Staff, Author at Cigar Life Guy

Michael Jordan and Cigar Lifestyle

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Staff

Michael Jordan is more than an athlete. He is one of the most successful men of the modern world, period. Jordan has managed to dominate more than just the basketball court. He is the winner of six NBA championships. He’s also the owner of the Charlotte Hornets. And, he’s the driving force behind the world’s most popular shoe brand and operator of a chain of high-end steakhouses.

As a man of both wealth and taste, it is no surprise that the G.O.A.T. has developed a taste for Cuban cigars. In fact, Jordan is one of our era’s foremost cigar connoisseurs. It’s rumored that he smokes up to 6 sticks a day (most of them on the golf course).

But, when you’re worth $1.9 Billion, you’re kind of expected to be larger than life.

Chicago Stadium and Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona

According to interviews, Jordan began smoking cigars in 1991. That was the same year he and Scottie Pippen put up a combined 62 points to defeat the Lakers during game five of the NBA championship. Jordan says that he wasn’t a daily smoker until a few years later. That’s evidenced by the iconic photo of him with a cigar in his mouth after his 4th championship in 1996.

The stick in question? It was the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona 93’, a classic Habano considered by many as one of the best smokes in the world, even today. With a good draw and moderate aromas, this was a long but easy cigar Jordan could smoke on his way to Chicago Stadium. It was a habit that became a lasting cigar ritual emulated by younger athletes.

Michael Jordan’s Cigar Lifestyle

Today, his Airness spends more time on the golf course than the basketball court, playing 36 holes almost every-day. It’s a habit that fits nicely with his taste for good tobacco. In fact, almost every recent picture of Michael Jordan shows him on a golf course with a stogie hanging from his lips.

Recent interviews have revealed that he is a man that appreciates variety, including his taste in cigars. Jordan’s primary go-to smoke is now the Partagás Lusitania. It’s a Habano double corona that is actually not too removed from the Hoyo de Monterrey. It’s a beast of a Cuban, and the size and stature of it seem fitting for a man like Jordan.

So, how many double coronas does Jordan go through these days? If a report from TMZ is any indicator, the number is high enough that his estate features a walk-in humidor. His estate also has a massive home theater fitted with an air purification system to remove “massive amounts of cigar smoke”.

Seeing pictures of a young Michael Jordan, a Cuban cigar in one hand and a championship trophy in the other is enough to make any man a little emotional. What looked like the highlight of a lifetime was only the beginning of the story. But, it’s a story we don’t mind hearing repeated, and a story that goes great with a cigar.

Photo credit: <a title=”photo taken by flickr user shgmom56, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons” href=”https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MJ_golf_course.jpg”><img width=”512″ alt=”MJ golf course” src=”https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/MJ_golf_course.jpg/512px-MJ_golf_course.jpg”></a>

Cigars and Spirits: A Winter Pairing Guide

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Staff

Whether it is the chilly weather, the limited sunlight, or the visiting in-laws, the holiday season is a time when we all could use a little extra cheer. For the cigar smoker, adding a thoughtfully-paired beverage to your next smoke is a sure-fire way to increase your jolliness factor while also elevating the sensory experience. We’re sharing some of our very favorite holiday-season cigars and drink pairings*, as well as a few tips for how to create the perfect pairing with the cigars and spirits you might already have on hand.

*Grinches & Humbugs beware: the cocktails presented in the following article are known to cause significant spikes in caroling, gift-giving, and goodwill towards man.

The Basics of Cigar & Drink Pairing

The pairing of tobacco and alcohol is not a new phenomenon, but the recent proliferation of craft beverage culture in the United States and other developed countries has led to a sharply increased demand for curated cocktail pairings.

This is because the flavor and aroma compounds present in food and drink can interact with one another to create new expressions that would be otherwise inaccessible if each item was enjoyed separately. The rich, flavorful complexities of the tobacco plant make pairing cigars with spirits a natural choice for cocktail pairings.

No matter how you arrive at your decision, there is one rule that stands out above all others. Enjoy yourself. Pairings don’t have to make sense if they make you happy. As any regular reader of ours will tell you, if you aren’t enjoying your smoke, you’re doing it wrong.

