Staff, Author at 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

Is Your Cigar Event Host Hotel a Good Deal?

Posted on June 19, 2022 by Staff

One common feature of larger, multi-day cigar events is promotion of hotel properties, often called “host hotels,” where attendees are encouraged to stay. Host hotels run the gamut as far as pricing is concerned. There’s also a broad range of how well integrated and coordinated host hotels are into the other aspects of the cigar event programming, too. However, you must decide whether you should stay at a particular host hotel. That decision often depends the value the host hotel offers, your budget, and your objectives during the trip.

Why you Should Stay at the Cigar Event Host Hotel

When done well, staying in a host hotel can be a wonderful compliment to your cigar experience. Depending on the deal, the price for your room may be comparable to or more reasonable than similar rooms in the area. Besides that, the hotel may serve as a kind of “home base” for event things:

Event check-in
On-site registration
A departure for shuttles to remote event locations
An event representative to answer questions and welcome attendees

The host hotel may also play host to similar, smaller organized mini events, like “Coffee & Cigars” in the morning. It also might offer an unorganized, impromptu destination for the “after party” in the wee hours of the morning! You also can informally run into, visit with, and meet other cigar smoking attendees while on the property. If your host hotel is going to be highly integrated with the activities of the larger event, you might justify staying there even if the rate is significantly higher than other alternatives.

Why you Shouldn’t Stay at the Cigar Event Host Hotel

Simply put, why you shouldn’t stay at a host hotel follows the opposite of why you should. If the price is substantially higher than other acceptable alternatives and there is little to no coordination with the overall event, you’re less likely to buckle down and open your wallet for a room. A property that doesn’t know what group you were with does little to impress. You could have stayed at another property a mile down the road without it making any difference in your experience. If that’s the case, then it probably makes no sense to stay at the host hotel either, even if you have a group booking code.

Is the Cigar Event Group Rate a Good Deal?

Group hotel rates for cigar events work no different from any other group rate for lodging. Whether it represents a good deal depends on several factors.

Supply and demand for rooms in the area during that time period
How good of a deal your event promoter negotiates
How much of the group savings is passed to you
How much of the savings is retained by the event promoter

It is a perfectly legal and normal practice in group travel to offer free rooms or a commission to the event organizer. The more freebies the organizer requires gives the hotel property less room to work with in offering paying cigar event customers competitive rates. While you won’t easily be able to see what your promoter negotiated, you can check an online travel site or your favorite hotel chain’s website and compare properties, amenities and perks. You will probably find a cheaper alternative at a budget establishment. That said, if you don’t need all the fancy amenities of a high-end property, that’s okay, too. That leaves you with more money for cigars at the event!

Find Your Cigar Venues on a Map

It’s a good practice to use a map and identify the general area where the events you are planning to attend will be located. You might even preview drive times. Cigar event venues at multi-day events are increasingly becoming more spread out. Don’t automatically assume the host hotel was specially selected for its overall proximity to the events. Often, it is simply where the promoter got the best deal.

Look around and do your own homework first. You might find something more proximate to your events on your own. This is where perks like shuttles from a host hotel to remote events may tip the scale in favor of the host hotel. Checking a map should also help inform your decision on whether you’ll need a car during your stay, too. Multiple, long taxi or ride share bills can add up fast. Remember, many hotels charge for parking in large city centers with fees that can easily set you back by $50 or more per night. It’s also worth clarifying whether the group rate at the host hotel offers complimentary or reduced fee parking.

Why Stay Somewhere Else, Regardless of Price

Many veteran event attendees prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of host hotels — even great host hotels. They know they are looking at six to 12 hours of organized cigar smoking events a day and they just want a little “me time” during the rest of the day. Veteran attendees prefer moving quickly around the hotel lobby without stopping to chat with fellow attendees. You also might combine your passion for cigars with something else on your trip. Depending on the location, you might visit the beach or another tourist attraction. If that’s the case, staying away from the host hotel makes the most logistical sense.

Host Hotels, a Final Word

Ultimately, do what makes the most sense for you, period. Unless you know the host hotel is extremely well coordinated with the overall cigar event, it’s worth doing your homework to compare other options. If things are close, particularly if you’re a first time attendee, lean in to the host hotel. At a minimum, it might be a good way to make new friends.

*Editors note: This is geared towards able-bodied, experienced travelers within the domestic United States. It is advised to rely more heavily on event-organized lodging and ground transportation when traveling abroad or in remote areas.

