Staff, Author at Cigar Life Guy

The Cigar Cutter: Tools of the Trade

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Staff

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

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

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

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

The Guillotine Cigar Cutter

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

The V-Cutter

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

The Punch Cutter

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

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Are Real Cohiba Cuban Cigars Worth the Hype?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Staff

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

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

What Makes Real Cohiba Cuban Cigars Special

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

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

Where Do I Find Them?

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

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

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

Is It Worth It?

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

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

Photo credit: Pixabay | Rom4in

Cigar Etiquette for the Casual Cigar Smoker

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Staff

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

1. Don’t inhale

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

2. Take your time

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

3. Don’t light someone else’s cigar

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

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

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

5. Let your cigar go out with dignity

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

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

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

7. Assess the room

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

photo credit: Pixabay

Top Travel Destinations for Cigar Lovers

Posted on July 30, 2019 by Staff

Vacations wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a fine cigar somewhere in the mix. Finding a place to enjoy a good cigar is a vacation “must” that you can do anywhere. But, if you’re looking for some cigar-centric activities, you’ll want to check out one of these top travel destinations for cigar lovers.

Tampa, Florida

Florida is one of the top vacation spots in the States. It’s easy to get to and loaded with beaches, palm trees, and umbrella drinks. Of all the destinations in Florida, Tampa often flies under the radar. Not for cigar enthusiasts, though. Tampa – once coined the Cigar Capital of the World – was a transplant city for some of the most famous cigar rollers in Cuba. Ybor City, a neighborhood within Tampa city limits, is a hot spot for Floridian cigar making. And, it has a rich story to tell.

Take one of their guided walking tours. Then, stop at Centennial Park for some art and fresh hand-rolled cigars. If you time it right, you can attend the Cigar Heritage Festival. The festival features premium cigars, rolling demonstrations, and some of the finest cigar makers in the world. It’s also a great place if you’re looking to learn about cigar history in America. So, enjoy some great Florida weather and place Tampa on your list.

Dominican Republic

This one shouldn’t be a surprise to the readers out there. Most of us cigar lovers have a handful of Dominicans in our humidors, even if we don’t realize it. The Dominican Republic is known as a top travel destination for its phenomenal beaches, sunshine, and Caribbean vibe. It’s a top vacation spot and cruise destination. But, for cigar lovers, the Dominican Republic also features cigar factories producing some of the top premium brands. These factories will host tours for cigar-loving vacationers such as yourself.

Stop at the Davidoff cigar factory in Santiago for a tour and learn how they make these premium sticks. Or, visit the TDG cigar factory where Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, and other top brands are rolled. After you’ve learned how some of the top cigars are made, grab a few for the road. Then, sit back and relax with your new cigar and a fine cocktail to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sun. For information on tours, click here.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas – the entertainment capital of the world, is another top destination that made our list. Now, Vegas may not have the heat, sun, and Caribbean allure of the previous spots, but it’s a cigar lover’s dream in its own right. Filled with casinos and nightlife, Vegas is one of the last spots in the U.S. where you can smoke a cigar almost anywhere. Plus, there are a wide variety of high-quality cigars at your fingertips.

If you’re an avid cigar smoker and have the means, check out Cigar Aficionado’s The Big Smoke held every year. This event is brimming with cigar lovers from all over the world. It draws some of the finest manufacturers to attend, like Arturo Fuente, A.J. Fernandez, and others. If that’s not a testament to Vegas being a cigar city, then I don’t know what is.

photo credit: Pixabay

New Cigar Smoker Tips: Choosing a Good Cigar

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Staff

If you’re new to cigar smoking, then walking into a giant humidor filled with cigars of all shapes and sizes at your local lounge can be intimidating. Maybe, you’re out with a group of experienced cigar smokers. You need to make a solid choice of stogie for a drink with friends, but as a new cigar smoker, you don’t know where to start. For beginner and experienced cigar enthusiasts, the choices are endless. Learning what makes a good cigar is the first place to start.

We’re not talking about a cigar being “good” on flavor or strength, here. That’s a personal preference learned with time and your best bet is to ask your long-time buddy for a recommendation. We’re talking about quality. Below are a few tips to help the new cigar smoker choose a well-constructed stogie.