Cigar & Cocktail Pairing Suggestions

Now that you’re armed with the basic concepts, we’re going to share some of our go-to favorites for holiday cigar & cocktail pairings.

For Mild Cigars: The “Stinger”

One of our favorite ways to bring out the mild, toasty flavors of a mild-bodied cigar is with a little bit of cream. The cream acts as a sort of canvas upon which the flavors of the cigar are both expanded and rounded, leading to a delicate smoothness.

The Stinger utilizes crème de menthe to open up the rich flavors of brandy. The sharp mint acts as a sort of tongue-refresher, preparing your palate for another puff of rich tobacco.

Ingredients:

1 ¾ oz Cognac (or Tequila, for a Mexican Stinger)
2/3 oz White crème de menthe (the green variety is less visually appetizing)

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. It is also common to see Stingers prepared in a shaker and served over rocks.

Recommended Stick:

While the creamy, refreshing nature of the Stinger makes it a pretty damn good pairing for just about any cigar, it is particularly well-suited for mild-bodied cigars with shade-grown wrappers. The Dominican Montecristo offers light notes of both grass and cedar that melt seamlessly into the minty crème de menthe and is widely available.

For Medium Cigars: The Cuba Libre Especial

Rum and cigars go together as well as peanut butter and jelly, no doubt due to the overlapping flavor and aroma components of vanilla and subtle tropical fruit. Our recommended rum-based, cigars and spirits pairing considers the old standard, Rum & Coke, with added complexity from a darker, bolder rum.

The Cuba Libre Especial utilizes dark, 3-year aged rum and your favorite cola for a harmonious blend of dark caramel and spice. A twist of lime cuts into the sweetness, making it highly palatable.

Ingredients:

4 oz Cola
1/3 oz Fresh lime juice
1 2/3 oz Bacardi Black 3-Year Aged Rum

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a ‘rocks’ glass, mix, and enjoy!

Recommended Stick:

The dark spice complexity of both the aged rum and the cola will pair well with a medium-bodied cigar that is savory enough to stand up against the sweetness but has enough herbal character to contribute to the overall effect. To this end, the highly-popular Acid Blue Kuba Kuba is the obvious choice.

Pair Full-Bodied Cigars with the Rye Sazerac

When you’re pairing cigars and spirits, follow this no-nonsense rule. The bolder the cigar, the bolder the cocktail.

The Rye Sazerac offers the perfect solution. It blends Rye bourbon with bitters, sugar, and a few drops of Absinthe. This gives you a bold and slightly peppery flavor to savor. It goes down much like an Old Fashioned.

Ingredients:

¼ oz Absinthe
One sugar cube
1½ oz Rye whiskey (Cognac can be substituted for a more traditional Sazerac)
Bitters

Preparation:

Pour the Absinthe into a chilled rocks glass and swirl, coating the interior of the glass. Add crushed ice to the glass and set it aside. Then, mix the remaining ingredients over ice. Finally, discard the ice and any remaining absinthe from the first glass, and strain the mixed drink into it. A thin lemon peel is an essential garnish.

Recommended Stick:

Big bold cigars are a great match for this kind of cocktail. Rye whiskey packs enough of a punch to cut through the robust flavors of full-bodied cigars, particularly Maduro-style sticks that have the deep flavors that come with extended leaf aging. The Camacho Triple Maduro is not a cigar that we usually recommend for beginners, but its expert blend of three different Maduro tobaccos produces a smoke that is rich with notes of black pepper and coffee, the perfect companion to the Rye whiskey. These sticks are a bit harder to find but well worth it!

photo credit: Pixabay

The Cigar Habits of J.P. Morgan

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Staff

When it comes to cigar habits of the most famous cigar aficionados in American history, John Pierpont Morgan is among the best. Known as the ‘Zeus of Wall Street’ due to his considerable wealth and power, J.P. Morgan also had a rabid appetite for cigars. More specifically, it was the 8” Maduro Meridiana Kohinoor that most often hung from his lips. The Meridiana Kohinoor was a brooding bat of a cigar. It was also likely the basis for the ‘cigar-smoking billionaire’ trope in popular culture.

