General Archives - Page 4 of 5

Your New Cigar Humidor and How to Care For It

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Staff

We all started smoking cigars for one reason or another. Maybe it was a golf tournament that you played in with your Uncles where you had your first smoke. Or, it was that cool, fall evening around the campfire with friends that got you hooked. Either way, you’ve now ventured into the glorious world of cigars, and are stepping your gear up a notch. There comes a time in our cigar-smoking careers when it’s time to invest in our next big purchase, outside of cigars: a new cigar humidor.

Humidors come in all shapes in sizes, from small, plastic travel humidors to large stand-up ones that hold hundreds of cigars. Any way you cut it, if your humidor is wood (cedar, at that), then you have to ‘season’ it. The seasoning process allows the humidor to retain moisture that keeps your cigars in tip-top shape for when you’re ready to smoke them. Here’s how to do it.

Your Humidor, and Its Accessories

So, your new cigar humidor just arrived in the mail. Or, you brought it home from your local cigar shop, a friend, or found it in your dad’s basement. Now, you’re trying to figure this humidor thing out. To season your humidor, you need to first take everything out.

Usually, humidors come with a few accessories.

A hygrometer, which tells you the level of humidity inside your humidor.
A humidifier, which will retain water to keep humidity running at optimal levels.
Dividers and trays to store your cigars.

Hygrometers that come with humidors are often of the analog variety and not incredibly accurate. You may want to swap that out for a digital hygrometer, but if you don’t, the analog is fine to start with. Depending on your environment and the size of your humidor, you may want to add another humidifier to keep it running at the optimal humidity level.

Once you have all your accessories out of your humidor and the box is empty, it’s time to start seasoning.

Seasoning Your New Cigar Humidor

Seasoning a humidor is not a big, scary task – but it does have some nuances. All ‘seasoning’ a humidor does is prep it for your cigars. So, make sure you leave those out until the process finishes! If you put your new stash of cigars into that fancy box that you just picked up, the cedar interior will draw moisture out of your cigars. We definitely don’t want that.

First, you’re going to need a couple of simple materials that you can find at your local grocery or convenience store. You’ll need distilled water to prevent mold and a sponge to wipe down the interior.

Now that you have your humidor empty, soak your sponge in distilled water and wring it out. You don’t want to soak the wood, you just want it moist. Wet wood can warp and that’s not good. Wipe down all the interior surfaces of your humidor with the sponge. Re-wet it as necessary. Do the same for the cedar dividers and trays. Now that it’s all wiped down, place the dividers and trays back into your humidor and close the lid. Next, it’s time to wait – about 24 hours.

After a day has gone by, open your humidor and add your humidifier and hygrometer. Close that humidor back up and let it sit for another day. Your hygrometer and humidifier will regulate the environment of the humidor.

Finally, Your New Cigar Humidor is Ready

Seasoning the humidor takes a good 48 hours. So, I’m sure you’re ready to put your new humidor to good use. But first – check your hygrometer: is it reading 70% or something close? Good. Place your cigars in your new humidor and you’re seasoned and ready to go. Many of us choose to add a propylene glycol solution specially formulated for cigars to our humidors. They come in canisters and a variety of shapes and sizes and keep your humidor at around 68-70% humidity. Feel free to add one of those if you’d like – they’re inexpensive and can keep your cigars nice and fresh.

Finally, the most important part – open that new humidor, and go enjoy one of those fine new cigars. Cheers!

photo credit: Pixabay

Never Judge a Cigar by the Cigar Wrapper

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Staff

We’ve all heard it. The darker the cigar wrapper, the stronger the stick. Right? “That cigar is really dark…it must be pretty strong!” Or more commonly from newer cigar smokers, “That cigar is light, it must be mild – I’ll have one of those.” Could those statements be correct? Of course, they could. Some dark cigars are stronger than others. These are your ‘full’ flavored cigars. Other cigars are light. These are your ‘mild’ sticks. However, it’s a common misconception that the color of a cigar’s outer wrapper dictates its strength.

You see, cigar strength comes from multiple factors: its wrapper, its binder, and its filler. The mix of those three ingredients is what made the cigar great, as in AJ Fernandez and Arturo Fuente famous! They’re also what will make a cigar fall into its mild, medium, or full category. That being said, a cigar wrapper accounts for a large majority of its flavor. Let’s talk about a few of the common wrapper types: Connecticut, the Habano, and the Maduro.

