Cigar History Archives - Page 4 of 7

What’s Special About Premium Cigars?

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Staff

Ask the average person the difference between a machine-pressed cigar and a quality premium cigar. The only answer you’ll likely get is the price. Sure, the price does differ, but the cost is not the only thing that makes a cigar a premium cigar. A one-dollar stick has a different taste because everything about it is different. Those who live the cigar lifestyle know these differences. There are differences in the process, the materials, the packaging, and the flavor. However, you may not know why the top cigars are all premium cigars.

The Mechanics of It All

We all know that the process of hand-rolling premium cigars gives them their quality. The reason for this comes down to the process. Factory or machine-pressed cigars result in lower quality due to mass production. It’s impossible to ensure that every machine-made cigar in a batch of thousands will have the same consistent quality. Even if the materials are superb, large batches are prone to errors, and quality assurance is non-existent.

The very nature of a hand-rolled cigar makes it of higher quality. A human being rolls and wraps each cigar before finishing it. Hand-rolling adds a built-in method of quality assurance. Any roller worth their salt will ensure that each cigar is as good as it can be.

The Materials Make the Difference

Most cigar enthusiasts know that premium cigars also use better tobacco leaves. The truth is, everything about the tobacco in premium cigars is better. For one, the leaves run the entire length of the cigar, which distributes the flavor throughout the cigar from the first drag to the last. Beyond the size of the leaves, they are all harvested and sourced from the same relative place.

Cuban cigars are good international cigars because of the unique flavor of Cuban-grown tobacco. However, tobacco is a delicate plant that takes work to grow. Therefore, each region that produces quality cigars grows its own tobacco; This includes niche products such as limited-run artisanal cigars and miniatures like cigarillos and jr cigars.

Machine-pressed cigars often use mass-produced, low-quality filler tobacco. The tobacco gets chopped and made into the filler. Unfortunately, this also usually includes stalks and other scraps to fill the cigars. These parts of the tobacco plant can lead to a bitter, undesirable taste. Cutting, of course, saves money and keeps the cigars less expensive by volume.

You will not find a machine-pressed cigar created from higher-grade tobacco. The cost of raising the crop often presents a barrier to this. Certain varieties are challenging to tend to or are only grown in small batches by local farms. The cost and resources to mass-produce these would be astronomical and not worth the effort for a stick that only costs a buck or two.

The Wrappings of Premium Cigars

Part of the handmade process involves wrapping and oiling the cigar. Premium cigars that are hand wrapped are wrapped tight and even from end to end. The wrapping is usually oiled to keep it smooth and to give it a little gloss. The purposes of this process are twofold. One, it provides the cigar with a distinct look. You can always tell a hand-rolled premium cigar by the wrapping. A premium cigar will look glossier and professionally wrapped. The second purpose is for the cigar to burn even when smoked. Eliminating these plant materials ensures smooth and clean smoke all the way through. The wrapper is also all-natural in a premium cigar which is a benefit over machine-pressed cigars and cigarettes.

Machine-pressed cigars are not glossy. Therefore, their wrapping also needs to be tight and smooth. You can tell this immediately by the dull appearance of the cigar. In addition, the tobacco of a loosely wrapped cigar does not hold together well, which leads to a poorer smoke. Worse yet, the wrappers in many machine-pressed cigars are not all-natural due to the cost of materials. Sourcing filler tobacco is easy enough, but putting tobacco in the wrapping to mass-produce cigars is tricky and inefficient.

Let It Age a Bit

Much like a fine wine or a vintage car, age factors into the quality of a cigar. Many premium tobaccos age to achieve a particularly rich or full flavor. A good premium cigar will taste better over time, so long as you store it at the right temperature and humidity in a good humidor.

Unlike cigarette tobacco, which decays over time due to chemicals and other fillers, cigar tobacco can and does age well if stored correctly; This is different for mass-production cigars. Tobacco for these cigars doesn’t age. Instead, it is picked, bagged, and chopped. Then, it becomes the cigar filler. The flavor profile takes two things into account: tobacco variety and growing location. Yet, the other part of the profile is the aging process. Not allowing the tobacco to age in machine-pressed cigars leaves a mellower flavor.

