Joy of Cigars Archives - Page 6 of 13

How to Host Your First Cigar Party

Posted on January 30, 2021 by Staff

Celebrities, athletes, and politicians know there’s nothing better than a good cigar. Nothing makes a good cigar better than the good company you keep. Despite popular belief about stuffy cigar lounges, there are many ways to enjoy a good cigar and camaraderie together. Even celebrities understand this and a cigar party.

Cigar parties are more than just about cigars. Although, that is part of it. They are also about the people…the fellowship of great conversations over equally great smokes. The Governator himself made many friends thanks to his regular cigar parties. He also found many kindred spirits among the people he invited. Several of those same friends are now lifelong cigar lovers. The idea is less of a party atmosphere and more of a gathering of like-minded individuals.

Determine the Type of Gathering

Putting together a cigar party doesn’t need to be a big Hollywood affair. Yet, you’ll probably want to plan the correct type of gathering for the people involved. So, first, decide who you’re going to invite.

A cigar party also doesn’t need to be lavish or exclusive. Yet, it’s much more than a celebratory smoke after a promotion at work or the birth of a new grandchild. Instead, it should be a gathering of friends who enjoy cigars in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Even a new or casual smoker can enjoy a cigar party with the right people involved.

Once you’ve nailed down the guest list, it’s time to pick a date and location. Friday nights after work are perfect for getting together and winding down over a good smoke. The important thing is that it’s convenient for all guests.

Enjoying a fine cigar does not need to be a stressful affair. Relaxing and sharing the latest news and stories with friends is an excellent source of enjoyment for all. Host a cigar party over a game of poker if you want something with a bit more flair or activity. Or, combine it with some premium scotch.

Choose the Right Locale

You don’t have to roll out the red carpet for your cigar party, but you should choose the right room in your house for the gathering. Most times, a den or “man cave” works well. Another option is to set up in the basement and allow everyone to enjoy themselves without worrying about the rest of the house. The dining room will do fine if you’re going for a poker night. The most important thing is that everyone is comfortable with smoking in your home. Eliminate the hassle by choosing a room where everyone can sit in comfort.

Set Up Your Cigar Party

Once you know who, when, and where, you can start to prepare the what. A good host will provide everything a cigar smoker needs to enjoy a smoke. You don’t have to break out the premium hand-rolled Cubans for a cigar party, but having a box of good quality cigars available for your guests will make you a good host. Besides providing cigars, guests will also need cutters, ashtrays, and lighters. Having all the tools of the trade will make the experience much better for everyone involved.

If the gathering runs longer than a couple of hours, it is advisable to provide refreshments. However, you don’t need Gordon Ramsey to cook a meal for your guests. Instead, keep it simple by setting out finger foods or light snacks for everyone to enjoy.

Cocktails are another excellent suggestion. If your gathering is already centered around alcohol, such as Scotch tasting, you’ll already be covered. However, if you don’t have beverages built into the party, provide a bottle or two of everyone’s preferred drink. Alternatively, asking guests to bring something of their preference is acceptable. It’s also OK to invite guests to chip in on the content of the cigar party, especially if you’re making it a regular occurrence.

Themes for a Recurring Cigar Party

If you’re planning on creating a regular cigar party encounter, schedule a theme for each party. Having a theme doesn’t mean having your guests dress in costume and pretend to solve murder mysteries. Simply put, it means picking an agenda for the evening; This might include having everyone try a new brand or flavor of the cigar. Or, you might want to theme a cigar party around comparing a light or mild domestic cigar with a premium heavy cigar.

Still, another option to consider is to create a combination event. Combining poker with cigars is natural and often quite enjoyable, even for a casual smoker; This offers an excellent experience for new cigar smokers. It also helps them become acquainted with the different strengths of cigar flavors. After all, a cigar party is more about inclusion than exclusion.

Cigar Party vs. Cigar Lounge

The atmosphere is the big reason for hosting a cigar party over going to a cigar bar or lounge. Cigar bars and lounges are businesses. They operate in a way that is not inviting to all cigar enthusiasts. The crowds, age ranges, or experience levels that a lounge caters to are sometimes off-putting to some. The exclusive, sometimes stuffy atmosphere might feel uncomfortable as well.

