Cigar Fundamentals Archives - Page 7 of 9

The Evolution of Cigar Bands: 1830s to Today

Posted on November 8, 2020 by Staff

The cigar band is the ubiquitous piece of paper that rings the cigar and makes it a lot easier when you reach into your humidor to identify what you are smoking. Yet, shrouded in mystery, Cigar bands have remained the center of debate among cigar aficionados and trophy collectors. So when did the cigar band evolve from a tiny strip of paper to a blaring work of art?

When Did Cigar Bands First Appear?

The stylish look of cigar bands serves an efficient purpose. The rumor was that it began at the behest of Catherine the Great. The band was considered a way to prevent her from getting her fingers dirty while smoking. England supposedly reinforced the notion of cleanliness and bands. However, cigarettes, snuff, and pipe tobacco were far more prevalent – and dirtier.

Cigar Bands Were Calling Cards

The origin of cigar bands was a more practical purpose, solved by a German immigrant to Cuba named Gustave Bock. In the early 1800s, Cuban cigars were top-rated in Europe. However, these trophy cigars cost nearly 15 times the most available cigars made in Germany. Because of the cost disparity, counterfeit Cuban cigars flourished. So Bock, who had his factory, wrapped a paper band around every cigar with his signature. By the mid-1800s, every Cuban factory did the same.

Cigar Bands Get Fancy

The early 1900s saw the rise of cigar band art. Collecting cigar bands became a hobby, with cigar stores proudly displaying ornate albums. They became a prized commodity as they grew more ornate and intricately detailed. Cigar companies created different cigar bands and even offered collected cigar bands in trade-in programs like the old S and H Green Stamps, where you could trade bands for dining ware or furniture. However, once the Great Depression hit, cigars dropped out of favor, as did the elaborate, expensive bands.

History Repeats Itself

When the renewed rise and subsequent mania for Cuban cigars hit in the late 1990s, counterfeit cigars became popular again. Two of the most sought-after brands of cigars, Cohiba and Padron, introduced a unique identification system underneath the bands to prevent copycats. Other companies frequently change the band design to guard against counterfeiting. As the competition for shelf space in cigar stores heated up, larger, more ornate bands have become the norm. Gorgeous designs on cigars like Fuente’s Opus X or La Sirena’s Ocean serve as their billboards.

Leave the Band On, or Take It Off?

The band has become almost the entire cigar on some cigars! In some lounges, folks like to keep the band on to advertise (show off) what they are smoking. It is always best to remove the band when you light them. It shouldn’t affect the taste, but it can affect how they burn — especially on the more prominent labels. Be careful removing the band so you don’t tear the wrapper. Usually, it’s best to light the cigar and let it heat up. That should loosen the glue and allow it to peel off much easier. The cigar band is the easiest way of identifying your prized smokes in your humidor. Just don’t use them as the sole methodology for buying new cigars!

Photo credit: Pixabay | GPC33

Why All the Fuss About Box-Pressed Cigars?

Posted on October 25, 2020 by Staff

Few things in the cigar world are as galvanizing as the box-pressed cigar. Unlike the ubiquitous, traditional round cigars, box-pressed cigars are rectangular in shape. They have inspired love-hate relationships among avid smokers. They can also be found in the best cigar lounges around the country and usually accompanied by a heated debate.

The History of the Box-Pressed Cigar

LeBron James sported a box-pressed cigar in a social media post and unfamiliar fans clamored to know what he was smoking. He responded that he has smoked these cigars forever. Forever, as it turned out, traces back to the 1959 pre-embargo Cuban cigars. The specific shape allowed for maximum storage and packing inside the cigar boxes. This also prevented potential damage from rolling around in the box during transportation by ship.

How are Box-Pressed Cigars Made?

Box-pressed cigars are cigars that begin like traditional round cigars – Parejos. Producers pack them into a traditional box while the cigars are still moist and malleable. The box receives gradual pressure from a hand-cranked press until the cigars form into a rectangular shape. Trunk pressing is more labor-intensive and involves rotating the cigar every twelve hours to form its shape. They are difficult to replicate, but offer practicality; trophy cigars can’t roll off tables when lit!

When Did They Become Popular?

During the big, U.S. cigar boom of the 1990s, Padron launched the box-pressed Padron 1964 Anniversary Series cigar. Padron created it as a special blend to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the company’s founding but intended it as a limited release. It was a blockbuster release for Padron, and immediately beloved by trophy collectors. Other producers immediately followed suit, offering various sizes and shapes.