Premium Cigars for a Reason

The difference between factory-made and authentic premium cigars may only sometimes be evident. Still, for cigar lovers, the difference is noticeable. From start to finish, premium cigars are simply the best cigars. Everything is superior in a premium cigar, whether it’s the production, materials, or wrapping.

Photo credit: “Owner of Gentlemen’s Breakfast, Van de la Plante,” by Tim Mossholder, Unsplash

Boxbags are Putting Cigar Boxes Back to Work

Posted on January 17, 2021 by Staff

Cigar boxes have been around for hundreds of years. During that time, they have evolved from very utilitarian to resembling works of art. Some smokers covet the beautiful packaging the cigars come in more than the cigars themselves. Demeatria Powell, the owner of Smokin Lashes, LLC and creator of the original Boxbags, saw the opportunity in creating something beautiful and fashionable for sisters of the leaf.

What Happens to Empty Cigar Boxes?

Cigar boxes, which are often made of cedarwood, have a sturdy design. So, cigar boxes have long been good places to store odds and ends of all sorts. That includes paperwork, baseball cards, photos, and just about anything else. For competitive and aesthetic reasons, cigar boxes have grown more ornate. This only increases the desirability to keep them around the house long after the cigars are gone. In fact, some boxes have even risen to the level of collectibles. eBay has thousands of listings for empty cigar boxes for sale, but that’s not all. Cigar boxes have also been repurposed into completely different items, including guitars and now handbags.

Meet Demeatria Powell, Owner of Smokin’ Lashes LLC

One Sister of the Leaf from Atlanta, Demeatria Powell, has taken cigar boxes to a whole new level. She repurposes them as “Boxbags” or fashion accessories that might replace a purse or handbag. Demeatria has turned Boxbags into a business and developed quite a following. So, Cigar Life Guy caught up with her in the following interview.

Cigar Life Guy: What is a Boxbag?

Demeatria Powell: A Boxbag is a sophisticated version of a woman’s purse made from an authentic cigar box. Like many women’s handbags, Boxbags come in different sizes, styles, and designs. I also designed an Ashbox. It’s basically the male version of Boxbags, but it’s tailored to BOTL.

CLG: How did you start Smokin Lashes? Is there a story behind it?

DP: I started Smokin Lashes LLC in February 2018. It originally focused on makeup and eyelash installation. However, once COVID-19 hit, I had to reinvent my business. I wanted to find a way to capture the growing presence of women in the cigar industry, which has become such an integral part of my life.

I have to give special thanks to my Leaflife Network family, especially two of the owners of Leaflife Lounge (Ellenwood GA) Kelvin Robinson Sr and Calvin Robinson. They encouraged me to use my creative talents and allowed me to utilize the increasing number of cigar boxes on hand at the lounge. That’s how the Boxbag started!

Smokers Like Boxbags from Favorite Brands

CLG: Have certain styles proved to be more popular? What makes a good Boxbag?

DP: I’ve found most of my customers, which are predominately Sisters of the Leaf, like a Boxbag with additional accessories. That might be a scarf, sparkling stones, sequence, beads, or jewelry that makes it stand out. The Boxbag carries a unique design from the handle or strap chosen to the clasp used to open and close it. It also includes custom lining and various decorative flare inside.

The cigar box itself is important. It should be sturdy and eye-catching. The brand of the box is very important to many customers wanting to represent the brand they are loyal to. I’ve started the hashtag #️carrywhatyousmoke on social in response to the desire ladies have to carry their brand as a bag. Simply put, the Boxbag is beautiful inside and out. It’s definitely a conversation starter and compliments the inner “Boss Lady” in all of us.

CLG: How many Boxbags are custom requests vs. premade from inventory? How long do custom orders typically take?

DP: Seventy-five percent of sales come from premade Boxbags. I use my creative talents to ensure each Boxbag is desirable. It typically takes 7-10 days to complete and ship a custom Boxbag.

BoxBags on Social Media

CLG: How do you market your business or how do your customers find you?

