Market Trends Archives - Page 4 of 8

Pipe Tobacco vs. Premium Cigars: Which is Best?

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Staff

When smoking pipe tobacco comes to mind, most people picture Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective, brooding over clues. Perhaps you think of Hugh Hefner kicking back in his smoking jacket.

No matter what comes to mind, the pipe smoker was once synonymous with the perfect gentleman and sophistication. That image has changed over the years. These days, pipe smoking is wrongfully associated with a stuffy professor. Some consider smoking a pipe antiquated. It’s not as common as it once was and trails cigars and cigarettes in popularity, but pipe smoking maintains a loyal following.

The nonsmoker bundles all kinds of smoking, but this is the furthest thing from the truth. Each experience is unique. Cigarettes aren’t even in the same category as cigars and pipes. Although there are differences, smoking a pipe is perhaps the closest experience to smoking a premium cigar.

Plenty of regular cigar smokers will indulge in a pipe occasionally. Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to experiment.

Pipe Tobacco Similarities

A pipe smoker smokes for the same reasons as a cigar smoker: to relieve stress, relax, or spend time with friends. For centuries, cultures have used pipe smoking in ceremonies, celebrations, and as a social experience.

Like cigars, you can smoke pipes for the aromas, flavors, and rituals of the experience. But, unlike cigarettes, pipes and cigars are savored, not inhaled.

Although the flavor profiles are different, like cigars, pipe tobacco does not contain chemical additives (like the ones found in cigarettes). Instead, cigar and pipe tobacco use the natural features of the tobacco plant. As a result, making pipe tobacco does not entail the craftsmanship of constructing a fine cigar, but the aging and fermenting process and the care it takes to make high-quality products are similar.

Pipe Tobacco and Cigar Differences

The most apparent difference between cigars and pipes is how they are smoked. Cigars are made from 100% tobacco; this affects how cigars taste and where you experience the flavors.

You smoke a pipe by lighting a bowl of loose tobacco and inhaling it through a plastic stem; this, too, affects how you experience the flavors.

A pipe can be made from a variety of materials. Corncobs are an inexpensive option. Meerschaums, a Mediterranean sea sponge, are some of the most expensive. Their elaborate and sometimes unusual carvings and styles make them some of the most distinct pipes. Many people mistake a Meerschaum for ivory because of its color and delicate appearance.

Briar, a durable tree root in the Mediterranean region, is the most common material used in pipe making. Some pipes use other woods, but most contain at least some briar because of its high resistance to heat. A bowl that burns too hot can hurt the balance of the smoke and burn your fingers.

The length and bend in the stem also affect the pipe smoking experience. The longer the pipe stem, the cooler the smoke. And those curved stems? They aren’t just for show. A pipe is puffed somewhat like a cigar. However, between each draw, it’s held in the smoker’s hand or between the teeth. A curved stem affects how the smoke reaches the mouth, but there is a more practical reason. The curved stem redistributes the weight of the pipe bowl and eases the tension on the smoker’s jaw.

Like cigars, pipes come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, but the smoking experience is distinct, especially considering how you experience the flavors.

The Palate

There is a good reason some guys only chew cigars. A lot of flavors are absorbed simply by placing a cigar between your lips. Lighting and smoking release even more pronounced flavors as the smoke passes over the tongue, and the combination of binder and filler tobaccos integrates with the wrapper. Smoking a cigar is all-encompassing.

Pipe smoking is more localized. A pipe smoker experiences most of the flavors on the tongue. As you draw smoke from the bowl through the stem, the smoke cools and passes over the tongue. One of the most common complaints of pipe smokers is “tongue bite,” which occurs when the bowl burns too hot.

Aroma

Whether it’s a fine wine, cuisine, or a fine cigar, a portion of taste comes from the scent. Even some nonsmokers appreciate the sweet billowing aroma created by fine tobacco.

Cigar aromas go a long way toward the flavor, but they may be a close second to pipes. A pipe’s aromas are unmistakable because they are sweeter. Many pipe tobaccos infuse natural sugars and familiar scents of vanilla and cherry.

Everyone has known a smoker, and one whiff of Captain Black can remind people of their grandfather or favorite uncle. Whether it’s nostalgia or aesthetic appreciation, a niche industry has developed over the last few years that replicates tobacco scents as candles.

Tobaccos

Most cigar tobacco is grown in Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, and the Dominican. Seasoned smokers know the differences in various leaves, the curing process, and how they will taste. There is plenty of mild tobacco, but cigars are stronger.

Compared to cigars, most pipe tobacco has a very different flavor profile. There is a wide variety of styles, but in the broadest sense, there are aromatic and non-aromatic. Like cigars, blenders combine different tobacco to create a distinct character. The most common tobaccos in pipe blends include Cavendish, Virginia, Burley, or the exotic Latakia grown in Syria. Most are milder, especially the aromatics, but some non-aromatics can pack a punch.

If you’re thinking about dabbling, you’ll be in familiar territory. Many popular cigar brands, like Ashton and Dunhill, also make pipe tobacco.

