Cigar Fundamentals Archives - Page 8 of 9

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!

Cigar Wrappers: A Crash Course in Leaf Types

Posted on December 29, 2019 by Staff

A guide to cigar wrappers — what is arguably the most important part of the cigar.

When you think of a cigar’s flavor and aroma, the first things that come to mind are the types of tobacco leaf used. After all, the leaf makes up the dense, springy interior. The surprising truth is that cigar wrappers account for between 60% and 90% of a cigar’s flavor and aroma profile. They are also 100% responsible for a cigar’s signature color.

So, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers and smokers to refer to their sticks by the type of leaf. For instance, “I only smoke Habanos”, or, “Let’s try one of these Double Maduros.”

In the second part of our “crash course” series on Cigar anatomy, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of tobacco leaf. The leaf is what makes up the most flavorful, aromatic, and beautiful structural element of any good stogie.

Connecticut

You can probably guess where the Connecticut leaf comes from. This common wrapper is an American-grown leaf. It’s grown under conditions not found elsewhere in the world. In other words, it’s grown beneath screens to protect plants from unpredictable weather conditions. (This is where the term “Connecticut Shade” comes from).

Reduced sunlight encourages dense, healthy leaves. It also encourages a mild flavor and aroma with notes of cedarwood and light spice.

Corojo

The Corojo leaf is generally grown in Honduras, though it used to be grown in Cuba before the embargo. It’s helpful to think of the Corojo as a thicker and more robust version of the Connecticut leaf. But, the Corojo has more pronounced flavors of spice and pepper. It’s also one of the “toughest” wrappers available. That can help provide you with a longer, slower experience since it takes more effort to puff through.

Habano

Like the Corojo, Habano-style wrapper leaves were once exclusive to Cuba. Because of the embargo, they are now grown in many parts of the world, Nicaragua chief among them. Habano seeds prefer to grow in rich, volcanic soil. That leads to bolder flavors and higher nicotine content. Both, of which, can make it harder to handle for many new smokers.

Yet, the same conditions that give the Habano its potency also led a wonderful sweetness not found in other leaves. If pure Habano sticks are too strong for your taste buds, consider a hybrid-style wrapper. The Habano-Corojo or the Habano Rosado are good choices.

Maduro

Maduro leaves are the dark and decadent wrappers used in some of the world’s finest cigars. They provide the depth of sweetness that compliments a good cocktail pairing. Maduros need a long aging and fermentation process. So, many tobacco species and leaf types aren’t made into Maduros. This is one of the reasons why they are often more expensive than other varieties.

Double Maduro

Also known as “Oscuro,” the Double Maduro Leaf takes the aging and fermentation processes of the Maduro leaf to a new level. It increases the iconic Maduro attributes of deep color and lingering sweetness.

Candela

Recently, the young, green Candela wrapper has become more popular among American smokers. That includes the Cigar Life Guy team. The relatively quick production process of the Candela leaf gives it a district, green color, and a milder profile than other wrappers. This also means that Candelas are less suitable for long-term humidor aging. So, they are best enjoyed promptly.

Sumatra

Sumatra leaf takes its name from the Indonesian country of the same name. These wrappers are a favorite of many new and younger smokers. That’s because of the signature cinnamon flavor and aroma it produces. Sumatra leaves are thick enough to withstand moderate aging and fermentation. So, that makes many subcategories of “Dark Sumatra” also an option.

Cameroon

This African-grown leaf is a genetic offspring of the Sumatra wrapper. It was first brought to the area by Dutch colonists. The intense sun exposure of West Africa encourages dense pockets of natural tobacco oils to form in the leaf. This, in turn, provides the rough and “toothy” texture of the cigar exterior. Flavor profiles range from toasty and woody to sweet and buttery. Bolder and more pronounced flavors are a result of those dense oil pockets.