DP: With social media at everyone’s fingertips, that is the main source of my marketing. Additionally, I receive customer referrals, which is at least 30% of my new customer orders. It is exciting is to see Boxbags are attracting ladies across age groups. That includes women who do not regularly smoke cigars.

CLG: Where do you get the empty cigar boxes you use as your raw materials?

DP: The popularity of cigar lounges in the Atlanta area has left no shortages of cigar boxes. I travel near and far to collect potential boxes for my creations.

Want to learn more about Smokin Lashes LLC? Reach out through social messaging:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/smokin_lashes

Facebook: Smokin Lashes LLC

Disclosure: From time-to-time, Cigar Life Guy will highlight innovative businesses in the cigar community. This is not an advertisement. Cigar Life Guy is not affiliated with Smoking Lashes LLC. It receives no compensation for any products sold or referred by this article, nor is it responsible for any purchases made.

Photo Credit: Smokin Lashes LLC

Drew Estate and the Rise of the Infused Cigar

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Staff

Few things in the cigar world evoke such disparate reactions more than “infused” or flavored cigars. Retail shops and cigar lounges relegate infused cigars to separate humidors from “traditional” cigars. Additionally, purists often scoff at them and consider them as inferior in quality and taste. But make no mistake, infused cigars have crept into the premium space largely due to the pioneers at Drew Estate.

The Rebirth of Drew Estate Cigars

Twenty-five years ago, Pulp Fiction burst upon the movie screens and Drew Estate made a similar garish debut shortly thereafter. Flavored cigars were nothing new. In fact, cigars have been dipped in rum or other spirits for as long as they have existed. Unlike mass-produced, cheaply flavored cigars with cut-rate tobacco, the brand set out to launch the “Rebirth of Cigars,” by creating premium infused cigars with its Acid line.

A Recipe as Secret as the Colonel’s

The original Acid Kuba Kuba is a heady, medium-bodied, and exotically flavored cigar, not for the faint of heart. It’s definitely not something you want in your humidor next to your prized Cubans, since cigars readily absorb flavors. The Acid line was an immediate blockbuster and became the backbone of Drew Estate. It has several variations of infusions that take on different nuances in the various sizes, ranging from cigarillo to torpedo.

Twentieth Anniversary Benchmark

To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the line, Drew Estate created a special blend of ultra-premium tobaccos and gave them a subtle infusion. Then, the boutique brand box-pressed its anniversary cigars to represent the pinnacle of the brand. The finished product resulted in a lush, full-bodied smoke. If this is any indication of what’s in store for the upcoming twenty-fifth-anniversary release, aficionados of infused cigars should start rejoicing.

The Rebirth of Cigars Continues

Drew Estate expanded beyond infused cigars and into the traditional premium space with the Liga Privada and Undercrown lines. The Liga Privada Number 9 remains one of the most coveted and difficult cigars to acquire in the United States. The careful attention to the construction and blending of the Liga or Acid lines is why other top producers added their own infused lines. Imitation, after all, is the most sincere form of flattery.

Swisher Sweets and Drew Estate

When Swisher International acquired Drew Estate in 2014, the acquisition created two, unique smoking experiences. Swisher, the home of the mass-produced, omnipresent flavored Swisher Sweets cigars remained in every deli and gas station across the country. They became the upscale boutique side of the business with its premium, infused cigars. This formed the perfect match. Swisher International’s size allowed Drew Estate to grow its capital while scaling economies across many functions. Additionally, the union also granted better access to distribution as well as advanced cigar-making technology.

A Word from the Founder

Jonathan Drew, the founder of Drew Estate, is an icon among the “new wave” of cigar makers. He remains firmly involved in the day-to-day operations of all the Drew Estate lines. When asked about his vision for the future and his favorite smokes, he responded, “We set out to create the ‘rebirth of cigars,’ which we did in our own fashion. I have the luxury of lighting up an ultra-premium Liga Privada ‘Year of the Rat,’ or my current obsession, which is the Pappy Van Winkle Barrel infused line. Drew Estate makes everything with the same attention to quality or detail. We wanted to make sure that the true aficionados relaxing in cigar lounges would have options that satisfied all palates.”