Visually Inspect Your Cigar

This is the first, and easiest, step in selecting a solid cigar. When you’re trying to determine a constructed cigar, you first need to look at its wrapper. The wrapper of the cigar is the outside tobacco leaf that holds all the tobacco inside together. It should be free of blemishes like spots, or mold, and have a slightly oily texture to it. Choose a good cigar that’s maintained in a controlled, humidified setting. A controlled setting maintains the cigar’s intended character. It also prevents cracking from being too dry or mold from excessive humidity.

Feel the Cigar

Once you’ve taken a good look at the cigar, make sure you feel it. Roll it between your fingers, and you’ll be able to tell a lot about how it will smoke. A well-made cigar will be firm, without feeling brittle. A brittle cigar is a telltale sign of a dried-out stick or one that’s been through too many changes in humidity. It will smoke fast and feel airy on the draw. The cigar shouldn’t feel “spongy,” either. A squishy cigar is one that’s absorbed too much humidity. It will be tough to draw and give you a hard time staying lit. As a reference, a well-kept cigar should be about the same firmness as a finger – firm, with a little give.

Smoke the Cigar

Okay, at this point, if the cigar looks and feels good, it’s time to commit. Light your cigar. (If you need tips on proper cigar lighting, check out this article). Then, start smoking it. A good cigar should burn evenly throughout the duration of the smoke. The different tobaccos mixed within will produce the great taste quality cigars are known for. If the cigar starts to burn uneven, the flavor will distort and might turn harsh. Finally, the cigar should have a pleasant aroma to it – you seasoned cigar smokers know what I’m talking about.

Still not interested in picking up a random cigar at your local shop? Need to do some research on the best cigars out there? There are many resources out there, but one of our favorites is Cigar Aficionado’s Ratings & Reviews. Every year, they rate the top new cigars out on the market and communicate their results to the people. With a 90+ rating cigar pick, you can’t go wrong.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Traveling With Cigars: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Staff

If you’re anything like us, you just can’t stand to miss a prime opportunity for a cigar. But what if you’re traveling, and not within arm’s reach of your humidor? Whether you’re heading on vacation, for work, or just heading out for a night on the town, a lot of us like to have cigars handy in case the need arises (and we all hope it will!). Now, we’re assuming that your prized sticks aren’t stashed in your coat pocket, or tossed in with your toiletries buried in your suitcase. If that sounds like you…don’t fear! Here are some tips for traveling with cigars in tow.

The Night on the Town

So, you’re heading out for the night – maybe dinner, drinks, and some entertainment – and you want to bring your favorite Robusto for a nice smoke in-between spots. No problem! There are a few different ways to handle this one. If it’s just you who’ll be enjoying a cigar, opt for a single cigar case. With the ability to hold one cigar, these are lightweight, slim, and can easily slide into a coat pocket discreetly – perfect for when you’re going to be bouncing from spot to spot. Pay attention to the size restrictions – most will have a maximum ring size and length that can be accommodated. Most are crush-proof and will protect your cargo from being damaged if Murphy strikes.

The Weekend Getaway

Just booked a relaxing weekend getaway in the mountains? Sounds like a few cigars may be on the packing list. Don’t even think about stuffing a few sticks into the side pocket of your duffel bag and crossing your fingers. Instead, opt for a travel humidor – a hard-sided case specially made for traveling with cigars. A basic travel humidor typically holds around five Churchill cigars and features a mini-humidifier to keep them moist along the way. If you’re into big ring cigars, your capacity may be reduced by one or two – just something to keep in mind. There are a variety of brands out there, but Herf-a-Dor seems to be the king.

The Long Trip

Heading for a week-long business trip, and need to pack for yourself and a few colleagues? Maybe an extended vacation? Bringing a humidor full of cigars would be ideal, but isn’t quite feasible. Fortunately for us, they make travel humidors in ‘extended stay’ sizes – from 10, 20, even 30 cigars. Keep in mind that the more cigars you have, the more humidity you’ll need. Why limit yourself, right?

Budget Alternatives

On a serious budget, but still, want to take a few cigars along with you? A largemouth water bottle with a humidification pack will do the trick. A plastic food storage bin with a damp paper towel will make a decent cigar humidifier, too. Not as exact of a science, and certainly not as fancy, but it will get the job done just the same.