Photo Credit: Cigar Life Guy

Figurado Cigars: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Staff

What’s the difference in the physical look of cigars when comparing one with another? The question is more common than you might think. To the novice, all cigars look the same. They are long, cylindrical, and rounded at one end, and flat at the other. This most common and simplest cigar construction is called a parejo. However, if you’ve been part of the cigar lifestyle for a while, then you probably know the term figurado. These cigars deviate from traditional shapes. Their construction is more complex. So, how do you tell the difference among cigars when you’re new to cigar lifestyle? We’ll break it down for you. Here’s everything you need to know about figurado cigars, and why you should try one of them the next time you light up.

Figurado Cigars Come In Many Shapes

Figurado cigars are not rolled in the traditional style of the parejo. Most have tapered ends and some contain oblong bulges with more binder and fill. The most common figurados are the Pyramid, Torpedo, Belicoso, and, of course, the Perfecto.

Pyramids and Torpedoes

These two styles appear similar, and they are similar in length and ring gauge. However, the traditional pyramid has a slightly thicker foot that tapers to the pointed cap. A torpedo is shaped like a conventional parejo (think of a traditional Toro), but like the pyramid, a torpedo tapers at the head.

Belicosos

Belicoso cigars are the smallest figurado, about the size of Robusto. It’s easy to mistake these for a parejo. Many cigar enthusiasts view Belicoso cigars as a kind of hybrid because the tapering at the head is softer and more rounded.

Perfecto

Perhaps the most distinct of the figurado cigar shapes are the perfecto. These smokes feature a tapered foot and a conic head. At first glance, a novice might not know which end to light. However, cigar aficionados and seasoned smokers know that many Perfecto cigars, like the Arturo Fuente Hemingway line, are rolled with a tiny nub or nipple at the foot. This makes for easy lighting.

The Quality and Complexity of Figurado Cigars

So what’s all the fuss about? There’s a good reason those figurado cigars often come with a higher price tag. Remember, cigar rolling is an art form, and figurados have a far more intricate construction than parejos.

Only master rollers craft figurado cigars. Since it takes about 10 years to become a master, these cigar rollers earn the distinction through experience, rolling, and through their ability to blend and bunch the tobacco. The irregular shapes and variation of size throughout the body of the cigar also make them more difficult to roll.

It’s not just the construction that makes these cigars top-shelf. It’s the complexity of the taste. A cigar is composed of three parts: filler, binder, and exterior wrapper. When you smoke a Perfecto, for instance, the first few draws contain mostly flavor from the exterior wrapper. As you smoke the thicker sections of the cigar, you’ll taste more of the filler and binder. Finally, when the cigar tapers toward the end, the balance and blend of all three tobaccos emerge. Some smokers refer to this as a “turn.” A figurado cigar can contain several turns. Whatever you want to call it, figurados are best savored all the way to the nub.

Cutting and Lighting a Figurado Cigar

Obviously, the tapered ends of torpedoes and perfectos rule out using a punch. Those finely constructed tapered heads deliver a tighter more concentrated draw than a parejo. You can use a v-cutter, but a straight cutter works best. Be careful not to cut too deep into the tapered cap. Remember, experiencing the varying flavors as the cigar reaches its end is one of the best part of enjoying a figurado cigar.

Don’t worry about how to light most figurados. Torpedoes, Pyramids, and Belicoso cigars usually have a traditional foot like any parejo. However, don’t make the mistake of torching the fat end of perfecto! The tiny knob at the end is all you need to light. The draw may be slow at first, but be patient. Enjoy the first surge of flavor, and kick back for a dynamic smoking experience.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Quality Cigars Take Time: The Cigar Supply Chain

Posted on June 5, 2022 by Staff

COVID-19 slammed the supply chain, and the cigar industry was no exception. Life is getting back to normal. Cigar Life Guy and most of you are back at cigar events, but the supply chain continues to lag. Many cigar smokers are still wondering where their favorite cigars are. The delay is all for good reasons and much of it is the growing and manufacturing processes. Getting quality cigars from the factories, onto the shelves, and into your hand is careful and complex.

Handcrafted Quality Cigars

Quality cigars are made the same way they were over 100 years ago. Tobacco is handpicked, then cigars are hand-rolled. The process requires skilled laborers and the careful cultivation of tobacco leaves.