Jonathan Drew remarks, via Jack Heyer, Drew Estate Director of Social Media December 2020

Photo Credit: @jonathandrewart/Twitter

Lancero Cigars: Elegant Cigars for Distinguished Palates

Posted on January 3, 2021 by Staff

David Bowie’s nickname was the “Thin White Duke” for a reason. Like David Bowie, Lancero cigars are also thin and noble in stature and deserve the recognition of every serious cigar smoker. The trend towards large, brawny ring gauges continues to be embraced by cigar makers. However, Lanceros remain the distinguished smoker’s cigar of choice.

What is a Lancero?

The Spanish word “Lanceros” translates to “lancers,” and is evocative of the lances that horse-mounted knights used. Long and slender, the official Cuban cigar factory dimensions are a ring gauge of 38 and 7 ½ inches long. Cigarillos are small but not thin cigars. Panatelas, according to classification, encompass ALL thin cigars, which include Lanceros. However, only a gran (long) panatela is considered a Lancero.

When Did Lancero Cigars Become Popular?

Lancero cigars are somewhat similar in proportions to a cigarette. However, they have not been around as long. Lanceros are relatively new and were a creation specifically made for Fidel Castro in 1960. In fact, these El Laguito Number 1 cigars came into being shortly after the Cohiba brand became established. Such was their demand that Castro commissioned the Cohiba Trinidad. The Lanceros then became a much sought-after trophy cigar only used for diplomatic gifting.

Imitation is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery.

Cigar giant Davidoff was the first major producer to follow in Cohiba’s footsteps and continue to make Lanceros after moving from Cuba to the Dominican Republic. For decades, they were the only non-Cuban producer to continue with Lanceros in their portfolio. Today, as tastes continue to favor the larger ring gauges of big smokes, only a few elite brands offer the traditional Lancero.

How Do Lancero Cigars Smoke?

Size does make the difference, and Lanceros are the polar opposites of their big gauged brethren such as Torpedoes and Churchills. With the larger cigars, the flavor is produced by a significant amount of filler. Therefore, producers must pay careful attention to the tobacco blend. With Lanceros, the wrapper is the most important component, since there is little filler to overpower it.

You Get What You Pay For

The one complaint with Lanceros is they often become “plugged” or hard to draw because of their construction. This is why most lounges or retail outlets only carry the best producers who pay careful attention to build and proper storage. It also means that Lanceros can be expensive.

Taste Says it All

True connoisseurs want to taste the tobacco and know about the farm or Finca from where it came. And, that’s who you’ll find enjoying the Lanceros most often. The wrapper’s taste is the tobacco leaf in its purest form. Some of the newer, top producers like Alec Bradley and Oliva have offered Lanceros as an expression of the quality and purity of their tobacco and wrapper combinations. Carlos Fuente Jr. says the Lanceros offers the best size of cigars that Fuente makes. Additionally, he favors the Opus X Lancero, primarily due to the purity of its flavor.

True Aficionados Love Lancero Cigars

For many cigar makers and smokers with distinguished palates, the Lancero is the cigar of choice. Some feel the size tends toward “effeminate”– they have been the occasional cigar of choice by Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna. However, you can also spot country singer Brad Paisley with them, and claiming their size doesn’t affect his singing as much. Even though celebrities may make certain cigars seem trendy, one thing is certain – the classics are here to stay, and Lanceros are true classics.

Photo credit: Fox Cigar/foxcigar.com

Hollywood Royalty Kurt Russell Enjoys His Cigars

Posted on December 20, 2020 by Staff

Longevity in Hollywood is a novel idea reserved for a rarefied few. Nevertheless, some actors like Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, and Sylvester Stallone have managed to be box office staples for decades. Add to that list of long-time screen stars and cigar lovers Kurt Russell. Russell has entered his sixth decade on the big screen and shows no signs of stopping.

The Tarantino Effect

Twenty-five years ago, Quentin Tarantino made Pulp Fiction and reinvigorated the careers of John Travolta and Bruce Willis. It also solidified cigar lover Samuel L. Jackson as one lousy mother! In Tarantino’s recent release, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Kurt Russell reunited with Quentin Tarantino. He gave a tour de force performance that garnered more attention than his lead role in Tarantino’s Hateful Eight less than a decade earlier.