Maintenance

Smoking a cigar is as simple as cutting, lighting, and enjoying. A pipe entails a little more work. However, most pipe smokers find this an enjoyable part of the experience. Packing your pipe is the first step. Ask any veteran pipe smoker. They’ll give you several techniques. Packing too tightly or loosely is not advised. If you pack the bowl too tightly and there isn’t enough oxygen. A clog will impede the draw (much like a stray stem in a cigar can).

If you decide to try a pipe, count on relighting it several times during your smoke. Stoking tobacco with a pipe tool is also necessary.

Of course, after smoking, you’ll need to clean the bowl. Pipe aromas are potent and can linger. In addition, you might taste the residual flavors of your last smoke if you do not clean the bowl correctly.

It sounds like a lot of work, but most pipe smokers attest to it all being part of the pleasure of the experience.

The Upshot on Pipe Tobacco vs. Cigars

Smoking is all about the ritual. A pipe isn’t much different from a cigar. If you want to add a slight variation, try smoking a pipe. You might spend a bit of money upfront for a decent pipe, but pipe tobacco is relatively inexpensive compared to some cigar habits.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Expensive Cigars: Do You Need to Smoke Them?

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Staff

Gurkha’s Royal Courtesan fetches a cool $1.36 million per cigar. Made from Himalayan tobacco, grown with Fiji water, and banded in diamonds, it is the most expensive cigar in the world. With a price tag like that, you might think that a Yeti (the legendary abominable snowman) rolled your smoke. If that’s too rich for your blood, there is always the Mayan Sicar. Uncovered in Guatemala in 2012, these six hundred-year-old smokes rank second as the most expensive cigars. A collector paid just over half a million for the still smokable relics.

Compared to those prices, Gurkha’s His Majesty’s Reserve -allegedly former president Bill Clinton’s favorite- is a reasonable $750 per cigar. No, these are not everyday cigars, even if you are an ex-president. Rare and collectibles are in a category all their own.

Most premium cigars fall within the $4-30 range. A price tag is not necessarily indicative of the quality of a good smoke, but a good smoke isn’t “good” because it costs a bundle. The average smoker does not need to smoke a million-dollar cigar to get premium quality.

Seasoned smokers know length and ring gauge matter—a cigar’s construction matters. Sometimes the packaging factors into what you smoke, but does price matter?

Are Expensive Cigars Better?

The short answer is a decisive no. Plenty of cigars provide premium quality without a hefty price tag. However, cigar pricing is not arbitrary, and for all the novices and nonsmokers out there, cigars are not “all the same.”

What Makes Expensive Cigars?

The Construction

The quality of any product shows the time and care it takes to create it. Raw materials and craftsmanship are integral. It’s the difference between a chair from Ikea and a chair from Bernhardt. It is the difference between furniture hand-crafted from sturdy wood and furniture mass-produced with particle board. Cigars are no different.

The most respected cigar lines have been honing their blends for decades. The intricate process of cultivating various tobacco leaves and then aging and fermenting them takes time and money. Before a cigar is even rolled and boxed, cigar makers are developing new combinations of tobaccos. They are also careful to maintain time-honored techniques in making traditional favorites.

Premium cigar companies take pride in their product and employ the best rollers to create top-shelf cigars. It is in the company’s best interest to find the best rollers in order to deliver the best products. Having experts construct cigars is also in the customer’s best interest, even if it costs a few extra dollars.

Davidoff has long been a benchmark in the industry. Even their standard blends have price tags to prove it. A Davidoff can cost anywhere from $10 to $30. They have been in business for over 100 years. Noone’s palate is the same, but most smokers can attest to Davidoff’s balance, flavor, and quality.

Specialty Cigars and Rarity

Many companies come out with specialty cigars and limited edition blends each year. There are only a certain amount of these cigars, so sometimes pricing is simply a case of supply and demand.

Smokers and collectors have long coveted Arturo Fuente’s Opus X line because of its scarcity. The company is notoriously secretive about this unique blend. Fuente won’t even reveal an exact timeline for how long they’re aged. In any year, there are only a few hundred thousand Opus sticks to go around. It’s no wonder they cost a bit more than the average stick.

Branding and Packaging

Taste is the highest priority for most smokers and cigar makers, but packaging and presentation is also vital to branding and pricing. The best companies hire top designers to create cigar bands and boxes. Like the quality of the taste, good companies take pride in the look of their product. The most recognizable brands often have the most recognizable presentation. Think of Ashton’s minimalist boxes, Davidoff’s elegant white bands trimmed in gold, Padron’s insignia in a wine red background flanked by golden tobacco leaves.

These lines have developed a loyal clientele and consistently deliver top-shelf cigars. However, some boutique lines and upstarts often go for a sleek look and skimp on the quality. Beware of frilly boxes, flashy bands, and giveaways. They may deliver on the image, but might not deliver the quality big price tags promise.

The Upshot on Expensive Cigars

“Expensive” is relative. One guy’s everyday smoke is the next guy’s trophy cigar. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with buying that end table from Ikea or smoking that $4 stick. The beauty of the cigar industry is that premium lines are all hand-rolled, and companies hold their products to high standards. If you can’t afford to smoke a Davidoff every day, there are plenty of quality lines to choose from that are priced in the medium to lower range.

