Staff, Author at Cigar Life Guy

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

My Best Advice for New Cigar Smokers

Posted on September 22, 2019 by Staff

Ask any cigar enthusiast what their best advice is and you’ll likely get a slurry of answers. Yet, the best advice always answers your initial questions. It also places you on the right path to a cigar lifestyle. There’s one question I get more than any other, or some variation on it. “I’m interested in trying cigars. Where do I start?” And it’s not like these things are cheap. I don’t want to buy bad ones. Which cigars do you recommend for someone new?” There are a lot of things new cigar smokers should learn about like cutting cigars, storing cigars, and lighting cigars but we’re just going to focus on getting starting buying and selecting the actual cigars.

Palates Change and Differs

I’m going to give you my best advice on cigar selection but first a couple of universal points. Understand that what you like will be different than what your friend likes or the “expert” on Facebook love. Smoke what you enjoy. Secondly, understand that there is a very good chance your palate will change or “evolve” as you become a more frequent cigar smoker.

Like most new cigar smokers, I initially gravitated to mild or mild to medium blends. Today while I can appreciate those cigars and their place my preference is medium to full or a full-bodied cigar. My early “go-to” sticks I won’t select today. That’s perfectly normal and it happens very gradually over the course of years.

Picking the Sticks is a Process

At the end of the day, it all comes down to trying a number of different cigars and figuring out what’s right for you. The good news is if cigars are going to become a pleasurable pastime for you, trying out a bunch of cigars trying to find your sweet spots shouldn’t feel like a chore. Most of them won’t be awful and many will be really good even if they aren’t your favorite. For a new cigar smoker, finding a palate should be like dating without the drama!

Whatever you pick (and we’ll get to that in a minute), journal your cigars, either literally or figuratively. That means taking notes on what you smoked and what you liked about it/disliked about it. You can formally do this in a physical journal or on your phone. If you’ve got a pretty good memory taking mental notes can work too (for me the mental notes worked just fine, and they can be as simple as “would/would not buy again”). Pro tip: after you remove the band instead of throwing it away put it in your pocket or take a picture of it to refer to when you journal.

Bricks and Mortar (B&M) Strategy

Go to your local cigar store. Not the place with a little humidor and a few boxes for sale but one where their whole business is cigars. Be upfront with the staff member that you are new and looking for help. Introduce yourself. New smokers are their lifeblood and they should be happy to help you and greet you enthusiastically.

Part of the value they should be offering you is the best advice on selection. If possible talk to the owner or a long-term employee. They don’t necessarily need to be a certified tobacconist, but they need to know their stuff. If you don’t get a good vibe about their expertise or they are short with you consider leaving and finding another store or buying just one and trying another time (when maybe a different staffer will be there).

Ultimately what you are trying to find is someone that will truly guide you through the journey. Prices will vary regionally but expect to pay $8 – $15 (each) for premium brand name cigars. He or she may also have some value or “house” sticks for less ($3-6/stick). Don’t be afraid of those. They are an excellent way to develop your palate.

The Online Strategy

Google “introductory deal for new cigar smokers” or similar and look at the results. Odds are you’ll find several different offers on the various links. Often these deals will cost anywhere between $15-30 all in including shipping and consist of 8-12 different brand-name premium cigars usually with some sort of accessory (humidor, cutter, lighter, etc.) thrown in on the deal. These are a fantastic deal! No these aren’t the best cigars in the world and you aren’t going to find an Opus X in there, but they are quality cigars that will give you a great cost-effective way of doing the trial and error.

You will also find these introductory deals in the USPS “junk mailers” you typically get with your grocery store coupons. They are almost always limited to one per customer or address as the deals are designed to be attractive. Nothing says you can’t take advantage of the offers from multiple companies. They are all trying to win your business long-term.

The Hybrid Strategy: A Little of Both

On a going basis, the online retailers will almost always beat the B&M guys on price. That’s just reality. I won’t turn this into a primer online vs. B&M retailing. Amazon is less expensive than CVS on the corner. You get it. That doesn’t mean one is better or worse. Regardless of where you buy online can be an invaluable source of information on the different cigar brands and figuring out what other cigars are similar to the ones you enjoy (remember you’ll be journaling this stuff). Most of the time the reviews and product descriptions from the top sites are fantastic.

Maybe you do a little bit of both. Then, my best advice is to buy a couple of introductory samplers. Make a friend at a cigar shop. Hard to put a price on the value of a friend at the shop.

In fact, they can complement each other. You can buy a sampler online then go into the store and be able to tell the merchant about two or three things you really like, and it will help him recommend other sticks to try. Just remember cigar etiquette, if you go in and talk the B&M merchant’s ear off or take up fifteen minutes of his time, buy something! He’s got to eat, too, and he’s providing value to you through the education he provides.

Final Word on Pricing

Unless you are just oozing with coin and frankly can never see yourself smoking anything but the ultra high end, don’t start your cigar journey at the top. Frankly, an inexperienced palate won’t appreciate what it is smoking. Don’t start at the bottom. Everything you smoke should be a premium, handmade, long filler cigar. Smoke a mix of brand names and value sticks until you figure out what you like.

