador “Cigar Mike” Bennett and top cigar companies. The Cigar Life Guy second anniversary party will be held on June 12,2021, at Life N Times Cigars, located at 6947 Main Street, Lithonia, GA, a suburb of Atlanta.

Who Will Be There

“Cigar Mike” Bennett will host the event. Throughout the day and evening, cigar companies offering event-only deals and specials will make their appearances. Confirmed participating companies include ATL Cigar Co., Barbeque & Smoke, Besado Tequila, Cigar Pxrn, Deuces Cigars, Greenwood Whiskey, GTO Cigars, and Tarazona Cigars. We are also planning live entertainment including a band and a DJ. Food vendors will also be on-site for this indoor-outdoor event.

Dave Arlinghaus, the founding President of Cigar Life Guy™ expressed excitement for the upcoming event. “I’ve got a great deal of gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive way the cigar community has embraced and supported Cigar Life Guy since its inception in 2019,” said Arlinghaus. “I want to do something fun for the community. There’s nobody better at fun than Cigar Mike. The cigar and liquor companies that are participating in this free admission event all understand the importance of fun and gratitude and want to make this a day to remember for the cigar community,” Arlinghaus added.

Twenty-five-year cigar industry veteran “Cigar Mike” Bennett also commented on the upcoming event. “It has been great to watch Cigar Life Guy grow over the last two years. Its brand is fun and has resonated with people online and at events. Cigar Life Guy’s core mission of providing life insurance to the cigar community at non-tobacco rates has been received very positively and made a difference in many lives,” Bennett said. “We have an exciting entertainment lineup planned and the early interest I’ve seen from people wanting to be a part of it has been great,” said Bennett. “We are going to have an incredible day!”

When the Anniversary Party Begins

The event will begin at 2 pm and continue until closing at Life N Times Cigars. Admission will be free, but entry will be on a first-come-first-served basis. We anticipate we will reach capacity. So, we encourage participants to arrive early. Finally, we expect all participants to follow safety protocols in accordance with local guidelines in place at the time of the event.

About Cigar Life Guy™

Cigar Life Guy™ is a cigar lifestyle brand. We are owned and operated by cigar aficionado Dave Arlinghaus. Our media properties provide entertainment and education focused on the social cigar smoking experience and the great conversations that occur over a social cigar. Cigar Life Guy™ also builds awareness for the huge savings opportunity regular cigar smokers have when it comes to purchasing life insurance. Through its life insurance brokerage, we help cigar smokers realize those savings. Dave Arlinghaus has been an independent life insurance broker since 2010.

For more information, please visit www.cigarlifeguy.com

Follow Cigar Life Guy™ on Instagram @CigarLifeGuy

“Like” Cigar Life Guy™ on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cigarlifeguy/

Follow Cigar Life Guy™ on Twitter @CigarLifeGuy

For media inquiries, or to request an interview, please contact:

Dave Arlinghaus

dave@cigarlifeguy.com

404.521.8134

Football Legend Michael Strahan is a Cigar Lover

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Staff

You probably know this record-holding New York Giant for being one of the best defensive ends in the game. Yet, it might surprise you that football legend Michael Strahan is a big cigar fan. When he’s not on TV, one of Strahan’s notable quotes is saying that a good cigar is something he can’t live without.

Strahan has gone so far as to build himself a luxurious, cigar-friendly “man cave.” Here, he relaxes and gets away from his busy schedule. It even includes a custom, refrigerator-sized humidor. According to Strahan, his favorite way to decompress is to sit in his man cave and “do nothing” for a while; this generally translates to smoking a great cigar and watching television to unwind.

From Young Upstart to Football Legend

Before the football legend lived the cigar lifestyle alongside up-and-coming NFL greats like Cam Newton, he was a typical college athlete. He played defensive end at Texas Southern University while following in the footsteps of his Uncle Art.

During his time at Texas Southern, Strahan began turning heads. He had an imposing frame and was deceptively quick. By his Junior year, he became the frequent target of double-team coverage. It was a term dubbed by his coaches as “Strahan rules.”

Strahan was named player of the year twice as part of the South Western Athletic Conference. During his Junior year, he led the conference in sacks. His career record of 41 sacks still stands as a Texas Southern University Record.

Going Pro and Rough Starts

In 1993 Strahan was drafted to the New York Giants. His first year was unremarkable. He played only six games due to injuries. Although he continued playing, his first few seasons with the Giants proved less than stellar.