What cigar to smoke is often about context. Taking your best cigars to the golf course might not be the best idea. A windy day can ruin even the finest rolled cigar. A cheaper stick might be the best bet. Mark Twain preferred the cheapies all his life, and some guys stick to a few brands, but aficionados taste around regardless of cost.

Some occasions might call for something special, and that might entail shelling out a few extra bucks. In most cases, you will not be disappointed. Our best advice is to rely on a knowledgeable smoker, a friend from your local lounge, trusted reviewers, and your own palate to decide whether a pricey cigar is worth it.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Cigar Ring Gauges: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Staff

If you’re an aficionado, you are probably familiar with how size and shape affect the way cigars taste. When selecting cigars, smokers should consider the type of rolls, the lengths, and the girths or ring gauges. Length, measured simply in inches, is the most apparent cigar characteristic, but the diameter of cigar ring gauges is equally important. Learning how diameter is measured is tricky but easy to learn.

The Math on Cigar Ring Gauges

There’s no mystery behind cigar ring gauges. They measure the diameter in fractions of a sixty-fourth of an inch. A sixty-fourth of an inch equals one ring. The most common cigar sizes measure within the 38 to the 60-ring range, although there are plenty of exceptions. Said differently a 60-ring cigar is 60 sixty-fourths of an inch in diameter — nearly an inch.

In the beginning, cigar makers gave little thought to varying diameters of cigars. As the industry grew, they began experimenting with the thickness of a cigar and how it changed and enhanced a blend. For a long time, cigar makers in Cuba made nothing larger than a 50-ring gauge. Larger ring gauges didn’t grow in popularity until the 90s boom.

Trends come and go, and unique cigars debut every year. Here is a rundown of the typical vitolas and their corresponding ring gauges.

Common Cigar Ring Gauges and Sizes

With cigar ring gauges, there are no absolute standards. You will see some overlap among the ranges, but here is a general breakdown.

38-42 Gauge

The smallest variety of premium cigars, this range includes Panatellas, Lanceros, and Petit Coronas.

43-49 Gauge

The Churchill is one of the more iconic cigar sizes. Even nonsmokers would recognize this long medium gauged cigar at a glance. The Churchill serves as a good baseline for familiarizing yourself with cigar ring gauges.

Most Churchills measure between the 46-50 range, so if you have a good visual on a typical Churchill you should have a handle on what this thickness looks like. Other styles within this range include Lonsdales, Rothschilds, Double Coronas, and in most cases Coronas.

50-54 Gauge

This range includes Belicosos, Toros, Robustos, and the occasional Churchill.

55-59 Gauge

There is a noticeable leap here in thickness. Different brands have their own definitions of these styles, but this range includes larger Robustos and Toros. Torpedoes and Gigantes also fall within this range.

60 and Up Gauge

More brands are making cigars of this size. These are mammoth cigar ring gauges that include Gigante, Double Toros, and Magnums.

Remember that these are not the only style of cigar. Figurados could have several ring gauge measurements as they are tapered and bulkier at various points in their construction. This contributes to the unique way a cigar smokes and tastes.

Cigar Ring Gauge vs. Taste

What do all these numbers add up to? The flavor and essence of a cigar.

The true character of a cigar and close to 80% of its flavor comes from the exterior wrapper. This was why Fidel Castro preferred his cigars thin. The Cohiba plant even created a special size with Fidel in mind when it made Lanceros in the 1960s. Long and thin (usually 34-40 ring and up to 7.5 in length), this cigar spiked in popularity over the years. Many cigar lines still make them when they want to highlight the quality of a particular tobacco leaf and blend. Since these cigars have less binder and fill, many cigar makers still attest to the Lancero, capturing the purest aspects of an exterior leaf.

That is why size matters for smoking cigars. It’s not just about how much time you have or mere appearances. Cigar ring gauges affect the taste.

The flavors of the exterior leaf will not be as pronounced in thicker cigars simply because they use more binder and filler. The thinner the cigar, the more you’ll taste the exterior wrapper. Thicker cigars burn cooler. Thinner cigars can burn hot especially if they are not properly constructed. As with any premium cigar, the rolling process is precise. Balance is always the goal. With less binder and fill, the wrapper’s flavors are more stressed in thinner cigars like Coronas and Lanceros.

Cigar construction is an art form — one that you can taste for yourself. First, choose a cigar line you enjoy, and then experiment by smoking the same blend in a variety of sizes. Start by smoking the Corona. Note the traits of this relatively thin cigar. Then move up to a Toro and then Churchill. You’ll start to notice how the tobaccos from the binder and fill complement the exterior wrapper.

