Staff, Author at Cigar Life Guy

Pipe Tobacco vs. Premium Cigars: Which is Best?

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Staff

When smoking pipe tobacco comes to mind, most people picture Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective, brooding over clues. Perhaps you think of Hugh Hefner kicking back in his smoking jacket.

No matter what comes to mind, the pipe smoker was once synonymous with the perfect gentleman and sophistication. That image has changed over the years. These days, pipe smoking is wrongfully associated with a stuffy professor. Some consider smoking a pipe antiquated. It’s not as common as it once was and trails cigars and cigarettes in popularity, but pipe smoking maintains a loyal following.

The nonsmoker bundles all kinds of smoking, but this is the furthest thing from the truth. Each experience is unique. Cigarettes aren’t even in the same category as cigars and pipes. Although there are differences, smoking a pipe is perhaps the closest experience to smoking a premium cigar.

Plenty of regular cigar smokers will indulge in a pipe occasionally. Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to experiment.

Pipe Tobacco Similarities

A pipe smoker smokes for the same reasons as a cigar smoker: to relieve stress, relax, or spend time with friends. For centuries, cultures have used pipe smoking in ceremonies, celebrations, and as a social experience.

Like cigars, you can smoke pipes for the aromas, flavors, and rituals of the experience. But, unlike cigarettes, pipes and cigars are savored, not inhaled.

Although the flavor profiles are different, like cigars, pipe tobacco does not contain chemical additives (like the ones found in cigarettes). Instead, cigar and pipe tobacco use the natural features of the tobacco plant. As a result, making pipe tobacco does not entail the craftsmanship of constructing a fine cigar, but the aging and fermenting process and the care it takes to make high-quality products are similar.

Pipe Tobacco and Cigar Differences

The most apparent difference between cigars and pipes is how they are smoked. Cigars are made from 100% tobacco; this affects how cigars taste and where you experience the flavors.

You smoke a pipe by lighting a bowl of loose tobacco and inhaling it through a plastic stem; this, too, affects how you experience the flavors.

A pipe can be made from a variety of materials. Corncobs are an inexpensive option. Meerschaums, a Mediterranean sea sponge, are some of the most expensive. Their elaborate and sometimes unusual carvings and styles make them some of the most distinct pipes. Many people mistake a Meerschaum for ivory because of its color and delicate appearance.

Briar, a durable tree root in the Mediterranean region, is the most common material used in pipe making. Some pipes use other woods, but most contain at least some briar because of its high resistance to heat. A bowl that burns too hot can hurt the balance of the smoke and burn your fingers.

The length and bend in the stem also affect the pipe smoking experience. The longer the pipe stem, the cooler the smoke. And those curved stems? They aren’t just for show. A pipe is puffed somewhat like a cigar. However, between each draw, it’s held in the smoker’s hand or between the teeth. A curved stem affects how the smoke reaches the mouth, but there is a more practical reason. The curved stem redistributes the weight of the pipe bowl and eases the tension on the smoker’s jaw.

Like cigars, pipes come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, but the smoking experience is distinct, especially considering how you experience the flavors.

The Palate

There is a good reason some guys only chew cigars. A lot of flavors are absorbed simply by placing a cigar between your lips. Lighting and smoking release even more pronounced flavors as the smoke passes over the tongue, and the combination of binder and filler tobaccos integrates with the wrapper. Smoking a cigar is all-encompassing.

Pipe smoking is more localized. A pipe smoker experiences most of the flavors on the tongue. As you draw smoke from the bowl through the stem, the smoke cools and passes over the tongue. One of the most common complaints of pipe smokers is “tongue bite,” which occurs when the bowl burns too hot.

Aroma

Whether it’s a fine wine, cuisine, or a fine cigar, a portion of taste comes from the scent. Even some nonsmokers appreciate the sweet billowing aroma created by fine tobacco.

Cigar aromas go a long way toward the flavor, but they may be a close second to pipes. A pipe’s aromas are unmistakable because they are sweeter. Many pipe tobaccos infuse natural sugars and familiar scents of vanilla and cherry.

Everyone has known a smoker, and one whiff of Captain Black can remind people of their grandfather or favorite uncle. Whether it’s nostalgia or aesthetic appreciation, a niche industry has developed over the last few years that replicates tobacco scents as candles.

Tobaccos

Most cigar tobacco is grown in Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, and the Dominican. Seasoned smokers know the differences in various leaves, the curing process, and how they will taste. There is plenty of mild tobacco, but cigars are stronger.

Compared to cigars, most pipe tobacco has a very different flavor profile. There is a wide variety of styles, but in the broadest sense, there are aromatic and non-aromatic. Like cigars, blenders combine different tobacco to create a distinct character. The most common tobaccos in pipe blends include Cavendish, Virginia, Burley, or the exotic Latakia grown in Syria. Most are milder, especially the aromatics, but some non-aromatics can pack a punch.

If you’re thinking about dabbling, you’ll be in familiar territory. Many popular cigar brands, like Ashton and Dunhill, also make pipe tobacco.

Maintenance

Smoking a cigar is as simple as cutting, lighting, and enjoying. A pipe entails a little more work. However, most pipe smokers find this an enjoyable part of the experience. Packing your pipe is the first step. Ask any veteran pipe smoker. They’ll give you several techniques. Packing too tightly or loosely is not advised. If you pack the bowl too tightly and there isn’t enough oxygen. A clog will impede the draw (much like a stray stem in a cigar can).