Traveler’s Tip: If you’re going to be on an airplane, cigar cutters and punches are usually okay in your carry-on and checked luggage. Even so, don’t bring your best equipment, just in case. Your favorite butane torch, however, needs to stay at home – they’re not allowed on the plane, period.

photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

7 Awesome Reasons Why Cigar Life is for You

Posted on July 13, 2019 by Staff

The history of Cigar Life

The love of cigars has a long history, and no one is certain of when it began or with whom. What we do know is that the tradition of cigar life and smoking is extensive. Cigar’s history dates back at least a thousand years. Although, it may have been even longer. The earliest cigars differed from what brothers and sisters of leaf smoke today. Cigars were little more than tightly rolled tobacco leaves bundled together. They were thought to have originated with the Mayans back in the tenth century. That’s because a clay jar depicting a man smoking a cigar was found dating to the period. Yet, no one knows for certain who conceptualized rolling up some tobacco leaves and smoking them. But, we’re glad they did.

Fast-forward to today. Cigar smoking is common, available, and enjoyed by all members of modern society. In fact, cigar smoking has grown so popular that cigar life has developed across the globe and online. So, we’ve put together a list of seven awesome ways that prove cigar smoking is for you to enjoy whenever you want. We’ll begin with the wild, wild world of social media.

1. From Social Smoker to Social Media

Cigars and social media are not exactly what comes to mind while puffing on a stick and letting that rich, thick smoke tickle your tongue before you release it. Yet, cigar aficionados have stormed social media. On Facebook alone, there are over 100 different cigar groups. That means there’s a group out there for everyone … and if you can’t find a good fit, it’s easy enough to create your own. Yet, social media isn’t the only way to enjoy cigar life. There are gobs of cigar events nationwide and worldwide.

2. National Cigar Events

National cigar events across the U.S. never stop to amaze us. Every year, you can count your sticks and head over to the nearest event. Or, plan a stop during your vacation and check out cigar events in your area. If you’ve never been to a cigar event, you should try one. Live music, smokes, and excellent camaraderie? You bet! Large events often include premium cigar samples among other things for participants to enjoy. You don’t need to stay local or national to find some great events, though. If you’re thinking of traveling abroad, be sure to check out cigar events in the area you’re traveling to as well. You’ll never know what gems you’ll find until you look.

3. Cigar Events Across the Globe

Finding international cigar events that appeal to you is easier than you think with a good internet connection. Cigar Journal has a list of international cigar events posted on their website. Yet, if you know where your traveling and are looking for something in the area, a simple web search may produce some good results. So, maximize your vacation or travel plans to take one down to the nub.

4. Smoking’ in the Cigar lounge

If you haven’t had a chance to check out a local or not-so-local cigar lounge yet. We encourage you to try them. They are a fantastic way to socialize with good smoke. As a bonus, you’ll find cigar lounges dotted across the U.S. as well as the globe. The trend of cigar lounges is likely to continue to rise if the industry has anything to reflect on it. According to Statista, a market research company, the cigar industry is speaking loud and clear. Cigar consumption is rising across the globe, and the U.S. is at the top of the list with over $9 billion in revenue generated in the U.S. alone for 2019.

5. Cigar History Museums

Cigar lounges are a great place to kick back, relax, nub a stick and enjoy the camaraderie that follows. Yet, cigars have a rich history that spans the globe. Cigar history in the U.S. involves when Cuban cigar makers planted themselves in Florida to see their cigar-making dreams come to fruition. Today, cigar aficionados, or any history buff, can stroll down to Key West, Tampa, or Ybor City to appreciate the Cuban cigar heritage. Ybor City offers cigar enthusiasts a permanent exhibit in the city’s cigar history museum – Ybor City Museum.

Of course, not everyone has time to travel these days. Life is busy. With that in mind, the online Cigar History Museum was founded by central California cigar aficionado, Tony Hyman. Hyman displays images and grand, historical detail on the museum’s website for public viewing. No cost. No travel – just sheer, rich cigar history.

6. Women and Cigars

There is a long history of women smoking cigars. Tobacco smoking was first used for rituals and spiritual purposes. Today, cigar smoking has made its way into leisure life and enjoyed by all – men and women. In fact, there are even several social networking groups designed with women and cigars in mind. Women’s International Cigar Club is one of them. It is a Facebook group with a following of 765 people. Another networking group is Stixx and Stilettos, which aims to connect professional women with cigars. Stixx and Stilettos host networking events for ladies of the leaf and for those with an interest in cigars. That’s one more reason that cigar smoking offers something for everyone.

We’ve covered six great reasons to smoke cigars and enjoy the camaraderie and culture that follows. Now, what about age? Cigar smokers were first associated with older, affluent men. So, is there an average age for people to enjoy a stick in a lounge, at an event, or pretty much anywhere? The answer, of course, is “No” and this brings us to our final reason why cigar smoking is for you.