It wasn’t until his 1997 season that Strahan broke away from this reputation. He showed the NFL and fans why he was one of the best in the business and a true football legend in the making. He ended the season with 14 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl that year.

His 98′ season was even more impressive. Strahan recorded 15 sacks and another Pro Bowl nomination. From here, he continued his success. In 2001, he set the NFL record for most sacks in a single season.

On February 3, 2008, Strahan took his team through the win Super Bowl XLII. They beat the New England Patriots in what was widely considered one of their biggest upsets. Following the Super Bowl win, Strahan retired from playing professional football. Instead, the football legend moved on to other endeavors.

Post-NFL Career Change and Cigar Lifestyle

Post-NFL life did not leave Strahan out of the spotlight. It’s hard not to find him appearing on television somewhere. Between becoming a morning talk show host, a game show host, and a sports analyst, he stays busy. But that’s why Strahan says he loves the time he sits back and enjoys a cigar.

Strahan says the first cigar that captured his tastebuds was a Cohiba. From then on, he felt at home smoking cigars. Nowadays, he has his favorites. You’ll find him smoking sticks like Gurkhas, Padrons, and Olivas. Yet, he’s also open to experimenting with whatever his friends in the cigar business send him.

Never one to shy away from work, Strahan admits that he likes to get away to his secret hideout at least once or twice a week. It’s a way for him to muffle the noise of the city. It also gives him the perfect reason to enjoy a cigar in private since he spends so much time on air.

What’s Next For the Football Legend?

Today, the football legend stays busy with all his television appearances. Yet, he still has time for other activities. In addition to smoking great sticks, Strahan also collects cigars. He’s also into cars and a handful of different hobbies.

When he’s not in the news, Strahan stays busy with philanthropic work. He supports organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and serves as an ad campaign spokesperson.

Strahan is busy building his branded clothing and accessories line. That includes men’s apparel, suits, and shoes. So chances are, even if you aren’t seeing or hearing him, you might find yourself wearing clothing by Strahan.

Truthfully, it looks like Strahan is going nowhere soon. As a mainstay on the morning talk show Good Morning America, he is in many people’s living rooms five days a week. Add to that his roles as a sports analyst for Fox Sports and host of the game show $100,000 Pyramid, and it’s easy to see the many places you’ll find Strahan in the spotlight each week.

Strahan continues making cameos in movies and television as well. In addition, he’s had his share of more minor roles in the acting world. Whether you’re a fan of this Giant football legend or not, one thing is sure. You’ll continue seeing more of him.

Photo credit: “Fox Pregame for Super Bowl LIV,” by Elisfkc2, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 2.0.

WWE Champ John Cena Enjoys Cigars

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Staff

It’s hard to imagine a thirteen-time WWE Champion has time for leisure activities. Yet, when he’s home in his custom-designed gentleman’s room, John Cena loves hanging with his guys and smoking cigars. Of course, he’s not the only athlete or movie star to enjoy the cigar life. The WWE champ has plenty of peers, such as big-screen heavyweights like Kevin Hart and rapper and movie star Ludacris, to name a few.

Part of Cena’s enjoyment of cigars stems from his strong family bond. Cena has four brothers. Together, they spend time talking shop, relaxing, and smoking in his gentleman’s room. He believes in keeping the space purely for his enjoyment and entertaining friends. The word is, it’s even password-protected to protect his and his guest’s privacy.

From Football to Wrestling

Cena was born and raised in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He’s the man whom others would later refer to as “one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.” Yet, Cena led a rather unassuming life up through his teenage years.

He eventually attended Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. There, Cena played Division III football and became an All-American at the center position. He later moved on to bodybuilding in 1998. He may have even found inspiration from legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. Regardless, he moved to California and worked out regularly.

After a year of bodybuilding, Cena tried his hand at professional wrestling and found success. He quickly moved through the development program of the former WWF before getting his first shot at the big time.

The Doctor of Thuganomics

Cena debuted in 2004 as a trash-talking, sarcastic, and sometimes foul-mouthed rapper nicknamed “The Doctor of Thuganomics.” His brash persona, in-ring theatrics, and impressive physical ability saw him quickly rise through the ranks. He attained his first title shot for the “United States Championship” within a year of his debut.

He also developed his signature catchphrase: “You can’t see me.” He also produced a platinum-selling rap album with the same title. The audience praised Cena’s debut persona for its no-nonsense gimmick, slightly edgy moves, and off-the-cuff remarks and insults.