If you decide to try a pipe, count on relighting it several times during your smoke. Stoking tobacco with a pipe tool is also necessary.

Of course, after smoking, you’ll need to clean the bowl. Pipe aromas are potent and can linger. In addition, you might taste the residual flavors of your last smoke if you do not clean the bowl correctly.

It sounds like a lot of work, but most pipe smokers attest to it all being part of the pleasure of the experience.

The Upshot on Pipe Tobacco vs. Cigars

Smoking is all about the ritual. A pipe isn’t much different from a cigar. If you want to add a slight variation, try smoking a pipe. You might spend a bit of money upfront for a decent pipe, but pipe tobacco is relatively inexpensive compared to some cigar habits.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Expensive Cigars: Do You Need to Smoke Them?

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Staff

Gurkha’s Royal Courtesan fetches a cool $1.36 million per cigar. Made from Himalayan tobacco, grown with Fiji water, and banded in diamonds, it is the most expensive cigar in the world. With a price tag like that, you might think that a Yeti (the legendary abominable snowman) rolled your smoke. If that’s too rich for your blood, there is always the Mayan Sicar. Uncovered in Guatemala in 2012, these six hundred-year-old smokes rank second as the most expensive cigars. A collector paid just over half a million for the still smokable relics.

Compared to those prices, Gurkha’s His Majesty’s Reserve -allegedly former president Bill Clinton’s favorite- is a reasonable $750 per cigar. No, these are not everyday cigars, even if you are an ex-president. Rare and collectibles are in a category all their own.

Most premium cigars fall within the $4-30 range. A price tag is not necessarily indicative of the quality of a good smoke, but a good smoke isn’t “good” because it costs a bundle. The average smoker does not need to smoke a million-dollar cigar to get premium quality.

Seasoned smokers know length and ring gauge matter—a cigar’s construction matters. Sometimes the packaging factors into what you smoke, but does price matter?

Are Expensive Cigars Better?

The short answer is a decisive no. Plenty of cigars provide premium quality without a hefty price tag. However, cigar pricing is not arbitrary, and for all the novices and nonsmokers out there, cigars are not “all the same.”

What Makes Expensive Cigars?

The Construction

The quality of any product shows the time and care it takes to create it. Raw materials and craftsmanship are integral. It’s the difference between a chair from Ikea and a chair from Bernhardt. It is the difference between furniture hand-crafted from sturdy wood and furniture mass-produced with particle board. Cigars are no different.

The most respected cigar lines have been honing their blends for decades. The intricate process of cultivating various tobacco leaves and then aging and fermenting them takes time and money. Before a cigar is even rolled and boxed, cigar makers are developing new combinations of tobaccos. They are also careful to maintain time-honored techniques in making traditional favorites.

Premium cigar companies take pride in their product and employ the best rollers to create top-shelf cigars. It is in the company’s best interest to find the best rollers in order to deliver the best products. Having experts construct cigars is also in the customer’s best interest, even if it costs a few extra dollars.

Davidoff has long been a benchmark in the industry. Even their standard blends have price tags to prove it. A Davidoff can cost anywhere from $10 to $30. They have been in business for over 100 years. Noone’s palate is the same, but most smokers can attest to Davidoff’s balance, flavor, and quality.

Specialty Cigars and Rarity

Many companies come out with specialty cigars and limited edition blends each year. There are only a certain amount of these cigars, so sometimes pricing is simply a case of supply and demand.

Smokers and collectors have long coveted Arturo Fuente’s Opus X line because of its scarcity. The company is notoriously secretive about this unique blend. Fuente won’t even reveal an exact timeline for how long they’re aged. In any year, there are only a few hundred thousand Opus sticks to go around. It’s no wonder they cost a bit more than the average stick.

Branding and Packaging

Taste is the highest priority for most smokers and cigar makers, but packaging and presentation is also vital to branding and pricing. The best companies hire top designers to create cigar bands and boxes. Like the quality of the taste, good companies take pride in the look of their product. The most recognizable brands often have the most recognizable presentation. Think of Ashton’s minimalist boxes, Davidoff’s elegant white bands trimmed in gold, Padron’s insignia in a wine red background flanked by golden tobacco leaves.

These lines have developed a loyal clientele and consistently deliver top-shelf cigars. However, some boutique lines and upstarts often go for a sleek look and skimp on the quality. Beware of frilly boxes, flashy bands, and giveaways. They may deliver on the image, but might not deliver the quality big price tags promise.

The Upshot on Expensive Cigars

“Expensive” is relative. One guy’s everyday smoke is the next guy’s trophy cigar. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with buying that end table from Ikea or smoking that $4 stick. The beauty of the cigar industry is that premium lines are all hand-rolled, and companies hold their products to high standards. If you can’t afford to smoke a Davidoff every day, there are plenty of quality lines to choose from that are priced in the medium to lower range.

What cigar to smoke is often about context. Taking your best cigars to the golf course might not be the best idea. A windy day can ruin even the finest rolled cigar. A cheaper stick might be the best bet. Mark Twain preferred the cheapies all his life, and some guys stick to a few brands, but aficionados taste around regardless of cost.