The Connecticut Wrapper

When most people think of a ‘light’ or ‘mild’ cigar, they’re thinking of a cigar with a Connecticut wrapper. Connecticut wrappers come in two varieties. The standard Connecticut wrapper, also known as the Connecticut Shade wrapper, is grown in – you guessed it – Connecticut! It’s one of the tops, and only, remaining tobacco exports of the United States. The mix of sun, water, and soil in the Connecticut River Valley provide the optimal environment to grow tobacco leaves that produce a mild, woodsy cigar.

Golden blonde in color, Connecticut wrappers are quite popular for their mild manner and pleasant taste. These wrappers are also fantastic for beginner cigar smokers. Common brands making great Connecticut-wrapped cigars are Macanudo, Rocky Patel, and Montecristo, but there are thousands of others to choose from.

The Habano Wrapper

Ah, the Habano wrapper. The name ‘Habano” refers to the wrapper’s Cuban origins. All Habano wrappers are developed from Cuban seeds. Although, they are grown in numerous areas (Nicaragua and Ecuador are a few standouts). Habano wrappers are typically darker in color than Connecticut wrappers, and more robust in flavor. Often described as spicy, Habanos are full of flavor and complexity.

If you’re looking to move beyond your typical mild-medium cigar, give the Habano a shot. Habano wrappers give the flavor profile that’s closest to your authentic ‘Cuban’ cigar. They are also a very popular choice. There are plenty of fine Habano-wrapped cigars to choose from, such as those from Oliva and Padrón.

The Maduro Cigar Wrapper

Finally, we arrive at the Maduro wrapper. These are the dark, scary-looking cigars you see sitting at the top of the humidor in your local cigar lounge. You cringe at the sight of them, but you shouldn’t! A ‘Maduro’ wrapper isn’t actually a type of wrapper, but rather the aging process that the wrapper goes through. Maduro cigars spend more time aging than the rest, which is why they have a dark, oily appearance. The leaves darken as the cigar ages and the oils are pulled out of the tobacco leaves. This gives Maduro cigars a rich flavor that’s often appreciated by seasoned cigar smokers. Since Maduros are aged longer than other wrappers, they can be quite mild and a real pleasure to smoke.

Remember, strength is a combination of factors, not just the wrapper. Next time you’re looking for a new cigar to try, don’t be afraid of the Habano or Maduro varieties – just be sure to do your homework!

photo credit: Pixabay

Are Real Cohiba Cuban Cigars Worth the Hype?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Staff

Ask a handful of new cigar smokers what the ‘best’ cigar is, and you’ll likely hear the word “Cuban” come up. As with anything that’s outlawed,’ Real Cuban cigars have had a certain mystique surrounding them. It’s an air that other cigars don’t have. But – are they worth the mystique and the money? Anyone who’s tried to buy Cuban cigars overseas – the real ones, not the Cohiba knockoffs! – knows that they’re costly.

So, is it worth forking up the dollars for the authentic Montecristo, Cohiba, or H. Upmann from Cuba?

What Makes Real Cohiba Cuban Cigars Special

First, Cuban tobacco has a distinctive flavor. It’s the only thing that makes a real ‘Cuban’ cigar taste as it does. Then, there’s the ‘I can’t do what I want’ mentality floating around for almost 60 years. That gives a Cuban cigar a sense of ‘coolness.’ Cuban cigars carry a uniqueness all their own. When tobacco is grown, it takes on the flavor of the soil it’s grown in – so yes, Cubans are unique. The climate in Cuba – being smack in the middle of the Caribbean – makes for some fantastic tobacco.

A typical Cuban has a bold flavor profile that’s rich and complex. For those who have smoked them – you know what I mean. Some Cuban brands have milder varieties. But, the well-known Cuban cigars lie more towards the “fuller” side – so if you’re new to cigars, ease in. Some reputable brands are Cohiba, Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Romeo y Julieta. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

Where Do I Find Them?

Now, you want to buy some good Cuban cigars, but where? Since 1962, there’s been an embargo on cigars from Cuba – one of their top exports. Recently, the U.S. has loosened laws around bringing Cubans back to the United States. It’s still tough to find them in the lower 48 states because they can’t be resold here. Plan on an international trip, but be aware if you travel overseas and are in the market for a Cuban. Watch out for counterfeits – they run rampant.