Learning the nuances of cigar features — lengths, shapes, cigar ring gauges as well as how the three tobacco components interact — is only one way to gain a deeper appreciation for your next stick.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Cigar Taxes: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Staff

Mark Twain once said, “I have made it a rule never to smoke over one cigar at a time. I have no other restriction as regards smoking.” Most cigar enthusiasts would agree with Twain. The government has a long tradition of smoking restrictions, including taxation. Cigar makers have been at odds with the tax collector since the Civil War. Here’s a little history in the ever-evolving realm of the only absolute other than death — cigar taxes.

Cigar Taxes: The Early Resistance

About 150 years ago, the cigar industry didn’t look much different than it does today. Small independent factories wanted to provide premium products for cigar smokers. Like any other product, the government eventually wanted a piece of the burgeoning industry. There was plenty of resistance especially because there was plenty of corruption.

When tax collectors came to collect from factories, they saw a vast array of single cigars. Here’s where it got complicated. They started counting inventory. Conveniently for the taxman, it was difficult to determine which cigars they counted the month before and they had not. This led to double-counting and plenty of dirty deals on both ends.

This arrangement didn’t last long. Eventually, Congress mandated that cigars be boxed or bundled by 10s, 20s, or 50s, so they could manage the counting and the collection process. Then, each box required a prepaid revenue stamp. Of course, the costs were exorbitant, sometimes double the cost of the cigars.

These days aren’t much different. There are federal excise taxes importers must pay besides state taxes. Add in the rise of internet commerce, sales tax, and new laws that pass every few years and confusion persists. Like any product, the costs pass down to the consumer. Here’s what you should know.

What Cigar Taxes Mean for Consumers

Unlike cigarettes and other tobacco products, cigars are taxed a percentage of their wholesale price. Before your imported premium cigar even hits the shelf, it is taxed nearly 53%. Sounds like echoes of the Civil War tax. Fortunately, this federal tax caps at roughly 40 cents per individual cigar. Most companies roll this cost directly into their wholesale price. The taxes don’t end there. Retailers then need to factor in their individual state tobacco tax along with sales tax.

To make this all more concrete, let’s take a cigar with a wholesale price of $4.00 and to keep the math simple assume a 25% state tobacco tax. Remember, this is after the federal government has already taken their 40-cent share. That cigar has an effective cost to retailers of $5.00 after the $1.00 state excise tax. After a 100% markup to assume a 50% gross margin for a typical MSRP, the shelf price comes to $10.00. Add in sales tax at 10% (an additional $1.00), and the consumer pays $11.00. Confusing enough? When all is said and done, taxes drive well over a quarter of the cost. This is only a hypothetical. Each state sets its own distinct tobacco tax ranging from 0 to 95% of the wholesale price, so depending where you are the cost can be even higher.

Be Mindful When Traveling

It’s no surprise that many cigar enthusiasts traveling for business or pleasure are walloped by sticker shock when they want to indulge in a good smoke. California and New York have two of the highest tax rates. There are, however, a handful of states like Florida and New Hampshire that don’t charge any additional tobacco tax. Some states, like Minnesota, charge an absurd 95% state excise tax, but cap individual cigars at 50 cents. This is like the federal cap of 40 cents.

If you’re traveling, bring your own sticks or check out a breakdown of the excise for each individual state at the Cigar Association of America, Inc. Many retailers will build the tax into the shelf price and just charge the sales tax, but plenty of stores list a shelf price that is far less than what you’ll pay.

Internet Sales and Cigar Taxes

Of course, those taxes only apply to retail stores, right? Wrong. In the early days of the internet, e-commerce was tax-free. The cigar business was no different, but just like in the Civil War era, tax collectors eventually wanted their cut. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in South Dakota vs. Wayfair, Inc. that individual states can charge sales tax on out-of-state transactions. But what does it mean for the tobacco tax? States are acting.

In 2019, Maryland began to require out-of-state sellers to pay the tobacco tax besides the sales tax. More states will follow, if history teaches anything. Yet, it’s too difficult to track. For now, internet sellers still provide the best deals. Since they do not have the same overhead as brick-and-mortar stores and can (for now) avoid state excise tobacco taxes. This assumes they ship from a low or no excise tax state, as most do. They provide premium cigars at the lowest cost.

You’ll pay more, sometimes a lot more, at your local shop, but retailers can still provide the experience and the ambiance that is a touchstone of the cigar lifestyle. Think of the extra tax as an occasional surcharge.

The “Sin” Tax Will Never Go Away

Sin taxes. They’ve been around as long as taxes themselves. Unfortunately, cigars get paired with alcohol and gambling, and lawmakers and supporters feel justified in charging unreasonable fees for hobbies they consider vices. The intent is to reduce consumption, but sometimes it looks more like a ploy to inflate a state’s pocketbook. Either way, a true smoker won’t let restrictions and taxes interfere with their lifestyle.

Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

Cigar Store vs. Online Cigar Shop: Which is Better?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Staff

We all know the internet changed the world and how the world does business. The cigar business was no different. Internet sales are a huge part of the industry now, but a true cigar enthusiast still loves the experience of heading to their local cigar store. Each has distinct benefits, but you don’t have to choose one. Cigar lovers can have the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of an Online Cigar Store

Convenience and Product Information

Like shopping for anything online, the advantage is you get to do it from home. Online sellers provide an array of inventory with thorough descriptions and colorful photographs. Often the information about a cigar’s blend, body, and construction is more detailed than what you might find on the shelf at your local cigar shop. This can be extremely helpful especially if you’re new to the cigar world or not sure what you’re looking for. Add in customer reviews and recommendations, and it’s almost like having a certified tobacconist at your disposal.

