Staff, Author at Cigar Life Guy

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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Cigar Smokers in an Anti-Tobacco World

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Staff

Each year, anti-smoking laws get stricter. That makes it harder for cigar smokers and tobacco users to find places to indulge. Smoking laws usually target cigarette, e-cigarette, or vape users. Yet, when it comes to those who smoke cigars, the laws, rules, and regulations get a little more complicated.

Government Lumps All Nicotine Use Together

Beverly Hills is an interesting case study in the ongoing debate. Presently, it’s illegal to smoke almost everywhere within the city limits. That includes apartments and condos. In 2019, Beverly Hills City Council proposed a new tobacco law. It would be one of the most stringent anti-tobacco laws in the country if passed. The law would end the sale of all forms of nicotine including cigarettes, cigarillos, chewing tobacco and etc. The exceptions are nicotine products. So, we’re talking about patches and gums that help smokers kick the habit.

When news of the impending law was released, the Beverly Hills City Council received a sea of letters. The city’s cigar lovers also visited council meetings in protest. Also, cigar smokers gained support from one of the city’s high-profile residents. It was the former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In a letter to the city council, Schwarzenegger wrote that he supported the ban. But, he highlighted the distinction between cigarettes and cigars. “I am right there with you,” said Schwarzenegger. “I agree with your battle to protect people from the dangers of tobacco smoke and I trust that (the city) will recognize the fundamental difference.”

Later, lawmakers amended the bill. The amendment permits cigar smoking in three dedicated cigar lounges within city limits. They include the Grand Havana Room, Buena Vista Cigar Club, and Nazareth’s Fine Cigars.

Life Insurance Companies See the Difference

Life insurance companies are also starting to make distinctions between the two. Usually, life insurance rates for cigarette smokers and other tobacco users are higher. Recently, some life insurance companies are making special dispensation for cigar smokers. That’s especially true in cases of occasional cigar smoking. A small handful of progressive-thinking life insurance companies took it a step further, though. They are offering regular or daily cigar smokers the standard, non-tobacco rates. If you’re interested in this, Cigar Life Guy can help you. However, if you smoke regular cigarettes, then you can expect higher premiums. These premiums are often three times higher or more than those offered to cigar-only smokers.

Unfortunately, it’s likely that more tobacco bans like these will start popping up elsewhere. Yet, cigar smokers should take comfort in knowing that some are making distinctions. Lawmakers and life insurance companies can make the distinction. There is a difference between the long-term health risks of cigars versus cigarettes and other tobacco products.

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Smoking Cigars Helps Relieve Stress

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Staff

Everything about cigar smoking is enjoyable. It starts with the texture of its wrapper, or capa, to the rich aroma of Cuban coffee and cocoa. You nestle the stick between your thumb and index finger and bring it to your lips. You draw in tendrils of smoke and savor the taste. It’s earthy, roasted, and woody. As you blow smoke from your mouth, a welcome feeling of tranquility passes over you.

For decades, there has been a major debate surrounding cigars. Are they detrimental or beneficial to your health? Some accuse cigars of being as dangerous as their ever-popular cousin, the cigarette. Yet, there has been a steady rise in evidence to the contrary. Many are coming forward to say that smoking cigars help relieve stress and anxiety.

This information has sparked interest in smoking cigars among a newer following. No longer is puffing on a good stogie reserved for the older gentlemen of a society long-passed. Women and Millennials are also joining in. For many, their hope is that smoking cigars will help them to blow away their stress.

Smoking Cigars Relieves Stress

So, how exactly can smoking a cigar help relieve stress and ease tension? Somebody once described the near-magical qualities of a cigar when they said:

“…cigar smoking is a soothing stress reliever and a valuable part of the sanctity of one’s life. The simple act of cutting and lighting becomes an anchor, and that first whiff of toasted tobacco sends us to a place of sheer nirvana that no pharmaceutical company could ever concoct. And here, I rest my case. Cigar smoking is good for you.” ~Anonymous, www.cigar.com

The experience of smoking a tantalizing stogie is sensual and pleasurable. A few great health benefits accompany it as well.

Relaxation

The nicotine in tobacco acts as a stimulant and a sedative. That’s why you feel calm and relaxed when smoking cigars. As a result, you can really control your mood with a few puffs. The more nicotine you inhale, the more sedated you become. Remember to practice moderation as you smoke your cigar. You’ll achieve the perfect amount of relaxation while remaining aware of your surroundings.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Smoking cigars also have many meditative qualities. Cigar aficionados attest that smoking has a positive effect on their blood pressure. Puffing and blowing create a trance-like state when you smoke. Tobacco also helps to settle your mind and quiet your thoughts. Since meditation lowers blood pressure, allow a cigar to place you in that same mindset. You’ll likely gain the same results.