If you’re sitting on the beach, enjoying a nice umbrella drink, and a vendor asks if you’d like to buy a three-pack of Cohibas for $10 – run away! Real Cubans are expensive – expect to pay some decent dollars for a cigar – usually around $15 or more per stick.

Duty-free shops in airports are great spots to buy authentic Cuban. Although, they may need a couple of months in your humidor when you get home. Also, if you’re staying at a reputable hotel, and we’re assuming you are, ask the front desk where you can find some ‘real’ Cubans. Many tourist towns have a shop or two that sells the real deal, and you can go there to pick up a few to bring home with you.

Is It Worth It?

Yes! Take this with a grain of salt. There are some fantastic cigars from plenty of manufacturers throughout the Caribbean (think Nicaragua, Honduras, etc.). But, if you’ve never had a Cuban, it’s almost a rite of passage – you must try one.

So, seek a real Cuban cigar next time you plan a vacation and want to incorporate some cigars into the mix. Try one for yourself, and let us know what you think!

Photo credit: Pixabay | Rom4in

Cigar Etiquette for the Casual Cigar Smoker

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Staff

New to cigars, or just a casual smoker looking for a few cigar etiquette tips? It can be an intimidating world especially if you find yourself in a swanky cigar lounge surrounded by a bunch of experienced cigar enthusiasts. Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate the world of cigar smoking.

1. Don’t inhale

Okay, this may seem obvious, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve witnessed the “casual” smoker make this mistake. Cigars are not designed to be inhaled like cigarettes (or e-cigarettes, for that matter), they’re meant to be tasted and enjoyed. Once you light your cigar, you should take short puffs – smell the aroma (it should be pleasant, or you’ve done something wrong), and taste the tobacco.

2. Take your time

The act (or art) of cigar smoking is designed to be a relaxing experience – it’s not a race. Beating your buddy to the bottom of the stick doesn’t win any brownie points, and you can ruin a once fine cigar in the process. You want the cigar to remain cool, and not burn too hot – a hot cigar can be uncharacteristically strong and unpleasant. It’s said that a puff every 30 seconds to one minute is about the right speed; your cigar will stay lit but stay cool enough to thoroughly enjoy.

3. Don’t light someone else’s cigar

Yes, it may seem like you’re offering a helping hand. But no, don’t do it. Trust me, we appreciate the gesture, but we like to light our own cigars. Why? Everyone lights a cigar a little differently, and we each have our preferences. Plus, the lighting of a cigar is fundamental to how it will smoke – the most important part! If you need cigar etiquette tips on how to properly light a cigar, click here.

4. Don’t take your band off until it’s time (or at all)

Outside of style and preference, there are actually some reasons why your band should stay on. First, the band of your cigar is glued together – don’t try to slide it off your cigar, or you could end up with a cracked wrapper – bad news. Wait until you light your cigar, and if you really want to take that band off, the cigar will have heated up the glue, and you can peel it right off the cigar. Once the cigar is lit and the band is safe to remove, the choice to keep it on or not is yours; it really is an individual stylistic choice. If you want to keep that band on, it’s perfectly fine – plus, if it’s a great cigar, you have something to remember it by.

5. Let your cigar go out with dignity

Number five is probably the most important cigar etiquette on this list – don’t stub out your cigar. Some cigar smokers will smoke their cigar down until they have about a third of it left (if they’re enjoying it, that is) – the last third can sometimes be a bit strong, and you wouldn’t want to ruin the experience. Of course, others will smoke it until they can no longer safely hold the cigar, enjoying every last puff. In either case, when you’re finished with your cigar, just let it go out. It will go out on its own, and you’ll enjoy the last of its pleasant smell. Just don’t mash it into the ashtray – it smells bad and really is unnecessary.

6. If you’re headed to a cigar lounge, don’t ‘BYOC’

Cigar lounges are fantastic spots to enjoy cigars and talk with fellow cigar enthusiasts. You shouldn’t, however, bring your own cigars – unless you’re planning on replacing them with purchases from the lounge. If you’re at a cigar lounge that sells cigars, plan on buying a few, and ask for suggestions – you may find something you haven’t tried before, and it may become your new favorite.