Cigar Store Selection

Sure you’ll find Arturo Fuente smokes at your local shop, but will they carry Opus X?

In most cases, small cigar stores won’t carry everything you’re looking for. For instance, Davidoff only supplies to select stores and requires an extensive vetting process before stores can carry their lines. Your average store won’t have them.

However, anything and everything is available online including rare and hard-to-find brands. Even a large retail shop can’t maintain the back stock or compete with the variety of premium cigars that online merchant’s offer.

Lower Prices Online

Online distributors benefit from high volume and low overhead. They don’t have to pay rent and utilities or staff like brick-and-mortar establishments, so they can afford to charge less. Plus, you won’t have to pay hefty taxes, as the online warehouses are almost always on low/no tobacco excise tax states. The state tobacco excise tax alone in some states can be 30% or higher. If you’re looking for a more economical route, shopping online is the answer, but don’t rule out supplementing your stash by visiting your local cigar shop.

The Benefits of the Cigar Store Experience

There’s nothing like walking into a cigar store. The personal greeting from the owner.The aroma of premium cigars wafting from the lounge. Stepping into the humidor and perusing the display of premium cigars. The benefits of shopping for cigars on-site don’t end there.

Immediate Gratification in a Cigar Store

One advantage of shopping on-site is immediate gratification. You can spend an hour browsing the selection and walk out with your cigars or even better light one up right after you get your receipt. There’s no waiting for deliveries, no chance of orders getting lost in transit, and no chance of receiving the wrong order.

Individualized Attention

Customer service online is excellent, but nothing beats talking with someone in person. Cigar shops are staffed with knowledgeable employees and most times certified tobacconists, who are always glad to steer you in the right direction. One of the best features of cigar life is talking cigars with experienced smokers. Need a good full-bodied cigar at a reasonable price? How about a short smoke for a novice smoker? Need a cigar to impress the boss or your father-in-law? Any good cigar shop owner can answer your questions and provide guidance.

Camaraderie and Smoking

Recently, strict smoking laws have not been kind to the cigar lifestyle. There aren’t too many venues to enjoy a fine cigar. However, many brick-and-mortar stores showcase lounges or at the least small smoking areas for their customers. Some may charge a fee, but in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual, it’s always nice to sit down and share your smoking hobby among like-minded people.

You may pay a few extra bucks in person, but it’s a small price for the ambiance and genuine warmth you get when you become a regular at your local shop, and supporting a local business is always a plus.

Online or on-site? There’s no need to choose. Why not do a bit of both? There’s no harm in looking for that rare trophy cigar online, but shop in person, sit down, have a smoke, and talk cigars.

Photo by Kai Bossom on Unsplash

The Skinny on Fat Cigars

Posted on July 17, 2022 by Staff

You’ve probably seen the stereotype. A mob boss or a CEO walks into a room with a fat cigar. It’s a symbol of power — a literal token of superiority. This is the stuff of movies. Most experienced smokers know large ring gauges of fat cigars, like Gigantes and Magnums, are relatively new. Cigar makers in Cuba would never think of making cigars with a bigger ring than 50. So what’s the big deal? Is bigger better? Not necessarily.

What Constitutes a Fat Cigar?

Knowing ring gauges is one of the first things cigar newbies should learn. Churchills, one of the well-known sizes, typically have a ring size of 46-50. Big rings are anything 54 and above. Since gauges are measured in fractions of 1/64th of an inch, we are talking about cigars that measure an inch or larger in diameter. Enormous, by traditional Cuban standards.

Many cigar lines now make blends with 60 gauge variety, and some have even gone beyond 64, but this wasn’t always the case. Perhaps it was the American ideal of bigger is better, but during the 90s boom, ring gauges kept getting bigger. Americans like their cars big, their meals big, so cigars were no different.

It started out modestly in the late 1990s when La Gloria Cubana introduced their Serie R. The line’s original 52 and 54 gauge cigars are humble compared with the gargantuan ring gauges being made now. When it released the 6X60 No.6 in 2001, there was no turning back. The trend took off. By 2012 when the Inch premiered and Asylum shortly after, cigars with gauges 64 and up to 70 and 80 became normal for the industry.

Are Fat Cigars Worth the Time?

Call them Gigantes or Grandes some cigar smokers might call them garish. Big gauges contain more binder and filler than the average cigar, which is why some purists avoid them. Binder and fillers are made from cheaper tobacco, and big gauges use a lot more of it than a Corona or Churchill. What you may miss is the essence of the exterior wrapper. Additionally, many cigar smokers simply don’t care for the mouthfeel of a cigar with a large gauge.

When mixing blends, most cigar makers start by constructing a Corona. The reason? The smaller ring gauge is the benchmark for the purity of the blend.