A millionaire from birth, it was no doubt Morgan’s considerable wealth stoked his love for tobacco leaf. As a young man in Germany, Morgan spent countless hours at the beer halls. It was also no secret that dancing, smoking, and drinking were becoming his favorite activities.

The Zeus of Wall Street’s Silver Humidors

If being born rich wasn’t enough, Morgan went on to increase his wealth exponentially. He founded General Electric. Then, he purchased the New York Times. After that, he bailed out the U.S. treasury — all without breaking a sweat. Not surprisingly, this was the same guy who had custom humidors built for every one of his many yachts. Some now grace the offices of America’s most influential businessmen.

He was a man who traded and banked largely in silver. So, that same metal became his material of choice for his seaworthy humidors. Each yacht was reportedly fitted with a massive silver-encased humidor capable of holding hundreds of his favorite sticks.

Since Morgan’s cigar habits included taking down 20 and 30 cigars per day. That was about enough to cover a long weekend in the Bahamas. Turns out, when you’re making as much money as the original J.P. Morgan, every cigar is a victory cigar.

A Thoughtful Man and A Thoughtful Smoker

The image of a hard-lined businessman puffing on a thick cigar is one fixed into our imaginations. That’s particularly true if your calling card is the ‘Zeus of Wall Street.’ But that same image is not quite accurate for J.P. Morgan. Despite his wealth, Morgan enjoyed cigars far more than being at the center of the world’s finances.

His thoughtful and religious nature took him by sea to distant lands. it’s easy to imagine his commanding figure standing at the ship’s helm, cigar in hand, and thick smoke curling into the salty air. According to his closest associates, it was during these quiet times that Morgan contemplated leaving the business world altogether.

Today, Morgan’s personal cutters and humidors fetch a high price on the ultra-rich auction circuit. For him, they were just comforting in an otherwise taxing life.

Morgan’s Favorite Sticks

The Meridiana Kohinoor shared part of its name with the world’s largest diamond. It was an absolute beast of a Cuban cigar. Most smokers today would have a hard time putting it back, much less smoking anywhere near as many as ‘Zeus of Wall Street’ himself. Morgan’s associates called them ‘Hercules sticks’. But, Morgan was less intimidated by their stature. At $1.25 each, Morgan would order them in batches of 9,000. The cost comparison of $1.25 in 1890 would be about $35 today.

Like any cigar smoker worth his wrapper, Morgan had a few other brands he liked to alternate with. The Regalia de Morgans was a five-inch Havana-made substitute for when he was in a hurry. The Meridiana Selectos was an easy-smoking mid-sized cigar when a bit more leisure in his cigar habits was in order.

Unfortunately, none of the cigars that Morgan enjoyed are still available today. That is unless you happen to have a few hundred grand to spend at a gold-encrusted auction house. Even the 8” stogies are harder to come by. But, if you really want one, you are most likely going to find it on a yacht, attached to the lips of a man pretending to be the most powerful banker in the world.

Photo credit: The Library of Congress on VisualHunt.com / No known copyright restrictions

Tobacco Plant Anatomy: A Crash Course

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Staff

Three Different Leaves Create the Perfect Cigar

We might as well come right out and say it. You really don’t need to know anything about the tobacco plant to enjoy smoking a well-made cigar. But some of us can’t help but admire the layered craftsmanship of a good stogie. For us, cigar knowledge, knowing more about how they are made and grown actually increases our satisfaction.

Calling the tobacco plant “special” is something of an understatement. It’s likely the unique way that the tobacco plant grows and expands. The plant offers three distinctly different types of leaf, each with its own unique properties that make it ideal for a specific part of the cigar.

Here, we’ll introduce you to the three different types of tobacco leaf (Ligero, Seco, & Volado). We’ll also explore the ways that each variety is used within a single cigar.

Ligero Leaves

We’ll start at the top of the plant. The Ligero leaf (“light” in Spanish) is the uppermost leaves of the tobacco plant. They receive the greatest amount of sunlight. This allows them to grow both thick and heavy for a very potent, bold, and flavor.

Since Ligero leaves are the last for harvest, they have an opportunity to absorb more nutrients (i.e., flavors) from the rest of the plant. The relative thickness of the Ligero leaf means that it must be blended with the lighter, thinner leaves below it. This is to ensure it burns properly.