Become an Expert: “Stripping” The Cigar Wrappers

Interested in experiencing the powerful effect of the Wrapper Leaf firsthand? Try this:

It’s possible to strip the wrapper leaf from the cigar using an X-Acto knife while leaving the binder and fill intact. This lets the smoker experience a few puffs of the interior leaf types before the burn reaches the wrapper leaf.

Once you familiarize yourself with your favorite styles of wrappers, try one of the dozens of hybrid-style wrappers. They mix the flavor and aroma components in fantastic, new ways.

photo credit: Pixabay

Cigars and Spirits: A Winter Pairing Guide

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Staff

Whether it is the chilly weather, the limited sunlight, or the visiting in-laws, the holiday season is a time when we all could use a little extra cheer. For the cigar smoker, adding a thoughtfully-paired beverage to your next smoke is a sure-fire way to increase your jolliness factor while also elevating the sensory experience. We’re sharing some of our very favorite holiday-season cigars and drink pairings*, as well as a few tips for how to create the perfect pairing with the cigars and spirits you might already have on hand.

*Grinches & Humbugs beware: the cocktails presented in the following article are known to cause significant spikes in caroling, gift-giving, and goodwill towards man.

The Basics of Cigar & Drink Pairing

The pairing of tobacco and alcohol is not a new phenomenon, but the recent proliferation of craft beverage culture in the United States and other developed countries has led to a sharply increased demand for curated cocktail pairings.

This is because the flavor and aroma compounds present in food and drink can interact with one another to create new expressions that would be otherwise inaccessible if each item was enjoyed separately. The rich, flavorful complexities of the tobacco plant make pairing cigars with spirits a natural choice for cocktail pairings.

No matter how you arrive at your decision, there is one rule that stands out above all others. Enjoy yourself. Pairings don’t have to make sense if they make you happy. As any regular reader of ours will tell you, if you aren’t enjoying your smoke, you’re doing it wrong.

Cigar & Cocktail Pairing Suggestions

Now that you’re armed with the basic concepts, we’re going to share some of our go-to favorites for holiday cigar & cocktail pairings.

For Mild Cigars: The “Stinger”

One of our favorite ways to bring out the mild, toasty flavors of a mild-bodied cigar is with a little bit of cream. The cream acts as a sort of canvas upon which the flavors of the cigar are both expanded and rounded, leading to a delicate smoothness.

The Stinger utilizes crème de menthe to open up the rich flavors of brandy. The sharp mint acts as a sort of tongue-refresher, preparing your palate for another puff of rich tobacco.

Ingredients:

1 ¾ oz Cognac (or Tequila, for a Mexican Stinger)
2/3 oz White crème de menthe (the green variety is less visually appetizing)

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. It is also common to see Stingers prepared in a shaker and served over rocks.

Recommended Stick:

While the creamy, refreshing nature of the Stinger makes it a pretty damn good pairing for just about any cigar, it is particularly well-suited for mild-bodied cigars with shade-grown wrappers. The Dominican Montecristo offers light notes of both grass and cedar that melt seamlessly into the minty crème de menthe and is widely available.

For Medium Cigars: The Cuba Libre Especial

Rum and cigars go together as well as peanut butter and jelly, no doubt due to the overlapping flavor and aroma components of vanilla and subtle tropical fruit. Our recommended rum-based, cigars and spirits pairing considers the old standard, Rum & Coke, with added complexity from a darker, bolder rum.

The Cuba Libre Especial utilizes dark, 3-year aged rum and your favorite cola for a harmonious blend of dark caramel and spice. A twist of lime cuts into the sweetness, making it highly palatable.

Ingredients:

4 oz Cola
1/3 oz Fresh lime juice
1 2/3 oz Bacardi Black 3-Year Aged Rum

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a ‘rocks’ glass, mix, and enjoy!

Recommended Stick:

The dark spice complexity of both the aged rum and the cola will pair well with a medium-bodied cigar that is savory enough to stand up against the sweetness but has enough herbal character to contribute to the overall effect. To this end, the highly-popular Acid Blue Kuba Kuba is the obvious choice.