Still, there are some advantages to smoking a big ring gauge. Larger cigars burn cooler than the smaller varieties, and if you are looking for a long meditative smoke, perhaps there’s no better choice. Most times, a larger cigar won’t even cost much more than other shapes. All that binder and filler keep costs lower than or equal to the more complex shapes like Perfectos or Torpedos.

The cigar lifestyle is about figuring out what you like. Our suggestion is to taste around. Choose a cigar line you like. Start with a Corona or one of the smaller sizes and move on up the ladder. Noticing how the ring gauge affects flavor is one way to refine your palate. If your favorite brand makes a Gigante or Magnum, and you’ve got the time try it.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

How To Become A Certified Tobacconist

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Staff

An increase in fine dining gave rise to the wine sommelier — experts who spend years training and tasting. The sommelier’s authoritative knowledge of taste profiles and provenance is well-known around the world. , and wine lovers rely on their expertise to pair vintage wines with meals. However, wine is not the only luxury industry that employs skilled professionals. In recent years, the cigar industry has encouraged its own version of the sommelier — the tobacconist.

Just as fine wines are cultivated in different regions and from different varieties of grapes, premium cigars also are grown in different regions and from a variety of tobacco leaves. The boom in the 1990s created an influx of boutique lines, aged tobaccos, and unique blends. As the legitimacy of the cigar industry grew, the necessity for experts increased, especially in the service industries. Whether you’re new to the cigar world or looking to brush up on your knowledge, there are educational programs designed for everyone. Here is everything you need to know about becoming a cigar authority.

A Need for Knowledgeable Employees

If you are an experienced smoker, you more than likely buy your sticks at a local cigar shop. Seasoned retailers and their employees are knowledgeable smokers. Most have traveled to Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican and seen the production and construction of cigars up close. Like the wine sommelier, they are specialists. Their primary business is fine cigars. However, the increasing popularity of the cigar lifestyle has seen cigars offered at a variety of venues, including hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Naturally, the need to train employees in the world of premium cigars is necessary if they are to do justice to the industry.

The cigar industry continues to attract more smokers and expand to more venues. Classes and certification programs are relatively new, but there are several schools and online courses that provide an education on top-shelf cigars.

Like wine, premium cigars are a luxury item and they are curated from age-old techniques. Understanding the delicate construction of cigars, the variety of exterior wrappers, and the way shape affects how they smoke are part of the cigar curriculum. From understanding how tobacco leaves grow to the art of rolling, and of course, understanding the variety of tastes and flavor profiles, knowing the basics is essential for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Tobacconist Certification

Tobacconist University and the International Association of Cigar Sommeliers give the art of cigar-making and cigar lifestyle the credibility it deserves. They provide coursework and certifications for amateurs and aficionados.

Tobacconist University offers several classifications to choose from.

If you’re a novice or even a seasoned veteran cigar smoker, Tobacconist University offers the nonprofessional certification: Certified Consumer Tobacconist. The CCT certification caters to the average enthusiast who wants to brush up or expand on their knowledge cigars.

The Certified Retail Tobacconist certification is for employees of retail shops. The coursework entails all things cigar-related, from cutting and lighting to cigar shapes and etiquette. A CRT certification provides the basic credentials for working in cigar retail.

There’s also the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist course. It tailors to the hospitality industries, like golf courses, casinos, and hotels. The CCST certification is limited to participating companies but provides a thorough cigar education, focusing on the fundamentals, food and drink pairings, and enhancing the overall appreciation of cigar life.

If you’re looking to break into the industry as a sales representative, then the Certified Salesforce Tobacconist program might be the best choice. The CST certification is best for those who work in cigar sales, directly or indirectly. These are usually folks who often perform work for a specific brand or company.

Finally, the Certified Master Tobacconist is the highest level of achievement you can attain. The program is open to you if you already hold a CCT or CCST certification. Furthermore, it requires hours of working with cigar makers and retailers, so you can’t just sign up for it without first meeting the prerequisites.

All certifications require you to pass an exam. You also must uphold the Tobacconist University standards and ethics, and maintain the integrity of the industry. As a certified tobacconist, you are an ambassador of the cigar lifestyle.

Teaching Yourself

Cramming for a final exam on premium cigars is probably the most enjoyable test you’ll ever prepare for. Yet, if you don’t have the time, you can learn a lot on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A cigar sommelier may sit next to you at your local lounge. An experienced smoker knows the ins and outs of cigar life.

You can also taste around. Keep a smoke journal and catalog the cigars you try. Notice the delicate construction of figurado. Consider the distinct flavor profiles of the next Sun Grown or Maduro you smoke. Remember, the best part of a cigar education is sampling the coursework.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Figurado Cigars: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Staff

What’s the difference in the physical look of cigars when comparing one with another? The question is more common than you might think. To the novice, all cigars look the same. They are long, cylindrical, and rounded at one end, and flat at the other. This most common and simplest cigar construction is called a parejo. However, if you’ve been part of the cigar lifestyle for a while, then you probably know the term figurado. These cigars deviate from traditional shapes. Their construction is more complex. So, how do you tell the difference among cigars when you’re new to cigar lifestyle? We’ll break it down for you. Here’s everything you need to know about figurado cigars, and why you should try one of them the next time you light up.