Cutting and Lighting

One complaint is the difficulty in cutting a box-pressed cigar. Because of the shape, most traditional cutters won’t work. A guillotine works for some box-pressed cigars due to their traditional tapered torpedo shape. But for a large gauge, true square cigar, traditional cigar scissors, or a punch is the preferred method. It is important that the cigars are stored properly because the cap can crack very easily if too much pressure is applied when using the punch. Additionally, when lighting them, they need to be rotated completely to ensure an even burn.

Do They Taste Differently?

They may look different, but all that really matters is taste. The square shape typically leads to a slower, cooler burn, releasing more flavors when compared to traditional cigars. Your lips don’t create a seal when inhaling. Instead, your mouth draws air in with it, along with more flavor for your palate. It’s similar to the way you taste wine. Like any good cigar, it’s all about the producer’s attention to quality control.

Box-Pressed Cigars are in Fashion

While the debate rages among cigar smokers, top producers have all answered back, contributing to the square cigar lifestyle. Oliva, Fuente, My Father, La Aroma de Cuba, and Rocky Patel all produce box-pressed cigars that have scored highly in Cigar Aficionado. Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr., has been spotted smoking the My Father Le Bijou 1922 while on set. Kevin Hart has sported a square Rocky Patel in a recent fashion shoot in California. It’s just another example of why one size doesn’t always fit all when it comes to cigars.

Photo credit: Padron/padron.com

Six Confessions of a Smoking Lounge Owner

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Staff

Here is a list of six “rules” an actual cigar shop owner sent Cigar Life Guy; a list of rules that can either make or break the cigar smoking experience in a private, smoking lounge. These rules may seem pretty universal, but you’d be surprised how often they get violated.

Smoking Lounge Business Isn’t Free

There is a cost of doing business. While you may be incredibly proud of your collection of trophy cigars from your home humidor, all cigar lounges offer some form of retail component. Selling cigars goes a long way to supporting the lounge.

Expand your horizon and try some cigars you’ve never tried before. A new Mexican box press corona? A richly licorice-flavored Robusto with a Brazilian wrapper? Plus, many lounges roll their own. No better way to ingratiate yourself with the owner than enjoying the house brand every now and then. If anything, they make great gifts.

Sharing is Caring… To a Degree

If you have supported the shop’s cigars, and have a good rapport with the owner, next time you bring in the occasional hard-to-find Cuban, don’t be afraid to share with the host. Odds are pretty good he’s got a few trophies stashed away that you may never have seen and you may well become a beneficiary. Keep in mind, if the place doesn’t serve alcohol, please don’t sneak it in. Cigars and cocktails are natural pairings; don’t jeopardize the owner’s livelihood.

It’s a Smoking Lounge, Not a Home

Cigar smoking is all about relaxation. However, we don’t need to see your feet. Keep the shoes on, and keep your sprawl to a minimum. It’s a shared environment. Working on a laptop is acceptable. Doing people’s taxes and creating a branch office is not. Just because you are the first person in, doesn’t mean you get to control the television all night. We understand you want to watch “A Few Good Men” again; some folks want to watch JLO on World of Dance. Also, don’t ash on the floor; you wouldn’t do it at home.

Stick to Cigars

First and foremost, the ventilation systems are usually geared for cigar smoke. Cigar smokers and cigarette smokers are entirely different types of people. Additionally, the rules for your state are irrelevant. Unless the cigar lounge is also a retail marijuana smoking lounge, leave your “specialty” smokes at home. Not everyone is tolerant, and just like with alcohol, there is no need to jeopardize the owner’s license.

Politics, Politics, Politics

Enjoying a cigar is not always a solitary event. A friendly discourse is great; stumping for your favorite politician can be polarizing and toxic; bad tempers can linger. It’s always difficult to find a happy medium. Just remember, the first goal of a cigar lounge is to provide a relaxing, inclusive environment. You may not know your host’s political leanings and you do want to be allowed back!

You Don’t Have to Go Home, but You Can’t Stay Here

Please don’t fall asleep; we’re not the waiting room at a Greyhound Terminal. Don’t light up a cigar 15 minutes before closing unless you plan on taking it with you. It may feel like home, but it probably isn’t the owner’s home. They need time to clean up and maybe enjoy a cigar in solitude. Be respectful and you will be rewarded many times over. That is a promise!

These “rules” were a guest submission by an actual cigar store owner in the Northeastern United States.

photo credit: Pixabay

How to Properly Light a Cigar

Posted on June 21, 2020 by Staff

Many rituals work their way into the enjoyment of cigars. Some of these rituals can lead to very heated arguments. Like those arguments about where the best cigars come from (Cuba vs. Nicaragua or the Dominican Republic etc.) As long as passions and cigars flare up, you will find defenders of all arguments. One of the most controversial arguments concerns how to light a cigar correctly and whether to use matches or a butane torch lighter.