Seco Leaves

The Seco leaves grow in the middle of the plant. They are not as thick or heavy as the bold-flavored Ligeros. But, they offer more restrained, nuanced flavors. The Seco leaves also happen to be far more aromatic. So, they are essential in crafting a cigar blend that smells as good as it tastes.

Seco leaves are more combustible than Ligeros. Yet, they are still unable to maintain an even burn on their own and that’s one of the keys for a good smoke. For this reason, they are a near-exact middle-ground between Ligeros and Volados.

Volado Leaves

The base of the tobacco plant is where the first priming occurs. The Volado Leaves are the lower-most leaves on the plant. While they can be large and thin, they tend to receive the least amount of sunlight. This is the primary reason why they are the least flavorful of the three. But, they can provide some understated flavor and aroma elements in some cases.

The primary benefit of the Volado leaf is its combustibility. Since it grows so thin and retains less water, this is the leaf that provides the most consistent burn. It is also an essential element in any well-made cigar.

“Wrapping” It Up

Our overview of the three different types of tobacco leaf is but a brief introduction to the topic. Each leaf that we explored features its own set of sub-varieties. And, each variety can have even more specialized effects and uses for any given cigar. Going into depth on even one of them would only take up valuable time that you could otherwise spend smoking your favorite stick.

So what’s the takeaway? For us, it is that the act of smoking a cigar that’s somewhat akin to stumbling upon the entryway to Wonderland. It’s easy to stand outside enjoy the visceral pleasures of the cigar lifestyle. But, there is also an entire world of detail, function, and nuance that lies beyond the rabbit hole, for any who feel the urge to look.

photo credit: Pixabay

Tough Conversations Over Holiday Cigars

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Staff

This holiday season will be full of lots of cigars and for most of us also a great deal of family time. Unless you’re related to cousin Eddie, family time is usually a positive thing. It means quality time with loved ones. It’s a great time to finally have those tough conversations you’ve been putting off for years and start implementing new plans. When people are around their loved ones, it also causes them to be reflective. So, there’s no better environment to start a difficult conversation than over a great stick!

Don’t miss my completely free holiday gift to you at the bottom of this article!

Tough Conversations and Holiday Cigars

Estate or end-of-life planning starts with internalizing that we all die. It’s unpleasant to think about and natural to put off. Some families are in great shape. They have had conversations about what happens if Mom, Dad, their spouse, or etc. were to pass unexpectedly. They’ve also implemented a plan to carry out final wishes. If that’s you, great! Cut another piece of pumpkin pie, pour a good beverage, and light an Opus X.

Have a Plan or Starting Thinking About One

If the unexpected happened to you, would your family be taken care of, financially and otherwise? If you have minor children, have you formalized how you’d like them cared for? Do your loved ones know what your final arrangement preferences are for burial, cremation, service or etc? They should include instructions beyond the vague, “something appropriate.”

On a basic level do you have a plan to pay for your funeral? Do your loved ones know about your financial affairs? Who should they talk to (lawyer, financial professional, insurance agent, accountant) to settle your affairs?

Each of these questions could be an article or two to address. Depending on their complexity, they might require professional advice. I’m not trying to solve all your issues here, just to encourage you to start the conversation.

Three Tough Conversations to Consider

So you’re all set. You’ve got a will and executor lined up. You clarified your wishes for final arrangements. You’ve had some tough conversations with your spouse or adult children. They have a decent idea of what to expect with your finances. And, you’ve given some thought to estate planning issues if your assets are enough to warrant it. That’s great! Now, here are three things that you might have overlooked.

Digital Footprint or Assets

Years ago you didn’t have to worry about digital assets. Now, we all have them, even if they aren’t valuable to anyone else. Have you written down all your major online accounts (email, social media, banking, or financial) and instructions on how to access them? Do you own websites or domain names? Someone should be able to access them.

Medical Power of Attorney or Living Will

Have you addressed how you’d like to have medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so for yourself? Have you codified this in writing? Would you like heroic measures taken to try to save you even if you’re facing no hope of recovery? If you haven’t codified your wishes, someone else might make a decision for you that is contrary to what you want.