7. Assess the room

If you’re smoking in a public place, take a look at the environment you’re in, and smoke as such. In a swanky, downtown cigar lounge that’s dark and quiet inside? Enjoy your cigar in peace and use the time to relax while the rest of the lounge does the same. At a family barbecue with corn hole games running rampant? Well, then some good chatter may be appropriate. Bottom line is, know your audience. Some people want to enjoy their cigar in relative peace and quiet. Avoid those controversial subjects that may spark some heavy conversation (politics and religion come to mind…) and keep the subjects on the lighter side. Most importantly, enjoy your cigar! Healthy conversations around cigars are usually a welcome topic with groups of cigar aficionados.

photo credit: Pixabay

New Cigar Smoker Tips: Choosing a Good Cigar

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Staff

If you’re new to cigar smoking, then walking into a giant humidor filled with cigars of all shapes and sizes at your local lounge can be intimidating. Maybe, you’re out with a group of experienced cigar smokers. You need to make a solid choice of stogie for a drink with friends, but as a new cigar smoker, you don’t know where to start. For beginner and experienced cigar enthusiasts, the choices are endless. Learning what makes a good cigar is the first place to start.

We’re not talking about a cigar being “good” on flavor or strength, here. That’s a personal preference learned with time and your best bet is to ask your long-time buddy for a recommendation. We’re talking about quality. Below are a few tips to help the new cigar smoker choose a well-constructed stogie.

Visually Inspect Your Cigar

This is the first, and easiest, step in selecting a solid cigar. When you’re trying to determine a constructed cigar, you first need to look at its wrapper. The wrapper of the cigar is the outside tobacco leaf that holds all the tobacco inside together. It should be free of blemishes like spots, or mold, and have a slightly oily texture to it. Choose a good cigar that’s maintained in a controlled, humidified setting. A controlled setting maintains the cigar’s intended character. It also prevents cracking from being too dry or mold from excessive humidity.

Feel the Cigar

Once you’ve taken a good look at the cigar, make sure you feel it. Roll it between your fingers, and you’ll be able to tell a lot about how it will smoke. A well-made cigar will be firm, without feeling brittle. A brittle cigar is a telltale sign of a dried-out stick or one that’s been through too many changes in humidity. It will smoke fast and feel airy on the draw. The cigar shouldn’t feel “spongy,” either. A squishy cigar is one that’s absorbed too much humidity. It will be tough to draw and give you a hard time staying lit. As a reference, a well-kept cigar should be about the same firmness as a finger – firm, with a little give.

Smoke the Cigar

Okay, at this point, if the cigar looks and feels good, it’s time to commit. Light your cigar. (If you need tips on proper cigar lighting, check out this article). Then, start smoking it. A good cigar should burn evenly throughout the duration of the smoke. The different tobaccos mixed within will produce the great taste quality cigars are known for. If the cigar starts to burn uneven, the flavor will distort and might turn harsh. Finally, the cigar should have a pleasant aroma to it – you seasoned cigar smokers know what I’m talking about.

Still not interested in picking up a random cigar at your local shop? Need to do some research on the best cigars out there? There are many resources out there, but one of our favorites is Cigar Aficionado’s Ratings & Reviews. Every year, they rate the top new cigars out on the market and communicate their results to the people. With a 90+ rating cigar pick, you can’t go wrong.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Traveling With Cigars: What You Need to Know

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Staff

If you’re anything like us, you just can’t stand to miss a prime opportunity for a cigar. But what if you’re traveling, and not within arm’s reach of your humidor? Whether you’re heading on vacation, for work, or just heading out for a night on the town, a lot of us like to have cigars handy in case the need arises (and we all hope it will!). Now, we’re assuming that your prized sticks aren’t stashed in your coat pocket, or tossed in with your toiletries buried in your suitcase. If that sounds like you…don’t fear! Here are some tips for traveling with cigars in tow.

The Night on the Town

So, you’re heading out for the night – maybe dinner, drinks, and some entertainment – and you want to bring your favorite Robusto for a nice smoke in-between spots. No problem! There are a few different ways to handle this one. If it’s just you who’ll be enjoying a cigar, opt for a single cigar case. With the ability to hold one cigar, these are lightweight, slim, and can easily slide into a coat pocket discreetly – perfect for when you’re going to be bouncing from spot to spot. Pay attention to the size restrictions – most will have a maximum ring size and length that can be accommodated. Most are crush-proof and will protect your cargo from being damaged if Murphy strikes.