If you’re a wine connoisseur or just familiar with wine drinking you’ll quickly see a ton of similarities between wine drinking and cigar smoking on a lot of different levels. One is if you really don’t know wine, for the most part, you won’t appreciate great wine. You’ll recognize the difference between a $4 bottle and a $40 bottle but you won’t know the difference between a $40 bottle and a $400 bottle. Cigars are the same way. I’d just say, the best advice here is to save the $20+ (per stick) stuff for when you can appreciate the nuance that makes a great (and priced appropriately) stick a great stick.

Bringing it all Together

Whether you go the B&M route or the online route will probably be based in part on the availability of good B&M near you, your budget, and your personality. Either is fine. The important thing is to get out there and start smoking! Take some notes from the best advice and figure out what you like and keep smoking. Don’t worry about what other people are smoking as long as you’re enjoying yourself. As I like to say, “My favorite cigar is the one I’m smoking right now!”

Photo credit: <a href=”https://visualhunt.co/a4/b09ca63b”>Retronaut</a> on <a href=”https://visualhunt.com/re6/11a56829″>Visualhunt.com</a> / <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”> CC BY-NC-ND</a>

Cigars and Football: Tailgating and a Good Stick

Posted on September 19, 2019 by Staff

There’s nothing better than pairing cigars and football for that pregame anticipation, or any other part of your tailgating party. When fall is here, that means football is here. And when football is here, tailgates drop all across the nation and parking lots explode into a fury of backyard games, lawn chairs, and some elaborate barbecue setups. Tailgating might as well be at the top of the list of American pastimes – they come in every shape and size and happen all across the nation at events large and small. Who doesn’t love a good tailgate? When your favorite team is playing, there isn’t much better than a pregame parking lot party and a great cigar.

Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your next pregame stogie.

Choose a Cigar That Complements Your Food Selection.

We go through painstaking efforts to make some fantastic tailgate foods – we’re talking jalapeno poppers, buffalo wings, chili, dips, chips – the list goes on and on. So, you better make sure your cigar selection matches your food selection! For tailgating, the lighter the better – you don’t want a big, hearty full smoke to compete with that fantastic food that you just grilled up on the back of your Silverado. A nice, mild cigar is perfect for pregame festivities.

Cigars and Football Means Tailgating With Variety

Tailgating is a social experience – time to spend with family, friends, and those you enjoy hanging out with. We’re assuming that you hang out with like-minded folks and that they’re cigar aficionados like yourself. With that being the case, there may be some cigar trading going on – so don’t forget to bring a few extras! You may find your buddy has been dying to try that Ashton you keep talking about, and he happened to bring along that Padrón you’ve been drooling over.

Don’t Skimp on the Drinks.

When someone says drinks, we automatically think of alcohol. While that can be an essential part of the tailgate routine, we need to make sure and hydrate, too! When the season kicks off, you’re bound to get a blistering hot September weekend that rolls through – and smoking a cigar is always better with a drink in hand. Definitely pack the beer, whiskey, and other seasonal cocktails you might be a fan of – but don’t forget to stay hydrated.

A Travel Humidor is a Must

Now you know to bring a variety of cigars, but make sure you transport them safely. In the midst of packing all of that tailgate gear, you may be tempted to throw a few cigars on the front seat and hit the road – but don’t! Nothing can ruin a tailgate faster than getting set up, only to find that your cigars are ruined because you didn’t properly transport them. So please, make sure you take the time to get them in your travel humidor. You do have one of those…right?

Save Time to Enjoy Cigars and Football by Going Early

Most of us like to start our tailgates early, well before the game begins. Make sure you leave enough time to enjoy that cigar before game time – don’t rush it! Tailgates may get wild, but lighting up that cigar should slow the day down and help you enjoy every moment.

https://cigarlifeguy.com/stay-warm-this-fall-cigar-and-cocktail-pairings-for-the-autumn-season/

https://cigarlifeguy.com/traveling-with-cigars/

Photo credit: <a href=”https://visualhunt.co/a3/495310fe”>bk2000</a> on <a href=”https://visualhunt.com/re5/7fb06451″>VisualHunt.com</a> / <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/”> CC BY-ND</a>

The Best Fall Cocktails and Cigars

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Staff

For many of us, Labor Day weekend signals the unofficial start of the fall season. Summer was fantastic, but I think it’s safe to say that most of us have had enough of the heat. The nights start getting a bit cooler, and the typical fall festivities begin to kick off across the nation. What does that mean for us cigar lovers? Not only does fall bring some great cigar smoking weather, but it gets us in the mood for some great fall drinks. So, now is the time to start thinking about which drinks make the best fall cocktails to pair with your favorite sticks. Here are a few of our favorite pairings.

Hot Apple Cider

Apple cider is a classic – simple as that. With the right ingredients, it’s one of the best fall cocktails around. Apples come into the season starting in September and can be found readily in your nearest grocery store. Perfect for a brisk afternoon, simply throw your cider in a pot, add some mulling spices, and let it simmer. Since cider tends to be on the sweeter side, try and pair this one with a milder cigar – a mild Connecticut usually fits the bill. In the mood for a little extra zing? Add a splash of bourbon and dash of cinnamon – we wouldn’t steer you wrong.