Pair Full-Bodied Cigars with the Rye Sazerac

When you’re pairing cigars and spirits, follow this no-nonsense rule. The bolder the cigar, the bolder the cocktail.

The Rye Sazerac offers the perfect solution. It blends Rye bourbon with bitters, sugar, and a few drops of Absinthe. This gives you a bold and slightly peppery flavor to savor. It goes down much like an Old Fashioned.

Ingredients:

¼ oz Absinthe
One sugar cube
1½ oz Rye whiskey (Cognac can be substituted for a more traditional Sazerac)
Bitters

Preparation:

Pour the Absinthe into a chilled rocks glass and swirl, coating the interior of the glass. Add crushed ice to the glass and set it aside. Then, mix the remaining ingredients over ice. Finally, discard the ice and any remaining absinthe from the first glass, and strain the mixed drink into it. A thin lemon peel is an essential garnish.

Recommended Stick:

Big bold cigars are a great match for this kind of cocktail. Rye whiskey packs enough of a punch to cut through the robust flavors of full-bodied cigars, particularly Maduro-style sticks that have the deep flavors that come with extended leaf aging. The Camacho Triple Maduro is not a cigar that we usually recommend for beginners, but its expert blend of three different Maduro tobaccos produces a smoke that is rich with notes of black pepper and coffee, the perfect companion to the Rye whiskey. These sticks are a bit harder to find but well worth it!

photo credit: Pixabay

Tobacco Plant Anatomy: A Crash Course

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Staff

Three Different Leaves Create the Perfect Cigar

We might as well come right out and say it. You really don’t need to know anything about the tobacco plant to enjoy smoking a well-made cigar. But some of us can’t help but admire the layered craftsmanship of a good stogie. For us, cigar knowledge, knowing more about how they are made and grown actually increases our satisfaction.

Calling the tobacco plant “special” is something of an understatement. It’s likely the unique way that the tobacco plant grows and expands. The plant offers three distinctly different types of leaf, each with its own unique properties that make it ideal for a specific part of the cigar.

Here, we’ll introduce you to the three different types of tobacco leaf (Ligero, Seco, & Volado). We’ll also explore the ways that each variety is used within a single cigar.

Ligero Leaves

We’ll start at the top of the plant. The Ligero leaf (“light” in Spanish) is the uppermost leaves of the tobacco plant. They receive the greatest amount of sunlight. This allows them to grow both thick and heavy for a very potent, bold, and flavor.

Since Ligero leaves are the last for harvest, they have an opportunity to absorb more nutrients (i.e., flavors) from the rest of the plant. The relative thickness of the Ligero leaf means that it must be blended with the lighter, thinner leaves below it. This is to ensure it burns properly.

Seco Leaves

The Seco leaves grow in the middle of the plant. They are not as thick or heavy as the bold-flavored Ligeros. But, they offer more restrained, nuanced flavors. The Seco leaves also happen to be far more aromatic. So, they are essential in crafting a cigar blend that smells as good as it tastes.

Seco leaves are more combustible than Ligeros. Yet, they are still unable to maintain an even burn on their own and that’s one of the keys for a good smoke. For this reason, they are a near-exact middle-ground between Ligeros and Volados.

Volado Leaves

The base of the tobacco plant is where the first priming occurs. The Volado Leaves are the lower-most leaves on the plant. While they can be large and thin, they tend to receive the least amount of sunlight. This is the primary reason why they are the least flavorful of the three. But, they can provide some understated flavor and aroma elements in some cases.

The primary benefit of the Volado leaf is its combustibility. Since it grows so thin and retains less water, this is the leaf that provides the most consistent burn. It is also an essential element in any well-made cigar.

“Wrapping” It Up

Our overview of the three different types of tobacco leaf is but a brief introduction to the topic. Each leaf that we explored features its own set of sub-varieties. And, each variety can have even more specialized effects and uses for any given cigar. Going into depth on even one of them would only take up valuable time that you could otherwise spend smoking your favorite stick.