Increases Dopamine Levels

Nicotine affects the dopamine levels in our bodies. Dopamine is a chemical that’s involved with your body’s pleasure center. It leaves you feeling happy and motivated. This automatic response is one reason why nicotine has very addictive properties. It makes perfect sense that developing a love for cigars can help relieve stress and make you happier.

Flavor Plays a Role

It’s also worth mentioning that, if relaxation is your ultimate goal, flavored cigars are the way to go. Flavors like vanilla can cause feelings of calm and tranquility. Also, as cigars age, their tobacco flavor mellows. They develop a smoother, creamier taste. This makes for a pleasant, relaxing experience for your senses. It also calms your stress levels.

Popularity Among Young Adults

A 2008 study suggests young people believe smoking makes a great “coping mechanism”. This attributes to the growing popularity of cigar lifestyle magazines, like Cigar Aficionado. One article, “On Doctor’s Orders” favors smoking to ease stress and anxiety.

“As director of a center for the diagnosis and treatment of stress-related disorders, I am aware of the benefits of various methods of relaxation from bio-feedback to yoga. Whereas all have their benefits, smoking a cigar, for me, has advantages no other method has … As a psychiatrist, I can’t bring myself to discourage cigar smokers. I have given cigars to patients on occasion and have received my share of some great cigars in return … It is my professional opinion that cigar smoking is beneficial to one’s mental health.” ~ Dr. Charles Carluccio

A Stogie a Day to Keep the Doctor Away

Most people hesitate to state smoking cigars are 100% effective in relieving stress. Remember that smoking is never a cure for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Yet, there’s no denying the overwhelming sense of peace that comes over you as you puff on that delicious San Cristobal. The rich flavor of roasted nuts, coffee, and nutmeg lingers on your tongue. Its earthy-smelling smoke curls and twists around your head. Images of a simpler time spring to mind. Your worries fade into the background as you convalesce in the deep, nutty aroma.

Ahh. This is what it’s all about. This is the cigar lifestyle at its finest.

References

The following references were used:

“Adolescents’ Perceptions of Smoking and Stress Reduction,” Sage Journals 36.4 (2009).
“On Doctor’s Orders,” published in Cigar Aficionado.
“Cigar,” Wikipedia.
“Cigars Are Good For You,” Cigars.com.
“Dopamine.” Wikipedia.
“Learning Your ABCs: Cigars 101, Part II,” Cigar Aficionado.
“The positive effects of nicotine” (2014).
“Meditation Effective in Reducing Blood Pressure,” Kent State University.
“The Stress-Relieving Benefits of Cigar Smoking Outweigh Potential Health Risks,” Vintage Chic’ Cigar LLC.

photo credit: Pixabay

Rising Cigar Aficionados: Women and Millennials

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Staff

Tendrils of cherry-scented smoke twist, curl and roll as they rise from the cigarillo held between the young woman’s fingers. A box of Swisher Sweets lies on the counter while the clerk counts the change. It’s the last box until the next shipment arrives on Thursday. Anyone else looking for their cherry cigarillo fix will have to wait or buy them elsewhere. It’s a common thread among tobacco retailers across the U.S. today as is the rising number of women and younger adults joining the ranks of cigar aficionados.

Cigar smokers have long enjoyed a status symbol among affluent society. The association usually envisions a cigar smoker with that of a middle-aged, white gentleman in a cozy, over-sized, leather office chair. Yet, this is one cliche that no longer rings true of all cigar aficionados today. Instead, cigars and cigarillos have adapted to a new group of smoking enthusiasts, including younger adults and women. What draws them in? The appeal begins with the slim, sweet-flavored cigarillos, but it doesn’t stop there.

Rich in History, New on Flavor

Who knows where the idea to roll a leaf and smoke it came from, but we’re glad someone thought to try it. While cigars have their historical beginnings in what may have begun as ceremonial purposes, they have risen over the centuries to include social status symbols, camaraderie, and public and private enjoyment. Even Christopher Columbus, the man credited with spreading stogies to Europe, couldn’t have known how far the cigar would travel over time and ultimately shape today’s smokes.

The cigar is no longer limited to the pleasures of affluent European men, despite its ongoing association as a status symbol. Now, cigars and cigarillos have adapted to modern culture and that includes an appeal to today’s young adults and women. Stogies are on the rise and there’s no telling how far they’ll grow, but it’s what’s contributing the rise in the cigar economy that’ll make you smile and puff some more. So, light ‘em up, kick back, relax, and read on.