In the Beginning, There Was Kurt Russell

Russell’s first movie role at age 12 was kicking Elvis Presley in the shins in It Happened at the World’s Fair. At 13, he played the lead in The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters, his first (in an eventual string of Westerns.) Kurt Russel has enjoyed a star turn in every decade of his career, portraying a steady flow of well-known, rugged leading man roles.

Action Figures

Some actors quickly point out their wall of Oscars and other awards. However, Russell is proud that he now has nine action figures based on characters from his roles. The most recent was from his role as “Ego” in the Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2. More than any Oscar, these action figures show how much his audiences love him!

Smokes On and Off-Screen

In Escape From L.A., there is a joke that he has no choice but to smoke cigarillos because he can’t find cigarettes. In Tombstone, he deftly lights a cigar while running a poker game. Then, in The Hateful Eight, he enjoys a pipe throughout the movie, despite being chained to a prisoner. Tobacco, in some form, always makes its way on-screen for Russell. He believes that sometimes the cigar, or pipe, is essential to the character. He should know; he’s played over 100 characters!

What Does Kurt Russell Smoke Off Screen?

Russell admits he is not a daily smoker but proudly boasts he has never turned down a cigar. He loves the relaxed time and Zen-like experience that comes with smoking one. The ability to have a civilized conversation in a cushy lounge while enjoying a well-made, mild Cuban cigar is an absolute treat that he relishes.

Where Does Russell Go From Here?

Kurt Russell has been the savior of New York and Los Angeles, a rugged sheriff bringing law and order to Tombstone, a fire captain, Santa Claus, and even a space god. Yet, with a career spanning sixty years and every possible leading man role, he is STILL excited about going to work. He has long been lauded for his tireless work effort, something he got from his father, who said, “Show up and do the work.” Since then, Russell has been doing precisely that for sixty years and is looking forward to his next role, which he hopes will inspire a new action figure for his collection.

Photo credit: “Actor Kurt Russell at the premiere of Grindhouse, Austin, Texas,” by Jeff Balke, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 3.0.

Cigarillos Are More Than Just Small Cigars

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Staff

When you think of a cigarillo, often the image that comes to mind is Clint Eastwood chewing on a tiny cheroot. Or a distinguished cigar slightly bigger than a cigarette carried in an exquisite silver case, a la James Bond. Whatever you envisage, there is more to cigarillos than meets the eye!

Where Did Cigarillos Originate?

The literal Spanish translation of “cigarillo” is “little cigar.” Given Spain’s early domination of the cigar market, it is assumed that cigarillos were a Spanish invention. The first recorded mention of a cigarillo was in the 1830s. Their real popularity didn’t catch on until almost a century later. Then, rules were enforced to ensure they were hand-rolled and maintained specific size and shape ratios.

The Golden Age of Cigarillos

The influx of European blockbusters hit American cinemas in the 1950s. Then, the American cigar-smoking public fell in love with the jaunty, quick little smokes featured on screen. They enjoyed tremendous popularity in Europe, particularly among the working class who smoked one during a lunch break. Their popularity waned in the 1960s through the 1980s, though. This was mostly due to aggressive American cigarette industry marketing campaigns.

Are Cigarillos Made Different From Cigars?

Today, cigarillo makers create these little smokes, most often using machines. The cigars of many leading brands feature an all-tobacco wrapper. However, these same cigars may also contain up to 25% cellulose in their homogenized binder. Although purists often scoff at the homogenized binder, it provides a more even burn when lit. It also is what makes cigarillos a very cost-effective smoke! While there are no specifics for the size and shape, typical cigarillos are between three and four inches long. They also offer a slight taper, not to be confused with torpedoes.

Can You Taste the Difference?

Because of their small size, cigarillos offer a perfect, quick smoke. In fact, they are often flavored and used as an after-dinner “snack” in lieu of dessert. Henri Winterman’s Café Crème cigarillo is one of the top-selling brands in the world. Duty-free airport shops often feature it. In the United States, Swisher Sweets have been a longtime favorite. They are often featured in TV Westerns and on the big screen as the smoke of choice by gruff leading men.