Cena’s popularity grew over the next year, and he went on to win his first World Championship. It was then that the modern interpretation of John Cena began.

Franchise Player and Star Status

By late 2005, Cena’s character transitioned to what it is today. He is the upstanding “Superman” figure that everyone loves. Although some fans didn’t appreciate the abrupt transition, many tout his work ethic. In 2006, before he returned to the WWE, Cena landed his first movie role in The Marine.

It was then that he became the face of the WWE. In fact, Cena went on to win the “World Championship” several times. During that time, he had many feuds with some of the biggest names in the business. During this time, his philanthropy work also took off.

One of Cena’s admirable distinctions is that he granted the most wishes ever – over 650 – for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. In addition, he collaborates with various charities like the USO and many others local to Massachusetts and across the globe while working with the WWE.

The WWE Champ Values His Privacy

John Cena prefers to keep his private life just that, private. So, despite his admirable but busy schedule, Cena still likes to unwind at home with a good cigar and company.

The cigar lounge nicknamed the “Gentleman’s Room“ in Cena’s multimillion-dollar mansion was reportedly custom-built to house his smokes and other favorite pastimes. In particular, he likes watching football, drinking scotch, and smoking cigars. Yet, there is a wrong and a right way to drink and smoke. After all, what’s a good cigar without the right pairing of alcohol?

So, what lavishness awaits guests inside the “Gentleman’s Room”? The room’s walls are lined with cedar, complementing the leather chairs and sofa. He has two custom walk-in humidors and air filtration systems installed to prevent cigar smoke from entering the house’s main living spaces. If that weren’t enough, the smoking room would be locked, with access gained only by permission or invitation.

WWE champ John Cena is clear that he prefers fine cigars. So, it’s no surprise that he is rumored to keep some of the most expensive ones on the market. Though, exactly which ones those are, he won’t say. His preference for finer things doesn’t stop here, though, and extends to his other primary hobby: muscle cars. It is reported that Cena owns more than 20 muscle cars – some are rumored as exceedingly rare and expensive.

What’s Next for the WWE Champ?

You’ll probably continue seeing more of WWE champ John Cena. Although he’s not entering the wrestling ring as often, he continues to busy himself with movie-making. Add to that his multiple commercials, all running simultaneously, his TV hosting gigs, and charity work; the result? John Cena is visible somewhere every day.

Cena will continue in the spotlight for a long time to come. Even if he’s not adjusting the attitude of WWE’s finest, you’ll still find him on screens large and small. You might even say the champ is here to stay.

Photo credit: “John Cena at a WWE house show in January 2015,” by Anton Jackson, Wikimedia Commns license CC BY-SA 2.0.

Is a Custom Cigar Poker For You?

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Staff

If you’ve ever visited a cigar lounge or cigar event, you’ve probably seen a cigar poker or “nubber.” They kind of resemble a dart or a needle. Some cigar smokers attach them to the nub of the cigar to smoke that last little bit. Cigar pokers range widely in style and price. Yet, many are more art than a cigar accessory. Despite no real market sales data, the popularity of cigar pokers is accelerating.

Cigar Life Guy caught up with Robin Blue of BlueSmokeATL, a leading maker of custom cigar pokers. If you’ve ever considered getting a cigar poker, keep reading. Robin shares what you should look for when shopping for a cigar poker.

What is a Cigar Poker?

Cigar Life Guy (CLG): What is a cigar poker? What are they used for?

Robin Blue (RB): A cigar poker is a cigar accessory that serves two purposes. First, a cigar poker serves as a nubber allowing you to enjoy cigars to the very end without burning or staining your fingers. Second, you can gently slide them into the top of the cigar to loosen the tobacco. They improve the overall draw from your cigar.

CLG: I imagine they are made from a wide variety of materials?

RB: Cigar pokers are made from a variety of materials ranging from beads to glass to gemstones. There are also various levels of quality that define the overall look, feel, and durability of your poker.

Manufactured vs. Handmade Cigar Pokers

CLG: One way to segment the market is by how they are manufactured. There are mass-produced and custom, or bespoke, pokers made individually, correct? What are the key differences between the two types?

RB: Very true. Manufactured pokers typically have very few unique options and a lot of the same designs. What they lack in originality you can save in overall cost. The items adorned on the pokers are not as carefully curated and are usually bought in bulk quantities. The durability is shorter than a quality, luxury, handmade poker.