Why Choose Matches to Light a Cigar

Your goal is to light the wrapper and the filler evenly. The filler is that tightly rolled tobacco just inside your wrapper. An evenly lit cigar is how you achieve an even burn and smooth smoke. Of course, if you cut your cigar poorly, that’s forgivable. Still, a poorly lit cigar only detracts from your overall smoking experience.

Proper wooden matches pair with cigars for as long as both have been around. These are not the flimsy felt matches with sulfur heads. Sulfur could lead to off-flavors in the cigar. Instead, sturdy four-inch long matches made for cigars provide a certain refinement and tradition that accompanies adequately toasting your prized trophy cigar.

Torch Lighters and the Perfect Flame

There is no arguing that unless weather conditions are perfect (i.e., no wind), you can’t beat a multi-torch butane lighter. Butane burns off immediately when lit, eliminating the possibility of any off-flavors. They are also easy to share and pass along with fellow smokers.

Like prized humidors by S.T. Dupont, lighters can run into thousands of dollars. Often, they are status symbols in their own right. However, you only need to refill butane lighters infrequently. They also typically give off a more intense heat that gets your cigar lit quicker and cleaner.

How to Light a Cigar: The Professionals Weigh In

In the movie “Hellboy,” there is a scene where the main character struggles to light his cigar with a Zippo lighter. Jeffrey Tambor chastises him asking incredulously, “What are you doing?” He then explains you only use wooden matches because it perfects the flavor.

If that’s not definitive enough, Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson has weighed in on the matter. He vouches for the technique that the famous director Roman Polanski taught him. First, run a flame around the entire cigar edge. Then, when lighting the whole tip, blow it out and inhale. It’s the only way to lock in the flavor and make a difference. Of course, we can’t argue with an icon like Jack Nicholson, but he hasn’t committed to the match versus lighter debate.

The Verdict Is In

Despite the evidence supporting both sides, there is no conclusive winner. The only common ground is the importance of technique. Properly toasting the cigar “foot” and rotating it in your mouth to ensure an even burn all the way around.

While matches may exude an “old school cool,” the butane torch lighter is incredibly reliable, especially on a windy golf course. Unfortunately, it’s also quite clear that this won’t get resolved soon, much like the “chicken and the egg” debate. What matters is the importance of sharing a great cigar among friends and knowing how to properly light it to ensure that clean burn for maximum enjoyment!

Photo Credit: Pixabay | Earnest Roy

Cars and Cigars: Smoking on the Open Road

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Staff

Have you ever considered how much time you spend in your car? Whether you’re commuting for work or driving for pleasure, a car can quickly feel like a second home at times. So if you’re content to puff away on your panatella at home, why not cherish a Churchill on the road? Pairing cars and cigars might mean that smoke lingers, leaving some odor, but it’s not as bad as cigarettes. White vinegar and baking soda are both known to reduce any lingering effects. That’s especially true when you combine them with store-bought, odor-eliminating sprays.

Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway With A Cigar

How many of us have dreamed of cruising the California coastline? So take a drive stretching from San Diego to San Francisco along the California coastline, or even go to Seattle? It’s an epic trip well-suited for mindfulness and contemplation. So what better companion could you ask for than a favorite cigar to smoke along the way?

Plan a stop in Point Reyes. Then, take a break to indulge in the famed blue cheese or oysters from the Hog Island Oyster Company. After a great meal, find a quiet spot to sit by the sea. Let the salty air blow away the smoke rings from your favorite trophy cigar. Many wonderfully scenic opportunities range from the majestic Redwood forest to the breathtaking shoreline. You may need to pack several cigars to experience it all!

Look Forward to Rush Hour

Unfortunately, for many of us, the closest we will ever come to an epic cars and cigars road trip is the one we make every day coming home from work. If you live near any metropolitan area, you know that ride could take an hour or more at quitting time.

Instead of dreading the ride, why not look forward to it? Throwdown your windows, throw on your favorite music, and light up your favorite stogie. Since you know how long the commute is, plan an appropriate cigar. Hopefully, that trip is only a Petit Corona; if it’s worthy of a Gordo, you have our sympathies! Use that time to eliminate stress and turn it into an enjoyable event.

Classic Cars and Cigars

Across the country, there are countless classic cars and cigars events where people can showcase two of their favorite passions. America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington, is a big-time annual event featuring sponsorship from Montecristo cigars and Balvenie scotch.

It celebrates the good life and offers a rare peek at some of the greatest cars in automotive history. The evening fills with music, dancing, food, and the love of great cigars. Cars and cigars are inextricably linked and always celebrated.

Cars and Cigars Are The Perfect Travel Companions

Some of the most extreme enthusiasts of cars and cigars have built-in humidors in their consoles, so they are never separated from their favorite smoke. Whether enjoying a cigar while behind the wheel or pulling over to a particularly scenic location to sit back and savor an impromptu smoke, remember, it’s about the journey, not the destination!