7. Millennial Cigar Smokers

Millennials are the up-and-coming cigar aficionados now and they are taking to cigar lifestyle by storm. According to a blog by Zach Riley on Stogie Press, millennials like himself enjoy a good stick for relaxation and socialization. They prefer social events to stogies at home. They also believe in documenting their lives, including cigar life, via social media – any social media.

So, there you have it, cigar life truly is for everyone. Cigar life has much to offer. There is so much more to cigars than nubbing a good stick. Of course, that’s always good too.

photo credit: Pixabay

Summer Drinks and Cigars: Beat the Heat

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Staff

When the mercury spikes, what’s a better way to beat the heat than enjoying summer drinks and nice cigars under a piece of shade? Honestly, not much – except for an ice-cold beverage to pair with your favorite cigar. There are a few requirements to summer cocktails – they have to be refreshing, easy to make, and pair well with a variety of your best summer cigars.

Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, beach trips, and plenty of hot evenings on the back deck. Here are a few classic summer drinks for you and your friends to pair with your favorite cigars and help you enjoy your next summer evening. After a hot day, there’s nothing better.

The Classic Mojito

When it’s hot outside, this one can’t be beaten. The Mojito recipe is simple, refreshing, and can be modified to fit your cigar choice. Plus, it originates from one of the most famous destinations in the cigar world – Cuba. Easily concocted with soda water, sugar, mint, and light rum, there are a variety of different combinations to suit your cigar preferences.

Into the milder cigar varieties? Connecticut wrappers? Make it the traditional way, with light rum. Have a darker cigar that you’re looking to try? Say, an oily Maduro? Swap out the light rum for dark rum for a bolder experience. Next time you’re enjoying a summer evening with a box of hand-rolled Belicosos and some friends, make up a batch of Mojitos, get out the matches, and imagine you’re sitting on a beach in the Caribbean.

The Whiskey Rebellion

You may not have heard of this one before, but to all of you bourbon drinkers out there – this one’s for you. A refreshing cocktail with a hint of bourbon, the Whiskey Rebellion is a combination of your favorite bourbon, Pimm’s, simple syrup, lemon, and ice. This pairs nicely with medium-bodied cigars – like a classic Romeo Y Julieta 1875 – but feel free to give a mild cigar a shot as well. The sugar in the simple syrup cuts the strong citrus vibe, but be careful – don’t add too much lemon, or it can compete with the cigar’s flavor.

Whiskey and cigars go together like peanut butter and jelly. To some whiskey lovers out there, it feels like a sacrilege to pair a fine cigar with anything but whiskey neat. To all of you skeptics out there, gather your bourbon-loving friends, pass out a few fine cigars, and give this one a try.

The Gin and Tonic

Yes, gin and cigars DO go together, even if the pairing isn’t as popular as with some of the other liquors out there. Since we’ve hit some of the popular ‘cigar’ liquors- rum, whiskey – it felt appropriate to add this one to the mix. Gin is having a craft resurgence, and since it’s one of the new ‘hot’ liquors – it needed to be included – particularly because it’s so versatile, and pairs with a wide variety of our favorite smokes.

The Gin and Tonic consist of tonic, gin, lime juice, and ice – that’s it. Since gin now comes in so many different flavor profiles, from sweet to dry, you can pair most cigars with it – anything from mild to wild. The plus side? There’s some great gin at modest prices, so you can reallocate that money to cigar-buying!

If you’re still not sold on one of these choices, visit your local cigar and cocktail lounge where the summer drinks and cigar pairings are endless!

photo credit: Pixabay

Choose Joy in Your Life Like You Choose a Cigar

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Staff

Take a second and list the things in your life that bring you a moment of joy without complication. A relationship with even the ‘perfect’ woman is still far from perfect. Children grow up and so grow their personalities. Usually, outside of your perceived bounds of logic and reason, they figure things out. Jobs pay the bills and a vacation or two, but they also pay for a doctor’s bill or three. Then, there’s a fine cigar – a breath of something more than fresh air when you need it most. For cigar smokers, a taste of cigar lifestyle at the exact moment you need it puts everything into crystal clear focus. It’s the moment you actively choose joy for a moment of peace and relaxation. With the right Corona Gorda and the right company, the heaviness of everyday responsibility lifts. That’s when an easy, unforced smile crosses our lips

It’s Not How You Relax. It’s That You Relax.