The Weekend Getaway

Just booked a relaxing weekend getaway in the mountains? Sounds like a few cigars may be on the packing list. Don’t even think about stuffing a few sticks into the side pocket of your duffel bag and crossing your fingers. Instead, opt for a travel humidor – a hard-sided case specially made for traveling with cigars. A basic travel humidor typically holds around five Churchill cigars and features a mini-humidifier to keep them moist along the way. If you’re into big ring cigars, your capacity may be reduced by one or two – just something to keep in mind. There are a variety of brands out there, but Herf-a-Dor seems to be the king.

The Long Trip

Heading for a week-long business trip, and need to pack for yourself and a few colleagues? Maybe an extended vacation? Bringing a humidor full of cigars would be ideal, but isn’t quite feasible. Fortunately for us, they make travel humidors in ‘extended stay’ sizes – from 10, 20, even 30 cigars. Keep in mind that the more cigars you have, the more humidity you’ll need. Why limit yourself, right?

Budget Alternatives

On a serious budget, but still, want to take a few cigars along with you? A largemouth water bottle with a humidification pack will do the trick. A plastic food storage bin with a damp paper towel will make a decent cigar humidifier, too. Not as exact of a science, and certainly not as fancy, but it will get the job done just the same.

Traveler’s Tip: If you’re going to be on an airplane, cigar cutters and punches are usually okay in your carry-on and checked luggage. Even so, don’t bring your best equipment, just in case. Your favorite butane torch, however, needs to stay at home – they’re not allowed on the plane, period.

photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

7 Awesome Reasons Why Cigar Life is for You

Posted on July 13, 2019 by Staff

The history of Cigar Life

The love of cigars has a long history, and no one is certain of when it began or with whom. What we do know is that the tradition of cigar life and smoking is extensive. Cigar’s history dates back at least a thousand years. Although, it may have been even longer. The earliest cigars differed from what brothers and sisters of leaf smoke today. Cigars were little more than tightly rolled tobacco leaves bundled together. They were thought to have originated with the Mayans back in the tenth century. That’s because a clay jar depicting a man smoking a cigar was found dating to the period. Yet, no one knows for certain who conceptualized rolling up some tobacco leaves and smoking them. But, we’re glad they did.

Fast-forward to today. Cigar smoking is common, available, and enjoyed by all members of modern society. In fact, cigar smoking has grown so popular that cigar life has developed across the globe and online. So, we’ve put together a list of seven awesome ways that prove cigar smoking is for you to enjoy whenever you want. We’ll begin with the wild, wild world of social media.

1. From Social Smoker to Social Media

Cigars and social media are not exactly what comes to mind while puffing on a stick and letting that rich, thick smoke tickle your tongue before you release it. Yet, cigar aficionados have stormed social media. On Facebook alone, there are over 100 different cigar groups. That means there’s a group out there for everyone … and if you can’t find a good fit, it’s easy enough to create your own. Yet, social media isn’t the only way to enjoy cigar life. There are gobs of cigar events nationwide and worldwide.

2. National Cigar Events

National cigar events across the U.S. never stop to amaze us. Every year, you can count your sticks and head over to the nearest event. Or, plan a stop during your vacation and check out cigar events in your area. If you’ve never been to a cigar event, you should try one. Live music, smokes, and excellent camaraderie? You bet! Large events often include premium cigar samples among other things for participants to enjoy. You don’t need to stay local or national to find some great events, though. If you’re thinking of traveling abroad, be sure to check out cigar events in the area you’re traveling to as well. You’ll never know what gems you’ll find until you look.

3. Cigar Events Across the Globe

Finding international cigar events that appeal to you is easier than you think with a good internet connection. Cigar Journal has a list of international cigar events posted on their website. Yet, if you know where your traveling and are looking for something in the area, a simple web search may produce some good results. So, maximize your vacation or travel plans to take one down to the nub.