There is often an assumption that cigar smokers only love the finer things in life. While this is true, it is not the only way to enjoy a cigar lifestyle. Cigar lovers may also know how to roll with the punches and have a good time with friends. Hosting a cigar party at home is a great way to enjoy the company of friends and the flavor of a great cigar. It also helps eliminate the headaches that accompany going to a cigar bar. That includes paying for overpriced drinks and dealing with people outside your social circle.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Cigar Aficionado: Tom Selleck Loves His Cigars

Posted on January 23, 2021 by Staff

You know the man, you see the mustache. Still, you might not know that everyone’s favorite private investigator is a fan of a good smoke. Few can claim to be as prevalent as the one-time private investigator turned police commissioner in the long-running series Blue Bloods. Tom Selleck has done what few in Hollywood have managed to do. He has stayed relevant for over four decades and joined the ranks of cigar aficionado that rivals Kurt Russell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Al Pacino.

At 75 years old, Tom Selleck continues providing the foundation for television characters we still love and enjoy. Repeats of Magnum P.I. play daily, and his latest, long-running series, Blue Bloods, is nothing less than a massive hit. Add to that some commercial advertisements and other endorsements, and it’s hard not to find Selleck on your television at some point during the day.

Not only has Mr. Selleck remained relevant, but he is also one of the biggest stars on television today with a show that is entering its eleventh season. Despite his age, Selleck continues to portray a hard-line cop with plenty of attitude and wisdom. You almost expect a man of his stature to enjoy a nice cigar after a long, hard day.

The Struggle of the Early Days

Before he was a smooth-talking private investigator and long before he was the wise leader of New York’s police department, Selleck struggled to find work. Throughout the ’70s, he had a hard time landing more than a small role in some one-off T.V. shows. For many years, Selleck failed to land a leading role. He would eventually land small parts in films, but most were forgettable.

Tom Selleck spent most of his time trying out for failed T.V. pilots before landing a recurring role on The Rockford Files; This would be the role that finally got him noticed. Selleck played his titular character first in the show Simon and Simon in the early ’80s. But, unfortunately, that was before Thomas Magnum landed his show.

The Early Days of Magnum

Tom Selleck talked in interviews about the early days of filming Magnum P.I. He spoke of how he envisioned himself living a life of luxury years earlier while in the service. In fact, during the struggle to land Magnum P.I. on the air, Selleck recalled doing odd jobs and handyman work to stay in his Hawaiian beach house until filming resumed. Eventually, filming continued, and Selleck went on to play the character for eight seasons. Much of the Magnum P.I. character came from Selleck’s aspirations of living a carefree lifestyle on the beach in Hawaii.

The cigar aficionado rebel, Tom Selleck, is more like Magnum in real life than the character he portrayed on the small screen. Whatever the case, thanks to Selleck’s portrayal of this smooth-talking playboy private eye, we have one of the most significant television characters of all time.

Cigar Aficionado On Screen

Our favorite mustached cop brought cigars into his work on many occasions. Thomas Magnum was known to smoke a cigar and sip brandy occasionally in the ’80s run of Magnum P.I. Seeing Magnum on television gave men and women the desire to be like the smooth-talking, cigar aficionado, private investigator themselves.

Even now, when smoking on screen is seen as a bit of faux pas, Selleck has managed to sneak a cigar in on a few shots of Blue Bloods. He still looks as smooth as ever while doing it, too. Whether playing a new father in movies like 3 Men and a Baby or a rugged cop in the Jesse Stone series, Selleck enjoys a good smoke on and off the screen.

Killing Time With A Good Smoke

When Selleck’s characters don’t smoke, he makes time for a good cigar whenever he gets the chance. Selleck has been a cigar aficionado since he first made it big by solving crimes in Hawaii.

It is widely reported he would spend time between scenes smoking Montecristo #2’s, some of the most popular imported Cuban cigars on the market. Selleck stated he would enjoy one between shoots or when reading lines of script. It was a way to wind down and break the monotony of a long day of filming. Not a casual smoker, Selleck enjoys a good smoke anytime he has some downtime from work.

Cigar Aficionado Spokesperson

Not only is T.V.’s greatest private investigator a fan of a good smoke, but he’s also an avid supporter and spokesperson for cigars and the cigar lifestyle. In fact, Selleck has given numerous interviews about his love for premium stogies and his long-term smoking lifestyle.

Tom Selleck doesn’t shy away from the cigar lifestyle. As a true cigar aficionado, he celebrates it. His tastes have grown over the years. His most recent favorites include The Davidoff Special T and La Gloria Cubana, both premium, pre-Castro Cubans.

At a time when celebrities shy away from smoking, especially on film and television, Selleck remains an outlaw who does what he wants. He enjoys what he enjoys regardless of what others around him are doing. Premium cigars are still a part of Selleck’s wind-down ritual when on set or returning to his California ranch.