Some occasions might call for something special, and that might entail shelling out a few extra bucks. In most cases, you will not be disappointed. Our best advice is to rely on a knowledgeable smoker, a friend from your local lounge, trusted reviewers, and your own palate to decide whether a pricey cigar is worth it.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Mark Twain: A True Brother of the Leaf

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Staff

Although he is best known as the father of American literature, Mark Twain was a lifelong cigar smoker. Born Samuel Clemens in 1835 in Hannibal, Missouri, the legendary writer and humorist started smoking cigars at age eight and never looked back.

An Abundance of Tobacco

During the 1800s, tobacco was plentiful in Missouri and throughout much of the United States. Plantations and cigar factories provided all the sticks the future novelist would need. Cigars also were cheap — often costing a few pennies each — so it’s not surprising that Twain developed a taste for stogies. It was a preference he maintained throughout his life. Perhaps that is because Twain was said to have smoked 22 to 40 cigars a day!

Mark Twain: A Smoker of Many Trades

Although Mark Twain became one of America’s most renowned writers, his formal education was scant. He left school after the fifth grade, worked as a printer’s apprentice, and then wrote articles for his brother’s newspaper, Hannibal Journal. At eighteen, he traveled the country. He applied his printing experience in New York and Cincinnati, among other cities. When he wasn’t working, he educated himself in public libraries.

Twain eventually returned to Missouri and the Mississippi River where he trained as a riverboat pilot and drew inspiration for his two most famous novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. His pen name also came from his time on the river. It is a term that refers to water depths.

Mark Twain then headed West and worked unsuccessfully as a miner, an experience he transformed into one of his first and most well-known stories, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Despite his travels and experience in several trades, journalism and writing were Twain’s destiny. The only other constant in his life was smoking. He wrote that “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know that because I’ve done it thousands of times.”

Mark Twain on Giving Up Smoking

Twain tried to quit several times. After joining the Cadets of Temperance when he was 15 — a total abstinence society for the youth. He abstained for nearly three months. However, he later wrote of that time as being “consumed with cigar cravings.”

His wife, Olivia Langdon, also disapproved of his smoking habits. When he couldn’t quit entirely, he vowed to limit his smoking to one cigar per day. However, this merely led to increasingly larger cigars. Ever the humorist, Twain said of that attempt, “Within the month, my cigar had grown to such proportions that I could have used it as a crutch.”

Writing and Smoking

Throughout his life, his smoking habits drew criticism and concern for his health to which he responded, “I smoke in moderation. Only one cigar at a time.” And that he did: one right after the other. How else could he consume a legendary 300 cigars a month?

Like many writers, there was a connection between his smoking and his work. He considered cigars “the best of all inspirations.” While writing Roughing It, an autobiographical work about his time out West, he tried quitting again. When he struggled to get words to the page, he resumed his favorite pastime and wrote the book in three months with no difficulty, crediting cigars for his proficiency with the pen.

Besides his many books, Mark Twain was a successful lecturer and earned as much money as he lost through failed business ventures. Throughout his colorful life, he remained a committed cigar smoker. While it’s not known the exact cigar brand Twain smoked, he frequently mentioned his dislike for “Havanas.” He also mentioned favoring Connecticuts over the Cuban variety perhaps because he’d honed his palate on homegrown cigars. However, his tastes often offended his friends and family. Several people who later interviewed Twain described his cigars as long, dark and having an awful odor. Twain’s cigars were more likely a thinner ring gauge. How else could he smoke over two dozen a day?

Although Twain tried the best cigars of the era, he always returned his regular stogies. No one can fault him for that. The premium cigar industry back then was not what it is today. Twain wasn’t finicky and had few preferences, but he was a smoker through and through.

Mark Twain’s Legacy

Mark Twain was born shortly after the appearance of Halley’s Comet and he once predicted he would “go out with it.” He was right. He died on April 21, 1910. The day after Halley’s comet appeared.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been presenting an award in Twain’s honor since 1998. The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has gone to Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Whoopi Goldberg, Dave Chappelle, Tina Fey, George Carlin, David Letterman, and many others. All are undoubtedly honored to be spoken of in the same breath as the man who once said, “If I cannot smoke cigars in heaven, I shall not go.”

Considering how cigar life has evolved and endured, Twain will be in good company regardless of whether he’s in heaven or hell, or somewhere between.

Photo credit: Creative Commons

The Cigar Scandal That Made Headlines

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Staff

It’s been nearly 25 years since the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky cigar scandal made headlines. Plenty of presidents have been known for extramarital affairs. Most of the public assumed John F. Kennedy’s connection to Marilyn Monroe was more than mere friendship. The lurid details remained as guarded as state secrets until Clinton’s dalliance in the late 90s. The internet age had just begun when the forty-second president’s affair and all the sensational details -as we would say today- went viral.

Cigars were making headlines throughout the decade, and one of Clinton’s cigars would become the focal point of one of the more infamous episodes of the American presidency.

The Cigar Scandal

Clinton’s alleged affair with Gennifer Flowers might have nearly cost him the election in 1992. His encounters with Lewinsky nearly cost him the presidency.

In late 1997, when news broke that Clinton had a sexual relationship with a White House intern, Clinton was already well into his second term. He was riding high with more than a 50% approval rating. Ironically, his approval rating would boost by over 6 points amid the cigar scandal.

Ken Starr, the independent counsel, was already hounding Clinton on matters related to real estate investments and other White House controversies. However, the sexual nature of the Lewinsky scandal would overshadow it all.