Long-term Care

It isn’t just death that causes us problems. According to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Study, 70% of adults will need long-term care in their lifetime. I know! That is a frigging crazy stat…and also very sobering. The median cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home is over $90,000 per year.

Long-term care insurance is an option for addressing some of those costs. It’s important to consider how you’d like to deal with the possibility of being unable to care for yourself. Having a plan is important even if you decide not to use long-term care insurance to help offset these expenses.

My Holiday Gift to You (No, It’s Not a Box of Cigars)

My friends at Tarkenton Financial have put together a great 24-page “Family Guidebook.” It’s great for dealing with some of these estate issues and starting conversations.

Written by a respected estate planning attorney, it also includes a workbook you can use to organize your important information (names, contact info, accounts, logins, instructions, etc.). I’d be happy to email you a complimentary copy as my holiday gift to you. Send an email to dave@cigarlifeguy.com or message me on social media @cigarlifeguy with your email address and a note that says “send me the family guide.”

Of course, if life insurance or long-term care insurance would help with your plans, Cigar Life Guy gets you non-smoker rates regardless of how many cigars you smoke so #PSSITA!

Photo credit https://www.flickr.com/photos/gylo/5277766947

John F Kennedy and the H. Upmann Petit

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Staff

The Strange Legacy of JFK’s Favorite Cigar

John F Kennedy had a love for cigars, but not just any cigar. For him, the H. Upmann cigar was the cigar to have. If you have spent any amount of time perusing the shelves at your local tobacconist, then you have likely crossed paths with an H. Upmann cigar. It is one of the oldest cigar brands in existence (outdated only by Punch and Por Larranaga). It also managed to survive the decades-long embargo by producing a non-Cuban counterpart under the same name.

This longevity is hardly the reason why people still talk about H. Upmann today. The H. Upmann cigar has managed to remain popular among collectors and newcomers alike.

“It’s the cigar that JFK smoked!” is what you will likely hear from the over-enthusiastic guy behind the counter of your local smoke shop. For any warm-blooded American, this is more than enough reason to light up a stick of this signature brand.

Of course, it isn’t technically true. John F. Kennedy’s favorite stick was the original Petite Upmann. It was a machine-rolled Cuban with mild smoke and dense ash that was since discontinued. But the mystique around this famous cigar is only bolstered by one of the most interesting stories in cigar history.

JFK’s Washington D.C. Cigar Sweep

The year was 1962, less than a year after the disastrously-executed Bay of Pigs Invasion. A freshly-elected John F. Kennedy had the unfortunate task of enacting a congressionally-approved Cuban trade embargo. The embargo would forbid the sale of Cuban products (i.e., cigars) on American soil.

Kennedy, a man who knew the value of a well-enjoyed cigar, had to act fast. The next morning, he would have to sign the order. From that moment on, he would no longer be able to find his favorite cigar.

Enter Pierre Salinger, John F. Kennedy’s rookie Secretary of State. According to Salinger’s own account, Kennedy called him into the Oval Office in the early evening. He had a hell of a favor to ask.

“I need some help,” Kennedy said plainly. “ … about 1,000 Petit Upmanns.”

Salinger jumped into action. An avid fan of Cuban cigars himself, he set out to visit every tobacconist in the D.C. area. In all, he was able to buy 1,200 Petite Upmann cigars mere hours before Kennedy signed the embargo into law. According to Salinger, Kennedy signed the document right after hearing about the impressive haul.

The failure of the Bay of Pigs necessitated their stockpiling. So, these were nothing if not victory cigars, at least in the political sense.

The H. Upmann Petite: Gone for Good?

Today, the Cuban-made H. Upmann and the Dominican-made H. Upmann operate inside a peaceful coexistence. Although, the recent loosening of restrictions has allowed a handful of people to partake in the Cuban versions. While the Upmann Petite was long since discontinued, there were some efforts to recreate the flavor and aroma of JFK’s favorite smoke.

The H. Upmann Original Petite Corona is an impressive attempt at this endeavor. This resurrected blend of Dominican and Brazilian tobaccos offers the same level of warm and nutty smoothness that Kennedy and Salinger scrambled to preserve. For about 7 bucks, it is certainly worth a try if you come by one.