The Renaissance of Little Smokes

High-end smoking lounges are embracing these little trophy cigars. Many cigar smokers enjoy the ability to smoke several little treats for the same time it would take to smoke a massive Churchill! Better production from smaller, independent cigar makers has been at the forefront of the cigarillos’ popularity in the States. Europe, however, remains the top-selling market, with almost 45% of cigars sold in Belgium alone being cigarillos.

Cigarillos Are Growing in Popularity

Cigarillos have captured a fast-growing segment of the cigar-smoking population: female smokers. With pop superstars like Rihanna and Shakira seen smoking them, it’s not hard to see why. The advent of flavored cigarillos has become quite popular as options at bachelorette parties and weddings. They offer a sort of his and her option for those who want a lighter, flavored smoke. The quality and consistency continue to improve, carving out more space and certainty for these little smokes. Cigarillos will continue to occupy a prominent niche in the cigar market for cigar lovers wanting a quick, easy smoke.

Photo credit: Fox Cigars

Brother of the Leaf: Sylvester Stallone Loves Cigars

Posted on December 6, 2020 by Staff

Very few actors have so embedded themselves in the cultural zeitgeist that the mere mention of the character’s name can describe a person in a situation. Rocky will forever be every scrappy underdog. Rambo will always be the wronged person taking justice into their own hands. Both of these characters belong to one of Hollywood’s living legends. He is a brother of the leaf and a man who goes by the nickname “Sly:” Cigar lover Sylvester Stallone.

The Underdog Endures

Never contented with being a background player or an extra, Stallone busted out in 1976 with the Oscar-winning Rocky, which he wrote. Rather than sell the rights and let someone else play the eponymous role, he stuck to his guns and got his way. After a few sequels, Stallone was a household name. Five decades later, the Rocky saga continues to breathe new life into the franchise, with Stallone passing the torch to Michael B. Jordan.

Action Heroes of the ’80s

The 1980s was a golden decade for brawny action movies. Careers of action heroes like Stallone, good friend, and cigar enthusiast Arnold Schwarzenegger launched into orbit. First, Stallone’s portrayal of the PTSD-suffering soldier cum vigilante John Rambo in the Rambo series became a fixture on the big screen. Then, four decades later, they cashed in with The Expendables franchise poking fun at the aging action heroes.

A New Brother of the Leaf is Born

Stallone was no stranger to cigarettes. That’s particularly true when he struggled with his acting career in the 70s. Sylvester Stallone’s smoking habit dates back to when he was 12. Time, however, has a funny way of changing and transforming our habits. In Stallone’s case, you might even call it an epiphany.

When he filmed FIST, he discovered a love for cigars that would stretch across time and maybe even the cosmos. But, more importantly, he also found a transformation effect the cigars had on him and his different roles. Then, this brother of the leaf fell in love with fine cigars and the cigar lifestyle. What’s notable to remember, though, is that his role in FIST offers a rare glimpse of Stallone pictured on-screen with one of the cigars he has become known for.

Quiet on the Set!

Like many other fine actors, Stallone is known for mingling with fellow actors and cigar aficionados on the set. Carl Weathers, best known for his role as Apollo Creed in Rocky, credits Stallone for introducing him to cigars. Another well-known actor and cigar lover, Arnold Schwarzenegger, appeared with Stallone in The Expendables. Off-screen, however, the two are rumored to have had cigar-smoking sessions that were nothing less than renowned. Finally, during the filming of Copland, Stallone also enjoyed some great smokes with another well-known cigar aficionado – Robert DeNiro.

What Does a Legendary Brother of the Leaf Smoke?

Stallone’s love of cigars runs coast to coast deep, literally. He keeps several well-stocked humidors in both his homes – on the East Coast and the West Coast. Like any well-supplied humidor, all contain a broad range of trophy cigars. However, his favorite cigar remains the rare Fuente Opus X. He prefers to smoke at night. During the day, Stallone smokes a different kind of cigar, with his preferences tending toward a minor smoke similar in size to a Robusto. Yet, if you ask him which cigar is his favorite during the day, he’ll likely name the Partagas Series D Number 4.