Still in the Spotlight

Despite having a hit television show entering its eleventh season, which in the age of streaming services and constant network cancellations is a rarity, Tom Selleck isn’t slowing down. In fact, he still actively films on Blue Bloods, with another installment of the Jesse Stone franchise set to be released shortly. Beyond that, Selleck continues to make endorsements. In addition, he has ongoing advertisements running on television. So it looks like New York’s top cop will be around for years.

Photo Credit: “Tom Selleck on the red carpet at the 1989 Academy Awards, March 29, 1989,” by Alan Light, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY 2.0.

Cigar Lounge Membership: Is It a Good Deal?

Posted on December 27, 2020 by Staff

Famous comedian and cigar lover Groucho Marx once said, “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.” Yet, with the complete benefits packages offered by either a public or private cigar lounge membership for the avid smoker, Groucho might have reconsidered.

Cigar Lounge Membership Benefits

For an annual fee, the best cigar lounges offer a relaxing environment for you to smoke in style. A key feature of most memberships is not paying “cutting fees” to smoke cigars (you can bring your own vs. buying from the humidor). Memberships solve the dilemma for retailers that need revenue but also understand many cigar smokers like to enjoy sticks purchased elsewhere. Climate-controlled private lockers allow you to safely store your daily cigars or the rare trophies saved for a special occasion. Lounges have a way of becoming a home away from home. Excellent ventilation systems make them an ideal place when it’s too cold to smoke in your backyard.

How to Enjoy the Cigar Lounge Lifestyle

True aficionados already have a home humidor to store their favorite smokes safely. A membership with a cigar locker means you can pop in and listen to some killer new music or watch a game without leaving a lingering stench in your improperly ventilated home. Ideally, stored cigars mean lighting up is easy, with no concern about dried-out or exploded tips. The lounge vibe is essential; you need to feel comfortable if you are the only person smoking or when the place is packed.

Cigar Lounge Membership Privileges

In addition to perfect storage, most lounges offer significant discounts on retail products, including hard-to-find cigars and new releases. Some clubs allow you to store a bottle of cognac or your spirit of choice for sipping or purchase a bottle of liquor at a discounted rate, depending on local regulations. Exclusive invitations to sold-out, cigar-friendly events always go to members first.

Cigar Lounge Friendships

One of the most significant reasons for membership is the ability to interact with other cigar lovers. There is no better way to broaden your smoking palate than by trading and sharing cigars with other members. Cigar smoking is a very social enterprise. Dying to try that new box-pressed cigar? Curious about that trendy European cigarillo? Share what’s in your locker.

What’s in it for the lounge?

Cigar lounge owners work hard to keep their members happy. Loyal members typically take advantage of retail discounts, which means the opportunity to expand product offerings to a target-rich audience. Membership fees also create a regular recurring revenue stream for owners and, at launch, can provide an owner with a nice short-term cash flow bump. Happy members invite new members. Nothing begets success like a packed club, and celebrity sightings are common. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, among others, have lockers in the high-end Grand Havana Room in Los Angeles.

Cigar Lounge Membership Cost

Much like a gym membership, you typically pay monthly. Most memberships are less than a thousand dollars yearly, with many under five hundred per year, but elite clubs may charge ten times that amount. The cost varies considerably based on local market demand and geography. Like the gym, it only makes sense if you use it. So, location is a crucial factor.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Deciding if a membership is worth the cost is an individual decision. For many, regular membership pays for itself in a few months, mainly when you visit regularly. If you want to bring your cigars (avoiding cut fees) or the establishment allows you to buy liquor at discounted rates, the savings represent one of the best deals a cigar smoker can find. Conversely, it might not be a good deal if you don’t think you’ll often go to the place, even if it is relatively inexpensive. You’d be financially ahead by paying full price when you visit. The best advice is to visit a few times and determine if you like the place and whether you could make it a second home before shelling out the membership fee. If you do, then visit often and enjoy!

Editors note: Membership features will vary significantly at every establishment, as will the costs and billing practices. In addition, some features, including alcohol, are unavailable in some areas due to local laws. This is meant to provide an overview of what typical memberships entail. Before joining, ensure you understand a cigar lounge membership’s costs, features, and rules.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

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.

Samuel L. Jackson Knows His Full-Bodied Cigars

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Staff

Try to name a Hollywood blockbuster in which Samuel L. Jackson hasn’t appeared! It’s an impossible task. When you talk about the hardest-working men in showbiz, several names come to mind. However, very few can match Jackson’s work since bursting onto the scene in his first film, Together for Days, in 1972. Fifty years later, he’s showing no signs of stopping, and he’s still smoking his favorite full-bodied cigars, among others.