Anyone who still holds a grudge against John F Kennedy for the whole Cuban embargo thing, it’s time to do what any lover of good cigars should do. Move on, light up, and enjoy whatever you’re smoking.

Photo credit: <a title=”National Archives and Records Administration
, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons” href=”https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hyannisport_Weekend._President_Kennedy_with_cigar_and_New_York_Times._Hyannisport,_MA,_aboard_the_%22Honey_Fitz%22._-_NARA_-_194268.jpg”><img width=”256″ alt=”Hyannisport Weekend. President Kennedy with cigar and New York Times. Hyannisport, MA, aboard the "Honey Fitz". – NARA – 194268″ src=”https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/Hyannisport_Weekend._President_Kennedy_with_cigar_and_New_York_Times._Hyannisport%2C_MA%2C_aboard_the_%22Honey_Fitz%22._-_NARA_-_194268.jpg/256px-Hyannisport_Weekend._President_Kennedy_with_cigar_and_New_York_Times._Hyannisport%2C_MA%2C_aboard_the_%22Honey_Fitz%22._-_NARA_-_194268.jpg”></a>

The Top Four Cigar Rituals and Traditions

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Staff

There are many good reasons to fire up a stogie in the yard. Yet, folks like me would argue that a real enthusiast doesn’t need a reason at all. Why can’t the cigar be the reason? Still, there are some occasions that demand a good smoke. Take cigar rituals and traditions, for example. They have carried good cigars through the years and given plenty of aficionados even more reasons to smoke. Think new babies, young newlyweds, that big business deal you’ve been working on for months and more.

There is a delightful nostalgia to the notion that some cigars can be more than momentary pleasures. When enjoyed under specific circumstances, cigars grow into a tradition or ritual. So, here are the top four cigar rituals to give you even more reasons to kick back with a good smoke.

The Victory Cigar

The origin of tobacco smoking is attributed to the Native peoples of North and South America. But, it was the Spanish who brought the plant back to Europe. From there, it developed a following among upper-class merchants and statesmen.

Back in the Americas, Spanish conquistadors adopted the Native practice of enjoying rolled tobacco on the battlegrounds, immediately after the victory. Rumor states that the curling smoke would lead the souls of the fallen to the afterlife while cleansing survivors of the stench of blood and war.

Today, I’ll have a victory cigar just for making through to Friday. It might be a different field of battle, but hey, a victory is a victory, and a warrior is a warrior.

The Status Cigar

When tobacco first arrived in Europe in the 15th century, it was in short supply. But, in the Americas, cigar-smoking was commonplace for sailors, soldiers, and fieldworkers. Europeans had to pay a hefty premium for the dried leaves. As a result, the only people who could afford cigars were royal and wealthy.

Over the next few centuries, cigar-smoking became known as something only the well-to-do could afford. This changed after tobacco was commercial-grown and harvested. Yet, you can still find a few celebrities and businessmen who keep an unlit cigar dangling from their mouths. The reason is for none other than to flex their social standing.

Philosophically, I tend to side more with the Northern English noblemen of the late twentieth century. It was then that some gentleman cigar smokers took to the habit of removing the band from their cigar. For them, it was the act of flourishing the brand (and the price) into something of a social faux-pas.

The New Baby Cigar

The image of a sweating, nervous father-to-be pacing the hospital waiting room with a pocketful of stogies is something that you only see in the movies. In fact, bringing a lit cigar anywhere near a delivery room today will likely have you removed from the building.

Still, this cigar tradition celebrates the birth of a child and has managed to survive through the centuries. Most historians agree this tradition likely came from native tribes in North America. The tribes held a “Potlatch” ceremony to exchange gifts with one another to commemorate births and weddings. Primitive cigars were among the gifts often given and were highly prized.

The Thoughtful Cigar

The connection between tobacco smoke and the spirit world is strong in Native American spiritual tradition. Many tribes consider smoke to be a ‘collecting’ agent. In other words, it can lift spirits, ideas, and prayers to the ancestors above. For tribal leaders and medicine men, the thoughtful smoking of sacred tobacco is a pathway to a clearer understanding.