Tobacco plants need time to grow, and after harvesting, time to cure and ferment. Understanding this process goes a long way toward understanding how the supply chain can slow. It also goes a long way to appreciate the premium quality of the next cigar you light.

The growing season typically begins in September. By January, plants mature and it’s time to “prime” them. Priming removes the leaves needed for curing and for transforming into cigars later.

The Construction of a Quality Cigar

There are three parts to every cigar: filler, binder, and an exterior wrapper. These are often different tobaccos from different sections of the tobacco plant. Cigar manufacturers use volado, or leaves from the lower section of the plant for filler. Since they receive less sun, they are smaller and produce a subtler milder flavor.

The seco leaves are from the midsection of the plant. They are slightly larger than the volado and with less flavor. Seco leaves also serve as fill and sometimes also as the binder.

The ligero or upper part of a tobacco plant receives the most amount of sunlight. These larger leaves provide the strongest flavors, so growers use them for a cigar’s exterior wrapper. Torn or imperfect ligeros often serve as binders.

When you hear aficionados discuss a cigar’s “balance,” they are referring to how these components create a cigar’s distinct taste. Even though most flavor derives from the exterior wrapper, the binder and fill are vital to a cigar’s character. Master blenders develop unique combinations after the tobacco cures, ferments, and they remove leaves from stalks.

The Waiting Game

Once harvested, growers hang the leaves in barns to dry and cure. The curing process removes chlorophyll and the leaves take on the familiar brown and yellow hues seen in your favorite cigars.

The fermenting process takes even longer. Sometimes the process can take years. Once fermented, growers divide the leaves into fillers, binders, and wrappers and tie them into bundles. Then, the cigars are left to ferment. Fermentation and aging allow the tobacco’s flavor and aroma to mature. The longer tobacco ferments the higher the quality results. This happens before a single cigar is rolled.

Careful Craftsmanship: Stripping, Rolling, and Wrapping

After curing and fermenting, skilled workers must carefully remove the middle vein of the leaf. Next, the rolling process begins. The filler and binder come first, followed by the exterior wrapper. Manufacturers inspect cigars for uniformity of size and imperfections, then box them according to shade differences. Despite the sophisticated process, true cigar lovers should expect nothing less.

In the early days of the pandemic, government shutdowns and factory shutdowns slowed production in countries like Honduras and Nicaragua. Many workers were laid off and have yet to return. Combined with the shipping and logistics problems that are facing all industries, the return to normal continues to be slow.

Quality Cigars are Worth the Wait

Quality cigar making is an art, and like any art it takes time. The recent spike in cigar demand, bolstered by internet sales and new smokers, put a strain on supply in the past couple of years. Yet, cigar makers have not rushed production or sacrificed quality. Aficionados and purists know that there are plenty of brands to choose from. Like enjoying a top-shelf cigar, there’s no sense rushing it.

Photo Credit: Cigar Life Guy

Sun Grown Cigars: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Staff

Even those new to cigar life immediately recognize the difference between Maduro and naturals. Maduros are dark, and naturals are light. Simple enough. But looks can deceive. There is an even wider variety of exterior wrappers that give premium cigars their distinct taste and body, including Sun Grown.

The Components of a Premium Cigar

The make-up of a cigar is simple. Unlike cigarettes, which use paper and cotton filters, a cigar is constructed entirely of tobacco. Fillers and binders are the guts. These tobaccos come from a variety of regions and define a cigar’s taste and body. But many aren’t aware that nearly 80% of a cigar’s flavor comes from the exterior wrapper. And not all wrappers are alike.

The Difference Between Shade and Sun Grown

There are a few distinct differences between shade and Sun Grown cigars, namely humidity, sun exposure, cigar wrappers, and even cigar texture. To fully appreciate a Sun Grown cigar, know the differences between them and shade cigars.

Humidity and Sun Exposure

All plants need sun to grow, including tobacco plants. To produce different tastes and strengths, tobacco grows in many ways and from a variety of seeds. Most tobacco leaves are grown using a canopy that provides shade. This filters the amount of direct sunlight a plant receives. This process began in Connecticut (hence the name) in 1900 and continues to this day. In the early days, growers used cheesecloth to raise humidity and reduce sun exposure, but now nylon is the material of choice. The result is a smoother, thinner veined leaf you’ll find in your typical “natural” cigar.

Sun Grown tobacco is exactly as its name sounds. Leaves receive direct sunlight during the growing process. The result is a slightly darker and thicker veined leaf.