Don’t worry too much about any lingering odor. Smells will fade, but the memory of the ride doesn’t have to. If you are that worried, keep those windows rolled down. Better yet? Get a convertible!

Photo Credit: “A Man in a Car Smoking a Cigar,” by RODNAE Productions, Pexels

Salud! Cuban Cocktails, Rum and Cigars

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Staff

What better thoughts conjure up images of life in Old Havana than spending a leisurely afternoon in an outdoor café with good friends and rum and cigars while enjoying one of the signature cocktails for which Cuba is famous? Fresh tropical fruit, local ingredients, and plenty of ice create refreshing drinks to counter the sweltering heat. The critical local element is Cuban rum. Few combinations are better than the marriage of rum and cigars, and neither has to be Cuban for you to enjoy them!

The Most Famous Pairing: the Mojito

The mojito is the drink most synonymous with Cuba. A mojito is to Cuba, as a Pina Colada is to Puerto Rico or a Manhattan is to… Manhattan! It combines rum, soda water, fresh lime juice, sugar, and fresh, crushed mint.

Over time, many variations have risen. Substitutions include tequila or vodka. At its heart, an authentic Cuban mojito is always rum-based. While enjoying a mojito, we recommend a cigar that isn’t shy with its flavor. Something that can stand up to the drink’s tartness, sweetness, and a brisk hint of mint. A nice, fat Nicaraguan Gordo with a Maduro wrapper that packs a punch is our choice to go the distance with the bounty of flavors in the cocktail.

Go Bananas with the Daiquiri

You don’t need to make all daiquiris with bananas or strawberries; consider other fruits (beyond maraschino cherries). Many legends suggest its creation lies in the village of Daiquiri by a mining engineer. It gained fame in the 1930s in a frozen version served at the bar Floridita, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite watering holes.

The basic version is white rum, sugar, lemon juice, and maraschino cherries. Ernest Hemingway preferred the Papa Doble, a double shot of rum, and easy on the sugar. To honor the man and the myth, we recommend any Cuban cigar you are lucky enough to get your hands on. In reality, Ernest Hemingway smoked cigarettes while a wartime correspondent; he never really enjoyed cigars. It was always his ties to Cuba that enhanced that myth.

Simple Rum and Cigars: Cuba Libre

Sometimes the essential recipes are the most timeless. For example, the Cuba Libre sprung to life in the early 1900s when Coca-Cola began exporting its colas to Cuba. Cuba Libre, which translates to “Free Cuba,” referenced Cuba’s newly won freedom from Spain. It comprises cola, rum, and a splash of lime and is usually served in a tall glass with plenty of ice.

Given the simple, everyday aspect of the ingredients, we recommend pairing it with your favorite typical smoker. A nice Connecticut shade wrapper, preferably a Lonsdale, will last as long as the drink, so you may maximize your enjoyment time.

Rum and Cigars: The Long Game

Remember, to make these drinks as authentic as possible, you must keep your ingredients fresh. Always make sure you have an ample supply of ice as well! By all means, take some liberties with the recipes to make your own little slice of Havana. There are no wrong combinations, especially for your choice of rum and cigars to complement the cocktails! Cheers!

Photo credit: Pixabay | Anestiev

Trophy Cigars and the Art of the Hunt

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Staff

How many times over the years have you had someone show you their humidor, and while beaming with pride, point out a few selective beauties? What was the sentence that is usually uttered in conjunction with the great reveal? “I’m saving these for a special occasion.” Or, “you have no idea how hard they were to get.” Now we have all experienced humidor envy at some point or another, and the war to keep up with what the Jones are smoking can be a futile endeavor. That of course doesn’t mean there isn’t a thrill in the chase or art to the hunt for trophy cigars!

The Hunt for Trophy Cigars Begins

Many of us brim with excitement walking into a cigar store when visiting a new town, hoping to score something rare or hard to find. We’ve all been beguiled as the proprietor deftly pulls back the velvet curtain, or opens the hidden case to reveal their secrets. There is a visceral thrill when out pops an Arturo Fuente Opus X BBMF, or a Fuente Don Arturo Anniverxario. The price of each is reasonable enough to include them in your humidor for bragging rights.

Taking the Trophy Cigars to the Next Level

If you’re more concerned with running your reward miles, then a trip to the auction house might be in order. There are many online auction sites with extensive price listings covering the entire gamut. Nothing beats the thrill of swaggering into Sotheby’s and examining their treasures.

Swarovski-encrusted King of Denmarks is always a welcome sight. But, so, too, are boxes of Cohiba Behikes, or the stunning Ghurka Black Dragons. Even if you aren’t planning on bidding, the atmosphere is intoxicating. But, don’t let it lead to an errant bid!