In January 1998, Clinton famously denied any sexual relations with “that woman” and Lewinsky initially refused to testify. However, upon the suggestion of friend Linda Tripp, she had saved a piece of evidence that would prove vital: the now famous semen-stained blue dress.

By the summer of 1998, the story heated again. It didn’t take long for the sordid details to come out. We may never know whether they were all factual, but after Starr granted Lewinsky immunity, she agreed to testify. Clinton would admit to a grand jury that his relationship with Lewinsky was “physical” and “improper” and redefine what constituted “sexual” relations.

By December, Clinton would be charged with perjury and obstruction of justice and become the second president in United States history to be impeached.

The Incident

The blue dress is perhaps the most famous evidence, but running a close second was Clinton’s cigar. His love for cigars is almost as well-known as his love for women.

Lewinsky testified she had nine sexual encounters with Clinton from 1995 to 1997. As the story goes, the 49-year-old Clinton used a cigar in a sex act with the 23-year-old intern. The specifics have varied over the years, but you don’t need too much imagination. According to some reports, Lewinsky never testified to the events. The story endures in American history and cigar lore.

Hillary would not allow smoking in the White House, but he smoked when he had the time, particularly on the golf course. During his time in office, Clinton was a “chewer”. According to Lewinsky, Clinton was chewing on a cigar before one of their encounters. She went on record saying, “…I looked at the cigar and I looked at him and said we can do that, too, sometime.” The innuendo was clear, and the rest is history.

The cigar in question was allegedly a Gurkha, a brand the former president still prefers. Clinton smoked their traditional lines but upgraded to Gurkha’s His Majesty Reserve line. Priced at more than $1,000 each, it is a considerable upgrade!

Lewinsky has Tweeted about indulging in an occasional cigarette, but she has never admitted to smoking premium cigars despite her role in the notorious cigar scandal. She did, however, gift the president a silver tabletop cigar holder.

Cigar Scandal Aftermath

In the end, the Senate acquitted Clinton of all charges. He wrote his memoirs and has a lucrative career as a public speaker. Clinton has also appeared at many Democratic Conventions and was a loyal and vocal supporter of his wife Hillary’s political ambitions, including her presidential run in 2016.

History has not been too kind to him. As the “#MeToo” movement took hold following the election of Donald Trump, the public began to look at “Monicagate” through a new lens. Although Lewinsky maintains that the relationship was consensual, Clinton’s role took on a predatory tone.

In recent years, Clinton has largely stayed out of the limelight. At 75, he is a shadow of his former self and makes news for brief hospital stays and bouts of illness. However, he is still often seen smoking a fine cigar.

Lewinsky has gradually altered her image. Following the cigar scandal, she became a pop culture celebrity. After years of public shaming, opinion began to sway in Lewinsky’s favor. She has dabbled in a variety of projects over the years. She has been a spokesperson for Jenny Craig Diet and Weight Loss Centers, designed handbags, and hosted Saturday Night Live. These days, when she isn’t getting into Twitter spats with Beyonce, Lewinsky is producing movies and touring the country as an anti-bullying advocate.

She has also written about her relationship with Clinton several times. Now 49, her most recent endeavor was co-producing a season of FX’s television series American Crime Story: Impeachment. The series traces her time at the White House and Clinton’s subsequent impeachment.

It’s hard to imagine how a story like the Clinton-Lewinsky cigar scandal would play out today. In the social media era, there seems to be a new scandal every hour. Perhaps that’s why this presidential fling has lasting power. It came before the era of cultural fragmentation and the blitz of media outlets. The entire country and most of the world watched as the story unraveled. It may seem tame by some of today’s standards, but it is a lasting legacy of the early internet age.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Cigar Ring Gauges: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Staff

If you’re an aficionado, you are probably familiar with how size and shape affect the way cigars taste. When selecting cigars, smokers should consider the type of rolls, the lengths, and the girths or ring gauges. Length, measured simply in inches, is the most apparent cigar characteristic, but the diameter of cigar ring gauges is equally important. Learning how diameter is measured is tricky but easy to learn.

The Math on Cigar Ring Gauges

There’s no mystery behind cigar ring gauges. They measure the diameter in fractions of a sixty-fourth of an inch. A sixty-fourth of an inch equals one ring. The most common cigar sizes measure within the 38 to the 60-ring range, although there are plenty of exceptions. Said differently a 60-ring cigar is 60 sixty-fourths of an inch in diameter — nearly an inch.

In the beginning, cigar makers gave little thought to varying diameters of cigars. As the industry grew, they began experimenting with the thickness of a cigar and how it changed and enhanced a blend. For a long time, cigar makers in Cuba made nothing larger than a 50-ring gauge. Larger ring gauges didn’t grow in popularity until the 90s boom.

Trends come and go, and unique cigars debut every year. Here is a rundown of the typical vitolas and their corresponding ring gauges.

Common Cigar Ring Gauges and Sizes

With cigar ring gauges, there are no absolute standards. You will see some overlap among the ranges, but here is a general breakdown.

38-42 Gauge

The smallest variety of premium cigars, this range includes Panatellas, Lanceros, and Petit Coronas.

43-49 Gauge

The Churchill is one of the more iconic cigar sizes. Even nonsmokers would recognize this long medium gauged cigar at a glance. The Churchill serves as a good baseline for familiarizing yourself with cigar ring gauges.