Cigar Wrapper

The next time you’re browsing in your local cigar shop, look close. Many cigar lines offer the same style of cigar in a natural or a maduro. It isn’t just the color that makes a difference. The exterior wrapper of Connecticut shade grown cigars has a thin and delicate appearance. The exterior wrappers are lighter, but they are also smoother. That’s because leaves do not absorb as much sun intensity as their darker counterparts do.

Cigar Texture

Your typical maduro cigar has more texture, and the thicker veins are obvious even at a glance since a maduro is essentially sun grown. They undergo a longer and more complex fermentation process.

A traditional Sun Grown cigar, such as an Ashton VSG or Davidoff Millenium Blend, has a similar texture, the thicker veins, and the darker color, common to a maduro. Additionally, you might also notice a slightly oily texture and appearance with maduros and true Sun Grown. Appearance aside, though, what truly distinguishes traditional Sun Grown from a maduro or a natural is the flavor and body.

Sun Grown Taste

Even the least sensitive palates will immediately recognize the boldness of a Sun Grown cigar. You won’t find the creamy sweetness that you find in Connecticuts or the pepper and chocolate notes you find in many maduros.

Tastes and strengths vary among Sun Grown. Most are robust compared to other alternatives. Some smokers have even described the initial draw as having a pleasant bite. Despite the full-bodied flavors, these cigars are balanced, smooth, and often top-shelf. How you describe the unique flavors of a Sun Grown depends. However, “earthy, leathery, and spicy” comes to mind, but they are pretty hard to pin down. But the best way to find out is to try one for yourself. Better yet, complement it with a blanco tequila. Its spice won’t overpower the richness of a Sun Grown.

Photo credit: Alec & Bradley Cigar Distributors Inc.

Infused Cigars: A Do It Yourself Guide

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Staff

Drew Estate introduced the Acid line 25 years ago. Since then, spirit-infused cigars like the Maker’s Mark Bourbon have become a staple in most cigar establishments. The debate over infused cigars persists. Are they “real” cigars? Whether you think so, infused cigars have carved their niche in the industry.

Infused cigars are not for everyone. Yet, if you’re considering dabbling, there is no need to shell out a ton of cash. Infusing cigars at home is easy.

It’s difficult to replicate the exotic blends created by Drew Estate. An easier alternative is to infuse your cigars with a classic spirit like bourbon or whiskey. Creating the best-infused sticks begins by choosing the right cigars for the process.

Choosing a Cigar

First, we don’t recommend using top-shelf cigars to create your own flavor infusions. Inexpensive house blends from your local cigar shop or classic lines will work fine. A Connecticut shade wrapper is best for absorbing flavor and aroma from spirits. Yet, any wrapper will work. You might also want to use a cigar with a familiar flavor profile. That way, you’ll be able to determine the difference in taste and strength after your infusion.

Choosing Flavor Profiles for Infused Cigars

Cigar purists consider the sweet flavors associated with many infused cigars a turnoff. Using your favorite bourbon, cognac or rum is as far as you need to go. If done right and given enough time, your cigar will absorb the essence of anything aromatic and flavorful. You can even experiment with coffee beans or pipe tobacco.

What You Need to Infuse Your Cigar

Infusing your cigars at home is simple. All you need are your favorite spirits, a shot glass, and an airtight container. Any food-grade container with a good seal works fine. If you want to experiment with using fewer cigars, you can use a resealable plastic bag.

Infused Cigars: The Process

Start by filling a two-ounce glass with a spirit of your choice. You only need to fill the glass about halfway. Place the glass inside your container. Then add your cigars to the container and seal the lid.

Store the container like you would store any cigars. Keep them away from direct sunlight in a room with a temperature of roughly 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Depending on the number of cigars, the process could take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Remember, the process takes longer for more cigars. A standard, medium-sized container with an ounce of liquid could infuse 4 to 8 cigars. Always double-check to ensure a tight seal.

Monitor them throughout the process. Try smoking one after a month to measure the taste. Remember, any extensive time may need some humidification, like Boveda pouches. Check that shot glass, too. It may need some topping off to achieve a richer infused flavor.

Do you want to streamline the process while minimizing the time investment? Try soaking part of a paper towel with the spirit of your choice. Wring out the excess and place it in a Ziploc bag with a cigar. However, be sure to keep the cigar separate from the towel. The goal is to infuse, not saturate. You’ll have an infused cigar in a couple of weeks.