Fly Me to the Moon

There are countless stories about world travelers bringing back boxes of Cubans from duty-free shops in foreign airports. We applaud you for patronizing legitimate products. By doing so, you avoided many counterfeits or boxes purchased from some swarthy back ally character in a trench coat. Now that it’s legal to bring a few boxes back to the United States. So, there’s no reason to worry about removing the bands or disguising them as something else.

One lounge regular used to brag how back in the day he would buy a box and stash them in his wife’s luggage before they boarded. He thought customs agents would target him. Meanwhile, she would walk through unscathed and unfazed. No need for Mission Impossible charades anymore. Carry your trophies with pride and make sure you store them well while you travel!

Smoke ‘Em if you Got ‘Em

We know you are like us. If you care about everything involving the cigar lifestyle, you will look at your humidor, and crack a Cheshire grin. Few things match that first feeling of picking up that special smoke to commemorate a wedding, promotion, or retirement. Whatever it is, remember, every day above ground is a “special occasion.” Never let your trophy cigars gather dust while waiting for the “perfect day.” And whatever you do, no matter how certain you are, never tell your friend that his treasured trophies are counterfeit Cuban cigars!

Photo credit: arturofuente.com

7 Reasons Why Cigars are Better Than Cigarettes

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Staff

There are many reasons why cigars are better than cigarettes, at least, in our opinion. Coming way out in front of pipes, cigar and cigarette smoking are the two most common ways that people “consume” tobacco. Cigarette smoking has declined dramatically over the past seven decades and today is at an all-time low. Cigar, smoking, on the other hand, remains quite popular. The reason being that most cigar smokers, something like 75%, smoke less than one cigar per day.

For the enthusiast, a cigar every day is not necessary; it can be reserved for special occasions or smoked only semi-regularly. Cigarettes, on the other, become a habit and, the longer someone smokes, the most likely they are to climb from one or two cigarettes per-day to over twenty or more.

But the nature of their use is not the only thing cigars have over cigarettes, here are some of the other reasons’ cigars are better than cigarettes.

Cigar Smoking is An Experience

A good cigar can smoke for an hour or more. You can light one up, sit alone on your balcony, and be alone with your thoughts as the smoke billows and whirs around you. Or you can smoke cigars socially. There are few things more closely associated with masculinity and bonding with your male friends than a bunch of cigars complimented by stiff drinks and a good time.

Cigarettes, on the other hand, come and go quickly. Rather than enjoying a cigarette, most long-time smokers seem to need them. These people need to take smoke breaks every hour to satisfy their cravings. It doesn’t matter to them if it is freezing cold out or if they are on a tight deadline. When cigarettes call, smokers answer. Cigars are a relaxing and enjoyable experience for most people, while cigarettes are a jittery habit.

Natural Cigars are Better Than Cigarettes

Just about every product under the sun these days wants to claim they are “natural.” Premium, hand-rolled cigars, though, truly are.

Cigars are, perhaps, the original “single-ingredient” product: Tabaco. Everything from what is inside the cigar to the leaf that keeps it all held together is tobacco. No chemicals, dyes, or flavorings are used in premium cigars. What this means is you get the benefit of truly tasting the subtle flavors and differences between cigars that are from different places.

When you smoke a real Cuban, you are not just tasting a Cuban “flavor,” what you are experiencing is tobacco that was grown on a Cuban farm, harvested by Cuban farmers, rolled by Cuban artisans, and sold by the Cuban government. You, in other words, have something completely natural and totally authentic. One of the only processes that premium tobacco undergoes is fermentation. Nothing is produced during tobacco fermentation, but it is said to improve the flavor.

Cigarettes are the opposite. They can load harmful chemicals, flavors, and other substances; they drive out the unique flavors of the tobacco and replaces it with something artificial.

Cigars are Artisanal

Some tobacco leaves are stronger than others, some have unique tastes, and some are simply of higher quality. A true cigar artisan who specializes in hand-rolled cigars knows all of this and more. Not only can he spot the best, most relevant leaves, but he can blend them together using the wisdom and hands only available to a select few. When you get a premium, hand-rolled cigar, you are getting something special.

The same can not be said of cigarettes, which are spat out of manufacturing plants like uniform widgets. Like at McDonald’s, the primary concern of cigarette manufacturers is consistency. Forget about the quality of natural ingredients; all that matters is turning out a uniform product time and time again.

The saying goes that every premium cigar you smoke has been touched by 200 hands. This number may be accurate, and it may even be higher. The point is that making premium cigars is not easy. It’s as much an art as it is a manufacturing process and requires skill and attention every step of the way—from the selection of the tobacco seeds to the rolling of the leaf.