Most Churchills measure between the 46-50 range, so if you have a good visual on a typical Churchill you should have a handle on what this thickness looks like. Other styles within this range include Lonsdales, Rothschilds, Double Coronas, and in most cases Coronas.

50-54 Gauge

This range includes Belicosos, Toros, Robustos, and the occasional Churchill.

55-59 Gauge

There is a noticeable leap here in thickness. Different brands have their own definitions of these styles, but this range includes larger Robustos and Toros. Torpedoes and Gigantes also fall within this range.

60 and Up Gauge

More brands are making cigars of this size. These are mammoth cigar ring gauges that include Gigante, Double Toros, and Magnums.

Remember that these are not the only style of cigar. Figurados could have several ring gauge measurements as they are tapered and bulkier at various points in their construction. This contributes to the unique way a cigar smokes and tastes.

Cigar Ring Gauge vs. Taste

What do all these numbers add up to? The flavor and essence of a cigar.

The true character of a cigar and close to 80% of its flavor comes from the exterior wrapper. This was why Fidel Castro preferred his cigars thin. The Cohiba plant even created a special size with Fidel in mind when it made Lanceros in the 1960s. Long and thin (usually 34-40 ring and up to 7.5 in length), this cigar spiked in popularity over the years. Many cigar lines still make them when they want to highlight the quality of a particular tobacco leaf and blend. Since these cigars have less binder and fill, many cigar makers still attest to the Lancero, capturing the purest aspects of an exterior leaf.

That is why size matters for smoking cigars. It’s not just about how much time you have or mere appearances. Cigar ring gauges affect the taste.

The flavors of the exterior leaf will not be as pronounced in thicker cigars simply because they use more binder and filler. The thinner the cigar, the more you’ll taste the exterior wrapper. Thicker cigars burn cooler. Thinner cigars can burn hot especially if they are not properly constructed. As with any premium cigar, the rolling process is precise. Balance is always the goal. With less binder and fill, the wrapper’s flavors are more stressed in thinner cigars like Coronas and Lanceros.

Cigar construction is an art form — one that you can taste for yourself. First, choose a cigar line you enjoy, and then experiment by smoking the same blend in a variety of sizes. Start by smoking the Corona. Note the traits of this relatively thin cigar. Then move up to a Toro and then Churchill. You’ll start to notice how the tobaccos from the binder and fill complement the exterior wrapper.

Learning the nuances of cigar features — lengths, shapes, cigar ring gauges as well as how the three tobacco components interact — is only one way to gain a deeper appreciation for your next stick.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Cigar Taxes: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Staff

Mark Twain once said, “I have made it a rule never to smoke over one cigar at a time. I have no other restriction as regards smoking.” Most cigar enthusiasts would agree with Twain. The government has a long tradition of smoking restrictions, including taxation. Cigar makers have been at odds with the tax collector since the Civil War. Here’s a little history in the ever-evolving realm of the only absolute other than death — cigar taxes.

Cigar Taxes: The Early Resistance

About 150 years ago, the cigar industry didn’t look much different than it does today. Small independent factories wanted to provide premium products for cigar smokers. Like any other product, the government eventually wanted a piece of the burgeoning industry. There was plenty of resistance especially because there was plenty of corruption.

When tax collectors came to collect from factories, they saw a vast array of single cigars. Here’s where it got complicated. They started counting inventory. Conveniently for the taxman, it was difficult to determine which cigars they counted the month before and they had not. This led to double-counting and plenty of dirty deals on both ends.

This arrangement didn’t last long. Eventually, Congress mandated that cigars be boxed or bundled by 10s, 20s, or 50s, so they could manage the counting and the collection process. Then, each box required a prepaid revenue stamp. Of course, the costs were exorbitant, sometimes double the cost of the cigars.

These days aren’t much different. There are federal excise taxes importers must pay besides state taxes. Add in the rise of internet commerce, sales tax, and new laws that pass every few years and confusion persists. Like any product, the costs pass down to the consumer. Here’s what you should know.

What Cigar Taxes Mean for Consumers

Unlike cigarettes and other tobacco products, cigars are taxed a percentage of their wholesale price. Before your imported premium cigar even hits the shelf, it is taxed nearly 53%. Sounds like echoes of the Civil War tax. Fortunately, this federal tax caps at roughly 40 cents per individual cigar. Most companies roll this cost directly into their wholesale price. The taxes don’t end there. Retailers then need to factor in their individual state tobacco tax along with sales tax.

To make this all more concrete, let’s take a cigar with a wholesale price of $4.00 and to keep the math simple assume a 25% state tobacco tax. Remember, this is after the federal government has already taken their 40-cent share. That cigar has an effective cost to retailers of $5.00 after the $1.00 state excise tax. After a 100% markup to assume a 50% gross margin for a typical MSRP, the shelf price comes to $10.00. Add in sales tax at 10% (an additional $1.00), and the consumer pays $11.00. Confusing enough? When all is said and done, taxes drive well over a quarter of the cost. This is only a hypothetical. Each state sets its own distinct tobacco tax ranging from 0 to 95% of the wholesale price, so depending where you are the cost can be even higher.

Be Mindful When Traveling

It’s no surprise that many cigar enthusiasts traveling for business or pleasure are walloped by sticker shock when they want to indulge in a good smoke. California and New York have two of the highest tax rates. There are, however, a handful of states like Florida and New Hampshire that don’t charge any additional tobacco tax. Some states, like Minnesota, charge an absurd 95% state excise tax, but cap individual cigars at 50 cents. This is like the federal cap of 40 cents.