Of course, you can use your humidor instead of a kitchen container to infuse your cigars, but we don’t recommend it. The aromas and essence will seep into the cedar of your humidor and any cigar you store. Cigar stores quarantine Kuba Kuba cigars in separate cases for good reason. Unless you want all your sticks to taste like spiced rum, use a container or a plastic bag to infuse them.

The Final Word

Cigar life is about finding what you like. Experiment. The infused cigar has earned its place in the industry, and they are worth a try.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Cigar Lounge Etiquette for the Frequent Traveler

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Staff

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you’re never far from home or a premium cigar, if you can find a good cigar lounge. Practicing good cigar lounge etiquette is essential, regardless of where your travels lead you. Here are some tips to consider when taking cigar life on the road.

How to Choose a Cigar Lounge

Smoking restrictions will vary depending on where you are in the country or the world. Some cities allow smoking in restaurants and bars, and others restrict it to designated smoking lounges or private clubs. But if you’re traveling for business or on vacation looking to relax, avoid some of the flashier settings. Consider the size and what a place offers. Restaurants and bars that allow smokers might attract larger and rowdier crowds.

If you’re simply looking for a place to have a stick and sip on your favorite cocktail, traditional cigar lounges and local shops remain the best option. Since they are typically filled with paying members who are aficionados themselves, they are often the most welcoming.

There are apps out there to help you find smoke-friendly venues and Reddit and Facebook groups can provide information, but sometimes the best resource is your hotel concierge or simply asking a local. Asking a local can also help you avoid the trendy places you wouldn’t visit when you’re in your hometown.

Cigar Lounge Etiquette Rules Differ

Each lounge has its own policies. Some lounges will allow you to bring your own sticks, while others prefer you purchase a cigar on site. But conventional (cigar) wisdom says if you’re patronizing a store, it’s best to make a purchase. Don’t presume that because you’ve purchased a cigar, you can kick back and smoke for free. Since many lounges have paying members, some may charge a small smoking fee.

The same etiquette applies to booze. Some lounges and cigar clubs have fully stocked bars and serve alcohol, and others are B.Y.O.B. Phone ahead to find out store policies rather than showing up with your own bottle of bourbon.

Assume nothing. Be polite and simply ask. And don’t haggle the owner over policies and prices. Cigar life is about camaraderie and enjoyment. Most places graciously welcome tourists. Lounges, especially independently owned smaller shops, may even waive the smoking fee for travelers.

Each Lounge Has Distinct Atmospheres

Whether you’re in New York, Rome, or smaller cities across the country, every cigar lounge will have its own unique atmosphere.

When you sit down as a guest at a cigar lounge, read the room how Tom Brady or Peyton Manning would read a defense. Cigar life is about leisure and the satisfaction of a great smoke. If guys are settling in for the big game or watching the local news, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Don’t change the channel. Also, sometimes cigars are best savored in silence, so take your phone calls outside.

Smoking is a small exclusive community, but cigar smokers are not exclusive. Know cigar lounge etiquette. Respecting the regulars goes a long way to being welcomed as one of their own. There’s nothing wrong with making conversation. So share a drink. Talk cigars, football, baseball, maybe some business, but keep politics and religion out of it. Remember, local lounge members are there for the same reason you are: to enjoy a premium cigar.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Life Insurance for Cigar Smokers: Your Top 10 Questions

Posted on May 1, 2022 by Staff

Cigar Life Guy® is celebrating its third anniversary and over the last three years we’ve helped a ton of regular cigar smokers get life insurance at non-tobacco rates, often a 70% savings vs. smoker rates! Over the last few years, we’ve also gotten tons of questions. Here are some of the most frequent questions (and answers) about life insurance for cigar smokers.

Does it really work? Can I really get non-tobacco rates on life insurance even if I smoke cigars every day?

Yes! It really works. Our whole business is built upon getting regular cigar smokers the non-tobacco rates on life insurance. We know it can seem too good to be true. Many clients are skeptical until we come back with a final, formal offer from the insurance carrier. Usually, clients are so excited they sign the paperwork and accept the offer within hours of learning they were approved at non-tobacco rates! To get the non-tobacco rates, there are four essential things you must do.

Disclose your cigar use on the application
Not also smoke cigarettes or vape
Be otherwise healthy enough to qualify for life insurance
Apply with the right company (Cigar Life Guy helps you do this)

I applied with another company and ended up with smoker rates! Can I apply with you and get non-tobacco rates?