4. Smoking’ in the Cigar lounge

If you haven’t had a chance to check out a local or not-so-local cigar lounge yet. We encourage you to try them. They are a fantastic way to socialize with good smoke. As a bonus, you’ll find cigar lounges dotted across the U.S. as well as the globe. The trend of cigar lounges is likely to continue to rise if the industry has anything to reflect on it. According to Statista, a market research company, the cigar industry is speaking loud and clear. Cigar consumption is rising across the globe, and the U.S. is at the top of the list with over $9 billion in revenue generated in the U.S. alone for 2019.

5. Cigar History Museums

Cigar lounges are a great place to kick back, relax, nub a stick and enjoy the camaraderie that follows. Yet, cigars have a rich history that spans the globe. Cigar history in the U.S. involves when Cuban cigar makers planted themselves in Florida to see their cigar-making dreams come to fruition. Today, cigar aficionados, or any history buff, can stroll down to Key West, Tampa, or Ybor City to appreciate the Cuban cigar heritage. Ybor City offers cigar enthusiasts a permanent exhibit in the city’s cigar history museum – Ybor City Museum.

Of course, not everyone has time to travel these days. Life is busy. With that in mind, the online Cigar History Museum was founded by central California cigar aficionado, Tony Hyman. Hyman displays images and grand, historical detail on the museum’s website for public viewing. No cost. No travel – just sheer, rich cigar history.

6. Women and Cigars

There is a long history of women smoking cigars. Tobacco smoking was first used for rituals and spiritual purposes. Today, cigar smoking has made its way into leisure life and enjoyed by all – men and women. In fact, there are even several social networking groups designed with women and cigars in mind. Women’s International Cigar Club is one of them. It is a Facebook group with a following of 765 people. Another networking group is Stixx and Stilettos, which aims to connect professional women with cigars. Stixx and Stilettos host networking events for ladies of the leaf and for those with an interest in cigars. That’s one more reason that cigar smoking offers something for everyone.

We’ve covered six great reasons to smoke cigars and enjoy the camaraderie and culture that follows. Now, what about age? Cigar smokers were first associated with older, affluent men. So, is there an average age for people to enjoy a stick in a lounge, at an event, or pretty much anywhere? The answer, of course, is “No” and this brings us to our final reason why cigar smoking is for you.

7. Millennial Cigar Smokers

Millennials are the up-and-coming cigar aficionados now and they are taking to cigar lifestyle by storm. According to a blog by Zach Riley on Stogie Press, millennials like himself enjoy a good stick for relaxation and socialization. They prefer social events to stogies at home. They also believe in documenting their lives, including cigar life, via social media – any social media.

So, there you have it, cigar life truly is for everyone. Cigar life has much to offer. There is so much more to cigars than nubbing a good stick. Of course, that’s always good too.

photo credit: Pixabay

Choose Joy in Your Life Like You Choose a Cigar

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Staff

Take a second and list the things in your life that bring you a moment of joy without complication. A relationship with even the ‘perfect’ woman is still far from perfect. Children grow up and so grow their personalities. Usually, outside of your perceived bounds of logic and reason, they figure things out. Jobs pay the bills and a vacation or two, but they also pay for a doctor’s bill or three. Then, there’s a fine cigar – a breath of something more than fresh air when you need it most. For cigar smokers, a taste of cigar lifestyle at the exact moment you need it puts everything into crystal clear focus. It’s the moment you actively choose joy for a moment of peace and relaxation. With the right Corona Gorda and the right company, the heaviness of everyday responsibility lifts. That’s when an easy, unforced smile crosses our lips

It’s Not How You Relax. It’s That You Relax.

A group of 100 people was polled recently about their relaxation habits. The findings were baffling to the true cigar connoisseur. Forty percent of those polled said they never purposefully take time to step back and relax. Forty-five percent of the group stated they have a difficult time finding any single way to relax at all. That’s almost half! It’s hard not to feel sorry for such an uptight mode of approaching life. Cigar smokers have built a culture around themselves and their passions predicated on putting relaxation at the forefront. It’s intrinsic in the methodical. It’s zen-like in the way we peruse a smoke shop searching for the right fine cigars for the right mood, and the right get-together. It’s in the way we smoke our Lonsdales and Churchills, never hurrying to huff our way out of good taste and a good time.