So what’s the takeaway? For us, it is that the act of smoking a cigar that’s somewhat akin to stumbling upon the entryway to Wonderland. It’s easy to stand outside enjoy the visceral pleasures of the cigar lifestyle. But, there is also an entire world of detail, function, and nuance that lies beyond the rabbit hole, for any who feel the urge to look.

photo credit: Pixabay

Cigar Lounge Etiquette: 5 Pointers For Newbies

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Staff

If you’re like me, then you are more likely to enjoy that fine cigar sitting outside or perched atop a lawnmower than in the plush leather chairs in an upscale smoking lounge. But even the most introverted smokers enjoy occasional socialization. More so, when it involves gathering around a shared passion for a well-crafted cigar and long conversation. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the sofa of your local tobacconist or bellied-up against the bar of your favorite cigar club. Tobacco lounges are bringing more aficionados together than ever before.

Here’s the rub: your local cigar bar is not your neighbor’s garage. Treating it as such is a good way to earn the ire of your fellow smokers, so it doesn’t hurt to go in armed with a few pointers. What follows is a crash course in cigar lounge etiquette. It’s etiquette designed to elevate the cigar experience for everyone involved.

Get Your Cigar From the Cigar Lounge

Bringing your own cigar is actually prohibited at many lounges and smoke shops. But, there is a better reason than leaving your stash in your personal humidor and picking one up from the tobacconist. Buying in-house is a good way to support the industry and culture of cigar smoking. It also boosts the local economy in which they operate.

Beyond that, lounges and smoke shops likely have a much bigger selection than you do at home. This allows you to branch out and try some new brands and styles.

Cut Before Tasting

Tasting the cigar before it is lit is like listening to the overture of a play. You get to preview all the notes and themes of the upcoming experience. Some smokers prefer to roll the unlit cigar between their lips. Others will draw their tongue across the length of the cigar.

Whatever your tasting method, do the rest of us a favor. Save it for after you cut the cigar. Using a borrowed cutter on a cigar that is already coated in your saliva is hardly a gentlemanly thing to do.

Hold Your Calls

Even in a social setting, the atmosphere is everything for a good cigar. Blabbing on your cell phone is disrespectful to smokers around you. It’s also getting in the way of your own experience. Do the whole lounge a favor. Set your phone to vibrate and take important calls outside.

Watch Your Ash

Falling ash is a quick way to smudge furniture and clothing. The real danger, though, is ruining someone else’s drink because you weren’t paying attention to how big the ash was getting. Be sure to use the provided trays to keep your ash to a manageable level. Don’t ash on the floor … that’s just bad manners.

Don’t Smash Your Cigar

This is one that I see all the time, and it makes long-time cigar smokers cringe. We’ve told you how to light your cigar, and now it’s time to learn how to put it out with dignity.

When you finish with your cigar, place it on the ashtray and leave it be. Don’t smash it into the ashtray like you’re trying to put out a cigarette. The high moisture content of cigars is enough to ensure that the cigar will go out on its own. Besides, being destructive in such ways is beneath the art of cigar smoking. It can also lead to some harsh, unwanted aromas wafting throughout the room.

Remember: no one goes to the cigar lounge to have a bad time. Relax, be courteous, and don’t talk too loud. Before you know it you will be enveloped with the sweet comfort of a well-curated cigar lounge. A lounge where it’s possible to pursue that delicate, centuries-old art of enjoying a cigar amidst the company and conversation of strangers.

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How to Choose the Right Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Staff

Have you ever perused the humidor at your local cigar lounge? The experience can be overwhelming. The number of cigars to choose from is in all their different shapes, sizes, and colors create a dizzying effect. These factors tie into the experience you get when you select the right cigar for your smoking pleasure. But, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before you choose. How long do I have to enjoy this cigar? Am I in the mood for a stronger cigar, or something a bit milder? What kind of draw am I looking for? These factors play into your decision when choosing your next cigar from the humidor.