No Rest for the Weary

Sylvester Stallone has spent five decades in his acting career, but don’t worry. He’s certainly not showing any signs that he’s ready to slow down anytime soon. However, you’ll often find him relaxing with a fine cognac and a cigar at the end of the day. He picked up the game of golf late in life and loved its philosophical aspects. Plus, it’s a perfect time for this brother of the leaf to smoke a few of his favorites. Even though he struggled at golf initially, like everything else in his life, he refused to quit. He continues to live by his mantra to keep pursuing and being what he calls a “positive pest.” That work ethic shows no sign of wavering!

Photo Credit: “Photo taken at the private party after the premiere of the movie FIST, April 13, 1978,” by Alan Light, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY 2.0.

James Bond Cigar: Smoke Trails and Spies

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Staff

“The name is Bond. James Bond.” Few lines in Hollywood are more iconic than that. They convey images of debonair spies drinking well-crafted martinis in tuxedoes while smoking cigars in luxurious casinos. With the passing of two legendary actors and real knights of the British Empire, Sirs Sean Connery and Roger Moore, it’s time to look at the connection between 007 and the famous James Bond cigar.

James Bond Cigar Origin

Ian Fleming, the legendary creator of the James Bond series, spent countless afternoons on the patio of his Jamaican estate “Goldeneye” smoking hand-rolled cigarettes. So, the original Bond character smoked upwards of sixty cigarettes a day. James Bond, played by Sean Connery in “Dr. No,” appeared with a silver cigarette carrying case. In “Goldfinger,” while in the private lounge of the Bank of England, he is offered a cigar and declines in favor of his hand-rolled cigarettes.

Art Imitates Life

When Roger Moore became a guardian of the role in 1973, he brought a well-known love affair of cigars to the screen. His cheekier take on Bond included making the jump from cigarettes to cigars. Cigar aficionado Moore even had a contract with a clause. As a result, he received an unlimited supply of Montecristo Number 3’s while on the set. He was prominently featured smoking in “The Man with the Golden Gun” and “Live and Let Die,” even putting his trophy cigar out on a rogue agent’s wrist.

James Bond Cigar VS. License to Kill

Product placement is an integral part of the series. Aston Martin and Walther PPK pistols have been the vehicle of choice. However, Romeo Y Julieta is the clear winner regarding cigars. In “Thunderball,” master gadget maker “Q” offers Connery a cigar in a particular aluminum case. The case — an underwater breathing apparatus is a focal point, but the cigars are unmistakable. Moore’s Bond typically enjoys his personal favorite, Montecristos. Still, Pierce Brosnan’s take as Bond in “The World is Not Enough” features an opening scene of him about to enjoy a Romeo Y Julieta Churchill before being interrupted.

James Bond Villains Smoking Cigars

The popular television game show “Jeopardy” featured a category for James Bond villains. Each villain had a particular nuance or unique tick, but most had one thing in common. Cigar lovers. Sanchez, in “Licensed to Kill,” and Largo, in “Thunderball,” frequently use cigars as menacing props. Nothing compares to Famke Jannsen’s Xenia Onatopp in “Goldeneye” as a seductively evil villain while relishing her Romeo y Julietas in the casino.

Life Imitates Art

In homage to the James Bond franchise, Romeo y Julieta launched a bespoke line of 007-branded cigars in 2002. Meant to replicate the ones depicted on screen, they came packaged in a commemorative James Bond-designed humidor. A prominent English cigar retailer offers a particular flight of cigars. These replicate the various locations of essential Bond movies. Current Bond portrayer Daniel Craig takes a more realistic view of the battle between life and art. “There is absolutely no way I could run 3 miles in a chase scene or do any number of fight scenes if I smoked sixty cigarettes a day as it was originally written. I’ll enjoy my cigars- after filming,” said Craig.

Photo credit: “Goldfinger – Aston Martin DB5 & Sean Connery,” by FR, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 4.0.

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