A Little Mindfulness Goes A Long Way

A regular cigarette usually takes only a few minutes to smoke. The right fine cigar will last from 30 minutes to two hours if smoked with care. The cigar lounge is the perfect place to practice balancing needed mindfulness with the uncomplicated pleasure we are often denied through the rigors of daily life. In fact, such regular attention to mindfulness – to the joy of being in a damn good moment – lessens the strain to a powerful degree. It allows us the ability to focus sharper and make better decisions when life gets stressful.

Choose Joy for Value Greater Than a Good Time

Making room for joy sounds simple. Yet, it is the true divide between those who are happy and those who feel something missing even in the best moments. And if you choose joy – letting the rising smoke of your favorite cigar take you on a regular vacation from your ‘normal’ senses – you’ll create more joy in those around you. A recent study reported that a close friend’s happiness increases the likelihood you’ll feel happier by a full 15%. Hell, just being near acquaintances or friends of friends who are happy bumps your joy quotient by 6%. Cigar lovers, take heart. What some call your ‘guilty pleasure’ is actually the right pleasure for you. And that pleasure, that embrace of the joyful, will go a long way in taking the sting out of tough days for you and those around you.

photo credit: Pixabay

Five Great Responses to “Why Smoke Cigars”

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Staff

If you’ve heard it once you’ve heard it ten thousand times from non-smokers asking us the same question – why smoke cigars? Well, here are five great replies you can use the next time you hear that tiring, old question.

We Enjoy the Taste.

We enjoy the warm and pure taste of tobacco that one can only fully experience through a premium cigar. By swishing the smoke or chewing on the side of a premium cigar, we love the natural, yet strong taste and smell of tobacco leaves. In that light, do you walk into or open a humidor to take in the incredible scent of cigars? There is no better smell in the world. Yet, while the taste and smell of cigars are amazing, they are simply two of the many reasons why we smoke.

Cigars Clear Our Minds.

Most premium cigars take between 45 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes to finish. Cigars create an hour of uninterrupted thought, whether it be alone or in the company of others. We often have our most clear and coherent thoughts while smoking cigars because a premium ‘stogie’ releases the stress of modern life, bringing us to a simpler environment. A premium cigar relaxes us, which in turn, allows us to reflect and think. While smoking, we feel able and ready to answer life’s most serious questions.

Smoking Helps Us Connect With Others.

The act of smoking a cigar with others brings us closer to those around us. As stated, a cigar provides you with an hour block of time. During this time, you feel fully present with those around you; you embrace the conversation and friendship. For that hour, friendship and cigars are everything; there are no distractions. We can talk about and share our lives, families, and views while hearing about that of others.

We find peace in the ritual of smoking cigars.

Beginning with its preparation, we appreciate the consistency and patience of smoking a cigar. After opening a humidor and choosing the perfect cigar, you ritualistically cut the stogie the very same way before calmly sparking a match. You light the cigar in a similar if not the exact same way every time. As a result, we enjoy the ceremonial process of smoking a premium cigar. Life disrupts plans with surprising turns and changes. Yet, the process of smoking a cigar stays the same and follows the same tradition – too many, it is a form of meditation.

We smoke cigars to celebrate.

Like champagne or aged-scotch, cigars represent celebration. Whether graduation or wedding, cigars mark life’s largest moments and events. Individuals throughout the world gift and enjoy cigars in moments of joy. Cigars lift spirits and show enjoyment. There is nothing quite like smoking a cigar with those you love while wearing your nicest suit or dress on a sunny, happy day.

So, Why Smoke Cigars?

We smoke because cigars taste great. They allow us to think during stressful times. They help us connect and have serious talks with others. They provide us with peace, and they put an exclamation point on life’s most important moments.

photo credit: Pixabay

Smoking Cigars Helps Relieve Stress

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Staff

Everything about cigar smoking is enjoyable. It starts with the texture of its wrapper, or capa, to the rich aroma of Cuban coffee and cocoa. You nestle the stick between your thumb and index finger and bring it to your lips. You draw in tendrils of smoke and savor the taste. It’s earthy, roasted, and woody. As you blow smoke from your mouth, a welcome feeling of tranquility passes over you.

For decades, there has been a major debate surrounding cigars. Are they detrimental or beneficial to your health? Some accuse cigars of being as dangerous as their ever-popular cousin, the cigarette. Yet, there has been a steady rise in evidence to the contrary. Many are coming forward to say that smoking cigars help relieve stress and anxiety.