Handmade crafters select each part of their process. It’s more creative and unique since a business makes each one. The quality standards are higher since someone with a love for craft started the business. It also shows their sense of pride. Handmade cigar pokers can be customized for a personal impact on the consumer. For this reason, handmade pokers are usually more expensive than manufactured ones. Yet, they are also more durable and long-lasting.

CLG: Even within the bespoke segment of cigar pokers, there are many differences in how they are made. Correct?

RB: In the bespoke poker segment, there are several factors that a shopper should look at when buying. First, the overall quality of the work is huge. The materials used in creating a cigar poker are critical. You also must consider what kind of customer service experience is provided. Does it include a guarantee or warranty on craftsmanship? Can the designer offer ideas or recommendations? Can the designer translate the individual’s vision into a beautiful product? You’ll see a wide variation in a designer or brand’s ability to deliver on all these elements.

You Get What You Pay For

CLG: So, should someone totally avoid a $15 cigar poker, or is there a place for that in the marketplace?

RB: There is a place for $15 pokers, but it depends on your budget and how often that you smoke. If you smoke once every six months, then these pokers may work fine in the beginning. Then, you graduate from there. Your pokers usually match the price of your other cigar accessories. The cigar culture purchases a lot of disposable products. And, $15 pokers should be thought of as disposable. It’s similar to disposable lighters. You definitely get what you pay for.

CLG: Who buys cigar pokers?

RB: I have sold cigar pokers to everyone. It’s really a matter of preference. I typically sell more to men than women, but that may be due to the number of men vs. women smokers. And, yes, men use cigar pokers too.

CLG: Are they really art first and function second or do I have that backward?

RB: For BlueSmokeATL, it’s really art first, and then function. We love the artistry and luxury of it all.

Hot Trends in Cigar Poker Customization

CLG: What are some of the most popular customization trends or themes you see on cigar pokers?

RB: Right now I’m seeing a lot of interest in cigar clubs, fraternities and sororities, sports teams or sport-themed, and hobbies. Really, anything that makes a personal statement about you and your personal journey is a hot theme. The only limitation is your imagination and creativity.

BlueSmokeATL

CLG: Tell me about your business: BlueSmokeATL.

RB: BlueSmokeATL is a timeless collection of carefully curated cigar pokers. The name is a play on my last name, Blue. I started the business in 2019. We offer unique cigar pokers to compliment your ability to smoke in style. We offer exclusive custom designs as well. Our elaborate and high-quality designs have catered to every type of smoker from beginner to aficionado.

One of our core missions at BlueSmokeATL is to make our brand as inclusive, diverse, fun, and accessible as possible. We pride ourselves on our quality pieces and excellent customer service. Our pieces are sure to add the “Wow” factor to your current smoking accessories.

We have an online and retail presence to engage with our fans and consumers. BlueSmokeATL is also owned by a woman of color.

For more information on BlueSmokeATL you can check out:

BlueSmokeATL.com

ETSY

Instagram

Disclosure: From time to time, Cigar Life Guy will highlight innovative businesses in the cigar community. This is not an advertisement. Cigar Life Guy is not affiliated with BlueSmokeATL. It receives no compensation for any products sold or referred by this article, nor is it responsible for any purchases made.

Photo credit: BlueSmokeATL

Ludacris is Killing the Cigar Game

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Staff

If you’re unfamiliar with the music of Chris Bridges, better known as Ludacris, then you should definitely be paying attention to him for his cigar-loving lifestyle. He has been an avid cigar fan for years. In fact, as a celebrity smoker, he’s killing the cigar game. He often shows off with a stick in his mouth alongside fellow rappers, celebrities, and other friends.

When he’s not making music or starring in movies like the Fast and Furious franchise, Ludacris touts his love of cigars. He’s very outspoken and advertises his love of Cubans all over his Twitter page. You’ll see him posing in photos with a smoke alongside other fellow rappers. Some include Usher and Ne-Yo and comedic actor Kevin Hart, to name a few.

A Southern Transplant and Self-Published Success

Christopher Brian Bridges didn’t start out as a multi-platinum selling icon known for his less than serious lyrical content. Born in Illinois, Bridges moved to Atlanta at age nine where he began to rap shortly thereafter.

By the time he was a teenager, Bridges would be working as a DJ until self-publishing his debut album Incognegro, which he published under the pseudonym, Ludacris. This led gained him a moderate amount of success despite not having an actual label and it solidified his new name.

Ludacris’ music positioned him to sign with the label Def Jam South. From here, he made his first major-label record debut with the album Back, For the Very First Time. Then, he experimented with wordplay and less serious rap content. The album became a major success and catapulted him into stardom.