Figurado Cigars Come In Many Shapes

Figurado cigars are not rolled in the traditional style of the parejo. Most have tapered ends and some contain oblong bulges with more binder and fill. The most common figurados are the Pyramid, Torpedo, Belicoso, and, of course, the Perfecto.

Pyramids and Torpedoes

These two styles appear similar, and they are similar in length and ring gauge. However, the traditional pyramid has a slightly thicker foot that tapers to the pointed cap. A torpedo is shaped like a conventional parejo (think of a traditional Toro), but like the pyramid, a torpedo tapers at the head.

Belicosos

Belicoso cigars are the smallest figurado, about the size of Robusto. It’s easy to mistake these for a parejo. Many cigar enthusiasts view Belicoso cigars as a kind of hybrid because the tapering at the head is softer and more rounded.

Perfecto

Perhaps the most distinct of the figurado cigar shapes are the perfecto. These smokes feature a tapered foot and a conic head. At first glance, a novice might not know which end to light. However, cigar aficionados and seasoned smokers know that many Perfecto cigars, like the Arturo Fuente Hemingway line, are rolled with a tiny nub or nipple at the foot. This makes for easy lighting.

The Quality and Complexity of Figurado Cigars

So what’s all the fuss about? There’s a good reason those figurado cigars often come with a higher price tag. Remember, cigar rolling is an art form, and figurados have a far more intricate construction than parejos.

Only master rollers craft figurado cigars. Since it takes about 10 years to become a master, these cigar rollers earn the distinction through experience, rolling, and through their ability to blend and bunch the tobacco. The irregular shapes and variation of size throughout the body of the cigar also make them more difficult to roll.

It’s not just the construction that makes these cigars top-shelf. It’s the complexity of the taste. A cigar is composed of three parts: filler, binder, and exterior wrapper. When you smoke a Perfecto, for instance, the first few draws contain mostly flavor from the exterior wrapper. As you smoke the thicker sections of the cigar, you’ll taste more of the filler and binder. Finally, when the cigar tapers toward the end, the balance and blend of all three tobaccos emerge. Some smokers refer to this as a “turn.” A figurado cigar can contain several turns. Whatever you want to call it, figurados are best savored all the way to the nub.

Cutting and Lighting a Figurado Cigar

Obviously, the tapered ends of torpedoes and perfectos rule out using a punch. Those finely constructed tapered heads deliver a tighter more concentrated draw than a parejo. You can use a v-cutter, but a straight cutter works best. Be careful not to cut too deep into the tapered cap. Remember, experiencing the varying flavors as the cigar reaches its end is one of the best part of enjoying a figurado cigar.

Don’t worry about how to light most figurados. Torpedoes, Pyramids, and Belicoso cigars usually have a traditional foot like any parejo. However, don’t make the mistake of torching the fat end of perfecto! The tiny knob at the end is all you need to light. The draw may be slow at first, but be patient. Enjoy the first surge of flavor, and kick back for a dynamic smoking experience.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Quality Cigars Take Time: The Cigar Supply Chain

Posted on June 5, 2022 by Staff

COVID-19 slammed the supply chain, and the cigar industry was no exception. Life is getting back to normal. Cigar Life Guy and most of you are back at cigar events, but the supply chain continues to lag. Many cigar smokers are still wondering where their favorite cigars are. The delay is all for good reasons and much of it is the growing and manufacturing processes. Getting quality cigars from the factories, onto the shelves, and into your hand is careful and complex.

Handcrafted Quality Cigars

Quality cigars are made the same way they were over 100 years ago. Tobacco is handpicked, then cigars are hand-rolled. The process requires skilled laborers and the careful cultivation of tobacco leaves.

Tobacco plants need time to grow, and after harvesting, time to cure and ferment. Understanding this process goes a long way toward understanding how the supply chain can slow. It also goes a long way to appreciate the premium quality of the next cigar you light.

The growing season typically begins in September. By January, plants mature and it’s time to “prime” them. Priming removes the leaves needed for curing and for transforming into cigars later.

The Construction of a Quality Cigar

There are three parts to every cigar: filler, binder, and an exterior wrapper. These are often different tobaccos from different sections of the tobacco plant. Cigar manufacturers use volado, or leaves from the lower section of the plant for filler. Since they receive less sun, they are smaller and produce a subtler milder flavor.

The seco leaves are from the midsection of the plant. They are slightly larger than the volado and with less flavor. Seco leaves also serve as fill and sometimes also as the binder.

The ligero or upper part of a tobacco plant receives the most amount of sunlight. These larger leaves provide the strongest flavors, so growers use them for a cigar’s exterior wrapper. Torn or imperfect ligeros often serve as binders.