The Classic Old Fashioned

Whiskey and cigars go together like peanut butter and jelly – you often can’t find the two apart. That makes it an excellent pick for one of the best fall cocktails. The Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail that pairs nicely with a variety of cigars, from mild to full-flavored. There are plenty of recipes out there, and each one of us has our favorite. The ingredients are simple: your favorite bourbon, bitters, orange, and a cherry – nothing anything fancy here. To spice this one up for fall, add a shot of maple syrup – it doesn’t get much more ‘Fall’ than that.

A Dark Roast Coffee

Are you a fan of the breakfast cigar? Yeah, we are too. If you’ve never sat bundled up on the porch during a cool fall morning to enjoy a nice, hot coffee and a cigar, put that on your list for this fall. Any cigar will fit the bill here, but a dark, oily Maduro seems to go hand in hand with a fine espresso roast. Cigars can be complemented by many different drinks, but good, rich coffee is a fantastic choice for any season – especially fall.

A Single Malt Scotch

No surprises on this one. Now that fall is here, you can set aside some of your clear liquors and bring in some of the brown stuff. A good scotch is a classic cigar pairing that’s known by most of us out there. The brand and type of scotch are largely personal preferences, and the choices out there are endless. The nice thing about scotch? No matter the occasion – whether it’s a college football tailgate, apple picking adventure, or crisp afternoon at home – you can usually convince a buddy to come help share your fine bottle of scotch and nice cigars. The best part? All you need is the bottle, a glass, and your cigar – talk about no fuss.

photo credit: Pixabay

Your New Cigar Humidor and How to Care For It

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Staff

We all started smoking cigars for one reason or another. Maybe it was a golf tournament that you played in with your Uncles where you had your first smoke. Or, it was that cool, fall evening around the campfire with friends that got you hooked. Either way, you’ve now ventured into the glorious world of cigars, and are stepping your gear up a notch. There comes a time in our cigar-smoking careers when it’s time to invest in our next big purchase, outside of cigars: a new cigar humidor.

Humidors come in all shapes in sizes, from small, plastic travel humidors to large stand-up ones that hold hundreds of cigars. Any way you cut it, if your humidor is wood (cedar, at that), then you have to ‘season’ it. The seasoning process allows the humidor to retain moisture that keeps your cigars in tip-top shape for when you’re ready to smoke them. Here’s how to do it.

Your Humidor, and Its Accessories

So, your new cigar humidor just arrived in the mail. Or, you brought it home from your local cigar shop, a friend, or found it in your dad’s basement. Now, you’re trying to figure this humidor thing out. To season your humidor, you need to first take everything out.

Usually, humidors come with a few accessories.

A hygrometer, which tells you the level of humidity inside your humidor.
A humidifier, which will retain water to keep humidity running at optimal levels.
Dividers and trays to store your cigars.

Hygrometers that come with humidors are often of the analog variety and not incredibly accurate. You may want to swap that out for a digital hygrometer, but if you don’t, the analog is fine to start with. Depending on your environment and the size of your humidor, you may want to add another humidifier to keep it running at the optimal humidity level.

Once you have all your accessories out of your humidor and the box is empty, it’s time to start seasoning.

Seasoning Your New Cigar Humidor

Seasoning a humidor is not a big, scary task – but it does have some nuances. All ‘seasoning’ a humidor does is prep it for your cigars. So, make sure you leave those out until the process finishes! If you put your new stash of cigars into that fancy box that you just picked up, the cedar interior will draw moisture out of your cigars. We definitely don’t want that.

First, you’re going to need a couple of simple materials that you can find at your local grocery or convenience store. You’ll need distilled water to prevent mold and a sponge to wipe down the interior.

Now that you have your humidor empty, soak your sponge in distilled water and wring it out. You don’t want to soak the wood, you just want it moist. Wet wood can warp and that’s not good. Wipe down all the interior surfaces of your humidor with the sponge. Re-wet it as necessary. Do the same for the cedar dividers and trays. Now that it’s all wiped down, place the dividers and trays back into your humidor and close the lid. Next, it’s time to wait – about 24 hours.

After a day has gone by, open your humidor and add your humidifier and hygrometer. Close that humidor back up and let it sit for another day. Your hygrometer and humidifier will regulate the environment of the humidor.

Finally, Your New Cigar Humidor is Ready

Seasoning the humidor takes a good 48 hours. So, I’m sure you’re ready to put your new humidor to good use. But first – check your hygrometer: is it reading 70% or something close? Good. Place your cigars in your new humidor and you’re seasoned and ready to go. Many of us choose to add a propylene glycol solution specially formulated for cigars to our humidors. They come in canisters and a variety of shapes and sizes and keep your humidor at around 68-70% humidity. Feel free to add one of those if you’d like – they’re inexpensive and can keep your cigars nice and fresh.

Finally, the most important part – open that new humidor, and go enjoy one of those fine new cigars. Cheers!

photo credit: Pixabay

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!

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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.

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