Word of Mouf and Movie Stardom

Not one who slacks, Ludacris later released three albums over three years. Two of these albums made multi-platinum status. When his third album Word of Mouf went multi-platinum, Ludacris Hollywood noticed him and he received offers for movie roles.

During his Hollywood career, Ludacris has played many large and small parts. This included a recurring role in the blockbuster series Fast and Furious which he began in 2002. His roles led him to greater success – he had already won a grammy. Since then, he has won many other awards for acting.

His film roles have not let him shy away from his music, however. He still actively records music between filming movies. Despite his schedule not leaving him much free time, he still plays the cigar game well. Yet, you can catch him enjoying a cigar during red carpet events and after-parties for premieres. Unlike many celebrities who smoke cigars during their leisure time, Ludacris is a proud cigar smoker. In fact, he’ll often pose for a photo while smoking one, even if others in that same photo don’t smoke.

Entrepreneur and Cigar Game Lover

Since attaining success in music and film, Ludacris has also branched out into the business and cigar worlds. In fact, he’ll promote any favorite smokes he finds. Among his favorites, he loves collecting and aging any premium Cubans he can find. Some of these include Monte Cristo #2.

Ludacris isn’t like some smokers who light up whatever they’ve got. He prefers storing his cigars awhile and letting them age. Then, he’ll bring them out when he feels it’s time to party or enjoy a good smoke.

It’s rumored, that he has a personalized humidor custom-built for his favorites. It’s also sized to hold the number of smokes he likes to keep on hand. His custom-built humidor is actually more well-known than what he prefers to keep inside it. That speaks volumes about the value Ludacris places on his cigars.

Ludacris’ love of the cigar game doesn’t stop with Cubans and a custom humidor though. He also co-owns Conjure Cognac, a drink he is fond of pairing with a cigar. Whether this venture came to light because of his love for cigars or he happened upon a combination that works isn’t known. One thing is certain, though. The right pairing of a cigar and a drink is a great thing indeed.

Ludacris’ Future and Smokin’ Cigar Game

Ludacris is likely more known today for his movie roles than for his nonsensical rapper role. That doesn’t mean he’s stepped away from the studio yet, though. If you’ve learned anything about him so far, then you’ve discovered he likes to stay busy.

When he’s not rapping, making blockbuster films, or closing business deals, Ludacris does charity work. He did a charity drive in 2011 that helped restock the libraries in New Orleans. This was after Hurricane Katrina devastated their book supplies. He also founded The Ludacris Foundation to help promote healthy living, leadership, and mentorship for young people.

Even that isn’t enough. He also promotes a line of headphones. He has a chicken restaurant in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. He manages his own record label. He endorses a line of shoes, and he has various real estate holdings throughout the country.

Whether it’s his music, movies, business deals, or other media, the idea that you won’t be seeing more of Chris Bridges is simply, ludicrous. Considering his love of a good stick, it’s also safe to assume he’ll continue killing the cigar game as well.

Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

How Cigar Shapes and Sizes Affect Your Smoke

Posted on March 27, 2021 by Staff

Every cigar lover has a favorite type of cigar, from a standard corona to a beefy Churchill. There’s something to love and appreciate about different cigar shapes and sizes. What some might not know is that there are some key differences between each that make each style of smoke a unique experience.

Vitolas is the term that refers to cigar shapes and sizes, and cigars will smoke differently depending on which one you pick. So, we came up with a list of ten different styles of cigars and how they differ. If you want to branch out from your favorites or try something new, use this as a resource to get started.

Two things primarily determine the style of a cigar: the length and the ring gauge.

The Cigar Length

This is pretty self-explanatory, but the length of the cigar determines how long of smoke it is. The baseline for the length of a standard cigar is around 5-5 ½ inches.

The Ring Gauge

A ring gauge is essentially the circumference or fatness of your cigar. A fatter cigar has more tobacco in it so you can expect a stronger flavor from the blend of tobacco used.

Conversely, a thinner cigar has less tobacco which means the wrapper has more of an impact on the taste. This makes it interesting to compare different sizes of the same blend of a cigar to note the differences. You may find you enjoy one size more than another.

The Corona

Corona is pretty much the benchmark for a standard full-size cigar. You can expect a clean and even burn that will last a fair amount of time when smoking one. The ring gauge on one of these is between 42 and 44.

If you were introducing a friend to their first “real cigar” this would be the size to go with, not too small to end the experience quickly, but not such a stogie that they become overwhelmed.