The Shape of your Cigar

Cigars come down to two different shapes. You have ‘Parejos’ and ‘Figurados’. The meaning is simple. ‘Parejos’ feature a straight side, a cap at one end, and an open end to light. ‘Figurados’ are the rest – think Torpedos, Piramides, Perfectos, and the like. Why does this matter? Well, it’s a matter of education. The shape of the right cigar you choose to smoke is about personal preference. It doesn’t much affect the taste.

If you’re the kind of person who likes a big draw on their cigar, a Parejo is probably a good bet. You can get a nice, large cut where the shoulder meets the cap for a big draw while smoking it. Figurados allow a bit more flexibility in cut, and you can tailor your draw to your liking.

Choosing the Right Size

Within every cigar shape, there’s also a measurement for size: length and ring gauge. Length obviously refers to how long the cigar is. A ring gauge refers to a cigar’s thickness and how wide it is. In the literal sense, it’s like a ring you’d put on your finger. These factors play into your cigar smoking experience.

The length of a cigar and ring size go hand in hand. A longer cigar has a larger (wider) ring gauge and will take longer to smoke and finish. This is your “celebration” cigar. With these cigars, you’re not rushed into a quick 30-minute cigar smoking session. Instead, you’re in it for the long haul. These will usually smoke for over an hour. So, grab your Churchill for this one. If you only have a few minutes to spare, then stick with a shorter cigar and a slighter ring gauge. Something like a Petit Corona should do.

In general, a larger ring size will burn a bit cooler and slower, resulting in a milder flavor. Yet, smaller ring size can burn faster and hotter than a larger cigar, even of the same variety. The combination of size and shape go into the taste of a cigar, as well as the wrapper and the filler.

Bringing It All Together

As with most things, practice makes perfect, and the more cigars you try, the more experience you’ll gain. Our recommendation? Try a bunch of different cigars with a variety of lengths, ring gauges, and shapes. You’ll begin defining your tastes, which will help you choose the right cigar during your next trip to the humidor.

photo credit: Pixabay

My Best Advice for New Cigar Smokers

Posted on September 22, 2019 by Staff

Ask any cigar enthusiast what their best advice is and you’ll likely get a slurry of answers. Yet, the best advice always answers your initial questions. It also places you on the right path to a cigar lifestyle. There’s one question I get more than any other, or some variation on it. “I’m interested in trying cigars. Where do I start?” And it’s not like these things are cheap. I don’t want to buy bad ones. Which cigars do you recommend for someone new?” There are a lot of things new cigar smokers should learn about like cutting cigars, storing cigars, and lighting cigars but we’re just going to focus on getting starting buying and selecting the actual cigars.

Palates Change and Differs

I’m going to give you my best advice on cigar selection but first a couple of universal points. Understand that what you like will be different than what your friend likes or the “expert” on Facebook love. Smoke what you enjoy. Secondly, understand that there is a very good chance your palate will change or “evolve” as you become a more frequent cigar smoker.

Like most new cigar smokers, I initially gravitated to mild or mild to medium blends. Today while I can appreciate those cigars and their place my preference is medium to full or a full-bodied cigar. My early “go-to” sticks I won’t select today. That’s perfectly normal and it happens very gradually over the course of years.

Picking the Sticks is a Process

At the end of the day, it all comes down to trying a number of different cigars and figuring out what’s right for you. The good news is if cigars are going to become a pleasurable pastime for you, trying out a bunch of cigars trying to find your sweet spots shouldn’t feel like a chore. Most of them won’t be awful and many will be really good even if they aren’t your favorite. For a new cigar smoker, finding a palate should be like dating without the drama!

Whatever you pick (and we’ll get to that in a minute), journal your cigars, either literally or figuratively. That means taking notes on what you smoked and what you liked about it/disliked about it. You can formally do this in a physical journal or on your phone. If you’ve got a pretty good memory taking mental notes can work too (for me the mental notes worked just fine, and they can be as simple as “would/would not buy again”). Pro tip: after you remove the band instead of throwing it away put it in your pocket or take a picture of it to refer to when you journal.