Yes! We fix “issues” with other application processes all the time. Even if another company gave you smoker or tobacco rates, as long as you follow our instructions and fully disclose your cigar use on the initial application, you can get non-tobacco rates with one of our companies.

Do I have to take a medical exam to get non-tobacco rates on life insurance?

We have life insurance options that most cigar smokers will qualify for that will not require a medical exam. Often this is a more expensive option but for some people the convenience of not having to take an exam is worth it.

It is possible the exam will be waived even with companies offering the best prices, but it depends on your answers to the application’s health questions. That said, we advise people who want the best possible price to prepare to take an exam if asked.

The good news is the life insurance exam is typically fairly simple: someone comes to your home or office, or you can visit a facility in your area. They take a blood sample, a urine sample, blood pressure reading, and record your height and weight.

Can I still get non-tobacco rates on life insurance even if I use marijuana and smoke cigars?

Absolutely! Underwriting for marijuana use is increasingly becoming less restrictive. If you use marijuana and smoke cigars, you can still get non-tobacco rates in most cases.

Like any other application, insurers look at your overall health and lifestyle. It’s very important that you disclose the marijuana use along with cigar use on the initial application. It’s equally important that you tell us about both during our initial consultation so we can place you with the company most favorable to you.

Can I have more than one life insurance policy?

Yes, you can have multiple life insurance policies. You qualify for life insurance as an individual based on your income or net worth, but typically your income. The amount you qualify for will vary with your age and the company that writes your policy.

Most people qualify for much more insurance than they are interested in purchasing. You will need to disclose the policies you already have at the time of your application. The life insurance company will consider how the policy you are applying for will affect the total amount of coverage you’ll have.

Why can’t I just lie and say I don’t smoke cigars on the application and stop smoking cigars for a few weeks so I can pass the life insurance exam and get non-tobacco rates?

Ignoring the moral and ethical issues associated with lying, it’s never a good idea to be anything but truthful on a life insurance application. It’s possible to potentially “game” the system and get your policy approved, but any less than truthful answers (nice way of saying “lies”) may cause problems if there is a claim (that is, you die).

Life insurance companies scrutinize claims more closely than initial applications. Is there an electronic paper trail (like social media) of your cigar use? Do you work in an occupation (like at a cigar store or for a cigar brand) where it is unlikely you don’t regularly smoke cigars? Does your doctor know you smoke cigars? These are a few things to consider before selecting the less than truthful approach.

The whole idea of life insurance is to give you peace of mind if something goes wrong. How much peace of mind will you have if you’re loved ones have a problem with a death claim because you played fast and loose with the truth? There is a legitimate way to get non-tobacco rates as regular cigar smoker where you fully disclose your cigar use on the application. Doing so gives you and your loved ones a peace of mind knowing you’ve eliminated claims issues associated with your cigar use.

I got a policy with non-tobacco rates before I started smoking cigars. Is that policy still valid?

Yes, it is! A life insurance application is evaluated based upon your point-in-time answers to health and lifestyle questions. It is very likely your health and lifestyle will change. For example, just as you may have started smoking cigars after you got the life insurance, you may also start flying a plane, commit a felony, or have a heart attack or other health ailment. As long as you were truthful about your health and lifestyle at the time of application, your policy will be fine.

My friend got some Cigar Life Guy stuff at an event. How do I get Cigar Life Guy stuff?

Cigar Life Guy apparel is available online. All proceeds go to Operation: Cigars for Warriors, Cigar Life Guy’s official cigar charity. Most of the swag at events is limited edition, event-only items, and are usually given away free at designated events. The best way to get Cigar Life Guy swag is to go to an event where Cigar Life Guy has a presence. We have a great time at events and smoke a lot of cigars. It’s also a great way to meet other cigar smokers from near and far.

How come every page of your website has a form for life insurance quotes? I’m tired of seeing all your ads for life insurance on your website!

Hey, everybody’s gotta eat! The life insurance brokerage is the only “advertiser” that Cigar Life Guy has. So, yes, when you’re reading a cigar lifestyle article on the website there will be a quote form for the life insurance. Compare us to your other favorite cigar lifestyle site. Frankly, we think we’re one of the lowest frequency ad sites of any cigar lifestyle website around. We don’t have affiliate programs or promote other people’s products for compensation, disclosed or undisclosed.

Do you really smoke cigars?