Anyone who enjoys a cigar in the peaceful quiet of a mid-summer dusk might agree that there is something contemplative about a slowly-smoke. Likewise, there is something in the shared experience of tobacco that brings us together in conversation.

I’m not anticipating a kid, planning to defeat an opposing army or feel the need to become a wealthy shipping merchant. So, I’m going to go ahead and call the thoughtful cigar my personal favorite of all four of the top cigar rituals.

Photo credit: Elvert Barnes on VisualHunt/CC BY-SA

Cigar Lounge Etiquette: 5 Pointers For Newbies

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Staff

If you’re like me, then you are more likely to enjoy that fine cigar sitting outside or perched atop a lawnmower than in the plush leather chairs in an upscale smoking lounge. But even the most introverted smokers enjoy occasional socialization. More so, when it involves gathering around a shared passion for a well-crafted cigar and long conversation. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the sofa of your local tobacconist or bellied-up against the bar of your favorite cigar club. Tobacco lounges are bringing more aficionados together than ever before.

Here’s the rub: your local cigar bar is not your neighbor’s garage. Treating it as such is a good way to earn the ire of your fellow smokers, so it doesn’t hurt to go in armed with a few pointers. What follows is a crash course in cigar lounge etiquette. It’s etiquette designed to elevate the cigar experience for everyone involved.

Get Your Cigar From the Cigar Lounge

Bringing your own cigar is actually prohibited at many lounges and smoke shops. But, there is a better reason than leaving your stash in your personal humidor and picking one up from the tobacconist. Buying in-house is a good way to support the industry and culture of cigar smoking. It also boosts the local economy in which they operate.

Beyond that, lounges and smoke shops likely have a much bigger selection than you do at home. This allows you to branch out and try some new brands and styles.

Cut Before Tasting

Tasting the cigar before it is lit is like listening to the overture of a play. You get to preview all the notes and themes of the upcoming experience. Some smokers prefer to roll the unlit cigar between their lips. Others will draw their tongue across the length of the cigar.

Whatever your tasting method, do the rest of us a favor. Save it for after you cut the cigar. Using a borrowed cutter on a cigar that is already coated in your saliva is hardly a gentlemanly thing to do.

Hold Your Calls

Even in a social setting, the atmosphere is everything for a good cigar. Blabbing on your cell phone is disrespectful to smokers around you. It’s also getting in the way of your own experience. Do the whole lounge a favor. Set your phone to vibrate and take important calls outside.

Watch Your Ash

Falling ash is a quick way to smudge furniture and clothing. The real danger, though, is ruining someone else’s drink because you weren’t paying attention to how big the ash was getting. Be sure to use the provided trays to keep your ash to a manageable level. Don’t ash on the floor … that’s just bad manners.

Don’t Smash Your Cigar

This is one that I see all the time, and it makes long-time cigar smokers cringe. We’ve told you how to light your cigar, and now it’s time to learn how to put it out with dignity.

When you finish with your cigar, place it on the ashtray and leave it be. Don’t smash it into the ashtray like you’re trying to put out a cigarette. The high moisture content of cigars is enough to ensure that the cigar will go out on its own. Besides, being destructive in such ways is beneath the art of cigar smoking. It can also lead to some harsh, unwanted aromas wafting throughout the room.

Remember: no one goes to the cigar lounge to have a bad time. Relax, be courteous, and don’t talk too loud. Before you know it you will be enveloped with the sweet comfort of a well-curated cigar lounge. A lounge where it’s possible to pursue that delicate, centuries-old art of enjoying a cigar amidst the company and conversation of strangers.

Photo credit: Ross Dunn - Thanks for the more than 13 million views on VisualHunt/CC BY-SA

How to Choose the Right Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Staff

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

The Shape of your Cigar

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

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

Choosing the Right Size

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

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

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

Bringing It All Together

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

photo credit: Pixabay

The Victory Cigars of NBA Coach Red Auerbach

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Staff

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

Red Auerbach’s Victory Cigars Ritual

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Kind of Victory Cigars did Red Auerbach Smoke?

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

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

Will There Ever Be Another Red Auerbach?

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

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

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