When you hear aficionados discuss a cigar’s “balance,” they are referring to how these components create a cigar’s distinct taste. Even though most flavor derives from the exterior wrapper, the binder and fill are vital to a cigar’s character. Master blenders develop unique combinations after the tobacco cures, ferments, and they remove leaves from stalks.

The Waiting Game

Once harvested, growers hang the leaves in barns to dry and cure. The curing process removes chlorophyll and the leaves take on the familiar brown and yellow hues seen in your favorite cigars.

The fermenting process takes even longer. Sometimes the process can take years. Once fermented, growers divide the leaves into fillers, binders, and wrappers and tie them into bundles. Then, the cigars are left to ferment. Fermentation and aging allow the tobacco’s flavor and aroma to mature. The longer tobacco ferments the higher the quality results. This happens before a single cigar is rolled.

Careful Craftsmanship: Stripping, Rolling, and Wrapping

After curing and fermenting, skilled workers must carefully remove the middle vein of the leaf. Next, the rolling process begins. The filler and binder come first, followed by the exterior wrapper. Manufacturers inspect cigars for uniformity of size and imperfections, then box them according to shade differences. Despite the sophisticated process, true cigar lovers should expect nothing less.

In the early days of the pandemic, government shutdowns and factory shutdowns slowed production in countries like Honduras and Nicaragua. Many workers were laid off and have yet to return. Combined with the shipping and logistics problems that are facing all industries, the return to normal continues to be slow.

Quality Cigars are Worth the Wait

Quality cigar making is an art, and like any art it takes time. The recent spike in cigar demand, bolstered by internet sales and new smokers, put a strain on supply in the past couple of years. Yet, cigar makers have not rushed production or sacrificed quality. Aficionados and purists know that there are plenty of brands to choose from. Like enjoying a top-shelf cigar, there’s no sense rushing it.

Photo Credit: Cigar Life Guy

Sun Grown Cigars: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Staff

Even those new to cigar life immediately recognize the difference between Maduro and naturals. Maduros are dark, and naturals are light. Simple enough. But looks can deceive. There is an even wider variety of exterior wrappers that give premium cigars their distinct taste and body, including Sun Grown.

The Components of a Premium Cigar

The make-up of a cigar is simple. Unlike cigarettes, which use paper and cotton filters, a cigar is constructed entirely of tobacco. Fillers and binders are the guts. These tobaccos come from a variety of regions and define a cigar’s taste and body. But many aren’t aware that nearly 80% of a cigar’s flavor comes from the exterior wrapper. And not all wrappers are alike.

The Difference Between Shade and Sun Grown

There are a few distinct differences between shade and Sun Grown cigars, namely humidity, sun exposure, cigar wrappers, and even cigar texture. To fully appreciate a Sun Grown cigar, know the differences between them and shade cigars.

Humidity and Sun Exposure

All plants need sun to grow, including tobacco plants. To produce different tastes and strengths, tobacco grows in many ways and from a variety of seeds. Most tobacco leaves are grown using a canopy that provides shade. This filters the amount of direct sunlight a plant receives. This process began in Connecticut (hence the name) in 1900 and continues to this day. In the early days, growers used cheesecloth to raise humidity and reduce sun exposure, but now nylon is the material of choice. The result is a smoother, thinner veined leaf you’ll find in your typical “natural” cigar.

Sun Grown tobacco is exactly as its name sounds. Leaves receive direct sunlight during the growing process. The result is a slightly darker and thicker veined leaf.

Cigar Wrapper

The next time you’re browsing in your local cigar shop, look close. Many cigar lines offer the same style of cigar in a natural or a maduro. It isn’t just the color that makes a difference. The exterior wrapper of Connecticut shade grown cigars has a thin and delicate appearance. The exterior wrappers are lighter, but they are also smoother. That’s because leaves do not absorb as much sun intensity as their darker counterparts do.

Cigar Texture

Your typical maduro cigar has more texture, and the thicker veins are obvious even at a glance since a maduro is essentially sun grown. They undergo a longer and more complex fermentation process.

A traditional Sun Grown cigar, such as an Ashton VSG or Davidoff Millenium Blend, has a similar texture, the thicker veins, and the darker color, common to a maduro. Additionally, you might also notice a slightly oily texture and appearance with maduros and true Sun Grown. Appearance aside, though, what truly distinguishes traditional Sun Grown from a maduro or a natural is the flavor and body.

Sun Grown Taste

Even the least sensitive palates will immediately recognize the boldness of a Sun Grown cigar. You won’t find the creamy sweetness that you find in Connecticuts or the pepper and chocolate notes you find in many maduros.

Tastes and strengths vary among Sun Grown. Most are robust compared to other alternatives. Some smokers have even described the initial draw as having a pleasant bite. Despite the full-bodied flavors, these cigars are balanced, smooth, and often top-shelf. How you describe the unique flavors of a Sun Grown depends. However, “earthy, leathery, and spicy” comes to mind, but they are pretty hard to pin down. But the best way to find out is to try one for yourself. Better yet, complement it with a blanco tequila. Its spice won’t overpower the richness of a Sun Grown.

Photo credit: Alec & Bradley Cigar Distributors Inc.