Unique Cigars are Better Than Cigarettes

Cigars come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavor profiles. For those with discerning taste, cigars offer an experience far superior to that of smoking cigarettes. Why? Because cigarettes come only in one size and style. Yes, cigarettes can have different flavors, but, as mentioned, most if not all of that comes from artificial additives and not from the tobacco leaf itself.

Cigar Smoking is Not as Bad for You as Cigarettes

Because most smokers inhale cigarettes but do not inhale cigars, the results are that cigarette smoking often ends up being worse for you than smoking cigars. You don’t need to inhale cigars to make smoking them enjoyable—with cigarettes, you generally do.

Even insurance companies look at cigarette smoking as worse for you than cigar smoking, making it more difficult to get insured if you smoke cigarettes.

Aged Cigars Only Get Better

Like wine, cigars often get better with age. While their shelf-life depends, cigars are distinct from cigarettes in that their flavor profiles and overall quality can change and improve over time (assuming they are properly stored). Cigarettes, though, merely get stale. An “aged” cigarette is one that belongs in the garbage.

Smoking a Cigar Looks Cool

Describing what is and isn’t cool can be hard to put your finger on. One thing is for sure, though, and that is that smoking a cigar makes you look and feel cool. Whether you are smoking one to celebrate, to relax, or as you socialize with friends, a cigar is the ultimate status symbol, and it exudes cool.

On the contrary, cigarette smoking is something you do in back alleys and outside of the party as everyone else has fun without you. Cigar smoking is social and fun, while cigarette smoking is isolated and anxiety-inducing.

There you have it, some of the reasons that cigar smoking is superior to cigarette smoking. Now put that cigarette down and light up a cigar instead!

photo credit: Pixabay

How to Spot a Fake Cuban Cigar

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Staff

For decades, there has been a market for counterfeit Cuban cigars. People can easily get duped as, on the outside, many of these Cubans look quite convincing. Some of them even smoke okay—although, if you know what you are doing, you can certainly tell the difference. Thankfully, there are ways to tell if your Cuban is legit. Here’s our guide to how to spot a fake Cuban cigar.

The Fake Cuban Cigar

One of the easiest ways to tell if you are dealing with a fake Cuban cigar is if it’s unbanded. If your Cuban doesn’t have a band on it, odds are, it’s a fake. Un-banded cigars are often sold on street corners in Cuba to unsuspecting tourists. These, obviously fake, Cubans are hardly the main problem, as some fake Cubans come with counterfeit bands and even in counterfeit boxes. That is when it gets a bit more difficult to tell what you’re dealing with before you buy.

Signs of a Fake Cuban Cigar

The first thing to realize is that you are always more at risk for buying a fake Cuban if the cigar you are buying is expensive, and not actually purchased in Cuba. That’s not to say you can’t buy a legitimate Cuban cigar in the U.S. or online, you simply need to be more careful.

Habanos Seal

All real Cuban cigars are packed in boxes with what is called the Habanos Seal.

The Habanos Seal should always be present on the upper left-hand side of your cigar box, approximately 3 to 6 mm from the edge. It should also usually bend up to the front right over the center of the Cote d´Arms. The only time the seal won’t bend up like this and go over the Cote d’Arms is on very large cigar boxes.

Source: http://www.habanos.com/en/verificacion-de-autenticidad/

Size, Shape, and Symmetry

This is a common-sense tip that says your cigar box should look and feel sturdy and official. Also, inside the box, the Cubans should all be the same length and color. If the box looks flimsy or the cigars inside are different sizes or colors, you are probably dealing with a fake Cuban cigar.

The ‘Made in Cuba’ Stamp

All Cuban cigar boxes should have a ‘Made in Cuba’ stamp on their left. As of 2010 all of these stamps include a hologram. The hologram is an important thing to check for because they are hard and expensive to copy. Do not buy Cubans that are in a box without a hologram.

Source: http://www.habanos.com/en/el-mundo-del-habano/signos-de-distincion/

Bottom of the Cigar Box

Starting in the 60s, another change was made to distinguish real Habano Cuban cigars from imitators. To ensure authenticity, all you need to do is check the bottom of the Habano Cuban cigar box. Each box of legit sticks contains the hot-stamped words: Hecho en Cuba.

Then, in 1994, another stamp made its way to the cigar boxes. This new stamp read: Habanos s. a. Of course, the name of the cigar company was stamped after this. Before this, namely between 1985 and 1994, the name was simply Cubatabaco. Today, however, you’ll see the boxes marked as Totalmente a Mano.

Source: http://www.habanos.com/en/el-mundo-del-habano/signos-de-distincion/

Finally, the stamp on the bottom of the cigar box should also include two ink marks. Think of it as a kind of secret code. These marks tell industry-insiders which of the country’s factories made the cigars. And the other number shows is the month and the year when the cigars were boxed (see below).