Bricks and Mortar (B&M) Strategy

Go to your local cigar store. Not the place with a little humidor and a few boxes for sale but one where their whole business is cigars. Be upfront with the staff member that you are new and looking for help. Introduce yourself. New smokers are their lifeblood and they should be happy to help you and greet you enthusiastically.

Part of the value they should be offering you is the best advice on selection. If possible talk to the owner or a long-term employee. They don’t necessarily need to be a certified tobacconist, but they need to know their stuff. If you don’t get a good vibe about their expertise or they are short with you consider leaving and finding another store or buying just one and trying another time (when maybe a different staffer will be there).

Ultimately what you are trying to find is someone that will truly guide you through the journey. Prices will vary regionally but expect to pay $8 – $15 (each) for premium brand name cigars. He or she may also have some value or “house” sticks for less ($3-6/stick). Don’t be afraid of those. They are an excellent way to develop your palate.

The Online Strategy

Google “introductory deal for new cigar smokers” or similar and look at the results. Odds are you’ll find several different offers on the various links. Often these deals will cost anywhere between $15-30 all in including shipping and consist of 8-12 different brand-name premium cigars usually with some sort of accessory (humidor, cutter, lighter, etc.) thrown in on the deal. These are a fantastic deal! No these aren’t the best cigars in the world and you aren’t going to find an Opus X in there, but they are quality cigars that will give you a great cost-effective way of doing the trial and error.

You will also find these introductory deals in the USPS “junk mailers” you typically get with your grocery store coupons. They are almost always limited to one per customer or address as the deals are designed to be attractive. Nothing says you can’t take advantage of the offers from multiple companies. They are all trying to win your business long-term.

The Hybrid Strategy: A Little of Both

On a going basis, the online retailers will almost always beat the B&M guys on price. That’s just reality. I won’t turn this into a primer online vs. B&M retailing. Amazon is less expensive than CVS on the corner. You get it. That doesn’t mean one is better or worse. Regardless of where you buy online can be an invaluable source of information on the different cigar brands and figuring out what other cigars are similar to the ones you enjoy (remember you’ll be journaling this stuff). Most of the time the reviews and product descriptions from the top sites are fantastic.

Maybe you do a little bit of both. Then, my best advice is to buy a couple of introductory samplers. Make a friend at a cigar shop. Hard to put a price on the value of a friend at the shop.

In fact, they can complement each other. You can buy a sampler online then go into the store and be able to tell the merchant about two or three things you really like, and it will help him recommend other sticks to try. Just remember cigar etiquette, if you go in and talk the B&M merchant’s ear off or take up fifteen minutes of his time, buy something! He’s got to eat, too, and he’s providing value to you through the education he provides.

Final Word on Pricing

Unless you are just oozing with coin and frankly can never see yourself smoking anything but the ultra high end, don’t start your cigar journey at the top. Frankly, an inexperienced palate won’t appreciate what it is smoking. Don’t start at the bottom. Everything you smoke should be a premium, handmade, long filler cigar. Smoke a mix of brand names and value sticks until you figure out what you like.

If you’re a wine connoisseur or just familiar with wine drinking you’ll quickly see a ton of similarities between wine drinking and cigar smoking on a lot of different levels. One is if you really don’t know wine, for the most part, you won’t appreciate great wine. You’ll recognize the difference between a $4 bottle and a $40 bottle but you won’t know the difference between a $40 bottle and a $400 bottle. Cigars are the same way. I’d just say, the best advice here is to save the $20+ (per stick) stuff for when you can appreciate the nuance that makes a great (and priced appropriately) stick a great stick.

Bringing it all Together

Whether you go the B&M route or the online route will probably be based in part on the availability of good B&M near you, your budget, and your personality. Either is fine. The important thing is to get out there and start smoking! Take some notes from the best advice and figure out what you like and keep smoking. Don’t worry about what other people are smoking as long as you’re enjoying yourself. As I like to say, “My favorite cigar is the one I’m smoking right now!”

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