A group of 100 people was polled recently about their relaxation habits. The findings were baffling to the true cigar connoisseur. Forty percent of those polled said they never purposefully take time to step back and relax. Forty-five percent of the group stated they have a difficult time finding any single way to relax at all. That’s almost half! It’s hard not to feel sorry for such an uptight mode of approaching life. Cigar smokers have built a culture around themselves and their passions predicated on putting relaxation at the forefront. It’s intrinsic in the methodical. It’s zen-like in the way we peruse a smoke shop searching for the right fine cigars for the right mood, and the right get-together. It’s in the way we smoke our Lonsdales and Churchills, never hurrying to huff our way out of good taste and a good time.

A Little Mindfulness Goes A Long Way

A regular cigarette usually takes only a few minutes to smoke. The right fine cigar will last from 30 minutes to two hours if smoked with care. The cigar lounge is the perfect place to practice balancing needed mindfulness with the uncomplicated pleasure we are often denied through the rigors of daily life. In fact, such regular attention to mindfulness – to the joy of being in a damn good moment – lessens the strain to a powerful degree. It allows us the ability to focus sharper and make better decisions when life gets stressful.

Choose Joy for Value Greater Than a Good Time

Making room for joy sounds simple. Yet, it is the true divide between those who are happy and those who feel something missing even in the best moments. And if you choose joy – letting the rising smoke of your favorite cigar take you on a regular vacation from your ‘normal’ senses – you’ll create more joy in those around you. A recent study reported that a close friend’s happiness increases the likelihood you’ll feel happier by a full 15%. Hell, just being near acquaintances or friends of friends who are happy bumps your joy quotient by 6%. Cigar lovers, take heart. What some call your ‘guilty pleasure’ is actually the right pleasure for you. And that pleasure, that embrace of the joyful, will go a long way in taking the sting out of tough days for you and those around you.

photo credit: Pixabay

Five Great Responses to “Why Smoke Cigars”

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Staff

If you’ve heard it once you’ve heard it ten thousand times from non-smokers asking us the same question – why smoke cigars? Well, here are five great replies you can use the next time you hear that tiring, old question.

We Enjoy the Taste.

We enjoy the warm and pure taste of tobacco that one can only fully experience through a premium cigar. By swishing the smoke or chewing on the side of a premium cigar, we love the natural, yet strong taste and smell of tobacco leaves. In that light, do you walk into or open a humidor to take in the incredible scent of cigars? There is no better smell in the world. Yet, while the taste and smell of cigars are amazing, they are simply two of the many reasons why we smoke.

Cigars Clear Our Minds.

Most premium cigars take between 45 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes to finish. Cigars create an hour of uninterrupted thought, whether it be alone or in the company of others. We often have our most clear and coherent thoughts while smoking cigars because a premium ‘stogie’ releases the stress of modern life, bringing us to a simpler environment. A premium cigar relaxes us, which in turn, allows us to reflect and think. While smoking, we feel able and ready to answer life’s most serious questions.

Smoking Helps Us Connect With Others.

The act of smoking a cigar with others brings us closer to those around us. As stated, a cigar provides you with an hour block of time. During this time, you feel fully present with those around you; you embrace the conversation and friendship. For that hour, friendship and cigars are everything; there are no distractions. We can talk about and share our lives, families, and views while hearing about that of others.

We find peace in the ritual of smoking cigars.

Beginning with its preparation, we appreciate the consistency and patience of smoking a cigar. After opening a humidor and choosing the perfect cigar, you ritualistically cut the stogie the very same way before calmly sparking a match. You light the cigar in a similar if not the exact same way every time. As a result, we enjoy the ceremonial process of smoking a premium cigar. Life disrupts plans with surprising turns and changes. Yet, the process of smoking a cigar stays the same and follows the same tradition – too many, it is a form of meditation.

We smoke cigars to celebrate.

Like champagne or aged-scotch, cigars represent celebration. Whether graduation or wedding, cigars mark life’s largest moments and events. Individuals throughout the world gift and enjoy cigars in moments of joy. Cigars lift spirits and show enjoyment. There is nothing quite like smoking a cigar with those you love while wearing your nicest suit or dress on a sunny, happy day.

So, Why Smoke Cigars?

We smoke because cigars taste great. They allow us to think during stressful times. They help us connect and have serious talks with others. They provide us with peace, and they put an exclamation point on life’s most important moments.

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