The Mareva

A slightly smaller cigar, also known as a “petite corona” at 4 1/2 inches and a ring gauge of 40 to 42, this one won’t smoke as long as a standard corona but is still a decent size.

You can expect the wrapper to play more of a role in the flavor of one of these due to the tighter ring gauge. If you were wanting to enjoy a quick smoke, in-between activities, this is a good option.

The Churchill

Now we’re moving up to the big boys. The Churchill is a slightly longer and fatter friend of the corona. The Churchill cigar received its name after the famous prime minister, Winston Churchill. Churchill smoked upwards of 300,000 of these cigars during his lifetime.

At 7 inches long and with a 47-52 ring gauge, you’re looking at a good beefy smoke with lots of flavors. A Churchill is probably not ideal as an amateur’s first smoke, but once you graduate to one of these bad boys, you’ll likely never look back.

The Robusto

A true fat boy, the Robusto is 5 inches long with a ring gauge of between 50 and 54, these cigars pack a ton of flavor into a relatively short length. You can expect a full-bodied flavor when smoking one of these.

While the shorter length means you won’t get as long of a burn, the size of the smoke means you’re guaranteed the full flavor of the tobacco blends used. These are a good replacement for a corona if you want a richer experience.

The Toro

Another of the big boys, and slightly longer than a Robusto at 6 inches, with a ring gauge between 50 and 54 as well, a Toro is a good choice when you want a longer smoking stogie.

These are on the larger end for cigars packing plenty of flavor into their bulging frame, a must for fans of bulky cigars.

The Gordo

The true big boy of the bunch, Gordo’s sport a massive 60 ring gauge and can range in length from 6 to 7 inches. If you’re a fan of a fat cigar, then you’re looking at the biggest out there.

These are great for a full-bodied flavor where the taste of the tobacco leaves an impression. Even if you’re not a fan of the beefier varieties, you should try one of these at least once.

The Double Corona

You could easily call the double Corona an “all day smoke.” It’s almost double the length of a standard corona. So, you can expect to smoke this one for a while. It also has a bit more thickness to it with a ring gauge of 49 to 52.

This is the perfect golf course cigar. These pack in tons of flavor while giving you something to relax with in-between holes. If you like to kick back with a nice long smoke, you can’t go wrong with one of these.

The Lancero

Lancero’s are a bit on the slender side, with a ring gauge of just 38, but at a length of 7 1/2 inches, gives you a decently long smoke. You could call them a “gentleman’s cigar” with the thin profile, a Lancero gives you the full experience of the wrapper and the tobacco while being long enough to enjoy.

If you’re not a fan of the beefier varieties, a Lancero is a good choice for the selective cigar smoker.

The Lonsdale

The Lonsdale is another contender for the “typical” cigar. It’s about an inch longer than a corona and has a 42 ring gauge. Smoking gives you a nice balanced flavor between tobacco and wrapper.

This is a good second option if you’re looking for an introductory cigar to give out to people that are new to the lifestyle and want to try a “real cigar”.

The Pyramid

These carry a distinctive taper to the head. The cut foot squares off. The pyramid is a bit longer than the standard corona or Lonsdale with a length of 6-7 inches. The ring gauge will also vary due to the taper with a low of 40 at the head and 54 at the foot.

The unique thing about pyramid-style cigars is the experience from the head to the foot. The foot is thicker and packed with more tobacco. This gives you get a richer flavor towards the back end of the cigar. Definitely, one that you grow to enjoy more the longer you smoke.

The Perfecto

The true stogie is a Perfecto with a tapered and slightly rounded head. It has a fat middle and a closed foot. They range in length between 4 1/2 to 9 inches with the standard length sitting somewhere in the middle, giving you plenty to enjoy, and the ring gauge varies from head to foot from 38 to 48.

The perfecto is aptly named because it strikes the perfect balance between a light beginning, a heavier middle, and a smooth end. You’ll get the full experience of the wrapper, the tobacco blend, and a smooth and even burn if you smoke one of these, making it a great all-around smoke.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a cigar lover, you likely have favorites that you stick to. Yet, branching out a bit with different styles can enhance the experience, including how your cigar tastes. Sampling different cigar shapes and sizes offer ample smoking experiences. For some, this includes discovering their favorite cigar brand tastes better in a different style. If nothing else, it’s worth exploring what the different cigar shapes and sizes offer in terms of the taste experience.

Photo credit: epcarillio.com