If you’re traveling, bring your own sticks or check out a breakdown of the excise for each individual state at the Cigar Association of America, Inc. Many retailers will build the tax into the shelf price and just charge the sales tax, but plenty of stores list a shelf price that is far less than what you’ll pay.

Internet Sales and Cigar Taxes

Of course, those taxes only apply to retail stores, right? Wrong. In the early days of the internet, e-commerce was tax-free. The cigar business was no different, but just like in the Civil War era, tax collectors eventually wanted their cut. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in South Dakota vs. Wayfair, Inc. that individual states can charge sales tax on out-of-state transactions. But what does it mean for the tobacco tax? States are acting.

In 2019, Maryland began to require out-of-state sellers to pay the tobacco tax besides the sales tax. More states will follow, if history teaches anything. Yet, it’s too difficult to track. For now, internet sellers still provide the best deals. Since they do not have the same overhead as brick-and-mortar stores and can (for now) avoid state excise tobacco taxes. This assumes they ship from a low or no excise tax state, as most do. They provide premium cigars at the lowest cost.

You’ll pay more, sometimes a lot more, at your local shop, but retailers can still provide the experience and the ambiance that is a touchstone of the cigar lifestyle. Think of the extra tax as an occasional surcharge.

The “Sin” Tax Will Never Go Away

Sin taxes. They’ve been around as long as taxes themselves. Unfortunately, cigars get paired with alcohol and gambling, and lawmakers and supporters feel justified in charging unreasonable fees for hobbies they consider vices. The intent is to reduce consumption, but sometimes it looks more like a ploy to inflate a state’s pocketbook. Either way, a true smoker won’t let restrictions and taxes interfere with their lifestyle.

Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

Cigar Store vs. Online Cigar Shop: Which is Better?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Staff

We all know the internet changed the world and how the world does business. The cigar business was no different. Internet sales are a huge part of the industry now, but a true cigar enthusiast still loves the experience of heading to their local cigar store. Each has distinct benefits, but you don’t have to choose one. Cigar lovers can have the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of an Online Cigar Store

Convenience and Product Information

Like shopping for anything online, the advantage is you get to do it from home. Online sellers provide an array of inventory with thorough descriptions and colorful photographs. Often the information about a cigar’s blend, body, and construction is more detailed than what you might find on the shelf at your local cigar shop. This can be extremely helpful especially if you’re new to the cigar world or not sure what you’re looking for. Add in customer reviews and recommendations, and it’s almost like having a certified tobacconist at your disposal.

Cigar Store Selection

Sure you’ll find Arturo Fuente smokes at your local shop, but will they carry Opus X?

In most cases, small cigar stores won’t carry everything you’re looking for. For instance, Davidoff only supplies to select stores and requires an extensive vetting process before stores can carry their lines. Your average store won’t have them.

However, anything and everything is available online including rare and hard-to-find brands. Even a large retail shop can’t maintain the back stock or compete with the variety of premium cigars that online merchant’s offer.

Lower Prices Online

Online distributors benefit from high volume and low overhead. They don’t have to pay rent and utilities or staff like brick-and-mortar establishments, so they can afford to charge less. Plus, you won’t have to pay hefty taxes, as the online warehouses are almost always on low/no tobacco excise tax states. The state tobacco excise tax alone in some states can be 30% or higher. If you’re looking for a more economical route, shopping online is the answer, but don’t rule out supplementing your stash by visiting your local cigar shop.

The Benefits of the Cigar Store Experience

There’s nothing like walking into a cigar store. The personal greeting from the owner.The aroma of premium cigars wafting from the lounge. Stepping into the humidor and perusing the display of premium cigars. The benefits of shopping for cigars on-site don’t end there.

Immediate Gratification in a Cigar Store

One advantage of shopping on-site is immediate gratification. You can spend an hour browsing the selection and walk out with your cigars or even better light one up right after you get your receipt. There’s no waiting for deliveries, no chance of orders getting lost in transit, and no chance of receiving the wrong order.

Individualized Attention

Customer service online is excellent, but nothing beats talking with someone in person. Cigar shops are staffed with knowledgeable employees and most times certified tobacconists, who are always glad to steer you in the right direction. One of the best features of cigar life is talking cigars with experienced smokers. Need a good full-bodied cigar at a reasonable price? How about a short smoke for a novice smoker? Need a cigar to impress the boss or your father-in-law? Any good cigar shop owner can answer your questions and provide guidance.

Camaraderie and Smoking

Recently, strict smoking laws have not been kind to the cigar lifestyle. There aren’t too many venues to enjoy a fine cigar. However, many brick-and-mortar stores showcase lounges or at the least small smoking areas for their customers. Some may charge a fee, but in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual, it’s always nice to sit down and share your smoking hobby among like-minded people.

You may pay a few extra bucks in person, but it’s a small price for the ambiance and genuine warmth you get when you become a regular at your local shop, and supporting a local business is always a plus.

Online or on-site? There’s no need to choose. Why not do a bit of both? There’s no harm in looking for that rare trophy cigar online, but shop in person, sit down, have a smoke, and talk cigars.