Samuel L. Jackson Dominates the Big Screen

Samuel L. Jackson has become a fixture on small and big screens. Whether doing Capital One commercials or in any variation of comic book movie, he’s out there! But, like in real life, the odds are pretty good when it comes to the big screen; you will find him smoking something. Jackson has been smoking cigars religiously for years, having transitioned from cigarettes. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that many of his co-stars have also been avid cigar smokers!

Full-Bodied Cigars on the Big Screen?

You know, the times have changed when Jackson plays a scientist in Jurassic Park who smokes a cigarette while working. Less than three years later, he played a boxing promoter (loosely based on cigar aficionado Don King) with a cigar as a fixture. Likewise, he enjoys a cigar and cognac in Django Unchained. However, a trophy cigar is not a prop for the man who is the highest-grossing actor of all time at almost $6 Billion in Box Office receipts.

Full-Bodied Cigars or Big Ring Gauge?

When you reach that level of success, you can afford to have more than a few trophy cigars in your humidor. Like Jackson’s wild fashion choices, he is not afraid to make a splash with a big ring gauge cigar. Cuban trophy cigars like Cohiba Behikes and Romeo and Julieta Gran Churchills have been favorites. However, he is not married to any single brand, having been photographed smoking Montecristos, Davidoffs, and Rocky Patels. He is neither shy about full-bodied cigars, often favoring rich, oily Maduros.

Samuel L. Jackson has Some Great Friends

Cigar lovers tend to travel in packs. It doesn’t hurt when your fellow cigar lovers are work colleagues. Playing Nick Fury in the Avengers movies means being on set with cigar lovers Chris Pratt, Robert Downey Jr., and Don Cheadle, among others. There are stories about legendary smoke-outs after shooting and trying to steal each other’s trophy cigars during busy filming. On the golf course, he sometimes plays and smokes Cuban cigars through rounds with none other than Michael Jordan. It’s good to be friends with Samuel L. Jackson.

You Can’t Stop Nick Fury

As he enters his fifth decade of acting, Jackson shows no signs of slowing down. The Nick Fury origin story is in the works, and there is talk of doing a sequel to the cult classic Snakes on a Plane. He also always remains a favored muse for Quentin Tarantino. His role in Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction got him his only Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor. Thankful for the financial rewards, he has made no bones about his desire for recognition for his work’s quality. Hopefully, he has the proper victory cigar set aside for his Oscar acceptance speech.

Photo credit: “Samuel L. Jackson 2019 by Glenn Francis,” by Toglenn, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 4.0.

Mike Ditka: Da Coach Loves Cigars

Posted on November 15, 2020 by Staff

It takes a special kind of athlete not just to win the game but to view the sport and the entire industry as brimming with career-altering opportunities. Winning athletes come and go, and some fade over time. The rare few aspire to something greater, take charge of their dreams, and leap far from the playing field to the small screen or beyond. Of these, fewer yet can claim their fame to both worlds while enjoying the immortalization that follows in the recurring skits found on Saturday Night Live. Coach Mike Ditka accomplished this feat with a cigar in hand the whole way through.

Mike Ditka on the Field

As a Pro Bowl, hall of fame tight end, Mike Ditka is a throwback to the days when football was what famed coach Vince Lombardi called “a collision sport.” He set a receiving record for tight ends that lasted nearly twenty years. His grit and attitude on the field provided a natural transition to the sidelines as a coach, eventually winning the Super Bowl with the 1986 Chicago Bears. He evaluated players the way he did cigars; he knew if they were a fit right out of the gate.

Work Ethic is a Top Priority

Excellence in a job well done is everything. And that’s precisely what Coach Mike Ditka demanded of his team. He understood that winning went beyond the individual and depended on the effort of all 53 players working together. Work ethic more than mattered; it was a top priority. Excellence was getting out on the field and playing a good game. It meant putting your best foot forward. It was also about striking the other guy faster and far more often than they hit you. This same work ethic is what Ditka’s father instilled in him as a child growing up in Pennsylvania’s mining country. His father summed it up succinctly. “You get out of life what you put into it,” he said. In other words, your effort and discipline are the keys to your success.

Mike Ditka’s Leap to NFL and Cigars

The work ethic and discipline instilled in him landed Ditka an all-American football player for the University of Pittsburgh. He was drafted in the first round by Chicago. He hadn’t given much thought to the NFL. Instead, he focused on a potential career as a dentist. Yet, life has a funny way of changing plans. Mike Ditka celebrated his signing with the Chicago Bears with his first cigar, a White Owl.