Stogies on the Rise

The popularity of cigars and cigarillos is steadily rising. In fact, cigars are growing at about 2% per year with the U.S. being the largest global market, according to Statista. Younger adults and women are rushing in to try their first leaf. Lighting up is less about what’s trending and more about the counterculture with cigar clubs and herfs toking up virtually everywhere. So, what’s the deal?

For many, it’s a way to get social and connect with different minds and a common interest. It’s about relaxing after a long day or a hard exam. Or, chilling with your friends or simply kicking back and puffing on a long stick. It’s also about newer flavors that enthrall and entice. It’s about all this and more.

Forget the affluent smokers of old for a moment. No one ever said there was a societal restriction to smoking, and if they did, it’s old news, Baby. Grab your Gurkhas, your Rocky Patels, and anything else you can get your hands on and light ‘em up. Today, there’s a cigar or a cigarillo designed for nearly everyone, every age, and every gender. From Swisher Sweets to Macanudos to the Montecristo and beyond. It’s an affinity for the smoke, the culture, the camaraderie, the pleasure, and more. Stogies are on the rise and young adults and women are taking notice.

Why Today’s Women Love Cigars

For today’s women and young adults, cigars and cigarillos are all about the experience, the rich, unique flavors, and much more. They’re sexy. They’re fascinating, and they’re relaxing – all rolled up inside one stick. For those sampling the leaf, many of today’s cigarillos are available in fun, fruity flavor bombs that tantalize the taste buds at an affordable price while offering a unique tobacco experience.

Cigarillos might carry some resemblance to the modern cigarette in size or shape. But make no mistake, cigars and cigarillos are made differently than cigarettes. That gives them their unique, natural flavors and exceptional quality from the first puff to the very last. So, what do women really think about cigarillos and cigars? Let’s find out.

“They [the cigarillos] lasted longer than a cigarette. I never smoked a whole one at once – just half in one session and the other half a couple of hours later.” – Shaylee Morton, Andover, Maine

This is one opinion, sure, but it’s certainly not the only one. Cigarillos are popular for beginner cigar smokers and women, often due to their slender size, shape, and the new flavor bomb infusions. So, how do they compare to the common cigarette?

From Cigarettes to Cigarillos

As we mentioned, sometimes size really does matter and the slimmer shape and flavors are gaining popularity among women. Filters or non-filters? That depends on individual preference, but with so many juicy new flavors to choose from, who cares?

“The cigarillos I bought didn’t have a filter and I really liked that. They were thin and smaller [than traditional cigars], easier to hold, and easier to throw in your purse. I love the grape flavor. That one is my favorite.” – Donna Ward, Morton, Illinois

Well, there you have it. The flavor is a powerful thing. Yet, if you thought that the cigarillo was the only player in the game for women, you might want to reconsider. Throngs of women are taking to cigars more now than ever before. In fact, a simple search on Facebook yielded not one, but four different groups and several websites dedicated to women cigar aficionados.

Cigars smoking is no longer viewed as a taboo thing for women to do. So, ladies, grab your sticks and puff away, but why stop there? The world needs more quality cigars to intrigue them, right? With that said, it’s time to go beyond the smoke.

Beyond the Smoke

Going beyond cigar-smoking means stepping it up a notch. It’s not rocket science or anything, but neither is it just about smoking the finest leaf around either. It’s so much more than that and to fully appreciate it, you must immerse yourself in it, and for some, only a full immersion will do. That’s precisely what Afro-Cuban-American twin sisters and cigar aficionados, Yvonne and Yvette Rodriguez did down in Miami.

Tres Lindas Cubanas goes beyond the smoke as the first female-owned cigar brand to launch in the U.S. It was their love of leaf and ancestral history that brought this cigar lover’s dream to fruition. This dynamic duo specializes in superb Nicaraguan manufactured stogies that dazzle the taste buds in packaging that does triple-duty by branding their product, ensuring tantalizing freshness, and dishing up some simple, but sophisticated packaging eye-candy along the way. It’s cigars like these and more that’ll leave you proud to nub your stick all the way down.

Today, cigar smoking isn’t just about the smoke. It’s about camaraderie or even joining a herf. It’s also about relaxing with a Macanudo or Montecristo. Finally, it’s about savoring the richness in leaf, the fullness of flavor, and the love of life in general. Cigar lifestyle isn’t just about smoking a cigar or cigarillo. So, if you’re ready to join the clan of rising cigar aficionados, then grab your stick and light that baby up.