This information has sparked interest in smoking cigars among a newer following. No longer is puffing on a good stogie reserved for the older gentlemen of a society long-passed. Women and Millennials are also joining in. For many, their hope is that smoking cigars will help them to blow away their stress.

Smoking Cigars Relieves Stress

So, how exactly can smoking a cigar help relieve stress and ease tension? Somebody once described the near-magical qualities of a cigar when they said:

“…cigar smoking is a soothing stress reliever and a valuable part of the sanctity of one’s life. The simple act of cutting and lighting becomes an anchor, and that first whiff of toasted tobacco sends us to a place of sheer nirvana that no pharmaceutical company could ever concoct. And here, I rest my case. Cigar smoking is good for you.” ~Anonymous, www.cigar.com

The experience of smoking a tantalizing stogie is sensual and pleasurable. A few great health benefits accompany it as well.

Relaxation

The nicotine in tobacco acts as a stimulant and a sedative. That’s why you feel calm and relaxed when smoking cigars. As a result, you can really control your mood with a few puffs. The more nicotine you inhale, the more sedated you become. Remember to practice moderation as you smoke your cigar. You’ll achieve the perfect amount of relaxation while remaining aware of your surroundings.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Smoking cigars also have many meditative qualities. Cigar aficionados attest that smoking has a positive effect on their blood pressure. Puffing and blowing create a trance-like state when you smoke. Tobacco also helps to settle your mind and quiet your thoughts. Since meditation lowers blood pressure, allow a cigar to place you in that same mindset. You’ll likely gain the same results.

Increases Dopamine Levels

Nicotine affects the dopamine levels in our bodies. Dopamine is a chemical that’s involved with your body’s pleasure center. It leaves you feeling happy and motivated. This automatic response is one reason why nicotine has very addictive properties. It makes perfect sense that developing a love for cigars can help relieve stress and make you happier.

Flavor Plays a Role

It’s also worth mentioning that, if relaxation is your ultimate goal, flavored cigars are the way to go. Flavors like vanilla can cause feelings of calm and tranquility. Also, as cigars age, their tobacco flavor mellows. They develop a smoother, creamier taste. This makes for a pleasant, relaxing experience for your senses. It also calms your stress levels.

Popularity Among Young Adults

A 2008 study suggests young people believe smoking makes a great “coping mechanism”. This attributes to the growing popularity of cigar lifestyle magazines, like Cigar Aficionado. One article, “On Doctor’s Orders” favors smoking to ease stress and anxiety.

“As director of a center for the diagnosis and treatment of stress-related disorders, I am aware of the benefits of various methods of relaxation from bio-feedback to yoga. Whereas all have their benefits, smoking a cigar, for me, has advantages no other method has … As a psychiatrist, I can’t bring myself to discourage cigar smokers. I have given cigars to patients on occasion and have received my share of some great cigars in return … It is my professional opinion that cigar smoking is beneficial to one’s mental health.” ~ Dr. Charles Carluccio

A Stogie a Day to Keep the Doctor Away

Most people hesitate to state smoking cigars are 100% effective in relieving stress. Remember that smoking is never a cure for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Yet, there’s no denying the overwhelming sense of peace that comes over you as you puff on that delicious San Cristobal. The rich flavor of roasted nuts, coffee, and nutmeg lingers on your tongue. Its earthy-smelling smoke curls and twists around your head. Images of a simpler time spring to mind. Your worries fade into the background as you convalesce in the deep, nutty aroma.

Ahh. This is what it’s all about. This is the cigar lifestyle at its finest.

References

The following references were used:

“Adolescents’ Perceptions of Smoking and Stress Reduction,” Sage Journals 36.4 (2009).
“On Doctor’s Orders,” published in Cigar Aficionado.
“Cigar,” Wikipedia.
“Cigars Are Good For You,” Cigars.com.
“Dopamine.” Wikipedia.
“Learning Your ABCs: Cigars 101, Part II,” Cigar Aficionado.
“The positive effects of nicotine” (2014).
“Meditation Effective in Reducing Blood Pressure,” Kent State University.
“The Stress-Relieving Benefits of Cigar Smoking Outweigh Potential Health Risks,” Vintage Chic’ Cigar LLC.

photo credit: Pixabay