Source: http://www.habanos.com/en/el-mundo-del-habano/signos-de-distincion/

Beware of ‘Barber Pole’ Cigars

Some counterfeit sellers will try to sell cigars with more multiple multi-colored bands. This is a clear indicator the person you are dealing with is selling you a fake, as no real Cubans come with more than one band.

Beware of Edición Limitada

If you are going to buy one of the highly priced and rare Edición Limitada cigars, be careful! They are among the most counterfeited cigars. Keep in mind that Edición Limitada cigars are exceedingly rare. The Cuban government only allows three of them to be made and issued every year. So, unless you are dealing with a legitimate vendor, odds are, the person if not selling you a legit Edición Limitada.

Aside from the specific Edición Limitada cigar, you should be wary of any kind of special edition cigar that is not sold to be a legitimate vendor. And, remember, the only way you can really tell if you are dealing with a legitimate vendor is if all of his Cuban cigars have all the already described markings! Don’t assume simply because a vendor has a nice shop or looks the part the Cubans he is selling you are authentic.

Know What a Real Cuban Costs

Fake cigars sometimes trick people by being too expensive or too cheap. In the latter case, sellers tell people they got a great deal for “X” reason and that is why their prices are so low. With overpriced Cuban cigars, potential buyers will basically sell themselves on the fake cigars by thinking that “well, it’s so expensive. How can it be a fake?”

You can do online research or talk to an expert to find out roughly what the different real Cuban cigars should cost. If, for example, you see a Montecristo No. 2 going for way less or way more than you know they should go for — don’t buy.

Know-How a Real Cuban Ashes

Unfortunately, you can’t do the ash test while your Cuban is still in the box, but if you can light and try at least one cigar before buying you should pay careful attention to how the cigar ashes. A true Cuban cigar should have grey or salt-and-pepper ash. If the cigar burns white ash, that’s a bad sign.

Do Not Buy Cubans in a Glass or Plastic Box

Cuban cigars should come in an all-wood box. If you see Cuban cigars sold in a partial glass or plastic box, they are probably fake.

Final Word of Advice: Try Doing a Taste Test

The final difficulty with fake Cuban cigars is that some of the better counterfeits come in authentic boxes but are not actual Cuban cigars. Therefore, it’s always better to smoke at least one cigar before you buy. This is especially true if you decide to buy from an unknown seller. Sometimes unknown sellers can sell perfectly real, great Cuban cigars. You just have to know what a real Cuban cigar looks and tastes like in order to tell. If you don’t have that kind of experience, then you are far better off staying away from the back alleys and buying from a main-street seller who you know, and can prove, is legit.

20 Things Premium Cigar Smokers Should Know

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Staff

It’s the 20’s again, what better time to learn a thing or two about your favorite pastime of lighting up, sitting back, and smoking a premium cigar. Here are 20 things every cigar smoker should know in 2020.

1. Cigars Size Matters

There are two things that matter when it comes to a cigar’s size: length, which is given in inches, and “ring gauge,” a designation of a cigar’s diameter broken into sixty-fourths of an inch. A cigar with a 44-ring gauge, for example, is 44/64 of an inch in diameter.

2. What Makes a Premium Cigar?

There is a distinct, definable difference between premium and non-premium cigars. Premium cigars are premium for good reason. It’s not just the quality of tobacco they are made with. It’s also how they are made. Unlike many mass-market cigars, premium smokes are handmade. Cigar manufacturers also use 100% long-filler tobaccos as part of their ingredients. That means that the internal leaves run the entire length of the cigar.

3. How are Premium Cigars Made?

Cigars can be made by either hand or machine. A premium cigar is made by hand while your typical, low-end, gas-station cigar is typically made by a machine.

4. What are Cigar “Bodies”?

Cigars come in three basic bodies: Mild, medium, or full. However, these designations have little to do with the strength of the cigar and more to do with its fullness. The fullness of a cigar refers to the depth of its flavor, not its strength. And, the fuller and the darker the cigar, the deeper the flavor. Consequently, a milder or lighter cigar has a milder taste.

5. Why do Tobacco Leaves Matter?

Tobacco leaves are to cigars what grapes are to wine: They account for almost everything! The cigars body, its taste, its look, and its cost are all influenced by the type of tobacco leaves used.

6. How Should You Store a Premium Cigar?

Cigars are made from natural ingredients (i.e. tobacco leaves). So, it’s reasonable to suggest that they are vulnerable to decay. Cigar tobacco can last for years if you store them properly. The right temperature and humidity levels matter.