Mike Ditka’s Love Affair With Cigars is Born

In those early days, Ditka loved smoking. Still, finances left him constrained to the cheapest, mass-produced cigars like White Owl, Tiparrilo, and Phillies. Over time, his palate became more refined, and his financial situation improved. So he was able to upgrade his cigar preferences. He later became the head coach of the Bears after several Super Bowl-winning seasons as a receiver coach with the Dallas Cowboys. Yet, Ditka was rarely without his trademark Churchill cigar.

Mike Ditka and Trophy Cigars

As the Bears’ head coach, he celebrated winning the Super Bowl by handing out prized trophy cigars from his collection and bottles of champagne in the locker room. He loved the camaraderie of smoking with his players. His love affair with cigars continued well after retiring from football. Many of his former players credit their love of cigars to being introduced to them through Coach Ditka.

The Winning Tradition Continues

After several forays into restaurants and cigar lounges, Mike Ditka partnered with Camacho Cigars to launch a line of sticks as an homage. True to form, Ditka took part in the process. He helped select the various blends, producing a robust, full-bodied smoke worthy of his persona. Although a heart attack two years ago ended his smoking days, Ditka swore he would light a victory cigar should the Bears win the Super Bowl again.

Photo credit: Heilemann (Interior Staff), T. (2008). [Assignment: 48-DPA-02_01_02_08_K_NFL_Peo] Activities at the National Football League’s [pre-Super Bowl XLII interactive theme park,] The NFL Experience, in Glendale, Arizona, where Department of the Interior and other federal agency staff [joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka and other football luminaries for outdoor recreation promotions] [48-DPA-02_01_02_08_K_NFL_Peo_DOI_9540.JPG]. National Archives Catalog. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7916970

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.

Robert Downey Jr. Brings Cigars Into Focus!

Posted on November 1, 2020 by Staff

Everybody loves a good comeback story in Hollywood, and Robert Downey Jr. may be one of the best. From his beginnings as one of Hollywood’s original “Brat Pack” appearing in classic 80s films like Less Than Zero and The Pick-Up Artist to the lead in the Iron Man and Avengers movies, Robert Downey Jr. has seen his career soar to the moon and back. His love of cigars and travel humidors is part of what keeps Iron Man red-hot!

Iron Man Knows How to Smoke

The Avengers and Iron Man series have accumulated massive numbers. No blockbuster franchise in Hollywood history has come as close. As the wisecracking Tony Stark, Downey Jr. often enjoys a cigar on screen. There are pictures of Robert Downey Jr. lighting a cigar in his complete Iron Man suit with the mask opened so he can enjoy it between takes. A good friend and fellow Avenger, Don Cheadle (War Machine), is also an avid smoker and has a friendly rivalry with Downey Jr. regarding comparing travel humidors while on the road filming.

Tony Starks Loves his Travel Humidors

By no means shy about his love of cigars, he has been spotted on numerous occasions carrying what people initially thought was a lunchbox on the various sets. Instead, it has turned out to be an Xtreme Cigar caddy. Robert Downey Jr. likes to keep a handful of trophy cigars on him at all times. He occasionally “shares his lunch” with his close friends but never shows everything in the caddy.

Robert Downey Jr. Makes the Transition

In the early part of his career, Robert Downey Jr. frequently smoked cigarettes. However, he entered a transitional point in his life when he turned his focus on his health. Downey Jr. dropped cigarettes in favor of diet and exercise. Cigars were an acceptable substitution, having developed an affinity after smoking them onscreen in his Best Actor nominated role for Chaplin. In his other Oscar-nominated role as a Best Supporting Actor in Tropic Thunder, he is seen with a perpetual scowl and chomping on a cigar throughout the film.

Cuban Cigars and the Thrill of the Chase!

His good friend and former Brat Packer, Rob Lowe, has been smoking cigars long before him and was instrumental in turning Downey Jr. on to Cubans. They have joked it was the “thrill of the chase” back in the day. He made numerous attempts to attain Cuban cigars while they were illegal. Downey Jr. typically favors Gurkha Grand Reserve and Montecristo Number 2. At the same time, Rob Lowe has an affinity for any Cuban cigar that has been well-kept, especially Romeo and Julieta’s.

Future-Focused with Travel Humidors

Today, Robert Downey Jr. does not have to worry about chasing down trophy cigars. He maintains several humidors at his home and travel humidors for on-set shoots. Many actors entering their fourth decade of acting are either content to sit back and relax or are forced to keep churning out films to maintain a particular lifestyle. Robert Downey Jr. has the luxury of choosing what projects he wants. His focus is his production company and a gritty, noir Perry Mason reboot that HBO has lauded. And you’ll find cigars prominently featured.

Photo credit: “Robert Downey, Jr. 2012,” by Paul Bird, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY 2.0.