Cigar Ring Gauges: Everything You Need to Know
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 […]
Cigar Taxes: Here’s What You Need to Know
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 […]
Cigar Store vs. Online Cigar Shop: Which is Better?
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 […]
The Skinny on Fat Cigars
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 […]
How To Become A Certified Tobacconist
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 […]
Which Cigar Lighters Work Best?
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 […]
Figurado Cigars: Here’s What You Need to Know
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 […]
Quality Cigars Take Time: The Cigar Supply Chain
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 […]
Sun Grown Cigars: Here’s What You Need to Know
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 […]
Infused Cigars: A Do It Yourself Guide
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. […]