It’s best to store your cigars in conditions that match their location or origin. Consider the mild temperatures of a Caribbean island as a good example. The temperature and humidity are nearly constant. The best temperatures for your cigars are what you would find in the shade of these regions. You can expect to maintain a goal temperature range of 62- to 72-degrees Fahrenheit.

That said, many cigar fans will work hard to keep their cigars at 70 degrees year-round.

7. Cigar-Country Stereotypes

Good cigars use tobacco from different places, often, that includes more than one place as well. Each place and type of tobacco lends a unique flavor to the cigars produced there. Cigars from the Dominican Republic, for example, offer a mild-to-medium-bodied flavor. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something stronger or bolder, then you might choose a cigar from Cuba or Nicaragua.

The country of origin for cigars has nothing to do with stereotyping. One is not better quality or flavor than another. So, ditch the stereotypes and, instead, consider your own preferences for a good smoke when making your purchasing decisions.

8. What Makes Cuban Cigars so Good?

Cuban cigars are unique in that, unlike other cigars, they use 100% Cuban-grown tobacco. The available spectrum of flavor is limited by this. As such, this puts a limit on the types of Cubans you can buy as they are all made from tobacco grown in a relatively similar region.

9. How Do You Cut Your Cigar?

Before you light up, you’ll need to clip the end of your cigar. A cigar ‘clipper’ or ‘cutter’ offers the best way to do this. You can also use a knife (although doing so can be difficult) or, of course, your teeth. A proper clipper, however, is far and away the best way to cut your cigar.

10. What is the Best Type of Beginner Cigar?

When you are new to cigars you need to test out your palate—which, in most cases—means sticking to lighter, mild flavors and smaller half-corona sizes for at least your first few times smoking.

11. How Do You Light Your Cigar?

You’ve got a lot of options here, but among long-time cigar smokers, torch lighters are typically preferred. Wooden matches probably come in at a close second—though they do take some skill to work with and may not, therefore, be suitable for beginners.

Regardless of the kind of lighter or match your use, when lighting a cigar, you should start by holding it in your hands. Place the tip above the flame. Do not stick the cigar directly into the flame as it may ruin the flavor. Before putting the cigar in your mouth, burn the end of it. This “primes” the tobacco. Then, spin it as you light it. This ensures an even burn. Once you see an orange glow, you’re ready to smoke!

12. What are the Most Common Types of Premium Cigars?

Some of the most popular types of cigars are:

Corona
Churchill
Belicoso
Lonsdale
Robusto
Panetela

13. How are Tobacco Plants Grown?

Tobacco seeds are small (a thousand of them can fit in a thimble) and pretty high-maintenance. Once planted, cigar tobacco plants need approximately eight hours of sunlight each day.

14. What Does Christopher Columbus Have to Do with Cigars?

In 1492, Christopher Columbus first landed on the island known today as Cuba. There the natives introduced him to tobacco which he proceeded to take back to Europe with him when he eventually returned.

15. Why Do You Need a Humidor?

Cigar humidor typically uses Spanish cedar which should be kiln-dried to stop the sap from bleeding. If properly stored a premium cigar can last a lifetime.

16. Do Premium Cigars Age like Wine?

Cigars are what’s called a ‘nonvintage’ industry. That means cigar manufacturers try to ensure consistency in their cigar offerings and taste from one year to the next. Consistency is key.

While over time, the flavor of the cigar model changes slightly. Yet, it’s not enough for most non-experts to notice.

17. Should I Inhale My Cigar Smoke?

Cigar tobacco is usually much stronger than cigarettes and you should NOT inhale. Instead, keep the smoke in your mouth for a few seconds and then simply blow it out. It’s always best to do this while enjoying a nice drink or a meal.

18. How Do You Enjoy a Great Cigar?

Your cheeks, not your lungs, are what matter when it comes to enjoying a cigar. When you draw on a good cigar let the smoke hang a bit before you exhale giving your palate some stimulation from the smoke. This is how you properly “taste” a cigar.

19. Can I Buy Cuban Cigars in the United States?

The United States’ import ban on Cuban goods, including cigars, has only been lifted for personal consumption. That means shops in the U.S. can’t legally sell Cubans, but if you’re in Cuba you can buy them for your own personal use.

20. How Can You Spot a Fake Cuban Cigar?

Just by looking at a Cuban, it can be difficult to tell whether it is real or fake. Generally, you can tell fairly easily after as and after you smoke it, but by then you may have already made the mistake of buying a fake cigar! What you can do is look for a stamp of authenticity which the Cuban government ensures is on every cigar and second ask to see the box from which the cigars came—dealers selling fake Cubans will often times not have the proper box to go along with their cigars, the is a major red flag!

There you have it, 20 things for cigar lovers to know in 2020. Happy smoking!