Photo by Kai Bossom on Unsplash

The Skinny on Fat Cigars

Posted on July 17, 2022 by Staff

You’ve probably seen the stereotype. A mob boss or a CEO walks into a room with a fat cigar. It’s a symbol of power — a literal token of superiority. This is the stuff of movies. Most experienced smokers know large ring gauges of fat cigars, like Gigantes and Magnums, are relatively new. Cigar makers in Cuba would never think of making cigars with a bigger ring than 50. So what’s the big deal? Is bigger better? Not necessarily.

What Constitutes a Fat Cigar?

Knowing ring gauges is one of the first things cigar newbies should learn. Churchills, one of the well-known sizes, typically have a ring size of 46-50. Big rings are anything 54 and above. Since gauges are measured in fractions of 1/64th of an inch, we are talking about cigars that measure an inch or larger in diameter. Enormous, by traditional Cuban standards.

Many cigar lines now make blends with 60 gauge variety, and some have even gone beyond 64, but this wasn’t always the case. Perhaps it was the American ideal of bigger is better, but during the 90s boom, ring gauges kept getting bigger. Americans like their cars big, their meals big, so cigars were no different.

It started out modestly in the late 1990s when La Gloria Cubana introduced their Serie R. The line’s original 52 and 54 gauge cigars are humble compared with the gargantuan ring gauges being made now. When it released the 6X60 No.6 in 2001, there was no turning back. The trend took off. By 2012 when the Inch premiered and Asylum shortly after, cigars with gauges 64 and up to 70 and 80 became normal for the industry.

Are Fat Cigars Worth the Time?

Call them Gigantes or Grandes some cigar smokers might call them garish. Big gauges contain more binder and filler than the average cigar, which is why some purists avoid them. Binder and fillers are made from cheaper tobacco, and big gauges use a lot more of it than a Corona or Churchill. What you may miss is the essence of the exterior wrapper. Additionally, many cigar smokers simply don’t care for the mouthfeel of a cigar with a large gauge.

When mixing blends, most cigar makers start by constructing a Corona. The reason? The smaller ring gauge is the benchmark for the purity of the blend.

Still, there are some advantages to smoking a big ring gauge. Larger cigars burn cooler than the smaller varieties, and if you are looking for a long meditative smoke, perhaps there’s no better choice. Most times, a larger cigar won’t even cost much more than other shapes. All that binder and filler keep costs lower than or equal to the more complex shapes like Perfectos or Torpedos.

The cigar lifestyle is about figuring out what you like. Our suggestion is to taste around. Choose a cigar line you like. Start with a Corona or one of the smaller sizes and move on up the ladder. Noticing how the ring gauge affects flavor is one way to refine your palate. If your favorite brand makes a Gigante or Magnum, and you’ve got the time try it.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

How To Become A Certified Tobacconist

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Staff

An increase in fine dining gave rise to the wine sommelier — experts who spend years training and tasting. The sommelier’s authoritative knowledge of taste profiles and provenance is well-known around the world. , and wine lovers rely on their expertise to pair vintage wines with meals. However, wine is not the only luxury industry that employs skilled professionals. In recent years, the cigar industry has encouraged its own version of the sommelier — the tobacconist.

Just as fine wines are cultivated in different regions and from different varieties of grapes, premium cigars also are grown in different regions and from a variety of tobacco leaves. The boom in the 1990s created an influx of boutique lines, aged tobaccos, and unique blends. As the legitimacy of the cigar industry grew, the necessity for experts increased, especially in the service industries. Whether you’re new to the cigar world or looking to brush up on your knowledge, there are educational programs designed for everyone. Here is everything you need to know about becoming a cigar authority.

A Need for Knowledgeable Employees

If you are an experienced smoker, you more than likely buy your sticks at a local cigar shop. Seasoned retailers and their employees are knowledgeable smokers. Most have traveled to Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican and seen the production and construction of cigars up close. Like the wine sommelier, they are specialists. Their primary business is fine cigars. However, the increasing popularity of the cigar lifestyle has seen cigars offered at a variety of venues, including hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Naturally, the need to train employees in the world of premium cigars is necessary if they are to do justice to the industry.

The cigar industry continues to attract more smokers and expand to more venues. Classes and certification programs are relatively new, but there are several schools and online courses that provide an education on top-shelf cigars.

Like wine, premium cigars are a luxury item and they are curated from age-old techniques. Understanding the delicate construction of cigars, the variety of exterior wrappers, and the way shape affects how they smoke are part of the cigar curriculum. From understanding how tobacco leaves grow to the art of rolling, and of course, understanding the variety of tastes and flavor profiles, knowing the basics is essential for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Tobacconist Certification

Tobacconist University and the International Association of Cigar Sommeliers give the art of cigar-making and cigar lifestyle the credibility it deserves. They provide coursework and certifications for amateurs and aficionados.

Tobacconist University offers several classifications to choose from.

If you’re a novice or even a seasoned veteran cigar smoker, Tobacconist University offers the nonprofessional certification: Certified Consumer Tobacconist. The CCT certification caters to the average enthusiast who wants to brush up or expand on their knowledge cigars.

The Certified Retail Tobacconist certification is for employees of retail shops. The coursework entails all things cigar-related, from cutting and lighting to cigar shapes and etiquette. A CRT certification provides the basic credentials for working in cigar retail.

There’s also the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist course. It tailors to the hospitality industries, like golf courses, casinos, and hotels. The CCST certification is limited to participating companies but provides a thorough cigar education, focusing on the fundamentals, food and drink pairings, and enhancing the overall appreciation of cigar life.