Yes. Lots of them. A big part of the brand’s success is its authenticity. Find us at an event or private message us on social media and discover which local lounge in Atlanta we’ll be smoking at today!

If you have other questions, call us, private message us on social media, or email dave@cigarlifeguy.com.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

How Cheap Cigars Helped Paul Volcker Beat Inflation

Posted on April 23, 2022 by Staff

With a swirl of smoke floating around him, Paul Volcker was no stranger to the cigar lifestyle. Although he limited his smoking in public, he didn’t shy away from lighting up during congressional meetings. He tucked his long brown stick into his pocket, between his fingers, or in the corner of his mouth. You’d be hard-pressed to separate Volcker from his cheap cigars. Why cheap cigars? Volcker was as economical with his sticks as he was with the country’s finances.

Paul Volcker and Money

Paul Volcker Jr. was born in Cape May, New Jersey in 1927. He was an American economist who served as chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System during the Carter and Reagan administrations. The Obama Administration later consulted with him as well when it sought to overhaul the nation’s financial regulatory system.

Volcker was the guy who received credit for wrangling inflation back under control. Inflation was at 14% in 1980 and fell to 3% by 1983, thanks to Volcker’s tactics.

Politics aside, though, there’s one thing that always stood out about Volcker and that was his love of cheap cigars and cigar lifestyle. Volcker was a man of six-foot-seven-inch stature and while he limited smoking in public, he often smoked his sticks in Congress during committee meetings, and no one stopped him. This was significant considering congress held several smoking bans since 1871, yet Volcker could continue enjoying his stick despite this.

Paul Volcker’s Love for Cheap Cigars

Unlike many cigar aficionados who love a good premium stick, Volcker preferred more affordable cigars. In fact, his personal favorites were AC Grenadiers, known today as Antonio y Cleopatra Grenadiers. During Volcker’s time, these sticks cost him a mere 25 cents per cigar. Volcker liked them because they were economical. They also helped him through a time of inflation, and he trained himself to smoke only what he could afford.

That might sound odd, considering the guy spent many years in prominent financial roles and on Wall Street. The discipline of smoking cheap cigars continued throughout Volcker’s life well after he was earning $1 million a year on Wall Street. Yet, he was a firm believer and practitioner in frugality and discipline, even with his choice of cigars.

Inflation’s Impact on the Cigar Industry

Volcker was as passionate about smoking affordable cigars as he was about fighting inflation. In fact, he once was quoted in a book written about the Insider Trading Sanctions Act of 1983 hearing as saying, “I am going to stop smoking cigars when the deficit goes away.” Volcker opted for more economical cigars to maintain his cigar lifestyle while fighting his battle against inflationary prices and sticking to a budget. That’s besides his staunch discipline for frugality.

Considering Volcker’s rule on smoking affordable cigars remains relevant even today considering the rising cost of cigars and other markets we’re facing.

Inflation is here once again, but that doesn’t mean you must go searching for something comparable today to Volcker’s 25-cent cigar of yesteryear. A better idea is to focus on finding good sticks you can afford and savoring them.

Should You Choose Cheap Cigars?

Like Paul Volcker, you can stick to your budget and beat inflation with more affordable cigar choices. That doesn’t mean you need to, or should, buy cheap cigars, though. Rather, focus on getting the best quality cigar that fits your budget. Reserve your premium sticks for those special occasions.

What’s the point of cigar lifestyle if you can’t enjoy the flavor and experience of your cigar? Familiarize yourself with how your cigars brand reputation, quality and the flavor profile.

If you’re new to cigar lifestyle or looking for a way to enjoy an affordable cigar without spending a small fortune, the prices on some of the premium cigars might seem daunting. Remember, there are ways to enjoy a good stick without kicking in $20 or more for each premium cigar.

The Final Word on Volcker and Cheap Cigars

Although Volcker often chose cheap cigars as his go-to, they weren’t the only cigars he smoked. He knew when to reach for a premium Havana as well. The key lies in knowing when to choose an affordable cigar and when the moment calls for something special.

When selecting affordable cigars, be selective, but also don’t be afraid to try new cigars. There are plenty of affordable sticks to choose from that won’t break your budget.

As with any cigar, to maximize flavor and your overall cigar experience, cleanse your palate before you smoke. Finally, a big part of cigar lifestyle is also about the fellowship afforded by a community of cigar aficionados. So, kick back, light up and enjoy the experience.

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/cigar-tobacco-havana-to-smoke-case-1293684/