If you’re looking to break into the industry as a sales representative, then the Certified Salesforce Tobacconist program might be the best choice. The CST certification is best for those who work in cigar sales, directly or indirectly. These are usually folks who often perform work for a specific brand or company.

Finally, the Certified Master Tobacconist is the highest level of achievement you can attain. The program is open to you if you already hold a CCT or CCST certification. Furthermore, it requires hours of working with cigar makers and retailers, so you can’t just sign up for it without first meeting the prerequisites.

All certifications require you to pass an exam. You also must uphold the Tobacconist University standards and ethics, and maintain the integrity of the industry. As a certified tobacconist, you are an ambassador of the cigar lifestyle.

Teaching Yourself

Cramming for a final exam on premium cigars is probably the most enjoyable test you’ll ever prepare for. Yet, if you don’t have the time, you can learn a lot on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A cigar sommelier may sit next to you at your local lounge. An experienced smoker knows the ins and outs of cigar life.

You can also taste around. Keep a smoke journal and catalog the cigars you try. Notice the delicate construction of figurado. Consider the distinct flavor profiles of the next Sun Grown or Maduro you smoke. Remember, the best part of a cigar education is sampling the coursework.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Which Cigar Lighters Work Best?

Posted on June 26, 2022 by Staff

The cigar aficionado and experienced smoker make lighting a cigar look easy. Think of Paulie Cicero, played by Paul Sorvino, in “Goodfellas” taking his first draw on a cigar. You probably remember the quintessential glowing ring and the perfectly rounded ash. He may not have known much about the restaurant business, but he knew the business end of a cigar and which cigar lighters to use.

Lighting a cigar is not rocket science, but you need to know what you’re doing to get the best smoking experience. It’s not just about the ritual. Using the wrong tool can soil your cigar with a chemical taste. In fact, the wrong cigar lighter leads to uneven burns and ruins your stick.

Top Choices for Cigar Lighters

Since not every flame is the same, here are some dos and don’ts to remember.

Some purists insist on lighting a cigar with an old fashion wooden match, particularly the sulfur-free variety. They’re not wrong. Traditional cardboard matches are laced with chemicals that cling to your cigar and taint your favorite blend.

If you’re looking for vintage simplicity, then a wooden match is a good bet. Most cigar shops provide stick matches with a purchase. Depending on the ring gauge of your cigar, you may need to use more than match one to get a proper light. Wait for a few seconds for the sulfur smell to dissipate before lighting.

Sulfur-free wooden matches are an option. They may cost a few bucks, but they are thicker and longer than the freebies and allow enough time for an appropriate light.

If you’re skittish on a match, butane lighters and torches are the best choices. Calibri, Xikar, and a slew of other companies make a variety of lighters that provide a steady flame for the perfect light. Why butane? It’s odorless and flavorless and won’t interfere with the natural flavors of your cigar. Plus the triple, double or single torch options in butane lighters are wind resistant and provide a wide flame for proper lighting.

The absolute purist route is using a cedar spill. These thin strips of cedar wood burn slowly, and won’t spoil the flavor of your next Toro. The drawback is they can leave an ashy mess.

Some guys have even used a cedar sleeve from their cigar or a thin strip from a cedar sheet used in cigar boxes. Be careful. They burn faster than the cedar spills. However, it guarantees an uncontaminated smoke.

Which Cigar Lighters to Avoid

Using a Zippo in a pinch can work, but most experienced smokers avoid them. The pungent oil-based fluid leeches into the wrapper. Like the standard match, you can wait a few seconds for the smell to evaporate.

Some of the cheaper plastic lighters like BIC use butane, but it is typically a lower grade fuel. Plus, these lighters are not designed for a consistent flame. So plan on burning your thumb.

Although this should go without saying, newbies have done just about everything. Never light your cigar off an oven range or a candle.

The moral is to use nothing that will overwhelm the natural aromas from a premium cigar. In the end, butane is best.

Pitfalls of Improper Lighting

Now that you know what you should use to light your cigar, let’s review how to light one the right way.

Lighting a cigar is often compared to roasting a marshmallow. At first, you’ll want to provide just enough heat to toast the foot of your cigar. Immersing it directly in the flame will cause it to burn too hot. Think about how a marshmallow catches on fire! Instead, rotate the cigar just above the flame, not directly in it. This will blacken the edges of the foot and prime the cigar for the first draw. When an even ring forms, take a few puffs. Some guys will blow on the lighted end a bit, but once the binder and filler have burned, it’s time to sit back and enjoy.

This is not all for show. You can run into problems if you don’t light your cigar correctly.

Essentially, your cigar will burn unevenly. There are several types of problems that occur from a poorly lit cigar, such as canoeing, tunneling, and mouseholing. Canoeing happens when one side of your cigar burns faster than the other. You’ll get tunneling when the filler burns faster than the binder and exterior wrapper. Finally, mouse holes can form beneath your ash on one side, causing your cigar to burn faster on one side vs. the other.

Cigar smoking is all about ritual, from the first light to the nub. Don’t rush it. Especially with lighting. Use a match or invest in a butane lighter, and unless you want your cigar to look like a hollowed boat or you want to miss the pure essence of the exterior wrapper, learn how to light your cigar the right way and with the right tool.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy